Saturday, January 2, 2016

{The Weekend Update} 1.2.15 - The Christmas/New Year's Aftermath

So, since my end-of-the-week post isn't just about what I got in my mailbox or on my Kindle each week -- though that is a big part of it, I won't lie -- I decided to change up the title and intro a bit.  I might tweak the format a bit over the next few weeks, but for the most part, it'll contain the same stuff: stuff I got, stuff I did, and stuff that's coming up on the blog.  Plus, I get to use the awesome GIF you see here and blow kisses to all the people who sent me lovely books and bookish things.  Oh, and I've started linking up to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews since I'm not using a specific meme title anymore.  April's also doing her own Stacking the Shelves posts on Sundays.  Stop by and say hi!  =)
I've been a little absent from the blog lately, but I can't say that I'm sorry for that. I've really enjoyed spending so much time with Katie and the rest of my family these last two weeks, especially with some of the drama we've dealt with lately. When it comes to prioritizing these days, the blog ends up coming last. It wasn't always that way, but I feel better about taking breaks now, and I don't feel that sense of obligation to post every single day like I once did.

So far, 2016 has been kind of blah. As I mentioned, my family is kind of going through an ordeal, so we didn't really party it up. BUT, we did shoot off fireworks on New Year's Eve for the kiddos, and that was fun. We live in the country now and it's legal to do it, so we spent a buttload and got something to please everyone. :)

Anyway, here's what I scored this week...

From Publishers:



So many delicious goodies over the last couple of weeks!!! A huge Harper haul, plus He Will Be My Ruin from Atria, The Forbidden Orchid from Penguin, and The Unexpected Everything from Simon & Schuster. Ack! I only thought I was finally catching up on my review TBR! =D

Things I Purchased:

Nothing recently. I've been a very good girl as we recover from the Christmas spending spree. ;)

Procured From the Library:

The Night CircusThe Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, #2)The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, #3)

I love re-reading via audio, and that's exactly what all of these will be. I recently caught The Golden Compass on tv, and though the adaptation was sorely lacking, it still made me want to re-read the rest of the series. Even if that final book killed me dead the first time I read it.


So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?



The Week in Review:

Reviews:

We've still been slacking as far as reviews go here on the blog, but here's one I did for a 2016 release from one of my favorite authors, plus some more mini-reviews from Goodreads.

Wink Poppy MidnightThe Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness, #3)Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4)November 9Tell the Wind and Fire

Current Giveaways:

Check back soon!

Promotional/Discussion Posts:  

Currently Reading:

Love, Lies & SpiesI've been trying to get back to this one since before New Year's, but family obligations have gotten in the way. But I fully intend to finish before the weekend's up. I love that cover and the story inside is just as intriguing!





Currently Listening:

The Night CircusI haven't actually been listening to audio much this week, but next up on my queue is a re-read/listen of The Night Circus. I loved this when I first read it quite a few years ago, and I've heard the narrator for this one is pretty great.





Upcoming Reviews:


These Vicious MasksThe Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1)Tell the Wind and Fire




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6 comments:

  1. You got an amazing amount of books. I hope you love all your new books.

    Grace @ Books of Love

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  2. I hope things will settle in soon with you and your family, Jen. It's tough dealing with a family problem, but at least you all have each other.

    Happy reading, regardless!

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  3. I enjoyed the 'Night Circus' audiobook, although I will admit, a few times the narrator's voice made me a little sleepy.

    I'm glad you enjoyed the His Dark Materials trilogy. Ideally, I'd like everyone in the world to read it. I think everyone should listen to what Phillip Pullman knows about love. I don't know if I could listen to it as an audiobook, though. When you get to the end of the trilogy, it's so devastating, it's so heartbreaking...but totally worth it.

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  4. Very nice book haul. I enjoyed the last two weeks. Not blogging much and watching shows and doing other things is very relaxing. My plans for this year are to slow down and smell the roses:)

    My Sunday Post - http://fuonlyknew.com/2016/01/03/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-141-and-the-sunday-post/

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  5. I'm sorry to hear the start of the new year hasn't been so kind to you, Jen. I hope things settle down for you. <3 *hugs* On a happier note, you've got some great looking reads there! Looking forward to your thoughts on SHADOW QUEEN and ASSASSIN'S HEART, when you get to them. :)

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  6. So jealous of your Harper haul! I want Kingdom of Ashes so bad! And I can't wait till I can get to my egalley of Tell the Wind and Fire, I love Sarah Rees Brennan! One of my "goals" with my blog this year is not to stress about posting every day. It's hopefully going to help me!
    Check out my Sunday Post

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