And the Winner's Are..

Are you getting ready for GIVEAWAYS GALORE? They're coming YOUR Way! I just had to recuperate a bit and now... it's about to begin.  Before the posting begins, I'd like to announce some BIG WINNERS, according to Random.org!  I can hardly stand the excitement! 

Oh...one thing...if ANYONE Knows how to post the actual little box that shows the number that comes up on Random.Org, could you please let me know? I've tried the right click thing and that doesn't work! I just want everyone to know what number is coming up! 

And the Winner's are...

The winner of the "Piggy Paint" Gift Certificate is - 

# 53  Casey Aubut! 

The winner of a Personalized Button for their Blog by Bloody Bad! -

#30 LovesToRead0708!

The winner of the ENTIRE Harry Potter Boxed Set #1-7 - (out of 564 ENTRIES!)

#46 Kristina!

The Three Winners of "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" (Audio Book) -

#12 RhapsodyInBooks!

#19 Remaker/fcffollower!

#81 Yours*Truly!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF MY WINNERS!!!

As always, I wish I had one for everyone, but please don't feel left out if you didn't win this time! I've got some Wonderful Giveaways coming up! Watch and See!

Kisses & Toodles!!

And the Winners Are...

I have more WINNERS for you!  I NEVER Get Tired of Announcing Winners!  So, these FIVE Lucky Readers Won a Copy of "TALL, DARK AND FANGSOME".  This post was courtesy of Hachette Book Group, Cheryl (at Cheryl's Book Nook) and Me!  I had a wonderful time hosting Cheryl for the Saturday Spotlight and if you're interested, just drop me a quick message and I'll get back to you ASAP!

And the Winners Are...

Red Headed BookChild
BettyCD
Sam
April
Jo

I've e-mailed these five lovely ladies and they have 48 hours to get back to me! ALL Prizes were claimed last round! Great job!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

KISSES ~ XXX

Thank you!

I just wanted to THANK YOU all for making my first Giveaway that wasn't claimed a success! I need a name for this type of Giveaway and I'll think of one in the future.  Congratulations to Christine at Booktumbling she was REALLY quick!

But, for the many others that tried, I have a ton more coming up so check in often!  These Giveaways just like any of the others are open to my followers!  If ANY prize is left unclaimed, this is how I will be giving them away.  Or, if someone already has a book or item after I draw their name, they will go up for grabs this way as well!  I hope you enjoy this new method, I really like it.  We'll try it and if you have any comments, questions or ways to make it better, please contact me and let me know!

That's it for now! I've got some giveaways to list!

x0xx - KISSES

*Saturday Spotlight ~ Meet Jessica*

Yes, I DO realize it's now SUNDAY! Sorry, I wasn't feeling well yesterday and didn't get around to posting this weeks "Saturday...err Sunday Spotlight" (name change only pertains to this week)... Anyway, I have a NEW Book Blogger for you this week and her name is JESSICA!

Let's find out a *Little Bit* more about Jessica and her book blog!

What's your Name (the one on your birth certificate)? Jessica

And your Alias (aka) ? Jess

Jess...what's your blog's name? Cover to Cover: One Twenty-Something’s Journey to Writing (and finishing) a Novel

*Cute Name...What's the URL for people that want to visit both you and your blog? http://jessicalawlor.blogspot.com/

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself? I’m Jess and I’m a twenty-one public relations student in Philadelphia. I’ve loved to read and write for as long as I can remember, and it’s always been my goal to publish a novel. In my free time, I love to read, write, attempt to cook, blog, and hang out with my friends. I absolutely love traveling and studied abroad in Rome this past summer.

Rome? How awesome! This Princess would love to leave the Castle... *sigh* But, there's just too much to do here!!

Why did you start your blog? I started my blog for 2 main reasons. *And those would be*?

1. I love to read, and am always looking for book suggestions. I did a few searches and found this whole world of book review blogs that I never knew existed. I decided I wanted an outlet to discuss the books I love.

2. It’s always been my goal to write a novel, but I can’t seem to make myself sit down and write. I figured creating a blog where I could discuss the process and converse with other bloggers would give me the inspiration I needed to get started.

What is your favorite genre and/or genres? I love chick lit. and young adult fiction.

Who is your favorite author? My favorite author is a toss-up between Sophie Kinsella and Jennifer Weiner. I love them both.

What's your favorite book of all time? My favorite book of all time is definitely Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. It’s the perfect story of a broken girl who finds her way to independence and happiness.

