Browse Tag For

scrapbook novel

Showing: 1 - 16 of 16 Articles

Scrapbook Obsession Weekly Roundup 09-21-14

This week, I finally reached 100 Followers on Bloglovin’ – whoo hoo! I’ve been at 99 FOR-EH-VURRRR. Ha ha, it just makes me smile :) So *THANK YOU* 100th Bloglovin’ Follower, whoever you are!

There’s a scrappy novel on sale for Kindle HERE. It’s part of a series; you can see all the books HERE.

The Project Life app I talked about HERE is now available! It’s getting rave reviews on the scrapbook message boards. You can get it HERE. Really helpful FAQs from Becky are HERE. It’s only $2.99 and includes some of the Project Life card designs; you can buy others for a reasonable cost. I can’t wait to play with it! How about you?

Here are the Fall 2014 Pantone colors as shared by October Afternoon:

I kinda’ like them. I can see some really pretty color combos in there – like Aluminum + Royal Blue + Misted Yellow. What do you think of this season’s Pantone colors?

Have a great week!

Scrapbook Novel: “The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society” $1.99 for Kindle

I noticed that “The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society” by Darien Gee is only $1.99 for Kindle on Amazon right now. I don’t know how long that price will last so snap it up if you’re interested!

In THIS post, I talked about why you should read “Friendship Bread” by the same author first if you can.

Happy Scrappy Reading!

Scrapbook Novel: “A Sweethaven Christmas” by Courtney Walsh Only 99 Cents for Kindle Right Now!

I read on Courtney Walsh’s blog today that her third novel, “A Sweethaven Christmas” is only 99 cents for Kindle! Woot! I love when scrapbook novels go on sale :) You can get it HERE

She doesn’t say when it expires so I wouldn’t hesitate – just DO it!

Here’s the synopsis from Amazon:

The women of Sweethaven are reunited for a small-town Christmas!

It’s holiday time in Sweethaven, but things don’t go quite as planned for these scrapbookers. Lila is thrown for a loop when a woman claiming to be her sister arrives in town. As she begins digging into the woman’s claims, Lila uncovers things about her family she may never be able to accept or forgive.

And after the girls find an old scrapbook on Adele’s bookshelf, she is reminded of her first love, a Sweethaven boy whose heart she broke so many years ago. With help from modern technology, Adele arranges a reunion with this man. And when Campbell sees Luke with a ring, she isn’t sure whether to be happy or terrified. Are wedding bells in her future? For Jane and Meghan, Sweethaven is filled with the promise of something new—as well as good friends, a new scrapbook and a little holiday magic!

In case you want to read Courtney’s 2 other scrapbook novels, here they are:

Book 1 (02-16-12): “A Sweethaven Summer”

A faded scrapbook reveals secrets that reconnect old friends in a place called Sweethaven. Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter sent letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends — Lila, Jane, and Meghan — haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. As the scrapbook reveals secrets from the past, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored — just as Suzanne intended. A Sweethaven Summer is the first book in the Sweethaven series, followed by A Sweethaven Homecoming and A Sweethaven Christmas.

Book 2 (07-30-12): “A Sweethaven Homecoming”

An autumn surprise brings an old friend back to Sweethaven… The Sweethaven Circle is back—and so is the friend they thought they’d never see again! Country music star Meghan Rhodes has moved on with her life, leaving Sweethaven and its painful memories in the past. But when she is confronted on national television with her ex-husband’s plan to file for sole custody of their twins, Meghan takes the first flight home, back to the charming lakeside town full of regrets and relationships that need mending. As Meghan searches for forgiveness—as well as the ability to forgive—she is overcome with the need to make things right with her children, her ex-husband, her mother and even the friends she’d convinced herself she no longer needed. But is she too late? The Sweethaven Circle is together again as Meghan works with Campbell, Jane, Lila, and Adele to begin a new scrapbook for memories yet to be made. A new chapter in the Sweethaven series, A Sweethaven Homecoming explores the strong bonds of friendship, the power of forgiveness and the importance of unconditional love.

