Gilt Trip: Give-away

untitled Louisiana businessman Jerry Earl Leland served only a fraction of his five-year sentence for white-collar crime, thanks to some political connections and a few greased palms. But he won’t have long to enjoy his freedom…

After Jerry Earl’s early release, his wife, Margo—a much-married Garden District doyenne—throws an extravagant Get Out of Jail Free Party, complete with a Zydeco band, champagne ice luge, and waiters in ties and tails. The guest list includes many prominent New Orleans socialites, as well as scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava Gruiex. But sometime during the swirl of partying and drinking, Jerry Earl is brutally murdered—then stuffed inside a clothes dryer.

Carmela has earned a reputation around town for solving murders, and when the grieving widow turns to her for help, she can’t say no. But Jerry Earl took a lot of people to the cleaners with his underhanded business tactics, so Carmela’s going to be hard-pressed to identify which of his enemies was steamed enough to kill him. As she sorts through Jerry Earl’s dirty laundry, she needs to collar the killer before another victim is set to tumble dry…

Recently I was asked if I’d like to check out the new book Gilt Trip by Laura Childs. Now I’ve never read this series and to be honest I was hesitant – but I think I’ve made a terrible mistake in not starting these books sooner! Right from the first page I felt drawn into this story, and I really liked the characters. Better yet? I’ve never read this series before and yet I could pick up right from here. Enough information was given to help me along (or refresh a reader’s memory if it had been a while!) which I appreciated. I really like the quality of this writer’s voice and I am enjoying the rich world of New Orleans that she is painting.

If my recent posts haven’t been a clue – I’ve been pretty darn busy around here!! I’ve not yet finished this book – but I am really loving it and am into the second half. The story telling is amazing and the sense of place (New Orleans) is so vivid I can almost taste those beignets! I was concerned when I first picked this book up that I would find the scrapbooking aspect cheesy or dated. Now teaching a class on how to make “shaker boxes” does feels rather dated (I recall making teaching a class on those around 2003 when they were all the rage…) but overall I really got the sense that Carmela is a paper crafter and lover of all things memory keeping at heart. She didn’t seem like a caricature of a scrapbooker or someone I’d roll my eyes at. The character comes across as genuine, interesting, and she’s definitely a character I want to spend more time with. Carmela likes making shadow boxes, scrapbook layouts, cards, you name it! That, combined with the mystery, intrigue, and cast of colorful characters has me spending my precious few minutes of my lunch break each day picking this story back up and reading. If you like cozy mysteries and want to test out a series featuring a scrapbook store owner, then I think you might want to check this out.

What could be better? I’ve got a signed copy of Gilt Trip to give away to one of you lovely readers!! Simply leave a comment here on my blog (if you’re reading via email hop over to my blog and comment on this post!) for your chance to win. I will draw one winner next Monday and post the name here on this post as well as contacting the winner via email. This is open to ANY person, any place, so long as it is legal to do so wherever you may reside.

Good luck – and happy reading!

59 thoughts on “Gilt Trip: Give-away”

  1. What a nice happy! I like Laura Childs. Finding time to read???hmmm… a Christmas wish I will make.

  3. What a great way to spend Christmas with a book in your hands. I love Laura Childs’ books so would love the opportunity to receive one.
    Thank you!

  4. Oh yeah….curled up by the fire place ….this would be Marvelous !!
    Thanks for the chance May !

  5. Like everyone so far, I LOVE Laura Childs and I thank you for the opportunity to win!!! Happy Turkey Day.

  6. One of my favorite authors. I love both her series. what a great Christmas gift. Thanks so much for the chance to win. Fingers crossed!

  9. Wow May sounds like a fun book to read! Just the ticket for reading by the fireplace during the cold and damp days in Virginia!

    Thanks for a chance to win a signed copy!

  10. Cool! Looks like the perfect book to curl up with during the holidays.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  12. I haven’t heard of this author before, but am always looking for good reads so will have to look her up. Thanks for your book reviews – I now have a list of new authors to try.

  14. Love Laura Childs books, Will have to check the library and see if they have this new one.
    Would love to win the book, Thanks for the chance.

