Red Flags is a joyful book with a great message. It is How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days for the Gen Z generation. I love Poppy. She is so confident and sure of herself, but her guard is up and she is too cynical. Then we have Cam, who is scared of being vulnerable. He is terrified of intimacy. It is so wonderful to see a young man portrayed in such a beautiful and nuanced way. I am not the target market for this book. I am not a teen, nor a young adult, but if I ever wanted to read a manual for having a good, healthy, relationship, then this is definitely it.
This witty and engaging book is a must read. Sophie Jo writes very wise books full of warmth and well-rounded characters. I adored it. A brilliant five star read.
Poppy is known for her high standards. Why bother with relationships when boys don’t ever seem to live up to her expectations? One red flag and she’s out.
Cam is known for quickly developing the ick. He’s never dated anyone for long – a week here, a month there, but he always spooks.
When Poppy’s friends challenge her to give someone a chance for two whole months, Poppy decides that Cam (her mysterious bus crush) could be the best of an underwhelming bunch. But Cam’s been set his own challenge: he’s banned from ending things in his next relationship … and that means he’s ready to do whatever he can to put Poppy off.
Two skeptics. Two months. And this time, neither of them can disappear the moment they spot something they don’t like…
As Mad Beauty celebrates their 25th birthday, they have launched an exciting new SS25 collections. Featuring magical collaborations with Disney and Warner Bros, alongside their exclusive own-label range, these collections are designed to surprise and delight. They are fun and super cute. The designs are brilliant. I love them.
These products are gorgeous products of joy. When you get one they add to your day. We all deserve gorgeous things in our life that brighten up the day. Get shopping now. Now available to shop online at madbeauty.com, here’s an exclusive first look at the must-have products from each collection:
Lady and The Tramp
A romantic rendezvous of delicate florals and indulgent treats, this collection celebrates the classic love story’s 70th anniversary. Perfect for Disney lovers and dog enthusiasts alike, this collection reimagines the film’s most iconic moments into innovative beauty products.
Transform bath time with this charming bath spaghetti, fragranced with wildflower for a luxurious soak that’s as indulgent as the film’s famous candlelit dinner scene.
With Moana’s popularity soaring ahead of the upcoming live-action movie in 2026, this collection is a tropical celebration of inner strength and independence. Expect fresh scents, vibrant designs, and products that help you look and feel your best.
Enriched with shea butter and algae extract, this hydrating mask deeply nourishes hair, leaving it silky smooth. Use Moana’s iconic paddle scoop to apply the perfect dose and let the tropical coconut fragrance transport you to island paradise.
Bringing beloved Disney Princesses into the modern era, this collection is filled with fun, contemporary beauty essentials. Expect new formats like lip oils, face masks, and scrunchie sets, ideal for gifting when choosing just one princess is impossible!
A four-piece collection of hydrating, high-gloss lip oils in delicious fragrances including apple, cherry, vanilla, and strawberry, to keep lips soft and radiant all day.
Shop the Disney Princess Express Yourself collection here
Powerpuff Girls
Inspired by the fearless energy of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, this vibrant collection features beauty must-haves designed to empower and uplift.
With travel booming, Mad Beauty celebrates its hometown with a collection of iconic London-inspired beauty gifts, making for the perfect souvenirs and keepsakes.
Natali Simmonds is the author who became huge with Good Girls Die Last in 2023. It was a brilliant book. A blistering feminist thriller. This was followed by My Daughter’s Revenge and now, While My Baby Sleeps. I honestly think no one has a right to be this talented. Publishing a thriller of this calibre a year, with all of the other stuff she has going on, the TV rights for Good Girls Die Last also sold, is simply not on.
Jokes aside, I met Natali Simmonds in person at Laura Pearson’s book launch for The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up. She talked about this book and how hard she thought it was going to be to write it. Natali suffered with severe sleep deprivation for years. Her two daughters were born close together. You can feel it in this book. The real emotion. The experience. It has all of the mum-with-a-toddler haze all wrapped up in a thriller so perfect you will think of it every moment you are not reading it. I was desperate to know what was going to happen and read it into the night.
