Happy November, friends! This year’s almost over. Thankfully.
October has been a little bit of a mixed month, filled with some wonderful moments of happiness and other, well, not so much.
On the bright side, October was my birthday month! I feel so, so lucky for all of the wonderful birthday wishes from everyone in the bookish community and for all the love I felt and really, I can’t thank you enough.
I feel even luckier to have the best sister on earth gifting me with such a lovely little getaway on my birthday weekend. We had a great time exploring and it was a nice parenthesis during the month, as well.
This month ending and November starting brings on another set of challenges, seasonal depression’s back to kick my ass every day and the world still sucks at present, so. Take care of yourselves, friends.
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER ☂️ I loved this book so much?? The anxiety rep was on point for me, the childhood friends to lovers trope was wonderful and I just had such a great time reading this one.
ONE TRUE LOVES☂️ I really love the author’s books and words and she has such unique stories to tell, every time. ONE TRUE LOVES surprised me and made me emotional and 200% recommending this.
A REAPER AT THE GATES ☂️ It took me a little while to get into this one, unfortunately, but once I was… well. Everything was terrifying and I just want to know what happens next while being terrified of it, too??
HEIRESS APPARENTLY ☂️ This was such a fun read, I devoured it. I loved the family aspect, the secrets people keep and loved the main character’s growth so much.
THE NANNY ☂️ This was an entertaining read overall, if a bit long (over 500 pages!) for a contemporary read.
Goodreads challenge: 52/60 books!
Year of the Asian Reading Challenge: 8/10!
I haven’t focused on my writing AT A L L in October and, while I despise myself deeply for this when I want to make writing a priority, I know, with everything happening this month, personally, with the blog relaunch, with the world and my mental health, I just. Well. I need to cut myself some slack?
As I’m writing this, I don’t officially plan on joining NaNoWriMo because it seems like a lot. What I do plan to do is, hopefully, to focus a little more on my writing again because I want to and need to and someone push me please.
Words written in October: 0
It felt both good and strange to be back to blogging after this month’s break in October. I both feel exhilarated about the blog, about the endless possibilities and everything I can and want to, creatively, do and… exhausted by the prospect of it all with everything else happening on the side and the world and just *sigh*.
I already skipped an usual posting day and didn’t kick myself too hard for it, though, so that’s a win?
I also haven’t had as much time or taken it to blog hop and check out some new blogs, so I’ve been feeling a little bad about that… but I also know that I need to keep on learning that I just can’t do it all, no matter how much I want to.
I also know I need to do less, because I still feel the sting of burn-out that isn’t too far away, just yet.
That being said, I’m hoping in the next months to follow up on my wish to boost book bloggers as much as I can and am, personally, taking some tiny steps to do more with this little platform of mine… while taking it slow, too and just try and enjoy myself.
On the blog this month
If you enjoy my work, you can support me on ko-fi right here if you wish to. I also happen to have an Amazon wishlist. Thank you for supporting my work, this means the world!!
Like I said before, I unfortunately didn’t take as much time as usual to read blog posts and to interact with them, with everything else happening I didn’t have much time. I also didn’t want to force myself where my heart wasn’t in it.
I’m hoping that next month will be better and I’m sorry. I hope you all know you’re doing a fabulous work overall.
- Mel @ Cotton Candy Book Witch wrote about why people think book bloggers shouldn’t get paid and it’s such a great read.
- Lauren @ Love Yo Shelf wrote about being a new book blogger and 6 things learned and I LOVE THIS post.
- Clo @ Cuppa Clo shared why you should be thriving for quality content over quantity.
- Caro @ Book Cheshire Cat celebrated 3 years of blogging and shared some great resources!
- Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea the queen of book blogging’s at it again with her post helping you get followers on your blog.
- Kate @ Your Tita Kate shared how she writes book reviews in a very helpful post!
How was your September? What were your favorite reads of this month? Give me all the recommendations!
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I cannot wait to read One Way or Another. It sounds like the holiday-themed book I need in my life!!
Ah it’s such a wonderful holiday read, I hope you’ll love it, Kristin! 😀
I’m excited to read One Way or Another, I’m glad you liked it! I’ll check out your other posts from this month.
Oh thank you! I hope you will love it 🙂
This is such a great post! I always enjoy your wrap ups 😊
Oh thank you so much!! 🙂
What a good wrap-up! In October, I read Majesty! and really liked it ( despite the fact that it doesn’t have good reviews…). Heiress Apparently looks so good!
Oh thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed Majesty overall! And yes! Heiress Apparently is SUCH a great read, I can’t wait for you to read it. Hope you’ll love it 🙂
Happy late birthday, Marie!! So glad you were able to have a nice getaway to celebrate 😊
I completely understand being exhausted by the world right now 😞 What’s more important right now than productivity or anything else is taking care of yourself!! I hope things start getting a little better in the world so we can all breath easier 🤞
Happy November – I hope it’s full of wonderful things! 💕
Thank you so, so much, Margaret <3 It's so hard to just be lately and it's even worse with self-care haha, but thank you. Let's hope for the best <3 I hope November will be kind to you! <3
Lovely wrap-up! Birthday month always turn out better. My favourite book in October was Unravel The Dusk.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you loved that sequel, I need to read it soon! 🙂
I have ONE WAY OR ANOTHER on my tbr, and the HEIRESS APPARENTLY and THE NANNY look cute, will have to check it out. Also I have THE TRUTH PROJECT as one of my next audiobooks already queued up.
~ Corina | TheBrownEyedBookworm.com
Ahh yay, I hope you’ll love them all!
Thank you so much for stopping by <3
October was a mixed bag overall for me as well. Despite already being in a lockal lockdown, Wales is in the middle of a nation-wide lockdown and while I’m happy to do my part to control the spread of the virus and stay safe, I am desperate for a change of scenery. My blog hopping has not been the best either, but I try not to beat myself up about it too much. One Way or Another sounds like a brilliant book. Hopefully, November is kind to you. 😀
I understand that so much. The state of the world just.. depresses me, I don’t even want to talk about it and try to think about it even less. Even if it’s hard ahah.
I hope you’ll get a chance to read One Way or Another, it’s such a lovely book <3
Thank you so, so much, Lois. Take care of yourself <3
Happy post-birthday month! I hope you’re doing well, with all that’s going on and some other things you might be dealing with mentally. Everybody needs a break, you know? I always feel bad when I fail to blog hop and leave comments but it’s okay. We all work at different paces in life. Please take care of yourself and happy reading! 🙂 And good luck with your writing if you choose to do some this month!
Thank you so much, Azia! <3
That's what I'm trying to tell myself, yes, everybody needs breaks and I just need to find my pace again. I can't help but feel a bit guilty about it, but well. Thank you for your sweet words, really, they help a lot <3
I hope you'll have a wonderful month, take care of yourself! <3
It was definitely a full month for you! Your birthday location looks dreamy! 😀
Oh thank you so much, it really was! <3
Yay for you birthday month! It was nice seeing all of your photos over on Instagram and I’m glad you were able to have a nice little getaway for your birthday with your sister. I really need to read more of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books, they all sound so good. I hope you have a great November and I hope the seasonal depression won’t be too bad. *hugs* <3
Thank you so, so much, Ashley <3 I hope you can read some of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books soon, they're all really amazing <3
Thank you! I hope November will be kind to you <3
Happy belated birthday!!
I really want to read Heiress Apparently, it seems to be a great light book to read in one go so I can’t wait till it comes out to pick it up. I’d really like to read An Ember In The Ashes series but it seems to be a bit slow!
I feel you on the not making progress with writing, I really wanted to participate on nano this month but i didn’t have any prep as October went by in a blink.
And how good it is to know you came back from your blogging break! You always deliver amazing content so I can’t wait to see what you’ll post next❤
Thank you so, so much Cielo <3
I hope you'll love Heiress Apparently, it was such a fun, entertaining read overall!
Same here. It's so hard to find the right balance between everything, but I hope we can eventually. <3
Oh you're so, so sweet, thank you so much, this really means the world 🥺🥺
Ooh I absolutely agree with your thought on Reaper cause I finished it last week and I’m NOT okay. Like how have people been waiting over a year for the last book???
I’m not participating in NaNo either, partly because I know uni will leave me with zero time plus I’ve realised writing a first draft that fast isn’t really my thing.
I have no idea ahah, I don’t know how the author always manages to leave us like emotional messes. I’m not okay with that haha.
Oh I understand! It’s good that you know what you can and can’t do and I hope that uni will treat you kindly this month, Charvi. Take care of yourself always 🥺
a reaper at the gates is SO intense lol! hope your november is amazing💜🖤
It is WAY TOO INTENSE ahah I’m still emotionally wrecked!
Thank you, I hope you’ll have a lovely month <3
Oh, I’m joining NaNoWriMo but I’m also looking for writing buddies who can give all the tough love to each other, basically holding accountable and having fun discussions, so if you ever want to be one, I need more writer friends too! <3
Oh all the best of luck for NaNo, I hope you’ll love the experience! And oh yes! I’d love to be writing buddies so, so much, if you’ll have me? 🥺🥺
Happy birthday month! I’m glad you got to do something nice for it and go on a little getaway.
I hope you have a good November!
Thank you so much, Laura! I hope you’ll have a lovely month, as well <3
Eeek thank you so much for sharing my post Marie! I’ve been out of my reading game for months at this point, I finished reading a book called Moonology which focuses on working with the moons magic but other than that…nothing. I still need to finish The Bone Witch as well as Harley in the Sky but it’s been a struggle for me to make myself sit and actually read 🙁 I hope you have a wonderful November lovely, sending you all the love and sunshine to chase away any dark clouds <3
Of course, your post is fantastic, Clo, you always deliver such great content! 🥺
I’m sorry you’ve been struggling with reading lately, I really hope this will pass soon <3 Thank you so, so much, sending you all the love right back <3
I also wanna read Sabaa Tahir’s books. Have heard so much about them. 😍
Ahh they’re fantastic, she’s such a great writer. I hope you’ll get a chance to read them! 😀
I feel you on the blog hopping! I try my best but I just can’t do enough with the limited time I have. It’s good to hear you had a nice birthday and that you’re looking out for yourself! Self-care is important, especially in times like these. 🙂 I hope your November will be amazing!
Agree, I just need a thousand more hours every day to do it all. It’s so frustrating sometimes, but… we can only do our best, I guess <3
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words, take care of yourself! <3
Glad you got to go on a birthday getaway! So fun! I’m planning on reading One Way or Another this month!
Thank you so much, Angela! I hope you’ll love it as much as I did! 🙂
I’m so glad that you are back, Marie. I hope you had an amazing birthday!!
It has also been very hard for me to blog hop and interact lately. I took a blogging hiatus this month and it was really hard for me to get in the mood to read posts and comment. I think we are all waiting for this year to be over, or to at least get a break from the insanity and stress of this year.
I hope you have a wonderful November no matter how productive you are in reading, writing, or blogging!!
Thank you so much!! <3
It's been really tough to really get into it like before and it's making me sad, but well. All we can do is our best and hope that the little spark of motivation will come back to us soon <3
Thank you so much, love, take care of yourself! <3
Happy belated birthday! We feel like October birthday make up half of the book blogging community, hahaha.
Is that a new Jenkins title, I hadn’t seen it! Love that it was good anxiety rep.
Thank you so much, Amber! It has been a birthday-filled month haha 🙂
I hope you’ll give that Jenkins’ book a try, it was so good. I love everything she writes so much!
Wonderful wrap-up, Marie. I’m so glad you had a nice birthday weekend! Have a great November and good with your writing!
Thank you so much, Stephen! I hope November will be kind to you <3
I’m so happy to hear that you had moments that helped move the month along for you!! Always wishing you the best as you get through these darker, colder months <3 Yay for knowing you needed to take a break and following through with that!! xx
Thank you so, so much Macey <3 I hope November has been kind to you so far <3
So excited to hear that you loved One Way or Another! My library actually got the e-book, and I immediately thought of you 💕 I hope to read the book in December as it feels appropriate ❄ I’m also not joining NaNo as I’m super busy with my new semester, but I hope to at least do something writing related. I also feel you about blogging, ever since I moved I’ve been so busy with all the new impressions that I kind of freaked out a bit when I didn’t do much blogging … despite having intentionally taken a hiatus 😅 Also thank you so much for featuring my post!! 💗
Ahh yay! I can’t wait for you to read it, Caro, I really hope you’ll end up loving it as much as I did.
Wishing you all the best of luck for your new semester! Sometimes we can’t just do it all and it’s okay, it just feels… strange when we can’t blog like usual, it’s like something’s missing ahah 🙂
Take care! <3
I’m glad you took it easy and didn’t do too much during the month of october! I’ve been taking it much easier this month. With the election last week, I was the complete opposite of productive. I’m easing back into it this week. I actually got a video going up this weekend, so that’s already a lot more productive than last week. I’m going to see if I type up some type of post this week. I hope you’re having a wonderful November so far 🙂 xx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Oh thank you, Melina. I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels like I haven’t been too productive, either… I hope it can change, but I also know I need to take it easier on myself.
Thank you so much! I hope you’re taking care of yourself, sending you all the love <3
Tis my fault for being late welp but hope you’ve been having a wonderful November Marie!! So glad you had a lovely birthday! Sending love xoxo
Thank you, love! I hope you’ve been having a good month as well <3 <3
I am just now doing blog hopping for October AND November posts (ahhhhh), so I just wanted to say a late Happy Birthday again and I hope you are taking care of yourself! <3 I know it's such a weird time for everything and such a challenging time, but I hope you know I'm rooting for you and I believe in you!! I also haven't been writing hardly at all and I'm trying not to beat myself up about it. I hope you're being kind to yourself in that regard, too. Your story isn't going to abandon you. YOU GOT THIS.
Thank you so, so much Nicole, this means so much 🥺😭 I’m trying not to beat myself up too much, but sometimes it’s a bit tough not to. Thank you 🥺 Take care of yourself! <3
I definitely understand that feeling! But you are doing SO much and doing so well just taking care of yourself, which has become such a grand task for all of us in 2020. You got this. <3
Thank you so much, love. <3 Take care of yourself, you got this, too, you're incredible <3