So, what did we think of the Regency romance?’ Josie asked the members of the book group seated at her dining table.
‘Enjoyable. The characters came to life,’ Maggie said.
Cath giggled. ‘I wouldn’t mind a duke sweeping me off my feet!’
New member Tiffany took a deep breath. ‘It wasn’t my thing at all, I’m afraid. I prefer novels that challenge perceptions and reflect real life. How about something more literary next time? The latest Booker, maybe?’
She went on to enthuse about several prize-winning novels. ‘We could write our own reviews and take turns in reading them out,’ Tiffany continued.
Her suggestions were met with silence and bemused expressions. Tiffany blushed and bit her bottom lip. ‘I mean… only if you want to.’
Josie glanced at the stack of library books ready to hand out as the next read. Cornish Cove Café might not have won any prizes, but it was by an author they’d read before and enjoyed. Frivolous cover illustrations and titles often belied poignant plots. She hoped Tiffany would give it a chance.
Josie cleared her throat. ‘Well, that’s certainly worth thinking about. Now, who’d like a cup of tea?’
After the meeting, while Josie was washing up, her thoughts drifted to three weeks previously. From her bedroom window, she’d watched a removal lorry draw up outside the house opposite and a small car pull into its driveway.
A lad, five or six years old, she guessed, and a young woman got out and hurried into the house. A few hours later, Josie knocked and introduced herself.
‘Nice to meet you,’ the young woman said. ‘I’m Tiffany Meadows.’ She turned to the boy hovering in the hallway. ‘And this is my son, Lucas.’
Denne historien er fra February 25, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 25, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing