This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
Our backyard project keeps growing and growing. Last year, we took out the pool. We knew that we’d need to replace the deck afterward because it used to go around the pool (and it was really starting to fall apart)…
But then we just have this big, empty, sloping backyard and a much smaller deck, so we decided to hire landscapers to design a patio area and some landscaping to break up the slope…
We need to get the deck done first, though. But before we can do the deck, we need to replace some French doors with a window (because there’s this weird area where the deck has to have a cutout for these doors that we never use—they’re in an awkward spot)…
Of course, when we replace doors with a window, we’ll also have to replace siding in that area and trim…
And add drywall inside the house (and trim), which means we’ll have to repaint the family room…
Oh, except the family room paint flows directly into the kitchen and hallways, so guess we’ll have to paint those too…
It’s never-ending scope creep!!!! Save me!!
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Bookish This or That Tags (x2!)
- Goodreads’ YA Books Lists: 2019 Edition. Let’s Discuss.
- Before I Disappear by Danielle Stinson: Review, Giveaway, & Stinson’s Top Ten Addictions
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.)
- July 22nd – Lloyd @ The Book Sage‘s Birthday
- July 23rd – Kristin @ Super Space Chick‘s Birthday
- July 23rd – Musings of a Bookish Kitty‘s Blogoversary
- July 23rd – Wendy @ Falconer’s Library‘s Birthday
- July 25th – Jackie @ Books & Tea‘s Birthday
Book Haul:
For Review:
I got two books in the mail this week! Wardens of Eternity by Courtney Moulton was a surprise from Blink YA! I couldn’t find a cover designer listed for this book (interior design was done by Denise Froehlich, so maybe she did the cover too?)
And then I couldn’t resist a blog tour review offer from Simon & Schuster for Cape. This adorable superhero book is written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Patrick Spaziante.
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight celebrates her blogoversary by creating the Book Blogging Firsts Tag
- Wendy @ Falconer’s Library shared a VERY special birthday gift from her husband.
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 SOUL OF STARS by Ashley Poston OR request a library purchase to receive a digital poster and phone and desktop wallpaper! (ends 7/22)
- 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 any of the DIARY OF AN ICE PRINCESS books by Christina Soontornvat or request them from your local library to receive a bookmark (with fun science activity instructions!) and a sticker. You’ll also be entered to win a custom digital black-and-white portrait by the book’s illustrator, Barbara Szepesi Szucs and a pack of six early middle grade and chapter books! (INT)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order FINDING ME by Kelly Gunderman to receive a signed bookmark. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (US only)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order THAT’S WHAT FRENEMIES ARE FOR by Sophie Littlefield and Lauren Gershell to receive a signed bookplate and a curated workout playlist from the authors! (US only)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order THE WITCHSTONE AMULET by Mason Thomas OR request a library purchase to be entered to win a custom tote bag filled with a signed copy of the book and other swag. (ends 8/1)
- ***Pre-order THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS by Katy Rose Pool to receive a deck of character scrying cards based on the book. (US/Can only)(ends 8/2)
- Pre-order THE MIRACULOUS by Jess Redman OR request a library purchase to receive a bookmark, a sticker, and one of three art cards featuring the cover art. Plus, you’ll be entered to win even more! (INT)(ends 8/5)
- 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 a library purchase 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 SWIPE RIGHT FOR MURDER by Derek Milman to receive a signed bookplate, cell phone grip-stand, and a button. (US only)(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 MERCIFUL CROW by Margaret Owen to receive 3 character cards, 4 stickers, a signed bookplate, and a double-sided bookmark! (US) OR order internationally or request a library purchase to receive a lock screen for each of the character cards and an exclusive wallpaper! (US orders from indie bookstores will also receive the digital goodies.)(INT)(ends 8/6)
