As soon as this penguin arrived at Frost HQ it was adopted by my daughter who now sleeps with it. It’s cute, smells great, is weighted AND it can be heated up. Love it.
Warmies bring a new level of comfort and relaxation with their collection of fully heatable, scented plush toys, designed to provide gentle warmth and a soothing experience. Each Warmies plush is made with soft, premium fabrics and infused with French lavender, known for its calming properties that help ease stress and promote relaxation. With a gentle weight that adds to the cosy feel, these cuddly companions are perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Ideal for chilly nights, comforting routines, or simply unwinding after a long day, Warmies make a thoughtful gift that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. From whimsical animals to festive designs, there is a Warmies for everyone.
The Warmies Baby Penguin is a soft, huggable plush inspired by nature’s cutest cold-weather creatures! This fully microwavable penguin provides cosy warmth and relaxation, infused with soothing French lavender to create a calm, comforting experience. Designed with a gentle weight, it’s perfect for cuddling on chilly days or anytime you need extra comfort. Penguins symbolise warmth and togetherness, making this plush an ideal companion for all ages. Just heat it up for lasting warmth and enjoy this adorable baby penguin as a heartwarming gift or a snuggly treat for yourself!
It’s ski season and our skin will bear the brunt of the cold weather. Skiing exposes our skin to harsh conditions like cold winds, low humidity, and intense sun, which can strip it of moisture and damage its protective barrier. We’ve rounded up the best products from Teoxane, the creators of RHA resilient hyaluronic acid.
To maintain healthy, resilient ski skin, hydration is crucial, and hyaluronic acid plays a vital role as it helps to retain moisture in the skin, keeping it plump, smooth, and protected against the drying effects of the elements.
Teoxane (Teosyal) RHA Serum, £85 Teoxane (Teosyal) RHA Serum contains a potent blend of resilient hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and amino acids, which help to perfect the tone and texture of dull, tired skin within 14 days.
Teoxane 3D Lip, £35 This rich, hydrating and reparative daily lip care treatment features densifying and nutritive ingredients that work together to smooth, nourish, and achieve a plumping effect for the lips.
Teoxane (Teosyal) UVA Shield SPF50+, £55 This very high UVA and UVB protective sunscreen works to prevent UV-induced photoaging and the appearance of dark spots.
I’m obsessed with sunscreen and this one is brilliant.
Not at all. I wanted to be a writer! But I studied at London School of Economics in college, and fell in love with living abroad and foreign affairs. It was the 1990s and communism had collapsed, which was a fascinating time to be in Europe. After I graduated, I edited a newspaper in Prague, then worked as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. government in Cambridge, England, shuttling back and forth to the Balkans. I found I was passionate about intelligence work, so I applied to the CIA. While waiting for my application to process, I attended law school and studied international law. 9/11 happened while I was in law school, and I felt grateful I was on a job track that would serve my country.
When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?
For as long as I can remember! I’ve always loved books and words. My adolescence and young adulthood are littered with failed attempts at novels. While traveling Europe in my twenties – exploring, trying to figure out who I was – I remember musing in my journal that, while I’d probably follow a more practical career path, my secret dream was to be a writer. But it wasn’t until I’d worked as a spy that I had something really meaningful to write about, that it all came together.
What do you think is behind the world’s fascination with the CIA and the world of spies?
The secrecy, I think. Espionage is an entire world beneath the surface, a netherworld. And spying is a profession of high stakes, where lives and geopolitics – the fate of both people and nations – are on the line. Also, espionage involves inherently colorful characters – people willing to commit the ultimate betrayal.
Your characters are so vivid. Do you base them on real people?
My characters are mostly composites, except for the station chief, who was inspired by a real person. Also, the expat community is based on real people, and much of the dialogue is taken verbatim from actual conversations.
Can you describe your writing routine.
I try to go for a three-mile run each morning. Then I either go to my local coffeeshop or set up camp in my study and write for a few hours. I can’t write too much without printing out and editing, because things read differently to me on paper, and I need to get the story right before I proceed too far.
The book is negative about the CIA. Where you disillusioned?
A bit. I joined the Agency a few months after 9/11, and it was a time of transition and, at times, chaos. My first tour, as a counterterrorist case office in Baghdad during the apex of the war (fall 2004 to fall 2005), was challenging: we weren’t making much progress, the work environment was stressful, and most of us – myself included – returned with PTSD. I made decisions in a fog of war and espionage that haunted me and carried their own trauma. The fundamental skill required for the job – manipulating people – never sat easily with me. Now, years later, with the dust settled, I have a softer view of that time. I wouldn’t say my book paints the CIA in a negative light so much as it paints espionage in a negative light. For me, spying was an uncomfortable, debilitating profession, and that’s what I wanted to convey.
