“I’ve never read anything quite like Alchemy of Secrets – it’s full of adventure and magic and quirky twists will keep you guessing until the very last line.”
– Jodi Picoult
Alchemy of Secrets By Stephanie Garber will be published in hardback by GOLLANCZ on the 7th October 2025.
In a world that can be a bit much there is nothing I love more than escaping into a book, and, damn, does Stephenie Garber let you escape. Alchemy of Secrets is much anticipated and I was honoured to receive a copy. This book feels like the perfect autumn read. Partly set in a university class about urban legends and myths, you feel like you are immersed in a magical world. It is full of adventure as you are taken on a tension-filled treasure hunt through Los Angeles.
Set in old Hollywood, it is full of the glamour you would expect. I found it an enchanting read with a whole lot of twists. With first-class world building, characters that you will love and be frustrated by, and an original story that sweeps you away, Alchemy of Secrets is a stunner.
I love the way Stephanie Garber writes. Her books are highly addictive and fast paced. I was completely gripped through this book. It ends in a bit of a cliffhanger and is full of glorious lore. I can’t wait for book two.
It starts with a class in an old movie theatre.
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor.
Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction. There isn’t a man in Hollywood who you can call to find out the time you’ll die. There’s not a haunted hotel bar in Los Angeles that the devil likes to frequent. There’s no such thing as magic.
But . . . most students don’t have the same tragic past as Holland St. James.
Now a graduate student, Holland is hoping to use her thesis to rewrite her past by proving that some of the most infamous deaths in old Hollywood were actually murders committed by the devil. She has no idea that this quest will lead her into a deadly world of century-old secrets and unimaginable lies and onto the path of two very dangerous men, both of whom are willing to do whatever it takes to find a magic that will either forever alter Holland’s life or completely destroy it.
Alchemy of Secrets is the first adult novel from global fantasy phenomenon Stephanie Garber, the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series.
About the author: Stephanie Garber is the No. 1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Caraval series and the Once Upon a Broken Heart series. Her books have been published in thirty languages.
Ever wonder how to reduce your beauty bag? Is your skincare overflowing with multiple choice products, so much so that you find you neglect them or simply don’t know how to add this in to your routine? Consumerism has driven the availability of some brilliant products that are holy grail in our skincare routines, but also, the amount of steps to treat our skin can be overwhelming. So how much do we really need daily? Whilst everyone’s skin and skin needs are different (be it oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, aging, etc), there are some staple skincare products that should be used by all. We spoke to skincare experts to find out what those are…
CLEANSER
Chartered Chemist, founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green, says, “Cleansing is one of the single most important things you can do for your skin. Everyone’s skin gets dirty from dust, sweat, make-up, sebum and atmospheric impurities, at all times of the day. A nighttime cleanse clears the day’s gunk, giving your skin a chance to repair while you sleep. our skin doesn’t get that dirty while you sleep – unless you roll around in pizza at 3 a.m., a splash of water in the morning can be enough. It is estimated that over 50% of users of cleansers, suffer from skin discomfort, tingling or itching. In my opinion, many cleansers on the market contain too much ethanol and an excess of surfactants that can upset and unbalance the skins natural protective barrier, its ‘Acid Mantle’ – which can lead to redness, irritation, clogged pores and the skin feeling tight and the skins barrier being compromised. Do not over cleanse or use an aggressive cleanser as this can stimulate the skin to produce more sebum and the need to cleanse more. Your skin might even thank you for not scrubbing it like a kitchen countertop. Over-cleansing wrecks your skin barrierand can cause dryness, irritation and even more oil production. I recommend SOS Cleanse as your go to cleanser for healthy looking skin: alcohol-free & petrochemical free.”
