Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Woman & Home

Firstly, a big welcome to our new readers and, as always, our loyal woman&home family too. This month, we have our summer books special, and it’s one of my favourite issues. I spent hours reading with my girls when they were babies and, these days, seeing them pick up a book and be transported somewhere else is a privilege. A world away from technology and pesky social media, there’s no judgement, just escapism. Am I sounding a little whimsical? Perhaps. Spending time with this month’s cover star reminds me of life outside the fast lane. Fern Britton made the choice to move to Cornwall five years ago. Her life has been a rich tapestry as she’s juggled family and a high-pressure job on daytime TV. Now, 11 novels in, the…

SANDAL SEASON READY…

Despite all the court cases Prince Harry has brought against the UK press, the one that ‘matters the most’ is his battle against the UK government (and, in effect, the King). When the Duke of Sussex, 40, stepped back from royal duties and moved to the USA, the Home Office decided to remove his official security. Round-the-clock police protection is provided only to senior royals (the monarch, heir and his/her family), and paid for by the UK taxpayer. Harry and Meghan’s Metropolitan police security was removed in March 2020, and so they employed an American private security firm to protect them. But Harry has since said it’s too dangerous to bring his wife and children back to the UK without adequate police protection, and took the UK government to court…

AN AMPUTEE LIONESS FOOTBALLER Sarah Haskins, 43, from Rochester, is a senior scientist and mum of three. Having been born with no calf bone in my right leg and a shortened, slightly curved tibia, I’d been unable to walk without a prosthesis fitted to the natural shape of my ‘little leg’ since childhood. However, by my late 30s, poor hip alignment caused by the prosthesis was becoming increasingly painful. I was struggling to walk even short distances, which made life very difficult as a mum of three energetic young boys, then aged 11, seven and three. So in January 2022, aged 40, I made the decision to have my lower leg amputated. Surprisingly, the amputation had a positive effect on how I felt about my disability. I found peace with…

‘MY HAIR IS SYMBOLIC – IT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE ME’ Paula Moore, 52, is woman&home’s fashion director. She lives in London with her husband Gary, 59, and their cockapoo Kafka. At the age of 12 my eczema, which I’ve had since birth, caused hair loss on my scalp. Kids at school called me ‘cancer girl’, which really upset me. After consulting specialists, eliminating dairy and switching to natural hair products, after a few months my hair began to regrow and I was able to have extensions throughout my adult life. In 2020, I read a feature in Woman’s Own magazine supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and realised I hadn’t checked my breasts in a long time. I discovered a lump in my armpit and, that October, I was diagnosed…

Kindness is a wonderful gift, and this photo, taken around 2010, is a reminder of that. Following a Channel 4 Cutting Edge documentary about my recovery from an acid attack, I received lots of messages. Among those was an email from a guy called Andy Birks, who worked for Regus office space. He offered me an office for a year, free of charge – a space to do whatever I liked. At the time, I didn’t have a business, I didn’t even know what I wanted to do. My self-worth was low and I was struggling with my identity. I had never even been in a corporate environment before, having worked as a hairdresser and mobile therapist, so I filed the email away. ‘I felt conscious and would hide in…

Before embarking on a silent pilgrimage a few weeks ago, I conducted an informal poll on my Facebook page. ‘About to walk for eight miles without saying a word. Thoughts?’ I’m a self-confessed chatterbox, so it was no surprise when dubious family and friends reacted to the post with laughing and gasping emojis. Months earlier, I’d met Dawn, who worked for the British Pilgrimage Trust. She said the trust was modernising pilgrimages and had a ‘bring your own beliefs’ policy for people of all faiths (and none). When she mentioned a day-long silent pilgrimage from the village of Chilham to Canterbury, close to where I live in Kent, I was intrigued. Could I manage seven hours without yakking? My husband’s raised eyebrow told me all I needed to know about…

