DANNY'S DOODLES: THE JELLY BEAN EXPERIMENT by David Adler and GIVEAWAY!!!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

When I first started reading, I remember loving the Cam Jansen series because I always love a good mystery and it was fun to find a series with a plucky girl detective.  I was happy to hear that the author of the Cam Jansen series, David Adler, is back with new new series for young readers.

Fourth-grader Danny Cohen's new friend is a little eccentric.  Calvin Waffle is curious about everything and likes to try unusual experiments. Including challenging the teacher's list of rules. He even asks Danny to fill his pockets with jellybeans but NOT eat them.When Calvin figures out a way to predict the opposing pitcher's throw at Danny's baseball game, Danny thinks he has a secret weapon. The only problem is that Calvin doesn't like baseball.  Danny and his friends must convince Calvin to change his mind so that they can win the big game.

This fun story is told through both words and drawings so it makes a nice transition from picture books to chapter books. The characters are fun and kids will really enjoy Adler's doodles throughout the book.

GIVEAWAY!!!

I have a copy of this book to give away!  If you'd like to get a child started on this fun new series, leave a comment at the end of the post.  For extra entries, follow me on Facebook and Twitter and leave a post saying that you did.  (For United States residents only.  This contest ends on Monday, September 30 at 4:00pm PST)

THE BOOKMAN'S TALE by Charlie Lovett and ****GIVEAWAY****

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I just devoured Charlie Lovett's new book, THE BOOKMAN'S TALE.  I am always drawn to literary mysteries. Especially when they involve books. These types of tales aren't always successful, though.  In this case, I was pleasantly surprised.

Peter Bylerly, an antiquarian bookseller, is still reeling from the sudden death of his wife Amanda.  He escapes to the English countryside to try and work through his grief while re-establishing his career. As Peter browses through some titles at a local bookstore, a Victorian watercolor portrait falls out of a book about Shakespeare forgeries. The portait looks just like Amanda. Peter becomes obsessed with finding the origins of the mysterious portrait.  As he does so, he becomes caught up in a game of forgery and the potential discovery of a lifetime regarding William Shakespeare.

I loved how Lovett not only gave us a wonderful portrait of a grieving widower trying to lose himself in his old interests but also interweaves the tale of the various owners of what may or may not be the Holy Grail of Shakespeare scholarship.  We follow the book's progress through various owners over time as, in the present day, Peter works to uncover its origins and to decide whether or not the book is a fake. In some ways, this novel reminded me of PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks.  It made me want to run out and take a few courses on bookbinding and book restoration.  The pacing of the book was really well done and the story was entertaining. While the climax was slightly cheesy, it didn't deter from my enjoyment at all.

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended.  A great read for bibliophiles.  Perfect for Summer vacation.

I get to give away a copy of this great book!!!

Entry #1:  Leave me a comment telling me why you are interested in this book.

Entry #2:  Follow me on Facebook.

Entry #3: Follow me on Twitter.

Please leave a comment for each entry along with a way for me to contact you.  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and closes on May 31, 2013 at 4:30pm PST.

And the random number generator selected comment #2.  Congrats to Genevieve!

A FLOWER IN THE SNOW Blog Tour and Giveaway!!!!

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I am so thrilled to be a part of a blog tour for this lovely picture book!

In Tracey Corderoy's and Sophie Allsopp's sweet and whimsical story, Luna and her polar bear friend, Bear, discover a beautiful yellow flower growing out of the snow. Luna quickly dubs the flower her "sunshine flower" and vows to keep in forever. When the flower fades, Luna becomes depressed and Bear vows to find her another flower.  With Bear gone on his quest, Luna realizes what really matters to her.  And it isn't a flower.

The illustrations are just beautiful:

This one was Noodlebug's favorite:

This is such a beautiful book and I thought the story was so sweet. I loved the emphasis on the importance of friendship and relationships over material things.  As someone with an anthropology background, I also loved the fact that the human character wasn't your standard Anglo child.  It was such a great setting to have the story take place in a snowy, northern spot with an Inuit-like child.  It added a special dimension to the book.  While this isn't a holiday book, it would be a perfect winter read for any family. And it emphasizes important values that we can all appreciate.

I am giving away a copy of this lovely picture book.  It will make a perfect gift for some lucky child. This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada.  

Leave a comment on why you'd like to win this book along with your contact information.

The giveaway ends on Friday, December 20 at 4:00pm PST.

HOW DOES SLEEP COME? Giveaway!!!!

