Wednesday, March 23, 2011

SHELTER ME & DEEP DOWN TRUE by Juliette Fay

Winner Announced!
Congratulations to:
StephRochelle!
You have won both of Juliette Fay's books! Please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com with your full name and address so I can get your books to you! Thanks for entering every single day. It has paid off! And don't worry everyone -- there's still a chance to win the BIG PRIZE!




Books: Shelter Me and Deep Down True

Author: Juliette Fay

Website: juliettefay.com

We’ve got a Double-Whammy for you today, and these are two amazing books that you’re all going to LOVE! Juliette Fay is a terrific author who writes from the heart in a style that has you at the very first word. You’ll adore her!

Shelter Me, Juliette Fay’s debut novel, touches upon a very delicate subject matter. The book opens four months after Janie LaMarche loses her husband and she’s still in the grieving process, trying to make sense of her new life as a widowed mother of two very young children.

I love Fay’s characters, from the teeniest Baby Carly (who delights and keeps things in perspective), to meddling Aunt Jude, and each and every one brilliantly serves his or her purpose in the book. I fell instantly in love with Janie’s 4-year-old son Dylan, and cried for him as he waded through his own feelings of grief trying to understand his father was no longer with him.

Shelter Me is a beautiful family love story with little stories entwined, and as I read, I found that many times I couldn’t even begin to guess what would happen next. As Janie slowly pulls through her grief with the help of a very unlikely cast – a contractor hired by her dead husband to build her a porch, a priest who seems more manly than priestly, a baker cousin, an outlandish neighbor – we see that it takes all types to create a tapestry of love, and this book is truly that – a beautifully woven novel that will have you angry, sad, excited and hopeful for Janie, the true hero of this book.

Here’s the back-of-the-book blurb:

Four months after her husband's death, Janie LaMarche remains undone by grief and anger. Her mourning is disrupted, however, by the unexpected arrival of a builder with a contract to add a porch onto her house. Stunned, Janie realizes the porch was meant to be a surprise from her husband—now his last gift to her.

As she reluctantly allows construction to begin, Janie clings to the familiar outposts of her sorrow—mothering her two small children with fierce protectiveness, avoiding friends and family, and stewing in a rage she can't release. Yet Janie's self-imposed isolation is breached by a cast of unlikely interventionists: her chattering, ipecac-toting aunt; her bossy, over-manicured neighbor; her muffin-bearing cousin; and even Tug, the contractor with a private grief all his own.


As the porch takes shape, Janie discovers that the unknowable terrain of the future is best navigated with the help of others—even those we least expect to call on, much less learn to love.

Read Shelter Me Chapter One HERE

Juliette’s second novel, which I haven’t gotten to yet, but am dying to find the time, is called Deep Down True. Read the FIRST CHAPTER HERE and you will be hooked. Trust Me!

Dana Stellgarten is the protagonist of Deep Down True. She’s newly divorced, running low on funds, and has her hands full as her happy-go-lucky son suddenly develops anger management problems, and her daughter struggles to keep her head above the shark-infested waters of middle school. Things seem to be looking up as Dana finds work, begins dating and is befriended by the popular mother of her daughter’s new BFF. But she soon learns that the tension between being true to herself and being liked doesn’t end in middle school.

So, let’s see, since her newest is called Deep Down True, tell me something you know is TRUE!
And good luck to you all!



*****
Please leave a comment, and all those who do will qualify to win Juliette Fay's books! I’ll draw the winner in a couple of days and I will post the winner’s name at the TOP of this post, in the highlighted area.


Come back and read about each book every day in March. Choose the books you'd like to win. Enter for any or ALL the books. Each entry will count as an entry toward the grand prize of winning ALL 31+ books at the end of the month. You can win the book of the day and still qualify to win ALL the books at the end of the month!


PLEASE be specific with your name in the comment section, and IF YOUR NAME is listed as the winner, you must email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com in order to claim your prize. Email me with your full name and address so I can have your book(s) sent to you.


Thanks, and GOOD LUCK! And come back tomorrow to see what book I’ll be giving away then too!


