Get Scrapping: Enter to Win

I have two scrapbook-crazy ladies in my life, my Mum and my sister – they love it! The photos, the embellishments, the buttons and twine. The other day when I was on a shopping trip with them, they started chatting away about ‘gesso’ and ‘mod podge’ and I was lost. I had to ask them exactly what language they were speaking. Their answer? Scrap, of course.

Because Tam is such an avid scrapbooker, I thought it only sensible to have her review the book I’ve just received from Allen and Unwin, The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society by Darien Gee.

At Madeline’s Tea Salon, the cozy hub of the Avalon community, six women find their memories are shaping their future.

Young Connie Colls, fiercely independent and full of promise longs for a past she never had. Isabel Kidd is anxious to move forward but is still paralysed by the consequences of her late husband’s love affair. After spending many years living a life on her own terms, Yvonne Tate finds that she can’t outwit her past. For Ava Catalina, reaching out to hold on to precious memories means rekindling old hurts while Frances Latham sees her dream for a daughter dashed when tragedy strikes. And then there’s irascible Bettie Shelton, founder and president of the Avalon Scrapbooking Society, who helps others create lasting memories of their past but finds the pages of her own albums empty. As the women gather to scrapbook the details of their lives, they discover that things are not always as they seem.

By turns humorous, wise, and deeply moving, The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society is a luminous reminder that the things we hold most dear will last a lifetime.

She’s reading it as we speak, but guess what else?! I’ve got three copies of the book to give-away!

To enter… all you need to do is to email info@thatbookyoulike.com.au with the subject line SCRAPBOOK and tell us why you’d like to win a copy of Darien’s book. Don’t forget to include your name and postal address in your email and let me know if you’d mind me sharing your response on Facebook.

Competition will close midnight Tuesday, 4 June 2013

I’ll draw three winners at random and announce them when I post Tam’s review on Wednesday, 4 June 2013.

If you’d like to find out more about The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society you can visit here…

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More Blood: The Eternity Cure

Last year, I read the first instalment in the ‘Blood of Eden’ series by Julie Kagawa. Full of blood-thirsty vampires, zombie-like rabids and surprisingly resilient humans, The Immortal Rules was exciting to the last (you can read my review here) and I was very much looking forward to the next instalment.

This month, it arrived, and as I dived head first into the action of The Eternity Cure (Harlequin) I was greeted by starving vampires, territorial mole men and a new, horrifying and bloody plague…

Allison Sekemoto has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from a psychotic vampire. But there’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago — and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further as Allie faces another choice she could never have imagined having to make…

Allison is on a quest, katana in hand and a pillar of strength while all of those around her fall victim to violence and plague. The Eternity Cure is action-packed and full of unlikely allegiances…

“Why was Jackal here now? The last I’d seen of him, he had been shoved out of a thirty-story window – after, I remembered quite clearly, he’d jammed a wooden stake into my stomach. I didn’t have fond memories of the raider king, and I knew Jackal wasn’t terribly happy with me either. 

Then the implication hit me like a brick in the chest, and I stared at him in horror. Kanin was our sire, having Turned the both of us. The raider king was my “blood brother” and blood called to blood. No wonder there had been two pulls. If Jackal was here, then he was the presence I’d been following. Not Kanin. Not Sarren. I’d chosen to track the wrong lead.”

This volatile partnership keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering if it is in any way workable… surely it’s only a matter of time before Jackal and Allie turn their weapons on each other?

This novel is a fantastic follow up to The Immortal Rules, with just the right amount of narrative, horror, action and romance…

“He froze for a second, before his arms came up to pull me closer. I leaned into him, feeling the Hunger rise up, feeling his lips on mine, his hands sliding over my back. I let myself feel all these things, including the urge to drop my head to his neck and plunge my fangs into his throat. I could control it, I would control it. Because there was no way I was letting Zeke go now.”

I can’t wait for part three.

To find out a little more about what makes this series tick, I asked a few questions of the author Julie Kagawa…

This latest instalment in the Blood of Eden series kicks off at a cracking pace… was it fun to be able to immerse yourself again in Allie’s world?
Yes, and I actually liked writing this book a little more than The Immortal Rules, because Allie’s character has been established, and all the other major characters have been introduced.  I don’t need to spend time setting everything up, I can jump right into the story.