What are your thoughts on the CIA now. Did you find writing the book healing?
I think the CIA has made a lot of progress. The war on terror is over, and the Agency has had time to take a breath, evaluate its operations and internal culture. It’s more introspective and self-critical now. When I was there, the Agency was a bit of an old boys network. Since then, the “Me Too” movement has had an impact: there are rules about and awareness of sexual harassment; female officers speak up about inappropriate treatment; and women fill more leadership positions. I do think writing my book was cathartic. When I finished, I realized how many of my ghosts had come out on the pages. They’re still with me, but now I can better articulate and make sense of them.
The book is unflinchingly honest and brave. Did you ever have a moment of doubt about putting your heart and soul on the page?
Thank you! Yes – though more so after my book was published. I wrote my manuscript in a vacuum (CIA rules prohibit me from showing my writing to anyone until it’s been cleared), so I didn’t even think about getting my story out in the world at the time. Exposing my inner turmoil was still an abstraction. Once I was published, I realized that now everyone could see my scars and the effect espionage had on me. But so many former intelligence officers have found my book resonant, I’ve felt more reward than apprehension in telling this story.
Joseph Weisberg, creator of the TV series The Americans, called your book the “the most realistic espionage story I’ve read.” How did that feel, and do you agree?
Well, I haven’t read all the spy novels out there, so I feel unqualified to judge! But I take Joe’s blurb as a huge compliment, and was honored to get such an amazing endorsement from the creator of a masterful, iconic series. I do think many spy novels skew toward the sensational – car chases, roof scaling – and mine is based more on my own experiences, and the tradecraft and operations I conducted. Also, tradecraft is fundamentally psychological, not technological or gadget-based, and I think my story reflects this. Above all, I wanted to convey a visceral sense of espionage, and insiders tell me I’ve succeeded at that.
What books, films and TV shows get the spy world right?
For film, Beirut, Spy Game, and Ghosts of Beirut are some of my favorites. For novels, Graham Greene’s The Quiet American and most of le Carré books (The Little Drummer Girl is my favorite) – all written years ago, but, in the most important ways, as authentic today as they were then.
It’s nice to have a female voice in the world of spy novelists. Do you think you’ve paved the way for more?
I hope so! It’s shocking to me how few female spy novelists there are (though, we’re out there – I’m in good company with Merle Nygate and Alma Katsu, to name a few).
What’s next?
Another spy novel! This time, a female protagonist. It’s about the intersection of spying and writing…and I think that’s all I can say for now!
I can’t stop thinking about The Peacock And The Sparrow by I.S Berry. I love spy novels and this is searingly honest. Few authors have the courage to write a character in technicolour the way I.S Berry has. Warts and all. Shane Collins, the morally complex main character, is written with as much depth as the other characters. All of this book feels real and is written with bravery. Each character feels like their own person.
This is a beautifully brutal literary novel about the CIA. The story is brought vividly to life so you feel like you are really there, stationed in Bahrain. The Peacock And The Sparrow is a hard read sometimes because I.S Berry, who spent six years as a CIA operations officer, doesn’t pull her punches. I will reread this clever book which has a twist you won’t see coming. Impossible to put down. This is a modern classic. Buy a copy NOW.
The thrilling debut from author and former CIA officer I.S. Berry, following an American spy’s last dangerous mission.
Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain for his final tour, he’s anxious to dispense with his mission — uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency. But then he meets Almaisa, an enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask.
When his trusted informant becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict, his romance and loyalties upended. In an instant, he’s caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. He sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.
Now optioned for film by Scott Delman of Shadowfox productions (Producer of HBO Max hit series Station Eleven).
The London Book Fair (LBF) is always a highlight of the publishing calendar. They have revealed the Authors of the Day line-up for the 2025 Fair, which will feature: best-selling novelist and chair of judges for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 Monica Ali as Adult Author of the Day; Argentine novelist and screenwriter Claudia Piñeiro, who was shortlisted for theInternational Booker Prize, as International Author of the Day; the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2024-2026) Frank Cottrell-Boyce as Children’s Author of the Day; and comics artist and British Book Awards winner Jamie Smart as the first ever Creative of the Fair.
