'Live Alone and Like It' was written by Marjorie Hillis, a journalist who had learnt the art of upskilling solo living, because, as she points out in the book: 'You need a plan.' She shares it here.

By Trinny Woodall | Published by HQ

By Rumer Godden | Published by Manderley Press

By Ada Leverson | Published by Michael Walmer

By Philippa Gregory | Published by William Collins

I am a booklover so it was natural for me to find that books were my allies in rough times. Later, when I was stronger, they provided catharsis and practical ideas for a way forward. That’s just me. Entering into the world of a book gives me a break from harsh reality. What I get from reading, you personally might find you get from films or music or drama or something else entirely. Some healthy form of temporary escape. The emotional pressure is relaxed and, mysteriously, some inner strength begins to build so you find you can cope with and work through any reality. The books I turn to at times like this tend to be retro and nostalgic. I bless the day I came across Persephone Books, which rediscovers and republishes ‘forgotten’ books by and about (mainly) mid-twentieth century women. Superficially, these books might appear to be about the past but read them and you discover they are timeless. You realise there is no problem you face that some other woman at a much harder time in history has not faced before you. It’s as though a tunnel through the rockface that's blocking your way has already been begun by some earlier woman's efforts. In some mystical way, this helps you. Take confidence that you too will make it through into the daylight. I also have a theory that nostalgic and retro books evoke comfort because their stories are safely in the past and act as a reminder that one day my pain will be in the past too.

By Ada Leverson | Published by Michael Walmer

Lewis Hamilton’s announcement about adding his 'mother's name' to his current surname is a nice mum-loving gesture but actually he's just adding one male name to another.

How a man wears a mask and what it tells you.

'Live Alone and Like It' was written by Marjorie Hillis, a journalist who had learnt the art of upskilling solo living, because, as she points out in the book: 'You need a plan.' She shares it here.

By Trinny Woodall | Published by HQ