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):
Here’s what we’ve been up to while safe indoors this week:
- Online school. Same old story. Helping my son with his work.
- We watched:
- We finished bingeing 100 Humans. I really liked this show, even if not every “experiment” seemed completely scientifically valid.
- We’ve been watching season 3 of Ozark.
- We’ve been putting finishing touches on the house, including cleaning up all the tools and moving furniture back into our dining room. We still have to do trim in the office, but we can’t start on that until we get all the dining room stuff cleared out of there. Here are a few pics so you can see the final results (it’s actually really hard to get good ones of the windows because of the lighting—we did put up some temporary paper blinds in the family room, though).
- I didn’t finish any books this week! Apparently, the more my family reads, the less I read? My younger daughter has been reading like crazy, and my husband is now reading Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. Meanwhile, I’m still listening to the same book I was listening to last week, and I’m just over 100 pages into another one. Yikes! (Honestly, though, I think it has more to do with the fact that I was working hard on the next two bullet points…)
- I’m participating in Camp NaNoWriMo and still making headway on my verse novel!
- I finished the second edit for a client that I was working on.
And then we had some weirdness around here last night when someone shot into one of my neighbor’s houses. There were about a half dozen police cars out there with a search dog and everything. Unfortunately, they didn’t find the person who did it, but everyone is okay, so that’s the important thing. Still, it’s scary to think that someone was walking around my neighborhood with a gun and actually shot into someone’s house! (Mary, this made me think of your Apartment Life posts—I guess this would be just another week for you.)
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo: A Dual Review with Danielle Hammelef
- I’ve Been Impersonated on Instagram!! Let’s Discuss – My Instagram account got spoofed this week. Yikes!
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 27th – Shelby @ Graced with Books‘ Birthday
- APril 30th – Asha @ A Cat, A Book, and A Cup of Tea‘s Birthday
Book Haul:
Won:
This isn’t exactly a book haul, but I won it from Jen Ryland Reviews, so I’m putting it here. I won her Save Small Businesses Giveaway where I got to choose a $25 gift card from a local business or a $25 donation to a charity. I chose to donate the $25 to Bernie’s Book Bank!! If you’ve been around the blog, you’ve seen me talk about volunteering there. Right now, during COVID-19, they’re distributing books to underserved kids in the Chicagoland area while the kids are also getting meals from their local school districts. I’m happy to be able to support that effort!
Purchased:
I wanted to support my local indie, so I placed an order for pick up. My younger daughter wanted to read the Renegades Series by Marissa Meyer after a friend recommended it to her. I owned the first book, but not the other two, so I figured it was the perfect opportunity to support my local indie. Also, my son read my ARC of Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits and he wanted the next book. Luckily, the bookstore had it in stock!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Wendy @ Falconer’s Library talks about the difficulties of being an educator right now in her post, An Educator’s Lament
- Lory @ The Emerald City Book Review asks Do you like books about fighting? (It sounds like she and I have the same exact feelings when it comes to battles in books.)
- Greg @ Book Haven talks about fantasy worlds and why they appeal to so many of us.
- Chana and Malka @ Paper Procrastinators talk about the work that went into their fabulous new blog design!