There’s a real horror element to this installment, the new plague is vicious and bloody. Do you like the idea of scaring your readers?
Scaring them, infuriating them, making them laugh, making them sob.  The worst feeling is reading a book and liking it okay, but that’s it.  It becomes forgettable, and I don’t want my books to become forgettable.  I want readers to be terrified, horrified, hysterical and grief stricken.  If a book can bring out such intense emotion, then I’ve done my job as an author.

 Allison is an absolute pillar of strength, seemingly unbeatable but still maintaining some of her human vulnerabilities. What do you like most about her character?
I love her extreme stubbornness, which can, at times, get her into trouble, but also becomes her saving grace, as well.  She is completely determined not to become a monster, and she clings to her humanity as tightly as she can.  She also possesses a “never back down” quality which, like her stubbornness, can get her into trouble, but she’s more than willing to fight for what she believes in and usually comes out on top.

You’ve assembled a fantastic cast in ‘The Eternity Cure’; rabids, vampires, humans, pets and mole men… do you have a favourite?
I have to say I like the vampires, because they are savage yet refined, civilized yet monstrous.  They’re not friendly; they’re predators and humans are their food source.  I’ve always enjoyed the darker aspects of vampires, and I wanted to bring back a little of the fear humans once had for the Children of the Night.

I have to ask… what’s next?
Well, the second book of the spin-off Iron Fey series, Call of the Forgotten: The Iron Traitor, is set to be released sometime in the fall, and after that, the third and final book of Allie’s story, The Forever Song.  Beyond that, anything is possible.

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If you’d like to find out more about The Eternity Cure, you can do so here…

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What are ‘The Rules of Conception’?

Handing over today’s novel to one of the TBYL Reviewers was difficult, I really wanted to read it myself. But alas, in order to be timely I am learning to  share, and to that end, the lovely Steph recently took a look at the hilarious and engaging, The Rules of Conception by Angela Lawrence (Harlequin). She was also able to ask a few questions of Angela, giving us further insight into how this fascinating story made it to the page.

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“Rachel Richards is ready to be a mother. She’s got a great job, a good income, a beautiful inner city apartment and a great group of supportive friends. All she needs is a father to have the child with….”

Single motherhood is an emotionally charged topic often hotly debated in the media. Angela Lawrence’s The Rules of Conception from Harlequin should be mandatory reading for anyone entering into the debate.

“While I’m watching, the little boy reaches up and gives his mother a big smacking kiss on the cheek. She tickles him and he laughs hysterically before being so tired that he puts his arms around her neck and closes his eyes. And it hits me right then and there, while sitting on the bus, looking at the little boy’s chubby arms and sleeping angel’s face. I am not going to miss out on that.”

Angela Lawrence has written a fantastic story about one woman’s solo journey to become a parent. From the moment we first meet Rachel, as she is being stood up by her boyfriend on her birthday, to the final exciting chapter of her story, we are drawn into the emotional rollercoaster that is pregnancy. Who could begrudge Rachel the chance to experience the unconditional love that she sees between mother and son on the bus.

Rachel is a great character, likeable and easy to relate to. She has a nightmare boss in a job she loves, great friends and a supportive family. Rachel could easily be your sister, cousin or workmate. She explores many options for solo pregnancy and along the way encounters supportive and discouraging people in the most unlikely of situations.

Angela Lawrence shows the ups and downs of pregnancy and going it alone. Rachel’s birthing class experience is hilarious and totally relatable to anyone who has been to one.

I really enjoyed reading The Rules of Conception. It is a funny, engaging book which will appeal to mothers and singles alike. You will love Rachel from the moment you meet her, and will be cheering her on as she embarks on a sometimes turbulent, sometimes hilarious journey.

It was wonderful to be able to ask Angela a few questions last week…

You present a well balanced and realistic portrayal of single parenthood. Was it almost cathartic to write about the single mother road as it is one you, yourself have travelled? 
I decided to write The Rules of Conception after seeing a couple of interviews with single mothers by choice and felt that these women were represented by the media as lonely and slightly disappointed. It occurred to me that people are willing to accept a stereotype about single mothers that is increasingly becoming outdated – particularly with reference to those who have children alone by choice, or are happy to fall pregnant even if they are single. So, in that sense that I was pleased with how Rachel’s character and choice developed as the story progressed.

