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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Interview & Giveaway! Deeanne Gist ~ Author of It Happened At The Fair!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Deeanne!! Will you tell us a little about yourself and your new book, It Happened at the Fair?

My husband and I have just celebrated our 30th anniversary. We have four grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and a dog named Cowboy—who makes a cameo appearance in It Happened at the Fair.

A little about the new book:

Our hero, Cullen McNamara, travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention, but the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

He becomes distracted watching her lips and finds his attraction for her growing with each encounter. This isn’t good because not only does he have big plans for his future, but he has a girl back home. Della Wentworth could ruin everything.
  
What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

Kristan Higgins, a wonderfully talented author and very good friend of mine, leaned over at lunch one day and said, “We have decided you were a cheerleader in high school and that you married the captain of the football team. Are we right?”

“I was a cheerleader,” I admitted, “but I didn’t marry the captain of the football team.”

“No?”

I shook my head. “He was Athlete of the Year … twice.”

So there you have it. I’m a cliché. J
  
Do you have any writing quirks?

The following few sentences took me three hours to write. I’ll explain why after your read it:

            Cullen curled his tongue against his teeth and whistled for the dog. “Cowboy! Come here, fella. Get on up here and let’s see if this is working again.”
            A black-and-white border collie bounded across the yard and onto the animal-powered treadmill, activating the flywheel, which moved the walking beam up and down, which then pumped the churn-dasher attached to it.
            The backdoor opened again. “Charlie!” Mrs. Sappington called, stepping onto the porch. “Oh, Cullen. Ya fixed it.”
            Pushing the brake lever, he stopped the treadmill and let Cowboy jump off. “It was no problem, ma’am. Your new churn’s just a little shallower than the last. All I had to do was drill a new hole closer to the fulcrum.”
            She smiled, her round cheeks rosy from the warmth of the kitchen. “The problem wasn’t drillin’ the hole. The problem was knowing the exact spot ta drill it in. I sure do ’preciate it.”


 In this passage I was trying to give readers a glimpse of Cullen’s mechanical genius. So first, I had to come up with something original and interesting for him to invent. That took a lot of hunting and discarding of ideas before stumbling across a dog-powered treadmill that people used back in the day to power their butter churns and various other devices.

Then, I had to figure out what parts of the treadmill could break (so he could fix it). In order to do that, I had to read up on exactly how it was built and how it worked.

Then I tried to find what its weak points were. I ended up sending a diagram of it to my dad (who happens to be a mechanical genius) and interviewing him. He described three different ways it could break and why they might be a challenge for someone who wasn’t mechanically minded. I chose the placement of the fulcrum because it was the least complicated to describe and it also took into account some mathematical calculations.

Bottom line, what looks like a little interesting tidbit included for a bit of color (which it is) will many times have taken me several hours to research and write.
  
Where do you like to write?

I write in a study just off my breakfast room. I’m most productive when I have complete silence and I have turned off the internet in order to keep from being distracted.


What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

The best part is receiving the finished bound book in the mail and hearing from my readers. The worst part is the deadlines. Hate those. :-/ 
   
A few this-or-that questions:

Coffee or Tea? Coffee.

Early-bird or Night-owl? Early bird.

Cats or Dogs? Love them both! We currently have a dog, but I grew up with cats.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?


Readers can actually get a sneak peek at the two main characters in next year’s book by downloading an electronic short story, Tempest in the White City. It’s about Hunter Scott who is one of the elite. An 1893 Chicago World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character and ability to serve and protect. When he is overcome with debilitating abdominal pain, he stumbles to an infirmary only to discover the doctor is female. Female. But even worse, she has the nerve to diagnose him, the toughest man west of anyplace east, with constipation—an unspeakable ailment in mixed company. The two of them face off in the short story and my 2014 release will tell their full story.


Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

I have a very active community on my website (IWantHerBooks.com) and on facebook (Facebook.com/DeesFriends) and would love for you to join me! I’ll also be doing a live webcast on May 22nd, 8:00pm EDT. There will be lots of giveaways and interaction. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/deesfriends/app_361311570652139

Giveaway!


