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Release Day Celebration and Giveaway!


By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I'm interrupting my usual posting this week for several reasons. First, it's the 4th of July week, and I know from past experience that people aren't thinking about writing since they're busy with family activities or are on vacation.

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, Michigan
Second, I just returned from a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and haven't had time to come up with a brand new meaningful post! I stayed in an assistant light keeper's house for a week doing research for my lighthouse series (the first book releases later in the year). Let me just say, words cannot do justice to the trip (hence the reason for the hundreds of pictures I took!).

And finally, I'm interrupting my typical post because TODAY July 1 is officially the release of my SIXTH published book! I haven't had a book release fall on one of my blogging days, so I had to take advantage of the momentous occasion and celebrate with you!

Yes, Captured by Love is my sixth published book. Can you believe it?!

For those of you who've been following along with me over the past five years of my writing journey, thank you for being there to support and encourage me every step of the way. I couldn't have done it without you!

I also want to thank all of my readers for your enthusiasm about my books! YOU make all the hard work of being an author worthwhile! I love you ALL! If I haven't had the opportunity to "meet" you yet, make sure you stop by Facebook and introduce yourself.

Okay, without further fanfare, let's get on to the PARTY!

Publisher's Weekly gave the book a starred review (which is an honor since they don't give out many starred reviews): "Award-winning author Hedlund (The Preacher’s Bride) continues to perfect her craft, combining drama, geography, and military strategy into an engaging historical romance. Superbly written romantic tension comes together with rich historical and scenic detail in this third novel in the Michigan Brides Collection that will leave readers eager for a fourth."

I'm pleased to announce that early readers are raving about the book. Here's what they're saying:

Lindsey Bell said: "Jody Hedlund's newest book, Captured by Love, was just as captivating as her previous books. As typical of Jody, the writing is superb, and the characters are incredibly realistic. I was drawn in to the story quickly and by the middle of the book could not put it down."

Shannon Gonzalez said: "Author Jody Hedlund has once again, written a beautifully captivating tale. The characters have been brought into reality so clearly the reader will instantly feel as if they are best friends. Willing to follow them into turmoil, heart break, and life endangering situations the reader will not want to put the book down until they know what happens."

If you'd like to join in the book release fun this month, here are a few of the activities that are happening:

1. "Behind the Scenes of Captured by Love" blog tour:

Join us during the month of July 2014 (starting NEXT WEEK) for a behind-the-scenes look at Captured by Love. At each stop you’ll not only have the chance to learn more about the making of the book, but you’ll also be eligible to win a signed copy of Captured by Love. Don’t miss the fun!

1. July 7 (Mon.) What Inspired Me to Write Captured by Love
at Jamie Lapeyrolerie’s blog

2. July 9 (Wed.) A Research Trip to Mackinac Island Part 1
at Julie Musil’s blog

3. July 11 (Fri.) A Research Trip to Mackinac Island Part 2
at Caroline Flory’s blog

4. July 14 (Mon.) The True People and Events in Captured by Love
at Bethany Ward’s blog

5. July 16 (Wed.) Getting Down and Dirty . . . At the Chicken Farm
at Vera Godley’s blog

6. July 18 (Fri.) A Sizzling Romance: Pass Me a Fan!
at Jaime Wright Sundsmo’s blog

7. July 21 (Mon.) What I Hope Readers Take Away from Captured by Love
at Lindsay Harrel’s blog

8. July 23 (Wed.) Fun Trivia From Captured by Love
at Joleen Graumann’s blog

9. July 25 (Fri.) The Movie Cast for the Main Characters of Captured by Love
at Rachel McMillan’s blog

10. July 28 (Mon.) A Plethora of Pictures of Captured by Love
at Karen Lange’s blog

2. Facebook Party: Join the fun on Tuesday July 22 from 12-2pm on the Bethany House Facebook Page

3. Goodreads Giveaway: Go over to Goodreads for another chance to win 1 of 15 copies of the book!

4. Pinterest Novel Board for Captured by Love: For pictures to help inspire your imagination, head over to my Pinterest Board.

5. Presentation and Booksigning: On July 12 from 1-3pm I'll be sharing a presentation about my writing journey along with some of the local history behind my Michigan Brides Collection followed by a booksigning. The event will take place at Pathway Books and Gifts in Midland, Michigan.

Finally, in celebration of the release, I'm giving away BOOKS!!!

