*Hosting Guests Over Christmas + Places To Visit

The festive season is upon us and that means an influx of friends and relatives as well as neighbours coming over for a catch up, to exchange presents or for a Christmas get together which can be more than a little daunting! There is always so much to do at this time of the year with Boxing Day and New Year not far behind so here are some of my tips for hosting guests over the festive season as well as recommendations of places to visit in the North West.

Christmassy Vegetarian & Vegan Options - The Easy Way

Let's start with the best part of any Christmas get together...food. As a vegetarian (and mostly vegan now), I always find going to get togethers so awkward and I just end up eating Pringles which we all know is a recipe for disaster as when one pops, one just can't stop. If you have vegetarian or vegan guests visiting over the festive season don't panic, there are so many incredibly easy options to make such as my vegan cinnamon rolls, vegan  pizza or if you are looking for an easier option then Marks & Spencers have a great range of vegetarian options. The key to any get together is preparation so make sure you prep as much as you can before hand.

Delicious Festive Mocktails For All The Family 

Cocktails my be delicious and perfect for the festive season but not everyone drinks alcohol so festive mocktails are a great alternative for all the family! There are so many combinations but I created a couple of festive mocktails last mont that were so sweet and delicious. Don't forget to dust the rim of the glasses with sugar for a fabulously frosted look. Also unlike cocktails, you don't have to go out and buy specific ingredients, you can make them with drinks, fruit and extras you probably already have in your kitchen.

Christmas Decor

We already have our tree and other Christmas decorations up (they're from Amara, including the sequinned bauble above) and they are essential to any Christmas party or get together. I love this time of the year with the multitude of fairy lights, bauble filled Christmas trees and glittering outdoor lights. Why not go the extra mile this year to impress your guests with homemade Christmas decorations such as a nordic winter wreath, homemade Christmas crackers or handmade Christmas cards.

Party Games & Quizzes

Entertaining vast numbers of family members can be a little difficult so why not watch a festive movie? My favourites have to include, Elf, The Grinch and The Polar Express - just add some festive popcorn dusted in cinnamon, chocolate chips and edible glitter and you're ready. Christmas quizzes are also a great way to keep everyone entertained as they argue with each other! We always have a Boxing Day family quiz and it never ends well...

Days Out: Christmas Markets & Shopping

Last but not least, why not head to the Christmas markets with your friends and family this year! Manchester has a plethora of Christmas markets all over the city centre to enjoy. Another place to visit is Liverpool ONE which is a huge shopping area not far from Manchester with entertainment and restaurants by the waterfront. There are over 170 shops as well as a cinema, indoor golf, gardens and the Roxy ball room. Liverpool ONE restaurants range from Bill's and Byron to Jamie's Italian and more; some of which have Christmas menus to choose from. If you want to add some sightseeing into your visit then Liverpool ONE isn't far from the Museum of Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum or Tate Liverpool. I visited Liverpool ONE (well, Liverpool in general) for the first time earlier this year and loved it despite the awful weather and I'd love to visit again!

Do you have any tips for hosting guests at this time of the year? Have you visited Liverpool ONE? 

*This is a collaborative post

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Gift Ideas ft. Tam Beauty

It's less than two weeks until Christmas Day and I've no idea how that happened! It's feeling very festive as we have our Christmas tree up and this weekend the UK turned into a winter wonderland but sadly I only have a few Christmas gift guides left. Today's post is all about the cutest makeup gifts that would be ideal for any makeup lovers in your life.

*Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter - Unicorn Elixir (£6, 18ml)

Let's start with a couple of fantastic stocking fillers! Stocking fillers are some of the nicest and surprising presents to receive on the big day so why not choose something cute but practical. I've been loving this liquid highlighter from Makeup Revolution as not only does it come in an almost holographic bottle but the highlight itself is so pretty and iridescent!

*Makeup Revolution Lip Liner - Reign 

Another great stocking filler or a part of a makeup hamper, it's a lovely and creamy but long lasting lip liner. I have the shade Reign which is a great everyday pink/salmon shade. I love the texture, it applies evenly and the pigmentation is great.

*Mermaid Dreams Brush Set (£20)

Now onto the even more beautiful makeup items and gift sets starting with the most adorable brush set I have ever seen! The brush set contains four brushes including a powder, contour, blending and small concealer brush although they can obviously be used for numerous uses.

