Jennifer Chiaverini and Clare O'Donohue Book Give away .. last day to enter!

With the busy holiday season upon us

just wanted to remind everyone

about the book Give Away 

complements of Plume Publishing!

Just leave a comment on your favorite 

holiday memory and

please make sure your contact info is available!

Drawing tonight Sunday Dec 15th 7pm EST

Give away in time for Christmas!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?

Do you have the perfect gift for everyone on your list?

This year I started early ~ so now it's time to 

put on the Christmas music make some hot cocoa 

and wrap, wrap, wrap!

For those of you who may need just one more

gift for someone on your list…

or yourself!

Here is a special give away!

Plume Publishing sent me two books to offer my readers!

Just in time for Christmas!!

The first is by my all time favorite author

Jennifer Chiaverini

"An Elm Creek Quilts Companion"

brings series fans on a guided tour of this cherished series.

Readers will discover a treasure trove of delights,

including the Bergstrom family tree,

character biographies, quilt blocks illustrations, 

along with full-color photographs of quilts featured in the novels.

A new original Elm Creek short story from Jennifer,

"A Stitch in Tine: Behind the Scenes at Elm Creek Quilt Camp" 

is inspired by questions from series readers.

This is a beautiful keepsake volume,

and an indispensable guide that every 

Elm Creek fan will want in their collection.

The second book in this special give away is from Clare O'Donohue.

~Wedding planning never goes according to plan; 

whether it's a demanding parent or challenging seating arrangement, 

there's always a snag. 

In Archers Rest, Nell Fitzgerald's plan for Grandma Eleanor 

and Oliver's wedding,  as well as her future with boyfriend Jesse, 

seem like smooth sailing. 

That is, until Jesse's old police partner 

turns up in town dead in Clare's latest Someday Quilts Mystery,

"The Double Wedding Ring"

TWO fabulous Books!!

Just leave me a comment on what was the most special gift

you have ether given or received and your name 

will be entered into the drawing!

Please make sure your contact information is available.

The Drawing will be Sunday night Dec 15th 7pm EST

That way the books can be mailed to you and arrive 

for Christmas!

If your out of the USA ~ you may enter 

and the books will make a very nice 

New Years Present!!

"The Giving Quilt" by Jennifer Chiaverini ... Giveaway!

A few weeks ago Plume Books contacted me to see if I would be interested

in offering my blog readers a special give away ...

Ummm .... YES!

From Plume Books: 

Thanksgiving inspires generosity once a year, but what happens to the spirit of giving on the other 364 days? In THE GIVING QUILT, now available in paperback from Plume, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini takes a page from her own life to deliver an emotional and poignant story very close to her heart. As a long-time member and advocate of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing handmade quilts and blankets to children in need, Jennifer decided to donate a very unique and special gift—a prime spot in one of her bestselling novels.

At Elm Creek Manor, the circle of quilters is hard at work preparing for “Quiltsgiving.” Held annually the week after Thanksgiving, expert and novice quilters from near and far gather for a special winter session of quilt camp to make pieces for Project Linus. As the week unfolds, the quilters respond to the question, “Why do you give?” in ways as varied as the life experiences that drew them to Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, including a librarian, a teacher, a college student, and a quilt shop clerk, uses her unique talents to teach, inspire, and give back to her fellow campers.

With numerous New York Times bestsellers, Chiaverini is undoubtedly one of the masters of both modern and historical women’s fiction. Year after year, Chiaverini’s stories remain beloved by fans and praised by critics.

Jennifer is my favorite author, love how she draws you into the story,

I feel like I know Sylvia and Sarah, 

and all of the nooks and crannies of Elm Creek Manor!

"The Giving Quilt" is now available in paperback, 

and Plume Books was kind enough to send me 

a few copies to offer as a give away!

If you are interested in receiving a copy of "The Giving Quilt"

and a special enameled Elm Creek Quilt Pin!!

Just leave me a comment (make sure I can contact you!)

The giveaway will close on April 18th at midnight (East Coast time)
Please enter only once!

Good Luck!

Book Review: Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Back in the beginning of January, Dutton Books contacted me ... 

would I be interested in reading and reviewing 

Jennifer Chiaverini's latest book?

"Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker"

 ... Well ... 

YES! 

Boy was that a silly question!