I guess, the main area that was cathartic for me, was writing about being single and pregnant. There are so many great things about it – but at the same time, it is unchartered territory and not without it’s challenges.

How supportive was the donor and planned single parent community when you were researching the book?
In my wider circle, I was lucky enough to be introduced to a small group of men who had become known donors or co-parents. It was great to get their perspective on how they pragmatise their decision. A lot of my perspective however is from observing and talking to men and women on donor forums and some were quite happy to talk about their actions and choices. These people have thought about their decisions and have taken a really bold step in going online to make it happen. Given they’d reached this point, those who I spoke to, could articulate their reasons extremely well.

Rachel is an immediately likeable character – how did you go about putting her on the page in such an endearing way? 
I think that Rachel’s likeability comes from her imperfections. On the whole, she’s very level headed and her plan is well thought out and executed – but she’s still capable of doing dumb things, making bad decisions, and expressing her own human frailty. Plus, she can always see humor in less than ideal scenarios

Initially, when I started writing The Rules of Conception, Rachel was far less flawed and she came across as a little too smug as a result. I remember reading what I’d written and thought to myself: If I don’t like her, who will? So I went back and made her a lot more self deprecating.

Was it important to you to present this quite emotional topic with humour and lightness?
Absolutely. The moment I decided to write The Rules of Conception, my plan was to create something accessible and entertaining. This is a subject that is relevant to a generation of women who have grown up on chick lit and fiction that takes a light approach to their big issues. I really wanted single parenting to be treated in the same way.

What’s next for you Angela? 
It’s a good question. I’ll probably spend some time in the short term, Googling reviews for my book and alternating between being really happy and somewhat mortified as a result. Other than that, I’m in the midst of writing something new, child wrangling and taking each day as it comes.

You can find out more about The Rules of Conception here…

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We’ve got two copies of Angela’s book up for grabs this month at That Book You Like… courtesy of Harlequin. Check out this month’s edition of TBYL News: All Things Bookish… for details of how to enter to win!

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Two tickets up for grabs!

As you may already know, TBYL is running is first real-life event this month where we’ll get to hear from a group of talented and passionate authors and illustrators who work to help kids deal with the challenges life has thrown at them…

 

It’s an intimate event, only 30 seats… and it’s at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne and promises to be pretty incredible. If you’d like to find out more about “Making Tough Times Easier” you can read about it here…

Tonight though, I’ve got two tickets for up for grabs for one lucky winner. All you need to do is…

1. Email TBYL at info@thatbookyoulike.com.au, subject line “Easier”
2. Tell me why you’d like to attend the event.
3. Be available to attend “Making Tough Times Easier” at Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne on 27 March 2013 (7pm – 8pm)

Entries will close 5pm, Wednesday 13 March 2013 and at the close of the competition I’ll use an online random generator to pick one winner. Please note, tickets can’t be exchanged for cash or another event, but you can pass it on to a friend or family member if you’d prefer.

Can’t wait to read your entries!

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Hey guys, you’ve won a bundle of books!

As the TBYL big book give-away draws to a close, I’m a little sad. I’ve so enjoyed reading your competition entries – your favourites, your virtual b’day gifts, your stories. A huge thank-you to everyone who got involved and submitted entries!

I wish I had enough books to give one to everyone, but alas, I must choose (at random) three winners from our bookish crew… and they are:

 

First prize
A bookish bundle consisting of three great titles… Wild, by Cheryl Strayed (Allen and Unwin), Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter (Harlequin Teen) and Produce to Platter: Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, Ballarat and the Pyrenees, by Jonette George and Daniele Wilton (Smudge Publishing) has been won by Samantha Thomas.

Second prize
More great titles… The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Joanasson (Allen and Unwin) and Produce to Platter: Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, Ballarat and the Pyrenees, by Jonette George and Daniele Wilton (Smudge Publishing) have been won by Barbara McCauley.

Third prize
Finally, a copy of the very funny Curses and Blessing for All Occasions, by Bradley Trevor Greive (Allen and Unwin) has been won by Monique Mulligan.

All winners will be contacted by email today.

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Again, thanks to everyone who entered the competition and also to Allen and Unwin, Harlequin Teen, and Smudge Publishing who kindly provided these prizes. Don’t forget to check out their websites for other amazing titles.

