This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
As you can see, I decided to go ahead with the change to my blog header. As several people pointed out, the absolute worst thing that can happen is that I end up not loving it and I go back to the blond fox girl. I think I love her this way, though, so I doubt I’ll go back.
We’re almost done with the deck! We’ve got basically everything but the fascia up, which we’ll hopefully finish today, assuming it doesn’t rain (there’s a 40% chance of rain, so…).
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- August 2019 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Make Me Read It Giveaway
- Bite-Sized Reviews of Awesome Dog 5000, The Fourteenth Goldfish, The Third Mushroom, and A Boy Called Bat
- September 2019 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway
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.)
- September 2nd – Serenity @ Lovely Reads‘ Birthday
- September 7th – Lory @ The Emerald City Book Review‘s Birthday
Book Haul:
For Review:
Guys, I requested Glow of the Fireflies a really long time ago, I swear! I didn’t break my oath not to request any more books. (I really loved the first book in this series, though, so I’m having a hard time being truly sorry this one snuck in.) This book is by Lindsey Duga and the gorgeous cover art was done by L.J. Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations. Thank you, Entangled Teen!!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Lory @ The Emerald City Book Review asks Should books be illustrated?
- Nicole @ BookWyrmKnits shares her amazingly impressive Geek-a-Long knitting squares!
- Sam @ We Live and Breathe Books gives us this thought-provoking post about why even positive reviews might not feel that way to an author.
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 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 SONGBIRD’S REFRAIN by Jillian Maria to receive the first six chapters of the book as a PDF. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (ends 9/2)
- Pre-order THE GRYPHON HEIST by James R. Hannibal to receive a collectible pin, a coaster, a stylus pen, a bookmark, post-it notes and a digital mission dossier! (US/CAN)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order THE WORLD ENDS IN APRIL by Stacy McAnulty to receive an enamel pin, a door hanger, a bookmark, a calendar poster, and a die-cut sticker. (US only)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order SHE’S THE WORST by Lauren Spieller to be entered to win a copy of Your Destination in on the Left, as well as an adorable bag full of skin care swag! (ends 9/2)
- Pre-order THE MANY COLORS OF HARPREET SINGH by Supriya Kelkar to receive a signed bookmark & bookplate. (US only)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order AMERICAN ROYALS by Katharine McGee to receive a tote bag, reusable coffee sleeve, bookmark, and Washington family tree. (US only)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order DEAR HAITI, LOVE ALAINE by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite to receive a set of 8 exclusive postcards featuring book quotes and images from Haitian photographer Samuel Dameus! (US/Can)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order ECLIPSE THE SKIES by Maura Milan OR request it from your local library to receive a White Hearts limited edition enamel pin! (US only)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order THE GIRL THE SEA GAVE BACK by Adrienne Young to receive a snake letterpress print on textured paper. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (US only)(ends 9/2)
- ***Pre-order THE GIRL WHO SPEAKS BEAR by Sophie Anderson to receive a hand-stamped print. You’ll also be entered to win a limited gold edition proof of the book. (INT, excluding residents of the US, Canada, & the Philippines)(ends 9/4)
- 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)(ends 9/6)
- 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 CAPTURING THE DEVIL by Kerri Maniscalco to receive an alternative Capturing the Devil book jacket and a double-sided postcard with original color artwork. (INT – see link for limitations)(ends 9/9)
- Pre-order WHEN SHE REIGNS by Jodi Meadows to receive a signed bookplate, dragon stickers, a bookmark, and a dragon card! (INT)(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 STONE RAINBOW by Liane Shaw OR request it from your local library for the chance to win a signed copy, a heart-shaped rainbow iron-on patch, a daily planner, and bookmarks. (ends 9/15)
- 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 DON’T SAY A WORD by Amber Lynn Natusch to receive a ten-page bonus scene in Dawson’s POV. (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 STORMRISE by Jillian Boehme to receive a signed bookmark. You’ll also be entered to win a very cool pendant. (ends 9/23)
- Pre-order SLAY by Brittney Morris to receive a 6-card set of SLAY playing cards and a signed bookplate. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (US only)(ends 9/23)
- Pre-order THE FUTURE OF ANOTHER TIMELINE by Annalee Newitz to receive an enamel pin! (US/CAN)(ends 9/23)
- 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 DEAR SWEET PEA by Julie Murphy to receive a book-themed notebook, pencil, and bookmark! (US only)(ends 9/24)
