My life in books

Which childhood book sparked your love of reading? The Shoe Shop Bears by Margaret J Baker, now sadly out of print. It was the first book I bought with my own money. I was bored by picture books and w

As a child, Camilla was captivated by Anna Sewell's Black Beauty. She says, "I have to admit, I ended up probably being a pony-mad child with Black Beauty. which I howled over, night after night after

Our books editor Zoe West’s favourite picks for the month

by Jill Mansell (£16.99, HB, Headline) PA Fen is thrilled to be invited on a five-star cruise by her doting grandmother Disa, though her motives may not be entirely pure. Jeweller Hattie joins her bes

Dear Simon, Once again, the December 2025 issue had lots of memories to write about. Starting from the front, Gertcha! – I did love Chas and Dave, as did my husband. Of course, the family always watch

Novelist Kiran Millwood Hargrave recommends reads for when you require an extra dash of courage