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 19^th, 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