- 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 RESURRECTION GIRLS by Ava Morgyn to receive OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a smoky quartz crystal skull, and an art print of a book-themed Death tarot card! (US 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 FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE by Ruta Sepetys to receive an exclusive keychain! (US only)(ends 9/30)
- Pre-order SCARS LIKE WINGS by Erin Stewart from The King’s English Bookshop to will receive a signed copy of SCARS LIKE WINGS, a poetry magnet, a temporary wing tattoo and a bookmark. Or order from any retailer OR request it from your local library to be entered in a drawing for a Prize Pack and a Kindle Paperwhite. (INT)(ends 9/30)
- Pre-order CRIER’S WAR by Nina Varela to receive an exclusive coded letter with wax seal, an Automa drawing, and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 9/30)
- Pre-order BID MY SOUL FAREWELL by Beth Revis to be entered to win one of over 40 prize packs (5 books each, all signed by the authors). (US only)(ends 9/30)
- Pre-order THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS by Laura Taylor Namey OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark and a signed bookplate sticker. Pre-orders will also receive a silver and enamel collectible acorn pin inspired by the story! (INT)(ends 10/4)
- Pre-order QUEEN OF PHYSICS by Teresa M. Robeson for a chance to win an atom necklace + atom earrings set, Mechanics Lab Planes & Helicopters, Kids First Chemistry Kit, a collection of STEM/STEAM books chosen by the author, and a sturdy canvas tote and signed copy of the book. (INT)(ends 10/6)
- Pre-order ORPHEUS GIRL by Brynne Rebele-Henry from Fountain Bookstore to receive a signed book, bookmark, & “Love Is The Key” pendant necklace. (ends 10/6)
- ***Pre-order NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo to receive an exclusive, collectible print of the Lethe Hound. (US/UK)(ends 10/7)
- 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 ESCAPING EXODUS by Nicky Drayden OR request it from your local library to receive a postcard, a signed bookplate, a set of trading cards, and your choice of cover art magnet or sticker. (INT)(ends 10/7)
- Pre-order A DREAM SO DARK by L.L. McKinney for a chance to win a prize pack, including Harry Potter ornaments! (US only)(ends 10/8)
- 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 BELOW THE MOON by Alexis Marie Chute to receive goodies like The 8th Island Trilogy Journal, book-lover book box, jewelry, greeting cards, digital poster, and more! (You’re guaranteed a prize, but you won’t know which one until you get it.) (ends 10/14)
- Pre-order DO YOU MIND IF I CANCEL? by Gary Janetti to receive a signed and personalized bookplate (first 1000) and a chapter sampler (first 350). (US only)(ends 10/21)
- 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 GRAVEMAIDENS by Kelly Coon OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark and a deleted scene from Boatman’s POV. INT pre-0rders will also receive a moth laptop sticker, a signed bookplate, and Maiden’s Tonic mocktail card. US pre-orders will receive all of that, except an enamel pin instead of the mocktail card. (INT)(ends 11/5)
- Pre-order CROWN OF OBLIVION by Julie Eshbaugh to receive an enamel pin, a cutout bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a quote card. (INT)(ends 11/11)
- Pre-order WILD LIFE by Keena Roberts OR request it from your local library to receive a Baboon Camp sticker. You’ll also be entered to win a special backpack! (INT)(ends 11/11)
- 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 or UK)(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 SCAVENGE THE STARS by Tara Sim to receive a 9 X 12 art piece, 3 character cards, a bookmark, & a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 1/6)
- Pre-order THE OLD TRUCK by Jarrett Pumphrey & Jerome Pumphrey from BookPeople to receive a signed and personalized copy and an enamel pin! (ends 1/7)
- ***Pre-order DIANA, PRINCESS OF THE AMAZONS by Shannon and Dean Hale, art by Victoria Ying to receive an adorable 2″ Acrylic charm! (ends 1/14)
- Pre-order DON’T READ THE COMMENTS by Eric Smith OR request it from your local library to receive an enamel pin, a signed bookplate with pixel art, and a laptop decal! There’s also an option for teachers and book clubs to receive a Skype visit or have the author come to your classroom (read the details on his site). (INT)(ends 1/27)
- 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 THE GOBLETS IMMORTAL by Beth Overmyer to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a mini replica of the silver sword that makes an appearance throughout the book. (ends 2/12)
- 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:
-
@NovelKnight_ is giving away a stack of ARCs
- @CynthiaSchwind is giving away a copy of All of Me
- Barnes & Nobles is giving away one-year B&N Memberships
-
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the August 2019 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Make Me Read It Giveaway and the August or September Discussion Challenge and Giveaway.
