AHHHHH!!!!! + Contest Winners!

Hey, guys. So, so sorry I've been AWOL on you this long. I've been dealing with family illness among other things lately, and this time I am not going to promise that things will be better and I'll be here more, because--quite frankly--I've learned not to make assumptions regarding even the near future.

All that said, I'm glad to be writing to you all today. I've missed the book blogging world so much. I've missed READING for that matter. There are actually a couple of books I need to write a review on that I've finished over these past weeks, and I plan to jump on that as soon as possible.

The first wonderful announcement I would like to make is the winner of the copy of Unleashed. That beautiful book goes to the very lucky Carrie!! Congratulations! I'll email you right now.

Onto other business. I have found the coolest site in the world! It's called Listia. It has tons of free... well everything! Tons of YA books, all kinds of seeds for gardening (including hard to find herbs!), clothing, you name it. You earn credits and then spend them on things. Shipping is free most of the time too. Click here to check it out and sign up!


So... Who else watched the Season Premier of Downton Abbey Sunday night?? I did, and teared up more than once. It was so good. The Matthew/Mary scenes killed me. And who would have thought we'd see Thomas humbled? What did you all think about the start of this amazing show? Let me know!

News + Fantasy Reading Challenge SUCCESS!

Hello fellow bookworms! I am back more steadily in the blogosphere, I hope. And, yes, I know I say that alot. But I've finally finished off these courses and am hoping to have a break at least through December and January.

Anyway, I have exciting news. I have FINISHED the Fantasy Reading Challenge 2010 at the Obsessed level hosted by Royal Reviews! The exact date of completion was October 29, 2010. I'm sure I will have several more between now and the end date. You can see my reads here.

Also, I have a cool plan for an Advent thing in December. (You'll have to wait to find out what it is!) And, of course, I'm going to have some awesome giveaways for the holidays. --Check out the one I've got going on now! ^^ You can win a hardcover copy of Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl!

I really hate I missed out on all of the book blogger Secret Santa things. I did last year too, so I'm kind of upset about it. If anyone knows of one that I can still sign up for PLEASE let me know!

I hope all of my fellow Americans had an AMAZING Thanksgiving!

Best of wishes,

Arya

Nice to Meet You!+News

I always love hearing about authors being active in the cover art for their novels. Its so important that the cover represent whats in the book, because we all judge a book by its cover to some extent.

And I'm sure you all know of my undying love for A Golden Web by Barbara Quick. Well, I recieved an email from the wonderful author this morning with a link to a post she did on her blog about getting to talk to the model for her book! The story is beyond cool. The young lady that modeled as Alessandra has a great deal in common with the character, its really amazing!

I hope you'll all take the time to check out the story on Barbara's blog!

---

On the updates side of things, I'm sad to say that my schedule is completely hectic right now getting ready for camp and since my ARC pile is pretty much empty up until like August, I'm probably not going to be posting many reviews right now. I'll continue to keep you updated on any bookish news I hear about as well as letting you know about the awesome upcoming releases I'm looking forward to. There may be a couple reviews splattered in there, but probably not many.

I hope to get back to my regular reading schedule when I get back from camp around July 10. That being said, there will be no posts between June 13 and July 10.

I hope you are all excited about the awesome summer I'm sure you're going to have. I know I am! =)

Much love,

Arya