Now, I don’t want to hear any excuses like, “But but but but … I don’t HAAAAVE a Kindle! Boo hoo, poor me.” Because you don’t even need a Kindle to read it, see? You can download the Kindle app for free to your iPhone, Droid, iPad, computer, etc. Or you can get it for Nook. Or if you hate those e-reader thingees, you can get the paperback copies for a reasonable price :)

So most of us have a nice long Thanksgiving weekend coming up here. How about snuggling up with these 3 wonderful scrapbooking novels, a cozy blanket, and a nice cup of tea or Joe? Sounds super good to me! Goodness knows we’re going to be too tired from all the cooking, cleaning, and tryptophan to do much else. Lawdee.

I’ve read “Sweethaven Summer” and, because I need to read things in order, looks like I’ll have to get “Sweethaven Homecoming” {$7.69 for Kindle right now, not bad}, and then I can get to “Sweethaven Christmas” which I just picked up. I mean, 99 cents . . . what, am I crazy?

Have you read any of the Sweethaven novels? Reviews welcomed! Which ones are you going to pick up now?

WINNER! Signed Brand New Scrapbook Mystery Novel “Gilt Trip” by Laura Childs

Last week, I held a CONTEST to win a signed copy of the new book, GILT TRIP (A Scrapbooking Mystery) by Laura Childs

Thank you so much to all who participated by leaving comments on that blog entry and were entered to win. You scrappers came up with such interesting questions to ask Laura, who I’ll be interviewing soon!

I used Random.org to generate a number and now it’s time to announce the winner:

jackie November 6, 2013 at 10:29 pm
love her books! I have her first 3/4 and need to get the ones that came after that..and would love to win this one! thanks for giving us a chance.
jackie from beautiful southwest Virginia

Jackie has been notified and is super excited to receive the book. Jackie, I hope you’ll stop by with a review once you’ve finished reading! I hope to post a review as well.

If you’d like to purchase your own copy of this book, you can find it RIGHT HERE.

YAY! Love scrapbook novels! Love giving them away! Happy Day :)

GIVEAWAY! New Scrapbook Mystery Novel

How would you like to win a copy of a BRAND NEW scrapbooking mystery novel signed by the author?!?!!

Yeah, I know, right? Pretty exciting. Here’s your chance to win this book:

GILT TRIP (A Scrapbooking Mystery) by Laura Childs

Here is some information about the book and the author:

Scrapbook Store Owner Moonlights as Amateur Sleuth in Gilt Trip

Carmela Bertrand, heroine of the New York Times bestselling Scrapbooking Mysteries series, is one busy lady. Her scrapbook store, Memory Mine, is not only a haven for papercrafters but also a destination for New Orleans’ elite looking for custom cards and announcements for their society events. She has a handsome police officer boyfriend, and a social calendar filled with the city’s best social events. And, as if that weren’t enough, in her spare time – Carmela solves crimes!

For her accomplishments, the Romantic Times awarded Carmela Bertrand their Reviewers’ Choice “Best Amateur Sleuth” award for 2012, for the 10th book in the Scrapbooking Mysteries series, Postcards from the Dead.

In the newest installment in the series, Gilt Trip, Carmela attends a fancy ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ party for New Orleans business tycoon Jerry Earl Leland. But in the swirl of champagne, Zydeco music, and bad behavior, poor Jerry Earl is murdered and stuffed inside a clothes dryer. Since Carmela discovered the body, the grieving widow latches onto her and begs for help in solving the crime.

Halfway between a cozy and a thriller, Gilt Trip offers mystery and romance, in a setting peppered with scrapbooking references, and steeped in the sights, sounds, and smells of the French Quarter and its intriguing residents. In case all of the book’s decadent cajun meals make you hungry, there’s recipes for Big Easy Brownies, Cajun Chicken, and Crockpot Meatloaf.

Gilt Trip, the 11th book in the New York Times bestselling Scrapbooking Mysteries series, was released in hardcover by Berkeley Prime Crime Books on October 1st (2013). Postcards from the Dead, the series’ 10th book, was released the same day in paperback.

About the Author: Laura Childs is the author of the New York Times bestselling Tea Shop Mysteries, Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and Scrapbooking Mysteries series. She’s been making scrapbooks, cards, memory boxes and collaged cigar box purses for 15 years and describes her creative style as varying from conservative to funky. She’s also a believer that “the more layers the better” in her projects.

