Thursday, February 23, 2012

THE LEGACY OF EDEN - SCAVENGER HUNT: GUEST POST, EXCERPT, AND GIVEAWAY

  GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE LEGACY OF EDEN
BY NELLE DAVY

ABOUT THE BOOK:
An epic, sweeping tale of a dynasty rotten to the core, driven by ambition, lust – and hatred.

For generations, Aurelia was the crowning glory of more than three thousand acres of Iowa farmland and golden cornfields. The estate was a monument to matriarch Lavinia Hathaway’s dream to elevate the family name—no matter what relative or stranger she had to destroy in the process. It was a desperation that wrought the downfall of the Hathaways—and the once-prosperous farm.

Now the last inhabitant of the decaying old home has died—alone. None of the surviving members of the Hathaway family want anything to do with the farm, the land or the memories.

Especially Meredith Pincetti. Now living in New York City, for seventeen years Lavinia’s youngest grandchild has tried to forget everything about her family and her past. But with the receipt of a pleading letter, Meredith is again thrust into conflict with the legacy that destroyed her family’s -great name.

Back at Aurelia, Meredith must confront the rise and fall of the Hathaway family…and her own part in their mottled history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nelle Davy was born in Grenada in 1984 and was raised in London within an Anglo-Caribbean family. She studied English with creative writing at the University of Warwick and then undertook a master of philosophy degree in creative writing at Trinity College Dublin. She currently lives in London with her husband, where she works in publishing. THE LEGACY OF EDEN is her first novel and she is currently working on her second. 

To read more about Author Nelle Davy, visit her website HERE. 

AN EXCERPT FROM THE LEGACY OF EDEN:
“I work for myself. I’m an artist—a sculptor actually.”

“Excellent, then when shall we set up an appointment?”

I opened my mouth, suddenly utterly bereft. I raised my eyes from the floor and shuddered. They had lined themselves up all around me in a crescent of solemn, knowing faces.

“I don’t know.”

Our farm was on the outskirts of a town surrounded by the farms of our neighbors: people whose children we played with, whose families we married into, whose tables we ate at. Together our farms formed a circle of produce and plenty that enveloped our small town, a hundred and seventy years old with its red-and-white-brick buildings and thin gray roads.

Simple people, simple goals, old-fashioned values: this is where our farm is still to be found. I had not seen it in nearly two decades, but as I looked at the crowd of faces glaring at me from the other side of the room, I realized with a thin sliver of horror I had no choice, I would be going back.  

GUEST POST BY NELLE DAVY:
Imagination has no boundaries – it is a vast landscape without maps or limitations. I know the old axiom is ‘write what you know’ but why should it be? Why should female writers confine themselves to the domestic and the minutiae of life, while their male counterparts explore fresh new terrain? I decided when I started writing that I would do only one thing and that was write the kind of book I would read and I would not limit myself. Of course it is difficult taking on the voice and culture of another country that is not your own but that is what a library and research is for. I spent a lot of time doing research about America and Iowa in particular (I read a lot of Bill Bryson who described what it was like to grow up in Iowa and I found his anecdotes – particularly his description of the state fair really invaluable). I was also lucky that I had an agent in America who could look over my first draft and say to me ‘an American would not say this or do this’ about small things that I would never have thought over. But these were small changes really, by that point I had already captured (or hope I have) the American voice. Mostly I found it really exciting to do something so challenging. I think that is the beauty of fiction, that you can escape – and I really did – to a different time and completely different place. The ironic thing is I have been to lots of places in America where I could have set the book (Pennsylvania for starters) but I chose a state I had never even seen. I guess I just like to be difficult.....Nelle Davy

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO KATE AND THE GOOD FOLKS AT
MERYL L. MOSS MEDIA RELATIONS, I HAVE
TWO COPIES OF THIS FASCINATING NOVEL,
THE LEGACY OF EDEN, TO GIVE AWAY
 
--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 WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT THE LEGACY OF EDEN THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK... 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: FIND ONE OF NELLE DAVY'S FAVORITE BOOKS HERE AND COMMENT ON ONE OF THEM

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING AT NELLE DAVY 'S WEBSITE/BLOG HERE

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON A CURRENT GIVEAWAY THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED ON MY BLOG. IF YOU ENTERED MORE THAN ONE, YOU MAY COMMENT SEPARATELY FOR EACH TO RECEIVE MORE ENTRIES
 
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 6
GOOD LUCK!
THE SCAVENGER HUNT SCHEDULE: 
CATCH UP IF YOU MISSED ANY EXCERPTS, OR JUST GO ON TO REVIEWED BY MOM FOR THE EXCERPT THAT FOLLOWS MINE.

