*Throws confetti* Austenesque Reviews is turning 5 today!!!
On September 22nd 2009 I published my first blog post. Happy celebration day to my lovely little blog!
For those of you who don’t know, Austenesque Reviews would not exist at all if not for two very special people. One is author, Mary Simonsen, who I met in a few amazon chats in the summer of 2009 when she was gearing up to release Searching for Pemberley. At the time, I was reading my fair share of Austenesque novels and posting reviews to amazon, but Mary was the first to suggest I do it on my own blog. 🙂 Mary was a wonderful supporter of Austenesque Reviews when I first began blogging and has been ever since to so many of us bloggers!
My other strong supporter and encourager is my Mr. Bingley! (who else?) Without his faith in me and encouragement to take the plunge into this unknown online world, I may have never started blogging. 🙂
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I thought it might be fun on this momentous occasion to take a look back at the last 5 years and share some firsts and stats:
First Review – (also first post!) The Watsons by Jane Austen and Dan Coates
First Author Visit – Tracy Kiely (who at the time was celebrating her new release, Murder at Longbourn)
Since September 2009 I’ve posted:
- 768 posts
- 296 book reviews by 164 different authors
- 81 author features from 51 different authors
- 37 lists (26 lists in the Comprehensive Guide to Austenesque Literature, 3 Austenesque Top Ten lists, 3 Downtown Top Ten lists, and 5 Jane Austen Holiday Wishlsts)
…and hosted giveaways for 405 books! (give or take a few, it wasn’t easy to add them all up!)
Most frequently reviewed author – Abigail Reynolds (12 books) with Mary Simonsen close behind (10 books)
Most frequently visiting author – a tie between Kara Louise and Mary Simonsen who have both visited Austenesque Reviews 5 times each.
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And what better way to celebrate a blogiversary than some celebratory giveaways?!?
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Since Austenesque Reviews is turning 5 how ’bout we do a giveaway of 5 different prizes? (I had a bit of fun getting creative with these! Hope you like them!)
~ PRIZE #1 ~
A new paperback of Willoughby’s Return by Jane Odiwe
~ PRIZE #2 ~
A new paperback of The Journey by Jan Hahn
~ PRIZE #3 ~
An Austenesque book of the winner’s choice from The Book Depository (under $15)
~ PRIZE #4 ~
Any two Pride and Prejudice inspired soaps from Shirley’s Handicrafts
~ PRIZE #5 ~
A mystery box of 3 previously read Austenesque ARC’s (all in great condition, NONE of them with Mature content). Similar to my Austenesque ARC giveaways, but this time you don’t know what the books are! They will be a surprise! (Mr. Knightley doesn’t approve of surprises, but I do!)
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This giveaway is my way to thank all of you for being a part of Austenesque Reviews! It has been such a rewarding pleasure to discuss books, Jane Austen, and life with such great company these past 5 years. Thank you for all the love and support, I would have stopped doing this long ago if it were not for all of you! 🙂 xxoo
Anyone and everyone is welcome to enter to win the giveaway prizes. All you have to do is leave a comment sharing what you like most about Austenesque Reviews or what you’d love to see on Austenesque Reviews in the future.
- Please indicate in your comment what prize # you’d like to win (you can pick more than one, just leave one comment)
- This giveaway is open to residents worldwide! (because I <3 all my international friends!)
- This giveaway will end October 3rd.
Hi Meredith
Congratulations you should feel very proud of yourself. I stumbled upon this website only a few months ago and I feel very privileged to be part of it I often wondered if I was a bit on the odd side with my obsession of JA and especially Pride & Prejudice! I can’t thank you and the JAFF writers enough for feeding my obsession with sequels, variations, etc., of Darcy and Elizabeth. I always look forward to reading your emails when they appear in my inbox and I am always guided by your reviews and if I need any guidance always check on the Austensque lists.
Looking forward to the next 5 years and thank you so much for continuing with your fantastic blog.
Happy anniversary.
I would be honoured to win any of the prizes mentioned above although I have just finished reading Willoughby’s Return which I enjoyed immensely.
I’m so happy to have you read my blog and take part in our conversation, Michelle! LOL! Nothing odd about your behavior at all. 🙂 Thank you so much for all the lovely support! I definitely want to keep blogging for the next 5 years, at least!
