Another recipe from Paula

I can't tell you how complicated my life is at the moment. Laura's doing her best to get it all down on paper as quickly as she can so I don't want to give anything away here.

However, my mind has recently been taken off my own problems by Mel's revelations. We're all rallying round her because she needs all the help and support we can give her at this very difficult time. But even close friends can only do so much - sometimes, things just have to run their course whilst we stand by with a safety net.

Therefore, as I always turn to cooking when I'm stressed, I thought I'd share one of my quick and easy recipes that's great for a family dinner and can be left to do its own thing - Ham and Leek Cheesy Bake

• allow one to two leeks per person. Clean and cut into 2 inch lengths. Put in an ovenproof dish.
• chop a packet of honey roast ham and add to the leeks.
• Make a cheese sauce - you can't go wrong with Delia - and pour over the leeks. Stir to mix well
• put on a lid and bake at 180/Gas mark 6 for around an hour.
• Great with baked potatoes so put these in at the same time and, when the potatoes are done, the leek bake will be ready too.
• You can prepare the day before or even cook and reheat.

Check back soon for further updates.

Love, Paula

My secret's out

Hi, it's Mel again.

Last night I met the girls at Judi's house and told them everything. It's such a relief to have it all out in the open after keeping secrets for so many years. I didn't really know where to start, there was so much to tell and so much I'd kept hidden.

I'd worried about the girls' reaction - I wasn't exactly blameless after all - but they were all wonderful to me, particularly Paula. They were all so supportive and I count myself very lucky to have such true friends.

There were tears, of course. The girls were all very upset to think that I'd been carrying this secret alone for so long. They're also very worried about me and for what comes next, and offered to be with me when I break it to Lester and the children.

But even when you have the best friends in the world, there are some things you need to do alone.

Mel xxx

You can meet the characters and read the beginning of their story in a free download of the first chapter of The Accidental Guru. Or read more and leave critique at Authonomy. If you want to contact Laura you can find her on Facebook or email her at laura (dot) essendine(at)gmail (dot) com