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In the past few months I've finally got around to reading a few books that I've been meaning to read for years now. The book I've most recently enjoyed reading has been One Day which I can't believe took me so long to get around to - the book celebrates its 10th anniversary this year!
This got me thinking, why not create a book bucket list of all the books I truly want to get around to reading at some point. These aren't your average newly released best sellers but books that get discussed and talked about over and over again, standing out from the rest and loved by seemingly everyone.
I've already started making some headway with my own bucket list books so I thought I'd share with you the ones on my list that make give you a few book recommendations or even inspire you to create your own literary bucket list!
I don't know about you but Christmas is one of my busiest times of the year and although I love it I require daily downtime to stay on top of it all and enjoy it!
Of course, sticking on a Christmas movie is one way to relax while saying in the spirit of things but for me, I also like to combine my love of reading with this special time of year! This is something that I started a few years ago, seeking out festive reads instead of my go-to thriller genre.
So today I thought it would be a nice idea to share my own collection of festive reads and put together a Christmas reading list that not only could you pick and choose from yourself but you could also gift others, especially if you know a fellow Christmas fanatic! Below you will find a good mix of reads, from a book for all ages, something that will prompt nostalgic memories of Christmas as a child, a festive cookbook with a twist and even a short story from author, John Green - who knew he'd written a Christmas tale!
I don't know about anyone else but unless I'm on holiday basking in the sun by a pool or at the beach, easy read chick lits just don't do it for me. Maybe it's because I'm not in that holiday bubble or enjoying a cheesy girl meets boy storyline isn't enough for me anymore. But whatever the reason alternative quirky reads are much more my bag right now!
Welcome to part 2 of my Christmas Gift Guide for Book Lovers!
If you haven't read Part 1 you can find it here with lots of book recommendations, from popular recent releases to YA fictions and even how to pick up affordable signed and special edition books!
Below you will find even more gift ideas that are more non-fiction based and even some non-book gifts that's I'm really excited to share as they look amazing but are beyond affordable.
Motivational books
Motivational books make an ideal present any time of the year but especially at Christmas with a new year looming. Here are a few popular and uplifting reads that would make an excellent gift.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
£6.29 BUY HERE
For all creatives and aspiring writers there is Big Magic. Big Magic is about embracing ideas and creativity whilst staying realistic. Ideal for anyone currently writing or studying. This easy to read book is a total joy!
Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell
£7.69 BUY HERE
If you are wanting to give an empowering feminist read to someone then this is the book to give! A contemporary yet spiritual guide to rising up and becoming our powerful and authentic selves. Rise Sister Rise is a call to arms for women to rise up, tell their truth and lead. It is a guide to co-creating a whole new archetype for women in these awakening times - a woman who does not keep herself small in order to make others feel more comfortable, a woman who knows that she is not her body weight, her sexual partners or her career. A woman who understands the true meaning of sisterhood, and that alone we are strong but together we are fierce. Side note - It also has the prettiest pastel sun prism page edging!
Girl Boss by Sophie Amoruso
£6.99 BUY HERE
For me this is a certain type of motivational book compared to my other choices. This is an inspiring books for someone 18-25 that's wanting to be their own boss. Whether that's in the fashion industry or not as this is an honest look at becoming your own boss by ultimate girlboss Sophia Amoruso. A perfect first motivational read for that strong career focused friend!
The Year of Yes
£6.29 BUY HERE
From award-winning Creator and Executive Producer of the hit television series Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Scandal, Shonda Rhimes, comes this personal yet deeply funny look at how she started to say 'Yes'. The ideal book to give in the run up to a new year, especially for someone you know will value a book like this of self discovery and change.
Beauty books (because I couldn't not!)
I've come to realise that a lot of people that love makeup don't own a single makeup book! In recent years there has been a spike of some amazing ones so it's the ideal time to gift an updated beauty book. Below you will find a varied selection of well put together books that I absolutely adore.
