AUNT ESME’S Christmas gifts were always a surprise. She either raided the local charity shops, rummaged through the middle aisle of the big supermarkets, or won some random competition online. Rowena

DO you think Ellen would enjoy living here?” Scott asked his wife dubiously. “I don’t know. But we have to make the offer,” Hannah replied. Ellen, Scott’s older sister, was a sharp-tongued woman, quic

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

The house next door had stood empty for many months and the weeds in the overgrown garden were spreading into my flower borders, becoming a nuisance. I’d taken early retirement when Jack became too il

What a shame the girls are poorly. I love you all visiting, especially on my birthday,” Betty said, gazing at her granddaughter, Pat. Seeing her great grandkids was always the highlight of her day and

Julie stared out of the window at her garden, mostly bare branches with only a few spots of colour in the deep red of the dogwood and silver cineraria. She sighed – it was that unsettling period after