The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on my blog and share news about what’s coming up in the week ahead.
This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
HA! Apparently, I don’t know what day of the week it is anymore because I had this post go up a day early (I think it’s because my daughter finished school Thursday and my husband took Friday off, so I kept thinking it was Saturday all day). Oh well, I’m leaving it. You all can enjoy my early Sunday this week!
My mom and I volunteered at Bernie’s Book Bank again this week, only this time we got my daughter Danielle and my husband to come along too. (Jade would have come too, but someone had to be home when Noah got home from school.) Instead of packing bags of books for kids, this time we sorted donated books to remove damaged ones. Literally just walking into the warehouse past the bins of books made me happy—I mean, how can you not be happy to go into a building filled with books to be given to kids?!
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Bite-Sized Reviews of The Truth About Leaving, City of Ghosts, The Forever Song, & Educated
- The Wise and the Wicked by Rebecca Podos: Excerpt & Giveaway
- All the Little Checkboxes Confuse Me!! Let’s Discuss.
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.)
- May 27th – Kirstie @ Upside-Down Books‘ Birthday
- May 27th – Paper Fury‘s Blogoversary
- May 30th – Lauren @ ShootingStarsMag‘s Birthday
- June – kimberlyfaye reads‘ Blogoversary
- June 1st – Literary Flits‘ Blogoversary
Book Haul:
For Review:
Some surprises came in the mail over these past two weeks. I received Sandapalooza Shakeup and Beach Battle Blowout from Random House Kids. These look so fun!
Then, I also received Every Stolen Breath from Blink. I live in the Chicago suburbs, and somehow I’d never heard of the “flash mob” violence that inspired the book. I’m very intrigued!
I also received my review copy of Shipwreckers from Disney. I’d already reviewed the book using a NetGalley version (click the link to see my review and enter to win your own copy), but I was super excited to get this one in the mail because the egalley only included rough illustrations—and the real ones are adorable!!
I got a review copy of Shred Girls from Rodale Kids. I’ll be participating in the blog tour for this one, so watch for my review coming next week.
And finally, I just received a copy of Storm Blown, which I’ll be reviewing for the Random House Kids tour in July.
Purchased:
I got my pre-order of I Wish You All the Best in the mail. Yay!!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Author Bill Koningsberg shares Some undeniable truths about you (and me), a post about self-love. It’s powerful. Go read it.
- Carrie @ Cat on the Bookshelf shares A Guide to Instagram Hashtags for Book Bloggers
- Gayathri @ Elgee Writes tells us why she thinks Book Blogging Is Different From Other Niches.
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 THE ISLAND by Jess Rothenberg to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, an invitation postcard, and a sticker. (ends 5/27)
- 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 CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE: A whole-school approach to LGBT+ inclusion from Bloomsbury to be entered to win one of 20 Pride Kits! Each kit contains a poster, postcards, Pride Ambassador certificates, wristbands, lesson plans and rainbow decorations; everything you need to celebrate Pride with your class! (UK and ROI only)(ends 5/28)
- 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 SHADOW & FLAME by Mindee Arnett from Joseph Beth Cincinnati store if you’re in the US or from anywhere if you’re INT to receive a character card set and a signed book (US) or signed bookplate (INT)(ends 6/3)
- ***Pre-order THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE by Jennifer Ryan to receive an unpublished chapter of THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize giveaway. (ends 6/3)
- Pre-order CITY OF GIRLS by Elizabeth Gilbert to receive an enamel pin! (UK only)(ends 6/3)
- Pre-order THE HAUNTED by Danielle Vega to receive an exclusive pencil pack! (US only)(ends 6/3)
- Pre-order THESE WITCHES DON’T BURN by Isabel Sterling OR request it from your local library to receive a set of exclusive character stickers! (INT)(ends 6/3)
- Pre-order THE REST OF THE STORY by Sarah Dessen to receive a themed beach tote! (US only)(ends 6/3)
- Pre-order MRS. EVERYTHING by Jennifer Weiner to receive an exclusive embroidered patch! (US only)(ends 6/7)
- 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 MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM by Rajani LaRocca OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, a sticker or sticker sheet while supplies last, and an electronic copy (PDF) of a special MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM COOKBOOK that contains all the recipes from the book! US purchasers will also be entered to win prizes. (INT)(ends 6/10)
- Pre-order PLANT PARENTING by Leslie F. Halleck to receive a special packet of seeds collected from the author’s garden! US Entrants will also be entered to win a grand prize giveaway. (INT)(ends 6/10)
- ***Pre-order TEETH IN THE MIST by Dawn Kurtagich to receive one of eight exclusive pre-order gifts. (UK, USA and CANADA only!)(ends 6/10)
- Pre-order STAR WARS: ALPHABET SQUADRON by Alexander Freed to receive an exclusive iron-on patch! (US only)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order MAGIC FOR LIARS by Sarah Gailey to receive an enamel pin. (US/Can)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order I WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE by Kristina Forest to receive a Chloe and Eli 5×7 print, a Chloe enamel pin, and a bookmark. OR request it from your local library to receive the print and bookmark. (US only)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order THE PAPER & HEARTS SOCIETY by Lucy Powrie to receive an official membership pin. (US/ROI)(ends 6/12)
- Pre-order HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (House Edition) by J.K. Rowling via the Bloomsbury website to receive an exclusive house pin badge. (UK/ROI or AU/NZ only)(ends 6/12)
- ***Pre-order THE BEHOLDER by Anna Bright OR request it at your local library for a chance to win one of three BEHOLDER-themed cross-stitches. (US only)(ends 6/13)
- Pre-order SOMETHING LIKE GRAVITY by Amber Smith to receive a special swag bag (think: bookmarks, stickers, pins, and more!). (ends 6/17)
- Pre-order THE LEMON SISTERS by Jill Shalvis from Mysterious Galaxy bookstore to receive a luggage tag featuring the book’s cover art! (ends 6/17)
- 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 MOM AND DAD, WE NEED TO TALK by Cameron Huddleston to receive a free conversation starter cheat sheet with 10 tips to remember before talking to your (aging) parents about their finances. (ends 6/24)
- ***Pre-order EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER by Linda Holmes to receive an exclusive signed bookplate! (US only)(ends 6/25)
- ***Pre-order TEMPER by Layne Fargo to receive a bookmark and signed sticker. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (US only)(7/1)
- ***Pre-order QUEEN OF RUIN by Tracy Banghart OR request it from your local library to receive a postcard with a hand-lettered quote from the book. (INT) US Purchasers will also receive an enamel pin, a signed bookplate, and a full-color map. (INT)(ends 7/1)
- Pre-order WICKED FOX by Kat Cho OR request it from your local library to receive beautiful character cards created by the amazingly talented Alexis Castellanos. (INT)(ends 7/1)
- 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 PAST PERFECT LIFE by Elizabeth Eulberg to receive a signed bookplate and bookmark. (US & CAN)(ends 7/8)
- Pre-order THE LAST WORD by Samantha Hastings OR request it at your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, a sticker, and a vintage-style handkerchief. (INT)(ends 7/8)
- Pre-order ME, MYSELF, AND HIM by Chris Tebbetts to be entered to win a t-shirt (one will be given away for every 10 pre-orders) and a grand prize. Also, for every pre-order $1 will be donated to Pride Center of Vermont. (US only)(ends 7/8)
- Pre-order STEALING HOME by Becky Wallace OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark, signed bookplate, postcard, and baseball charm wish bracelet. The first thirty pre-orders get a navy blue wrap bracelet! (US/CAN)(ends 7/9)
- 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 TINY BUT MIGHTY: Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines by Hannah Shaw to receive an enamel pin featuring the cover kitten. (US only)(ends 8/5)
- ***Pre-order HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Katy Upperman OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookmark, a vinyl watercolor poppy sticker, and an exclusive bookplate (personalized and signed). If you’re in the US, you’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 8/5)
- ***Pre-order WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power, SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim, or HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS by Erin A. Craig to receive an Underlined pillowcase. (US only)(ends 8/6)
- ***Pre-order THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacy Lee OR request it from your local library to receive a sturdy door hanger, which also makes an excellent bookmark (US & INT) and a butterfly knot (hand tied by the author), which is long enough to use as a bookmark (US purchases only). (INT)(ends 8/12)
- Pre-order MIDNIGHT BEAUTIES by Megan Shepherd to receive a specialized leather bookmark, a cute sticker, a signed bookplate and an exclusive art print from Melanie Bourgeois. If you pre-order by 6/14, you’ll also get access to an exclusive eNovella about Cricket, “Tricks and Whispers”! (US & CAN)(ends 8/12)
- Pre-order THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center from Blue Willow Bookshop to receive a signed/personalized copy, a bookmark, and special SWAG. (ends 8/12)
- Pre-order MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, & bonus story. (ends 9/16)
- Pre-order HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (Illustrated Edition) by J.K. Rowling via the Bloomsbury website to receive an exclusive Goblet of Fire tote bag. (UK/ROI)(ends 10/7) OR (AU/NZ)(ends 9/18)
- Pre-order CALL DOWN THE HAWK by Maggie Stiefvater from specified bookstores to receive a signed limited edition bookplate (I believe it features Maggie’s art?). (INT)(ends 11/4)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- I’m giving away a signed copy of OBSIDIO by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
- @theelvenqueen is giving away a set of Descendant Of The Crane character cards and survivor badge and she’s also giving away six books!
- @savvy_book is giving away a mystery unreleased arc
- @kozbisa is celebrating her 6th blogoversary a with a giveaway of any book!
- @ASmithAuthor is giving away an ARC of SOMETHING LIKE GRAVITY
- @MaxineGKaplan is hosting a book birthday anniversary giveaway
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the April Wrap-Up Round-Up and the May Discussion Challenge and Giveaway. Plus, you can enter to win HOPE AND OTHER PUNCHLINES, SHIPWRECKERS and THE WISE AND THE WICKED.
- This isn’t exactly a giveaway, but you can get SJ Pajonas’s first cozy mystery THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE free right now! Lots of us know Steph, and if you haven’t had a chance to read her books yet, this is a great opportunity to jump on board!
- Head over to Waves of Fiction for a chance to win a Paperback copy of The Proposal, an ARC of Fumbled, and an ARC of The Matchmaker’s List.
- Lots of blogs participating in the Life’s A Beach Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win THE BRILLIANCE OF FIREFLIES, HOLD MY HAND, and THE MISSING SEASON
- Head over to Bookcrushin’ for a chance to win a Signed copy of Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
- Head over to Annie Sullivan’s blog to learn about the Chapter 21 writing conferences and enter to win a $25 B&N gift card!
- Head over to Olivia’s Catastrophe for a chance to win My So-Called Bollywood Life. Open to UK & Ireland only!
- Head over to The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club for a chance to win BRIGHT BURNING STARS, BOOKISH BOYFRIENDS: THE BOY NEXT STORY, or THE BONE CHARMER
- Lots of blogs participating in the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to Wishful Endings for a chance to Win a #NewRelease for May’s Monthly #Giveaway!
- Lots of blogs participating in the May Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Three books from her ARC/Books for Trade shelves
- Head over to Alyssa Carlier’s website for a chance to win Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins
- 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!
That sounds like so much fun! And it’s so nice that you were able to also spend time with your family while sorting those books 🙂
Every Stolen Breath sounds super interesting! Haven’t heard of that flash mob thing either.
Have a lovely week!
Yes, it was a fun family volunteering opportunity!
I’m glad you had a good time sorting books. It looks like a fun place to be. Have a great week!
It was great! Why not enjoy time with books while helping people too? 🙂
Sounds like a great time at the book bank. And I love how it became a family affair! 🙂 Every Stolen Breath sounds interesting. I;ll have to check that one out – and the story behind it. Hope you have a great weekend, Nicole!
I was happy that everyone wanted to come with this week!
That’s a wonderful way to spend time with family. I love seeing so many people enjoying more books. My mom was the only one in my family that read books regularly. My daughter reads some of the books I give her and she kinda hooked on the vampire romance now.
My husband doesn’t read, but he was happy to volunteer. LOL!
I can’t wait to see what you think of I Wish You All the Best! It’s been on my TBR for ages. 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
I’ve been excited for that one, and I can’t wait to read it!
I think it would be really fun to volunteer at a bookish place! Sounds like fun!! I always wanted to work in a bookstore myself, but by the time I was old enough, Borders was already nearly closing and there just wasn’t a point. 🙁
OOoh nice new reads! Lots of new to me ones but I hope you will enjoy them all!
My STS will be up tomorrow, so stop by then if you can!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
I tried to get a job at a Barnes & Noble once in my younger years (after I quit my job at a software company), but I never got a call from them. I was sad!
That so nice that so many members of your family are getting involved with Bernie’s Books. You got a lot of new books. I am starting the audiobook of I Wish You All the Best soon. It seems really promising.
I just found all of your recent comments in my spam folder, Sam! Not sure why my filter suddenly decided you’re not safe, but I guess I’ll have to watch out for you. LOL!
I’ll be eager to see what you think of WYAtB!
I swear! I am not a bot!
I guess I’ll have to start including you in my fun with spam posts. LOL!
In the business world Nicole we’d say that you are proactive LOL!!!!! Now making this book event a family adventure is great! My daughter often comes with me but my husband …
Yes, let’s go with proactive. I like that.
My husband happened to have off work that day and he wanted to get out of the house while the cleaners were here. So, it was easy to convince him to come along. 🙂
I love the idea of a book bank!
I’m still in awe that for so many of you, this is the start of the school summer holidays! We don’t break up until late July! We’re on a half-term break this week then have another 6/7 weeks until I can do the summer happy dance.
Wow! 6-7 weeks!! Didn’t realize the schedules were so different.
That’s so great that you got so many family members to volunteer together, and the book bank sounds fantastic. Wish we had something like that here.
It was a great way for us to spend time together. We’re definitely planning to do it again soon. I actually signed up to volunteer regularly, every other week.
Thanks for including my giveaway, Nicole!
Every Stolen Breath looks like an interesting read. I’ve never heard of “flash mobs” either. Love Chicago! Didn’t know you lived in a suburb.
You’re welcome! Always happy to share!
Ahh this sounds like such a fun place to volunteer and yay for getting a lot of your family to come, too, that’s so great! <3
I hope you will have a beautiful week, Nicole <3 <3
It’s a great place for the family to work together!
The Book Bbank sounds like an awesome program.
Have a great reading week
It’s a fantastic place to volunteer!!
I’m glad it’s not just who struggles with correctly identifying the day!
Thank you for the Literary Flits blogoversary shoutout. Three years has just flown by!
Happy blogoversary (again)! 🙂
My dad recently had knee surgery so he’s been home and he never knows what day it is! LOL It happens. That’s awesome you were able to volunteer again, and with more of your family members. It sounds like a great place to volunteer.
-Lauren
I’m actually surprised this doesn’t happen to me more often. It probably will over the summer when we’re on a crazier schedule. 🙂
I’ve no idea what day it is anymore either. Lol. Thanks for sharing the news about The Daydreamer Detective being free!
Happy to share!! 🙂
What a great way to spend some quality family time together.
I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy your reads. x
It’s a fantastic place to volunteer—I’m so glad I discovered it!
Bernie’s Book Bin sounds awesome, and volunteering is a great way to spend some family time together. Thanks for all the giveaway and preorder lists, too!
It’s a great place to volunteer!!
Bernie’s Book Bank sounds so awesome. It is fantastic ya’ll volunteer. Sometimes my days run together. A lot of peeps post their Sunday Post on Saturday, so it’s all good!
Ha! Yes, some weeks are just like that. Oh well!
I love that book bank thing! I’d love to do something like that. School was out for our kids on Thursday as well, teachers had a half day on Friday, and now I’m just enjoying my summer break! Well, at least until I start taking time to pack to move. Looks like you got some good books this week as well!
Yay for summer break!! Hope it’s fabulous!
I Wish You All the Best looks so good. I have half a mind to buy it for the cover alone. I hope you have a wonderful June!
That cover definitely pushed me over the edge. 🙂
Thanks for featuring my giveaway <3 Also, I love that you are enjoying working with the bookish charity so much! I hope you get to all of those shiny new books as well. They look great 😀
You’re welcome! I’m always happy to feature giveaways, especially on my friends’ blogs! 🙂