Monica Ali (credit Yolande De Vries)
Claudia Piñeiro (Alejandra López
Adam Ridgway, Director of The London Book Fair, said: “We are delighted to reveal our first author line-up for LBF25, which is set to be an incredible showcase of UK and global publishing, as well as the first major international book industry event of 2025. From an International Booker shortlistee to the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, and from Sunday Times best-selling authors to the first ever Creative of the Fair, we couldn’t be prouder to bring such an array of talent to our 2025 Fair. We are really looking forward to welcoming Claudia, Monica, Frank and Jamie to Olympia next year, and we can’t wait to hear their insights at their in-conversation events.”
Claudia Piñeiro said: “I am very honoured and excited to be able to take part in the 2025 London Book Fair and especially to have been invited as an International Author of the Day. I am very aware of the significance of The London Book Fair and of the magnitude of the events that take place. The London Book Fair’s international focus is extremely important. For me, receiving feedback from readers globally teaches me a great deal, as it shows how my stories are read and interpreted in different societies. This, for me, is extremely enriching.”
Monica Ali said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed Adult Author of the Day and can’t wait to return to LBF after a very long absence. I think the last time I was there was back in 2006, so I’m curious to find out how it’s changed since then. What I do know is that there’s no better place to connect with publishers from around the globe, and to meet writers and readers. I’m excited to be part of an event that celebrates talent and creativity and highlights the importance of books in our cultural landscape.”
Frank Cottrell-Boyce said: “I’m delighted to be the Children’s Author of the Day at The London Book Fair 2025, which is gearing up to be another vibrant celebration of international publishing. Writing and reading has transformed my life, and I have written children’s books for more than twenty years because I think they help build the apparatus of happiness inside us. In my role as the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I’ve launched the ‘Reading Rights’ campaign in partnership with BookTrust, calling for national provision so that every child – from their earliest years – has access to books, reading and the transformative ways in which they improve long-term life chances. I’m looking forward to joining the LBF audience in London next year to cherish what reading together means, and what – as an industry – we can bring to families.”
Jamie Smart said: “I’m thrilled to be the first ever Creative of the Fair at LBF25, what an honour! It’s my first ever London Book Fair so I’m really excited to throw myself into it, meet everyone, and share everything I can about comics and comic-making with anyone who’d like to listen!”
Claudia Piñeiro is best known for her crime novels, which are bestsellers in Argentina, Latin America and around the world. As an author and scriptwriter for television, she has won numerous national and international prizes, including the Pepe Carvalho Prize, the LiBeraturpreis for Elena Knows and the prestigious Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize for Las grietas de Jara (A Crack in the Wall). Many of her novels have been adapted for the big screen, including Elena Knows (Netflix), which was also shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize.
Monica Ali is a bestselling author, whose work has been translated into 26 languages. Her debut novel, Brick Lane, was Booker-shortlisted and subsequently turned into a movie. Her subsequent novels include In the Kitchen, Untold Story, and most recently, Love Marriage, which was a Sunday Times bestseller. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature she has judged numerous literary prizes, and chaired the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Since 2020, she has been Patron of Hopscotch Women’s Centre, a charity dedicated to empowering women from minority backgrounds to achieve their full potential.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning children’s author, screenwriter and current Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2024-2026). Millions, his debut children’s novel, won the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Frank’s other books include Cosmic, Framed, The Astounding Broccoli Boy, Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, Runaway Robot, Noah’s Gold andThe Wonder Brothers, and have also been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes. In 2023 he launched The Island of Brilliant! podcast with Nadia Shireen, celebrating children’s writing and illustration. Frank’s new novel, The Blockbusters!, illustrated by Steven Lenton, will be published on 15 May 2025 by Macmillan Children’s Books.
Jamie Smart was named Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards 2024, and won Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year for Bunny vs Monkey: Multiverse Mix-up. His comic Fish-Head Steve was the first comic to be shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Jamie has illustrated comics for The Sunday Times, the Dandy and the Beano. His well-loved Bunny vs Monkey and Looshkin stories are regularly published in The Phoenix comic, and as bestselling graphic novels.
The Authors of the Day and Creative of the Fair will take part in ‘In Conversation’ events on different days throughout The London Book Fair. Claudia Piñeiro will be attending the fair on Tuesday 11 March, Monica Ali and Jamie Smart will appear at events on Wednesday 12 March, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce will be speaking on Thursday 13 March. Full details of these sessions will be announced shortly.
