Happy Tuesday, bloggers!
You know, I think TTT is trolling us for making us remind all the events we’ve missed this year. But oh well, we can still dream.
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. The next prompt is book events I’d love to go to someday.
Enjoy!
Morning, everyone!
When I first started this post, I needed time to figure out what I wanted out of it. Freebies are always hard for me, somehow. They either excel beautifully or bomb. I hope for the former.
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. The new prompt is a character freebie. I had several ideas, but the morally gray squad stuck with me.
Hope you all enjoy!
I wanted to do a yearly wrap-up post, but I cannot put together all of my favourite reads in one post. So when I found this book survey on Perpetual Page-Turner, I knew I found a solution. If you haven’t done so already, I recommend doing it as well.
2018 was a rough but thrilling ride, and I’m so happy to make it to another year. I hope you all enjoy the post, which may be long, so here are my apologies!
Morning, everyone!
I’ve already done this type of post before. But you know me and my love for bookish merch. I can’t get enough of it.
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is bookish merchandise! Over the last several months, I’ve collected an impressive lot of these goodies. But I’m dying to add the pieces below. (If you’re interested in buying them, you can click onto the link in the photo. All photos have been taken from the artists’ websites or Redbubble pages. I don’t own them.)
Finally, I can show off my new winter-themed graphics. I’ve been eager to see what you all think about them.
I hope you enjoy!
Hey, book fam!
I’ve needed this weekend much more than I thought I did. Don’t you just need a weekend with uninterrupted reading? That would be heaven.
With my last book tag, I answered one question about bad bookish habits, and that thought has stuck in my head ever since. For this week’s discussion topic, I want to tackle the dreaded bookish habits we all do, even if we hate ourselves for doing so. Here are my picks of bad bookish habits I can’t seem to break:
The only time I walked past one was when I didn’t have money or my credit card. But any other time, I cannot resist the temptation to walk in, breathe in that glorious bookstore smell, and find my next read. I’ll be 80-years-old and still walk through those doors.
WHY. MUST. I. DO. THIS?! I used to hate when I pulled this stunt off. And now? Meh. But I’m starting to regret it a lot since I’ve spoiled enough endings that I shouldn’t even bother reading the bloody book. 😐
I forget quite a few books I’ve bought. And some of them still sit on my shelves, waiting to be read. But do I get to them in a timely manner? Clearly, not. Or I wouldn’t complain about it. Now, I have a high physical TBR pile that threatens to overtake whatever dwindling room I have on my bookshelves.
Let me see how many hands shoot right up when reading about this habit. Yeah, I’m horrible and forget to read sequels until the next one is out. I don’t know how this trend occurs, but it’s been sneaking up on me lately. And I feel I’m swamped with so many sequels.
You see, this habit is slightly tricky. I was close to DNFing Lifel1k3, but I fell in love with it about 100 pages in though. Sometimes, not DNFing is a good thing. However, I have wasted hours with books that didn’t deserve my time. But I’ll always give the book the benefit of the doubt, even if I want to pull out my hair.
Am I the only blogger who struggles with this problem? I hope not. Unfortunately, I have several—and yes, I mean several—reviews to write, but I’ll just start reading a new book and forget about said writing. So the reviews pile up, and I feel pressured to catch up. So I’m in a constant state of frustration when it comes to these posts.
I’m horrible with that. I truly am. And my family and friends have caught me not paying attention to them. And I feel guilty when they do. But you know how reading is though. You get so focused on a book that you forget about the outside world.
Happy Tuesday, dearies!
Finally! I can breathe. The constant heatwaves just make me want Fall to come sooner. I shouldn’t complain since I’ve just seen the weekend’s temps. 😐 Who’s ready for cozy blankets and sweaters, hot chocolate, scary books, and bonfires? I know I am.
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. For this week’s topic, we discuss hidden gem books. I had a hard time with this post. I wasn’t sure which books to put on my list and which ones to take out. So hopefully, you enjoy it more than I have. 😂 Here are my choices for books I don’t talk much about:
I’ve seen quite a bit of marketing for the book. But I haven’t talked much about it though. I wasn’t sure if I’d read the book, until I won it in an IndigoTeen contest. But the premise of it is one of the most unique concepts I’ve seen lately, so it deserves a bit more attention than it has received.
Yes, since it’s a Schwab book, it’ll receive great marketing. However, I’ve seen several readers hesitate to pick it up since it’s geared toward middle-grade readers. But often times, I’ve found great storylines in MG books. And with that thought, I believe more people should take a risk with Schwab’s latest story.
Black Witch had a solid marketing plan. But some readers were turned off because select reviewers ripped apart this book. Now, I haven’t read it yet, so I can’t back up some adult bloggers’ claims, but I know many people refused to read it, which I find unfortunate. So no one gave the book a chance. But I hope to do so soon so I can see if those claims are true or false. You can find more information about the controversy here.
