Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

Pump Up Your Book

Book Review: Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert & Giveaway (US/Canada)

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Kellie Coates Gilbert is a new author to me but I can guarantee that her debut novel Mother of Pearl won’t be the last of her work that I will read.  Mother of Pearl is an emotionally wrenching story that will leave you feeling as if you have lived in the pages of this book while reading it.  It is a story of a family, a tragedy, and, in the end, it will leave you asking yourself just how far you would go to protect your child.

Barrie seems to have it all.  She has a loving husband, a son and daughter, and a great job that she loves as a school counselor.  While driving home from a football game with her daughter Pearl they see Pearl’s boyfriend kissing another girl and not just any girl – it’s Pearl’s best friend.  Life rapidly begins to unravel for the family as Pearl withdraws from everyone and refuses to discuss anything with her mother.  Barrie had always thought she had a pretty good handle on who her daughter was and how she felt about things – she had thought they had the kind of relationship where they could share things.  She is shocked when Pearl begins sneaking out of the house at night, going to parties, and coming home drunk.  However, nothing in the world can prepare Barrie for the tragedy that is in store or for the justice that she will fight tooth and nail for in order to protect her daughter’s reputation even if it means jeopardizing her relationships with her husband and son.

This is a novel where you can’t talk much about the plot because it gives away too much of the story so I’ll leave it there and discuss the characters a bit.  Barrie is the type of character that immediately pulls you into her world. She’s a mother, first and foremost, who loves her children and will do anything in her power and more to protect them.  She’s passionate about her job and being able to shape the young people’s lives that she counsels.  She’s far from perfect though – she’s not the best cook or housekeeper and struggles to get supper on the table but that’s what makes her so likeable.  She’s easy to relate to because she sounds just like so many woman you and I already know.  Her husband Steve was likable as well but there were more than a few instances in the novel where I thought he could have been more understanding but then those are the complications of any marriage.  There are also side characters like Barrie’s mother who, in the beginning of the novel I really didn’t like at all, but by the end of the story I had warmed up to considerably.  Then there is a Jackie who is one of those ultimate perfect homemakers who can bake, cook, and do just about everything perfectly.  At first Barrie is disgusted by her perfection but as time wears on and Jackie stands by her side Barrie realizes there is so much more to this woman.  Ultimately this novel is full of characters that I’m sure most of us will be able to relate to in one way or another.

Mother of Pearl is classed as Christian Fiction but it is not overwhelmingly so.  What it really shows is a woman who questions faith and God and why God would allow bad things to happen.  She can’t understand how her husband can turn to God and have it help him and she envies her young son’s ability to also place his faith in God’s healing hands.  Slowly though she awakens to the idea that there is a greater power out there than herself to believe in and her journey to having faith in God begins.  I have to say that this novel will break your heart so having a box of tissues nearby is a good idea.  It will also leave you feeling hopeful in the fact that even in the worst of times there is hope around the corner…

Mother of Pearl is touring with Pump Up Your Book so be sure to check out the other tour stops along the way.  You can find Kellie Coates Gilbert at her website as well as Facebook and Twitter.  You can purchase your own copy of Mother of Pearl here in the US and here in Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you do just let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, October 27/12.  Good luck!

Source:  Review copy provided by Pump Up Your Book and the Publisher via NetGalley.  No compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Book Review: A Man of Honor by Loree Lough & Giveaway (US/Canada)

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A Man of Honor by Loree Lough is the third book in her First Responders Series and another one that I really enjoyed. I read the first two books Honor Redeemed (my review) and From Ashes to Honor (my review) over the last while and I’ve come to look forward to the next installment in the series every time I read one. Loree’s books are faith based and while I really enjoy Christian fiction I realize not everyone does but I do not find that Loree’s books push faith at you; it’s just there like it should be. For me her books are like a comfort read – they are novels that deal with grief, loss, and most importantly love. I thoroughly enjoy them!

In A Man of Honor we meet Dusty, who after a rocky life becomes a reverend and runs a home for boys who haven’t got many options left in their lives anymore. His goal is always to care for them and try to set them on the right path in life. We also meet Grace who is a schoolteacher in one of the rougher schools. She also has a passion for helping those who have lost their way. They meet when Dusty, who is called in on searches and such when someone goes missing, to find a missing girl. In all the confusion after the girl is found they don’t manage to learn much about each other but God is on their side because it seems their paths will continue to cross.

