Monday, June 25, 2012

I NEVER PROMISED YOU A GOODIE BAG By Jennifer Gilbert

See if you won this book by checking HERE .





By now you all know that I’m such a fan of memoirs and here’s one that you all will love. I Never Promised You A Goodie Bag: A Memoir of a Life Through Events – the Ones You Plan and the Ones You Don’t is one that when you finish it you will think about it (and the author and what she’s been through!) for days later.

When Jennifer was just 22 years old she was brutally attacked with the intent of murder – stabbed more than 37 times with a screwdriver. Miraculously, she survived, and her memoir is her story of survival, and how she rose above her turmoil to become the successful entrepreneur/event planner of Save the Date special events company in New York.

She is married and the mother to three children, and has learned to find joy, laugh, let go and be happy after years of faking it. You'll find that once she had children, one of her sons, who is totally healthy but has something external going on with him, helped her to find the strength to share what happened to her to heal her internal scars. It's truly an amazing and inspirational story!

Here’s the back-of-the-book blurb:

When Jennifer was just a year out of college, a twenty-two-year-old fresh-faced young woman looking forward to a bright future, someone tried to cut her life short in the most violent way. But she survived, and not wanting this traumatic event to define her life, she buried it deep within and never spoke of it again.


She bravely launched a fabulous career in New York as an event planner, designing lavish parties and fairy-tale weddings. Determined to help others celebrate and enjoy life's greatest moments, she was convinced she'd never again feel joy herself. Yet it was these weddings, anniversaries, and holiday parties, showered with all her love and attention through those silent, scary years, that slowly brought her back to life.


Always the calm in the event-planning storm—she could fix a ripped wedding dress, solve the problem of an undelivered wedding cake in the nick of time, and move a party with two days' notice when disaster struck—there was no crisis that she couldn't turn into a professional triumph.


Somewhere along the way, she felt a stirring in her heart and began yearning for more than just standing on the sidelines living vicariously through other people's lives. She fell in love, had her heart broken a few times, and then one day she found true love in a place so surprising that it literally knocked her out of her chair.


As Gilbert learned over and over again, no one's entitled to an easy road, and some people's roads are bumpier than others. But survive each twist and turn she does—sometimes with tears, sometimes with laughter, and often with both.


Before & After:


You'll definitely want to check out Jennifer on Kathy Lee and Hoda on Today too! She truly is an inspiration.

Fun Fact: Jennifer Gilbert had a short stint on Real Housewives of New York season 3 but didn’t last long – apparently she didn’t cause enough of a ruckus like Bethenny and crew!

To win a copy of I Never Promised You A Goodie Bag, tell me some items you’d like to have in your very own Goodie Bag if you could design your own, but be realistic – let’s say the items couldn’t cost more than $30. Hahah, like that’s realistic! I’d want a book, iTunes card, Starbucks card, and maybe a really good lip gloss/balm!

Are You Checking in Daily and Reading Previous Posts?

This book is part of the June Promo - enter every day in June for a chance at the grand prize giveaway at the end of the month - a pile of awesome books! - the more times you enter, the more chances you have at winning!


As with all of the books I post on Booking with MaNiC, thanks to the authors and publicists for providing me with the books. Giveaways open to US/Canada residents only. To enter, leave an identifying unique user name or ID (NO anonymous will be accepted – leave an email address if you don’t know how to post to an account!

Winners will be chosen at random by random.org, within THREE DAYS from the date the book is posted on the blog, and one entry ALLOWED per book please. If you scroll through previous posts and if there is NOT a highlighted note at the top, then feel free to enter to win that book too! If there is a highlighted announcement at the top of a post, then that book is closed to comments and a winner has already been chosen. For comments, questions, suggestions, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thanks for your participation! Good luck!



102 comments:

Bev V said...

In my goodie bag, I'd like to find some creamy lotion, a book, gourmet coffee and cute earrings!

Mary Jo Burke said...

Chocolate

Megan said...