Use the guide below to find where each day’s excerpt is posted – and maybe even leave a comment for the hosting book blogger.  Just click on the blog site name to get to the site.

February 1, 2012 The Book Fetish
February 2, 2012 Frugal Plus
February 3, 2012 Being Alison
February 4, 2012 Books Like Breathing
February 5, 2012 Broken Teepee
February 6, 2012 My Reading Room
February 7, 2012 The Eclectic Element
February 8, 2012 Chicklit Club
February 9, 2012 Amused by Books
February 10, 2012 Minding Spot
February 11, 2012 Love to Read for Fun
February 13, 2012 My Book Addiction and More
February 14, 2012 Let Them Read Books
February 15, 2012 Curling up by the Fire
February 16, 2012 The Maiden’s Court
February 17, 2012 Bea’s Book Nook
February 18, 2012 Books and Needlepoint
February 19, 2012 So Many Precious Books
February 21, 2012 Tammy’s Two Cents
February 22, 2012 Just Joanna
February 23, 2012 Bookin with Bingo
February 24, 2012 Reviewed by Mom
February 25, 2012 Blue Archipelago
February 26, 2012 Read in a Single Sitting
February 27, 2012 Ordinary Aunt
February 28, 2012 Beth Fish Reads
February 29, 2012 Type A Mom

146 comments:

debbie said...

I would love to see what could be so bad, that no one would want anything to do with the farm, even after everyone had died.I would like to read this book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered private games.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered death on heels.
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debbie said...

I entered pineapple grendade.
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debbie said...

I entered a fitting end.
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lag123 said...

I have complete admiration for the author that she would take on the task of writing about a place she has never been. I would love to read this and explore her details.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/172642954001907712

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Like Nelle, I too loved Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I think it is one of the most haunting stories I have ever read. I need to read it again!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Oh my goodness! I read Nelle's story of her launch party and I was drawn in by her descriptions and the flow of her words. Wow. I have to read her book.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I entered for PRIVATE GAMES AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY

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lag123 said...

I entered the DEATH ON HEELS GIVEAWAY

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lag123 said...

I entered the PINEAPPLE GRENADE GIVEAWAY

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lag123 said...

I entered the A FITTING END GIVEAWAY

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I entered the AGORAFABULOUS! GIVEAWAY

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lag123 said...

I entered the A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE GIVEAWAY

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I entered the FIRST YOU TRY EVERYTHING GIVEAWAY

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lag123 said...

I entered the SPIN GIVEAWAY

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I entered the THE OBAMAS AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY

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I entered the BOND GIRL GIVEAWAY

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I entered the BURIED IN A BOOK GIVEAWAY

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lag123 said...

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lag123 said...

1. +5 February Facebook

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lag123 said...

2.+5 February Facebook

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lag123 said...

3.+5 February Facebook

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5.+5 February Facebook

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rubynreba said...

Since I'm from Iowa this book is one I really want to read!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

+5 February facebook 2
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rubynreba said...

+5 February facebook 3
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rubynreba said...

+5 February facebook 4
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rubynreba said...

One of her favorite books is A Streetcar Named Desire.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Entered Death on Heals
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rubynreba said...

Entered Death on Heals
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rubynreba said...

Entered Pineapple Grenade
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rubynreba said...

Entered Agorafabulous
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rubynreba said...

Entered Bond Girl
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Entered Old Haunts
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mamabunny13 said...

I'm intrigued! I can't wait to find out what terrible thing happened to make the survivng family want nothing to do with the farm.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is one of my favorite books also. I loved that the second wife's name was never revealed.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

#2 +5 February Facebook
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mamabunny13 said...

#3 +5 February Facebook
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mamabunny13 said...

#5 +5 February Facebook
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mamabunny13 said...

I entered PRIVATE GAMES
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I entered DEATH ON HEELS
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mamabunny13 said...

I entered A FITTING END
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mamabunny13 said...

I entered A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE
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mamabunny13 said...

I entered BOND GIRL
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mamabunny13 said...

I entered BURIED IN A BOOK
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mamabunny13 said...

I entered OLD HAUNTS
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petite said...

A fascinating book which I would enjoy. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Death on Heels. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Fitting End. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Agarafabulous. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Spin. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered a town called valentine. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Raylan. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered First You Try Everything. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Roosevelt. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Entered Old Haunts. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Her taste in books is wonderful, Rebecca is the same as mine. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Her launch party sounds incredible from her description. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

traveler said...

An intriguing and unique premise. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Raylan. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Spin. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

entered First You Try Everything. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Pineapple Grenade. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Fitting End. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Death on Heels. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Agarafabulous. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered A Town Called Valentine. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Bond Girl saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Old Haunts. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entered Roosevelt History. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Nelle worked in publishing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Madame Bovary is a favorite book of hers. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Karen B said...