I’ll have the opportunity to interview the author, Laura Childs, which is also very exciting! I want to ask her questions that YOU want to know the answers to so I figured – why not tie the contest and interview together?

HOW TO ENTER BOOK GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below with a question that you would like to ask of “Gilt Trip” author Laura Childs. That’s it, easy as pie. No Twitter, no Rafflecopter helicopter stuff, just a comment. For reals.

DEADLINE: Sunday, November 10, 2013 at midnight PST
*Open to mailing addresses in the US only

Please make sure when leaving a comment that it includes a way to reach you if you win – a link to your blog, your e-mail, etc. Winner will be selected by random draw. Thanks and good luck!

PS: If you’re too anxious to wait for the giveaway (or would prefer a Kindle version instead of a hard copy), the book is available NOW for sale RIGHT HERE. If you’d like to check out the 10 other Scrapbooking Mysteries by Laura Childs, you can find them all HERE. Happy Scrappy Reading!!

Scrapbook Novel: “Scrappy Cupcake Angels” by Kristah Price

After my LATEST POST about loving to read SCRAPBOOK NOVELS, I was very blessed to be contacted by another author asking if I’d like a copy of her book! Of course I said YES. What, am I crazy?

The book is called “SCRAPPY CUPCAKE ANGELS” and it’s written by KRISTAH PRICE.

Nothing can quell Angeline Dunwich’s excitement as she stands before Wattle Lane Keepsakes. As she opens the door to her scrapbooking shop for the first time, Angeline hopes to encourage the residents of her small New Zealand town to explore their creativity and capture memories. Little does she know that Wattle Lane Keepsakes will very soon become the weekly destination for four women drawn to scrapbooking for widely different reasons.

Every Thursday Angeline teaches the Scrappy Cupcake Angels how to find joy through scrapbooking, and each of the four learns to confront her fears and to understand what is important in life. As Grace works on a scrapbook for her mother who has dementia, she wonders if it will help her mother cling to her last memories. Tegan scraps her travel photos with an insatiable wanderlust while contemplating where her heart really belongs. As Jodi creates beautiful layouts of her daughter, she questions whether any of her efforts will help mend her broken family. Kayla finds it easiest to express herself through her art, but secretly speculates whether she will ever gain the confidence to realise her dreams.

As Angeline opens her home and her heart to her new friends, only time will tell if the Scrappy Cupcake Angels can help her overcome her own greatest fear and fulfil a lifelong dream.

Okay, you know I’m always honest with you. The title and cover of this book threw me off. I . . . erm . . . judged a book by its cover and assumed because they are so – what? – cutesy? – that I wouldn’t like this book.

But again: I was wrong. {I know, I know, it happens occasionally!} This week, I started reading it anyway and I’m really enjoying it! It’s not cutesy at all, at least not so far. I’ve met the owner of the store on the opening day of her shop along with the 4 ladies who will become her close friends. And I look forward to getting to know them all better.

This scrapbook novel has no murdered CK Hall of Fame’ers, no big mystery to be solved, just a nice story about friendship and scrapbooking. I love that it’s set in New Zealand which is a country I don’t know much about but have always been intrigued by.

So I just wanted to let you know about this book. It’s only $3.99 for Kindle right now and I don’t know how long that price lasts.

I noticed on Kristah’s site that she said:

I am currently working on a second Wattle Lane Keepsakes novel, which is centred around a new main character, but includes some of the same characters from Scrappy Cupcake Angels.

Yippee! I hope it’s coming out soon. I have a feeling when I finish this book, I’ll want to keep reading more. And when I do finish, I’ll write a complete review and find out from Kristah how Book 2 in this series is coming along :)

I got the Kindle version and you can also get it in hardcover (kinda’ pricey?) and paperback. If you read this book, I’d love to hear what you think of it.

Happy scrappy reading!

Scrapbook Novel: “Designed to Death” Now Available … and Part One in the Series on Sale!

I love to read scrapbook novels, don’t you? This summer, I was lucky enough to get an Advanced Reader Copy of a new scrapbook mystery novel; I talked about it HERE.