The London Book Fair (LBF) is the world’s largest spring book trade and publishing event and will return to its home at Olympia London from 11 – 13 March 2025.
Further details about The London Book Fair registration and line-up will be revealed in due course and will be available at this page. The full programme for The London Book Fair 2025 will be announced early next year.
Lying about your age can cause problems, especially if you’re no good at maths and lying doesn’t come naturally. At the age of fifty-six, and thinking about the Big Six-0, I decided to knock ten years off my age. When my daughter was informed, she said she’d knock ten years off too, making her twenty-six. My grandson looked up in horror. He was better at maths than me and declared, ‘But that would make me minus one. I don’t want to be minus one.’
We decided dropping ten years was not such a good idea so why did I do it again when approaching a publisher? The submission form asked for date of birth. I hovered over the keyboard before typing in 6.2.1960. My thought was that the publisher would think I had more mileage in me.
I’d been selling my writing for over forty years by then.
When asked what I’ve written it’s easier to respond with, ‘I’ve not covered poetry or pornography.’ I’ve written rude greeting cards, silly advertisements, flirted with journalism, sold articles and interviews, had hundreds of short stories published, a children’s book and several non-fiction books. I’ve also been a ghostwriter.
It wasn’t until the first lockdown that I decided it was time to get a novel published. There was an unpublished one, written around the turn of the century but it had never found a home. I dug it out, read it, and could see why. I had twenty more years of experience so set out to do a rewrite.
That was in 2020. I was 70 years old and ready to prove that you are never too old to have a new dream.
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In 2023, Gail Lockwood and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt was published by Cahill Davis Publishing. Now the follow-up to that, Dilys Lloyd’s Dilemmas is out. If there was such a genre they would be classed as ‘mature romantic-comedy’.
The books have working class characters, the important ones all being over fifty. They have problems with jobs, weight, and lack of love lives, but they work hard, remain cheerful most of the time, have adventures and hide in Fred’s Fries for a decent meal when they come out of Flabfighters after being weighed.
My publisher arranged an interview for me with a media company. I was delighted and apprehensive. I’d interviewed many people during my time working for a local newspaper and one of the first questions asked is, ‘How old are you?’
That’s what happened with the media company. ‘I’m sixty-three,’ I lied and, once that hurdle was over, went on to discuss my debut novel and my life. Then came the question that tripped me up. ‘How long have you been married?’
I wasn’t expecting it. Out slipped the truth. ‘Fifty-six years,’ I said.
‘Married at seven?’ My interviewer was more than surprised.
I came clean. Then confessed to my publisher who was lovely, telling me that older people have more experience and therefore their writing is richer. Phew!
The cold weather is terrible for my skin. It gets dry and a lot of products make my skin red and sore. Enter Wonderbalm. Finally I have something I can use which actually works.
Winter can be rough on skin, hair, and everything in between, which is why WONDERBALM (£29) has become the must-have handbag hero for tackling those cold-weather woes. Compact yet powerful, this multi-use balm is a favourite among savvy shoppers and jet-setters alike. Whether it’s soothing dry hands, taming flaky scalps, or acting as an overnight lip mask, Wonderbalm truly does it all (and more).
With a nourishing blend of Olive Oil, Shea Butter, and Orange Peel Oil, it’s designed to deeply hydrate and restore skin and hair while fitting snugly in your bag. It’s no wonder customers rave about its versatility:
“I have psoriasis on my scalp on which can get really bad on my hairline and behind my ears. It can get really dry and flakey and is super embarrassing. I put this product on and instantly the itchiness subsided. Within a day the flaking stopped and was much smoother. Really lovely product and smells great too.”
“I use this on my hands and fingertips. The skin was cracking and was really sore. I have been using now for a few days and I can already see an improvement in the skin.”
“Every night – the best lip balm solution I have found!”
“I can’t stop recommending this product to friends and family! Have swapped out my cleansing balm, lip balms and hand cream for this one product! It really works wonders as an overnight lip mask to avoid any cracking from the cold weather.”
“I absolutely love it! I had really dry knuckles from UK winter and it’s basically gone away now”
“One pot wonder”
“I have been getting a dry, sore patch in between my fingers that has been flaring up occasionally. After using WONDERBALM it was feeling so much calmer and the redness had noticeably subsided.”
