A Warm up Giveaway. Ready, steady – GO!

A Warm up Giveaway. Ready, steady – GO!

Hi there.

Thanks for popping in. What busy shows Paul had on the Craft Store. So glad you liked the Wrap around Heart. Very very useful little design, that!

In case you missed it…

And so on to the next adventure! What? Where? Who? Why? Well, read on…

Here’s the Story, Jackanory…

Tomorrow would be our fabulous Open Days in Ditton, near maidstone, but we didn’t think it was a smart idea – given all the restrictions, ‘elf n safety and all that – to all get together in a hall right now! So we’re going to celebrate Clarity with our #ClarityOpenDayFestival online instead!

Yep. It all starts tomorrow morning, with stories, giveaways, prizes and demos. The Design Team will be plastering Facebook with artwork #ClarityOpenDayFestival, I shall be posting Giveaway blogs throughout the days, and of course there’s the Clarity Pyjama Party on Friday night (the craftalong!)

We shall kick off at 7pm with the craftalong, and do one cool card together. When we have finished that one, we’ll have a little break, have a little stretch. Then it’s

Get your best PJ’s out!

Make a cocoa, pop a cork, a little picnic – whatever floats your boat, and come back for a second, late evening session! What better way to spend a Friday night than crafting with a bunch of friends!

What will you need? Well, apart from a natty pair of pyjamas…

PROJECT ONE : Here’s the ingredients list!

  • Butterfly Wreath Stampset mounted
  • Dream Word Stampset with mask mounted
  • 7 x 7 Clarity Card
  • Clarity Stencil Brushes
  • Artistry Ink Pad
  • New England Designer paper or any matching paper.
  • Spot-on Sponges
  • Pergaliners
  • Glue runner
  • 8 x 8 Kraftcard blank

PROJECT TWO:

  • LOVE Word stampset
  • Grungy Grid Stampset
  • Indian Summer Designer Paper pad
  • 7 x 7 Black cardblank
  • Black Archival
  • Vermillion Archival ink pad
  • Watering Can Archival ink pad
  • Blushing Rose Artistry ink pad
  • Nested circle Dies

If you don’t have this stuff, then use something similar! xx You can find all the things you need here.

When we get together at Ditton we usually have a huge Pop-up shop – and boy oh boy ! Do you like to spend!! So instead, we are going to take a blanket 25% off everything on the website that isn’t brand new (this month’s new designs). Plus your club discounts – worth getting that wishlist out for sure!

They will be flicking the sale switch on at some point during the night, just to make sure the website doesn’t fall over, so tomorrow morning early doors it will be all singing all dancing – and ready to welcome you.

And just for fun, and because I can, how about a cheeky little warm up giveaway now….

How about a bit of an heirloom, a stamping book I wrote many years ago, which is no longer in print? It was very popular in its day!! It took months to produce! So many hours of work! And it actually sold very well at the time.

I came across a few copies when we moved, and have been saving them for a special occasion. There are 6 of them left. Brand new. Never been opened! So how about it? Fancy a project book written by yours truly? I shall sign them too, just for posterity. You never know! They may be worth a fortune one day!! There are a few used ones for sale on Amazon for over £20! Good reviews too! You can always sell it once you’ve read it!

Want one? All you have to do is write the name of your favourite author below, and the best book you have ever read. Then you will go in the prize draw for one of six signed by the author books on stamping!

Let the games begin!!

Love and Hugs

Barb xxx

145 thoughts on “A Warm up Giveaway. Ready, steady – GO!

  1. It has to be Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier for me, read it a few times from teenage onwards, Mum has (well I have it as I nicked it!) an old hardback copy well worn, it has a simple mauve/grey cover and I can still remember the first time I read it. Read most of hers over the years but always go back to read or listen again. Sounds like a fab weekend starting tomorrow with our pjs – nightdress/T-shirt style for me or something a bit thinner when warmer ! Looking forward to it. What a great prize for someone too. X

    1. P.s. when a lot younger it would have been Enid Blyton but I see she’s been cancelled today ….. not in my eyes though ! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😹

      1. So tough – for classics: anything Alexander Dumas – especially The Count of Monte Cristo
        Modern: anything Robert Ludlum – Bourne trilogy (sooooo much better than the movie versions!).