Happy Birthday, Blog! I enjoy these reviews so much and they always add
to my TBR stack…
PS I’d love that mystery box, as I just
love surprises,
Thank you, Susan! Surprises are fun! 😉
Happy Blog Birthday! I love your blog. It is like being among friends. I love the love of Austen! It is fun to stop by and keep up with all that is going on.
I would love prize #1,#2,#3, or #4.
Thanks for sharing your celebration!
Becky
I’m so happy to hear you say that, Becky! I feel the same way. 🙂 Love visiting with you all each week. :
Happy Blogiversary! I am a fairly new visitor to your blog but I just love what you’re doing. I’ll be sticking around. 🙂 What I enjoy most is finding new Austen-Inspired books to read on your blog. I would like to win the Pride and Prejudice inspired soaps! So neat!
I’m so happy to introduce new books to you, Kelsie! Thank you for all your kind words! I’ve been dying to try those soaps myself, love the scents for Lizzy and Darcy!
Happy 5th Anniversary, Austenesque Reviews! Wow, how the time flies when you’re having fun!
With all due credit to Mary Simonsen and Mr. Bingley, let’s take this occasion to thank Meredith for all of the hard work, time and love she’s put into the unique Austen-admiring community that she’s created here.
Thank you, Meredith for your reviews, events, giveaways, posts and for giving us Austenesque lovers a fun place to ‘hang out’ among friends. I’m sure I’m not alone in looking forward to the next 5 years.
As for giveaway prizes (thanks!) I’d love 3, 4, or 5.
Thank you, Heather! 🙂 Time sure does fly! You are so sweet and I’m so happy to have great friends like you hanging out here! 🙂 I definitely plan on continuing this blog! 🙂
Happy 5th anniversary, your blog helped me navigate the best of the best of Austenesque works. Cheers to Mr. Bingley!
So sweet! Thank you! 🙂 I’m so glad you found the blog helpful!
Thank you for opening the doors to the Austen World for me! LOVE this blog!
*Hugs* Betsy! Thank you!
Congratulations – I like the reviews as I have only been reading these book for less than a couple of years – I feel that I have a lot of catching up to do while keeping up to date.
My first pick would be The Journey by Jan Hahn
Thank you, Vesper! I started reading these books 12 years ago and I’m still trying to catch up and keep up to date! 😛
Meredith – what fun this is. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! Five years ago I had heard of JANE Austen but had not read any of her books or watched any of the movie adaptations. Imagine that! Your blog has made such a difference in my book purchases and my reading habits. Thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart.
Thank you, Joy! Look how much can happen in 5 years! I’m so glad you find my blog helpful!
Hippo birdies to you, Austenesque Reviews! Thank you for this civilized space!
LOL! That’s adorable! Thank you!
*–* 5years, Happy Blogiversary!!! You’ve doen so much it these past years :so many gieveaways, reviews, interviews etc and the mots important you made many ppl happy including me especially by discovering your blog!! without your blog my life wouldn’t be the same and it’s a fact.
I wish you lots of fun for the following year and i hope you will have a party to celebrate the blogniversary 😀 I’d liek to add that you are very generous in general and this tiem as well by not forgtting your international friends 😀 I ‘ll be happy with price 3 or 5
You are so kind, Mariam! Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me and this blog!
Happy Fifth Anniversary, Meredith! We have very similar taste in books, so I find your reviews and guidance to be really helpful. I would love to win any of the prizes!!! What a treat.
The traditional five-year anniversary gift is wood, although I find diamonds can happily be substituted on any anniversary. Better talk to your Mr. Bingley ASAP… 🙂
Thank you, Katie! LOL, is it weird that I’d take a book nook or small library over any diamonds???
Happy 5th Anniversary, Meredith, and heartiest congratulations on reaching this milestone, Hope you will be inspired and continue posting here for many more years to come.
There are so many things I love about your blog but mostly is your book review and author posts with giveaways. I love the compilation list of Austenesque reads and the Jane Austen events you treated us several times. I thank you for the prizes and I wish to enter for the Austenesque book of choice and a mystery box of ARCs.
Thank you, Sylvia! I am so glad to have you as such a faithful friend and reader of this blog! Thank you for all you do trying to spread the word about events and giveaways! 🙂
Happy 5th Anniversary Austenesque Reviews!! Meredith, your blog was one of the first I found when I discovered my love for all things Jane Austen. Your book reviews have helped me pick and choose what (and what not) to read next. Thank you for all you do!!=)
Since I’ve already had the pleasure of reading the two books, I would be happy with prize 3 or 5!!
