Friday, November 15, 2013

4th Blogoversary Post and #giveaway

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." One of my favorite quotes from literature and an apt description of my latest year in the blogging world as I have had a lot of ups and downs. I remember my first year where I didn't really know what I was doing or even wanted to do. My second year saw me complete a lot of reading and feeling very accomplished. My third year saw tremendous growth in numbers but also troubles balancing blogging with full-time work. And now we've reached four full years since I made my first post.

Why worst?

I have lacked so much motivation this year. There have been multiple points when I didn't want to read, write, and/or comment; most frequently I felt like I didn't want to do any of those things. And it's not because of blogging drama or a lack of good books. I think it's partly because sometimes I feel more interested in work or clothes, neither of which I want to be too detailed about on my book blog. It just doesn't seem the place. But it's also some lack of internal motivation that I'm thinking about how I'll want to address in the coming year. I'm definitely thinking less posting but I know that will be a struggle as I feel guilty when I don't post anything. This is a work in progress and I'll keep you informed about what's going on in my life.

Moving on to the best!

First would be the realization and acceptance of myself as a writer. As I shared, I used to think of writers primarily as novelists (not to downplay the work of poets, playwrights, etc.) just because that's what I mostly read. But I do think I can lay some claim to calling myself a writer as I write a lot and am drawn to an elegant turn of phrase, always searching for the perfect words to describe where I am.

Secondly I've gotten to participate in some fun tours and score some amazing ARCs-I tell people in real life all the time about the great books I get to read and have even had discussions about some of them. I appreciate how I feel encouraged to try books I wouldn't otherwise know about without being in the blogging world and being on the cutting edge of trends. That often means reading a book way before it's turned into a movie and gets the attention of the general public.

But the very best is all of you of course! It's kind of cliche to say that the blogging community is the reason for continuing but it has reached that point because it's true. Whenever I confessed my lack of motivation, I received commiseration and encouragement. When I had something exciting to share, I got enthusiasm in return. I am so thankful for everyone who stops by my blog, who leaves a comment, who shares of themselves and their time. I don't always know how to express that appreciation but I value your comments (especially when we differ on a book-our cordial disagreement is something I'm proud of; no screaming matches in my comments!) and knowing that you're there. THANK YOU!

Giveaway:
I'm doing something kind of different; for book choice, you can pick any book I've reviewed here up to $20 at Book Depository or Amazon, depending on winner's location. In four years, that's over 1100 books so you have loads of options across genres and categories. My archives are mostly up to date (arranged here by title and here by author) but you can also search in the side bar.

1. There will be 1 winner, who must have a mailing address in a country where Book Depository ships (or it will be through Amazon if US). So this contest is international :)
2. You must be 13 years of age or older or use parental information to enter.
3. To enter, you must merely leave your email; there are extra optional entries for following, tweeting, and commenting
4. Contest ends December 1 at midnight, EST per Rafflecopter standards
5. Winner will be contacted via email by December 2 and will have 48 hours to respond with book selection and address or else I will move on to the next person. I pledge to keep your address confidential and to delete it as soon as I have shipped your book.
6. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or email me at bookworm1858@hotmail.com. Thanks for celebrating with me :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway


124 comments:

  1. 4 years, that's AMAZING! I think the whole blogosphere is in a little slump right now, but I hope it's going to change back soon because the community is great :) Happy blogoversary and I'm not sure about the book. I think I would pick a random one, because you have so many to choose from!

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    1. It's a bummer as my slump has continued even to now but I'm hopeful it will pick up as spring approaches! Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Happy 4th Blogoversary! I always enjoy your reviews and I'm glad you keep writing even when it is difficult. I think it is normal to struggle with balancing blogging with your real life. I also understand what it is like to lack the motivation to write and blog. I have felt that struggle a lot this year. I hope that this next year of blogging will be easier and more enjoyable for you.

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    1. Thank you Christina-you're one of my best blogging friends and I'm glad we can share about our struggles blogging. I'm hopeful 2014 will be a good and productive year for both of us!

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  3. Congratulations on the anniversary. I'd like the latest Joanna Trollope please!

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    1. Thank you for the well-wishes-I was very happy to mark this occasion!

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  4. Happy blogoversary! i hope you will have a lot of happy time in teh futur and pleasure in reading
    .. you have reviewed a lot of books from my wishlist so i'm not that sure yet ^^ perhaps teh immortal rules by julie kagawa or etiquette and espionage or one by cynthia hand in the unearthly series ^^ i will see if i win

    thank you so much!

