Saturday 9 January 2016

Winner's Choice Book Giveaway!

Reader appreciation giveaway!
I am not generally a fan of January. Everybody is grumpy, most people are dieting, people are complaining they have no money because they overspent on Christmas, and the weather is rubbish. What is there to celebrate? You might not realise it, but this month marks the anniversary of when I started to blog and to celebrate I would like to have a little giveaway to say thank you to all of you who join me in my love of books.

Giveaway time!

Since I live in the UK I am not able to give away an ebook, as unfortunately Amazon UK still doesn't support gifting, so instead I am proposing to give away something which many of you would like better anyway, a paper book of your choice from 'The Book Depository' up to the value of £10 (you can change the currency to UK pounds on the top right of their website so you can see how much a book would be in pounds).

To enter, all you need to do is comment on this post, suggesting a book that I should add to or bump up my to be read list. Please comment by the end of the day on Saturday 16 January and leave a way for me to contact you in case you are chosen as the lucky winner. This contest is open internationally, to anybody who lives in a country The Book Depository ships to - list here.

Thanks again for dropping by my blog. I appreciate all of your page views and comments so much. Good luck in the giveaway!

86 comments:

  1. You should definitely read Sway by Melanie Stanford. That was such a good book. My own blog turns a year old in April and I might run my own contest then. Thank you for the giveaway. my email is carterkristina2 (at) gmail.com

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    1. Hi Tina! I really fancy reading Sway. I enjoyed Melanie Stanford's story in the 'Then Comes Winter' book and would be keen to read something else by her. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  2. Any of Brenda Webb's books is enjoyable.

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    1. Hi there Tere! I have two of Brenda's books just waiting for me, and you are right, I need to bump them up the TBR list as they both look well worth reading (the one I've already read is 'Fitzwilliam Darcy, An Honourable Man').

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  3. I have read and recommend the Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson and anything by Julie Klassen.
    email Patkf2007@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi there! I hadn't heard of the book by Imogen Robertson but it looks very interesting, and it has wonderful reviews too. I have quite a few Julie Klassen books on my kindle that I bought when they were on sale so I could take my pick of those. Thanks for the suggestions :)

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  4. We are moving this weekend and my poor hubby had to carry more boxes filled with books than anything else. He just now said, "no more books!" He will change his mind soon, I hope!

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    1. Hi Joy, thanks for stopping by, especially when you must be so busy. I hope your move goes well. Poor John! There is nothing quite like having to move boxes of books to make you unappreciative of your spouse's bookworm habits! Surely "no more books" doesn't mean a giveaway book ;)

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  5. I have been rereading Lory Lilian's books. I particularly like Sketching Mr Darcy and would recommend adding that to your to be read pile.

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    1. Hi Lynn! I read Sketching Mr Darcy back in the summer, but I haven't read any of Lory's other books yet. I am sure I have at least one of her other books on my kindle that I haven't read yet.

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    2. Rainy Days is good! And Lory's writing a sequel :) :)

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    3. That's good to know, thank you, Brenda!

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  6. What a great idea! Hmmmm....hard to recommend something you haven't seen...wanted to read..but I notice Jane Odiwe is someone I've read a a lot of and you haven't. I think I read that you don't time "passage" novels so maybe "Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation"? Cheers!

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    1. Well I am a bit wary of time travel novels. I don't mind them if the person who travels back is in a minor position but if it's a Darcy or Lizzy swap then I am not so keen. I have read just one of Jane Odiwe's time travel ones, 'Mr Darcy's Christmas Calendar' and I didn't mind the time travel at all in that one, it was such an interesting premise for a book and involving Jane Austen too. I know that Jane has written a few other time travel novels that I've been meaning to read as well as her historicals. I have a few books by her unread on my kindle, including the one you have suggested that I read, so I think you're right, I should definitely bump some of these up my TBR. Thanks for dropping by Kirk!

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  7. I never thought of it that way, but yes, January can be dreary at times for folks. I'm a winter person and I tend to get an extra surge of energy about now so I don't notice that sort of thing personally.

    Yay! Happy Blogoversary! Always fun to celebrate a blogging milestone. I've definitely enjoyed my visits to read your book thoughts and see what you plan to read as well as the special posts. Your blog is warm and hospitable.

    Hmm, reading recommendation. Let me check your shelves to see if I've read one that you haven't. I enjoy Carla Kelly's regency romances and I would love to see if you would like them, too. They're older so you might be able to find them at the library. If you have Joan Aiken's Jane Fairfax, that would be my Austenesque suggestion for you.

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    1. What is the weather like in the Winter where you are, Sophia? Winter in the UK is not fun, you are far more likely to get really cold rain than snow! I think that's one reason why people are so grumpy. We are weather-obsessed!

      Thank you so much for your comments about the blog. You are one of the people who comments the most and I always appreciate you taking time out of your day to share your thoughts with me :)

      I actually have the Austenesque book you suggested in my TBR pile! I fished it out and put it towards the top. I don't think I've read any by Carla Kelly, but I looked online and the library has them available to order so I will have to try them sometime.

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  8. How about bumping No Such Thing As Luck (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26130759-no-such-thing-as-luck) up your list? Add a little North & South variation to your January? :):) I really enjoyed it.

    brendapwood at gmail dot com

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    1. Ooh Brenda, that book looks good! Thanks for the suggestion. I think I've only read one North and South variation and I keep meaning to read another.

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  9. Have you read Villa Fortuna by Cat Gardiner? She is hosting a book club discussion at the end of the month so it's a great opportunity to share your thoughts on her book.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I have read a few of Cat's stories on the A Happy Assembly website but I haven't read Villa Fortuna at all. It's getting great reviews too! Thanks for the suggestion :)

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  10. I would recommend you to read the Gillespie and I by Jane Harris!
    minuhno@gmail.com

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    1. I hadn't heard of that book, Nenna, but it looks really good. Thanks for the suggestion, because that's not something I'd have found for myself. I've added it to my wish list.

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  11. I loved Sketching Mr Darcy, you should read that one!

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  12. I loved Sketching Mr Darcy, you should read that one!

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    1. Hi Patricia. Yours is the second recommendation for Sketching Mr Darcy, if Lory stops by I'm sure she will be pleased! It is the only one of her full length stories that I've read so far, though I hear the others are excellent reads too :)

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  13. I agree with any of Brenda Webb's books, but also any of Cat Gardiner's, Beau North, Jenneta James, Joana Starnes, and did you read Ardently? odara7rox(at)rcn(dot)com Do you need more suggestions? I am reading one by Suzan Lauder online that will be published and it is SO GOOD: Letter from Ramsgate so that is one I plan to buy when it is published and can recommend it to all.

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    1. Hi Sheila! I've read quite a few of the authors you mentioned but I haven't read all of the titles by Cat Gardiner and Joana Starnes yet. Ardently is definitely one I'd like to read this year.

      I knew that Suzan Lauder was posting a new story online but I haven't had much chance to read on the message boards lately, so I haven't read any of it. It's good to know that it's one you've earmarked to buy. I'll definitely keep a look out for it.

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    2. I'm loving this blog post of yours Ceri! I'm just pinching all these recommendations for my to-read :) I'm going to read Letter from Ramsgate now that Sheila says it's so good.

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    3. I thought it might be a useful post for others,Brenda! Glad you're enjoying it :)

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  14. thief of lies by brenda drake

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    1. Thanks for the suggestion, Jo! I hadn't heard of this book so I looked it up. I wouldn't mind being transported from library to library myself :)

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  15. Leenie Brown's new series is great: Her Father's Choice and No Other Choice.

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    1. Hi Patty. I haven't read anything by Leenie Brown so far. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  16. Hi Ceri, Happy Blogiversary!

    Have you read Denial of Conscience by Cat Gardiner yet? I noticed that you've marked it as Want to Read on Goodreads. It's one of her modern re-tellings of P&P and Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth when he sees her through the scope of a sniper rifle. Won't say any more apart from that it's like P&P meets Jason Bourne!