  2. The book that has really stayed with me through the years is one from author Catherine Gaskin titled ‘Edge of Glass’. As a young impressionable teenager in the late 60’s this was one I will never forget. I even searched the budding internet powerhouse Amazon decades later to find a slightly used copy since I had lost the original through my many moves. Good story and good character development – at least to a
    teenager!….

  3. My favourite author is Clive Cussler and I like all of his really fun adventure stories but I think a favourite book would probably be Sahara with the hero, Dirk Pitt.
    I am looking forward to the online Open Day Festival. I am planning to join in the PJ party tomorrow but will be doing Groovi!

  4. Has to be Catherine Cookson, I have all her books so hard to pick a favourite. However I have to say that my childhood book of Heidi has been read over and over again, even as an adult!
    Looking forward to this morrow!

  5. Hi Barb
    My favourite author is Catherine Cookson. I’ve read all her books, most more than once but my favourite is The Mallon Streak – as I’ve got older I’ve even developed a white streak in my hair!
    Can’t wait for our craft along tomorrow. My stamps are ready, now where are my best PJs?
    Zara

  6. My all time favourite book is Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell, what an epic story. I was never a great reader at school so my mum thought I would like to read some books she liked, boy oh boy she gave me a real bodice ripper to read! I couldn’t quite believe my mum would read this kind of book and I remember thinking wow mum you’re so cool😂 nowadays I always have a book on the go, so her strategy worked😁

  7. My favourite author is Maeve Binchy and I think my favourite of her books is The Copper Beech. Her books are all very family orientated and a good distraction.

  8. Hi,
    For me it is “The Cat Who….” Mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun.
    When ever I feel down I go back to these books again.
    Starting with “The Cat Who could read backwards”
    Looking forward to our crafty gathering tomorrow.
    Love,
    Linda x

    1. So many authors to choose from Lee Child’s love his Jack Reacher books Catherine Cookson. Phillipa Gregory The White Queen is one of my favourites.
      Looking forwards to the pj party tomorrow even though I haven’t got the products will use what I have and enjoy the company and the lesson.xx

  9. So difficult to pick one book. The Chalet School series of books by Elinor M Brent-Dyer are responsible for studying languages an becoming a teacher. I still have a read through every few years – over 70 books with the newer fill in by different authors.

  10. My favourite author changes over time, I have phases on the genre of books I’m reading and also read a lot of self published authors on kindle.
    I like Jo Nesbo books even though I have to make up alternative names for many of the people and places, given my lack or Norwegian. A book I’ve got The Midnight Library by Matt Haig lined up but I’m waiting to read it. I feel its going to have me on an emotional roller coaster so I’ll have to feel strong enough to read it.
    Years ago I read a book by Jeremy Keeling called Jeremy & Amy (Monkey World Dorset). What an amazing and enlightening book.. I think this must be my favourite as it has stayed with me in my heart and mind for so many years.

  11. Ian Serraillier’s The Silver Sword is the best book. I read it a primary school. Spoke to an old friend a few weeks ago and she agreed. We are both 61 now but remember it so clearly.

    Favorite author Agatha Christie- love Poirot and Miss Marple

        1. I watched the children’s TV serial of The Silver Sword. Melvyn Hayes had the starring role. First series I ever watched as a child

  12. I would so love a copy of your book, Barbara. You are a great inspiration! Hands down, my favorite author is J.K. Rowling. Her Harry Potter series not only mesmerized kids but adults, as well. Her life story is also inspiring.
    Thank you for everything you and your team do for us, crafters. 😊

  13. I found a copy of your book in a charity shop a few years ago. And it was signed! I spent a happy few days trying out some of the ideas as I found I had many of the stamps. So don’t put me in the draw! Favourite author? Oh so many but Wilkie Collins and Kate Atkinson to name just a couple. Looking forward to tomorrow night and seeing what the weekend brings. Xx

  14. All sounds great after the event was cancelled last year. I have a signed copy of your book from first time around. It’s excellent. Thanks. Xx

  15. My “read again” books are by John Masefield – The Midnight Folk and The Box of Delights. They are children’s stories and I read them first when I was around 7 years old. I still pick them up when I need to escape from the real world.

