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):
- Thanksgiving! I hope everyone here in the States had a nice holiday, even if things are a bit different this year. The only difference for us was that my dad didn’t come this year (but my mom still comes for half the week—so it’s a little silly, but he’d rather be safe than sorry, which I definitely respect). We had a nice holiday, and Jade is home now, probably for the whole next semester, so that’s nice. Other than a couple of trips to the grocery store, we’ve been staying in.
- Watching Supernatural. We’re now on season five of Supernatural, and things are really getting good!!
- Reading
- More reading for the Cybils Awards!
- I listened to Greenglass House and started listening to Ghosts of Greenglass House (working my way up to book four of this series since I have such a hard time reading books out of order).
- I finished reading Water Bears and then read The Clockwork Crow, Horace Fox in the City, Dragon Assassin, and The Magic in Changing Your Stars. I also started reading Toro and DNFd one book after 50 pages that just wasn’t for me.
- Working on the office and basement. We finished the basement and we’re almost finished with the office! We did all the painting in the office and installed the new trim. Now we just need to do the casements around the windows and doors (which is a big job, if you remember how much work we put into them!) We brought the TV up from the basement, so now the room is organized into a few separate sections (I took pics from two different angles so you can see—the first one with the piano on the left and my bookcase is when you enter from the new double doors, and the second pic is if you’re standing in front of that bookcase looking into the other corner.)
The office from two angles.
The basement room divider finished with the newly stained back on (it’s painted on the other side).
- The Dogs! It snowed this week and then melted—Digit had lots of fun digging a hole in the mud when we let him out and forgot about him for a few minutes. He was a mess!!! Bathtime was insane too since Digit is terrified of baths. It took me, Danielle and Scott to give him a bath, and it was still a harrowing process.
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
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.)
- Nov 29th – Heather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings‘ Birthday (Note: She didn’t fill out my form, but I happened to see on her blog today that it’s her birthday and thought I’d add her—Heather, feel free to fill out my birthday/blogoversary form so I’ll remember you every year!)
- Nov 29th – Drizzle & Hurricane Books‘ Blogoversary
- Dec 2nd – Samantha @ The Book Disciple‘s Birthday
- Dec 5th – String of Pages‘ Blogoversary
Book Haul:
For Cybils Judging:
I received Toro by Andrew Avner, The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow By Emily Ilett, and The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt so that I can read them for the Cybils Awards.
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Check out this year’s Shattering Stigmas posts!
- KidLit for Luzon is raising money for typhoon victims in Luzon. Give a donation, receive a gift!
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 CURLING VINES & CRIMSON TRADES by Kellie Doherty to receive a signed bookplate, a character card, and a bookmark. (US only)(ends 11/30)
- Pre-order A SKY BEYOND THE STORM by Sabaa Tahir to receive an exclusive Always Victorious mug! (US only)(ends 11/30)
- Pre-order GIRL GIANT AND THE MONKEY KING by Van Hoang OR request it from your local library to receive stickers, a bookmark, and a signed bookplate! Pre-orders will also be entered to win other prizes. Find the form here. (INT)(ends 11/30)
- Pre-order A CURSE OF ROSES by Diana Pinguicha to receive character cards, stickers, a bookmark, and bookplate! (US only)(ends 11/30)
- Pre-order HOLLOW EMPIRE by Sam Hawke OR request it from your local library to receive a set of three City of Lies themed stickers! You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (ends 11/30)
- Pre-order NEVER AFTER: THE THIRTEENTH FAIRY by Melissa de la Cruz to receive a laptop sticker and signed bookplate! (US only)(ends 11/30)
- Pre-order THE BITTERWINE OATH by Hannah West to receive an enamel pin and signed bookplate! (INT)(ends 12/5)
- Pre-order THIS IS HOW WE FLY by Anna Meriano to receive headbands, cover stickers, and a brand-new batch of nerdy fandom bookmarks. (ends 12/14)
- ***Pre-order BAD KITTY GOES ON VACATION by Nick Bruel to receive a Bad Kitty sticker and hand sanitizer! (US only)(ends 12/28)
- ***Pre-order MONSTERS & MIST by Taylor Fenner OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a bookmark, and two quote prints. (US only)(ends 12/28)
- Pre-order BLOOD AND HONOR by Miranda Lyn to receive a signed bookmark! (US only)(ends 1/3)
- Pre-order HAPPILY EVER AFTERS by Elise Bryant to receive a cute vinyl sticker sheet featuring original cover art by Michelle D’Urbano! (ends 1/4)
- Pre-order ONE OF THE GOOD ONES by Maika and Maritza Moulite and Inkyard Press will donate $1.00 to the Center for Black Equity. (ends 1/4)
- Pre-order LORE by Alexandra Bracken to receive a Liam prequel short story (to The Darkest Minds), cut scenes from TDL, and a special extra Liam POV if they hit 1,000 submissions. You’ll also get one LORE email a week for nine weeks that includes an early look at a chapter and some other aspect of the book. (You can opt out of this at any time and still receive the rest.) (INT)(ends 1/5)
- Pre-order A VOW SO BOLD AND DEADLY by Brigid Kemmerer and you can choose to receive either the Emberfall or Syhl Shallow Kingdom Crest patch. (US, CAN, UK, IRE, AUS, & NZ)(ends 1/11)
- ***Pre-order INTO THE HEARTLESS WOOD by Joanna Ruth Meyer to receive an art print, two bookmarks, a sticker, and a signed bookplate. US entries will also be entered to win a giveaway. (INT)(ends 1/12)
- Pre-order TALES FROM THE HINTERLAND by Melissa Albert to receive a set of three postcards! (US only)(ends 1/12)
- Pre-order WE FREE THE STARS by Hafsah Faizal from Interabang Books to receive a signed, personalized copy plus an art print! (ends 1/15)
- Pre-order WINTERKEEP by Kristin Cashore to receive an exclusive Graceling Realm Map. (US only)(ends 1/18(
- Pre-order CAST IN FIRELIGHT by Dana Swift OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark and an art print. Pre-orders will also receive a signed bookplate and two character cards. Order from Books and Books to also get a sticker! (INT)(ends 1/18)
- Pre-order THE TRUTH ABOUT MODERN SLAVERY by Emily Kenway and Pluto Publishing will donate £1 to the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants. (ends 1/19)
- Pre-order DO BETTER by Rachel Ricketts to receive a link to an exclusive breath-work session led by the author, a guided meditation (if pre-ordered by 10/26), an exclusive yoga session video (if pre-ordered by 11/30), and a letter from the author about how to set intentions for the New Year (if pre-ordered by 12/28). (US only)(ends 1/29)
- ***Pre-order EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease to receive an exclusive poster! (US only)(ends 2/1)
- Pre-order MILK FED by Melissa Broder from Malaprop’s Bookstore to receive a bookplate, a recipe book and some nifty goodies! (ends 2/1)
- Pre-order THE GILDED ONES by Namina Forna to receive a gorgeous foiled & embossed limited edition print, plus a signed bookplate (first 250 preorders). (INT—excluding US, Philippines & CA)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order AS FAR AS YOU’LL TAKE ME by Phil Stamper to receive a signed bookplate, two bespoke stickers, and a bonus chapter from The Gravity of Us! (INT)(ends 2/8 US/AUS/NZ)(ends 3/3 UK/ROI)
- Pre-order NOT QUITE OUT by Louise Willingham to be entered to win multiple giveaways, including an annotated copy of the book. (INT)(ends 2/8)
- Pre-order A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES by Sarah J. Maas to receive an exclusive pin. (US/CAN/UK/ROI/IND/AUS/NZ)(ends 2/15)
- Pre-order WITCHSHADOW by Susan Dennard to receive SEVEN limited-edition character prints! (US/CAN)(ends 2/15)
