Love As a Way of Life by Gary Chapman Giveaway!

Book Summary: For decades Dr. Gary Chapman's best-selling books have shown readers how to speak the "love language" of those they care about. Now he digs even deeper to uncover the foundations of what it means to cultivate a lifestyle of love and how doing so leads to satisfaction and success in every area of life.

Drawing fresh insights from timeless biblical principles, Chapman presents poignant stories of real people who have discovered the joys of living out the seven characteristics of authentic love: kindness, patience, forgiveness, humility, courtesy, generosity, and honesty. Enhanced with eye-opening self tests, practical ideas for building daily habits of love, and inspiring examples of love's power to change lives, this book guides readers in putting love to work in all of their interpersonal relationships.

Convinced that in a world of constant conflict people desperately need authentic love, Chapman paints a compelling vision of how life can be richer and relationships more satisfying for anyone who practices Love As a Way of Life.

Q & A with Gary Chapman:

Describe some of the everyday situations that can be changed if a person has a foundation of love.

When love becomes the focus of ones life it will change every encounter we have with people. In the family, the husband is thinking, "what can I do before I leave for work that would be helpful for my wife?" Such thinking may lead him to take the trash out, put his breakfast plates in the dishwasher or feed the baby while his wife takes a shower.

In the workplace, employees are asking, "on my break, what might I do that would help someone else?" They will also make time to listen to a co-worker who seems to be having a hard time with a personal issue.

At the bank, post office, or cafeteria, the lover will look people in the eye and smile, perhaps opening the door to a conversation. They will express interest in what is going on in the lives of those they encounter.

The focus is not on "it's all about me." But, rather on "It is all about others."

2. What is the take-away message of Love as a Way of Life?

Love as a Way of Life is designed to help the person who sincerely wants to make a positive impact in the world. I believe that is 'most of us.' Our biggest problem is that we don't know how and we keep getting tripped up by our own selfish ambitions. The purpose of the book is to help us break free from the prison of selfishness and come to experience the satisfaction of truly loving others as a way of life. It is little acts of love that build up to a lifestyle of service.

3. Why do you need a foundation of love before you start figuring out our love languages?

The five love languages give information on the most effective way to express love in a meaningful way to a particular person. But, if you are not a loving person – don't have the heart or will to focus on others – the information is of little value. Most of us must make a conscious change of focus from self to others if we are going to genuinely, and consistently enrich the lives of others. Love as a Way of Life is designed to help people make that change.

4. When did you realize the need for this book?

I first recognized the need for Love as a Way of Life when in a counseling session a husband said to me, "I'll tell you right now, if it is going to take my washing dishes, and doing the laundry for my wife to feel loved, you can forget that." I had just explained to him the concept of the five love languages and that his wife's primary love language was 'acts of service' and that these acts would deeply communicate his love to her. I realized that he lacked the will to meet his wife's need for love. He was locked into his own perception of what his role was to be and it did not include washing dishes and doing laundry. I knew at that moment that there was something more foundational than simply knowing a person's love language.

5. What are the seven characteristics of lasting love?

I view love not as a single entity, but as a cluster of traits, which if developed will enhance all of life. These traits are:

Kindness: discovering the joy of helping others

Patience: accepting the imperfections of others

Forgiveness: finding freedom from the grip of anger

Courtesy: treating others as friends

Humility: stepping down so someone else can step up

Generosity: giving your time, money, and abilities to others

Honesty: caring enough to tell the truth

6. Why do you think it's so hard for people to embrace these characteristics?

All of us have some of these characteristics to some degree. Most people see love as being better than hate. But most of us are comfortable to live somewhere between love and hate in a lifestyle that is fundamentally focused on self. We feel good when we are making money, accumulating things, gaining status, but in time these things do not ultimately satisfy what I call the 'true self'. The true self longs to make the world a better place to live. To do something to help those less fortunate than we.

However, we all suffer from the malady of being ego-centric. I call this the 'false self'. It is that part of man that pulls him to focus on self-preservation and a self-centered lifestyle. This is not all bad. Indeed we must meet our own physical and emotional needs in order to continue life. It is when we never get beyond this self focus, that life becomes a 'dog eat dog' world where everyone is out for self even at the expense of others. Such a life never brings long-term satisfaction. However it is often later in life that people discover the emptiness of selfish living. I'm hoping that Love as a Way of Life will help people discover the satisfaction of developing the 'true self' earlier in life.