    1. Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James (well it was until they added Grey). Although very racy, a good story all round. 😬

  16. Hello Barbara,
    I love The Morland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. There are 35 books in the series. Cynthia takes the fictional Yorkshire Morland family from the late 1300s. All interwoven with real historical people and facts. The books have reached the 1920s.
    Love
    Roz.xxx

  17. How funny! As the weather has been so awful today, my mission was to tidy and declutter my craft room. Guess what I found, fallen down behind a cabinet? Yes, your heirloom book! Really couldn’t believe my eyes when I read today’s blog.
    My favourite author and book, well that really is a difficult one! But I did enjoy Boy- tales of childhood by Roald Dahl,
    an autobiographical book describing his early life.
    Really looking forward to tomorrow and the craftalong and all the competitions. Shopping list at the ready for your generous sale.
    Take care, keep safe everyone.

    Oh, please do not pop me into the cup of chance to win your book as I have my well thumbed copy back on the bookshelf!

  18. What a lovely idea. Michael Morpogo – War Horse. Or any of his books, suitable for young and old and read over and over

  19. Oh, that’s a tough one, but I think my favourite author is Patrick Radden Keefe, an investigative journalist. When I want something light and easy, I also enjoy Karen Swan and Ann Mah.

  20. My favourite author is Diana Gabaldon and her book Dragonfly in Amber. I first read Cross stitch (also called Outlander) in the early 90s.
    I am fortunate to have made many friends through online groups who also love all things Lallybroch, many of whom I have had met in person and many more on zoom.

  21. What I was a young girl it was war horse by Michael morpogo nowadays it’s anybook by David Baldacci
    Hopefully I will be able to join in party as I will be celebrating my 60th birthday tomorrow xxxx

  22. Blimey – it was hard enough trying to think of my favourite records for my own desert island discs (‘My Friend’ by Tony Joe White – just in case you were curious).
    Anyway, favourite book of all time is “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. (the film of the book starring Gregory Peck was great too!)
    Here’s hoping.
    Love
    Maggie (Bendy Yorkite)

  23. I love crime books these days but the book from my younger days which I read over and over was The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. I loved all the characters dearly.

  24. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell . Still love this story .. just recently bought it for my granddaughter to read as well .

  25. My favourite author has to be Maeve Binchy,and favourite book by her is Light a penny candlloved her style of writing and she was a delightful chat show guest.

  26. Choosing one favourite is very hard, but I think I’ll go for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I loved it even before Colin Firth walked out of a lake!

  27. There are so many Authors that I have become addicted to over the years, had huge collections until we moved and had to downsize. Funnily enough the collection I miss the most is the Jalna books by
    Mazo de la Roche. Sadly I will never be able to read them again – my darling mother destroyed the lot when I was nineteen and away on a training course.
    If I had to choose any good thriller would suffice.

    1. I have had the Jalna set in my bookcase for many years. I think that perhaps I should read them especially as you have loved them. I also have Anne of Green Gables and Gone with the Wind. I read both as a young teen in Bayfield, Ontario, Canada many years ago! Loved them and I still have them.

  28. My favourite author is Maeve Binchy and my favourite book by her is Light a Penny Candle
    A good author and quite a good TVchat show guest

  29. My favourite author is Dick Francis, collected all his books. But love Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery and Pollyanna. Cannot recall the author and not near my bookshelves at the moment.

  30. My favourite author is Haruki Murakami and the first book of his that I read is ‘Kafka on the shore.’ However a more recent find is ‘Counselling for toads – a psychological adventure’ by Robert de Board. It tells the story of Toad in Wind in the willows after he comes out of prison.

  31. I was a massive Enid Blyton fan when in Junior School then my teacher decided I was in need of something else and introduced me to The Hobbit and since then The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by Tolkien is my author and I turn to his books for a comfort read when I need to destress

  32. My favourite author is Diana Gabaldon and there isn’t just one book but the Outlander Series. Now waiting for the 9th book in the series. Have laughed and cried with Jamie and Clare throughout all of them.