Would you Please name & describe your blog features: Book reviews, writing tips, my writing journey, author interviews (hopefully soon!), book news, etc.

How about your review system: The system is on a scale from 1-5, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

How is your blog unique from other blogs? My blog is unique because along with reviewing books, I’m going to be discussing my own journey to writing a novel. It’s the best of both worlds.

How do you market your blog? My blog is fairly new, but so far I’ve joined Shelfari, and I’ve been commenting on other book review blogs.

Can you give us 3 tips about content? I think posting at least once a day is key. Find your own voice that makes you, you. Don’t just post reviews every day, mix it up with book news and author interviews.

Can you give us 3 tips about blog promotion? Comment, comment, comment…honestly, it’s the best way to find new readers. Bloggers appreciate when others read and enjoy their content, so let those bloggers know and hopefully they will check you out!

*Hopefully, they will!!* Thanks for being here Jessica and introducing yourself to the book blogging community!!

If YOU Would Like YOUR Blog Here In the Spotlight...

All you have to do is "Contact ME" and I'll Get Right Back To You

And Let You Know How!!

Kisses - XXX

And The WINNERS Are..

Before I announce the winners, I'd like to thank EVERYONE that entered! Please continue to do so...you're points are REALLY adding up!! I've got a few more Giveaways to put up and then I'm going to announce MY Personal BIG Giveaway!!

The FIVE (5) WINNERS for Robyn DeHart's new book "SEDUCE ME" are:

Lucy

Morning Glow

Ninja Fanpire

Wanda

Esme

CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF YOU!!

NOW, You have 48 hours from NOW to send me your mailing information! If you do not send it, I will have to pick another winner. That person will have 48 hours to get back to me as well. Then, IF The Second Round of Winners DO NOT contact me...than that prize is lost. So, it's important to follow so you'll know when you win! I have SO many giveaways and waiting for information is the hardest!

I'm going to take a poll in the next post because I don't want to ruin the WINNER'S Post here!!

KISSES ~ XXX

Who L-O-V-E-S ME?

Why YOU do! Wanna' know HOW I know you LOVE me? Because MY BLOG got not ONE, but Two more awards this week! And from not ONE, but THREE different wonderful women with their own beautiful blogs!!

OK, My first award is the Kreativ Blogger Award and this was sent over to me by Kristi from her "Books and Needlepoint" Blog! (Thank you Kristi!)

The Rules Are: Once you receive this award, you are to list seven of your favorite things and then nominate seven other blogs.

Here are my seven favorite things in no particular order:

1. Family and Friends
2. A Really Good Book
3. A Starry Night
4. A Kiss that makes you melt
5. When someone says "I Love You" and you know they mean it.
6. The smell after it rains in the spring
7. Red Velvet Cake

Now here are Seven other blogs that I want to nominate for this award:

1. Mrs. Magoo Reads ~ Sophie
2. Trying to Stay Calm ~ Shauna
3. Bookworming In The 21st Century ~ Kristen
4. Starting Fresh ~ Gaby
5. Red Lady's Reading Room ~ Bonnie
6. Trin's Book Nook ~ Trin
7. Trish's Book Blog ~ Trish

There they are in NO particular order!!

Now, My SECOND Award is a really pretty one and it's called THE HEARTFELT BLOGGER AWARD and this was sent to me from TWO very Special Bloggers and they are Bobbie From

Bobbie's Book Blog and Alicia at Confessions of A BookAHolic! (*UPDATE* Mari from Bookworm With A View also nominated me for this beautiful award as well) Thanks Ladies11

Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when you're relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know that feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt award is all about: feeling warm inside!

The Rules:

Put the logo on your blog/post. Nominate up to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside. Be sure to link to your nominees within the post. Let them know about the award by commenting on their blog. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.My nominees are:

The Design Girl

Couture Carrie

Books and Needlepoint

The Story Siren

Confessions Of A BookAHolic

That's all for now!

KISSES ~ XXX

THE PRINCESS

What's New

This is to all of my dear friends that stand by me and lift me up when I need it. I apologize for the length between posts. It's been so hard for me these past few weeks and I feel like crying all the time.

I do have SO many authors to thank for making sure I have books to review and to have what I call *Comfort Reading*. This is the reason I review. I do it to pay back all the authors over the years that have taken me away from my horrible illness and bring to a place that made my day and night.