FOUR lucky winners will each receive a copy of my newest book AND their choice of ONE of four other books (for a total of two books each). All are recent releases by fellow Bethany House Authors.

Choose from: Siri Mitchell's Love Comes Calling, Julie Klassen's The Dancing Master, Kate Breslin's For Such a Time, and Tracie Peterson's A Sensible Arrangement.

 
Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway which ends on July 6 at midnight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Virtual cake and coffee to ALL! Thanks for celebrating with me!

The WINNERS picked at random through Rafflecopter are:

Rissi Cain
Dawn Robinson
Julie Waldvogel
Connie Hendryx

Congratulations! Thank you, everyone, for joining the celebration! Please make sure to visit all of the blog tour stops for more chances to win my new release!

95 comments:

  1. I would love "For Such A Time" mostly because I love seeing the Biblical accounts being replayed or coming alive in fiction story. Though, with four amazing books, how can you possibly have a favorite?!

    This is so exciting, Jody! I can't wait to follow the blog tour! :)

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  2. So excited about this release! Would love Julie Klassen's book. Haven't read any of hers but have heard great things about her writing!

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  3. I would love to win Love Comes Calling! I've been dying to read it! And... I have the other 3 books already. :)

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  4. I'd like to win the Tracie Peterson book. She is my daughter's favorite author so I would love to be able to give it to her.

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  5. I would be blessed to win any of them . TY for the chance.

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  6. I am so happy for you! Captured by Love is just as awesome as your other books! I would like to win For Such a Time because Esther is my favorite book of the Bible.

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  7. They are excellent choices. The one stands out the most is For Such A Time or A Sensible Arrangement. But I would be bless with any of these fab. authors.

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  8. I would love any of the books, but "The Dancing Master" sounds intriguing as a sort of Regency mystery.

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  9. I love to read this author and am happy to see this book launched in a special way for her...The coffee and cake hits the spot today, thanks.

    Paula O

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  10. I would love to win one of your books.
    Blessings
    Diana

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  11. I would love to win The Dancing Master because I have seen such wonderful reviews about it. It has been on my TBR list for quite awhile :)

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  12. What fun! I'm so excited for this latest release--thanks for letting us know about the upcoming blog tour, too. I'd love to read Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell--I'm a big fan of her novels and that's one I haven't read yet.

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    1. Oh, and I pinned your book cover on Pinterest, too!

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  13. Love Comes Calling would be my first choice, but the only one I already have a copy of is The Dancing Master...

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  14. I'm dying to read your new release, but I also wouldn't mind reading Siri Mitchell's latest either (Love Comes Calling). I've read almost all of her other titles but it's my goal to read all her titles.

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  15. Congrats on your new book release! I would like to win the Tracie Peterson Book. I enjoy reading your blog posts. Great information for writers.

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  16. Yay!!! It's book release day! So happy for you, Jody! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy! As for which of the four....I think any of them would be welcome. The Julie Klassen book looks interesting, though, if I had to pick just one.

    Also, I pinned the cover of the book, and I shared on facebook! Happy release day!

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  17. Can't wait to read the new book!

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  18. Jody, I'm thoroughly enjoying Captured by Love! You've won my heart with your beautifully descriptive novels based here in Michigan! I can hardly wait for your lighthouse series, but for now I'm going to continue enjoying the historic accounts from Mackinac Island! Thank you for sharing some of the wonderful stories that make Michigan such a glorious place to reside!

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  19. I would like to have "The Dancing Master" by Julie Klassen. It is on my TBR list.

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  20. I would love to win A Sensible Arrangement because I enjoy Tracie Peterson's books. Congratulations on your new book release. I can't wait to read it. The lighthouse you stayed in was beautiful. I love lighthouses.

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  21. I would to win The Dancing Master. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  22. Jody, you amaze me how you write in all different eras without specializing. :)
    "For Such a Time" is fabulous.

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  23. I read the preview/excerpt--very intriguing! Congratulations!

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  24. Congrats, Jody- this is so exciting!!! Can't wait to read Captured by Love... it looks amazing! All of the books look great, but as for choosing one, I'd go for Julie Klassen's book. I've loved all of hers in the past, and this one looks really good. =)

    I shared this post on Facebook. =) Thanks for the chance to win!

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  25. Nice idea. The Dancing Master sounded interesting.

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  26. I pinned the book cover and the contest! Love the board too!!!

