Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Woman & Home

It’s always a pleasure to see this month’s cover star, Ranvir Singh (page 16). I will be forever grateful to her because she was the first person that I did a cover shoot with when I started editing woman&home, and she managed to put me completely at ease. These days I see Ranvir regularly when I’m working on ITV’s Lorraine and, despite the very early mornings, her infectious smile is a mainstay. She is easy to chat to, unguarded and genuinely interested in others. Today, there is no doubt that Ranvir’s cup is full, but that wasn’t always the case. Like so many of us, self-doubt and criticism were the gremlins she just couldn’t shake. ‘In the past my self-criticism has been so loud. All I’d hear was… “You’re not…

KNIT PICK The classic cardigan has had a chic upgrade with elegant neck scarf detailing. Practical, stylish and under £30, what’s not to love? MODEST MIDI This wool-blend midi is a staple piece for any wardrobe. Wear with a cardi or a checked shirt for a country-inspired look. ARM CANDY A sleek suede bag will give your spring wardrobe a new lease of life. Add a silky scarf on the handle for extra wow factor.…

Hollywood loves a comeback story – and now it’s not only the plots which reflect that, it’s the stars of the films as well. Whether reprising roles in a blockbuster franchise, bursting back on to screens in a leading role or making an exciting return after years away from the limelight, Hollywood’s female actors are reclaiming their rightful place in the spotlight, whatever their age. One of the highlights of this year is the eagerly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, which is due to premiere on 1 May. It coincides with the week of New York’s Met Gala, when the original movie’s stars will be back to mirror the world of Anna Wintour’s Vogue. This golden age for acting royalty is a far cry from a few years back,…

Jo Whiley is someone woman&home always looks forward to catching up with. It’s like having a cup of tea with an old mate, only that old mate is one of the biggest DJs on British radio (Coldplay’s Chris Martin called her ‘the best DJ of all time’) and a hugely successful podcaster (she co-hosts Dig It with her close friend Zoe Ball, and it’s a must-listen). The 60-year-old mum of four is funny, laid-back and super friendly, with the energy and lust for life of someone in their 20s. She is also wonderfully open about everything from regrets to her fear of egg whites, which is why she’s the perfect person to chat to for The Confessional. ‘Enjoying a vodka in my garden makes me happy’ Where would we find…

‘SINGING CAN PROVIDE RESPITE FROM PROBLEMS’ Yula Andrews, 50, lives in Suffolk with her husband John, 54, their children Jasper, 14, twins Seren and Cole, 11, and their dog Denver. As a conductor, I have the best seat in the house. When my choirs sing, it is so powerful, it can stop me in my tracks. Collective singing bonds singers and audiences long after the final note fades. My childhood dream was to act, but at 15 I was in a play that required me to sing. In the audience was a singing teacher, Janice, who offered me lessons and taught me that the voice is a versatile instrument. It took a while to find what I wanted to do. I dropped out of a conservatoire, convinced I had nothing…

Looking for love often means letting your guard down to get to know someone – and fraudsters are increasingly taking advantage of that trust. Nearly 10,000 people fell victim to romance scams in the UK in the 2024/25 financial year – 9% more than the year before. The real figure is thought to be higher, with some embarrassed to admit being taken in. But the truth is, scammers are highly sophisticated, and they seem genuine. ‘Romance fraud can happen when those looking for love are taken advantage of by heartless criminals,’ says Rav Wilding, a fraud expert and former police officer. ‘If they ask you to invest money, that’s a red flag’ The amounts at stake are very large – over £106 million was lost to romance fraud in the…

YELLOW This cheery hue will give an instant hit of much-needed sunshine. From ochre to butter, it’s all about finding the right shade for you. New to the colour? Ease yourself in with a lighter tone to replace your go-to neutrals, and wear away from your face to avoid feeling washed-out. Finish with your favourite denim pieces. GREEN Olive became the unexpected shade of the party season, and it’s set to continue into 2026 alongside emerald and mint. Pick green as your accent shade and wear with more toned-down pieces. It works well with crisp white or black, or try navy for a more fashion-forward look. BLUE We’re starting to see a lot of cobalt blue for spring, so get ahead of the game and embrace this striking hue now…

