It’s the time of year when even the most uncommitted Earth-Mother type begins to feel a bit stressed about making sure everything is nice for Christmas.

But few of us would go to the lengths of Eve Crowther, title character of Julie Butterfield’s seasonal romantic comedy Eve’s Christmas, who’s decided she needs to inject a little sparkle into the family’s usual laid back and slightly shabby holiday.

Of course, it’s no coincidence Eve’s change of heart coincides with a visit from husband Richard’s oldest friend, Abby, who, newly single, has decided to spend ALL twelve days of Christmas with the Crowthers. Continue reading →

It’s not often you meet a book character and think: ‘Oh, I’ve walked in your shoes.’

Well, not the sky-high ones favoured by Lucy Mathers, in Julie Butterfield’s delightful romantic comedy Lucy Mathers Goes Back to Work.

But, in all other respects, Lucy – her separation anxiety, her professional insecurities and general just-about-coping-ness – could have been me.

And, probably, every other woman returning to work after children.

Poor old Lucy doesn’t even want to go back to her old job at Simcock & Bright, where she was once the golden girl.

She’s perfectly happy being a stay-at-home mum and doesn’t regret swapping her Louboutins and high profile clients for rabbit slippers and spending her day making crustless sandwiches for her two adorable children.

But, when her when her husband is suddenly made redundant, there’s panic in the Mathers’ household.

With a mortgage the size of the national debt and a credit card balance that’s in danger of toppling, Lucy reluctantly decides she must return to work. Continue reading →