Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival

Published by Carrie at 12:22 am under Books, Giveaways Edit This

Chili from Bloggy Giveaways is hosting her quarterly giveaway carnival, and I thought, hmmm, what should I give away? Books, of course!

Update: Please read all of the directions on how to enter. Your comment will be deleted if you do not follow the instructions.

These four titles are all books I was sent to review. Some of them I liked, some were just okay. Along with the book description, I’m linking to my review (if I wrote one) and also to another person’s review, because other people have thoroughly enjoyed these titles, even if I didn’t.

This Charming Man by Marian Keyes - hardback copy

Cover blurb: Paddy de Courcy is Ireland’s debonair politican, the “John F. Kennedy Jr. of Dublin.” His charm and charisma have taken hold of the country and the tabloids, not to mention our four heroines: Lola, Grace, Marnie, and Alicia. But though Paddy’s winning smile is fooling Irish minds, the broken hearts he’s left in his past offer a far more truthful look into his character.

Narrated in turn by each woman, This Charming Man explores how their love for this one man has shaped their lives. But in true Marian Keyes fashion, this is more than a story of four love affairs. it’s a testament of the strength women find in themselves through work, friendship, and family, no matter what demons may be haunting their lives. Depression, self-doubt, domestic abuse - each of these women has seen tough times in life, and it’s through Keyes’s wonderful storytelling ability that these subjects are approached with the appropriate tone and candor. Her deft touch provides a gripping story and, ultimately, a redemptive ending.

This wasn’t a favorite of mine, but Booking Mama absolutely loved it - so check out her review.

My Husband’s Sweethearts by Bridget Asher - ARC

Cover blurb: In this sweetheart of a novel - a sophisticated romantic comedy already optioned for a major motion picture - Lucy Shoreman calls up all the former sweethearts in her charming, cheating husband’s little black book and invites them to take turns by his deathbed - but when the women start showing up, it’s only the first of many surprises in store.

I loved this book - here’s my review. I wasn’t the only one: Monie loved it, too.

The White Mary by Kira Salak - ARC

Cover blurb: Accomplished journalist Marika Vecera has dedicated her life to helping the world’s oppressed and forgotten. When not on one of her dangerous assignments, she lives in Boston, exploring a new relationship with Seb, a psychologist who offers her glimpses of a better world.

Upon returning from a harrowing assignment in the Congo, Marika learns that a man she has long admired, Pulitzer-winning war correspondent Robert Lewis, has committed suicide. To her, Lewis always represented strength and courage in the face of the world’s worst tragedies, and Marika wants - needs - to understand what could have pushed him over the edge. She decides to abandon her magazine work to write his biography, settling in Boston and allowing her intimacy with Seb to grow. But one day a curious letter arrives: A missionary claims to have seen Lewis in the remote jungle of Papua New Guinea. Astounded, Marika can only wonder, What if Lewis isn’t dead?

She soon leaves Seb to embark on her ultimate journey, in one of the world’s most exotic and unknown lands. Through Marika’s eyes we experience the harsh realities of jungle travel, and receive the special wisdom of Tobo, a witch doctor and sage, as we follow her extraordinary quest to learn the truth not only about Lewis but about herself.

I thought this was good, very well-written, but to quote Caribousmom, not for the faint of heart. Here’s her review for a second opinion.

The House at Midnight by Lucie Whitehouse - ARC

Cover blurb: After the suicide of his uncle, Lucas Heathfield inherits Stoneborough Manor, in the English countryside. Lucas’s best friend, Joanna, imagines it as a place where their close-knit group can escape London and rekindle the revelry of their college days. But from the beginning, the house has a strange effect on everyone who stays in it. Much to Joanna’s surprise, she embarks on a romantic relationship with Lucas. Then, with increasing anxiety, she watches as he becomes obsessed with the death of his uncle and haunted by a house whose past hints at disturbing parallels with the generation that now inhabits it.

Within the claustrophobic confines of the manor, over a hot, decadent summer, secrets slide out and sexual tensions escalate, shattering the lives of the circle of friends forever.

I enjoyed this book, but found the ending slightly dissatisfying, so I gave it 2 and a half stars. Caribousmom gave it 3 and a half -here’s her review.

Here’s how to enter:

~ Leave a comment on this post, telling me what your first two preferred books of those listed are, by 11:59 pm PST, Friday, October 31st. Only one comment, please - duplicate comments will be deleted.