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    1. I'm glad to know we have such similar taste in books-I hope you get a chance to read all of these someday!

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  5. Happy Blogiversary! You are such an amazingly prolific reader and reviewer! I would probably want my own copy of Seraphina or A Northern Light.

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    1. Ooh, those are excellent choices! Seraphina was my number two pick for best book of 2012 (just after Code Name Verity.)

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  6. Happy 4th Blogoversary!
    My best wishes for a long and happy blog life and for you too :)
    So many good books, I'll have a bit to think about which book will be my choice :)
    Thanks for the amazing oportunity :)

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    1. Thank you so much-for a while I was considering stopping, but taking a break seems to have helped and I hope to continue for a good long while yet.

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  7. Happy Blogoversary! You know you are one of my favorite bloggers :)

    I will absolutely read posts about clothes, BTW. And I think posting less often is a great idea. I was on this insane 7 day a week posting schedule, but cut back to 6 posts a week this summer and that was a big help. I'm a firm believer that setting achievable goals is important for my morale. If I get two book reviews up a week, I feel successful!
    Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. Cutting back has helped so much! I've been doing about 4 a week so far this year and that is far more manageable than my 7 a week was. I'm going to keep experimenting with what is sustainable for me.

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  8. Happy blogoversary.
    No idea which book I would chose :)

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    1. I know-there are a lot of options. I've been so blessed to read so many great books in the past 4 years and I'm so glad I tracked them.

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  9. Aw, I love this post. <3 You are amazing. And big congrats on 4 years of blogging :D That is so amazing! Thank you for such an amazing giveaway as well. <3 You are the best. I might want to win Golden; not sure yet :)

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  10. Happy Blogoversary! i'd choose Goddess by Josephine Angelini

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    1. That's a good pick-I was glad to conclude that series and get my questions answered!

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  11. Congrats on 4 years!! I passed my 3rd year mark back in August, and it's crazy that it's been that long, and yet it also seems like I've been blogging for forever.

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    1. I feel like I've been blogging forever too-it's sad to see some bloggers drop out but I'm glad we keep going.

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  12. Congratulations!!! 4 years are great!
    I love your blog so much, I'm so happy to read your post every time I can!
    The best wishes for you and your blog!
    Lis @ The reader lines

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  13. There are so many! I might go for The Heist Society by Ally Carter, or something else. :)

    Congrats on 4 years!!! That is awesome!

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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    1. I love Ally Carter's writing-that's a great choice. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment :)

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  14. Congrats on 4 years! That's great.

    So many books, it's hard to choose! Right now, I'm really curious about In the Shadow of Blackbirds.

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    1. I was so pleased to mark this anniversary (I'm already starting to plan for my fifth to be honest ;)

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  15. Congratulations! I always look forward to reading your blog posts and you've steered me toward some great books over the years. I'm not sure what book I'd choose, but with so many options, I'd find something!

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    1. Aw thank you so much-that is such a nice thing to hear. I hope our reading taste continues to coincide!

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  16. Happy Blogoversary! And I have no idea. :D

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  17. Happy 4th blogversary xD

    I know the feeling of the reading slumps and posting and all this stuff =/

    But it's great to know there are good parts too xD

    I'd probably get Fangirl, since one of the books I loved the most this year was Eleanor & Park, and I just got it as a B-day gift from an awesome friend, so I'd love to have Fangirl of the same author xD

    Ana Death Duarte @ MagicaMagi

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    1. It's a struggle but I'm glad I keep pushing through. I hope you get a chance to read Fangirl-Rowell is such a talented author!

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  18. Wow, congratulations on the anniversary, Bookworm! I think we've all gone through dark periods as bloggers, but there's so many rewarding experiences to be had as well. To many more!

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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    1. Thank you for the inspiration-I will cling to this as I keep moving forward.

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  19. Congratulations in the anniversary!!! i think i want any book from Laura Gallego.
    Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  20. You've been so nice and have commented on so many of my posts, and I just think that's so cool! Happy 4th (!!!) Blogoversary! I'm not sure yet what book I'd pick, but it maybe Anderson's TWISTED since she'll be in my town next year. (:

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    1. That is so cool that Anderson is visiting-she's written so many fantastic books.

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  21. Happy Blogoversary! I'd choose The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  22. Happy blogoversary! I really dont know what book to choose, so many good choices!

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  23. Happy blogoversary!!! Four years, wow! *hands you chocolate cake* You've earned it!
    I hope you get out of the blogging slump soon! I'm feeling a bit of it myself at the moment...