While My Baby Sleeps is a masterclass in thriller writing. An absolute perfect novel that I practically inhaled. I loved the story, I loved the characters (or hated them), and the ending was perfect and unpredictable. I am going to insist you read it. You will not be disappointed.
I have to stay awake… I need to keep him safe.
I haven’t slept properly since Riley was born. I love my baby so much – every noise he makes and every sleepy blink has me rushing to his side to make sure he’s safe.
Yet the lack of sleep is getting to me. There are terrifying blanks in my memory, and my temper is blindingly short. I can’t rely on my partner – I don’t even know where he is half the time. But at least I have Maggie next door. She tells me this is just what new motherhood is like, so I have no choice but to ignore the blackout rages and blurred vision, for Riley’s sake…
But after another night of no sleep, the last thing I expect is a police officer at my door. My neighbour has been found dead. The man I’ve been furious at for weeks for keeping me and the baby awake with his late-night parties.
Though really, maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised… Because this morning, I woke up on my doorstep. And I have no memory of what happened – or where the blood on my hands came from.
As I hear Riley start to cry, I swallow against the rising panic in my throat. It can’t have been me. I’m no killer, I’m just a sleep-deprived, loving mother… aren’t I?
An absolutely unputdownable, addictive suspense thriller with a jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of gripping page-turners like The Housemaid, The Family Across the Street and The Family Upstairs.
As a keen ballroom and latin dancer I’m constantly scanning for the best makeups and applicators, all to make me look young and gorgeous in the dance competitions (always a challenge, frankly, and not getting any easier as the years take their toll). Good quality makeup products are a must – they should not only achieve aforementioned miracle, but also stay in place all day, despite repeated rounds of cha cha and jive and forced beaming at judges, and ideally they should provide the perfect mask, hiding the fact that the dancer is exhausted, has screaming quads and is wondering why she didn’t taken up a sensible hobby, like birdwatching.
However even the best makeup needs to be applied smoothly and evenly, and without good brushes, a Mona Lisa can descend all too quickly into Van Gogh’s Sunflowers – beautiful in their own way of course, but those thick brush strokes just won’t cut it when one is trying to win a nice shiny trophy.
So I’m super excited to discover Glow & Restore makeup brushes. They’re designed by beauty influencer and MUA Lucinka Hodnett (@bylucinka) and really are rather special. As a professional makeup artist, Lucinka understands exactly how to design the perfect, high quality brush for a beautiful finished look.
All the Glow & Restore brushes are 100% vegan, with bio-responsive, precision gradient bristles. The round and slightly curved angle of the bristles enables the brush head to get around the contours of the face for a professional flawless finish and they feel so soft on the skin it’s like a gentle caress. They’re advertised to work in harmony with the skin’s natural elasticity for seamless buffing, sculpting, and blending, reducing irritation and micro-damage while maximising all-important glow – and they really do.
The range has a large range of brushes, of all shapes and sizes, for applying both cream/wet products and powder. A clever feature is the colour-coding – cream-coloured for wet products and cappuccino-coloured for powders, so it’s super easy to grab the right brush.
Having tried them I can confirm that the finish is so smooth – you can’t see any lines or flaws – just pure perfection. I tested the powder brush set – a large, a small and a blush brush, plus a really useful flat triangular powder puff and a sponge, worth £54 but currently on offer together at £40 the set which is excellent for such fabulous-quality brushes.
I really love that the Glow & Restore website has great information and advice on each of the different brushes – how and when to use them, so if you’re new to makeup, or even if you’re not, do take a look.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, these would make a fantastic treat for Mum. But don’t forget to treat yourself too – you deserve it – do head to the website.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice
Living life luxuriously does not always equate to exorbitant spending. The idea that one must possess a fat bank account to indulge in life’s finer aspects is, in fact, a myth. In this era of ‘smart living,’ one can enjoy numerous upscale comforts without bearing a hefty price tag. Believe it or not, there are several innovative, budget-friendly ways to enjoy life’s upgrades. With a little planning and creativity, you can live a lavishly comfortable life sans financial stress.
Electric Cars on Lease
For instance, have you ever thought about getting an electric car on lease? Electric vehicles have recently become a symbol of both sustainability and luxury. However, owning one might seem difficult because of the up-front cost. This is where leasing comes in. By leasing the car instead of buying, you can enjoy the richness of a luxury electric vehicle while paying a fraction of the retail price.