In my goodie bag I would love baked goods and tea!
Eloisepeaches

Carie Casey said...

Smell good lotion, good coffee, nail polish, and a gift card for Amazon.

Carie

absolutahnie said...

chocolate,vodka & a book that's on my TBR list.

ncsuloges said...

This book sounds amazing! I am loving your questions lately. I have to go with bottle of wine, book, candle, Starbucks Gift card. May have gone over my limit. Oops!

Margie said...

I'd have to include my cell phone, a bottle of water, a couple of paperbacks, a notebook and pen.
(My cell phone is a track phone, so it's cheap!)
Margie T

Joelle said...

Really good truffles, a starbucks card, an amazon gift card or b&n gift card and some yummy lip gloss.

- jobella

jdstec said...

Starbucks card and the full line of lemon zest products from bbw.

Kelleyc said...

Books, wine, amazon gift card, chocolate!

Melissa said...

A really good book, a B&N gift card to get even more books, Ahava hand lotion and a box of vanilla almond Special K!

Melissa A from CLC

Lindsay said...

Carmex hand lotion (best stuff ever), Starbucks... and probably some chocolate!

buttah said...

I'd love lotions, or really nice perfume samples, gift cards to target or ross, and dark chocolate and sea salt bars!!

Amy said...

Gosh, what would I want to have in my goodie bag. Let's see, plenty of lindt dark chocolate, mints and or gum, some sweet smelling hand lotion, a gift certificate to some bookstore (doesn't really matter which store as long as I can get books for free !), lipgloss and some VC body spray.

CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK!

Kimmi said...

A book; TJ Maxx card and chocolate. That's all I need. Honest. ;)

Krystal said...

I would want a book, diet coke, gum and an amazon gift card.
kndyer

Juliet Farmer said...

hand sanitizer, a scarf, chocolate, a great book, and the perfect pair of jeans for my body!

Betsy said...

I agree with the lip balm, and I'd include a fun piece of jewelry, and chocolate!

Melissa said...

A starbucks tumbler, a gift card to any bookstore, and a couple of pieces of see's candy. Mel Rem

Sslinsky said...

Im my goodie bag I'd like a book, bottle of wine or thermos of coffee and earplugs to drown out the outside world.

Sarah

Lizett34 said...

Aveda Foot Relief lotion (it's amazing), chocolate, and a great book. =)

Alice said...

Of course a book would be nice and anything chocolate. How about some flip flops and sunglasses for the summer.

Unknown said...

a pre-rolled joint from a medical marijuana dispensary, a bag of doritos, a bottle of pepsi, a bag of jolly rancher sour candies, a butterfinger, an oh henry & a snickers. :)

The Book Chick said...

Hmmm, a book that's been on my wishlist, some pretty purple nail polish, a gift card for Tim Horton's and a quality piece of chocolate, all in a pretty bag would make up my ultimate goodie bag!!!

Jonita :)

Ready To Be A Momma said...

Lots and lots of chocolate and a target gift card!
qweska8402

equinn726 said...

Such a cute question! In my goodie bag, I'd want an amazon gift card, a fancy pen, chocolate, sparkly nail polish, and a mini bag of flavored coffee.

Melissa said...

In my goodie bag I'd love a mani/pedi gift certificate, massage gc, and a bottle of wine!

-tmd636

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

Ice cold bottle of Dr. Pepper, a great book I have been dying to read, and chocolate!

Katie said...

My goodie bag would contain some fun candies and some good books.

CAnative said...

Always a book or kindle, lipstick, credit card!

Nicole

Sherry said...

Wine, Dark chocolate, and bubble bath

Literary Chanteuse said...

Definitely lip balm can't live with out it! gum and a note pad. (my kids always take mine)

Margaret(Literary Chanteuse)

Jeffie T said...

Chocolate, book, maybe a funky pair of earrings.

Ally said...

chocolate, a good hamburger, and a great book

Tami said...

A chai from Starbucks, a scone, and gift card for a book for my kindle

Bridget said...

