Author Description

Twelve heartwarming family stories, previously published in The People's Friend, Woman's Weekly, and Woman's Day. Class of '64 - Seventeen-year-old Emily is not looking forward to accompanying her grandparents to their school reunion but they have some surprises in store that change her mind. Hide-and-Seek for Astronauts - when Julie is unable to give Ben the lavish seventh birthday party she'd planned, her sister Karen reminds her of the simple pleasures of their own childhood. In my Dreams - a phone call startles the narrator out of a vivid dream that involved her much-missed mother, a pink fridge, a golden retriever pup, and Brad Pitt. Celia's Surprise - Celia has always gone her own way and been a worry to Simon but today it seems that she is anxious for his approval. 'Are We Nearly There?' - Abby and her mum are driving up through Scotland to get to the island that will be their new home, but Abby refuses to even look at the map her daddy has drawn for her. The Generation Gap - At fourteen, Gabriella argues with her mother over most things but a revelation about her great-great-grandmother helps her decide her future. The Night the Band Played - The Ceilidh Band is to play at the first post-war party in the village hall. Ten-year-old Alex schemes to get a chance to play on the piano accordion. The New Eighteen - Ted is worried about his daughter Jess as she discusses her plans to go travelling on her own; her solution causes him even more disquiet. New Tricks, Old Tricks - Meg may not be up to speed with the latest gadgets but she has a few old-fashioned skills that granddaughter Rosie and her friend are keen to learn. Bicycles for Two - unexpectedly spending Christmas Eve with their great-aunts, Isabel and Joan have no expectation that the longed-for scarlet racing bikes will await them on Christmas morning. Seeing Natalie - it should be Marty's weekend to have their daughter but once again his ex-wife has come up with an excuse. However, this time Marty is op