I love gentle skincare. Especially as I have sensitive skin. As lots of us reassess our skincare routines for 2026, one big trend shift is standing out. The move away from overloaded, multi-active regimes towards a ‘skin diet’ reset. Think fewer products, better formulas and healthier skin long-term.
After years of exfoliation-heavy products and 10-step routines, lots of us are suffering from compromised skin barriers, sensitivity and breakouts. Now it’s time to scale back and focus on skin comfort, hydration and balance rather than over correction.
Embryolisseperfectly embodies this approach. Rooted in French pharmacy expertise, it champions streamlined skincare that prioritises nourishment and skin health over actives overload. Its multi-tasking formulas are designed to support the skin barrier, restore hydration and keep skin calm and resilient, making them ideal for a reset.
Why Embryolisse is the perfect ‘Skin Diet’ • A minimalist, French pharmacy approach to skincare • Focus on hydration, nourishment and comfort • Supports long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes • Loved by dermatologists and trusted by makeup artists for healthy, balanced skin and makeup prep
Rather than stripping skin back with harsh treatments, Embryolisse encourages a gentler reset that allows skin to recover, rebalance and perform better on its own. The result is skin that looks healthier, feels comfortable and requires less intervention.
Popsapersonalised photo books are perfect for Christmas. These luxe, high-end books have lots of personalisation options, and AI puts them together for you with minimal effort. Just download the app and upload your pictures. The rest is done for you.
Using their photo curation app yet, it helps you create premium photo books, calendars, and more keepsakes in minutes from your smartphone.
Powered by AI, it makes the process highly accessible and intuitive – think automatic layouts, designs, captions and 3D previewsthat take your photos from camera roll to coffee table in just a few taps. Popsa aims for photo book design to be seamless for less tech-savvy customers, without compromising on quality.
The result is a premium, coffee-table-worthy photo book that feels special and is made to last – and ideal gift for loved ones.
The app was founded by Liam Houghton, who set out to make preserving memories effortless after seeing how much time his own family spent struggling with complicated design tools.
To date, they have 10 million app users across 50 countries. They are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot from over 105,000 reviews, and have a 4.8 star App Store rating.
We already have our book and a lovely Christmas ornament. Now get yours.
“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.
I loved Milli Hill’s book, The Positive Birth Book, and I was excited to read Ultra-Processed Women. I believe our diets are causing health problems. It is not normal that the rate of many diseases has rocketed. Our food is full of rubbish, to put it politely. I have always felt overwhelmed about trying to improve my diet, but Ultra-Processed Women explains everything clearly. It is an eye-opening book which lets you take back control of your diet and health. Other health books I have read made everything too hard to follow and overwhelming. Basically, just give up everything you love and never eat anything nice again. Ultra-Processed Women takes a complicated subject and makes it easy to understand and follow.
Ultra-Processed Women is brilliant and informative. I think every woman should read it. This book is literally life-changing. I will be referring to it regularly. A must read.
In Ultra-Processed Women, acclaimed journalist and women’s health advocate Milli Hill uncovers the shocking truth. From period pain and weight gain to depression, hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions and even Alzheimer’s, Hill reveals cutting-edge research into the hidden dangers thatlurk in your daily food choices.
But this is not just a book about food. Ultra-Processed Women also explores the way the modern food industry has exploited women in their advertising for decades and uncovers the damage being wrought not only on our bodies but on the environment and on our own ability to connect with each other through the fundamentally human experience of cooking and eating.
This isn’t just a wake-up call―it’s a battle cry. Written in Hill’s trademark down-to-earth style, Ultra-Processed Women will help you understand the issues and develop a clear course of action, arming you with tools and practical steps to cut through the confusion, break free from the damaging effects of UPFs, and reclaim your health without guilt or deprivation. Changing the way we eat, Hill argues, is a radical act of resistance to an ultra-processed world.
It’s time to take back control. Your body, your choices, your future.
Milli Hill is a writer and freelance journalist with a passion for women’s rights in childbirth and throughout their reproductive lives. Her book The Positive Birth Book is one of the UK’s bestselling pregnancy guides, and has sold nearly 100k copies since publication in 2017. Her more recent books, Give Birth like a Feminist, and My Period (for preteens), have also topped the Amazon charts.
HQ will publish Ultra-Processed Women on 3rd July2025 in hardback, eBook, and audiobook formats.
It can be hard to be a parent and be stylish. I have spent most of my life as a parent wearing dark colours, usually dressed in jeans and a T shirt. These parenting bags from Kapten & Son are incredibly stylish and functional. They keep you organised and looking good at the same time. They are superb quality and well designed.