Face by Pixiwoo
£9.99 BUY HERE
Finally a book created the amazingly talented Chapman sisters! Now this would make an amazing book for any fans of their Pixiwoo Youtube channel, however if you're unsure you're recipent knows of them or not don't fear as this is still an amazing makeup book regardless! You can read my in-depth review here if you like, but in summary this is a comprehensive guide to makeup and covers everything from skincare to all makeup techiques. One of the best practical makeup books I've read to date.
Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge
£12.91 BUY HERE
Maybe you know someone with a deep interest of makeup that goes beyond applying it. They might have expressed an interested in vintage makeup or maybe their a makeup artist. Basically this isn't your typical makeup book as this is a detailed history of makeup from the politics of colours throughout history to key women through the ages and the makeup they wore. There's also a section about the business of beauty that anyone with a passion for makeup will find deeply interesting. Lisa Eldridge's love of makeup and the history behind it really shines through in this book and for that reason it makes such a detailed read.
Pretty Honest & Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes
£12.99 BUY HERE | £12.00 BUY HERE
Written by the beyond knowledgeable Sali Hughes, Pretty Honest is like no other beauty book. If you are looking to give a makeup book with lots of visuals then you may want to opt for Face by Pixiwoo but if you are after a solid book then you will get that in an abundance with this Pretty Honest Unlike most makeup/beauty books Sali has a clear writing style that is intelligent and witty, making for a really good read. Points are covered on anything you can imagine associated with beauty - how to manage makeup counters, salon etiquette, hair problem solving, wearing red lipstick and even how to pay and receive compliments. As for Sali Hughes' follow up book; Pretty Iconic, think of it as a beauty product bible. Expect the same intelligent and engaging writing style but wrote as almost mini essays (one per page) on products new and old. Both a nostalgic and interesting read and a book sure to make your recipient want to go out and treat themselves to some new beauty products!
The Body Book by Cameron Diaz
£14.88 BUY HERE
If you are looking for a book that mixes aesthetics with health and the body then you can't go wrong with The Body Book. I was refreshingly surprised when I read this to find an educational book on living a healthy lifestyle and fully understanding your body. This is far from a book about Cameron Diaz but one in which she shares her knowledge and with the help of nutritionists explains the key points to being healthy in great depth. Cameron also has a follow up book called The Longetivity Book that looks at age and health in more depth which may not be as ideal to give as a gift but interesting none the less.
Beautiful For Ever: Madame Rachel of Bond Street by Helen Rappaport
£8.99 BUY HERE
Another amazing read for anyone interested in the history of beauty is the intriguing story of Madame Rachel: cosmetician, con-artist and blackmailer. This true story tells of Madame Rachel who began life as a poor fish fryer in Victorian London. She ended up with a shop in New Bond Street, where her wealthy clients came in their droves, lured by the promise of eternal beauty. What they found there was a con-woman and fraudster who made a career out of lie and the desperate hopes of women wanting to be 'beautiful for ever'. A unique book for anyone interested in the history of makeup and the Victorian era.
Festive reads
Okay, so this section is more about books to treat yourself to than giving as gifts. However if you know someone that is all about Christmas and you exchance gifts before the big day then one of these may just be perfect for them. From festive fiction to a Christmas cookbook you will turn to each year.
A Boy Called Christmas & The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
£3.49 BUY HERE | £6.49 BUY HERE
Want to feel the magic of Christmas? Well The Boy Called Christmas needs to be part of your plan in that case. This festive fairytale wrote by genius Matt Haig is for children and adults alike and won't fail to bring a little sparkle to your Christmas. A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and a boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic. It's also sprinkled with illustrations throughout which adds to the magical story of how Father Christmas came to be. And if you steam read though that over the festive period then you can also enjoy The Girl Who Saved Christmas which I plan to read next week!
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R.Tolkien
£6.29 BUY HERE
Without a doubt the sweetest Christmas book I've ever purchased. This special book is a large collection of hand written and drawn letters from J.R Tolkien as Father Christmas to his three children from 1920 to 1942. With simple letters in shaky handwriting whilst his children were small, to more detailed and elaborate stories as the years go on, even with input from Father Christmas' polar bear chief assistant. Not only is this a book of short Christmas stories in letter form but the love Tolkien had for his children shines through making this such a beautiful and special book. A book I've thoroughly enjoying reading right now.
