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

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

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

SOPHIE leaned close to examine the tree, her breath swirling in the freezing air like steam from a kettle. It was difficult to identify what tree it was at this time of year, when the branches were ba

JANUARY 1. Hazel sat in the quiet cottage. It was one of two, semidetached, on the outskirts of the village, completely surrounded by fields. When she looked out of the window, all she saw was unrelen

It was a new year and Tally was at a crossroads – in which direction should she go?