The Best Reader [Search results for BBRAW

  • BBRAW 2012: Wrap Up

    BBRAW 2012: Wrap Up

    Wow! BBRAW has officially come and gone! Thanks to everyone who participated or stopped by! I've had a great time getting to know some new bloggers and reconnecting with old friends.

    You've made it through the week! Thank people for stopping by, thank new readers and old readers, wrap up your giveaway (if you had one), tell who you nominated for as MVR and why (if you feel comfortable), wrap up the first BBRAW experience, and basically celebrate your readers in any way that you like!
    The MVR Election closed last night! We had some great nominations!

    Kimberly @ Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

    Kimberly always stops by my blog and checks out my facebook posts. She is so sweet and always takes time to read basically anything I post. She always puts a smile on my face. She is probably the biggest supporter of my site and I really appreciate it. She is so awesome and kind.
    Mari @ Bookworm With A View
    I enjoy her comments, we share in many cases very alike reading tastes, she has recommended wonderful books and audio to me — and probably most influential is that her Check Point meme she started this year inspired me to start Team Kickin It. Her advice and encouragement is valued.
    Jenny @ Alternate Readality
    She is the very best commenter ever... and I pretty much think of just talking to her when I'm writing my blog posts.
    Ryan @ Wordsmithonia
    Ryan has become a blogging buddy of mine who not only leaves me thoughtful comments, but also encourages me to try new authors with his great reviews! He's been a longtime follower/reader/friend and the blogging world is a better place because he's in it!
    Mary @ Bookfan
    She is one of the most faithful readers of my blog, nearly since the beginning. I'm proud to call her a friend as well, even though we've never met! Her book preferences are so insync with mine, we often joke that we are sisters from different mothers. She's a wonderful lady!
    Mindy @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
    Mindy is always leaving thoughtful and wonderful comments on my reviews and posts. Her comments never fail to make me smile. We all know that when you run your own blog you can get bogged down and not find time to visit other people's blogs and comment, but she is always taking time to connect and comment on other peoples reviews and to reach out positively on twitter.
    But the MVR of BBRAW 2012 is... (dun dun dun)
    Giselle @ Xpresso Reads! Giselle was the only person nominated by more than one person! I'm a new reader of Xpresso Reads due to BBRAW but the fact that two different people nominated her tells me that this is a person I want to connect with! Giselle, congrats on being the MVR of BBRAW 2012!
    She always stops by my reviews and leaves thoughtful comments. I see her around at tons of blogs even though she has her own awesome blog to run! She is full of pure awesome!
    Giselle is everywhere, leaving comments. Her name caught my eye because of how many times she commented on my blog especially when I didn't have many Followers. As I do my best to comment in the blogiverse, I see her name and cute smile everywhere. She makes socializing a goal and really shares the warm fuzzies of Comments!!!
    I think BBRAW was a complete success! I feel like I've said the "thanks" that I've been meaning to for so long to all those bloggers and readers who have helped me along the way. I'm thinking next year I'll change it to BBRAW (Book Blog Reader Appreciation Weekend) because I feel like I could be more present and active on the weekend rather than the week (especially in the middle of the winter). But we'll definitely be back next year so keep a look out! Thanks for your support, advice, and guidance in the past two years, hears to two more!!

    Winners, look for an email from me before Wednesday (things are a bit busy right now with the trip we're going on tomorrow and picking up Prim on Monday).

  • Announcing BBRAW 2012!

    Announcing BBRAW 2012!

    I've been hinting about "The Big Announcement" for a while now and it's time to finally unveil! I am now introducing Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week (BBRAW) 2012! Spun from the idea of BBAW (hosted by My Friend Amy) , BBRAW is all about your readers. I find myself in constant awe of the brave few who stop by my blog on a regular basis and comment (or even who don't comment) and want to say a big huge THANKS! Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join in with me, but know that this is not a blog hop/giveaway extravaganza*.

    On Monday (2.13) I encourage you to nominate the name of your MVR (Most Valuable Reader — the reader who you feel positively influences you as a blog writer). On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 15 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble^. I know that BBAW uses categorizes, but because I'm not sure how many people will participate I just want to keep it simple.

