I thought I'd celebrate Valentine's Day here on the blog by talking about something we all love: a great story by a gifted storyteller. 
Luckily for me, today is the release date for The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi. The novel takes us to a small South Carolina town, where a restless wanderer named John Dodge arrives to stir things up. John likes to take over small, failing businesses and resurrect them, but for some reason he never sticks around after he's achieved success. While meeting the always-interesting shopkeepers of Lambert Square, however, John encounters Julia Darrow, the lovely but rather standoffish owner of a rare linens shop. John is startled to discover that Julia and her employees work all day in their pajamas, but he soon learns that there is a lot more going on with Julia than her unusual business attire.
I first discovered Rosina Lippi when I read her novel Tied to the Tracks back in 2006. I've given away a lot of copies of that book in the last two years, but one of the delights of discovering an amazing storyteller like Rosina is sharing her work with others. I suspect I'll be giving away twice as many copies with this new novel. I've tried my best to think of a category for The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square, but the book refuses to be pigeon-holed or labeled. I think this is because it has something for every reader: adventure, romance, mystery, humor, drama, tragedy and hope.
I loved this book so much that I wish I could give all of you a copy, but until I have the millions to finance something like that we'll do the next best thing: have a giveaway. In comments to this post, name something you think would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift (or if you can't think of anything, just throw your name in the hat) by midnight EST on Friday, February 15, 2008. I will draw ten names at random from everyone who participates and send the winners an unsigned hardcover copy of The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi. This giveaway is open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW in the past.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
PBW's Valentine
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73 comments:
*sigh*. Being single by choice, Valentine's Day is just another day to me.
Still, I'd give the significant other a small, black card with the words, written in silver: IOU One hell of a night! Redeemable at your convenience and of your choice.
I think he'd sit up and notice.
This is a totally exciting giveaway. I love Rosina Lippi's books!
A good Valentine's Day gift? Well, I'm giving my sweetheart an audio language course. That way he can find more ways to say he loves me. :)
Happy Valentine's Day, PBW!
My wife doesn't know this, and she's going to get it late unfortunately, but I'm having one copy of my NaNo novel made into a book, and it's dedicated to her.
Never would have written it without her. I doubt it will ever be published, so no one else will see the dedication, but it's important for me to know that she knows how much of an inspiration she is to me.
A big giant hug. :3
It's affordable, intimate and if you give it to someone you love, you'll both get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. :)
For me a great gift would be a nice quiet dinner at home. That and of course a book from PBW *wink*
Um... I really cannot think of anything that would make a good Valentine's Day gift, most of the stereotypical stuff (chocolate, jewelery, flowers, etc...) aren't very interesting, in my (admittedly snooty) opinion.
But I would like to throw my name in the hat anyway, pretty please.
I'd be happy to get a good book as a Valentine's Day present! I'd also love to be in the draw!
For immediate, intense gratification, I suggest divine candy from Ethyl M's, an upscale chocolatier in Las Vegas.
For longer lasting pleasure, I always enjoy receiving gift certificates to online bookstores.
Since I got an excellent Valentine's gift, I'll share: the gift of time! My parents offered to come and watch the kids so the husband and I could have some alone time. Worth gold. I don't care if we just go to a coffee shop and talk for an hour, it's an amazing gift to have that time.
LOL I understand the wanting to give books away all the time. Darn necessity of money. :P
I think Books always make a lovely Vday gift... pour moi!
For my hubby (who I will not see but for half an hour all day), I'm thinking he'll like a massage when he finally stumbles home from working two jobs today (Thurs is the only day he does it). He likes it every OTHER day so I don't see how Vday would be different! :D
I'm so unromantic, aren't I?
This is probably a bit cliche, but I'd love for my husband to hand me a gift certificate for a spa massage tonight. You can never have too many massages!
A horse! Although I imagine wrapping it would be a problem.
My husband once wrote me a poem for Valentine's, which I thought very romantic. This year he made a special photograph for me. Also romantic! I think the best gift is something that comes from the heart, not the supermarket.
I wanted new pjs (warm flannel type) and a book. I'm such a romantic, eh?
I hope you have a good day.
A perfect present would be the completely unromantic, some time to myself, but for a romantic one a night out with all arrangements taken care of for me (childcare included!)
Write him an erotic story centering around one of his favorite fantasies. And then make sure you act out the juiciest parts. ;)
I would love a copy of Rosina's book! So pick me please! :D
DiDi
You mean today isn't Single Adults Day (SAD)?!?! No one told me!
Ok ~ I do have a sweetie. Dinner at home and I bought a bar of chocolate spiced with chili powder. It's spicy and creamy at the same time... an explosion followed by smooth sweetness.
A small scrapbook of photos, movie tickets, inside jokes, and other little tidbits from the past year to document all the good times we shared, and how I'm looking forward to more. I like to call it The Book of Love, after one of my favorite songs by Peter Gabriel.
