If you have any feedback on how we can make our new website better please do contact us. We would like to hear from you.		Reviews The Parrot Bag The Parrot Bag is a pleasure to read- an unexpected late romance, sun, food, wine, fashion and art, the thrill of solving a mystery, a delightfully light and amusing tale that sparkles and shimmers like the sequins on the bag itself. This is a joyful book, a perfect holiday read.  Mandy Pannett A wonderful afternoon read. I followed the dramas of the loss of luggage, then the loss of the Parrot Bag and a new romance for Ginny on holiday with the over 60’s. I felt transported to The Algarve and enjoyed learning about the region and its history. Lois Wright Doubtful Sound This story portrays the relationship of a married couple. It is set against the background of an overnight cruise in South Island during their New Zealand holiday. Might the harmonious beauty of the scenery revive the almost buried harmony of their relationship? Connie Kruger The Taste of Wine Starting as an intriguing mystery, this short story leads to questions about the impact of decisions on a marriage. I love the philosophical and broader questions this piece has to offer whilst simultaneously transporting the reader to the beautiful French vineyards. N.E. Beautifully written in an understated way. The central character gradually emerges as the whole story is seen subjectively through his eyes alone. He is a very plausible and convincing character. Anna Meanock    This story describes in detail the process and consequences of wanting to change other people to the way you want them to be, or think they ought to be, dismissing their good points or what they have to give.  Connie Kruger Vide Grenier An author works on a novel, sustained and inspired by life in the old house and life going on outside. But his decision to create a sanctuary away from the bustle and noise has unexpected consequences and repercussions. This skillfully told story gives an evocative snapshot of French life with ideas of connectedness and memory, and of the creative process itself.   Claire Pankhurst   A down-to earth story of the wonders of family life from a writer’s perspective. N. E.  Home Again, Kathleen The wild, Irish landscape is described with a painter’s touch. The wildness and despair echo the state of mind of the central character and produce an authentic insight into an Irish family dealing with life and death.  Anna Meanock   I stepped into a beautiful portrait of Ireland - family dynamics – reunion – being laid to rest. Diana the poet always uses the right words in what’s said - or what’s left unsaid -: with none wasted. Gillie Reid   The Kneeler A sad and touching story cleverly told so that the central truth, originally obscured, gradually unfolds and is finally understood as the kneeler itself is finished. Anna Meanock  ‘The Kneeler’ is a beautifully crafted story of a subtle healing process taking place through art work, where symbolic colours play an important role. This deeply psychological process eventually leads to the main character being able to express her deep pain and anger in company.  Connie Kruger This is a poignant tale skillfully written as a monologue. Subtle hints of a back story are stitched in the narrative along with blue skies and green meadows. The final resolution of the truth comes as a shock.  Mandy Pannett A palette of colours weaves through the tapestry revealing emotions in a story that has touched my heart. Awesome. This could have been so many of us.  Jean Francis A tragic tale beautifully told in miniature. Here is a delicately observed story in which compassion is balanced against sharply wry social comment. A small masterpiece. Ann Brumfit   The Aardvark A charmingly depicted world of knitting patterns, village fetes and tea in a bone china cup. I loved the repartee between the two main characters as they try to catch each other out on the meanings of obscure words while at the same time dropping hints of a possible future romance.  Mandy Pannett The story of The Aardvark came to be written only to charm us. First we encounter the aardvark itself – so unusual at a village fete – and, albeit stuffed, we are instantly fond of it. Otherwise, the fete is so delightfully English as we wander round the stalls in the company of Dorothea. Then, also unusually, we are invited to be tested on our knowledge of the English language, though it seems only in a playful way. Of course, any charming story becomes so much better when it is also about romance.  Geoffrey Winch

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