"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2



Monday, February 13, 2012

Blog Birthday and Giveaway!



I'm over at Jill Kemerer's blog today for her Wednesday segment - 5 Easy Questions. Stop in and say hello!

http://jillkemerer.blogspot.com/2012/02/5-easy-questions-with-loree-huebner.html



This month, my blog turns one year old! I think this is my sixtieth blog post. It’s hard to believe it’s already been one year since I posted my very first post, A Blog is Born. I remember it was so scary to put myself out there that first time.

During the past year, I’ve become acquainted with some really great people—YOU!—writers, readers, and history buffs. I want to personally thank everyone who has visited my blog, or is a follower. I hold you dear to my heart.

One of the things I love about blogging is visiting other blogs. Since November, I’ve been on a hot streak in the giveaways! I wanted to show you a few of these awesome things that I’ve won by just leaving a comment on someone else’s blog.

Check out this apron!







From Sarah Sundin’s blog – Under His Wings – I won a homemade apron featuring, Blue Skies Tomorrow, the third novel released last August in Sarah’s Wings of Glory series. Sarah writes historical/World War II fiction. I was thrilled to receive this special gift. Her books are on my TBR list. I haven’t decided what to do with the apron yet. I’m thinking of having it framed.

I have won four wonderful novels from other blogs that I visit.







From Sarah Forgrave’s blog - Sarah Forgrave ~ Author & Speaker - I won a signed copy of - A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas – by Erica Vetsch. Sarah’s blog is one of my favorites to visit. I look forward to reading her books in the future.

From Sandra Orchard’s blog – Conversations About Characters – I won the a personally signed copy of – Shades of the Orient – by Stephanie Guerrero. It’s what I’m reading now. Sandra Orchard writes Love Inspired Suspense. I’ve read her first novel – Deep Cover. I look forward to her second novel – Shades of Truth – it will be out next month!

From Lynda Lee Schab’s blog – On the Write Track – I won a signed copy of – Thyme for Love – by Pamela S. Meyers. Lynda is the author of – Mind Over Madi. I read Madi and loved the book! I was supposed to be part of her blog tour for Mind Over Madi at the beginning of last December, but things got hectic before the holidays, and I didn’t get a chance to read her book until later on. I recommend the read.

And just last week, I won a copy of An Amish Family Reunion by Mary Ellis. I’ve started reading Mary’s blog because she is also repped by Mary Sue Seymour. She directed her readers to a giveaway of her book on Jo Huddleston’s blog – Scattering Hope With a Smile. I found Jo’s blog to be a wonderfully inspirational stop in the blogosphere. Jo is the author of four non-fiction books, and more than 200 of her articles and short stories have appeared in over fifty different Christian and general publications.

I just wanted to mention this very special gift. If you take another look and see that small plaque with books – the one that says – The world is waiting to hear your story – I received that from Keli Gwyn. She sent me a card and the plaque—personally congratulating me in acquiring agent representation. I was so touched by her gesture. I’m a regular visitor to Keli’s blog Keli Gwyn’s Blog. Keli writes historical fiction, and her debut novel – A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California – will be released July 1, 2012.     

Since it’s my blog’s birthday, and it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow, I’m going to have a giveaway this week!

There will be ONE top prize winner drawn at random. The prize will be a $25 gift card! The winner can choose from a Starbucks, Dunkin Donut, or Barnes and Noble $25 gift card.

I’m also giving away my favorite sweet treat to 5 “sweet” runner up comments selected at random.






Yes, I love these JELLY BELLY CHOCOLATE DIPS! They're awesome! They come in several flavors. Orange is my favorite!


Anyway, all you have to do is leave a comment HERE on this post, or on my Facebook author page any time this week – you can link to my fb author page on my sidebar. The contest will go until Sunday, February 19th, 10 pm CDT. I will announce the winners on next Monday’s blog post. If you comment on both, that will give you two chances to win.


Happy Valentine's Day to all you romantic souls out there!

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Anyone doing anything special for Valentine’s Day? What’s your favorite candy? Reading any good romances this week?

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

37 comments:

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Congrats on your blog's 1st birthday, Loree! And thanks for the mention of Mind over Madi. I think you've more than made up for not participating in the blog tour. I'm really glad you loved the book. The book you won, Thyme for Love, is a great read, too. :-) I have also won lots of great stuff from blog contests. I'd love to be entered in your giveaway.

Sandra Orchard said...

