Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR
YASSS I LIVE FOR THESE LISTS. As usual, I cannot keep myself to the prescribed limits of this list. HOWEVER, I did way better than usual. Only one extra this time. Now, gimme all of them.
Fantasy Gems
Mar 1
Fantasy Gems
Today during my random, unplug-my-brain Goodreads trolling, I came across the list, The Best Epic Fantasy. (And let me tell you: At the top of this list, there are about 20 links to OTHER LISTS with MORE FANTASY BOOKS on them. I die.) Obviously, I clicked on it immediately. And immediately I flew headlong down a rabbit hole of fantasy novels, some I’d heard of, others I had not. This list has over 2,000 books on 28 pages. It made me feel like an utter newb in the most AMAZING WAY. Because look at all these books! Look at all the cheesy covers with He-Man knock-offs on them! *clicks furiously* *adds everything to TBR*
As I was adding books left and right, I thought, “You know, some of your Goodreads peeps know about these books, but lots of them don’t, and what if they love fantasy as much as you do? Maybe you should share some!” So that’s what we’re doing here. I did not even make it past page 1, FYI, so there’s more mining to be done! But these are the handful of finds that made me the most excited today. I can’t guarantee that these are all still in print, so keep your eyes peeled the next time you are at your local used book store (for me, this is The Book Barn, which is actually in Connecticut, but let’s move on).
Taming the Forest King | Claudia J. Edwards
The distant Forest Province had been torn apart by corruption and rebellion. On the direct orders of her king, Tevra, Colonel of the Light Cavalry, arrives in this strange land with instructions to restore order – at swordpoint, if need be.
Yet no steel blade can hold sway in a realm where shapes of death can be fashioned from the still of the air. And even the most ungodly works of the sorcerers pale before the mysterious powers of the Forest King himself – but is he Tevra’s ally, or her deadliest foe?
Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Dragonlance: Chronicles #1 | Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Lifelong friends, they went their separate ways. Now they are together again, though each holds secrets from the others in his heart. They speak of a world shadowed with rumors of war. They speak of tales of strange monsters, creatures of myth, creatures of legend. They do not speak of their secrets. Not then. Not until a chance encounter with a beautiful, sorrowful woman, who bears a magical crystal staff, draws the companions deeper into the shadows, forever changing their lives and shaping the fate of the world.
No one expected them to be heroes.
Least of all, them.
The Dragonbone Chair: Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn #1 | Tad Williams
Kitchen-boy Simon is bored, restless, and 14 years old – a dangerous combination. It seems, however, that his life has just taken a turn for the better when he’s apprenticed to his castle’s resident wizard. As Simon’s learning to read and write under Doctor Morgenes’ tutelage, forces greater than he could possibly imagine are gathering: forces which will change Simon’s life – and his world – forever.
Following the death of Good King John, Osten Ard is plunged into civil war as his sons battle for control of the fabled Dragonbone Chair – the country’s throne as well as the symbol of its power. Simon is forced to flee the only home he has ever known, a journey which will test him beyond his worst nightmares.
With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard and kicked off the beloved, internationally best-selling series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn.
Elric of Melniboné: Elric, #1 | Michael Moorcock
It is the colour of a bleached skull, his flesh; and the long hair that flows below his shoulders is milk-white. From the tapering, beautiful head stare two slanting eyes, crimson and moody….
He is Elric, Emperor of Melnibone, cursed with a keen and cynical intelligence, schooled in the art of sorcery — the hero of Michael Moorcock’s remarkable epic of conflict and adventure at the dawn of human history.
Green Rider: Green Rider #1 | Kristen Britain
On her long journey home from school after a fight which will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G’ladheon ponders her future as she trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. But her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves as a galloping horse bursts from the woods, the rider slumped over his mount’s neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young man lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan that he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king, and that he bears a “life and death” message for King Zachary. He begs Karigan to carry his message, warning her not to read it, and when she reluctantly agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to complete his mission “for love of country.” As he bestows upon her the golden winged-horse brooch which is the symbol of his office, he whispers on his dying breath, “Beware the shadow man…”
Karigan’s promise changes her life forever. Pursued by unknown assassins, following a path only her horse seems to know, and accompanied by the silent specter of the original messenger, she herself becomes a legendary Green Rider. Caught up in a world of deadly danger and complex magic, compelled by forces she cannot understand, Karigan is hounded by dark beings bent on seeing that the message, and its reluctant carrier, never reach their destination.