Well, it’s book release time!! “DESIGNED TO DEATH” by Christina Freeburn is available as of today 09-10-13.

ETA: Originally I couldn’t find “Designed to Death” for Kindle so I asked the author about it and she had great news – it’s available today for Kindle too! Amazon wasn’t linking it to the hard copy for some reason. But never fear, YOU CAN GET IT HERE! For only $2.99.

From Amazon:

SMALL TOWN INTRIGUE, TWISTS & TURNS, AND PLENTY OF HEART…
“Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.

As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell or worse, a funeral.

“Designed to Death” is book 2 in the Faith Hunter “Scrap This” mystery series. To make this day even better, book 1 in the series – “CROPPED TO DEATH” is on sale for Kindle right now, only 99 cents! I asked the author how long “Cropped to Death” will sell for 99 cents and she said through 09-16-13. So don’t hesitate . . . go grab it right now before you forget!

Here’s my quick review:
I love reading series. “Designed to Death” picks up picks up right where “Cropped to Death” left off. The setting and many of the characters remain the same. I like that continuity and didn’t feel I had to spend any time getting to know these people because I was already comfortable with them.

There’s another murder and the main character, Faith, seeks to solve it in her usual saucy, sarcastic style {hmm … wonder why I relate to her so much?}. The romance also continues and in this book, Faith makes a choice between her two suitors. {I have to admit I was disappointed in her choice, lol}. The story is again filled with scrapbooking references that the scrapbook obsessed will appreciate and identify with. She takes the term “a new use for washi” to new heights!

One thing that cracked me up about this book is the role that a scrapbook message board plays. I’m a very active member of the TWO PEAS in a BUCKET message board (among others) and I think the author Christina must be there a lot, too! She has scrapbook message board behavior down to a T! If for nothing else, you have to read this book to LOL about scrapbooking MB’s being outed. Tooooo funny! Loved it.

Christina also wanted me to tell you that she’s working on Book 3 in this series – “Embellished to Death” – and it’s scheduled for release at the end of April 2014. Woot!

Make sure to read BOOK 1 and BOOK 2 in the Faith Hunter “Scrap This!” mystery series in the meantime so you’re ready for Book 3 in the spring!

Happy reading :)

Scrapbook Novel: “Cropped to Death” On Sale and “Designed to Death” Coming Soon!

I was recently contacted by author Christina Freeburn. She let me know that she has another scrapbooking mystery novel, to be released in September 2013. The book is called “Designed to Death” and it’s Book 2 in the Faith Hunter Scrap This series. {I blogged about Book 1 HERE}.

She’s such a sweetheart and will be sending me an Advanced Reader Copy of the new book when it becomes available in a few weeks. I’m very excited! {Want to see the cover for the new book? It’s right HERE}.

To prep for the big event, I’m re-reading the first book in the series, “Cropped to Death”.

Here’s a synopsis of “Cropped to Death” from the Amazon website:

Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers’ scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder, and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence.

So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all! Cropped to Death is the first book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This humorous mystery series. Bonus: Includes book club discussion questions.

Would you like to join me in reading “Cropped to Death” (Book 1) before “Designed to Death” (Book 2) comes out in September? Well, you’re in luck! The Kindle version is on sale from June 21 thru June 30 for ONLY 99 CENTS! Click RIGHT HERE to get your copy instantly.

Remember, if you don’t have a Kindle, you can still download this book and read it. Just use the FREE Kindle app on your iPhone, Droid, iPad, or even on your computer. Easy peasy lemon squeasy.

I’m 29% through my re-read of “Cropped to Death” and am enjoying it all over again. The writing is excellent. There’s a murder, some romance (2 men fighting for her attention!), scrapbooking contests, an LSS setting, and more – all written by someone who you can tell actually scrapbooks and stays current with the hobby. Enjoy!

PS: Christina is now working on Book 3 in this series, called “Embellished to Death.” Yippee!

Scrapbook Novel: “Cropped to Death” by Christina Freeburn

Wanted to let you know about yet another scrapbook mystery novel, called “CROPPED TO DEATH.” It’s by an author I’ve never heard of: Christina Freeburn.