The brushes have pale pink bristles and the cutest metallic gold and pink handles that have scales and a mermaid tail! They're lightweight but well made and the bristles are so incredibly smooth and soft. Additionally the bristles are made of synthetic hair which is fantastic.

They came in a gift set, they're a great starter set of brushes for those just starting to experiment and use makeup or as a cute set for those who just love makeup or mermaids. I have been using the powder brush and the contour brush the most as they are some of the softest brushes I own which makes them ideal for blending powders.

I cannot recommend this adorable brush set enough as they are practical and effective as well as super soft and cute. There are other sets available such as the marbled collection, flex brush collection, glitter collection, unicorn dreams collection and so many others to choose from.

*Makeup Revolution Skin Kiss Highlighters (£5 each, 14g)

I love a good highlighter and these three are just so beautiful! I love the rose gold packaging as well as the pretty iridescent highlighters. My favourite of the three I was kindly sent is definitely the 'Dream Kiss' highlighter which contains a rainbow of shimmery highlighters from silver, pink and purple to blue and green - all of which look gorgeous on the skin!

I also received the 'Prismatic' highlighter which is a lovely pale pink, almost mauve highlighter. Lastly for the individual, huge highlighters is the 'Frozen Kiss' highlighter. I'd definitely recommend all of them, especially the "Dream Kiss' option. They'd make great stocking fillers!

*Makeup Revolution Pro HD Highlighter Palette - Glow Getter (£15)

The final two items are great all in one gifts if you are unsure of the products your gift recipient has already or for those who are new to makeup, particularly highlighters, blushers and bronzers. The 'Glow Getter' palette contains the Rose Gold Kiss, Golden Kiss, Champagne Kiss, Peach Gold Kiss, Dream Kiss, Prismatic Kiss, Glow Kiss and Mint Kiss highlighters although some could be used as blushers or even eyeshadows. It contains some of the individual highlighters I mentioned previously including the fantastic Dream Kiss highlighter.

*Makeup Revolution Pro HD Amplified Palette - Brighter The My Future (£15)

The final item in todays glitter filled gift guide is the perfect all around palette to not only add some highlight to your makeup collection but some summer glow to your winter makeup routine too! The palette contains numerous highlighters including a baked highlight, gradient highlighter and shimmer bronzers. Both of these palettes are wonderful in in one palettes that I cannot recommend enough.

What do you think of these gift ideas? Have you tried anything from Makeup Revolution? 

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Regrowz Hair Growth Diary

Every time I have gone to the hair dressers, since I was dragged as a child to my awkward salon experiences in my teens, I've always had so many hair dressers say how incredibly thick and lovely my hair is; however that all changed when I started my final year of university. Don't get me wrong, I adored my time at uni *apart from the dreaded class presentations* and I'd love to go back but the stress of the initial couple of weeks and then the worry of not getting my dissertation finished or not getting the grade I wanted caused a fair amount of stress *although I did get the first I was hoping for!*.

My hair started to become thinner and thinner around the front of my hairline which made it look thin and scraped back when I had to tie it up, which was most of the time. It's over the past year that I've noticed how bad it has become, especially compared to how incredibly thick and full my hair used to be - my hair was so thick and long that everyone commented on it and it took at least six bobbles and an army of bobbie pins to put my hair up into a bun. I know my hair issues aren't as bad as some people's experiences but compared to how my hair used to be, it was such a big change.

I tried Regaine late last year and earlier this year which I thought was working very slightly but now I'm not so sure, so I gave up with it and I started blending eyeshadow close to my hair colour into my hairline to make it look fuller and thicker which is so embarrassing but it shows the extent to which my hair was thinner and falling out at my hairline and how self-conscious I was about it but thankfully I now have a genuinely amazing solution.

Regrowz 

I have been using the *Regrowz Scalp Stimulant and the *Regrowz Restoration Serum since late February this year but I haven't been able to mention it on my blog until now as the trial is over. When I received an email about this trial, I was half intrigued and half sceptical as products like these are always going to be viewed with trepidation and scepticism, in my opinion. I agreed to the trial and I was sent two sets of the products to use every other day for a six month period.

The scalp stimulant is a solution with a rollerball dispenser which makes it so quick and easy to use, especially as I just have to roller the product onto my hairline and massage it in. The second product is a greenish lotion that you apply to the same area but 30 minutes after the scalp stimulant. They are both easy to use although there are two downsides, the scent isn't that pleasant and the wait in between using each product made me sometimes forgot to use the serum. However after a few months, I was sent the products in a different bottle which made it easier to use and it didn't have the unpleasant scent.

