Tag Archives: Kathy Lette

Perfect Books For Christmas

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Diva Daisy Goodwin

An absolute note perfect novel based on Maria Callas’s love affair with Aristotle Onassis. A fictionalised story of the ultimate Diva of Opera. I was obsessed with this book and did not want to put it down. I have always been a fan of Maria Callas, and Daisy Goodwin is a writer at the top of her game.

In the glittering and ruthlessly competitive world of opera, Maria Callas is known simply as la divina: the divine one. With her glorious voice, instinctive flair for the dramatic and striking beauty, she’s the toast of the grandest opera houses in the world. Yet her fame has been hard won: raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who mercilessly exploited her, Maria learned early in life how to protect herself.

When she meets the fabulously rich shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, her isolation melts away. For the first time in her life, she believes she’s found a man who sees the woman rather than the legendary soprano. Desperately in love, Onassis introduces her to a life of unbelievable luxury, mixing with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

And then, suddenly, it’s over. The international press announce that Onassis will marry the most famous woman in the world, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, leaving Maria to pick up the pieces.

Diva is sexy, glamourous and an absolute must-read. Available here.

HRT Husband Replacement Therapy Kathy Lette

Kathy Lette is known for her wit and this book is no different. It takes serious issues and even tragic moments, and tells them with humour and aplomb. Endlessly entertaining, and both heartwarming and funny, HRT Husband Replacement Therapy is a great antidote to reality. Escape between the pages.

An outrageously funny, heartbreaking read – when Ruby finds out she has cancer on the brink of her 50th birthday, she decides to start living instead of complying…

Ruby has always been the generous mediator among her friends, family and colleagues, which is why they’ve all turned up to celebrate her 50th birthday.

But after too many glasses of champers, Ruby takes her moment in the spotlight to reveal what she really thinks of every one of them. She accuses her husband of having an affair and lambasts her mother for a lifetime of playing her three daughters against each other – it’s blisteringly brutal.

As the stunned gathering gawks at Ruby, the birthday girl reveals that she has terminal cancer, and has cashed in her life savings to take her two estranged sisters cruising into the sunset for a dose of HRT – Husband Replacement Therapy. But is Ruby being courageous or ruthlessly selfish?

HRT is available here.

The Revenge Club Kathy Lette

Another belter from Kathy Lette. This time four women reunite for the first time in decades as they enter midlife. The world has decided they are no longer relevant and so they take their revenge. It’s a fantastic, escapist comedy. Throughly enjoyable with many laugh out loud moments.

WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, IT’S TIME TO GET EVEN.

Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. 

Only they’re not going down without a fight.

Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.

After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin…

Revenge Club is available here.

The Comeback Ella Berman

I needed a moment after finishing this book. Damn, it’s a masterpiece. The story about a former child actor who quit at the top of her game because of the actions of the director she worked with for years. It’s a forensic take on Hollywood and the metoo movement. Ella Berman knows her characters inside out. The relationships between them is tender and realistic. You won’t be able to put this book down.

Grace Turner was one movie away from Hollywood’s A-List. So no one understood why, at the height of her career and on the eve of her first Golden Globe nomination, she disappeared.

Now, one year later, Grace is back in Los Angeles and ready to reclaim her life on her own terms.

When Grace is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to director Able Yorke – the man who controlled her every move for eight years – she knows there’s only one way she’ll be free of the secret that’s already taken so much from her.

The Comeback is a moving and provocative story of justice – a true page-turner about a young woman finding the strength and power of her voice, from the author of Reese’s Book Club pick Before We Were Innocent.

The Comeback is available here.

Be Kind Rosie Nixon Illustrated by Jakki Jones

CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE: Fearne Cotton, Matt Haig, Katie Piper, Melanie B, Holly Willoughby, June Sarpong, Izzy Judd, Beverley Knight, Dermot O’Leary, The Duchess of York, Jo Malone CBE, Paul Weller, Alex Scott MBE, Dr Julie Smith, Emma Bunton and Melissa Hemsley

I absolutely adore this book. Kindness is the most important thing. This book is full of quotes and wisdom, as well as things to do and advice. It is perfect for adults and children and is beautifully illustrated. Buy in bulk to hand out this Christmas.

Unlock the incredible power of kindness with this small book with a huge heart.

