this is my novel i have been writing. please give advice and constructive criticism. thank! x

Prologue

I glanced out of the window in time to witness the sun rise on the horizon. The sea sparkled through the magical mists and repeatedly clung on to the shore only to fall back again. I was the personification of that scene. I always seemed to go somewhere, only to mess things up and land right back where I started. It wasn’t the life my husband and I wanted for our kids. I wanted them to grow up and achieve their dreams. That was my only wish.
I turned and crept swiftly to where my sleeping beauties were. I smiled. The bathroom mirror was especially unkind today. Dark circled appeared under my eyes. My hair was dirty and greasy. My face was the same as ever large hazel brown eyes, deep olive skin, chocolate curls and a stunning Grecian nose. You may think, from that description I was pretty, beautiful even, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Deep wrinkles were etched from her eyes with worry. My skin was dry and not looked after and my feet were cracked and dirty. The walls had damp covering them, the floor was carpet less. The only nice, new thing we owned was the only bed in the middle of the room. Yes, we only have a 3 room apartment and yes, I am married with two children, but isn’t it better to be happy than rich? No, I didn’t think so either. I didn’t have a job, so I couldn’t really complain. But Josh, he worked everyday of every week of every month just to keep our family alive.
But today, the first day of 1999, I was going to get a job and I was going to look at bigger apartments and we are going to live like a proper family. We had to. I just wanted to be normal.

Chapter 1
“Can Harry come to school with me today mum?”
“Of course he can Stephen, just behave yourselves this time. You know what happened last time?”
“Alright mum, anyway Harry’s the one that told me to anyway.” Stephen Murmured to himself.
“Alright alright, just go or you’ll be late for school. Holly’s waiting for you.” I said in a strained voice. As I spoke Josh walked into the kitchen. He was all dressed up in his new suit.
“What do you think?” he said cheerfully as he gave me a girly twirl. “I reckon this outfit screams out; ‘I am more than ready for this giant promotion.’” He added in a high pitch squeak.
“Stop teasing me,” I laughed, “you know I’m nothing like that!” josh winked, ran at me and spun me in the air. He treated me like child, couldn’t say I didn’t like it though!
“It’s your turn to make dinner tonight,” I shouted as he walked with the kids out the front door. “Thought you could get away with it?”
“I would never think that.” And with a grin he left.
Looking at my watch I realised I only had one hour to get ready before work. I fled upstairs to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Those pampers do work. My skin was as soft as a baby. After half an hour I was ready. I checked myself in front of the full length mirror. My coffee curls hung loosely around my shoulders and my knee length pencil skirt was short enough to show off my smooth tanned legs. Yes, I was ready.
I popped in the car and I took one last look at my house. It was stunning. The converted Elizabethan cottage stood tall and mighty above the surrounding fields. Fields that we owned. One day I would like to buy holly a horse, she would love that, and anyway what else were we supposed to do with them?
* * *
“Hi Cassie”
“Hey Cass”
“Ooh Cassandra just the person I was looking for,”
“Walk with me,” I said monotonously. As we walked to the lift Jill, my secretary filled me in.
“Well, Cass, one of the workers has pitched an idea about a whole new holiday range. As much as this sounds like a good idea, I’m afraid you would have to travel to st. Lucia, one of the Caribbean islands to get inspiration.”
“Sounds good to me,” I smiled. A holiday in the middle of work? It couldn’t get any better.
“But who would you leave in charge? I mean, hardly any of these designers are up to scratch.”
“You of course,” I said as I bent down to speak to her, “you have been loyal to me all these years. You deserve it.”
“Why thank you so much Cass.” She whispered joyfully.
“Come round to my place at 7 tonight and I’ll fill you in on what going to happen while I’m away.” I added. I sauntered into my office and relaxed. After 5 years of hard work, I had finally got a holiday! I logged on to my computer and booked the whole thing. I was so happy, happier than I have ever been in my whole life.

it's not perfect, i know. but give me ideas. thanks lots xxx