The Golden Book of Chocolate, hardback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-978-1845432676, price 19.99 available in the UK from www.apple-press.com

If you love chocolate like I love chocolate, you are in for a BIG treat. This book is delicious from cover to cover and a must for all chocaholics. I love this ‘golden’ series with its sumptuous golden slip cover and page ends – it makes you feel like a millionaire. The chocolate millefeuille are scrumptious, choc nut cupcakes to die for, my next make might be Irish cream cake. Whether you like your chocolate to drink, indulge or wallow in, there is enough here to keep you going forever and a day. I like choc marquise, Italian ricotta cake and so much more. Over 300 recipes, that’s almost one for every day of the year. Get your chocolate fix now.

3-Minute Einstein by Paul Parsons, hardback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-440-3, price 12.99 available from www.apple-press.com

One of the most well-known names – but how much do you know about his work? This book aims to make Einstein’s theories accessible to all. Even if you struggle with maths, Paul Parsons has found a way to help you understand Einstein. Each fact is broken down into 3-minute morsels. In fact if that’s too long for you, there’s a 3-second brief on every page. Tap into the mind of a genius with the help of this book. It’s not just the science – the author takes a look at Einstein the man, his background and beliefs.

The authors have thought up some pretty good ideas on the basis of A-line, Pencil and Flare skirts. Most of them are workable although for me there was no overall wow or must-make. At least the authors seem to have used real people to model the designs and not ultra skinny models. Mainly above the knee skirts, there is only one ankle-length skirt. Some you could go to work in, others suitable for an after work drink with friends. Patterns at the back of the book do need to be copied and enlarged.

The Golden Book of Desserts, hardback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-428-1, price 20.00 available from www.apple-press.com

A heavyweight in book terms, this is a thick yet small format book. Owing to its 250 fabulous recipes, it is difficult to hold open and juggle ingredients and keep your place at the same time. Yet I know, like me, you will want to struggle. Not only does this book have just about every recipe you will ever need, the recipes are illustrated and include many step by step sequences explaining basic techniques. How about raspberry meringue roulade, raspberry and ricotta crepe parcels or two-toned zuccotto to name a few recipes. I love the touch of gold wrap around the cover – it’s luxurious. Other good points are preparation times and skill levels. The golden book of baking has been on my shelf a while – I love it and this is going to be its companion. I’m just off to make Berry Tiramisu for tea.

The Wood Carving Bible by Antony Denning, hardback, spiral bound published by Apple Press. 978-1-84543-433-5, price 14.99 available from www.apple-press.com

This is a small format, compact book. It lays flat so is easy to use. Discover all about the tools, materials and techniques to master wood carving. The introduction includes ideas for organising your work space, safety and storage of tools. The design notes include transferring a drawing and sketch models, for me this section is way too brief. The choice of woods is illustrated with photographs and characteristics of each wood are given. 22 techniques are explained from holding tools to carving in the round. All the techniques are explained in writing and illustrated throughout. There are just six projects included – salad servers, bowl, box, floating decoy, letter opener and another bowl. Each project is explained in detail with easy to follow instructions and with clear step by step photographs. The projects are nicely decorated giving you a chance to hone your skills. The gallery provides examples of further possibilities. For techniques this is a good book with good projects to try out. However, as a ‘bible’ of wood carving, it would need to be far more comprehensive.

Shakespeare’s Plays Essential Guide by A D Cousins et al, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-436-6, price 14.99 available from www.apple-press.com

Shakespeare’s 38 plays – history, tragedy, comedy and romance that have enduring appeal are presented in an easy to understand format highlighting the storyline, chief characters, quotes and so much more. This is a wonderful accompaniment to the plays themselves for any student, historian, literature buff and great for swotting up for exams or quizzes. The excellent introduction gives an appropriate background to the life and times of Shakespeare. The book is illustrated with family trees, timelines, charts and tables that help you understand the plays as well as photos taken from performances – film and theatre, and artworks. The book has been put together by a team of academics, historians and experts. I really enjoyed this book as a lover of Shakespeare – I wish I had had it when doing my English lit o and A levels, however, it will prove useful before going to watch plays and also when I play quizzes. Pop this under the Christmas tree for relatives and friends.

Sockology by Brenna Maloney, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-437-3, price 10.99, available from www.apple-press.com

Transform your socks into loveable, cuddly characters. Just shows what you can do with imagination and a sock. Brenna obviously has lots of both. These are probably the best sock creatures I have seen. Sock creations are great to do with the kids and can keep them occupied in many ways – drawing, designing and stitching. There’s a good introduction to what you need and how to get started. The templates are hand drawn. Each character is explained in full with detailed instructions and step by step photos. Now, which one shall I make first?

Sandwiches, Panini & Wraps by Stefania Corsi, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-419-9, price 10.99 available from www.apple-press.com

If like me you eat one or the other of these most days, you’ll find this book full of up-dated old favourites, new ideas and takes on all three. The Ploughman’s wrap is a classic. There are veggie delights here as well as meat eater recipes. There is some great party food and the office stand bys too. Open sandwiches, toasties, sauces  and more. Easy to follow recipes and beautifully photographed munchies.

Macaron by Alison Thompson, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-410-6, price 9.99 available from www.apple-press.com

The latest craze to hit our taste buds. This is a truly scrumptious recipe book. Delightful little macarons melt in the mouth. Originally created in Italy in 1533, macarons are enjoying a revival. Equipment, techniques and ingredients plus around 60 irresistible macarons to make with glorious ingredients such as white chocolate, lavender, coconut and jasmine tea. Mmm.

Grow Your Own Food by Richard Gianfrancesco, softback published by Quarto. ISBN 978-1-84543-377-2, price 14.99 available from www.apple-press.com

The grow your own theme is still going strong and I have recently encountered more people trying to grow veg in their garden or on an allotment. Richard is an expert in how to manage your plot and get the best from it. This book provides good advice on all aspects of growing veg, salads and fruit from site to harvest. The easy to use format allows you to access the information readily from minimum temperature to a growing calendar. I particularly like the value for money, maintenance, freeze/store and cropping season boxes given at the beginning of each crop. Additional information includes preserving, freezing, and more.