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    1. Thank you *accepts chocolate cake* I certainly feel like I deserve some deliciousness!

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  24. maybe i would pick 'the edge of always' :)
    happy blogoversary and thx u so much ....

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  25. Congratulations on 4 years! I am looking forward to another year of post from you, I enjoy reading them and would definitely read some about clothes too. :)

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    1. Thanks for the feedback-I've shared a bit about clothes so far and I expect there will be more over the course of the year :)

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  26. COngratulations on your 4 years.
    I wanted to say you shouldn't feel limited by the original reason for blogging or your blog name.
    The beauty of blogging is that people who visit know us as people more than just a business plan. If you want to put in something about your clothes, or work you should. You could make it a feature and double it up with a book post or just have it on its own. The most readers I had in one day was a day I rescued a kitten. Nothing to do with paranormal romance at all!

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    1. Thank you so much for your wisdom-I think I could do a better job of sharing about the person behind the blog and I want to keep that in mind as I brainstorm and plan more posts this year.

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  27. Happy 4th Blogoversary! That's awesome! And thank you for the wonderful giveaway. You have an impressive list. I would probably choose a book about William & Kate.

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    1. Man I was obsessed with them throughout the pre-wedding fanfare and there were quite a few books that captured my interest then.

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  28. Happy Blogoversary! THanks for the giveaway! I'm thinking between Crown of Midnight and Dark Triumph. :)

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    1. Oh I cannot recommend Dark Triumph enough-it was so outstanding.

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  29. Happy Happy Happy Blogoversary! Thank you for the chance to win.Id choose True by Laurann Dohner

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  30. Happy Blogoversary and thanks for the giveaway!! <3
    -Cali W.

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  31. thank you for the giveaway! :)) I think I'd like hmmmm hard to choose maybe one of the Gabriel series

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    1. I think my giveaway might have been a bit much-too many choices!

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  32. There are too many books for me to list! I think maybe the Gateway Series. Thanks for the giveaway

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  33. Congrats on 4 years! I'd choose Lola & The Boy Next Door!

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    1. I can see that being a popular choice-Perkins is such a great author!

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  34. I would probably pre-order Cress! Thank you for the chance and congrats on your 4th year of blogging!

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  35. Hi, Bookworm! Congratulations on hitting your 4th year of blogging! That is quite the milestone. :) I do hope you find that happy medium between reading, blogging, and real life. As someone who is just entering the blogging community, granted as just a contributing blogger, it's been difficult to find time to read and write because life tends to get a little crazy at the closing of each year. Let's hope we climb out of our holes very soon here.

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    1. It's a continual struggle but I have hope we'll work it out and continue to calibrate to get it to that sweet spot!

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  36. I think you and I have had similar blogging blahs this year -- I've really taken to hear your comment on my blog, and tried to read for fun as well as for review. I'm feeling much better about it now =)

    Four years though?!?!? That's amazing!!!!! Congratulations on such an achievement!

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    1. I'm planning to read a few books without reviewing them this year, just to give myself a well-deserved break and so that this blog doesn't feel like work.

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  37. Happy Blogoversary! I'd love to win Eleanor & Park! Thanks for the giveaway :D

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  38. Happy Happy Joy Joy!! ;)

    I think I may get a fantasy, maybe Scott Lynch's new one.

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  39. Happy blogoversary! I would love to win Flat Out Love because it's been on my to-read list for a while and I would love to read it soon! Thanks for the giveaway!
    -Jayne

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    1. I appreciate that you stopped by-thank you for the well-wishes!

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  40. There are so many awesome choices! If I had to choose, I'd really love to win Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler though :) Happy blogoversary!

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  41. Happy Blogoversary! I'd probably choose Thoughtless or Through the Zombie Glass! Thanks!

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  42. Wow congratulations on 4 years! That's amazing :D
    Not sure what I'd choose. Maybe The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider :)

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  43. Congratulations on 4 years! I know that sometimes it's hard to keep up with things. And reviewing 6 days a week is a big accomplishment! HUGE actually. I couldn't do 6 a week most of the time.
    I feel some burnout this year. It's not all blog related, but just being tired in general. I suppose it's because I'm a mom and I'm ALWAYS busy.
    I have been horribly about keeping up with commenting the past few weeks. I just can't seem to keep up with it!

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    1. I definitely felt the burnout but am reducing my posts to 2 or 3 reviews a week and that seems to work out for me for now. We'll see how it goes. I am so impressed with your posting schedule-I think you do a great job of making it all seem so easy :)

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  44. No idea what book I would choose that is a BUTT ton of books you've reviewed though. I hear you on motivation - I'm struggling with that this week.

