Talk about pressure!

My wife Mary-Jo has been a part of a book club for a few years. When each lady's turn comes up (they're all ladies, and none of the husbands are allowed in!), she chooses a book and hosting location for the next monthly meeting. For years I've been lobbying my Sweets to choose one of my railway books for the ladies to read. No luck, although many of them have a volume or two on their shelves (mainly a result of their husband helping to unload a truck, or having a book dedicated to him).

In the world of sales, they say that you need to hear the word "no" about seven times before achieving success. Bingo! When I published The Secret of the Old Swing Bridge, Mary-Jo selected it for her turn. And last Friday night the ladies met at our house, upon which occasion I achieved another first: a husband being allowed into the meeting!