Saturday, July 4, 2015

Just Couldn't Put It Down Giveaway Hop!


As an editor and reviewer, I read A LOT! I've been an avid reader most of my life. Along the way, there have been a handful of books that I'd consider ones I "just couldn't put down." The most recent novel that fits the bill is "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron.



Cambron's debut combines history, art, music, and romance in this tale set, in part, during World War II. I love the fact that it weaves the historical and modern story lines together so seamlessly. For me, that adds to the power of the message. Few people would associate anything good or beautiful with concentration camps. However, this book does just that. It's a poignant reminder that God can, and does, use evil for His good. The use of the butterfly is a wonderful example of something that goes through a period of darkness, yet comes out as something special on the other side. Something can be learned from every event in life. This story also demonstrates why it is important to never forget this period in history. The characters' faith is so strong that it made me reevaluate some of the times my own faith has wavered, and it helped me view things from a different perspective.

Music is another component in this story, and it, too, has always been a large part of my life. One of my favorite takeaways from this story is this reminder from one of the characters (Omara): "When we worship in the good times, it brings God joy. But worship in the midst of agony? That is authentic adoration of our Creator." True joy comes from within, and it is not based on the circumstances surrounding us. Cambron's characters embody that statement.

"The Butterfly and the Violin" is a moving tale that will stick with the reader long after the final page.


My review can be found on the RT Book Reviews website at the following link:
(I rated it 4.5/4.5 - TOP PICK!)


In celebration of this blog hop, I am giving away an Amazon gift card. Kristy Cambron has graciously agreed to give away an autographed copy of this wonderful book. You can enter to win by completing the tasks in the Rafflecopter box found below. 
(This contest is open to US residents only.)


After entering my contest, be sure to visit the other blogs in this hop. You can find the list below the Rafflecopter box.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



146 comments:

  1. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never read that one. I'll have to check it out!

      Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing, and enjoy the hop!

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Ooh, that's definitely a good one. What a classic.

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. Oh this is such a hard question! I think Pride and Prejudice really started my love of reading!

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    1. You certainly can't go wrong by choosing such a classic book :-)

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  4. I cannot choose an adult fiction title as my favorite, so I'm going with a favorite from childhood: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle.

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    1. It really is hard to pick just one book, isn't it? I enjoy "A Wrinkle in Time", too :-)

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog!

      Delete
  5. Thanks for the giveaway! I have too many favorites; let just go with Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare for now. :)

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    1. You're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by my blog :-) I have a number of favorites, too. It's certainly hard to pick just one. I've never read "Clockwork Angel". I will have to check it out.

      Good luck!

      Delete
  6. I would love to win this book!! My all time favorite is "Gone With The Win". Even tho this is my favorite it's really not the only one! I have many Christian Fiction Books that are my favorite now cause that's about all I read nowadays .

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    1. This really is a wonderful book! I don't blame you for having more than one favorite. It's nearly impossible to pick just one. Christian fiction is the majority of what I read, as well.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. Great choice, Amanda!

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog.

      Delete
  8. Anything by Sabrina Jeffries. I am a huge fan of her books.

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    1. Karen, I have read a couple of her books. They really are good :-)

      Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  9. Second only to the Holy Bible, I love To Kill a Mockingbird. It contains a beautiful compilation of themes--acceptance, morality, compassion, family, justice, and forgiveness. This story has moved me like no other, perhaps in part because I read it as a child and related and empathized so much with Scout Finch. I still do.

    The movie is a favorite too (which is a rarity to me.) Usually, I find books-to-movies slightly (or horribly) disappointing. ;)

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    1. Cheryl,

      Great choices! "To Kill a Mockingbird" is really in a class of its own in many ways. Thanks for explaining why it is your favorite.

      I totally agree. I usually prefer the book much more than the movie. It is very rare that the movie even comes close.

      Thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  10. My all-time favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

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    1. Rachel,

      That is a popular choice (and well deserved).

