This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
I’m not even sure what happened this week. It just … went. Okay, now that I think about it, I can think of a few things. I had a dinner at my church where they announced some changes to the kids’ ministry program (I’ll now be teaching kindergartners through 2nd graders instead of just K-1. Doesn’t bother me, because it just means I get to hang onto my kids a year longer. :-)) And my daughter had her first outdoor track meet–luckily the weather was cooperative. I also went to an author meet-up at my local library yesterday. So, I did stuff, just nothing earth-shattering.
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- The 2019 Book Counting Challenge (and Sad News about the Discussion Challenge)
- April 2019 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway
- Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton: Sutton’s Top Ten Addictions
- March 2019 Wrap-Up & Best of the Bunch
- Bite-Sized Reviews of Slayer, Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc, Mera: Tidebreaker, and You’d Be Mine
Book Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries:
Here are the birthdays and blogoversaries for this week! I hope you’ll go wish these bloggers well on their special days! Make sure you check out the calendar to see what you might have just missed or what’s coming up. (If you want to be added to the calendar, it’s easy! Just fill out the birthday/blogoversary form.)
- April 8th – jessicasblog45‘s Blogoversary
- April 9th – Tina @ As Told By Tina‘s Birthday
- April 10th – Jen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog‘s Birthday
- April 12th – Gayathri @ Elgee Writes‘ Birthday
- April 12th – Nighttime Reading Center‘s Blogoversary
- April 13th – Julie @ Chapter Break‘s Birthday
Book Haul:
Purchased:
Got my pre-order of The Boy Who Steals Houses in the mail!! Woo hoo!
For Review:
Blink sent me Annie Sullivan’s new book! I really enjoyed A Touch of Gold, so I’m excited to read Tiger Queen. This one is a retelling of “The Lady, or the Tiger?” and I am definitely on board!
From NetGalley:
The description of Hurricane Season is just as beautiful as the cover. I have high hopes for this one! Also, I got Serious Moonlight a while ago, but I realized I forgot to post about that one (it doesn’t show up in my Amazon list of books since it’s a PDF, so I keep forgetting about it!).
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Kaleena @ Reader Voracious shares What the New CMA Guidelines Mean for Book Bloggers & How to Properly Disclose ARCs
- Lindsi @ Do You Dog-Ear? does a monthly link-up called DNF&Y where she talks about books she DNFd that month and her reasons. Check it out!
- Cait @ Paper Fury shares What It’s Like to Write an #OwnVoices Novel
- Dani @ Perspective of a Writer shares How to Keep Instagramming without becoming Discouraged!
- The Orangatan Librarian shares How (Not) to Read Reviews
Pre-order Campaigns
Listed in order of release date. Any new deals that I just added to the list this week will be denoted with a *** so you can easily find them!
Please note: Almost all pre-order giveaways run “while supplies last,” so I can’t guarantee that they’ll be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- ***Pre-order HUNTER by Dez Schwartz to receive a signed bookmark and a sticker. (ends 4/7)
- Pre-order HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE DARK by Kathleen Glasgow to receive a gorgeous laptop decal! (US only)(ends 4/8)
- Pre-order THE PRINCESS AND THE FANGIRL by Ashley Poston to receive an exclusive short story about Elle and Darien’s first date and a gorgeous piece of fanart that’s perfect for your laptop or desktop screen. (INT)(ends 4/8)
- Pre-order THE TAKEOVER EFFECT by Nisha Sharma to receive Sharma’s mother’s recipe for aloo (potato stuffed) paranthas and a hint about the plot for book 2. (INT)(ends 4/8)
