The winner of the Four Score & Friday 20 giveaway is Amy S., who should e-mail me at LynnViehl@aol.com with your full name and ship-to info so I can get these books out to you.
Something I've always liked about the holidays are surprises. My sister-in-law Jeanne was the mother of five children, and one of the most generous people I've ever known. She loved to throw parties for her kids, grandkids and the rest of the family. Because she worked in hotel catering and was used to cooking for a small army at home, she made even the most ordinary get-together into a banquet.
Twelve years ago this week, Jeanne pulled off the granddaddy of all surprises for me and my husband. She asked me to bring my husband over for his surprise birthday party (and swore me to secrecy), and asked my husband to bring me over for my surprise baby shower (and swore him to secrecy.) We walked into a small riot of his, mine and our friends and family yelling Surprise! Jeanne kept her word to both of us and held two parties simultaneously on either side of the house.
We lost Jeanne to heart disease a few years ago, but I catch a glimpse of her whenever my daughter is happy (she has her aunt's big smile.) Jeanne inspired me to be more giving in my own life, and I never have a party without feeling her there with us, celebrating in spirit. To honor my sister-in-law, and the love and happiness she brought into the lives of so many others, I'm making the fifth very cool book of December the winner's choice.
For a chance to win today's giveaway, in comments to this post tell us the title of the book you most want (or, if you can't think of a title, just throw your name in the hat) by midnight EST on December 9, 2006. I'll draw one name from everyone who participates and give the winner a bookwish* and Talyn by Holly Lisle. Giveaway open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.
*A bookwish is any book of the winner's choice available for order online and that costs up to a maximum of $30.00 U.S. dollars (I'll cover any additional shipping costs involved.)
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The books that I really want aren't exactly published yet (like Plague of Memory, Patricia Briggs's Blood Bound, Guy Gavriel Kay's Ysabel), so I'm hard put to actually decide on one. Maybe Tamora Pierce's Terrier?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks PBW, for the giveaways. You're the best!
They're not out yet, but: Night Lost (been waiting ever since the excerpt in Dark Need), Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs, Ash's story from SK's DH series ;)
ReplyDeleteOooh, I can't wait for Christmas! Time to use the Borders rewards:)
-aj
These also aren't out yet, but...
ReplyDeleteNight Lost (ever since I read the excerpt in Dark Need), Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs, Wild Things anthology with MML, and Ash's story from SK's DH series. That was a lot more than just one title.
Thank goodness I can start using my Border Rewards ;)
-aj
First of all, I am sorry to hear about Jeanne. She sounds like a lovely woman I would have enjoyed knowing. And its great that you remember her the way you do. With fond memories and smiles all year long. I never in my life knew anyone would could juggle two parties at one time. What a feat!
ReplyDeleteSo many good books out now but I think the one that catches my eye is Strange Candy by Laurell K Hamilton.
Thanks for entering me and here's wishing you all this best this Holiday Season!
I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law. Jeanne sounds like she was a terrific person.
ReplyDeleteAs to a book wish, I'd have to say, Cursor's Fury by Jim Butcher. It just came out on the 5th, and has been on my wish list for a little while now. What a wonderful idea for this contest. Thank you for telling us about Jeanne and allowing us to comment.
Crystal B.
Heya. I received the copy of Afterburn you sent. Thank you so much! I couldn't stop smiling all day!
ReplyDeleteI've recently discovered the Jean M Auel series - The Earth's Children. I've got the first two, but would love to have the next one - The Mammoth Hunters. I've already exceeded my books wish list for this Christmas and my husband just wont buy me any more. It seriously is the cruelest thing to do to a writer!
Thanks a million. x
A Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels by Gustav Davidson
ReplyDeleteI need this for "The Second Book of Lucifer"
I'm so impressed with your giveaways.
*raises a glass to Jeanne*
Ms. Viehl,
ReplyDeleteAlthough it was a loss, I'm glad that you had the chance to meet your sister-in-law Jeanne and experience who she was. It would have been even sadder to never have been able to meet her. I have a few of those myself, and I treasure each and every one of them.
I've actually been a fan of yours for a long time (I'm sure you've heard this many times), but this is the first time I'm commenting on your blog; thus the fan declaration. Oh, and I love how you care so much about your readers. Thank you for everything. Okay, now I'm done. (Hopefully there wasn't a ban on saying this, and - seriously - I'm not looking to "win" this giveaway by saying this.)
Anyways, it's corny, but I would love to have a copy of your upcoming StarDoc book "Plague of Memory". I was dying during the long lapse (long to me at least) between "Eternity Row" and "Rebel Ice", and I'm happy that another one is coming out so soon. Glad the journey never ended.
If not that book, then your "Paradise Island" if there's one out there, for I can't seem to find it anywhere, and I would love to have and read it.
Thank you for everything.
Heya PBW,
ReplyDeleteHere I am taking my chances again. It's so difficult to have one choice (when there are so many I wish I could read ;o).
My choice for this draw is:
Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them
by Francine Prose
Best,
Pencilone
Oh hell, anything of yours - if I already have it I can pass it on to one of the infants.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, Modesitt's Of Tangible Ghosts.