  33. I enjoy all sorts of books and authors , one of my favourites is Little women by Louise M Alcott and anything by Martina Cole I’ve got all her books , and a complete set of Charles Dickens gotta love Oliver Twist and a Christmas Carol
    I’ve also got your book it was the first stamping one I purchased from the craft barn in Lingfield

  34. Mine would be ‘Lark rise to Candleford’ by Flora Thompson. I can ‘see’ the TV series in my mind when I read it!

  35. I don’t really have a favourite author, although when young it would have been Enid Blyton! The book that has stayed longest in my memory is On The Beach by Neville Shute, I can remember taking myself to the top of the stairs to read the ending as I was sobbing my heart out and could barely see the words!

  36. I love anything by Karen Rose. As for my favourite book, I think it has to be The Cat Who Came In From The Cold by Deric Longden. It’s a must for any cat lover.

  37. I have so many favourite books, but the one I re-read every year is Villette by Charlotte Bronte. I also re-read all the Lord Peter Wimsey books by Dorothy L Sayers throughout lockdown1.

  38. Favourite author easy. Terry Pratchet
    Favourite book probably Wryd Sisters, still makes me laugh out loud.

  39. My go-to read is Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery, but my favourite author has always been Enid Blyton. I guess I am still a child at heart!

    Looking forward to tomorrow’s craft-along and the weekend’s festivities!

    M x

  40. My favourite book is `Trust Me by Leslie Pearse’ It’s about orphan children sent to Australia to live with nuns. A sad story but very moving.

  41. Mine has to be JRR Tolkein and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Don’t know how many times I’ve read it (and his other works) since Infirst read The Hobbit Then LOTR in around 1970. I simply can’t imagine a world where this body of work didn’t exist. My favourite quote is very apt for these worrying times. “The world is indeed full of perik and it it are dark places. But still there is much that is fair. And although in all lands, love is now mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, greater.” J.R.R. Tolkein.

  42. For so many reasons my favourite book would be J.R.R.Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings. I first read it as a massive single edition paperback back in the sixties whilst recovering from an illness and as a distraction from many days enforced bed rest! It opened my mind to so many ideas but mainly that with an active imagination anything is possible! My favourite author is Terry Pratchett with his extremely imaginative, quick-witted and highly entertaining series of Discworld novels.
    A signed “Barbara Gray”? – priceless! And my copy would not appear on eBay – whatever that is!

  43. My favourite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. But the book I read again and again is M.M.Kaye’s Far Pavilions – beautifully descriptive!

  44. My all time favourite was a book called Emma and I, by a lady called Sheila Hocken, about herself and her guide dog Emma. Absolutely inspirational, and humerous as well. She eventually was able to have an operation which saved her sight but she was able to keep Emma , who was getting a bit old . There were a couple of books in the series. I have been a puppy walker myself for a number of years, so it had a bit of influence on my life as well.

  45. I enjoy legal stories and my favourite author for that is John Grisham. I have all his books and they are wonderful and just can’t pick a favourite. Would love to own one of your books Barbara. Hugs from Canada 🇨🇦

  46. My favourite author has changed regularly through the years. I used to read all kinds of autobiographies (loved Monica Dickens) but now it’s crime, as I wanted to be a forensic pathologist until polio intervened. I love Tess Gerritsen and Kathy Reichs books. My favourite book goes back to childhood. It was Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, closely followed by a lovely illustrated copy of Peter Pan. Sadly defaced by a vindictive younger brother but loved until all of my childhood books were sent to a Children’s hospital in my absence. I hope they loved them as much as I did.

  47. I love all the books by Victoria Hislop, especially The Island although they are fictional they are based on historical events I would recommend them to anyone

  48. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott not a great reader I’m sorry to say but just something about this book I love.

  49. Favourite author – ooh that’s tough as it changes a bit depending on my mood! But I always go back to JRR Tolkien, so I think he’s got to be the one.

    Favourite book is by a different author – my very battered, very faded, much read ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ that I’ve had since I was a child.

