While you can still channel the inner kid in you and get your chocolate advent calendar, you should also treat yourself to a different kind of advent for those 24 days prior to Christmas.

HELLO!

I've been absent as of late as I have been super busy and I should've pre written blog posts but did I do that? No... My bad!

November was a good reading month with a total of six (6) books read. Four of these books I rated 5/5! I collected quite a few books this month: Red Queen, Snow Like Ashes & Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda I won from a giveaway; Magnus Chase x 2 - one I bought on special, a signed copy I won at Penguin Teen Australia Live event in Brisbane; Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children full priced and a box set of six classics from QBD for only $15! So, I didn't spend too much money but I'm definitely going to need to pick up my reading game!



Anyways, here are my November reads...

1. The Heir - Kiera Cass
The fourth novel in The Selection series moves on to Maxon and America's sassy daughter Princess Eadlyn, the future queen! I was sad to read it wasn't America's story however it was still an enjoyable and easy read. It finished on an emotional cliffhanger which I feel like Cass hasn't really done in the other books. 4/5



2. Crown of Midnight - Sarah J Maas
I was so ready for Crown of Midnight after reading the first in its series: Throne of Glass, last month. In this story, the true and ever so badass Celaena came alive with an incredible assassin scene which I loved! There was also crazy emotional chapters in Crown of Midnight as well though and pulled on the heart strings. This book is definitely in my top 5 of 2015! 5/5 plus another 100

3. Happily Ever After - Kiera Cass
This is a selection (no pun intended) of novellas from The Selection series. It includes The Queen (Amberley), The Guard (Aspen), The Prince (Maxon) and a few other scenes. I enjoyed reading from others point of views especially Queen Amberley. I think this is a good way to have other point of view novels - a collection of different characters in the one book. 4/5



4. Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
I've finally got myself into this series, if it wasn't for the Bookstagram community I don't think I would have. If you don't know what I'm talking about, Percy is a demi-god finding himself on a mission to find Zeus' lightning bolt which he apparently stole and return it - along with fighting off creatures of the Underworld. Suitable for a wide range of people; this was such an easy read and I enjoyed it immensely. 5/5



5. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare
I took a break from The Mortal Instruments and gave The Infernal Devices a go instead. It took me a while to get into but I love it much more than Clary's story (Clary annoys me a bit too much). I loved how it is set in the 1800's and of course Jem and Will! I am still trying to warm up to Tessa but I definitely prefer her story and interesting background. I am keen to read Clockwork Prince and hopefully will get to it in the next couple of months. 5/5



6. The Assassin's Blade - Sarah J Maas
This is a collection of novellas set before 'Throne of Glass' however, it's pretty much one whole story with a couple of gaps in between. You get to meet and know Sam Cortland and if you've read Throne of Glass you will pretty much have anxiety issues whenever he's around. You get the badass Celaena again in The Assassin's Blade which I loved! I don't think it really matters when you read this book along with the Throne of Glass series, though I've only read the first two. 5/5 !


And there you have my little reviews for my November reads. Sorry it was late... I'll try better next time. If you have any questions or thoughts on this post please comment below or message me on my Bookstagram. Stay tuned for my 2016 reading list!



Currently Reading: Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Hello everyone!

Good morning, afternoon and evening to wherever you may be in the world.

Another month over brings a new blog post dedicated to the books I have read this month and boy, was I productive. I read a total of eight books this month (which is really good for me!) I've got into my head the saying "So many books, so little time!" This may sound a little morbid but what if I die before reading all the books I've really wanted to read? Especially mid through a series?! I hope to live a long and book-filled life!

Anyway, onto the reason you came to visit my blog...