Author Bio: Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-five books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, serves on the pastoral staff at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Giveaway: Post a comment telling me your number one love language and you'll be entered to win a copy of this book! I have two to give away. This giveaway is restricted to those with a United States mailing address, since the publisher covered shipping. Please check back on Wednesday July 23rd for the winners since I will not be emailing winners this time.

With Endless Sight by Allison Pittman Giveaway!

Summary: Belleville, Illinois and Wyoming Territories, 1861

Born into a life of privilege, fourteen-year-old Belinda never questions her security, even as she leaves Illinois with her family to discover new adventures in the Oregon Territory. But when disaster falls, Belinda is left wounded, weak, and alone. Her faith in God gives her the only strength she knows in a harsh new world.

Belinda's journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.

The satisfying conclusion to the Crossroads of Grace series, With Endless Sight offers a rich story of family, new beginnings, and the freedom that grace can bring.

Author Bio: Allison Pittman is the award-winning author of Ten Thousand Charms and Speak Through the Wind. Before her recent success in fiction writing, Allison spent seventeen years teaching high school English. Now a full-time writer, Allison serves as the director of her church's Theater Arts Group ministry. She lives in Texas with her husband, Mike, and their sons.

Giveaway: Does this look like a book you'd enjoy? I have one copy to give away! Just leave me a comment with a valid email address and have a United States or Canadian mailing address. I'll draw a winner on Sunday night June 15th, so don't delay!

Fatal Deduction by Gayle Roper + Giveaway

About the Book: Libby Burton longs to be close to her twin sister, Tori, but their lives have taken them in different directions. Forced to share Aunt Stella's old Philadelphia home in order to receive their inheritance, Libby hopes for a change, but it isn't looking good so far.

First, Tori tries to steal the affection and allegiance of Libby's thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe. Then when a crossword puzzle with a hidden warning shows up on their doorstep, Tori refuses to take it seriously—in spite of the dead man who delivers it.

Libby finds comfort in neighbor Drew Canfield, but he hesitates to trust her after his disastrous marriage. As Libby struggles to act faithfully in the midst of these confusing relationships, she must also deal with a stolen diamond and a botched kidnapping. The answer to her problems lies in the riddles of the crosswords, if only she can solve the puzzle before it's too late.

My Review: I think this book is labeled as romantic suspense, but it's light on both elements. It is, however, a great fast read perfect for the summer. It has a little bit of a fun twist with crossword puzzles as well, you can solve them as you read if you are interested in that, or if you are lazy like me, you can just discover the answers in the story. :)

It was interesting to read the story of these twins and their different lives. Also there are some great Benjamin Franklin quotes throughout, because Drew is a Ben Franklin scholar. In fact, the characters and their relationships were what I found most enjoyable about the story, everything else was just icing on the cake.

If this sounds like something you would like to read, I do have a copy to give away. Just leave me a comment with a valid email address, and have a United States or Canadian mailing address.

Some Newsy Stuff

Hey guess what? I have internet again! I have tons of stuff to blog about! I also have about 14 million emails to read and it might take me a very long while to catch up on everyone else's blogs. So if this blog is hopping this week, um enjoy! :)

First, I'd like to mention that Jen of Daily Mish Mash is hosting a Movie Madness Carnival tomorrow, and even having a very fun and cool giveaway! I would like the Snack Gift Basket Premium Deluxe. I mean really, I wouldn't have to buy snacks again for a long time! Or maybe The Country Inn Breakfast Gift Basket would be a nice choice. I do enjoy indulging in an unhealthy breakfast. So you should check out the giveaway for yourself and also participate in the carnival...looks like fun.

Secondly, I'd like to point out that Alison Kent is having a very cool giveaway as well. I have never read one of her books, but I've been reading her blog for awhile now, and just won a book last week. So as soon as it shows up in the mail, I'll be reading away, and very happy. She wants you to be reading her books as well, though, so if you head over to her blog look through her backlist of published titles and tell her which one you'd like to read, she'll enter you into her very cool contest for a 50 dollar gift card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble. By the way, she is a romance writer, so um, bear that in mind.

Thirdly, I have so many little bits and pieces I want to share about BEA. I'll probably do that over the week. I will also be blogging about the big stuff at The Friendly Book Nook. I'm so behind on blogging!