In summer, I do a complete 180 on stripes and go from horizontal, Breton-style tops to vertical lines on oversized shirts. Technically, this is a mere 90-degree adjustment, but I guess the much-used phrase suggesting ‘doing the opposite’ still applies… Mostly, I tend to save my marinière for cooler months, for layering under a jumpsuit or tank top (who doesn’t love a display of stripy sleeves?). Swapping sailor stripes for a looser-fitting poplin shirt is one way to achieve peak waftiness. During the heat dome in New York last year, temperatures hit 40C; introducing the oh-so-reliable shirt and skirt combo, a decent sunscreen and the biggest water bottle I own, helped prevent me slipping into sweaty-mess territory. ‘It’s boyfriend shirts, rather than casino capitalism’ This is not Boom-Boom style, the…

With more than 35 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry, Michael Douglas knows what makes a great hairdo. His impressive CV has taken him from catwalk shows with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to celebrity styling with Davina McCall and Dawn French. In 2022 he founded mdlondon, launching his own range of award-winning hair tools. Michael is revered for his no-nonsense advice, empowering everyone to create great-looking hair every day. Here, he explains how. CURL POWER Wella Shockwaves Curls & Waves Mousse, £3.55, Boots Great whether air-drying or diffusing, it includes chitosan, which is a moisture-repellent. EASY STYLING Umberto Giannini Texture Boost, £7.75, Boots Part hairspray, part dry shampoo, it gives instant, lasting volume. Use on day two and three hair. PREP SCHOOL Sebastian Professional Potion 9 Leave-In Hair Styling…

Seared tuna with aubergine salad Freshly cooked tunA flAkes sit atop a tangy aubergine salad with tahini yogurt. Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 15 mins, plus cooling 4tbsp olive oil1 large aubergine, cut lengthways into thick slices4 x 125g tuna steaks½ red onion, thinly sliced125g cherry tomatoes, quartered2tbsp chopped fresh coriander50g rocket leaves½ cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced For the tahini yogurt: 150g Greek yogurt2tsp tahini½ small garlic clove, crushed For the dressing: 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil1tbsp lemon juice2tsp harissa paste2tsp honey1tsp pomegranate molassesGriddled flatbreads, to serve (optional) 1 For the tahini yogurt, put the Greek yogurt into a bowl, and add the tahini and crushed garlic. Stir well, then season to taste. Make the dressing by whisking the ingredients together until evenly blended. 2 Heat…

FLORALS Worried florals were just for your nan? Think again. These flower patterns have been brought bang up to date with barely-there blousy prints, statement shades and leafy alternatives. Whatever your style, we’ve found a floral to suit you. CLASSICS Simple and timeless, stripes and checks are always in fashion in one guise or another. This season, it’s all about playing with scale – think tiny checkered wallpaper to oversized stripe curtains. For a look that will last, keep the palette to pared-back blues, greens and soft reds. GEOMETRICS Take inspiration from mid-century styling with a colour palette of teals and blues paired with warm burnt oranges, browns and olive greens. These earthy tones balance perfectly with bold geometric prints. Pick just one or two statement patterns in a room,…

YELLOW & PINK This cheerful combination is reminiscent of warm summer days. Keep the palette soft and subtle, choosing buttery yellows paired with elegant blush pink hues. Colour blocking on walls and upholstery gives these sunset tones a bolder, contemporary look, especially with the addition of graphic black accents. Finish off with natural textures, such as pale wood or woven rattan. Make it work for you ✢ If you have a neutral room Try adding artwork and cushions in soft pastel pinks and butter yellow. Alternatively, make a feature of a sofa by covering it in a pretty floral fabric. ✢ If you have a dark scheme Add fabrics and accessories in bolder mustard and punchier dusky pink tones to pop against bold paint. These colours will look fab paired…