1. Throne of Glass - Sarah J Maas
I discovered the Throne of Glass series through 'Bookstagram'. I heard plenty of great things about these books and definitely looked like something I was keen on reading. Celaena Sardothien is the infamous assassin of Adarlan who is given a possible chance at freedom if she fights her way through and is the last one standing. Since I had heard all these raving reviews I went into it slowly and take it bit by bit, which I'm glad I did. I feel it made me absorb it all the better and I really, really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book. Celaena comes off arrogant and rude but where people didn't like that, I absolutely loved that about her - she wasn't being fake. Anyway, give this a read! 5/5



2. A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarak J Maas
I went into this book without knowing what it was about at all; I found out about half way through this book that it is actually a retelling of Beauty and the Beast - I would have read the whole thing and had no idea. This follows Feyre after she kills one of the faerie kind and is somewhat banished to their world by a high lord named Tamlin. This is a fantasy novel but has so much to it and I couldn't stop reading it. This could very well be my favourite book of 2015! Book two comes out next year. 5/5 (plus ten).

3. City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare
Last month you would have seen that I was giving another chance to The Mortal Instruments series. I enjoyed City of Bones somewhat and looked forward to getting to book two. I won't say much about the series since this is the second instalment and I don't want to give anything away. Honestly, I didn't really like it that much. Clary is such an annoying character and I hated reading from her point of view. I continued reading for the sake of Jace - I like him! I will still continue with the series and read City of Glass next month. 3/5

4. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee
A couple of months ago Go Set a Watchman was published and released and I wanted to reread To Kill a Mockingbird before reading the sequel. I love this book and it is definitely one of my favourite books. My favourite thing about this book is reading from Scout's point of view. 5/5



5. The Selection - Keira Cass
This was an impulse read. I had heard about this series a couple of months ago but lost interest when I thought the synopsis sounding so 'teenagey'. It came up again on my bookstagram feed just over a week ago and I asked other people's opinions of it and most people said it was okay and continued reading the series. The Selection is a dystopian novel where 35 girls are 'randomly selected' from the castes to live in the royal palace and try to win the heart of the prince and to then become princess. I found it hard to stop reading and really enjoyed this story! 4/5


6. The Elite - Keira Cass
Book two of The Selection series is about 'The Elite' - otherwise known as the top ten, or in this case top six. The main character 'America Singer' is all over the place but is kind and fair at heart. Sometimes though, you want to tell her to get her shit together (sorry!) I felt like these first two books could have been combined and made just as one book but nonetheless I enjoyed it and finished it very quickly, eager for book three. 4/5



7. Go Set a Watchman - Harper Lee
~ Before I start, I was actually reading book three of the previously mentioned series but finished this one first.
If you didn't already know, Go Set a Watchman was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird but Lee was turned down and told to write something else. This takes place twenty something years later and watches Jean Louise (Scout) go back to Maycomb on one of her annual visits from New York. This took me longer to read than I expected and I found myself putting it down and picking up something else. I picked it up a week later and made myself read it. It was okay... Didn't really need to be written to be honest. If you're interested, I would say read it but don't stress over it. 3/5

8. The One - Keira Cass
I was only too happy to dive into this book (whilst I was at work 'working'). This obviously continues on with America Singer involved in the selection process to marry the prince, though much more intense with only four girls left and things are getting heated between everyone. The One has excitement, tragedy (I cried a couple of times) and the kind of romance that makes you want to melt. Definitely my favourite so far! See you soon book four. 5/5

Wow, eight books. Go me! I'm very happy with the amount I read and currently have a goal of 52 books to read in 2015. I've read 44 so far and I think I'll make it!
I would love to know your thoughts on these books if you've read them, or let me know what you read this month. If there is anything you want me to read for a review, let me know that too - if you like I can do a full review as well.

Happy reading!

Love, Erena

PS - You can follow me on Bloglovin, just click the button up to the right :)


Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Hey guys,

This is a quick update to let you know you can follow me on Bloglovin!
If you're unsure what Bloglovin is, basically it's a website and a convenient app where you can sign up in seconds and follow all the blogs you read in one place. It doesn't matter what domain it's from. You simply have to search for the blog and it will show up for you to follow.