After One Month

For the first couple of weeks, I didn't notice anything but after a month I started noticing SO many little baby hairs all along my hairline exactly where I'd been applying the products. The baby hairs were thin but there are so many of them! So much so that when I tie my hair up, the areas of almost baldness and thinning hair were I'd say at least 30% thicker/fuller than they were one month previously. The side in the photographs above is at least 50% fuller than before - one side seems to be doing better than the other for some reason! I had so many little baby hairs that they were becoming a problem as I now had an almost halo of flyaway's! It was extremely exciting as the product clearly worked for me and partly annoying as I now had to try and tame all of the baby hairs and flyaways! Hopefully you can see from the before and after photos above, how after only one month the hair around my hairline was much thicker and fuller with baby hairs than before I started using this amazing duo.

After Two Months

I'm writing these sections as I go otherwise I'd forget! I noticed at about week 5/6 that my hairline felt a little rough/stubbly and when I looked at it with my large 10X mirror, I saw even more teeny tiny little hairs coming through at my hairline! Also the flyways are becoming longer but still an issue as whenever there is a little bit of wind then they are all over the place and they aren't long enough yet for me to tuck them being my ears - I keep having to try and smooth down the baby hairs around my hairline!

After Three Months

I started to get a plateau in the growth and progress but that might just be because the hair is getting longer and it isn't as notable as it was when it was newly coming through? Around the 25th June, I switched from using the rollerball product to another product that I assume is the same stimulant but in a different bottle with a nozzle dispenser. I liked the rollerball applicator as it made applicator very easy but this second option doesn't seem to have a unpleasant scent as the initial rollerball product.

After Four to Six Months

From the three month mark onwards I didn't notice as much hair growth and I'd started using it not just around my hairline but all over so I think that any progress and new growth was hidden and the baby hairs had fully grown out now so they were less noticeable. It's not until today when I've just taken the last update photos, that I've noticed how in the past three or so months, my hair has become even fuller and thicker but I just wasn't noticing the difference on a day to day basis.

Hopefully you can see from the before photograph with my sparse hairline to the later photographs, the difference in the thickness and volume of my hair, especially around my hairline which is where the problem was the most visible. I am so genuinely happy with the results particularly as I didn't expect such amazing and quick results from these products! It's amazing to see the hairs grow around my hairline again and how I don't have to fill in the spaces anymore which was so embarrassing! I cannot recommend these products enough, I haven't had any issues with them and they worked so effectively for me, even after just four to five weeks of use but you do have to use them consistently to notice results. I feel as though I definitely have my healthy, thick hair back again!

I have a code for you to use if you want to buy the Regrowz products yourself with 30% off: HN30CAREGROWZ (I receive a small commission if you use the code). The discount code is only valid on a 3 to 6 months' supply, not the one month supply.

What do you think of my results? Will you be using the discount code? 

*gifted item/collaborative 

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Last Minute Gift Guide #1 ft. Prezzybox + Teapigs

December seems to be going by so quickly already and before we know it, it will be the big day so if you haven't finished your present shopping then you'll need to be quick! If you are struggling for gift ideas then hopefully this post will be useful as I have so great gift options for tea lovers, commuters, sport enthusiasts, christmassy homeware fanatics or those who have something special to commemorate.

Thanks so much to the lovely people at Teapigs for the amazing surprise package as well as the equally fantastic and generous people over at Bolsius, Prezzybox and Sock Shop for the amazing and wide ranging gift ideas for this post. I already have a few gift guides on my blog which you can read if you want even more gift options as well as a few discount codes.

*Teapigs Keep Cup (£15.99)

Let's start with one of the most useful items in this post and something that I'd wanted for a while, it's a Keep Cup! They are glass coffee cups that are re-useable, durable, recyclable at the end of it's life and they are made from non-toxic materials. I have the medium size which is 12oz or 340ml and the cork edition.

I love the design of this coffee (or tea) cup that's great for on the go as the lid is individually hand fitted to blown glass so it shouldn't leak. I think it would make a perfect gift for those who commute to work as you can take your delicious Teapigs tea on the go within the world first barista standard re-useable cup! I cannot recommend it enough, I've been using mine already and it's amazing.

