Hold onto hope

Esther Garrity, 26, from Middlesbrough, thought she could handle her boyfriend’s temper tantrums...

When I woke up next to my doting hubby, I was forced to experience a living nightmare…

Our latest fiction writing competition asked entrants to pen a love story, and we found find three romantic tales which we’re sure you’ll enjoy over the next few pages. Congratulations to Daniel Taylor with The Clockmaker’s Valentine , which you can read overleaf, along with two runners-up. Plus on page 58, find out details about our next themed short story competition...

Try these science-backed, simple expert tips

Maggie smoothes down the front of her frock – the same dyed black dress she wore for Pa’s funeral ten years before. As she touches the fabric, she glances down at her hands, now decorated with liver s

Sally Cutts, 45, from Fleet, Hampshire Aftertaste ...