Rendi Style Giveaway! Win a $50 Gift Code

I am excited to bring you a chance to win a $50 gift code to use on Rendi Style's Home Decor website. Their products are wonderful - you'll love them! Check out my review here.

Here is one of my plaques from Rendi - LOVE it!

 Entry is easy, and open to residents of the US.


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This giveaway is part of a review and giveaway tour with Karma Media.

What Wendi Wants Blog Launch Giveaway: Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler Recycling Bin (ERV $15.99, Rafflecopter, US/CAN)

Win your own Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler recycling bin here.
(ERV $15.99)

The Hidden Recycler helps you by providing an affordable and portable way to make recycling fun and easy.

The main bin simply slides off the holder so you can run it out to your recycling container, then easily hooks back on.  It is also machine washable!!  View the review HERE

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada, and will run from April 15th - April 30th midnight EST.

The What Wendi Wants Blog Launch Giveaway will officially begin on April 15th, and is being co-hosted by Day By Day in Our World, Life With Levi, Sunshine and Sippy Cups, and Wendi's Book Corner  to launch Wendi's new blog: What Wendi Wants.  If you want to get a jump-start on your giveaway entries, "Like" or "Follow" each person on the pages below - when the giveaway goes live, you'll be ready!

Twitter 
Facebook 
Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In all, we have over $550 in great prizes including: Skylanders Xbox 360 game pack (Game, portal, 3 characters), Pure Pearls Freshwater Pearl Bracelet, Perplexus 3D Puzzle Maze Game, Aromafloria Stress-Less Spa Set, and a Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler. Once you enter this giveaway, return to the main What Wendi Wants Blog Launch Giveaway Page and enter the other great giveaways.

Review and Giveaway: A Match For Mary Bennet by Eucharista Ward O.S.F.

A Match for Mary Bennet: Can a serious young lady ever find her way to love?
by Eucharista Ward O.S.F.
Sourcebooks Landmark (October 1, 2009) ~ 368 pages
Fiction / Jane Austen Spin-off

Edition Reviewed: Advanced Reader Edition ~ Many thanks to Sourcebooks for sending me a copy of the book for review.
Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read

My Thoughts: This is another fun follow-up story to Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice (one of my favorite books). One thing I particularly liked about this book, is that Eucharista Ward O.S.F. took a character that I think was really overlooked in the original Pride and Prejudice and focused on her character and development in this book.

For me, the first few chapters were a little slow, as they focused on so many little details while developing Mary's character (yes, this IS needed, just made it a tad slow for me), but soon after, the book started to pick up. It was nice to watch Mary transform from her almost singular focus on improving her mind through the pursuit of reading and music, to a more well-rounded young woman.

Initially set on living a solitary life, she meets two very eligible young men who both show an interest in her. The first is Stephen Oliver, who has come to the local area to become the vicar of Kympton. He has a love of books and initially seems to be the perfect match for Mary, who thinks he would be perfect for Kitty. Next, we are introduced to James Stilton, who enjoys music and who seems to be just a little shady.

While being encouraged to accept an expected marriage proposal (that Mary does not desire) by her mother, and simultaneously being told to reject the proposal by her father, Mary is ultimately given her freedom in a very unexpected manner. . . with the help of Mr. Oliver and Darcy!

One thing I particularly liked was that while Mr. Collins turned the Bennett family (or at least some members) against Lydia and the poor choices she made by asking them to consider her as though she were dead, Mr. Oliver tried to open Mary's eyes to the fact that Lydia's life had most likely not turned out as she had expected, and that she should be embraced by the family. He also helped her to see a few other people in a different light as well, which I found to be refreshing and in turn, helped Mary to grow as an individual.

Another fun perk of reading this book - we got to catch up with Darcy and Elizabeth as they welcomed a new addition to their family, Jane and Bingley, Georgiana, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, et al. About the only thing that I will add is that in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice we came to know and love Kitty as "Kitty," not as Catherine as she is referred to in this book. I kept reading about Catherine and trying to place her among everyone. After a few chapters, it became easier to remember that Catherine is really Kitty.