They have the wow factor and I definitely got excited taking them out of their dust bags. If you want to be the most stylish parent, grab one now.
Kapten & Son, the global lifestyle brand known for sleek, functional, and stylish products. have launched a Limited-Edition Leopard Print Diaper Bag + Inlay Sets
The inlay sets combine Kapten & Son’s signature minimalist design with a bold, animal-inspired print, offering both style and practicality for modern parents. Made from high-quality, eco-friendly materials, these inlays provide superior comfort, absorbency, and durability — all while adding a chic touch to everyday baby care.
Kapten & Son, the backpack brand known for its high-quality, sleek, and functional products, is proud to announce the launch of its Limited-Edition Leopard Print Sandstone Diaper Bag & Inlay Sets.
Designed for parents who value both style and practicality, this exclusive release combines the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic with a bold, animal-inspired print for a truly standout product.
Where Fashion Meets Function
The Leopard Print Skara Diaper Bag and Inlay Sets are the perfect accessory for the modern parent who wants to add a touch of sophistication to their everyday baby care routine. Featuring a unique, eye-catching leopard print pattern in warm sandstone tones, the inlays bring together the best of contemporary fashion and unparalleled functionality.
Uncompromising Quality and Comfort
Crafted from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials, the Limited Edition Leopard Print Sandstone Diaper Inlay Sets offer superior absorbency and softness, ensuring babies stay dry and comfortable all day long. The eco-friendly fabric is durable, easy to clean, and designed for long-term use, making it an ideal addition to any parent’s diapering essentials.
Designed to fit seamlessly with Kapten & Son’s signature diaper covers, the inlay sets provide a snug and secure fit, offering peace of mind with every use. Whether you’re out for a walk, running errands, or simply spending time with your little one, the inlay sets offer both style and practicality in every moment.
A Limited Release – Get Yours While They Last
As with all of Kapten & Son’s limited edition products, the Leopard Print Sandstone Diaper Inlay Sets are a one-time release. Only a limited number of sets are available, making this an exclusive opportunity for parents who want to elevate their baby care routine with a bold, stylish twist. Available now on Kapten & Son’s official website and select retail partners, these inlay sets are expected to sell out quickly.
And if you don’t get your hand on one, they have a lot of other stylish backpacks for you to fall in love with.
About Kapten & Son
Kapten & Son is a global lifestyle brand that blends timeless design with cutting-edge functionality. Known for its high-quality accessories, including backpacks, watches, and sunglasses, Kapten & Son continues to expand its product range to meet the evolving needs of modern consumers. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and minimalist design has made it a favorite among fashion-forward individuals around the world.
For more information about the new Limited Edition Leopard Print Sandstone Diaper Inlay Sets, or to shop the collection, visit the website or follow Kapten & Son on social media for updates and exclusive offers.
A Secret Escape went straight into The Sunday Times bestseller list. Deservedly so. I wanted to read it after the blurb said it was about two female friends that have lost contact, and one asks the other for help after ghosting her. Could a female friendship be repaired? Should it? Milly and Nicole are lifelong friends who have drifted apart. Milly likes a quiet life with her daughter, running her business, and Nicole is a successful actress. They same very different, but practically grew up together. Nicole’s mother not being the maternal type. I love A Secret Escape for a lot of reasons. One is obviously the characters. Sarah Morgan sure can write them. She takes you under their skin. The story is fantastic and woven together expertly. The book has its heartbreak, as well as its joyful moments. The story leaves you guessing all the way. A Secret Escape is the perfect summer book to get lost in. I read it in a day. A perfect five star read from a masterful writer at the top of their game.
A lifelong friendship
Childhood friends Milly and Nicole had always been more like sisters so Milly never understood why Nicole dropped out of contact all those months ago. Milly buried that hurt and moved on with her life.
A call for help
Now, suddenly, Nicole is begging for Milly’s help. She needs somewhere private to hide, and the only safe place she can think of is Milly’s holiday home business in the Lake District. Milly knows she should tell Nicole no, but she can’t ignore the desperation in her old friend’s voice so, despite her misgivings, she agrees to let Nicole stay.
A summer to reconnect
Over a summer of tentative conversations, the two women begin to reconnect, and there’s a potential new romance for Milly too. But then the biggest bombshell of all lands and their delicate friendship is put to the test once more …
Can the friends come together in this time of need, or will this summer break their bond forever?
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…
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.
