Monday, January 9, 2012

THIRD BLOGIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEK: DAY ONE! REFLECTIONS AND QUICKIE GIVEAWAY


 THIRD BLOGIVERSARY... 
AND JUST WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?


First thing this Third Blogiversay means to me is that I liked some of the things I did for my Second Blogiversary, so am doing them again...as why reinvent the wheel that is still turning?

I went back to look at what my blog meant to me on the anniversary of my second year for BOOKIN' WITH BINGO and found many things are the same, some are different, and some I really never did what I said I would do. Hmmmmm, so let's review what I said then, and how it has changed a year later....
For me, "BOOKIN' WITH BINGO" still means many things:
  • It means it is a time of reflection about where my blog has been, what part it has played in my life, and where it is heading. I realized I have "virtual" friends who I have become very close to and some are closer to me than flesh and blood friends! This has not changed, and only gotten better!
  • I have learned so much about computers because I didn't even know what a "blog" was before I started including a teeny bit about coding and html "stuff"! I continue to learn and improve and often surprise myself by what I can do, and frustrate myself by what I can't do!
  • I have made so many wonderful connections and friends with people in the literary world.This also has gotten better and I have found some very solid people to depend on as well as others who are nice to work with.
  • I have come to a point where I know will be blogging less but think enjoying it more. As I explained before, due to some personal health issues, I will still blog but not review as much or be tied into a certain deadline so that my time can be more flexible and also allow me time for more projects that I really want to pursue with books...including finally continuing my own book writing.WELL! This was true then and although my health, thank goodness, is better, I still want to blog less because as bloggers know, it takes over your life in many ways. I have come to find shortcuts in posting daily and brought in some friends to help with reviews but AGAIN, I plan on making fewer posts starting in February...let's see if I can hold to that this time!
  • It means that I looked back at my first post in 2009, "Welcome to Bookin' With Bingo", and realized how simple my posting was but how some of my very first comments came from people who are still with me today, and are, in fact, some of the good "virtual" friends I mentioned. As a blogger, going back to the start is always an eye opener and fun to look at. This has not changed.
  • And for me, who just loves to give books away and make people so happy, my Third Blogiversary is going to be, once again, all about "giving back" because of all you all have given to me these past three years.  REMEMBER:
      
So here is how this year's BLOGIVERSARY is going to work. I decided to highlight different  kinds of books/prizes each day this week and will have a giveaway in honor of each of  these.

There will be six more posts for this Third Blogiversary Celebration Week, one per day through Sunday, January 15, that will announce each of these "themed" giveaways that you can win...SO let's just get things started with what I want to call a "QUICKIE Three for Three Years" Giveaway!


THREE NOVELS FOR ONE WINNER BY A BEST SELLING AUTHOR I CONSIDER A FRIEND AND WHICH WILL RUN ONLY DURING THIS SPECIAL WEEK! 
GIVEAWAY ENDED
WANT A HINT?
You guessed it! Three wonderful books from bestselling author Debbie Macomber. I have featured and given away many of Debbie's books and thought it only right that I start off this week's giveaway with three of her books. If you don't know about Debbie Macomber (meaning you haven't been reading my blog) then do check out her wonderful website HERE to read about her and all her books and activities.

The three books I am giving away are:

TRADING CHRISTMAS (AUTOGRAPHED COPY)
Trading Houses. Trading Towns. Trading Christmas!

Emily Springer, widowed mother of one, decides to leave Leavenworth, Washington, to spend Christmas with her daughter in Boston.

Charles Brewster, history professor, curmudgeon and resident of Boston, wants to avoid Christmas altogether. He figures a prison town should be nice and quiet over the holidays—except he's thinking of the wrong Leavenworth!

Through an internet site, Charles and Emily arrange to swap houses for the holiday. So Emily goes to Boston—and discovers that her daughter has gone to Florida. And Charles arrives in Leavenworth to discover that it's not the prison town—it's Santa's village! The place is full of Christmas trees, Christmas music and…elves.

Meanwhile, Emily's friend Faith Kerrigan travels to Leavenworth to visit her and instead finds Charles the grinch. Then Charles's brother, Ray, shows up at his home in Boston to discover that he isn't there—but Emily is.

Through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, amid the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge in unexpected ways. Because everything changes at Christmas!

Also included is a Special Bonus Story, The Forgetful Bride!

A seasonal classic first published as When Christmas Comes.
HANNAH'S LIST (AUTOGRAPHED COPY, from the Blossom Street Series)
On the anniversary of his beloved wife's death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him.