Thank you, Kelli! I’m so very glad you found Austenesque Reviews! 🙂 It has been great getting to know you throw the years!
It is wonderful!!! Congratulations for your 5th years old!! They are many moments that you have shared us and there will are many more it will come.
What do you like most about Austenesque Reviews? I love your reviews and initiation of every month when you suggest your next reading.
I would like me to win the prize # 2 or 3.
Thank you, Meredith for open this giveaway to residents worldwide ! (I live in Spain 😛 )
Hi Natali! Thank you for all your kind words! I love doing the Austenesque Agenda posts – I started that only 2 years ago, it has been a lot of fun! 🙂
Hi Meredith 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! It´s been a delightful surprise to see your post. Congrats for this 5 years!. To have a blog takes a lot of work, you know it very well but you must be proud of your results because not only you write about Jane Austen´s world of novels but you catch the interest of the readers with your enthusiasm, joy and always speaking in good terms even when the novel maybe is not as good or interesting. So, thanks for the blog because, for me, it turns out to be a beautiful habit in my life. I have been reading your blog for one year, I think, and in this time I have known of many authours I had never heard of, I have met many friends of differents countries and, of course, I catch up with the new novels!. What more can I ask for? LOL
I like very much the agenda you put the first days of the month, I´m always looking forward to it. And I enjoy a lot with your section of “Austenesque Admirers”. So, keep going on, and thanks to Mary Simonsen and Mr Bingley for helping you!.
And thanks, of course, for the giveaways!. Put me for prize 2, 3, 4, 5.
Best wishes from Spain (and Madrid) 🙂
Thank you for all the beautiful words, Teresa! I’m so happy to know you! I’m so glad you found my blog and I love it when you participate! 🙂
Happy blogiversary, indeed!
Austenesque Reviews has been one of the top sites on my computer for … well, apparently five years now. How times flies whilst having fun!
An informative, delightful mixture of equal parts reviews, lists, author visits, guest posts, giveaways, and updates on life with your dear Mr. Bingley, your blog is one I look forward to following for many years to come.
And, personally, your good opinion is one of the best recipes for happiness I’ve ever known. 😉
Thank you, Meredith, for five years of Austenesque awesomeness!
Hugs,
Joanne
Hi Joanne! 🙂 Thank you for the lovely compliments! 🙂 I’m so honored you read and enjoy my blog! Love your intermingling of two JA quotes – always so clever with words! 🙂
Happy bloggiversay. Meredith! I am one of the big admirers of your blog, I always enjoy your interviews, giveaways and your amazing comprehensive lists. You are not only a great blogger but also so supportive of the Austenesque community and other bloggers, I’m so glad I found you and your blog 🙂
You are so generous to run such a big giveaway! I would like to enter for prize 2 or 3 please.
Thank you, Ceri!! You are so sweet! I am thrilled you found my blog and that we are blog buds! 🙂
Dear Meredith,
My sincerest congratulations, of course—but even more, a great vote of thanks for what you bring to us all.
With warm regards,
Stan
Thank you, Stan! For both! I’m so happy my blog has given me the opportunity and pleasure to work with talented authors such as yourself!
Happy 5th! That is an incredible milestone in the blogoverse. I really don’t have anything I don’t like about your blog so that’s a tough question- my favorites are the reviews and lists since I’m selfish and those help me the most. LOL! Also, even though it isn’t blog stuff, I like the way you stay active and supportive of the Austenite community on other social media. As to prizes, #1,3 and 5 would be my choices if I were to win. Thanks for the opportunity and thanks for putting the work into a fab blog.
Thank you, Sophia Rose! I’m so happy to hear the reviews and lists help you – I know you are quite the avid reader! 🙂 Thank you for all the sweet things you said!
What do I like the most about Austenesque Reviews? There are multiple things, but I love that your site is so focused on this genre, and you do a superb job in reviewing the titles. The design of the blog looks great– you sure have done a better job at developing your site than I have, and we started around the same time. Congrats on five years, and for such a nice giveaway! Prize #2 or #3 would be great!
Awww, thank you, Laura, for all the kind and lovely words! Yes, we did start around the same time! 🙂 Glad we met through our mutual love for Jane Austen!
Happy blogaversary! I love discovering new Austen-inspired reads through your blog… and your lists are such a fantastic reference for us Darcy-obsessed readers!
I’d love prize pack #3.
