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Release Day!! Come Celebrate With Me!!

It’s OFFICIAL!! The Preacher’s Bride is on shelves! Of course it's shown up in various places during the month of September as it’s become available. But as of today, October 1st, the book is guaranteed to be out!

I’ve been collecting pictures of first-sightings and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see friends with the book. Check out the slide show in the side bar. I’d LOVE to include everyone. So please continue to send me your pictures.

As I’ve anticipated the release of my debut book, I’ve realized that what makes this time so special is sharing the moment with all my friends. I had my debut book party with real life friends last weekend (see this post to read all about it). But I also wanted the chance to celebrate with all of YOU, my online friends. So today’s post is an online party!

First, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone. There are quite a number of online writing friends who’ve walked alongside me since the early days before I had an agent or contract. They’ve been with me through the incredible lows and highs, always encouraging me, believing in me, and cheering me on. Thanks. You all know who you are.

And I also wanted to thank my newer friends. It’s always such a joy to connect with new writers, to find kindred spirits, to share in bearing one another’s burdens. I love when my circle of friendship continues to grow.

Then there are the real life family and friends who read my blog. And I wanted to thank you too. It means SO much to have a few real life people who “get” how important writing is to me, who understand the difficulty of the journey, and who are walking alongside of me. Thank you.

And I can’t forget to thank my READERS! Hopefully this is a growing group of blog followers. Make sure you say hi and join the party today too.

I can’t start naming names, because I’m afraid I’d leave somebody out. But I just have to mention a couple daring feats. Walt Mussell saw my book on the bottom shelf at his local Borders. Being the manly man that he is, he moved my book up to the top shelf and now my book has a friend (see the slide show!). It gave me a good laugh. Thanks, Walt. And then Janna Qualman, being a wonderful gutsy lady, turned the book face-out at her Borders. You rock, Janna!

I’m deeply grateful for all the emails, facebook messages, and tweets you’ve been sending me as you’re reading my book. I’ve cherished each and every one of them. Your kind and encouraging words have warmed my heart. I wanted to list a few of your comments here on my blog, but as I started to type them, it sounded like a litany to myself. And that’s not what I want this post to be about!

In celebration of my book’s release and as a way to say thank you to everyone, I’m doing a final giveaway to commemorate RELEASE DAY! The lucky winner will receive a copy of my debut book, The Preacher’s Bride AND a $25 Amazon gift card. All you need to do to be entered into the drawing is leave your EMAIL address in the comments of today’s party post! (If you tweet this post or put a link on Facebook, let me know and you'll qualify for a second entry!) The deadline for the giveaway is Sunday, Oct. 3 at 9:00 pm Eastern Time. I'll announce the winner on Monday's post.

And since this is a virtual party, let’s get to it! PARTY! I’m bringing what I’ve dubbed “Book Party Punch.” It’s clear (so that it’s fairly safe at any book party!). Apple juice, white grape juice, and ginger ale—half frozen. Very tasty. (Thanks to my author friend, Karen Witemeyer, for the recipe!)

So, what are you bringing to the party!?

P. S. The winner of this week's Trivia Question #4 book giveaway is: Emily Reilly. Congratulations Emily! Thanks to everyone who played along! It was a very fun month counting down with everyone!

91 comments:

  1. Congrats, Jody!!! We're *squeeing* as loudly as possible :)

    Big hugs!
    Martina & Marissa

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  2. Congratulations, Jody!! Such an exciting day. :)

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  3. Congratulations, Jody. Wishing you continued success

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  4. Congratulations~! That is just so fabulous.

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  5. woohoo!! I need to go to Borders this weekend just to see it! How fun! That is hilarious about Jana and Walt.

    And a $25 gift card PLUS another copy of your book? Are you kidding? Count me in girl. keganshert@gmail.com

    Love ya!

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  6. Congratulations! I can feel and see your happiness.

    Teresa

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  7. Squee! So exciting!

    I'd like to bring some chips and dip, because what's a party without some of that, and a fudge pie. Unless Diane Estrella brings one first, because it's her recipe. ;) Then again, it's so good we'd probably need at least two anyway...

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  8. CONGRATS! What a wonderful day for you, so happy. Look forward to continuing to watch your journey.

    And as for the comp...? Oh, oh! Me! Me!

    aimeelsalter@gmail.com

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  9. Congratulations Jody! I'm really happy for you and can't wait to read it. :)
    Have a great weekend!

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  10. COngrats on your release, Book bday twin! I wish you all the best success.

