Book Gifts, Part 2 (and my first GIVEAWAY!)

Books are one of the best gifts to give during the holidays, and today I'm suggesting a few that might pique the interest of specific people in your life. If you want to get straight to the giveaway details, scroll to the bottom.

FOR YOUNG ADULTS: The Resurrection of Magic Series, Kathleen Duey

I discovered this series this year, and was blown away by how much I loved the story. Don't be thrown by the rather creepy-looking covers (and by that, I don't mean they aren't attractive in their own way, I just mean the images might not appeal to your four-year-old), these are beautiful novels that cleverly intertwine two storylines, bringing the past and present together in a world where magic is being shunned and rediscovered. In Duey's world, magicians are not cute, cuddly, and would not get along with Harry Potter or Albus Dumbledore. The apprentices are tested, abused, and tested again. According to Duey's blog, she hopes to finish writing the 3rd installment in February 2011. Her website is pretty darn cool--click HERE.

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FOR THE FOODIE:

Avec Eric: A Culinary Journey with Eric Ripert (I love him...can't help it). Click HERE

A Feast of Words: For Lovers of Food Fiction, Anna Shapiro. Click HERE

The Love Goddess' Cooking School, Melissa Senate. Click the book.

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FOR DOG LOVERS:

For this group, I'm going to defer to Terry Lynn Johnson's blog (author of Dogsled Dreams--she's giving away a signed copy on her blog!), resident outdoorsy lady and dog aficionado. Here's her great post on CELEBRATING DOG BOOKS.

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FOR WOMEN (or guys who want to buy a meaningful gift for their friend/girlfriend/spouse who loves to read):

The Heroine's Bookshelf: Life Lessons from Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder

I saw this a few months ago and immediately bought copies to give my special group of girlfriends as Christmas gifts. It looks to the characters and authors of women's fiction for inspiration, humor, and heart.

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THIS BOOK IS MY GIVEAWAY! If you'd like to win The Heroine's Bookshelf, please leave a comment on this post by midnight on Sunday, December 19. If your account isn't attached to an email address, leave me that too. I'll pick a random winner and ship the book on Monday morning.

**UPDATE: All entrants were assigned a number. The Random Number Generator (a handy contest tool- Click HERE) came up with a winner- Beth!!! Congrats to her, and thanks to everyone who entered :)

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Have a great weekend!