Fourthly, I am having a giveaway as well, with a measly six entries. And I'm giving away a book by Rene Gutteridge! Please enter! Don't delay!

Ok, I think that's it for the moment. Look for many more posts this week. :)

Skid by Rene Gutteridge and Giveaway!

I have two copies of this to give away to those with a United States or Canadian mailing address. Leave me a comment that makes me laugh and you'll be entered! Don't worry, I laugh very easily. ;)



About the Book: Blissfully unaware that Atlantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a co-pilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that definitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage.

On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled in-flight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of "What Would Oprah Do?" will be challenged by the sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but constant requests–prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline–test the limits of the crew's customer service.

But as Lucy and the rest of the crew discover, Hank's odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.

About the Author: Rene Gutteridge is the author of twelve novels, including the Boo series, the Storm series, and the novelization for The Ultimate Gift, as well as Scoop and Snitch, the first two Occupational Hazard novels. She lives with her husband, Sean, and their two children in Oklahoma City.

Healing Promises by Amy Wallace + Giveaway

I have a giveaway! If you would like to win a copy of this book leave me a comment! This giveaway is open to anyone on the planet. If you are dying to read this book then blog about the giveaway and I'll triple your chances to win. (three entries) But of course you must link back here so that your readers can also enter. Also, please please please leave a valid email address. I'll draw a winner Sunday night. Good luck!

About the book: Facing a new threat.
When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear.
Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but in this case, the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire.
As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?

Check out Healing Promises on Amazon!

The Change and Cherish series by Jane Kirkpatrick + Giveaway

I usually think that I don't like historical fiction, but it's not true. I do, I just am a bit picky about it. I really enjoy the kind of historical fiction in this book, imagining the story behind the facts..in other words, based on a true story.

I am still in the first book, but I am loving it. I am so completely fascinated by this whole facet of history that I didn't know about before. Additionally, Jane Kirkpatrick is a very gifted writer, her turn of phrase is gorgeous and her characters are so well drawn that I already have very strong feelings about them. I just can't wait to finish devouring this series!

Let me share the synopsis of each book with you. When I am finished reading, I definitely want to revisit some things in these books on the blog so we can have a good ole discussion. This is truly fascinating stuff.
Spirited young Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of her 1850s religious community, which values conformity over independent thought, especially in women. Skeptical of the colony's growing emphasis on preparing for "the last days," Emma clashes with their increasingly autocratic leader—and faces the unexpected consequences of pursuing independence.




This lyrical novel, based on an historical figure of the 1800s, follows the spirited and intelligent Emma Giesy, who achieves her goal of separating her family from the repressive religious community in which she grew up. But unexpected and dire consequences leave her family—and her faith—struggling to survive.




This richly textured novel, the third in the acclaimed Change and Cherish series, follows the historical figure of Emma Wagner Giesy, who chafes under the restrictions of her 1860s religious colony. When her bid to belong in her unique way unravels her most precious relationships, she seeks new ways to stitch meaning into her life.


I have two copies of a Mending on the Edge to give away. This is open to those with a United States or Canadian mailing address. To enter, leave me a comment with your favorite period to read about in history. I'll close comments and pick a winner on Sunday. I have submitted this to Bloggy Giveaways Carnival.

Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival

Well, it's that time again! The Bloggy Giveaways Carnival is in effect!

That means that I'll be getting absolutely nothing important done all week as I enter all the giveaways! And if it's anything like last time, I won't win a thing! :)

I'll have a few giveaways again, and this is my first one.

A copy of the book New Hampshire Weddings by Rachel Hauck. To enter, simply leave me a comment with the name of your favorite author. I'm sorry, but I'm really broke at the moment, so this contest is only open to those with a United States or Canadian mailing address. I'll close the comments on Friday and pick a winner on Saturday.

I have another giveaway going on at the moment that closes tomorrow, so be sure to check it out here.

And if you're really ambitious, visit my other blog for a chance to win a box of books this month. (not part of the bloggy giveaway carnival)

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris + Giveaway

Teenagers today scare me. Maybe because my old car got egged a few times, or because they just sort of lurk around drinking beer or because the way they talk to their parents is shocking. Mostly because I know the future of our country and world is in their hands and they seem to live for the pleasure of the moment and have absolutely no self-control. I feel like a fuddy-duddy at age 27.