It’s MaNiC MoMMy’s March Madness Book-A-Day Giveaway! Read ALL the Rules and Details Here!


Sorry, only U.S. and Canadian residents only!

162 comments:

Lisa justus said...

That being a mom is the hardest, but most rewarding job you can have. My mom told me this years ago,and this I know is true.

ChristineCet said...

the most important relationship you have is the one with your self.

that and wine solves most everything.

Jonessa said...

No matter what life may bring you can always choose to be a happy person.

And I agree with Christine...wine can solve almost everything.

Kristi said...

I know that I've been following Manic Mommy for about 2 weeks now and I'm absolutely addicted!

Kristi Hooke

Anonymous said...

I know that we will get through whatever life throws at us one day at a time.

Thanks for great book giveaways!

-Donna W.

Lesley Davis, Esq said...

That my baby is the cutest baby ever! ;)

Karen said...

I've learned that the older you get, the faster time moves. I remember thinking that the summer was forever...now the years seem to fly by quicker than I thought possible. Also, that God is God and I am not. ktmixon315

Amy R. said...

Everything happens for a reason. (the last post about break up stories is what made me think of this!)

MaggieDu said...

You get what you put into something, even if you don't see the immediate rewards, they do happen.

And I completely 100% agree with Christine, wine does solve everything. And chocolate makes you feel better about anything except the scale.

Jen R said...

if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will either!

Jen Rabenstine

Angie M P said...

I am a proud momma of a sweet 10 year little boy who is about to become the greatest big brother ever. His little sister doesn't know how lucky she is going to be.

Sarah Lashua said...

One thing I know is true is that things will always work out.

Lilianarenee said...

I know being surrounded by my family, friends, and friends who became family is when I'm the absolute happiest person in the world.

Tina Brannan said...

It's true that I love my 3 kiddos!

Meg said...

Things I know to be true:

6am is Way to freakin' early for anything good. Unless i'm allowed to go back to sleep afterwards.

Things that will not clean the dishes: My husband. My MIL. My dishwasher.

There are no calories in anything you eat as a pregnancy craving. None. It's ALL BABY weight. That's why they call it baby weight.

Debbie said...

I know that my husband and children are the best things to ever happen to me and chocolate has no calories.
Debydew110

Ally said...

I had no idea how much my parents loved me until I had kids. It changed my relationship with them a lot.
Ally N

Amanda Leigh said...

It's true that I really want to win all the books in this contest!

It's also true that I'd rather read all day long than be at work.

- Amanda Leigh

LizzybethDJ said...

I know that there is a whole lot out there I don't know... more and more each day.

Emma S. said...

That life isn't always fair. But good friends and chocolate can help you get through most of life's problems.

Anonymous said...

You can't live someones life for them. You can be there to help and guide, but they will have to make their own success and failures.

Sasse1Susan

Anonymous said...

Family is what it is all about! Patti Cole

Dolly said...

This is true: Being widowed is a unique journey for each person; there are similar paths, but each must find their own way.

Becki**** said...

it is TRUE that you have made March much more fun and exciting with your contests!

The Jagow Family said...

I know that in order to be a great mom and wife, I need to be working outside of the home. I know that isn't true for everyone...but for me it is. I believe I have a better relationship with my daughter because of it.

michelle jagow

Tiffany Drew said...

I have the most amazing kids ever, even if they do only let me get three hours of sleep at night. It is worth it! (I must remember to tell myself this again later when I am feeling the lag even worse LOL)

Carol said...

I know that reading a good book is just about the only way to really "escape" from daily life!

jdstec said...

We come into this world alone and leave it the same way, so we need to learn to love ourselves. That and also that I will be chosen to win all the books at the end of the month.

Sadie said...

I love my husband....and THAT is TRUE!

Katy Finn said...

I don't take the time to read nearly as much as I could...hope to change sometime soon thanks to you Manic!

Amanda Skarsgard said...

Everything happens for a reason.
Children are a gift to cherish.