Packed with inspirational quotes, tips, actions and pearls of wisdom from famous personalities, experts and inspirational leaders alike, each page of this beautiful book will help you be kinder to yourself, to other people, and to the planet. Be Kind celebrates kindness in all its forms and demonstrates that kindness can truly change the world. Kindness is your superpower, and this book will teach you how to use it well.

Rosie Nixon lives in Surrey and is an author, coach and broadcaster. A former magazine editor in chief, she is the founder of Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats, a series of carefully curated ‘retreats in a day’ to support midlife women. She is a mother of two and the author of three previous novels, The Stylist (2016) and sequel, Amber Green takes Manhattan (2017), and Just Between Friends (2020). Be Kind is her first non-fiction book.

Be Kind is available here.

The Christmas Cottage Sarah Morgan

The Perfect Christmas book from the Queen of Christmas. Best read with a hot chocolate for extra festive feels. It has family drama, a love story and it’s set in a Cotswolds village. Bliss.

Will this Christmas finally bring comfort and joy?

A PAINFUL SECRET

Imogen loves her job as an events organiser, and her colleagues are in awe of her. But Imogen isn’t the person she pretends to be, and she’s hiding painful truths about her past. But as long as she can keep on top of her work, Imogen can put everything else to one side.

AN ACT OF KINDNESS

And then Imogen makes a catastrophic mistake at work, and finally realises it’s time to reset. When her favourite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend Christmas with her and her family, in her cottage in the Cotswolds, it sounds like the perfect way for Imogen to take stock.

FINDING HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS

Imogen soon settles into idyllic cottage life, especially with the prospect of a new romance on the horizon … but when long-buried secrets and unwanted faces from the past resurface, Imogen’s new peace is threatened. Will Imogen end up alone this Christmas, or can she find it in her heart to forgive and move on?

The Christmas Cottage is available here.

The Palace Dressmaker Jade Beer

This is a sumptuous page turner. The lives of two women are told expertly. It’s a glamorous love story which is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Perfect for fans of The Crown.

A royal princess. A dress lost for decades. A love story waiting to be uncovered…
London, 1988: Meredith has landed her dream job at London’s most prestigious fashion house, creating beautiful gowns adorned with intricate beads and embroidery. But now Meredith is about to create a dress like no other for the most famous woman in the world: Diana, Princess of Wales. As Meredith pours her heart into this career-defining dress, she works under the handsome and exacting William in the workroom.

William, and this commission, could end up changing her life in more ways than one…

New York, 1997: The red carpet has been rolled out on Park Avenue for the auction of Princess Diana’s dresses for charity. Of the eighty items listed for sale, only seventy-nine will sell.

Because dress Number 19 is missing…

England, 2018: Jayne has met all the neighbours in her new building bar one: Mrs Chalis on the first floor. When she finally meets Meredith Chalis in the hallway, she is taken aback by how upset she seems and offers her help. Entering her home, Jayne immediately knows something is very wrong. The house is in complete disarray and there is no sign of Meredith’s husband.

But then Jayne sees the most beautiful evening dress thrown over a chair and reads the note laid beside it.

Jayne realises that Meredith has an incredible story to tell… and only she can help uncover it…

Out on November 5 | Hodder.

A Dance For a King Anton Du Beke

Perfect for fans of Strictly and historical fiction. We’re a sucker for a wartime story, and this is a page turner.

You’re invited to a show to remember at the prestigious Buckingham Hotel . . .

In London 1942 the war is far from over for soldier Raymond de Guise. His wife Nancy is overjoyed to be reunited with her husband, and to introduce him to their son. But their safety is threatened once more as Raymond returns to the ballroom at the Buckingham Hotel, ordered to discover the dark secrets held by the glittering high society. On the dancefloor Raymond uncovers a dangerous relationship that could change the course of the war, and also threaten his marriage to Nancy. Can he protect his King and his family before it is too late?

A DANCE FOR THE KING is a pageturning and epic wartime story filled with drama, mystery, dance and romance.

