Sarah Jio is the author of The Violets of March (a Library Journal Best Book of 2011), The Bungalow, and Blackberry Winter (out on 9/25) and is a sensational author that has been creating a buzz with booksellers, critics, and readers alike. It wasn’t until I’d left Seattle that I finally realized Sarah had been in my own backyard and I’d missed an incredible opportunity to get to know her while I was there. Fortunately, Sarah is as lovely as she is talented, and she’s agreed to be featured here on my JaneBlog for my first Perfect Fall Reading feature, a feature I’m kicking off this weekend to celebrate great Fall releases, since so many of you loved my Summer Reading feature on my blog.
Now back to Sarah!
Sarah’s books are published by Penguin, Plume, and have been sold for publication in 17 countries. Her fourth novel will be out in May 2013, and its not surprising that she’s considered a master craftsman as she began her career as a journalist, writing for magazines including Glamour, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Redbook and many other publications. Sarah lives in Seattle with her husband and three young sons, and her third novel, Blackberry Winter, debuts from Penguin (Plume) just days from now on September 25, 2012.
In Blackberry Winter –taking its title from a late-season, cold-weather phenomenon–Jio continues her rich exploration of the ways personal connections can transcend the boundaries of time.
Seattle, 1933. Single mother Vera Ray kisses her three-year-old son, Daniel, goodnight and departs to work the night-shift at a local hotel. She emerges to discover that a May-Day snow has blanketed the city, and that her son has vanished. Outside, she finds his beloved teddy bear lying face-down on an icy street, the snow covering up any trace of his tracks, or the perpetrator’s.
Seattle, 2010. Seattle Herald reporter Claire Aldridge, assigned to cover the May 1 “blackberry winter” storm and its twin, learns of the unsolved abduction and vows to unearth the truth. In the process, she finds that she and Vera may be linked in unexpected ways…
And now over to Sarah!
Why I’m Writing My Next Novel on a Houseboat in Seattle
Hello, lovely Jane Porter readers! I’m so delighted to be guest blogging here today. Jane asked me to share a post (on any topic! So generous.), and I thought I’d write a little about a big leap I took this month, well, a big splurge. Where to begin? OK, let me start by asking you a question: Have you ever done something a little out of the ordinary, a little outrageous? Maybe you always dreamed of quitting your job and moving to Hawaii? Or maybe you decided to take sky-diving lessons or even go belly dancing? OK, here’s what I did recently: I rented a houseboat as my new writing office!
I fell in love with houseboats after seeing “Sleepless in Seattle” so many years ago, and after I got married in 2001, my husband and I settled in Seattle. We thought about buying a houseboat, but for one reason or another, it never worked out, and we ended up purchasing a traditional home (i.e., one with a foundation). But, years later—and now with three boys under the age of six—I never gave up on the houseboat dream, even if it still seemed a tad impractical and out of reach. When compiling ideas for my fifth novel, which I recently sold to my editor at Penguin, I knew exactly where I wanted the book to be set. Any guesses? Yes, on a Seattle houseboat.
For research, I figured I’d interview houseboat residents, read up on the lifestyle, and if I was lucky, maybe rent one for a night. But then, my husband made a very generous suggestion. He said, “Why don’t you rent a houseboat for a few months as your office?” At first I refused. It seemed like a crazy-extravagant expense, especially when I’d hardly be able to sneak out everyday to write (remember, the kids)! But, I began to think about it, and he had a point: What better way for me to really soak up the houseboat lifestyle than to have one all to myself–to be able to pop over during the weekend and write a chapter, or stay up late and edit while stealing glances at the sparkling water with the moon shining above. I caved and said yes.
We ended up finding the most charming little houseboat on the east side of Lake Union, and signed a four-month lease (which means I’ll be able to see three seasons on the houseboat: summer, fall and winter, since we have through New Year’s). It has a loft bedroom with a porthole window (accessed by the quaint ship’s ladder), a charming little kitchen stocked with all the essentials, a rooftop deck with a breathtaking view of the city and the Space Needle, a pair of kayaks, and, two resident mallard ducks who waddle past my deck every day.
I wrote the first two chapters of this new novel recently, and I already feel such a connection to the characters and the setting. As I type this on my laptop, I’m sitting on the sofa that looks out at the lake. A gentle wake from a boat is lapping up against the side of the houseboat, and the sunset is a golden-purple hue. It’s about as good as it gets!
Stay tuned for details about the new novel, (including the title!), in months to come. For now, I can say that it will debut most likely in the late fall or winter of 2013.
