Behind the Blog 40: All Good Things Must Come To An End

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

Behind The Blog has been a great meme for Faye, Kathe, and I over  the past year but this Friday we will be posting our last post for the meme. It has connected us, and we have enjoyed bringing personal posts to our blogs but due to unforeseen circumstances we’re going to stop posting the meme. We thank you for all of your wonderful comments and views on all of our Behind The Blog topics, and we thank everyone who has joined in along the way as well. For this post we will be posting our memories of the meme, some of our favourite topics and others of the like. We hope it’ll be a great way to give it a good send off.

This is a very difficult post to write. It's always tough to see things come to an end, especially when you've enjoyed them so much. But then, that's the point, isn't it? As long as something has been enjoyable, that's all that matters.

I could talk about my favorite posts, or topics, but really they've already had their spotlight. (And, they are all linked up on the tab at the top of the page if anyone wants to take a look.) So I will keep this short, and sweet.

This experience has been a lot of fun. It was great to collaborate with Faye and Kathe, and get to know them more in the process. Coming up with new topics was always a bit of a challenge. It's difficult to make things personal, but still keep them interesting for the readers.

Rather than have this be a spotlight of past posts, I would prefer this post be one of gratitude. I want to thank both Faye and Kathe for letting me work with them on their awesome idea. It has been a thrill getting to know you both, and I think you are both fantastic people. Each of your posts has had a unique spin to it and it's been fun to get a peek into your lives, and to who you are as people. Even though we live thousands of miles (and several time zones!) apart, I feel like I've formed great friendships with you.

I also want to thank each of the readers who had a comment to offer, or a post of their own to share. Thank you for joining in, and sharing your thoughts. That was one of the most thrilling parts of this whole experience is seeing what others had to say about the topics that we worked to come up with.

I have to admit, the process of working on Behind the Blog has been a bit scary. There were times when I had to alter my direction with some of my posts because I just wasn't comfortable sharing something. It's hard for me to open up to others, and so this meme has been a bit of a challenge for me personally. I've grown because of it, which I'm very appreciative of. It has also helped me to think creatively. Usually, I'm not very good at coming up with things on the fly, but on some particularly hectic weeks when it would be my turn to think of the topic, some of my favorites were thought of on very short notice.

Behind the Blog has been a great deal of fun, and I've learned a whole lot. And to sign off I would like to thank everyone for joining in, and thank you especially to Faye and Kathe for letting me work with you and get to know you. It's been fun. :)

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun!

Behind the Blog 39: It's The Little Things That Matter

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

Gestures of Love:

With it being Valentine's Day this week, we wanted to ask about gestures of love. Do you appreciate grand gestures, ie, being lavished with gifts, and chocolates, romantic getaways etc. Or do you appreciate the smaller things, like your bf/gf doing something for you without being asked, a homecooked meal, etc. If you'd like, you can share what you did/will do to celebrate Valentine's Day.

In relation to books and media:

What are some gestures of love, grand or small that have stuck out to you in books or movies? 

I'm definitely a small gestures kind of girl. I'm pretty simple and it doesn't take much to make me happy. A few of my best valentine's days have been spent with pizza, wine,  and a movie. 

That's not to say that more grand gestures aren't nice, they definitely are, and they do have their place, but I'm more about quality over quantity. I'm honestly just happy with a card on Valentine's day. I don't care for flowers, and chocolate is always good, but I can never manage to eat it all, no matter how good it is.  I'm much happier with a homecooked meal, and a night in, snuggled on the couch than I ever would be at a fancy restaurant.

And I'm more about the simple gestures all year round, not just on Valentine's day. The idea behind Valentine's Day is nice, don't get me wrong, but I really don't think that we need a specific day of the year to tell a significant other that we love them. We should be telling them that every day, not just when society (and Hallmark) says we should. And I'm not just saying that because I'm slightly bitter about the fact that I won't get to spend Valentine's day with my boyfriend, either. 