How about a signed copy of Plague of Memory when it comes out? :D
ReplyDeleteLovely story - wish my family was like that.
ReplyDeleteBookwish? Hmm... any of the Darkyn books, as I haven't had a chance to snag them up yet. Or Katherine Kurtz's Childe Morgan.
Thanks for such an interesting giveaway.
Surprises are one of my favorite things about the holidays too - both being surprised myself, and setting up surprises for others.
ReplyDeleteMy bookwish: Paint it Black, by Janet Fitch.
Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeletethe books i want the most aren't out yet.
ReplyDeleteLover Revealed by JR Ward and Plague of Memory ;o)
I've got a sister in law like that~Tiff is married to one of my younger brothers (the most anti social one, go figure) and she throws a party like nothing else. I keep telling her she needs to get into catering, because she loves doing it and can make anything special.
Congrats AmyS!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have your book Way of The Cheetah!
Your post bought tears to my eyes. I lose my Uncle to cancer last Jan. 06. It still hurts but I have lived on. We have some many things to be thankful durng times like just like your great memeories of your sister-in-law.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation to Amy!!
My book list is way to long to post. Yes, your books are on my list like The Way of the Cheetah!!!
Thanks for the blog because it is putting me the holiday mood since this was his favor time of the year.
Sorry for your loss. This can be a tough time of year, missing loved ones that are no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteCan't narrow my choice down at the moment but please put my name in the hat for your draw.
I have so been wanting Debbie Macomber's Christmas Letters. Yippee.
ReplyDeleteThe book I most want hasn't been written yet. (The next installment of "The Song of Ice and Fire.) The next best thing is "Kushiel's Scion" by J.Carey
ReplyDeleteThe book I would really like to get my hands on is Terrier by Tamora Pierce.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving away so much, and for giving me a great idea! I had a very good friend pass away recently, and I was trying to find a way to celebrate his life. He loved books: fantasy and nonfiction stuff about the brain and linguistics. Interesting combination, but one that definitely stretches a mind. I think perhaps giving a book (or two) away in his memory is a great idea...I must plan this out...
Thanks again.
I'll think of a title if it's my name you draw. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us about Jeanne too. I don't know what else to say except that I was smiling as I read it. Thanks.
I am so sorry about your loss of Jeanne. It seems that she left behind a legacy of kindness and love. I'm sure she would be so proud of the way that her loved ones continue to honor her memory.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for HOT SPELL (anthology) by Emma Holly, Lora Leigh, Shiloh Walker, and Meljean Brook
Thank you for the giveaway! :)
This is so generous and kind. I love books so much that I will choose Kabbalah by Lawrence Kushner.
ReplyDeletePlague of Memory by you! :D With it specially signed by you too? ^_~ Well, actually, it doesn't have to be signed, but that would make it super-duper special. ^_^
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've heard of it, this may turn out to be my favourite Stardoc book and I want to hurry December along to get it!
Thank you so much for all these generous giveaways you've been doing. Isn't it nice when someone inspires us to improve ourselves? Your sister-in-law sounds like a wonderful person.
Oh my. I just found your site for the first time and it must be kismet - my name is JEANNE! I hope I have some of the same qualities as your Jeanne - how wonderful she left such memories.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many books on my wish list I would really have to think about it :) Actually Stephen King has a new one out that is suppose to have romance in it - Lisey's story.
A second treasury of magical knitting
ReplyDeleteThe book I've been waiting for is Bloodlines by Eileen Wilks.She has a really good series, but they only come out once a year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Sheila. Jeanne sounds like a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteMy bookwish is Plague of Memory. I am dying to read it.
Cheers, and thanks,
Erin K.
I would love to have The Writer's Mentor: A Guide to Putting Passion on Paper by Cathleen Rountree.
ReplyDeleteVery cool that it is winners choice.
Beyond A Shadow by Alison Kent
ReplyDeleteLet's see if I can slip this question in here. Friday 20 comments will no longer open for me. (In all fairness, it is Saturday [g]) Name in hat for drawing not required.
ReplyDeleteI've already pre ordered Plague of Memory and I'm hoping it will be followed by more books featuring Cherijo and Duncan. Do you have any news for us on more Stardoc novels coming out after Plague of Memory?
Thank you for answering my question in the earlier thread :).
ReplyDeleteHmm, a bookwish...
Young Miles: The Warrior's Apprentice, The Mountains of Mourning, and The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold (that's just one book, honest)
Yeah!
I'd like the paperback "A Feast For Crows" by George RR Martin. I really like paperback novels, rather than hardcover.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Jeanne.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of books I'd like to have, but right now I'd like Brust's Athyra.
