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There are lots of great new releases for you to try out this month! February has been an impressive month with some highly anticipated releases from some very talented authors.

Grab one of these, make a cup of tea and cuddle down with lots of blankets and pillows – perfection!

How Many Letters Are In Goodbye? By Yvonne Cassidy

A new release by Irish writer Yvonne Cassidy, How Many Letters Are In Goodbye? tells the story of Rhea Farrell, who begins to write to her mother eleven years after her last letter. Eleven years since her father told her it was stupid to write to dead people.

Now, alone in New York City, Rhea starts a letter with ‘Dear Mum’ and begins to tell her mum everything she can’t tell anyone else…including her secrets.

The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty: A Novel by Amanda Filipacchi

In today’s society, every woman is painfully aware of the unfortunate importance placed on beauty.

Amanda Filipacchi’s novel, which is due to be released in early March, tells the story of a group of artistic friends in NYC struggling with the weight of society’s beauty standards.

While Barb tries to make herself less pretty to find true love, her friend Lily does everything she can in the beauty department to attract the object of her unrequited desire. Then there’s the murder…

What does it truly mean to allow oneself to be seen?

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set in France during World War II, The Nightingale presents a beautiful portrayal of the strength and durability of women during a difficult time in history.

First there is Vianne Mauriac, who upon saying goodbye to her husband as he sets off to the Front, is overrun by the Nazis invasion into her small village of Carriveau.

When Vianne is forced to take an enemy into her home, her life and that of her daughter’s are in great risk.

Meanwhile, Vianne’s younger teenage sister, Isabelle falls head over heels in love as only teenagers can. When she is betrayed, her heartbreak leads her into a dark and deadly decision…

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Welcome to the SHEmazing! Book Club for February.

We’ve decided to check out three new books that would be perfect for your bedtime reading. Or, you know, anytime really!

Here are the three new releases we’ve chosen for you this month:

I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Meg and Cody are best friends. Which is why when Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner, Cody is left shocked and perplexed. How did this happen? Why did this happen?

Cody goes to Meg’s college room to pack up her things and soon discovers that there is a lot she didn’t know about her best friend. And what’s in the locked file on Meg’s computer?

I Was Here is a tale of friendship, adulthood and heartbreaking loss.

The Ice Twins by S.K. Tremayne

If scary books are what you love then this is for you! Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are left heartbroken after one of their identical twin daughters, Lydia dies. Deciding to rebuild their lives on an isolated Scottish island, things take a turn for the worst when their surviving daughter claims that SHE is Lydia.

The revelation leads to the couple reevaluating what exactly happened on the day their daughter died…

If spooky is what you love, then this is a book you don’t want to miss!

Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume

Published by new, independent Irish publishing company, Tramp Press, Sara Baume’s debut novel has already received much praise in the Irish literary circle.

Set in a rural seaside town, an unconventional friendship is formed between an eccentric loner and a one-eyed dog. What plays out can only be described as a ‘wholly different kind of love story’. However, as the seasons change, the pair find themselves pushed further and further from their community.

This is a novel set to make waves in Irish literature circles, so check it out!

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Prepare to have your taste buds tingling after reading this post.

Ever found yourself thinking more about a delicious meal served up rather than a serious plot twist in your favourite book?

Well, you’re not alone!

A graphic designer who found herself inspired by the yummy meals from her favourite childhood classics has released a new cookbook, in which she brings these dishes to life.

Dinah Fried first got the idea for new book, Fictitious Dishes, during her final year at Rhode Island School of Design. After being handed an assignment to photograph table tops, Dinah decided to put her fascination with fictitious foods into action.

Fried ran with the idea, compiling 50 amazing recipes inspired by her love of literature into a book – and it looks amazing!

Among the culinary delights Dinah creates in Fictitious Dishes are The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’s famous Turkish delight, Heidi’s bread and melted cheese, and a seafood chowder which draws its inspiration from Moby Dick.

