The Very Cool Swoony Awards

What Are the Swoony Awards?
The Swoony Awards were created to recognize excellence in clean fiction. There are so many books published every day and it can be hard to find the ones worth reading. We want to help recognize authors who write entertaining books that are wholesome. It’s our hope that each year we will help provide everyone with a great list of books to read and maybe introduce them to new authors.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
-Publication Year: Only books published during the current contest year may be nominated. To be fair to all books, contest dates will run from December 1, 2013 – November 31, 2014.
-Clean romance: No sex or closed door, low/mild innuendo. Only M/F romances.
-Language: None/mild, anything over a handful of profanity (especially the more offensive words) would not be considered clean.
-Violence: None/mild
-Other: Nothing overly dark, depressing or heavy subject matter

Novels, novellas and short stories are all eligible for nomination, no limits on page number. Any (clean) genre is eligible (i.e. contemporary, fantasy, mystery, historical, etc.).

Each voter is able to choose up to 100 books to vote on or nominate each contest year. There is no cap on the overall number of books nominated.

**BIRTHRIGHT is eligible and nominated, so be sure to go vote! 

How Are Winners Selected?
We will be accepting entries throughout the year and the winners announced the first week in January. There are fifteen award categories (i.e. Best Novel of the Year, Best Historical, Best Contemporary, etc.). Winner’s will be announced via our blogs (Bookworm Nation, KJ’s Book Nook and Katie’s Clean Book Reviews) and through Goodreads Swoony Awards Group.

Since this is a reader’s choice award the winners are determined by a combination of the number of votes received and how high the voter rated the book and what rank the voter gave each book they voted for.

Who Are We?

 
Kathy (Bookworm Nation)

I've been hosting a book review blog, Bookworm Nation, for over five years. I love to read and review books. And of course, I love to discuss books! A few years ago I started the Goodreads group, Happily Ever After Book Club. It's through Goodreads that I met Katie, Kathy Jo and Heidi and while discussing our love of books one day we thought it'd be fun to host our own Reader's Choice award. We're excited to introduce the Swoony's this year, it's going really well and we look forward to hosting it for years to come. 

Contact Info for Kathy:

Email: bookwormnation@hotmail.com

Twitter: @bookwormnation

Blog: www.bookwormnation.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bookworm-Nation/204548468640

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happilyeverafterbookclub

 

 
Kathy Jo (KJ's Book Nook)
This may come as a shocker but I have NOT always been a little bookworm. In fact growing up I was not the kid you saw jumping at the chance to read. I was the one that just did it to make my teachers happy. That silent reading time during school?! Yeah.. I was the kid napping! ;) About 12 years ago someone loaned me a book and said I just HAD to read it. I took it just to get them off my back and much to my surprise I could NOT put it down! And from then on I would read... but only that one author. I refused to read anything else! It wasn't until 2009 when 2 of my favorite people introduced me to the Twilight Series that I actually started branching out. And ever since then I haven't been able to STOP reading! ;) About 5 months ago I decided to start a book blog and I have been loving it! I get to be another voice for all the amazing authors that I love! How cool is that?! And of course through my adventures in reading I have been able to meet some amazing women who love books just as much as, if not more than, me! I love chatting with them about all the books we read! We have become such great friends that at times I forget that I've never really met them in person! Books just have a way of bringing people together! My reading choices vary... I love a lot of different genres.With that said... I am not ashamed to admit that I am a romantic and I love fluff! As long as it's clean and has a HEA, I'll definitely give it a try! Any book that gives me a break from reality and puts a smile on my face is definitely a book for me!   
Contact Info for Kathy Jo:
Email: kjsbooknook@gmail.com
Blog: kjsbooknook.blogspot.com 
Twitter: @kjincali

 
Katie (Katie's Clean Book Collection)
I started blogging about a year and a half ago. I've always loved to read and talk about books--it's my obsession. The first book I learned to read on my own was Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham. I love a lot of different genres, but my favorite is clean romance, which is perfect for the Swoony's! I've had a blast meeting new friends who enjoy the same types of books that I do.