A book, Itunes card, Starbucks card, candy bar.

iambtinrb

Buffy Dee said...

Hard one... but on this sleepy Monday I think starbucks gift card...and a good book to curl up with when I got home from work!

Denise said...

Actually - your goodie bag sounds exactly like I would like mine to be, but throw in some chocolate too for good measure!

-Denise F.

EBrowning said...

A book, some soft comfy jammies, and coffee. Makes for the perfect night in! :)

Kayo said...

Id want a bookstore giftcard. And I can spend it all in one shot!
I've been known to get a Barnes & Noble gift card on Christmas, and while everyone else is pittling around, I get on the internet and have it spend by 10AM.

Becki**** said...

If I win this, send me another selection PLEASE, lol. I have already bought and read!

Goodie bag: BOOKS Bracelets

BrendaL71 said...

My goodie bag would only need to have gift cards to restaurants, Target and Bed, bath and Beyond to start. I could find something there to keep my happy.

Jessica said...

I'd definitely want a book, a Starbucks card, a cell phone, and sunglasses!

Thanks!

-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

I would love a goodie bag from a quilt shop with some fat quarters, a pattern, hand cream, chocolate...

A Soccer Mom's Book Blog said...

Chocolate, Amazon gift card would be top on my list of a perfect goodie bag.

susieqlaw said...

Philosophy Amazing Grace shower gel, amazon gift card, book

gsandoval said...

A book of course! lol giftcard for tea/starbucks and bookmark!

Carol5814 said...

Wine, dark chocolate, and an Amazon gift card so I could load up my kindle.

Emily said...

Mine could just be full of books! Although I wouldn't say no to peanut butter cups, either...


Emily116

ludy2288 said...

girly spa products, wine, and a good book

Mom'sLove said...

I would love an amazon card to buy more books for kindle. Lip balm, nice hand lotion, and some Reese pieces.
Amanda
byacourt at gamil dot com

Lisamarie said...

I'd definitely would want a Starbucks card...gotta rack up my stars for my free drinks ;)

betsy_blixt said...

red lipstick, OPI polish, girly books, leopard cartigan, purses and kitchen gadgets.

Crystal said...

Some chocolates, nail polish, lotion, and a girly magazine.

crystal717

TaraUB said...

I wouldn't turn down a Starbucks card either.

your invisible pixie said...

good books, nail polish, and a box of lucky charms!

Books & Reviews said...

Lipgloss --- Godiva chocolate --- and a great book.

A.C. said...

In a goodie bag, I'd love to find an iTunes card, a Larabar, maybe some coffee and a book!

Kim W. said...

A book, my sunglasses, enough money for a coffee & a snack.

slm8803 said...

Chocolate and a BN giftcard or a book that I want

Lilian said...

A Nail polish, strawberry lip gloss, twix bar, Amazon gift card, earphones...and Hershey's Hugs!

Lilian @ A Novel Toybox
lilianxchengATgmail.com

Carly said...

I don't eat much chocolate but you can't beat a few of the fancy pieces from time to time. So, I'd say a few fancy chocolates, Oreos (because I never buy them but always crave them), travel size lotion that smells fruity, post-its, and a nice pen.

Carly H

Anonymous said...

I would love a cute summery nail polish, shiny lip gloss, a book and def. a starbucks card!
RebeccaE

robynn78 said...

a little workout goodie bag most definitely, itunes card for new music, ear phones, cute hair bands, and recovery gels & travel sprays to make you smell good after a run.

Shellybelly43066 said...

Lip gloss, nail file, and breath mints

lucy872 said...

I'd want chapstick, a book, a gift card to barnes and noble, a gift card for Tim Hortons coffee, and a delicious chocolate dessert!

DaphneSFL said...

Starbucks, Aveda lip balm, sunglasses, gum, Advil, salted almonds, cuticle cream

DaphneSFL said...

Actually, make that a gift card to Uncommon Grounds, not Starbucks

Nanette said...

I don't care what's in the goodie bag. I love FREE stuff!!