A Dance For a King is available here.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE UK’S FIRST WIE SYMPOSIUM

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE UK’S FIRST WIE SYMPOSIUM
THE EVENT BRINGS TOGETHER POWERFUL THOUGHT LEADERS TO INSPIRE
AND EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION

A host of prominent women from the worlds of business, politics, fashion and entertainment
will congregate at the Women Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Symposium to lead a series of
panels and workshops designed to equip women with the tools and confidence to succeed. WIE
first launched in New York in 2010, and over the years has featured a stellar lineup of speakers
including Donna Karen, Nancy Pelosi, Queen Rania of Jordan and Christy Turlington. The
UK conference takes place on International Women’s Day, March 8th 2012 and will feature hi-
fliers such as Jo Malone, Jo Elvin, Kathy Lette, Lynn de Rothschild, Lynne Franks, Julie
Meyer, Stella Creasy, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Celia Walden, Baroness Scotland and
former BT President Julie Woods Moss.

The WIE Symposium will offer a full day of thought-provoking panels, inspirational master
classes and powerful keynote speakers. Tickets are on sale from 23rd January, available at
www.wienetwork.org at £150.00 per person. The day commences with the inaugural WIE50
Power Breakfast – an annual event that will honour 50 of the top female business trailblazers at
the iconic London Stock Exchange.

Subjects to be addressed at the conference include Tools for the Entrepreneur, Women and
Leadership, Women in Media, The Luxury Industry and Financial Tools for Success.
Additionally the Symposium will launch the WIE Mentorship Scheme – a program designed to
provide long term support and advice from leading businesswomen to young women about to
embark on their careers.

The WIE Symposium is the brainchild of television presenter June Sarpong and former film
executive Dee Poku, who conquered New York with an initiative designed to create a platform
for this generation’s women leaders to inspire and empower the next.

June Sarpong and Dee Poku said; “We are incredibly excited about launching WIE in the UK.
The UK is filled with incredible female thought leaders who are already doing their bit to
empower the next generation. Our goal is to harness the legendary creativity and innovation of
London to empower women and girls across the country and help them reach their full potential.”

WIE Symposium UK Bringing Together Most Powerful Women

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE FIRST WIE SYMPOSIUM UK BRINGING TOGETHER THE MOST POWERFUL MINDS TO INSPIRE AND EXCITE WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD

A host of prominent women from the worlds of business, fashion and film will congregate at the Women Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Symposium to lead a series of seminars after successfully launching in America with the support of Donna Karen, Queen Rania of Jordan and Christie Turlington. The event will happen on International Women’s Day, March 8th 2012 and will feature discussions from luminaries including Jo Malone, Kathy Lette and Lynn de Rothschild.

The WIE Symposium will offer a full day of thought-provoking panels, inspirational master
classes and powerful keynote speakers. Tickets will be on sale from 23rd January, available at
www.wienetwork.org at £150.00 per person.

Issues to be addressed at The Hospital Club, London range from the future of girls’ education
to getting women off the sidelines in business and public life and the ‘green revolution’.
Additionally the Symposium will launch the WIE Mentorship Scheme – an initiative designed to
coach and aid young female entrepreneurs through a year of advice and counsel from leading
business women.

Starting the day, WIE is thrilled to announce the inaugural Power Breakfast – an annual event
that will honour 50 of the top female business trailblazers at the iconic London Stock Exchange.
The WIE Symposium is the brainchild of television presenter June Sarpong and former film
executive Dee Poku, who conquered New York with a plan to help women from all walks of
life achieve their full potential.

June Sarpong said; “We are incredibly excited about launching WIE in the UK. The UK is filled
with incredible female thought leaders who are already doing their bit to empower the next
generation. Our goal is to harness the legendary creativity and innovation of London to
empower women and girls across the country and help them reach their full potential.”
PRESS RELEASE 23rd January 2012

Female leaders already signed up to take part in the event include Celia Walden, Julie Woods
Moss (BT), Baroness Scotland and Lynne Franks who join the likes Sarah Brown, Arianna
Huffington, Diane von Furstenberg and Iman from previous events.

International Women’s Day:
Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and
celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from
all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities
and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatric performances, fashion
parades and more.

The Hospital Club:
Sue Walter, CEO of the Hospital Club says, “The Hospital Club is privileged to be hosting
London’s inaugural WIE Symposium. We share many of the same values around inspiration,
enterprise and nurturing emerging talent and we’re very excited to be joining forces to bring
British women this unique opportunity to learn from each other and be inspired by what the
future holds.”