~ Since I find “please enter me” comments boring, in your comment, please tell me what your favorite mystery or chick-lit novel is. If you don’t do this, I’ll know you didn’t bother to read the post, and I’ll delete your comment. Yeah, I’m mean that way.

~ On Saturday, November 1st, I’ll use Random.org to draw four winners, and try to match up the winners with the books they picked. I’ll notify the winners to get mailing address information, and then send the books out.

~ Since I’m paying for the shipping and handling myself, I’m limiting the giveaway to readers in the US and Canada.

Good luck!

Share and Enjoy:

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67 Responses to “Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival”

# BellaVidaon 27 Oct 2008 at 9:54 am edit this

My Husband’s Sweethearts by Bridget Asher looks like a fun read and I cannot resist a spooky story so The House at Midnight by Lucie Whitehouse would be my next choice.

My favorite chic-lit novel is Dirty Girls Social club by Alisa Valdes. It always interesting to read about a group of women friends and how they deal with life. Sometimes even friends break up & make up.
# Janaon 27 Oct 2008 at 11:35 am edit this

I’m interested in The White Mary and The House of Midnight.
My favorite mystery novel is anything by Agatha Christie. If I had to pick one of hers, it would be “Curtain.”
# wandaon 27 Oct 2008 at 11:50 am edit this

I think……My Husband’s Sweetheart & This Charming Man

I love Anne of Green Gables…..Love Comes Softly series….
I may be way off from your style…not sure!
Thanks for the giveaway.
# Popinon 27 Oct 2008 at 12:14 pm edit this

My first choice would be My Husband’s Sweethearts and my second choice would be The White Mary.

As for my favourite mystery or chic-lit, that is a tough one. I guess my favourite chic-lit would be the first Shopaholic book. I’m not quite sure about which mystery book is my favourite since I haven’t read a lot of it.

Thanks!

~ Popin
# Laurenon 27 Oct 2008 at 12:59 pm edit this

My choices would be My Husband’s Sweethearts and The White Mary….and to add another, the House at midnight.

favorite mystery or chic-lit? Oh gosh, I don’t know!

I loved Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. Great mystery book!!!

Lauren
# Melodyon 27 Oct 2008 at 1:16 pm edit this

I’d love the White Mary and The House at Midnight. I’ve heard good things about both.

I’m a big fan of PD James, but loved The Virgin of Plains, a mystery I read a few months ago.
# Cynthiaon 27 Oct 2008 at 2:22 pm edit this

I pick This Charming Man and My Husbands Sweethearts. I love Stephanie Plum! Thanks so much!
# Sarah at themommylogueson 27 Oct 2008 at 3:02 pm edit this

I would like This Charming Man and My Husbands Sweethearts. Because I am totally the faint of heart. And yet I can’t stop reading the Twilight series and I need something to stop me.
# Shari Don 27 Oct 2008 at 6:28 pm edit this

I would like My Husband’s Sweethearts and The House at Midnight. I enjoy reading anything by Mary Higgins Clark.
# kathieon 27 Oct 2008 at 6:45 pm edit this

My husband’s sweetheart and white Mary would be my two choices. I just recently read the book Leviathan by James Byron Huggins. Was the first of his books I have read and am definitely interested in reading more of his work. Oh, I do not live in the USA, but do have a USA mailing address. Can I enter the drawing?
Blessings
# Zaraon 27 Oct 2008 at 8:37 pm edit this

I would love to win either My Husband’s Sweethearts or The House at Midnight.

One of my favorite recent reads is The Rome Affair by Laura Caldwell. It keeps you on the edge until the end.
# Hayley G.on 27 Oct 2008 at 9:01 pm edit this

I’d love to read The White Mary and My Husband’s Sweethearts. I’m a little bit embarrassed to say that I have a penchant for the Shopaholic series!
# nikion 27 Oct 2008 at 10:44 pm edit this

I think The White Mary sounds good. And 2nd I would choose The House at Midnight.

My fave chick lit is Momzillas hands-down!

ndisilvio at gmail dot com
# Kay Drenthon 28 Oct 2008 at 12:25 am edit this

I think My Husband’s Sweethearts sounds interesting and This Charming Man also.