Jeanne sounds like a wonderful woman. Glad you can see something of her in your daughter. My Mom never got to see her grandsons but my oldest has her eyes. Sometime it is spooky his eyes are so much like hers.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have Mistrials Kiss by Laurell Hamilton. And Robin Owens Flight of the protector
As I hadn't entered yesterday, I did a double-take when I saw the winner. I'm another Amy S. :)
ReplyDeleteI work at an evil-chain bookstore, so I got myself a few presents while doing holiday shopping for my family on Friday. (Evil or not, they give a good employee discount. ;) Several of yours and Holly's books are now teetering on my bedside table.
I don't need to enter the contest, but I did want to say that I enjoy reading your holiday rememberances and the comments of your readers.
Young Miles: The Warrior's Apprentice, The Mountains of Mourning, and The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold (that's just one book, honest)
ReplyDeleteOh, I have to look that up on Amazon.de. After I've read her Chalion books which will come in on Monday. :)
For this time, my bookwish would be:
Sharon Kay Penman, Sunne in Splendour
(The only of hers I don't have.)
Lois McMaster Bujold's books are wonderful. Descriptionary is my bookwish.
ReplyDeleteDiane
I'm sorry to hear about Jeanne. She sounds like she was a wonderful person, and it's great the way you keep her memory alive. It's the true miracle of life that someone can still touch you with their love even after they are gone.
ReplyDeleteAs for books...oh my....I guess I would have to go with Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay. It's an incredible book and he's an incredible writer.
I hope you're not getting too stressed out this Christmas, what with running around playing Santa to us folks and getting ready for the festivities! I can't imagine how you manage....it's amazing....
I'm sorry to hear about Jeanne. She sounds like she was a wonderful person, and it's great the way you keep her memory alive. It's the true miracle of life that someone can still touch you with their love even after they are gone.
ReplyDeleteAs for books...oh my....I guess I would have to go with Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay. It's an incredible book and he's an incredible writer.
I hope you're not getting too stressed out this Christmas, what with running around playing Santa to us folks and getting ready for the festivities! I can't imagine how you manage....it's amazing....
would love to enter your contest. Just toss my name in, I always have tons of books on my wish list to chose from.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about Jeanne. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. I think the true miracle of life is that someone can still touch us with their love even after they are gone.
ReplyDeleteAs for books...oh my....I guess I'll have to go with Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay.
By the way, I hope you're not too stressed out this Christmas, what with running around playing Santa to us folks and getting ready for the festivities! Take care of yourself and have a nice holiday.
I'm sorry to hear about Jeanne. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. I think the true miracle of life is that someone can still touch us with their love even after they are gone.
ReplyDeleteAs for books...oh my....I guess I'll have to go with Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay.
By the way, I hope you're not too stressed out this Christmas, what with running around playing Santa to us folks and getting ready for the festivities! Take care of yourself and have a nice holiday.
I'm sorry to hear about Jeanne. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. I think the true miracle of life is that someone can still touch us with their love even after they are gone.
ReplyDeleteAs for books...oh my....I guess I'll have to go with Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay.
By the way, I hope you're not too stressed out this Christmas, what with running around playing Santa to us folks and getting ready for the festivities! Take care of yourself and have a nice holiday.
Oops sorry! I seem to be having trouble with Blogger and have ended up posting more than once. Yikes....
ReplyDeleteI must have been having a brain cramp earlier... because the biggest bookwish I have right this very moment is Holly's Create a Character (can you believe I don't have it yet?) On social security income I dont get the chance to splurge on books that often)
ReplyDeleteJeanne would be so proud. I'm sure she's smiling down on you right now! (grin)
what a beautiful post. I don't even have words for it.
ReplyDeletemy current book wish is The Good Faeries of New York by Martin Millar.
I can't think of a bookwish right now...may I decide on one if I win?
ReplyDelete(There are so many to choose from)
I'd have to say Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs. I cannot wait for this book to come out. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I'm glad her spirit lives on within you. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Assassin King by Elizabeth Haydon. It releases the day after Christmas and I love her work.
ReplyDeleteJeanne will be with you during the festive season and enjoying it with you; you might even here her laugh every now and then, if you listen carefully...
ReplyDeleteBooks. Hmm... there are so many on my must have list for next year, and most won't be out in Australia until a couple of months after the US.
Still, A Plague of Memory (gotta be those nanites), Talyn, (yep, I'm infected, alright), Hunting the Hunter by Shiloh Walker or Beyond a Shadow (if there's a cure for those nanites, I don't want it).
Thanks, S., where would we be without you?
Chris Morriarty's sequel, "Spin Control". Last I checked it was still only in hardback and out of my book budget range ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all these fun givaways!
Jeanne must have been very special; thank you for sharing her with us.
ReplyDeleteMy book wish would be THE BOLEYN INHERITANCE by Phillipa Gregory.
Thanks so much for this and for the story of Jeanne. May the holidays land and equally lovely surprise or three on your doorstep.
ReplyDeleteJeanne sounds like my amazing best friend, Jan. We're so fortunate to have had such women in our lives!
ReplyDeleteAnd since you asked, my fondest book wish right now is for Tim Powers' The Bible Repairman.
Jeanne must have been a very special woman, you were lucky to be her friend.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of bookwishes, but of the ones availables, Simply Love by Mary Balogh is at the top of my list.