- Pre-order HOLES IN THE VEIL by Beth Overmeyer to receive a button pin, a signed bookplate, three charms: 1 horse, 1 dagger, & 1 goblet. (US only)(ends 2/15)
- Pre-order WE ARE THE FIRE by Sam Taylor from River Bend Bookshop to receive a signed & personalized copy of the book, as well as a 5 x 7 inch character art print, a 5 x 7 inch full-color map of the Vesimaan Empire, and a bookmark. (ends 2/15)
- ***Pre-order HONEY GIRL by Morgan Rogers to receive a free tarot love reading. (ends 2/22)
- ***Pre-order A DARK AND HOLLOW STAR by Ashley Shuttleworth OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and 4 rack-card sized character cards. (INT)(ends 2/22)
- ***Pre-order CHAIN OF IRON by Cassandra Clare to receive a die-cut wooden bookmark! (UK/ROI)(ends 3/1)
- Pre-order EVERYONE’S SLEEPY BUT THE BABY by Tracy C. Gold OR request it from your local library and the author will donate a book to ShareBaby, a Baltimore-based charity that gives baby items to families in need. (INT)(ends 3/1)
- Pre-order I THINK I LOVE YOU by Auriane Desombre to receive access to special bonus content. Read the two scripts that Spark Emma and Sophie’s rivalry and join Team Emma or Team Sophie to vote for who should win the festival! (INT)(ends 3/1)
- Pre-order PHOENIX FLAME by Sara Holland to receive a double-sided Havenfall series bookmark. (US/CAN/UK/IRE/AUS/NZ)(ends 3/1)
- Pre-order FRAGILE REMEDY by Maria Ingrande Mora OR request it from your local library OR create and share fanart to receive 3 character bookmarks featuring Alden, Reed, and Nate, and a holographic Queen of the Tinkers die-cut sticker. US pre-orders will also be entered for additional giveaways. (INT)(ends 3/10)
- Pre-order WHERE WE USED TO ROAM by Jenn Bishop OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookmark and a personalized signed bookplate. Plus you’ll be entered to win more prizes! (US/CAN)(ends 3/22)
- Pre-order SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BITTER & SWEET by Laekan Zea Kamp OR request it from your local library OR create & share fanart to receive recipe cards, bookmarks, and a sneak peek at the instrumental soundtrack. Plus, you’ll be entered to win more! (ends 4/5)
- Pre-order THE ONES WE’RE MEANT TO FIND by Joan He to receive swag (to be revealed). (INT)(ends 5/3)
- ***Pre-order MISTER IMPOSSIBLE by Maggie Stiefvater to receive an exclusive art print designed by the author. (INT)(ends 5/17)
- Pre-order SIX CRIMSON CRANES by Elizabeth Lim to receive a swag pack! (US only)(ends 7/10)
Awesome Giveaways:
(Make sure you scroll to see them all!)
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @IdeaXchng is giving away a copy of New Kid and Class Act to one lucky attendee at their free An Afternoon with Jerry Craft online event.
- @annbradenbooks is giving away an ARC of FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN!
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the November 2020 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway and the October or November Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Giveaway.
- Lots of blogs participating in the Black Friday Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to BookHounds YA for a chance to win signed copies of the WHO ARE OUR HEROES?, THE SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE, HUNTER & swag, CATFISHING ON CATNET, and more (check the site’s sidebar!)
- Head over to Book Briefs for a chance to win Warmaidens by Kelly Coon
- Head over to Two Chicks on Books for a chance to win a copy of FAWNED and swag and signed copies of the WINSTON THE WOMBAT SERIES
- Head over to Chasing Faerytales for a chance to win A copy of Henna Wars and a pre-order of Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating and a finished Hardcover of Ruinsong
- Shattering Stigmas is happening again and you can enter to win a Mental Health Related Book!
- Anne is celebrating Books of My Heart’s 3rd Blogoversary with a giveaway of gift cards, Audible books, physical books and more!
- Lots of blogs participating in the SUPER STOCKING STUFFER GIVEAWAY HOP
- Head over to Read All the Things for a chance to win a $100 Book Shopping Spree for the holidays!
