Hey Elsie, welcome to the site!
I'm sure you'll get on just fine round here, there's always something to be talking about!
As far as authors go... well you can't go far wrong with Scott Cunningham either, he's pretty much renowned as writing the best introdctory books (A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner for example).
Another author I like (and not everyone will agree on this) is Silver Ravenwolf. She's been called a charlatan and all sorts but any book of hers I've had is alwyas very informative and easy to read. You can't really go wrong with To Ride a Silver Broomstick.
Plus as Vicky said, Kate West is great!
Anyway... thanks for posting out yourself, hope to talk to you sooon! x