If you guys would like to follow me (which I'd love and appreciate) then click below!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm also working on some new blog posts so I can get back to posting more regularly.
I'd also love to hear your suggestions, so let me know :)

Take care!


Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Welcome back!

So I've had my Bookstagram (@erenareads) for just over a month now and am loving the community and the urge to read so much more. I hardly buy books anymore but I've gone and purchased four books from the same author (Sarah J Maas) and have recently started Throne of Glass and loving it already.
I'm a little more active on Goodreads (@erenareads) as well these days - feel free to follow or add me.
I read four books this month even though I fell into a bit of a slump at one point.
Enjoy!


BOOKS

I Was Here - Gayle Forman
I went into this book not having any idea what it was about and not hearing too much about it - though what I heard was good. Out of all the books I've read from Forman (2 and a half), this is by far my favourite. Suitable for teens and young adult fiction lovers, this one is super easy to read and could possible pull at the heart strings for some readers. 5/5




City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
I read this maybe four or five years ago and was so annoyed at the ending that I didn't continue with the rest of the books. Over time I got over it and found out the obvious and decided to read it again with intentions of following through with the rest of the books in this series. I like the story - the same as when I first read it, and because I knew what I was in for I just enjoyed the writing. It is a super easy read, for the older who like to sometimes venture into the YA world, you might enjoy! 5/5




Animal Farm - George Orwell
I think this is read in schools? I'm not 100% sure but I wish I did! It's really interesting how all the animals develop after the rebellion having all the same traits as us lousy humans. I also think it is hilarious. This is a super short book so definitely give it a go if you haven't already. Suitable for all ages. 5/5


I'll Give You The Sun - Jandy Nelson
People were raving about this book - "A MUST READ!!" Naturally I had high expectations and was unfortunately let down. It took me ages to read/get into this story and I kept waiting for that point where all of a sudden I can't put the book down. It kind of happened - but only because I had to take it back to the library and wanted to finish it. It ended up being okay and I guess I enjoyed it however for me, it wasn't 'a must read'. 4/5

That is my September wrap up! I have a very ambitious October ahead of me with six books on my TBR (To Be Read), but I just want to read it all! I'll try my best, friends!

See you soon for a post about organisation/planning!



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Welcome back to another edition of 'Erena Reviews'!
This month started off slow; the first book I read just wasn't screaming "Keep on reading!!" but I got there in the end and managed to finish two books in the last couple of days of August.

BOOKS

1. The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson
I saw this book recommended quite a bit on Bookstagrams (Book Instagrams) so naturally I wanted to read it. Sorry to the lovers of this book, but it's not something I'd personally recommend. It wasn't bad - it was fine, I just wasn't that interested in the story and some parts annoyed me, but in saying this, there was definitely parts I enjoyed. I'm looking forward to Nelson's other novels. 3/5




2. Attachments - Rainbow Rowell
Yes! This book was hilarious, serious, emotional and I loved it a million times more than Fangirl (though I didn't really enjoy that one). At first I kept getting confused with Beth and Jennifer on who was who - but easily enough got on track. Lincoln has to read their 'flagged' emails for the company they all work for but never does anything about them and just continues to read them. Sounds creepy, but I don't think so. Definitely recommend this one! 5/5






3. The Enemy - Charlie Higson
Another one recommended on the Bookstagram world. It's set in modern England and zombies take over ze world!!!! Or England as far as the first book goes. It seems as though the kids under 14 haven't been affected by the disease and they call the diseased ones 'Grown Ups'. It's actually quite entertaining - though emotional - to read. I wouldn't recommend this series to older adults (unless you're into the Young Adult genre) because all the characters are kids and I find it very 'teenish/kiddish' at times. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and am onto book two. 4/5


4. The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks
I've read a couple of Sparks' novels and I can't say I read any of them in two days. From the first page I was drawn into the story and didn't leave it until I literally finished the book. Of course, it was a love story and was super emotional - the usual Nicholas Sparks stuff, but there's a reason he writes these stories - he's god damn good at it. I absolutely loved 'The Best of Me' (even if it tore me apart) and I'm hoping to watch the movie adaptation very soon! 5/5






'The Best of Me' was definitely my favourite of the month and it definitely makes me want to read another Sparks novel this month.