Being married for 25yrs to a totally unsentimental man any gift is a good one for Valentine's Day, and seeing as how tomorrow is my B-day I usually get a combo gift anyway. LOL
I'd like to enter please....thank you!
No good ideas....sorry.
I'm with Jaye that Valentine's Day when your single is just another day.
An excellent Valentine's day gift to me would really be having a valentine! (I know it sounds corny, but it's true).
I'm with Jaye that Valentine's Day when your single is just another day.
An excellent Valentine's day gift to me would really be having a
valentine! (I know it sounds corny, but it's true).
A good gift? For the romantic half of the sketch to give in to the unromantic.
How about agreeing with your sweetie that trying to eat out on valentine's day means facing too many crowds, that flowers are too horribly marked up for today and that maybe a trip to the library is truly romantic. Buy him coffee afterwards and laugh at his jokes
Or how about not giving him a single moment's shit when he doesn't give you anything and you give him his favorite candy, a card you made plus a book he's been wanting to read. (But because no one is perfect,you do eat a few of the candies)
For me a great Valentine's Day gift is a night that I don't have to cook dinner so I'll be doing good this year.
I'll be giving her a spa day. She loves her some pampering.
And I've pre-oredered Omega Games. Yes, I've been waiting for it.
I'm lucky enough to have 364 VDays in a year which is a good thing because today is actually my better half's birthday, so there will be no cherubs or arrows flying around our house for once.
We make little lists for one another throughout the year: cool things we want but wouldn’t spend money on ourselves. Those lists are where we turn on special occasions and for surprises. Not only does the recipient get something really great, but also giving something from the list feels even more fun.
If my name flies out of that hat, please give my copy of The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square to father-turtle: his idea is so sweet it made my whole day, and I'm going to buy the book anyway.
For my wife it would have to be a clean house, obedient kids and no one interrupting anyone else--all this for at least 20 uninterrupted minutes.
My perfect Valentine's gift is the one I already have -- it's my anniversary today (8 years of dating, no rings in sight).
I doubt we're going to do anything, but what I would like is for both of us to come home a bit early from work, and just cuddle and talk, and maybe order a pizza and watch a movie together. All kinds of boring, I know, but when one of you is working at a startup an hour away from home, time together becomes the best gift.
I think the best Valentine Gift is yard work. The ground needs to be tilled and prepped for the garden I want to put in. I live in MS, so this is with in the realm of possibility.
Well, I love roses, but hate that you have to spend so much on them at Valentine's. So, I bought my boyfriend (and me) a real rose, preserved and then dipped and edged in 24kt gold. It's something we can look at all year long and never worry about watering it or it wilting and dying off. Real flowers should stay in the garden where they can be enjoyed by everyone (including the bees).
Tami
Jacksonville
A wonderful Valentine's gift would be a decadent petit four chocolate rasperry truffle. But, since I'd hate to eat it all alone, better get two, one chocolate raspberry and one white chocolate with peaches! That way we can share and enjoy.
But, I know what I'm getting and while it's not as tasty as a chocolate decadence, it is certainly more lasting. So, my very own sushi set is a pretty good thing, no? Fun & funky chopsticks here I come!
A good book giveaway! Yay! I always want to give away copies of books I love. I'd love to be able to share that feeling of joy and wonder with everyone.
An excellent gift for me is always books, my amazon wish list goes on for miles! A long, relaxing back massage is always good, too.
I got hubby a bottle of wine and chocolate (for us to share tonight), and his favorite chocolate chip biscotti.
For my kids I got them some candy hearts (sweet tarts for the big boy and barbie gummis for my little chica). I don't like to go for expensive crazy gifts, it's just a way to remind each other of our love. I like to try to do it daily, so I don't feel the need to load up on a Hallmark day!
Just put my name in the hat, please.
Valentin's Day has not real tradition in Germany. Of course, the chocolate and flower industry uses it as marketing strategy these days, but it's not something the grows out of the people's hearts like it should.
I'd like my hubby to rustle up the shoemaker's elves for just one day. Just. One. Day.
A copy of Omega Games would be a great gift! Instead, I will probably get Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, a card, and some naughty stuff. Which is good, too.
That palomino I've had my eye on would make a good gift...maybe he'll be in the barn when I get home...one can wish anyway.
What a great book for a giveaway. For Valentine's Day or anyday I would appreciate quality time spent with my husband. A drive to a special spot, walking along the beach or just sitting on a patio and having tea.
Sleeping in would be a lovely valentine's day gift.
For two good and valid reasons I never get to sleep in, but I think about it sometimes....
I don't want a gift but would love a special trip anywhere. together exploring new vistas and enjoying precious time together.
Since I have no one to share this with. My hubby died this past summer and I have memories, the book would be a delight to read.