She’s a Renaissance woman . . . former JAG officer AND a scrapbooker! Schweet. Lookie, she’s even wearing a scrapbooking t-shirt.

Here’s a description from the above website:

Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers’ scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder, and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence. So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

Sounds fun, yeah? I’ll be reading this one soon!

In other good news: The subtitle of this book is “Faith Hunter Scrap This #1” . . . which means this is the first in a series, yippee! Bring on the scrapbook novels. I can’t get enough of them :)

HERE is the link to the Kindle version on Amazon. It’s at 99 cents as of today (01-04-13). According to the AUTHOR ON TWITTER, that price is good through 01-13-13. So snatch it up quickly!

Once you read “Cropped to Death”, please come back and give a review.

Scrapbook Novel: “Creative Chaos” by Kate O. Lynch is FREE for Kindle!

I read this book when it was first released and loved it. I think any scrapbooker would. It’s like Chick Lit meets scrapbooking . . . what could be better?

HURRY AND GET IT!

Not sure how long it’s free :)

ETA: The author, Kate, commented below and she says it should be free only through 11-20-12 :)

Also, I wanted to make sure that everyone knows – you don’t need a Kindle to download and read Kindle books. Just download the Kindle app to your computer, iPad, iPhone, Nook, Android, Blackberry, or other smart phone and read away!

Here’s a link to [url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_361458882_3?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-9&pf_rd_r=065E41TD6J63ERDX7QVV&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=1354791482&pf_rd_i=1000301301]ALL THE KINDLE APPS[/url] ~ and they’re all free!

Scrapbook Novel: Get One for Your Kindle … Only 99 Cents!

Right now … and I don’t know for how long … you can get a copy of A SWEETHAVEN SUMMER for your Kindle for 99 cents! I know, right? And even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle app for free to your iPhone, Droid, iPad, computer, etc. In other words, you have NO excuse not to get and read this book. If you refuse to, I’d like a written note of explanation, please. I’m totally serial.

This book was written by the lovely COURTNEY WALSH, who happens to be a sweet Pea :) {a member of the TWO PEAS IN A BUCKET scrapbook message board … who is actually a very sweet person}.

I paid full price for this book WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUT and really enjoyed it. It gets a thumbs up from me. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to keep reading because you want to find out “the secret.” Yeah, do I have your attention now? Hollah.

Get this book! Support great writers! Support scrapbook novels! And it only cost ya’ 99 cents! Rah rah go! {And I’m really not kidding about the excuse note. Srsly.}

New Scrapbook Novel Launch Party … and some GREAT prizes!

Okay, this is a two-fer. Not only are you going to learn about a new scrapbook novel that’s coming out, but you’re going to enter for some amazing scrappy prizes.

HERE YOU GO.

You can thank me later =)

{Which, if you win, should take the form of sharing some of that booty, eh? Fer shizzle.}

PS: Make that a three-fer. Courtney is posting giveaways all week. Just keep checking HER BLOG. Good luck!

Scrapbook Mystery Novel Giveaway!

Hey, mah favorite scrapbook peeps, I have some exciting news … I have FIVE copies of a new scrapbooking mystery novel to give away!!! It’s a hardcover version of “Cut, Paste, Kill” by Marshall Karp (retails for $26.99).

Here’s a description of the book from the publisher:

**********

In CUT, PASTE, KILL, Mike Lomax and Terry Biggs are two hip LAPD detectives who discover socialite Eleanor Bellingham-Crump dead on the floor of a hotel bathroom. Next to Eleanor’s lifeless body, the killer has left an intricate scrapbook documenting a motive of vengeance in lurid detail. As more bodies are found, each one connected to a scrapbook left at the scene, Lomax and Biggs must decode the meaning behind the scrapbooks before the avenger has time to cut and paste the story for another kill.

CUT, PASTE, KILL is laugh-out-loud funny, with perfect dialogue and zinging last lines. Joseph Finder, bestselling thriller writer, describes Marshall Karp as the “Woody Allen of the murder mystery—smart, fast-paced, clever, and really, really funny.”