Wow, you are on a hot streak! I look forward to hearing what you think of Shades... (both of them 'grin') Keli is such a sweetie. She sent me a lovely gift for just being on her blog. Here's to another wonderful year for you! And Happy Valentine's. I'll be speaking at a couple of libraries, so hubby's off the hook. LOL

Mami2jcn said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary!

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Happy birthday to your blog!! Isn't it cool to be able to look back on a year's worth of hanging around the blogosphere? And congrats on all those prizes - that's fun stuff!

Jeanette Levellie said...

Congrats on your blogiversary! How fun that you took a photo of all your winnings for us to see.

I would love to win one of your wonderful prizes--how generous of you!

We are going to a romantic restaurant for Valentine's, since it's also our anniversary.

Thanks,
Jen

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Happy Blog Birthday! It's been fun getting to know you recently through blogging. We having a special family dinner for Valentine's Day - me, my hubby, and our three girls. Have a great week!

Keli Gwyn said...

Happy Blogaversary, Loree! How fun.

Congratulations on winning one of the aprons Sarah Sundin gave away. I got to see some of them in person at her launch party last year. They're lovely. Her books are great! I wasn't all that interested in WWII stories, but I read Sarah's first one, and she became one of my must-read authors. She's a gifted storyteller. I've read her first three books and will be an influencer for her next one. =)

I look forward to the day I'm reading one of your books, Loree.

Unknown said...

Happy Blogaversary, Loree!!!! I hope your celebrating with a wonderful desert or some time off with one of those great-looking novels! Those Chocolate Jelly Bellys look goood! My favorite chocolate snack is Brookside's Dark Chocolate Pomegranate, but then, I appreciate just about anything chocolate -- except for chocolate-covered ants!

Jessica R. Patch said...

Happy blogisvary! How cool, and yeah you have been racking up prizes!

I loaned my kindle to a friend so I don't have any books to read this weekend (ones I've never read before) unless I hit the library. Which...I might!

Happy Valentine's Day, Loree! I love your blog! I always learn so much and leave smiling!

Sarah Forgrave said...

Wow, Loree, you've been on fire with the giveaways! :) Congratulations on a year of blog posts! I look forward to another year together. :)

Melanie N. Brasher said...

Congrats on your blogaversary! How fun! It's amazing what you can win on blogs, isn't it? I've enjoyed getting to know you, friend. :)

Brandi Boddie said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary, Loree! It's exciting that within a year, you've started a blog and acquired agent representation :-)

I'm planning on eating lots of chocolate this week. More than usual, lol. Hubby and I will celebrate a belated Valentine's Day when he returns home.

Loree Huebner said...

Lynda: I really enjoyed Madi! Thanks for the wishes!

Sandra: Stephanie's book is good - well written. She has a powerful voice. Keli is a sweetie!

Mami: Thank you, and welcome here!

Melissa: It is so awesome that it's been one year! Thanks for your sweet wishes. It's been fun winning stuff!

Jeanette: Thanks! A romantic dinner sounds perfect. Enjoy!

Cindy: It's been a real pleasure to get to know you too! Enjoy your special dinner with your loved ones!

Keli: Thank you! I really love the apron Sarah sent me...and I absolutely adore the plaque from you. It's so special. Thank you, Keli!

Gwen: Thank you! I love dark chocolate. I do think we had chocolate covered ants one time...we got them at a specialty store...I think we ate them to be able to say we ate them. I remember they didn't taste like anything but chocolate.

Jess: Your words are so sweet! Enjoy your Valentine's Day!

Sarah: I look forward to another year too!

Melanie: Thanks, and I'm so glad to call you "friend" too!!!

Brandi: Thanks! I've already started on the chocolate. My super duper favorite is Fannie May - Dark Chocolate Butter-creams. Hubby knows my weakness.

Thank you all for stopping in, and your kind words. You're all in the drawing!!!

Deana said...

Happy blog b-day Loree! What an exciting year you've had!
I totally want to get in on your giveaway action:) Count me in!

troutbirder said...

Congrats of the anniversary. I do like the civil war theme. Can't say I've wond any aprons but several books sent to me to review and also as gifts. The highlight though has been some invitations to join some Montana bloggers for flyfishing next summer... :)

Loree Huebner said...

Deana: Thanks for the blog b-day wishes! You're in!

trout: Thanks! I think you should take up the invite on fly fishing in Montana. Have you ever seen the movie or read the book, A River Runs Through It & other stories, by Norman Maclean? It's one of my favorite books.

Deana and trout, thanks for popping in, and your names go into the hat for the drawing!