I know there are some good ones out there and this book is the proof. I learned some history reading it (the concept of teenager is a modern one), was personally challenged myself to "do hard things" and I felt greatly encouraged that the world isn't going to completely fall apart in the next few years.

If you have teenagers or pre-teens I highly recommend this book. Can't recommend it enough, actually. If you don't, I still recommend it, because as they say, it's never too late.

Here's the book information: With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Here's the author info: Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family's Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

Giveaway: I have a copy of this book to give to one of you! You must have a United States mailing address. Just leave a comment and tell me about a special teen or pre-teen in your life. I'll choose a winner next Tuesday April 22.

Check out the book for yourself.

Welcome to Andrew Peterson Week! (Giveaways! Sorry Euphrony!)

In support of Andrew Peterson's new book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, this week is Andrew Peterson week!

Everyday I will post something Andrew Peterson related. These posts will be labeled Andrew Peterson. I have two copies of the book, a CD, and one other AP related item to give away and in order to be eligible to win one of these things all you have to do is leave relevant comments on these posts. For each relevant comment you leave, you get an entry! All entries go in one pot and the first person's name I draw gets their choice of prize, etc. If you want even more entries, you can link back to any AP related post on my blog, just be sure to tell me so I can add your entry.

I'm hoping, the finale of this week...Friday, will be grand.

Please join in everyone and let's make this book a bestseller! :)

(Also, I am giving away a copy of Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry and Melvin Blackaby, it's just a busy giveaway week around here!)

Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry Blackaby and Melvin Blackaby + Giveaway

About the Book: What does the resurrection of Christ really mean for us? What does it reveal about the heart and mind of God? And what real differences can the miracle of the resurrection make in your life today?

Discover answers to those and other questions as you examine God’s Word with this companion study guide to the book Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry Blackaby and Melvin Blackaby.

Packed with practical notes, advice, and questions for reflection, this highly interactive guide—ideal for small group or individual use—shows you how to witness Christ’s resurrection in and through your life. Each chapter of the book is explored in a flexible one-week format with “life change objectives” that arise from applying the truth for each day to your life.

I'm only a few chapters into this book, but I'm really excited to read it because living out the victory that Christ already won can be a real challenge. :)

I have a copy of this book to give to one of my readers. If you are interested, please just leave a comment with a valid email address. I will draw a winner this Thursday March 20th, so don't delay!

The Next Level by David Gregory + Giveaway

Book Synopsis: Business degree in hand, Logan enters the immense Universal Systems building and is hired as an organizational analyst – a trouble-shooter. His job: evaluate the company’s five divisions, each on a separate level and each operating on startlingly unique principles. Which set of principles is successful? Why is most of the company’s profit generated by one tiny division? What is real profit, anyway? And who is the enigmatic executive that Logan ends up reporting to?

Logan engages in a life-changing pursuit for The Next Level—a fascinating parable that will help readers answer some of life’s most perplexing, vital questions. Joining Logan in evaluating each level’s approach, readers will be inspired to consider the big picture of their own life from an entirely different perspective – one that holds the key to life’s ultimate purpose. No matter where you are now, get ready to embark on your own passionate pursuit of The Next Level.

My Review: I actually really enjoyed this. It's a pretty quick read, and at times quite humorous (for example reincarnation is explained as getting fired but then rehired), but still brings home a good message. I definitely think it's something you want to read when you need a shift in perspective, or a reminder of what it means to share the same outlook as the Shareholder,er, God.

Giveaway: Courtesy of the publisher, I have two copies of this book for your reading pleasure. To win one, please leave a comment and tell me about the worst job you ever had. I will draw a winner next Monday, March 17th. (hope you have the luck of the Irish, lol!) I think both men and women will enjoy this book.

Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn + Giveaway

Book Synopsis: Another murder mystery for the Bargain Hunters Network–only this time, one of them is a suspect!

Ginger and her husband, Earl, are in for a wild ride in Calamity, Nevada, along with the other BHN ladies–college student Kindra, mother-of-four Suzanne, and sassy senior Arleta. They came to town for the Invention Expo and some outlet shopping, but instead they endure lost luggage, broken air conditioning, and a long line of people angry at hotel owner Dustin Clydell. With the Invention Expo and the Squirrel Lovers’ convention both in town, the Wind-Up Hotel has somehow overbooked.