Both Dusty and Grace have no interest in a relationship and yet after spending some time together they realize just how much in common they have especially after Dusty sees just how comfortable and good Grace is with his boys. As the story progresses Dusty and Grace hit a few roadblocks but use their love and faith to guide them through. Their passion for helping kids is a strong thing they have in common and I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. So many times these kids fall through the cracks and despite not having the money to keep his house going most of the time Dusty keeps on finding ways – such as moving his eleven boys and himself in with Grace! Grace though is made to be a caregiver and manages to show these boys that they really do deserve to be loved.

This story definitely has a few twists and turns, not to mention a few things that I just didn’t expect. I’m still not sure I liked the ending in this one but one thing I will say for Loree is that she writes realistically. Her stories are true to life and she draws you so fully into her characters lives that you become one with them. She writes clean and enjoyable novels with a little romance thrown in. A Man of Honor is a novel that will take you through a multitude of emotions and I advise having some kleenex on hand if you do read this one. This is another great installment from Loree and once again I will be anxiously awaiting the next one!

 

A Man of Honor by Loree Lough is touring with Pump Up Your Book so be sure to check out the other tour stops.  You can find Loree on her website as well as Facebook and Twitter.  Your own copy of A Man of Honor can be purchased here in the US and here in Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of A Man of Honor by Loree Lough to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do just let me know and I’ll pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, October 6/12.  Good luck!

Source: Review copy provided by Pump Up Your Book and the Publisher via NetGalley. No compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Book Spotlight: The Things I Do For You by Mary Carter & Giveaway (Int’l)

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Good morning everyone.  My apologies to the author for first not having a book review ready for today and secondly for getting this post out late as well.  My dad went into the hospital by emergency on Sunday with his heart and they’ve got him stable now but are waiting on some tests of a biopsy they did so things are up in the air here right now.  For those of you that pray I’d appreciate any and all prayers for him.  Those of you who regularly read this blog know how important my papa is to me.  I’ll just have book spotlights for you all this week.

Now for The Things I Do For You by Mary Carter which I was so looking forward to reading.  I just can’t seem to concentrate on a book at all.  I wish I could since I’m sure it would help to get away in the pages of a book for a while.  Mary is touring with Pump Up Your Book and the book is already getting some fantastic reviews. This book is about marriage, the things you do or compromise for in a marriage and most importantly the power of love.  I am really looking forward to reading it when I can get back to my reading.  For now I’m going to tell you about the book and in place of the review I was to have I’m going to share my copy in a giveaway that’s open to everyone.

 

About The Things I Do For You

What happens to a marriage when a husband buys a lighthouse behind his wife’s back?

Bailey Jordan has loved her husband, Brad, since they were ten years old. She’s followed him on every adventure–opening a sweater store in Seattle, a café in Colorado, a surf shop in Santa Monica. Each time, she’s picked up the pieces when things fell apart. But now, it’s her turn. Bailey has a successful real estate career in Manhattan, and she’s eager to start a family–until a car crash leaves Brad in a coma and changes their lives forever.

Awakening after his near-death experience, Brad has a new mission. He buys a lighthouse on the Hudson River, planning to turn it into a B&B. Grateful to have Brad alive, Bailey tries to make his dream her own. The lighthouse is beautiful, but the challenges–renovating, bringing in supplies by boat, navigating the locals and guests–are enormous. And then Bailey discovers a secret in Brad’s past that compels her to question her husband, her marriage, and how far she’ll go to keep them both. . .

Thoughtful and moving, The Things I Do for You exhibits a rare understanding of the joys, compromises, and small rebellions that lie at the heart of every marriage, and of the resilience and surprising power of love.

Follow along on Mary’s tour with Pump Up Your Book!

Buy at: Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, B&N, Kindle, and Nook

 

About Mary Carter

 

Mary Carter is a freelance writer and novelist. The Things I Do For You, is her sixth novel. Her fifth novel, The Pub Across the Pond, was July’s pick of the month with Barnes and Noble online book club, and is also available as an audiobook through Blackstone Audio. Her other works include: My Sister’s Voice, Sunnyside Blues, She’ll Take It, and Accidentally Engaged. In addition to her novels she has written three novellas: A Very Maui Christmas in the New York Times best selling anthology Holiday Magic, The Honeymoon House in the New York Times best selling anthology Almost Home, and A Kiss Before Midnight (in an anthology collection headlined by Janet Daily) which will be out in the Spring of 2013. Mary is also excited to announce that she has started, The Writers’ Den, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where she will be teaching the exact writing course that helped her write and publish her first novel. Aspiring writers in the New York City area can go to www.themanhattanwritersden for more information.