Thank you, Nicole! Yes, if you want Darcy, we can help you find it! 🙂
Ah gostaria de ganhar um desses prêmios…. Quem bom que esta ai já por 5 anos… que fique mais… Me visite http://amantesdejaneausten.blogspot.com
Bjs
Obrigado! Boa sorte! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!. Your delightful and captivating posts are always a joy. New authors, books and reviews. Thanks very much.
Thank you, Anne! So happy you enjoy reading my blog!
***Cake***Confetti***Champagne***Fireworks***Happy 5th to you Meredith!
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a relative newcomer to this community and I may have said this before, but your comprehensive lists double up as my Wish/TBR lists and I love reading your reviews and interviews. Thank you for taking so much time writing your blog for us.
Thanks also for making the giveaway international. We who are not of the USA very much appreciate it.
Forgot to say….all of the prizes are fantastic, I’d be happy to receive any of them.
LOL! You know how to celebrate, Anji! 🙂 Thank you for finding and reading my blog! 🙂 I’m so glad your like the lists – I love making them!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary. What a special place to have discovered filled with many beautiful posts that are unforgettable. Prizes are wonderful. 2,3,4.
🙂 Thank you, Elaina! I’m glad you think my posts are “beautiful.”
Happy Anniversary!!! I love your blog. I am so glad that you have continued since I only came across it a year ago. Your reviews are great and the interviews are so much fun. Thanks for all you hard work. I love all the items for the giveaway can’t pick a favorite.
Thank you, Sagan! 🙂 I’m so happy you found my blog and continue to read it!
Happy 5th Meredith. Your fascinating interviews, reviews and posts are the ultimate in giving me information and books to read. Thanks for your great giveaway.
Thank you, pearl! I’m so happy you find the reviews and interviews helpful!
Congratulations, Meredith! Your reviews are insightful and informative and have encouraged me to read the work of so many authors I fear I would never have discovered on my own. Jan Hahn is a case in point; I would be thrilled to win a copy of her book from your wonderful giveaway.
Thank you, Regina! That’s awesome that you tried new authors! Jan Hahn is a wonderful author! The Journey is my favorite by her!
Happy Anniversary! Your blog brings me into a world which soothes my soul and warms my heart. An escape and a cornucopia of books which I can enjoy.
You are so sweet, Ellie! Thank you for saying such lovely things!
Congratulations on 5 years! I have only been following you for 2 of those 5 but I have loved getting new insights and finding all kinds of good books to read. Wait, I guess this means I can blame you for all the books I’ve bought because you reviewed it well? Oh can I also blame you for the weird looks I got going through airport security with my carry on bag FULL of books since I was moving out of the country and couldn’t bear to part with them. 🙂 I really have enjoyed your blog, thanks for all you do and I hope you are able to continue for many years to come!!!
Danielle C
P.S. Please don’t enter me into the giveaway, I’m not in the US.
LOL! I’ll take the blame…but let me just say – not sorry! I totally would have not been able to part with my books!! They are my worldly treasures! What country did you move to?
You, of course, are welcome to enter the giveaway – it is open internationally!
What fun! I cannot even tell you how much I LOVE your lists! Sometimes I go from your list straight to Amazon! And you have been so kind to allow me to be a guest twice now! You have so much influence with people that you should be proud that you lift people so easily. Your spirit and happiness comes flowing through your blog with every post! Thank you so much for taking the time to blog these last five years. Congratulations.
Five years is definitely worth celebrating! Congrats again. I say – bring on more lists. It is about time for another one!
Thank you, Jeanna! I had no idea my lists were so popular – I started to make them because I am OCD like that and like to organize everything. I will definitely get another list together soon. Thank you for all the lovely things you said!
Happy blogiversary, Meredith! There’s really nothing I don’t love about your blog. You put so much effort and organization into it, it’s constantly active, and you’re so interactive with your visitors. And it’s fun.
Thank you for the giveaway, I honestly don’t know what to choose. I’d be happy with any of them. I feel like I should be giving YOU something! lol
*Hugs* Monica! Thank you for all the lovely things you said! I’m so happy you found your way to AR and share your wonderful sense of humor and love for Jane Austen with us all here!
You know I think you do a great job with your blog : ) Layout it attractive, easy to navigate, your reviews are well written and informative, and you do clever ‘different’ things like this post. Keep it up!