The Briar King: Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone #1 | Greg Keyes
Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creature roam the land–and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The king’s woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight–all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber. At the heart of this many-layered tale is Anne Dare, youngest daughter of the royal family…upon whom the fate of her world may depend.
The Diamond Throne / The Ruby Knight / The Sapphire Rose: The Elenium #1-3 | David Eddings
Now for the first time in one thrilling volume-the three magical novels that make up David Eddings’s epic fantasy The Elenium.
In an ancient kingdom, the legacy of one royal family hangs in the balance, and the fate of a queen-and her empire-lies on the shoulders of one knight.
Sparhawk, Knight and Queen’s Champion, has returned to Elenia after ten years of exile, only to find young Queen Ehlana trapped in a crystalline cocoon. The enchantments of the sorceress Sephrenia have kept the queen alive-but the spell is fading. In the meantime, Elenia is ruled by a prince regent, the puppet of the tyrannical Annias, who vows to seize power over all the land.
Now Sparhawk must find the legendary Bhelliom, a sapphire that holds the key to Ehlana’s cure. Sparhawk and his companions will face monstrous foes and evil creatures on their journey, but even greater dangers lie in wait: for dark legions will stop at nothing to reach the radiant stone, which may possess powers too deadly for any mortal to bear.
GUYS I CAN’T EVEN DEAL. There are still so many more. Have you read any of these? Are they good? What great epic fantasies am I missing? (I do have a TON on my TBR already.) These few are ones that I’ve never heard of before, although I have heard of a few of the authors. I can’t WAIT to dive back into this list and see what’s waiting on page 2.
Leave any of your findings or suggestions or thoughts in the comments!
(PS. Forgive the sometimes-wonky formatting. It’s nearly past my bedtime.)
Book Review | The Impostor Queen | Sarah Fine
Feb 15
I received this book for free from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine Series: The Impostor Queen #1
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on January 5, 2016
Genres: Fantasy YA, Magic, Young Adult
Pages: 432
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher via Edelweiss
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.
But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.
Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.
Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Most Romantic Scenes
Feb 9
Top Ten Most Romantic Scenes
I’m excited about this topic, guys. We all love a great romance in our books (I’m assuming), but more often than not, what makes those romances so great are specific moments that really punch our feels in the face. With that, I’ve compiled a list of ten of my favorite feels punchers–my favorite swoony moments from some of my favorite romances. Sometimes I point it out specifically, and other times there are too many for me to point a finger at. You’ll see. 
Anna and Etienne from ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS have lots of swoony moments, not all of them big, dramatic declarations, although the scene at the Eiffel Tower at the end is just that, and it’s PERFECT. I always got little butterflies when Etienne gives her the little figurines, and when they spend all of winter break emailing and talking on the phone, and OF COURSE, that kiss in the park. 
Have you guys read NIGHT OF CAKE AND PUPPETS, the Daughter of Smoke and Bone novella? OMG YOU MUST. It’s the absolute PERFECT thing to read for Valentine’s Day. Zuzana and Mik might be one of my favorite couples, which is saying a lot because they aren’t even the main pair in that story. But SIGHSWOON, they’re adorably sweet all the time, and no more so than in the novella that recounts the night of their first date. There’s romance on literally every page. 
THESE TWOOOO. I die just thinking about them and their passionate, vital romance. There’s something really enchanting about Lennie’s poems about Joe–the language is just UNNGGGGHHH. And when Joe composes that clarinet piece for Lennie? Shows up and her house with his brothers to help them cleanse the negativity? When Lennie destroys her grandmother’s flowers and gives them to Joe, hoping that they are magic? Like, I can’t. THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE kills me. 
