A Call for Help and a Great Video

Hello all!

I have a really fun project in the works, which I am SO excited to share with you...later this summer. I can only give you a few hints right now. It's about Edenbrooke, and...um...okay, that's the only hint I can give you. But I am telling you right now, you will squeal over this project.

But, before it can all happen, I need a little help. I need to choose a few scenes from the book that kind of tell the story without actually giving away the whole story. (And one of them should involve Mr. Whittles's spittle.) So tell me in the comments what scenes YOU would choose, if you could only choose three or four.

And to thank you all for your participation, I have a giveaway. Yes, a giveaway! I will choose a random winner from everyone who comments and send you your choice of gifts--either a signed copy of Edenbrooke the book or a signed copy of Edenbrooke the AUDIObook. I will sign it with whatever message you want (as long as it's not indecent) and send it anywhere in the U.S. So comment away!

Now you must watch this very funny video for Jane Austen fans. My favorite line: "If we lived in the time our favorite show is, we probably would have died of tuberculosis." It's clever, funny, and it even mentions Edenbrooke! My kids have been singing the song for days, and even dressed up and practiced their fine manners. It's tremendously gratifying to see my Jane Austen love rubbing off on them. So check it out!

BEA 2012 Highlights

I had such a good time at my first BEA (BookExpo America). It was really fun to hang out with other book-lovers and meet so many great librarians, book bloggers, book sellers, and authors. Highlights for me:

1. My big sign at the entryway. (I'm making a weird face because I was in the middle of telling my mom to 'hurry and take the picture'. There were a lot of people trying to walk by.)

2. The cozy booth at Shadow Mountain, where I signed books and handed out proper tea. 

3. Meeting Jane Seymour and giving her a copy of Edenbrooke. She was so pretty and gracious.

4. Picking up an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of The Dark Unwinding. I was looking forward to getting my hands on this book, and it has not disappointed me. It's Steampunk Victorian Young Adult with a splash of fantasy set in the moors in England. It was singing my name! And isn't the cover gorgeous? I met the author there (Sharon Cameron), and I have to say, there is a difference between first-time and veteran authors at BEA. She was so grateful. (First-timer. I could relate.) I loved her. I'll let you know what I think when I finish it. So far, I'm impressed.

In addition, to that one, I also brought home at least a dozen books that I can't wait to dig into. What are you reading this summer? Any fun beach reads?