What I'm Thankful For (2013 Edition)

"... 2013 the most magical year of my life so far." Taylor Swift said this in one of her acceptance speeches at the American Music Awards last Sunday, and it seems like the most fitting way for me to describe what this year has been like for me so far. It's been filled with love and happiness and lots of magic, and this Thanksgiving, I just wanted to share a few of the things that I'm truly grateful for:

Some days I wake up still in shock that I'm actually married to my best friend and the love of my life! We were together for 7 years prior to making things official (twice) in 2013, so it's been a long time coming. I love the fact that we complement each other so well; there's a mutual admiration society between us, and common goals and dreams to share when it comes to our future. I am deeply, irrevocably in love with this man -- and so grateful to be able to call him husband.

I am in love with my family, both the family that I was born into and the one that I'm now a part of. On both ends, I feel like I have people who will constantly support me, love me and wish me all the happiness in the world. It's always a relief to know that they've got my back no matter what, and that they value me for who I am -- and no one can ever, ever, ever take that away from me. Plus, it's a major bonus that both sides of my family get along so well!

A special shout-out deserves to be made to my (newly acquired) big brother, Kahlil. We were lucky enough to get to spend a lot of time together while I was in the Philippines, and we've discovered how alike we are and how great we get along. I couldn't ask for a better brother (in-law)!

One of my biggest fortunes in life is having a great set of friends. My best friends, with one exception, were all able to fly home for my wedding in September, which meant so much to me. They've kept me entertained, constantly supported and encouraged me and have never, ever judged me or turned away when I needed them. While we don't always see eye to eye on things, when it comes down to it, I know these girls will always be there for me when I need them.

I am so blessed to live within commuting distance of Manhattan! There's so many sights to see, and events to attend, and places to go that I never get bored living here. It's given me unparalleled access to celebrities, Broadway shows, live concerts and book events -- which is one of the things I love most about. It's also the place where I learned how to work and play and live on my own, and that will forever make it dear in my heart.

I had the privilege of being able to go home TWO times this year, once in February for two weeks, and again in August to mid-October. It was such a wonderful time for me and, while the wedding(s) certainly played a big role in that, it was getting to spend time with family and friends that made it so special. I also got the opportunity to relax and unwind, spending lots of time with people I love and books and traveling.

I am so, so grateful for all the opportunities that this blog has given me, especially when I get to meet and work with authors and publishers. But what I'm most thankful for is all of YOU -- my followers, my friends. Being able to have you read my posts, and share your thoughts in the comments or via Twitter, has definitely made my days brighter and more fun. I love sharing my book thoughts with all of you, and I hope I continue to form stronger friendships with each and every one of you!

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Because I'm feeling so much gratitude for all of you, I've decided to host a GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY in honor of thanksgiving to thank all of YOU. To make it fair to all my followers, whether in the US or overseas, I've decided to make it international. Winners will get to spend $25 on Amazon (if they're from the US) or on Book Depository (if they're from another country)! 

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