Pre-order Campaigns
(Make sure you scroll to see them all!) Listed in order of release date. Any new deals I 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 they might not be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- Pre-order STARBREAKER by Amanda Bouchet for a chance to name a star! (ends 4/27)
- Pre-order DON’T CALL THE WOLF by Aleksandra Ross to receive 3 art cards, a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a book sleeve decorated with the crest and motto of the Wolf Lords. All the art was created by the author! (US/CAN)(ends 4/27)
- Pre-order LET’S GO TO TAEKWONDO! by Aram Kim from Books of Wonder to receive a personalized, signed copy of the book. On top of that, first 50 people who order through the link will receive a linocut character print! (ends 4/27)
- Pre-order BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH by Katlyn Duncan to receive the first chapters (emailed to you). Plus you’ll be entered to win one of three prize packs. (INT)(ends 4/27)
- Pre-order INCENDIARY by Zoraida Cordova to receive a signed book (or bookplate for INT), along with a custom-made bookmark and holographic sticker!! (INT)(ends 4/28)
- Pre-order HEARING HAPPINESS: DEAFNESS CURES IN HISTORY by Jaipreet Virdi or request it from your local library to receive a limited edition retro hearing aid advertisement button a limited edition retro hearing aid advertisement button (first 100 submissions). You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (ends 4/30)
- Pre-order VERONICA COMICS by Jennifer Dugan OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a set of four wall-safe vinyl stickers, and a bookmark! Anyone who orders through Northshire Toga will receive a mini-print of an incredible illustration! (INT)(ends 4/30)
- Pre-order AN OUTCAST AND AN ALLY or A SOLDIER AND A LIAR by Caitlin Lochner OR request one of them from your local library to receive a bookmark, a sticker, and a set of four character cards! (INT)(ends 5/1)
- Pre-order LAST GIRLS by Demetra Brodsky to receive a 5×7 glossy art print & signed bookplate. Plus, you’ll be entered to win prizes! (US only)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order DARK SKIES by Danielle L. Jensen to receive a character art dust jacket & signed bookplate (US/Can hardcover preorders). Or 4×6 character art postcard & signed bookplate (INT preorders and US/Can ebook or audiobook preorders). (INT)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order KEEP IT TOGETHER, KEIKO CARTER by Debbi Michiko from Bank Square Books to receive a signed book, a bookmark, and an exclusive Keiko Carter-themed button. In addition, each book you preorder will gain you entry for a grand prize drawing. (ends 5/4)
- Pre-order THE EXTRAORDINARIES by TJ Klune to receive a limited-edition enamel pin! (US & Can)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order THE LIFE AND (MEDIEVAL) TIMES OF KIT SWEETLY by Jamie Pacton OR request it from your local library to receive three stickers, an art print of Kit and her friends, and a bookmark. The first US pre-orders will also receive a medieval-knight rubber duck and a nametag. Plus, all pre-orders will be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order THE TOURIST ATTRACTION by Sarah Morgenthaler to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order FOUR DAYS OF YOU AND ME by Miranda Kenneally to receive a signed bookplate and an enamel pin. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (US/CAN)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order LOBIZONA by Romina Garber (AKA Romina Russell) to receive a set of 5 Lobizona buttons! (US/CAN)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG by Lauren Castillo from Midtown Scholar to receive a signed copy and a 5×7 art print (plus free shipping as of now)! (ends 5/4)
- Pre-order NETWORK EFFECT by Martha Wells to receive an exclusive, bonus Murderbot short story! (US/Can)(ends 5/5)
- Pre-order FORGED IN FIRE AND STARS by Andrea Roberston to receive an exclusive button pack! (US only)(ends 5/11)
- Pre-order BY THE BOOK by Amanda Sellet from Raven Book Store to receive a signed copy, bookmark, and a sticker. Plus you’ll be entered to win a giveaway! (ends 5/11)
- Pre-order THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF NESTOR LOPEZ by Adrianna Cuevas to receive a recipe card, signed bookplate, bookmark, sticker, and magnet. (US/CAN)(ends 5/11)
- ***Pre-order ON LIGHTHOUSES by Jazmina Barrera from an indie bookstore to receive a tote bag! (ends 5/11)
- Pre-order AURORA BURNING by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman to receive a shiny, holographic sticker sheet featuring all the characters from Aurora Burning, plus stream badges and more. (US only) Purchase in-store from Dymocks and get an exclusive Aurora Academy patch or in-store from QBD to get an exclusive Aurora Academy phone grip. (AUS) Check the link for other INT details. (ends 5/17)
- Pre-order THE FASCINATORS by Andrew Eliopulos from an indie bookstore to receive an all-new, exclusive short story starring the three main characters in the book. (ends 5/17)
- Pre-order a HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX House Edition to receive an exclusive pocket-size notebook. (AUS/NZ—see below for UK/ROI)(ends 5/18)