Thank you for being such a loyal friend to this blog, Ginger! 🙂
Happy Blog Anniversary, Meredith! You are by far my single best resource for finding books & I appreciate you so very much! You are both entertaining & so helpful. Thank you for the generous giveaway opportunity! Any of the choices would be lovely.
Thank you, Amy! I’m so glad you enjoy visiting my blog, Amy!
Happy Fifth Anniversary, Meredith! I wish I had know about your blog when you got started. I followed your reviews on amazon for a long time before discovering your blog!! In fact, I read through all your past reviews once I realized how spot on they were!! I followed your blog for awhile before I started commenting. I felt encouraged to voice my opinion by your review writing and connection to us fellow Janeites. You have enriched my JAFF reading so very much!!
In case I win, I would like #3, #4, or #5! You’re just the best, Meredith!
Thank you, Catherine! 🙂 Not many people new about my blog when I started. LOL! I didn’t know much about blogging or visit other blogs before starting my own. I’m so glad you found your way here!!
Congratulations Meredith on your 5th Anniversary! I have been reading your blog for many years once I came across your first “Comprehensive Lists of Austenesque Literature”. I always look forward to your posts and have discovered wonderful new Austenesque authors and stories. I wish you many more years of success in writing your blog. You have a loyal fan in me. Thanks for the giveaway – I would prefer any of the books. –Leslie
Thank you, Leslie! I’m so happy to have you read and visit my blog! 🙂
Congratulations, Meredith, on a job well done. The reason I suggested you start a blog is because you wrote intelligent, thoughtful reviews. Your success proves just how talented a blogger you are. Here’s to the next five years!
Two thumbs up for your encouragement, Mary. What a blessing this blog has been for both readers and writers. Had you not given Meredith this nudge we might not have this resource. So, please reach behind you and give yourself a playful pat on the back.
Mary, you don’t know how thankful I am for your suggestion! 🙂 I’ve been one happy blogger for 5 years and hopefully many more!
Happy 5th Anniversary! Congratulations! Thank you for having and posting on such a fun blog!
I look forward to your posts and enjoy your reviews as well as your interviews. I am looking forward to many more years to come on your blog! Any of the above are fine. You are so very generous! 🙂
Thank you, Deborah! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy the posts on this blog! Looking forward to sharing your post on Monday!
I am so glad you got the mess straightened out and are back up and running. Some confetti & champagne! I sm looking forward to Friday! 🙂
Congratulations!!! 5 years is impressive…I love to drop in and meet new authors and find treasures to add to my collection. Your blog is always fresh, fun and full of interesting people and books. Keep up the good work. Here’s to 5 more years!!
Thanks for the giveaway…would love to win # 1 #4 or #5.
Thank you, Stephanie! I’m so happy to have wonderful people like you read and interact on my blog!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Meredith! I love everything about Austenesque Reviews, and I’m so grateful that it’s there, that I found it, and especially for your lovely friendship! It’s a privilege to know you and it’s fabulous to get to meet all the lovely people who visit here, and to get great tips about what books to read next!
I was going to leave a comment even before I noticed the lovely prizes (oh, how you spoil us!!!!!)
So kind of you to add such an amazing bag of goodies! I’d be over the moon to win either of # 1, 2 or 5, I’m a total JAFF addict, especially in paperback 😀
Thanks again xxx
Hi Joana! Thank you for the lovely wishes!! Yes, the friendships with authors and readers is by far the best thing about being a book blogger! So happy we met both online and in person. 🙂
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!!!!
You have a wonderful blog!! I am following you for some months and you became a landmark becouse through your posts I discovered new Austenesque authors and stories. I love your reviews and your interviews!!
I am italian so thank you for open this giveaway wordwild!
Since I’ve already read the first two books I would choose the 3, 4 or 5.
Congratulations again!!!
Aww, thank you Chiara! I’m so glad you enjoy my reviews and interviews!
Happy anniversary, Meredith!
Thank you, Robin! 🙂
I have enjoyed finding out that there are more clean, cute books since Jane Austen! I would love #5, #3, #1, or #2!
Yes, Michelle! There is a never ending succession of Austenesque novels! I once thought I could read them all…hah! I can’t keep up!
Happy Anniversary!! I love this post! I really like how you did more than “It’s my Bloggiversary!” (which is something I probably would have done. ;)), but you made it so much more interesting by giving us a little history of Austenesque Reviews! Well done!