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    1. Hi Anji! I haven't read DoC yet, though I read it when Cat was posting it on A Happy Assembly. I have it on my wishlist. Thanks for the suggestion :)

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  17. Ditto and there is a Spotify music list and a Pinterest board plus view this Assassin's Tango - so sexy!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As0QHcUSGYY

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    1. Cat really goes the extra mile to enable you to really immerse yourself in a story doesn't she! Thanks for telling me about this, Sheila.

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  18. Definitely Sketching Mr Darcy !
    livingbelowtheclouds@gmail.com

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    1. 3rd suggestion for this book! I read it in the summer, but I haven't read Lory's other books yet. Thanks for commenting :)

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  19. Villa Fortuna by Cat Gardiner and
    Jane Austen Lives Again by Jane Odiwe
    are currently two of my very favorites!

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    1. I haven't read either of those so far, though I keep hearing good things about both of them. Thanks for the suggestions!

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  20. PS My email is Ladysusan46(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  21. Lory Lilian's books. I particularly like Sketching Mr. Darcy. There are so many good authors I enjoy reading: Rose Fairbanks, Maria Grace, P.O. Dixon, enjoyed Marsha Altman's series, modern variation series by Barbara Silkstone, Mary Lydon Simonsen, Linda Wells, Elizabeth Ann West, etc. There are way too many to list, but I tried. Just bought 12 new books January 1, now there's another 7 out. Can't keep up!

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    1. I know, Carol, it's so hard to keep up isn't it. This is how I've ended up with an overstocked kindle, it's so much quicker to buy them than read them! Thanks for commenting :)

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  22. I knew I'd forget some authors I enjoy: Jann Rowland, Sharon Latham, Melanie Schertz. As I said, way to many!

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    1. I'd read a few of the first authors you mentioned, but I don't think I've read any by these three! Thanks for all your suggestions.

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  23. Forgot Abigail Reynolds, too. Gianna Thomas's new series The Four Lords. Although the sexual short novellas of Daisy Dare, Lori Lipps, Belle Jansen, and Lily Lord aren't my favourite type of literature, they were read just because they were P &P variations.

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    1. I've read nearly all of Abigail Reynold's books, she is the author of the first Austenesque book I read which really wowed me, 'Mr Darcy's Obsession'. I haven't tried any of the others you mention, I'll have to check them out.

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  24. Forgot Abigail Reynolds, too. Gianna Thomas's new series The Four Lords. Although the sexual short novellas of Daisy Dare, Lori Lipps, Belle Jansen, and Lily Lord aren't my favourite type of literature, they were read just because they were P &P variations.

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  25. I knew I'd forget some authors I enjoy: Jann Rowland, Sharon Latham, Melanie Schertz. As I said, way to many!

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  26. Hi Ceri,
    Have you read "Boots and Backpacks" yet? Very inspiring! I almost felt like getting outdoors while reading it. (That feeling passed soon enough.) Does the link for my name suffice for a way to contact me?

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    1. Hi Ginna. No, I haven't read Boots & Backpacks yet, although I have this one on my kindle. It's another book which I've seen loads of good reviews for, so thank you for the reminder. I don't think I can't contact you through your profile, and I can understand you not wanting to leave an email here so you could leave your twitter name, if you have twitter. Alternatively, if we are friends on goodreads you could drop me a message there, or you could message me via the 'Contact me' link at the top of the page :)

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  27. Happy Anniversary, Ceri! I thought I could recommend two books. :) An Austenesque read, Searching for Captain Wentworth by Jane Odiwe. And a historical novel by Julie Klassen, The Tutor's Daughter. Both are among my favourites.
    Thanks for the generous giveaway!

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Maria! I think I have both of these, unread, in the depths of my kindle. They are both supposed to be excellent reads so I think I'll definitely have to bump them up the TBR list! Thank you so much for the suggestions :)

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  28. Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris. Excellent Mr and Mrs darcy mystery.
    dez3b at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Beth. I am pleased to have a reminder to read this book. I actually have six of the series and I've only read the Mansfield Park one, which I think is number four. I meant to read all of them last year but it didn't happen, hopefully I can get it done this year instead!