Why It’s Your Next Handbag Hero:
Dry Skin & Scalp Savior: Tackles irritation and dryness with antioxidant-rich Shea Butter and Orange Peel Oil
Compact Travel Essential: Perfect for handbags or carry-ons so there’s no need to pack bulky hand creams or multiple products
Cold-Weather Cuticle Care: Repairs cracked knuckles and soothes eczema-prone skin
Beauty Multi-Tasker: Use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, or an overnight lip and face mask for ultimate hydration
In family life, managing health can often feel challenging. However, online pharmacies have changed how families approach wellness, making balancing health needs with the daily rush more straightforward. These digital platforms save time, ensuring essential health products are only a few clicks away. This shift allows parents to focus on their family’s well-being without the hassle of visiting a traditional pharmacy.
The Role of Online Pharmacies in Modern Family Wellness
Online pharmacies play a crucial role in supporting family wellness by offering easy access to various health products. Busy parents can browse and buy everything from prescription medicines to wellness supplements and personal care items, all from the comfort of home. This convenience benefits families with young children or those managing packed schedules, saving them from long, time-consuming trips to the pharmacy.
Safety and reliability remain top concerns for families, and reputable online pharmacies, like Oxford Online Pharmacy, implement strict safety protocols to ensure that all high-quality products are legitimate. Licensed pharmacy services adhere to healthcare regulations, giving families peace of mind when purchasing. The variety of products available through online pharmacies means that parents can find tailored solutions that suit diverse health needs, from allergy medications to essential vitamins for children.
How Online Pharmacies Simplify Medication Management for Families
Managing prescriptions for an entire family can be overwhelming, especially if multiple members have different medication schedules. Online pharmacies help ease this process by offering scheduled deliveries tailored to individual needs.
With regular shipments for prescriptions, families can rest assured they’ll always have essential medications on hand. This structure takes a load off parents, giving them more time and energy to focus on family health without constantly worrying about managing medication refills.
Another benefit of online pharmacies is their user-friendly platforms. Many sites are designed to make reordering medications quick and easy. Parents can view their medication history and reorder prescriptions without hassle.
Additionally, several online pharmacies, like Oxford Online Pharmacy, provide pharmacist consultations via chat or phone, offering professional guidance for medication-related questions. This personalised support is a comforting option, especially for parents handling more complex health routines for their children.
Benefits of Using Online Pharmacies for Family Health Essentials
Beyond prescription medications, online pharmacies provide families access to trusted health supplements. Parents can easily find a range of vitamins, minerals, and herbal products tailored to support their children’s growth and development. Having dependable health products within easy reach is invaluable for fostering family wellness.
Another big plus is the ease with which parents can compare prices. Online pharmacies often list competitive pricing, helping families make informed choices and save money on essential health items. This benefit is especially welcome in a tight economy, where every penny matters.
Privacy is also a significant advantage of online pharmacies. They offer families a discreet way to purchase health products, especially for conditions or issues that might feel sensitive or embarrassing to discuss in person. This privacy can make it easier for parents to manage personal health matters, relieving stress and allowing them to focus on their family’s well-being.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Health Through Online Pharmacy Options
Mental and emotional health is as crucial as physical health, and online pharmacies recognise this need by offering various supportive products. Families seeking stress relief or improved sleep can easily access herbal teas, sleep aids, and relaxation supplements online. The ease of accessing these products online can significantly help parents manage household stress and give them more time to focus on their mental well-being.
Online pharmacies provide a stress-free shopping experience, enabling parents to buy health products without the added pressure of in-store shopping. This flexibility frees up valuable time for families to spend together. Many online pharmacies also offer specialised self-care products, from skincare to relaxation tools, supporting overall family wellness.
By making self-care more accessible, we encourage parents to prioritise their health. This fosters a positive family atmosphere and strengthens mental health across the household.
Choosing the Right Online Pharmacy for Your Family
Selecting the right online pharmacy is vital for families looking for safe, reliable services. One of the first things parents should check for is safety certifications and genuine reviews. These are signs of a trustworthy provider. Oxford Online Pharmacy, for example, is a well-regarded option with a broad range of products and a reputation for high standards.
Customer support is another critical factor. A responsive support system makes a big difference when parents have questions about health products or need guidance with their orders. Reliable online pharmacies understand this and focus on delivering vital customer service, ensuring families can navigate their needs smoothly.
Finally, dependable delivery shouldn’t be underestimated. Parents should look for pharmacies that offer reliable, trackable delivery options, giving peace of mind that essential health products will arrive on time. Efficiently organising health essentials helps families feel secure on their wellness journey and confident in the support of their chosen pharmacy.
