Thursday, March 10, 2011

Big Book Giveaway: Day 4!

Thank you for all the comments yesterday! Every one was like a cupcake to my mouth. And speaking of cupcakes, my afternoon yesterday didn't exactly turn out as planned. I'd decided to take the afternoon off, trip down to nearby Portobello Road to Hummingbird (best cupcakes ever), stop off for champagne (at Tesco's, natch), then return to my warm cozy flat for an afternoon of napping and reading (and property shows).

I generally only care about the bit of me people can see. So when I threw on my trusty black Zara coat, I didn't bother changing out of my slobby sweatshirt -- or put on a bra. Ahem. With my black boots, a little lippy and skinny jeans, I was looking pretty damn good, if I did say so myself. I bought the cupcakes, got the champers, and was all set to settle on when... my key didn't work in the door. We'd been having some issues with our deadbolt, and it finally decided to give up the ghost, locking from the inside and refusing to open. I was locked out -- without a mobile, without a bra and without a telly! This is when Mr TR's constant admonishment that I should take my mobile with me wherever I went started ringing in my ears. Sigh.

So, after calling him and leaving a voice mail from my lovely downstairs neighbours, I did what any girl would do: I went shopping and eating! I'm sure the patrons of M&S were wondering why I was hunched over the table sweating in my black coat, but there was no way I was exposing what was underneath. Three hours, £120 and one locksmith later, and we were finally back in the flat. And you'll be happy to hear I did put on a bra.

So now that that's out of the way, here are today's winners! If you are are winner or a donor, I will be in touch (if I can find your email) over the weekend to try to get addresses and such.


50 Ways to Find Lover, by Lucy-Anne Holmes goes to DEBS RICCIO!

From Notting Hill... with Love Actually goes to CORPORATE GIRL!

Circle of Friends, Book V: Heather, by L. Diane Wolfe goes to ALEXANDRA SHOSTAK!

Notes from Nadir, by Lisa Maliga goes to PIEDMONT WRITER!

Hands on the Hips, by Jhon Baker goes to MATT RUSH!

Follow the Cowherd Boy, by J.A. Joshi goes to MICHAEL

A Heart to Mend, by Myne Whitman goes to JEN DAIKER!

Through the Eyes of a Hurricane, by Tracy A Spaine goes to SAUMYA

The Nanny Diaries, donated by Theresa Milstein goes to AMY SAIA!

Be Careful What You Wish For, by Alexandra Potter, donated by Len goes to JUDE FROM MAD ABOUT ROMANCE

More books to give away tomorrow! Happy Thursday, everyone.

49 comments:

  1. Congrats everyone!

    LOL! Reason #1, why I don't like the pop-in. Usually no bra and no pants. I'm glad you got away with it unscathed.

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  2. Lol on the lock! Oh dear. We had the lock on our toilet door give up the ghost a couple of months back, and rather than call out a locksmith, I decided to use the subtle approach and take the sledgehammer to the handle. Yep. It wasn't pretty, but it got the door open eventually. There's only so long you can last without the necessities.

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  3. Oh no! Well, anything that leads to a good shopping trip is a good thing, right? A treat to yourself on a special day--sweatshirt or no.

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  4. oh my gosh, Talli. That was bad luck! When I come visit you, I'll make sure I wear my bra. LOL

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  5. Happy Thursday. Glad your bra's back on. We writers need support.

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  6. Hannah - I am so not a fan of the pop in. Luckily it doesn't happen much in London!

    Claire - you're enterprising!

    Sheila - exactly.

    Jess - Hehe! Yes, please.

    LR - LOL!

    Rosie - Exactly. At least I got some good shopping time in there.

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  7. That's hilarious. What's even better is that I'm sitting here right at this very moment and I'm not wearing a bra. I feel so free. But I'm at home Talli. You were out in public. Shameful and inspiring at the same time. Only you.

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  8. T C, I have reached my goal! Shameful and inspiring! :) Yay!

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  9. Ha ha ha ha.... loved your story. Why does everything go wrong when we're braless????? At least the cupcakes were the consolation prize. nummm.

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  10. Too funny - but that's how life seems to work :)

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  11. That's hilarious! You can use it in writing down the line.

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  12. Bras are so overrated!!
    :-)

    Yay for more book giveaways!!!!! Take care
    x

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  13. Congrats to all the winners! And I hope today is a better day for you, Talli.

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  14. Talli,
    I'm so excited! I rec'd confirmation that my book is now going into 'text block' :) they are also working on designing the cover! It's all so fun, isn't it?
    I am sorry you got locked out...I did that once with my car running. I got out to get my mail and the door closed and locked; really?
    so there I was with no NOTHING...CRAP!!!!

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  15. No bra is FREEDOM!

    Congratulations to ALL the winners.

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  16. Congrats to all the winners.Great week Talli.
    Yvonne,

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  17. Oh no! (I'm sorry, but I laughed really hard when I read this) But good material for more chick lit, right? I can't wait to get my copy of THG...xx

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  18. Look at me... I walked away a winner!

