Monday, November 17, 2008

Booked for the Holidays - Debut!


Welcome to the first week of Booked for the Holidays! I'm so excited to be doing this, and thrilled to meet those of you who are new to my blog. I'm looking forward to sharing some great books with you over the next few weeks. Some are fiction, and some are non-fiction. All are books that have either made me think, stepped on my toes, encouraged me, been impossible to put down -- or all of the above! I can already tell I've got more books than weeks; there are some great reads out there!

This week's feature is the latest release from one of my very favorite authors. The Face by Angela Hunt came out November 1.

If you have never read one of Angela's books, you are in for a treat. She is a brilliant writer who weaves an intricate story that makes me think and ponder long after the last page has been turned. She has written over 100 books (I believe she just wrapped up #112). Her website is aptly named: Expect the Unexpected!

There's just one thing I don't like about her books: I find myself in quite a dilemma: torn between wanting to read slowly and savor each page while at the same time eager to devour it quickly to see what happens next! Life is so hard, sometimes!

Here is the book's description from Angie's website:
Born to parents who died shortly after her birth, twenty-year-old genius Sarah Sims has been hidden in a secure CIA facility where she works to help her handlers achieve their goals. Yet her days of anonymity are limited because her aunt has discovered her existence and is determined to lead Sarah out of exile. But before she can leave the only world she’s ever known, Sarah needs what most people take for granted . . . a functioning face and the skills to use it. Will she remain in her secluded fortress or summon the courage to follow her heart?

The Face is a masterful novel. Angie deftly weaves the story through chapters alternating in the voice of Sarah and her Aunt Renee. The multitude of interpersonal relationships are rich and complex. I was fascinated by the multiple levels of research Angie did for this novel. And although I usually try to figure out what the ending will be in a book (and am generally at least partly on target), I was so captivated by the story that I didn't see this one coming. What a beautiful story of hope and love.

Publisher's Weekly gave The Face a starred review and named it one of the best books of 2008.

I feel like I know Angie from reading her blog each day - she varies from lighthearted and funny to deeply passionate about her topic du jour. She also does a monthly feature called Book of the Month when she discusses the process involved in producing one of her books - from the idea through research, writing, editing, and reader reaction, and she even lets us ask her questions! The Face was featured this month; click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to read the posts from the first week of November.

In addition to the many awards she has earned for her writing, last Christmas her novel The Note (another one of my favorites!) was featured as a movie on the Hallmark Channel. (It's now available on DVD.) In the spring of this year she became Dr. Angela Hunt as she completed her Doctorate of Biblical Studies in Theology. And one of her "fun" claims to fame was when she appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly with one of her beloved mastiffs, who was honored as the 2nd largest canine in America!

I've tarried too long, but there's more one thing I love about Angela Hunt's philopsopy and her thought-provoking writing, so you'll have to come back tomorrow to find that out! Here's a teaser: are her books targeted for Christians or non-believers?

Since this is the very first week, I'm giving away THREE copies of The Face. To enter, here's what to do. . .
1) Leave a comment on this post.
2) For additional chances to win, let me know you've posted the Booked for the Holidays button on your sidebar and/or linked in a post. I want to help you win, and I also want to spread the word about these great books!
3) I apologize to those of you who may be outside the USA, but I just can't afford the shipping to anywhere but a US address.
4) Entries must be received by this Thursday, Nov. 20, at 12 NOON CDT. I'll draw 3 winners that afternoon. If you do not have a blog, please be sure to include your email address.

Happy Reading!

82 comments:

  1. Yeah - I am the first one to comment! I love Angela Hunt's books. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you again for your generosity!

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  2. I forgot to mention that I added the button to a post as well.

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  3. oh my goodness, I so want this book!! I have been waiting for it to come to the library since she posted it on her web!! You have started it off with one of my favorite authors!! Thanks for this great giveway!!!

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  4. I absolutely love good fiction! What a great idea! I have the Booked for the Holidays button on my sidebar!

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  5. I'm excited that this is the first book in your giveaway. I just saw a trailer for it last week, and I'd like to read it.

    I have also posted both a blog entry about Booked for the Holidays and placed the button in my sidebar.

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  6. Hi, Linda!

    Thanks for the honor of being "booked" for your blog! I've put a link to your blog on my FB page, which seems to get more traffic than my blog. :-)

    You're the best! Thanks so much for your kindness.

    Angie

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  7. I am excited to start reading her books! I hope I can win!
    Kirsten

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  8. Please throw my name into the hat. Angela Hunt is my favorite author. I love her writings.

    smilingsal55 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  9. Please add me to your drawing for an opportunity to win a copy of Angie's latest book--she's a GREAT author and I haven't yet read THE FACE. If I win, you can contact me at: WillisWay (at) aol (dot) com. Thanks!

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  10. Please throw my name in as well. I love her books!

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  11. Love Angela's books! Enter me in the drawing please. :) Expect the Unexpected really describes her writings. Can't wait to read the Face! *crosses fingers* When I leave here, I'll be posting the link on my facebook :) God Bless!