Terri Tiffany said...

I feel as though I have known you longer than a year! Wow:) Congrats on the anniversary and that's a great giveaway:))

Jill Kemerer said...

Happy blogiversary!! I love how you showed us the wonderful books and gifts you've won. I was blessed to meet both Lynda Schab and Mary Ellis in person, so I gave a little rah-rah when I read this. :)

I'm so glad we connected online, Loree!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Happy Blogoversary, Loree!

You've won some wonderful prizes. I'd love a B&N gift card. :)

Rosslyn Elliott said...

I see this is a hotly contested drawing! LOL! I can see why--doughnuts bring out the competitor in me. Congrats on your blog birthday--you really have won some wonderful prizes. Keli is a jewel--she sent my daughter a little skunk finger puppet that was a big hit.

Loree Huebner said...

Terri: It does seem longer than a year. I just love visiting your blog too!

Jill: I am so glad we connected online! I want to personally thank you because you really helped me get this blog going one year ago. You encouraged me, helped me when I was setting up my blog and frustrated, and tweeting when I finally posted. Thank you so much, Jill! You'll never know how much that all meant to me.

Susan: Thanks and you're in the drawing!

Rosslyn: Hahaha - Hey, writers need loads of donuts and coffee! Seriously, I agree, Keli is a jewel.

Thanks for dropping by everyone, and your names are in the hat!!

Anash said...

congratualtions on your blogiverasary to and to many more! Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

What a wonderful collections of prizes and goodies that you've won. And what a generous giveaway from you. I've never heard of a chocolate covered Jelly Bellies. Something tells me they should be illegal. : )

Stacy Henrie said...

You're one lucky lady! :) Look at all those prizes you've won. Thanks for the giveaway.

Victoria Lindstrom said...

Congratulations, Loree! I am so glad I had the chance to "meet" you in Blogosphere. Thanks for the giveaway too!

Julie Musil said...

Congratulations on your anniversary! *throws confetti*

And I'm a Jelly Belly freak, and have NOT heard of dips. I can't believe it!

Loree Huebner said...

Anash: Welcome here! I've got you name in the hat!

Cynthia: Thank you! These dark chocolate Jelly Belly dips are soooo good. I've seen them in cherry and mint also. I love the orange the best. Very addicting!

Stacy: I have had a pretty good lucky streak. It's been fun.

Victoria: Thanks! And I'm glad we've met too! It's so fun to make new online buds.

Julie: Thanks! Oh Julie, if you are the Jelly Belly freak you say you are, you've got to try these. Pure heaven!

Thanks for stopping in everyone. I've dropped your names in the hat!

Carol Riggs said...

Happy birthday to your blog! Yaaay! My hubbs and I went to an Italian restaurant for V-day. It was scrumptious. My fave candy? Reese's pb cups, tho I love Mounds and Almond Joy too.

LOL, love the title of your first post. Wow, what an awesome giveaway you're having! How fun.

Unknown said...

Wow, you have bee on a winning streak. What a fun giveaway!!! Happy Blog-a-versary. :)

MTeacress said...

Could I borrow your luck this week? ;)

Happy blog birthday! It's been a pleasure to get to know you.

Loree Huebner said...

Carol: Thanks! Sounds like you had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I love Mounds bars...yum!

Julie: It's been a fun winning streak!

Michelle: It's been so fun getting to know you too, Michelle!

Thanks for visiting, and your names all go in the hat for the drawing!

Misha Gerrick said...

Happy bloggerversary!

I did read a nice period romance on Tuesday, so it worked out quite nicely. :-)

Loree Huebner said...

Misha: Thanks! Nothing like a good period romance on Valentine's Day!

Thanks for stopping in, and I put your name in the hat for the drawing.

Ann Lee Miller said...

Thanks for throwing such a cool party! :) :) :)

Ann

Ann_Lee_Miller[at]msn[dot]com

Jeannie Campbell, LMFT said...

congrats on one year blogging!

jeannie
charactertherapist at hotmail dot com

Erynn said...

Wow! Congrats on all the wins. I usually consider it a win just if the blogger responds to my comment. =)
And congrats on your blogiversary as well.
I'm a little late to the game, and V Day has passed us by, but hubs and I went to Sunday brunch in advance to avoid the crowds. It was fun.

Loree Huebner said...

Ann, Jeannie, and Erynn: Welcome here! I'm so happy you stopped by! Thanks for the bloggy b-day wishes.

I've put all of your names in the "hat"...Glad you got in on it!