Readers can visit Mary at www.marycarterbooks.com.

Find Mary on Facebook
Follow Mary on Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (Open Int’l)

I have one paperback copy of The Things I Do For You by Mary Carter to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you do just let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway.

This giveaway is open internationally!  I will draw for the winner on Saturday, Sept 8/12.  Good luck everyone!

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Guest Post with Susan Wingate, author of Spider Brains & Giveaway (US/Canada)

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I’ve got something a little different from my usual fare to spotlight for you today. It’s a Young Adult book called Spider Brains by Susan Wingate and it sounds really good! Every once in a while I love to read a book that is just enjoyable and easy and I think Spider Brains fits the bill. I can’t wait to read it! Today Susan joins us here at the blog with a guest post entitled Why I Decided on Spiders for My Characters to Deal With…

 

This is sort of funny story because I used to be dreadfully frightened of spiders. You could even go as far as saying that I was arachnophobic. In fact, when I was around 30 years old, in 1990, the movie Arachnophobia came out. In an attempt to try getting over my fear of spiders, I asked my niece and nephew, Sonja and Thomas, if they might join me to go to the theatre to see Arachnophobia. My sister told me they had wanted to but refused to take them herself. She’s eon’s more intelligent that I am.

Anyway, we’re about 15 minutes into this film when a spider drops menacingly and fatally onto the hand of an old woman who is simply turning on a table lamp. Well, call the police because I screamed bloody murder!

The entire theatre audience turned to see who had freaked out and then, as if looking at me like I was something straight out of a circus sideshow, all began to point and laugh. I slumped low into my chair trying to hide between the small frames of my sister’s children–a 14-year old and a 10-year old. Within two minutes another spider flashed onto the screen making me lose my mind again. But, this time, instead of sitting and taking their jeers and guffaws, I jumped up and bellowed out, “I canNOT believe someone made such a STUpid movie.” And then stamped out of the theatre like some insane movie critic.

After shaking off an extreme case of the heebie-jeebies just outside the theatre room, I headed for two glass exterior doors. I guess, in order to get farther away. When I opened the doors a dime-sized down feather wafted just before my eyes making me go all wacky, yet again, but this time injury ensued. I lifted my hand up fast to avoid what I initially presumed was a spider and when I did, my thumbnail connected squarely with my right nostril tearing it open and giving me a bloody nose. Brilliant.

I believe it was at this point that I decided I needed to reconcile with spiders. And, I’m happy to say that twenty-some years later, the arachnid kingdom and I have come to a very amicable relationship.

However! This is how the idea for SPIDER BRAINS: A LOVE STORY emerged (or, really, how the idea landed in my lap)…

One night in bed, I noticed something strange. It was very early in the morning. My husband had gotten up for work and flipped on the bathroom light switch. The brightness shone against the ceiling and there, not too far from the bed, was a spider making its way across the ceiling. I thought about retrieving it and then setting it free outside but before I could set one foot on the floor to do so, a story flashed across my mind. For about an hour I wrote notes covering the over-arching idea which resulted in the novel SPIDER BRAINS.

Thank you for allowing me to tell you about spiders and my book for your wonderful blog.

 

About Spider Brains

If one were to bake the story SPIDER BRAINS into a cake, they should sprinkle in Charlotte’s Web, toss in one Jellicle Cat, then stir in a little Spiderman—but as a girl and not in that goofy latex outfit! A tale of hope, transformation, transition and inspiration.
After her father’s death last year and, now, in the throes of a gnarly teacher’s whim as she thinks ahead to college (or really just dreams of getting into college), a small black arachnid bites fifteen-year-old Susie Speider on the finger. The bite sends her nights into fantastical dreams about taking revenge on a teacher who, ultimately, holds her college aspirations in the palm of her cold calloused hand. But, after Susie figures out the dreams are real, she ups the ante by visiting the teacher regularly… as the spider! And, oh, by the way! Who is that boy spider munching on flies, hiding over there in the corner? A story of loss and forgiveness, tolerance and kindness, Susie Speider deals with the death of her father while Matt Ryder–the new neighbor boy–has just lost his mother. Ultimately, SPIDER BRAINS poses some important questions about how to treat Attention-Deficit-Disorder.