To be honest, my favorite romantic thing about these two is something that I don’t want to share because it’s sort of spoiler, but it’s one a many reasons that Sky and Josh have some of my favorite swoony moments in I’LL MEET YOU THERE. I’m especially fond of the gift Sky gives Josh near the end. It’s so thoughtful and comes from so much love, and I just adored it. 
One of my favorite adult contemporary reads is TRULY by Ruthie Knox. If you are a fan of that genre and haven’t read this book, I can’t push it on you enough. There is sex in this book and it’s pretty hot, but what always really got me about these two was the day they spend traveling around NYC together–they go to parks, weird monuments, art installations, and a beer garden. It’s wonderfully random and so THEM, and it’s just one of those times when you understand that people are meant to be together. 
Sorry, I can’t hear you guys over Khalid’s whispering about how he loves the way Shazi’s hair smells. I’m also distracted by him playing with bracelets on her wrist and calling her a plague that he begs to destroy him. *gulps* 
THIS SCENE. Ok, so by now I’m assuming that everyone knows of my adoration of THE SCORPIO RACES. The book as a whole is magic, and the relationship between Sean and Puck is vital to it but it’s also not the whole thing by a long shot. When Sean lets Puck ride Corr with him and they’re just blazing across the grass in the dark, and he tucks her ponytail into her collar? Can’t.
Literally I’m struck dumb by this line. There’s nothing epic about it, but it’s still such a strong statement. Nah mean? Sean isn’t really one for lots of words, but he makes the most of the ones he does use. 
This scene from ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER has stuck with me ever since I read the book for the first time (I’ve reread it twice since) because it’s just really sensual. They. Paint. Each. Other’s. Bodies. GAH.
I cannot have a list about favorite couples, best romance, favorite swoony moments, without including Jamie and Claire Fraser somewhere. For me, the most indelible moment of their incredible relationship is their wedding night. Yeah, there’s sexytimes. But there’s also lots of talking and nerves and thoughtfulness. When I first read OUTLANDER, this is the part that pushed me over the cliff of completely falling for Jamie Fraser.
What are some of YOUR favorite romantic moments from books?
Nookish No. 6 | Snow Day Nook
Feb 5
It’s been a while since I got a Nookish out into the world, but I’m REALLY excited for this nook. Because LOOK AT THIS THING. I NEED IT. Does ANYONE not want to spend a snow day reading on this chair. I want to spend every day in this chair, lounging on these pillows, all bundled up. I’ve literally just spent 10 minutes trying to find this chair or something like it. Until I find it, I’m just going to stare at this picture and daydream. It’s the PERFECT place to read these books, especially because I find that, for me, snowy weather outside makes me crave books that are snowy too.
BREADCRUMBS by ANNE URSU This is a really great MG that involves the Ice Queen, so there’s plenty of snowy landscapes. But what I loved about this book is the characters and the heart. It’s really a story about friendships and childhood and outgrowing things.
DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST by JULIET MARILLIER Snow days are perfect days to curl up and and just GET INTO a book. Really immerse yourself. DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST is an excellent book for this. Mystical and gorgeous.
ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS by NEIL GAIMAN If your goal during a snow day is to read as many books as possible, you’d be well advised to start here. It’s about Norse gods and a permanent winter and a boy named Odd, and it’s so quick.
What are some of your favorite snow day reads?
Waiting on Wednesday | The Progeny
Feb 3
The Progeny: Descendants of the Blood Countess #1 • Tosca Lee
New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee brings a modern twist to an ancient mystery surrounding the most notorious female serial killer of all time. A fast-paced thriller for fans of Ted Dekker’s The Books of Mortals, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, and BBC America’s hit series Orphan Black.
Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.
She’s on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.
Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants. A story about the search for self filled with centuries-old intrigues against the backdrop of atrocity and hope.