- Pre-order TO BE TAUGHT, IF FORTUNATE by Becky Chambers to receive an exclusive Travel Journal! (UK only)(ends 8/7)
- Pre-order FRANKLY IN LOVE by David Yoon OR send in a postcard to receive a collectible FRANKLY IN LOVE WITH BOOKS pin and be entered to win an exclusive Tote Bag! (US only)(ends 8/9)
- ***Pre-order WILL MY CAT EAT MY EYEBALLS by Caitlin Doughty from any participating independent bookstore to receive a SIGNED book plus a limited-edition 1″ enamel Caitlin pin. (US only)(ends 8/11)
- Pre-order THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacy Lee OR request a library purchase 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 THE BUTTERFLY RECLUSE by Therese Heckenkamp to receive an autographed bookmark, fridge magnet, butterfly charm, and sticker. (US only)(ends 8/12)
- Pre-order SUPERNOVA by Marissa Meyer to have your name printed in the paperback of Archenemies! Those who submit their receipt now will also receive an exclusive Universe of Marissa Meyer pin pack!! (US only)(ends 8/13)
- Pre-order ZIGGY, STARDUST & ME by James Brandon OR request a library purchase to receive an official bookmark and cover sticker. Pre-orders will also receive a “Gay is Good” vintage remake button, & a signed bookplate (hardcovers only). Plus, a $1 donation will be made to BAAITS. (INT)(ends 8/15)
- Pre-order REBEL by Mari Lu to receive an original art print. You’ll also be entered to win a trip to the REBEL launch event on 10/1 for both you and a guest! (US only)(ends 8/15)
- Pre-order THE TROUBLE WITH SHOOTING STARS by Meg Cannistra OR request it from your local library to receive a zeppelin sticker and star enamel pin. (US only)(ends 8/19)
- Pre-order WILD SAVAGE STARS by Kristina Perez to receive an EXCLUSIVE Tristan POV chapter! (INT)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order BEST FRIENDS by Shannon Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham to receive a keychain set to share with YOUR best friend! (US only)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order THE SPINNER OF DREAMS by K.A. Reynolds OR request a library purchase to receive a bookmark and sticker featuring the cover art (for pre-orders, the bookmark will come signed). The first 100 US pre-orders will receive two postcards, a signed bookmark, sticker, and a black crow feather enamel pin. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL by Mara Rutherford OR request a library purchase to receive two 4”x6” prints of character art. Plus you’ll be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order THE BATTLE by Karuna Riazi OR request a library purchase to receive swag! (US only)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order DARKDAWN by Jay Kristoff to receive a deleted chapter called “Three”. (INT)(ends 9/1)
- ***Pre-order SEEING AROUND CORNERS by Rita McGrath to receive an Opportunity Portfolio Toolkit. (US only)(ends 9/1)
- Pre-order THE MANY COLORS OF HARPREET SINGH by Supriya Kelkar to receive a signed bookmark & bookplate. (US only)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order TIGER QUEEN by Annie Sullivan to receive an enamel pin, a signed bookplate, a creature guide and a digital poster. (INT)(ends 9/9)
- Pre-order SEEKER by Kim Chance to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a 4×6 print of an exclusive custom piece of artwork created by Gabriella Bujdoso! (INT)(ends 9/9)
- Pre-order THE LIAR’S DAUGHTER by Megan Cooley Peterson OR request a library purchase to receive a bookmark and a signed bookplate. (ends 9/9)
- ***Pre-order A MATCH MADE IN MEHENDI by Nandini Bajpai to request it from your local library to receive exclusive swag! (US only)(ends 9/10)
- Pre-order THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE MIDNIGHT BLADE by Max Brallier to receive special slime and a signed bookplate! Plus, your child’s name will be included in the acknowledgements of the next Last Kids on Earth book! (US only)(ends 9/16)
- 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 THE SEVEN NECESSARY SINS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS by Mona Eltahawy to receive a T-shirt, a 5×7 art print with a quote from the book, and a signed bookplate (first 50). Pre-orders submitted after that will receive the 5×7 art print and the signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 9/16)
- Pre-order JUST LUCKY by Melanie Florence to receive buttons and stickers and stuff. (ends 9/16)