- Pre-order ALWAYS HUMAN by Ari North to receive an exclusive digital bonus comic. Plus, there will be chances for more goodies depending on the number of people who pre-order! Hardcover preorders will also receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a postcard print. (ends 5/18)
- Pre-order THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES by Suzanne Collins from Book People to receive a limited-edition Hunger Games patch. (ends 5/18)
- Pre-order A SKY BEYOND THE STORM by Sabaa Tahir to receive a deluxe Ember keepsake box plus the Phase 2 gift (to be announced). (US only)(5/25 end of Phase 1)
- Pre-order GHOSTING: A LOVE STORY by Tash Skilton (AKA Sarvenaz Tash and Sarah Skilton) from The Ripped Bodice to receive a sticker, bookmark, limited edition postcard with UK cover, and a signed bookplate. (ends 5/25)
- ***Pre-order CONVENTIONALLY YOURS by Annabeth Albert to receive an enemies to lovers character postcard. If you pre-order from River Dog Books, you’ll also get an Odyssey Con lanyard, and your book will be SIGNED! (US only)(ends 6/1)
- ALSO Pre-order CONVENTIONALLY YOURS by Annabeth Albert to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order IF WE WERE US by K.L. Walther to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order JO & LAURIE by Margaret Stohl & Melissa de la Cruz to receive an exclusive tea tin! (US only)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN by Leah Johnson from Kids Ink Bookstore to receive a signed copy, a postcard, and a bookmark. Pre-order from anywhere to be entered to win a Campbell County HS prom swag bag full of goodies along with a signed bookplate, and a donation made in your name to The Princess Project. (ends 6/1)
- Pre-order KAMALA AND MAYA’S BIG IDEA by Meena Harris from a listed indie bookstore to receive a limited-edition Phenomenal Girl t-shirt! (ends 6/1)
- Pre-order THE DAMNED by Renée Ahdieh to receive an exclusive skull bracelet! (US only)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order I KILLED ZOE SPANOS by Kit Frick to receive a swag pack (pic of bookmarks and stickers on Twitter). Plus the author will donate $2 to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. First-edition hardcovers will also have blue sprayed edges! (INT)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order I THINK I LOVE YOU by Auriane Desombre to read the two scripts that spark Emma and Sophia’s rivalry and vote on which character should win the festival! (INT)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order ALL THE THINGS WE NEVER KNEW by Liara Tamani from Blue Willow Books to receive a signed, personalized copy, a branded notebook, pencil, sticker, pin, and bookmark! In addition, Liara will generously make a donation to the Houston Food Bank for every pre-order placed. (ends 6/4)
- Pre-order AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Kelly McWilliams to receive a signed bookplate, two bookmarks, two stickers, and a fridge magnet. First 10 preorders, plus a limited number of random preorders, will receive an “Are You In Rebellion?” enamel pin. You’ll also be entered into a giveaway for a 100 dollar gift card to the bookstore of your choice. (INT except pin)(ends 6/8)
- Pre-order a HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX House Edition to receive an exclusive pocket-size notebook. (UK/ROI)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order THE LAST TRAIN TO KEY WEST by Chanel Cleeton from Fountain Bookstore to receive a signed copy and an exclusive limited-edition tote bag. (ends 6/13)
- Pre-order I’LL BE THE ONE by Lyla Lee to receive a signed bookplate, an art print and a bookmark. Plus you’ll be entered to win a giveaway. (ends 6/15)
- Pre-order FRAGILE REMEDY by Maria Ingrande Mora OR request it from your local library OR create & share fanart to receive 3 character bookmarks, and a holographic Queen of the Tinkers die-cut sticker. US pre-orders will also be entered to win two giveaways. (INT)(ends 6/19)
- Pre-order FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee OR request it from your local library to receive a gold enamel bookmark, a signed bookplate, 3 character cards and more! You’ll also be entered to win a giveaway! (INT)(ends 6/23)
- Pre-order THE EMPIRE OF GOLD by S.A. Chakraborty to receive a set of six pins featuring the tribal sigils of each tribe of Daevabad! (US only)(ends 6/29)
- Pre-order THE CROW RIDER by Kalyn Josephson to receive 1 of 2 bonus scenes (from either Ericen or Kiva’s POV) and a chance to win a foil bookmark and a set of character cards. (US/CAN)(ends 7/6)
- Pre-order CINDERELLA IS DEAD by Kalynn Bayron to receive an enamel pin! (ends 7/6 – US)(ends 8/5 – UK/ROI)(ends 8/31 – AUS/NZ)
- Pre-order HAWK by James Patterson to receive a metal bookmark and a hawk enamel pin! (US only)(ends 7/5)
- Pre-order BOYFRIEND MATERIAL by Alexis Hall to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 7/6)
- Pre-order UNRAVEL THE DUSK by Elizabeth Lim to receive swag (to be announced later). (US only for now–but check back in future)(ends 7/13)
- Pre-order THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER by Samantha Hastings OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate a bookmark, a 5X7 custom art, and a short story: “What the Dickens?”. The first 50 people will also receive a teapot necklace and a vinyl quote from the book. (INT)(ends 7/14)