WHAT ARE THEY? Short chains of amino acids, peptides act as the building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. They help improve the skin’s structure, which is what keeps it looking firm and lifted. WHAT DO THEY DO FOR SKIN? When applied topically to the skin, peptides send a message to your skin cells to rev up production of these proteins, helping to boost collagen production, firm and smooth sagging or wrinkles, and improve skin texture. ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES? They’re a generally unproblematic ingredient, which is one reason there are lots of peptide serums and creams on the market. They’re not irritating, they layer well with other ingredients, and they help skin look and feel healthier. The slight downside, if we’re being fussy, is that the results aren’t…

Make warming connections this winter You may have heard a lot about the benefits of cold-water therapy, but for those who aren’t into a chilly plunge, did you know that the heat of a sauna is hugely beneficial for our bodies too? Not only can heat exposure lift our mood, but it can also improve heart and cardiovascular health, lower inflammation, help with acute pain and – according to studies in Finland – reduce the risk of dementia by 66%. Additionally, people are finding that small-group saunas are also improving their social lives. ‘There’s something about the warmth that allows people to open up and connect with the person next to them,’ says sauna expert Jane Witt. ‘A sauna offers a small space for people to relax, unwind and talk.’…

Q I’m 62 – is it too late for me to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? I’ve heard there are some risks, so should I be worried? A You may be surprised to know that this is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a GP, so I’m very happy to be answering it here. The short answer is that it’s rarely too late to start HRT, but timing and individual health matter. HRT can be life-changing for women struggling with symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings and low libido. If you’re within 10 years of your last period, the benefits usually outweigh the risks, and it can also protect bones and possibly heart health. For women starting HRT late, say in their 60s…

Want to feel good and stay well into old age? Most of us do, but health issues can creep up without you realising it. ‘As we get older, we become more vulnerable to certain conditions, but simple measures, such as checking waist circumference, can indicate if you’re at an increased risk,’ says Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots. Test yourself with our at-home health check – knowing your vital stats could be an incentive to make better lifestyle choices. Tick off each mini health check once completed. ◯ LIFT YOUR LEGS This can indicate if the arteries that supply your leg muscles are furred up, which can cause high blood pressure. TEST IT Lie on your back on a bed and elevate both (bare) legs to a 45-degree angle. Hold…

Rhubarb and ginger crumble with crème anglaise We’ve added amaretti biscuits to the topping for an extra-almondy crunch. Serves 6-8 • Prep 25 mins • Cook 40-45 mins 800g rhubarb, trimmed, cut into4cm lengths1tbsp cornflour6tbsp demerara sugar3cm piece fresh root ginger, finelygrated1tsp vanilla bean paste For the crumble topping: 100g plain flour 100g cold butter, finely chopped 50g ground almonds 50g demerara sugar 1tsp ground ginger 50g amaretti biscuits, crumbled For the crème anglaise: 300ml double cream1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped, or 1tsp vanilla bean paste5 medium free-range egg yolks2-3tbsp caster sugar 1 Put all the topping ingredients, except the amaretti, in a bowl and rub in until the mixture starts to clump together. Mix in the amaretti, then chill until needed. 2 Heat oven to 180C Fan. Toss rhubarb,…

LOVE ON THE ROCKS Nothing Good Happens After 2am by Niamh Hargan (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) Think Daisy Jones & The Six reimagined in a cocktail bar – sexy, sharp, intoxicating. Set in the early noughties, it follows El Tippett and Robbie Saunders, opposites whose devotion to the art of mixology pulls them together and tears them apart. From London’s speakeasies to bars in Los Angeles, Berlin and Tokyo, Hargan serves up a tale of creativity and desire, capturing the spark of two people caught between love and ambition. IDENTITY AND INTRIGUE My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney (£16.99, HB, Pan Macmillan) When Eden Fox returns to her home, Spyglass, in the village of Hope Falls, she finds her key doesn’t work, and a stranger inside claims she’s Eden Fox, with…

Jane Fallon began her career as a TV script editor before becoming a bestselling author of 13 novels, including Got You Back and Getting Rid of Matthew. Having worked on shows such as EastEnders, storytelling has always been her passion, and she captivates readers with humour, suspense and insight. Her latest novel, Welcome to the Neighbourhood, follows Kitty and Grace as they navigate friendship and secrets behind suburban doors. I’m fascinated by friends and friendship groups, and I think you know who your real friends are by how they act when something good happens to you. When I first got my book deal, I was in a friendship of three and they both knew it was my lifelong dream. One of them never once said ‘Congratulations’. Her reaction was, ‘Oh,…

