Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Giveaway- Thirty Little Fingers

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I don't have to introduce Sheila Petre to many of you. You have already have enjoyed her stories of marriage and motherhood in various publications such as Keepers at Home magazine. I had enjoyed Sheila's writing some time before finding that she both lived near me AND her husband and mine are related.

Today I count Sheila one of those friends who I can stop by unannounced. I now know that, not only is she a talented writer, but she is also a real mom with dishes in her sink, toys on the floor, and adorable children riding bikes in the driveway. I also learn that I never leave her presence without being encouraged.

Thirty Little Fingers: Seasons of Young Motherhood is a brand new book compiling Sheila's stories, essays, poems, (and even a few recipes). Many of these articles were previously published in Ladies Journal, KAH, or other magazine, but many others have never been published. With a mix of short and longer articles, it is a perfect book to pick up when I have a few minutes. A few pages will probably have me smiling, maybe laughing out loud, sometimes wiping tears - maybe on the same page.

Sheila writes about the joys of sweet new babies, funny preschoolers, and shared laughter. But she doesn't ignore the squabbles, the misunderstandings, and fatigue that arrive with many small children. The book spans numerous years; you'll find Sheila's family growing from two to seven children (in about that many years). I know young mothers will relate to this book, but I think that women in a completely different season of life will enjoy these pages.

Whether Sheila is surviving the latest version of the stomach bug, battling the summer garden harvest, or hosting a Muslim student for a year - life is never dull. Joy is found in the cracks of living and always God's grace is found in a word of Scripture, a child's dimples, or a husband's admonition. I love that Sheila doesn't pretend to be perfect, but encourages me to keep trying, like her, to lean harder on God to be a more godly mother.

You can read a sample of Sheila's writing at Antics of an International Potluck - one of the essays she edited for inclusion in Thirty Little Fingers.

Now for the giveaway. Sheila may be the author of several books, but she believes there is no writing genre of higher order than the personal letter or card. Many of the stories in Thirty Little Fingers began as letters to friends. So Sheila suggested this fun idea for a blog giveaway for her book.

If you received a personal letter or card in the mail in the last month - not a birthday card, not Christmas mail, a real, just-because-you're-my-friend card or letter - you may nominate the person that sent you the mail by leaving a comment on this post. Sheila is willing to give away TEN copies of Thirty Little Fingers to those you nominate - if we get ten names. Her husband, Michael said, "These are blog readers, they don't write snail mail," and maybe he is right. But if we get more than ten nominations, I'll do a random drawing.

But I know that there are some people who DO send mail. We have a large basket filled with the mail sent to us since May. If you are like our family and have had a health crisis that has resulted in a deluge of letters, cards, and care packages, just choose one person to nominate whose mail was especially meaningful to you. I bought an extra copy of Thirty Little Fingers from Sheila to send to a blog reader who has blessed us with a handwritten card every single week since Ed's surgery in May.

To purchase your own copy of Thirty Little Fingers (or buy one for a gift for your mom friend) send a check payable to Sheila Petre at P.O. Box 127, Mercersburg, PA 17236. Books are $13 each (which includes shipping to US addresses). Five or more copies, $11 each. PA residents add 6% sales tax. For larger-quantity discounts or questions, email Sheila at sheilajoyful@emypeople.net

Thirty Little Fingers is also available from the publisher, call Carlisle Press at 1-800-852-4482.

Sheila plans to have a book signing in New Holland, PA on January 6. Contact Sheila for more details if you are in that area.

Sheila gave me a copy to review, but I bought several copies myself and all opinions stated here are my own.

Giveaway is open for one week from today. Please give your email address so I can contact you if you win. US mailing addresses only, please.

Edit: Giveaway is now closed.

40 comments :

  1. A dear friend would be Jenny, who I'm excited to nominate! She is facing quite a bit right now and has an amazing testimony.
    Julie

    keithnjulieforever@gmail.com

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  2. I recieved a card from my friend, Janelle Burkholder. My email is sewbasicdresses@gmail.com

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  3. I would like to nominate my friend, Nicole, to receive a copy of "Thirty Little Fingers". Amidst the demands of caring for her six children who are eight years old and younger while grieving the accidental death of her mother, she recently took the time to send a friendship card to me, including a meaningful, hand-written note.

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    1. My email address is berjan1993@frontier.com.

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  4. I love Sheila's writing! I did get a card (and package with a baby gift) from a friend in Tampaulipas, MX but it didn't arrive in the mail. My cousin brought it when he came back from visiting his girlfriend there. So you decide whether that counts or not:)

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  5. My nominee is Amanda, a young mother many years (perhaps 50) younger than me but a great friend and sister in our Lord. Her most recent note to me brought tears to my eyes and put much warmth in my heart.
    jimandeugenia@windstream.net

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  6. We don't get a lot of mail, because we live in New Zealand and postage, of course, costs a lot. However, my Mom sends cards and notes for everyone's birthdays, and we had one in November. My email is gayleandemma at gmail dot com.

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  7. I received a letter from my friend Hannah. I would love to read his book sometime! :)
    ilovethcountry16@gmail.com

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  8. My friend Darlene Brubaker...a very inspirational friend who loves to write original poetry...though a busy mom of three sent me a lovely friendship letter!
    noahfaith1123@gmail.com

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  9. Barb loves to send cards w/handwritten notes in them. She is such an encouragement to me and many others. I would like to nominate her. Suzanne
    jsmking@dejazzd.com

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  10. My sister, priscilla, who is a busy mom of 6 children (and who loves sheila's writing!), sent me a wonderful card a few weeks ago while we were out of state, due to a job change for my husband. My e-mail is itsjustreba@yahoo.com -rebecca

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  11. My friend Laura. Who is a new mom herself. She would enjoy this book to read as she and her husband plan to have a big family.