Before the night is over, a man has been found dead in a teddy bear costume, the Invention Expo has been canceled, Binky the water-skiing squirrel has gone missing…and the authorities want to talk to one of the BHN ladies! What else could possibly go wrong?

Once again, the Bargain Hunters Network swings into sleuth mode to solve the murder–and this time, clear one of their own. Along the way, Ginger discovers something even better than a bargain

My Review: I always enjoy a light-hearted (murder notwithstanding) quirky mystery novel. It's fun to read something that makes you laugh out loud. And Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear does exactly that!

While I enjoyed the first book in this series, I really feel that this one outshines it. Perhaps it's the setting of Calamity, Nevada or the complete absurdity of the squirrel lovers convention, but this book had all the fun and just the right touch of mystery!

Another thing that is strong about this novel is the reflection on different life stages. Ginger, our heroine, who wants her husband to remember that people (including herself!) are what counts in life. Kindra is finding new love and being forced to decide if it lines up with what she believes God wants for her. Arleta's husband has passed away and she finds herself searching for the meaning in this stage of her life. While none of these are as completely devoloped as they could be, they are present bringing a measure of reality to an otherwise fluffy cozy mystery.

So, if you're looking for a good escape, some laugh out loud fun, and a little mystery...than Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear is for you!

The quirkiness and humor of this book reminds me a little of Carol Higgins Clark...so if you enjoy the Regan Reilly mysteries I think you'll enjoy this as well!

The giveaway: To celebrate the release of this book, I am giving away a ten dollar gift card to Build a Bear. To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment with your best bargain hunting tip. I need them! This is an e-certificate so you will receive it quickly without having to reveal an address!

If you are interested in winning a copy of the book please consider visiting one of the following sites:
Books, Movies, Chinese food
Cara's Musings

Interview with Rebeca Seitz + Contest

I had a blast reading Sisters, Ink and was delighted when Rebeca agreed to answer a few questions for me. Hopefully, you'll catch the same sweet spirit from Rebeca that permeates her book and gives it its charm!

First off, let me state that I really enjoyed the book! I love how the sisters are all from different backgrounds but were made into a family. How did you come up with the idea for that?

YAY! You liked it!! Whew – big relief. J When I lived in Florida, I attended Bible study at the home of one of our assistant pastors. They had two birth children and several adopted children, most with disabilities and all with various ethnic heritages. I remember one time stopping in front of a family portrait that hung on the wall and seeing all their smiles – they seemed such a genuine, honest family. I loved being in their home and seeing them interact with each other. I wanted to create something like that in Sisters, Ink. I believe that’s what God meant for the human race to be – a beautiful mixture of colors and backgrounds, all created in His image.

Do you feel that you are like Tandy Sinclair in any way?

Ha ha! I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me…J Seriously, I was a lot like Tandy before marrying Charlie and having Anderson, but forming a family tempered my stubbornness a bit. I'm still headstrong and passionate – just focused on different things than Tandy.

Community around scrapbooking is an important part of the novel. Do you have close scrapbooking communities in your life?

Oh, yeah! Two of my girlfriends and I travel to each other to scrap. We used to all live in the same city and, when we moved apart from each other, we couldn't bear to break up either our friendships or our scrapping time. So, we thank God for airlines and good cars and keep finding ways to see each other! I also scrap locally with my sister. Her studio is even bigger than mine, so I go over to her house with my stuff every now and then and we spend the day scrapping with CMT on the TV in the background (and the sound of her two kiddos playing with mine). We've also started talking about forming a scrapping group at my church within the women's ministry. I can't wait for that to come to fruition!

What is one tip you would give a new scrapbooker?

Don't buy into the idea that you have to be perfect or an artist to do this. Create the scrapbook that represents your story and the stories of your friends and family. If it works for you, it is perfect.
(Amy here: I really love that advice and should take note of it!)

I loved Cooper! Have you ever had a pet like him?

I still do! Charlie and I have three basset hound mixes that are all rescues. Wilson Wellington is half basset, half corgi. I adopted him seven years ago when I lived in Florida. Sophia Loren and Cole Porter are true brother and sister. They're half basset, half chow. We also adopted a cat (because isn't it obvious we didn't have enough animals in the house?!) that was abandoned in the Wal-mart parking lot last year. She's gray, lives in the laundry room, and is named Daphne du Maurier. She spends her days staring out the window – and I just know she's sneering down at the 15 cats freezing their tails off outside.