Time to do things differently We begin the month with Imbolc, the cross-quarter festival that celebrates the first emergence out of winter towards spring. Beginning at sunset on 1 February and continuing through to sunset on 2 February, this is the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Imbolc stirs all the seeds of life that have been buried deep within the soil – and within us – over winter, asking us to prepare for the shift in season and a re-emergence out into the world in spring. The 1st also brings us the Leo Full Moon, shining a light on our way forwards into the year, asking us to be brave and bold, and to follow our heart. On the 4th, Uranus will station direct, asking us…

Whenever I’m in conversation, I do everything bar jazz hands and can-can kicks to be entertaining. OK, my anecdotes may not get me on to Graham Norton’s chat-show sofa, but nor do they register on the yawn-o-meter. I wish I could say the same of others. I hate to think how many years I’ve wasted at cocktail parties, nodding like a dog on a dashboard as some fella mansplained photosynthesis or economics, or droned on about the history of his illustrious family, since, oh, the Crusades. Much as I longed to impale these human sedatives on my swizzle stick, I was always far too polite. But now that I am in my mid-60s, I no longer feel obliged to be nice. I’ve become ruthless about my time because I’ve realised…

Take off to Provence, for its delicious French cuisine, a blossoming love affair and a very handsome neighbour, in this romantic novel by Veronica Henry. Connie’s whole world has fallen apart. Her husband has run off with an older woman, the magazine she works for has gone bust and she’s having to sell the family home. Can a stay at the beautiful Château Villette work the magic she needs? If you love One Night at the Château, look out for Veronica Henry’s new novel, The Invitation, out on 12 February. How to download To download a free eBook (available to the first 1,000 readers only), simply use this link: geni.us/OrionWH TERMS AND CONDITIONS This book is available to the first 1,000 readers and is valid from 31 December 2025, or…

This season, shoes and boots welcome a feminine aesthetic, with pointed-toe styles taking centre stage. Elegant and elongating, they elevate any outfit, balancing relaxed silhouettes and creating the illusion of longer legs. With a range of wearable heel heights, it’s easy to embrace the trend in a way that suits you. Add interest with embellishments and animal prints. Slim, streamlined footwear pairs perfectly with barrel-leg jeans.…

It’s been over two decades since artist Chris Levine first met our late, great Queen Elizabeth II. He was commissioned in 2003 to create a holographic portrait of Her Majesty as part of Jersey’s celebration of its 800-year relationship with the monarchy. From there, a unique relationship between artist and monarch grew. ‘Somehow we both connected like a spark,’ Chris reveals in our new, exclusive interview – as he lifts the lid on what it was really like to spend time with the Queen. Getting commissioned When Chris’ name was put forward to photograph the Queen, he hadn’t yet got a full portfolio of portraiture under his belt. So how did he land such a prestigious gig? ‘It was a telephone call out of the blue. Honestly, I thought it…

‘I make excuses not to be intimate’ Q I am 52 and while I’ve always been on the larger side, after I had my two children, the weight piled on and I couldn’t lose it. My husband says he finds me attractive but when I look in the mirror, I don’t believe him. I make excuses not to be intimate with him often but at the same time, feel guilty for pushing him away. Something has to change but I don’t know where to start – is there anything you can advise please? ‘Hypnotherapy helped me lose weight’ A What you’re really telling me is that you can’t bear what you see in the mirror, and my heart goes out to you – because I know that feeling only too…

I’m a denim lover with a substantial collection of jeans to prove it. My hangers are replete with an array of silhouettes from straight to barrel leg, boot-cut to flared – in shades of indigo, midnight, black, grey, ecru and white. After the athleisure years and the elasticated waistbands of the pandemic, a more structured silhouette has returned and denim is back in business (but in my mind, this perennially popular fabric never went out of style). Even Gap is making a comeback with designer Zac Posen’s range of elevated basics – modelled in a sell-out campaign by Gwyneth Paltrow and her daughter Apple Martin – and the opening of three bricks-and-mortar stores in London. ‘Straight leg is the optimum silhouette’ In terms of versatility and timelessness, straight leg is…

