Hello...I Won!

Happy New Year to all of you!

I just found out that I won a contest from Fresh Fiction -- a signed copy of KISSING GAMES OF THE WORLD by Sandi Kahn Shelton and a $20 Starbucks gift card. You can read more how the author found inspiration for the characters in her novel here. I am so going to need some of that caffeine to get through all the books I need to read and review in the next few weeks.

I was beginning to feel like I was in the middle of a contest dry spell. Not that I needed more books or anything, but I used to win a lot. Recently, I haven't won anything. But, I'm happy to say that it looks like my luck's beginning to change. Just last week, I received a "Book Group in a Box" from the Read It Forward Newsletter team because my book club was picked as their December Book Group of the Month. This big box was filled with ten books (2 copies of 5 books) of their favorite Shaye Areheart Books including CONFESSIONS OF A PREP SCHOOL MOMMY HANDLER, THE PARROT WHO THOUGHT SHE WAS A DOG, THE SOUL OF A HORSE, THE OTHER MOTHER, and VISITING LIFE.

Then yesterday, the UPS man delivered a box full of goodies from author Sarah Pekkenan. Her debut novel WAY BEYOND COMPARE will be published by Atria in early 2010. I can't wait to read this book because it seems like it will be right up my alley. I won her monthly newsletter giveaway just for signing up to receive it, so make sure you head on over and subscribe. Her gift is just perfect for the cold weather ahead. I received ONCE UPON A DAY by Lisa Tucker (one of her favorite authors), a box of Godiva chocolates, some awesome Chamomile tea from Ineeka, and a pair of adorable soft socks. What a wonderful surprise!

Less than an hour later, the FedEx woman brought a huge box filled with a case (36 bags) of Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop Butter popcorn! It's my very favorite and I'm embarrassed to admit that I eat a bag every afternoon while I read and blog. A big thanks goes out to My Friend Amy for offering this terrific giveaway.

I know I should be busy ringing in the New Year, but it kind of feels like Christmas all over again in my house. (Albeit a sick-free one!)

And I know it's not really book related at all, but I can't post today without giving a little shout out to the Penn State Nittany Lions!!!! Good luck against Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl.

WE ARE...................PENN STATE!