I first saw this title at ALA and was like O_O. In truth, Elizabeth Bathory is Alyssa’s GIRL, but I’m completely fascinated by her, especially in the context of THE PROGENY. HELLOO, “secret underground” and “three ancient orders”! I DIE from these. I looove this generation-spanning mysteries. And legit? I am not put off one bit about that comparison to THE DA VINCI CODE because, call me whatever name you want, but I loved that book.
THE PROGENY: DESCENDANTS OF THE BLOOD COUNTESS #1 comes out May 24, 2016 from Howard Books
Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Historical Settings I Love
Feb 2
Top Ten Historical Settings I Love (Plus a Few That I Want to See More)
GUYSSSS I love this topic! I love historical fiction, although I read less of it nowadays than I like. I was history minor (major for my first two years) in college, so I have an immense soft spot for it. My favorites, as you’ll see shortly, are largely pre-WWI. I’m not a big fan of history that people could see on the news, with one exception. But I geek out HARD for all of these time periods and would read more books set in each one.
Settings That I Love
Colonial America is life. My number 1, ride-or-die historical period. Love everything about it. EVERYTHING. 
The DRAMA in Venice is outstanding. It’s all just a little bit seedy, and that’s really appealing to me. Sex, scandal, murder, secrets. SIGH. 
I love reading about Native American cultures in their heyday before America was colonized. I haven’t come across all that many books set in these cultures, but the few I have read were very good. 
Ever since I first read LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS, I’ve been infatuated with pioneer life. Between that and the Kirsten American Girl books hooked me.
This one is less for the actual battles than for the society and culture. Soooo many things happening in America, all of it fascinating. 
One of my history professors in college specialized in French history and listening to her talk about it really got me into it. The mess, the death, the murder of the king, the fear, the politics. I’m a nerd for that stuff. 
Mostly thanks to OUTLANDER and Braveheart, honestly. But all the things about this. 
Do you guys watch the TV show Vikings? It’s AMAZING. I was captivated by them long before the show came out, so I’ll read about this culture and their gods anytime. 
Nothing like a little Tara to scratch my mystical historical itches. I especially love this setting in Juliet Marillier’s books. Not historical fiction primarily, but the setting is still fascinating. Druids, guys. Druids. 
Ahh, yes, the setting of all of my favorite historical romances. I love all the things about it. The propriety of calling cards and dances and carriage rides. I’m sure that not every single person in that time was as witty as they appear in the books I read, but I like to pretend.
Gimme More
So this is basically the only modern historical period that I find really interesting. This is partly because of some TV shows that I watched when I was younger: The Wonder Years, which took place during the war in the beginning, and China Beach, a show that I didn’t necessarily watch but my mom did, and I’d sneak downstairs after my bedtime to see it. The culture of this time is what really attracts me. 
I’ve been OBSESSED with the Romanovs since high school. The conspiracy theories surrounding their murder, the movie Anastasia, the fact that they’re all GORGEOUS, the creepiness of Rasputin, it all hooks me right in. I need more of this.
Basically the French version of Regency England. I’ll sign up for that.
DURRRRR, King Arthur and his knights? I love this, and I’d love more of it.
Pilgrims, or early American settlers, like the colony of Roanoke. OMG THAT.
My favorite time period needs some YA representation BIG TIME. Authors? Please?
Yes, more of pioneers too. Give me some covered wagons and some prairies, and I’ll be all over it
Book Review | Passenger | Alexandra Bracken
Feb 1
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken Series: Passenger #1
Published by Disney Hyperion on January 5, 2016
Genres: Historical Fiction, Time Travel, Young Adult
Pages: 496
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher via NetGalley
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.
Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.
Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever.
Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I’ve Recently Added to my TBR
Jan 19
Top Ten Books I’ve Recently Added to my TBR
This is fun, you guys! I’m excited about all of these books I’ve just added to my TBR–obviously, since I just added them to my TBR. I’m also excited because some of them are new releases or pending releases, but there are some older titles on here as well that I’m looking forward to.
So this thriller sounds pretty good. I was lucky enough to snag an ARC at ALAMW last weekend, and I’m digging the mysterious past and the death row and the secrets.
