Hello lovelies! I feel like so much has happened this year! My husband was deployed for most of it, and the kiddos and I made a big move so we would be closer to family while he was away (moving with small children and pets is challenging). My son started school this year! My baby is in Kindergarten! The girls just had another birthday, and they're developing very big personalities. As for me, this was the year I turned 30! I'm actually really okay with this, and I am loving where I'm at in life right now.
Through all of this, I've had you guys! You've been there for most of these milestones (in one way or another), and blogging has connected us all. I really love this community and the support it provides. There are people all over the world willing to send positive vibes, a thoughtful tweet, or a funny GIF. There are others that will reach out via email, or leave an encouraging comment. We interact on blogs, Twitter, Instagram, and probably a few other places. Goodreads! It's such a vast community that I really enjoy being a part of.
This year was my first year participating in #OTSPSecretSister, and I've been having a blast! I recently discovered who my person was (she gave me clues, so of course I Sherlock'd the situation), and I think my person has an inkling of who I am. My White Rabbit has sent very thoughtful boxes that always seem to arrive at just the right time! One of the boxes contained an ARC of A Heart So Fierce and Broken, which was one of my most anticipated reads! I'm reading it right now, and it's seriously good. I'm trying to savor the experience!
Surprisingly, about a week later, I won a second ARC of A Heart So Fierce and Broken. I know a lot of you have expressed an interest in this book (on Instagram and on Twitter), so I thought it would make the perfect prize for a giveaway!
This giveaway officially starts on December 5th and ends on December 25th. The winner will be announced on December 26th on this post within the Rafflecopter form, and also notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will have Rafflecopter select another winner (read my full giveaway policy here).
International friends -- your giveaway will be a little different! Instead the book mentioned above, you can choose one book (up to $15) from The Book Depository! Just make sure they ship to you, which you can check right here. I know it's not the same thing, but I don't want to leave anyone out!
If the first winner is international, a second winner will be chosen for the book listed above.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I don't know how you do it! I can't imagine moving with 3 small kids with my spouse deployed. Hats off to you! I have really enjoyed following you through social media. I have not read the first book in this series but do plan to. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHe actually helped us move before he left, but I can see how that sentence would be confusing! He was here with us for about a week, and then he left for nine months. I said "we" moved since he's still technically stationed where we were living.
DeleteI'm really glad I stumbled across your blog once upon a time, and really enjoy your posts! Your Books from the Backlog feature is one of my favorites to read about. :)
Since I've been reading all your posts and we're mutual on Twitter, I was up-to-date with all these milestones, but it felt nice to read a recap, because as usual, your enthusiasm shone! I hope next year will be as great as this one was - minus the deployment part and the scorpion/washing machine incidents LOL. (I'm still recovering from that scorpion gif BTW...).
ReplyDeleteThank you for the INT givvy!
You're so kind! I'm happy you enjoyed the recap, haha. If we could avoid scorpions and giant ants in the future, I'll be thrilled. No new deployments would be amazing, too. That scorpion GIF shouldn't exist! ;)
DeleteI haven't read it yet, although it's the next one (thanks to you) up on my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I did! You'll have to let me know!
DeleteI haven't read it yet but I'm always up for a new book.
ReplyDeleteIt's a YA retelling (of sorts). There are a few Beauty and the Beast comparisons, but A Curse So Dark and Lonely was original and can easily stand on its own. I really enjoyed what Kemmerer did with her characters and the story.
DeleteYou've had a busy year but sounds like on balance it was a good one too! :)
ReplyDeleteVERY busy! There have been some highs and a few lows, but I'm happy to have my husband back. The extra hands have been fantastic, because these children are wild. ;)
DeleteWishing you a wonderful holiday season!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erica! I hope your holiday season is full of love and cheer! <3
DeleteI haven't read the first book, but my sister is obsessed with this author!
ReplyDeleteKemmerer is one of my favorites! I've enjoyed every book of hers that I've read. <3
DeleteOmgggggggg I'm shooketh
ReplyDeleteOkay!
DeleteAwww I know how hard it is for a spouse to be deployed for so long! Good thing you moved closer to family. ♥️ It sounds like your family is thriving in your care Lindsi. I hope 2020 is equally as rewarding (even though we can all hope for it to be a touch less challenging please!)
ReplyDeleteIt was both harder and easier than I expected. It took us a few weeks to adjust, but we eventually found a new routine and rhythm. My children kept me busy, so there's was always something to do that occupied our time. We definitely missed him, but video chatting helped a lot. I missed having my best friend at home, and missed having him here to talk to. It's hard when your currently living completely different lives, especially with the time difference. I'm suuuper happy he's home!
DeleteI haven't read the book yet, but would like to. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave you read the first book? A Curse So Dark and Lonely?
DeleteHave you read the first book? A Curse So Dark and Lonely?
ReplyDelete