Since I don't have any plans to share with you guys of what I'm doing for this Valentine's Day, I'll share a little mishap I had with a Valentine's Day from a couple of years ago. Since it was the first one that Dearran and I got to spend together, I wanted to do something special for him. If you've been a long time reader of the blog, you'll know that I love to bake.

So, on this particular Valentine's Day, I decided to make him cherry cheesecake. Simple enough, right? Well, it would have been, had we had an easier to use can opener. At the time (although I've since made him buy another one,) Dearran only had what I would call an old fashioned can opener. These can openers are definitely not user friendly, at least not for me. They have to be placed on the lid just so, and they can be hard to grip and turn. When I was trying to open the can of cherry pie filling, it kept slipping off, so the can wouldn't open smoothly. I tried for almost an hour to get the can open, wasting precious prep time, and not having the cheesecake ready in time. I had to beg Dearran to stay late at the office to give me more time to get things ready. 

Eventually, I got the can open enough to get the filling out, got the cheesecake finished and managed to do a spectacularly bad makeup job on myself (I don't wear makeup that often so I'm not good at applying it.) 

And in the end, everything turned out all right. Dearran appreciated the cheesecake, and laughed with me when I told him how much effort went into it. And it's times like these that matter to me the most. Because in the end, it's not about the lavish gifts, or flowers, or chocolate, those are all things that don't really last. But  it is about the memories and the laughter. So it really is all about the little things.

In relation to books and media:

The only gesture of love (and I'm not eve sure this counts as a gesture of love...) that's coming to mind at the moment is the scene in The Breakfast Club where they're getting picked up at the end of the movie. It's the scene where Claire gives Bender one of her earrings, and he puts it in his ear. That's a simple gesture, but it really has significant meaning after the conclusions they've come to about each other over the course of the day.

What about you, are you more of a grand or a small gesture type of person?

Please share your thoughts!

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

Behind the Blog 36: Do You Believe in Ghosts?

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

Ghosts

The topic of ghosts is one that usually comes up when we're children gossiping about haunted houses and freaky moments. So this week, I would like us to talk about ghosts as grown ups. Do you believe in them? Do you have any particular ghostly stories you'd like to share with us? Or is there a reason you simply don't believe? What about any of the haunting stories you heard growing up, would you like to share it with us?

In relation to media, what are some of your favourite ghost stories?

I do believe in ghosts, just because I've had some odd experiences, as have some of my friends. A few years ago, my family and I lived in a house that the previous owner had died in. We always heard strange, unexplained noises. My sister swears that on a particular night every week, if she went into the garage, she would hear water running on the roof as if it were raining, when it wasn't even cloudy outside.

The strange thing is, we think that he followed us to each of our subsequent houses. From what I've heard, most ghosts like to stay in their final resting places. The thing is, we actually had a tree fall on that house. So, maybe he didn't like the fact that his home was disturbed and decided to follow our family? I don't know, but there have been some odd experiences in each subsequent house. In the hourse we're in now, we'll often hear the sound of footsteps, when no one is up walking around.

A good friend of mine has also recounted some pretty eerie experiences about seeing some of the ghosts of her family members.

With the combination of my own experiences and those of my friends, it's hard not to believe.

Media:

As for some great books and movies about Ghosts, I'd definitely recommend Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Each of these series has several books that deal with spooky ghosts.

Moonlight Dancer by Deb Atwood, which is a historical, romantic ghost story.

And of course I would be remiss if I didn't mention classic ghost oriented movies like Casper and Ghost These are just a few of the great movies and stories involving ghosts. 

What about you, do you believe in ghosts? What are some of your favorite books or movies about ghosts?

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

Behind the Blog 35: Constants

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

That One Thing:

With 2012 ending and the new year beginning, there has been a lot of talk about the things that have passed and the things that will soon be coming and so I would like us, instead, to talk about the constant things. The objects, people, music, etc, that are always with us no matter where we go and can often help to keep us grounded when we feel like we're floating up to the sky. Is there an item from your childhood, or early teens, that you've kept with you until the present day because it meant too much to you to throw out? Do you have a friend whose been there from the beginning? What about your family? Tell us about something that is a constant in your life.