In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request. I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn't spend the years he has left grieving—and she's chosen three women she asks him to consider.

First on Hannah's list is her cousin, Winter Adams, a chef who owns a café on Seattle's Blossom Street. The second is Leanne Lancaster, Hannah's oncology nurse. Michael knows them both. But the third name is one he's not familiar with—Macy Roth.

During the months that follow, he spends time with these three women, learning more about each of them…and about himself. Learning what Hannah already knew. He's a man who needs the completeness only love can offer. And Hannah's list leads him to the woman who can help him find it.
8 SANDPIPER WAY (from the CEDAR COVE SERIES)
Dear Reader,

I have something to confide in you. I think my husband, Dave, might be having an affair. I found an earring in his pocket, and it's not mine. I'm also worried because some jewelry was recently stolen from an old woman—and Dave used to visit her a lot.

You see, he's a pastor. And a good man. I can't believe he's guilty of anything, but why won't he tell me where he's been when he comes home so late?

Reader, I'd love to hear what you think. I also want to tell you what's going on with your other friends in Cedar Cove.

Like Sheriff Troy Davis, to mention one. His long-ago love, Faith Beckwith, just moved here!

So come on in and join me for a cup of tea.

Emily Flemming

GIVEAWAY
 THANKS TO KIM AND EVERYONE AT
NANCY BERLAND PUBLIC RELATIONS
WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME SO KINDLY ALL
THIS TIME, I HAVE 3 OF BESTSELLING AUTHOR
DEBBIE MACOMBER'S BOOKS TO GIVE AWAY
TO ONE WINNER, AND TO BE SENT QUICKLY
ON THE DAY THE WINNER IS ANNOUNCED! 
 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY 
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO 
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:  
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHY YOU THINK YOU SHOULD BE THE WINNER OF THIS SPECIAL THREE BOOK GIVEAWAY, AND DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK 

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ABOUT THE AMAZING DEBBIE MACOMBER BY CHECKING OUT HER WEBSITE HERE 

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OF MY THOUGHTS ABOUT BLOGGING ABOVE, AND FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR FEELINGS OR SUGGESTIONS
  GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 
6 PM, EST, JANUARY 15 
GOOD LUCK!
Photobucket

91 comments:

debbie said...

I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber. I have read several of her books. I have bought her knitting books for my son, because the patterns are very nice in them. I would love to add these autographed books to my collection. They would mean alot to me.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am glad to hear that your health is better. That is so important. I can understand wanting to cut back on blogging because it takes up so much time.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to stop by and say congratulations on three years.
No need to enter me in the giveaway.

holdenj said...

I think I should win because I'm a long time fan (back from her Harlequin days!) She was one of the first authors I actually wrote a 'fan letter' to!
Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I think it's amazing how Debbie has branched out from her niche of women's fiction/romance to discover even more fans with a children's book, inspirational work and even non-fiction.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

Happy Blogiversary Karen, I'm glad I've been around to share so much of your excitement about books. You can tell how much you enjoy these giveaways, you have such genuine joy in the winning post and emails you send!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

CMash said...

Happy Blogiversary Friend!! I remember finding your blog when I was behind the scenes and stalking (in a nice way) blogs. I truly thought that your blog was a "big company blog" with the way it looked, the giveaways, the reviews everyday. I didn't even know what a blog was back then. I also remember being afraid, but I did it anyway, sent you an email asking if you had a GFC button so that I could follow your "business". And today, I have the honor to call you a friend. Happy Blogiversary to a wonderful person and a fantastic blogger!!!!

Pat L. said...

Happy Anniversary. I have really been enjoying you blog.

Hope your health issues will improve soon.

patoct@yahoo.com

Pat L. said...

I have read almost all of Deb's books - she provides such enjoyable warm and fuzzy books.

She not only writes romance but non fiction and provides wonderful recipes and knitting info on her blog.

Pat L. said...

I entered the recent cupcake giveaway.

patoct@yahoo.com

Maria D. said...

Happy Anniversary! I would love to win Debbie's books because I have recently become a fan of her work and have slowly been getting her books (she has a large backlist...lol). I would love to be able to add these titles to my reading. Thanks for the giveaway.

junegirl63 at gmail dot com

Maria D. said...

I Tweeted the giveaway:

https://twitter.com/#!/crazymidwestgal/status/156375158209253376'

junegirl63 at gmail dot com

Maria D. said...