    Like with BBAW, each day there will be a prompt to discuss on our blogs if you choose to participate. I will post the prompts the week before BBRAW so if you'd like to plan and schedule your post you may. BBRAW will be pretty "lax" as it's meant to celebrate the reasons we all blog — our readers. I remember that first month of blogging when I think I had three readers (and one was my mom), I was so appreciative and thankful. Every time I received an email saying "Comment" I was completely in awe. I know we always say that you should blog for you (and I agree), but blogging for you when you know others are reading what you're writing is (in my opinion) so much better and worthwhile.

    I know I'm a bit scatter-brained but as BBRAW nears things will all come together. I'm so excited to finally share this idea with you all as I've been planning and brainstorming for about two months.

    If you'd like to do a reader interview, I very much encourage it. We won't be doing an organized interview swap due to the fact that you'll probably want to be interviewing one of your own readers, rather than someone random (theoretically). Stay tuned throughout the next month for more information and more excitement! I have big hopes for BBRAW and am so excited to finally have shared the news. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate and send me an email or leave a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts because, really, I'm sort of making this up as I go !

    *If you'd like to host a giveaway of your own to thank your readers, please feel welcome to. But don't misconstrue BBRAW as a way to "win followers"; it's purpose to show thanks of the readers who have influenced you and supported you for years, months, or even weeks.

    ^Unfortunately because I am funding this myself, anyone receiving a prize needs to be in the US. In the event that an international reader would be elected they will still of course be announced. Sorry for any inconvenience and, yes, I know this sucks.

    Huge thanks to KD Designs (Katie from Sophitikatied Reviews) for the awesome button!

  • BBRAW: Two Weeks Away!

    BBRAW: Two Weeks Away!

    Alright folks, BBRAW (Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week) is officially less than two weeks out! This is me formally inviting you to join in and participate! I'll be posting the daily prompt list next Monday so if you'd like you can schedule posts in advance. If you have a suggestion for a prompt in regards to reader appreciation (or anything really blog related), please fill out the form below. You can choose to remain anonymous or not; if you do provide your name and blog, you'll be credited for the prompt question.

    If you plan on participating, please spread the word about BBRAW. It could be as simple as tweeting

    "I'm participating in BBRAW! http://tinyurl.com/7d3nzln #BBRAW @google"

    or posting a quick "Hey go check this out" post. Whatever it is — know that it is appreciated. Each day of BBRAW when the prompts are posted I'll have a linky for you to sign so we can all go visit each other!
    Is anyone else getting super excited (or is it just me)?

  • BBRAW 2012: An Introduction and Thanks

    BBRAW 2012: An Introduction and Thanks

    I can't believe BBRAW is finally here! Welcome and thanks for participating! Today's prompt is, in my opinion, the most important of all: a very basic communication of thanks.

    Introduce yourself for new readers that will be stopping by. Take today to explain what BBRAW means to you. This is the ideal time to thank your readers for their comments, support, and post a giveaway if you plan on having one. Remember, as BBRAW is supposed to celebrate readers, requiring a "follow" for the giveaway would be in relatively poor taste.
    I wrote my first post on June 18th, 2009 and received my first comment (the first hint that anyone was actually reading what I had written) on June 27th, 2009. While in actuality that's not a whole lot of time, it was the longest week ever! Creating a blog is scary and while many people can say readers aren't that important because they write for themselves, this just isn't true for me. I enjoy writing but if no one was reading what I was writing — what's the point?

    I remember getting those first couple of email notifications saying I have a new comment and thinking "Oh my goodness!" and, I'll tell you what, two and a half years later I'm still excited for those emails. I still get super excited when a friend or stranger "retweets" a link to my blog or any other tweet I've written; I can never deny how great it feels to actually have things written.

    I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has helped this blog grow in the past few years; whether you've written a comment, been a "silent reader," offered any type of technological help or general advice — you have made an impact on my blog and therefore my life. This blog, while relatively small, is what it is because you have supported me. I read for me but I write for you.
    You may think that stopping by and commenting on my little piece of www is insignificant, especially if it's just a "Hey! Great review!," but to me it's proof that what I do matters, that what I write is read, and that what I think is more than generic renditions. Thank you for supporting me, sticking with me, and making my day each and everyday. BBRAW, to me, is about returning the favor and supporting you in return! Here's to a week of reader love!

