Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i Woman & Home

When I first started editing woman&home, I knew that I wanted to introduce some new faces to the magazine. You, our brilliant readers, have sent in a staggering list of names (please do keep them coming), and this month, we have Alex Jones – someone so many have written to me and asked for. Host of The One Show for almost 14 years, Alex is a regular in our living rooms. Cool, calm and confident, it’s hard to believe that, by her own admission, she was once a shy youngster who never expected to be the successful broadcaster she is now. But, she explains, ‘My mum always said to me, “If you get a chance to do something you want to do, do it and give it 100%.”’ Those words…

RAINBOW COLOURS…

royal life She should be queen’ sighs an onlooker as the Princess Royal carries on talking despite a ‘naughty pony’ untying itself to wander over and join in the conversation. Unfazed, the princess continues to charm the Pony Club dignitaries, grooms and children at a Preston equestrian centre, while stroking the pony’s ears. ‘She’s amazing… she’s a dynamo,’ says Pony Club CEO Marcus Capel, ‘she didn’t mind a bit.’ The visit is one of around 450 she will carry out this year; including at least 20 investitures where she is on her feet for hours conveying honours on recipients. Quite rightly she has the reputation as Britain’s hardest-working royal. In numbers of engagements, she and the King vie for the top spot every year (last year she completed 457 to…

Twenty-five years ago, I became a gemmologist, a career I might never have followed had it not been for my father. Having finished a Classics degree, I had no idea what to do with my life. His response was unconventional. ‘Hair, make-up, clothes, jewellery. Pick one,’ he said. It sounds like a flippant assumption about women, but it was perceptive. I had always loved all of those things – and when he mentioned jewellery, I felt a tingle. I had loved gemstones for almost my entire life: photos of me as a toddler show me bedecked in my mother’s bead necklaces. At the age of six, I fell in love – not with a boy, but with an amethyst geode, a shining mini crystal cave of purple gems. After that…

The power of a photograph to make you smile. What fun we had at this particular party, organised by my friend Fidelis Morgan. It took place in her back garden in Birmingham. It was the summer of 1975 and everyone here was studying at Birmingham University; I was visiting. Looking back at these faces brings back such fond memories. The other nurse in the picture is Sheena Barnett, next to her is Victoria Wood, who I met through Fidelis. She came to see me in a pantomime, and I was so embarrassed, I think I fell over. Then there’s our other friends Virginia Woodman Brown, down to Bob Howie, who is the one having his pulse taken, Fidelis and Steve Glynn – whose temperature I am taking. Behind him is…

Sunglasses are an excellent opportunity to be bolder with your choice,’ says Tom Broughton, founder of Cubitts. ‘So consider a stronger frame colour, oversized shapes with larger lenses, graphic styles and exaggerated details.’ Noted. As a self-declared minimalist, I’m not going for the Peggy Guggenheim vibe and tend to stick to classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers in tortoiseshell. Alternated with an old pair of oval-shaped, mid-grey Prism sunglasses. But the older I get, the more I wear sunglasses – not to hide behind, but for practical purposes. To protect my eyes. So this summer I’ve decided to expand my (quite limited) sunglasses repertoire. Yes, I want to throw some shade. ‘This summer, I’ve decided to expand my sunglasses repertoire’ Feeling adventurous, I buy a pair from an online fashion retailer (without the…

Dress yourself happier Do you get more compliments when wearing a certain shade? If yes, then colour could have a bigger effect on your wellbeing than you realise. ‘Each shade creates a different physical and emotional response,’ explains colour specialist Mark Wentworth (colourforlife.com), ‘and, as we’ve evolved as a species, so has our understanding of the intricacies of human behaviour.’ The good news? The colour of your clothing can influence your outlook in a positive way. And just a pop of colour can make a difference – great for the 34%* of women who are scared to change the way they look. ‘Booby-trap your wardrobe this summer with colour to attract what you want,’ says Mark. Try green for a level-headed approach to life, purple to inspire creativity and command…

THIS MONTH ✢ Jaw pain✢ Toilet trouble✢ Seasickness Q Please help – I have developed an embarrassing problem. My stools are becoming increasingly difficult to flush away. It’s not so bad when I’m at home but, at work recently, it took multiple flushes to eventually sink it. A Floaters are not usually a cause for concern, although they can be a real cause of embarrassment. They generally occur because you have too much gas in your intestines. Excess gas in the gut comes from swallowing air or, more often, eating a high-fibre diet. So, if you have had a change in diet, this is the likely explanation – foods rich in fibre include wholewheat bread and pasta, apples, beans, broccoli, nuts, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Digesting more fibre releases more…

