Congratulations are in order…

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

The ‘chic vintage affair’ with which I envisioned conducting the drawing just wouldn’t cut it for the outpouring of entries that came in, so I had to resort to a slightly more no-nonsense chapeau in straw and black velvet. (But it is rather more Anne-ish than a feathered and frilled number, wouldn’t you agree?) I just have to say that I was completely overwhelmed and delighted with your response to the very first giveaway drawing here at Lanier’s Books. You were all so generous with your words and your recommendations that I feel like we have a wealth of richness right here in the comments section. So many of my beloved friends were mentioned that I quit trying to jump in and comment myself for fear of cluttering things up with my rhapsodies–but what joy it gave me to see all the shared loves and connections occurring among you! And so many new titles and authors to meet! Thank you for joining in with such enthusiasm. I wish I had the words at my command to let you all know just how encouraging your friendly participation has been to me and how much I cherish your kindness. And I wish I was able to give a book to every single one of you! But without further ado, allow me introduce to you our winner:

Judi Hayes, who offered us Louisa May Alcott’s An Old-Fashioned Girl

(Judi, if you will send me your address via my secure contact form or via email to laniersbooks AT gmail DOT com, I will package your book and drop it in the mail post-haste.)

Thank you, again, dear friends, for entering into the spirit of things! This has been so much fun that I promise it will be the first of many drawings and giveaways here at Lanier’s Books. 🙂 Be sure and take a look at all the favorite book recommendations if you haven’t had a chance…

(And have a peek in the Bookshop tomorrow to see some new titles on the shelves…)

13 Comments

  1. I didn’t get around to posting my recommendation; I was too wrapped up in reading the comments to see if someone had beaten me too it. I see from the picture that you had a special judge watching over the drawing- hat. Give him a scratch for me!

  2. Congratulations to the Winner! “Old-Fashioned Girl” was excellent. I read it many years ago, and have fond memories of it.
    Question: If one was going to start reading Elizabeth Goudge, what book would you recommend to start with? ~ L

    1. Lauren, to answer your question (and anyone else, feel free to chime in! ;)), pretty much any of Goudge’s books are a good place to start in my opinion. Whichever one you can get your hands on. 😉 But my introduction and personal favorite is the Eliot trilogy, comprised of ‘The Bird in the Tree’, ‘Pilgrim’s Inn’ and ‘Heart of the Family’, ‘Pilgrim’s Inn’ being my hands-down favorite. But if you want a stand-alone novel, ‘City of Bells’, ‘The Rosemary Tree’, ‘The Dean’s Watch’ are all fabulous titles. ‘Child from the Sea’ is a heart-wrenching historical novel. And, of course, there is the childrens’ novel ‘The Little White Horse’ which is wonderful. I read somewhere that it inspired C.S. Lewis with his Narnia books…at any rate, I don’t think you can go wrong. But there are some titles to start with… 🙂

      1. I appreciate this list of Elizabeth Goudge’s books you shared, Lanier, as I am also new to her works. Recently I found a hardcover book of hers at a local thrift shop entitled, God So Loved the World, and recognizing her name because of your site, I bought it ~in very good condition~ and for less than a dollar! Have you read this particular title? I haven’t started it just yet but would love to hear some of your thoughts on it!

        1. What a find!! 🙂 I haven’t actually read this particular book, but I know it’s an account of the life of Christ. I’m sure it’s wonderful. 🙂

  3. Dear Lanier

    Congratulations on your 100th book sold. And what a perfect undertaking – a dream come true for you! I missed the party but I already own (and love) a Diary of Prayer and I had a little party of my own reading all the comments with favourite book suggestions. Definitely a list of kindred spirits.

    Why oh why do I always beam when readers choose LM Montgomery as their favourite of favourites?? Well, not only do I love her writing, but she highlights my beautiful home place not to mention we’re distant cousins 🙂

    And E Goudge – I have loved her for years and years and read and re-read all her books. And Miss Read and L’Engle and Austin and CS Lewis

    I’m almost glad I missed adding to the comments because I think it might be impossible to narrow down to one favourite book. Yes, I’m sure it is.

    But, since I like it when others do, then I will add one that I don’t think has been mentioned – LarkRise to Candleford by Flora Thompson – I have a beautifully illustrated copy given to me by my beloved sister who died in 2002. A wonderful read.

    Thanks for celebrating this way Lanier- it’s a gift to us all!

  4. Oh My!!! I just discovered that I am the Very Blessed Winner of your drawing! My heart is pounding with happiness. Thank you so very much. And may I add that I agree with Island Sparrow, that your whole celebration, with all the comments was a gift to all of us. Thank you everyone who commented. I loved reading them all, and bookmarked them for future book suggestions that I’ve not read, knowing they come from kindred spirits! 😀

  5. Lanier, I’m just coming back here to let you know that my package from Lanier’s Books was safely deposited on my front porch by our friendly mailman this morning. My twelve year old son announced its arrival. My thirteen year old daughter brought it in. (We homeschool.) I opened it, and it looked so lovely, wrapped in brown paper tied up with string and your little bookmark tucked under the string, that I was compelled to leave it unwrapped for a time to enjoy it in that state before I finally carefully unwrapped it, singing “brown paper packages tied up with string. These are a few of my favorite things!…” (to a few groans from my children! ;D ) Then I read aloud the prayer for September 21 and tucked in the bookmark for tomorrow. All that to say, thank you so very much! (You’ll like to know my daughter’s comment: “Lanier seems like a very nice person.” And I whole-heartedly agreed!)

    1. I’m so happy that it arrived safely and that you were pleased, Judi. It was so sweet of you to let me know! 🙂
      ~God bless…

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