Nan :)

faithspage said...

gift cards, candy, chocolate, make-up
kyfaithw at aol dot com

Marla W. said...

I'd like:

Chocolate
Coffee
Book
Lip Gloss/Balm
Light body spray/perfume

Kristen said...

Fun nail polish, a Chipotle gift card, and fun sunglasses. :)

Kristen27

Cyndee said...

I would put in my goodie bag: a book, sunglasses and Cracker Jacks and Kisses chocolate candy!
Cyndee Thomas
cyndee.thomas0@gmail.com

Luvschocolate said...

I want chocolate truffles, some good hand lotion, a bottle of Fiji water, hair clips,and a pedicure foot file.

Read Baby Read said...

My goodie bag would have a picture of my husband and kids, and a bottle of pepper spray, and a water. I can get through life with those three things. :)

Terri said...

Maybe some cool samples of fun girly products I don't want to spend my own money on...make-up etc. And definitely gift cards.

Terri M.

Jen said...

A book (should go without saying!), maybe some chocolate, some yummy lotion and a MP3 player with my favorite music!

-Jen
jenknee1976@hotmail.com

TinaB said...

I'd like some expensive chocolate, Starbucks giftcard, nice lotion, cute flip flops, nail polish, a few books, & a 6 pack of Diet Dr. Pepper!
Brannanflooring@aol.com

Amelia said...

a book and chocolate

Forget the Housework, I'm Reading... said...

I would like a Starbucks card, book and candle (Small from bbw is in price range! LOL)
Thanks for the giveaway and thanks for A Novel Review Laura for turning me on to your site! <3

Emma S. said...

In my goodie bag, I'd love to get some chocolate or something else sweet, a funky piece of costume jewelry, and a great book I've never read.

Erin G said...

lip balm, a book, and a gift card for a local coffee shop.

Anonymous said...

I would like a book and chocolate.

-Donna W.

Bridget O'Neill said...

A good book, chocolate, and of course wine!!

Tiffany Drew said...

Definitely a book, chap stick, chocolate and a gift card to Dunkin Donuts!

Dawn in CA said...

Junior Mints, a bottle of Cupcake Proseco, gift certificate for a pedicure.

Dani In Chicago said...

starbucks card, lipstick, a cool ring

Coleen said...

In my goodie bag I would want a book, i tunes card and dunkin donuts gift card!!!

shoregirl said...

Some CD's and a cool pair of sunglasses

Linda said...

I knew the author a long time ago at summer camp in Maine - in her honor I would want a Goodie Bag containing the makings of S'mores (Graham Crackers, hershey bar and marshmallows) and a flashlight to read her book beside a campfire - wish a box of Kleenex! CFSenior75

accidentalgypsy said...

Starbucks, wine, and chocolate would be awesome! :)

Leah B said...

A book, a bottle of wine and a barnes and noble gift card!

Anonymous said...

Oh nothing too much, just something from my three favorite food groups: Chocolate, Wine and Starbucks.

Colbey J

Kristin said...

I want your goodie bag! Minus the lip balm. Can we replace that with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

Chocolate, lotion, chapstick, starbucks gc!

Nancye said...

Money-Money-Money!!! Gift cards and lots of chocolate!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Kelly said...

Gift cards for amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, target, Barnes & noble

Chocolate
Wine
Alcohol

Mon_Cherie said...

Gift card for Amazon, a bestselling book, coffee, little perfume samples, a candle & a great smelling lotion pls...oh yeah, I collect postcards & magnets also
*It's the little things that matter most**

sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com

keltban said...

I would love some great lotion/ soap. A gift card for Itunes/ Starbucks and chocolate.

Kristi said...

A good candle, itunes gift card and some makeup!

aggiekristi04

Amy said...

Bubble Bath, Colored Pencils, hardback notebook, paperclips and a bag of skittles

Christina said...

Some mini Twix bars, hand lotion, chap stick, Starbucks gift card, a book or an Amazon gift card and a packet of Crystal Light :)

ChristinaL