Buy at: Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and B&N

 

About Susan Wingate

Most recently, Susan Wingate’s novels, SPIDER BRAINS and DROWNING each reached Amazon Bestseller status in 2012. DROWNING won the 2011 Forward National Literature Award for Drama. She would love for you to read her books. You can find them all under the tab on this site labeled “Books”. SUSAN has written eleven novels, two short story collections, a few plays, one screenplay and tons of poems. Her latest 2011 novel DROWNING (contemporary women’s fiction), won 1st place in the 2011 Forward National Literature Award and also won a finalist award for the category of Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit in the 2011 International Book Awards. A vibrant public speaker, Susan offers inspiring, motivational talks about the craft of writing, publishing and marketing, and how to survive this extremely volatile (e-)Publishing industry. She presents these lectures for private groups and at writing conferences, libraries and bookstores around the country.

Susan’s website
Find Susan on Facebook
Follow Susan on Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of Spider Brains by Susan Wingate to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, September 1/12.  Good luck!

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Book Spotlight: Son of a Soldier by Aiken Brown & Giveaway (US/Can)

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Happy Friday everyone!  Time for a break from reviews to do a book spotlight instead.  Today’s spotlight is for a book called Son of a Soldier by Aiken A. Brown as she tours the blogosphere with Pump Up Your Book.  I haven’t had a chance to read my copy of this book yet but I will be as it sounds great and just the type of book I like so keep an eye out for my review in the next while.  I do have to say though, that while I think this cover is adorable, I’m not sure it suits the novel’s subject matter as you’ll see by the description so I’m really curious if it does in any way relate to the novel.  Anyhow, check out what the book is about, who the author is, and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post to win a copy for yourself!

 

About Son of a Soldier

Son of a Soldier is the powerful story of how God used one unlikely, country girl to change the course of history. It seemed impossible to believe that an eighteen-year-old girl from the middle-of-nowhere, Tennessee would have any real significance in the history of our nation…that is until God chose her to make a Godly man out of a flawed, military hero’s stubborn son.

Hailey was a small town, farm girl who had never left her home state of Tennessee. She was a naïve tomboy who possessed an unassuming charm, the power of which she could not comprehend.

Grant was a rebellious Army brat who had seen the world. Glib, sarcastic and self-destructive, he was a loner lost in a world he had never felt he fit into.

They seemingly had little in common, but when two hearts collided, two worlds became one; while Hailey embarks on a beautiful journey of self-discovery in this unique coming-of-age story, Grant travels a winding, dirt road that helps him rediscover a lost innocence and discover a renewed purpose.

Follow along on Aiken’s blog tour with Pump Up Your Book
Buy at: Amazon.com, B&N, Kindle, and Nook

 

 

About Aiken Brown

Aiken Brown graduated summa cum laude from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She is the author of In a Brother’s Eyes: the Brant McLachlan Story (2005), For Such a Time as This (2007) and Son of a Soldier (2012). Aiken’s book are available at all major booksellers and in Kindle, Nook and other ebook formats! Learn more about Aiken Brown’s books at www.aikenbrown.blogspot.com

Find Aiken on Facebook as well!

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of Son of a Soldier by Aiken Brown to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry, simply leave me comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thanks, and please let me know so I can pass that extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, July 28/12.  Good luck!

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Guest Post with Linda J. Ferguson, author of Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand & Giveaway

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Good day everyone.  I’m pleased to welcome Linda J. Ferguson, author of Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand, to Peeking Between the Pages today. Dr. Linda J. Ferguson is an author, speaker, coach, and seminar leader to support people leading a joyful and awakened spiritual life. Linda is touring with Pump Up Your Book! for a few months so be sure to check out these other tour stops for reviews, guest posts, interviews, and more giveaways!  I’m particularly interested in this book as I’m looking for ways to help me lessen the stress I currently have and there are affirmations and meditations to help me on my spiritual journey. I can’t wait to delve into it and start reading! In the meantime, Linda has joined us today to talk about Awakening Soul Consciousness – Walking the Mystics Path…

 

We live in exciting times indeed! Shifts are occurring across the globe- socially, economically, politically, and spiritually. We can see these changes through the lens of fear and uncertainty, or we can see them through the spiritual lens of awakening and empowerment.