I wasn’t sure if I’d love the book. The author combines the Salem Witch Trials and Hocus Pocus. And if there’s one thing you should know about me is that I adore that movie. My expectations were high, but I loved the book, even the ending, which is slightly predictable. Unfortunately, since the publication, I haven’t seen many bloggers mention it.
Quite a few readers have compared the book to ACOTAR, and I think that does a disservice to it. When I finally picked it up, I had no expectations, but I haven’t talked about it since. However, I was so pleased with the writing, storytelling, and characters. Unfortunately, it hasn’t moved past that comparison, which is a shame.
I bought this book earlier this year, and while I haven’t read it yet (I need to stop buying books and not reading them), I haven’t seen a lot of love for it. But magical realism is sometimes hard to sell though. Not everyone likes it, and other readers may not even acknowledge this kind of genre. But I’m intrigued to see if it lives up to my expectations.
I haven’t cried so hard reading another book. I found this beauty several, several years ago, and I’ve read it so many times you can see my fingerprints on the book. I’m a historical book lover, and I’ll always fall hard for a story based in WWII. The storyline is heartbreaking, and the stellar cast of characters will stay with you longer than you read the book.
And it deserves all the praise it has received because of the Netflix show. I highly recommend both show and book!
Bookish Finds is a monthly series that features bookish products. This month’s post will showcase all things I’d love to see under my Christmas tree. ‘Tis the season for hot chocolate. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Happy sipping, elves and reindeer.
You may not have received your Hogwarts letter or your owl (I’m still waiting, Rowling…), but you can cozy up next to fire with your very own Hedwig mug.
Why not switch up your Christmas feast with this Game of Thrones cookbook. A little blood, guts, gore, and a delectable rack of lamb will always get you in the spirit of Christmas, right?
Well, looky there, I don’t have to pick a House. Don’t hurt me, but I’m still deciding! Ahem…
Decorate your tree with these nerdy Harry Potter-inspired ornaments. You receive a set of six and can customize them by having them stained, painted, or left in the natural wood finish. Just don’t let Crookshanks near them, though.
The perfect mug for every book lover. You can also customize your mug too. Stallings and Son offers many colour options, and you can even add some glitter.
I think it’s sad when a mug is much more nicer than I am. I’d have a few choice words with the person who thinks bugging when I’m reading is a great plan. But sometimes you must be more direct and spell it out for the poor guy.
I’m a sucker for socks and grey, so I have to add these cozy pair. Reading is serious business, so Indigo has released a whole line of Reading Socks. Oh, if you aren’t a fan of them, you can grab yourself a pair of slippers as well.
Bookish Finds is a monthly series that features bookish products. This month’s post will showcase Halloween-inspired goodies. What else do you think I’d write about?
Get in the Halloween spirit with a Dracula scarf. Margo and Tala @ the Literati Club make a variety of bookish goodies: scarves, hats, beanies, umbrellas, dresses, t-shirts, bags, and headbands. They are all hand made. Go take a look! You’ll be surprised at what you find. I may just snag this one for me!
Aren’t these jackets just adorable? Eee! Throw in some macabre, put in some gargoyles, skulls, black candles, and moss, and you’ll have a creepy Halloween centrepiece for your next Halloween party. South House Boutique offers three dust jackets that are printed on high quality paper, which will last for years. You’ll get these covers: The Headless Horseman by D. Capitation, Her Ghoulish Ways by P & Ma Caub, and Anatomy of a Werewolf by Claude & Harry Graysons. Each cover measures at 9.5 x 19″. And they’ll fit typical standard hardcovers.
Celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos all in one bookmark. This bookmark features a Mexican skull skeleton playing a guitar or maracas and your choice of a glass crystal bead. It’ll dangle over the spine, so you’ll always see it! It measures in at 3.5″ and is a nickle-free alloy metal.
You can find other bookmarks, like vampire teeth, werewolves, and faeries at Spotlight Jewelry.
This Brothers Grimm’s Fairy Tales leather book purse designed by Krukrustudio will delight any reader. It features the following: genuine leather, magnet snap closure, two inner pockets, and adjustable shoulder strap. It also comes in black and brown. You can find other book purses, like Jane Austen and Frankenstein at Krukrustudio.
Whimsy Workshop has designed this adorable bookish pumpkin. Yes, cutting up and damaging a book isn’t always a good present for book lovers, but many can’t resist this treat! It’d look perfect on a decked-out porch or mantel.