I love epics (James Michener) and this one set in the state south of me sounds fascinating!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Karen B said...

I'm another big fan of Rebecca.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Karen B said...

I love the story of Ireland and the green crayon on her blog.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Karen B said...

+5 February FB bonus entry #1
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Unknown said...

I would like to know more about this farm and family. I want to know what happened to ruin their name. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I've actually been wanting to read this one for a while, but I'm particularly intrigued by the tag line, "a dynasty rotten to the core."

Thanks for the giveaway!

truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/truebookaddict/status/172764192888193024

truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

One of her favorites, Rebecca, is also one of my faves! Such a gothic and atmospheric book. Definitely worth a reread, or two!

truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I loved her advice for aspiring novelists, about perseverance and learning to live with rejection, but not giving up. Sure, I've heard this time and time again, but it never stops being helpful advice for those of us who are in the fray (so to speak).

truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom

Margie said...

The rise and fall of this family sounds intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

FB fan - 1
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Margie said...

FB - 3
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Margie said...

FB - 4
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Margie said...

FB - 5
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Margie said...

Swag- 2
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Margie said...

Swag - 3
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Margie said...

Swag - 5
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Margie said...

entered Buried in a Book
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Margie said...

entered for Roosevelt book
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Margie said...

I have never read Rebecca. It sounds like a very haunting book.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

The author never liked the name Janelle and shortened it when she went to the University. I actually like it!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Pamela Keener said...

First of all the cover pulls you in. The story sounds intriguing. I love family sagas.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast.net

Reading said...

This looks lime a good family drama.

Lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Sue Farrell said...

Good gried---this sounds like it could be my husband's family almost---they really are a strange proud, corrupt group, too and the last of them just sold what was left of THE FARM. I guess that's why I'm drawn to this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I can remember reading "Rebecca" years and years ago and not being able to put it down. I think it's time to go to the library and get it to reread and enjoy again.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I discovered on the author's website that her next book is about the civil rights era in Louisiana. That period of our history really interests me so I'll have to watch for that book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com``

Sue Farrell said...

i entered Private Games.
suefarell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I entered Death on Heels.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered Pineapple Grenade.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered Pineapple Grenade.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered A Fitting End.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered Agorafabulous.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered A Town Called Valentine.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered The Obamas.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered Bond Girl.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered Buried in a Book.
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Sue Farrell said...

I entered Raylan.
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Sue Farrell said...

+5 February facebook bonus - #!
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Sue Farrell said...

+5 February facebook bonus - #2
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+5 February Facebook bonus - #5
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Carol N Wong said...

The acreage sounds like what aunt accumulated in Indiana is was farmland with mostly corn so that makes me really want to read it. The evil dynasty part is the cherry on top!!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I tweeted:

http://t.co/jKI9N0AJ

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I was very interested in her list of writers who inspire her. When I was young and naive I never thought that the Miswest would ever be like what Tennessee Williams wrote about. But now I understand that it can be anywhere.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

Of the books, that she listed, "A Streetcar Named Desire" is my favorite. I think Tennessee Williams was one of our greatest writers. I loved that one so much.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Private Games".


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Death on Heels".



CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"A Fitting End".



CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Pineapple Grenade".



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Agorafabulous".



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Spin".



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"The Obamas" audio.



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"The Bond Girl".



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Buried in a Book".



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Roosevelt -the Soldier of Freedom".



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Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Old Haunts".



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Carol N Wong said...

+5 February Facebook Bonus

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Carol N Wong said...

+5 February Facebook Bonus

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Connie said...

Hi! I want to read this book because I have heard so many reviews about this author. I know I would enjoy reading it. :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Connie said...

I also entered for the book "Raylan" by Elmore Leonard. :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I find it so interesting that at age 27 this is Ms Davy first book and although she has lived in England since age 9 months, she chose Iowa as the setting for the book. As a farmers daughter, the topic is especially meaningful to me. I expect we will see more books by this author and I have just added Legacy of Eden to my RL and TBR. Thanks for introducing us to this author.

maynekitty///at///live///dot///com

Anonymous said...

I entered the Roosevelt giveaway.



maynekitty///at///live///dot///com

Anonymous said...

I see that Ms Davy has finished writing a second novel based on the civil rights movement in Louisiana in 1963.


maynekitty///at///live///dot///com

Karen B said...

Entered CLOBBERED BY CAMEMBERT.
kpbarnett1941@aol.com

mamabunny13 said...

I entered Clobbered by Camembet
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

`I entered File M for Murder
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would like to know how she changes things....
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks

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