Interviews, Giveaways, and Happy Pub Days!

Today’s a day where several books are released- and it’s got Twitter and Facebook a-buzz with the excitement. Out of the 5 books that I know that were released today- I’ve read 3- so buckle up for the wild ride through interviews, reviews and giveaways!

Happy Pub Day to Gods of Mischief by George Rowe, The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones, Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler, The House Girl by Tara Conklin, and The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers!

Giveaways:

She Reads is giving away a copy of The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers. Just comment on She Reads post for a chance to win!

Women’s Fiction Writers is giving away a homemade bracelet to celebrate Julie Kibler’s pub day of Calling Me Home. They also have an interview with Julie Kibler for your reading delight. Read the post, follow the directions, and good luck to you for the bracelet!

Interviews:

Bookmagnet interviews Tara Conklin, author of The House Girl.

Bookmagnet also interviewed Julie Kibler, author of Calling Me Home.

Book Reviews:

Katherine Scott Jones reviews Gods of Mischief by George Rowe

Bookmagnet (aka Jaime Boler) reviews The House Girl by Tara Conklin.

Bookmagnet reviews Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler.

And lastly I (Traveling With T) review:

Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler

The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones

Gods of Mischief: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe

It’s a good day book lovers- a really good day!

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday. Oh the weather is not delightful. Yesterday, the air was positively spring-like. I began looking at my flip-flops in anticipation of pedicures and walking around outside. I *might* have even spoken to my favorite new pair- saying something like “I can’t wait to show you off!” But the weather is a cruel mistress, no? Yesterday’s nice, sunny, breezy weather has led to today’s cool weather with dark skies.

In other #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Cocktail recipies inspired by favorite pieces of literature, list of the most literate cities for 2012, and a review by Laura Kay, a fellow She Reads Blog Network member, about Julie Kibler’s CALLING ME HOME which is She Reads Feb Book Club Pick of the Month. Through today, comment on the She Reads post for a chance to win a copy of CALLING ME HOME.

2. More #giveaways: Tell Me Something True-A Visit With Emily Winslow Comment on post for a chance to win The Start Of Everything (She Reads is giving away a copy!)

3. #fridayreads My read is Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum. Your next #fridayreads should be Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home. In stores on Feb 12. Interested in finding out more about Calling Me Home? Here’s my review of Calling Me Home.

4. Two other books readers should be on the lookout for (Both will be released Feb 12). Gods of Mischief: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe and The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones.

5. Still looking for Valentine’s Ideas? My blog post, Valentine’s Ideas, will provide some suggestions as well as Bookmagnet’s blog!

6. Looking for great book chats? Use #gr8books on Twitter- the host is Andrea (@gr8thoughts). Earlier this week, Erika Robuck’s Hemingway’s Girl was discussed. It was a fun-filled chat with lots of interesting chatter about the book. Next chat is March 5th, from 8-9pmCST. The book discussed will be Wife 22.

7. Be thinking of questions to ask Julie Kibler because I’m hosting a Twitter chat with her on Feb 20th from 2-3pm EST. Haven’t decided on hashtag as of yet- but will def post ASAP.

Happy Reading!

Valentine’s Ideas…..

Valentine’s Day. I’ll admit how much I love the red hearts, the glitter, the pretty packaging of the chocolate. How much I love having Valentine’s Day plans with someone special. I’ll even admit that some years I’ve been a Valentine hater- annoyed by the over-abundance of red, flowers, and the teddy bears everywhere. I’ve even participated in the “single awareness days” with good food and wine with friends. And there may even be a time or two where I’ve scoffed at the over-commercialization of the holiday, the cost of cards,dinner, flowers and more. But as the years keep turning, I’ll just admit that Valentine’s Day is a day to show love- to do something for yourself that makes you happy. To make sure that your loved ones know they are special.

And while my heart still beats a little faster at the sight of red hearts and seeing all the over-the-top goodies and stuff; I recognize life is not a romantic-comedy (my life isn’t at any rate). So, in light of this- I always try to make my Valentine’s Day a bit special- no matter the status of my romantic life. Because being good to yourself is the best way to be happy.

I mentioned before that my Valentine’s Day plans include tickets to Cirque de la Mystique and having dinner with a friend. I also have my eye on a couple of different earrings at Dogeared Jewelry. I also plan to indulge myself the next weeked by going to the movies to see Safe Haven and have dinner at my favorite eating place.

Enjoy your Valentine’s day!

Gifts for Book Lovers:

Bookmagnet has a list of books that would make a great gift for the book lover in your life.

After reading the list, I thought of some other books that would make a great gift:

1. The Art Forger by B.A. Shapirio and tickets to an art exhibit/museum.

2. Beautiful Darkness and tickets to the movie

3. The Hunger Games trilogy ( I know, I know- I need to quit with The Hunger Games- but I still love it.)

4. The Meryl Streep Movie Club and a night of watching favorite Meryl Streep movies and snacks

5. Meanwhile Back at Cafe Du Monde for a foodie (even better to plan with a trip to New Orleans)

6. A gift certificate to favorite bookstore

7. An Audible subscription for audio-book lover

8. Like going to literary haunts? Buy Deep South Mag’s Literay Trail App and plan a road-trip!

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Hey ya’ll- it’s Friday. The first day of the new month. It’s also just a few more days till Valentine’s Day- which is a day that some people love, some dislike and some just don’t care. I, for the most part, love it. I like hearts and glitter personally. And no matter the status of my love life- I always make sure to treat myself- this year it’s all about culture- I have tickets to Cirque de la Symphonie and plans for dinner with a friend. On to #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Amelia Bedelia, The Following, literary events, and much more. Check out this week’s edition and if you do the Pinterest thing, check out Deep South Mag’s board- quite fun!

2. She Reads is discussing The Art Forger today, all day long! Get your book loving selves over there- let’s discuss art, love, lust, double-crossing and more!

Here’s the link to my review of The Art Forger– a book that still thrills me and I’m basically just telling everyone to read. I mean, seriously, everyone. Strangers on the street are hearing “Read The Art Forger”.

3. Not to toot my horn, but I have some good news: I’m the new She Reads Discussion Leader! The first book discussion I’ll lead is Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. So grab some copies (book comes out Feb 12!) and read- then come by She Reads at the end of the month and let’s discuss!

4. My #fridayreads is Gods of Mischief by George Rowe and The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones. Look for both books in February from Touchstone Books.

5. Speaking of Valentine’s Day- why don’t you give the book lover in your life a new book? A fellow #srblog member has ideas! Check out Bookmagnet’s Blog for suggestions of books to give and reviews!

Happy Reading!