Our tummies are rumbling just looking at these photos. This is definitely one to add to the kitchen bookshelf!

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This is just so heartbreaking.

Author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, has sent a letter to 15-year-old, Cassidy Stay, in the voice of Dumbledore.

The move comes after the teen’s mum, dad and siblings were all shot dead by her uncle in Texas at the beginning of July.

During a memorial service for her family, the brave girl took to the podium and quoted Dumbledore in her moving and inspirational tribute: “Happiness can be found in the darkest times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

J.K. Rowling heard of the girl’s words through a social media campaign and sent Cassidy a handwritten letter from Dumbledore, and lots of Harry Potter items such as a wand and a signed book. 

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They may be branded as ‘nerds’, but apparently people who read fiction books have better social ability and better abilities of empathy and theory of mind.

Raymond Mar, a psychologist at York University in Canada, and Keith Oatley, a professor of cognitive psychology at the University of Toronto carried out studies in 2006 and 2009.

The idea is that since readers of fiction spend so much time dipping into other peoples’ lives, they’re better able to see the world from someone else’s point of view.

However, don’t just waltz into your local library and grab the first guy you see – you have to make sure it is fiction they’re reading. If he’s hanging out by the non-fiction isle, then it’s not a good sign.

Apparently exposure to non-fiction is “associated with loneliness, and negatively related to social support.” That means they’re socially awkward, which isn’t actually something you should hold against someone, but if you’re looking for someone who will gaze into your eyes and tell you a romantic tale or two, then it’s the fiction fans you’re after.

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The professional procrastinator has the ability to see an interest in every single thing around them…except what they should be doing. Have you experienced any of these?

1. Sleeping.

You have a few days extra at home before you have to make the trek back to college, and everyone knows that no bed is as comfortable as your bed at home.

2. Binge watching netflix series

3. Obsessively painting nails a different colour…every hour

4. Trying out every single hairstyle on Lauren Conrad’s website

5. Shopping

6. Downloading new music

Illegally downloading tonnes of tracks to get your pre-drinks playlist ready for summer. Sure it doesn’t even take that long!

7. Dancing.

8. Playing an instrument.

Sure the parents will only be delighted that you’ve taken an interest in the violin after the years of lessons they forced you to take.

9. Trying out new make-up looks

10. Making millions of cups of tea

via our content partner CT

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If you were a fan of The Princess Diaries then we have some exciting news for you.

It’s just been revealed that the author behind the books will release another instalment, filling us in on what happened to Princess Mia after she joined the Genovian royal family.

Beloved tween author Meg Cabot will publish the newest addition to coincide with the original release date of the very first book back in 1999.

That’s right – it was 15 years and 16 books ago when The Princess Diaries first came into our lives.

Are you feeling old yet?

The 17th book, called Royal Wedding, follows the now-engaged Mia who is fighting an attempt to steal the throne from her family.

Do you think Anne Hathaway will reprise her role or does her Oscar win mean she’s moved on?

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Navigating your 20’s is no easy feat. We’re expected to launch a career, snag the man of our dreams and set off on a globe-trotting adventure on a shoestring budget – but how, when, why?!

Fear not – there are tons of wise words to guide you through – so turn off the telly and get reading!

1. Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill
Gaitskill’s now-legendary début collection, full of longing, weird sex, dislocation and disillusionment, reminds us that no matter how damaged we may find ourselves, we are not alone.

2. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Woolf  is a universally beloved female author and this is her beautiful masterpiece. The book is layered with cool symbolism so you’ll get more out of it, every time you pick it up.

3.  Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO and female billionaire Sheryl Sandberg studies what holds women back from reaching the top and puts forward some compelling solutions for women to succeed at work.

4.  Pitch Perfect: How to Say It Right the First Time, Every Time by Bill McGowan
Media guru and Emmy Award-winning writer Bill McGowan gives you the knowledge you need to get your message across and avoid falling into communication traps. It’s no wonder why this guru coaches people from Eli Manning to Kelly Clarkson!

5. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Smith’s witty, epic début takes on race, gender, class, immigration, middle age, suicide, faith and everything in between. It’s also super fun!

6. The Promise of a Pencil by Adam Braun
You cannot read this book and look at your life the same way. The author captures the restless voice within every 20-something and explains how to craft your life into a story worth telling. Gripping!

7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey
An inspiring book praised by presidents and CEOs everywhere, Stephen Covey’s bestseller will help you strike that tricky work/life balance.

8. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
Telling the story of a woman in love with a man torn between her and his mistress, the novel traces the events and decisions that the characters build their lives around.

9. How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
For when you’ve exhausted every take-out menu imaginable, there’s this one-stop resource for simple cooking with great ingredients and basic tools. With over 900 pages of easy-to-follow recipes, here’s to hoping that you’ll be a whizz kid in the kitchen in no time!

10. Do Cool Sh*t by Miki Agrawal
This book was written for the new generation of people who don’t want to follow the traditional career paths. Agrawal wrote this book to remind you that you have a backbone and that it’s cool to get excited, mess up and keep trying when the odds are stacked against you.

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If you love reading and you love travelling, you are sure to love our pick of the top four travelling books of all time.

These will not only entertain you on long plane rides or keep you company as you relax by the sea, they will also inspire your travelling.

Coasting by Jonathan Raban
If you are looking for adventure inspiration then Jonathan Raban’s Coasting is just for you. The author travels 4,000 miles around Britain in a 32-foot ketch.

Venice for Pleasure by JG Links
If you are heading to Venice then this is the book for you. the book will guide you on the not so touristy places to visit and shows off the beauty of Venice in the beautiful pictures.

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
This book will help you see that when you put your mind to it you can overcome any obstacle. While the book may put you off travelling by boat, it will certainly open your eyes to the magic of the sea and what leaves there.

The Beach by Alex Garland
You have probably already watched the movie, but there is something inspiring about sitting on a beach reading a book about a couple of backpackers and their journey to escape from the real world.

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Collecting things is fun, they can look good and it’s a way of making memories. These items will make your home cute and kitsch.

1. Books
Books entice everybody – guests will love scanning your shelves and seeing what you like to read. There are so many great ways to put your books on display, you’ll easily find one to suit your home.

2. Teapots
Teapots are homely and there are so many beautiful ones out there. Put them on display or even out in the garden with flowers in them.

3. Seashells
Collect seashells from every beach you go to. When you have enough, you can create a framed display with the name of the beach underneath. Perfect for the bathroom.

4. Clocks
Clocks come in so many shapes and sizes, hang them on a wall for a unique presentation. They will have to be for aesthetics only though, unless you want to go crazy from all the ticking!

5. Teacups
Teacups are always cute and give a soft, feminine touch to your home. Collect them in all colours and patterns for a shabby-chic feel. Use them as quirky pots for small plants for your windowsills.

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Feeling fed up and disillusioned with love? Well we want to change that!

Everyone enjoys a beautiful love story and sometimes a good book can be way better than any movie so dust these off the shelves, fill up the hot water bottle and hide under the duvet.

1. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
A classic. Be prepared to fall in love with Mr. Darcy all over again and start speaking like someone from Downton Abbey.

2. The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks
You’ve seen the movie, cried over the movie and obsessed over the movie. Now read the book!

3. The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
You’ll need a box of tissues with this one. 

4. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
Another classic. Catherine and Heathcliff’s passion is palpable, and heartbreaking. 

5. Where Rainbows End – Cecilia Ahern
Cecilia’s second novel may not be quite as popular as her first but that doesn’t stop it from amazing. True love conquers all!

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The final trailer for the impending movie Divergent was released yesterday evening.

The first instalment of the Divergent trilogy novels by Veronica Roth is due to hit cinemas in Ireland this March and is guaranteed to impress fans of the books.

The movie stars rising actress Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet and Zoe Kravitz.

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