- Pre-order SOMEONE KNOWS by Lisa Scottoline to receive a free paperback of any Scottoline book of your choice. (ends 4/8)
- Pre-order WHEN WE LEFT CUBA by Chanel Cleeton from Fountain Bookstore to receive a special limited-edition recipe card inspired by a recipe from Chanel’s grandmother and a stunning lipstick from Besamé Cosmetics. (ends 4/8)
- Pre-order WRITERS OF THE FUTURE VOLUME 35 and receive a FREE digital edition of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 25. (ends 4/8)
- ***Pre-order GRUMPY MOM TAKES A HOLIDAY by Valerie Woerner to receive an hour-long photo styling tips training video. (ends 4/8)
- Pre-order ALL FOR ONE by Melissa De La Cruz to receive an Alex & Eliza Swag Bag. (US only)(ends 4/8)
- Pre-order THROUGH THE WHITE WOOD by Jessica Leake to receive a bookmark and character art printed on a postcard-sized card. (INT)(ends 4/9)
- Pre-order AN ANATOMY OF BEASTS by Olivia A. Cole to receive an enamel “who’s the beast” pin. More goodies are available if you order the first book as well or if you order from an independent bookstore. (ends 4/15)
- ***Pre-order NO COUNTRY FOR OLD GNOMES by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne to receive a signed poster of Offi, Kirsi, and Gerd. (US only)(ends 4/15)
- ***Pre-order VOCABULARY NINJA by Andrew Jennings on Bloomsbury.com for a chance to win one of 20 Ninja Soft Toys and Ninja Resource Packs. (UK and ROI only)(ends 4/17)
- Pre-order VIPER by Bex Hogan to receive a set of 6 bookmarks inspired by the Isles of Storm & Sorrow series. (UK/Republic of Ireland only)(ends 4/17)
- ***Pre-order LITTLE DARLINGS by Melanie Golding to be entered to win a swag box, including one copy of The Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales, one leather-bound notebook, and one wood-burnt bookmark! (US only)(ends 4/28)
- Pre-order A THOUSAND YEARS TO WAIT by L. Ryan Storms to receive a one-of-a-kind talisman necklace (first 15 pre-orders only—must also follow a few other instructions to qualify). (ends 4/29)
- Pre-order KING OF FOOLS by Amanda Foody to receive an exclusive Vianca Augustine short story! (INT)(ends 4/29)
- Pre-order THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT by Swati Teerdhala to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, and 2 custom illustrated character cards. OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark. (INT)(ends 4/29)
- Pre-order BRIEF CHRONICLE OF ANOTHER STUPID HEARTBREAK by Adi Alsaid to receive a personalized, autographed postcard from the author’s travels. (ends 4/30)
- Pre-order MY SO-CALLED BOLLYWOOD LIFE by Nisha Sharma to receive an e-copy of a mega list (pdf) of Bollywood movies and Nani’s recipe for mango lassi. (UK only–or, at least, must purchase UK version of book)(ends 5/2)
- ***Pre-order CONFESSIONS OF A MIDDLE-AGED RUNAWAY: AN RV TRAVEL ADVENTURE by Heidi Eliason to receive companion photos taken during the author’s travels that go along with each chapter in the book–more than 40 photos! (ends 5/3)
- ***Pre-order SHOUTING AT THE RAIN by Lynda Mullaly Hunt to receive a classroom pack that includes a discussion guide, tote bag and poster. (US only)(ends 5/6)
- ***Pre-order HOT DOG GIRL by Jennifer Dugan OR request it from your local library to receive a set of six vinyl character wall stickers. (INT)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order KEEP THIS TO YOURSELF by Tom Ryan to receive a bookmark, postcard, signed bookplate and a surprise gift. (US & Can)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order FINALE by Stephanie Garber to receive a Deck of Destiny. (US only)(ends 5/6)
- Pre-order ROMANOV by Nadine Brandes to receive Nadine’s exclusive annotated notes from Romanov chapters and a downloadable recipe card from the book. The first 20o preorder submissions also receive a watercolor Romanov bookmark, a quote sticker, a printed recipe card and a signed bookplate.