There are TOO many for me to list right now, but there were at least 4 authors (I think I maybe forgetting someone and that makes me nervous) OK...these four (I think it's actually five) sent me boxes of books. Their amazing generosity and caring sent me into teary fits and butterflies (those school girl ones) You ladies know what I mean. I will leave a list and I find it so hard to send them back "REAL SNAIL MAIL" thank yous and not just emails. Does anyone else have this problem? The person that sent me the most beautiul package, I don't have his address. I'd love to send him a very special thank you and SOME OF YOU as well.

J.Kaye, Trish, Nymeth, Wendy, Sandra, Breeni , Cheryl, and my friend Tracey...you are like a close knit on line family to me. Everytime I turn around, there is something sweet in my box or you leave me a comment. I LOVE COMMENTS and fresh faces. I know there are SO SO many of you I forgot above...like Sandy Ellen Patsy, WindyCity, Care, Bunny...Please know that if I didn't acknowledge you above means I love you less or don't think of you all praying for me every day. Believe me .... you'll be in many more to come! AND PLEASE don't be afraid to say hello, I LOVE to make new friends. Look at all the blogs on my side bar that I Lurk...

I don't know what's going on with my Library Thing. I'm in the early reviewers program .... I just got in my August book, but my July, June and May books have not shown up. I'm not even kidding. Has this happened to anyone else? Is it just me? I thought I typed in my wrong address, but I got this months book. So that isn't it.

I'm still a little depressed and weak, but I'm fighting and trying. I love you all for being loyal to my blog. If you need to reach me privately, my address is IAmHiMaintenance@aol.com.

Also I got in a new book from a brand new author, it's his first book and it's amazing! I haven't finished it yet, but let me tell you what it says about the book on the back.

It's called PIT-STOP by BEN LARKEN and it's his debut novel.

Welcome to the Pit-Stop Grill, a roadside attraction along Arizona’s Route 66 where travellers kick up their feet while sipping a nice cup of joe. It’s a cool oasis in an unforgiving desert landscape. It’s also the last stop on the road to Hell.

When ten people find themselves inside the eerie diner, unable to get out or remember how they arrived, all they know is what their waitress, Holly, tells them: a bus is coming. It will take them the rest of the way to a destination of unspeakable horrors.

Led by highway patrolman, Officer Scott Alders, the group of strangers unite with a common goal—-escape. Each of them holds dark secrets, but personal demons are no match for the wraithlike bus driver who arrives bearing the nametag RAMSEY.

Driving an oily black bus with ghostly headlights and exhaust that smells of brimstone, Ramsey wastes no time picking them off one by one. As their number dwindles and the terror mounts, Scott Alders realizes it will take more than a police-issued sidearm to stop the evil that tracks them. But is there enough power in their battered spirits to combat a crimson-eyed driver with a schedule to keep?

One thing is clear: you’ll think twice before you make your next Pit-Stop..

So far, I'm loving it and you'll have my thoughts and how many TIARAS it's getting soon.

There are a few more I'm reading, but I will fill you in on those, hopefully tomorrow.

XXX - KISSES

I LOVE YOU ALL - THE PRINCESS

Happy Reading Everyone!

Odds and Ends!

I just wanted to remind you that Saturday night at midnight (EST) is the last time that you can enter for any of this weeks book raffles, there are two of them, so come by, read and check them out. If you're interested, all you have to do is make a comment or leave me a question and it's yours! (or it could be yours if there is more than ONE person that wants it) This week, I think these two books pertain to a limited audience so, I understand totally. The Tao of Fertility was extremely helpful and a huge amount of information.

On the other hand, I have "Dream Lucky", which I didn't feel so lucky to get. But that's up to you. If you like Swing and that era, you may love this book. You can check out my review below if you'd like to see my thoughts. And again, they're just my thoughts so I hope that does not stop you from wanting to read it. Both are ARCs and can NOT be sold. So, I'm giving them to YOU!

My mother always did teach me to share. Awe, and speaking of my mother, Maureen, she's never stopped being a wonderful mother and I'd like to say Thank you to her for that. She's a big fan of my blog..(I wonder why) and she reads, but never comments. I went through something just TERRIBLE this week that NO ONE should have to go through and then the childish behavior that followed was STRANGE to say the least. Some of you know what I'm talking about and some of you don't. I'm still deciding WHAT I should say. Anyway, back to my mom. She was so sad to see me upset on top of everything else I am going through. This reminds me of a great quote that I came across the other day. So, for ALL the moms out there, I'm going to post it right here! It's just TOO cute not too!