What unexpected risks or splurges have you made in your life in the name of happiness and “you only live once”? I’d love to hear!
Learn more about Sarah at www.sarahjio.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjioauthor
~~~~~~~~~
Sarah, thanks so much for joining us today! I’m so happy you were able to join us here on my JaneBlog and can’t wait to read your new book. I’ve pre-ordered a copy as I love your writing and am delighted to celebrate the release of Blackberry Winter with a contest for my readers.
There will be two winners, and each winner will receive a copy of Sarah Jio’s The Bungalow, a signed copy of Flirting with Forty (share it with someone you love if you already have a copy!), Starbucks drink cards, and JP swag. How to win? Tell me about your September so far, and if you’ve read anything special this month. You know I’m always looking for recommendations and books to add to my shopping list!
Happy reading everyone, and here’s to a Fall filled with wonderful authors and books!
I have adored everything by Sarah Jio and cannot wait to read Blackberry Winter! I’ve read The Bungalow, but I do not own a copy. I think I would reread that one someday!
Writing on a houseboat as an office sounds lovely… what a great idea! The book already sounds amazing and I only know the setting! 😉
My September so far has been extremely busy between grad school, teaching and all the other projects I just cannot seem to find the energy to say no to. (Currently: classes learning to knit and training for another half marathon.)
Have a great weekend, Jane!
I read “The Good Woman”!! It was sooooo real, raw, amazing and powerful. I’ve also read Kaira Rouda’s newest book, and a few JD Robb books (can’t stop reading them!).
Loved seeing you at the book launch party in SC, Jane!
Have fun touring and I hope to see you soon. 🙂
I can’t wait to read one of Sarah Jio’s book! They’ve been on my TBR list for quite some time.
xoxo, Shannon
My September was busy. I have to write written exams for my studying and I’m very lazy. I just finished one yet. I have to do a lot more. :/ My reading is more important for me because in the moment I’m reading “In bed with a highlander” by Maya Banks and I really love it! I like historicals and if you haven’t read it so far, then please add it to your shopping list =)
I also read “Darker after Midnight” by Lara Adrian and it was so good! I love her series.
I hope you will have a great weekend =)
I’m a fan of Sarah Jio and am looking forward to her next book.
I’m a lover of books and have stacks to read but never turn down new additions. I’m finding the weather a little too warm this month, September. I’m wanting fall weather. We’re preparing for our oldest daughter’s wedding coming up this October.
After reading Sarah’s post, I’m heading to my library’s website to put her books on hold! I also want to see pics of this houseboat! You can’t just describe it and not show us what it looks like!! I think my biggest risk/splurge was buying my first house last year. I’ve only been teaching for 3 years and I’m single, but it was time. At least know I know where all of my paychecks are going! Before, I was just spending!
My September has been busy and fast! Taking my 3rd to last grad school class and the school year is just chugging along. I’m looking forward to October because I’ve got something fun going on EVERY weekend! Including a mini vacation to Cancun!
I have been busy working this September. Life has speed up. Finished harvesting the last of the garden. Enjoying the last warm days here in the mountains. Looking forward to cooler weather to put out the wildfires.
I love the idea of renting a houseboat and using it has a writing office. How fun! Our splurges are travel related…cruises, road trips, short getaways. And Jane, as far as Sept goes, it’s been a busy, but good month. I have “The Good Woman” and “Monarch Beach” to begin reading.
My September has been great. My daughter and I flew to Florida to spend a week with the family at Disney. I started a book club and can’t wait for our first meeting on Sept 30th. Of course we read The Good Woman. We went apple picking and ate way too many apple cider donuts. Tonight I’m going to a mini high school reunion. A bunch of my old classmates and I get together a couple times a year. It should be fun!
This month has been busy with seeing new movies, local Fringe festival and reading.
I am reading and enjoying I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella.
One of my highlights this month was meeting up with Jane at Vromans! The daily grind of homeschooling my kids has been leaving me little extra time. Not complaining, though…
Hi Jane!
My September has been fabulous! First, I got to see you at your book launch at the Depot in Visalia! And was lucky enough to have you to ourselves that night for our Book Club! Of course, I read “The Goid Wife” and LOVED it!
My “baby” became a teenager this month, so now I have two of those creatures n my house (yuck! Hee hee)!
Oh, and football and waterpolo… Woo Hoo!!!
I also read “The Pact” by Jodi Picoult…fabulous book! I will be sure to check out Sarah Jio’s books!