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A FOUNDATION THAT WILL COVER REDNESS? If a tinted moisturiser or skin tint doesn’t quite give you the coverage you need, then try Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Natural Finish Foundation, £46, sephora.co.uk. It gives the skin a dewy, long-lasting finish, but unlike a tint it can be layered to cover up redness or pigmentation, without looking cakey or heavy, or creasing into lines on the face. It comes in 32 shades too. ARE NAIL WRAPS WORTH TRYING? The beauty team have all been swapping gel manis for wraps, and have found that the Mylee Gel Wraps, £13.99, mylee.co.uk, are the easiest to apply and last the longest. They go on like a sticker and you don’t need a UV lamp to cure. With care, they can last up…

Ultimate lasagne A larger-sized version of this classic recipe, so once you’ve put in the time, there’s enough to serve at a big party or plenty for leftovers. Serves 10-12 • Prep 40 mins • Cook 3 hrs 15 mins 500g fresh lasagne sheets 1 bunch chives, finely chopped 250g mozzarella For the ragu: 2 onions, chopped3tbsp olive oil1 carrot, roughly chopped2 celery sticks, roughly chopped4 garlic clovesSmall bunch flat-leaf parsley3tbsp tomato puree1kg beef mince250ml red wine500ml beef stock400g tin chopped tomatoes300g passata125ml whole milk3 fresh bay leaves For the bechamel: 110g butter 110g plain flour 1.5l whole milk ½tsp grated nutmeg 400g Parmesan, grated 1tsp white pepper You will need: 41x23cm deep baking dish 1 For the ragu, in a large, heavy-based casserole dish with a lid, cook the…

BEST GIFT I do so agree with Gaby Roslin in Celebrate with the Stars [December] that spending time with loved ones is the biggest gift that anyone can have at Christmas. It’s not what’s under the tree but who’s around it that really counts. Maggie HAVING A RIOT I saw your great article The Real Riot Women [November]. I’m in Silhouette Band, a Bacharach-style 60s group, and some of us are almost 80. We raise money for great causes and play events like The Lord Mayor’s Ball and Armed Forces Day. We’re having the best time in retirement! Bev LIVING WITH LOSS It’s 25 Years since Mum Died but the Sadness Is Still There [November] hit a chord with me. I lost my mum in January 2020 and navigated grief…

In the past, my self-criticism has been so loud. All I’d hear was, “You’re s***. You’re not good enough. Why would anybody care what you think?” It was constant. The only voice.’ It’s hard to reconcile those words with the Ranvir Singh the public knows – the broadcasting powerhouse whose national TV career began at the BBC, before five years as Good Morning Britain’s political editor and then becoming one of ITV’s most trusted anchors. She’s since hosted her own quiz show, Riddiculous, fronted multiple current affairs documentaries and reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2020. Yet behind the career highs, Ranvir, 48, was quietly battling a fierce inner critic and, unexpectedly, a loss of identity. ‘When you reach your mid-40s, you hit different milestones,’ she explains. ‘When…

Hand-me-down clothing was such a fixture of my childhood that for the next four decades, if I saw anything I liked, I’d buy it. The upshot? A closet crammed with coats (25 and counting), Penelope Chilvers boots, enough jeans to stretch round the M25 – and a bank balance slimmer than Kate Moss’ leg. However, after signing a publishing deal to produce a novel, I knew I’d have to mothball the day job as a freelance journalist and devote 2025 to writing fiction. Because highlights and Liz Earle skin cream are never negotiable, I decided the axe should fall on my wardrobe. With the exception of pyjamas, swimsuits and underwear, I vowed that for the next 12 months, I’d only wear clothes I already owned or had bought from charity…

In November 2024 my husband James celebrated his 65th birthday. For many, this is the age when you can stop working and finally start living your dreams, the retirement years stretching ahead of you. Certainly, for a long time, it is what James and I thought this milestone birthday would mark for us. Instead, he spent the day having palliative chemotherapy. He died in my arms a few months later. After a 41-year marriage, my heart is broken into a million pieces and my loss doesn’t feel real. But there is one thing that I’m eternally thankful for – 11 years ago, James and I faced a monumental dilemma. We were sitting at our kitchen table, cups of tea going cold between us, discussing the life we had built together…

‘I grew up with amazing fabrics and bold colours’ Eva Sonaike set up her West African-inspired interior design company as a side hustle and now her collections are sold all around the world. She lives in Finchley, north London, with her husband and two teenage children. THE IDEA I was born in Germany to Nigerian parents, and grew up surrounded by amazing West African fabrics and bold colours. I remember making cushions for my doll’s house from scraps of material. I didn’t realise interior design could be a viable career, so I pursued my love of writing instead. In 1998, I moved to London and did an MA in fashion journalism, going on to work for glossy magazines. In 2007, pregnant with my first child, my passion for interiors resurfaced.…