Another Night Before Christmas by Carol Ann Duffy
£4.79 BUY HERE
A magical reworking of The Night Before Christmas here, wonderfully illustrated by Rob Ryan. This little book would make an ideal stocking filler or to be bought and read to children at bedtime on Christmas Eve. A book to cherish and bring out each year.
Nigella Christmas by Nigella Lawson
£21.44 BUY HERE
I couldn't recommend my favourite festive reads without mentioning the cookbook I rely on every Christmas. Nigella Christmas for me is the ultimate Christmas cookbook with recipes you will actually cook and enjoy. This large coffee table sized book with over 250 pages includes stunning photography alongside the most glorious and indulgent sounding recipes. There's also a 50 page guide in the middle of the book to cooking Christmas dinner from the turkey to all the trimmings and multiple gravy recipes. P.S. If you pick this up please try out the fully loaded potato skins - you won't be disappointed!
Book-ish Gifts
Last but not least I wanted to include some gift ideas that are still book related in a way which would be ideal for book lovers that you don't want to risk buying a book for that they already own or have read. I of course love books but these gifts are some of my favourites from this gift guidee!
Book Related Art Prints
Roald Dahl Print £2.45 BUY HERE
I personally believe a framed art print can make the most wonderful gift, whether it's at Christmas, a birthday or any other celebration. I came across this magical Roald Dahl print on Etsy along with so many other book quote prints on the site and simply downloaded it and printed it out, hence the super affordable price! The beauty of this is that you can print in whatever size you wish and a lot of prints come in a range of colours - this print could be printed in black or gold font. I also love this 'Eat, Sleep, Read' printable print here that's only £1.94 and again would make a wonderful gift when framed.
East of India Bookmark
£2.28 BUY HERE
Giving a bookmark as a little stocking filler or with a book is a nice idea I think. Bookmarks can be picked up all over the place, but I personally love these card East of India bookmarks from eBay. This is my own and it stops me folding down page corners or using scrap pieces of paper as temporary bookmarks!
Stationery gifts
Lastly I wanted to include a few stationary ideas as often book lovers also love stationery... I know I do! Now you may be wondering how much that stunning ring bound weekly planner is going to set you back and I can happily tell you only £3.00! Yes, this is from Sainsbury's of all places, along with the lovely gold polka dot Daydreamer notebook, £2, and is just so well made for the price. For more affordable stationery that's Kate Spade inspired I'd recommend Home Bargains and for beautiful hardback notebooks TK Maxx/Homesense should be your port of call.
I really do hope this Christmas gift guide has been helpful and make sure to check out Part 1, if you haven't already, here!
Fee xo.
Welcome to the first of my Christmas Gift Guides 2016!
Okay, so I'm a little late to the gift guide party but I can't think of a time when I'm ever been on schedule, so it's just one of those things! Hopefully you are still Christmas shopping or at least dropping hints as to what you'd like to see under the tree this year.
As you can see I'm starting off not with beauty but with books! Because basically I forgot how much work gift guides are to put together and my huge beauty and skincare guides aren't ready just yet - psssst they are coming next week I promise! However I knew this year I wanted to create a gift guide for book lovers because I can't get enough of them and Christmas is the perfect time to receive a stack of new books to enjoy over the festive period and to see you through Winter. Below I have a huge range of ideas that I really hope helps a few of you in the gifting department or just gives you ideas on what to treat yourself to at the very least!
Extra special books for the serious book lover in your life
If you have a friend or family member that has bookshelves full of books and is known for being a book worm then an extra special book may make for the perfect gift for them. Below are a range of special edition books, how you can pick up signed books and a few charitable choices.
Puffin in Bloom, Illustrated by Anna Bond
One of my favourite special edition ranges of recent years has to be the Puffin in Bloom books that are wonderfully illustrated by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. The range consists of four childrens classics; A Little Princess (here), Anne of Green Gables (here), Little Women (here) and Heidi (here) which can be purchased individually or as a collection here. This is ideal for anyone that enjoys collecting pretty books, childhood classics or even fans of Rifle Paper Co products I'm sure would be happy to find one of these books under the tree come Christmas morning.