I will read anything by Nora Roberts or Debbie Macomer.
# Carrie F.on 28 Oct 2008 at 5:50 am edit this

The House at Midnight or My Husband’s Sweethearts would be my first two choices

I prefer mystery novels such as James Patterson’s books, especially his Alex Cross series
# kathyon 28 Oct 2008 at 7:13 am edit this

i would like the This Charming Man and My Husband’s Sweethearts.

as for favorites…I LOVE everything written by Jodi Picoult…especially My Sister’s Keeper
# Sara B.on 28 Oct 2008 at 8:42 am edit this

-My Husband’s Sweethearts
-The White Mary
I love “In Her Shoes” and all chick lit by Weiner!
# Dixieon 28 Oct 2008 at 8:52 am edit this

I’d like to read The White Mary and My Husbands Sweethearts.
My favorite chicklit novel is The Devil Wears Prada

southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com
# Katieon 28 Oct 2008 at 9:18 am edit this

This Charming Man and My Husbands Sweethearts would be my choices. I love to read. My latest and fav as of this week is a book called The Next Thing on My List. It is a wonderful book about finding yourself and the fun of it.
# Tiffanyon 28 Oct 2008 at 9:53 am edit this

First choice: This Charming Man
Second Choice: My Husband’s Sweethearts

My favorite are foodie-based cozy mysteries. Like the Coffeeshop Series. But I’m a little over run with mysteries, so I’d love some Chick lit to lighten my shelf up!! Thanks for the giveaway!
give_me_a_latte at yahoo
# Stacion 28 Oct 2008 at 12:18 pm edit this

I’d love to read My Husband’s Sweethearts or The House at Midnight.

My fav chick lit is American Girls About Town. Loved that it was short stories, since I don’t always have a lot of time to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
princess3sah(at)cs(dot)com
# Marieon 28 Oct 2008 at 1:29 pm edit this

I would choose This Charming Man and My Husbands Sweethearts I think.

My favorite books are mysteries, often cozies. My favorite mystery author is Rita Mae Brown — I love the series she writes with her cat Sneaky Pie

vmlay@artsci.wustl.edu
# Lindsieon 28 Oct 2008 at 1:42 pm edit this

The White Mary and The House at Midnight. I just read Seven by Ted Dekkar (a mystery) which was very good!
# Valerieon 28 Oct 2008 at 4:05 pm edit this

Hmm WHite Mary, My Husband’s Sweethearts
“Naked in Death” kinda mystery/thriller
# Cindion 28 Oct 2008 at 6:21 pm edit this

What a fantastic book giveaway drawing! My first two choices are: “The House at Midnight” and “The
White Mary.” My favorite mystery is “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” by Agatha Christie.
It began her character of Hercule Poirot! Please enter me in your fantastic book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
# RebekahCon 28 Oct 2008 at 7:20 pm edit this

I’d love to read all of the books you listed, but my top two from that list would be The This Charming Man (I’m a huge Keyes fan.) and My Husband’s Sweethearts. Both sound like good reads, that I could curl up with this chilly winter.

One of my favorite chic-lit books is actually a series. It’s the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. It’s too hard to say which from the series is my favorite though because each was equally satisfying. I will say though that if you stress easily this might not be a good series for you. One of my good friends couldn’t stand the series because the lead character’s inability to quit spending money she didn’t have simply stressed my friend out too badly. hehe

Thanks for the entry!
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
# Diana Dangon 28 Oct 2008 at 8:25 pm edit this

I would love my husband’s sweethearts and the house at midnight!

Best chick novel, Something Borrowed!
# Susan Con 28 Oct 2008 at 8:26 pm edit this

One of my favorite mysteries is The Bookman’s Promise by John Dunning, I also like Mary Higgins Clarks mysteries! Of the books you listed my top two favorites would be The Charming Man and The White Mary-but really I they all sound good!

smchester at gmail dot com
# Jessicaon 28 Oct 2008 at 8:56 pm edit this

I’d love My Husband’s Sweethearts or This Charming Man.

