From gripping thrillers and award-winning novels to beautifully illustrated hardbacks and joyful festive stories, these are the top books to buy from Waterstones this Christmas, guaranteed to delight under the tree. Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes (Hardback) £14.00 Join Britain’s best-loved cook, Mary Berry, as she celebrates her 90th birthday with a career-spanning collection of iconic, fuss-free recipes for every occasion. The Impossible Fortune

Lauren Taylor chats to the TV chef about his tips and tricks for everything from the turkey to the sprouts. (James Murphy/PA) In a restaurant kitchen, even professional chefs don’t have to make every element of a three-course meal. But at Christmas, “When you’re cooking at home, you have to do everything,” says Rick Stein, “therefore your timing has to be really good. In a restaurant kitchen you’re doing four or five things really, and nothing else, also they’re all part of t

Bag everything from cookery to romance in our pick of the best. Lovers of books are sure to find something to enjoy in this list (Alamy/PA) Whether your loved one likes cooking or life stories, sagas or romances, there’s a book out there which you can gift them to make them happy on Christmas Day. Here are 10 which might suit anyone from hobbyists to history buffs, dystopian fans and real life readers. 1. Padella by Tim Siadatan (Bloomsbury, £25) If you are already tired of t

The popular TV chef talks to Lauren Taylor about the ITV show, not rehearsing, and meeting famous guests. Chef James Martin talks about the buzz of cooking live on TV and creating recipes that anyone can whip up at home (Dan Jones/PA) James Martin may have been on TV since the mid-Nineties, but that doesn’t mean he wants to see it back. “I’ve never watched myself in 34 years of doing it. I can’t watch it, I just can’t – it’s really weird,” says the 53-year-old. The chef made

The Strictly Come Dancing judge talks to Lauren Taylor about feeling good, getting older and his life as a novelist. Anton Du Beke (Nicky Johnston/PA) Anton Du Beke has revealed the most common remark made when he’s recognised in public is how surprisingly youthful he looks. “My favourite comment of all time is, ‘Oh, you look much younger in real life!” says the Strictly Come Dancing judge who turns 60 in July. Although he jokes he is “a bit depressed” about the upcoming mile

Leaf through some of this season’s finest offerings. (Timber Press/Cool Springs Press/Frances Lincoln/PA) As the weather starts to close in, if you’ve finished raking the leaves, cutting your hedge, and weeding and mulching your borders, put your feet up with an autumn gardening book to offer inspiration for the seasons ahead. Whether you’re looking for terrific planting combinations, some mouth-watering recipes utilising your own home-grown produce, or creating a vintage par

The TV star and business guru on putting ‘Harvey Nicks’ on the shopping radar and her different vision for retail. Mary Portas (Linda Nylind/PA) When Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley descended on Harvey Nichols out of hours to film the first Absolutely Fabulous in the early Nineties, Mary Portas, the marketing guru who had fixed the TV setting, knew she was taking a huge risk. Her decision could go either way. She could get free marketing for the store through the new BBC

The Gavin & Stacey star talks about nudity, sexual harassment and how she keeps her marriage fresh. Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page...

The Clarkson’s Farm star discusses juggling family and farming. Kaleb Cooper (Kaleb Cooper/Cody Burridge/PA) Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb...

This week’s bookcase includes reviews of Helm by Sarah Hall and Bloody Awful in Different Ways by Andrev Walden. Five books to read this...

Lou Robbie – who went viral for her healthy lunchbox snacks online – chats to Lauren Taylor about why we all need to use our freezers...

The TV presenter talks about the inspiration behind her new novel set in Cornwall. Fern Britton talks about her family secrets and the...

The ultimate picnic food. Katie Caldesi’s Scotch eggs (Maja Smend/PA) “Scotch eggs were invented by Fortnum and Mason in 1738 for...

Up your barbecue game with this slow cooked meat, finished off on the grill. Tom Kerridge’s smoky beef short ribs recipe (Cristian...

This week’s bookcase includes reviews of Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell and Sweat by Emma Healey. New books to read this week (Composite/PA)...

Unwrap the magic of storytelling this Christmas with this selection of beautiful books, perfect for gifting loved ones during the festive season. Waterstones/Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: (Deluxe Collector's Edition/Hardback) £22.00 Rick Riordan's classic first novel, THE LIGHTNING THIEF, has been dressed up in a deluxe, clothbound edition with a foiled cover, stained edges, a marker ribbon, ten page

LadBaby creators Mark and Roxanne Hoyle tell Lisa Salmon their Christmas tree is already up, and give their tips for family festive...

The Clarkson’s Farm tractor-loving sidekick reveals how the dynamic works. Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper talks working the land and...