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  27. Opps first post not published. I would like any of the following: For Such A Time as This (#1 choice), Sensible Arrangement or Love Comes Calling. I have read and loved the Dance Master! Thanks for the contest.

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  28. Congrats on the release of your sixth book, Jody! I loved "The Doctor's Lady", and I'm excited to read it! Bless you.

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  29. I Love all your books, especially The Doctor's Lady! I'm really looking forward to this new one. I also entered to win a copy on goodreads.com.

    Emilee Douglas
    douglas.emilee@yahoo.com

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  30. I'd love to win Loves Come Calling because I've read For Such a Time (amazing!) and I just bought The Dancing Master and I've never read a book by Siri Mitchell before. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  31. Awww…you used my review! I'm honored:)

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  32. So, I read through all the book descriptions and as an admirer of all things mysterious, romance, intrigue and of course Christian, I couldn't decide!!! What's a girl to do?! So, I chose the one I know I'd most enjoy, and I chose A Sensible Arrangement simply because I love books anyway, especially a good book, as I know this will be!!

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  33. Congratulations on your book birthday, Jody! Another one has flown the nest!

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  34. I'd like to win The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen and give it to my sister. I already own it. I love a well-written Regency novel. Julie Klassen always does good research and has a beautiful writing style.

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  35. I'd like A Sensible Arrangement. The book For Such a Time is an amazing read, BTW. Totally love your books!

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    1. The request for that is because I have several of these, but not that one. Have heard some great things about it! :)

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  36. Happy new release!!! I'm looking forward to following the blog tour! I'm so excited to read your new book. I've read two of the other books so I'd love a copy of either Love Comes Calling or For Such a Time. Thanks!!!

    http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com

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  37. The Dancing Master - Julie Klassen's books are so rich (and long! I love long books)

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  38. So excited! I can't wait to read it!!!

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  39. I'd have to say The Dancing Master because I've either read or have the other 3. :-) Thanks for the giveaway! Looking forward to CbL!

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  40. I've completed and lent out "For Such a Time" --aMAZing writing!

    Currently working to finish "The Dancing Master" -- incredible book.

    So excited to have had the chance to participate in the influencer copy of "Captured by Love". Lent out already to a coworker, along with "The Noble Groom". She decided to read the former first since I told her it hadn't been released yet (a week and a half ago). I'm excited to hear her response when I see her this Friday.

    and SO, the next on my list of your giveaways are the two I haven't yet seen. :) "Love Comes Calling" and "Sensible Arrangement".

    It's so great to be a book junkie. I love it.

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  41. Exciting! !
    Pinned on Pinterest. -Blessings!

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  42. They all look so good, but I would pick the one by Tracie Peterson because I just read her striking a match series and loved it!

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  43. I would actually be thrilled to win any of them, but since you asked, I would have to say. Siri Mitchell's Love Comes Calling, or Kate Breslin's For Such a Time.. Happy Release Day! I cannot wait to read Captured By Love!! :)

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  44. I really enjoyed Unending Devotion. You did such a good job of capturing the time period. How inspiring to spend a week in a keeper's home. Isn't the UP great? All of these authors are great and I would love to win a book from any of you.

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  45. They're ALL on my to-read list! I would love to start with Julie Klassen's The Dancing Master. Thank you and Congratulations! tamara_wilkins@ymail.com

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  46. For Such a Time would be my choice, though it was awfully hard to choose. I'd like to read the other books too! Congratulations on the release of your new book. It looks great and is on my want-to-read list.

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  47. Yeah for a new book release--looking forward to reading:) I would love to read Julie Klassen's new book A Dancing Master!

    Jennifer R

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  48. Congratulations on your 6th published novel!! Can't wait to read it. :)

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  49. Any of them would be great and I appreciate this giveaway!

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  50. I love to read books especially from Bethany House Authors, I would love to read any of the books. Thank You for offering books!!

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  51. Would be thrilled to win any one of the books.

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  52. I'm just as excited about this sixth book as I was about your first! I've loved seeing your success as each year goes by, and thrilled about your recent Inspy finals and win. I'd be delighted to win a copy of Captured By Love and Tracie Peterson's A Sensible Arrangement, but of course I'll buy copies if I don't. ;)

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  53. I'd love to win Love Comes Calling. I've read For Such a Time and The Dancing Master and they're both great!

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  54. Happy release day, Jody! I would love to win a signed copy of CAPTURED BY LOVE and a copy of FOR SUCH A TIME!