Many spiritual traditions have talked about being ‘In the world but not of the world.” This is the mystic’s path, to stay connected to God/Allah/Jehovah/Great Spirit at all times. When you face doubt or confusion, you can get clarity and insights through meditation, Shamanic journeys, or guided imagery to tap into your own Inner Wisdom. Getting support from spiritual guides and master teachers helps you re-connect with your own Divine Essence.

In my latest book, Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand: Awakening Soul Consciousness for the New Millennium, I offer stories and ideas for those of you feeling the cosmic nudge to awaken. It’s a spiritual guidebook for beginners and those of you who have walked the awakened path for many years. Each chapter has exercises, meditations, and stories to help you remember Who You Are as a spiritual being. These will help you stay grounded in the shifting sands of your life.

Here’s a video clip of a presentation I gave on Awakening Soul Consciousness related to my new book:

 

 

See what emerges for you as you watch this.

May you find and create balance, peace, and joy in your life.

Blessed Be.

For more information about Linda J. Ferguson’s book or to see other videos to support you as you follow your spiritual path more deeply, visit her website – www.lindajferguson.com

_________________________

 

About Staying Grounded on Shifting Sand

Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand provides insightful stories and ideas to support your spiritual journey and help you answer your soul’s calling. Inside you’ll read how to step fully into who you are as an awakened soul being. You’ll read ways to apply spiritual principles for daily challenges and stressors of relationships, finances, work, or family. You’ll learn how to connect with the joy and beauty of who you are as a spiritual being through your various human experiences.

You’ll learn ways to shift how you experience your world using the affirmations, meditations, and visualizations provided in each chapter. A new process called Transformational Empowerment™ shows seven key steps for manifesting your heart’s desire and fulfilling your soul contracts.

You’ve already signed up to be an agent for spiritual transformation, in your own life and in the world. Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand is a spiritual guidebook to help you navigate through your daily stresses, spiritual tests, and challenging relationships. It also is a celebration of the joy you are here to experience as a conscious co-creator. Each chapter ends with concrete, meaningful exercises for you to use immediately!

Buy at: Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, B&N, Kindle, and Nook

 

About Linda Ferguson

Dr. Linda J. Ferguson is an author, speaker, coach, and seminar leader to support people leading a joyful and awakened spiritual life. Linda’s website, www.lindajferguson.com , contains videos, meditations, affirmations, and other useful resources for spiritual growth and personal development. Readers find inspiring and informative ideas in Linda’s blog to enrich their spirituality for everyday living- www.lindajferguson.com/blog/ .

Dr. Ferguson is author of two books “The Path for Greatness – Work as Spiritual Service” and “Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand- Awakening Soul Consciousness for the New Millennium“. Readers find the exercises at the end of every chapter valuable and practical. They can apply the ideas immediately in their life and see results. Linda has conducted three national book tours, presented at national conferences, and conducted worship services to inspired and appreciative audiences. Linda also leads Shamanic Journeys, spiritual study groups, and retreats for people who want to dive deeper into the insights and ideas offered in her books on spiritual growth and transformation.

Linda has developed a seven step process of Transformational EmpowermentTM, for personal mastery. She developed this powerful process of manifesting and creating positive life changes from her own life experiences, her work with her coaching clients, and her study of mysticism.

She uses the spiritual principles found in her Transformational EmpowermentTM process in her coaching practice so that her clients more effectively move through their important life changes. Her coaching provides a structured and consistent venue so that people can make positive changes in their life easefully and confidently.

Linda has been on radio interviews and has featured articles in Interbeing, a journal of personal and professional mastery. She also writes a weekly blog to support people’s desire to integrate their spiritual life with their professional life- www.managementhelp.org/blogs/spirituality/

Dr. Ferguson earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University (I.U.-Bloomington) in Organizational Behavior with a Masters also from I.U. studying Social Psychology. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and management. Linda did her coach training in 2004 from Coach Training Alliance, completed her certification in Team Coaching, and has CCE credits from International Coach Federation (ICF).

In 1994 she traveled abroad for six months to Asia, Australia, Israel, and Europe before moving to Virginia where she currently lives. Her personal spiritual practice includes daily prayer and meditation, Sufi Dances of Universal Peace, Integral Yoga, Native American Sweat Lodges and other Earth-based ceremonies.

Find Linda on Facebook
Follow Linda on Twitter

 

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS  (US & Canada)

I have one copy of Staying Grounded on Shifting Sand by Linda J. Ferguson to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thanks, and let me know so I can pass the entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, June 23/12.  Good luck!

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