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  12. I read the first chapter of The Face on Chapter A Week and was HOOKED!!! I'd love to win a copy. :D Put me in the mix, please!

    And now that I've found this blog, I have to tell you it's very good. I'm bookmarking it.

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  13. I love Angela Hunt's books! I cannot wait to read The Face! Thanks for hosting this contest. I'm also happy to have found your blog.

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  14. Thanks for letting us know about The Face. It sounds great. I love Angela Hunts books. I am thinking about suggesting this for my book club. Please enter me in the drawing. Carrie(at)turansky(dot)com.
    Thanks!

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  15. I absolutley cannot wait to read The Face. Thanks for doing this contest. Please enter me in the drawing.
    labe0000(at)email.cpcc.edu

    Thanks!

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  16. I have enjoyed Angela Hunt's work in the past and would love to read this latest one.

    hugs,
    WendyK
    highlandlovesong at yahoo dot com

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  17. This book of Angela's sounds really intriguing. I look forward to reading it!

    Please enter me in the drawing! Thank you!

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  18. Love Angela Hunt! Please include me in the drawing please..email:
    buddybus2003[at]yahoo[dot]com
    It's very cool what you're doing!:)

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  19. This is a book I want to read and share! Love and prayers Melody
    msproule1225@gmail.com

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  20. First book ready by Angela Hunt was "The Note" and have many more yet to read. Please include me on the list:

    oldwomansshoe@gmail.com

    also

    therewasanoldwoman.blogspot.com

    Thank you for this opportunity!

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  21. I love angela's books! in fact, i saw your blog from hers! yay! i would love to win her books!

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  22. I recently discovered Angela Hunt because someone else at my church apparently loves her too, and donated many of her books to our church library. I've read all of the ones at church now, and I'm excited to read more. Even if I don't win this giveaway, I'm sure I'll soon own it and some of her other books. :)

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  23. I have put the link in my sidebar. Thanks for sharing about this book!

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  24. Thanks for an opportunity to read the newest book by Angela Hunt "The Face". This sounds fascinating. Please put my name in for the drawing.

    Thanks

    Nora St. Laurent
    www.psalm516.blogspot.com

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  25. I am itching to have a new Angie book but no in a position to purchase any extras this month. Hoping you draw my name.
    Great Idea! from one book lover to another.
    Catherine

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  26. Pick me! Pick me! I love Angie's books.

    Valerie

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  27. I'm new to this blogging thing (first time posting a comment). I joined facebook 6 months ago - what a blast. Thanks for the opportunity to get a book - I'm an avid Christian fiction reader.

    -Alison Gracely
    Facebook friend:)

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  28. I'd LOVE to win this book. I took Angie's class at MH. She's an amazing author! Thanks for hosting this book give-away!

    Blessings,
    Sherry Kyle

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  29. I love Angela Hunts' books! I'm like you...want to read slow and savor, but can't wait to see what happens next!

    Please enter me in the drawing. I also linked in a blog yesterday (but you already visited there.)

    Thanks!

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  30. Linda,

    Congratulations on launching your new blog!

    I totally agree, " I find myself in quite a dilemma: torn between wanting to read slowly and savor each page while at the same time eager to devour it quickly to see what happens next!"

    Please put my name in the hat for a few copy of "The Face". I love Angela's books and her blog!

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  31. I heard about your book contests from Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee, and I am a book lover, so I am looking forward to this! I have read one of Angela's books and would like to explore more. I did link to you and post your button here.

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  32. I would love to win The Face... Love Angie's books - one series in particular that I thoroughly enjoyed was the Heavenly Daze series she co-wrote with Lori Copeland - I read all of them!!
    It would be nice to be chosen...
    Ruth Bryant
    rmbryant57@mchsi.com

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  33. I would love to win this book. I have also put your button in my sidebar. Thanks so much for doing this.

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  34. Ooo, add my name, please!

    nnjmom at yahoo dot com

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  35. I'd love to win. It's rare when I even enter for a book these days. Your button will certainly be in my sidebar:-)

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  36. Oh I am SO excited about this give away and I am going to put your button proudly on my blog! Thanks so much for doing this! :)

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  37. This book sounds very interesting...

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  38. Please enter me (twice) in the drawing to win, "The Face" by, Angela Hunt. I added a button to my blog as well. I loved "The Note" and my daughters and I just finished watching the T.V. version of "The Note" it was wonderful.

    Blessings,
    Lucie

    LucieInCA [at] aol [dot] com

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  39. This book sound great. Enter me in the address. My address is spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  40. The book sounds very interesting. Please enter me (twice) in the drawing. I am leaving a link to your blog on my facebook page in a post as I don't have a blog myself. My email address is bamafan763@aol.com.

    Thanks,
    Lynette

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  41. Sounds interesting! (unlike this comment) Thanks for the giveaway.