MOISTURISER
Dr Bonny Armstrong, Teoxane expert and award-winning Aesthetic Doctor, says, “A healthy skin barrier protects against almost all skin issues including dryness, sensitivity, breakouts and early signs of skin aging. Even oily/acne-prone skin needs hydration to prevent overcompensation. If your skin “feels fine,” daily moisturising prevents problems before they start. Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin and protecting it with daily moisturiser keeps water in and irritants out. Throughout the day, your skin loses water (transepidermal water loss), and can lead to tightness, premature fine lines and sebum overproduction to compensate. Pollution, weather, indoor heating/AC and UV rays all wear on your skin daily, so finding a solid moisturiser that is protecting and nourishing to your skin makes a big difference to your skin’s appearance over time from daily use. Sometimes, we feel we want to avoid moisturiser, especially if it feels too heavy. Teoxane Advanced Filler Normal‑to‑Combination Skin is a light formula suited to normal or combination skin, delivering hydration, smoothing and anti-wrinkle benefits using RHA and a restructuring complex.”
SPF
Clinic Lead at Face the Future, Kimberley Medd, says, “If there’s one none-negotiable in your daily skincare routine – no matter your gender, skin type and age, it’s sun protection. Whilst skin cancer is rightly still the number one reason to wear SPF, there are a multitude of protective benefits to wearing sunscreen that go beyond sunburn. UVA protection in the UK is the key understanding to protect the skin from premature fine lines and wrinkles, which we are more at risk of throughout all seasons, whereas summer is more closely tied to UVB protection (protecting against sunburn). Other SPF benefits include minimising and protecting the skin from hyperpigmentation, sunspots, fine lines and wrinkles, accelerated collagen depletion, drier skin from no barrier protection and maintaining an even skin tone. As skin gets thinner and less resilient with age, it becomes more vulnerable to UV damage. When we’re younger, we might not think too much about sun protection, but as we age, the consequences of not using SPF regularly—like wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer—become more evident. This is telling in that the latest 365 Days of SPF report by Face the Future, 77% of the UK believe it’s important for people aged over 40 to wear sun protection.”
LIP BALM
Emma Coleman, Senior Magnitone Ambassador, Clinic Director and Dermatology Nurse, says, “Lips don’t have oil glands, so they dry out faster than the rest of your skin. They’re constantly under pressure from talking, eating, licking and weather. Applying lip balm can help prevent dryness, cracking, chapping from environmental factors, lip lines and irritation. Just like our skin barrier needs protecting, our lips are often neglected or seen as a “nice to have”. Even those with smooth and generally non-problematic lips can adhere to daily wear, as travel, lifestyle, outdoor exposure, or breathing through your mouth at night, can impact the health of your lips. Some balms cause the very dryness you’re trying to fix, so it’s important to watch out for irritants such as menthol, camphor, phenol, eucalyptus, or fragrances. Avoid lip balms with exfolitating ingredients like Salicylic Acid, which is too harsh for daily lip use. Some balms only offer an addictive feeling and not much healing – they give quick relief but don’t seal in moisture, leading to more reapplying. Instead, look for a lip balm with humectant qualities such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides and vitamin E. UV rays cause lip ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer, especially on the lower lip, so opting for an SPF enriched lip balm can also create an added benefit.”
The Knuckles mini stand was a huge hit with my gaming son, and also his little brother who wanted to use it as a toy. It looks great and is functional. I loved Sonic when I was a child. He is evergreen. A great addition to any gamers kit.
Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become one of the most recognisable video game characters of all time. As the flagship icon of SEGA, Sonichas starred in dozens of games, television series, comics and blockbuster films, amassing a global fanbase across generations. With over 1.5 billion game downloads and sales worldwide, the Sonic franchise remains a cornerstone of gaming culture and continues to evolve with new content and licensed products for fans young and old
Long-time fans and new collectors alike can now bring the world of Sonic the Hedgehog into their everyday spaces with a striking range of officially licensed SEGA collectibles. These highly detailed figures aren’t just for show , they’re designed to hold phones, gaming controllers, Earbuds and small accessories, blending iconic character design with everyday function. The latest collection from EXG Profeatures both full-size Cable Guys and smaller Mini Holdem stands for gamers of all kinds.