Only thing you need to know about this upcoming first novel in a new fantasy series called Clash of Kingdoms: One of the posts I saw in my feed when I added it to my TBR was a gif of Merida shooting an arrow. Couldn’t add it fast enough. Merida is my GIRL.
This just sounds so adorable! A girl wants to get over her ex-boyfriend by kissing 26 boys over the summer, each with a name starting with one of the letters of the alphabet. What’s the over-under on this? Where are we betting she stops? D? M? Do we think she makes it to Z? (I don’t.) I can’t wait to find out. 
I’ve never read any books by Patricia Briggs, although I have a few of her books on my TBR (from a different series). THIS one, though. Dragons? And I love the name of the series: Hurog. Sounds like a badass dragon name. 
Lots of awesome-sounding fantasies recently added to my TBR! Including this first book in the Rowankind series. I love the woodsy/forest vibe from the title and the series name, but what I love more? The alternate history of Napoleonic Britain, where magic is outlawed, and the story of a lady pirate who dresses like a man. I’m done. 
Book one in Descendants of the Blood Countess series, this book jumps right out at me for a number of reasons: One, Blood Countess = Elizabeth Bathory. My girl Alyssa LOVES her. She’s widely believed to be the first female serial killer. Two, the synopsis talks about “ancient orders.” I love those. Really excited for this one. 
OMG I LOVE ELLE KENNEDY. I’ve reread books 1 and 2 in her Off Campus series multiple times, and I just devoured book 3. I CANNOT WAIT to read about Tuck. I also really hope that she keeps going after these original four guys. I love hockey and I love the way she writes. 
I’ve still never read Jodi Meadows’ Incarnate series, but I did REALLY enjoy THE ORPHAN QUEEN and am anticipating THE MIRROR KING A LOT. This new series talks about dragon smuggling. I’m not sure what else will be going on, but that’s all I need to hear, really.
The first thing I thought of when I read the synopsis for this book was the Knights Templar. Except the people in this book aren’t knights. They’re mercenaries. But they’re being hunted and killed off, and I WANT TO KNOW WHY.
I’m very intrigued by this book. The cover is GORGEOUS, but I’m also really interested in a few things: what the title means, how the individual stories link up, and what living in Alaska was like in the 1970s. It sounds like one of those quiet books, so I might have to be in the right mood for it, but I added it to my TBR for sure.
On the Same Page Secret Sister Project: Round 4 Sign-Ups!
Jan 16
On the Same Page Secret Sister Project: Round 4
I cannot believe that it is already time for round FOUR of #OTSPSECRETSISTER!!
Let’s first get some housekeeping things out of the way…
The two most important things to do before signing up to be a part of this project are:
- Head over to the google form which coincides with your monetary tier and fill it out in full. NOTE: IF YOU FORGET TO DO THIS THEN YOU WILL NOT BE PAIRED. THIS IS LITERALLY WHAT WE ARE USING TO PAIR YOU UP, IF YOU AREN’T ON THE FORM, WE CAN NOT PAIR YOU.
- BEFORE scrolling down to the questions, and BEFORE signing up to be a part of this project please THOROUGHLY read our FAQ and Rules post. Memorize the rules and refer back to them throughout the project. We are going to have to put more strict standards in place this round and therefore there is little leeway for tolerance of people not abiding the “rules.”
Just to cover all of our bases let me reiterate a few things, but please keep in mind that this is just a basic glossing over of these rules, we go more in detail and clarify everything in the main post that we are asking you to reference.
First, please remember that this is a commitment. By signing up to be a secret sister you are promising to send at least one small card AND/OR gift to your secret sister a month depending on the “monetary group” you sign up for. IN ADDITION to this, you are also asked to send letters and or/postcards to foster positive communication. Many people asked for their to be an emphasis on the pen pal aspects of this project and we have been working hard to remind everyone that it’s not about the gifts, and this seems like the perfect way to do so. It is very important that you don’t sign up for this unless you are willing to follow through. Please think of how sad (and unfair) it would be for someone to be working hard to make their secret sister feel special and not receive anything themselves!
