With top-notch retail training under my belt, I was poised to reach new heights. But an unexpected pregnancy followed by a turbulent divorce sent my life spiralling. Resolving to keep personal relationships at bay, I pursued a lofty ambition: ten stores in each of the five largest shopping malls within fifteen years.

Then fate introduced me to a struggling beauty salon, its only saving grace being Holly. Approaching fifty, yet radiating the allure of someone much younger, Holly’s past was marred by trauma. An abusive relationship left scars, pushing her into nearly two decades of seclusion.

As fate would have it, Holly joined my company just in time for our unique tradition – a ‘Christmas in July’ celebration. Retailers know the yuletide as the peak of busy seasons, so we celebrated our staff party then. As I took Holly’s hand at the Victorian-themed event, her honey-blond hair cascading over a stunning scarlet gown, I wondered: Could this chance meeting offer both of us a new beginning in love?

Read more Continue reading Read less ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony had had some bird-brained ideas in life but once he got the bug, he always completed what he started. His main achievements are a five-ton Christmas cake, a Bowling Marathon of a hundred and two hours that stood in the Guinness Book of records for a few years, then a new version of Lawn bowls based on T20 Cricket / B20 Cricket Bowls, which is recognised worldwide. Now at the age of seventy-five, he is publishing his first book, Holly in July, and says it's not the last. Read more Continue reading Read less