In relation to books and media; are there any heros or heroines that are constantly attached to something throughout the story, something that they draw strength from, or maybe even gives them a weakness?

 This topic is an easy one for me to talk about, because I realize that I do have many constants in my life. In terms of items, I have a few things in particular that are very special. I have a bear that my dad got me when I was born, that I still have, all these years later. I also have a stuffed monkey named Fred that my grandmother got me for my 6th birthday. 

I also have a necklace that she bought me when I turned 10. I used to wear it on each birthday, but the chain is broken and I haven't found a similar one that I like.

My family is always there for me. My dad and my younger sister in particular. They have done a lot for me, and I will always be grateful to them for being there for me no matter what. 

My best friend Tanya, has been my friend for over half my life. We have been through all the ups and downs that life has had to offer us over the years. I know that I can always count on her to be there when I need someone to talk to.

My boyfriend, Dearran. He's been in my life for almost a decade now, and he will be in my life for many decades to come. We've had our share of ups and downs but we've stuck by each other through it all.

When I think about music that's a constant, I'd be crazy not to mention Coldplay. Ever since they first came out, they have been in my music collection, Their music is my go to music whenever I need something familiar and comforting.

As I'm reading back through this post, I'm very lucky to have all of these constants in my life. Life is always changing, which is a wonderful thing, but it's nice to know that I have all of these things, and people to fall back on when it gets to be overwhelming. 

What are some of the constants in your life?

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

The Sunday Post 29th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly Meme hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

It's a chance to share news, 

a post to recap the past week on your blog,

 showcase books

and things we have received and

 share news about what is coming up 

on our blog for the week ahead

Last Week on Melissa's Midnight Musings:

(Click Links to be taken directly to the posts)

• I shared my 2012 book recap
• I shared my reading goals for 2013
• I reviewed Life Got in the Way by Deborah J. Davis
• I reviewed Breaking Through by Grace: The Bono Story by Kim Washburn
• For Behind the Blog I talked about New Beginnings
• I reviewed Dottie and Weasel: The Lemonade Fiasco by Charlotte Panning

Coming Up This Week:

• Review of the Man with the Green Suitcase by Dee Doanes
• An Awesome New Year's Book Promotion
• Excerpt from Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester
• Review of Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite by Lianne Simon
• Blog Tour Stop for Escucha Means Listen
• Author Interview +Giveaway with Heather Beck
• Winner Announcement for Beautiful Wild Rose Girl and Keeping Score Giveaways
• Behind the Blog: That One Thing: With 2012 ending and the new year beginning, there has been a lot of talk about the things that have passed and the things that will soon be coming and so I would like us, instead, to talk about the constant things. The objects, people, music, etc, that are always with us no matter where we go and can often help to keep us grounded when we feel like we're floating up to the sky. Is there an item from your childhood, or early teens, that you've kept with you until the present day because it meant too much to you to throw out? Do you have a friend whose been there from the beginning? What about your family? Tell us about something that is a constant in your life. In relation to books and media; are there any heros or heroines that are constantly attached to something throughout the story, something that they draw strength from, or maybe even gives them a weakness? 

Giveaways:

Be sure to enter my One Year Blogoversary Giveaway for one book/item of your choice. It's open internationally and ends January 14th!

This Week's Book Haul:

Clicking on the links will Take you to Goodreads

All covers are credited to Goodreads

I can't find my camera, so it's just covers this week.

Free Amazon Downloads*

Be sure to double check that these are still free if you go to download them from Amazon

Witchy Witchy by Penelope King



Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly


From Author/Publisher For Review:

(No Cover Available on GR)
The Boon: Thoughts of A Schizophrenic in Remission



Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite by Lianne Simon

The Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro by J.L. Hickey

(No Cover Image on GR)

Stairlift to Heaven 2: Further Up the Stairlift by Terry Ravenscroft

All the Lights That Have Shone by Paul McCormack

Received as part of a Book Tour:

Scammed by Art Maines

That's my haul for the week! What did you get this week? Be sure to leave links so that I can check out your hauls!