HOW DOES SLEEP COME? by Jeanne C. Blackmore has such lovely, gentle illustrations.  I think my very favorite part of the book is when Blackmore says,  "Sleep comes softly. Like a cloud that drifts through a bright summer sky and sweeps a cool shadow across the land."

Doesn't that bring to mind a lovely summer day? 

I asked Noodlebug what his favorite part of the book was. He couldn't choose. He said he liked all of them.

I am especially partial to this illustration:

Read my extended review of this book here.

I am so happy that I get to share this lovely bedtime book with you by giving a copy away!!!  Leave a comment about how sleeps comes for YOUR family.  Make sure and include a way for me to contact you.  This giveaway is option to residents from the US and Canada and closes on Friday, September 28.

***Giveaway*** SHADOW OF NIGHT

DISCOVERY OF WITCHES fans rejoice! The countdown for the sequel has begun! If you haven't had a chance to read my review yet, go here.

I have the wonderful opportunity to give away not only a finished copy of SHADOW OF NIGHT but also a few extra goodies!

In addition to a copy of the book, you will receive an exclusive Ashmole 782 temporary tattoo:

And an exclusive set of buttons:

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below along with a way for me to contact you. For extra entries, follow this blog on Facebook.  Leave an additional comment for the Facebook entry.  Entries close on Thursday, June 28 at 8:00am PST.

For another exciting contest on Deborah Harkness' Facebook fan page, go here and enter to win a copy of the book and a sample size set of Diana's and Matthew's perfumes!  They will give away a set every Friday from June 1 through July 6.   (four winners total)

SHADOW OF NIGHT will be released on July 10.  If you haven't had a chance to read the first book, Amazon will be offering the e-book version of A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES for just $2.99 as their "Deal of the Day" on June 10th only.

****GIVEAWAY*** KAMA SUTRA by Vatsyayana

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

Penguin Classics has come out with a lovely new edition of the KAMA SUTRA just in time for Valentine's Day.  Most people have a very narrow idea of this classic work as a piece of erotic literature but it is actually a wonderful historical work about living well.  "Kama" means desire and this particular "sutra" serves as a guide to love, pleasure, and relationships.   When I read this book many many years ago, I expected a guide to various erotic practices but I was surprised to see that it was much much more!  The book begins with descriptions of life and daily routines for girls and young men.  Book Two focuses on the many facets of Sexual Union.  There is even a chapter on "Scratching!"  Book Three is all about wooing and winning a girl for the purposes of marriage. Book Four focuses on the role of the wife.  The KAMA SUTRA continues onto other topics concerning relationships and love and the general interaction of the sexes.  This particular version has a very nice introduction that goes into the history of the work and its author as well as its continued significance in modern times and its influence on literature.

Personally, I enjoyed the section on life and conduct of the "only" wife.  Here is a tidbit:


"When a little offended at some misdoing of her husband, she does not speak to him too harshly.  If she has to reproach him, she does it when they are alone or among close friends.  But she never resorts to sorcery, for nothings destroys trust more than this, according to Gonardiya.  She refrains from using bad language, looking daggers, speaking with her face turned away, standing in the doorway and staring, chatting with someone in the park and lingering in lonely places."

I myself have definitely been guilty of "looking daggers" although I have yet to resort to sorcery.


BOTTOM LINE: A wonderful and often humorous classic worth revisiting.


****GIVEAWAY****

Would you like to win your very own Valentine's Day copy of this new edition of the KAMA SUTRA?

1. Get one entry for leaving a comment below that includes a way to contact you if you win.

2.  Get an extra entry for following this blog. (see sidebar)  Leave me a comment telling me you did.

3. Get an extra entry for following LIFE BY CANDLELIGHT on Facebook.  Leave me a comment telling me you did.

CONTEST CLOSES Wednesday, February 8 at 4:30pm PST.

LEFTOVERS Audio Giveaway!!!

I have been given the opportunity to give away a book on CD version of Tom Perrotta's new book THE LEFTOVERS.  Read my review here.   This is one of my favorite books this year and I was VERY tempted to keep the audio version for myself but.....after some soul searching....I decided I just had to share the wealth.

I am offering you several chances to win.  Leave a separate comment for each method of entry. I will validate each entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite book that you have read this year.

2. Follow this blog and leave me a comment telling me you did.

3. "Like" this page on Facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did.

4.  Follow me on Twitter (@bibanon1) and leave me a comment telling me you did.

The contest will be open until Monday, September 12.  Please make sure you have left me a way of contacting you in your entries.