Bottom line, ALL parents hate to see their children hurt, no matter what their age. I also want to thank a few of my wonderful author friends that stop by the blog regularly. They were quite a big help and always full of care and kindness!

I LOVE authors! They're really gotten me through some tough times (medically). I always take comfort reading with me to the hospital. I need to. I thank each and every one of my favorites!

And Thank ALL of YOU, my Readers, for stopping by and always being full of friendship and friendly advice!

That's it for now (I'm done rambling)...

Oh no, wait, maybe I'm not! Mother's Day is coming up soon. I just got mom her gift today and I hope she's going to love it! She is an Amazing and Sweet Woman. She helps everyone and even volunteers her time! I guess I'm just lucky!

Ok...that's really it! (for now)

XXX ~ KISSES

The Princess

What's Your Secret? (Give-A-Way)

What's Your Secret?

I know you have one. So... Why won't you share it with The Princess? Hmmm? Okay, as you may or may not have read in yesterday's post, I'm having a terrible time relaxing and sleeping lately. I'm nervous and I'm scared and most of my own "relaxation techniques" are not working lately.

What are yours? Your relaxation techniques...spill 'em! I need to know what you do to relax. What do you do to calm down? You tell me and I'll BOOK you! If you think you have just the trick, share it with me. It doesn't even have to be something you do. Maybe it's something that your friend does or something you've "heard" works well. I'm THAT desperate for new ideas!

Here's something else I'd like your ideas for. And this will be FUN! The Princess thinks her real name is much too boring. I'm looking for a new name to possibly write and review under. So, if you submit a name, please be aware that I may use it! Well what SEXY name suits me? Be original and unique! I LOVE this. I promise to have a very special gift for the winner IF I pick one of your ideas! I have quite a few of my own ideas, but none of them have POPPED out at me... YKWIM?

That makes TWO ways to WIN and TWO different PRIZES that will be given away! So, help your friend the princess and think SEXY & RELAX!

I think it will be a really easy and fun give-a-way! (The book is of MY choice because I'm The Princess and this is MY castle) The good news is, I promise it will be a good one and I will pay the postage *of course! The Sexy Pseudonym will be given a separate SURPRISE gift! All you have to do is:

1. Give me your idea or ideas

2. Make sure I have your email address to get in touch with you

3. Be willing to give me your snail mail address (for shipping)

Easy! Right? Oh, and don't forget that Sandy Patsy's Comment and Question Give-A-Way below is still going on until the 20th. That's when this one will end as well.

Best of luck to you (and me) *smile*

That's all for now!

XXX ~ Kisses

The Princess

Why I'm Giving Away A Book Of Your Choice.

Someone asked me why I was giving away a book of their choice and not mine or one that I've read. There really is no short answer for this. I'll try to sum it up for you though. (Because there are way too many contests going on to listen to me babble, right?) Why? Because I LOVE to read and I LOVE books. That could be the really shortened version of it. (Wait...really, there's more) I want EVERYONE to share this love with me. When I decided to do a contest, I couldn't even think of parting with one of my books. One that I've read and loved. My family and friends laugh at me! They do! Not like Ha-Ha-Ha while pointing, but they ask me what I've read lately and as soon as I start to ramble, they all exchange those looks. Then I know what's coming next. First, they smile and then say "I know, it's your new favorite, right?" I think that's just because they don't understand me fully...lol Each one of the books on my shelf that I've read has in some way become an old friend. I live with them, know their story, and I LOVE them. I also admire them for both their beauty and the knowledge they hold. And when I need comfort, like an old friend, they're always there. BOOKS are wonderful things. So, I let you choose your own friends. In this particular case, when you read the one I send you, think of ME as well. So, if you're still interested, scroll down and comment on that post and you're in for the book of your choice and if you link, you get two chances!

You didn't think I was the only one holding a CONTEST did you? Definitely not! I know where to find some, and I'm going to share one with you. I have a whole list of contests. Please stop by these wonderful blogs and remember, they are not just "CONTEST" sites, they are my NEW FRIENDS!

