I love Helga Jensen’s books. They are the perfect mixture of exotic destinations and romance. Her character’s are always unique and different. My Heart is in Venice is set in Wales and Venice. It’s lovely to see a book set in Wales.
The characters are also older which is refreshing. Helga has a way of writing highly original and fun characters. I loved Libby and was rooting for her. If you want a great midlife second chance romance novel then this is it.
I highly recommend this entertaining and enchanting novel. It has wonderful, unique destination in Wales and Venice, along with wonderful characters and a great plot. I loved this escapist novel. Grab a copy now.
Venice was where it all began… Libby and Will spent a glorious honeymoon in this magical city. They didn’t have much money, but they had a whole lot of love and a bright future ahead of them. And Venice was where it all went wrong… Two kids and twenty-five years later, they are struggling with money problems but somehow Will manages to fulfil his promise to Libby to take her back to Venice for their anniversary. This time, they are doing it in style and a masked ball awaits. But among the beautiful buildings and romantic canals, Libby learns that her husband has a secret that breaks her heart. The trust is broken and the marriage is over. But there are decades of love and two grown sons between them. Can they ever find their way back to each other or have they missed their chance forever?
January is always a bit meh. We’re supposed to reinvent ourselves but it’s cold and dark. We need all of the help we can get. 52 weeks of wellbeing is a fantastic book written by an author who is smart, original and full of fantastic advice.
The authors personality is shot through with an incredible amount of research. This book is so inspirational and I will be dipping in and out of it for the rest of the week. Brilliant.
52 Weeks of Wellbeing to Transform Your Life - from ‘Kintsugi’ to embrace your flaws to ‘Cold Therapy’ to boost stress tolerance & ‘Timebox’ to handle email overload
A simple wellbeing technique for every week of 2024 – to go from frazzled to fulfilled
WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS
Three billion people are miserable at work according to Gallup. And, unsurprisingly, anger, stress, worry and sadness hit record highs in 2021 and have been rising for 10 years
The book is packed with 52 simple, practical, accessible habits, techniques and tips – one for every week of 2024 – that ANYONE can do to cultivate a happier life and make you your priority
After a rugby accident left him unable to walk for a year and suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts and bulimia, author Ryan Hopkins embarked on a mental health mission
Now Chief Impact Officer at pioneering mental health platform JAAQ and Deloitte’s former Future of Wellbeing Lead, he delivers talks everywhere from TEDx to Microsoft to Jimmy Choo on mental health and regularly writes for everyone from the FT to LinkedIn
Ryan Hopkins is on a mission. He wants to reach 1 billion people to transform our wellbeing – from the toilet. That probably needs some explaining…
Many of us prioritise work over wellbeing. A third of UK workers eat ‘aldesko’ (aka at our desks) and 67% feel pressured to be available at all hours of the day. Global unhappiness has risen by over a third since 2010. Something needs to change.
Back to the toilet then. After a rugby accident left Ryan wheelchair-bound for a year and suffering from severe depression, anxiety, bulimia and suicidal thoughts for nearly a decade afterwards, he began building doable wellbeing habits and techniques into his everyday life. They’re so simple ANYONE can do them, even on the loo, but, combined, they have the power to radically improve our wellbeing. To prove it, he created his now viral ‘Toilet Break Wellbeing’ video series – which has reached tens of millions of people and counting.
In his new book 52 Weeks of Wellbeing: A No-Nonsense Guide to a Fulfilling Work Life, Ryan reveals a simple wellbeing technique for every week of the year to help transform us from anxious and frazzled to happy and fulfilled. Combining the latest academic thinking with his powerful experience of recovering from rock bottom, the book is a highly practical, accessible, funny and engaging guide to improving our mental health.
To make real, lasting change, wellbeing and self-care should be something we proactively make space for every day, not only addressed reactively in response to a problem. Packed with small, smart wellbeing habits you can easily fit into even the craziest of busy days, they accumulate to make drastic change. They include:
Breathwork for stressful times
The Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi’ to embrace your flaws
‘Cold Therapy’ to boost stress tolerance
‘Timebox’ to handle email overload
Cosmic insignificance theory to combat anxiety
Bringing back the Great British Tea Break to kickstart productivity
Wellbeing is a lifelong pursuit – some weeks it’s easier to master than others – but armed with the knowledge, tips and tricks from this book, Ryan hopes to provide 1 billion people with the tools needed to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life at work and at home.
