The festival takes place from 27 February to 7 March at the Royal National Hotel in Bloomsbury.

There are several sessions which may appeal to our readers:

Anita Diamant http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2010/day-after-night.php

Simon Mawer, Julia Franck and Norman Lebrecht http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2010/long-shadows.php

In September I went to the glittering offices of my publishers, Random House, to meet Reina James so that we could interview each other for New Books Magazine. When the idea was first mooted I thought, who is this Reina James, must be some chicklitter I've never heard of? Then while I was in Ibiza a book arrived direct from a publisher with no covering letter which I assumed had been sent to me to review. It was only a fortnight later

many apologies to those of you awaiting delivery of orders. Our post hasn't been collected for the last few days due to the snow, but is ready and waiting. We'll get all parcels off to customers as soon as we are able.

The shortlist for the Guardian First Book Award 2009, in association with Waterstone’s, has been decided. The shortlisted books are:

Women dominate 2009 Giller long list

Female authors of historical fiction dominate the long list of nominees for the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Prize – a selection that will likely silence the grumbling that followed the release of last year's long list, when only three of the 15 nominees were women.

Go to Features Page to see what Melissa has to say about life, books and embarrassing moments.

Sadie Jones was in conversation with newbooks publisher, Guy Pringle on 

Thursday, October 22nd at Pilgrims’ Hall, Winchester. The evening was well attended and the audience enjoyed hearing sadie talk about her life and her work.

More events are being planned for the future. Please visit the website regularly tokeep up to date with event news.

Madelaine Smith (Marketing) has compiled and edited a book along with Phil Yates.

• Behind The Curtain: Scenes from the history of Theatre Royal Winchester

This book tells the story of Winchester's Theatre Royal from its original use as a hotel, through the revue and cinema years, to the battles against demolition and finally to the vibrant theatre it is today.