Plus, leasing offers added perks such as not having to worry about maintenance costs or the vehicle’s depreciation. Many leases include regular servicing and warranty coverage, ensuring that your car stays in top condition without any extra effort or expense. Leasing also gives you the flexibility to drive a new model every few years, keeping you at the forefront of technology and design without the long-term commitment of ownership.
Shared Luxury with Fractional Ownership
The concept of non-whole ownership, called fractional ownership, has become a popular trend. In essence, you can part-own a luxury asset such as a yacht, private jet or holiday home. The cost, maintenance, and usage are split between various owners, allowing you to enjoy the luxury for a fraction of the cost. This is a great economical way to enjoy the high life without burning a hole in your pocket.
Seek out Discount Luxury Holidays
Looking to relax in a five-star resort or take an exotic cruise? Luxury holidays do not always mean draining your bank account. Travel companies often provide last-minute deals, off-peak discounts and package deals that can save you a substantial amount of money while allowing you to experience the height of luxury. Furthermore, platforms like Airbnb have given rise to ‘luxury for less’ with many high-end apartments and villas available at a fraction of the cost compared to hotels.
Affordable Luxury Brands
Luxury doesn’t always have to come from designer brands. There are a plethora of mid-range brands that offer quality products at a reasonable price. These affordable luxury brands provide a great balance of style, quality, and functionality. The same rule applies not only to fashion but to tech gadgets, skin care, cosmetics, and even homewares.
Buy Pre-Owned Luxury
Pre-owned or second-hand luxury items are an excellent way to enjoy the high life without the high price. Auctions, online platforms, and second-hand luxury boutiques are great places to scout for pre-loved designer items. Remember, a well-maintained luxury item can look just as good as a new one.
Closing Thoughts
Luxury can be attained without the necessity of breaking the bank or compromising on quality. The key to enjoying life’s upgrades lies in smart, well-researched purchases, good timing, and out-of-the-box solutions. Remember that true luxury starts with comfort and happiness, and these sentiments don’t necessarily bear sky-high price tags. It’s all about embracing innovation, exploring alternatives and making choices that add value to your life. So, start today and step into a world where luxury can indeed be enjoyed for less.
Every now and then there is a book that everyone wants a proof of. Melancholy is the downside of seeing the social media posts of the book you want to read RIGHT NOW. Anyway, not to be smug, but I got a copy of Kate Kemp’s The Grapevine ages ago and devoured it in two days. A sumptuous story set in 1970s Australia, it is one of the most talked-about debuts of 2025. Winner of the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction, The Grapevine is a grippy and luscious story of living in a claustrophobic community and how the roles of motherhood can lead to bad decisions.
I felt for the housewives of this suburban community, even while being infuriated and sad with their decisions.
Set in the height of the summer in Australia, 1979, you can feel the heat in this book. It starts off with a shocking murder. As the news of Antonio Marietti’s death spreads through the neighbourhood, the gossip starts and fingers are pointed. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, desperate to solve the mystery.
The Grapevine is a fantastic story with a gripping plot and characters that you don’t forget. I thought I knew what was going to happen, then the plot threw me for a loop. Expect big things from Kate Kemp. This is a stunning debut and an unforgettable novel. It captures small-town life perfectly. The historical settings add yet another layer to this atmospheric novel. Gorgeous.
Australia, 1979.
It’s the height of summer and on a quiet suburban cul-de-sac a housewife is scrubbing the yellow and white chequered tiles of her bathroom floor. But all is not as it seems. For one thing, it’s 3 a.m. For another, she is trying desperately to remove all traces of blood before they stain. Her husband seems remarkably calm, considering their neighbour has just been murdered.
As the sun rises on Warrah Place, news of Antonio Marietti’s death spreads like wildfire, gossip is exchanged in whispers and suspicion mounts. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, determined to find out what happened, but she is not the only one whose well-meaning efforts uncover more mysteries than they solve. There are secrets behind every closed door in the neighbourhood – and the identity of the murderer is only one of them . . .
Richly atmospheric and simmering with tension, The Grapevine is an acutely observed debut novel about prejudice and suspicion, the hidden lives of women, and how the ties that bind a community can also threaten to break it.
With rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, book collectors are facing new challenges in preserving their treasured special editions. Rare books and limited editions are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage, with elements like humidity, heat, and insects posing serious threats to their condition and value.
“Collectors often don’t realise how quickly environmental factors can permanently damage special edition books,” explains Taskeen Ahmed, Founder ofAwesome Books, “The materials used in premium editions—from leather bindings to specialty papers—usually require more careful protection than standard books.”
So let’s move on to the Why and How of it: Why Special Editions Need Extra Protectionagainst insects, humidity, and extreme weather conditions.
Unlike mass-produced paperbacks, special edition books typically contain materials that are particularly susceptible to damage.
“Limited editions frequently include elements like handmade paper, leather bindings, specialty inks, and sometimes even fabric components,” Ahmed explains. “These materials can be magnets for various insects and are more sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations.”
The value of special editions can decrease significantly with even minor damage. Small insect holes, water stains, or warped covers can reduce a collector’s item from mint condition to fair or poor, potentially decreasing its value by 50% or more.
And now the How: Ahmed’s Tips For Protecting Your Special Editions
1. Control Temperature and Humidity. “The ideal environment for storing valuable books is cool, dry, and stable,” says Ahmed. “Aim for temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) and relative humidity between 30-50%.” Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause paper and binding materials to expand and contract, leading to warping and deterioration over time. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas or a humidifier in overly dry environments to maintain optimal conditions.
2. Shield From Direct Light. UV light causes fading and deterioration of book covers and pages, particularly affecting colorful dust jackets and illustrated pages. “Never display your valuable books in direct sunlight,” Ahmed advises. “Even artificial light can cause damage over time, so consider UV-filtering glass for display cases or protective book covers for items on open shelves.”
3. Use Acid-Free Materials. Regular cardboard boxes and standard plastic bags can release chemicals that damage books over time. “Always store special editions with acid-free materials,” recommends Ahmed. “Acid-free boxes, archival sleeves, and unbleached cotton or linen cloths are best for wrapping or storing valuable books. Avoid plastic containers, which can trap moisture and accelerate mould growth.”
4. Implement Pest Prevention Strategies. Insects like silverfish, booklice, and carpet beetles are attracted to the starch in book bindings and the protein in leather covers. “Regular inspection is your first line of defense,” Ahmed notes. “Look for small holes, tiny droppings, or shed insect skins. Keep food away from your collection area and consider natural deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets, which many insects dislike but won’t damage your books.”
5. Create Air Circulation. Stagnant air creates conditions where mould can thrive, particularly in closed bookcases pushed against walls. “Position bookcases a few inches from walls and avoid overcrowding books on shelves,” says Ahmed. “This simple step improves air circulation and reduces the risk of mould growth, which can quickly spread through an entire collection.”
6. Use Proper Shelving Techniques. How books are positioned on shelves impacts their structural integrity over time. “Store books of similar size together and use bookends to keep them upright without leaning,” Ahmed advises. “Very large or heavy books should lie flat, but don’t stack too many on top of each other as this creates pressure on the bottom books. For particularly valuable editions, consider individual archival boxes that protect from light, dust, and physical damage.”
7. Prepare For Weather Emergencies. With extreme weather events becoming more common, collectors need emergency plans to protect their investments. “Keep valuable books on higher shelves to protect from potential flooding, and consider waterproof containers for your most precious items during storm seasons,” says Ahmed. “If you live in an area prone to extreme humidity or temperature fluctuations, investing in climate control equipment isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential protection for your collection.”
Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, continued: “The preservation challenges facing book collectors are increasing as our climate changes. Higher average temperatures create more favourable conditions for book-damaging insects, while extreme weather events put collections at greater risk of water damage and humidity fluctuations. Taking preventative steps now is much more effective than trying to restore damaged books later.
“What many collectors don’t realise is that prevention doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. Simple measures like keeping books away from external walls, using proper shelving techniques, and implementing basic pest monitoring can dramatically extend the life of special editions. The key is consistency—regularly checking your collection for early signs of problems and maintaining stable environmental conditions.