- ***Pre-order I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST by Mason Deaver for a chance to win a book bundle (including books signed by Becky Albertalli and Nic Stone), a non-binary pride book/writing planner, exclusive buttons, a signed poster, AND super secret surprise art by Alice Oseman! (INT)(ends 5/13)
- Pre-order DON’T DATE ROSA SANTOS by Nina Moreno to receive a checkout card from Port Coral Library as a bookplate, a bookmark, and a postcard. You’ll also be entered to win a giveaway! OR request from your local library to receive the postcard & bookmark. (INT)(ends 5/13)
- Pre-order THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SWEETIE by Sandhya Menon to receive a print, bookplate, and an exclusive key chain! (US only)(ends 5/13)
- Pre-order AURORA RISING by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff to receive an exclusive Illuminae Files novella. (INT)(ends 5/14)
- ***Pre-order WE HUNT THE FLAME by Hafsah Faizal to receive a limited edition set of five character cards featuring art by Arz28! (INT)(ends 5/14)
- ***Pre-order GIRL GONE VIRAL by Arvin Ahmadi to receive an exclusive decal pack. (US only)(ends 5/20)
- Pre-order THE MISSING SEASON by Gillian French from The Briar Patch bookstore to receive a signed copy of the book, a morbid lapel pin, a Day of the Dead iron-on skull patch, organic TMS cherry lip gloss, a Halloween wind-up, a TMS postcard, and a sterling silver jack-o’-lantern charm with spooky children’s rhyme from the book (first 20 pre-orders only). (US only)(ends 5/20)
- Request NO PLACE LIKE HERE by Christina June from your local library to receive a set of bookish stickers, a signed bookmark, and an entry to win a signed set of Christina June’s 3 books to be donated to your favorite classroom. (INT)(ends 5/20)
- Pre-order WITHIN AND WITHOUT by Deborah Maroulis to receive a bookmark, a signed postcard, 2 stickers, and a ceramic pin. (INT)(ends 5/27)
- ***Pre-order BRIGHT BURNS THE NIGHT by Sara B. Larson to receive signed bookmarks from both books in the series and a signed bookplate. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize giveaway. (INT)(ends 5/28)
- ***Pre-order THE REST OF THE STORY by Sarah Dessen to receive a themed beach tote! (US only)(ends 6/3)
- Pre-order STORM AND FURY by Jennifer Armentrout from Fountain Bookstore to receive a signed book, bookmark and Book Beau bag. (INT)(ends 6/9)
- Pre-order MAGIC FOR LIARS by Sarah Gailey to receive an enamel pin. (US/Can)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order THE EVIL QUEEN by Gena Showalter to receive a golden apple necklace! (US/Can only)(ends 6/24)
- Pre-order SWITCHBACK by Danika Stone to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark and postcard. Plus you’ll be entered to win other goodies! (INT)(ends 5/27) PLUS there’s a library only giveaway (scroll through the thread to see the pic with details! (INT)(ends 6/28)
- Pre-order STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON by Mary Fan OR request it from your library to receive a signed postcard, a magnet, and a red envelope containing a mystery prize. (INT)(ends 6/20)
- ***Pre-order HEART OF BARKNESS by Spencer Quinn to receive a digital copy of “Upper Story.” (US/Can)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT by Brigid Kemmerer to receive a signed bookplate, and an email containing exclusive bonus content set in the Letters to the Lost/More Than We Can Tell universe. Plus, 1 Grand Prize Winner will have a character named after them in a future published book, to be decided between you and Brigid! (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order WANDERERS by Chuck Wendig to receive an exclusive pin! (US only)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim to receive exclusive art, an official bookmark and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, & bonus story. (ends 9/16)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @BiblioStacks is giving away one of eight fantasy debuts
- @queensflame is giving away a PRE-ORDER OF CHOICE
- @MimiChartier is giving away one of six 2019 releases.
- @Penchant4Words is giving away 3 amazing ARC/preorder bundles
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the March Wrap-Up Round-Up and the April Discussion Challenge and Giveaway. Plus, you can enter to win SAMANTHA SPINNER Series.
- Lots of blogs participating in the April Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Writers, head over to Teaching Authors for a chance to win THE MAGIC WORDS by Cheryl Klein
- Head over to Novelly Ella for a chance to win THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES by CG Drews
- Another chance to win THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES over at It Starts at Midnight
- Check out the 2019 Spring YA Scavenger Hunt!
- Enter to Win Penguin’s Shakespeare in the Park Picnic Set Sweepstakes!
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Three books from her ARC/Books for Trade shelves
- Head over to Books of My Heart for a chance to win the Entire Alex Verus series (10 audiobooks) digital copies
- Head over to Flipping Through the Pages for a chance to win In the Neighborhood of True
- Head over to Do You Dog Ear for a chance to win one of 3 copies of THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
- Head over to Alyssa Carlier’s website for a chance to win Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
- It’s Once Upon a Twilight’s 9 year blogoversary! Head on over and you can enter to win a Blogoversary Prize Pack: Books, Gift Cards, Books/Movies swag
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
- BookTrib is giving away Red Hotel
- Head over to France Book Tours for a chance to win The Song Peddler of the Pont Neuf, Smoking Kills, or The Crypt Thief
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern!
- Head over to Bookish for LOTS of giveaways!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
Thanks for posting my pre-order info! Great website–I’m following!
