A Thankful- for- YOU Giveaway

It's Black Friday, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. Sales, crowds, folks lining up in their pajamas to be the first in line when the stores open. I admit that I have never done this--pajama shopping, nor any kind of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. Unless I run out of coffee creamer or oatmeal and am forced to drive to the grocery store. (Can't put leftover gravy in your coffee mug or green bean and onion casserole in your cereal bowl.)

But hitting the uber-crowded mall? Not my idea of fun. I'd rather stay home and continue to be thankful for my blessings. One of which is that I no longer have to work on Thanksgiving. I did that countless times as an ER nurse, grabbing quick bites of pressed, cold turkey roll while attempting to identify true cardiac patients versus victims of acute pumpkin pie overdose. Not always easy, trust me.

I'm thankful too (and still pinching myself) that we've moved back home to northern California, closer to our children and grandchildren, and that we were able find a house that (to quote Goldilocks) is "just right" for us.

And grateful that despite the hustle-bustle of moving cross country (and twice in 4 months' time) that the release of Disaster Status and Code Triage happened without a hitch--if you don't count the accidental "Merry Christmas" message that appeared in the March newsletter I sent from a Marriott along the way!

And last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful for YOU. My readers. For your kind and newsy notes, your thoughtful reviews, your willingness to pass the word (and bookmarks!) to family and friends . . . for the warm encouragement that makes me want to continue writing stories of hope. You are a blessing, indeed.

Today is Black Friday, and instead of going shopping I'm going to offer a Thankful-for-You Giveaway. Right here, right now: a chance to win the complete Mercy Hospital book series, Critical Care, Disaster Status, and Code Triage. Personalized and signed as you like. (Keep the books for your own collection or give them as a special gift!)

I'll randomly draw one winning name on Friday December 3rd and post it here.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below telling us one thing that you are grateful for this year. Let's share in each others' blessings . . . and make gratitude contagious.

*Please include your e-mail address in this example format: candace(at)candacecalvert(dot)com

Best of luck!

What's Cookin'?

Under the trio of handsome cover guys is a snapshot in my new kitchen--a photo I tend to call "Cooking with Nick." Appropriate, I think, since the hero of Code Triage is chef-turned-San Francisco police officer, Nick Stathos. His wife liked to tease that he was a "tough cop with a whisk in his holster." And I . . . well I just like the way he looks in my kitchen. I also like the look of the top photo posted above: all three Mercy Hospital novels side-by-side. The photo represents eighteen months' of writing and--with the recent release of Code Triage-- the completion of my first inspirational fiction series. Such a great feeling!

I've been delighted to hear from so many readers. From those who have just finished Code Triage to folks who have only recently "discovered" Critical Care, and are eagerly "scrubbing in" for the adventure. Like this new Canadian reader:

"I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read this . . . CRITICAL CARE is one of the best books I have ever read! The only good thing about me waiting so long to pick up one of Candace Calvert's novels is that I can now rush out and read both the second and third in the Mercy Hospital series."

I'm pleased, too, to see that online book sites are offering my books at discounted prices, perfect for "catching up" or for gift-giving. ChristianBook.com has the entire 3-book series priced at 33% off the shelf price, a huge savings! And, though I personally love to hang out in real-live "brick and mortar" bookstores, in this tough economy books are stocked in smaller and smaller quantities. I've heard your frustration at being unable to find favorite authors' books at retail stores. Having your local bookstore special-order the books is an option, of course. But if you'd rather avoid driving, crowds, disappointment--and have the luxury of shopping in your pajamas-- then online bookstores may be just what the doctor ordered.

If you have readers on your holiday gift list and are considering giving a Mercy Hospital book, I'm very happy to send personalized bookplates, pretty gold "signed by author" stickers, bookmarks and a hand-written note to accompany your package. Just contact me through my website and let me know what you need by December 15th.

And speaking of gifts: don't miss my Black Friday blog post! I'll be offering a chance at a special pre-holiday book giveway: one lucky blog visitor will win copies of Critical Care, Disaster Status, AND Code Triage . . . each personalize and signed. The entire Mercy Hospital series just for you, or to surprise a friend or family member. Look for details right here on Friday, November 26th.

Meanwhile, be sure you've signed up for my November newsletter (going out today!). I'm sharing three (easy but impressive) recipes, perfect for the holidays. And taste-tasted right here in my new kitchen . . . with Nick standing by.

We're loving the change of colors here in northern California, and the nip in the air as temperatures drop. What's cookin' out your way? Drop me a note, I'd love to hear from you.

Congratulations to my winners!

Thank you all for your enthusiastic interest in CODE TRIAGE. It was great hearing from you. The following names were drawn as winners via a random number selector. I'll be signing copies of this newest medical drama for: Kelly B., Rita P., Deb F., Roseanna C., and Jackie S.

You'll all receive an official e-mail from me. CONGRATULATIONS!