Hmmm...A coupon book of back rubs and massages.
what a sweet thing to do, S!
ummm, the giftie? if money is no object a trip to Stratford to catch Patrick Stewart in Romeo and Juliet...with a deep, metallic ruby red Carrera waiting for me outside the B & B. With my name on the key fob. Stewart in a mature version of R & J would rock my world.
low budget version? A hike up Horse Canyon and giving the sweetie a heart-shaped rock carefully sought and found there...followed by a little al fresco fun, weather permitting. what a nice fantasy exercise, eh?
A nice DVD you can curl up and watch together, after dinner you cooked together:)
Jessica
Just put my name in the hat...I have no idea on gifts, that hasn't gone well for me!
(If I win, call me out as "jenfullmoon," since my name is common like dirt.)
I always find that the best Valentine's gift is good company. The meal can be mac-n-cheese out but with the right person it becomes a great meal.
Nothing says I love you like a beer kit, just as my hubby the homebrewer.
Although, in all seriousness, I really think a sincere gesture is fabulous no matter what kind of gift is involved.
a love poem and a night ALONE with my man.
The best V-Day present I've given yet has been the $10 gift certificate to Home Depot. Go figure!
Dinner out without the kids would be the best Valentine's Day gift at this time in my life. Thanks for the giveaway. Sounds like a great book!
Don't really need a gift, just cuddle with your sgnificant other and watch a good movie is all I need. Count me in for the giveaway!
Okay, I'm in! Thank you PBW for always supporting the coolest writers. :)
The best V Day present would be a whole day without having to cook , clean or deal with anyone but me.
And than I'd need a good book to read.
Actually, pajamas sounds like a good gift (at least for me).
I get flowers that my boys help me plant in the garden. They love to say they got my gift from Home Depot and the store is never crowded.
Maggie
I'm old and single. For me an excellent gift would be an unsigned copy of The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi or a rich, handsome man - whichever is handiest.
A gift certificate for a day at the spa, or at least for an hour massage.
A night cross-country skiing on crisp moonlit snow. A river of stars. Just me and my guy.
Now that would be purrfect :)
Happy Valentines, day all.
I just finished watching an article on my tv news, about a local married couple who spent today in hospital recovering from surgery. Seems the husband has some kind of rare disease that was destroying his kidney, and his wife ended up being a perfect match for a live donor organ donation.
The film crew was with the couple right thru the surgery and into the recovery room, and the clip showing them holding hands in recovery just had me bawling!
Now *that's* the best kind of Valentine's gift, IMO!
— Bonz
The best Vday gift, to me, has already happened.
------------------------------> Out of th NICU safe and sound. Well as safe and sound as a preemie can be.
Spending the day with my sweetheart.
My husband was very excited by what I gave him for Valentine's Day this afternoon - two huge bags of bark dust. (Since I have a major aversion to bark dust, it is the first he's had for his garden in years.) Alternately, what loreth anne white said would be most excellent; but nobody could top what the bonz mentioned!
Thanks for the giveaway, PBW, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Discovering a new author to add to my favorites list would make my Valentine's Day sweeter.
throw my name in the hat please.
Heather
Australia
Just dinner we made together, a bottle of wine, and a night curled up with each other. Sort of reminiscent of hubby's and my first V-Day together (minus the wine), which sent me to work the next day with stars in my eyes. I can still remember all the married women there getting a kick out of my dreaminess. LOL, now I'm one of the married women who'd get a kick out of a 20-year-old's cloud nine!
Time alone with my sweetie without discussion of money, bills, etc. would be lovely!
Hmm, I don't know if this is how I enter the contest for a free copy of The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square, but here goes.
I am not a very romantic person and neither is my husband, not very creative either so we usually just go out to eat. But in a fantasy world, it would be wonderful to have roses everywhere.
For the kitchen table, in my bedroom, by my computer, at work -- I could go on. But I do hope I win a copy of the new book.
If money were no object going on a long walk along the Ligurian or Amalfi coast in Italy together, or anywhere scenic really.
Just tossing my name into the hat. Unfortunately my guy had to work last night (and I work days), so V-day was kind of a bust this year.
tossing name into hat...not many good ideas.
My sweetie got me a plant with a chocolate rose in it and a mont of gaming time on our favortite online game. Cool.
The best valentine gift ever would be reading, coffee in hand, with my hubby on a quiet beach.
Thanks for this opportunity to win Rosina's book. I'm so looking forward to reading it!
chocolate's always been a fave of mine...can't go wrong with good chocolate.
I think a secret romantic getaway to Italy or something would be fantastic.
throw my name in the hat please looks like a good read. :)
Since I just separated from my husband before Christmas, I'm trying not to think about Valentine's Day gifts. Maybe next year?
I think someone shoveling my walks and scraping off my car and warming it up would be the best Valentine's gift right now! Just to go and get in a warm car with no snow worries! How supremely romantic! And if they would drive me to work and pick me up too for the day... well, that would beat roses and dinner!
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