From the Publisher:

A unique and inspirational Pride and Prejudice sequel that will resonate with all readers who can relate to Mary Bennet's determination to live according to God's wishes

Written by a Franciscan nun, this is a sympathetic tale of the middle Bennet sister from Pride and Prejudice. Pious Mary Bennet tries to do her duty in the world as she thinks God envisions it.

Initially believing (mistakenly) that her sister Elizabeth married well only in order to provide for her sisters, Mary is happy to be relieved of the obligation to marry at all so that she can continue her faithful works.

But she begins to have second thoughts after further studying marriage through her sisters' experiences as well as spending time with two young men. One is a splendid young buck whose determined courtship must have ulterior motives; the other is a kindly, serious young clergyman whose friendship Mary values more and more. One day she realizes that God very much made man and woman to be together...but which is the man for her?

About the Author: (From the book)

Eucharista Ward is a Sister in the order of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, with an MA in English. After retiring from teaching she became a licensed nurse's aid and currently works nights in an assisted living residence, where—to pass the time—she writes sequels to Jane Austen's beloved novels.

Giveaway Details:
1. Leave a comment here telling me your favorite Austen character (1 entry)

1.5. For a daily bonus, come back and tell me about an Austen sequel you have read and what you liked about it (1 entry daily, must be different books each day)

2. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and/or Facebook and report it here (1 entry)

3. Become a follower (link is on the right hand sidebar) and leave a comment here (or "remind" me you are already a follower so I know you want to be included in this giveaway) (1 entry)

4. Fave Wendi's Book Corner on Technorati by following the link on the right hand sidebar just above Followers (1 entry)

The drawing will be held October 31st-ish. Winner: I will send you an email, please reply with your address so I can forward your contact information to the publisher!

This giveaway is open to residents within the United States and Canada, no PO Boxes.

~ Wendi

Winners of September Giveaways!

I have three giveaways that ended September 30th. . . and here are the winners!

Bargain With The Devil by Enid Wilson (includes memo pad and earrings, courtesy of the author)


Angelz

Yoplait Fiber One Gift Packs, courtesy of Yoplait and the wonderful people at MyBlogSpark:


Ali
Cdziuba
Nickolay

The Smart One and The Pretty One by Claire LaZebnik, courtesy of the publisher, Hachette Book Group:


Esme
Heartsmakefamilies
Julie J
Marilyn S
Renee

I'm sending an email to all the winners. Please send me (email: wbarker at hotmail.com) your contact information along with your blogger name if you didn't use your name. I'll forward your information to the sender or get the item in the mail myself.
Didn't win this month, don't despair - I've got a few more giveaways almost ready for October!
~ Wendi

Giveaway: Yoplait Whips Gift Pack

Courtesy of the wonderful people at MyBlogSpark, I have the pleasure of offering one reader a Yoplait Whips "Summer Cool Down" gift pack!

I received this great gift pack the other day!! It includes a great lunch-bag type cooler, a set of Popsicle molds, 12 color-changing spoons (heat sensitive) and two coupons for free Yoplait Whips (This free coupon is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee).


Yoplait Whips are wonderfully light and creamy yogurt cups that include Vitamin D in every cup, and are currently available in these great flavors:

Chocolate
Chocolate Raspberry
Dulce de Leche
Key Lime Pie
Lemon Meringue
Orange Crème
Peaches 'N Cream
Raspberry Mousse
Strawberry Mist

My personal favorites are Raspberry Mousse and Strawberry Mist, while Dulce de Leche is a close third!

Another great thing about the Yoplait Whips is you can freeze them in the freezer with a spoon or Popsicle stick in the middle and then eat them like Popsicles without the guilt of huge amounts of sugar, because they are actually good for you!

Get a coupon for a FREE Yoplait® Whips!® sample when you sign up for the Betty Crocker® email newsletter here!