You’re welcome. I’m glad I ran across it! It seems like a very unique pre-order incentive. 🙂
I got Tiger Queen this week as well. I also enjoyed her other book A Touch of Gold, so looking forward to reading Tiger Queen. Don’t remember if you reviewed Smoke and Key or not, my review is this week, but I need to go read your post on that. I’ve tried the Writer’s group at my local library, but haven’t had the greatest luck with it. Got paired to do some critiquing with someone writing a picture book, when I was writing a romance, so that was kind of weird. Haven’t really gone back since. My week was kind of busy too, but I have to stop like you and think about what did I really do? Have a great week!
Oh, wow! Picture book and romance would not make a great pair. LOL! I’m reading Smoke and Key now and really liking it so far. Sutton’s top ten list is fun, so I’d definitely recommend checking it out.
Tiger Queen has such a beautiful cover! I don’t think I’ve seen that one before.
I hear you, certain weeks go by and they’re perfectly fine, nothing earth shattering, just kinda there- but it sounds like you had some fun things happen regardless. Hope this week is a great one!
I hadn’t seen Tiger Queen before it showed up in the mail either. And I actually didn’t even realize it was Annie Sullivan till I went to go enter it into Goodreads. When I read that it’s a retelling, that was enough to make me definitely excited. 🙂
Your books look so good! Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
That’s pretty much how I felt about my week. Nothing major happened so it was all just kind of a blur. I read Shannon’s review for The Boy Who Steals Houses last week and immediately ordered it from The Book Depository. Can’t wait for it to arrive.
I read her review too, and it made me that much more excited to get the book in my hands.
An author event is always earth-shatteringly exciting!! Lol! I had one this week myself and it was definitely my highlight! Lol.
Nice new reads too! Hope you end up loving them all!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
This was a local author meet-up, so a little more low-key than the typical author event, but it was really good to meet some other local writers.
Tiger Queen is new to me and I’ll be checking it out. The Boy Who Steals Houses is already getting some high praise. That’s on my to read list too!
I’m so excited that The Boy Who Steals Houses is here. I can’t wait to read it!!
Sounds like you had a nice week. I am glad the weather cooperated for your daughter’s meet. I think my daughter is hoping she can run through the sprinklers a little later, but we’ll see. It may not quite be warm enough. The Boy Who Steals Houses sounds awesome and I am really curious about Tiger Queen. I hope you love all your new books. Have a great week!
Oh, wow, we’re definitely not ready to run through any sprinklers here. Though it did pour today, so I guess it was much the same. LOL!
As long as it wasn’t a bad week – then I think you’re good. 😉 I need to buy The Boy Who Steals Houses!
-Lauren
Yes, you do!
I love your photo of Cait’s book! I hope you enjoy all of your new ones. Have a good week!
Thank you!!
Yay for getting to keep your kiddos an additional year. My oldest is in second grade and that’s such a fun age. And I can’t wait to read your review of Jenn Bennett’s latest book. I bought one of her books last year and still need to pick it up. But her stories sound like ones that would make my heart happy.
I’m happy to get them for an extra year!
Ahhh yay for Cait’s book! I can’t wait to read that one, hope you’ll love it 🙂
happy reading and have a lovely week! <3
I’m reading it right now and loving it so far!
Good luck with the kids! That’s exciting! I hope you enjoy all your new books and thanks so much for the preorder campaigns!
You’re welcome! I’m glad the pre-order campaigns are helpful!
Thanks for sharing the giveaway on my blog! I cannot wait to see what you think of Serious Moonlight! It’s one of my most anticipated reads. Jenn Bennett is my jam!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
Always happy to share!!
Well Nicole some weeks just …go as you said. And that’s not a bad thing! Some respite before a storm maybe …
Ha! I’m reading this after writing my Sunday Post for this week, and it turns out we actually did have a storm—a snowstorm!
Sounds like an excellent week. There’s nothing wrong with ordinary with those you love in your life. Happy reading!
Here is my Sunday Post
So very true. 🙂
Love your picture of boy who steals houses! Hope you like it! and thanks so much for sharing my post! <3
Thanks, I was glad to have perfect props for once. 🙂
I’m late as usual, but enjoy your weekend and your reading! My daughter used to run track also, it’s alot of hard work but such a great sport.
I’ve never been to an author meet-up, sounds like fun!
Thanks for the CMA Guidelines link, I will check it out. I try to maintain the necessary disclosures at the end of my review posts, so much to keep track of.
I agree that it can be hard to keep up with all the guidelines. It seems like things are always changing.
Thank you so much for sharing a link to the CMA Guidelines post!
You’re welcome! Always glad to share posts that catch my eye. 🙂