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  11. Yay! Congrats! A book getting officially released is always so exciting!!!!

    laurapauling@yahoo.com

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  12. Huge congrats, Jody! I've loved reading your journey from unpublished to today!!

    Lisa
    lisajordanbooks at yahoo dot com

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  13. Congratulations! One more chance to win? I almost hesitate, because that delays me from going out and making this book purchase...and I want to read this book! But, I'll give it one more try.

    LCS477atgmaildotcom.

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  14. I'm bringing guac.

    Congratulations, woman! You've worked hard for this.

    And yeah, Janna. Love it.
    ~ Wendy

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  15. Congratulations, Jody. Enjoy the feeling. When my first novel was scheduled to release, I had visions of store clerks standing at the ready to put it on the shelves at one minute after midnight. Instead, it showed up at a couple of online bookstores two weeks before that official date and in other places as the days went on. But that doesn't dull the feeling, does it? Enjoy every bit of it. It's well-earned.

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  16. I'm doing a little dance for you, girl!! Congratulations on your big day!

    They're carrying it at Joseph Beth - the BIG bookstore in Lexington! I hope to get a pic soon!

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  17. Congrats!! I've received my copy, but I let my mom read it first. She better give it back when she's done though or we're going to have words!

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  18. Happy birthday to The Preacher's Bride! What an exciting day for you, Jody!

    forgravebooks at gmail dot com

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  19. I'm dancing, I'm singing, all the bells are ringing!!!! I couldn't be happier for you, my dear, and I am bringing almond bars to your party--from the recipe included in your book. Yum!!!

    Please enter me in the drawing, and I'm on my way to Facebook to tell my friends over there!

    Love you,
    Jen

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  20. Happy launch day! Woo hoo!!!! I can't wait to tell all my girlfriends about your great novel when I see them later today. They love historical Christian fiction so it's a literary match!

    I'm bring chips and salsa in case any one gets hungry and a chocolate cheesecake for dessert! Party on!

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  21. Congratulations, Jody!! I'm so happy for you and what an exciting day it must be for you as the ultimate fruition of all that very hard work. I'm thrilled for you...

    And I'd love to get in on that giveaway: jenjdanna@gmail.com

    Enjoy your day!

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  22. It's been building and it's finally here. YEAH! How exciting. Can you even sit still today?

    I just got my copy of THE PREACHERS BRIDE. The cover is even nicer in person.

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  23. I like that Janna Qualman. She's a smart cookie.

    After all your work, celebrate and bask in the sweet harvest. You've earned it.

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  24. Congratulations! And count me in on the contest. I tweeted your post too.

    I would bring a homemade lasagna to the party so you didn't have to cook. :-)

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  25. AH! Congratulations! That is such great news!

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  26. Congratulations Jody. This is such an amazing day for you! May this be the first of many

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  27. Reading it, loving it! Congratulations, Jody. Also mentioned THE PREACHER'S BRIDE on my Blog today. Congratulations and God bless!

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  28. Congrats, Jody. I tweeted your giveaway. I hope you have a great day!! paulgreci(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Oh yeah, I'll bring some brownies to the party:-)

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  29. Yay, congratulations! I'm so excited for you. I'm bringing chocolate cake (even though it's still early here in Colorado). There's never a bad time for chocolate cake.

    My mother-in-law saw your book at the store and made sure to tell me:) I'd still love to read it so here's my email. wilsoncindyr(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. So excited for you, hoping it's available in Canada.

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  31. Congratulations! I'm doing the Happy Dance for you today. :)

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  32. Wonderful! Always exciting! Congratulations.
    Clella

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  33. Ooo cool! Happy Release Day! I'll bring the cale to the party since no celbration is complete without cake! I'm not a big fan of chocolate cake I'm a ver vanilla girl so if you like chocolate hopefully someone else will bring it! :-)

    XOXO~ Renee
    steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. How totally cool! Congratulations. I'll have to go over to the Borders across the street from my house and make sure your book is there.

    email:
    jacksonlee51 (at) aol (dot) com

    What am I bringing to the party? My favorite jokes of course. Wait! Where's everybody going?

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  35. Mega congrats, Jody!!! I'm thrilled for you. Enjoy your special day!

    Since I live in California, which is home to the Jelly Belly factory, I'm adding a ginormous bowl of jelly beans to the goody table.

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  36. Congratulations, Jody!!! I'm super excited for you! I hope you have a wonderful day! I'm bringing mint chocolate chip chocolate cookies to your release day party!

    I tweeted this post! lauramstine(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. Congratulations, Jody! I am SO excited for you! I'm heading out to a bookstore or two to see your book on the shelves.

    I wish you all kinds of success with your debut!