TASTY NIBBLES Trio of dips Blend the ingredients for each dip separately in a blender, cleaning it well between each one, until smooth. Spoon the prepared dips into bowls, cover and chill until required. Serve with warm bread, cut into thin slices. All serves 4. TAPENADE 100g pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped1 garlic clove, roughly chopped1tbsp capers in brine, rinsed½tsp Dijon mustard3tbsp extra virgin olive oil Per serving: 140 cals, 15g fat, 2g sat fat, 1g carbs ANCHOIADE 75g anchovy fillets in oil, drained (drained weight 60g)2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped2tbsp chopped fresh parsley2tbsp lemon juice2tbsp dried breadcrumbs orground almonds3-4tbsp olive oil Per serving: 126 cals, 9g fat, 1g sat fat, 6g carbs GRILLED PEPPER HOUMOUS 125g roasted peppers (from deli section or from a jar)25g day-old bread (no crusts)2tsp…

Bloomin’ lovely Did you know that all roses are edible? Petals can be crystallised, used to flavour drinks and sugar, or added to cakes and pavlovas. The more fragrant the rose, the more flavoursome they are in food. I recently visited RHS Wisley in Surrey, where I sampled roses in some delicious recipes, including a cured trout and beetroot salad, and prawn nage (a delicate broth also flavoured with saffron). The chef showed me how: in a pan, add about 50g rose petals of any colour to 100ml water, bring to a boil and set aside, leaving the petals to cool. They can be added to a dessert or salad, while the infused water can be turned into a syrup for desserts or mocktails. You can also buy ready-crystallised rose…

✢ The key to this simple look is a tight colour palette and limited pattern. Choose subtle stripes and tile prints for a grown-up take on florals. ✢ Balance out an almost all-white look with a few key pieces in a darker shade. ✢ Black can look harsh, so try navy, chocolate, olive green or terracotta. ✢ With a neutral scheme, you can afford to play around with different metallics. Mixing and matching cool and warm-toned metals can add an element of surprise to an otherwise samey look. ✢ Yellow is becoming the colour of the season, with shades of butter and lemon a go-to for both fashion and interiors.…

Exciting ways to get away from it all beach bliss 1 Egremni Beach, Lefkada, Greece BEST FOR AQUA SEAS WHY GO Posting a photo of Egremni’s luminous waters, startling-white sands and striking cliffs, you’ll get a flurry of comments. ‘The Caribbean?’ ‘The Philippines?’ Nope: this is staggeringly underrated Lefkada. One of the closest Greek isles for Brits – with a three hour 20 minutes’ flight to Preveza – it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge. It’s the white sand and pebbles that give the sea here its uncanny, neon-blue shade. ACCESS AND FACILITIES Lefkada is known for its tricky-to-reach beaches. This one’s accessed by driving, then hiking down 347 steps, though you have the mellower option of a boat trip from either Nydri or Vasiliki. Boat trips restrict your…

Lucy Foley We’ll be heading to the Dorset coast. I’ll take my copy of Weird Walk, a new book published by the creators of a quarterly magazine I love. It’s a guide to rambling in the British countryside and reconnecting with nature, and the weird and wonderful folklore of the land. ✢ The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley (£18.99, HB, HarperCollins) is out on 6 July. Joanna Glen I’m off to the Cadiz coast of Spain to while away August under the palm trees, reading my body weight in books, to the strains of Atlantic surf and flamenco guitar. In the pile are Deborah Levy’s August Blue (mind travels in Europe), David Nicholls’ You Are Here (walking, talking romance), Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting (generational family drama), and When I…

MODERN CLASSIC I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou When Marguerite is three and her brother, Bailey, is four, their parents split up and put them on a train to live with their grandmother. The miracle of this autobiographical novel is the way Angelou transforms terrible experiences into not only art, but hopeful art. Reading her always gives me an answer to the question of how to be optimistic in a cruel and unforgiving world. BOOKER PRIZE-WINNER Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel Mantel’s evocation of Henry VIII’s minister, Thomas Cromwell, is so vibrant and powerful that I would not be surprised to find out she’d discovered a way to communicate with his ghost and was putting his actual words on the page. If I’ve been spending too…