- Pre-order THE LIARS OF MARIPOSA ISLAND by Jennifer Mathieu to receive a butterfly charm necklace, butterfly stickers, a postcard, and a bookmark. (INT)(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 A TREASON OF THORNS by Laura E. Weymouth to receive 2 deleted scenes from The Light Between Worlds and previously unpublished short fiction. (INT)(ends 9/24)
- Pre-order THE BEAST by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs to receive a poster and 30 bookmarks to share! (US/CAN only)(ends 9/29)
- ***Pre-order OUTLAWS by Jen Calonita to receive a Royal Academy Rebels character card and a signed bookplate. (US/Can only)(ends 9/30)
- ***Pre-order THE BEAUTIFUL by Renée Ahdieh to receive an exclusive La Cour Des Lion Enamel Pin! (US only)(ends 10/7)
- Pre-order THE BURNING SHADOW by Jennifer Armentrout to receive an original e-short story “Like the First Time.” Experience the moment Evie and Luc first meet in the club from Luc’s point-of-view. (US/Can)(ends 10/7)
- ***Pre-order THE WINTER QUARTERS by Anna Veriani to receive a postcard designed by a Japanese artist with a message from author Anna Veriani. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 10/14)
- 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)
- Pre-order THE KILL CLUB by Wendy Heard OR request a library purchase to receive a Blackbird Killer lapel pin, a Blackbird Killer playing card, a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and secret swag. (Form to submit can be found HERE.)(ends 12/16)
- Pre-order A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN by Brigid Kemmerer to receive a designed art print of a quote from the first book. (USA–not PR, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)(ends 1/6)
- ***Pre-order THE GRAVITY OF US by Phil Stamper to receive a signed bookplate that’s been sent to space! (US/Can only)(ends 2/3)
- ***Pre-order CRESCENT CITY: HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD by Sarah J. Maas to receive an exclusive art print! (US, Can, UK, ROI, AUS, NZ, and India)(ends 3/2)
Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @BreakevenBooks is giving away a paperback copy of A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle!!
- @tomestextiles is giving away two copies of Wilder Girls
- @YABookArmy is giving away FURYBORN & KINGSBANE
- @Servillas_ is giving away a book or pre-order
- @sunandchai is giving away a QPOC OwnVoices book of your choice!
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the June 2019 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Make Me Read It Giveaway and the July Discussion Challenge and Giveaway. You can also enter to win Before I Disappear by Danielle Stinson.
- Head over to A Mighty Girl for a chance to win an autographed copy of Cape as well as a cipher poster and a Cipher Decoder Medallion.
- In honor of Lauren @ Shooting Stars Mag’s 12th blogoversary, Erica @ Erica Robyn Reads is giving away a $25 gift card and Verushka @ Pop. Edit. Lit is giving away $20 worth of books.
- Wendy @ Falconer’s Library is celebrating her blogoversary and 50th birthday by giving back! Enter her giveaway for a chance for her to give a $25 worth of books in a Little Free Library
- Fierce Reads is giving away a signed hardcover copy of THE KINGDOM by Jess Rothenberg, a custom wooden ticket, and a tiara!
- Head over to Do You Dog-Ear? for a chance to win a finished copy of BLASTAWAY
- Lots of blogs participating in the Christmas in July Blog Hop!
- Head over to Cornerfolds for a chance to win a signed hardcover of Wild and Crooked by Leah Thomas and an ARC of How the Light Gets In by Katy Upperman
- Head over to A Dream Within a Dream for a chance to win an autographed copy of Witches Protection Program and a $100 Amazon Gift Card
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win The Storm Crow
- Lots of blogs participating in the July Of Books Giveaway Hop
- Head over to Shooting Stars Mag because Lauren is celebrating her 12th blogoversary by giving away 12 books!
- Book Riot is giving away the first two books in The Pandava Quartet by Roshani Chokshi
- Head over to XPresso Book Tours to enter to win a $150 Amazon gift card!
- Penguin Random House is doing a massive Stranger Things giveaway
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Three books from her ARC/Books for Trade shelves
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Ghosts of Eden Park by Karen Abbott!
- 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!
Wow! That escalated fast. You may have the whole house redone at this rate. Can’t wait to see it all finished!