- Pre-order THE HOLLOW GODS by A.J. Vrana to receive a bookmark, signed postcard, AND enter to win a special edition poster (first 25 paperback pre-orders only). All paperback pre-orders will be entered to win a special goodie box, and ALL pre-orders (ebook or print) will have a chance to win 1 of 5 limited edition posters. (INT)(ends 7/17)
- Pre-order A SONG BELOW WATER by Bethany C. Morrow to receive a limited-edition “Young. Black. (Secretly Magical.)” enamel pin! (US/Can)(ends 8/3)
- Pre-order WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles to receive an art print illustrated by Alexis Castellanos! (US/CAN)(ends 8/24)
- Pre-order TRAITOR by Amanda McCrina OR request it from your local library to receive pre-order goodies (details forthcoming). (ends 8/24)
- Pre-order SHORT & SWEET by Josh Funk (illustrated by Brendan Kearney) from a participating indie bookstore to receive four collectors’ cards – AND an autographed bookplate! (ends 8/31)
- Pre-order CEMETERY BOYS by Aiden Thomas to receive 5 Character Cards featuring Yadriel, Julian, Maritza and Lady Death, and a signed bookplate. 50 random US preorders will also receive a limited edition pin! (INT)(ends 6/15)
- Pre-order SCRITCH SCRATCH by Lindsay Curry to receive access to the exclusive content section of the author’s website, which includes a “sleuth sheet” to help solve the mysteries, a downloadable poster, a crossword puzzle and more! You’ll also be entered to win other prizes. (INT)(ends 8/31)
- Pre-order EACH OF US A DESERT by Mark Oshiro to receive a limited edition art print! (US/CAN)(ends 9/14)
Awesome Giveaways:
(Make sure you scroll to see them all!)
Twitter Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @hoard_of_books is giving away one of five books from an author of color (ends 5/1)
- @ReadMeMarie is giving away a folded art book! (ends 5/3)
- @jrundy08 is giving away a preorder of STAR DAUGHTER by @ShvetaThakrar (ends 5/5)
- @edwardanddamon is giving away one of her most anticipated releases for May. (ends 5/22)
- @chaosforcoco is giving away a PREORDER of God Storm or an ARC
- @rosswriting is giving away an audiobook of DON’T CALL THE WOLF
- @SteveSheinkin is giving away 10 copies of his audiobooks on CD
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the April 2020 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway and the March 2020 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Giveaway. You can also win a signed paperback of MAN UP!
- Head over to Book Briefs for a chance to win So This is Love by Elizabeth Lim
- Head over to TUABFC for a chance to Win a $30 gift card from an indie bookstore! You can also Win a copy of KINGDOM OF ASH AND BRIARS, REALM OF RUINS, and PALACE OF SILVER
- Head over to Wishful Endings for a chance to win Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett plus other bookish items and swag!
- Head over to La libreria di Beppe for a chance to win the 3 Ultra Squad books + a $25 Justice gift card & an Ultra Squad hat
- Head over to Angel’s Guilty Pleasures for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card
- Head over to The Candid Cover for a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card
- Head over to Bookcrushin’ for a chance to win a Box of Books!
- Head over to Under the Covers Book Blog for a chance to win 2 Apollycon goodie bags with books and swag
- Head over to Books of My Heart for a chance to win a Paperback copy of River Marked by Patricia Briggs
- Head over to Book Hounds YA for a chance to win ARU SHAH AND THE TREE OF WISHES, THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE, MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT by Jessica Pennington, and An Outcast and An Ally
- Head over to Stuck in Books and check out the featured releases and then enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card!
- Lots of blogs participating in the Something to Marble At Giveaway Hop! Also the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop! And the Rain, Rain, Go Away Giveaway Hop!
- Epic Reads is giving away a collector’s edition of ON THE COME UP
- Karen @ For What It’s Worth wants to help out a small business or charity during this time when so many are struggling. Head over there to enter to win a $25 Gift Card to the small business or charity of your choice! Jen Ryland is doing a weekly giveaway for this as well!
- Lots of blogs participating in the April 2020 Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Post a photo of A WISH IN THE DARK by Christina Soontornvat, and be entered to win an advance copy of ALL THIRTEEN: THE INCREDIBLE CAVE RESCUE OF THE THAI BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM!
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win All Adults Here by Emma Straub!
- Book Riot has lots of giveaways, including a $250 Barnes and Noble gift card
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
It’s great to see progress on your home – it’s beautiful. I still have some boxes but it’s very livable here now. I can’t believe with all the time I have now how behind I am on reading my ARCs. But I am moody. Thanks for including the River Marked giveaway!