I can’t believe you forced me into this,’ Jenny said to her best friend of many years, as they stood outside Brightside Senior School for the first ever reunion. The front doors were thrown open and above them were strings of bunting and balloons bobbing in the evening breeze. ‘Why are we here?’ asked Jenny. ‘Because we are dense and feckless,’ said Lana with a chuckle. She’d met Jenny Jones here when they were plonked together on a double desk and neither had been thrilled about that. But somehow over the following weeks they’d started to bond. Maybe it was in the face of the common enemy, their form teacher Miss Hooton, who was renowned for giving her pupils unkind nicknames. She’d called Lana ‘feckless’, and said she would never…

WHIMSICAL AND ROMANTIC I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith This coming-of-age tale really swept me off my feet as a teenage reader – the romance of the family living in a tumbledown castle, the feckless author father, the sting of first love. Whenever I think of books that made me fall in love with reading, this one is right up there at the top of the list. A COMPELLING ANTI-HERO The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith This is a masterclass in writing about unlikeable protagonists, and marshalling our interests and even our sympathies for them. I remember the first time I read it, feeling in awe of how Highsmith has us hoping that Tom Ripley will get away with it, even as we’re aware that he’s a dangerous…

KATIE PIPER OBE is an author, broadcaster and motivational speaker. Her latest book, Still Beautiful, is out on 5 June. Katie shares the power of kindness on page 49. What do you like doing most on holiday? They are a family occasion – relaxing with my husband and kids; no make-up and no phones. We do everything together – wake up really early, spend long days playing cards on the balcony, and Connect 4, and have early nights. CAROLYN BOYD is an award-winning travel and food writer, author of Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France (Profile Books), and communications manager for The Roux Scholarship, a prestigious chef competition. On page 147, she explores secret Provence. What do you like doing most on holiday? I love seeking out…

COUNTRY GARDEN…

Crime and thrillers top the audiobook charts for women aged 34 to 84, according to Nielsen BookData, so it’s no surprise that there’s an insatiable appetite for gripping TV dramas too. But what’s the appeal of all this murder and mayhem? Author Araminta Hall, whose book Imperfect Women is being filmed for a major new drama on Apple TV+ next year, says the answer lies in the female psyche. ‘We live with this constant awareness that we could be the victim of violence,’ she explains. ‘Most women are fascinated by crime because we fear it so much.’ And, of course, we like seeing lowlifes get their comeuppance. The latest TV has moved beyond cosy crime, also encompassing Scandi noir, gritty shows and themes such as misogyny, gender identity and the…

Being a hotelier is in Isabella Macdonald’s blood. In 1972, following the death of her grandfather, her parents, Godfrey Macdonald (the 8th Lord Macdonald and the 35th High Chief of his clan) and his wife Claire, decided to turn the family’s hunting lodge in Sleat on the Isle of Skye – parts of which are more than 400 years old – into a hotel. Isabella grew up in the loch-side property, and spent her childhood running from room to room and chatting to all of the guests. A real treat was when it was her turn to handwrite the dinner menus. Isabella even recalls her then four-year-old sister answering the phone and taking a booking with all the correct details – with the exception of the date! Isabella, 49, took…

Beach LIFE ✢ With tummy control, removable pads and an SPF 50+ rating, this swimsuit does it all. ✢ A matching lightweight shirt makes a nifty layering tool, bringing a polished finish to your beachwear. Summer SUITING ✢ A waistcoat set brings a modern twist to the classic suit. Style together, or as separates with relaxed-fit jeans and tees. ✢ Butter yellow is the shade of the season – wear it with earthy tones and gold jewellery. All DRESSED UP ✢ Warm weather calls for lightweight fabrics, so look to cool cotton and fluid shapes for elegant dressing. ✢ Statement sleeves and a pussy-bow neckline add a romantic edge. Make LEMONADE ✢ Bored of florals? Freshen things up with a zesty print. ✢ Easy to throw on, a fit-and-flare dress creates…

having a tan can make you feel good. Skin tone appears more even, cellulite looks better and you feel more confident, whether you’re wearing a bikini, shorts or a sleeveless dress. But the last thing skin needs is a damaging dose of UV all in the name of looking more golden. So if you’re exposing your skin to some rays this summer, we’ve asked the experts for a way to do it safely and sensibly, without raising the risk of sun-induced skin issues. But if being in the sun is not for you, try our tips and tricks for faking it flawlessly. SUNNY DAYS & YOUR SKIN Whether you’re jetting off somewhere sunny or you’re relaxing in your back garden, the temptation to tan can be strong. But while a temporary…

Warm sunshine on your face, the smell of freshly cut grass, the pop of a cork followed by the delightful feeling of a chilled glass of fizz in your hand… summer can feel heavenly. But, in reality, if that dreamy scene segues all too quickly into a sneezing fit, flushed cheeks, a broken night’s sleep and a bout of crippling ‘hangxiety’ (hangover anxiety), then you’re probably starting to feel a bit wary about those soirées. As we age, our bodies can’t metabolise alcohol the way they used to, which means that as little as one drink can trigger adverse reactions, says grey-area drinking coach Sarah Rusbatch (sarahrusbatch.com). ‘This can feel even worse during summer, when allergens also come into play.’ Sound familiar? Read on to find out how booze may…

When it comes to phones or kitchen appliances, there’s a ‘smart’ version of just about everything. However, did you know that the electric toothbrush was actually invented over 70 years ago, back in 1954? More recently, research suggests they do a better job at cleaning than their manual counterparts. But with some dentists fearing they promote laziness, here’s what you need to consider when switching to smart brushing. 1 YOU’LL LOWER YOUR RISK OF CAVITIES Those who use electric toothbrushes have significantly less plaque and are at a lower risk of cavities and gum disease, found research. ‘Four minutes of electric brushing is equivalent to nine of manual,’ says head dental nurse Polly Ruseva (londonsmiling.com). ‘Plus, the smaller head and automatic motion can help reach places that are harder to…

We’d better whisper this quietly but, potentially, we’re on the brink of a gorgeous summer, with lovely long days allowing us time to fit in the necessary, but also squeeze in the luxuries. Working on our bodies (inside and out) is often viewed by some as a bit of a chore, but we know it’s actually a privilege. It’s a choice, and choices give us freedom. If we’re going to make the most of whatever the weather has in store for us, we need to start now, and by the time autumn arrives, you’ll be in such a good groove, you won’t look back. So let’s get ready. First, some basics. You need to focus on nourishing your body and soul – recharging your physical and mental batteries in the…

All recipes use the same size tray bake tin for ease White chocolate, cherry and almond A delicious bake that gets better after a day or two, this is also ridiculously simple to whip up! Makes 16-20 • Prep 10 mins • Cook 35-40 mins, plus cooling 250g unsalted butter, melted4 medium free-range eggs175g soft brown sugar100g self-raising flour200g ground almonds200g white chocolate, chopped200g cherries, stones removed and halved You will need: 20x25cm tray bake tin 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan. Fully line the tin with baking paper. 2 In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, sugar, flour and almonds, then fold through the white chocolate and cherries. 3 Bake for 35-40 mins until golden and risen, and the top feels springy to the touch. Cool in…

1 Head to the HARBOUR Choose your spot harbourside and find inspiration for your summer table. Shop for pieces featuring shells, lobsters and crabs, as well as classic stripes. Try a softer palette, swapping bright red for coral, and navy for baby blue. While sophisticated, the look has space for fun, with crab napkin rings and fish-shaped serveware. 2 Capture the TASTE OF THE MED Bring favourite flavours home with a fun take on the Mediterranean. This bright scheme sees all the colour of the Med on a plate – or at least a set of four. Think melons, olives and cherries – with illustrations on tableware and cushions. Mix touches of wood with lemon-themed pieces for a more elegant vibe. 3 Bring out THE BOHO Mix rich colours and…