Recently, I had a collision with another cyclist. When I stood up to him about his aggressive riding, he pedalled off, shouting, ‘I bet you wish you were a man!’ I shot back, ‘I don’t, but I bet you do.’ Still, this exchange got me thinking about how much easier it is to be a bloke. Not only would I score more pay and promotions, but my phone conversations would take 30 seconds, tops. Hairdressers wouldn’t charge me triple a trim. I’d never have to worry about stray chin hairs or shave anything below the epiglottis, including no more of that painful pubic deforestation. I’d even have a choice about whether or not to grow a moustache. And oh, the joy of not having to stay dehydrated all day to…

Actor and author CELIA IMRIE, who’s set to be the lead in the upcoming film of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club, tells us about her life pretending to be someone else and her love of partying on page 57. Which book haven’t you forgotten? Unnatural Fire by Fidelis Morgan – it’s set in London, 1699, when Shepherd’s Bush was a bush in the countryside and Tottenham Court Road was piled high with horse manure. The author told me the character of Alpiew, the smart and sassy maid, was based on me. Presenter and broadcaster MOIRA STUART, whose career spans six decades, shares with us what matters most to her on page 36. Which book haven’t you forgotten? Some of my favourite books range from autobiographies to science fiction. But…

HAPPY BRIGHTS…

Kate Garraway Kate joined ITV back in 1989, at which time she was also presenting on BBC Radio Oxford. After over two decades in TV, Kate returned to her radio roots in 2012 when she co-presented two episodes of Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast, and since March 2014, she has presented Mid Mornings with Kate Garraway every weekday on Smooth Radio. Being on-air is clearly something that brings Kate, 57, joy, as when she returned to Smooth Radio following the death of her husband, Derek Draper, earlier this year, she said, ‘I have missed you and it’s so lovely to be back.’ Anita Rani Following Emma Barnett’s exit, Anita, 46, went from presenting Woman’s Hour on Fridays and Saturdays – which she’d been doing since 2021 and has described as a…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I’m a silent ghost until I’ve had my coffee! If I’m at home, I get myself together in a relaxed mode. I’ve just started wearing loose harem pants, and I watch a heck of a lot of Judge Judy and true crime programmes. It’s a hangover from all the detective novels I read growing up. ‘I have a thing about always being in control’ What is your worst habit? Perhaps not letting go of memories with relationships – either friendships or romantic. If things didn’t end well, I’m always horribly polite but the warmth has gone. What scares you? It’s a cross between getting dementia and losing more people because I’ll be 75 in September, and too many dear people have…

Oh, it was grim, that summer. The time I went to Glastonbury Festival after my finals. Just 21 years old and wondering why I wasn’t enjoying the half-cooked hot dogs, tents in puddles and… I want to say ‘toilets’ but they were more of a medieval cesspit affair, really. Nowadays, I do festivals with far more finesse. Because I am part of the great majority of any audience at an arts or book festival in Britain. I’m a midlife woman and I’m ready to roll – on smart lawns with proper bone china. That is the only way to enjoy festivals when you’re over 40. ‘There’s no need for wellies and a flapping loo roll where we’re going’ Sophisticated festival frolics are the new Club 18-30 for my gang –…

KIMONO CHIC ✢ A beach cover-up is a versatile and practical holiday piece that can be worn over swimwear or with a cami and shorts in the evening. ✢ Dial up the glamour in a white swimsuit. The clever ruching on this one-piece will smooth and sculpt your figure for an extra confidence boost. BOW-TIFUL! ✢ This silky pussy bow blouse is so easy to pack, as it takes up hardly any space – and it will elevate the simplest of outfits. ✢ Pair with drawstring trousers or a maxi skirt, but keep jewellery to a minimal and let the bow take centre stage. ✢ When wearing head-to-toe white, be sure to mix textures, to add variety and interest to your outfit. NATURAL FABRICS ✢ When temperatures rise, this timeless…