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

That someone somewhere always has it worse.

and that I'm going on vacation tomorrow and am devestated that I may not be able to check this everyday! I'm hooked

Carla said...

Love the books blogged about here.
More to my list of must reads.
Thanks-Carla

absolutahnie said...

i know that the long wait to meet
"mr. right" has culminated in "mr.
absolutely-no-doubt-freakin'-perfect-for-me!"

Kimmi said...

Truth: Life isn't always fair, yet it's still beautiful.

Ronit said...

I know that a good night's sleep is the recipe for dealing with things that seemed impossible the day before. Ronit W

LynnBelo said...

Whether its extremely difficult or simple, EVERYTHING in life is a choice.

Anonymous said...

I know that my list of summer reading books looks like its going to spill into fall thanks to all of your amazing suggestions!

Angelini197

Margie said...

The small problems in life can be better faced with a little humor.

Anonymous said...

something I know is true...I want to win the big giveaway at the end of the month :)

also, the pain of a situation that seems unbearable soon becomes bearable. I learned this when I lost my best friend in the world, my mom...

Laura Kay
anovelreview

Unknown said...

I know that I have the best daughters in the whole world---yes, it is true--all 3 are now lovely teenage girls! I was dreading this time, but it is the best and I don't want them to leave!

Alyson

Wanda Zerangue said...

Family comes first.

Amy Nichole G. said...

You are responsible for your actions, money doesn't buy happiness and time spent with friends and an ice cold drink can make a bad day turn around instantly.

Amy Nichole G.

Melissa said...

The things that I know to be true: words are powerful and can last a lifetime. Melissa Rem

Anonymous said...

I know that life is good....especially with an umbrella in your drink!

clk-a

Deb said...

I know that love can conquer all.

buttah said...

God will never give you more than you can handle!

And when life gives you lemons, make lemonade...but add vodka and it's a party y'all!!

CAnative said...

"What comes around goes around" is a quote that rings true.

Nicole

Denise said...

That my parents are the best people in the world, and a girl couldn't ask for a better siblings either!

Hally said...

It is totally true that you will run into 5 people you didn't plan on seeing, the one time you ran out of the house in grunge clothes to pick up milk. But the days you're all dressed to kill, you see none of them!

Thanks Manic!
Hally Hoots

Crystal said...

That I love my family and they all love each other....no matter how crazy and dysfunctional we might be. Also, I have the BEST grandparents ever!

Crystal717

Homestead Jen said...

My mother taught me this one (again and again). Hair grows. Even an awful hair mistake will grow out, so you can make a new mistake.

Hair grows - it's true.

Jenn3128 said...

I know that my husband is never going to get his dirty clothes into the hamper.
I know that it was the chai tea latte spices that made my eyes water and not the description of todays book...oops, maybe that's not so true!

Killin' me Manic!

shopgirl said...

That discovering your "true" self is a long and emotionally hard journey.

janabailey said...

What I know is true...is that sometimes you just have to do your civic duty (I'm on jury duty this week).

Jana B

Juliet Farmer said...

that a happy marriage isn't a given--it takes work!

lucy872 said...

having a child will make you truly realize what it's like to love another human being without conditions. Even when they drive you nuts - you can't help but love your children.

Ready To Be A Momma said...

It's true that some of my friends have been more loyal and understanding than my own family.
qweska8402

kristinrose said...

To never take people in your life for granted..and cherish the time you have with your loved ones.

Meredith said...

Be true to you!
~MommyMer

Carly said...

It's true that I have family and friends that love me. They are my strength.


Carly Haynes

BethC said...

That the grass is no more greener on the other side.

Anonymous said...

Everyone always says to cherish all the moments you have with your little ones becasue it goes by so quick, I did not know how true that was until I had my first.

Growing up seemed to take forever, but growing older seems to fly by.

xx (fingers crossed)
~Nattygirrl

Unknown said...

The most true thing in life is being true to yourself and being the BEST person you can be - despite all of the crap that comes along with life

Jules said...

Show me a single mom, and I'll show you a woman with a bottle of wine in her cart.

A.C. Morris said...