    Obvs I know the story from yesterday (thanks to twitter) but hearing it again you know you're writer!! Beautifully written story and real at that! Who doesn't love a bit of non-fiction, hehe. That'll teach you to always where a bra (just sayin, lol).

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  19. Oh no! At least you took advantage of the situation and went shopping! Hopefully you picked up a bra. LOL! Congrats to the winners!

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  20. Life is so strange... You just never know!

    I saw Michael listed as a winner.... I HOPE IT'S ME....lol

    I hope you having a great day today and the sun is shining.

    Michael

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  21. Oh that is a brilliant brilliant story! I have tears in my eyes, I laughed so hard! Now did you buy a bra while you were out shopping?

    You're lucky you live in London where heading out again is easy enough! If I got locked out here in Norwich, I'd have to get back on a bus and spend half an hour getting back into town if I wanted to go eating and shopping - and that's only if I had enough change for the ticket! :-)

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  22. Oh, no!! But, at least you got a yummy cupcake out of it all, right? :)

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  23. Hi Talli .. lucky you to be in London .. and M&S round the corner! Oh I see Sangu just said that! Oh well .. fortunately all is well .. and you'll heed your dearly beloved in future?! Cheers Hilary

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  24. Sadly, when you're not looking your best, that's when everything happens. Or when you forget your mobile, that's the day you need it most. Congrats, winners!

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  25. Too bad you couldn't be in your apartment relaxing w/ your champagne & cupcakes.

    Good thing that you now have your deadbolt fixed & now you won't get locked out again. Nor will Mr. TR!

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  26. Ha! Life always seems to have its own plans, doesn't it? From book launch to locked out without a bra. Fate certainly has a sense of humour about keeping us humble.

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  27. Wow, congrats to everyone. What a great story Talli. I have one of my own, in the rain, with the baby, no key, and no rock to break the window. After 3 hours traveling back and forth to my mother's, I finally got a key. Yeah, now there's a key outside under the plants. Shh, don't tell anyone.

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  28. yay! Congrats to Jen & Matt and all the other winners! You're so funny--that actually sounds exactly like a stunt I would pull... *snort* glad you made it inside~

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  29. Taking the afternoon off, that's what I did too. Although I didn't go out and about, I fell asleep, a nice nap which apparently I really needed.

    Congrats to all the lovely winners.
    Nahno ∗ McLein

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  30. Isn't that always the way!!! These things never happen when we're prepared!

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  31. If only I could take the afternoon off! Blood couriers on call have precious little free time. Congrats to the winners. And my hat's off to your for your generosity and great heart, Roland

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  32. Oh my dear, here's the difference between you and me: the first thing I'd do would be to buy a bra! Actually I don't get out of bed without one, but then you've met me, so you can probably tell why!

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  33. Oh my word, how awful...but kind of funny. So sorry to hear you were locked out, but glad it worked out in the end.

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  34. Big congrats to all and Talli just so you know...
    I don't own one. Born with a carpenters chest :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  35. I always love hearing lip gloss being called "lippy." I read it first in Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging.

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  36. Congratulations to the winners. Congratulations, Amy. Looks like I'll be sending that to you soon.

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  37. Matt Rush, you are a lucky man.

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  38. Well, at least you were in London, right? I mean, there are a LOT of worse places to be locked out of your house ;)

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  39. Haha, lovely little anecdote you shared with us today. XD Congratulations to the winners! Ahh ext congrats to Amy Saia for getting The Nanny Diaries!

    ~TRA

    http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com

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  40. Hee hee - I'm LOVING this game, Talli! I'm so delighted that you re-drew my book-win, but I've read '50 Way To Find A Lover' as well! (It was FAB). Sorry, sorry, sorry! Can't wait for the next selection!

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  41. Hoot hoot! Isn't that the stuff of nightmares!

    Denise<3

    Sorry you missed your property shows.

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  42. They say no experiences are wasted with a writer and this sounds hilarious - to read, rather than to experience. Glad it all worked out in the end and you enjoyed your cupcakes.

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  43. I feel more naked when I leave home without my cell phone than when I forgot to where a bra!

    Mmmmm...cupcakes...

    Congrats winners! Happy Weekend, Talli!

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  44. New follower here!Wow. This sounds like a scene from an episode of friends.P Glad you managed to get into the house. And at least you had a coat on! Hope you have an awesome weekend

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  45. Thanks so much, Talli. I'm thrilled to be one of the winners. Lol at the bra (or lack of) story. Have a great, and suitably attired, weekend. x

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  46. Too funny! Loved the story because I could SO see myself doing it.

    Congrats to all the winners!

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  47. Portobello Road! I was just looking at my pictures (again) yesterday. Glad you made it back in your flat. Did you have to give your neighbors any of your cupcakes?

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Coffee and wine for all!