With thanks to our judging panel Alice Hart-Davis Founder, The Tweakments Guide Chelseé Lewis Facialist and beauty expert Dr Elizabeth Hawkes Consultant oculoplastic surgeon Dr Justine Hextall Consultant dermatologist Dr Lauren Hamilton Cosmetic doctor Dr Stefanie Williams Specialist dermatologist Elif Benar Dermatologist Fiona Brackenbury Skincare expert and facialist Diane Ackers Beauty expert for Doctors Formula Skincare Grace Day Aesthetician and beauty editor Michaella Bolder Facialist and skincare expert Nathalie Eleni Makeup artist and skincare specialist Nicola Russell Master facialist Pamela Marshall Clinical aesthetician Shane Cooper Aesthetic practitioner Sophie Shotter Aesthetic doctor Kate Kerr Clinical facialist Sarah Cooper-White w&h beauty director And the w&h beauty team Senior beauty editor Rhiannon Derbyshire Beauty editor Stephanie Maylor Beauty editor Jess Beech Beauty writer Annie Milroy Digital beauty editor Aleesha Badkar Digital beauty writer…

Steak panzanella Sweet summer stone fruit replaces the usual tomatoes in this easy main course. Serves 2 • Prep 10 mins, plus resting • Cook 20 mins 2 banana shallots, finely slicedSmall sprig rosemary, leaves finely chopped3tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar1tsp caster sugarSmall pinch chilli flakes50ml olive oil, plus extra for cooking1 thick-cut rib-eye or sirloin steak100g runner beans, trimmed4 baby courgettes, halved lengthways100g stale bread, thickly sliced (we used olive ciabatta)2 ripe nectarines or peaches, stones removed, cut into wedgesSmall bunch basil, larger leaves roughly torn125g mozzarella ball, roughly torn 1 Heat/light the barbecue, or heat a griddle pan over high heat. In a large bowl, mix together the shallots, rosemary, vinegar, sugar, chilli flakes and a large pinch of salt. Set aside to pickle. 2 Lightly brush…

Do you ever find yourself oohing and aahing over kitchens in catalogues and on social media, knowing full well that you don’t have the budget to rip out your perfectly practical cabinets and appliances, and swap them for shiny new ones? Let us help you revamp, rather than replace, your kitchen – no builders required! With a little DIY, decluttering and a few clever buys, you can make your kitchen look as good as new. CABINET SHAKE-UP If you’re tired of the colour of your kitchen or the style is dated, changing the door fronts is a less expensive way to give it a new look. Companies such as Custom Fronts and Husk make doors in a range of colours and finishes to fit Ikea and Howdens cabinets – as…

1 DO A MURAL WALL If you’re feeling adventurous, ditch small repeat patterns for a bold mural. ‘Fine art-inspired wallpaper is having a moment, with life-size art murals proving popular,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. This is your chance to be playful. ‘Consider a mural design to add a sumptuous and enchanting feel, creating a space in which to relax and unwind,’ says Little Greene’s creative director Ruth Mottershead. Ruby Peach Fuzz wallpaper, £41.52sq m, Rebel Walls 2 DO PAPER PANELLING Undecided about wallpaper? ‘If you’re not quite brave enough to cover all your walls, papering within panels or alcoves is a great way of using florals as a less-is-more decorative feature,’ says Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages. National Trust Papers III Briar Rose Green Stone wallpaper,…

It was the artisan market that did it… Kate was already running late; being a B&B host, it was a busy time of year and she hadn’t wanted to rush her guests as they finished breakfast and stopped to chat. But she couldn’t help herself. She’d been sidetracked by the beautiful artisan market on her mission to get to the fruit stall. With the sun on her face and the relaxed pace of holidaymakers wandering the market, she’d slowed down and a lovely linen dress had caught her eye – just right for the party later that afternoon. It was sky blue, and she’d had to buy it. It made her happy. Living in the Loire, nothing was done in a hurry Lots about her life since moving to France…

Hailed by many as the queen of romantic comedy, Yorkshire-born Lindsey Kelk is known for her humorous, heart-warming and relatable novels. Now living in Los Angeles, she is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her debut, I Heart New York. Her 20th book, Love Story, is a love letter to the genre. In it we meet Sophie Taylor, who, ashamed to have written a romantic book, publishes under a pseudonym. Until she is rumbled by the handsome Joe Walsh. Tropes are very popular in romance – whether it’s enemies-to-lovers, second-chance stories or friends-to-lovers. Fans take comfort in reading about the kind of characters they like, or knowing what might happen. I may have steered clear of that formula before, but there is such a desire for it. I like to put…