Bridget Jones’s Diary is for sure my favorite chick-lit book!
# MRS.MOMMYYon 28 Oct 2008 at 9:29 pm edit this

husbands sweethearts and the house at midnight.. favorite mystery will always be ellery queens would love to win…looks great, please enter me…mrs.mommyyatgmail.com
# Alyceon 28 Oct 2008 at 11:07 pm edit this

My top choices are:

1. My Husband’s Sweethearts
2. The House of Midnight

My favorite chick-lit book is Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella.
# Chelseaon 28 Oct 2008 at 11:11 pm edit this

My first choice is White Mary and my second choice is This Charming Man. Chick Lit is my favorite genre of books, I’ll have to say that so my favorite book though is all the books by Emily Giffin Thanks! FlipFlopsChels@msn.com
# karen c.on 28 Oct 2008 at 11:47 pm edit this

I’d pick My Husband’s Sweethearts and This Charming Man. I’m not sure what counts as chick lit, but my favorite book is definitely Twilight.
# Suzieon 29 Oct 2008 at 12:01 am edit this

My Husbands Sweethearts and The Charming Man both sound great. My favorite chick lit is Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series.
# Audreyon 29 Oct 2008 at 6:19 am edit this

My Husbands Sweethearts and The Charming Man would be my two choices. I just finished a book called Prior Bad Acts by Tami Hoag. It was excellent. I read it in 3 day.
# Maggieon 29 Oct 2008 at 7:13 am edit this

I love Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane (I think?). I would pick White Mary and The House at Midnight.
# Brookeon 29 Oct 2008 at 7:35 am edit this

I would go with My Husbands Sweethearts and The White Mary… As for my book hmmmm I’m a bookaholic and yet put on the spot and I’m Blank!!! My mind has been wiped clean and I can’t think of any author or title minus DR. SEUSS AGGGGHHHHH Can you tell I have a toddler.. hehee Oh the last mystery type book I read that I really like was errr Boogy Man by Gale Wilson (I think) One of the few times I actually had no clue who the bad guy was until the last few chapters. wiicked13 [at] yahoo [dot] com
# Jeanon 29 Oct 2008 at 8:20 am edit this

My Husband’s Sweethearts & The House at Midnight.

Hard to pick just ONE favorite book - can I pick authors (and even THAT is hard!)? Mysteries are my favorite - Tess Gerritsen is AMAZING - the medical detail in her mysteries are definitely not for the faint of heart! For Chick-lit, Sophie Kinsella - I think “The UnDomestic Goddess” is my favorite.
# Jessicaon 29 Oct 2008 at 9:26 am edit this

My choices are, My Husbands Sweethearts and The Charming Man. I like The Beach House.
# Beckyon 29 Oct 2008 at 10:20 am edit this

My choices are My Husbands Sweethearts and The House at Midnight. Right now I’m reading the Cedar Cove Series by Debbie MaComber and the Twilight series..enjoying them both
# Christelon 29 Oct 2008 at 11:29 am edit this

My 1st choice would be My Husbands Sweethearts and my 2nd choice would be The House at Midnight. Right now I’m enjoying James Patterson and Women’s Murder Club. My favorite chick lit books right now is Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. Thanks for this awesome giveaway.
# triciaon 29 Oct 2008 at 11:34 am edit this

I would love to read The White Mary and My Husband’s Sweethearts.

Favorite chicklit is probably “Devil Wears Prada”.
# Andreaon 29 Oct 2008 at 12:59 pm edit this

My choices are The House at Midnight and the White Mary.

My favorite mystery is The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde.
# Tonyaon 29 Oct 2008 at 1:22 pm edit this

My Husband’s Sweetheart’s and The White Mary sound wonderful.
I don’t read a lot of Mystery or Chick-lit but of the few I have read, My Sister’s Keeper and White Oleander are my favorites.
# Kirby McCauleyon 29 Oct 2008 at 1:29 pm edit this

I want to read The White Mary & The House at Midnight. My favorite chick lit has to be Sex, Lies, and a Double Latte!
# Jennifer S.on 29 Oct 2008 at 2:19 pm edit this

I would choose My Husband’s Sweethearts and The House at Midnight. I read so many books all the titles kind of run together, but I did like the Walsh Sister series my Marian Keyes. Thanks for the giveaway!
# Andreaon 29 Oct 2008 at 2:56 pm edit this

I would be interested in reading “My Husband’s Sweethearts” and “The House at Midnight.” Hmm. Good mysteries or chick lit. I really enjoy Alexander McCall Smith’s “#1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” Better yet, get it read on CD. The reader is amazingly talented with a beautiful grasp of the African pronunciations. I get them at the library whenever I can.
# Jodion 29 Oct 2008 at 3:18 pm edit this

I have been dying to read My Husband’s Sweethearts, my next choice would be The White Mary by Kira Salak.