Behind the Blog 34: New Beginnings

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

New Beginnings

New Year's is often a time of new beginnings. People often make resolutions to help themselves achieve their goals. Are there any new beginnings that you are looking forward to in 2013? Are you planning on making any New Year's Resolutions? If so, what are they?

In relation to books and media:

Are there any books or movies you like where the characters get a chance at a new beginning? Or beginning scenes of books or movies that are particularly noteworthy?

I think the idea of resolutions is nice, but they can also be a lot of pressure, too depending on the circumstances. For resolutions to really take hold, you have to truly want to accomplish these goals or make the changes that you set out to. If you're doing it just because you think you should, or everyone else is doing it, it won't really work that well and you'll give up after a few weeks or a month. (I wonder how many gyms get money from people who join up in the new year, don't ever go, and then forget to cancel?)

I've already posted about my reading challenges for the year. You can read them at the top of the page in the 2013 reading challenges tab. I'm actually doing pretty well so far. If I can finish a book today, I'll have read a book a day so far in 2013. A pretty good start to those challenges, and being ahead will probably keep me motivated to keep it up. 

As for personal resolutions, I have a few.

I want to keep up with the healthy habits that I started in mid December.

 I decided to switch out soda and most other beverages for water or green tea. Now, instead of one (sometimes two) sodas a day, I'm only having soda once or twice a week as a treat, or to go with a particular meal like burgers and fries. You can't not have a soda with burgers and fries. Well, you can, but it just doesn't feel right. I would cut out soda entirely, but I don't want to, because I don't want to deprive myself, since I know it's okay to indulge every once in a while. And going from a soda a day to one a week is a big improvement, so I'm happy with that.

I've seen some improvements with this already. I feel a little better, and I've even lost a pound or two.

Get a new job. 

I've been out of work for far too long, and I've been looking and looking, but haven't found anything yet. I really hope that things in this department of life turn around for me soon, because I really want to be working again.

Work on projects that I want to complete, like scrapbooks. 

I bought a lot of scrapbooking items last January, with the intention of starting a scrapbook but I never got around to it. I am a bit of a packrat, and I save all my old cards and letters, and I want to do scrapbooks of these cards and letters. I'm having trouble with planning out how I want to organize them though, and it's halting me a bit. Plus, I really want to find all the letters for the one I want to start, before I start it because I would hate to find another few letters after I've already begun.

These are just a few things that I want to do. What are some of your resolutions for this year?

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

The Sunday Post 28th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly Meme hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

It's a chance to share news, 

a post to recap the past week on your blog,

 showcase books

and things we have received and

 share news about what is coming up 

on our blog for the week ahead

Last Week on Melissa's Midnight Musings:

(Click Links to be taken directly to the posts)

I took a bit of a break last week and this week has been relatively quiet as well, though I did have a couple of posts.

• I revealed a New header created by Faye of A Daydreamer's Thoughts
• I also talked about Endings for Behind the Blog

Coming Up This Week:

• A Year End Recap for 2012
• My Reading Challenges for 2013
• Review of Life Got in the Way by Deborah J. Davis
• Review of Breaking Through by Grace: The Bono Story by Kim Washburn
• Behind the Blog : Beginnings: 
• New Year's is often a time of new beginnings. People often make resolutions to help themselves achieve their goals. Are there any new beginnings that you are looking forward to in 2013? Are you planning on making any New Year's Resolutions? If so, what are they? In relation to books and media: Are there any books or movies you like where the characters get a chance at a new beginning? Or beginning scenes of books or movies that are particularly noteworthy?

This Week's Book Haul:

I've gotten just a few books this week but I'm a little short on time, so there's no haul this week. I'll get back on track with doing a book haul portion next week.

Be sure to leave links so that I can check out your hauls!