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  29. Anything by Joana Starnes is a wonderful read. I just finished "One False Step" by Elaine Owen and enjoyed it. "Sketching Character" by Pamela Lynne was a great read as well.

    Pamh5230 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Pamela, I am with you on Joana Starnes, I have so enjoyed all her books and the Unthinkable Triangle is right near the top of my TBR. I have not read Pamela Lynne's stories yet but they get such great reviews that she was another author I had planned to read this year, so I'm very pleased to have recommendations for those. I have Elaine Owen on my wish list, and I'll take a look at the book you recommended by her. Thanks for your suggestions!

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  30. Mostly I read cozy mysteries so I might suggest Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series. I see you mentioned Jane Odiwe and I was just thinking about her books. I see Book Depository has them. I also like Andrew Lane's Young Sherlock series (Y.A.) These come out first in the U.K. and here in the U.S. we're a few books behind, so once I ordered one from the Book Depository.
    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Michelle. I enjoy cosy mysteries too. I had a look at the Hannah Swensen series, there would be loads to keep me busy there! Jane Odiwe has been suggested by a few people on this thread so I think she has to be a definite read for this year. I am not familiar with the Young Sherlock series but I'll check them out. Thanks for the suggestions!

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  31. Such a generous giveaway!! Thank you Ceri :D A book I would strongly recommend, since I know you love Regency novels, would be "Indiscretion" by Jude Morgan. It is SO good! I think you would love it. My email is i_lovenuk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I've been meaning to read Jude Morgan for a while so thank you for the reminder, Anne! I just took a look on Amazon where he is described as a good read for fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, which happen to be my two favourite authors so I should really give him a try.

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  32. The book, Indiscretion, is only available in hardback or used.

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    1. I wonder if it has a different publisher in the US? You can get it on kindle or paperback here, or used hardback.

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  33. Hi Ceri. Can recommend any book by Lory Lilian,J.Starnes and Pamela Lynne's books are fantastic! Thursday's Child by Pat Santarsiero is also fab! Mary(GR friend)

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    1. Hi Mary! I think I'll definitely have to plan in books by Lory Lillian, Joana Starnes and Pamela Lynne this year. I am not sure I'm brave enough to attempt Thursday's Child, I'm such a wimp! I quite fancy Pat Santiarsiero's other book, The Last Waltz, though.

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  34. Hi Ceri.
    Most of my favorite P&P books were written by the very talented JAFF authors that are widely known to/loved by those of us who just can't get enough of Mr Darcy & Elizabeth Bennet. But there are two P&Ps, off the beaten path, that I was shocked by how much I enjoyed them. (I normally don't enjoy paranormal stories.) Neither has many reviews, but both of these books are rather unique & quite delightful. Even if paranormal isn't your thing, I suggest reading "A Touch of Night" by Sarah A. Hoyt & "Pride and Platypus: Mr Darcy's Dreadful Secret" by Vera Nazarian.

    Also, I can recommend something I know you haven't read yet. One of my favorite non-JAFF authors, H.M. Ward, will be releasing a modern P&P, "Over You" on Valentine's day. Everything by H.M. Ward is fabulous! So I'm sure "Over You" will be a very enjoyable read too! :)
    -KrisAnn
    pemberley96 at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi there, KrisAnn! Thank you for your suggestions! I have both of the paranormal books you mention, and I haven't read either of them so far. I am not familiar with H M Ward's books, but I will definitely add it to my wish list.

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  35. I hope I am in time to make my suggestions for some reading material for the discerning reader :-). I can't believe I've never come across your blog before, Ceri. I am always on the hunt for fellow Jane Austen-o-philes. I don't think I was vastly enamoured of Jane Austen when I was 16 and starting my English Lit 'A' Level with Emma. I had preferred my sister' s syllabus a year earlier where a certain book called Pride and Prejudice was on her list of study books but I persevered and really began to like Jane Austen very much. My love grew when, as a teacher, I found I could introduce her to many new young students.
    I have loved going through every comment and listing books I have not come across before and many I want to renew my acquaintance with. I need to fish quickly now as time is short. Below is/ are my suggestions.

    Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor. You can read about Stephanie Barron and the whole series of books here: www.stephaniebarron.com
    There is a new one being released very shortly on 2nd Feb. They really are hypotonic, a skilful weaving of fiction and the real events of Jane's life. Her life unfolds alongside a brilliant mystery which Jane unravels, in the beginning with the help of a very significant person in her life.

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    1. Hi there, Angela. No, it's not too late to enter. Although for us in the UK it's Sunday it's still Saturday somewhere in the world so I don't usually count a giveaway as closed until about 9am the next day. Thank you for the Stephanie Barron suggestion. I've read the Christmas book of the series, and I am taking part in the blog tour of the newest book next month. I would definitely like to read the previous books in the series.

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    2. Hi Ceri, phew! So glad I was in time. I wanted to write a lot more but, lucky for you, I was racing against time....haha! I love to read books that are a series but hate it when I get to the last book. I felt that with the Carrie Bebris books. It's the same with the Stephanie Barron books. As it was the last one, I was saving The Twelve Days of Christmas for a special occasion but now that there is a new one I can go ahead and read it. How amazing that you are involved in the blog tour of it. I'm already looking forward to it. I know it's too late for suggestions now but I don't think anyone else has mentioned the series by Miss Anna Dean beginning with A Moment of Silence and they are far too good to be overlooked. They really are a joy.

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  36. Ceri, in my rush to nip in before the witching hour, I forgot to mention my email just in case. It's: john.sweby@btinternet.com

    Thanks so much for your generous giveaway. Having hungrily devoured past posts on your blog I see it is by no means your first. How I have never come across your blog before I do not know. How I came across it now is pretty bizarre. I am in the process of doing some craft work related to Jane Austen and was on Google images looking at book covers. Your giveaway title caught my eye and I followed a trail which finally led me yo your blog! What an amazing find.

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    1. I am very interested in the Jane Austen craft that you mention. What are you planning to make, Angela?

      And by the way, forgot to mention, thank you for stopping by and commenting.

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    2. Ceri, I've been so inspired by the amazing Christmas ornaments on Terri's blog here: www.artfulaffirmations.co.uk If you click on her Jane Austen Posts icon in the right hand margin of her blog you can see them all. They really are exquisite.

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    3. I'll definitely take a look, thanks Angela.

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    4. Let me know what you think, Ceri.

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  37. Oh my! I am in agreement on many of these suggestions. I have been enjoying Cat Gardiner for modern and Brenda Webb. So many wonderful choices.

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    1. Hi Becky! Both Brenda and Cat's books have been suggested, they both seem popular choices. I have read both of these authors before and enjoyed them, so will have to try and read some more of their stories this year.

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  38. Cherringtonmb@sbcglobal.net

    If I made the deadline. It is still the 16th in California.lol

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  39. Yes, you made the deadline, Becky, I wait until it's not Saturday worldwide, so you still had a few hours left when you posted :)

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  40. Hi Ceri-Thursday's Child would certainly not be for everyone but it is beautifully written and the story unfolds in a realistic and compelling manner.
    The Last waltz-I hope to read it very soon.
    See you reading something worth recommending?

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    1. Hmm, not really. I'm just finishing off an annotated version of Emma and I had hoped to get more from the annotations. I still haven't finished it yet though, maybe I'll change my mind!

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  41. I got "page not available" when I tried to find those Christmas ornaments.

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    1. Hi Sheila, I did too, I think I found the right blog here though: http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/jane-austens-birthday.html?m=1

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  42. Thanks for the link - that was a lot of work for the artist. Well done.

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  43. The decorations this lady created on her tree are so beautiful....what a fitting tribute to our dearest Jane on her birthday.
    The photo frame and stockings...obviously a labour of love.

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If you're not logged in to Google please leave your name in your comment or it will post as anonymous. Thanks! - Ceri