Contact Info for Katie:
Email: lilacqueen75@gmail.com
Twitter: @lilacqueen75
Blog: www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiescleanbookcollection

 
Heidi 
I'm a mother of four amazing kids and married to my own Prince Charming. I love to read, kiss my handsome Prince, bake, run (because I love to bake), ride horses, play sports, and spend time with my little family. I first fell in love with reading at a very young age because of my sweet grandmother who always took the time to read me my favorite books over and over again. She could never tell me no. My wonderful mother is also entirely addicted to reading and we love to "talk books" late into the night....and plot how we are going to buy more. :) I adore clean, happily ever after books, and I've loved getting to know so many other women who do as well. Who knew books would be the reason I would meet some of the dearest people in the world?! 
Contact Info for Heidi:
Email: curlyhide9@hotmail.com

Note to Authors:
If you’ve written a book that matches the above criteria fill free to nominate it for a Swoony! Don’t be afraid to promote the award or to let your fans know your book is up and that it needs votes. We are doing some promoting, but sometimes a Facebook, Twitter or blog post directly from the author is the best way to let your fan base know your book has been nominated. Only books with a minimum of THREE votes will be added to the official nomination list found on the Goodreads Swoony Awards group page. Winners will be announced January 2015.

To stay up to date on voting and nominations, please join our Goodreads Swoony Awards group page!

Note to Readers:
If you’ve read a book this year that you think is awesome…VOTE! This is a great way to let authors know you appreciate all that hard work. You can vote for up to 100 books on the list. We’ve also learned that the order you rank the books you vote on does affect the overall score of the book. So take a minute and make sure you have your books in the order you want them. Invite your friends to vote! Voting ends December 31, 2014.

The 2014 Swoony Awards is now accepting nominations and votes for your favorite books of the year. Polls will be open until December 31, 2014. 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter.

As a thank you for making the Swoony Awards a success,
we'd like to offer an Amazon gift card! The winner will
have 48 hours to claim the prize. Only valid
where Amazon gift cards may be used. You must
be 13 or older to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

LDStorymakers Midwest Conference: The Funnest Little Conference Around

You should know by now that I have a thing for conferences and conventions. They tend to scratch my social itch in a way nothing else can quite reach. Because of this, I have been to lots of them. More often as an attendee than a presenter, but with a round view of both, I think.

Over the years, my favorite conference has always been the LDStorymakers conference in Utah. During my very first one, I made some lifelong friends and found myself welcomed into the loving arms of the writing community, even though I was 100% green at the craft. The foundation I found with these people has become a rock to which I have clung through my journey as a writer, and also as an evolving person.

That said, it’s slightly possible I may have some bias toward conferences sponsored by the LDStorymakers. But if that’s true, then it stems back to my first conference with them, in which we had only around 70 people in attendance, and James Dashner taught a class about writing strong supporting characters (during which we had a fascinating discussion about Star Wars—but I digress). If you can picture small classrooms in a small-ish hotel, crowded with hungry, eager soon-to-be authors, that’s what I remember.

And it’s also what I found again at this year’s LDStorymakers Midwest Conference held in Kansas. Small, intimate, and attended by hungry, eager writers who are fighting through the bottle neck of publishing.

Guys. I have SO MISSED that intimate setting. I didn’t realize how much I missed that until I was there. Of course, as always, the classes were stellar, the bookstore run professionally and with a large selection of books, and the offerings fantastic. But even more, the social time was killer.

What else can I say, other than YOU SHOULD GO! If you live anywhere in or near Kansas and are wanting to learn more about writing and publishing, go. If you have to travel a little distance to get there, it’s still worth it.

I could keep trying to convince you, but instead, I think I’ll let some pictures do the talking.

Authorpalooza at the library the Friday before the conference. So fun!

Agent Sarah Negovetich and I entertaining ourselves by organizing Danyelle's bookshelves (thanks for being patient, Danyelle!)

Because it just wouldn't be right without a specialized treat run.

And seriously, what better people to spend the opening night of The Maze Runner than the people who I met the same weekend as James?

And after it was done--late night snacks at Denny's. Because, obviously.

Traveling buddies.

Our authorpalooza panel.

This one is my favorite. It kind of says it all! (aka You will sing, you will dance, you will make forever friends!)

You can learn more about the LDStorymakers conferences (Utah and Midwest) at www.ldstorymakers.com.

Let IT Begin

And by IT, I mean launch prep.