*Teapigs Mini Packs Gift Set (£13.50)

Next up is a gift idea that is perfect for those who want to try a range of tea including english breakfast, strong earl grey, mao feng green tea, peppermint leaves, chamomile and super fruit teas. You receive two tea temples of each flavour in the mini Teapigs packaging so you could even separate the flavours and give them individually as stocking fillers if you wanted to or keep a couple for yourself and add the rest to a food hamper. I've tried the peppermint leaves tea as well as the chamomile tea, both of which I really like especially the peppermint leaves tea which I cannot recommend enough.

*Teapigs Selection Box (£9.50)

A slightly cheaper option that would be ideal as a secret santa gift as it contains ten flavours so your gift recipient is bound to find so many flavours that they'll love as well as some they haven't tried before. The options include english breakfast, strong earl grey, mao feng green tea, peppermint leaves, chamomile, super fruit, honey bush & rooibos, chai tea, lemon & ginger and liquorice & peppermint, the latter I love!

In the set you will receive one individually wrapped teabag of each flavour which means that it's great for those who haven't tried many Teapigs flavours or who haven't tried any more unique tea flavours in general. It would be great on it's own as a cute little gift, as part of a food hamper or as a stocking filler for the tea lovers in your life.

*Teapigs Spiced Winter Red Tea (£4.49)

Is there anything more cosy at this time of the year that a hot mug of delicious festive spiced tea? The answer is no. I tried this flavour last year or the year before (all of the years are blending into one, the older I become) and loved it. I love anything that has a cinnamon or spiced flavour so this was always going to be a hit for me and it would make an ideal stocking filler this christmas.

*Teapigs Chai Tea (£3.99)

Each one of these packets contain 15 biodegradable tea temples so there are almost just enough for the limbo period between Christmas Day and new year when no-one knows what is going on and the nation is in a state of confusion about whether the shops are open or not. I have tried chai tea before but not from Teapigs so I am excited to try it this festive season!

*Teapigs Apple & Cinnamon Tea (£3.99)

As I said previously, I adore cinnamon so this tea is perfect for me especially as they are all caffeine free so they are the ideal hot drink to have before bed. I tried the mini pack of this tea a while ago (the mini packs of two tea temples are great for trialing new flavours) and loved it. I love Teapigs tea and as a bonus for this time of the year, it's the prettiest packed tea out there!

*Bolsius Candles - Decolight 

I've reviewed a few items from Bolsius but these have to be the cutest and most festive, although they're all fantastic for the super low price! I was kindly sent these two Christmasy candles both of which will be perfect in any home at this time of the year. One of which is gingerbread and the other is cherry scented; I definitely prefer the gingerbread candle as it's filled with a vanilla and subtle gingerbread scent! The best thing is definitely the festive design which could be reused for tea lights when you have finished the candle. They would make lovely festive stocking fillers!

*Sock Shop Storm Bloc (£13.99)

Next up are ideal stocking fillers for those who love hiking as they are tough, durable cotton rich sports socks for men that have elasticated arch supports, cushioning and they have a high tensile strength. Additionally, they are 46x more durable than a standard branded sport sock with a lifetime guarantee!

*Sock Shop Anti-Abrasion Durability Sock (£9.99)

Next up is similar but a little cheaper; however they have the same amazing 46x durability than a standard branded sports sock! They are quick drying, high flex and have low moisture absorption. If you have any hikers in your life then either of these would be perfect. They also have womens versions too.

*Memory Box from Prezzybox (£19.99 - SALE)

Last but not least for this post (although I have more coming very soon!) would make a wonderful gift for so many people! It would be great for gift recipients who've just been on a special holiday, who have just had a baby or are celebrating an important birthday or anniversary. It would also make a unique and special graduation, Christmas or wedding gift.

I have a memory box, although it's no where near as organised as this or as sectioned. I love all of the containers and sections that come with the wooden memory box as it means that you can make sure that your keepsakes are safe and organised. I know so many friends and family members that would adore this memory box and I cannot recommend it enough, especially as it's currently on sale as I'm writing this (10/12/2017).

To get 15% off at Teapigs use the code: ofbeautyand15. It's only valid until the end of January 2018, it's a one use code too and it can't be used on bundles or other offers.

What do you think of these gifts? Have you tried any of these products? 