Want to win a copy of Deeanne's new book, In Happened At The Fair? Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win. Giveaway is only open to residents of the Continental US. Ends 5/14





a Rafflecopter giveaway

117 comments:

  1. I keep seeing this book around (friends' lists, on facebook, Amazon) and now I have to read it! Loved the peek at the writer's cave. :D

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    1. I hope you enjoy It Happened At The Fair when you read it, Virginia. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  2. Sounds like an unusual, but interesting, storyline for a book. My son used to date a girl who had a deaf brother - my son learned sign language so that he could communicate with him better, & become so interested in the deaf that he became a volunteer & worked with deaf children.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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    1. I agree! It is an unusual but interesting storyline. :) Thanks for commenting!

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  3. I just finished It Happened at the Fair last week and I really enjoyed it! So happy to learn that your next book is gonna be about the characters from the novella! I was entertained by their story and really wanted it to continue!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed It Happened At The Fair, Abbi! I'm currently reading it and also really liking it. :)

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  4. I love historicals and Christian based ones are such a blessing! I hope I win

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    1. I also love historicals. :) Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!

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  5. I have read most of your books and can't wait to read this one. I love that it is about something unique. The invention is a good one! I once tried to churn butter when I was a kid. It is hard work! Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Nancy! I hope you get to read It Happened At The Fair soon. :)

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  6. I can't wait to read this one, it sounds great!

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    1. Hope you enjoy It Happened At The Fair when you read it. :)

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  7. This sounds like a fabulous book. Have heard so many great things about Deeanne's stories.
    amyc

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  8. I read several of Dee's early books, but not the last few. Looking forward to this new book!

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    1. Glad you're looking forward to It Happened At The Fair! :)

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  9. Great interview! I enjoyed this book, and I am happy to hear she will continue with the Fair theme!

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    1. Thanks, Marie! I agree - I'm glad she's continuing the Fair theme, too. :)

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  10. Love Deeanne's books! I think her first one actually introduced me to Christian Fiction :)

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  11. Hi Deeanne, never realized just how much research can go into a few lines until you described your character's invention. Thanks for a chance to win your book!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Monja. I, too, never realized how much research can go into a few lines.

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  12. Love your books..such a fan...I really enjoyed them...can't wait to read this one now! Thanks for the chance to win
    truckredord(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Eliza! I hope you get to read It Happened At The Fair really soon. :)

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  13. That is the best picture of an office that I have seen! So funny with the captions.

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  14. Sounds like a wonderful book and I am looking forward to reading it. Love the writer's cave!

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    1. Glad you're looking forward to reading It Happened At The Fair! Thanks for commenting, Amanda! :)

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  15. Looks like a lovely book! Thanks for the giveaway, ladies!
    Bethany

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  16. DeeAnn - thank you for sharing the picture of where you create your books. I love the covers of your books - so you have any say in what is on the cover? I like that this book is set around the World's Fair - I have always been fascinated by that and wish we still had them. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  17. Just finished this one, Melanie. All I have to say is: I underestimated Deeanne Gist. Big time. :)

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    1. Glad to hear it! :) I'm reading It Happened At The Fair and think it's great so far. :)

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  18. This sounds like an interesting story. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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    1. Glad It Happened At The Fair interests you. :) Hope you get to read it soon. :)

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  19. What a nice sounding story. I think I would have enjoyed the Chicago World's Fair back then. I like your writing room too. Big monitors are where it's at! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  20. I cannot wait to read this - I've read all of Dianne's books - except for this one, of course. Thank you so much for the giveaway. :)

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    1. Glad you're anticipating It Happened At The Fair! Thanks for commenting, Mallen. :)

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  21. I love your books! And I am so excited to read this next one!

    crochetsisters (at) earthlink (dot) net

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  22. I am so excited about this book and am anxious to read it! Love your office cave!
    I've read 6 of your books and want to read all of them!
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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    1. Glad you're excited about It Happened At The Fair! Hope you get to read it very soon. :)

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  23. I am looking forward to reading this book! It sounds great!

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    1. Hope you get to read it soon, Cortney! :) Thanks for commenting.

