DAY 12: December 18, 2012 - Tuesday "On the Twelfth Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ... an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and a KINDLE FIRE!"   The Giveaway The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society advanced reader's copy (ARC) and a Kindle Fire. Yup, you read that right. First, I want to thank my publisher, Ballantine Books, for making the ARC's available to the winners. They've been wonderful supporters of me and my books, and I'm … [Read more...]

DAY 11: December 17, 2012 - Monday "On the Eleventh Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ... an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and a Gracie White Porcelain Skirted Cake Stand!"   The Giveaway The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society advanced reader's copy (ARC) and this fabulous and very sweet 8-inch white fine porcelain skirted cake stand! This company makes beautiful cake and cupcake pedestals (and, of course, I'm particularly fond of the … [Read more...]

DAY 10: December 16, 2012 - Sunday "On the Tenth Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ... an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and the Nordic Ware Original Platinum Collection Bundt Pan!" Welcome to Avalon, Pop. 4,243 At first glance, the small river town of Avalon, Illinois, might be the kind of town that you drive right through without a second glance. It's not very big, for starters, and there's nothing particularly special about it unless you take … [Read more...]

DAY 9: December 15, 2012 - Saturday "On the Ninth Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ...an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!" The Anecdotes If you read Friendship Bread this past year, then you know how my novels, which usually revolve around a small group of women, are dotted with anecdotes from the town's colorful residents. Loyal readers will be happy to know that I'm continuing the tradition with The Avalon Ladies … [Read more...]

DAY 8: December 14, 2012 - Friday "On the Eighth Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ... an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and a Martha Stewart 24 Glitter MultiPack!" What is Your Book About, Really? Why, I'm glad you asked! Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Kristin Hannah, Beth Hoffman, and Kate Jacobs, this luminous novel from the author of Friendship Bread (that would be me!) follows a group of fascinating women who form deep friendships … [Read more...]

DAY 7: December 13, 2012 - Thursday "On the Seventh Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ... an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and Cocoa + Mugs for Two from Starbucks!" Meet Ava Catalina, Aspiring...Well, That's a Good Question For Ava Catalina, reaching out to the one person who holds precious memories for her means evoking old hurts. But this isn't just about her---it's about her young son, Max, and doing what she can to give him the best life … [Read more...]

DAY 6: December 12, 2012 - Wednesday "On the Sixth Day of Kitchen, Darien gave to me ... an advanced reader's copy of The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society and a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card!" Connie Colls is Back! Many readers told me they wanted to know more about Connie Colls since I introduced her in Friendship Bread, so here she is.  Connie Colls is 21, fiercely independent and full of promise, has finally found a place where she is happy---only to find herself … [Read more...]