“The ultimate guide to a better you. A fascinating and inspiring read.” Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer for Google X
“Ryan combines his trademark sense of humour with a pragmatic view of well-being, making this an engaging and informative read.” – Dr. Clare Fernandes, Chief Medical Officer, BBC
“A book of bite-sized bits of brilliance.” Isabel Berwick, Financial Times
52 Weeks of Wellbeing by Ryan Hopkins is published by Kogan Page, 3rd January 2024, RRP £12.99
One of the best things about being an editor is the opportunity to try lots of exciting things. I love Blake Lively’s films and was excited to try her range of drinks, Betty Buzz. The range is gorgeous. They look great and taste even better. They are fresh and original. Almost like they have been home made. I will definitely try them again in the future. Here are three mocktail ideas from Betty Buzz.
Betty Buzz is made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavours, resulting in the perfect mixers for easy at home mocktails.
Betty Buzz Ginger Apple
1/2 bottle Betty Buzz Ginger Beer | 50ml Cloudy Apple Juice | 15ml Lemon Juice | Cinnamon Syrup | Apple Fan
Combine ice, apple juice, lemon juice and cinnamon syrup. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Pour Betty Buzz Ginger Beer over top. Garnish with an apple fan
Betty Buzz Ginger Beer – Clean, fresh ginger taste with the perfect balance of spice and bubbles. RRP: From £2.50 per 266 ml bottle Available from: Whole Foods Market
Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit Spicy Sparkling Faux – Loma
Salt the rim of the glass (if desired). Fill shaker with ice, jalapeños and lime juice. Close and shake generously to combine. Pour into a lowball glass over ice and top with Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit. Garnish with jalapeño slices
Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit – made with 24% real Pink Grapefruit juice this delivers a tangy, lightly sweet and fresh citrus hit. RRP: From £1.80 per 150ml can and £2.50 per 266ml bottle and as a multiple pack from Amazon 24 x 150 ml cans from £29.99
Add ice to a highball glass and add a splash of Grenadine. Pour Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime over top. Stir together gently. Garnish with cherryBetty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime – Refreshing with deliciously authentic flavours RRP: From £1.80 per 150ml can and £2.50 per 266 ml bottle and as a multiple pack from Amazon 24 x 150 ml cans from £29.99
The London Book Fair (LBF) is always a highlight of the publishing calendar. They have revealed the Authors of the Day line-up for the 2025 Fair, which will feature: best-selling novelist and chair of judges for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 Monica Ali as Adult Author of the Day; Argentine novelist and screenwriter Claudia Piñeiro, who was shortlisted for theInternational Booker Prize, as International Author of the Day; the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2024-2026) Frank Cottrell-Boyce as Children’s Author of the Day; and comics artist and British Book Awards winner Jamie Smart as the first ever Creative of the Fair.
Monica Ali (credit Yolande De Vries)
Claudia Piñeiro (Alejandra López
Adam Ridgway, Director of The London Book Fair, said: “We are delighted to reveal our first author line-up for LBF25, which is set to be an incredible showcase of UK and global publishing, as well as the first major international book industry event of 2025. From an International Booker shortlistee to the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, and from Sunday Times best-selling authors to the first ever Creative of the Fair, we couldn’t be prouder to bring such an array of talent to our 2025 Fair. We are really looking forward to welcoming Claudia, Monica, Frank and Jamie to Olympia next year, and we can’t wait to hear their insights at their in-conversation events.”
Claudia Piñeiro said: “I am very honoured and excited to be able to take part in the 2025 London Book Fair and especially to have been invited as an International Author of the Day. I am very aware of the significance of The London Book Fair and of the magnitude of the events that take place. The London Book Fair’s international focus is extremely important. For me, receiving feedback from readers globally teaches me a great deal, as it shows how my stories are read and interpreted in different societies. This, for me, is extremely enriching.”
Monica Ali said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed Adult Author of the Day and can’t wait to return to LBF after a very long absence. I think the last time I was there was back in 2006, so I’m curious to find out how it’s changed since then. What I do know is that there’s no better place to connect with publishers from around the globe, and to meet writers and readers. I’m excited to be part of an event that celebrates talent and creativity and highlights the importance of books in our cultural landscape.”