To be included in the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment here telling me what you like about yogurt and/or a creative way you have used it and include your email if it is not in your profile (1 entry)
2. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and/or Facebook and report it here (1 entry)
3. Become a follower and leave a comment here (or "remind" me you are already a follower so I know you want to be included in this giveaway) (1 entry)

The drawing will be held September 10th. Winner: I will send you an email, please reply with your address so I can forward your contact information to my contact at MyBlogSpark!

This giveaway is open to residents within the United States, no PO Boxes.

~ Wendi

Giveaway: Fiber One Yogurt Friends-Off Giveaway

An FYI to all my book bloggy friends:

I'm giving away 3 Fiber One Yogurt Friends-Off Gift Baskets over on Wendi's Impressions, courtesy of MyBlogSpark!!

Each Gift pack will include the following:

-One coupon for a free pack of Fiber One Yogurt

-a nutrition journal

-water bottle

-pedometer with calorie counter

-and a kitchen scale

I got mine the other day, and love it! :) The kitchen scale is helpful - something I've been wanting to pick up. I also love the pedometer and the water bottle. Plus, how can you beat yogurt that has the added benefit of extra fiber and actually tastes great??

So hurry on over and enter to win!! You can enter daily.

Winners: The Agency by Ally O'Brien

Special thanks go out to the people at St. Martin's Press/Macmillan, who are helping me giveaway 15 galley copies of The Agency by Ally O'Brien!

Also, a special thanks to everyone who entered this contest - there were over 130 comments. I loved reading all the date night ideas. :)

Come back soon for more great giveaways.






And the winners are:

Alyce
Anna
Bermudaonion
Calon Lan
Erica Lynn
Eyeslikesugar
Jenny Girl
Jo-Jo
Lenore
Margot
Stacybuckeye
Steph Su
SweetSue
Tarahsfoodreviews
The Epic Rat

I'm in the process of sending out emails - please reply with your address so I can send it on to the publicist. . . if you happen to see this before I email you, feel free to email me your name and address (include your name from the list above) at wbarker at hotmail.com. :)

~ Wendi

HUGE Health and Beauty Book Giveaway: 20+ Books, 20+ Winners!

Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to review some great Health and Beauty books to help bring in the New Year! Now, with the help of Hachette Books and Random House/WaterBrook Press, I'd like to invite you to join me in making 2009 a healthier and happier year!

Hachette Books is allowing me to give away 5 copies of each of these books:
Get Positively Beautiful by Carmindy
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown
Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing For Life by Cherie Calbom, MS with John Calbom, MA
UltraLongevity by Mark Liponis, MD



AND Random House / WaterBrook Press sent me a set of Chantel Hobbs' books to include in the giveaway:

Never Say Diet by Chantel Hobbs
The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer by Chantel Hobbs



Additionally, I reviewed these books, but do not currently have copies to include in the giveaway:

The Beauty Prescription by Debra Luftman, M.D. and Eva Ritvo, M.D.
Breathing Space by Katrina Repka and Alan Finger



You can enter this giveaway daily!!!

To be included in the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here and include a quick health or beauty tip and your email (be sure to let me know if there is a particular book you would like to win - I can't promise you will get your #1 choice, but I will try) (1 entry daily)
2. Leave a thoughtful comment on any of the reviews (links above) (2 entries each)
3. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and report it here (1 entry)
4. Become a follower and leave a comment here (or "remind" me you are already a follower so I know you want to be included in this giveaway) (1 entry)


The drawing will be held Wednesday January 28th. Winners: I will send you each an email, you will need to reply with your address so I can forward it to the publisher or send the book directly to you. In the event that a winner does not respond, I will go to the next name in the drawing and notify them.

This giveaway is open to residents within the United States and Canada, but books will NOT be shipped to PO Boxes.

~ Wendi

Winner: Snow Valley Heroes by Robert McCarty

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and participate in this giveaway!