    I have shared on FB, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful giveaway opportunity.

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  55. Congrats on your new release, Jody! How wonderful. :)

    I think my pick would be Tracie's book.

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  56. Congratulations on your new book! I can't wait to read it. My pick for a second book would be The Dancing Master. I love that time period!

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  57. I used to live in Michigan and would love to win a copy of CAPTURED BY LOVE, as well as FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS.

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  58. I have three grandsons attending a Christian boarding school in Mochigan, so strangely enough, this book sounds like something I want to read now. Makes me feel closer to them about now!! Ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com

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  59. Would love to win your new book -and would also love to read For Such A Time.

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  60. Happy New Release! Would love to win one of your books. Love the book covers.

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  61. I just love all the books you have written!

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  62. I would love to read all these books, but probably Captured by Love the most. I am not a Michigander, but from neighboring Ohio, and I do love a "local" setting.

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  63. I would be thrilled to win any one of the four books - thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  64. THANK YOU so much for stopping by and celebrating with me, everyone!! Wish I could give each of you a HUG along with a real cup of coffee and piece of cake! :-)

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  65. I would love a chance to win your book and any of the four, but if I had to choose it would be Tracie Peterson's A Sensible Arrangement.

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  66. I haven't read any of your books (yet!) but saw the raves on A Noble Groom. I am going to have to check out the series now! I would choose For Such a Time because I love WWII books. Thanks!

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  67. Love to win any of them...love this genre of books!

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  68. The Dancing Master because the blurb sounds interesting

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  69. I would love your new book. My husband surprised me with a trip to Macinac island for our honeymoon.

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  70. Thank you for this chance to win your book Captured by Love. The other book that I would most like to win is A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson. ~ Blessings ~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  71. I am excited about your new release and I would also like to read For Such A Time.

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  72. Eager to read Captured by Love. I live just south of the Mackinac Bridge, so I love stories about our area.

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  73. I would love to read Julie Klassens book a Dancing Master. I love all of her previous books and can't wait to read this new one

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  74. I would love to win "A Sensible Arrangement" because I love reading about the 19th century, especially when it's a Christian book! :-)

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  75. For Such A Time would be my first choice. I'd love to win this book for my sister, since I've already read it and have it topping my best-books-I've-read-this-year list!

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  76. A Sensible Arrangement (Lone Star Brides, #1) I would love to win this books and your new book!! Thanks

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  77. So excited about this giveaway. Great books!!

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  78. Your books are great! I think I'd choose "The Dancing Master" as my second, but I really want yours

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  79. The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen. I love her books.

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  80. Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell. Though all of the books would be great to have and read.

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  81. I would love to win A Sensible Arrangement. It has been a while since I've read one of her great books. Oh how I miss Michigan sometimes! And your book signing is going to be just a city away from where I still call home. I must read this series! And take a break from the desert, even if only through your writing. Blessings!

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  82. Thanks for a nice Giveaway! (any giveaway involving BOOKS is a nice Giveaway!)

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  83. hmmm, my first comment disappeared...I would love a copy of Siri Mitchell's Love Comes Calling, but would be happy with any of the four! Thanks!

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  84. I love your novels and would love to add this one to my collection! Out of the other novels the only one I don't already own is Love comes Calling :)

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  85. I would love to win For Such a Time! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  86. Thanks so much for the contest! I'd love to win Siri's book, Love Comes Calling. I've enjoyed what I've read of her other books.

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  87. I'd like your book, of course, and A Sensible Arrangement. Thanks.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  88. Linda McFarlandJuly 04, 2014 4:05 PM

    Captured by Love is amazing! Another great read by Jody Hedlund. It is also a hard choice to pick from the four books but I would choose Tracie Peterson's A Sensible Arrangement. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Helping to get the word out about your new book! Linda

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  89. any one of them would be great! :)

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  90. A Sensible Arrangement but any one would be fine if I should be lucky enough to win.

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  91. Congrats to you on another great sounding book. So happy for you! I would get For Such a Time for my 80 year old aunt. I think she'd like that one.

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  92. My first choice would be Captured by Love because that one looks like one I would enjoy.
    heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

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  93. I would be thrilled to win any of the four books, but I guess The Dancing Master would be my top choice - it's been on my "to read" list for quite some time, but I still haven't got my hands on it!

    Looking forward to reading Captured by Love as well!

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