I read and enjoyed these books in March.

Can’t Choose Your Family, my collection of 25 ‘related’ stories, is currently reduced to 99p / 99c

Chloe’s dad wishes she’d talk to him. How can he help her without knowing what’s wrong? There’s a way he can find out, but not without losing her trust. He can’t risk that. Doug’s dad would rather not have heard what his son, or rather step-son, had to say. He’d destroyed his family’s trust; perhaps broken up the family too. Why must an innocent boy and rescue dog suffer for his selfishness?

Paula listens to her family, when she can hear them over the TV, but doesn’t like what they say. Drastic action is needed. Maybe she’ll go so far as to miss a few of her favourite shows? Jeremy’s good at listening to his mother. It’s easy when she talks so much sense. He remembers her advice and dishes it out to his friends, helping solve their problems. When will he take that advice himself?

Martha cares for Billy, willing him to talk at last. That would give her one more thing to be grateful for. Children often talk to their mothers, sometimes saying such cute things, but those women don’t always have time to listen. When they do, will they jump to the wrong conclusions and repeat the mistakes of the past just as Karen does?

Communication, done right, can bring families together. It made friends of Sally and her cousin, and ensured she got to the church on time. Talking about the past brought Frederick and Georgina together. Can they ever be more than kissing cousins? Talking to his wife about the fox might perhaps bring Duncan a step closer to having the family they’ve always wanted.

Families, whether we’re born or married into them, or choose them for ourselves all have stories to tell. This collection contains 25 of them. Get it here.

Two of my short story collections are currently free to download.

In The Garden Air

Dorothy used to hate the noise of lawnmowers starting up, like a kind of horticultural Mexican sound wave, but that was before Luke was the one in charge of the machine. Betsie used to hate the awful Valentine’s gimmicks people used to impress friends and colleagues rather than showing their feelings to one special person. Actually she still dislikes those, but she loves the genuine sign of affection Tim gave her – almost as much as she loves the man himself.

Maria is desperate for it not to rain, she’ll die if it does, or at least thinks so. Suzie wants to gather those she cares about close to her as though assembling a posie and Hilary feels as though her new neighbours are like the lily of the valley creeping from their garden to hers; neither use nor ornament. Then they learn to look below the surface and see what’s truly important.

When Primrose retired, her colleagues showed they cared about her with gifts of primroses, items decorated in her favourite flowers, or in primrose yellow. Trudie was thanked, and maybe apologised to, with the purchase of flowers. For others the perfect way to get their message across is less obvious and they resort to sharp thorned roses, daisy chains or floral portraits.

Gardens, plants and people all have their stories. Breathe in the garden air and let me tell you a few.

Beyond The Garden Wall

Mike accuses Chloe of jumping to conclusions, creating chaos and dragging others along with her. Annoyingly he’s right. Geoff’s in no rush to tackle the wisteria. They’ve got all the time in the world for that – which is precisely what’s worrying his wife. Freya’s broken arm means she can’t enter the flower arranging competition herself. Even so, she’s not going to let Celia get away with her usual tricks.

Barbara gives her step-granddaughter a gift which just might give her a lifetime of happiness. Hospital rules mean Henry can’t take flowers to Millie, so how can he carry out The Idea? Colin is quiet and doesn’t really do much, but he has the gift of getting Cynthia out of unwanted situations.

Rhonda is a little sad to be leaving the garden she’s developed for over fifty years, but discovers a perfect alternative. Maria’s garden is looking better than ever – but who or what answered her plea for help with the design? The conservatory is as much of a wreck as Ginny, restoring one brings back the other’s joy.

Gardens, flowers, plants and people all have their stories. Beyond the garden wall is where you’ll find these tales.

My romantic comedy, A Year And A Day, is currently on sale through Amazon UK at 99p and Amazon US for 99c.

Despite Stella’s misgivings, her best friend Daphne persuades her to visit a fortune teller. Rosie-Lee promises both girls will live long and happy lives. For orphaned Stella, the fortune teller’s claims include the family she longs for and a tall, dark handsome man. Stella doesn’t believe a word, so Rosie-Lee produces a letter, to be read in a year’s time, which will prove her predictions are true.

Stella remains sceptical but Daphne is totally convinced. Daphne attempts to manipulate Stella’s life, starting with an introduction to her new boss. Restaurant owner Luigi fits the romantic hero image perfectly. In complete contrast is Daphne’s infuriating policeman brother John. Despite his childhood romance with Stella ending badly, he still acts as though he has a right to be involved in her life.

Soon John is the least of her worries. Daphne’s keeping a secret, gorgeous Luigi simply can’t be trusted, romantically or professionally, and both girls’ jobs are at risk. Worse still, John’s concerns for their safety are proved to be justified.

John, and Rosie-Lee’s letter, are all Stella has to help put things right.

Get it here.