So a few things I feel I should make public. First, I hope all my friends who are not writers (and even those who are) will forgive me for any promotional efforts that might feel excessive or over the top. I promise I will do my best to not over do it, but I think everyone has a different threshold of tolerance. I hope I don't cross yours. (But I promise not every post will be about me and/or my book. Most won't, so please do keep coming back.)

Also, be prepared for an unusual number of contests, excerpts, and mentions of reviews, etc, because that is what writers do when their first book is released. And their second. Maybe even the third. Okay, let’s face it. We do it for all of them until we become well enough known that our work promotes itself. Yeah.

Now, this is where I could use your help. 

I’d like to hear about your favorite unique promotion for a book or product. For instance, Bree Despain gave away custom nail polish that matched the covers of The Dark Divine series. Elana Johnson gave away a limited number of exclusive custom art pieces by the talented Dustin Hansen when she released Surrender.

Those are two of my favorites. Now I’d like to hear yours.

And, um, if you share an idea (not T-shirts, bookmarks, or posters) and I do something similar, you will receive the first of that type of prize for helping me out. No drawing. No tweeting or sharing or anything else required. Deal? Okay.

And…GO!

GUTGAA Meet and Greet

A couple weeks ago, I signed up to participate in a Gearing Up to Get an Agent blog hop that involves authors getting together and preparing our works and the materials we’ll need to query agents and/or submit to publishers. If you haven't signed up and want to, you should visit Deana Barnhart's blog and find out more,

Hurry up and go do that. I'll wait.

Also, since you're here, I'd love it if you'd click the follow button to your right--show me a little love, and I'll stop by your blog and return the favor. Deal? I promise to make it worth your time by doing an awesome giveaway in the next few weeks.

I'll wait while you do that too.

*whistles*

Right. Okay.

Today is introduction day. This will explain why my first post this week went live on Monday instead of Wednesday, and also why I won’t be posting anything new until Friday. Because two blogs a week is still two, regardless of what day they post.

Anyway, here's my official blog hop introduction:

~Where do you write?

Usually in my bedroom, but sometimes in the back yard, the car, soccer games and, when I travel, on planes.

~Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?

Don’t laugh. Seriously. It’s a bookshelf that is overflowing with all my current most favorite books.

~Favorite time to write?

Late at night. It’s when I’m most creative because I’m either sleepy, or goofy, or both.

~Drink of choice while writing?

Dr. Pepper. It’s my addiction.

~When writing , do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?

Depends on the day. Most often, silence is best. But sometimes a little music is great for setting the mood I need.

~What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?

Picture this: Me, on a treadmill at the gym, watching music videos while listening to something totally different on my iPod. Thinking of rebellion, watching some lady cry in a cemetery, and then a news clip about the rising price of gas, followed by a clip about wildfires burning across the country. There’s a whole lot of what if involved, but it will all become a full story someday. (This is a work in progress, not a finished manuscript, FYI.)

~What's your most valuable writing tip?

Never. Give. Up.

That is all.

Actually, wait. I changed my mind. FINISH before you edit. Now really, that is all.

Thanks to Deana Barnhart for putting this thing together! And hello to all my new friends. *waves*

Wanna meet the other crazy authors? You can find them here:

Upcoming Writer's Therapy Webseries: Ten Ways You Know You're a Writer

One group. One goal. Get published.

Writer Therapy webisodes will be airing Thursday, Sept. 20.

For any writer who has aspired to be published, or any reader who has wanted a “behind the scenes” look at the writing process, Writer Therapy launches their first two online webisodes. The web series follows the life and laughs of a critique group as they (try to) finish their manuscripts and get published. Each webisode runs between 4-10 minutes in length, with twelve webisodes comprising the first season.

The first season kicks off with Chersti, a recent college grad who has just finished her first manuscript. Fortunately, she has her critique group to help her through the querying process. Though the groups’ crazy antics—including everything from stalking famous authors to striking out on a personal quest—might deter from them actually writing, it is perfect research for their books, which will obviously be the BIGGEST thing since Harry Potter or Hunger Games.

Webisodes for season one will air consecutively on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in September-October. Special guest stars include authors Dan Wells, Brandon Mull and more!

More information can be found on the Writer Therapy website at www.writertherapy.com.

