My new book was inspired by my experiences of foster care. To read an excerpt click here.

The children we have looked after are delightful and exasperating all in one experience. Most importantly they are funny even though they don't mean to be.

My husband Peter and I wanted to foster children because our own children were growing up, and we wanted to put something back into society and help those who needed it most.

We laughed and cried in equal measure. When one of the kids said something funny, I always made a note of it, so I wouldn't forget it. We had to make notes in the "blue book" anyway, so it was not too irksome.

These memories form the part of my book that makes you laugh and makes you cry in equal measure.