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Christmas Gift Guide: Books

In January last year I deceived to give myself a new goal of reading 30 books within 2016 and I surpassed it by reading 70 books and now in 2017 I'm currently reading my 133rd book of the year which I'm so happy with. Until last year I only read a couple of books each year but now I find it to be such entertaining but incredibly relaxing and anxiety inducing activity. I have so many books on my overflowing shelves but I've asked for more for Christmas and I'll be buying a tonne too so here are some of my book recommendations this Christmas.

*The Militant Muse by Whitney Chadwick from Thames & Hudson - For History Buff Who Has Everything

I was very kindly sent this gorgeous book by the lovely people over at Thames & Hudson, along with two other equally beautiful books. Not only does it have an unusual cover but the contents focuses on a more niche topic of women within the avant-garde movement from the 1930's to the 1950's. The author looks at five female friendships within the time period and it's effects, among other factors on the movement and the individuals themselves. I haven't read anything like this before and I think it would be an interesting read for anyone who loves history but has every history book you could think of.

*The Nutcracker by Shobhna Patel from Thames & Hudson - For The Little Ones

All of the books in this gift guide are beautiful in one way or another as I think christmas presents have to look the part and this one is bound to elicit 'oohs' and 'aahs'. It's a childrens book but to be honest I think it would be ideal for older children or anyone who is a fan of classic christmas tales. It's again published by Thames & Hudson who seem to publish some of the most unique yet beautiful books out there.

I've already read this book as it was such a quick and easy read to get me in the festive spirit which seems to be a little lacking this year. The book is not just a classic festive story but it also has a few pages throughout the book that are papercut pages so that when you push them down, they open up to reveal a beautiful and intricate papercut design that matches the story. The unique papercut pages add such a new, interesting and special aspect to the book that will make it an extra special gift for your children or for anyone you know how adores the festive season.

*Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland - For The Kids

Now onto yet another book from this gift guide that I've already read and adored! I have been interested in mythology since I was a young child although I know very little about Norse and Scandinavian mythology so this book, while it is for older children and teens, was an entertaining and interesting introduction to the many Norse gods, their stories and their relationships to each other as well the Norse view of the world, life and death.

The illustrations are fantastic, if simple but they are still eye catching and add to the stories. The beginning of the book has a list of all of the gods, their relationships to one another and an illustration of the mythical yggdrasil. There are so many stories of the gods within the book, some of which are a little repetitive but they definitely fill some of the blanks in my knowledge about the Norse gods and the mythology around them. Perfect for older children or teens interesting in the Vikings and their mythology.

*City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare from Walker Books - For The YA Fans

If you have any teens that you ned to buy for or anyone who loves YA fantasy then look no further as the mortal instruments series from Cassandra Clare, the first book being City Of Bones, is a fantastic place to start. I personally love YA fantasy so I did love this book especially this edition which is very beautifully published with character illustrations.

I think it's a great place to start as while the world and magic system are thrown at you from the beginning, it's an incredibly easy world to understand, become invested in and to enjoy. Also if they like this one then there are many other books in the series as well as a spin-off series too.

*Mary Berry's Complete Cookbook is published by DK, £30.00 - For The Bakers

Baking and cooking are skills I started to learn from a very early age with the help of my parents and my aunties, all of which love food, cooking and baking. Pretty much everyone on my dads side of the family is an avid baker, cook or foodie so I could give this immense cookbook to so many people and it will be well loved.

Mary Berry is the queen of baking and seems to be the nations grandma which makes her even more endearing. I love her recipes, we have a couple of her cookbooks ready but this is a newer release. There are over 650 recipes within the book so there is something for everyone and it has great photography throughout. It also has numerous ribbon page makers which would be great if you want to make numerous things, maybe for a New Years eve party. Check out my video below for a sneak peek inside the cookbook!

*The Disappearances by Emily Bain-Murphy - a beautiful but quick read for the festive season

Next up is one of my favourite books of 2017 and I think it will be a hit for so many people especially if you are a fan of either YA, historical fiction, magical or whimsical books and romance. I absolutely adored this book from the cover and writing style to the overall story, sweet romance and the mystery. It did take me a few chapters to fully get into it but from them on, I was hooked! I cannot recommend it enough and the paperback is so beautiful.

*The Smile Stealers by Richard Barnett from Thames & Hudson

Last but not least is one of the most beautiful, unique and thoroughly interesting non-fiction books I've read in a long time! I mean, how beautiful is that naked hardback! The inside is just as gorgeous although there are quite a few creepy photos inside too. There are a couple of other books that are published in a similar way by Thames & Hudson that I've added to my wish list.