Behind the Blog 33: Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

Endings

As we approach the end of this year, we want to talk about the year which has passed. Did you learn anything this year? Do you have any days or moments that will stay with you forever? And finally, how does it feel to finally say goodbye to one year and hello to another?

In relation to media, are there any books or filns that had powerful endings that will stick with you forever? Or are there any sequels that you're looking forward to starting in 2013?

This year I learned that you can never be fully prepared for the things that life has to throw at you. Things can be humming along, same old, same old,  and the next thing you know life has thrown a curve ball and things will never be the same. This year has also reinforced the fact that you should never take anything, or anyone, for granted. If you have things to say to someone, say them.  You never know what may happen and if you don't, you'll be left wondering what they would have thought if you had said or did something to let that person know how you felt.

If there are things you want to do, do them. You don't want to go through life wondeirng, "What if?"

There are a few moments of this year that will stay with me forever. Some good, some, not so great. Such is life, though. It's the bad times that really make you appreciate the times of happiness. The sad days are the hardest to get through, but the good days are worth it, when it all comes down to it.

I must say that I will not be at all sad to see 2012 go in a few days. This year certainly did not turn out the way I thought it might, at all. I truly hope that 2013 will bring better things, for myself, and for all those around me as well.

Books and Movies:

One movie ending that always sticks with me is the end of Godfather III. Michael is at the end of his life, alone, remembering all the things he had, and ultimately, because of his business, lost. 

Another one is Rocky IV. Rocky is the ultimate series for the underdog, and it shows that if you try hard enough, you can come out  on top. And the end in particular is a proponent for change, which is always good with the start of a new year.

What books and movie endings have stuck with you? Which sequels are you looking forward to in 2013?

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

Behind the Blog 32: A Day at the Movies

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions are wonderful. They are unique from family to family and they can build some of the happiest memories of one’s life. What are some of your favorite Christmas/holiday traditions? Or, what are traditions that you hope to start in the future?

In relation to books: Are there any books or movies that you absolutely must see or re-read during the holiday season? Are there any books or movies that you’ve seen/read that have some unique or unusual traditions?

When I was younger, one tradition that I really enjoyed was going to the movies on holidays. I don't remember when we started going, but we used to go on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some days the theater was really packed, other times, it was completely empty. The only movie that I actually remember seeing on a holiday is The World is Not Enough.

Another tradition that we have is that on Christmas Eve, we open one present. Usually, it's new PJ's. No matter how many pairs I have, I always love getting new pajamas.

I haven't thought about it too much, but I do know that I want to start Christmas traditions in the future. I'm not sure what kind of traditions, but I know that I want to start some, because I like the familiarity of them. I like the comfort of knowing that it'll be something that gets done and looking forward to it, because traditions bring a lot of joy and comfort. One thing that I always do already, though this doesn't really count as a tradition is I always write Christmas cards. In the age of technology the written holiday card or holiday newsletter is like a dying art. So that's something that I always want to do because writing them gives me as much joy as receiving them.

Books and Movies:

The only book that I can think of of the top of my head that has a Christmas tradition in it would be Harry Potter and the Christmas sweaters made by Mrs. Weasley. Getting handmade things is always wonderful, because you know that person put their time, love and care into making it.

I don't really have any books that I have to re-read during the holidays, but if I can catch it, I always like to watch It's a Wonderful Life. The first time my dad tried to get me to watch it I remember whining that I didn't want to because it's in black and white. I can't believe I ever protested, because I really love it now.

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

The Sunday Post: 27th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly Meme hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

It's a chance to share news, 

a post to recap the past week on your blog,

 showcase books

and things we have received and

 share news about what is coming up 

on our blog for the week ahead

Last Week on Melissa's Midnight Musings:

(Click Links to be taken directly to the posts)

• I took part in a Cover Reveal
• I conducted an interview with Loren Deshon, author of Redemption on the River
• I reviewed Heaven or Hell by Roni Teson
• I interviewed Paulette Mahurin, author of The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap
• I reviewed Beautiful Wild Rose Girl by B. Magnolia. I'm also holding a giveaway for a hand bound copy of this great children's book. Be sure to stop by the post to enter.
• I talked about my lack of New Year's Eve plans in my Behind the Blog post.
• Melissa's Midnight Musings had it's one year blogoversary The giveaway attached to that post is INTERNATIONAL, so be sure to enter to win.
• I reviewed The How and What of Gift Giving by Antonio Hajden. This has good ideas for every kind of gift giving occasion you could think of.