We all know summer is about reading – when we can put our feet up and indulge in a pacy novel or inspiring memoir. And this year it’s all about escape, whether that’s heart-racing thrillers, swoon-worthy romances or empowering non-fiction. We’ll also let you in on what your favourite authors are reading, plus Milly Johnson transports you back in time to a school reunion with her fabulous short story. Finally, don’t miss our w&h summer giveaway – a free heart-warming e-book from Ruth Hogan*. Enjoy! WANDERLUST READS SECRETS OF THE PAST Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell (£9.99, PB, HarperCollins) As interior designer Kat comes to terms with the loss of her twin brother Nik, she is shocked to learn she has lost another relative – an uncle she…

LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY Actually, I’m a Murderer by Terry Deary (£18.99, HB, Little, Brown) You never know who you’ll meet on a late-night train, but Tony didn’t think one of the three strangers in his carriage would be a murderer. The mysterious Mr Brown wasn’t joking when he announced his profession of ‘hitman’, and now is in a quandary – can he trust them? When the first body turns up, it’s down to local ‘plod’ Aline to work out just what connects the ‘strangers on a train’. SPARKS DEBATE Private Lives by Emily Edwards (£18.99, HB, Transworld) It’s another thought-provoking, ‘discuss and debate’ novel from Emily Edwards. Following The Herd – a timely novel about vaccinating children – comes a beachside read that will prompt you to ask anyone nearby what…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Sue Barker Former tennis player and TV presenter Sue, 69, lives in Stanton, Gloucestershire with her husband, Lance Tankard. WAKE UP I tend to get up at around 7.30am. We’ve got two doggies, so the first thing I do is let them out and make a cup of tea. For breakfast, every day is different – some days we eat at home and others we go out for breakfast, but my favourite thing to have is poached eggs and avocado. MORNING It’s difficult to say what my average morning is like because sometimes I’m down in London doing work things, but if I’m at home I like to walk the dogs. My husband and I also have e-bikes, so we really like getting outdoors…

LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST The Sun shines in Leo from the 23rd and that’s a great time to strategise a task. Get the message out before the 18th. Call 0905 789 4154* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Having action planet Mars onside all month is great if you’re busy, but can make you restless when trying to relax. After the 18th, avoid reverting to an old habit. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER The 2nd is your day for getting a new project going. Then look out for news about exciting developments. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER…

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS I was touched by Lis Cashin’s story [May], about how she threw a javelin at school that accidentally killed her friend. For a child to carry the guilt of that was sad to read, but to turn her life around and help others is admirable. Forgiveness to yourself and others is so important. Bev FUTURE FINANCES Thank you for the informative article Get Ready to Live to 100 [April]. I worked for the NHS and was fortunate to retire at 55, continuing to work part time for a charity until 60. The advice to ‘phase-in retirement’ was brilliant. Filling gaps in the State Pension shortfall is so important. I’ll be showing my adult nieces this article. Clare POSITIVE THINKING Felicity Ashley’s story of rowing the Atlantic…

Fern Britton is summarising her latest novel, which centres on Wilderhoo, a fictional 1,000-year-old Cornish house that has gone to rack and ruin. ‘It’s been left in a will to a woman who was very successful in London and whose life has absolutely fallen apart. She comes down to Cornwall to take on this house. So the house is falling apart, she’s falling apart and the story is about how they each repair each other.’ Five years ago, after her 20-year marriage to TV chef Phil Vickery ended, Fern, 67, moved permanently into her Cornish holiday home before renovating it ‘bit by bit’. Perhaps her seaside bolthole healed her too? ‘Actually, yes, it must have been there in my subconscious,’ says Fern, pointing out that her abode boasts no Wilderhoo-esque…