Well, wasn’t that the perfect start to the Christmas season? It was wonderful to welcome over 1,200 of you through the doors of London’s County Hall in November at our fourth – and biggest ever – woman&home Christmas Live event. The day was jam-packed, from enjoying a glass of fizz (or two!) to getting brilliant tips on festive beauty from headline sponsor No7’s global make-up director Emily Simms, and catching up with some of our fabulous cover stars. Huge thanks to Penny Lancaster, Emilia Fox, Kate Garraway, Jenni Falconer, Michael Douglas and the wonderful Ruth Langsford – it was a brilliant way to kick off Christmas. Here’s a look at what made it so special. Celebrity line-up ✢ PENNY LANCASTER Penny spoke movingly about her menopause journey, highlighting how crucial…

Looking stylish has never been so easy Winter WARMERS ✢ A sartorial shortcut to pulling a whole look together, a checked coat works as hard as you do. The velvet trim and statement cape add an elegant twist. ✢ Royal-approved, a scarf gives this a chic finish. Cape coat, £370, sizes xs-xl, byan.es/en-uk; jumper, £400, sizes xs-l, sandcopenhagen.com; trousers, £65, sizes 6-24, FatFace; boots, £96, Next; hooded scarf, £329, and fingerless gloves, £95, both broraonline.com Reimagined CLASSICS ✢ The hero piece of the country core aesthetic, a checked shirt is a versatile wardrobe essential. Button up or wear open over a white ribbed vest. ✢ Tie a jumper around your waist for an extra layer of interest that helps define your shape too. Shirt, £99, sizes 8-18, celticandco.com; jumper, £139, sizes 6-18,…

There is something to be said for the mood-lifting power of colourful make-up. The weather may be bleak, but it’s the perfect invitation to add some playful pops of colour to your repertoire. Judging by the array of rainbow shades that have landed on the beauty desk in recent weeks, the pendulum is very much swinging away from a minimalist palette of nudes, noir and neutrals, back towards vivid, vibrant, vital colour that provides a much-needed dopamine hit. This is about more than the immediate aesthetic appeal of an electric liner or jewel-toned eyeshadow – these high-wattage shades promise to embolden and enliven, like a shot of espresso for a tired complexion. Bring on the bright side. LOOK-AT-ME LIPS Lipstick is the make-up equivalent of a great blow-dry. One swipe…

Trying to eat well? Despite what we’re led to believe, you don’t actually need to be filling your basket with fresh fruit and vegetables to get those all-important nutrients. Frozen food is often thought of as a last resort or it’s forgotten about altogether, but it can be a sustainable way to get your five-a-day. ‘Fresh isn’t always best,’ says performance and clinical dietician Renée McDonald. Some products are actually more nutritious – and also cheaper – when frozen, including berries, broccoli and beans. ‘Fresh foods destined for the freezer are harvested when they’re at their ripest and often nutritionally at their best,’ adds Dr Tanja Harrison, a lecturer in public health nutrition at the University of Chester. Turn over to find out what you should be stocking up on.…

Turning on the central heating can help us beat the chill. But it’s not just soaring energy costs we have to consider; while a warm house can keep us well, an overheated home can take a toll on our health. 1 YOUR MOOD MAY LIFT We’re happier when we’re warm. In fact, having a cold home doubles the risk of adults developing new mental-health conditions. But it’s better for both your body and budget to keep it at a steady, comfortable temperature. ‘Having the heating on lower for longer can be more effective at regulating heat than placing it on a higher setting for a shorter period,’ says occupational therapist Kate Sheehan.* 2 IT COULD CAUSE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS Warm, dry air indoors can worsen respiratory conditions, while coughing, wheezing or…

For any w&h readers out there who would like to use the coming weeks (or hours, but weeks is better) to return to their pre-Christmas body or even go beyond that and make it healthier, stronger and full of vitality, then this is your blueprint for success. I’m a personal trainer (PT) and fat-loss coach, and I’ve helped hundreds of midlife women navigate this journey – and it’s very straightforward. The tricky bit is managing expectations and emotions, and letting go of past myths you may still be clinging on to. Myths like these: the more hungry you are, the better it’s working, or you can only lose fat by doing lots of exercise, or you should ban carbohydrates and focus only on protein and veg, or working with weights…