STAR LETTER MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Thank you for the inspiring article about celebrities’ experiences of mental illness [May]. Not only did it demonstrate that no one is immune, it was also a call to action. I thoroughly agree with Dame Kelly Holmes that ‘improving mental health must be a national priority’. Helen DIVERSITY DISCUSSIONS You always feature amazing women, but can I suggest you include Sue Kent, the presenter on Gardeners’ World? She a superb role model for all women who have to deal with being different.Gillian We say: We had already scheduled a feature with Sue! It’s in next month. FAMILY HEIRLOOMS I enjoyed Let’s Do The Timewarp! [May]. My mum, who passed away 21 years ago, had some lovely cocktail dresses. I wore one to my son’s wedding,…

‘HIKING REPRESENTS ENDLESS FREEDOM’ Gail Muller, 46, lives in Falmouth, Cornwall, with her dog, Bill Murray. After days hiking through the depths of pine forests in Maine, USA, I arrived at a clearing at the top of a mountain. There was nothing but trees for hundreds of miles in every direction. I smiled, remembering how I was once incapable of walking as far as the bathroom. My legs were covered in cuts, scrapes, bruises – even a bit of blood – but I felt lucky to have a body aching from achievement, not chronic pain. I was born with my feet turning in. As a teenager, I saw a gait specialist, who warned I’d end up with such debilitating misalignment and pain that I’d be in a wheelchair by middle…

Ever wondered how books become bestsellers? Madeleine Milburn knows what it takes – for the past seven years, she has appeared on The Bookseller’s list of the 150 most influential people in the book trade. What does a literary agent do? A literary agent is an author’s manager and represents the rights to their work. We get them the best deals, help shape their manuscripts and monitor publicity. We are typically the first people to read their work, apart from possibly family and friends. We talent-spot, look at trends, option rights for film and TV, and sell translation rights. It’s very hands-on. How did you get into your career? I started as a rights assistant, supporting the team who negotiate licensing deals and agreements on behalf of an author. I…

Countryside JAUNT Add a dash of romance to your quilted jacket and wellies by mix and matching faded stripes, ditsy florals and woodblock prints. A straw boater, vintage-shaped sunglasses and delicate jewels add to the whimsical charm. Marrakech DREAMS Embrace earthy shades, palm prints and geometric embroidery for a modern take on bohemian luxury. A flowing maxi kaftan will take you from the pool to market trips and cocktails. Mix up complementary colours terracotta, pink and green, and accessorise with gold. Caribbean CRUISING Tropical prints and painterly patterns are a brilliant way to inject colour into your suitcase. Style with washed denim and bright linen pieces, and don’t forget to have fun with your accessories – beaded sandals, fringing, and oversized hats and sunnies to protect your face. Greek GETAWAY…

After months of chilly weather, the heat can come as quite a shock. Many Brits don’t actually enjoy the warmer temperatures, with more than a third of us admitting to struggling in the sun, according to a study by air conditioning firm Daiken. Four in 10 say they’re quick to complain when it’s hot, while just 18% claim to thrive in the heat. So, with temperatures finally rising, we reveal the best ways be comfortable this summer – whether you’re basking at home or away. QUICK FIXES These tips can help – fast. 1 FREEZE YOUR BEDDING Lose the duvets and blankets at night, says Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity. All you need is a cotton sheet or, at most, a low-tog duvet (2.5-4.5 tog). Own a…

Soaking up the rays? You’re not alone. Brits admit to spending up to 70 hours sunbathing during their holiday*. But while enjoying the warm weather can certainly put a smile on your face, overdoing it can increase your risk of skin cancer and even damage your eyesight. Want to know what’s really going on when you hit the sunlounger? Our experts have the low-down. 1 VITAMIN D LEVELS RISE This ‘sunshine’ vitamin supports everything from our skin to our immune system and bone health. ‘Our bodies produce vitamin D when skin is exposed to UVB light from the sun,’ says Dr Unnati Desai of Nuffield Health. Just 10-15 minutes between 11am-3pm, without sunscreen, is enough for fair skin types to produce the vitamin D needed. For darker skin, it’s 25-40…

I must confess to being in a bit of a quandary when approaching this topic. Should I tackle it with the view to improving how our legs look – or am I dishing out platitudes about acceptance? The thing is, lovely readers, we are moving away from self-doubt and negative thoughts in the direction of body freedom, are we not? Forgive me if I go all therapist on you, but we can and should rock whatever outfits we like. We are all gorgeous, and we all have something to offer this world that doesn’t begin and end with a pair of killer pins, so let’s start with a rule: We pledge not to say anything to ourselves that we wouldn’t say to our best friend. Right, let’s crack on with…