THE SISTERS BROTHERS by Patrick Dewitt and a ***GIVEAWAY***

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I was immediately drawn to this book by the graphic colors and clever imagery of the cover.  After reading the book, I was truck at how well the cover really does represent the story.  This quirky western with a twist features a pair of guns-for-hire brothers named Eli and Charlie Sisters.  The Sisters Brothers have been working as hit men for "the Commodore" for years but Eli is starting to experience some existential angst over his place in the world.  As the brother make their way to San Francisco on a job to kill inventor/prospector Herman Warm, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters and a number of adventures.  Eli narrates the book and questions what he really wants out of life and whether he can continue in this line of work. There are several funny moments throughout the story that reveal the complexity of Eli's character such as his fondness for tooth-brushing and his inexplicable fondness and loyalty to his nag of horse.  DeWitt does a great job taking the Sisters Brothers from generic Old West killers to complicated men who may have been forced into the lives they lead by a series of unfortunate events.  Money flows in and out of their hands so quickly that they never seem to be able to choose any other path. It remains to be seen whether the Warm job will be their last.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great twist on the traditional Western and I really loved Eli's character.  He was so introspective while also being driven by dark violent impulses. The comic moments kept the story going and the reader can't help but enjoy being carried along on the journey as the brothers make their way to California.  I was truly interested to see how the job would turn out and what choices Eli would make in the end.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. A clever quick read and a fun and interesting take on the traditional Western.
Want to win a beautiful limited edition letterpress poster of this book cover?

(I really should have put on makeup)

I was so excited when I was sent this lovely letterpress poster of the cover. Even if you don't care to read the book, I love the graphic design of the cover and the double image.  I think it will look great in my office. Plus, letterpress always makes everything look fantastic.  Each 12" x 18" poster is signed and numbered.  To win your own limited edition poster, leave a comment with your details. I'll draw a winner the evening of Sunday, June 26.

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

The Streamer Frock Grosgrain Giveaway

I love love love this dress! Aren't the colors great? I keep meaning to join in on one of Grosgrain's Frocks by Friday but I have to finish my current projects first. Follow the link above to win this masterpiece!!!!

(photo borrowed from and owned by GROSGRAIN)

Random Acts of Kindness/Pay It Forward Contest

You all know that I am big believer in the Random Act of Kindness/Pay it Forward concept. I regularly surprise people in the drive-thru at Starbucks by buying their coffee for them.

Well, Jennifer over at Wilson Six is having a contest to promote this kind of behavior. So, post about the contest at your blog and link it back to Jennifer and you could win a great prize! But, more importantly, go out and do something randomly kind and wonderful for somebody. Here are some suggestions:


*leave something for a neighbor

*Pay for the coffee of the car behind you at your local coffee shop

*Send a note to someone that you have not talked to in ages

*Buy the sweet Wal-mart greeter a soda as you leave the store

*Have your children get involved

*writing a thank you note to someone who would never expect it and maybe one you have been thinking in your head but have not taken the time to do it

*track down an former school teacher and let them know the great affect they had on you

*the next time you leave the store tell the manager something you enjoyed

*pick a family member and write tell them why you love being in their family

*send your spouse or friend a note at work

*buy lemonade from any kid selling it on the street


GET CREATIVE!!!

Here is the link to Jennifer's site:

LINK

Now, go forth and be NICE!!!

WINNERS!!!!

The first runner up (and winner of the Nexxus gift pack) is....


AMY THOMPSON!!!!


And the grand prize winner of the highly coveted OPRAH tote goes to...


BOOKFOOL!!!!



For the other entrants....I'm going to send you a small token. I am asking all contestants to e-mail me your mailing information ASAP and I'll send out your prizes. Thanks for playing!

bibanon1@gmail.com

LBC Birthday Giveaway *sticky post*

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Luke 12:48

This is one of my favorite bible verses and I try really really hard to live by it because I often feel like the luckiest girl in the world. So, in recognition of 32 blessed years on this earth as of May 25, I am hosting a little giveaway.

The Grand Prize winner will receive one of the coveted Oprah totes given away this year full of goodies and samples. (includes everything in photo above except Nexxus prize on the left)

The 2nd Prize winner will receive a Nexxus haircare gift set.

To enter, please leave a comment on this post AND TELL ME HOW YOU FOUND MY BLOG. Include your contact info. I will accept entries until I do the drawing on Tuesday night, May 29.