    Oh, and my email is apeekatkarensworld@gmail.com

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  38. Congratulations! Book release day is very exciting, I imagine.

    Stephanie

    novicewriteranonymous@gmail.com

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  39. My heart skipped when I got my email from B&N this morning to let me know my copy has been shipped. Can't wait til it gets here!! Happy Debut Day to you.
    Hmm... bringing Bridal Bell Marshmallows covered in glitter sprinkles. A Bridal Shower/Debut needs bells - right?
    Patti

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  40. HAPPY HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!

    SO SO excited for you! I haven't been at the book store in a while, but as soon as I do, we'll snap a picture! AND... I always front face a few special friend's books... you'll be added to my list! LOL. Bookstores must hate me...

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  41. Congratulations on the book release! What a great accomplishment and praise.

    I truly appreciate your wonderful tips on writing and the publishing arena here on your blog. You are definitely giving us aspiring writers great tips and encouragement!

    I've tweeted about this, too! I'm @Keep_Tha_Faith on Twitter.

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  42. Jody,

    I'm so happy for you! It has been an honor getting to know you the past couple of years. Your blog is one of those treasures online where the posts are always insightful and always encouraging. I look forward to my time here and wish I could make it by more often!

    Enjoy the celebration girl! You've earned it!!!

    Happy weekend,
    Jen

    jstantonchandler(at)gmail(dot)com

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  43. Waaahoooooo! Jody, I am so excited for you I can't stand it! Congratulations on your day finally arriving. You know how much I love your book, AND the wonderful woman who wrote it! I'll bring Costco cream puffs to the party - 'cuz I love them almost as much as your book! :-)

    mrso_d at yahoo dot com (I'll post on FB from my home computer tonight)

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  44. Congratulations! It cracked me up that your book is next to one titled: My Best Friend is a Wookie. Too funny. I'm so inspired by another mother of multiples (and many) who takes time to develop her career, express her creativity, and be a great mom! mary(dot)aalgaard(at)yahoo com.
    I'll bring the chips and layered taco dip!!

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  45. Congratulations! I hope you have a great celebration.

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  46. Ooh! I've love to be entered! Tweet here: http://twitter.com/WendyDelfosse/status/26099312738

    Congratulations, Jody!

    Oh, and since it's the last minute I'll bring a peanut butter pie - just peanut butter, whipped cream and powdered sugar in a graham cracker crust. :-)

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  47. Yay for the official release! Oh, happy day. I knew I liked October 1st for a reason. I love the re-shelving going on at bookstores. That's so funny!

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  48. Congratulations, Jody! Am so excited for you. Did I mention that I am looking forward to Book Two? :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  49. Congratulations Jody!! Can't wait to read the book.

    Tweeted about your book and online release party :)

    writeawayeveryday [at] gmail [dot] com

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  50. Whoo-hoo!! Congratulations on your happy day! Hey, is anyone else bringing food to this here party? My contribution is sausage balls for something savory and fudge for something sweet!

    OK, please enter me to win since I am giving away my copy on my blog!
    Love the book. It is truly special.

    jprivette1(at)roadrunner(com)

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  51. AAAAHHHHH!!! It's here!! The big day!! Woo-hoo!!

    Jody, I'm so happy for you and excited that this dream has come true. I know you'll have many, many more book releases in your future, but I hope this one always stands out as being extra special.

    Congratulations!!!

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  52. YAY JODY!!! Congrats on a HUGE accomplishment! I hope this is the first of many! God bless!

    Jarika

    jarika@willwriteforlove.com

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  53. Congratulations on your big day!! I am so excited for you and grateful to have met you through the Twitterverse! You are such a sweetheart and inspiration to me!

    It's a pleasure to share your book with friends! I've been telling anyone who likes to read!

    Have a wonderful day celebrating!

    <3 Karen

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  54. Congratulations! How awesome. I'm a debut author but my book won't be out until May. I can just feel your excitement and look forward to feeling that myself. The book sounds fabulous and the punch...wow! I don't drink alcohol but this sounds right up my alley.

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  55. Congrats on the release of The Preacher's Bride! Thanks for the wonderful advice you post on your blog as well.

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/jsubject/status/26103386831

    jessica_stratford[at]ymail[dot]com

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  56. Oops, email for the drawing...

    anita@anitaclenney.com

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  57. I will be bringing a big bowl of trash (chex mix drizzled in chocolate then covered in powdered sugar) a favorite in our house.