Have a great and relaxing weekend!
Amy
dang it…”Good Woman”, not Goid! And “in”, not n! I guess I need to read before posting!
Thanks Jane!
My September has been full of movies, family and work. The best book I’ve read has been ‘Goodbye for Now’ by Laurie Frankel.
Looking forward to ‘Blackberry Winter’.
September has had it’s ups and downs. But my husband and I are hoping for a vacation in March to Paris. Fingers crossed!
Most recent book I read was Sarah Dessen’s What Happened to Goodbye. Really enjoyed it.
I’ve been catching up on my favorite TV shows on Netflix like Midsomer Murders. I’ve been reading Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series.
September has been busy and fun. Been reading the Fifty Shades books to see what all the hyper is about. 2 down and 1 more to go. Today went to Scout Mountain Winery to pick grapes. So much fun! And the weather is beautiful! Now to grt ready for the charity event for CCFA. Should be fun /and get to dress up a little 🙂
Good afternoon! Thanks for introducing me to another new author that I need to put on my list of books to read! I like finding new authors and reading is my faorite pasttime.My September has been kinda quiet-both my kids are in college, my son is away from home and my daughter goes to school in town but is busy with her schedule so she’s not home..its so weird need to find myself-sure I’m still a mom but not needed as much! I work from home my home daycare so Addi needs me which keeps me happy but the weeknds are hard gotta find something fu to do///I read alot into Carolyn Brown books..read all three of her books Lucky in Loe and Getting Lucky,One Lucky Cowboy they were all good books..like her books alot and cowboys! Its still hot here in north fla. so the fall weather hasn’t come yet! Can’t wait to open my windows and let the cool air in..been going to football games and taking classes to finish my schooling so far so good…anyways, thats about allthats going on in my neck of the woods…hae a good weekend!
My September is going really well. I moved to the coolest small town USA in the mountains. The leaves are changing colors…autumn in the mountains is beautiful…a great season to read a book!
Hi Jane and Sarah,
I’m so glad that Jane is continuing introducing us to authors. And it’s fun for me to know that there are authors in my neighborhood 🙂
A houseboat sound like the perfect place to write a book.
I love the water and I just love that I have a summerhouse just by the water. My summerhouse only has the view of the ocean and absolute no television.
In September I have only read “The Good Woman” and “Taken by the highest bidder” as real printed books, and I’m still trying to finish “Saving Gerda” by Lilian Darcy. It’s just so much harder for me to read an eBook than a normal book so I’m so glad that there is still authors that get’s their books published in old fashioned books.
Thanks 🙂
I absolutely LOVED both The Bungalow and The Violets of March and am looking forward to Blackberry Winter. I just finished The Sweetness of Forgetting (loved this one as well) and next up is The Good Woman. Looking forward to it!
September is continuing to be a time of learning how to live again after a tough loss of a baby. Ready Baby Trap has made me smile and laugh at what we have to go through sometimes in the journey to become a Mother.
My September has been so crazy! I kicked it off with a great roadtrip vacation with the boyfriend and have followed it up with madness at work (had our annual fundraising golf tournament in August and yours truly gets to enter the crazy number of donations). I have been lucky enough to read a few great books – Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin, Picture Perfect by Lucie Simone, and Last-Minute Love by Romi Moondi. Thanks for the giveaway!
My September so far has consisted of me trying to get well. I hope I’m finally on my way. I’ve done a lot of Harlequin reading this month from the Blaze and Desire lines and I’ve also read some Christine Feehan. I’m getting ready to read The Help. I’ve seen the movie and my daughter tells me the book is better so I thought I’d give it a try.
My Sept is ok so far, I finally finished with my physical therapy on Thurs. Still having some problems with my back though. I have been reading Emily March’s Nightingale Way book. I have really enjoyed this series.
September is always busy for us. Birthday season starts in September. Today is my youngest child’s 15th birthday. She’s in the middle of her party right now and I’m taking a quick break from the chaos LOL! Teenage girls are…wow!
Garden is still producing. Business is doing well and it’s still quite warm.
Have a blessed week, Jane. Hugs!
September came in with a roar and hasn’t slowed yet. I went to Boston last week to visit my son and his family and read “St. Anne’s Day” by Janice Lane Palko on the plane. On the way back I started “Heading Out to Wonderful” by Robert Goolrick. In addition so far this month, I’ve read Beth Harbison’s “When in Doubt, Add Butter”, “Where We Belong” by Emily Griffin and “Moonlight on Linoleum” by Terry Helwig”. There are so many wonderful authors and books available, I have a “to read list” a mile long. I am on track with my goal of reading 100 books in 2012. I have pre-ordered “Blackberry Winter” and am excited to read it. Sarah is an awesome writer.