Vintage Classics Bronte Series
I think everyone knows someone that loves Jane Eyre, right? If that's you, then a perfect gift may be one of the vintage classic designs of the three novels by the Bronte sisters which includes Jane Erye (here), Wuthering Heights (here) and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (here).
These a weighty and have stunning illustrated fold-out end sheets and give an amazing contemporary feel to some true classics. Perfect for any english literature lovers or true book worm!
Signed & special edition books
A few years ago now I received a special limited edition of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. Though I'd never read it before receiving it I was instantly in love with it. For limited edition special front cover books Waterstones is your place, you may pay a slight bit more but it's certainly worth it. As for signed books they aren't as expensive as you may think! Again Waterstones, but online here, offering a wide range of signed books that add something very special to your gift also often independent bookstores are a good call.
Books that support charities
Maybe your book loving recipient would be glad to receive a book that he or she knows has helped out a charity. That could be a stack of second-hand books you think they may like, from a high street charity shop or online at Oxfam here or one of Waterstones 'Buys Books for Syria' marked books, that donates 100% of the sale price and have already raised over £1.5 million to date. One new release that gives £5 of the sale price to Syria when purchases from Waterstones is The Optician of Lamedusa here, the harrowing true story of a sinking migrant boat based on the experience of an optician from Lampedusa, a small island mid-way between North Africa and Italy and the lasting effects it caused. A book I highly recommend as a short but important read.
Popular new (ish) releases
The newer the book the more likely it won't have been read by your recipient.Well that's the idea anyway! In the last year we have seen some incredible bestsellers so I decided to pick out my favourites, some that I've read and loved and some that I can't wait to get stuck into over the festive season.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Amazon BUY HERE
If you know someone that loved Gone Girl or The Girl On The Train then this is certainly the book for them. This was a holiday read for me a few months back and it really gripped me. The story starts with journalist Lo Blacklock waking to find her flat being burgled. This of course leaves her unsettled and paranoid but when the perfect assignment comes up a week later for a 7-night luxury cruise she thinks it could only do her good to get away from it all. However on board she is witness to a woman being thrown overboard... the only problem - all guests are accounted for. As the cruise carries on with it's journey, as nothing has happened, Lo tries to find the truth while questioning her sanity.
The Muse by Jessie Burton
Amazon BUY HERE
From the bestselling author of The Miniaturist is another wonderfully crafted and vivid novel. England 1967, Odelle Bastien is a Caribbean emigre trying to make her way in London. When she starts working at the prestigious Skelton Institute of Art, she discovers a painting rumoured to be the work of Isaac Robles, a young artist of immense talent and vision whose mysterious death has confounded the art world for decades.
Spain, 1936. Olive Schloss, the daughter of a Viennese Jewish art dealer, follows her parents to Arazuelo, a poor village on the southern coast. She grows close to Teresa, a young housekeeper, and Teresa's half-brother, Isaac Robles, an idealistic and ambitious painter who dreams of being as famous as Picasso.
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
Amazon BUY HERE
This is a book I can't wait to read after loving Room by Emma Donoghue. Wonder tells the intriguing tale of an eleven-year-old girl who stops eating, but remains miraculously alive and well. A nurse is then sent to investigate and determined whether she is a fraud or a miracle. This comes with so many raved reviews on Amazon and the aesthetically pleasing gilded gold cover makes it an ideal gift to give any book lover.
The Last Act of Love by Cathy Rentzenbrink
Amazon BUY HERE
Another read for me in the latter end of 2016 and one that finished in two days was The Last Act of Love. Now this isn't the happiest of reads but it's about family, love and grieving. A true story set over 8 years in which the author's brother is left in a coma after a car accident. As you can imagine this is a heavy read in parts however it's about sibling bond and healing.
Great Small Things by Jodi Picoult
Amazon BUY HERE
Dubbed 'To Kill A Mockingbird for the 21st century" you can expect great things from this chart topping novel.