    Congrats on all your success, Jody! So excited to have been on this journey with you to see firsthand your dreams becoming a reality!

    bethmann15@yahoo.com

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  58. Congratulations Jody! *throws confetti* How happy you must be *skips over to twitter to tell everyone the good news* Grateful for all the return support you've offered the rest of us aspiring authors. :) *hands you a balloon* Would love to win a copy of your book to inspire me further. :) carriedair at gmail dot com :)

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  59. Let's see, I'm going to a virtual book release party for a marvelous lady named Jody Hedlund, and I'm going to bring...lots of smiles and, also, Hershey kisses. Because chocolate rocks. :)

    And an email address: melodyauthoress AT gmail DOT com

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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  60. Congrats!! I'm so excited for you!

    I'd love to win a copy of your book! How awesome!

    CMShelstad@gmail.com

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  61. Wouldn't miss this one for the world. Congratulations, Jody! It feels almost like when I've been with a friend through her pregnancy and now her first child has been born. I'm truly excited for you.

    pwriter1[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  62. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to reading your book!

    chgillespie (at) gmail (dot) com

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  63. Congratulations!!! Can't wait to get me a copy.

    joymariee(at)att(dot)net

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  64. sent out a tweet!!

    http://twitter.com/JoyKeeney

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  65. Congratulations Jody! I am happy for you!

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  66. Congrats Jody! You must be so excited!

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  67. This is so exciting! Congratulations!

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  68. Congrats! I'm bringing chile rellenos, estilo nuevo mexicano. Count me in: jdomschot@msn.com.

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  69. Yay! Happy Launch Day! Can't wait to read it.

    thegrannygretchen(at)gmail(dot)com

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  70. The day has finally arrived! Congratulations, Jody! How proud you must be to see your book in print and on the shelves of bookstores!

    Please enter me in your drawing, I'd love to win a copy. morgan(dot)maria(dot)i(at)gmail(dot)com

    *I'll bring the fruit tray!! Happy launch party! :)

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  71. Congrats! And many happy sales!!!

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  72. Great job, Jody!!!!
    This is so exciting!!!
    WOO HOOOOO!!!!

    I did a happy dance, but...well, nevermind. Ha.

    I saw your book on CBD and squealed int he office. My coworker looked at me like I had two heads, she smiled at me when I told her what I saw :D

    I've only followed you for a short while, but it's a great privelage to witness this. You've taught me so many things already, and I look forward to more great posts and more GREAT BOOKS!!!!!!!!


    freestonenkcs[at]gmail[dot]com

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  73. Congrats Jody! I just hope and pray that The Preacher's Bride (readers are loving it, I have been reading several blogposts about it) reaches the top of the Bestseller's List.

    Enjoy this special day!

    Here is wishing you loads and loads of success. Love and Hugs on your special day.

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  74. Huge and wonderful congratulations for coming so far. I wish you all the best and many books to follow :)

    PS I'm bringing chocolate cupcakes to the party.

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  75. Congratulations Jody! The Preacher's Bride is just wonderful. I loved every word of it! I'd love to win a copy to give away! aspiranti@sbcglobal.net

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  76. Congratulations! I'm so happy and excited for you! :)

    sandyshin7 [at] gmail [dot] com

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  77. Congratulations! I actually got my copy from Christian Book about a week (or two?) ago, so I've already read it :) I liked it a lot, too, and you're not writing a genre anywhere near to my favorite, so that's a huge compliment!

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  78. How exciting - congratulations!! I've ordered this through CFBA to review and I can't wait to get it and read it!

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  79. Congratulations on the release of your debut novel! Beautiful cover!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    By the way, I would bring a creamy cheesecake!

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  80. I also tweeted about your debut novel and giveaway.

    nwgeorgiagirl

    Thanks!

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  81. Congrats, Jody! There's nothing like holding that first book. It's beautiful! caraputman@gmail.com

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  82. Congratulations on TPB's official release! What an exciting day for you. Savour every moment. And grab a fistful of buttered popcorn from the monstrous bowl I just put on the table. I've sprinkled on a bit of parmesan cheese, too, so it's extra tasty.

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  83. HUGE congrats!! I'm so proud of you! erin@christianmamasguide.com

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  84. Aww, CONGRATS! I'm seriously very happy for you and I can't wait to read your book. :)

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  85. Oh, you might need this: ladyglamis@gmail.com

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  86. Jody, happy to do it. Just thought you belonged on the same shelf level as Beverly Lewis.

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  87. I missed the party, but wooohoooo CONGRATS!!!! :-)

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  88. I was out of the blogosphere this weekend and so I missed this post when it first went up so I'm a little late to the party...but CONGRATULATIONS!!!! *happy dance*

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