This Perfectly Imperfect Life

I have a surprise that may brighten what has been a rough Winter for so many, especially those fellow gardeners who are chomping at the bit for Spring, or those just looking for a fun read!  I have one beautiful paperback copy of Norman Draper 's novel, Backyard , to give away thanks to Mr. Draper and his publisher, Kensington Publishing Corp. !  Here is the synopsis from the back cover: "Livia is a nice little suburb in the upper Midwest - but behind the manicured lawns and pristine hedges seethes a ruthless desire to be the greatest green thumb of all... George and Nan Fremont have created a paradise in their backyard, complete with the semi-hallucinogenic exotics and a comfy spot for drinking their favorite merlot. Marta Poppendauber's garden is a pleasantly haphazard as she is. And Dr. Phyllis Sproot, Livia's self-styled and cantankerous gardening expert, has determined the exact formula for the only correct garden possible. But, once Burdi...

I have been biting my tongue for a couple of weeks now, until all of the details were worked out, but now it's time to let y'all in on a little ( BIG! ) secret:  Southern author Sarah Addison Allen is going to do a chat with my Southern Lit Lovers group on Goodreads *and* we have 3 ARC's of her upcoming novel, First Frost , to giveaway to 3 lucky members on November 4th!  I believe First Frost is a followup to her debut novel Garden Spells . Holy cow have I been excited to share this news!! For all of the info on the chat and giveaway rules, click here .  I can't thank Angie from Sarah's publisher enough for reaching out to me to set all of this up with Sarah and for sending me my own ARC of First Frost!!! Now, these sweet looking little candies came with my copy of First Frost and they were supposed to be a part of the photo above, but... Just before I set everything up, Mama kitty decided to make herself comfy and in the p...

(***Giveaway Closed***) Happy 7th Anniversary Diggin' Around! Seven years ago today, I started this blog.  I can't believe this ended up sneaking up on me again! I remembered last week (or was it the week before) and then promptly forgot about the anniversary again due to distraction. On one hand, I can't believe it's been seven years already and on the other, it seems like so very long ago.  This blog has evolved over the years, much like I have.  I can't tell you all how much Diggin' Around has meant to me over the years and continues to mean to me.  And what you all mean to me! There are no words! Usually, my blog-aversary comes and goes without much fanfare. Not this year! This year some exciting things have been happening which coincidentally coincide with my anniversary.  (Say that ten times fast!)  This year, I am prepared to celebrate and spread my love of reading at the same time! A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by Tw...