Earlier I was speaking of 'Bookstagram' (Instagram of everything book related) and I have actually just made an account. If you want to follow me I'll leave my user name down below and if you're an active Bookstagrammer I'll definitely follow you back!

I hope you've enjoyed my reviews this month and I'll see you next month for some more!



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Hello everyone.

Since my last 'Erena Recommends' post - also the first - I have aimed to read a little more to fuel these posts.
In the past month I've read a lot of Colleen Hoover, once you start it is kind of hard to stop. Though, one of her books I deemed a waste of time (sorry CoHo!)

BOOKS

1. Slammed Trilogy - Colleen Hoover
I read the first book (Slammed) last month and absolutely loved it. This young adult novel is emotional and easy to read - always a plus for me. It focuses on the forbidden but unconditional love between Layken and Will.
It continues with the second book, Point of Retreat, which I read earlier this month. Again, emotional and easy to read; I very much enjoyed this book as well, especially in Will's perspective as it was in Layken's during the first book.
I then went on to read the third book, This Girl. I won't go much into it but this is the book I mentioned above that I thought was a waste of time. I read most of it but skimmed A LOT of it. It's a massive let down to the series, but whatever, what's done is done.


2. A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin
This book is intimidating. I started reading it over a year ago and had to put it down and only just finished it last month. It is so well written but to put it plainly, it's just hard to read. I absolutely love the television series but you get to read all the extra big and little details in the book. This is only the first in the series and I plan to get to the second one, but will leave it for now.




3. Hopeless - Colleen Hoover
Yes, another CoHo book. This has been one of my favourites out of hers, a little slow at one point but otherwise brilliant. I've never read anything like this - not to say 'it's out of this world', but I've never read a similar story. Hoover obviously kills it and am really, really looking forward to reading the next in the series (I made myself read a non CoHo novel after this one). It's super emotional and I found myself crying multiple times. Go read it.
- I realised I didn't talk about the story itself, basically a teenage girl meets a teenage guy and how their relationship unfolds and both of their histories. Just read it.



4. Anna & The French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
This was what I picked to read so I was reading all the Colleen Hoover books and my goodness did I pick a good one. This young adult contemporary novel focuses on Anna who goes to Paris for her last year of high school and meets the gorgeous St. Clair and goes from there. I really enjoyed this book and would consider it in my list of favourites (mental list of favourites). I'm currently reading the second book Lola & The Boy Next Door and also loving it!

TV SHOWS

Once again, I have no TV series recommendations. I'm starting to think I shouldn't put in TV series because I'm not one of those people who can sit and watch multiple episodes in a row. We'll see how I go; I do have my Netflix list which I will get to eventually.
I will mention a movie - Jurassic World, it was amazing!!! I grew up watching the original movies so I was looking forward to it as soon as I knew it was coming out. Definitely recommend!

Hope you enjoyed this post and I look forward to binge reading for next months post, bye!




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The past few months I've found zero motivation to post anything. After my holiday, I simply forgot. When I remembered, I just couldn't be bothered. The past couple of days however, I've felt a bit better about it.

I enjoy reading.
I enjoy watching television shows.
So I thought I would compile a short list of what I've recently read and been watching that I've really enjoyed and would recommend. I'm thinking this could be a monthly or bi-monthly post? Don't hold me to that but maybe I'll try my best.