      Good luck in the contest. Thanks for stopping by my blog :-)

      Delete
  11. Sorry if I double post (something weird happened). I have so many, but the two that are at the forefront of my mind are: "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers and "Heretic Queen" by Michelle Moran

    ReplyDelete
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    1. No problem about the double posting. I do that myself. I'm not sure what happens with it.

      I've never read any books by Michelle Moran, but Francine Rivers is definitely a great author. I'll have to look up "Heretic Queen."

      Things are stopping by, and good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. HOT HEAD by Damon Suede

    --Trix

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. The classic books definitely seem to be popular choices :)

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog!

      Delete
  15. I honestly don't have a favorite, I can't possibly narrow it down to just one author and especially not a single book. Some recent favorites include: Taken by Dee Henderson, The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton, Summer's List by Anita Higman, Unplanned by Alana Terry, Shadows Of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson, Exiles by R.J. Larson, and The Rook by Steven James. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome, and thanks for stopping by!

      I agree. I read way too many books to narrow it down to just one favorite book. Your list includes a lot of great books. Dee Henderson is one I have enjoyed for years. I have recently read a book by Melanie Dobson, and I will certainly be reading more books by her :)

      Good luck!

      Delete
  16. Anything with paper pages and ink, lol!! I love Harry Potter, IN DEATH series, Trinkets and cupcakes, Dragonland.....

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    1. LOL! I love your response :) I I thought about using Harry Potter for my blog post, but decided to go with a more recent book. Plus, I couldn't choose just ONE Harry Potter book :)

      Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!

      Delete
  17. I'm going to try posting this again. If it double posts? Oops. Ha. Now for naming a favorite book. Yeah, I have so many! How can I pick a favorite out of my sagging bookcases? The fave changes all the time. Does this make me fickle or a voracious reader? I don't know but the current fave is Regarding Anna by Florence Osmund. (Sorry about the rambling answer.)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. It's only showing up once, so no worries. I've posted duplicate responses myself.

      I understand your dilemma. I read so many books a year that it's difficult to just choose one book. Like you, my favorite changes regularly. I do have a few that I go back to when time allows, however. I think it just makes us voracious readers :-)

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog! I feature a number of books each month, including giveaways with some of them. I hope you continue to stop back by. You can possibly find more books to add to those sagging bookcases :-)

      Delete
  18. Replies
    1. Good choice, Sara!

      Good luck in the drawing, and thanks for visiting my blog.

      Delete
  19. I truly don't have a favorite book. I like to read series like Lee Child's Jack Reacher & J A Jance's Joanna Brady.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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    1. Totally understandable. There are too many great books out there :) You listed some great books,though!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest.

      Delete
  20. My favorite book is "Illusions" by Richard Bach. Something about it touched my soul and I continue to read it every couple years to renew the wonder of life.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Kelly. I've never read that book. I'll have to check it out.

      Good luck :)

      Delete
  21. My favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.

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    1. "To Kill A Mockingbird" is very popular, and I can understand why :) Good choices!

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog.

      Delete
  22. my favorite is breathing underwater by alex flinn

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    1. Samantha,

      I've never heard of that book, but I just looked it up and it sounds good. I will have to check it out.

      Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  23. Mine would be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!

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    1. Great choice! I love Sherlock Holmes :)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!

      Delete
  24. Mine would be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!

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  25. Mine would be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, too hard to pick just one book! I have two favorite series right now: the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs which starts with Moon Called, and Seanan McGuire's Toby Daye series, set in San Francisco!

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    1. I agree that it's hard to pick just one book :-) I will have to check out those series that you mentioned.

      Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  27. Replies
    1. Good choice, Amy!

      Thanks for stopping by,and good luck in the contest.

      Delete
  28. My favorite book changes with time., Right now it's The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (pen name of JK Rowling). :)

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. I understand, as mine changes as well.

      I did not know that JK Rowling wrote that. I love her other books. I will definitely have to check that out!

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by :-)

      Delete
  29. Wow. It is so hard to choose a favorite book. It is usally whatever I am currently reading. I just finished After a Fashion by Jen Turano. Looooved it!! I would highly recommend it.