The book charts the beginnings of early dentistry or attempts at dentistry which mainly involve pain, animal remains or what seem to us, as ridiculous theories about the source of tooth pain. It is a compelling, comprehensive, completely enjoyable and a quick non-fiction read that will be a surprise hit with so many readers.

Now for a few extra mentions and a sneak peek into my list of the best books of the 2017! I have to recommend Bird Box (horror), The Plague Charmer (historical fiction), War and Peace (classic), Quackery (non-fiction) and My Cat Yugoslavia (contemporary literary fiction). My full list of the best books and audiobooks I've read this year will be live after Christmas!

Have you read any of these? Do you have any gift guide book recommendations - cookbooks, fiction or non-fiction? 

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November Reading Wrap-up 2017

I had a pretty good reading month in October but thankfully I'm back on form with my November reading as I managed to read 10 books, one of which was almost 600 pages. November was non-fiction November so I wanted to read some non-fiction but sadly I did only read two non-fiction books and I've almost finished one non-fiction audiobook - did you take part in non-fiction November?

*The Secret Of Vesalius by Jordi Llorbregat (582 pages - available Nov 2017) ★★★ (3.5)

I was very kindly sent an arc of this book by the lovely people at Quercus Books (thanks!) and the tag line the sold me on it was 'Frankenstein meets Sherlock' which sounded amazing! I'm just going to be very brief here as I already posted a full review. I loved the characters, the relationships, the atmosphere and action scenes as well as the writing and setting. Despite being almost 600 pages, it was very readable, quick and entertaining. However, I knew of Vesalius and the tag line gave away too much in my opinion so while reading I was just waiting for the characters to catch on. Despite being a bit predictable and the plethora of twists and the very end, I did really enjoy it and I would recommend it!

Gimson's Kings & Queens by Andrew Gimson (240 pages - available now) ★★★

I bought this non-fiction book a while ago as the cover is just gorgeous and I've finally read it! It covers every English/British monarch from 1066 with William the Conquerer to our current queen, Elizabeth II. I love the illustrations for each monarch, it's such an entertaining read as well as being very informative and concise. I can't pin point why I knocked off a couple of stars but it was definitely worth reading.

*The Book of Forgotten Authors by Christopher Fowler (384 pages - available now) ★★★ 

BookBridgr is a site where book bloggers can request newly released or upcoming releases to review and this one was kindly sent to me via Bookbridgr. The cover is stunning and the premise intrigued the new book nerd in me as it looks at 99 authors who for some reason have disappeared from shelves or are not well known. I liked the writing as it should have been very dry but it wasn't and it definitely had me looking up authors and books on amazon to add to my growing wish list of books. Each authors only has a couple of pages so it's fairly quick to get through and I'd definitely recommend it.

*There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins (304 pages - available now) ★★★

I started this book last month and for the first 20% I thought that I'd have to DNF it sadly but I'm glad that I carried on reading as the book developed and the mysteries unfolded which made it far more interesting than the very YA and gossipy start to the book.

We follow a small community in the Midwestern United States, in particular the cliques within the local high school including some of the more popular students and the outcasts and misfits after there's been a murder (that's not a spoiler as it happens within the first chapter or so). We then discover the relationships between certain students, the secrets the students are harbouring and the ramifications of the events that shock the students, school and community.

While I liked the writing, the story on the whole as well as the romance (which is rare for me) and the mystery - the mystery definitely kept me going - I thought it was very YA and it was ridiculous and cheesy at times. Overall, I think it's an entertaining, quick mystery that I would recommend but only if you like YA.

*The Devil's Claw by Lara Dearman (368 pages - available now) ★★★

I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this book along with some chocolate (books and chocolate are the best combination). We follow Jenny, a journalist who has moved back to the island of Guernsey after some kind of traumatic event in London. I don't want to say any more about the plot than that as it is a thriller so I don't want to give anything away; also it's always best to go into books like this without knowing a lot about the plot.

I liked the quick, easy writing style, the overall story and the mystery as well as the main characters but the best part of the book for me were the historical elements, mentions of the occult and the setting of Guernsey which is such an atmospheric but familiar setting. The story and setting reminded me of the TV show Shetland (which is also based on a series of books) and I think this book would make a fantastic TV series!