Spiced carrot soup and toasties Using good-quality sourdough and adding kimchi is not only delicious but it ups the gut-friendly qualities of this warming meal. Serves 4 • Prep 30 mins • Cook 25 mins 2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushingThumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped½tsp each cumin seeds and coriander seeds500g carrots, peeled and slicedSmall bunch fresh coriander, leaves and stems separated1 stock cube dissolved in 1ltr boiling water4 large slices sourdough bread50g kimchi60g grated cheese (we used a mixture of Cheddar and Emmental)Coconut or natural yogurt, to serve (optional)1tbsp coconut chips (optional) 1 Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium-high heat. Add the ginger and roughly a quarter of the spring onions, sizzling until the edges…

Warm COLOURS Rich and inviting, this collection of colours varies in depth to suit all tastes. For those who prefer a subtle warmth, there are soft pinks, but for those looking for a bold look, try a punchier orange, red or yellow accent to turn up the heat. POMEGRANATE A rich, red accent that pairs perfectly with soft pinks, khaki greens and sea blues. BLUSH The subtle, peachy shade of pink makes a colourful alternative to neutral tones. OCHRE A dose of this sunny shade will lift your spirits. Pair with earthy tones to help ground the cheerful colour. TERRACOTTA The deep, decadent orange works well with darker palettes, offset against navy blues and dark woods. Cool TONES These colours don’t have to feel cold. The darker the colour –…

Corfu GREECE BEST FOR Wildflower-filled landscapes This island reveals a gentle charm as spring rolls around: warm air, lush hillsides dotted with wildflowers, and fewer visitors. It’s an ideal time for coastal walks, wandering through olive groves, and pausing at fishing villages and seaside resorts such as Agni Bay and Kassiopi. Don’t miss Canal d’Amour, a romantic, captivating rock formation that’s steeped in legend. Cosmopolitan Corfu Town (the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site) dazzles with Tuscan-hued facades, cobbled streets and lively piazzas, where you can enjoy an aperitif at Salto Wine Bar (saltowinebar.gr) or dinner at the atmospheric Venetian Well (venetianwell.gr). Fans of The Durrells will love Danilia village, the film-set replica of a traditional hamlet, or a stroll by the TV home featured in the series.…

1 THE PUB WITH ROOMS The Feathered Nest Inn, Oxfordshire This may look like a typical British inn, overlooking rolling Cotswolds hills, but The Feathered Nest is more special than that. The dog-friendly bar features saddles in place of bar stools, and superb tasting menus of local produce are the predecessor to nights à deux in one of five rooms with views across the picturesque Evenlode Valley. ✢ Double rooms from £195, including breakfast; thefeatherednestinn.co.uk 2 THE SPA LODGE South Lodge, West Sussex South Lodge’s standalone spa building puts pampering front and centre. Indulge in one of the Pelegrims vinotherapy treatments, featuring a body mask made from the hotel’s vineyard leaves. Drift off to a lakeside lodge with breathtaking views, then rise next day for a wild swim. ✢ Double…

FAMILY TIES UNRAVELLED The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (£10.99, PB, Orion) In this sweeping family saga, Claire Lombardo charts four Chicago sisters growing up under the spell of parents whose love seems perfect – until the years reveal how memory, desire and unspoken obligations shape them all. With vivid detail, the story explores the weight of home, the ghost of lost possibilities and the ties that bind even when they wound. It offers a resonant portrait of the past lingering in the present. SUBURBAN SILENCE The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (£9.99, PB, HarperCollins) In a Michigan suburb in the 1970s, five sisters live under the watchful eyes of their parents. The narrative begins with one sister’s suicide attempt, followed by her death. As the year…

Star sign of the month AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY February kicks off with the 1st’s Full Moon, bringing a situation to a head. A set of influences works in your favour, plus you’ve the energy to use them. Don’t fret if something’s ending, as on the 17th, something spectacular starts. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Mid-May to late June is prime time for negotiations and July brings bumper times for love. You and a significant other expand your horizons – a bigger house or major trip? Single Aquarians see several potential prospects. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH It’s Valentine’s Day soon, but you are having a significant day anyway. Events push you where you’re meant to go, and…