Without further ado . . . . the winners are:

Heather and Hayley!!

I have sent you both an email! Please make sure you send me your name and address so I can mail you a brand new copy of the book.

If I don't hear back from the winners by next Wednesday, I will go to the next name via random.org.

Winner: The Christmas Edition by Robin Shope

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and participate in this giveaway!

Without further ado . . . . the winner is: Kaye

I have sent you an email and left you a comment on your blog! Please make sure you send me your name and address so I can forward your information to Robin, who will be mailing you a brand new copy of the book.

If I don't hear back from the winner by next Wednesday, December 31st, I will go to the next name via random.org.

Happy Holidays ~ Wendi

Winners: Jane Porter Books

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and participate in this giveaway!

Without further ado . . . . the winners are:



Grand Prize (all 4 5-Spot Jane Porter books!): Cheryl LuckyLadybug

Runners Up (Flirting With Forty): Anna and Lissa

I have sent you an email and left you a comment on your blog! Please make sure you send me your name and address so I can forward your information to Hachette Book Group, who will be mailing you a brand new copy of the book(s).

If I don't hear back from the winners by next Wednesday, December 24th, I will go to the next name via random.org.

Take care ~ Wendi

Interview and Giveaway: Joe McNamara of The Christmas Edition, written by Robin Shope

Today, it is my pleasure to share a unique interview with you. Donna (of Write by Faith) and I each chose a main character from Robin Shope's new book The Christmas Edition to interview. Donna interviewed Lucy Collins, one of the main characters, while I interviewed Joe McNamara, another main character.

Special thanks go out to Robin Shope, the author of The Christmas Edition, who graciously completed the interviews for us and is allowing us to giveaway one copy of her book (which I LOVE)! See below for the giveaway details.

Together, we are sharing our interviews with you today. To see Donna's interview with Lucy, visit (sorry, the link is broken and will be corrected when a new one is found).

To see my review of The Christmas Edition, click here.
To view my author interview with Robin Shope, click here.

Without further ado - we will now hear from Joe McNamara!


Who has had the biggest impact on shaping your life prior to Turtle Creek?

My parents had a tremendous impact on shaping my life. Being the only child of two professionals, I was given an excellent education at The Latin School of Chicago. However, my schooling went far beyond that. We went to concerts (symphonies), stage plays, museums, art galleries, and they hired private tutors so I could explore anything I was curious to learn. We also traveled extensively.

How do you like to unwind at the end of the day?

I begin and end my day by reading the Bible. It helps me put everything into perspective and centers me on Christ reminding me where my priorities are at.

What is your favorite book or author?

May I say the Bible again? Aside from that beautiful book of hope and salvation, I enjoy reading poetry –especially by Robert Frost. ‘The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.’ These simple, yet powerful lines, speak of my resolve to make my life really matter.

Book Specific:

We learn that you were an only child, and that your parents were both killed in a car accident while you were in college. Do you have an extended family that you stay in contact with?

There is no one. I wasn’t raised on family reunions and holiday traditions like Lucy. I think that is another reason why it was so easy to fall in love with her. She came in a package with wonderful, quirky relatives who opened their hearts to me and welcomed me home. I have never known such love from strangers or even knew it existed. Sometimes I have a hard time letting people in to my life, opening up. I watch Lucy. She has a gift for making people feel welcome.

Other than your experience with Hudson, where there other reasons you were looking for a change of pace in your career?

I needed to find myself again.

While visiting/living in Turtle Creek, you go through a major transformation with your faith. If you could have another conversation with the elderly man in the church, what would you talk about, and what would you say to him?

I am interested in learning his name. It was a one time chance meeting. Of course, I have never asked anyone about him but I have this feeling that when I am really searching again for a spiritual truth, he will be around to answer it.

Some people place a lot of value on traditions, especially around the holidays (Lucy’s family uses ornaments to enjoy prior year’s memories that are important to them) – do you have any traditions around the holidays that are especially important to you?