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    1. I am so proud of my body of work over the years-I definitely didn't realize it added up to so much.

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  45. Happy Blogoversary! I would love to win Crash Into You by Katie McGarry. Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Great pick-McGarry's novels are so filled with drama and excitement!

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  46. aww what a lovely post, you write so eloquently. Big congrats on 4 years, when you've been blogging that long there's always ups and downs, highs and lows. The one thing that keeps me going, besides the obvious love of books is the genuine friendships that blogging has nurtured. I really do enjoy reading your blog even if I'm a bit slow getting here :)

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    1. Thank you for your comment-I'm so grateful for your blogging friendship and hope we'll continue to be around for a good long while.

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  47. Happy 4th Blogoversary!! That is such an amazing achivevement, I wish you many more and more amazing books to read in the coming year. :D I think I might get Kinslayer by Jay Kristoff or The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

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  48. Happy 4th Blogoversary! And I'm not sure what book I'd choose--maybe The Diviners or a preorder of the next book in that series? :)

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    1. I know, it was a lot of options! I expect I will be more specific with future giveaways to make it easier :)

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  49. Happy blogoversary!!!!!!

    I think, I'd love to get The evolution of Mara Dyer, please!

    thanks

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    1. Such a popular series-I expect many would be interested in that option.

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  50. Cheers! Happy blogoversary! Keep blogging! So many books, it's hard to choose.

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    1. Thank you for the goodwill-I'm definitely in blogging for the long haul!

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  51. Happy blogoversary!

    My sleep addled brain didn't really comprehend at first and I was like DREAMS OF GODS & MONSTERRRS or These Broken Stars!! Then I saw the bit with the review list. Which makes it even harder to choose because there are so many amazing books there! Perhaps Pivot Point or Bitter Kingdom or For Darkness Shows the Stars. :)

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    1. All good choices-I highly recommend Bitter Kingdom. Also be sure to stop by in November 2014 because I'm going all out for my fifth blogoversary!

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  52. Congratulations on 4 years!!! I love reading your reviews! There's always such a variety! :) There's so many choices, I don't know yet what I'd pick if I were to win.

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    1. Thank you for your comment-I try to blog just like I read, which means lot of different genres and authors.

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  53. Happy Blogoversary to you! I wish you many many more years of blogging!
    I'm not sure which book I would choose yet, but it would be probably a new release.

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  54. Four years? I find it so funny that you think you are lacking motivation this year. I read my blogs in big clumps and you always have the most update to date, great reviews and I love that about you. I can always depend on you to have something fantastic to say, but to be honest too. That's so important to me. I'm so glad we crossed paths this year, and oh gosh, congrats on four years! I cannot cannot wait for more form you.

    Also, as for the book: does the Rosie Project count? Just added it to my TBR because of you. I also reading backwards. :D

    Happy happy!

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    1. Compared to how I was in college, I'm definitely lacking motivation now. But it's just a reflection of what my life is like now. I appreciate your comment so much-I'm so blessed to have met such great people through blogging!

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  55. Happy Blogoversary! I'd love to have a copy of Anna and the French Kiss. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :D

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  56. Congrats on four years, that's incredible!!! Thanks for the Giveaway, not sure what I would pick yet. =D

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    1. Thank you so much-I've been so fortunate to be in the book blogosphere.

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  57. Congrats for you blogoversary, girl!! I would like to win one of Paullina Simons's books :D
    (Ileana A.-rafflecopter)

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  58. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. Thanks for this amazing giveaway! <3

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  59. Thanks for the giveaway! I'd probably get the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer!

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    1. Ooh, that series is so twisty with so many questions being raised!

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  60. I really want Proxy! Thanks for the great giveaway!

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    1. Great pick-I loved the different approach taken in that novel.

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  61. Congratulations on making it to four years. To commit to anything for four years is a great accomplishment, and you've done well to maintain a regular commitment for so long, and clearly very successfully. The fact that this is an extra curricular thing - you don't need to blog to pay the bills like you need to work - and managed to maintain balance between all the things in your life is great and you should be very proud of that.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment-I love the way you put all these thoughts.

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  62. Wow, 4 years and over 1,000 (1,000!!!!) reviews! That is awesome and totally something to be proud of! I am so happy for you, and happy for me that I have had so many years to read your thoughts :) Here's to many more!

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    1. Isn't that crazy? I was a review machine in my first years (thank you college!) I kind of can't believe it's quite so many!

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