I know, right? I mean, I love the idea of new stuff, but it’s going to be a lot of work. And, of course, we have to pay for it. :-0 It’ll be worth it, though.
Oh wow, it seems like the initial backyard project is turning out to be much, much bigger than anticipated haha. I’m certain it will look fantastic once it’s all done, best of luck with it all!! <3 <3
Yes, it will be worth it, but hopefully we’ll stop finding new things we have to do!
Sounds like you have a lot to keep you busy for a while, wow.
Yes! Luckily we have contractors taking care of the new patio and landscaping, but we have to handle the rest!
I hope your backyard / house project goes well. It sounds like a lot needs to get done!
Enjoy your new books. Cape looks adorable!
Yes, hopefully we won’t find any new additions to the project! 🙂
Oh my goodness, sounds like the backyard project has become quite the domino effect. Hope things go smoothly, at least! Maybe you’ll share pics along the way? 🙂
I really should take some “before” pics now, you’re right. It seems like this project will never end!!
Oh wow. That just sounds like a big headache! Ironically–as I watched part of the episode not too long ago–it reminded me of an episode of Full House where Uncle Jesse went to fix a handle on a cabinet and basically led to him have to redo the entire kitchen cabinet setup! Just one thing after another! Lol. Hope the remodeling goes well!
Nice new reads too! I hope you enjoy them all!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
That’s exactly how this feels. Guess we’ll be doing a full home remodel next.
Oh my goodness, Nicole! That’s a lot of renovating! Just reading about it had me with eyes wide open. Good luck on all of that!
I know! It’s sort of crazy! (Not to mention expensive. LOL!)
Oh gosh, lots to do around your house. Your whole post made me think of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. If you do this, then you do this. If you do that, then you do that. LOL I hope it all comes together well. That Cape book looks super cute!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Oh, you’re so right! It’s just like that!!
There’s this kid’s book I remember from when I was little called It All Began With the Doormat, that basically describes exactly what’s happening with your renovations right now! I hope you find the end in sight shortly!
Lauren compared it to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, which I thought was perfect. I haven’t heard of the book you mentioned, but the title alone makes it seem like it would fit our situation perfectly. LOL!
I bet the backyard will look awesome when it’s done. Good luck with it!
I’m sure it will. It’ll all be worth it!
i’ve done enough projects to know they grow and take longer than expected. but it is exciting to watch it come to fruition
Yes, I think it will all be worth it!!
Lol. That is the very definition of never-ending scope creep! Yikes! You can’t do one thing without doing all the other stuff. What a pain!
Exactly! It keeps getting crazier and crazier!
From one refreshing her house to another one : good luck! It will be worth it but in the meantime …
This is so true. If only we didn’t have to deal with “the meantime.” LOL!
Ah, the joys of home ownership. We’re in the midst of a similar project that keeps expanding to the point where the end is no longer in sight so I feel your pain, lol.
We got step one done. Just two million steps to go! 🙂
Yikes! Sounds like you guys have your hands full! I hope the renovations all go well though. 🙂
Yes, it’s been a bit crazy around here, but we’re moving along.
Scope creep indeed. A project managers worst nightmare (or one of them!) But just think how pretty it’ll all look once finished!
Yes, and since I guess my husband and I qualify as the project managers on this one, we’re the ones being driven crazy! I’m excited about the results so far, though!
Oh, wow! It sounds like your outdoor project has invaded the indoors. Hope you’re able to enjoy the process and that stress stays to a minimal!!
You’re right. How did the back yard manage to creep into my house?!
*Hugs*! One thing just leads to the next and it never ends ack, I’m so sorry! Here’s hoping each of those projects goes by super fast AND with no hiccups! *fingers crossed*
So far it’s been going well and we’re liking the results!
Uhhhhh WOW! Talk about a mega project!! Taking the pool out was a major undertaking to begin with i bet. Hahaha now its caused all this redesign but I bet you’ll love it in the end. ❤️ The Warriors of Eternity looks good. Being sent books I bet is the best. … I sure bet you a lot haahha
Blink sends me almost all of their new releases, so I’ve been pretty blessed with that—I really enjoy their books!!