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    1. Lol, I totally understand :-) I haven't read that one yet, but I just featured the follow-up book, "In Good Company", on my blog. After reading that, I went and purchased "After a Fashion". It's on my TBR list!

      Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  30. My favorite is Pride and Prejudice.

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    1. A great classic :-)

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!

      Delete
  31. My love for reading came through Laura Ingalls Wilder and later Grace Livingston Hill saw me through my teen-age years and I've been a avid reader since then.

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    1. It sounds like your love of reading started at an early age, just like mine. I, too, loved Laura Ingalls Wilder.

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  32. My favorite book is Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

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    1. That is on my TBR list. Maybe I need to bump it up :-)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!

      Delete
  33. My all time fav book is Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell

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    1. Another great classic :-)

      Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  34. Still to this day the love comes softly series holds a special place in my heart. Would love to win this book. I have been wanting to read it since I read a sparrow in terezin. Thank you for the giveaway.

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    1. Oh, that's a great series, Rachel.

      I'm glad you enjoyed "A Sparrow in Terezin." You will love this one :-) You are very welcome. Thank you for stopping by my blog, and good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  35. I don't have a favorite as I love to read all fiction books.

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    1. Totally understandable! There are so many great books out there :-)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  36. Replies
    1. Ah, yes. That's a great one!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest.

      Delete
  37. Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews.

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    1. I've never heard of that one. I just looked it up, and it looks good. Thanks for mentioning it!

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog.

      Delete
  38. My favorite book is Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers.

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    1. While I haven't read that particular book, I have read other books by Dorothy. I enjoyed them.

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  39. Uncle Tom's Cabin. Talk about heartbreaking countered by people loving because Jesus first loved them!

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    1. Danielle,

      So true! It's such a wonderful book, and you're spot-on with your comment.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.

      Delete
  40. I have too many "favorite" books to list, lol. My most recently read books that I just couldn't put down have to be To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, and The Young Elites by Marie Lu. <3

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    1. Cindy,

      You've given me a few more books to add to my TBR pile :-)

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  41. Replies
    1. Great author!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  42. My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I always read it at least once a year~~

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    1. A great classic :)

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  43. I couldn't put down A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas :D
    Allie L

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    1. That sounds good!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck.

      Delete
  44. I can't think of "one" favorite! One of my favorites so far this year is The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like a good book!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck :)

      Delete
  45. (Alisha Sienkiel in rafflecopter)

    A recent favorite is A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A good choice :)

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  46. It really depends on when you ask me! Sorry, not a great answer I know. I'll just go with Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck. Also that cover for The Butterfly and the Violin is breathtaking. I may just need to check it out soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Mine varies as well, so I understand :)

      It certainly IS a great cover. If you're not the lucky winner, I certainly hope you check out the book. It's wonderful!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  47. Seems to me that any book I happen to be reading is my favorite! I love a good Christian fiction & have several authors I enjoy. The one that sticks out to me that I've recently read is "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. What a fantastic book! And I've read such good things about Christine Cambron's books! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of "The Butterfly and the Violin"!

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    1. Good answer! It's so hard to pick just one :) Many of the books I feature or review on my blog are Christian fiction/inspirational/clean reads, so you may be able to find many new books to check out.

      "Redeeming Love" is a very good book!

      All of the comments about Kristy's book are well-deserved:) Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  48. Its hard to choose just on favorite book. I do like Nicholas Sparks. But love so many different genres. Charlaine Harris, Harry Potter, Twilight, etc.

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    1. You list some great books, Heather. I enjoy those, too. It really is difficult to pick just one :)

      Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  49. I do not have just one favorite book.

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    Replies
    1. I understand, as it's hard to narrow things down!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest.

      Delete
  50. I am an avid fan of WWII Holocaust era books -- and I can't wait to read this one. I've heard so much about the wonderful writing and depth of the story. Thanks for this giveaway!

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    1. I, too, love WWII Holocaust era books. I'm sure you'll love this one, too. The rave reviews are well-deserved!