I think the recipe section on her website is really interesting because she lets her fans contribute recipes - it's something she shares and lets her fans participate in - which is really cool of her to do

junegirl63 at gmail dot com

Maria D. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maria D. said...

Yay for improved health and congratulations on another year of blogging. I think it's great that you are going to be trying to blog less and spend more time on your own writing. Good luck!

junegirl63 at gmail dot com

Sue Farrell said...

I think I should win the books by Debbie Macomber because I was introduced to her writing by your blog---and you have introduced me to so many other authors that I enjoy.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

Looking at the author's website I'm just amazed at the number of books she has written---and the fact that she still has time to have so many other activities like running a yarn shop and serving on an advisory board for Guideposts.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I totally understand how hard it is to cut back on something. I have been trying for a year to cut back on work so that I can enjoy my dogs and golf more---it has worked a bit but I really need to keep trying because it is so easy to slip back into old habits. Good luck on cutting back---but then we will miss all your great comments and recommendations.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Karen B said...

Happy 3rd Blogiversary! Your reviews and giveaways are wonderful. Many thanks for introducing us to new authors and reminding us of what favorite authors are writing.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Steve Capell said...

Hi Bingo and Congrats on NUMBER 3! I completely understand the amount of work that you put into blogging and I also understand your need to change starting in February. Most of all the best news is that your health has improved ... that is the most important. I am also a fan a Debbie Macomber so I thank you for the opportunity. Wishing you the best in 2012.

steven.capell@gmail.com

Karen B said...

I'm a big fan of Debbie's and would love to add these books to my library!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Karen B said...

3 of her books have been made into TV movies on Hallmark Channel.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

petite said...

Debbie Macomber's books bring pleasure and fun to life. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Your site is exceptional and the amount of time and energy you put into this shows your devotion to books and giveaways. Your sincerity in keeping it going is wonderful. Happy 3rd. Enjoy your day and weeks ahead with great ealth and fun. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Debbie's website is amazing, recipes etc. make it interesting. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Nancy Berland said...

Karen, thank you for featuring Debbie Macomber in the first day of your Third Blogiversary Celebration! Debbie is all about celebrating milestones in life and nurturing friendships, which you do so beautifully with your love of books and Bookin' with Bingo. Thanks and congratulations!

traveler said...

A lovely giveaway which is special and unique. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Congratulations and best wishes on three years. You deserve accolades for your exceptional and beautiful blogsite. Stay well and best wishes for 2012.

traveler said...

Debbie Macomber's site is filled with so much that is special. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

mamabunny13 said...

I can't say that I'm more deserving to win than anyone else but I adore Debbie Macomer. When I see her picture it's like looking at a picture of family. I love her style of writing and have enjoyed every book I've read! Thanks for the chance to win 3 amazing books!
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

Debbie has more than 140 million copies of her books in print!
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Sandra K321 said...

I love Debbie Macomber's books and I think autographed books are just such a nice thing. Unlike a lot of books these days, I can pass these on to my mom who also loves her books. Usually when my mom finishes Debbie's books she passes them on to her senior center for others to enjoy, but if I win these they are coming back to me!
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

mamabunny13 said...

Happy Third Blogiversay Karen! I love your blog because you have the best reviews, interviews & giveaways and all of the hard work, love and devotion you put into it shows. I like that I can navigate it so easily and find exactly what I'm looking for right away. I can imagine how blogging can take over and understand why you need to slow down a bit. Thanks for the joy you have given me. I look forward to reading your fourth blogiversary post! ... and all of the doggies little outfits! lol
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

scottsgal said...

I'm a huge Debbie Macomber fan and enjoy her series books so I'd love to win these
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I like that Debbie write series so you get to know the characters. Loved her Dakota series
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I think it's nice you go back and read from where you started in 2009 - you have introduced me to some new writers that I now follow and enjoy
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

fb #1

scottsgal said...

fb 2

scottsgal said...

fb 3

scottsgal said...

fb 4

scottsgal said...

fb 5

Linda Kish said...

I would love to add Debbie's books to my library. The Christmas one sounds fun. And, I'd love to have the autographed copy of Hannah's List.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I like the recipe section. So many to choose from. They all sound so good.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I remember last year when you said you were going to blog less frequently. It was kind of sad. But then you were still there every day. Never let us down. I am glad you have felt healthier this year. At least one of us has anyway. But you do need some time for yourself. So, slowing down in February will be good for you. We will still be here. Waiting for your every word.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Carol N Wong said...