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  24. Wonderful interview! It's nice to get to know Deeanne a little better. :) Looking forward to reading her latest. Thanks for offering the giveaway!

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    1. Glad you liked the interview! Thanks for stopping by, Karen. :)

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  25. I would lobe to win. Always looking for a new book to read.

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  26. I so can't wait to read this book! Deanne's books were what got me into Christian fiction! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Beth

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    1. Thanks for entering, Beth! I hope you are able to read It Happened At The Fair soon. :)

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  27. Thanks for commenting, Kate! :)

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  28. sounds like a terrific book, Dee! I am jealous of your writing space! what a wonderful office! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. I agree! It looks like a wonderful office. Thanks for commenting, Rhonda. :)

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  29. Very interesting interview. I think it is amazing how Deanne went about researching writing the bit about the broken churn. I am very much looking forward to reading the book!
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  30. I love Deeanne's books! I would love to have this one. Thank you, Deeanne, for writing.

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  31. sounds like a book I'd love to win thanks

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  32. It Happened At The Fair looks great! I love Deeanne's other books and can't wait to read this one! :)

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  33. I have read all of Deeanne's books, Maid to Match was the first one I read. I loved it and it got me hooked. Now, I have read all of Deeanne Gist's books and they keep getting better and better:) I have a review for this book on my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/it-happened-at-fair.html

    Please visit and check it out:)

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  34. I love this title, it reminds me of Meet Me in St Louis with Judy Garland and I don't know how many times I've watched that movie. The cover is beautiful.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  35. Wow how interesting that you use a tv as your "computer screen"! I would have never guessed you were a cheerleader! How cool!

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  36. I got to read the first chapter of this and loved it! So glad it is out and hope to win a copy!

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  37. I love that the hero in this book is deaf and a mechanical genius. Not many of the heroes in books have any kind of disability. The cover is lovely as well. I look forward to reading It Happened at the Fair. It would be fabulous to win a copy here!

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  38. Wow! I can't WAIT to read this! I love that cover, too ; )
    I wonder what kind of events or people inspired the author while writing this book!?
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    mestith at gmail dot com

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  39. I love reading your imaginative stories with your creative characters and plot lines. Historical Christian fiction is my favorite genre, and your books are definitely in my top tier. Thanks!

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  40. I already have a couple of your books on my shelf and this latest one looks and sounds like a great read.
    Blessings!
    Jasmine A.
    montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. Super excited about "meeting" Deeanne Gist. I love her books. Lots of fun and romance always included.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  42. I LOVE your office Dee! I've been wanting to read and review your book for a while now; hopefully I'll get the chance!!! :)

    Hugs, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

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  43. Can't wait to read this one! I LOVE Dee!

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  44. My copy arrived in the mail yesterday. I love Deeanne Gist's books, and I can't wait to get started on this one. I've been waiting for it since October, when I preordered it :D

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  45. Deeanne Gist is among my top favorite authors. I probably have more of her novels on my keeper shelf than most. I'm looking forward to this one. My favorite so far are "Love on the Line" and "Bride Most Begrudging". Thanks for this opportunity. Susan G aka "onecandle"

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  46. The cover is gorgeous--I'm looking forward to reading the novel. Thanks for the giveaway and letting us know a little bit about the book!

    danandlyndaedwards(at)msn(dot)com.

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  47. read all her other books and can't wait to read this one too.

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  48. Such a great interview! Love the monitor. :) bookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(com)

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  49. Enter me this book looks great!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch,NC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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  50. I love your books Dee!! I can't wait to read your new one! I love the title!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  51. I love, love, love Deeanne and her books! I pre-order them all and just got this one on Monday afternoon (love how Amazon can get it to you just before they hit shelves). I love how much I learn about the era her stories take place in and I know she does a lot of research. So interesting! Plus I generally love her characters and plots! I laughed and re-read the part when the ranger gets the splinters in her last book, Love on the Line, several times. :) Thanks for the interview!

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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  52. I can not wait to read this book! I loved Tempest in the White City and am so glad Hunter is getting his own book! Congrats on the new release!