Stay safe and be well!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
Yeah, I’ve definitely found myself being more of a mood reader lately too. I just haven’t wanted to pick up my review books lately!
Your house looks wonderful!! I’m glad that you’ve gotten so much done – I’m sure you feel great about that. I love that your family is reading so much, and Wolf by Wolf is wonderful so I hope your husband loves it! I want to support some of my indie bookstores too, so I’m trying to think of what books I really really want to order. Congrats on the win – and donating to the Book Bank. I love that!
-lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
It has been really nice to feel productive during this quarantine. We actually spent all day Sunday reorganizing the office, so that was great too!
The house looks great. I especially love the picture of your dog looking out the window. Yeah for writing! I hope the stories are flowing out of you.
Bella’s gotta make sure that no other dogs are thinking of invading her territory. LOL!
The house looks amazing!! Truly beautiful. And omg, that’s so scary to hear what happened at your neighbor’s! I know awhile back the house next to us was being rented by some not so great neighbords and the police raided their house one time. I was actually fast asleep when it happened, but my mom was telling me and I was just like grrrrreat. Thankfully those neighbors are gone (though it was still a year after that event when they left).
Hope you enjoy all the new reads!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yeah, this sort of thing definitely isn’t normal around here. It’s more than a little scary!
The house looks great! I love your wall colors. That’s scary that someone is shooting houses. I hope it was an accident and not attempted murder or anything.
It’s been hard to find out exactly what happened, but apparently there was some kind of fight and someone ran and knocked on the door before the shot was fired. It’s definitely scary to think about someone walking around our neighborhood with a gun!
Love the pics from the home renovations! It’s such a feeling of accomplishment. That’s scary about the shot being fired into the neighbor’s house!
Thanks! It’s fun to finally be able to show some final(ish) results!
Your house is coming around nice, I like the wooden doors. They look traditional and classic. Are you planning on keeping them the way they are?
Yes, we actually just put those doors up. They used to be white hollow core doors, so these are a big improvement!
The house is looking great! That’s really scary about the random shooter in the area. I’m glad everyone is okay, and hope you all stay safe!
The police actually came by again today to see if we had any useful footage on our Ring camera (I don’t think we do, unfortunately, but I sent what we have anyway). It’s definitely a little weird to hear about this sort of thing happening around here!
Wow. That is some HIGH neighborhood drama! Holy smokes. That must have been really scary for your neighbors. I’m glad to hear no one was hurt. Your house is looking really great! Sounds like you’re in the home stretch for those home improvements!
Turns out that the high school kid who lives across the street was somehow directly involved. His dad came over and asked if we had any Ring footage that showed a car in front of their house (we didn’t think we did at first, but we actually found something). We don’t know what all happened, but they’ve apparently got a lawyer and everything—kind of scary!!
Firstly, the rooms look beautiful, Nicole, well done and thanks for sharing the pictures with us. I’m glad to hear that no-one was hurt when you had that shooter in your neighbourhood, scary though.
I’m on Camp NaNoWriMo too! I’m using it to start prepping for a short story/novella. I used to write fan-fiction when I was young, so I thought I’d get my pen and pad out again. 😉
Hope you have a good reading week. Stay home & keep safe! x
Oh, fun! Hope NaNo has gotten you back into the writing spirit!!
Glad you’ve been keeping busy and staying safe, Nicole. The shooting incident is very scary—don’t we have enough going on with avoiding viruses?! Good luck with the verse novel!
I’ve thought the same thing about the shooting. I guess the kind of people who are walking around a random neighborhood with a gun aren’t the kind of people who are particularly worried about following rules with social distancing.
Hahaha, yes, that’s true!
So thankful your neighbor is okay, how scary! And congratulations on your win, that’s so amazing you can help out your local store. What a thoughtful giveaway ♥.
I thought it was a really great idea for a giveaway—love being to help out Bernie’s!
Every time I hear stories like that it reminds me that America is so crazy DD: I am glad you’re safe and yes that definitely is scary! How great that you’re writing a novel in verse. I will be starting one later in the year for my final project for the creative writing side of my undergrad degree. 🙂
Oh, fun! I hope you enjoy writing a novel in verse!!
Oh wow, that is scary and thank you for tagging me in this post. I lost internet since Monday and this is the first chance I’ve had to be online since then.
Sorry that you lost your connection. This was scary for us, but I couldn’t help but think that it would seem like nothing to you. LOL!