Scaredy cat

IT’S all over town, Ada,” Mrs Francome declared, leaning forward with her basket. “Butter and bacon to be rationed once Christmas ends! “That’ll be just the start, mark my words.” “It’s already starte

JENNA had a length of Christmas-themed fabric. She had used it previously to cover the table of her market stall, and was willing to sacrifice to help beautify Santa’s Grotto. It was patterned with al

Violet, you shouldn’t have,” Anna gushed, pulling the reindeer festooned wrapping paper from the package and opening the lid. “It’s... lovely” she lied, lifting out the most garish and possibly uglies

HOLLY pedalled along the track, the winter sun low in the sky ahead. She had one more stop, a stand of yew that would provide the final greenery she needed. Humming “The Holly And The Ivy” under her b

I’VE had an idea!” Amanda charged into the living room, shiny brown ponytail swinging. “Oh, no.” Dylan, his bearlike frame packed into an armchair, slid down an inch. Ignoring his reaction, she pointe

RONNIE and I had enlisted with the agency as house-sitters for people who wanted their properties to be occupied when they went away. We assumed any bookings would be in the summer months. “That’s cer