      You're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck in the contest.

      Delete
  51. Oops -- I entered a comment before I read the rafflecopter -- honestly I can't give you a favorite, but one that has really left an impression on me is Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green. It totally changed my perspective on the history of the Civil War.

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    1. Not a problem, Susan. Thanks for leaving another post. I haven't read that book, but I'll have to check it out. It sounds like it much contain a pretty powerful message.

      Delete
  52. Persuasion by Jane Austen. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Ann S

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    Replies
    1. Good choice!

      You're very welcome, and thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck!

      Delete
  53. The Great Lenore by J.M. Tohline.

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    Replies
    1. I've never read that book, but it sounds interesting.

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest!

      Delete
  54. My all-time favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck! Thanks so much for the amazing giveaway!

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    1. Great choice, Monica :)

      You're welcome, and thanks for visiting my blog.

      Good luck!

      Delete
  55. That is like asking which child is my favorite and I am a Mom of 5.Little Women is the first book that I read in school that started my reading obsession

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  56. Jessica,

    I understand what you're saying about picking just one book :-) You chose a great classic!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  57. The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen e. Woodiwiss is my all time favorite book.
    Tara Woods

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tara,

      I haven't read that one, but it does look good.

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  58. I don't really have one favorite book.

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    Replies
    1. There's certainly nothing wrong with that, as there are TONS of fabulous books out there!

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog.

      Delete
  59. I have so many! It's so hard to just pick one! I guess I'll have to go with the Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay or Slammed by Colleen Hoover.

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  60. They sound good! I'll have to check those out, Ariel. I'm enjoying these comments,as they're giving me some great books to add to my TBR list!

    Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Danielle,

      Great choice. You can't go wrong with such a classic :)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!

      Delete
  62. I've seen good things about this book. Going to add it to my TBR list now. Thanks for the giveaway! :-D

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  63. Oh, and my favorite book is hard decide. I do like Jen Turano's books, a lot, though. :-D

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    Replies
    1. I've only read a couple of Jen's books, but I loved them! I'll be checking out her others soon.

      Thanks for stopping by my blog :)

      Delete
  64. Kristy Cambron's books are magnificent! It is so hard to pick just one favorite book, but I really enjoy Laura Feagan Frantz' writing.

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    1. They sure are!

      Laura has some great books, too. Good choice!

      Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  65. My all time favorite is the Notebook!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A good choice! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  66. A Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome. A great classic choice :)

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  67. My two go-tos that I re-read frequently; E Red Tent and Pride & Prejudice

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    Replies
    1. Two great choices! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck, Emily!

      Delete
  68. The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. I've lost count of how many times I've read it! :)

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    Replies
    1. A wonderful book! I've read that numerous times, too.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!

      Delete
  69. I really loved Karma Road! it was the last book I read!

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    Replies
    1. I haven't read that one. I'll have to check it out.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  70. The Pillars of the Earth is my favorite

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't heard of that one, but I'll be sure to check it out.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  71. My favorite book is the one I'm reading at the moment!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by. Great answer :)

      Good luck!

      Delete
  72. So many to choose from! My favorite classic literature is also Jane Eyre.

    My favorite can't put it down selection I've read this year would have to be the Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey!

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    Replies
    1. You choose some great books. You certainly can't go wrong with Jane Eyre. I've read a couple books by Dani, and I really enjoyed them.

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  73. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is my favorite book.

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    Replies
    1. I haven't read that yet, but I've heard nothing but good things about it.

      Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!

      Delete
  74. hello! have the winners been chosen? I'm guessing you contact them but thought I would check. some blogs require winners watch for a post to contact them to claim the prize!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the winner has been chosen. Thanks for checking back though.

      Unfortunately, someone else was the winner. However, I do have some other contests going on this month, and one just started today. I hope you check things out and enter to win some of the other great books I will be giving away. The current contest is for a medical thriller by Richard L. Mabry entitled "Rx Murder." There will be four more opportunities to win later this month.


      Leslie

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