***********

For some early reviews (three 5-star customer reviews as of when I posted this!), you can check out AMAZON.COM. By the by, you can purchase the book from Amazon if you don’t win a copy … hint, hint. Right now, the hardcover is selling for $17.15 new and a Kindle edition for $12.99.

I think this portion of a review posted to Amazon sums it up perfectly:

The bottom line is that this is perfect summer reading — ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a holiday beach read. If you want a great “entertain me!” murder mystery, I don’t think you can do better than Cut, Paste, Kill. Highly recommended… at least for people who like to giggle.

This book was just released June 8, 2010 so you’ll be the first on your block to own it, LOL! I’ve been reading my copy and absolutely enjoying it. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, full of one-liners and fun relationships between the main characters. Yeah, it’s a murder mystery, but a lighthearted one :)

I’ve read scrapbooking mystery novels in the past (those by LAURA CHILDS and JOANNA CAMPBELL SLAN) and this one is a bit different. Instead of it reading as a mystery written by a scrapbooker, it’s more like a “regular” mystery novel that has scrapbooking as a plot device. It’s told through the eyes of two LAPD detectives, not through the lens of a scrapbooker. So, even if you’re not big into scrapbooking but just like reading mystery novels, you’ll enjoy this.

To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on this post telling me why you want the book. I’m paying for the postage out of my own pocket, so PLEASE only enter if you’ll really read the book or know someone who will. If you have any friends who would be interested, please have them come enter!

Deadline is Friday, June 25, 2010* at midnight PST. Open to US residents only. One entry per person. FIVE winners will be chosen via Random.org.

* Deadline changed as of 6/22/10

Good luck and happy reading!

FTC Disclosure. ST MARTINS PRESS provided me with 6 free books. I received no monetary compensation. They are providing the books to the winners of this giveaway.

Scrapbook Novel Review: “Prints Charming”

*** Warning: If you don’t want spoilers to this book, please don’t read my review! ***

As you know, I love SCRAPBOOK NOVELS and recently read “Prints Charming” by Rebeca Seitz (yes, Rebeca with one “c”). I got the book in the mail a few weeks ago, but held onto it so I could read the whole thing on a family trip we just took.

I suck at synopsizing, which reminds me of my school days when I’d much rather write a story than a stinkin’ book report. Anyway, I found a good synopsis at LIBRARYJOURNAL.COM:

—–
Jane Sandburg’s best friend, Lydia, had begged her not to marry Bill, and their friendship ended when Lydia walked out at the wedding. Now, two years later, Jane discovers Bill is cheating on her, and because “a woman couldn’t be a woman without her girlfriends,” she reconciles with Lydia. A year later, Jane, Lydia, and new girlfriend Mac decide to start Sisters, Ink, a business that networks scrapbooking women. When a new man enters Jane’s life, and Bill tries to win her back, Jane has to rely on her “sisters” to help her avoid making another huge mistake. This first novel is a pleasure to read, with likable characters who are bound to return in the next installment of the new “Sisters, Ink” series.
—-

I guess a novel about scrapbooking would have to be really poorly written for me NOT to like it. That said, I really, really enjoyed this book, LOL! It was well-written, entertaining, and interesting. I very much grew to care about the main character, Jane, and all of her scrapbooking friends. I thought the characters were well-drawn and likeable (well, Bill the cad ex-husband was not so likeable, but hey, every story needs a villian, right?).

Scrapbooking was definitely a part of the story. Not only do the women get together and scrapbook regularly (while sharing triumphs and crises), but they’re in the process of starting a scrapbooking website together and we get glimpses of them having ideas and adding them to the site. Jane’s wedding scrapbook also makes several appearances, although at one point she considers destroying it, and I literally said out loud, “NO!” I’m like, “I don’t care if the guy turned out the be a real ass hat. Don’t take it out on the scrapbook!” I just cringed at the thought of all that hard work, creativity, and (gasp!) scrapbook supplies going in the trash. Crikey, Jane, don’t SCARE me like that!

I really enjoyed the love story part of it, too. There’s enough conflict to keep you guessing and, though you figure they’re probably going to end up together at the end, it’s not easy going for the happy couple. They meet as the novel begins (as she rushes to a scrapbook store, natch!) and Rebeca does such a good job of capturing that “I get goosebumps and a funny stomach every time I see you” feeling of new infatuation.