Last thing, sign-ups run from January 16 to midnight on January 29!
The Rules:
- You must “know” one of the hosts in order to join!
- You must be 18 or older to participate in The Secret Sister Project
- You must actively use the hashtag #OTSPSecretSister during your time participating in The Secret Sister Project.
- If we have to reach out to you more than once to ask if you why your sister hasn’t yet received anything then you will be asked to cease in participating.
- If we contact you and ask if you sent something to your sister and you say yes but are unable to provide tracking for the package then you will be asked to cease in participating.
- If you have not received anything by the end of the month then YOU must contact US.
- If for any reason you find that you have to drop out of this project, please email us immediately.
- You will be asked to provide the name and contact info (email addresses, please) of a “buddy” who will be willing to answer questions put forth by your sister. We are asking that you keep this to someone who is in the community and therefore will be easy to contact. Husbands/moms/sisters are not easy or comfortable to contact.*Stop stressing out about this. This person will be available to ask you questions from your sister, or let you know to check your mail. It is not necessary for this person to know you inside and out, just that they have the ability to be contacted, and to contact you when your sister has a question. Additionally, do not bog this person down with incessant questions, use your best judgement when possible and get creative!
- Below, you will be asked to provide a Goodreads or Amazon wish list with 20 or more books including newer and older titles that is specific to The Secret Sister Project. *Do not share this list with anyone else!
- You must answer ALL of the questions put forth in the sign-up email as well as be detailed and thorough. We will absolutely be sending emails back to you that we deem “incomplete.”
- Keep in mind that this round will have more emphasis on the pen pal aspect. Meaning that if you have signed up for one of the higher price ranges, you should still send a letter here or there to your sister.
- Do not tweet or use the hashtag to ask for specific and/or luxurious items.
- Do not tweet negativity while using the hashtag.
- ARCs DO NOT count towards your monetary limit, but you may include them in your packages.
- Do not send packages directly from Amazon
I cannot say this enough times, read and re-read our FAQ and Rules post. If you do not abide by the rules, you will no longer be allowed to participate.
Okay, now we can move on to the fun stuff!
So how do I sign up?
It’s easy! Just answer every question in the questionnaire below and email it over to onthesamepagesecretsister@gmail.com by midnight on January 29! ALSO In addition to the questionnaire, you will also be asked to answer a few questions for a Google form. PLEASE NOTE: If you do not fill out BOTH of these things in full, then you will NOT be paired. The Google form is NEW this round, but it is what we will be using to pair, so DO NOT FORGET. Please remember to thoroughly answer each and every question, and keep in mind that there is no such thing as saying “too much!” We will send back any unfinished questionnaires, so be as thorough and detailed as you can! If you need some help filling this out, head back over to last round’s FAQ and Rules post and check out the example we provided!
For those of you wishing to join the Pen Pal Tier ONLY: please still fill out the questionnaire in full with the exception of your wish lists. The questions will be a good way for us to pair you up with someone, and for your pen pal to get to know you.
International participants: Please use this Google form to sign up instead of one coinciding with the tiers. There will be a place for you to fill out your preference of which tier you would like to belong but we can not guarantee this. Due to international participation being low, we may have to put you all into the same tier, which will most likely be chosen by the majority vote, in order to ensure that you all get a match!
Here we go!
Name:
Mailing Address:
Is the above address a residence/PO Box/Condo/place of employment: (*As in, will your mail get to you when the tracking says delivered, or will you need to wait to get to the mailbox/mailroom?)
Email Address:
Blog:
Twitter Name:
Did you participate in one of the prior rounds of the Secret Sister Project? If yes, which round?
If yes, please provide us with the names of your former sisters (those you gave to, and received from – it is okay if you don’t yet know who is sending to you this round):
How much are you willing to contribute to the project monthly? Choose one (NOTE: this is just a range, you can of course go over the limit but please keep the pen pal aspect in mind, and please remember that is about cheer and not just gifts.)
- Pen pals: That’s right, this is strictly letters and cards. No trinkets, no extras, nothing besides letters. If you want to send ANYTHING more than a letter or a card every month then we ask that you sign up for one of the higher monetary tiers. *IF YOU ARE CHOOSING THE PEN PAL TIER THEN CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT YOUR GOOGLE FORM
- $5-$10: (Send a heartfelt letter to catch your sister up on how things are going that month and then send an e-book, baked goods, homemade bookmark or other DIY project, or how about a movie night box with a DVD (thanks to the $5 bin at Walmart) and some candy for a movie night!) *IF YOU ARE CHOOSING THE $5-$10 TIER THEN CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT YOUR GOOGLE FORM.
- $15-$20 (Any of the possibilities listed above and perhaps a newer hardcover from your sister’s wish-list, some fun socks, fandom tshirt, themed box, get creative!!) *IF YOU ARE CHOOSING THE $15-$20 TIER THEN CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT YOUR GOOGLE FORM
- $25+ (The sky’s the limit here, we just ask that you remember to reign it in a bit and remember the goal of this project is for cheer, and joy and forging positive relationships, not excessive gifts. Send those heartfelt letters!!) *IF YOU ARE CHOOSING THE $25+ TIER THEN CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT YOUR GOOGLE FORM
Your OTSPSecretSister “buddy’s” Twitter or email: (*We are asking that you keep this to someone who is in the community and therefore will be easy to contact. Husbands/moms/sisters are not easy or comfortable to contact. This person will be available to ask you questions put forth by your sister, or let you know to check your mail. It is not necessary for this person to know you inside and out, just that they have the ability to be contacted, and to contact you when your sister has a question. Do NOT bog this person down with incessant questions, use your best judgement when possible and get creative!)
Goodreads Profile (*so that they can access your wishlists! Make sure to turn off the privacy setting & try and keep it updated!):
Goodreads/Amazon bookish wishlist: (*must have at least 20 titles of older and newer titles, please try not to purchase any books off of this wishlist and if you do please let your sister know via your buddy or one of us. Do not give anyone else access to this list. Not parents, husbands, friends, co-workers, secret santas…NO ONE. If you do not want to share a wishlist by making it public, you may list the books here instead.)
“Other” wishlist: (*Keep these within reason for prices, etc! Please do not include pricey things, this is more for places like Etsy or for cheap DVDs on Amazon, and so on!)
Important Dates to Remember (*This can be anything and everything! Your birthday, the day you are expecting your baby, the day you are leaving for your next vacation, your anniversary with your partner, a big test you have coming up, the first day at your new job, the anniversary of the day you quit smoking, even a sad anniversary that you would like to be cheered up on!):
Food Allergies:
Fandoms:
Your Likes (*Give us an array of things here! Types of snacks, TV shows, movies, bands/types of music, art):
Your Dislikes (*Example: chocolate covered cherries, anything cinnamon flavored, the color brown):
Do you have a favorite store?:
Are you okay receiving a gift card? If so, to where?
Would you be comfortable receiving baked goods of some kind?
What Do You Splurge On?:
Favorite Flowers:
Favorite Color?:
Favorite (or least favorite) smells: (*for things such as candles, soaps, bath bombs/bubbles, perfumes)
Do You Collect Anything?:
Do You Drink Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate?:
Do You Have an E-reader?:
Would you be okay being gifted an ebook? If so, please provide the email associated with your e-reader:
List some of your favorite genres or authors:
Are there any authors or genres that you won’t read?
T-shirt size:
Hogwarts House:
Favorite Disney movie and/or princess:
Any magazine that you wish you had a subscription to?
Anything else we should know about you? (*Be thorough here! There is no such thing as “saying too much,” the more your “secret sister” knows, the easier it is to spoil you!)
Third and final reminder that you MUST also fill out a Google spreadsheet which coincides with your monetary tier. Links can be found above, do not forget, or you WILL NOT be paired!!
As always, please remember that you can always reach out to us with any inquiries or issues, that is what we are here for! Use the #OTSPSecretSister hashtag to talk with us and your fellow sisters! Thank you for helping us continue to spread positivity and cheer throughout our little community!