When a newborn baby dies after a routine hospital procedure, there is no doubt about who will be held responsible: the nurse who had been banned from looking after him by his father.
What the nurse, her lawyer and the father of the child cannot know is how this death will irrevocably change all of their lives, in ways both expected and not. Small Great Things is about prejudice and power; it is about that which divides and unites us. It is about opening your eyes. I've yet to read this but as soon a Christmas week is here expect me to have my nose in this 500-page sure to be bestselling novel. An amazing gift at only £4.00 on Amazon right now!
YA Fiction
Whether you are buying for a teenager or someone in their 20's, young adult fiction offers something different, I like to say it offers all the feels. Basically this newly popular genre is Dawson's Creek in emotion minus the corn factor. The below books have my stamp of approval for anyone aged 14 to 29!
Eleonor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Amazon BUY HERE
I mentioned that YA fiction gives you all the feels, right? Well this is the book that made me realise that. With the best characterisation I've read in a long time I totally fell in love with both characters and a book shaped hole was certainly left in my heart after I'd finished reading. On the outset this a typical boy-meets-girl novel but let me express how multilayered this book is. From the unique setting of the 80's, to awkward teenage years and an unexpected twist of broken home lives. This is such an enjoyable read that pulls you straight back to first relationships and how electric and awkward both physical and mental contact can be. My favourite YA fiction book to date.
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Amazon BUY HERE
Stolen tells the story of sixteen year old Gemma who is kidnapped and taken to the Australian outback. Making the setting for this book like nothing I've read before, just so unique. As this is a YA book you can expect lots of emotion and that raw-ness that you often don't get with general fiction. I loved every part of this book and it was definitely a story that stayed with me for some time
Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
Amazon BUY HERE
Part love story, part coming-of-age story with one huge problem, protagonist Madaline suffers from a rare condition that makes her allergic to literally everything. The book is nicely broken up with pictures, emails and IM messages which is aimed at teen readers but I always find that adds a more real element to the story. One for YA fans for sure.
Artistotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Amazon BUY HERE
Another coming-of-age relationship driven story here set in the 80's that centres around two perfectly constructed and believable characters.
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When they meet they seem to have nothing in common. But as the pair start spending time together, they discover that they share a special kind of friendship--the kind of friendship that changes lives and lasts a lifetime.
I really hope you've found some gift ideas here or at least a few titles to put on your to-read list
Part two of this gift guide will be up in a few days with beauty book recommendations, festive reads and bookish gifts!
Fee xo.
You know where you stand with Autumn. It rains, a lot, and leaves start to turn aesthetically pleasing hues of orange and gracefully fall to the ground. It's secure and kinda' cosy feeling. Okay, I'm romanticising it, but it's still a pretty lovely time of year!
This is why Autumn is my favourite season. I know I can wrap up in a blanket watching TV with a warm drink, whilst browsing the internet for a new pair of ankle boots – girl can multi-task. It's also a time for fresh new paperbacks (ahhh, that smell!) that will transport you to an entire new universe or era.
As you can see I have quite the stack of new books that I plan to get through this Autumn and having gone off some pretty glowing reviews I thought I'd share my new books buys with you. I also saved quite a bit of money, £11.97 to be exact, with Amazon's current 3 for £10 on selected paperback titles offer. Hope you find a few autumnal reads here!
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
£5.00 Hardback - Amazon here
I mentioned this book a few weeks ago now as I was drawn to it by all the good reviews on Amazon. Come chillier weather I do like the odd crime mystery read, that won't scare me to death, but still have be holding my breath as I turn the next page - I'm hoping The Woman in Cabin 10 will be exactly that!
I mentioned this book a few weeks ago now as I was drawn to it by all the good reviews on Amazon. Come chillier weather I do like the odd crime mystery read, that won't scare me to death, but still have be holding my breath as I turn the next page - I'm hoping The Woman in Cabin 10 will be exactly that!