“For those with particularly valuable collections, I recommend creating a preservation plan that includes both everyday care and emergency procedures. Knowing exactly what to do if you spot insect activity or face a sudden climate event can mean the difference between preserving your literary treasures and losing them forever.”
As the author of over 25 books, your editor should know these facts. Trust me, she didn’t, and thanks to Taskeen Ahmed (https://www.awesomebooks.com/) for tips that will serve for looking after books in general, but your precious collections in particular.
Five eight in heels. Five four in a bullet proof vest.
Fundamentallyis the book of 2025. It is in every magazine and newspaper with rave reviews, and its author, Dr. Nussaibah Younis, long-listed for the Women’s Prize, is the woman of the moment. Readers, do believe the hype. The Times called Fundamentally Bridget Jones with Isis brides. It says a lot about the talent of the author that she can take such a serious subject and make it so funny. This debut, yes, it is actually a debut, is funny as fuck. Written with a bravery and lack of filter that sorts out the great writers from the good ones. This no-holds-barred novel takes a serious subject, the rehabilitation of Isis brides and extremism and handles it perfectly. It is not tackled with kid gloves, and Younis reminds me of I.S. Berry, who wrote The Peacock and The Sparrow (pretty much my favourite book of 2024). Written in first person, Dr. Nadia Buart has been abandoned by her mother and is escaping a broken heart after her girlfriend, Rosie, leaves her. Going to Iraq to rehabilitate Isis brides is one hell of a rebound. Dr. Nussaibah Younis knows her stuff. She’s a peacebuilding practitioner and a globally recognised expert on Iraq. She advised the Iraq government for years on proposed programmes to deradicalise women affiliated with Isis. It is impossible not to fall in love with Nadia, despite her many faults. Younis writes with such humour that you will laugh even when you wonder how she was brave enough to write it. Fundamentally is an immersive novel. Completely unique and full of hilarious, well-rounded characters. It tackles a very serious subject with such skill and compassion. Some of the women in the camp ended up there because their husbands told them they were going on holiday. When they get there, they are trapped. It is hard to say who my favourite character is because I kind of love them all. Younis put a huge amount of work into the book. I went to her book launch, and she said how she did a stand-up comedy course to get the jokes right and be funnier. She even got her book club to read her manuscript and critique it. The result is a morally complex, sparklingly funny, jaw-dropping, and gripping novel. It will make you laugh out loud. Fundamentally, is essential reading from a bright new talent who is completely unafraid. Nussaibah Younis has big things ahead of her. We are all just along for the ride.
A wickedly funny and audacious debut novel following an academic who flees from heartbreak and lands in Iraq with an insane job offer—only to be forced to do the work of confronting herself.
When Dr. Nadia Amin, a long-suffering academic, publishes an article on the possibility of rehabilitating ISIS brides, the United Nations comes calling, offering an opportunity to lead a deradicalization program for the ISIS-affiliated women held in Iraqi refugee camps. Looking for a way out of London after a painful, unexpected breakup, Nadia leaps at the chance.
In Iraq, Nadia quickly realizes she’s in over her head. Her direct reports are hostile and unenthused about taking orders from an obvious UN novice, and the murmurs of deradicalization being inherently unethical and possibly illegal threaten to end Nadia’s UN career before it even begins.
Frustrated by her situation and the unrelenting heat, Nadia decides to visit the camp with her sullen team, composed of Goody Two-shoes Sherri who never passes up an opportunity to remind Nadia of her objections; and Pierre, a snippy Frenchman who has no qualms about perpetually scrolling through Grindr.
At the camp, after a clumsy introductory session with the ISIS women, Nadia meets Sara, one of the younger refugees, whose accent immediately gives her away as a fellow East Londoner. From their first interaction, Nadia feels inexplicably drawn to the rude girl in the diamanté headscarf. She leaves the camp determined to get Sara home.
But the system Nadia finds herself trapped in is a quagmire of inaction and corruption. One accomplishment barely makes a dent in Nadia’s ultimate goal of freeing Sara . . . and the other women, too, of course. And so, Nadia makes an impossible decision leading to ramifications she could have never imagined.
A triumph of dark humor, Fundamentally asks bold questions: Who can tell someone what to believe? And how do you save someone who doesn’t want to be saved?