What are you like first thing? I’m not a great morning person so I’m super quiet. I normally get up at 7am and put the kettle on, then I put sausages in the air fryer for my youngest son Beau, because I still get his breakfast ready before he leaves for school by 7.40am. What’s your worst habit? I’ve got two! I’m a real food picker. If anyone makes anything and leaves it in the fridge, I’ll always break off a tiny bit and have it. I am also an overthinker. ‘You can’t pin your happiness on anybody else’ What do you do when you’re home alone? I’m never completely on my own because I have my dogs, Rudi and Banksy Blu. Alone time is important, and it’s good if…

1 CLEAR YOUR MIND: TODOIST Star rating 5/5 Waking up in the middle of the night with things you need to remember? Swap it for Todoist instead: add all your tasks to this handy app and let it do the work for you. You can be reminded of recurring events, add deadlines and priority levels, plan meals and shopping lists, and schedule things you’d like to turn into habits, such as fitness. It’s incredibly easy to use. 2 CATALOGUE STUFF: ITEMTOPIA Star rating 4/5 Do you know what’s in every box in your loft, garage or shed? Fortunately, you don’t have to remember with Itemtopia: create a location, snap your stuff, name the pictures and then, when you need an item, search in the app and you’ll know where to find…

1 BUBBLE HEMS The key to making this playful shape work is all about balance and thoughtful styling. Opt for a bubble-hem skirt or dress in a luxe fabric, like cotton poplin or taffeta to give structure, and pair it with separates that offset the volume. Think a tailored blazer, a plain tee or a cashmere knit tucked in to highlight your waist. Keep accessories minimal and go for a pair of pointed-toe flats to maintain a modern silhouette. 2 CROCHET No longer reserved exclusively for beach days and boho festivals, this summer, crochet clothing is a sophisticated way to add texture and interest to your wardrobe. While it is naturally see-through, the right layers underneath make it effortlessly wearable. Choose a nude or tonal slip under dresses and skirts,…

For some of us, booking a pre-holiday manicure is as essential as remembering your passport at the airport. It doesn’t really feel like you’re going on holiday until you’ve had your nails buffed, shaped and painted. Gel manicures are brilliant for their longevity and rainbow shades, but do they harm your nails? According to Michelle Class, who paints the talons of A-listers including Kate Moss and Margot Robbie, it depends. ‘A high-quality, well-applied gel manicure protects weak nails and prevents breakage,’ she says. ‘But in some cases, manicures can cause damage, if they use poor removal techniques by over-filing or aggressive soaking processes, which can damage the nail plate.’ How can you tell if you’ve damaged your nails? ‘They can be dry, brittle, peeling or soft and bendy,’ says Michelle.…

MEET OUR NEW DOCTOR! Dr Amir is an NHS GP who first appeared on TV on GPs: Behind Closed Doors. He’s also the resident doc on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain. Q I’m really embarrassed, as the hot weather makes my legs swell. I hate wearing summer outfits because of this – what can I do to help? A Sometimes, leg swelling can be a sign of a wider health problem. Issues with your heart, kidney and liver can all cause fluid to build up in your legs. And if only one of your legs is swollen, you must get that checked out by your GP, as that has the potential to be something serious, like a blood clot or even a cancer in your pelvis. But if…

MENU for 6 TO START ✢ Charred prawns with lemon and dill butter FOR THE MAIN ✢ Spiced lamb cutlets with charred pepper salsa✢ Grilled courgette and goat’s cheese salad FOR PUD ✢ Yogurt panna cotta with spiced pineapple Charred prawns with lemon and dill butter Serve on homemade flatbread to mop up all those delicious buttery juices. Serves 6 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 15 mins 24 large whole prawns, peeled, heads and tails attached Large pinch pul biber or chilli flakes, to serve Lemon wedges, to serve For the flatbread: 1tsp cumin seeds, toasted, lightly crushed150g self-raising flour100g plain natural yogurt1tbsp olive oil For the butter: 150g unsalted butter 2tbsp each finely chopped dill and parsley, plus extra to garnish 2 preserved lemons, skin only, chopped, plus…

