Bestselling novelist Amanda Prowse knew how to resolve a fictional family crisis. But then her son came to her with a real one…

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had?

How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?

From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes the poignant tale of a woman who has always been there for her family. But will they be there for her?

From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes a tale of a blissful life, a happy marriage, a beloved son…and a tragedy that destroys it all.

Kitty Montrose lives an idyllic life in the Scottish Highlands. An adored only child, she delights in the closeness she shares with her horse-riding mother and her gentle father.

Theo Montgomery had a loveless childhood, and wants to find his soulmate. Anna Cole grew up in care, and is determined to start a family of her own.

Anna Cole grew up in care, and is determined to start a family of her own. Theo Montgomery had a loveless childhood, and wants only to find his soulmate.

With her fortieth birthday approaching, Lucy Carpenter thinks she finally has it all: a wonderful new husband, Jonah, a successful career and the chance of a precious baby of her own. Life couldn’t be more perfect.

A loving mother. A perfect family. A shock wave that could shatter everything. ? Freya Braithwaite knows she is lucky. Nineteen years of marriage to a man who still warms her soul and two beautiful teenage daughters to show for it: confident Charlotte and thoughtful Lexi. Her home is filled with love and laughter.

While her free-spirited daughter travels the world, Vivienne prepares for a lonely Christmas in Bristol, with her best friend Ellen and her ancient dog Bob.

Once a week, Rosie Tipcott counts her blessings.  She goes to sit on her favourite bench on the north Devon cliffs, and thanks her lucky stars for her wonderful husband, her mischievous young daughters, and her neat little house by the sea.

Grace and Tom Penderford had a strong marriage, a comfortable home in the Hertfordshire countryside, and a healthy baby girl. They were happy. They were normal. But soon after Chloe turns three, tragedy strikes.

Note: This book was originally entitled 'The Christmas Cafe'

Can you ever find love twice? ? Bea doesn't believe in second chances. As a widow, she feels like she will be alone forever. She buries her grief in hard work, and soon the deli she runs in Sydney, Australia, has a reputation for the best carrot cake in town.

Once upon a time, Jacks Morgan had dreams.

She was going to have a successful career and travel the world. She would own a house on the beach, and spend long nights with her boyfriend strolling under the stars.

I deserve all this because I did the worst thing a woman can do. The very worst.
Jessica's wedding was like a fairytale. Her dress strewn with crystals. Her dad made a tearful speech. Her husband Matthew declared himself the luckiest man alive.

As a child, Meg always dreamed of the perfect Christmas...

This year, she can make it come true for her own little boy. There will be turkey and all the trimmings, a glittering tree, and a stocking hung up by a roaring fire.

How do you say goodbye to your family for the last time?

When eighteen-year-old Dot meets Sol, she feels that love has arrived at last. Solomon Arbuthnott is a man who can bring colour and warmth to her drab life in sixties London...

Kathyrn Brooker seems the very picture of a fulfilled wife and mother. Anyone who peered through the downstairs window at the four figures sitting around her kitchen table would see a happy family without a care in the world...

What would you sacrifice to bring home the one you love?

Sophia leaves her job as a teacher to make her dream of running her own little bookshop a reality.  It is hard work and she doesn't get a lot of customers to begin with but one visitor makes a big impression and teaches her some lessons in life.

A collection of six previously published short stories from Amanda.  These are:  The Game, The Ten Pound Ticket, Something Quite Beautiful, A Christmas Wish, Imogen’s Baby and Miss Potterton’s Birthday Tea.