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):
As you might have noticed, I didn’t have a lot of time for blogging this week. I only managed to get one post up (though I did spend some time catching up on replies and Discussion Challenge posts). But most of my free time this week was spent on the first phase of our project, replacing the French doors with a window and replacing the siding in that area with vinyl shake siding.
Just for reference, check out the pic below for the reason we didn’t just replace the rusting French doors. You can see how the deck has a weird cutout with ugly cement. It would be totally awkward to step out of the doors, so we never used these (in fact, they were painted shut and really hard to get out!). Plus, with the way our family room is laid out, we have a couch mostly in front of the doors anyway.
Here’s a before and after shot:
This wall is now an accent wall, with the vinyl shake siding, and we’re really happy with the way it looks. The window doesn’t exactly match all the others (especially because they have a crazy amount of aluminum trim around them that we decided not to replicate), but it seems to work well on its own since that wall stands out with the shake siding anyway. We did discover that hanging siding is not as easy as it seems—it was a lot of work and we had one or mistakes with cutting that caused us to have to do things over again. I don’t think I’ll become a professional siding installer anytime soon, but we’re proud that we got it all done!
So, step one is finished, now we have to finish up the drywall on the inside.
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Bite-Sized Reviews of Birthday, Soul of the Sword, My Fate According to the Butterfly and Teen Titans: Raven
- In Memory of Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog – I said above that I only posted once this week, but sadly I added this last-minute post yesterday.
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 31st – Bee @ Quite the Novel Idea‘s Birthday
- August – ShootingStarsMag‘s Blogoversary
- August 1st – Keep Reading Forward‘s Blogoversary
- August 1st – Terri @ Terri M. LeBlanc‘s Birthday
Book Haul:
For Review:
I got two books in the mail this week! Cursed is a YA King Arthur retelling with illustrations! I’m sort of in love with the idea of YA with illustrations. Whoever said that pictures are just for kids? This is written by Thomas Wheeler and illustrated by Frank Miller.
The Okay Witch was a surprise! This MG graphic novel by Emma Steinkellner looks absolutely adorable.
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Laura @ Boats Against the Current was a runner-up in the Summer Writing Contest!
- Dani @ Perspective of a Writer shares Summer Webtoons that Will Convert You to the Format
- Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight has added an easy way to find diverse books on her blog.
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 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 THE INFINITE NOISE by Lauren Shippen to receive a downloadable phone background, a Bright Sessions original e-short story titled BLUEPRINT (featuring Caleb and Adam), and an exclusive audio interview with author Lauren Shippen Briggon Snow (the voice of Caleb Michaels). (US/Can)(ends 9/23)
- 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 GOOD LUCK GIRLS by Charlotte Nicole Davis to receive a limited-edition tote bag! (US/Can)(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 QUEEN OF NOTHING by Holly Black from select indie bookstores to receive a signed hardcover of the book and an enamel pin with bookmark. (US only)(ends 11/18)
- 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!!
- @YABookArmy is giving away FURYBORN & KINGSBANE
- @Servillas_ is giving away a book or pre-order
- 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 Lost in Storyland for a chance to win one of 5 copies of SABRINA: THE SEASON OF THE WITCH by Sarah Rees Brennan
- Wendy @ Falconer’s Library is celebrating her blogoversary and 50th birthday by giving back! Enter her giveaway for a chance for her to give $25 donated to RAICES in your name
- Head over to PragmaticMom for a chance to win The Miraculous by Jess Redman
- 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.
- The women of Happy Indulgence celebrate their 7th blogoversary with a giveaway!
- In honor of Lauren @ Shooting Stars Mag’s 12th blogoversary, Erica @ Erica Robyn Reads is giving away a $25 gift card, Verushka @ Pop. Edit. Lit is giving away $20 worth of books, and Audrey @ Life as Louise is giving away an illustrated Harry Potter book of your choice.
- Every week Lisa @ Lisa Loves Literature gives away books from her giveaway/trade shelves, but this week she’s doing a giveaway for Lauren @ Shooting Stars Mag’s blogoversary instead! You can win a Book worth $10 from The Book Depository (INT) or 2 books from her giveaway piles (US Only).
- Fierce Reads is giving away a signed hardcover copy of THE KINGDOM by Jess Rothenberg, a custom wooden ticket, and a tiara!
- 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
- 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
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win What Red Was by Rosie Price
- 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!
OMG you got Cursed! I’ve been wanting to read it! I’m glad the house is coming along! The window looks very well there, even if it doesn’t match!
I can’t wait to read Cursed!!
I love what you did with your house project! Your wall looks nice, and it’s neat that y’all did it on your own!
Cursed and The Okay Witch look like fun. I love that Cursed is a YA read with illustrations 🙂
You almost never see YA with illustrations. It’s like we aren’t supposed to be interested in artwork anymore once we hit a certain age.
Wow! Your hard work is really paying off with the house. Nice! The last time I was homeowner, it was a townhome, and I was not responsible for any outside up-keep. Therefore, I have zero skills in that arena and admire all you do.
My husband and I built a deck from scratch at our old house, but we haven’t done much here up till now. This is definitely a big project!!
The house looks great! I’d probably make a thousand mistakes if I hung siding. I’m not good at building stuff or fixing stuff.
I certainly wouldn’t be good at it on my own, but my husband is definitely handy, so he manages everything I can’t do. 🙂
Your home improvement project is coming along quite nicely! I think the window looks great and sounds so much more practical for the room than the doors were. I’m also super impressed that you hung the siding yourselves. I don’t think my hubby and I would be brave enough (or skilled enough, lol) to attempt that.
I don’t know that we were skilled enough, but the bravery was there. LOL!
It looks great. You guys did a great job on that project.
Thanks!! We’ve been hard at work!!
That wall looks awesome! Great job! That edition of Cursed is gorgeous! As always, thanks so much for all the work you do with the preorder incentives. I hope you have a great week!
I’m always happy to hear that people appreciate the pre-order incentives!!
i think it fits very well. diy is tough but it looks like you got the hang of it
We’re making progress, slowly but surely!
Great job with the French door replacement! It looks really nice.
Thank you!!
Ooh very nice! You guys did a great job! It looks very fresh and clean!
Nice new reads too! Those are new to me ones but I hope you will enjoy them all!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Thanks! Lots of work still ahead of us, but we’re making progress!
Good luck with all of the renovations – it’s looking great! Thanks for sharing all of my giveaways. 🙂 And I LOVE the idea of YA books with illustrations.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Glad to share! I actually won one of your giveaways, so I have to thank you. 🙂
Wow, great job with the renovations, it looks awesome. Great job with the siding.
Enjoy the books, I like the sound of YA with illustrations.
Thanks!! We’ve been working hard!!
We sold ur house and are renting right now which bums me out but I do not miss home renovations lol
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Hope the move turns out to be a blessing in disguise!
The new wall looks great! I know with all the changes you have in store you have to be pleased that you have at least finished something!
Yes! So much to do! Yesterday we removed all the old decking, so more progress is happening…
oooh you guys did so good!! You didn’t match it up but it looks good none-the-less. And doing it yourself? You two must be really handy. ❤️ I agree I love the idea of YA with illustrations. It’s actually a secret wish in my heart I want when I get published. 😉 Thanks for sharing my webtoon post too. I’m always wanting to spread the love of other forms of story.
I wish illustrations were more of a thing in books—I adore them!
It sounds like you have been very busy this week so it makes sense why you haven’t been blogging as much! This house based work looks like it is going so well and you’re accomplishing so much DD:
Yes, there has been a lot going on around here, for sure. Yesterday we removed the old decking—amazing how much work that is!