How many scrapbooks have you made?

Oh, heavens! Here's hoping my hubby doesn't read this interview. Ha ha! I'm guessing 15? I'm not really sure.

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I'm finishing up book three in the series, which is entitled Scrapping Plans. I'm also working on another book idea that might come after the series.

Just out of curiosity, does a company like Sisters Ink really exist?

Yep! You can find it at www.sistersink.net. It's still in the infancy stages, so if you'd like to join, now's the cheapest time to do so!

What book are you currently reading and/or who are some of your own favorite authors?

I'm always reading a bunch of stuff at once. Right now, it's Love in the Time of Cholera by Marquis, The Husband by Dean Koontz (love him!), Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate (the first of hers I've read – good stuff!), and a plethora of magazines such as Real Simple, National Geographic, Memory Makers, and Library Journal. As for my favorite authors, I've already mentioned Koontz, whose mastery of the language is an amazing delight for the reader bored with words. I'm also a big fan of Jennifer Crusie when she isn't co-authoring, though I really wish she'd wait until her characters were married for those hot scenes. [sigh] I loved Patricia Cornwell's early stuff – before Kay Scarpetta (her main character) devolved into an introspective storm cloud. Brandilyn Collins mysteries are always good reads. Austin Boyd is the perfect choice for readers loving edge-of-your-seat stuff. Charles Martin rocks the southern fiction world…I could go on all day!!
(Amy here...Jennifer Crusie has a sense of humor like no other, I agree with you about saving those hot scenes though.)

Any parting words of wisdom you'd like to share with your readers?

Find your fulfillment by becoming God's creation of you.

Thank you so much for this interview Rebeca, I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Coming Unglued, the next Sisters Ink book!

The Contest
Now, if you are a scrapbooker or interested in becoming a scrapbooker have I got a contest/giveaway for you! You saw that Rebeca mentioned the real life Sisters, Ink company above! Well, one lucky winner is going to receive their first year membership to Sisters, Ink paid!

To enter, write a post on your own blog about scrapbooking. You can write about anything related to scrapbooking: your best tips, why you love it, or why you want to start, or whatever creative idea you come up with. The only criteria is that you must somewhere in your post link to either this interview with Rebeca, or this post where you can read the first chapter of her book.

When you've finished, send me an email at mypalamy AT gmail DOT com with a link to your post.
If you don't have a blog of your own, you can write on the topic of scrapbooking and send it to me in an email.

The winner will receive a one year membership to Sisters, Ink and a link to their winning post. If the winner is a non-blogger their post will be featured here.

Posts will be judged on content so be creative and enjoy! Deadline to enter is February 17th.

Milk in the Closet Rocks my Socks Off

Do people even still use that expression?

Anyway, she totally rocked the bloggy giveaway. She made everyone go find a different post and give some advice. And there was a lot of good advice over there.

I don't even understand some of the cut and paste comments I'm getting. :)

But I've had a few gems....some that made me laugh out loud especially in the Martha Stewart category....anyway...

Next time I'm consulting her first before posting mine. :)

A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman + Giveaway

Book Synopsis: As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith's proper Boston family apart.

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. Collin is trying to win her sister Charity's hand, and Faith isn't sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. Full of passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure is Book 1 of the Daughters of Boston series.

My Review:
Every once in awhile, you get the rare chance of reading a book that captivates you in the first few pages. A book that you know has a place in your permanent book collection, and that reminds you just why you love God and living.

Julie Lessman's debut novel A Passion Most Pure is one of those books! I absolutely fell in love with the book only a short way in and couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. Now girls, this is a book for us. It's a heartpounding romance. An epic love story if you will. It has all the necessary ingredients, a gorgeous leading man with a troubled past, a heroine who is easy to love and identify with, a conspiring jealous but beautiful sister, the backdrop of a world at war, a couple of love triangles (my favorite, lol) and a passion for God.

Lessman's prose is easy and seemingly effortless, her characters well developed and layered, and the plot is rich and enchanting. :)

Girls, you will love this book.

I'm pretty sure this series will end up next to the Mark of the Lion books as some of my favorite books ever. (I haven't read the next two, but I'm just sure!) And I'm really hopeful that Julie will get the chance to write more stories for us about these wonderful characters.