When I’m not reading, I am baking, gardening, doing Pilates on my reformer, and exercising in an indoor pool. After working out in the pool for an hour and a half, an aqua aerobics teacher asked me to stay for his class. I had so much fun I can’t wait to go back this week.
Hi Jane,
My September has been really good. The weather has been so gorgeous here in the PNW. School is underway (I teach 5th grade) and I have great kids in my class. I am anxiously awaiting my first full time (I’ve been working part time for the last few years) pay check next week!
I just finished My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares and really enjoyed it. It ended like there should be a sequel in the makings…..
I love the houseboat idea. My mother used to tell me she always wanted a houseboat. Then, she would add when the kids would call and say they were coming over to visit, they would set out to the middle of the lake so they couldn’t be bothered. of course this was before my step-father’s stroke. Now, none of their dreams will come true. But, I bet the new book will be fun to read just thinking of how much fun it would be to be on a houseboat. My dream has always been to sell the house and buy a boat to sail around the world. but, of course dreams will always be fantasy for me. but, I can’t help buy enjoy daydreaming of things. So far this month, I’ve red The Good Woman. Last weekend I enjoyed the cooler temperatures we had and was able to enjoy getting outside. but, this week, it’s back to hot summer. I love fall and can’t wait for it to fully set in. I also have a new kitten keeping me entertained. Her name is Miss Waikiki. We call her Kiki.
Sept gone by fast! But I’m glad it’s almost over. Oct is my favorite!
i’d just finished reading mad about the earl by christine brooke, i think i will going to read her other book 🙂
Congratulations on the book! This month’s been busy. I read Tangle of need by Nalini Singh.
I’ve been busy making shopping bags that I will use as gift ‘wrapping’ for Christmas presents. So much fun.
I’m reading A NOT SO RESPECTABLE GENTLEMAN? by Diane Gaston. It’s wonderful too.
Thanks for introducing a new to me author. She is another one to add to my ever growing t-b-r list. I started my stint as a crossing guard this September, and we went to a garlic festival. Fun for us, but nothing too exciting. Dee
Hi Jane,
Our September has been busy! The kids are finally adjusting to school, my son is playing travel soccer and I am training to run my second half marathon next month. It’s amazing how quickly fall weather has set it here. I have my heat on already…. We have a frost advisory tonight. Brrrr! I have been making my way through Robyn Carr’s Virgin River Series! Also lived your latest as well!
My September… The highlights, my middle son started kindergarten and we gave a stray puppy a forever home! I’m loving the cooler, less humid air and even though I don’t watch football, there’s something comforting about it being on. Oh and chili!
Hey Jane I hope that you enjoyed all your book signings and I wish I could have seen you there. 🙂 So I finally read “One Breath Away” by Heather Gundenkauf. It was a wonderful read and I was definetly hooked from the first line. I am trying to keep up with the readings but my school work is overpowering it…lol. My goal now is at least two novels a month so that I can stay sane. Have a great week Jane.
thanks for introducing us to another author unknown to me.
Sept. is flying by: we have been putting siding on a friend’s house, cleaning up our yard, and I’ve been working at my job more than usual.
Finally had friends over last night for a movie night and snacks.
Another new writer, YAY, and Sarah sounds like a good one. I will look for her books. Thank You! I discovered Dorothea Benton Frank recently and have been reading her books set on South Carolina islands and beaches. Julie Garwood’s new book Sweet Talk is what I am reading right now. I just finished Eloisa James’ book Paris In Love and it made me want to go live there for a year. She deals with her teenage son and preteen daughter in the most delightful and funny ways. Hard to believe Sept. is almost over and Oct. is around the corner. Lots more books to read out there, what joy! Thanks to everyone here for the suggestions.
I love the cover and yes, I believe you can judge a book by it’s cover.
My September has been busy. Celebrating Birthdays and watching sports(Tennis and Pro And College Football)Lets see, I read the Fifty Shades Series,Beach Season,My Sister is on the Mantel(mystery)Reread Love Story~Its my favorite romance,and many more:) I have read awesome reviews and posts how this book is a must read! Thank you for the chance Jane!
My son started kindergarten and I began teaching fitness classes in addition to growth and development classes. I also completed my first mud run and second half marathon….it has been a crazy month so far!