I have already read two of the books so I am going to pass this one up.

Happy Blogiversary to You!!!

I am so glad to be friends with you! You really know just the right thing to say when I need it.

Hope that 2012 is an even better health and blog year for you! And that February can lead off a less demanding schedule.

Carol Wong

Margie said...

Happy Blogiversary, Karen! As usual, you are giving away some interesting books. Macomber always comes up with intriguing plotlines. I'd love to win these.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I always enjoy your blog. My morning doesn't feel complete until I check out your site. I hope your health issues will continue to improve this year. I'm always amazed how you can come up with so many reviews during the week! Best wishes for 2012.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB 1
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB 2
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB 3
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB 4
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB 5
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Swag 1
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Swag 2
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Swag 3
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Swag 4
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Swag 5
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

ann said...

Happy Blogiversay. I havent read any of her books yet.I hope to win because I cant afford to buy books thats why I enter to win them. And I love to read. I pass my books on to others then.
amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

I see that Debbie is on the cover of the January 2012 Guideposts magazine.
I didnt know that.

amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

Yes your comment on the friends you made while blogging and the people that still stick with you today is amazing. You got all this plus, while doing your blog.
Keep up the good work.
amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

1. January FB bonus points entry +5
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

2. January FB bonus points entry +5
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

3. January FB bonus points entry +5
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

4. January FB bonus points entry +5
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net

ann said...

5. January FB bonus points entry +5
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net

Unknown said...

Congratulations on 3 years. I love your blog and I hope you continue with it. Thanks for the very generous giveaway. Tore923@aol.com

lag123 said...

I would love to win because I love Debbie's books!I recently saw the Hallmark movie of Trading Christmas. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/156705780270235648

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I love the Knitting pattern for the miracle scarf on her website.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lag123 said...

I admire the computer knowledge you have gained while doing this blog. I am not very "high tech" and it would be quite a feat for me to start a blog.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

CherylS22 said...

Happy Blogiversary! Hard to believe that another year has passed.
I'd love to win this set of books because I'm a huge fan of Debbie Macomber & have enjoyed all your posts about her books.
Thanks for the chance!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I think it's interesting that Ms. Macomber is so versatile & talented. She writes fiction, cookbooks, children's books & non-fiction inspirational books. She also adds to her accomplishments a made-for-TV movie on the Hallmark channel.
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I, too, know how blogs & blogging can takeover your life. I have also had to do some soul searching this past year concerning my involvement with this computer & have decided that other areas of my life need tending to. Hopefully, I can discipline myself to accomplish what I want to.
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

+5 JANUARY FACEBOOK
#1
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

+5 JANUARY FACEBOOK
#2
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

+5 JANUARY FACEBOOK
#3
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

+5 JANUARY FACEBOOK
#4
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

+5 JANUARY FACEBOOK
#5
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

dag888888 said...

Although I have seen all Debbie's books on TV, I have not read any of her novels so winning this would be great!

dag888888 said...

Your thoughts and reflections about blogging are touching, I hope your health is OK and please know that yours is one of my favorite blogs and thank you for being an honorable blogger and person! Mahalo and take care.

dag888888 said...

I did not know until I checked out Debbie's site that in addition to being a prolific author, she also manages a yarn shop!

misskallie2000 said...

I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber and have read over 30 of her books but not these three, Yay. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/misskallie2000/status/157973511531540482

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Mrs. Miracle was Hallmark Channel's top-watched movie of the year. Hallmark's Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle scored the same success in 2010. This is really awesome. She also has more than 140 million copies in print.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I think I was one of your first followers since I have been following you about 3 yrs. I can imagine how time consumming blogging is with my just reading and commenting on blogs. It does cut into your reading time. Hope your new year will be healthy and keep on blogging for all of us who enjoy your blog.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

cheryl c said...

I have read many Macomber books, and none of them disappointed me. I want to read these 3, too!
castings at mindspring dot com

cheryl c said...

I think it is interesting that Debbie lives in Washington, but winters in Florida.
castings at mindspring dot com

Tina said...

Debbie's books are always so comforting, and these are three I've not had the joy of reading, so please enter me.

tbranco24@gmail.com

Tina said...

I posted about your wonderful blog and all its giveaways at http://tutus2cents.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway-queen.html

tbranco24@gmail.com

Tina said...

I love the fact that Debbie publishes readers guides on her website...they are so helpful to us librarians.

tbranco24@gmail.com

CLICK HERE TO
SEE MY POLICY