Contest information

With the launch of the new website, Writer Therapy will be hosting a 250-word contest. Winners will receive a query critique from an agent. Details will be announced on the Writer Therapy blog on September 10^th, the first day of the contest.

Links

website: www.writertherapy.com

youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/WriterTherapy

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Writer-Therapy/210678618951907

twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterTherapy

pintrest: http://pinterest.com/writertherapy/

A Not-to-be-Missed Event!

And guess what? I will be there too. Come say hi!

Multi-author Book Signing

August 1st from 7-9 p.m.

30 E. Center Street, Pleasant Grove, UT

Come join your favorite local authors at the Pleasant Grove City Library 

and support the cause of literacy!

• Julie Coulter Bellon

• Monique Bucheger

• Rachelle Christensen

• Loralee Evans

• Julie N. Ford

• Nichole Giles

• Heather Justesen

• Angie Lofthouse

• Heather (H.B.) Moore

• L.L. Muir

• Andrea Pearson

• Tristi Pinkston

• Suze Reese

Proceeds from the silent auction will go to benefit the library, as will a portion of the proceeds from book sales.

A May Giveaway: The It's So Cherry Super Spring Kickoff

Hi all! I figured it's been a while since I did a giveaway, and because it's May, and spring is already in full swing for me, I think it's about time.

Also, my sister has started a new company called It's So Cherry, which sells one spectacularly priced fun item per day. So far, most of the items have been women's accessories, but I hear they're planning to offer home accessories and things for men soon as well. So I'm helping her with this blog tour, and because of that YOU, my awesome readers, get an opportunity to win a goodie bag full of these really fun things.

And hey, just in time for Mother's Day, yes? So here are all the details, and good luck!

The trees and flowers are blooming, the sun is out (well, sometimes) and we here at It's So Cherry are all about celebrating, so we're giving away gift bags to four lucky winners, and a pair of barefoot sandals to 20 more. That’s right, you have TWENTY-FOUR chances to win.

To enter, register at www.itssocherry.com, and follow one (or more) of the participating blogs, then fill out the form below.

Contest Rules:

- Must be 16 and over

- One prize per household

- Must be registered @www.itssocherry.com

- Only valid for those living within the continental US, or with a United States mailing address

Each grand prize goodie bag will contain (1) Flower necklace set (with earrings), (1) crochet head wrap (color may vary), (1) scarf (color and style may vary), (1) package nail wraps, and (1) black wrap bracelet.  We will also give away 20 pairs of barefoot sandals to 20 winners.  

To enter, simply register for an account with It's So Cherry (www.itssocherry.com) and sign up for their email list.  Entries will be accepted starting Monday, May 7^th, until midnight, mountain standard time, on Friday, May 18^th.  **EXTENDED DEADLINE: Sunday, May 20th, midnight.** 

Prizes will be shipped within 10 business days after contest winners have been announced.   Winners will be selected using random.org, and contacted using the email provided for registration on the It's So Cherry website.  

Names of the goodie bag winners will be posted to participating blog sites as well as the blog for It's So Cherry, www.itssocherry.blogspot.com sometime by Monday, May 21st. Upon notification, winners will have 7 days to respond, after which another winner will be chosen.  

Substitute Santa Claus

**Scroll down to see who won the Give Books for Christmas giveaway!**

The other day, my (adult) son and I had a conversation about what would happen if Santa got sick and couldn’t deliver presents.

His best solution was that we send up the Bat signal so Batman could take his place. You know, because the Bat Mobile is fast and could probably fit all the presents in it.

I also think Spiderman could do a good job, because, clearly, he’s not afraid of heights, and he has easy access to chimneys.

Or Superman, because he can fly and see through walls with his x-ray vision, and he's strong enough to carry everything in a giant pack.

But the best solution, I think, is Wonder Woman. She can run fast, carry a big load, and deflect speeding bullets with her bracelets and stuff. (Plus, she looks great in this cloak, right?)

I don’t know. If something happened to Santa, who do you think would make a good substitute?

**UPDATE**
The winners of the Give Books for Christmas giveaway are Kathleen Brebes and L.T. Elliott. YAY! Congratulations, ladies. I'll be emailing you this morning.

Thankful Kinds of Things

I’ve noticed there’s a trend on Facebook this November. Every day, certain friends of mine update their status by saying something for which they are thankful. I think that’s a really great idea, because anything that reminds us about all the many blessings in our lives, however small, makes us stronger.