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Last chance to enter our big book give-away!

Firstly, and again, I’d like to thank everyone who’s entered the competition so far – I’ve had an absolute ball reading your answers. After I’ve drawn the winners, I’ll share some of my favourite entries!

Today is your very last chance to enter the TBYL big book give-away, I’ll be drawing winners after midnight tonight.

To enter today, you need to tell me a little story… emailed to info@thatbookyoulike.com.au with the subject line STORY TIME. It can be a short story or a long story, truth or tall-tale, about anything you’d like. I just want to hear a few of your wonderful words! Don’t forget to include your name and postal address in your email and let me know if you’d mind me sharing your response on Facebook.

I can’t wait to hear your stories!

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Adapt and win

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about film adaptations. There’s been chatter about the film version of The Book Thief, and the newest trailer for another adaptation of Great Expectations. Not to mention the new(ish) On The Road film I’ve still not had a chance to see…

And so, today’s chance to enter the TBYL big book give-away is all about the silver screen, or more specifically the process of page to film.

Let us know which book-to-film adaptations you either love or loath, by emailing info@thatbookyoulike.com.au with the subject line SILVER SCREEN. Don’t forget to include your name and postal address in your email and let me know if you’d mind me sharing your response on Facebook.

As a little note, I’d like to thank everyone who’s entered the competition so far. Your answers have been fantastic, creative and wonderfully entertaining. My apologies if I don’t have a chance to acknowledge each message personally, there’s a lot, but rest assured I’m receiving and loving them.

Don’t hesitate to enter and spread the word, there’s just a couple more chances to enter!

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Running late, a chance to enter!

On no – I’m running a little late with the TBYL News: All Things Bookish... this month! I don’t know about you, but I’ve been skipping and jumping all over my to-do-list, not getting much traction, while I’ve been busy getting the kids settled into new schools and getting my head around a new work year.

But, I think kids and work aren’t very interesting reasons for running late, and today I want to see how creative you are…

Today’s chance to enter the TBYL big book give-away is all about creative excuses!

I want you to come up with the most creative excuse for why the newsletter is running late this month and to email it to me at info@thatbookyoulike.com.au with the subject line THE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK. Don’t forget to include your name and postal address in your email and let me know if you’d be happy for me to share your entry on Facebook.

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Which would you choose? Another chance to win…

Thanks so much for your birthday greetings, I can’t believe we’ve hit two years already! Of course, thanks also for the wonderful virtual gifts! TBYL loved all of your ‘presents’ and I’ll particularly treasure my red pillar post box, my brand new reading room and the special clock that stops time to allow for more and more reading!

Today’s chance to enter the TBYL big book give-away is all about taking care of your books! I’m sure, if you’re anything like me you’ve got plenty of books that look a bit like this…

After travelling around with me in bags, on public transport and in coat pockets, many of my most loved books are looking a little worse for wear. That’s where the TBYL Book Covers come into play!

In the TBYL Store now, we’ve a beautiful range of locally handmade book covers for just $22 (plus free delivery) and I’d love for you to take a look.

For today’s chance to enter our competition you’ll need to visit The Store (click here) and take a look at our book cover range.

Let us know which design would be your favourite by emailing info@thatbookyoulike.com.au with the subject line BOOK COVERS and let us know why you’d choose that particular design. Don’t forget to include your name and postal address in your email.

And of course, feel free to have a little browse around the TBYL Store while you’re there!

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Happy birthday and a chance to win!

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Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear TBYL, happy birthday to you!

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Yesterday, TBYL turned 2 years old. Can you believe it? Time certainly flies when your having fun…

Hundreds of reviews
Bundles of books
Great new reviewers
Many, many great nights out at fantastic events
Wonderful new friends by the thousands
And endless, untold fun still to be had!

Thanks to everyone for helping make the last two years so much fun, and I can’t wait to see what’s up next!

Today’s chance to enter the TBYL big book give-away is all about birthday wishes!

Let us know what you would give That Book You Like… as a birthday gift, by emailing info@thatbookyoulike.com.au with the subject line HAPPY BIRTHDAY and give us a little idea of why you’d choose that particular present. Don’t forget to include your name and postal address in your email.

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Sign up for TBYL Book Club here…

Subscribe to TBYL News: All Things Bookish… out monthly!