RIGHT. I have come to a decision,” Mel said one weekend, as she cleared away the breakfast things. “In that case, I’m off. Bye, Mum, see you later!” “Wait, Seth. Stay exactly where you are! You have n

CAROLS are playing softly, their melodies floating into the kitchen where Miranda is standing at the hob, gently stirring mulled wine. From the bubbling pot, the smell of cinnamon and clove wafts thro

It was easier to get across the road than normal after work. The snow was falling so thickly that the cars were crawling along while their wipers fought a losing battle to keep their windscreens clear

I LONGED for my own mother. Sometimes grief does that, comes back when you least expect it to. I brought out three scarves for the mother and daughter to see and they laughed in delight. “You take one

HELLO, Mattie! I haven’t caught you at a bad time, have I?” I wedged my mobile phone between my right shoulder and ear while I turned the bookshop door sign from “Closed” to “Open”. “I’m just opening

THE Janus Inn’s sign swung ominously in the gathering wind as Mairi and her bundle stood outside. Waiting for the coachman to appear, she looked towards the stout, ancient building, glad of the carous