The story starts with journalist Lo Blacklock waking to find her flat being burgled. This of course leaves her unsettled and paranoid but when the perfect assignment comes up a week later for a 7-night luxury cruise ship she think it could only do her good to get away from it all. However on board she is witness to a woman being thrown overboard... the only problem - all guests are accounted for. As the cruise carries on with it's journey, as nothing has happened, Lo tries to find the truth whilst I'm sure questioning her sanity. Sounds good, right? I really can't wait to get stuck into this now!
Now, if you've been a reader of Makeup Savvy for some time and have an extremely good memory then you will know I've already read The Paying Guests - and loved it! However I went and bought the paperback version and I plan to re-read it. You see Sarah Waters is a favourite author of mine for being able to transport you back in time and submerge you in that era - generally the Victorian era. However The Paying Guests is set in the later time of the 1920s and tells the story of a mother and daughter forced to take in lodgers to keep their once filled and happy home afloat. Little is as it seems though as the daughter life takes some thrilling twists and turns due to her new friendship with one of the guests upstairs. This is a story of love, crime and history. Expect to be submerged into 1920s London with this brilliant sapphic novel!
A Man called Ove by Fredrik Backman
£6.29 Paperback (part of 3 for £10) - Amazon here
Onto a heartwarming novel now by Swedish author and journalist, Fredrik Backman. These is something that always attracts me to Scandinavian reads, maybe it's there light hearted nature that always had an important underlying message, or the fact I sometimes fancy a quirky read. A Man Called Ove tells the story of a basically grumpy old man and his daily life surrounds by (in his opinion) idiots. But there's something about Ove that's tender, wise and funny. This novel will have you laughing, possibly reminded of your parents or grandparents, and at other times, wiping away a tear. A charming read perfect for this time of year.
One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis
£7.99 Paperback (3 for £10) - Amazon here
A typical thriller read here that I was drawn to from the 'If you loved The Girl On The Train, you'll love this' sticker to the front. One morning wife and mother, Emily Coleman wakes up and walks right out of her life. What makes her do it and how will she survive? And, no matter how hard she tried, can she ever really say goodbye to her past? Ohhhh, this sounds good, doesn't it? As I enjoyed The Girl on The Train I'm sure I'll devour this to find out Emily's secret!
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
£6.00 Hardback - Amazon here
Have you heard of 'Hygge' pronounced hoo-gah? It's having a bit of a moment right now in the UK! Until a few years ago neither had I, but when reading The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the secrets of the world's happiest country, the term kept popping up and I soon realised that Hygge is a very important thing for danish people and is a huge factor to why they are such happy people. To quote from this wonderful book, Hygge is about atmosphere and an experience, rather than a thing. It's been described as 'the art of creating intimacy', 'cosiness of the soul', and 'the absence of annoyance' to 'taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things', 'cosy togetherness'. For me it's the ultimate practice of self care and that's why I love it - Hygge is good for the soul! So this book is effectively a guide to all things hygge, from hygge in the home, hygge at work, hygge of course at Christmas and how it's enjoyed in summer, plus much more. This is truly a look at how to improve happiness levels and bring calm to you life. An ideal read for autumn.
Behind Closed Door by Elizabeth Haynes
£3.85 Paperback (3 for £10) - Amazon here
Lastly a novel from the bestselling author of Into The Darkest Corner, possibly my favourite thriller to date! Another unsettling read about the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Scarlettt Rainsford who vanishes without a trace during a family holiday to Greece. Only to be discovered in her home town 10 years later. Expect some dark scenes if you do read this as Elizabeth Haynes is known for her authentic writing style - which I love! I have high hopes for this book and can't wait to get stuck into it.
Free Fall Reading List
On to the freebie now, that I created with book lovers in mind! Simply print out to keep track of the books you read over fall/autumn and give them a rating! I personally think this is a lovely way (of course I would, I made it!) to track what you are reading over the next few cosy months.
Free Fall Reading List Printable (download link)
Psssst - It may look a little funky in the preview but I promise it prints out just fine!
Really hope you've found some books here to enjoy over the colder months. Let me know if you end up reading any of these!
Fee xo.
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