12 JULY 1997, Page 53

No. 1993: Roses, roses, all the way

An advertisement offers 'anyone who loves an old-fashioned, good read' a new novel featuring 'contented, loving pets in front of a crackling log fire, hot crusty bread fresh from the oven, homemade soup bubbling on the stove, a pint at the local pub, cricket on the village green, rambling roses clam- bering over picture postcard cottages. . . . You are invited to provide a maximum of 150 words from such a book. Entries to `Competition No. 1993' by 24 July.