Knuckles brings his iconic strength to this compact stand, which features sculpted hands designed to hold phones or wireless earbuds with ease. It’s a subtle yet striking way to integrate character design into a tech space.
I have very sensitive skin and feel like I miss out on a lot of skincare that could make my skin look better. Especially as I get older. It looks like I don’t have to miss out anymore. Finally there is a Vitamin C serum which is gentle enough for me to use.
Dr Althea is What Your Sensitive Skin Has Been Waiting For
Vitamin C serums are everywhere, but if you’re finding it hard to bag one that actually works without wrecking your skin barrier? We’ve got you! Enter: Dr Althea’s Gentle Vitamin C Serum– the low-irritation, high-impact glow booster that’s winning over beauty fanatics, TikTokers, and sensitive skin warriors alike. This brightening MVP was made for skin that needs a little extra TLC. It’s feather-light, totally fragrance-free, and packed with a minimalist dream team of skin-loving ingredients:5% Niacinamide to fade spots + strengthen3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid for potent (but gentle!) radiance Hippophae Rhamnoides Water for a mega antioxidant boost Oh, and did we mention the genius oil capsule delivery system that keeps the vitamin C super fresh? At just £20, it’s the affordable skincare hero for anyone who’s ever said “Vitamin C breaks me out.”No irritation. No greasiness. Just glowy, even-toned skin.
A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health
By Julius Birnbaum, MD, MHS
Medical books can be very dry and hard to read. Not so, Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases. This book is a must read. A much-needed book that tells you more about autoimmune diseases than I have read anywhere else. It is a guide full of knowledge and actionable information. I felt like a friend was taking my hand and telling me all about these various conditions. Both comprehensive and insightful, I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a must buy for everyone who has, or cares for someone who has, an autoimmune disease. Get a copy now.
With one in ten adults in the UK living with an autoimmune disease, Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases offers essential advice for navigating the complex world of various autoimmune diseases. This substantial and compassionate guide helps patients, caregivers, and health care professionals understand the diagnosis, management, and treatment of conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and more.
Author Dr. Julius Birnbaum, an expert in both neurology and rheumatology, covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of autoimmunity to the nuances of various rheumatic diseases and their interconnected nature. With an engaging blend of scientific rigour and empathy, Dr. Birnbaum:
Provides a primer on autoimmunity, explaining how the immune system can mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues
Discusses the roles and limitations of blood tests and biopsies
Covers the complexities of various treatment options, including when to use immunosuppressive therapy and when simpler symptomatic treatments might be appropriate
Emphasizes the importance of personalised treatment plans that consider the unique needs of each patient
Debunks common myths about rheumatic diseases and provides practical advice that can help improve quality of life
Provides captivating patient narratives from his clinical practice that clarify how to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases.
This indispensable overview of autoimmune diseases, supplemented with helpful tools for readers and their loved ones, offers hope and empowerment for managing these complex conditions.
May 2025 | Paperback 440 pages | ISBN 9781421449890 | Price £25.00
For further information about this book please click HERE,
Watching your child’s heart break when their best friend moves away is one of those parenting moments that catches you off guard. Whether you’re a parent or foster carer, seeing your little one struggle with this loss can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with patience and understanding, you can help them navigate this difficult transition whilst building resilience for the future.
Try to Understand the Impact
Children form friendships in a different way to adults. Their bonds are often intense and immediate, built through shared experiences like playground adventures, sleepovers, and countless hours of imaginative play. When a best friend moves away, children don’t just lose a playmate – they lose their confidant, their partner in mischief, and sometimes their sense of security.
For children who are fostered with an agency like Fosterplus, this loss can feel particularly intense. They may have already experienced multiple separations and losses, making the departure of a close friend even more challenging to process. It’s important to acknowledge that their reaction might be stronger than expected, and that’s completely normal.
Immediate Support Strategies
In the days immediately following the news, focus on validation rather than solutions. Let your child express their feelings without trying to “fix” the situation straight away. Phrases like “I can see how sad you are” or “It’s really hard when someone special moves away” help them feel heard.