Coming Up This Week:

• Review of Broken Christmas by David S. Henderson
• Review of Volunteers for Literacy by Gretchen Elhassani
• Review of Christmas in Wine Country by Addison Westlake
• Review of Cupid's Christmas by Bette Lee Crosby
• Review and Giveaway of Keeping Score: A Guide to Love And Relationships by Marc Brackett
• Mini Review of Silver Bells by Sadie Hart
• The theme for Behind the Blog this week is Holiday Traditions: 
• Christmas traditions are wonderful. They are unique from family to family and they can build some of the happiest memories of one’s life. What are some of your favorite Christmas/holiday traditions? Or, what are traditions that you hope to start in the future? In relation to books: Are there any books or movies that you absolutely must see or re-read during the holiday season? Are there any books or movies that you’ve seen/read that have some unique or unusual traditions?
• Review of Cadence Beach by Linda Juliano
• Review of A Christmas Miracle by Willow Cross
• Review of My Happy Birthday by Mary Ryan
• Review of We're All Different But We're All Kitty Cats: First Day of School by Peter J. Goodman

It's another jam packed week! I hope you'll all stop by and check some of them out.

This Week's Book Haul:

Clicking the links will take you to Goodreads' descriptions

*all book cover photos and links credited to Goodreads unless otherwise noted

I had a very light book haul this week (not a bad thing at all) and only one print copy so it's not really worth taking a picture of

For Review from Author/Publisher:

The Keeper and the Rune Stone by Paige Pendelton

Virtually Yours by Joanne Huspek

And that's it! What did you get this week? Be sure to leave links so I can see your hauls!

Behind the Blog 31: New Year's Eve

Behind The Blog is a meme to help bloggers connect their life and interests to the content showcased on their blog. The co-hosts Faye Kathe and Melissa will provide a different topic, idea, or question every week that bloggers can relate to themselves and the books, films, or media they find interesting!

New Year's Eve Plans

The end of 2012 is fast approaching (and I don’t mean the end of the world!), and so this week we are talking all about New Years Eve plans! Do you have anything planned yet? Have you done anything super exciting during any New Years Eve before? Does your town hold anything fun for this turn-of-time?

In relation to media; Are there any books or films that you like which include great New Years Eve plans?

I'm pretty sure we'll all make it past 12/21/12 no matter if the end of the world has been predicted or not. Regardless, I don't have any plans for New Year's Eve yet. 

Last year, I rang in the New Year in Canada. Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I were both fighting colds, so we didn't actually go out, but we had a nice night in, and I got my kiss at midnight, so I was happy. 

I've never done anything super exciting for New Year's that I can remember. I went to a friend's party one year, but that's about it. I'm actually not sure if the town I live in holds any fun events for New Year's eve as I moved here mid January. 

Wow, I suppose I don't really have much to say for this week's Behind the Blog this week, my thoughts on this topic are pretty sparse. Hopefully you all don't think I'm super boring. I'm really just a homebody. that's 

all.

Books and Media Tie In:

I can't think of any books that have awesome New Year's Eve plans in them...can anyone recommend any?

The only movie that I can think of right now that has anything to do with the new year is New Year's Eve directed by Garry Marshall.

Does anyone have spectacular New Year's Eve plans for this year? Please share!

We'd love to have you join us for Behind the Blog!