    If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

  • BBRAW 2012 Prompts

    BBRAW 2012 Prompts

    BBRAW is a week away folks! Is anyone else getting overwhelmed?:) Here are the prompts for next week. The purpose of me giving these to you now rather than later is this way, if you prefer, you can write and schedule your posts so next week you can meander through different blogs, make new friends, and appreciate your readers to your full potential!

    Monday — An Introduction and Thanks
    Introduce yourself for new readers that will be stopping by. Take today to explain what BBRAW means to you. This is the ideal time to thank your readers for their comments, support, and post a giveaway if you plan on having one. Remember, as BBRAW is supposed to celebrate readers, requiring a "follow" for the giveaway would be in relatively poor taste.

    Tuesday — A Memorable Reader | A Memorable Moment
    Today commemorate a specific reader or moment in your blogging career that has made a significant difference in your IRL or blogging life. It might be that first comment you ever received, the first follower, the first interaction with a reader of your blog on Twitter, the first time an author commented on a review, etc. I have so many memorable moments of my own of readers making a difference in my life that I thought this would be the perfect time to share.

    Wednesday — Oh the many choices...
    Today I have two spectacular choices for you! You could do a reader interview with a reader of your choice OR (if you're not the interview type) you could highlight a blog that you enjoy reading. What is it about this blog that you enjoy, what is it about the reviews, the blogger, the style, the look, etc? If you don't feel comfortable highlighting one blog, be general in regards to a few blogs you enjoy and what you enjoy about them.

    Thursday — Survey your readers (look for ways to improve your blog)
    Take this opportunity to survey your readers; maybe you haven't done this in years or perhaps ever. Find out what it is about your blog that your faithful readers love, what they wish you wouldn't do (constructive criticism is never a bad thing), what keeps readers coming back for more, what posts they'd love for you to do more of (vlogs etc). The possibilities are endless! I love numbers and statistics and generally surveys are a great way to find out what your readers are looking for in a blog (or what they are not) and it's always nice to have a subtle "pat on the back."

    Friday — Wrap Up
    You've made it through the week! Thank people for stopping by, thank new readers and old readers, wrap up your giveaway (if you had one), tell who you nominated for as MVR and why (if you feel comfortable), wrap up the first BBRAW experience, and basically celebrate your readers in any way that you like!

    Remember to stop by throughout the week to nominate your MVR and to sign the links! Each day I'll post the prompt given here and a linky that you can sign so others can visit!

    I hope you enjoy what I've come up with! Feel free to manipulate the prompts or do something entirely different! Have fun bloggers and see you next week!!

  • January 2012 Wrap Up | February 2012 Goals

    January 2012 Wrap Up | February 2012 Goals

    January 2012 was the busiest month (traffic wise) at Miss Remmers Review EVER! Thanks everybody! The top fou posts read from January were Nonfiction for High School Students, Announcing BBRAW 2012, Fallen in Love, and Across the Universe, respectively. The search term most used to find my blog was "nonfiction." If direct numbers floats your boat — we're going steady at 702 GFC followers!

    January brought seven reviews (consequently, seven books read) and 31 posts; this month I think I did a really good job of staying on top of everything and keeping the content constant. My top three favorite books of the month were "Fever" by Lauren DeStefano, "A Million Suns" by Beth Revis, and "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann. For my overall favorite book of the month (although it's SO hard to choose) — I'm going to have to go with "Fever." Even though it wasn't everything I had wanted it to be, I really missed the world that Lauren created; reading "Fever"'s pages was like returning home after a year away. Even though that home is an awful dystopian society plagued by a virus and polygamy.

    The big news this month was the announcement of BBRAW (Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week). It's coming soon — so make sure to check into it!

    1. For BBRAW to be a complete success!:)
    2. Read at least 5 NetGalley Books
    3. Post seven reviews
    4. Switch to WordPress
    5. Continue being awesome? I really just wanted a fifth goal here.

  • BBRAW 2012: A Memorable Reader | A Memorable Moment

    BBRAW 2012: A Memorable Reader | A Memorable Moment

    For day two of BBRAW we are focusing on a specific moment or a specific reader that has left a permanent positive impact on you. Lately it seems like so much of the negative has been discussed in regards to the blogging community, this is your time to share why you continue to blog (despite the few and far between negative "for instances").