Being that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I’d do something similar, because, well, I am feeling rather thankful at the moment.

My kids, who are wise beyond their years, and who have worked hard this week to prepare our house for the insurgence of people coming for Thanksgiving dinner (looking at 35+).

My husband, who works extra hard to provide our family with the things we need, and other things we just want. Like turkey and pie. And who also offered to brave Black Friday if I need him. (Don’t worry, honey, I’m taking the girls.)

Friends who stand by me and cheer me on and who would break me out of jail if ever I needed. (You know who you are!)

Stephenie Meyer for creating books that were turned into movies that my girls insisted on seeing at 12:29 on a school night last week, because movies like that aren’t nearly as fun without screaming, excited girls who are hopped up on sugar and caffeine.

The Baltimore Ravens for letting us in their stadium (last fall) to look around, and then gave us all hats and footballs and signed team pictures. We became life-long fans that day, and now you’re looking at Super Bowl possibilities. This makes us happy.

Hawaii—because it exists and gives us something to dream about.

Publishing companies who produce quality books that make us love to read and who give writers a goal for which to strive. And also, for giving me a reason to stay up all night because I just have to see what happens next.

Blue glow sticks, rock candy lollipops, and Thunder—the Australian kind. Oh, and also peanuts.

Steve Jobs for inventing…well, pretty much all things Apple. But specifically, my iPhone.

**To be continued**

What are you Thankful for this year?

Time to Party for Bella and Edward!

10 Things I LOVED about WorldCON in Reno

I am still too exhausted to write an entire blog post detailing all my favorite moments from RENOvation. And since school started, like, hours after I returned home, I expect to be exhausted for—I dunno—another week? A month? Anyway, I don’t want to wait that long to tell ya, so I’m going to make a list and hope it gives you just a little taste of my favorite parts of last week. (In the order I come up with them, but not necessarily in order of what I loved most or least.)

1. Upon arrival at the conference center, my roomies and I immediately saw George R.R. Martin and stalked him until he agreed to come to the throne and pose in a picture with us.

2. Checking out the dealer room (and by dealer, I mean where they sell stuff that is legal, like corsets and books and jewelry—what were you thinking?) and finding treasures. Some of which were people.

3. Attending a private party hosted by TOR and hanging with more agents and editors than I’ve ever, ever seen in one single location. (Yes, we met, and yes, we pitched, and yes, requested. *squee*)

This is where they stored the drinks. Dr. Pepper, all around! (Why yes, that is a bathtub.)

4. Being escorted the half mile to our hotel (after missing the shuttle) by bestselling author Peter Brett and his agent friend Eddie Schneider (JABerwocky). They were quite chivalrous. And also lots of fun to hang out with. And now I have to read all of Peter’s books and catch up with the rest of the world because I have—apparently—been living under a rock for the last few years.


5. Becoming a lampshade sister with my roomies, wherein we swore an oath to always attend WorldCON together because it was SO BEYOND AWESOME. (*hugs to my sistahs* Especially Alaina, who is not in this pic, but was in one--somewhere.)

6. Chillin with lots of peeps I haven’t seen for a while, and making SO MANY new friends from around the world.

7. Attending the Hugos, even though none of my Utah friends won, and then actually being allowed to HOLD A HUGO later that evening.

8. Really amazing, creative, beautiful costumes being worn by some really amazing, creative, BRAVE, bold people. Also, my roomies and I dressed up for Masquerade night. It. Was. AWESOME.

9. Being invited to a private party by George Martin himself (and also by Lodey, and Wolfgang, and I think Stego, then later Frisco and Blackfyre—they all invited us) hosted by the Brotherhood Without Banners where we met some really awesome peeps, and joined, and then were invited back the next night so we could be sent on a quest after which we were knighted by GRRM. (That’s Ser Nichole, Awful Awful Lady Knight to you!) Funnest parties ever. I’m serious. Thanks BWB!


10. Hearing this EXCELLENT news about my Lampshade Sister, Jenn, and celebrating by eating Italian food at La Veccia. Twice. I am so happy for her I squealed. A few times. I’m actually hoarse now. Not joking.