The side stories of the other “Sisters” were also compelling, including an older mother dealing with a troubled daughter, a wife trying desperately to get her husband’s attention away from TV sports (you gotta read just to find out the interesting kind of lingerie she resorts to!), and a young mom trying to adopt a 2nd child. These ladies are multicultural and spiritual. As a Christian, I enjoyed the easy religious tone to the book but if over-religiosity bothers you, this book won’t. It’s done with a pretty light touch and I don’t think anyone would find it annoying.

I think the only thing I’m bummed about is that there isn’t (yet) a “part two” to Prints Charming. The Sisters Ink books begin with a new set of characters, but I wanted to find out what happens with Mac and the preacher. I want to know if the happy couple stayed happy and if their dog and cat are still getting along okay. How are Mari’s daughters doing, and surprise child #3? How does the website take off, and what scrappers do they connect with? See, Rebeca? You gotta write another installment, girl!

Anyway, if this novel sounds interesting to you, I got my copy at AMAZON.COM and more retailers are listed below. You can read more reviews of the book at Amazon also.

If you’d like to read more about Rebeca and her scrapbooking novels: HERE is an excellent article on a Christian media website, which tells a lot about her literary and writing career, and the role spirituality plays in her life.

As I mentioned, the scrapbooker girlfriends in the novel form a website and community dedicated to scrapbookers and bringing them together. The ideas for this fictional website were so good that, as I was reading, I kept thinking they had better really have this place so I could join up when I got home from my trip, LOL. Sure enough, they do! Here is the actual SISTERS INK website. There is a $12 annual sign-up fee, which seems totally reasonable ($1 a month? why not?). I plan to join soon and check out the benefits of the site.

At the Sisters Ink website, I found lots of information about Rebeca and her books, including a list of the FOUR NOVELS which make up the Sisters Ink series. The four novels are:

Sisters Ink
Coming Unglued
Scrapping Plans
Perfect Piece

Apparently, Rebeca first wrote Prints Charming, then was contracted for the four Sisters Ink books which are a series and interrelated, dealing with four adopted sisters from one family. I plan to buy all of them and can’t wait to get started. Ah, my summer reading list!

Copied from the Sisters Ink site, here’s where you can purchase Rebeca’s scrapbooking novels:


The Sisters, Ink novels are available for purchase in thousands of bookstores across the country, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million, LifeWay, Family Christian Stores, Parable-member stores, independent bookstores, Amazon, Christianbook.com, DeeperShopping.com, and some Wal-mart stores. If you cannot find the Sisters, Ink novels in your area or would like to purchase signed copies, feel free to email Rebeca directly at rebeca@sistersink.net .

Read Rebeca’s tweets HERE.

Hope you enjoyed my review of “Prints Charming” by Rebeca Seitz!

The Popularity of Scrapbook Novels

Check out this REVIEW of a new crafty novel; not scrapbooking per se, but still sounds very interesting, yeah? At the bottom of the article are 2 links that will tell you about scrapbooking novels. HERE is a link to another scrapbook novel and if you scroll down to the “Customers who bought this item also bought” section, you’ll see tons more.

I’m so happy to see the addition of all these scrapbooking novels and mysteries over the years. They combine my 2 favorite hobbies: reading and scrapbooking. In fact, I didn’t realize until I did that search on AMAZON that there were quite so many!

I’ve read all the LAURA CHILDS mysteries, with the exception of Tragic Magic …

… and I’ve read A PAGE OUT OF LIFE

but I think that’s it. Crikey! I have some major reading to do!

Do you ever read scrapbook-related novels? Why or why not? Which ones have you read, or would like to read?

I wonder if there’s an online book club or group for scrapbook novels. Hmmm … if there isn’t, someone should start one. I would love to have one place to purchase these books to read, then have a message board or chat room to discuss them. ‘Cuz I don’t know anyone in my ‘real life’ that would be caught dead reading a scrapbook novel, LOL! Anyway, just another one of my brilliant ideas (hardy har har …)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...