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  53. I am already a fan of Deeanne! Please sign me up.

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  54. I love your monitor. What a great idea! Plenty of room for your creativity.

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  55. thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story...I love the cover art, too :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  56. Love the review.. I have not read any of Deeanne's books ,but this one sounds good and always love to try new authors.. Thanks for the giveaway. Would love to win her book. Congrats on the new release.
    Elizabeth
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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  57. I haven't read any of DeeAnne's books before, but this sounds interesting! I have recently become obsessed with books set during the 1893 Chicago worlds fair so I think I would love this one!!! :)

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  58. I have been checking out reviews of Gist's books since Love on the Line came out. I have always been interested in the World's Fair so I think the setting of this one would be very cool. Loved the author's office photo above!

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  59. Love your books! Really hope I win a copy!!

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  60. I'm really excited about this book. :) Thanks for offering this giveaway! :)

    inspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  61. I just discovered your books not too long ago at my local library. I've read A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady and really enjoyed both of them. I recommended them to my mom and she laughed at me! Seems she told me about you years ago. She's read all your books. I guess it's true that you should always listen to your mom! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  62. I love the cover of this book and it sounds like a really good story. I also love that your dog makes a cameo appearance in the book!
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  63. Melanie, I think the second time I shared on Facebook, I put it in the blog line instead of Facebook! Feel free to take away 2 points :)

    Beth

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  64. Sounds like a charming book. Would absolutely love to read it.

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  65. I have had my eyes on this book for a long time!! I can't wait to read it! :) I absolutely adore your writing room...looks so comfy and inspiring. I'm currently working on putting together my own writing room (inside my bedroom - craziness ensues!) and I just got some fun ideas from your picture. :)

    Sierra @ Yearning to Read

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  66. Wonderful post! It's been awhile since I read anything by Deeanne Gist, so I'd love to win this one! Thanks for the chance!

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  67. Thanks for the giveaway! This novel looks wonderful and I'd love to check it out :)

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  68. I've enjoyed many of Deanne's books and look forward to It Happened at the Fair.

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  69. I really enjoy Dee's books and look forward to reading this one!

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  70. I love reading Dee's books. I know I will enjoy reading this one as well.

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  71. Hi! I am excited about the time period and location of this book. I know it will be a interesting read. :)

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  72. Loved getting the virtual tour of your office, Dee! Can't wait to read your newest book. =)

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  73. Ooohh this book sounds SO GOOD!! And the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love the colors you chose. The white and cream colors, love them!! And the dress is beautiful!! I really LOVE your answer for the question about what's the best part of being a writer. If I was a writer that would be my favorite part too!! I CANNOT wait to read your book!!! Thank you so much for having such a generous giveaway!! ***crossing my fingers***

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  74. I love your writing room, Dee! The monitor is awesome! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  75. I've been looking forward to reading this book and enjoyed reading Tempest In the White City. The video chat was great too. I wish more authors would do that. It makes one feel like they know the author better.

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  76. Sounds so interesting...another take on the chicago's world's Fair...different from the other one I have read...:-)

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  77. I just love the title of this book! When we're in the states I go to the library and check all whatever books of yours are available!

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  78. I love that photo of Deeanne at work! The giant monitor...hilarious! :)

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  79. Oh my...I have to be Deanne's #1 fan! I love every book she writes. Humor and romance is a winner every time. I really need to win this book. I need my dose of fun and entertainment Deanne style. lol :)

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  80. Looking forward to reading this one!

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  81. This sounds like an excellent book. Can't wait to read it. Thank you for entering me in the giveaway!
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  82. Dee, This sounds like an excellent book. Reminds me of Dr. Quinn. I am glad the world has become more accepting of a woman's many talents and abilities.

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  83. Since I grew up in Chicago I would love to win this book! I remember fondly my Grandmother telling me the story of the day my 3 year old uncle took 2 buses to The Chicago World's Fair because no one would take him & to prove that he actually went he brought back a souvenir :)

    Stimmer@familylife.com

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  84. sounds like a fun one and like the cover! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

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  85. Beautiful cover! I would enjoy reading this book about Chicago!

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