Hello, friends, it’s Lila and I’m back with another monthly wrap-up! December was a pretty good month and the holidays went smoothly for me, so I can’t really complain. I can’ believe it’s actually the end of 2017! It’s cliché to say, but it seems like just yesterday it was the beginning of the year and now it’s just flown by at the speed of light! I’m really looking forward to 2018 in every regard, though, so I’m not too upset about 2017 being over. Anyhoo, I won’t keep yu with my sentimental ramblings–let’s get to the wrap-up!
Blogging BusinessThere’s lots of things going on behind the scenes here at Hardcover Haven of late!
First off–notice anything different about Hardcover Haven?…That’s right! We have a new blog design and layout! I’ve been testing out designs and layouts for a while now, but I really like this one, so it’s the one we’re sticking with for now!
Beyond design, some big changes are on the horizon! Don’t worry–they’re all good changes and nothing to worry about. I don’t want to say much because we’re keeping the upcoming changes a surprise for now, but I can’t wait for what 2018 will bring Hardcover Haven!
Speaking of 2018…
BLOGGING PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR
- Revamping The Book Theme Meme
- BIG NEWS! My old original meme, The Book Theme Meme, is returning–but with a makeover! I loved hosting this musical/bookish meme for the short time that I did, but life got in the way, so I put it aside for a bit. But now I think it’s time to pick this project back up! The big difference s that The Book Theme Meme will now be happening once a month instead of once a week. That’s all I’m gonna say for now, but I’m super excited for this project so be on the lookout for the opening post!
- The Travel Guide and The Costume Chest will now both be monthly features
- If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I used to do features in which I used pictures to create the settings for books and the “wardrobes” for characters. I really loved these features, but they gradually tapered off as stuff happened in my life. BUT GOOD NEWS, FRIENDS! These features are also returning! I aim to post one travel guide post and one costume post per month!
- Taking part in The 2018 Discussion Challenge
- The 2018 Discussion Challenge is a yearly challenge hosted by Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight and Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction which aims to help motivate bloggers to create and engage in more discussions. I love making discussion posts, but I’ve noticed that I didn’t make may in 2017, so I’m hoping that participating in this challenge again will help motivate me! I plan on reaching the “Discussion Dabbler” level, which means that I’ll have published between one and ten discussions in 2018.
POST FLASHBACK
- Lila gave some book recommendations for the hyrbrid Hogwarts house oof Gryffinclaw/Ravendor
- Lila did The Grinch Book Tag
- Lila reviewed The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
- Lila looks back at her predictions for her 2017 favorites and shakes her head in dismay…
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
I definitely did not think that I’d find my favorite book of the year this close to the end of 2017. But, whad’d’ya know?! MIRACLES HAPPEN, PEOPLE! The City of Brass was…incredible, to say the least. I honestly can’t sum this book up better than saying it was just a magical experience! It’s a Middle Eastern fantasy about djinn and everything about it was pure perfection. It’s got action, adventure, romance, intrigue, and diverse representation–what more could you ask for?! If you listen to only one thing that I tell you, listen to this: go read this book ASAP!
Book HaulRECEIVED FOR REVIEW
TBR
Music Favorites
Other Favorites
My mom got me the sweater from American Eagle that is pictured above as a late birthday/early Christmas present ad it is just my favorite thing! It’s so soft and well made and I love the color and the flowers embroidered on the sleeve. I’m petite and I have an hourglass figure, so it’s hard for me to find oversized/loose sweaters that still look good on me–but this sweater is cut just right for my shape and fits perfectly in all the right places without being clingy! I honestly am sad that I can’t just wear this sweater all day, everyday lol!
Around The Booknet- Aimal @ Bookshelves And Paperbacks gifted us with the ultimate guide to diverse titles releasing from January to June in 2018
- Taryn @ Read With Taryn discussed being a new adult in the book community (and it is #relatable)
- Briana @ Pages Unbound talked about why plot shouldn’t trump logic in MG and YA
- Savannah @ The Book Prophet explained why she’s not a fan of most YA heroines
- Cam @ Camillea Reads explored why she wants to read less (and why that’s important)
- Sarah @ Written Word Worlds reflected on 10 things she wishes she’d known before she began blogging
- Kerri Maniscalco announced that the Stalking Jack The Ripper trilogy has been extended and will now be a four-book series
- Julie C. Dao revealed the title for book two in the Rise of the Empress trilogy!
Well, folks, the holidays have come and gone and 2017 is at it’s end…Thank God! I’m kidding! Kind of. Personally speaking, for me 2017 was a pretty great year! But this post isn’t about all of 2017, it’s just about December 2017. So anyhoo…
December was a pretty decent month! Surprisingly, I wasn’t too busy–it was mostly pretty chill. I had a great Christmas, which I spent with my mom. Other than that, though, nothing major really happened.
How was your December? Did you do anything fun? Also, what was your favorite moment of 2017? What exciting things are you looking forward to in 2018? Advertisements Share this:
