Here are two stories of love, lust, happiness, and heartache from Britain's longest-running and best-loved radio serial. Pub landlord Sid Perks is led astray when his keep-fit regime at the local gym leads to a steamy affair with Jolene Rogers, a country-and-western singer....For Emma Carter, choosing a husband is not so straightforward. She finds herself torn between loyal, devoted Will Grundy and his dangerous bad-boy brother Ed.

>For over 50 years, Britain's most popular radio drama has captured the imagination of listeners throughout the country. Ambridge and its residents have been constant companions to millions throughout the highs and lows of five successive decades. Covering the years 1968 to 1986, Joanna Toye's novel follows the fortunes of Dan and Doris's grandchildren, as they search for happiness and love in the changing world of the 70s and early 80s. Jennifer's struggles as an unmarried mother look to be over....

The first fascinating part of Joanna Toye's delightful trilogy about life in Ambridge. Covering the years 1951-1967, Family Ties introduces the main characters: Dan, Doris, Phil, Christine, Jack and Peggy and their children, Walter Gabriel, the Fairbrothers and Tom Forrest. The early years are action-packed: Phil's courtship and marriage to Grace and her tragic death; his subsequent marriage to Jill and the birth of their children; Jack's drinking problem and later, the birth of Jennifer's illegitimate baby.

After Jennifer’s marriage to Roger Travers-Macy ran into trouble, she returned to Ambridge to await divorce proceedings to run their course. During this period she met Brian Aldridge, new owner of Home Farm, and when the divorce finally came through they were able to make wedding plans.

A compilation of highlights from various Christmas episodes, where we not only hear tidings of the births of Debbie Aldridge and John Archer, but also drop in on shows in the village hall and hear old favourite songs like “The Village Pump” rendered by Tom Forrest, and “Jones’ Ale” by a group of tuneful male voices.

Detective Inspector Gwen Danbury comes from a family of investigators. Her father was a policeman, and her mother Joan often discussed cases with him - on one occasion helping him to solve a tricky murder. Gwen already has a capable, efficient sidekick in the form of DS Henry Jacobs - but nevertheless, her mum insists on helping Gwen with her inquiries.

Jack was Dan and Doris’ other son, Peggy was the girl from the East End of London; together they ran the Bull pub in the village, but Jack’s addictions to alcohol and gambling caused problems in this marriage.

Separated from his wife and children, gamekeeper George Barford took to drink and even attempted suicide. The woman who vowed to turn his life around was – curiously - the local barmaid Nora.

By 1967 Phil and Jill were the proud parents of the perfectly balanced family: Two girls and two boys. David and Elizabeth completed the family, but there were concerns about little Elizabeth’s heart.

In 1958 Phil and Jill’s first children were born - the couple were blessed with twins, daughter Shula and son Kenton.

The courtship and wedding of Tony (Jack and Peggy Archer’s son), and Pat Lewis, the girl from Wales with an independent streak.

The story of Phil and Grace’s troubled courtship and all too brief marriage. Grace was the Fairbrothers’ daughter, Phil their farm manager, and so they were on unequal footing from the start. Grace’s money and social status continued to cast a shadow even after her death.

Tom Forrest brother to Doris and uncle to Jack, Phil and Christine. Tom like his father before him worked as gamekeeper. Purveyor of folk lore, Tom was born, married and died in Ambridge.

Walter was everyone’s “Old pal” and loveable rogue. An unsuccessful farmer who turned to haulage. A carver of cribs and love spoons who took 17 years to propose - only to be turned down. And of course father to the world weary Nelson.

From Parents’ Evening to the PTA, and from supply teachers to staff room squabbles, every day brings fresh challenges for headmaster Mr Beeston. Among the problems facing him are a flu epidemic, a shortage of computers, a phantom prune thief and a mysterious graffiti artist - and there’s trouble in store when in comes to sex education, school trips and Sports Day. Meanwhile, idealistic newcomers Mr Brown and Mr Sims learn some lessons about teaching, and their battle-scarred colleagues vie for promotion - or look forward to retirement.