My family wasn’t much for traditions. They were focused on the here and now. If I make them sound like cold figures forgive me for they weren’t. I knew I as loved. And they always put me first.

Fast forward 10 years, what do you think your life will be like?

I hope I will have grown more fully into the knowledge of Christ. And I see four kids in our house, creating our own family traditions. By then I hope the paper will have grown a great deal along with the businesses in our small town.

Lastly, do you have any last thoughts or questions you would like to share with readers?

Allow love to be your guide and trust that. Never run from what God is asking of you. He will give you the strength and courage to do what needs to be done in your life. This world is so fleeting. Build His kingdom.


BOOK GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Robin Shope has generously offered to send one of my readers a copy of The Christmas Edition.

To be entered, please leave a comment here (Please include your email so I can contact you if you are the winner)! It is that simple!

For a bonus entry, leave a comment on my review and/or my interview with Robin!

A winner will be randomly drawn on December 21st, and will be notified via email.

This drawing is open to addresses within the United States.




This interview has been added to the About the Author Index! Click here to read more author interviews.

Book Giveaway: Flirting With Forty by Jane Porter (6 Books by Jane Porter - 3 Winners)

Flirting With Forty Airs on Lifetime Saturday December 6th at 9:00 PM/8:00 Central!!

To help promote the premiere of Flirting With Forty, the folks at Hachette Book Group USA are helping me host a new giveaway! I am very excited - 3 winners will receive a great book by Jane Porter:




Grand Prize - (1 winner) Flirting With Forty, The Frog Prince, Odd Mom Out and Mrs. Perfect!!

Runners Up - (2 winners) Flirting With Forty

From Hachette Book Group USA (publisher):

Flirting With Forty: He got the second home and the Porsche. She got the kids and a broken heart. Now Jackie, post-divorce and heading toward the big four-oh, is on vacation in sunny Hawaii and staring down her upcoming birthday-alone. But not for long. She's soon falling for Kai, her gorgeous, much younger surf instructor, and the wild passionate fling they have becomes the biggest surprise of Jackie's life.

Back home in Seattle, Jackie has to struggle with single parenthood...and memories of Kai. He hasn't forgotten her. Yet thousands of miles of ocean-not to mention an age difference that feels even wider-separate them. And, of course, her friends disapprove. When a choice must be made, can she, will she risk everything for her chance at happiness?

The Frog Prince (from Amazon): Holly Bishop is the proverbial, small-town good girl. She always follows the rules, thinks of others first, and she never, ever makes mistakes. Until she marries the man she thought was her Prince Charming, who confesses on their honeymoon that he's not sexually attracted to her. Now, 14 months after, Holly's marriage is in the toilet, along with her self-esteem. Determined to start over, she moves to San Francisco, where she must navigate the landmines of dating in the big city. In the shadow of the Golden Gate and amid a population of wacky Bay Area eccentrics, Holly will discover that nice girls don't always finish last. In fact, they sometimes end up with everything they'd ever wanted.

Odd Mom Out: Advertising executive Marta Zinsser is no poster child for her wealthy Seattle suburb-and nothing could please her more. This former New Yorker wears combat boots, not Manolos, and drives a righteous Harley hog instead of a Mercedes SUV. Now she's launching her own agency in this land of the Microsoft elite, even though her ten-year-old daughter wishes she'd put on a sweater set and just be normal.

Can this ex-urbanite remain uniquely herself without alienating the inner circle of smug, cookie-cutter executive wives? And when push comes to shove, can she stop being the proud odd mom out and take a chance at something frighteningly-and tantalizingly-new?