Tomorrow, I have an interview with Julie to share with you and it's wonderful. I think you'll really enjoy it regardless of whether or not you're a reader.

I want you to get the chance to read this book as well, and so I'm offering a chance for you to win the book. Here's how it's going to work.....

Contest Rules:

If you post a comment here with your email address you'll get one entry.

If you post a comment here and on tomorrow's interview with Julie you'll get two entries.

And because I want as many people as possible to hear about this book, if you post on YOUR blog or on a message board about the book using a link to purchase it on Amazon AND a link back to either this review or Julie's interview (which will be posted tomorrow), you'll get a whopping six entries into the contest! But you must leave me a link to where you posted so I can see. You can also email me (email address available on my profile page) this information. Be creative with your post! I'll draw a winner on February 3. Sorry, this contest is only open to those with a US mailing address. (the book is a chunkster!)

Sound good? Be absolutely sure to visit tomorrow for Julie's interview, she has a lot of words of wisdom for us!

(looking for more giveaways? Check out the bloggy giveaway carnival!)

Bloggy Giveaway #2

I'm having so much fun reading through the comments of my first giveaway that I decided to do another one.

This giveaway is for two Martha Stewart DVDs. Classic Thanksgiving and Homemade Holidays.

The DVDs are new and come with a small plastic case you can use to organize your recipes.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and tell me what you'd want Martha to do for you if she donated a day of her time to you.

Please be sure there's a way to contact you if you win.

Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to those with a US mailing address. I'll close comments and pick a winner on February 2nd.

Thanks everyone!

(Check out more giveaways!)

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

I'm going to blame it all on Compassion.

If it wasn't for Compassion, I never would have discovered Rocks in my Dryer's blog. And if I hadn't discovered RIMD's blog I never would have felt compelled to join in the bloggy giveaway carnival .

But I did and it sounds like fun.

In the spirit of friendship, the friendship we share in the blogging community, I am giving away a copy of the DVD Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It's one of my favorite chickie flicks. So, sorry guys, but maybe there will be a giveaway for you in the future.

Just leave a comment and tell me about one of your best friends and make sure there's some way I can contact you! Thanks much!

Oh and check out the carnival for more places to win!

Music Monday: Music that Heals + Giveaway

Those of you who know me or who have read this blog for any length of time know that I LOVE Andrew Peterson's music. So it seemed like a natural place to start Music Monday. To tell you the story of me and Andrew Peterson's music. (Isn't it funny that you can have a whole significant relationship with someone's art without them really knowing you exist?)

I didn't discover Andrew Peterson until shortly before his third album, Love and Thunder, released. He was on tour with Nichole Nordeman at the time, whom I loved. And actually, Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn were there, too, but that's another story. The truth of the matter is at the time I was in deep emotional pain. My heart felt like a wasteland of pain, and the music of Andrew Peterson was like a balm to my wounds. I can tell you all the reasons why I love his music now--it's poetic and beautifully crafted and rich with meaning. But at the time, it was like a message from God. And as I listened to the four or five songs he sang, yes even the penny song ("Loose Change"), it was as if they were living and breathed air under the tiny wings of a feeling long neglected in my heart....hope.

So within a week I had his two previous cds and his newest one on order. And I discovered that I loved everything he had written. And that listening to his music was like listening to my own thoughts, only written more beautifully. And I went to see him in concert again a month later. And so my great and lasting-to-this-day relationship with Andrew Peterson's music was born.

I think I'm supposed to actually make it possible for you to listen to some of his music, but I can't right now. But I think you can go over to youtube yourself and do a search on Andrew Peterson. And something beyond your imagination will occur Well, some videos will pop up, I just like to throw in a Phantom of the Opera quote every once in awhile. And hopefully you will find it worth your while after reading this post. Also, he is quite the writer and blogs at the Rabbit Room. You should also visit his website where you can read his past journal entries which are also worth your time.

To make up for being unable to provide you with a song to listen to, I am having my first ever blog giveaway! Yay, I'm very excited. So, I will be giving away a copy of Andrew Peterson's (who else?) The Far Country. All you have to do is leave a comment with an email address where I will be able to reach you. Or alternately, you can email me with same information. Then, a week from today on the next Music Monday, I'll announce the winner!

Music Monday is hosted by The Secret Life of Kat. You can visit The Secret Life of Kat to read more Music Monday entries.