I know that while we can plan all we want, things will happen the way God wants them to!

Anonymous said...

My mom and dad really did know what they were talking about when they would give me advice as a teen/20-something. Too bad I didn't listen...
JillMitch

Mom'sLove said...

I love to read, this is true. I love books, this is true. I love Stephanie's blog, this is true... Yes, I know, this is true.
Aaammmaaannndddaaa

Unknown said...

I know that tomorrow isn't guaranteed. :(

AnnEliz said...

Be happy and the people around you will be happy.

Jessica said...

Hmm something that I know is true. I know that the sky is blue! haha Sorry that's kinda lame but it's the first thing that popped into my head.
Thanks!
-Jessica

Holly W said...

What is true? BEing a full time student and worker is difficult but can be done. And it's okay to ask for help!
holly w

Colleen Turner said...

I know that my family loves me deeply and I love them!

Bridget said...

The love I have for my children it true.
Iambtinrb

Christina said...

I know that I have some of the best friends in the world!!

ChristinaL

jne said...

I know that if my fiance and I can make it through the move we're in the middle of without killing each other, then we'll be together forever.

Anonymous said...

A glass of wine is the cure all for a bad day.

The Poty's said...

Having a break from my kids makes me a better Mommy.

Anonymous said...

A glass of wine is the cure all for a bad day jennyfromthecube

Forgot to leave my name in the previous comment

BrendaBMarion said...

I know that being a mom has changed me in more ways than I could ever list!

Logan Collins said...

I have met the love of my life.

Nanette said...

Time flies when you're having fun! That is SO true!! :) Nanette N.

Anonymous said...

True love covers a multitude....

Unknown said...

I know that I am an amazing person :-)

Dani Patarazzi

Brenda L B said...

True??? I seem to question a lot of what I think is true however I know that I love my daughter, no matter how hard being a single mom is, I would never trade this time in my life for anything. Brenda L B

Rachael said...

The key to happiness is surrounding yourself with people you love.

IandSsmom said...

I love being a mom. Also I'm stressed out beyond belief. Prayer works wonders! And I appreciate how hard you are working on this contest for all of us!!! Those are the things I know are true!!

Anonymous said...

That I am going to be very busy reading, even if I don't win all the books from you! My wish list keeps getting longer and longer.

And my boys truly love each other...way down deep! LeslieGC

Casey said...

a good bra can make you look ten pounds slimmer

Kirsten said...

I know my kids love me, and really what else matters?

equinn726 said...

That God doesn't give you anything that you can't handle, regardless of how tough it is....

Jennie Englund said...

What's true is how hard I'm trying, even if it looks like nothing is happening.

Beverly Victoria said...

If you always do what you always did, then you always get what you always got.

And chocolate makes life happier.

CariLynn said...

At the end of the day, love is all you really need. CariLynn

StephRochelle said...

One thing I know to be true is that no one is ever really alone. There's always someone - maybe even a perfect stranger - willing to listen, to comfort, or to just be whatever you need.

Erica said...

It's true that I will nener be lonely. I have 2 great kids who are becoming adults themselves and a husband who will always be there. This I know is true.

~Enamored Soul~ said...

That being blessed with the unconditional love of a child is the biggest and best blessing that God can bestow upon you.

Also, if there was no change, there would be no butterflies - so learn that change does not always signify something bad, it can also be beautiful, and learn to embrace it.

:)

~Hira~e

Tracy Miller said...

People have no idea the things they are capable of, both good and bad, when pushed. -- Tracy Miller

Jessica Prince said...

Something I know is true... I will be doomed to gain a substantial amount of weight (no matter how hard I try not to) every time I get pregnant. But will not care because my baby is perfect!

your invisible pixie said...

I know that burritos are delicious! :)

And that comedy helps you feel better sometimes.

Melissa said...

I know that having my daughter was the best thing to ever happen to me and my husband!
-tmd636

Erin Goff said...

I know that as soon as I sweep my floors, one of my children will spill something all over them.

Also, I read Shelter Me last year, and it is one of the best books I've ever read. Looking forward to reading Deep Down True!