BOOKS

1. All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven
This book focuses on two characters that meet in the first scene: (Theodore) Finch & Violet. Without reading the blurb, it's very obvious the book is going to be all about these two and their life together. This is the author's first young adult novel and she has done exceptionally well. The entire time reading I was never bored or annoyed with either of the main characters despite their actions. This novel is heartbreaking-ly emotional but you'll feel oddly satisfied once finished. 5/5



2. The Last Time We Say Goodbye - Cynthia Hand
Another emotional read. I actually picked this book up because I liked the look of the cover. This book focuses on Lex's life after her brother Ty committed suicide. Sounds depressing, but the author doesn't make the reader feel like that way. Once again, a novel well written and would definitely recommend. 5/5




3. Never Never - Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
Colleen Hoover is my current 'must read all her books asap' author. Never Never, focuses on two characters who all of sudden don't know who they are or anyone else for that matter. The two characters - after finding out their supposed identities, figure out they are in a relationship and try to work out what has happened to them and why. This is a super easy and quick read that'll have you wanting more; you'll have to wait though, there is a second book on its way, but when?! 5/5



TV

I have no TV recommendations at the moment because I'm really only watching The Vampire Diaries and Game of Thrones. I have plans for some Netflix series but will have to wait for some more free time.

I hope you have enjoyed my recommendations this month, I'll be back in June for some more. These three books have easily become on my favourites list.
Let me know if you read/have read any of these books and tell me what you think.
Happy reading!
xx










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Here for you today are my last Goodness Me box deliveries. I have combined them as I received my January box very late into the month, a week later came the February box. Both months boxes were definitely better than the previous two - in my opinion.

I have tried various items in both boxes and will let you know what I think below.

Hello everyone, today I am here writing to you on my iPad! I had been thinking about getting one for a while now and decided to 'just do it' about a week ago. It's just the regular iPad mini but after using it I wish I had got the iPad 2 mini. Mainly because I have an iPhone 6 and it's brilliant and the the regular iPad is a step back in greatness (and speed). Nonetheless, I am loving it and am very happy with my purchase.

So in a previous post I had mentioned wanting to being more active on my blog and this post will mark three in the month of January - woohoo! I don't want to commit to a certain number of posts a month, I just want to try my best in being active. I'm thinking of doing smaller posts such as 'What I Eat in a Day' (with pictures of course) and perhaps a couple of other day to day activities or thoughts where I can fill in the gaps in between the 'bigger' posts.

Alright, let me get back on track.
In 2013, I started watching Zoella on YouTube and when it came round to her Christmas vlogs - Vlogmas - I absoloutely loved watching her open her different advent calendars. The two I was most interested in were the Benefit calendar and The Body Shop calendar and I could not find either of these two in stores at all. I soon let it go and lived my excitement through Zoella's vlogs.
When I was in Melbourne CBD at the end of November I decided to browse through the Benefit counter in the Myer store (fun fact: Myer Melbourne CBD has the biggest Benefit counter in the world). I came across the Benefit advent calendar!!! Excited was an understatement - though I had to think about it after I knew the price of it: $149.00 AUD. I had to quickly justify the purchase - I wanted one...? And I had never bought or even tried any of the Benefit products before, so I got it! I had to wait four days until I could open it (I guess I can open it whenever I want but let's be traditional here!)

Here's what I got...
*All pictures are from my Instagram taken on an iPhone 6.










Overall, I'm fairly happy with the products that I got. Though I really couldn't believe that they would put three hair ties and three stationary items in here as well. Maybe around three would have been more acceptable. If you're all about value then I wouldn't get this however, if you have never tried any Benefit products (or very little) and you want to then I would definitely consider getting this in the future. It has a really good range of products in here that I love using. I won't be purchasing this in the future as I obviously don't need to - and I'm keeping my eye out for The Body Shop Advent Calendar for December this year!

My favourites are: The Porefessional, Watt's Up Highlighter, Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer, High Beam Highlighter and the Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer. I haven't opened up either of the mascaras as I want to finish my current ones, but I am really looking forward to the They're Real Mascara as I've many great things about this one.
I also haven't used all the products yet, but definitely will as time goes on.

Hopefully this has helped you if you've been tossing up whether or not to get this advent calendar.
See you next time!

xx


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