WIE Founders:
Dee Poku is a social entrepreneur, marketing consultant and philanthropic strategist. Poku is also the owner of Right Angle, a branding and marketing consultancy that develops and
implements innovative campaigns for a cross section of high profile films, non-profits and
consumer brands. Her background includes senior marketing roles at Paramount Pictures and
Focus Features where she oversaw the movie release campaigns for the likes of Al Gore’s ‘An
Inconvenient Truth’; the Coen brothers’ ‘No Country For Old Men’; Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in
Translation’ and Ang Lee’s ‘Brokeback Mountain’. She is a member of the British Academy
(BAFTA) and Women in Film.

June Sarpong has become one of the most recognisable faces of British television – as the
female face of Channel 4’s successful Sunday morning strand T4 for the first eight years, June
has become part of TV history. Her groundbreaking Tony Blair Channel 4 special, ‘When Tony
Met June’ saw her being granted unprecedented access to the British PM. She has also
interviewed and introduced some of the world’s biggest names including: Nelson Mandela,
HRH Prince of Wales, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Bono, George Clooney and 50 Cent. June is an
ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and also campaigns for the Make Poverty History movement –
she was awarded an MBE on the Queens 2007 new years honours list for services to broadcasting and charity.

Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon and Gillian Anderson Support 'Positive Beauty'

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GLOBAL STARS AND THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY LINE UP TO SUPPORT PSYCHOLOGIES’ ‘POSITIVE BEAUTY’ MANIFESTO

Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon and Gillian Anderson are amongst 50 celebrities who have signed up to support the Psychologies’ ‘Positive Beauty’ Manifesto, which launched on 5th May, 2011.

Beauty editor, Eminé Ali Rushton, said:  “An interest in how you look is so often dismissed as superficial, when in fact it’s been shown that those who take care of their appearance feel far happier. There’s such a powerful link between looking good & feeling good – and we wanted to celebrate this. By promoting such inclusive, positive values – that do not discriminate or prescribe or restrict – we’re truly celebrating beauty that unites us all.”

The manifesto, published in Psychologies’ June issues across the globe, marks the launch of a campaign that will also include the first ‘Positive Beauty’ awards in the UK in October.

The Psychologies’ ‘Positive Beauty’ campaign aims to encourage women to have a balanced approach to beauty and celebrates women who enjoy looking after their appearance, while celebrating individuality in an increasingly pressured world. The campaign taps into the Psychologies ethos of always looking beneath the surface to understand what really makes women tick – ‘Positive Beauty’ is the expression of a women’s sense of self as well as the way she chooses to present herself.

The campaign is being supported by major international beauty brands, including ambassadors from Lancôme, Laura Mercier, Trevor Sorbie, Eve Lom, Ruby Hammer and Margo Marrone from The Organic Pharmacy all signing up to the manifesto.

The 10-point manifesto has also been backed by US stars and leading UK women across entertainment, media and politics including; Jemma Kidd, Mary Portas, Kathy Lette, Miranda Hart, KT Tunstall, Corinne Baily Rae, Lisa B, Camila Batmanghelidjh from the Kids Company and Lynne Featherstone MP.

Louise Chunn, Editor of Psychologies comments: “I am a passionate believer in the aims of this beauty manifesto. Beauty is a wonderful tool for women, but it shouldn’t become their master.”

The ‘Positive Beauty’ Manifesto will run in UK Psychologies and internationally from 5th May in France, Russia, China, Belgium, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Italy and Greece.

As part of the campaign women in the UK are being asked to sign up to the manifesto on Psychologies.co.uk as well as tweet their personal ‘Positive Beauty’ mantras to @PsychologiesMag, to celebrate feeling good about beauty.

The ‘Positive Beauty Awards’, taking place in London in October, will recognise beauty brands that help make women feel as well as look fantastic.

The 10 point Positive Beauty Manifesto:

1. Beauty is the celebration of what is unique about each one of us

2. Taking the time to care about ourselves boosts our self confidence

3. Beauty and femininity are complex, and should not follow a simplistic set of rules or

universal conversations

4. Beauty should celebrate intelligent, individual and confident role models

5. Being bombarded by unattainably perfect beauty ideals can damage that confidence

6. True beauty radiates who we truly are, including all our imperfections

7. Feeling beautiful is more important than looking beautiful

8. A woman can play with her image, make-up and clothes without being superficial

9. Neither neglecting your appearance nor obsessing about it are healthy signs for women

10. We can be beautiful without being young, overtly sexy or thin