  50. I am another J. R. R.Tolkien, Lord of the Rings fan, I was taken into another world, I found it so fascinating, much more so than the films. Although I did enjoy the films, but not a patch on your own imagination inspired by the Author. Also, I was an avid reader of Enid Blyton, in Junior school and when I went to secondary school at 11, we were all asked in class which our favourite books and Authors were. and I felt humiliated when my teacher laughed at me in front of everyone when I told her it was Enid Blyton. I think she should have been proud of the fact I was reading those books at home. You never forget when a teacher belittles you.

  51. How lovely to be reminded of so many favourites – Jalna series, Chalet School stories but best of all “Little Women” by Louisa M Alcott. I always have a few books on the go and for light relief, Georgette Heyer, and Karen Swann. When younger, anything with a horse – tried to read Black Beauty to my children – cried before I reached the end of the first page so that was that! My neighbour and I swap books – she lent me “Ove” – but I have decided it is not my cup of tea! A great variety of readers for a great variety of books! Would love |Barbara’s!

  52. A childhood book ,Alice in wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
    Really felt it sparked my imagination way back in the day !

  53. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to, but my favourite author I think is Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin is up there as a favourite, but the top of the list is The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. It was one I slowed down in the last part, taking in every word, as I didn’t want it to end. Looking forward to the virtual open day weekend – I missed the last real life one as my car broke down on the way!!

  54. Favourite book is The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton loved all the people in it and the way you could get lost in the fantasy of it all xx such an innocent world as a child xx

  55. Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier is ne of my favourites. It reminds me of so many happy holidays on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. The Clifton Chronicals by Jeffrey Archer are also a good read.

  56. Has to be Peter James and any one of the “Dead ” series. All this series are based in and around Brighton where I grew up. When he talks about places or roads, I know exactly where his character is. If anyone is thinking of reading this series start with Dead Simple. An adaptation was on the telly recently

  57. Gosh I really would love to win one of these books. I need all the help I can get with stamping!
    My favourite modern book has to be Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley- I really wanted the job that the main character had. Also, I have always loved Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott. I’ve enjoyed the original film of this book and also a re-make of it at the cinema a couple of years ago.
    Thanks for the virtual Open Day Sale too 😊🤗xx

  58. G’Day Barbara
    You always look after us xx
    It’s a tough question to answer, think my favourite book has to be Wind in the Willows, I was given it as a present after we watched the story on the stage, when I was at school, many years ago, the Clarity celebrations for tomorrow sound amazing, I will craft along with you Sat as I’m working Friday, with simaliar items and start planning what to order in the sale x thanks for being our “bus driver” and crafting friend along with Groovi Paul, take care everyone xxoo

  59. Was going to say ‘Fifty shades of grey’ but won’t show myself up 🤣🤣🤣 but seriously it is hard to choose a favourite but I love Cecelia Aherne ‘s books and have read ‘If you could see me now’ a couple of times!

  60. Hi Barbara
    My favourite author was Harper Lee I remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird at school and read the follow up Go Set the Watchman a couple of years ago. I recently read Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owens which is also about discrimination all get reads. I read constantly and am making my way through all of L J Ross’s books at present. Look forward to the weekend and more great offers Thank you.
    Love Ruth & Jackie xx

  61. Hi Barb,
    I have so many “ favourites”. I love Lord of the Rings and first read it in the Sixth Form in 1971. My friends and I worked out the Runic Alphabet and used to write “secret messages” using it. I love LJRoss DCI Ryan books as they are set in the North East and have recently discovered MWCraven – The Puppet Show is an excellent book and I’m working my way through the rest of the series. I just love reading ( &Audible books)! Sending love and hugs, Alison xxx

  62. My favourite author has to be William Horwood and his debut novel Duncton Wood. It is one of a series of 6 and they are beautiful.
    You would love them Barbara.
    Janet x

  63. Swedish writer Stieg Larsson novel, The Girl with the Dragon tattoo. Brilliant book. Which was published posthumously in 2005 and become an international bestseller.