So, there you have them—ten off-the-cuff highlights from RENOvation. There’s more. A lot more. But some stuff just has to be experienced.

What about you? What’s one of your most awesome conference/convention experiences? I’d love to hear it.

Super-Spectacular, Uber-Fun Party/Event—You’re Invited!

I don’t know if you’ve been to my events page or not, but this week I’m participating in an uber-cool, super-de-duper fun event in celebration of the launch of the newest Tristi Pinkston release in the Secret Sisters series, Hang ‘em High. Now, you know I’m not a blogger who frequently uses this space as an advertisement, so it should say a lot about how excited I am that I’m shouting about it here.

So check. This. Out. (Yeah, I took a picture of the flier--so shoot me.)

Did you see my name on that list of authors? Yeah. Not only will I be signing, but also handing out balloons and candy and whatever else needs doing. So come say hi. Bring your friends. And your neighbors. And your kids and their friends. And your extended family members. And when you meet me, tell me you read about this event on my blog. I *may* have a special treat just for my readers. Cuz I love you all so much.

Hope to see you there!

One Day Special: Win the Coolest Prize Ever

Well. Clearly, this is a week for contests. Because while tomorrow I will be jumping into this Deathly Hallows, Part 2 celebration, today I am having a one-day only hurry and throw me an answer giveaway.

Because Saturday was my birthday, and I feel like giving away fun stuff to my friends. Also, I don’t have a clue what to blog about right now, because my brain is still full of cheese and chocolate fondue from The Melting Pot. So why not just give stuff to people, right?

Tomorrow’s contest will be easy, so because of that, I think today’s will have to be harder. BUT it will be worth it. Because the winner will come away with a handful of very fun prizes.

Check these out!

 Okay, what you're looking at is probably the most random collection of prizes I've ever given away. But they all have a story. Well, all except that giant Tootsie Roll paper clip. I probably just bought it because it was cool. So, the dolphin bookmark (plush, by the way) came from Sea World, the wooden surfboard bookmark came from Hawaii, and the sombrero-guy pen came from San Antonio. At some point (as you can see) I used to buy this stuff every time I went somewhere. But then I never gave them away until now. So. Also, to sweeten the deal, I'm going to throw in a bag of these.

You know you’re dying to win this prize!! (Because who wouldn't want a bunch of useless, but silly stuff like this?)

So here is the question with a little lead up info: Two Julys ago, for my birthday my husband got me the most fabulous pink netbook (which I still use for hours EVERY DAY). Last year, he got me a Kindle (which I also use quite a lot). What could he have given me this year that could compete with those two gifts and make me squeal with delight? (Freebee: It’s NOT an iPad. Hint: it will be good for my career as a writer, and will make me most happy around mid-August.)

Just throw your answers into a comment and tomorrow, I’ll tell you who (if anyone) wins!

*dances around in excitement*

Book Review: "Secret Sisters" by Tristi Pinkston

Okay, before I get to the review, I have to get something off my chest. I read a lot of books. I mean, really. Because I love reading. And I read lots of young adult books because, well, that’s my genre and what I need to know, and those are the stories I love. But.

Lately, YA books have been getting heavy. Or, at least, the best ones are. Heavy in topic. Heavy in emotion. Heavy in words and pages. Yikes! And even though I’m dying to read them, I find myself staring at the stacks of books on my nightstand warily, putting off opening them because I know that the minute I do, I’ll be sucked into a world of drama.

That’s how I like my YA books.

But no one can read ALL drama, all the time. To do so would be, well, exhausting. Which is why I also have a grand appreciation for short, entertaining books that make me laugh out loud. You know what I mean? Feel good books.

But I’m picky. Always. I still insist on reading books with well defined characters, thoughtful plots, and just all around good writing. Let’s face it. A writer’s style and voice can make or break the book.

The point is I’ve been excited for the release of Secret Sisters for something like two years. Ever since Tristi brought the first chapters of this book to our critique group, I’ve been completely hooked. (And just so you all know, this is the first in a multi-book series, so I’m still hooked.)

Right off the bat, I fell in love with Ida Mae. She’s so matter-of-fact and thoughtful, and just downright fun. Put her together with her sidekicks…er, I mean, Relief Society counselors, Tansy and Arlette, secretary Hannah, and zany—and totally hunky—nephew Ren, and let the spying...um, I mean, sleuthing, um, I mean, investigating begin.

