Sunday, December 4, 2016

November Wrap-Up

I am linking up to both the Sunday Post @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and the Sunday Post @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction.

November has been an amazing month! My husband and I visited Tromso, Norway for Thanksgiving and had such an amazing time. I do think that's one of the most beautiful countries I have been to. We saw the Northern Lights, saw some whales, went reindeer sledding, and even ate some tasty reindeer. It didn't actually snow until the last day we were there, but we still had such an amazing time. It was freezing, but I love the cold so that was a bonus. It was a once in a lifetime experience for sure. 

Here are a few pictures from our trip.
I am quite sure that these pictures don't even begin to give Norway justice, but you get the general idea.

On the blogging and reading front, I feel like things are going really well. I am still a bit behind with some of my blogging duties (I swear I will reply to all your comments soon!), but I am out of my blogging and reading slumps. Woo-hoo! I have read some amazing books this month (and a few not so good ones, but you can't win them all). 

I have also been really good about not requesting ARCs. I have only requested (and received!) one in the last two months and that is one I was really excited about. This ARC hiatus has really allowed me to catch up on my current batch of ARCs, as well as read some of the books that have remained unread on my Kindle.

And I won a giveaway hosted by Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight! I have already received my book and I am so excited to read this one. 
It's kind of a retelling of Hansel and Gretel and it's set in Poland during World War II. I have no idea how I first heard about this one (maybe a blogger??), but it gets really good reviews and the premise sounds amazing

My blog also turned two this month!! I really can't believe I have been blogging for two years. Honestly, it feels like longer. My blog and I have had our ups and downs, but I still love doing it. 

I read seventeen books this month.

Here are a couple of my favorite reads:

Here are my most disappointing reads:

How was your November? Are you getting excited for the holidays? What was your favorite book for the month?

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway! It goes until the first of the year.

20 comments :

  1. Looks like you're all set for some wonderful reading. And thanks for sharing your photos. It looks like a fabulous getaway. I enjoy the cold, only in small doses. LOL

    My Sunday Post

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    1. Thanks so much Laura! I guess the cold isn't for everyone. ;)

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  2. Wow Norway sounds amazing!!! I love those pictures. Glad you are out of your reading and blogging slump. I already have so many ARCs for Jan- April I am done requesting. I have a ton pending but I don't think I will get them. Hope you have a great December!!

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    1. Grace, it really was. It was such an awesome trip. I just got a few ARCs from January, but I have to put my foot down about certain ones. I am so proud of myself for not overloading myself. They are so tempting.

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  3. Norway looks so cool! I've only been to England so far in Europe but I'm hoping to do more traveling soon :) I'm happy to hear you got out of your slump too! They're never fun. I'm sad to see you were disappointed by The Siren; I really enjoyed it but I suppose it isn't for everyone. I hope you have an awesome December, Cynthia!

    Laura @BlueEyeBooks

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    1. Laura, it really was! I have only been to London in England and that was a great city. I love traveling around Europe. :)

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  4. Lovely pics, I love the northern lights. I think Norway would be an amazing visit. And reindeer sledding- how fun!

    Congrats on two years!!

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    1. Thanks Greg! That was my first experience seeing the Northern Lights. They were so amazing.

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  5. Omgoodness Norway looks amazing! Yay for leaving the slumps - sometimes a much needed break is much needed : ) I've only been blogging for six months so your two year anniversary is super motivating. Congrats on the accomplishment!

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    1. Thanks so much Katie!! Congrats on starting your new blog! At six months, your blog is still a baby. :)

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  6. WAIT you got the book!? Amazon is still telling me it is en route bwhahahha. Well, YAY! Glad it arrived ;) Also, NORWAY. I need. Glad your slumps have passed too- holy crap, 17 books in one month!? You are a machine! I hope that December treats you well, and that you stay slump-free :D

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    1. Shannon, that is so funny that Amazon doesn't show I got it. They were super quick with delivery and I was so excited to get it. Thank you so much again! 17 books is definitely more what I am used to regarding my monthly reading and I really hope it stays that way.

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  7. Norway is so beautiful! You're so close to everything (you know, being in Europe and all).

    Happy reading, and Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Thanks Joy! That is one of the best things about living in Europe: it so much easier to travel to different cities!

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  8. Looks like it was a beautiful vacation! Happy December!

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  9. Norway is beautiful! Thanks for sharing photos. I love seeing the Northern Lights (I got to see them in Alaska as a child). I've never heard of The True Story of Hansel and Gretel before but I'll have to check it out.

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    1. Danielle, it really is. I swear, Norway is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. I would love to see Alaska. I bet seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska was beautiful!

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  10. historical fiction with WWI or WWII are always my faves *feels*

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  11. I never had considered Norway for a vacation destination before, but you might have just changed my mind! 😀

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