Carie Casey said...

I know that you can chose how you live your life.

Clynnc

Dulcibella said...

One thing I know is true...is that I have still not figured out this life stuff. But it is usually good, sometimes great, sometimes horrible. For me, anyway.

Kristi said...

I know that my Mothers curse when I was a kid really worked times 2. You know the one where they say "I hope you have a daughter just like you some day!"

Kristi Marie W.

Corey~living and loving said...

I love to read...yes...that is so very true. :)
Corey

Lorna-Mae said...

Shelter Me resonated with me as I am also a single mom but not widowed like she was...the days when you just can't get out of depressions and do things are so real for me. I love the development of the relationships in this book especially the priest, he's funny. I am really looking forward to Deep Down True

Michelle Mierczewski said...

THE HAPPINESS YOU FEEL IS IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO THE LOVE YOU GIVE.

Ronda C. in B'ham said...

My children have showed me what love really means.

Croppergirl said...

I know that there are some things a mom can know about a daughter that a dad just can't handle!

Croppergirl

Sarah S. said...

I know that it is true that I couldn't possibly love my son more!!

Sarah S.

EBrowning said...

Friends are the family you choose for yourself and best friends are the siblings God forgot to give you...and somtimes chocolate or ice cream does make everything better. :)

Sarah said...

It is true that the best reward in life is your children being happy, healthy, smart and have a fantastic sense of humor...it is true that my children are all of these and I love hearing their jokes every day!

keltban said...

Everyone used to tell me that time would go faster the older you got. They were right. The more things that you have going on in your life the faster time seems to fly!

Also reading is the best escape!

Anonymous said...

You only need one kidney. 9 months post donation. TaraUB in IN

Terri said...

I know that having a positive attitude will get me through any struggle I face.

Bonus - I know I would love to win some of these books, unless of course you are saving me for the whole collection at the end of the month! :)

Terri M. in Phoenix

Leslie Barr said...

I know that any day you expect to be slow so that you can catch up at work will be the day your computer crashes.

Krystal said...

This has been an amazing opportunity to learn about new authors and a chance to win these great books. Also... God is good!
kndyer

Anonymous said...

These sound heart-wrenching, but wonderful! My kind of books!

Colbey J

Alli said...

Something that's true??
Today, I am TIRED. That's the damn truth!! (P.S. Another truth? Going back to work after a 1 1/2 week vacation is HARD, and TIRING, and you should go in armed with extra coffee and a bottle of wine waiting at home!!)
Alli M. Jones

Kristin J said...

It is true that great friends are the kind that you don't have to talk to on a regular basis, but can pick up with at a moments notice.

Dawn from CA said...

I know that it's really, really hard to be the parent of a teenager..and I also know that the thought of him being grown up and gone leaves me almost breathless with grief.

Anonymous said...

In order for someone else to love you, you have to love yourself first. That and a massage on the beach is enough to let all your worries flow away.

RebeccaE

Nearl said...

I can do much better then the job I am at!

Wendi from Louisiana said...

I am very close to my family and right now as my Mom battles ovarian cancer and Daddy battles prostate( yes, at the same time) I know there's nothing more precious than time with them and the love they have always had for me.

Wendi fr Louisiana

Erika L. said...

The truth: I sat around for most of my work day with nothing to do.

Books & Reviews said...

I love to read.

kathygold9778 said...

What do I know to be true? That I love my children more then anything in this world.

kathygold9778

Christine in NJ said...

You are responsible for your own happiness!

Both of these books are on my night stand! I am just so overwhelmed with books (in a good way - thanks to you!) that I have NOT opened either one yet! Soon...

Thanks again MaNiC!

Christine

Anne said...

Winter is too long!

Anne Beth

Anonymous said...

Laughter IS the best medicine!

Jen Fee 9476

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

This I know to be true --

I am a bookaholic! And I love that truth!!

Suzebomb

BRN2SHOP9 said...

Family and Friends are more important than anything else!

Annette said...

The universe will expand to meet your expectations.

This, I know, is true.