This cast of characters will have you laughing out loud in the middle of the day, perhaps while you’re in the grocery store or driving your car, when out of the blue a great line pops into your head. One such as, “Sister Babbitt, why is the Relief Society here?”

Yes, that really happened. And people stared. I appeared to be nuts. Don’t worry, I’m used to it.

If you’re looking for a quick, light-hearted read that will have you giggling for days after you’ve finished, add Secret Sisters to your list. This one’s a keeper. Thank goodness it’s the first of a series. I know there will be several more books to which I can look forward.

**Afterthought** In reading my own words, it sounds like this is a young adult book, which it is not. Although, young adults would probably like it too. This book has been classified as chick-lit for the elderly. Or just plain old fun!

Here’s the blurb:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn’t mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low, and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods…well, isn’t that what any caring Relief Society president would do?


With the help of her counselors, Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there’s more to the situation than meets the eye.


But it’s all in a day’s work for the Relief Society.


To purchase your copy of Secret Sisters, click here.


To learn more about the author, Tristi Pinkston, check out her blog or website.

To learn more about Valor Publishing, check out their blog or website.

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch

The Original Scrapbox has a brand new piece of organizing furniture and you have a chance to win it! Introducing the Office Box...

And we're celebrating the launch of Rachelle J. Christensen's suspense novel, Wrong Number, with a chance to win an autographed copy!

The Office Box was created as an addition to the line of incredible scrapbooking furniture The Original Scrapbox has to offer, such as The Workbox and The EZ View Craft Desk.

Check out the amazing features on The Office Box, available in 4 different colors: Space for a 19" monitor, magazine holder, Totes that act as slide-out drawers, Velcro storage/organizers, Power cord hole in back of box. This folds out to 72" by 48" by 36" and closes up to the sleek space of only 36" wide by 48" high and 21" deep.

I'm hosting a preliminary giveaway with an awesome prize:

An autographed copy of The Sharp Edge of a Knife (fresh off the press).

You can enter to win my prize and on March 16th, I'll announce the winner who will then go on for the grand prize drawing of The Office Box and a copy of Wrong Number.The Grand Prize Winner will be drawn on March 19, 2010 at RachelleWrites. She will select a winner from the 25 finalists to receive one Office Box (Value $895.00) in their choice of color and an autographed copy of Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen.

Giveaway open from March 5, 2010- March 15, 2010 at 11:59pm Mountain Standard Time.
Open to addresses in the contiguous United States only.
Giveaway Rules:

*You can only enter under one name

* It is possible to win more than one preliminary prize, which means it’s possible to be entered into the grand prize drawing more than once.

*All winner’s addresses must be stateside US addresses

*You must complete the required entry to be eligible to win

Here's how to enter:Please leave details in your comment of how you entered with required links. I'll put all entries into a spreadsheet and use Random.org to select the winner.

*Required entry: You must visit The Original Scrapbox website and leave a comment telling me your favorite item

Extra Entries:

• Become a Facebook Fan of The Original Scrapbox

• Tweet the contest with linkback in your comment and use the hashtag #officebox or #scrapbox in your tweet.

• Facebook the contest with linkback in your comment

• Add the contest button (pictured above) to your sidebar with a link to this contest announcement.

• Become a follower of THIS BLOG (see sidebar) **Update: in order to be entered into the contest to win my book, and then move on to the bigger drawing, you must follow this blog, Following other participating blog hosts will not count for this extra point.**
• Follow me on Twitter
• Become a fan of Nichole Giles on Facebook
• Become a fan of The Sharp Edge of a Knife on Facebook
• For five extra points post the cover of my new book The Sharp Edge of a Knife along with the cover of Wrong Number on your blog and link each book to the Amazon listing.
• Add The Sharp Edge of a Knife to your bookshelf on Shelfari, Goodreads, Amazon, or any other book reviewing site and leave a linkback in your comment. If you’ve read (and liked) the book, leave a positive review for an extra bonus point.  

To receive 15 extra entries, you must do the following 5 things together on your blog post and please leave a link back to your blog post with your comment (only one comment required, but you must leave a link so I can check your post.)