Blackberry and elderflower fool Sweet berries and floral-scented cream make for a simple yet elegant summer pudding. Serves 4-6 • Prep 15 mins, plus chilling • Cook 15 mins 300g fresh or frozen blackberries120g golden caster sugar1tsp vanilla bean pasteJuice ½ lemon300ml double cream3tbsp elderflower cordial2tbsp runny honey150g thick Greek-style yogurt3-4 shortbread biscuits, crumbled You will need: 4-6 small glasses or bowls 1 Put the blackberries, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices, and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10 mins). Remove from the heat and set aside to cool, then chill the compote until you are ready to assemble. 2 In a large bowl, whisk the cream, elderflower cordial and…

‘Making the downstairs extension open-plan has been great for family life – we can all relax here together’ When childrenswear designer Louise Bovingdon and her husband Adam bought their run-down 1930s home back in 2015, they knew it could be turned into something special, with a large back garden and space to extend. But it was to be a long journey before they could realise their vision. ‘The property was in desperate need of updating, with a small 30-year-old timber-clad kitchen and a jarring blue bathroom,’ Louise recalls. ‘Nevertheless, it was well proportioned and had a good feel.’ The couple instantly saw the potential, which included the large garden that would be ideal for their two boys, Leo, 12, and Max, 10. It also meant there was room to extend…

garden inspiration For me, gardening is the ultimate antidote to how relentless life and social media can feel at times. It gives me a chance to unwind, de-stress and disconnect from constant scrolling. I got into gardening when I bought my first home, which was a new build. My garden was a mud patch and, over several years, I built my gardening knowledge from scratch. There was something quite exciting about having a blank canvas to work with, but having never done any gardening before, it also felt overwhelming. I found when I was starting out that it was hard to find the absolute basics of gardening. There is a lot of assumed knowledge, so I really hope my new book will be just the thing for people who have…

2024 SUMMER READING specıal Summer is always a special time for book lovers – a chance to leave behind the everyday and escape to another world. So, we’ve curated all your summer must-reads, found out what some of our favourite authors are taking on holiday, plus Jo Thomas will transport you to France with her fabulous short story. And don’t miss our summer giveaway – a free comic thriller eBook. Happy reading! SWOON-WORTHY ROMANCES SECOND CHANCE The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood (£8.99, PB, Cornerstone) Delphie has met who she believes to be the love of her life. But, there’s one problem – she is dead. Then she is offered a chance to return to Earth and find her soulmate within 10 days. Will she be able to…

We love a good thriller, and this month there are more than ever. We hope you enjoy the ones we’ve chosen as part of our summer selection. SELF-DISCOVERY Swift River by Essie Chambers (£16.99, HB, Dialogue) It’s summer 1987 and Diamond Newberry is navigating life as the only Black person in the dying New England mill town of Swift River. When a letter arrives from an Aunt Lena on her father’s side, she begins to find out about family she’s never known. Will Diamond learn enough to change her life forever? Exquisitely written, we are already eagerly awaiting Chambers’ next novel. SUPERB MYSTERY The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) Fifteen years after the disappearance of the wealthy Van Laar’s young son Bear, their troubled daughter…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Miriam Margolyes Outspoken actor Miriam, 83, has homes in south west London and Australia, but spends much of her time travelling the world for work. WAKE UP If I sleep well, I usually wake at around 5am, and the first thing I do is pee. Then I’ll read the paper online to catch up with what’s going on. I’m a big tennis fan, so I may watch some before I get on with my day. MORNING I usually have to get ready for whatever job I’m doing, and I’ll have a piece of bread with Marmite, and an onion as a snack before I leave home. I work non-stop and every day is different, but I absolutely love it. If I’ve had breakfast, I…

horoscopes VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER From the 5th to the 28th, travel fouls up, communications go awry and nearly every plan is altered. Double-check everything. Around the 8th there’s good news. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER An unusual development in early August could lead to exciting changes. There are challenges around the 19th, but life picks up at the month’s end as your ruler arrives. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER August is a month for holidays, but the spotlight is on career and achievement. The 12th is a day for getting things done, and bosses favour you around the 19th. Call 0905 789 4157*…