Mrs. Perfect: As a young California girl growing up in a blue collar neighborhood, Taylor Young dreamed of being popular, beautiful, and acquiring a wardrobe to die for. Not to mention marrying a handsome, successful man and living happily ever after in a gorgeous house with three wonderful children. Now, at 36, Taylor has reached the pinnacle of her dreams, but is it all about to unravel? As the new school year approaches, Taylor prepares herself for playing the perfect alpha mom: organizing class activities, fund-raising, and chairing the school auction. But the horror! Her archrival, bohemian mom Marta Zinsser, is named Head Room Mom of Taylor's daughter's fifth grade class. As tensions rise at committee meetings and school activities, the two rivals seem to be destined for a final confrontation. But as Taylor plans her next move, she is floored by a more serious blow at home-her husband has been secretly unemployed for the past six months. With her posh lifestyle crumbling, Taylor struggles to maintain her alpha image-but could Marta, who cares little about appearances, be her only true friend?

To read my review of Flirting With Forty, click here.

To be included in the giveaway (make sure you leave your email in one of the comments so I can contact you if you are the winner!):

1. Leave a general comment here (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on my review (2 entries)
3. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and report it here (1 entry)
4. Become a follower and leave a comment here (or "remind" me you are already a follower so I know you want to be included in this giveaway) (1 entry)
5. For additional entries, come back during or after the premier and let me know your favorite part of the movie!! (2 entries)

The drawing will be held Wednesday December 17th. Winners: I will send you each an email, after you reply, I will forward your contact information to the publisher who will send the book(s) directly to you.

This giveaway is open to residents within the United States and Canada, no PO Boxes.

Winner: The American Journey of Barack Obama

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and participate in this giveaway!

Without further ado . . . . the winner is:

Bermudaonion

I have sent you an email and left you a comment on your blog! Please make sure you send me your name and address so I can forward your information to Hachette Book Group, who will be mailing you a brand new copy of the book. If I don't hear back from Bermudaonion by next Wednesday, December 3rd, I will go to the next name via random.org.

Take care ~ Wendi

Winner: Kushiel's Imriel Trilogy Giveaway (Hachette Book Group)

And now - - - the winner of the Imriel Trilogy from the Kushiel's Legacy books: (I used Random.org to generate the winner list)

Ann over at Booklorn!!

Congratulations!! I've sent you an email and left a comment on your blog. Please email me your address and I'll forward it to Hachette Books!

And now, a special thanks to Miriam at Hachette Book Group USA for helping me with this giveaway!! Thank you Miriam!! Thank you Hachette!!

Here is what Booklorn just won: KUSHIEL'S SCION, KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE and KUSHIEL'S MERCY!!!










What a treat!!

And now for a special thanks to everyone who stopped by to participate in this giveaway! Please stop by next week for a new giveaway in coordination with Bookroom Review's Book Giveaway Carnival!

Book Giveaway: Imriel trilogy: KUSHIEL'S SCION, KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE and KUSHIEL'S MERCY by Jacqueline Carey

I am SO excited! I emailed my contact at Hachette books, to let them know how much I loved Kushiel's Mercy, and asked them if it would be possible to host a giveaway for the book. Not only did they say YES, but they are allowing me to host a giveaway for all three books of the Imriel trilogy: KUSHIEL'S SCION, KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE and KUSHIEL'S MERCY!!!










What a treat!!

To be included in the giveaway (make sure you leave your email in one of the comments so I can contact you if you are the winner!):

1. Leave a general comment here (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on my review (1 entry)
3. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and report it here (1 entry)
4. Send an email to 5 friends about the giveaway, copying me on the email (1 entry per set of emails) My email is wbarker (at) hotmail.com
5. Visit Jacqueline Carey's site to read the first chapter of Kushiel's Mercy and let me know what your favorite part of the chapter is. (1 entry)

The drawing will be held Saturday November 1st. This giveaway is open to residents within the United States and Canada, no PO Boxes

I am going to try to get an author interview with Jacqueline Carey, and if that happens, I will include that post for comments and an entry in the giveaway.

Giveaways - Leave me a comment and I'll include your giveaway on my blog!

Are you hosting a giveaway? Leave a comment here and include:

Your Name/site name
Link to your site
Title of giveaway (book title/author)
Deadline

I will get it posted as soon as possible!

Thanks ~ Wendi