It's Dewey's Blogiversary! Did you know that? One WHOLE YEAR! If you're interested (and I know you are), the give-a-way is here at The Hidden Side of a Leaf » BAFAB and Blogiversary go over and say HAPPY HAPPY! : ) Chartroose is also having a FIVE book give-a-way and that one you will find over here at Bloody Hell, It’s a Book Barrage! You may also want to stop by Bell Literary Reflections there are SO many reviews and books there you could stay all day, not to mention the contest! Wait...that's not all, although, I am so tired of typing : ) Katrina over at Stone Soup is letting you browse her bookshelf AND you get to pick the book of your choice...very cool! Go right here Monday Book Giveaway! (March 31, 2008) « Stone SouP for your own chance to win! Chris also has a give-a-way going on for buy your friend a book week, and she's also opened up her own Etsy store which she talks about right here book-a-rama: Good Karma: Free Book. Be sure to check out both, you'll be glad you did! My Bookish Kitty is having a Give-a-way as well...so go over and say hi to Wendy right here Musings of a Bookish Kitty! She's got a great blog, you'll LOVE it! Tanabata is holding a Give-A-Way over at In Spring it is the Dawn! This contest gives you your pick of one of three books that is being given away to three people. (So one book per person, you put your choice in the post), Also, I know that Jenclair is having one too! and she can be found over on her blog (which you will find by rolling over here A Garden Carried in the Pocket: Next Week's Give-Away (sticky post), she's very sweet and I love to stop by her blog daily as well! My NEWEST friend, The Story Siren is having a great give-a-way over on her blog and if you're a fan of Meg Cabot, you're going to LOVE it! Go over here The Story Siren: Win a Copy of Airhead! and get ALL the needed details! She has a great blog by the way! And last but not least, There's trish who you can find by visiting here Break-ins and Giveaways « Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’? . As you can see, she's taken up a new hobby. B & E...It's really not so bad, she's trying it out on her own condo first before she tries it on someone else's. Tryin to find out how likely it is that someone will call the police. Go over and find out why she's picked up this new "habit" and also a chance to win a book that she's chosen (as your friend) or a book that you've chosen. It's really great. Check out all the details while you're there! So there you have it ... my found lists of contests. There are several others that I've come across as well. If I left you out and you're here, drop me a post and I'll link you up! : )

Well that's it for now! Thanks for stopping by and I'll chat with you soon!

XXX - Kisses

THE PRINCESS

Random Thoughts

Hi all : )

It's pretty late on Saturday night (whoops! Sunday Morning), and I just had some "random thoughts". I'll share them, although I can't guarantee you'll walk away any smarter! lol

Since I've started blogging >Achooo< UGh I have an awful cold......I've met some pretty wonderful and generous people in our little "book blogging community". I'm sure you all know who you are and I'm really quite impressed with the kindess and generosity that is shown.

Normally you hear about all the bad things that go on in cyberspace. (I know there IS a lot of it that goes on as well) Is our little group the exception to the rule? Or are we in the majority? Either way, I'm still amazed and perfectly happy with all of my new friends. They've opened up a new world for me and inspired me to keep my own blog going (which I never thought possible) I will start a list over on the side as soon as I figure out how. I think it's important to support these wonderful people that make reading and blogging so much fun!

I review myself. I don't usually post on my blog (obviously) but, maybe I'll start or at least have the book I'm reading and a little bit about it here on the site.

Also, I hear that BYFAB Week is coming up...So, that's going to be MY FIRST CONTEST. It's going to start on MONDAY and I'll post about it then...I'm thinking that I will choose a winner on Sunday of that week. But, who knows? I'm sure I'll change my mind and the "RULES" before then! This is going to be exciting for me! I'd like to give back something for all of the kindness, support and not to mention the generosity that I've gotten in just this short time. : )

So, STAY TUNED for my FIRST CONTEST that surely won't be my last!

Here are a few things that you SHOULD know:

The PRINCESS makes the RULES and HER DECISION is FINAL

The contest will be something easy...PROMISE

YOU have to be willing to send ME your address so that you may collect your prize!

That's all for now ... It MUST be getting late here on the East Coast!

Toodles

XXX- Kisses

THE PRINCESS

Keeping up with the BLOGGING

Is my work NEVER done? Ok, I apologize for not keeping up with my blog : ( I said that it would be good for me, a thing I "should do", and since I journal, review and read all the time, it shouldn't be that hard for me to do....yeah, right! I've been SO sick lately and haven't been able to do a thing. I promise to try harder. And I have been visiting some really GREAT blogs.

One being J. Kaye's Book Blog! She's like a wonder woman....she does it all, reads, reviews, writes, takes care of her family and keeps up with HER blog...it's really great. You should check it out. : ) I was glad that I did!

That's all for now

XXX - The Princess