Bookish Finds is a monthly series that features bookish products. This month’s post will showcase book-inspired candles! (Oh, my mother will be so proud of me. 😌)
So Owlcrate inspired this post. This month’s box contained The Melting Library‘s Celaena’s Cake. These little delights will be a great treat for anyone who wants to enhance the reading experience, who reads an ereader (my sympathies to my electronic friends, smells do not apply), or who, well, love everything bookish (AHEM. Yeah, that’s me. My house will smell like books and nothing else!). SO here you go, dearies.
I can’t ask much else than to smell Jamie Fraser’s home, Lallybroch. Well, if I can get a whiff of him, I can die happy. So this beauty is made by Frostbeard, which makes an array of candles based on books and is soy based (no carcinogens!). The scent combines whisky, peat moss, and wood smoke (so the Scotland Highlands). This 8 oz. candle has a rather strong scent, according to the maker, so be prepared!
Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes inspired this torch (if you don’t get this reference, I may hurt you). Just like the Celaena’s Cake candle, this one comes from The Melting Library as well. This candle combines cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, firewood, and fresh rain to create a delightful smell that will remind you of Elias Venturius (I see what you did there, The Melting Library). Always Victorious is also an 8 oz. soy based. I wish I had this when I was reading A Torch against the Night.
Oh, look at how cute they are. THEY’RE SO FLUFFY. Ahem… These cute darlings are made by Novelly Yours. You receive four 2 oz. candles: Villainous: storms, forest, fire; Book Boyfriend: cologne and cotton; Shipping It: ocean, outdoors, and cotton; and Currently Reading: book pages, coffee, cotton, and fire. I love the names!
You have a choice to pick two of these 4 oz. soy candles. Pret a Geek is rather cruel. The store forces you to decide which candles you want. The horror. That decision may be harder than you think. You can choose the following: Wizard’s Feast, Mrs. Weasley’s Cookies (!), Butter Beer (!!!), Merrier Place, The Shire (Oh, I want this), Rose Tyler I, Police Box Blue, How You Brewin’?, and Winter Is Coming (there goes my bank account).
Ugh. I need to read this series! Anyways, Seven Hearts Co. has perfected this faetastic candle. The scent includes citrus, star jasmine, and ocean water, which will make you think you think Rhys is right next to you (according to the maker, not me). This candle is 8 oz. and burns for approximately 55 hours (the longest burn time out of all these).
Hi, everyone!
I’m starting a new monthly series called Bookish Finds*, which will highlight book-related products. The Book Riot inspired me on this little adventure with its Book Fetish series. (And quite a few book bloggers have followed suit, so I wouldn’t mind throwing in my picks as well.)
I try to find anything bookish, even if my bank account doesn’t agree with me. Some items on Bookish Finds may be conversation pieces, and some may be the most talked-about find. So during my search, I’ll recommend these products. Hopefully, I can find your next bookish gift for someone special or you (admit it: the gift’s for you).
Happy buying!
* Please note that all the items I showcase are of my own choosing, and I have not received any payment––monetary or otherwise––to put them in this series. I have linked all products to the designer/maker, and I do not claim them as my own. I have no affiliation with any designer/maker or website(s). And yes, I came up with that name myself. I haven’t snagged it from another blogger.
One of my favourite online stores is Out of Print. It has designed this peculiar t-shirt (heh), which coincides with the upcoming theatrical release of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. If you don’t want a top, you can always buy a tote or a pouch.
Austen swag? Yes! I’m sold. This Pride and Prejudice book scarf is a great Etsy find from The Ohlala. You will find many a scarf at this unique shop. I’m certainly eyeing this one, the Lord of the Rings, The Marauder’s Map, and the Game of Thrones Map scarves!
I’m always looking for anything Outlander. What I love about this Outlander silver bracelet by Serrelynda is that it looks as if it was made in the 18th century. I am in awe of the simplicity and elegance of this piece. You can find other wonderful pieces made by Sara at her Etsy shop.
Here’s your very own Hogwarts acceptance letter by PraxisStore. Potterheads will be thrilled when they finally receive their letter from Hogwarts. I’m still waiting on mine!
This package contains the original Hogwarts letter with materials and the book list, a Hogwarts Express ticket, and a letter from the Ministry of Magic, which apologizes for not using the traditional owl delivery service (a great touch!).
You can also add a Marauder’s map, a custom wand, a snitch, a chocolate frog (which is not edible), a deathly Hallows pendant, a timeturner, a Hogwarts trunk (15 cm x 12 cm), or a bottle of Felix Felicis pendant. This package is also available in Spanish, English, and Galician.
Kelley Armstrong has delivered on her promise for Cainsville merchandise! She offers a Gabriel’s law firm t-shirt, a gargoyle t-shirt, and a Satan’s Saints t-shirt. All designs are offered in a variety of options. Both the law firm and Satan’s Saints shirts come in another option where you can have the gargoyle design on the back (showed in above photo).
Siobhan's Novelties 