    Today commemorate a specific reader or moment in your blogging career that has made a significant difference in your IRL or blogging life. It might be that first comment you ever received, the first follower, the first interaction with a reader of your blog on Twitter, the first time an author commented on a review, etc.
    You know, there are so many readers that I have built lasting relationships with (especially through my BEA travels) but I'd like to focus on the specific moments. Yesterday I mentioned those first couple of comments and the first regular reader (remember how SCARY that was to think this one person is looking at me, reading what I have written, and obviously WAITING for me to post something interesting?!) — but at what point did blogging become a "job" (albeit one that I adore)?

    That first summer I was unable to find employment at the local resorts so I basically hung out on the lake, sipping iced tea, and reading. I walked the dog a lot, I fished a lot, and I read more books that summer than I had since high school. I was posting everyday and often times several reviews a week (oh, how sorry those first reviews actually were). Back then I was probably a better blog writer than I am today because my own responsibility (as I wasn't working) was to read, tweet, and blog.

    Today there are so many other things going on! We're in the process of adopting a puppy, I'm learning how to sew, I'm coaching hockey, we're working on our financial stability, we're planning vacations, I'm learning how to cook, I'm trying to keep house, I have two new preps (English 10 and English 12), and the list just continues on. But I still try to find the time to blog, read, and tweet (although some days are more sparse than others).

    WHY?

    Well, it'd be nice if I could get paid — but it's simply because through my readers (YOU!) and the blogs I read, I have become part of a community. A community that fosters a love for a hobby that not many people I know IRL share with me. Dan occasionally reads the good book, Button and I talk books a lot, but besides that, without blogging, I feel like I'm on a deserted ocean alone (with only bad books). Because of this community I know what great books are out there before they become movies. Because of this community I've traveled to NYC twice for BEA and have met countless authors, publishers, and agents (not to mention fellow bloggers). And, now especially, this community has given me the confidence to pursue a master's degree in Library Media Information Services (LMIS). YES, this community has impacted my career, my schooling, and, essentially, my life in so many different ways.

    But it still comes down to you, the reader. If no one was reading and this more of an online diary, I really don't think any of this would have happened. As I mentioned yesterday, I read for me but I write for you. But if I wasn't writing for you, I'm not sure how much I'd be reading for me... you know? I know that's probably completely ridiculous — but it's the honest to goodness truth. I read because I enjoy it but I also read so that I can share my thoughts with you. So, at least for me, it always comes back to you — the reader. Thank you!

    If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

    If you're new to BBRAW it's not too late to join in on the fun! Monday's prompt and linky and the MVR competition are still up and running (not literally).

  • BBRAW 2012 Starts Tomorrow!!

    BBRAW 2012 Starts Tomorrow!!

    Folks the time has come! BBRAW starts tomorrow!
    The prompts have been posted and the Most Valuable Reader competition is ready to be "brought!"
    Prepare for some awesomeness to happen!

  • BBRAW 2012: Improvements Abound

    BBRAW 2012: Improvements Abound

    I don't know about anyone else, but this week has been amazing so far! I've met so many new bloggers and have been reading some great posts! Thanks to everyone who is participating along with me!

    Yesterday I talked about what I enjoyed about other blogs and today I want to find out what you, the reader, feels could be improved on my blog.

    Take this opportunity to survey your readers; maybe you haven't done this in years or perhaps ever. Find out what it is about your blog that your faithful readers love, what they wish you wouldn't do (constructive criticism is never a bad thing), what keeps readers coming back for more, what posts they'd love for you to do more of (vlogs etc). The possibilities are endless!
    Lately I've been writing more "personal/nonbookish" posts such as the Pinterest Project posts, Graduate School, hockey, and even, more recently, Prim (our new rescue puppy!). How do you feel about these posts? Do you come here looking for book recommendations and those alone or are you wanting some extra, more personal, posts such as those mentioned above? From my perspective it seems like those posts bring in the most traffic (but who doesn't like looking at adorable puppies! ---see how many of you just clicked that!!!) but I want this blog to remain a "book blog" and if project posts deter those book blog readers from stopping by then I want to know. If you do like these posts, which are your favorite? Which posts have you coming back for more? What posts (in general) do you wish I would do more of?