You’ve always been an inspiration to me, and I hold your blog as a standard of the way a blogger and reviewer should be. I’m so happy we’ve become friends! That’s awesome! 🙂
I think I might have the same books you do, so no need to enter me into any of the book drawings. I wouldn’t mind the soaps though. 😉 Thanks for the giveaway!
You are sweet, Candy! The only other blogiversary I’ve celebrated is my 1 year! LOL! I figured I needed to make it special.
Thank you for saying such lovely things! I’m thrilled we are friends, I hope we can meet in person soon! 🙂
Happy Anniversary/Blogiversary, Meredith!
Thank you, Leslie! 🙂
Happy Anniversary!! Thanks so much for your dedication to your blog. I love finding out about new releases in the JA-inspired world of fiction. Keep up the wonderful work!
I’d be ecstatic to win 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. I’m not picky!
Thanks so much for the giveaway! 🙂
Pam
Thank you, Pam! The genre is growing so much! Always new books to discover!
Happy Anniversary, Meredith! I wish I knew about this blog much earlier in my JAFFreading, it would have saved me some bad reads because I would have been too tempted to buy or hunt down the good one suggested on here! Thanks for all the time you put into the JAFF community and sharing it with us!
If I win I’d love prize #2, I about hyperventilated over it.
Thank you, Rose. You are so sweet for saying so. LOL! It’s an amazing story. 🙂
I so want to win number 1 or number 5. Keep up the great work Meredith! Also it was amazing to meet you in Atlanta at the Decatur Book Festival. You’ve turned into a celebrity with your blog!
Hi Evie! Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m so happy we met in Atlanta! I can’t believe you traveled so far. Hope we can meet up again somewhere, someday.
Happy anniversary, Meredith, You bring so many wonderful people and books to our notice.
I am very new to this site in comparison to so many others. I only discovered it after beginning to post reviews of JAFF books in January of this year (and after my retirement which afforded me time to do so).
I kept running across Meredith’s name among the reviews of books on Amazon and seeing how much I agreed with her ratings, looked up this blog listed as a subtitle under her name. Have met so many in this community and look forward to reading others’ comments.
Love surprises so bring it on! Any of the prizes sound wonderful and how generous you are to make it an open chance thing – very generous!
Hi Sheila! I’m so glad you found your way to this blog recently! I have greatly enjoyed your comments and participation! Surprises are fun, aren’t they?
Happy anniversary Meredith!!!! I really enjoy your guest posts, reviews & reading the comments from fellow lovers of Austen & JAFF. You inspired me to give blogging a try, although enjoyable it is hard work and I admire your commitment and dedication, your blog is wonderful. Here’s to another 5 years 🙂
Thank you, Tamara!! Your blog is lovely, I’m so glad you decided to give it a go! I know if I didn’t blog, I’d have a lot more free time on my hands, but there is no regrets here! Having daily chats with readers and reviewing novels by talented Austenesque authors is so rewarding and fulfilling!
Congratulations! I love all your reviews. I have read some books that I may not have read because of your reviews. Any of the prizes would be awesome thank you.
Thank you, Tresha! I’m glad you decided to try some new reads. 🙂 (and didn’t regret it!)
Just wanted to wish a very happy blogiversary, Meredith!!! Congrats on 5 wonderful years, and many thanks to you for all of the wonderful events, guest posts, and book reviews! 🙂
Thank you, Marilyn! So thrilled to have you visit in the past and to have your books be featured here! 🙂
Happy 5th anniversary! I know I’ve been here most of the time but I lost track as to actually when. I really appreciate your open, honest candor in your reviews and interviews. I love the lists. Whoohoo I know you put in so much work, effort, time into all this but you get a lot of joy out of all this. I know we have much more to look forward to in the future. It was also such a pleasure to meet you face to face in Seattle a year ago and spend some time with you.
forgot #3, #4 or #5 would be nice. Sorry I forgot to put them above.
Thank you, Suzan! You have been a long time friend and follower, Suzan. We go way back. 🙂 I hope we meet again, I loved our time together in Seattle!
me too
Yoohoo!! I can’t believe it’s been 5 years! I was there right at the beginning and it’s lovely to see the blog growing and growing when so many blogs don’t last. Three cheers for Meredith!
Yes, you were! You were my second interview and my first giveaway! Thank you for being such a friend and supporter of this blog ALL these years!