Tara S. said...

Just being married gives me a purpose that I never understood until I got in it. Anyone who says it's just a piece of paper is missing out.

Anonymous said...

Love is all you need - Jill Fay

Joelle said...

One thing I know is true is that no matter how ugly I feel, how fat I think I am, how down and out I can get, there is one person who sees nothing but beauty, sexy curves and can make me laugh by just saying I great you. (inside joke) That person is my husband and without him, I would truly not be half the person I am today.

Sherry Bercu said...

I never knew what true love was until held my son for the first time. Nothing will ever compare to my love for him---Nothing:)

Nicole Marie said...

Wine can make any day better :)

NicoleMG from CT

Jenna McCarthy said...

Things I am not sure but suspect are true:
* Men clearly are in charge of fitting room lighting. (Hello? If you want me to buy the skimpy dress there should be CANDLELIGHT in there.)
* There is a God because your eyesight fails just about the same time you wouldn't want a good look at what's in the mirror anyway
* "Anything in moderation" makes a nice wall plaque but sometimes "select things in excess" are good, too.
*Life's what you make it so let's make it rock. (Okay I totally stole that from Hannah Montana but I pretty much am sure it's true.)

rachel e. said...

Sunshine will always make you smile. :-)

girllovestoread said...

Looks like two good reads!

Autumnn D said...

I know that I love Manic Mommy's book giveaway--it's like a dream come true for this book nerd.

I also know that you never truly realize the value of family until you lose someone in it--it's definitely something to be treasured!!

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

True? God loves me <3

Anonymous said...

Reading makes every day better!
--Gen K.

Wullf said...

I will finally win THIS book! :)

Hawkzter said...

That having a two year old will test your patience and have you doing things in public you never thought you would do . . . and having two two year olds will drive you insane, in a good way :)

Tammi Hawk

Red Dragon said...

It is true that when a spider that would fit on an ENglish Muffin walks across your kitchen floor and you SCREAM louder than you ever thought possible then smack it with a flyswatter and it barely flinches...you find out exactly how soundproof you walls are. And you're the one who ends up scooping that thing into a jar filled with alcohol so you can find out what the heck it was.

True story. Have photos to prove it. Big. Ugly. Spider.

Melissa Braun said...

I know this is true:
At first, being mom to a child with special needs induced resentment and feelings of carrying an inescapable burden. Sometimes I still feel these things but what is truer is that, somewhere along the way, I realized how grateful I am that the trajectory of my life has completely changed. I have been given the gifts of perspective, compassion, advocacy, and getting the hell outside of the keeping up with the Joneses world. I've got two awesome kids and being their mom is the truest thing about me - for better or worse.

My Two Army Brats said...

That if I keep gritting my teeth when I'm angry then I'm always going to have a headache!!

megen ewen said...

UK basketball ROCKS
Pink and Green will always be in style
Try to be happy everyday!!!

megesturgill at aol dot com

faithspage said...

My daughter will always be my number 1 priority.
I will always worry about her
Love does conquer all

kyfaithw@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I have to go back to work on Monday because I did not win the $312 million lotto jackpot tonight.......unfortunately this is true!!

SPepper22

Kate said...

True friends are what make life worth living.
Katie-Kat

Kas said...

If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it!

Kassie H.

Tyra said...

I know my family (the blood one and the one I've created) love me!

gun1not said...

that my life wasn't complete until I had my daughter. :)

Katrina Swiney said...

I find love to be the truest of all and am glad I found it.

Anonymous said...

The best marriages are usually based on friendship and respect, rather than passion. Passion can fade, but friendship and respect get you through the tough times.

Jen said...

I know that "these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
JenSharp

Stephanie said...

THANK YOU ALL FOR COMMENTING! NO COMMENTS AFTER THIS COMMENT WILL QUALIFY FOR THIS BOOK! THANK YOU! CHECK OUT THE NEXT BOOKS OFFERED FOR THE BOOK-A-DAY GIVEAWAY! THANKS, MANIC MOMMY

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In my opinion everyone must browse on this.