Scrappy Reading and a Giveaway!!!!!

Well I do LOVE to read, but sadly I don't read enough. I reallllly, realllly want to, but when it come down to the time factor, I usually choose scrapping... it's my LOVE what can I say...

But I got a WONDERFUL offer and was contacted by Laura Child's herself, to review her latest book in the Scrapbook Mystery Series. Ok... so two LOVES of mine... scrapbooking and mysteries. I LOVE to try and figure out who did it, whether in a book, movie, or tv show, mysteries intrigue me.

Here's the official blurb of the book:
"Amid the gigantic floats and colorful beads of Mardi Gras, a New Orleans anchorwoman is strangled and hung from the balcony of the Hotel Tremain.  Scrapbooking maven Carmela Bertrand was supposed to be the woman’s big interview, but now she’s up to her eyeballs in murder.  And Carmela can’t seem to escape more strange goings-on, because now someone is sending her cemetery-inspired postcards!  New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs delivers a thrilling story, scrapbook tips, and New Orleans recipes."

 The following blurb is my review.  I was sent a complimentary copy of the book - my review is completely based upon my own personal opinion of the book.

I picked up this book, started reading it, and didn't put it down till I was finished.. honestly!!! It was a quick, fun read. I got involved with the characters really quickly, the dialogue was easy and retained my attention.  This book takes place in New Orleans, and close to the Mardi Gras season. Carmela, the main character who is a scrapbook shop owner, finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. She isn't a suspect, but finds the dead body of a local newswoman. She has her sassy, spunky best friend sidekick, and Carmela works her magic to find out "who did it". I found myself trying to figure out who did it also, and there were lots of great suspects, which grasped you into the book, to keep reading and find out the mystery. I had actually been to New Orleans a couple of years ago, for what? A scrapbook crop, and was invited but a wonderful friend. So I was actually familiar with the area names, and been to the French Quarters before. This made the book sooo real for me, and I was instantly dragged into it's storyline.

I totally recommend this book. Not just because I had the chance to review it. But it was fun to read a mystery, have some scrapbook talk inside the book. Also, at the end of the book are some fun scrapbook tips and recipes.. one of which I was dying to try!!! I am actually going to look into some of her other books also, I really enjoyed her style.

So, the author is actually offering up a FREE COPY of the book!!!! how cool is that????

To be entered to receive a copy:
LEAVE a comment by Wednesday October 10th
I will announce the winner after that date, and forward your name onto the author who will mail you out your OWN copy!!!!!

Happy Friday, Happy Reading, and Happy Scrapping!!!!!