    Rather than doing a formal Google Docs deal (I'm a little Google Doc'd out), if you could just leave a quick comment in regards to the above questions I'd appreciate it.

    If you do a survey this week for BBRAW make sure to link it below! Also, folks, MVR Nominations close tonight at midnight! I'll announce the MVR Winners tomorrow afternoon!

  • BBRAW 2012: Inspire Me!

    BBRAW 2012: Inspire Me!

    Today I have two spectacular choices for you! You could do a reader interview with a reader of your choice OR (if you're not the interview type) you could highlight a blog that you enjoy reading. What is it about this blog that you enjoy, what is it about the reviews, the blogger, the style, the look, etc? If you don't feel comfortable highlighting one blog, be general in regards to a few blogs you enjoy and what you enjoy about them.
    Because I'm not the "interview" type, today I want to highlight a few of the blogs I enjoy reading and why.

    First of all, I love reading what Sheila @ Book Journey writes; mostly due to the fact that I know her really well, but I love how reading is a part of her every day life EVERY day. I mean this woman listens to like a million audiobooks at a time (okay, maybe four?). She's such an active person and I love how she brings that into her blog with her Meandering posts on a daily basis. I know this isn't for everyone, but I love reading about my favorite blogger's "in real life" moments and thoughts as well as their book thoughts; somehow, knowing them as more than just a reviewer but also as a person makes their reviews that much more thought-provoking and real.

    Obviously I'm a huge fan of April @ Good Books and Good Wine. Not only does April provide a constant list of awesome recommendations, but she's probably the most honest and direct blogger I know — and I appreciate that. I love how she says what she really thinks and feels and doesn't feel bad about it. So often times, even in my own, reviews are somewhat "sugar coated" and leave a bland taste in my mouth — never so with Good Books and Wine! I also love what April has done with her blog in the past few years — she's literally my inspiration for working on SEO and the big switch from Blogger to Wordpress.

    Another great friend of mine is Michelle @ Hooked to Books. Michelle is a great inspiration to me because we're both teachers and I feel like we go through many of the same ordeals. I love bouncing ideas off Michelle and getting her perspective. She's one of the first people I go to for help in regards to books, recommendations, my master's program, or blogging in general.

    Other bloggers who have made a difference to me because I enjoy reading their blogs are Shanyn @ Chick Loves Lit, Kristi @ The Story Siren, Pam @ Bookalicious, Small @ Small Review, Jamie @ The Perpetual Pageturner, Erika @ The Book Cellar, Cat @ Beyond Books, and finally Cass @ Bonjour Cass! These ladies have all been so patient, understanding, and helpful (not to mention a complete riot!) over the years/months/weeks! I love everything about their blogs from their fantastic content, great looks (blog and physical), and their willingness to help a little blogger like me! Thank you! Reading your blogs makes me like writing my own! I think the being a good blogger begins with being a good blog reader — and that's what BBRAW is all about!

    If you write a post for today please link it in the comments below! I can't wait to stop by!

  • BBRAW 2012: Big Thanks!

    BBRAW 2012: Big Thanks!

    One more time, I'd just like to say a big thanks for making BBRAW 2012 a huge success! I'm currently on my way to the Twin Cities for a Minnesota Wild Game and a much needed vacation with my husband! On Monday we pick up Prim! But besides the added addition to the household, life on the blog will return to normal on Tuesday! Thanks everybody for your support!

  • BBRAW 2012: Most Valuable Reader Election

    BBRAW 2012: Most Valuable Reader Election

    As BBRAW is meant to appreciate your readers, take a moment to nominate your "Most Valuable Reader" or the MVR of your blog! The MVR you nominate should be the reader you feel most positively influences either your blog as a whole or you as a writer/reader.

    On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 15 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or (for international readers) a book from the Book Depository.
    Each blog receives one nomination so think about it! Who continually stops by and leaves thoughtful comments? Who encourages you via Twitter and email correspondence?

  • Follow My Recap 2.9.12

    Follow My Recap 2.9.12

    Q: What would you prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? Why?
    Wow, this question is hard. I'm thinking... oh I just don't know! I was going to say the same book over and over — but it would eventually lose it's magic. I may have to go with the 100s of books — because at least... oh, I just don't know! What do you think!!