Frank Cottrell-Boyce said: “I’m delighted to be the Children’s Author of the Day at The London Book Fair 2025, which is gearing up to be another vibrant celebration of international publishing. Writing and reading has transformed my life, and I have written children’s books for more than twenty years because I think they help build the apparatus of happiness inside us. In my role as the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I’ve launched the ‘Reading Rights’ campaign in partnership with BookTrust, calling for national provision so that every child – from their earliest years – has access to books, reading and the transformative ways in which they improve long-term life chances. I’m looking forward to joining the LBF audience in London next year to cherish what reading together means, and what – as an industry – we can bring to families.”
Jamie Smart said: “I’m thrilled to be the first ever Creative of the Fair at LBF25, what an honour! It’s my first ever London Book Fair so I’m really excited to throw myself into it, meet everyone, and share everything I can about comics and comic-making with anyone who’d like to listen!”
Claudia Piñeiro is best known for her crime novels, which are bestsellers in Argentina, Latin America and around the world. As an author and scriptwriter for television, she has won numerous national and international prizes, including the Pepe Carvalho Prize, the LiBeraturpreis for Elena Knows and the prestigious Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize for Las grietas de Jara (A Crack in the Wall). Many of her novels have been adapted for the big screen, including Elena Knows (Netflix), which was also shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize.
Monica Ali is a bestselling author, whose work has been translated into 26 languages. Her debut novel, Brick Lane, was Booker-shortlisted and subsequently turned into a movie. Her subsequent novels include In the Kitchen, Untold Story, and most recently, Love Marriage, which was a Sunday Times bestseller. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature she has judged numerous literary prizes, and chaired the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Since 2020, she has been Patron of Hopscotch Women’s Centre, a charity dedicated to empowering women from minority backgrounds to achieve their full potential.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning children’s author, screenwriter and current Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2024-2026). Millions, his debut children’s novel, won the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Frank’s other books include Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy, Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, Runaway Robot, Noah’s Gold andThe Wonder Brothers, and have also been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes. In 2023 he launched The Island of Brilliant! podcast with Nadia Shireen, celebrating children’s writing and illustration. Frank’s new novel, The Blockbusters!, illustrated by Steven Lenton, will be published on 15 May 2025 by Macmillan Children’s Books.
Jamie Smart was named Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards 2024, and won Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year for Bunny vs Monkey: Multiverse Mix-up. His comic Fish-Head Steve was the first comic to be shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Jamie has illustrated comics for The Sunday Times, the Dandy and the Beano. His well-loved Bunny vs Monkey and Looshkin stories are regularly published in The Phoenix comic, and as bestselling graphic novels.
The Authors of the Day and Creative of the Fair will take part in ‘In Conversation’ events on different days throughout The London Book Fair. Claudia Piñeiro will be attending the fair on Tuesday 11 March, Monica Ali and Jamie Smart will appear at events on Wednesday 12 March, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce will be speaking on Thursday 13 March. Full details of these sessions will be announced shortly.
The London Book Fair (LBF) is the world’s largest spring book trade and publishing event and will return to its home at Olympia London from 11 – 13 March 2025.
Further details about The London Book Fair registration and line-up will be revealed in due course and will be available at this page. The full programme for The London Book Fair 2025 will be announced early next year.
I adored this smart speculative thriller. It’s original and lots of fun. This is in development by Archewell, Prince Harry and Meghan’s production company. This brilliant book is a about a woman who is murdered, brought back to life as a clone, and then solves her own murder. A must read.
The Returned Amanda Cassidy
This book had me completely hooked. It is about a woman who is told her son died in a fire, only for her son to seemingly come back to life decades later. A detective is called back to her hometown and the memories she left behind. It was smart and full of stunning prose. Amanda Cassidy is a writer to watch. I rarely reread a book but The Returned has earned a place on my book shelf. Cassidy is a stunning voice in Irish crime fiction. This book is disturbing and twisty. Leaving me hooked from the first page.
The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair Natasha Hastings
This dazzling historical fantasy novel sweeps you up to a beautiful world. Natasha Hastings is a stunning writer. This middle grade novel is heartwarming and perfectly written. My children aren’t quite old enough for it yet, but I loved it. I can’t wait for the follow up next year.
It’s winter, 1683, and the Great Frost has swept into London. By day, thirteen-year-old Thomasina and her friend Anne peddle sweets on the frozen river, hearing rumors of the magical Frost Fair that awakens there at night. They say if you can find it, Father Winter himself will grant any wish you have. And Thomasina has an impossible wish: the return of her twin brother, whose death left her family fractured.