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  42. This sounds like a book that I wouldn't be able to put down. Thanks for the "give-away". You are so thoughtful of your readers and know how to keep them coming back.
    Celene

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  43. Please enter me to win. Thanks!

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  44. Sounds great! Please enter me.

    lynetteeason[at]lynetteeason[dot]com

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  45. Came here from Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee!! Have added you to my daily reads! Can't wait to catch up on past posts. :)

    I've added your button to my sidebar, and would LOVE to be entered into your giveaway...LOVE Angela Hunt! :) I'm giddy with excitement! ;)

    Blessings!
    Kim

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  46. I love books about intrigue and this one sounds like it with being in the CIA facility. I am not really familiar with Angela Hunt however i will look her up, i am always on the hunt for new authors!!!

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  47. Add my name to this long list, please! Thanks for doing this.

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  48. please enter into the drawing for THE FACE- thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving!

    Roxanne Anderson
    roxanneanyplace@yahoo.com

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  49. love the website, and I really like the books of Angela Hunt. She is good and as one said, does she write for the Christian or for the unbeliever. I believe that what she writes is for everyone. :-)

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  50. Looks like you've gotten quite a response to your giveaway! Congrats!

    Xandra

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  51. I would love to win. clairjuly at yahoo dot com

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  52. I would love a copy of the book - am busy reading others right now - have been a fan of Mrs. Hunt since high school when she was my English teacher but only discovered her book recently. Have posted the link on my Facebook. email: rolltide4@b2xonline.com

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  53. I would love a copy of the book - am busy reading others right now - have been a fan of Mrs. Hunt since high school when she was my English teacher but only discovered her book recently. Have posted the link on my Facebook. email: rolltide4@b2xonline.com Thank you for the opportunity, Kelly H.

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  54. I tried to comment on your blog, but when the page pops up, it only shows halfway, and there is no way to see the letters I have to put in and then submit the comment. I've noticed this happening on several blogs that aren't on blogger.

    I wanted to add my name to the book give away and I'm putting your button on my side bar.

    Thanks,

    Barb

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  55. I love a great book!

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  56. Pick me! Pick me! Love Angela's books!
    ~~Jackie

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  57. PICK ME PICK ME. CHECK OUT MY BLOG.... YEAH!!!!!!

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  58. I've been waiting for this book to come out since I heard about it earlier this year!

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  59. hiya. I'd like to enter the contest.

    and I added your Booked for the Holidays button to my side bar.

    AND I put a link to your blog in a post I did on my blog promoting your blog and contest.
    http://sparksoflava.blogspot.com/2008/11/booked-for-holidays.html

    soooo...I at least get three entries right?

    totally awesome looking book. definately one I want to read.

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  60. This is one I've been wanting to read for a while. Your button will be in my sidebar at Bibliophile's Retreat as soon as I can get it put in.

    Melissa
    forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  61. Include me in on the fun! I just love the "Booked for the Holidays" theme. I've always believed in giving books at Christmas. As soon as I leave this comment, I'm putting a link to this on my blog.
    Thanks.

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  62. What a great idea! Please enter me!

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  63. Count me in! And I plan to post your cute little button soon...

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  64. Here I am. I would love to read this book. :)

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  65. I hope I haven't already entered because that's what I'm doing now :-).

    Hope you're doing ok (almost time to lose the crutches, right?)

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  66. Just finished The Truth Teller (I'm working my way through her books) and enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading this one.

    PS: put your button on my blog.

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  68. Isn't Angela Hunt the best?? Her books are so riveting...wonderful....while I would like it that others would win....I want to win too...:)

    have a blessed day....and night...and Linda..your name rocks! LOL

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  69. I've read a few of her books and I enjoyed them. The Face looks like a great one.

    I put your button on my blog! If it has to do with books, I'm in!

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  70. This lady is incredible! I would love to win this! What an awesome contest.
    Thanks.

    Wanda

    http://www.queenieslittlekingdom.com

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  71. Hi,
    I was a Facebook friend with Angela before I knew who she was. Isn't that funny. Her name keep showing up on my friends Facebook friends list so I asked her to be my friend. I'm having so much fun going back and reading or re-reading her books.
    http://whatidoatthelibrary-eformanator.blogspot.com/
    love
    Elaine

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  72. Sounds like a great book! It's been a while since I've read one of Angela's book and this one sounds so "curl up under the covers and read until I'm done" books! Count me in! I put the button on my blog!

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  73. Would love to read this. Count me in.
    Kathy

    coy122@charter.net

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  74. Sounds like another great book by Hunt!

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  75. I've got your button.....on my sidebar.

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  76. How have I managed to miss all 100plus of Angela's books? It's high time I read one of hers and "The Face" sounds awesome. Looks like Booked for the Holidays is off to a rip roaring start. This is the kind of booked I want!

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  77. What a great and gracious gift...thanks for much Linda for your generosity!

    Please count me in, it would be a pleasure!

    Melissa in Mel's World

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  78. Entries are closed, my friends! I'll be back later to post the winners!

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