1. Blog about the contest WITH a picture of The Office Box and Wrong Number in your post and LINK BACK TO THIS POST so people will know where to enter.
2. In your blog post link the phrase "The Office Box " to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=138
3. Link the phrase "The Original Scrapbox" to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/
4. Link the phrase "Wrong Number" to http://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Number-Rachelle-J-Christensen/dp/1599553643/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1
5. Post the Wrong Number book trailer from You Tube on your blog

There are 25 different blogs participating in this giveaway. Each blog is giving away a preliminary prize and a chance to win an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. Stay tuned for reviews on Wrong Number and author interviews as well!

Here's the list of blogs where you can enter:

The Mommy Files
Cricut Christmas
Little Birdie Secrets
Priscilla Styles
Mommy Mandy
RockinMama
RachelleWrites
Alvor-Dare To Dream
Diony George
Heather Justesen
Queen of the Clan
Scribbled Scraps
Anne Bradshaw
Rachel Rager
Tristi Pinkston
Cami Checketts
Nichole Giles
Wendy Paul
Marilyn Bunderson
Ronda Hinrichson
C.L. Beck: Write Up My Alley
Christine Bryant
Ali Cross
Jenni James
Annette Lyon

*Results of contests are final. Participants will be eliminated if entry rules are not followed correctly.

Kreativ Blogger Award

My good friend Ali gave me an award this week, and even though I had another blog idea floating around in my head, I decided to blog the award instead.

Why? Well, because Ali is a super smart, super fun friend, and it’s an honor to get such an award from her. Oh all right. I like getting awards from anyone, but still, it’s an honor. So, here it is.

The Kreativ Blogger Award . . .

I'd like to pass this award on to
Tristi Pinkston
Cindy Beck
Christine Bryant
Heather Justesen
Danyelle Ferguson
Kim Job
Keith Fisher
Connie Hall
Rachelle Christensen

Each one of these bloggers has influenced me in a very positive and creative way. I appreciate their feedback—which is given freely and regularly—and consider each of their talents unique and special. They are beautiful, creative artists, and I’m glad to have them as part of my writing circle.

You’ll notice I gave the award to more than seven bloggers. But if you’ve been reading for a while, you should know I can’t stick to the numbers given for these things. I always have to sneak in a few extras—because in my book, all the blogs I read are top quality, valuable blogs.

If I had my choice, I’d award a lot more people—but I know it’s only fair that I leave a few of my friends for others to award. This is a chain award, after all.

So…I’m leaving it to you, my trusted awardees, to pass this highest honor on to the other creative bloggers like you.

Thank you again Ali!Now, here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might not know.

5. Nominate 7 Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

All right. So, now you’re wondering about my list of seven things. Well, here it is at the very end. (I know, something a little different, huh?) The question is, are there seven things left that you all don’t already know?

1. My family (husband, kids, and myself) used to collect Fisher Price Little People. Not the new kind, the vintage kind that were made in the 70’s and 80’s. They are now officially antiques. More about this in a future blog—it’s a long, and somewhat funny, story.

2. I love a good road trip. Granted, my tolerance for length depends on who is in the car, and how much room we have, but there’s something amazing about watching the scenery change as it flies by from town to town and state to state. When my kids are older, I plan to often get in the car with my husband and just drive to wherever suits us at the moment.

3. My eyes change color depending on my mood, what I’m wearing, and the weather. (Blue to green to gray.)

4. I watch the food network every night as I’m winding down before bed. Not that I’m big on cooking, but it’s better than a whole lot of other late night stuff, and mostly pretty interesting.

5. My favorite drink (and also my biggest vice) is Dr. Pepper. When you see me with that drink in my hand—that’s what it is. Unless it’s a water bottle with colored stuff. Then it’s my daily dose of green tea. You know, anti-oxidants to combat the bad stuff in the pop.

6. There’s always a soundtrack playing in my head, and it varies depending on my mood and emotional well being. Here’s where I’m like Ali—when my emotions get stuck, I also turn to music for the much needed release. It’s amazing how the right song, or grouping of songs, can bring out my feelings.

7. Since Ben and Jerry’s discontinued my favorite ice cream a few years back (Island Paradise) I haven’t had a true favorite. But since they came out with the new Key Lime Pie flavor, it’s seriously growing on me. I think it may be the new winner.

There you go! Have fun, kids. Until next time, write on.