If you're choosing to join us for Behind the Blog don't forget to link up your post by using the Linky list below!
Are you joining us? Here are our rules:

• The hosts' Behind the Blog posts go live at midnight on Friday, GMT+0:00. Feel free to post before that, just link up on Friday! 
• Feel free to make use of the button shown above, or if it clashes with your blog colours e-mail us or make your own.
• Read, write, and connect! The Linky is there for you. Make use of it!
• Last but not least, have fun! 

The Sunday Post 26th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly Meme hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

It's a chance to share news, 

a post to recap the past week on your blog,

 showcase books

and things we have received and

 share news about what is coming up 

on our blog for the week ahead

Last Week on Melissa's Midnight Musings:

(Click Links to be taken directly to the posts)

• I reviewed Four in the Morning by Christi Goddard
• I reviewed Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay
• I hosted a tour stop for the book Crazy for Cowboy by Roxy Boroughs
• Author Addison Westlake stopped by to share her thoughts on baking for the holidays
• Faye of A Daydreamers Thoughts stopped by to Talk YA, Be sure to check out her video for Round 2 of the Mira Ink competition for a paid blogging position!
• Author Marc Johnson stopped by for an interview. There is a giveaway going on for 2 E-copies of his book, Catalyst.
• For Behind the Blog I talked about True Crime

Giveaways and Other Important Notes:

As I mentioned above, be sure to enter the giveaway for Catalyst by Marc Johnson

There will also be 2 additional giveaways posted this week! Details to follow in the "Coming up this Week" section.

I just wanted to forewarn you guys that I have A LOT of posts coming up in the next few weeks. I've been picking up a lot of Christmas freebies in addition to my regular reading schedule, so there will probably be a lot of times throughout the rest of December when I'll have two posts in one day so that I can keep up with these holiday books as well as the other books I need to review. I'm going to try my best to limit it to no more than two posts per day so that you all don't get bombarded with posts from me.

Coming Up This Week:

• I'll be announcing the winners of the What I Did on My Midlife Crisis giveaway, and the giveaway for The Man Who Loved Jane Austen and Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen.
• Review of Heaven or Hell by Roni Teason
• Cover Reveal
• Interview with Loren DeShon author of Redemption on the River
• Author Interview with Paulette Mahurin, author of The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap
• Review of Beautiful Wild Rose Girl by B. Magnolia +Giveaway
• Behind the Blog: This week's theme is still being decided on, but once it's available I'll post it to the Melissa's Midnight Musings Facebook page and twitter. Faye, Kathe and I would love to have more bloggers join us for BTB so feel free to check out the tab at the top of this blog to learn more about it and join in if you'd like to.
• Melissa's Midnight Musings Turns ONE! My blogoversary is on Friday so I'll have a recap post and a giveaway. I've tried to do something a little different with the giveaway and some of the entry options, so hopefully you guys will enjoy that
• Review of The How and What of Gift Giving by Antonio Hajden

It really doesn't need to be said, but this week is so full of great posts. I hope you'll stop by and check them out!

This Week's Book Haul:

Clicking the links will take you to Goodreads' descriptions

*all book cover photos and links credited to Goodreads unless otherwise noted

Free* Amazon Kindle Download:

*I'm not sure if any of these are still  free, be sure to check the price before you download them

Silver Bells by Sadie Hart

A Christmas Miracle by Willow Cross

All I Want For Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello

Bah Humbug! A Romantic Comedy Novella by Heather Horrocks

How to Host A Holiday by Katleen Kitson

You Never Called Me Princess by Elaine Babich

Received for Blog Tour:

Deep Connections by Rebecca Graf

Received From Author/Publisher for Review:

Starting at top left:

Newspaper Diapers* by M.T. Johnson

*Link goes to Amazon

Background Noise by Peter DeMarco

Hoodie by S. Walden

Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby

Caarina the Cooking Fairy by Julia Dweck

A Parent's Playbook for Learning by Jen Lilienstein

I want to say a huge thank you to all the authors/publishers who sent me books this week!

From the Library:

Shadows of Night by Deborah Harkness

I am beyond excited to read this!

Have any of you read any of these? Or are you planning to?

Be sure to leave links to your hauls so I can check them out!