Just took my daughter to her first tailgating and college football game. [mine too!] It was a great weekend : )
Our September has been fun. A new puppy and football season! What was I thinking?? I guess it is kind of like labor, you forget the painful little details until it’s too late! Thank goodness he is cute!
Just like everyone, September has been busy. My youngest became a Senior in High School and my twin daughters became Seniors in College. One is getting married next year and we got the wedding dress yesterday, guess it is really going to happen. I have been feeling weddingy (I know not a word) and have read Nora Roberts wedding quartet and I am looking for my next read. I am always looking for new authors to try, thanks for the introduction to Sarah Jio.
What a wonderful post and a great author to be introduced to. The book sounds captivating. September has been busy with family getogethers and trying to recover from illness. I have been reading A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell.
I cant believe it’s already the end of September! I read The Good Woman of course, and it was amazing!!!! I could not put it down! Then this weekend i read Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews.
I read “The Lucky One” by Nicholas Sparks. Amazing book! Can’t wait to read The Good Woman and Blackberry Winter (both sound amazing!) September has been crazy. busy so far but slowly winding down and looking forward to some cozy, reading time!!
Hi Jane,
I was on vacation last week so got lots of reading done. I read “The Memory Thief” by Emily Colin. It was excellent. One of my most favorites now. Next is your book. Can’t wait!
I’m enjoying the cooler weather but not the “shorter” days. It should be a law that it can’t get dark before 8pm!!
Jane, I absolutely loved the Summer Reading feature you ran on your blog this past summer… I read Monarch Beach and Ten Beach Road and enjoyed them both so much! I had not read either of those authors before and am happy to have made their acquaintance.
I am thrilled you going to have a fall reading feature — Sarah’s books sound like they are right up my alley. I just received my copy of The Good Woman, so that is my read this week (SO EXCITED, FINALLY), but I will definitely include one of Sarah’s books in my next Chapter’s order!
Otherwise, I love September… it’s my birthday month and I just love the beginning of fall. Horseshow season has finished and I am putting my garden to bed, knitting socks and digging out quilts to finish….
I enjoy finding authors that are new to me. Thank you Jane, for all the authors over the summer that were featured here on the blog. I know I will enjoy your Fall author picks too.
It has been a busy month at work. I am planning a vacation to Vegas inOctober. I can’t wait!!
Thanks for introducing us to Sarah, Jane. I love that she is living on a houseboat to write and do research. Her husband sounds like a gem! September has flown by in a complete blur. Unfortunately, my TBR stack has been neglected, but that will change in October!
It hasn’t been the best month by far. Many doctor appts for my daughter with a scope procedure tomorrow. I just want to find out what is wrong with her so we can go forward.
I am sure Sarah Jio’s books are going to be put in my pile of TBR on my night table. Read The Good Woman and loved it and I am reading Monarch Beach and loving it.
I love September, the colors of fall and the cooler air, even though, in Canada, it is a sign winter is approaching fast.
I was a bit blue this morning as I was going through the calendar with family pictures that my family gave to my favourite aunt for her 80th birthday. I could not be there for the celebration and felt sad, but we are all in the pictures and, if I can say so, what a close and full of love family we have the luck to belong to.
Hve a great fall Jane and enjoy your book tour.
September has been very busy with school stuff! I simply cannot believe that it is the last week of the month.
I am currently reading a book you sent to me, four years ago:)! I have a book buying problem, so I always have stacks in my to-read. I saw the authors name in one of your contests and finally reading. I LOVE IT – The Ex-Debutant, by Linda Francis Lee. Love, love, love. Should be done today and then I will start The Devil in the Junior League, which arrived this morning.
Wow this book sounds awesome ! My September has been busy ,work and more work and loads of prepartations to help with for my sisters wedding next month (I am maid of honor) and I simply cannot wait to see how stunning she will look! As for the best read this month definitely Loosing control by the very talented Robyn Grady simply stunning just finished it today ! Thank you for the stunning give away!
I absolutely *love* Sarah! I have read both of her previous novels and loved them both. The Bungalow blew me away. I’ve been waiting ever since to get my hands on Blackberry Winter. My September has been decent so far. The kids are back to school and I’ve been enjoying my alone time during the day. It’s also a busy month for birthdays and anniversaries in our family, so we have been pretty busy. My daughter turns twelve in just two days and I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that my baby girl is growing up. That, and man do I feel old LOL 🙂
I have never read any of Sarah’s books but they sound lovely. September has been a time of starting to get some fall cleaning done and we did get a chance to go sailing. I have been reading books on nutrition since I have been trying to improve our diet and get more exercise.