Unfortunately Yours Tessa Bailey
I love Tessa Bailey and these two characters from Secretly Yours were my favourite and I could not wait for the sequel. I was not disappointed. This enemies-to-lovers story fizzles with chemistry and racy sex scenes. It is fun and heartfelt as Natalie and August find their way to each other.
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont Laura Pearson
This book about an eighty-something woman who’s husband dies and then she decides to tick of his last list. It says Find D. Mabel decides to find their old friend Dot. What follows is a heartwarming story with great characters. Fantastic.
Nineteen Steps Millie Bobby Brown
I loved this historical fiction novel from the star of stranger things. While there was some controversy around the ghostwriting, it is a fantastic and immersive novel based on Millie’s grandmother’s story. I loved the ending.
The American Boyfriend Ivy Ngeow
The American Boyfriend has all of the hallmarks of a great thriller. Fantastic characters, a great location (Florida) and a plot that keeps you guessing. This pacy book is full of great moments. I loved the ending. Just brilliant.
The Shallows Holly Craig
The Shallows was definitely one of my favourite books of 2023. I could not put it down. Everything from the plot to the characters is pitch perfect. It’s a brave and wild ride.
Emma and Ariella, neighbours in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, appear to have it all—perfect homes, perfect husbands, perfect lives. But they both know dark secrets lurk beneath the surface and shallow waters can’t hide Ariella’s. Now she has been found murdered.
We loved Peppersmith. Delicious and unhealthy; they are the perfect snack.
Naturally tasty, feel good treats. Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles are bursting with 100% natural flavours and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that are actively good for you.
From zingy Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles to refreshing Peppermint Mints and Gum, the natural flavours include peppermint and spearmint oils, explosive eucalyptus, Sicilian lemons and delicious strawberries, giving you banging flavour, freshening up your breath and caring for your dental health all in one!
All Peppersmith products are sugar free, gluten free, vegan friendly, free from palm oil and nut free – and because they contain xylitol, which contains a whopping 40% fewer calories than sugar, they’re guilt-free and great for anyone with wobbly blood sugars too.
There are six different flavours to choose from, including Peppermint Mints and Gum, Spearmint Gum, Extra Strong Mints, Sicilian Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles. Plus the Peppermint Mints and both flavours of Gum come in Mighty Boxes too – freshness to the max.
And if you can’t decide which to pick, there’s a totally tantalising mixed taster box bursting with all of the flavours. The perfect way to taste what all the fuss is about.
Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles cost from £1.30 (15g gum, Ocado) and are available from health shops and supermarkets nationwide, including Holland & Barrett, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. Mighty Boxes and mixed taster boxes are also available online from www.peppersmith.co.uk
SAY CHEESE… 5 SMILE FACTS YOU MAYBE DIDN’T KNOW
Half of British adults hate their smile because of the condition of their teeth, and a majority have been affected by “Posh Spice Syndrome,” which occurs when a person is considered miserable because they smile so sparingly.
The sweetener Xylitol has been proven to help reduce tooth decay. It can stunt bacterial growth by up to 90%, so not only does it neutralise the acid in your mouth but also prevents them from starting in the first place, making it extremely hard for plaque to stick to your teeth.
The NHS could save £8.2 million a year on dental treatments – the equivalent of 364,000 dental check-ups – if all 12-year-olds across the UK were to chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking, thanks to the role it plays in helping to prevent tooth decay.
It is estimated that three quarters of the British population chew gum regularly. They buy 980 million packs a year, and spit out more than 3.5bn pieces.
Smiling enhances positive emotions. Everyone has both positive and negative emotions swimming around in their heads. When you choose to smile and laugh often, you tap into your positive emotions.
All the more reason to say cheese whenever you can!
Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel board game available from Amazon
Get into a spin this year with the ultra-competitive Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel based on the hit TV series.
This time, you’re the contestant in a race to complete your own set of seven questions and make it through to the End Game, where one final question stands in the way of victory. Compete alone or get into teams to pool your expert knowledge of the vast array of categories, but it’s not that simple, as success all depends on the spin of The Wheel…Land on gold and you’ll be rewarded with an easier ride… but watch out for the red as you’ll be shut down and thrown off The Wheel.
Now included with any purchase of The Wheel board game is the new web app allowing users to play the TV show music when spinning the board games wheel, creating the full feeling of being on the show! It’s available for all new and existing owners of the game and can be played on any web browser on mobile devices and computers. You can now sing ‘The Wheel, The Wheel, The Wheel’ to your hearts content!