*Strange Weather by Joe Hill (448 pages - available now) ★★★

I have wanted to read Joe Hill  for a while as I've heard great things about Horns and The Fireman so I was very excited to read this new offering from him! I was kindly sent the new hardback version from Gollancz *thank you*. Strange Weather is a collection of four short stories including: Snapshot, Loaded, Aloft and Rain.

The first story is 'Snapshot' which follows a teenage boy who is subject to bullying as he helps his neighbour out who seems to be suffering with alzheimer's and thinks that someone called the 'poleroid man' is coming for her. It sounds unusual and it definitely is as well as being thought provoking, entertaining and slightly creepy. I did like this story but I find all of them to be a little bit too slow at times. I liked the second story 'Loaded' despite the heartbreaking ending and large number of characters for the length of the story.

The next short story was Aloft which was so unusual and follows a group of friends who are going skydiving for the first time in memory of their freind/sister who had passed away due to cancer. It was such an odd story but I'm definitely a fan of imaginative, unusual and magical realism.

Lastly, Rain which takes place in a present day America where a freak storm unlike any other occurs and it has devastating consequences. I loved this story, I think it might be my favourite of the four. Each one has it's merits and they are all very unusual and quirky, particularly the last two and I'd definitely recommend although it wasn't anything I was expecting and it was a little slow at times.

*Before This Is Over by Amanda Hickie (456 pages - available now) ★★★

Next up is another book I was kindly sent *thanks Bookbridgr and Headline Review*. We follow an Australian family and their average street of nosy neighbours from the beginnings of a new disease epidemic to its conclusion. It isn't a new concept but I think the way it was focused on the family in such detail is and it made me feel quite constricted and claustrophobic as they quarantine themselves from the new and deadly virus that is spreading across the globe.

For the positives, I love the cover as well as the writing style, the vivid and familiar characters and the overall story which was entertaining and I wanted to find out the conclusion of the book. I did have some problems such as the mum, Hannah, who was such an annoying and neurotic character which was so draining to read about and the overall story wasn't as plot driven as I like - it's much more character and family focused as it's slower and less compelling in my opinion. It fell a little flat for me personally on the whole but I'd still recommend it - it would make a great movie!

*The Man In The High Castle by Philip K Dick (288 pages - available now) ★★★

I've been interested in this book since the TV show was released but I haven't wanted to watch the TV show as I always prefer to read the book first; however all of the editions have such awful covers until this one came along from Gollancz. I adore the cover of this gorgeous naked hardback and I couldn't wait to read it.

It's set in a world where the allies lost the second world war and now North America is divided into German controlled and Japanese controlled halves with a no-mans land in between. I haven't read anything like this before and to be honest, I have mixed feelings about this book! I love the idea, it's an interesting and thought provoking story but for me personally it was overly complex and I found myself switching between being a little bored and confused but also interested. I think if it sounds like something you'd like then definitely give it a go but I think the TV show might be a little easier to fully understand and follow along with; however that's just my opinion and I am still glad that I read it (thanks to Gollancz for this gorgeous edition).

*The Nutcracker by Shobhna Patel (32 pages - available now) ★★★★

Next up is one of my most beautiful children books I've ever seen! I was very kindly sent it by the lovely people at Thames and Hudson for my upcoming book gift guide (stay tuned for that) but I wanted to read it first. It's not only a lovely, short childrens Christmas story but it is so unique and festive.

It's a gorgeously published hardback but the best thing about this book are the papercut pop up pages which are beautiful and such a unique, interactive aspect to the book. You just gently push down the papercut pages and it reveals a gorgeous papercut festive design that matches the story. I think this book would be great for children and adults alike this Christmas!

*Norse Myths: Tales of Ordin, Thor and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Jeffrey Allen Love (240 pages - available now) ★★★★

The 10th and final book I read this month was all about the classic Norse myths but retold for older children and teens! Thanks to Walker Studio for this gorgeous illustrated hardback copy - I love the cover and illustrations throughout. I grew up learning about ancient Egyptian and Greek myths so I know very little about the Norse myths apart from the names of a few of their gods so this was a fantastic, charming and familiar introduction to the gods, myths as well as the viking view of the world, life and death.

This book is targeted towards children and teens between the ages of 9 to 16 according to Amazon and I'd go along with that age range although there are quite a few scenes including death, murder and gore so I'd personally only really give this book to mature children or teens. I'm going to be saving it for my friends son when he's older as I think that he will love it - I know I did! This book will also be featured in my upcoming book gift guide so stay tuned!

Have you read any of these books? What are you currently reading? 

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