So far this month, I’ve celebrated 13 wonderful years with my husband, gone to a bachelorette party for my soon-to-be sister-in-law (I’m way too old for it, took me two days to recover), and threw a bridal shower! And of course, my 3 year old always keeps me on my toes 🙂
I’ve never read Sarah Jio’s books, but I’m certainly going to now! They look great!
My September has been crazy busy with back to school stuff: homework, cub scouts, shuttling to and from library and tutoring. Managed an end of summer camping trip last weekend and here I am!
Enjoyed The Bunglow and can’t wait to read Blackberry Winter. PS: I know just the person to give Flirting With Forty!
This September has been busy with back-to-school stuff for my daughter. It’s been fun watching her in color guard. Sarah Jio’s books sound wonderful. Thanks for introducing me to her, Jane.
So far it’s been a good September. We are all healthy and looking forward to a great October because I will be celebrating my 26th anniversary. Yay.
My September so far has been hectic. Unfortunately a couple family members have been in the hospital quite a bit. Work has been busy as ever, so I am trying to stay afloat with everything going on. I am ready for a break…that’s for sure.
Sarah’s book sounds amazing and I can’t wait to read it!!! Will definitely be checking out her other work as well!
Have loved Sarah~s first two books.Can`t wait to rad this one.I am reading Dancing with Cranes by Meg Howrey
Hola Jane!
Thank you for the introduction to your lastest writer. Can’t wait to read her stuff.
Sept has been so busy for us. My 10 yr old is playing volleyball and softball at the same time! (what was I thinking?) Trying to figure out 2 practices per wk per sport and 2 games per weekend per sport is insane!
Just finished The Good Woman over the weekend and truly enjoyed it, thank you!
Hello Jane,
So far September has been busy and hot here in Texas. Right now, I am in the middle of reading Craig Johnson’s Longmire series. At first I was hesitant about reading his work-too manly. Boy was I wrong! Good writing is good writing! I am so glad that I stepped out of my confront zone and read something new. Thanks Jane for all that you do.
Tammie M.
What a lovely new and upbeat new author you brought on board…can’t wait to read her books too. Busy month here with traveling. Going to Palm Springs, Vegas and my old digs in Mar Vista/Venice, California next month, visiting friends in Manhattan Beach and old fav places to eat. Won’t have much time for reading and really looking forward to my trip.
I love that we keep getting to meet all these fabulous authors. I now have another one to add to my tbr list.
My Sept has been insane, looking forward to a relaxing October.
Hi Jane, Sarah’s book sounds so amazing and I think it will be next on my to read list! Thanks for the introduction to her!
My Sept. has been to busy to enjoy. Too much going on and I can’t seem to get the to do list under control. Looking forward to that changing soon and getting a little me time back in my life. I am so excited to start reading some great books again! I even finished my cozy reading room….just havent had the time to use it yet.
Congrats on the release! I’m looking forward to reading Blackberry Winter. It has such an intriguing storyline.
Congrats Jane, I look forward to reading your book and Blackberry Winter. They both sound amazing! September is greater since it is ending. 🙂 It has been a bad month for myself. Hard to get into the swing of new schedules for me and the kiddos and our luck has just been pure bad. Here’s to a better October!! 😉
Congrats to each of you on your new books! How lovely to have a houseboat. I think it’s always worth it to try something new because you only live once. September always motivates me to get things done. I just finished reading A Good Woman. Excellent.
September is busy with back to school, and I’m glad its about done, because October brings my birthday! The books look amazing!
When the season changes to fall, and the sun sets earlier, I start to read more books. Thanks for the suggestions, Jane, I will try this author. I loved your new book!
Hi everyone,
I’ve had my head down for the last few days trying to get some writing done. The next deadline is racing towards me at great speed!
Just wanted to pop in quickly and share that our winners are –
#72 Brooklyn
#40 Cyndee Thomas
Please shoot me an email, ladies, with your mailing details and I’ll get the prize in the mail to each of you.
Hope you’ve all had a great start to the week!
xoxoxo
Jane
Yes, I know the contest is over; however I just had to mention that a reader at book club this morning mentioned a new book she had just finished and how much she enjoyed it:”Blackberry Winter”!!! Woo Hoo!
p.s. Granddaughter Lauren born 9/24/12 Everyone doing well and life is joyously full.
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