- Head over to Waves of Fiction for a chance to win 19 Young Adult Books!
- Lots of blogs participating in the November 2020 Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to Bookcrushin’ for a chance to win Any New Release Featured there This Month
- Book Riot has lots of giveaways, including a free IPAD!
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win their Favorite November Books!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
Glad you had a good Thanksgiving, Nicole. And I totally understand your dad’s decision. I’m the same way. Something *might* be safe, but am I willing to stake my health/life on it? The answer is almost always “no.” The office is looking great!
Yeah, we’d definitely all rather be safe than sorry. Since my mom is with us half the week every week, she’s probably still sharing our germs with him, but we figure if none of us go anywhere it shouldn’t be a problem. None of us have been out of the house except to do some grocery shopping. When there was a full quarantine, she stopped coming for awhile, but we eventually went back to “shared custody” as we like to call it. 🙂
Looks like the dog had a good time in the mud. Bless those who had to clean him up. I love the room divider. So fun and functional.
Yeah, the divider turned out great and it really gives Jade her own space down there. It created a hallway for us to get to the laundry room and Scott’s workroom without traipsing through her room. 🙂
I got to see one side of my family for Thanksgiving, but the other only made me a to-go dish and I went and picked it up from them wearing a mask. I always hate when my dogs get muddy because they don’t like baths. But one will barely go out if the ground is wet, so she’s not usually an issue. Love the office area, looks good! I need to get my front room/library/office cleaned up so I can take pictures to show it off. Have a good week!
Now that Digit has discovered the joys of digging in the mud over there, we have to keep an eagle eye on him. I think we’ll be putting in wood chips in that section to help (we have them everywhere else).
It’s so nice to have our college kids home. Life just feels complete somehow. Glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy those books. They all sound so good!
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. And I love the office/ basement pics! Looks great!!!
Oh my goodness, Digit! 😀 I can’t imagine trying to clean him up!
Your basement looks great!
Enjoy your week!
Oh he looks like he really liked the mud. So funny.
Digit has discovered mud and he LIKES it! lol!!
Nice new reads! I hope you enjoy them for your judging round.
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
It’s nice you have your family in a safe way for Thanksgiving. You always do so well with your projects. I am happy all the time we have a small dog, who is also cute. She is pretty adaptable but doesn’t love rain or snow or baths too much. I read a lot but I am too moody this year to read for awards type things. Stay safe and well!
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
I’m glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. I’m not really a fan of the holiday, so I did a lot of reading. LOL
Oh, poor Digit! Such a cutie pie though.
-Lauren
You have been busy and things look great. Sorry, I had to laugh at your dog. Even his mouth is muddy. LOL
We redid our basement a few years back too. What a difference. It’s now a entertainment room/office/gym area. I hope you’re having a good time reading the books for the Cybil Awards.
Oh my the muddy dog. ^_^ I remember those days. Bath time always ended up with everyone wet.
Have a great December.
I’m glad you had a good Thanksgiving! I love the shelf in your basement. I wish I had space for something like that. And hahaha, Digit. My dog is terrified of baths too. I’m not strong enough to wash her by myself, so I have to pay professionals to do it.
Had to laugh at that picture of Digit, how to dogs go out for just a few minutes and manage to get so dirty? And your office looks great, the work you’ve been putting into is paying off.
Yay for your basement and office turning out so fabulous, they look so great! And awww hugs to you guys for having to bathe Digit. We had a dog that was scared of baths too, when I was growing up. She would be less scared if we took a shower with her, sounds crazy but it worked lol! I’d throw on my swimsuit and get in the shower with her to clean her. It went so much smoother that way ♥.
Your office and basement look great! I like the idea of having shelves as a divider!
Wow! You’ve done a lot of work on the house! It all looks great. I’m sure Jade must really love having all that space to herself. And look at Digit’s face in that photo! Lol. So funny.
OMG Digit lol Been there.
You guys are amazing with all the things you’ve gotten done on your house.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth