Giveaway! 5 Year Blogoversary

5 years ago today I started this little blog. I'd just read The Jane Austen Book Club for the second time, without realising it until the very end. At the time there was no Goodreads, or at least not that I was aware of, and I needed a way to keep track of my reading so I didn't read the same book twice without knowing. I did have a new baby, so my mind was a little scattered.

So what's changed over the last five years? I started out just posting brief reviews of the books I bought and read. Then I started getting eBook review copies from publishers. Entangled and Harlequin were among the first to give me access to their books. Then I started getting sent physical review copies, some without requesting them first, which still amazes me. People actually send me books, and all I have to do is read them and tell people about them. How amazing is that?

Here's a very brief look at the last 5 years.

First Post:

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

I hadn't heard of this series until just before I read it.

First ARC:

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

This has surprised me actually, because I thought I had some before this, but this is certainly the first I posted. 

Most post views:

2014 Review of the year Part 2

With over 2,400 views this is by far the most viewed post on the blog. That's largely due to Robin Hobb sharing it on her facebook page.

Favourite Moments:

My favourite blogging moment was getting to meet Laini Taylor. She's the first author I met and I was completely starstruck. It was such a fun night and has made me aware of lots of bookish events.

This month I was featured on the Australian YA Bloggers website, which was pretty cool.

Being recognised by publicists, authors and other bloggers at events is amazing and always takes me by surprise.

Being asked to contribute to Reading Lark was a great privilege. Sometimes I share more reviews there than here, but it gives me an international platform to share my love of Australian books and authors.

Thank You!

It's been a great 5 years and I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities and experiences the blog has given me. 

I'd like to thank the publishers who have been so generous with review copies of books, the authors who've shared or thanked me for reviews and the people who've stopped by to comment on or just read reviews.

Thank you also to my fellow bloggers, those I've met, those I chat with online and those who support each other and add to a great community.

Giveaway

To celebrate 5 years of blogging I am giving away a book of your choice up to $20AU on Book Depository. This is open internationally (anywhere Book Depository ships) to anyone over 18 years of age, or 13 and over with parental permission.

The winner will be contacted by email and will need to respond within 48 hours or a second winner will be chosen.

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