Gosh, September was a busy month for me reading wise. I didn't exactly stick to my 'September TBR', I did however, manage to read a total of 6 books (and I'm still currently reading the 7th!) which is VERY good going for me. I don't think I've managed to read that many books in one month before! Wow. I'm quite impressed with myself to be honest. A couple of these books were fairly short though, but it still counts! I've stayed up waaayy too late reading but it's worth it. I wrote a blog post on how I make time to read, so if you're looking for some tips on how to read more, please do head over and give that post a read.

The first book I read was by Claire Mackintosh 'I See You' Which I reviewed here. It's a physiological thriller and let me just say. Wow. The twists in this book.. Oh my goodness! AMAZING! If you're looking for a good book, with a good plot and amazing twists, this is the book for you.   

Next up I read Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid. Not gonna lie, I was not at all sure about this book because it's very young adult and of the contemporary genre. However, it turned out a fairly decent read, I rated it 4 stars on goodreads. It's about two sisters - Twins - Hephzibah and Rebecca. Sadly Rebecca dies. The father is indeed a father and is very strict. It's a haunting story, I found it a bit creepy in places. A beautifully written yet sad story but a good read. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of YA book to read! I read this book within a day. It's an easy book to read, not very long and hard to put down! I read a good chunk of this book on the bus (I was on the bus for a total of 85 minutes! I get a lot of reading done on public transport)


I was sent a copy of Cathy Glass' new book to review. 'Can I Let You Go?' By Cathy glass is a very touching story about a young lady who is twenty four years old but has the mind of an eight year old due to her mothers al;alcoholism whilst pregnant. Faye lives with her grandparents as her mother passed away when she was much younger. Faye is also pregnant but her grandparents can't cope with all her appointments and what not so Faye goes to into foster care and is fostered by Cathy. Nothing is known about the father and Faye can't keep her baby... or Can she? A beautifully written book, sad in places. Cathy is an amazing woman! And Faye is a very brave young lady with the decisions and choices she has to make. You can read my full review of 'Can I Let You Go?' here. 
I rated this book five stars and read this book within a couple of days! 


Runaway Girl by Casey Watson was another book I was sent to review. Another fostering memoir. Casey and her husband Mike foster a young polish girl named 'Adrianna'. There's more to Adrianna than meets the eye. A horrific story about a young girl who was brought to England under false hope. Like Cathy Glass, Casey and her husband are also truly wonderful people. 
A beautifully written book by Casey! I rated this book five stars and it took a couple of days to read!  

 I also read two holocaust books. One being a children's historical fiction 'number the stars by Louis Lowry'. Only 137 pages, this book didn't take me long to read at all., Probably around an hour in total. It's about a young girl and her family in Copenhagen in 1943 and how they help there Jewish friends escape the Nazis. It's a very easy book to read, it is a children's book so it's not harrowing or anything of the sorts. It's written quite well but I did find it's certainly aimed at children. 
Before that book I read 'Here There Is No Why' by Rachel Roth. This story is non-fiction and is war memoir. Rachels shares her experience and is very brave for doing so I might add! She tells us the story of how she ended up in a concentration camp. Her father had managed to escape the Nazis and after her horrific, harrowing experience in concentration camps, she does survive to tell her story. She learns that she lost her mother, siblings and extended family during these horrific times. She manages to trace her father after the war. It's a sad story to read but very brave and beautifully told. I rated this book five stars. 

 So those are the books I read during September and I am currently reading Hidden Chapters by Mary Grand (gifted an e-book copy to review) So look out for that review coming soon! 

What have you read lately? Or what's your favourite all time book?



Sarah xXx


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Bring back paper

I thought I'd share some of my favourites lately. I'd say over the last couple of months or so these have been some of my favourite products.

About a year and a half ago, I had my hair ombre'd and as pretty as it looked, it killed my hair, I had to cut most of the ombre off after a few months because it was so dead and brittle! My hair is long so really I needed to just cut a couple of inches but even so, I did not like cutting it. I've been growing it ever since and it is finally a little tiny bit longer than it was to start with. I started using the Lee Stafford hair growth conditioner and hair mask and it has really, really helped my hair grow. It lasts ages, too! I bought this when it was on offer in boots and I am SO glad I did.

Hair and Beauty. 

Like I said above, my hair was in really bad condition, I've tried many, many products and seen very little to none results. However, the Garnier ultimate blends shampoo and conditioner has worked absolute wonders. I can not recommend it enough. My hair is silky and smooth again, it's also in much better condition. Hoorah! It smells nice, too! It's usually on offer in boots or superdrug or the supermarket. I got mine when they were half price in boots (I think!)


I've also been loving the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation, which is fab and reasonably priced. I don't wear make up every day which means it lasts me a while!

Stationary.
I've been trying really hard to stay organised lately, too. Having a good diary and notepad is really helpful. I bought Louise aka Sprinkle of Glitter (on youtube) diary last year, I think I got around £2 off. I really like it! It helps me stay organised. I also love the inspirational quotes inside and the little 'Tasks'. It's lovely.
 I've also been writing a lot of lists in my notepad which snapfish sent me to review. It's perfect for lists and little notes!

Homeware. 
I've also been loving candles, especially scented ones. They help me to relax and they make my house smell amazing! I love the 'Blushing Blossoms' scent from the Walnut Avenue range. It's has beautiful, sweet, spring scent. It's not too over powering either. I'd never tried this range of candles before, they're so cheap (Around £2 in my local bargain store) and let me tell you, it smells AMAZING! I wasn't expectnig it to be amazing as it was so cheap. It has three wicks and it's lasted for a few weeks! Honestly, it smells just as nice as more expensive brands.


I've also been loving my light box which I got as a lovely Birthday present. I've wanted one for such a long time (Thanks Youtube!). I love setting up inspiring quotes, which help keep me motivated! It lights up SO well, too.


I invested in the Vax Multi Function steamer, which was reduced in Argos and let me tell you, I LOVE it! How did I ever manage without a steamer? It makes cleaning so much easier and the steam mop is pretty good, too! I love it.
 

Reading, T.V/Leisure
 
I've been reading a lot lately, which you can read about here. My favourite book so far this year is 'A Thousand Boy Kisses' By Tillie Cole. It's such a happy but sad, beautiful and just truly lovely. I may or may not have needed a box of tissues. It's a very emotional book. It's beautifully written, too. If you liked 'The Fault In Our Stars' I recommend this book! I also really like the cover! And every time I see cherry blossom, I think of Poppy! Yeah I know, it's not even a true story but gosh! This book really touched me and it'll be on my mind for a while to come!


Youtube. 
I usually catch up with youtube a couple of times a week as I don't always have time. It's handy on my phone though when I'm on the bus or whatever. I've been watching Fun For Louis a lot lately, he's a travel vlogger and very inspiring. I love seeing different parts of the world. I think his Brazil rainforest vlogs are my favourite. I've also been enjoying the Michalaks weekly vlogs. They actually vlog every day and then upload there weekly vlog on a Sunday. There videos are amazingly filmed and edited.

T.V.
I found a T.V drama to watch on BBC iPlayer called Thirteen and it is SO good. "After thirteen years od being held captive, Ivy Moxin escapes..."
It's about a girl who gets kidnapped and is held captive for 13 years. It's SO good! It's on BBC iPlayer if you're looking for something new to watch, I highly recommend this. There are five episodes.


My Grandparents bought me a lovely bunch of flowers because I was really poorly for a while. and I've been loving those! They brighten my kitchen up and I love, love, love fresh flowers a lot. I feel very blessed, it was so sweet of my Grandparents to buy me flowers.

What are some of your favourties? Let me know in the comments. I'm also looking for a new T.V series to watch if you have any suggestions :)

Watch this space for a 'Kids Favourites' post where I'll be sharing my three children's favourites lately, too!