Review and Giveaway: Stray Affections
Cassie Higgins has a busy life – she’s married, has four young boys (all under the age of 7) and runs an in-home daycare. She and her best friend, Margret, go to The Collectors Convention together every year. Margret can’t go this year, so Cassie ends up going alone. She spots a beautiful, old snowglobe that contains a young girl with three dogs. The girl resembles her as a child and one of the dogs looks like her childhood pet. The snowglobe is expensive, but she feels like she has to have it. A few days later, as she inspects the snowglobe at home, she has a “flurrious” moment that causes her to reflect on her life.
Through flashbacks, we learn that Cassie had a difficult childhood. Her father committed suicide and her mother, “Bad Betty,” became bitter after years of working long hours and struggling to make ends meet while raising three children. Cassie’s Grandpa Wonky was her saving grace, but then he passed away. There was a sad moment in Cassie’s childhood that has caused her relationship with her mother to be strained ever since.
Stray Affections by Charlene Ann Baumbich is a story of forgiveness, grace and acceptance. It’s sweet, pleasant and light, but it was a little slow for me, because I found it pretty predictable. That’s not to say it’s not good – the story and message are uplifting and the characters in the small town are quirky and charming. There is a spiritual undertone, but it’s not preachy – it’s more about grace and love.
Here’s a clip of Charlene Ann Baumbich reading from the book:
Review copy provided by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers.
Thanks to the publisher I have an extra copy of Stray Affections to give away. To enter to win, simply leave a comment on this post. Contest is open worldwide. I will use random.org to determine the winner. Contest ends at midnight EST, Wednesday September 23, 2009. Winner will be announced on Thursday, September 24, 2009.
Thanks for stopping by!
Even though I like quirky characters, I don’t think this one is for me. Nice review and thanks for sharing the video.
The video was interesting Kathy. Sadly, I never got to this one, as I did not think I would enjoy it.
I would love to win this one for my mom. I think she’d really enjoy it!
I don’t always have issues with predictable if the book itself is brilliant (like Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet). I’m not sure if this would qualify. Personally? I love to have my socks knocked off when I least expect it!
Don’t enter me, but I just wanted to compliment you on getting to the point ***concisely***, as usual! :–)
This looks like an interesting book – please count me in ! Thanks!
I especially like the video. I’d like to read the book now. I will probably hear the authors accent in my head as I read. Actually, I like predictable. It’s why I like romance novels. I just want to know how they get to the end.
Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me.
Would love to read!
What a nice review–and I like that the predictability of the story didn’t necessarily negate your enjoyment of it. I’d love to be entered! Thanks.
Sounds like a book my stepmother would really like. She’s all about “uplifting”. LOL.
No need to enter me, my friend. I’m dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I’ve got this up at Win a Book for you.
Always looking for good books to read, please count me in!
This is a book I would dearly love to win. Please enter my name in your wonderful draw. Thanks!
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
need a good fall read…thx for the contest..
this sounds like a very moving book-please count me in
I’d like to be included!
Mother of 4 boys under the age of 7! That sounds like a whole story right there! I’d like to read it.
Thanks for the chance.
Please sign me up for this one! Thanks!
Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
Hi, could I be entered for this contest too, please? Thanks!
You have been busy with the giveaways – now if I could just get lucky and win one!
I’d like to read this thanks for the chance!
I’d love to enter this giveaway. Reach me at chezraine@yahoo.com
I’d love to enter for this giveaway. I love reading edifying stories like this.
I LOVE the cover! Please enter me.
Sounds like a great book! Please enter me!
Please include me in your giveaway.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
I’d love to be entered!
je2kids(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for “…a story of forgiveness, grace and acceptance.” Good recap! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, even though you felt it predictable. YAY! I appreciate your time and for running the contest.
Your blog (love the name ) looks to have lots of great action. Good going! I’m pointing to it on my FB FAN page.
Peace and grins,
Charlene Ann Baumbich
Author, Stray Affections
Book #1 in the Snowglobe Connections series
This sounds like a story I would enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
castings AT mindspring DOT com
I cannot wait to read Stray Affections. I loved all the Dearest Dorothy books and I know this one will be just as enjoyable.
I love chatting with Charlene on Facebook. She is an amazing lady.
Read all of C. Baumbich’s books. She has become a seasoned author. Her last two Dearest Dorothy’s were very interesting. I am looking forward to her character development in this new series.
Please enter me!!
Froggy
froggarita@gmail.com
http://froggaritavillesbookcase.blogspot.com
I’ve read a few reviews of this one and it sounds like a comfort read for sure. Great review and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Thanks for including the YouTube! Loved it!
An early HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Please do enter me. Thanks.
I’d love to give this one a read. Thanks!
I’d love to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
No need to enter me. I just thought your review was excellent. I think the book would appeal to me when I get in the mood to slow down and read the uplifting kind of books like this one. That’s usually around the Christmas holidays. Right now I am hyped up with horror/suspense and paranormal because of the Halloween season coming up.
Awesome review, but I don’t think this one is for me… so please dnt enter me!
Good review and please count me in.
Mystica
Your review piqued my interest in reading this book–
I once had four boys under 7! (I ended up with 5 boys in 10 years.) I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
This is on my wish list, please enter me.
stacybooks at yahoo
Sounds like a great addition to my library of books.
This sounds like a good book. Please include me in the giveaway.
Looks like my kind of book!!!
lelou2 AT ymail DOT com
I would love to read this one!
I think it sounds really interesting. Please enter me!
stephaniefleischer889 [at] gmail [dot] com
you read some of the best books
this one sounds really good
Not entirely sure if I’d enjoy this one, but I’d love to give it a shot. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks.
I would love to read this book too! Thanks!
Please enter me. Thank you!
Thanks for the giveaway.
I would like to be entered Kathy! Thank you SO much!
x0xx AMY (Park-Avenue Princess)
IAMHiMaintenance(at)aol(dot)com
Wow, another interational giveaway! You rock! Please enter me for this one too.
Alessandra
outofblue1(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.
avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it
Please count me in…thanks.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Add me for this one. Thanks, Kathy.
I think this sounds like a book I would really enjoy reading. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
imsosweepy { at } gmail { dot } com
Please enter me, I love all kinds of genres and all degrees of books. Thanks!!
Please enter me. The book sounds like good reading.
:o)
piroska at tbaytel dot net
Please enter me. Thank you!
Sounds like an great book. Please accept my entry. Thanks!
I tried to win this on another giveaway but didn’t, so I’ll try again! I’d love to read this. Thanks for the chance 🙂
Please count me in and thanks for opening the competition for overseas readers.
Mystica
mystica123athotmaildotcom
This sounds like a very interesting book. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net