Having been an avid fan of Jennifer's Elm Creek novels (all 20 of them!), 

I jumped at the chance to read and review her latest book -

which happens to be a historical novel. 

In "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" Jennifer departs from the cozy town of 

Waterford and goes beyond the walls of Elm Creek Quilt Camp 

into the war torn world of the Civil War. 

Just like all of her other novels, Jennifer draws you deep into the story 

of friendship between the main characters in the book. 

The narrative is powerful and allows readers to view the tense and troubled 

life of Mary Todd Lincoln from the eyes of  one of her closest confidants, 

Elizabeth Keckley her dressmaker. 

The story grips the reader as it explores the relationship and 

personal interactions of Elizabeth Keckley and Mrs. Lincoln.  

"Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker," quilts a compelling story wrapped in history, 

making readers feel as though they are walking among the Lincoln family 

during and after their brief time at the White House. 

For all of those Elm Creek fans out there, 

this book will not let you down, 

it offers a look at life, love, friendships and hardships 

from the eyes of Elizabeth Keckley - 

freed slave, talented dressmaker and 

friend to Mrs. Lincoln.

It is a must read!

Just finished reading my copy sent from the publishers to read and review

(How exciting is That!!)...

Jennifer Chiaverini delivers another fabulous novel in the Elm Creek Quilt Series!

Without giving away too much....

Jennifer brings the Elm Creek Quilters and a few new characters

 together for a special "Quiltsgiving" quilt camp to make quilts for Project Linus,

as usual the Jennifer draws you into the book and make you part of the story.

Can't you just her Sylvia's voice!

Each camper at "Quiltsgiving" quilt camp is asked by Sylvia...

"Why do you give?"

With that one question the story unfolds 

and we learn about each camper and

what brought them to quilt camp.

We read how they form friendships and work towards a common

goal ~ to create their Giving Quilts for Project Linus

This has become my favorite Elm Creek novel...

but I say that after I finish each one of Jennifer's books!

If you are a reader, a quilter or just a gal who loves getting together

with other gal pals for a good cause (Project Linus)

You will LOVE this novel.

So grab a cup of tea, comfy chair and a quilt

and start reading "The Giving Quilt"!

Enjoy!

Calling all Jennifer Chiaverini fans - it's a GIVE AWAY!!!

I've been asked by Liza Cassity a publicist at Dutton books to do a give away on my blog 

for Jennifer's newest novel in the Elm Creek Series ~ SONOMA ROSE !!

Jennifer has always been praised for her ability to write historical and present-day fiction with equal skill. While her last novel was set in modern times, Sonoma Rose tells the story of a young mother's heroic journey in Prohibition-era America.

Rosa Diaz Barclay is touched by the criminality surrounding Prohibition when she discovers that her husband, John, has given over the duties of their Southern California rye farm in favor of bootlegging. Fearing the safety of her four children, Rosa flees, carrying only a case of John’s ill-begotten cash and her mother’s two quilts. Lars Jorgensen, her true love and the father of two of her children, aids in her escape, and together the six travel north to San Francisco. Under assumed names, they are hired to work at a Sonoma vineyard, where Rosa creates a personal and professional identity that she would never have dared imagine at the opening of her tale, and one that brings great honor-and beauty-to all who surround her.

I am so excited to host this give away ... my first give way!! 

I LOVE Jennifer's novels ... I am not an avid reader, 

but her novels and style of writting give me the feeling that I'm right there in the story

 I can actually see the characters - it's amazing! 

SO if you are as excited about Jennifer's new book as I am 

Please leave me a comment with your name and contact information. 

Liza has requested the give away be limited to US and Canada - 

sorry for those of you outside that zone. 

I will select a random winner and your information will be forwarded to Liza 

she will send out the book to you directly from Dutton Publishing.

The drawing will be done Sunday 2/26/2012 at 8pm EST.

Good Luck!

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Blocks ... 10 more done!

OK so this project is a long term one - that I started 3 years ago!

 I do a few blocks when I can ... and here are the latest completed blocks!

c-5 Lady of the Lake

d-8 Rosebud

g-3 Bear's Paw

g-8 Crown of Thorns

h-9 Weathervane

k-6 Gentleman's Fancy

l-5 Pineapple

m-2 Wild Goose Chase

m-4 Jack in the Box

c-3 Album

That's a total of 95 DONE!!! only 49 to go!!! Yippee!!