    Sunday — "It's Monday" Meme Monday — "Pinterest Project Creations" | Superbowl No Bake Cookie Monday — BBRAW Prompts for next week! Tuesday — Book review of "Double" by Jenny Valentine Wednesday — My Last 20 Books Thursday — "Pinterest Project Creations" | Drunk Gummy Bears

    BBRAW starts on Monday! Are you participating?!
    Have a great week everybody!

  • Follow My Recap 2.2.12

    Follow My Recap 2.2.12

    Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kick ass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?
    Recently, the books that I've really been enjoying have more sensitive male character's (like "Fever"'s Linden and "A Million Suns"'s Elder) and stronger heroines. I relate this primarily to my love for Mr. Darcy.:)

    I reviewed "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann, "Fever" by Lauren DeStefano, and "Pandemonium" by Lauren Oliver. I also reminded readers to look into BBRAW (as it's two weeks away!). If you haven't heard word of BBRAW yet — make sure to check it out! It should be a LOT of fun and the more the participants the better!:)

    Have a great week everybody!

  • Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (9)

    Pinterest Project Creations for the Uncreative (9)

    For the Super Bowl Party I attended yesterday, I wanted to make something creative. Don't laugh! So when I saw this picture on Pinterest (Pinterest Link | Actual/Recipe Link) that combined my favorite cookie (No Bake Cookie) with football — I thought it would be perfect! I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but the recipe link doesn't work for me, so I basically went with the flow here (without really looking at the above picture in detail until just now). So, apparently I'm a little unsure of what a football looks like.

    I'm not sure, because the link didn't work, how this person got the cookies to be 3D and football shaped, because mine were flat (you know, like No Bake Cookies). Also, I see that I'm missing a few lines in here — but whatever, I think you can tell what they are supposed to be.

    Anyway, these cookies were definitely not the hit of the party that I thought they would be. They were good — but I'm still a little sad that no one bowed down at my awesomeness in the kitchen — maybe next time? Maybe I'll try again next year (as I'm sure Manning is thinking as well).

    Anyone have an idea to make a 3D No Bake Cookie?

    BBRAW prompts will be posted tonight! Stay tuned and get excited!

  • It's Monday 2.5.12

    It's Monday 2.5.12

    Hosted by Sheila — Thank you!
    Last week I read "Double" by Jenny Valentine; a great read by the way!

    I'm currently reading "Partials" by Dan Wells. Besides "Partials, " I'd also like to read "Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic" by Yvonne Lehman as well this week.

    "The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there."

    "On April 15, 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life witha boundless hope in love and faith. Her new friendship with Caroline Chadwick is bonded even more as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down. Can each survive the scars the disaster left on their lives?Decades later, Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed, successful, heroic novelist who went down with the Titanic. Will he find his identity with the past, or will he listen to Joanna Bettencourt, Caroline’s granddaughter, who says inner peace and success come only with a personal relationship with the Lord?
    Will those who survived and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?"

    While I'm hoping to finish both novel this week, I will also be working on BBRAW (look for prompts to be posted tomorrow)! If you haven't heard of it or planned on participating — check it out now!

    Also — this NEVER happens! Is everyone else staying on track for their year-end goal?

  • February 2012 Wrap Up | March 2012 Goals

    February 2012 Wrap Up | March 2012 Goals

    I'm officially amending my statement from a month ago — February 2012 was the busiest month by FAR! The top three posts read from February were Nonfiction for High School Students, Review: Dead to You, and Review: The Necklace, respectively. The search term most used to find my blog was "nonfiction." If direct numbers floats your boat — we're going steady at 727 GFC followers!

    February brought four reviews and 28 posts. My favorite book of the month would have to be "Partials" by Dan Wells.

    The big news this month was the announcement of the Titanic Reading Challenge! The challenge officially begins in April!

    1. For BBRAW to be a complete success!:)
    2. Read at least 5 NetGalley Books (completed 3)
    3. Post seven reviews (completed 4)
    4. Switch to WordPress
    The majority of these goals from February were not met (besides #1) due to the unexpected death of my father. I so appreciate all of the emails, texts, and tweets from everybody. The support has been overwhelming. Thank you.