Oh, and don’t worry about the prize. I just wanted to join in the celebration 😉
I’m coming late to the celebration (please no passing out from the shock anyone LOL)! *throwing leftover confetti* WOO HOO! Congrats on 5 very successful years! I know I’m not the only one completely thankful for what you do here. You open my eyes to so many books (and authors!) I didn’t know existed. Tip of the hat to your Mr. Bingley for his support, that can make all the difference. Here’s to another five!!
Leftover confetti…lols! Thank you for the lovely words, Stephanie! I definitely needed the push to do this, and he said all the things I needed to hear. 🙂
I rely and trust your reviews to get my JA fix:) With so many JA related books on the market, I can not begin to go through them. Thank you for giving us 5 years:) I would love to win #1,2,3,4,5.. ( I love surprises!)
I’m so honored you rely on my reviews. Yes, I don’t think I can ever catch up and read them all (unless I quit my day job!)
I already have the Jane Odiwe book so I’d be interested in any of the other prizes, # 2 – 5. My favorites would be # 3 (Book Depository book) or # 5 (three A.R.C.’s).
I love giveaways and that’s how I found this site, a little over two years ago. I won three Georgette Heyer books and I’ve been coming back ever since. I like your reviews and learning about new authors. I really enjoy it when you have people talking about their book collections and when they got hooked on Austen. Happy Anniversary!
So happy you found this blog, Michelle! I’m glad you enjoy the Austenesque Admirer Series. 🙂
Congratualtions, Meredith, on your fifth anniversary. I have so enjoyed your book reviews and interviews as you have such an easy manner. I especially like hearing about you and Mr. Bingley. Since I already own #1 and 2, please sign me up for prizes 3, 4, and 5. Thank you for your generous giveaways. Continue what you are doing. It is always interesting to learn what you are planning to read.
Thank you, Eva! LOL! I’m glad you all aren’t tired of my going on and on about Mr. Bingley! I fear that is one of my favorite subjects! Thank you for the lovely support and friendship!
Congrats & continued success!!!!!
what an amazing accomplishment…..you must be soooo proud!!!!
I would choose #2, #3, #5…………
thank you!!!!
Thank you, Cyn! I’m so happy to celebrate this with you all!
Happy birthday/blogiversary! It was on my actual birthday too. Yay!
I would choose 1, 3, 4, 5.
Aww! Happy birthday to you! 🙂 *blows party horn*
Happy anniversary!!! I just want to thank you, Meredith, for all the things you do for your wonderful blog! It was one of the first I found and I’m so happy I did 🙂 Your reviews are always beautiful and useful. I enjoyed all the books I’ve read thanks to your recommendations and I am always eager to discover new authors and new stories! Thank you! 😀
As for the giveaway, I would love prize 3 or 5 😉
You are so sweet, Maria! Thank you! I’m so happy you find my blog useful and fun to visit! And I’m thrilled to hear you like the books I recommend! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! I love your reviews and lists. You make me aware of books that I may not picked up on my own. Thank You and Congrats!
Thank you, Gabriela! So happy to bring new books to your attention! I always love researching for new books!
Happy Anniversary, Meredith!
I´m late for the party now, but sooo happy to see your blog back up and working! 🙂 🙂
Sooo happy I found you and your blog!
As you´ve extended the giveaway (thank you!) – I´d be happy to win any of the prizes 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Katrin! I’m thrilled to have it back! 🙂 Happy to know you!
Woot! Woot! Congratulations! I too am late to the party but have been away. Meredith, I love your well written reviews, your enthusiasm, and love of everything Jane Austen! I too am so happy I found your blog in the past year. Please thank Mr. Bingley for his support and to Mary too! I also want to thank you for your generosity! As for your giveaway: any #2-5 as I own #1
Let’s hear it for another 5 years and beyond!!!!!
SO happy you found your way here, Carole! Love it when you share your thoughts on mine and others’ posts!!!
Happy Blogiversary!!! I have been reading this blog for a long time now and have found out about so many good books/authors thanks to your wonderful reviews and interviews. Our tastes are very similar!
I love everything about the blog but my favorite part is when you branch out and review a novel that is Regency but not based on Austen’s characters. It helps me branch out as well. I particularly loved finding out about the Silent Governess. Love that book!
Thank you for all that you do 🙂
(I would love any of the wonderful prizes)
Thank you, Shannon! So happy you don’t mind it when I step away from dear Jane and Austenesque! 🙂 It has been a great year from traditional Regency’s – I’ve loved everything I have read so far this year! Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and reader!