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win Only Ashes Remain
- Head over to We Live and Breathe Books for a chance to win ALL THE BAD APPLES by Moïra Fowley-Doyle (UK/Ireland Only)
- Head over to Utopia State of Mind for a chance to win SHE’S THE WORST by Lauren Spieller
- Head over to Wishful Endings for a chance to win SONG OF THE ABYSS
- Head over to Camillea Reads for a chance to win WAR OF MIST
- Head over to Flipping Through the Pages for a chance to win HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME
- Head over to Bookhounds YA for a chance to win CHARLIE HERNANDEZ AND THE LEAGUE OF SHADOWS
- Head over to Confessions of a YA Reader to enter to win Color Me In and CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL
- Head over to Susan Heim On Parenting for a chance to win So Cool! Sharks and So Cute! Pandas (hardcover) AND shark and panda plushes
- Head over to Books My Kids Read for a chance to win Juniper Kai: Super Spy
- Every week Lisa @ Lisa Loves Literature gives away three books from her giveaway/trade shelves.
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
- 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!
I just love your fox girl header!! 🙂 Have a great week and happy reading!
Stormi
Thank you!!
The change looks nice! And yay for the deck almost being done. That must be a good feeling. 🙂
Love that cover of Fireflies!
It’s a very good feeling. We are now at the point where it’s basically done (though my husband still plans to do a cutout area so we can get at the hoses that he ran under the deck). Of course, we still have the inside wall to repaint (from when we replaced the window), but we’re getting there…
I hope the Fall weather will be mild enough so you can enjoy your deck now that’s it done.
Have a great reading week, Glow if the Fireflies sounds good.
Yes, that would certainly be nice. We did get to enjoy dinner out there last night with extended family. 🙂
I love how the fox girl with the purple highlights turned out. It’s so fun! And yay for finishing your deck. Good timing too. I know here it has been so hot and humid, we’ve barely enjoyed ours this summer but now that the weather is starting to cool a little, we’re looking forward to spending a lot more time out there.
I hope you have a fantastic week!
Yes, we were able to enjoy dinner out there with my in-laws last night, and it was perfect weather!
I love the new fox girl hair color!! The purple streaks are GREAT!
Thank you!!!
Love the new header! And, way to go on the deck. Soon you will be able to sit out there and enjoy some nice cool days. Ahhhhh! Thanks for sharing my post. XOXO
Thanks! I’m loving the header too. I’m always cautious about making changes, but I think this was a good choice. 🙂
I think I just noticed your new profile pic or you just posted it. Love the fun purple highlights!
I did think Sam’s discussion post was interesting. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful giveaways! 🙂
Thank you!! I’m loving the header as much as I’m loving the new hair, so I guess that’s a good sign. 🙂
I love how your blog header matches your hair! Congrats on the deck. I hope the rest of the work goes well 🙂
Thank you!! And the deck is pretty much finished now (with one small finishing touch my husband needs to make to give him access to the hoses, which he ran under the deck). It’s so nice to have it done!
Loved the new header, Nicole 🙂 Thanks for sharing all the info. The cover of Glow of the Fireflies is so good.
Thanks! I’m excited about the new header—I think it turned out great!
Thanks for the link!
Glow of the Fireflies has an amazing cover, but I hadn’t heard of it before! Now I have to go check out the series, because that is seriously pretty (and I am totally a sucker for a pretty cover).
I actually found out (after I wrote this) that the two books aren’t related, despite their similarly-structured titles. My mom read both of them and said there isn’t any connection—but she really loved the book!
Glow of the Fireflies is absolutely gorgeous! I just got a copy in the mail too last week and I can’t wait to dive into the story. Here’s hoping we both love!
I agree! The cover is gorgeous!