  15. May, I am so pleased that you have discovered Laura’s series. I’ve enjoyed each one that I’ve read and would love an opportunity to read this newest one.

  18. I love Laura Child’s books- both the Scrapbooking in New Orleans and tea shop ones in Charleston. My passions are scrapping and tea plus I live in SC.

  20. I have read most all of what Laura has written starting with the tea series, the breakfast club ones & the scrapbooking ones. I do like they are total entertainment!
    Thanks for the chance to win

  21. I am an avid reader of Laura Child’s series, especially the scrapbook and tea ones. I look forward to each new one, and would love this:), but if not, I will be checking the store. Thanks for the chance, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  22. What a sweet give away. Giving the gift of a book is like giving a vacation. The person is transported. I have not yet tried this series and would love to. I enjoy the emails I get and your blog, so keep it up. Thanks

  24. I love mysteries! And as a memory keeper this sounds super fun. What a gift! Of course, I would love to win it, but if not I will definitely look for this series. Happy December everyone!

  25. I am already a fan of the series and love nothing more than to spread my love of crafting by reading a fun mystery novel with a scrapbook theme! Thanks for the chance to win1

  26. Like you, I never heard of this author but enjoy reading mysteries. This sounds like a fun romp through sleuthing, scrapbooking/memory keeping and oh yeah, love New Orleans and have spent many a morning at Cafe du Monde. Thank you!

  27. What a great book to read over Christmas while on break (one of the benefits of being a teacher). I don’t take the time to read for pleasure – so this sounds like a perfect starting place!

  28. Love her whole series (and she has a tea room one, too) and always wait anxiously for the new one. So fun that you get to give one away!

  29. I have read all the books from this series. I just finished Post Cards from the Dead a few days ago. I really enjoy reading about what Carmela & Ava are up to. I’ve tried some of the recipes in the books too & they were pretty good. Obviously, I would love to win a copy of her latest book. Thanks for the chance.

  30. This sounds like some very interesting reading. Would love a chance to win a copy, otherwise I’ll be on the lookout for it at the library.

  32. I love reading this series. Would love to win this book as it is one I have not read yet. I love not only the many paper crafting tips and ideas but also some of the recipes that are usually included in the book are to die for. Especially for someone who has moved from the area and has a hankering ever once in awhile for the cuisine from the area. Thanks for the chance to win.

  34. I have read a few of these books and they were good. I would love to win another one to read. Thanks for the chance.

  35. This sounds like a fun read and I have already read a few of the series so am a big fan! Thanks for the chance to win!

  37. I love these kind of mysteries and read them all the time. I’m not familiar with this author, though. I’d love to read this one!

  39. I really enjoy Laura Childs’ books, and snapped this one up right away. It wasn’t my favorite of the series — the ending seemed a bit odd to me, but I’d really suggest going back and reading the earlier ones! My favorite is her tea series, but both that one and the scrapbook series have fun and interesting characters, and fantastic settings which the author really shows off.

  40. Wow…this could be a book club recommendation. I’d love to read it…I am an avid paper crafter!
    Patti C from COS

  41. The scrapbook mystery series is wonderful! Reading them always inspires me, thank you for the chance to own an autographed copy.
    Happy Thanksgiving

  43. Love a good book and I haven’t read any of this author’s. Thanks for the chance to win this great giveaway! Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

  46. Love this series! Mystery PLUS scrapbooking – nothing beats it in my book! Would LOVE a signed copy!!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

  47. I love mysteries, and a mystery combined with scrapbooking? Great! Thanks for the recommendation and the chance to win.

  50. You have me intrigued, May! I’d love to read the book – the mystery, the scrappy-goodness, the charm of LA – it all sounds lovely, all the way around : ) Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  52. I have read almost all of the books in this series. She always includes scrapbooking ideas in the books too. I would love to win this newest book!

  54. Never read the book series, but all the hype has me curious. Thanks for sharing the opportunity to win.

  56. I’ve enjoyed this series so far, and look forward to reading this new one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  58. Thank you for giving us a chance to win this book! I have never read any of the books by Laura Child, but I plan to download them to my Nook and get busy.

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