Everneath Contest--Because I care for you that much!

I know if you  have stopped by my blog over the past couple of months all you have seen or heard has been  crickets--my mind has been empty and my life has been distracting. I know--excuses, excuses.  I have to tell you that I have been thinking of you and trying to find a way to kick off the blog again, well this weekend an opportunity of a lifetime arose.

Last Friday my brother nonchalantly stops by my office at work and sets a book down on my desk.  Nothing unusual there because he is quite the avid reader and likes to share his favorites. I look over and see that it is an advanced reader copy (ARC for those of us in the know) of my sister-in-law, Brodi Ashton's book, Everneath.  I became really excited, because I had yet to read the fully edited, gone to the presses version and I thought he was letting me borrow it! (I've been in a family line waiting for the ARC for weeks.)

Then he said "This is yours."

I look up in disbelief--"Mine" I ask in a muted whisper, my voice stolen by unbelief.

"Yes, yours to do with what you will!"

(The above version of events is dramatized because in reality there was some embarrassing squealing.)

So, after reading it greedily and letting my daughters read it greedily it is now up for grabs to you--because I just have to share the joy!

Thumbs up from Daughter L

Not only am I excited that I know someone who has an agent, editor, and publishing powerhouse behind her book, but I am excited because it is a truly, truly, truly exceptional book. It is a Young Adult Paranormal Romance. While that industry description says a lot it doesn't say nearly enough.  It is beautifully written (as good as any literary fiction), it has soul, wonderful characters, absorbing plot, consuming twists and turns and it makes you cry, smile and sigh.

I loved it from beginning to end and the first time I finished it (after I had that moment of sadness when you finish a book you love and know that you have to leave that wonderful world) the hair on the back of my neck stood up on end--yes, it was that good--it was as if I could see it being published and loved by millions.  I also was a little sad because now everyone would know what a great person Brodi was and I would have to share her.

So, I have this crazy good, signed by the author, book to give away.  It has already been read by some reviewers, so it has the slightly worn look of a beloved book shared by a few respectful readers.

Here's the deal--I am giving this ARC away--but not for free. You have to do three things:

1.  Make a comment on my blog--any comment on any of my posts in the past or until Friday the 23rd of September, 2011.

2. Make a comment on Brodi's blog.

3. Become a follower of my blog.  (If you are already a follower--then good for you and you are already a step ahead!)

Then I will put the names in a hat and choose!

Stay tuned because the countdown to release has just begun--other prizes coming soon!