Although it’s been a bumpy road full of tough decisions and general drama, this past year has been one of the most enjoyable years of my life. Being able to share my thoughts and opinions on wonderful and unfortunately, some not-so-wonderful books with other avid readers such as myself, has been so freeing and fun!

Since the beginning of January (2012) I’ve read approximately 111 books,  79 of which were reviewed. Wow! And to think that before blogging, I’d never even contemplated “reviewing” a book. Sure, when I came across Amazon and/or B&N, I saw reviews for various books I was interested in reading, but to tell you the truth, I always thought that they were from professional reviewers. I had no idea that book bloggers even existed. Heck! I didn’t even fully understand “blogging” in general at first.

One of the most amazing parts about book blogging that I’ve discovered this past year is the fact that your voice is really heard whether it’s fellow bloggers responding to a review you’ve written or even the publisher/author. I can’t even begin describe how warm and wonderful it felt the first time when an author, having read my review, told me that I really “got” the message or messages they were trying to express in their novel. Or how great it felt in general when an author just said thanks for taking the time to read and review their novel. I’ve come to realize that bloggers and authors really work hand-in-hand by first forming mutual respect and then in some cases, friendship.

This past year has been quite the journey, one that I couldn’t have made without the support of some truly amazing bloggers. Although there are many other great friends I’ve made in this past year, the few I’ve mentioned below are the ones who’ve profoundly made a difference in my blogging experience so far.

Amy @ Book Loving Mom: Seriously, this girl is like my jedi-master, my Yoda. I met her (in person) through another friend a little over a year ago. Not only have we been great friends since then, she also was the first to explain what-the-heck book blogging was. I was so lost in the beginning, and whenever I had any questions I went right to her. I’m sure I bombarded her with quite a lot of questions. Not only has she been a constant pillar of support, she’s also introduced me to a lot of fabulous books like Everneath!

Andrea @ The Bookish Babe: Andrea was the second blogger whom I really connected with. In the beginning, besides Amy, Andrea’s opinion on books was one that I fully trusted. She really helped me branch out of my (paranormal) comfort zone. Without her crazy-convincing reviews I never would have given contemporaries, like A Midsummer’s Nightmare a chance.

Krista & Becca @ Nawanda Files: Whether it’s discussing awesome books, book-to-movie/TV show adaptions or just The CW, I’ve had a fabulous time chatting and getting to know these girls. The three of us have some very similar tastes when it comes to books and TV. I also highly trust their opinion on a lot of books. *Krista doesn’t know it yet… well she didn’t LOL, but I ordered My Life Next Door because she convinced me to read it*

Like I said, there’s been many other wonderful bloggers such as Bailey @ Novel Nerd, Liz @ The Lost Dragonfly Chronicles and Allison @ Abibliophobic.

Phew! SO. Now to the giveaway part!!! Because I’m so grateful for the wonderful year I’ve had, with the great people I’ve met and the fab books I’ve read, I’m hosting an INTERNATIONAL (book depository delivering countries) Giveaway. There will be TWO winners who will get to choose one of the books listed below. I’ve compiled a list of the tops books I’ve read in the past year. They are all ones that I highly recommend. If you’re not familiar with them, by clicking on the cover you will be taken to Goodreads.

The first entry is free! Then you have a couple other ways of entering as well. By displaying the button below on your blog you can also earn an extra entry.


Please note: Whoever the winners turn out to be, they will A. be checked out to make sure their following through with whatever way they entered and B. have 48 hours to respond back to my initial email asking which book they would like to receive/their address. 
 


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