Magic Sometimes Happens Part 43

'You are?'

'I'm certain about you.'

So on the day it was my grandmother, my parents, some relations, Pat's children and our friends, including Tess and f.a.n.n.y, who were as thick as treacle nowadays.

Joe and Polly bounced around and grinned like naughty pixies from the moment they got out of bed. My mother made a special effort to be nice to Pat, and actually she almost managed it. The children had begun to melt my parents' hearts, so I was fairly confident that soon we'd all get on.

Charlie wasn't there, of course, which grieved me ...

After Pat and I were up and breakfasted and dressed there was no bridegroom-not-seeing-the-bride or any of that superst.i.tious nonsense we escaped from everybody else and walked around the garden where Mum's Jacques Cartier roses had been flowering all the summer. I don't know how she managed to persuade them to do that. Other people get one early flush and then the season's over, more or less.

'You two, are you coming?' called my father from the kitchen doorway. 'You're going to be late!'

'Daddy's fussing,' Patrick murmured. 'So I guess we should go have this wedding? But, before we leave, I need to give you something.'

'What?'

'It took a while to get it back.' He handed me a memory stick. 'I didn't check it out, of course it's private but it should all be there.'

'Oh, Pat! You mean it's-'

'Yes,' he said. 'I thought you'd like your sister to be here with you today.'

About the Author.

Margaret James was born and brought up in Hereford and now lives in Devon. She studied English at London University, and has written many short stories, articles and serials for magazines. She is the author of sixteen published novels.

Her debut novel for Choc Lit, The Silver Locket, received a glowing review from the Daily Mail and reached the Top 20 Small Publishers Fiction List in November 2010 and in the same year a Reviewers' Choice Award from Single t.i.tles. The Golden Chain also hit the Top 20 Small Publishers Fiction List in May 2011.

Margaret is a long standing contributor to Writing Magazine for which she writes the Fiction Focus column and an author interview for each issue. She's also a creative writing tutor for the London School of Journalism. Magic Sometimes Happens is Margaret's fifth novel with Choc Lit.

More Choc Lit.

From Margaret James.

The Silver Locket.

Margaret James.

Winner of 2010 Reviewers' Choice Award for Single t.i.tles.

If life is cheap, how much is love worth?.

It's 1914 and young Rose Courtenay has a decision to make. Please her wealthy parents by marrying the man of their choice or play her part in the war effort?

The chance to escape proves irresistible and Rose becomes a nurse. Working in France, she meets Lieutenant Alex Denham, a dark figure from her past. He's the last man in the world she'd get involved with especially now he's married.

But in wartime nothing is as it seems. Alex's marriage is a sham and Rose is the only woman he's ever wanted. As he recovers from his wounds, he sets out to win her trust. His gift of a silver locket is a far cry from the luxuries she's left behind.

What value will she put on his love?.

Find out about Rosie Denham's ancestors in the Charton Minster series! This is the first novel in the trilogy.

Visit www.choc-lit.com for more details including the first two chapters and reviews.

The Golden Chain.

Margaret James.

Can first love last forever?.

1931 is the year that changes everything for Daisy Denham. Her family has not long swapped life in India for Dorset, England when she uncovers an old secret.

At the same time, she meets Ewan Fraser a handsome dreamer who wants nothing more than to entertain the world and for Daisy to play his leading lady.

Ewan offers love and a chance to escape with a touring theatre company. As they grow closer, he gives her a golden chain and Daisy gives him a promise that she will always keep him in her heart.

But life on tour is not as they'd hoped. Ewan is tempted away by his career and Daisy is dazzled by the older, charismatic figure of Jesse Trent. She breaks Ewan's heart and sets off for a life in London with Jesse.

Only time will tell whether some promises are easier to make than keep ...

Find out about Rosie Denham's ancestors in the Charton Minster series! This is the second novel in the trilogy.

Visit www.choc-lit.com for more details including the first two chapters and reviews.

The Penny Bangle.

Margaret James.

When should you trust your heart?.

It's 1942 when Ca.s.sie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset.

There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Ca.s.sie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert who doesn't seem to like Ca.s.sie one little bit.

At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Ca.s.sie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Ca.s.sie. Just as their romance blossoms, he's called back into active service.

Anxious to have adventures herself, Ca.s.sie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Ca.s.sie back to the UK.

Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert's place in Ca.s.sie's heart. But will Ca.s.sie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?

Find out about Rosie Denham's ancestors in the Charton Minster series! This is the third novel in the trilogy.

Visit www.choc-lit.com for more details including the first two chapters and reviews.

The Wedding Diary.

Margaret James.

Shortlisted for the 2014 Romantic Novel of the Year award.

Where's a Fairy G.o.dmother when you need one?.

If you won a fairy-tale wedding in a luxury hotel, you'd be delighted right? But what if you didn't have anyone to marry? Cat Aston did have a fiance, but now it looks like her Prince Charming has done a runner.

Adam Lawley was left devastated when his girlfriend turned down his heartfelt proposal. He's made a vow never to fall in love again.

So when Cat and Adam meet, they shouldn't even consider falling in love. After all, they're both broken hearted. But for some reason they can't stop thinking about each other. Is this their second chance for happiness, or are some things just too good to be true?

Rosie Denham makes an appearance in The Wedding Diary and there are also links to the Charton Minster trilogy.

Visit www.choc-lit.com for more details including the first two chapters and reviews.

Introducing Choc Lit.

We're an independent publisher creating

a delicious selection of fiction.

Where heroes are like chocolate irresistible!

Quality stories with a romance at the heart.

See our selection here:

www.choc-lit.com

We'd love to hear how you enjoyed Magic Sometimes Happens. Please visit our website and give your feedback.

Choc Lit novels are selected by genuine readers like yourself. We only publish stories our Choc Lit Tasting Panel want to see in print. Our reviews and awards speak for themselves.

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More from Choc Lit.

If you enjoyed Margaret's story, you'll enjoy the rest of our selection. Here's a sample: Do Opposites Attract?

Kathryn Freeman.

There's no such thing as a cla.s.s divide until you're on separate sides Brianna Worthington has beauty, privilege and a very healthy trust fund. The only hardship she's ever witnessed has been on the television. Yet when she's invited to see how her mother's charity, Medic SOS, is dealing with the aftermath of a tornado in South America, even Brianna is surprised when she accepts.

Mitch McBride, Chief Medical Officer, doesn't need the patron's daughter disrupting his work. He's from the wrong side of the tracks and has led life on the edge, but he's not about to risk losing his job for a pretty face.