    1. Read three NetGalley Books 2. Post 5 Reviews 3. Switch to Wordpress

  • It's Monday 2.13.12

    It's Monday 2.13.12

    Hosted by Sheila — Thank you!
    Last week I read completed "Partials" by Dan Wells but didn't quite get around to "Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic" by Yvonne Lehman so that's basically my goal for this week in conjunction with a successful BBRAW!

    "On April 15, 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life witha boundless hope in love and faith. Her new friendship with Caroline Chadwick is bonded even more as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down. Can each survive the scars the disaster left on their lives?Decades later, Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed, successful, heroic novelist who went down with the Titanic. Will he find his identity with the past, or will he listen to Joanna Bettencourt, Caroline’s granddaughter, who says inner peace and success come only with a personal relationship with the Lord?
    Will those who survived and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?"

  • Project: Save Prim (1)

    Project: Save Prim (1)

    I would like to currently interrupt the BBRAW activities for a quick announcement. Remember last January when I proclaimed that I was expecting — well, here we go again!

    Remember at the end of January when I mentioned (extremely late at night) that Dan and I had found the above little puppy on BisMan (Bismarck/Mandan's online classified ads)? Well, on Monday morning I called, then I called again, and I called again and never heard back from this lady. On Tuesday I called one more time and, with no answer, I decided the puppy was either no longer available or this was too sketchy to pursue.

    A week later (Sunday night) I was online at Petfinder.com and I saw this SAME puppy at the humane society in Jamestown, ND. I emailed the shelter and with an hour had an update on her. Monday was spent emailing back and forth, asking questions about her history, temperament, etc, and talking Dan into going to see her. Late on Monday (2.6) night we set up a time to visit her on Tuesday as Becky (the foster mom) was going to be out of town on Wednesday through Friday) and the weekend didn't work for either Dan or I. So already, this was moving pretty fast.

    Right after school on Tuesday, Dan and I got in the car and drove the 1.5 hours to Jamestown to see her. Boy were we surprised! The picture doesn't do this girl justice at all! Of course she was very shy and timid and didn't really want anything to do with Dan or I for about the first five minutes. At that point I was so nervous! I'm not used to dog's who don't have that "golden" personality that screams, "Here I am! Pet me, hold me, love me!"

    Forty five minutes later she was playing with us, cuddling with us, and her tail didn't stop wagging. Becky said that on that Saturday they were taking her to a Meet and Greet at the local Petsmart so if we wanted her we should say something soon. We asked Becky for 24 hours to think about it (but really, let's face it, at that point we knew). We drove home and talked about, watched television and talked about, went to bed and talked about it, and on Thursday morning we called Becky and said "We can't live without this dog. She's already a part of our family!"

    We didn't go pick her up right away because this weekend we are headed to the Twin Cities for a hockey game (Go Wild!) and while we do have family she could stay with, we didn't want to introduce her to another new environment so quickly. SO, when we return from the hockey game this weekend on Monday we will be stopping by to pick her up in Jamestown! This week and last week has been all about the arrival of PP (potential puppy). We've gotten a kennel, beds, toys (oh, the insanity!), and everything else we can think of! We've submitted our application (including three references) and last night was the home visit.

    We decided on the name of PP before we even met her. While working out that original Monday I was thinking of names like Poet, Jazz (her "prior" name was Jasmine), and Prim. I knew Prim would be Dan's favorite because he loved "The Hunger Games" but the more and more I thought about it, I realized how fitting it would be! Prim, the younger sister who was saved from the Games. Prim, who grew from a timid, shy, almost helpless (in Katniss' eyes) into a strong, courageous young woman. How perfect is that!

    Isn't she lovely! Expect more posts about our little Prim as the week continues and into next week (maybe even a Vlog appearance).

    In case you were curious as to the timeline:
    January 29th, 2012: I posted about this dog I had seen BisMan
    February 5th: I see the same dog online at PetFinder
    February 6th: I email back and forth with Becky. We decide that Tuesday Dan and I will drive down to see her. Name is also picked out — Prim.
    February 7th: Dan and I drive to meet Prim for the first time
    February 8th: We call Becky and beg her to let Prim into our lives.
    February 13th: Two people from the Humane Society visit to make sure we live where we say we live and to talk about the adoption
    February 20th: We will be picking up Prim!!!

    Has anyone else adopted a dog before? Any advice?

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