    My email is weberme@mail.gvsu.edu

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  12. My friend and prayer partner Audra...a young mom and an inspiration to me. My email - geneandlaura@comcast.net

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  13. My friend Beth sent me a nice long letter. She is a mother of 9 expecting #10. I know she would enjoy the book. ~Joanne weaverfamily2002@gmail.com

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  14. Abigail sent me a card and words of encouragement. She prays for me and is such an inspiration to me! As a busy mom, she'd enjoy this book! Karen jakah@verizon.net

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  15. A few weeks ago, I received a nice letter from my pen pal Judith. She once asked me to write a "mommy" book, but I'm not really that kind of writer. I'm so glad Sheila is! I would like Judith to have a copy of the book I never wrote for her. She is a busy, happy mommy who loves to read! E-mail: plaininmaine (at) gmail (dot) (com):-) Thank You!

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  16. My niece Rose periodically sends me lovely letters in the mail. I know she would enjoy this book! My email address is Okiesmiller@hotmail.com

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  17. One of my daughters, Elizabeth, who is gone for 8 weeks to Chicago with no internet. We have been writing back and forth. updikefarms1@gmail.com

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  18. My sister Loretta sent me a beautiful card in the mail (along with a check),a couple weeks ago. She's a busy mother of 4 small children and her husband is newly ordained. She's one of my best friends and I'd like to nominate her.My email address is marleneeash@gmail.com

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  19. My friend Jaime! chandra@thejamesons.org

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  20. My friend Cathy from Nashville sent a card to me and my daughter just because she wanted to say hi:-)

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  21. I have enjoyed Sheila's writings in Keepers at Home magazine. I've enjoyed yours too! Have fun with the giveaway!

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  22. My mom sent me a card recently, and since I live overseas, that was something unusual. My inbox often has much more mail than my mailbox....
    misslindakay@gmail.com

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  23. I still receive letters from my mom. She is 81 and her memory is beginning to decline. Yet, she writes me.
    A couple years ago she fell breaking her femur, wrist and had a concussion. She can no longer walk without a walker and had to retrain herself to write because of her broken wrist. She did this just so she could continue to write letters!
    They always encourage me. Always a scripture is added at the end...
    Yes, I'd love for her to get this book. Each chapter telling a complete story, are the perfect books for her.
    I've so enjoyed your blog since finding it. Thank you sharing your life with us.
    -Beth
    twagenius@yahoo.com

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  24. My friend Edith does a wonderful job of sending personal mail. For her January birthday this year I gave her a little tear-off calendar on friendship. She saves the pages and mails them to me, usually with a personal note soon after the end of the month. I got my little packet from her this week. Thanks for this opportunity! I think I'll be ordering soon! d(dot)heatwole(at)icloud(dot)com

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  25. My friend Rosalene sent a handwritten letter along with a check, last week. If that counts I'm sure she would enjoy the book! - Melissa tmweaver at yahoo dot com

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  26. My out of state long time friend, Twila has inspired me by her godly example. She never fails to send cards throughout the year! ~ Joyce mandjgroff@gmail.com

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  27. Hosanna sends the most delightful letters; I got one from her today. Even though our lives are very different she always inspires me with her sense of humor and dedication to God. natruthfisher@gmail.com

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  28. My mother, who is in her 70's, but sends a letter every week.
    -Dorcas jondorsolly@gmail.com

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  29. My cousin Rachel sent a delightful note in the mail along with a gift to welcome our new baby.
    jarednrenae@gmail.com

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  30. I have a number of friends who delight me with snail mail! I would love for Jen to get a book!

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  31. My mother n law Laura sends a lovely letter every week!larrynmaria10@gmail.com

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  32. I get snail mail from my beautiful friend Linda every two weeks! She is a faithful handmaiden of Jesus! I'd love to win this book for her!! testifyingtoluv@gmail.com

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  33. My dear friend and cousin Rosanna, who is a busy school teacher, but took the time to write me in the last few weeks. -Joanna jondorsolly@gmail.com

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  34. My friend Miriam Hostetler sends lengthy letters that I can read over and over again-she continually points me to God...love her writing! She would enjoy the book. :-) Jen
    jenilou4u@gmail.com

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  35. My special friend Cheryl sent me a letter Nov. 17th; we have been friends for over 30 years, though not long ago she and her family moved out of state-all the more reason that we treasure each other's notes!
    When I saw how many responded to your offer, I hesitated to send mine in; however, I wanted to include my friend also! I have been very blessed to read the many comments sharing about friendship! What a wonderful encouragement! Thank you for the opportunity! Diane5079@hotmail.com

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  36. My friend, Vila. She is a writer and I enjoyed reading about their experiences when they were in Romania as missionaries. lyndon.unruh@yahoo.com

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  37. Snail mail is a rare treat. I was blessed to receive a handwritten two-page,two-sided letter from Carolyn the other week.-Rachel
    racheleve.828@gmail.com

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  38. I would love for my dear friend Shari to get a copy of this book...she sent me an encouraging card last week that brought tears to my eyes...my e-mail is delnbec@gmail.com

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