With all the dizzying fun and nerve-jangling suspense of the show, it’s the board game ‘revolution’ you’ve been waiting for! The game has a vast array of question categories including science, movies, sport, TV, superheroes, video games, history and social media so something for the whole family.
Mr & Mrs Family Edition board game available from Amazon.
Would you be surprised to find out what your partner really thinks, or can you read them like a book? Pair up with your romantic other half, or even a friend or family member to answer in-depth and entertaining questions about each other with the Mr & Mrs Family Board Game based on the hit TV show All Star Mr & Mrs, hosted by Phillip Schofield.
Mr & Mrs Family Edition contains questions suitable for adult couples, families and even boys and girls from the age of 10. With over 1,000 new questions designed to uncover things you may not know about your nearest and dearest, Mr & Mrs Family Edition is a great way for players to spend time together. The game features an improved Paddle Round where players sit or stand back to back and answer questions about each other such as ‘Who complains the most?’ or ‘Who is the most generous?’ It also includes the ‘It’s a Match’ bonus game – a true or false game where you can still score points for being on the same wavelength as your partner, even if you’re both wrong. It even includes some blank cards so you can write your own embarrassing questions. Guaranteed to cause laughter, blushes, blank looks and a whole lot more! The Mr&Mrs Family Edition board game is available for an RRP of £19.99 [currently discounted to £18.75] from Amazon with the Pocket Edition available for an RRP of £9.99 [currently discounted to £8.99] from Amazon
To protect hearing health and keep kids entertained.
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus Volume Limited Kids Headphones – available from Amazon.co.uk for £100 [currently discounted to £70]
In keeping with Puro Sound Labs mission to protect consumers’ hearing, the headphones are made to protect young listeners’ eardrums from early hearing damage being volume limited to 85 dB as recommended by the World Health Organization.
While the headphones are volume limited to the maximum safe listening level, they certainly do not compromise on sound quality. The Puro Balanced Response® Curve technology is engineered to deliver the finest genuine studio sound with clear, crisp vocals and full dynamic bass suitable for all genres of music. Additionally, the BT2200 Plus features a fully passive design which blocks 83% of the ambient noise @ 1kHz just by wearing them, ensuring that users can listen to their favourite tracks, audio books or YouTube undisturbed, or find their own space in shared environments.
Designed with both comfort and style in mind, the BT2200 Plus headphones boast a lightweight, construction that truly stands the test of time. As well as a durable, supple protein leather headband and ear cushions, guaranteeing a comfortable listening experience while relaxing at home or on the go. The BT2200 Plus also comes with interchangeable ear cups so children can switch from on-ear to over-ear for a better seal and more comfort. It also has a built in microphone, ideal for online learning and children will love the Daisy Chain sharing cable so favourite tracks and YouTube videos can be enjoyed with friends or siblings.
Party Kit Network offers new solution to disposable tableware and decorations
With the new ban on single-use plastics now in place, a UK company offers a solution to Christmas party organisers concerned about the cost and environmental impact of plastic waste generated by partyware. Party Kit Network was founded by Winchester-based Isabel Mack in 2019, concerned by the amount of single-use plastic she saw ending up in the bin at the end of children’s parties.
Party Kit Network offers a ‘sharing economy’ solution to finding fun, affordable, and reusable Christmas party items (such as plates, cups, cutlery and decorations) in the UK, Australia and beyond. Party Kit Network has tapped into two current trends: the growing interest in keeping plastic out of landfill and looking after the planet; and connecting with others to rent items rather than buy them – like the growing number of clothing rental and car sharing apps out there.
Each party kit is independently run by eco-minded individuals, school PTA groups, community lending libraries, small party businesses and zero waste stores. The benefits are huge: the kits help to avoid unnecessary waste from single-use items, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfill. For a party with 30 guests, switching to reusables and hiring a party kit saves an average of 100 single-use items from landfill. And it’s often cheaper to hire a party kit than to buy the equivalent disposables, plus it’s more convenient, with everything provided in one handy box.
“Party kits offer a simple solution to a waste problem”, says Isabel. “Like the wider sharing economy, I believe they also strengthen community connections (I’m often referred to as ‘the plate lady’ in Winchester). And they can act as a catalyst – by making the swap from disposables to eco-friendly reusables easier we hopefully inspire more people to look for sustainable options in other areas of life. The appeal is truly global – we’ve just had a kit from Oklahoma join!”
What better way to have a less wasteful Christmas than sharing your party supplies? Visit https://www.partykitnetwork.org/ to find a kit near you.