Create space for them to talk about their favourite memories with their friend. This isn’t dwelling on the past; it’s helping them process the relationship and celebrate what it meant to them. You might suggest they create a scrapbook or draw pictures of their adventures together.
Maintain the Connection
Distance doesn’t have to mean the end of the friendship. Help your child explore ways to stay in touch that feel manageable and age-appropriate. Video calls can be wonderful for younger children who struggle with phone conversations, whilst older children might enjoy writing letters or emails.
Consider planning the occasional visit if geography and circumstances allow. Even knowing there’s a possibility of seeing their friend again can provide comfort during the adjustment period.
Help Them Build New Friendships
Whilst you can’t replace their special friend, you can help create opportunities for new connections. This doesn’t mean rushing them into social situations before they’re ready, but rather gently encouraging activities where friendships might naturally develop.
Local clubs, sports teams, or community groups can provide excellent opportunities. For foster children, you might also explore whether there are specific support groups or activities designed for children with similar experiences.
When to Seek Additional Support
Most children will gradually adjust to their friend’s absence, but some may need extra help. If you notice persistent changes in sleep, appetite, or behaviour that last several weeks, or if they seem unable to engage with other children, consider speaking with their teacher or a child counsellor.
Remember that grief over lost friendships is real and valid. By supporting your child through this experience with empathy and practical strategies, you’re teaching them valuable lessons about relationships, resilience, and how to cope with life’s inevitable changes. Every child deserves to feel supported through these challenging moments, regardless of their family circumstances.
Nourishes and Supports Sensitive Skin – Dermikelp Moisturising Lotion is designed to nourish and care for dry, sensitive skin. Enriched with CEM-K sea kelp extract, this lightweight lotion helps support the skin’s natural barrier while providing hydration and comfort.
Balances and Hydrates – This lotion helps balance moisture levels, keeping skin hydrated and smooth throughout the day. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula is suitable for daily use on both the face and body, leaving your skin soft and refreshed.
Powered by CEM-K Sea Kelp Extract – Dermikelp Moisturising Lotion features CEM-K, a natural active ingredient derived from Ecklonia maxima (sea kelp). Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, CEM-K helps calm sensitive skin and maintain a healthy appearance.
Free from Parabens and Fragrances – Formulated without artificial fragrances or parabens, Dermikelp Moisturising Lotion is safe and gentle for sensitive skin. Its mild, nourishing formula is ideal for those seeking effective daily hydration without exposure to harsh chemicals.
Daily Care for the Whole Body – Apply Dermikelp Moisturising Lotion to your face and body as needed to keep your skin soft, hydrated, and nourished. Gentle enough for all ages, it’s perfect for incorporating into your everyday skincare routine.
Dermikelp® Soothing Shampoo is specially formulated to soothe and calm an itchy, irritated scalp. Infused with the natural CEM-K active ingredient, this gentle shampoo helps reduce discomfort and irritation caused by conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and other scalp sensitivities. Dermatologically tested, it’s designed for daily use to improve scalp health and the overall appearance of hair. Free from cortisone, coal tar, and parabens, Dermikelp® Soothing Shampoo is suitable for all ages and offers a safe, effective solution for maintaining a calm, balanced scalp.
What is summer without good food, something cold to drink, and the company of our friends? Not much. From picnics and barbecues summer needs to be styled out.
Just in time for summer entertaining season, CASO Design has introduced a sleek, space-savvy appliances designed to take the stress out of hosting …
The VinoCase Tabletop Wine Cooler (£109.99) – precision-chills your wine or fizz to the perfect serving temperature, right on the table.
It is the perfect companion for hosting, but also to keep your wine cool. Pop a chilled bottle of wine in and it will be kept at the perfect temperature. It is sleek and stylish, adding sophistication to your kitchen.
Combining German engineering with sophisticated design, they’re ideal for everything from intimate garden parties to spontaneous BBQs.