✢ Furniture need updating? Consider upcycling what you have already, instead of buying new. A lick of chalk paint in a deep blue with a set of new knobs will make a big difference. ✢ For an easy bedside table refresh, add a pretty carafe and tumbler set alongside a clear glass lamp and a small vase filled with sprigs of foliage – perfect for a guest room. ✢ If you already have a grey colour scheme in your home, try adding some touches of blue to give your decor a lift. Look for accessories and soft furnishings in tonal shades, which blend the blues and greys together, and furniture in dark blue or navy.…

1 Make your own perfume in Grasse Set in the hills above Cannes, the town of Grasse has long been known for its perfumeries. Between the orange- and pink-hued buildings you’ll find bijou independent perfume houses, as well as the International Perfume Museum. In the surrounding area, abundant flower farms grow roses, jasmine, geraniums and many other blooms for use in the scents of three main perfume houses, Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard, and also supply big designer brands and smaller artisanal perfume houses. ‘Farms grow blooms for Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard’ Craft sweet scents At Galimard, you can take a two-hour workshop to learn the finer points of creating a scent and how to combine 15-20 aromas (from a choice of 126). It’s a little like a chemistry lesson, but…

Discover and enjoy new novel The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan. Recently widowed, Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves feels she’s been sleepwalking through life. When she buys the dilapidated Phoenix Ballroom to create a community centre, her generosity provides refuge for an array of damaged souls. As their stories intertwine, secrets are revealed, opportunities seized and lives renewed, will the Phoenix live up to its name? From the bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things, Ruth’s stories of heart and hope are like a hug in a book! TERMS AND CONDITIONS *The offer is limited to the first 1,000 downloads; it is one download per person and is limited to 1,000 units. The offer is valid from 29 May to 29 July 2025 or while stocks last. To claim your book,…

Literary phenomenon Taylor Jenkins Reid first entered our consciousness with the hedonistic novel Daisy Jones & The Six. Following a fictional rock band inspired by Fleetwood Mac, it was later turned into a successful TV series starring Elvis’ granddaughter, Riley Keough. So far, so cool. But it was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo she wanted readers to discover. Her vivid stories, set in key historic moments, feature unforgettable characters grappling with their past. Her latest novel, Atmosphere, set in the 1980s, is a love story set against the backdrop of the memorable space-shuttle programme. ‘Evelyn Hugo was the book I was supposed to write’ When I finished Carrie Soto is Back, I wanted to do something different and go somewhere I’d never been before. I had delved into all…

Art EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL The UK’s largest annual festival of visual art is back for its 21st year. During August, Edinburgh comes alive with an eclectic programme of art, performance, experimental music and poetry. 7-24 August; full details at edinburgh artfestival.com Theatre A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Following its hugely successful 2019 run, this magical production of Shakespeare’s classic play returns. Be transported to a fairy forest with aerobic acrobatics, with immersive standing tickets that allow the audience to follow the story on foot. At London’s Bridge Theatre, 31 May to 23 August; bridgetheatre.co.uk Exhibition BETWEEN THE COVERS WITH VITA: THE LIFE AND LITERATURE OF VITA SACKVILLE-WEST An influential gardener and writer, Vita Sackville-West was a controversial figure in the early 20th century, partly due to her relationships with women. Her…

DIY should really be DYI – Do Yourself In. I speak from painful personal experience. Like many women who grew up with capable dads, I never learnt my way around a toolbox. I call every gadget a ‘thingy’. My only DIY procedure is the highly technical art of whacking the c**p out of any electronic device till it works again. Thank goodness wine bottles have twist tops because sometimes even a corkscrew is beyond me. When the fuse box blew recently, and my kids and I were reduced to feeling our way around the house, not one electrician I called was available until, oh, the next millennium, so I was forced to tackle the problem myself. This involved putting the thingamabob inside the whatchamacallit, turning the doohickey clockwise, then thwacking…