My favorite chick lit is any of the Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella

purehrt555(at)yahoo(dot)com
# Elizabeth M.on 29 Oct 2008 at 4:42 pm edit this

My first choice would be My Husband’s Sweethearts and second choice would be The White Mary.

My favorite chick lit book as of late is probably the one I’m reading now called Bachelor Degree. It’s pretty funny and entertaining. I’m liking it quite a bit!

doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth
# Wendy aka misswendikion 29 Oct 2008 at 8:07 pm edit this

My Husband’s Sweethearts and The House at Midnight both sound good. Do the Sookie Stackhouse books count as mystery? I think the tagline is something like “Southern Vampire Mysteries.” As for chick-lit, I like it all, and am enjoying reading the other comments for more ideas.
# Camion 29 Oct 2008 at 8:51 pm edit this

I think The House at Midnight and The White Mary sound good. I read a lot of books, most recently I’m on a children’s lit kick, but as far as a chick book I enjoyed “Belong to Me” by Marisa de los Santos.
# Mia J.on 29 Oct 2008 at 9:26 pm edit this

My favorites would be The House at Midnight and My Husband’s Sweethearts. The chick lit book I have read that I liked would be The Friday Night Knitting Club.
# Junglewifeon 30 Oct 2008 at 12:40 am edit this

I’d pick The White Mary and My husband’s Sweethearts. I always love a new book!
I love the Shopaholic series of chick-lit books. Just fun and funny!
# Molly Capelon 30 Oct 2008 at 1:10 am edit this

My husband’s sweethearts & The house at Midnight would be my perfect. Sophie Kinsella’s books are cute chic lit books.
# Kimon 30 Oct 2008 at 8:46 am edit this

I think The House at Midnight and The White Mary look the most appealing to me.

I started reading the alphabet mystery books by Sue Grafton, and am really enjoying them! I’m only on “D is for Deadbeat”, but so good so far =)
# danion 30 Oct 2008 at 2:21 pm edit this

The charming man & my husband’s sweetheart.

I love the McKetrick Series!

daniwilliams30 AT gmail DOT com
# Karenon 30 Oct 2008 at 6:08 pm edit this

My first two choices are The white mary and The House of Midnight. I really don’t read mysteries so my favorite chick lit book is The Brass Bed by Jennifer Stevenson.

Karen

Here On Columbia Avenue
Da Boss And Bryguy
4 Cats Make Me Crazy!
# Green Yakon 30 Oct 2008 at 6:29 pm edit this

I’d like to read either The White Mary or The House at Midnight.

Favorite mystery novel . . . well, I like most of Laurie R. King’s novels!
# Sherri B.on 30 Oct 2008 at 6:49 pm edit this

My Husband’s Sweethearts and The House at Midnight would be my first picks, but I haven’t read any of them before so I would be happy to win any of them. I am always looking for new authors!!!I don’t generally do chick-lit but I do adore the Dean Koontz series about Odd Thomas. If you haven’t read them, I strongly suggest you give them a try!!!
# Jacqueline in Atlantaon 30 Oct 2008 at 9:44 pm edit this

I would enjoy reading My Husband’s Sweethearts and This Charming Man.
I like the Shopaholic series. Light, entertaining reading.

Thanks for having the giveaway!
# Chrysaon 30 Oct 2008 at 9:58 pm edit this

I like My Husband’s Sweethearts and This Charming Man. I love all of Jane Greene’s books - they’re my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway!
# Jenon 31 Oct 2008 at 1:32 am edit this

My choices would be “The White Mary” and “My Husband’s Sweethearts.” for Chick lit I love the first shopaholic book and reread parts of it on bad days… As a mystery I just read “The face” by angela hunt and think it was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!
# Christy H.on 31 Oct 2008 at 6:17 am edit this

The House at Midnight by Lucie Whitehouse
The White Mary by Kira Salak

My favorite mystery series at this time is Heather Grahams FLYNN BROTHERS Trilogy. I just finished reading DEADLY HARVEST.
# Tammyon 31 Oct 2008 at 11:30 am edit this

My Husband’s Sweethearts and The House at Midnight.

I’m reading One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell right now, and am liking it a lot! I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but then I find it tough to say I have a “favorite” book.
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Killzone 2 - the best PS3 game yet?Still LittleBigPlanet for me, but Sony’s new shooter is mightily impressive.
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