  64. Sons and Lovers by D.H.Lawrence. Studied it for my English Lit O level. Still have my original copy from school, with all my comments in the margins. Have lost count of how many times I have read it.😊

  65. I have a very wide range in reading material…from Jennings Books by Anthony Buckeridge, Arthur Ransomes Swallows & Amazons, Peter Pan & Little Women as a child. I now love Tess Gerritsen’s forensic books, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books and I have all Stephen King’s books….Needless Things the best of those. However, H Is For Hawk by Helen McDonald has made a massive impression on me in recent years…recommend it to everyone!

  66. Hello Barb, I have this book, and still refer to it for techniques. Love it. As for favourite author, well that would currently have to be Lucinda Riley, who wrote the 7 Sisters series. Very sadly she passed away last Friday aged 55, and I had just started reading the last book in the series. I was gutted. Anyway, hope to catch up this evening. Take care and stay safe everyone. Bx

  67. The Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine. I really like the way she weaves the story between the time lines.

  68. Oh decisions decisions-
    As a child I loved Enid Blyton and one I return to; read it to my pupils when teaching; is ‘The Far Away Tree’. A classic would have to be Jane Austen’s ‘ Pride and Prejudice’. Otherwise Wilbur Smith’s Ancient Egypt series. I first read these whilst on a three week trip of Egypt and I often reread them to bring back that incredible and amazing experience.
    Looking forward to the PJ party but a watch only (with one ear on the England match) as I’m away at the caravan. Might do a bit of Groovi as I have a bit of kit with me. I’ll catch up later in the week at home xxx

  69. My favourite author is Linda Paige. An author who lives in Leicestershire like me and bases her stories around the county in different eras, I love being able to relate to where the characters live. I think I read 6 books of hers during lockdown and they really helped me, along with the SHAC SHAC, Barbara and groovi of course!

  70. My favourite author is P D James, her writing is superb. However my favourite book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier because it’s story and the atmosphere created in the writing has stayed with me. I have read this book a number of times and it still delights.
    My escapes from stress are through reading and of course crafting.
    Your book looks like a great resource and I can imagine took a lot of time and patience to compile.
    Looking forward to seeing all of the Open Day loveliness 😊

  71. Reading all the comments has reminded me of the books I loved as a child – The Chalet School stories & Heidi but also of how many books I haven’t read as an adult. I must admit of late I haven’t read much, been busy with crafty projects.
    The books I tend to read are by Annie Murray – various stories of life around Birmingham Rebecca Tope – based in Windermere or The Cotswolds.
    Looking forward to the ”Open Day” along with the PJ party tonight.

  72. My favourite book of the moment is The ‘Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn. One minute they had a home and the next they lost it all. This True story had a lasting effect on me…… My other favourite is ‘Reaching Rosie’ by Kara Morris. Another true story about her autistic daughter. Beautifully written and tells the story of heartbreak but then the strength and love of family and friends. Kara is a friend of mine and I went to her pottery classes at. Berkswell Pottery x

  73. A favourite author is difficult as I like all sorts of books. Historical novels, crime thrillers even sci fi. I do however particularly like J K Rowlings Cormaron Strike books. Looking forward to the PJ party.

  74. Too many loved books to pick just one, but I love The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, read as a child, because of the way I can immerse myself in a totally different world. Same thing with Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials series, read as a teacher.

  75. I already have this book when you first published it together with a personal message from you inside, would never sell, great book 😍

  76. I read at least two books a week so have lots to choose from but also think On the Beach by Nevil Shute has the edge. Very disturbing as a young girl reading this but still stuck with me forty years later .
    Would dearly love a copy of your book Barb as I am one of those soul s who do better learning from the written word than the spoken word. However haven’t missed a shac meeting yet although can’t watch live, I always catch it up at the first opportunity and i am acheiving things I never dreamt of.

  77. I agree with so many of you, Enid Blyton was my favourite as a child. Mr Pinkwhistle, the Far Away Tree. At school I even enjoyed Dickens and nowadays it is Lee Childs, CJ Sansom and Robert Goddard. Looking forward to a fun few days with all the Clarity team.

  78. Looks like a wonderful book Barbara, and has really made me think about my favourites. Gone with the Wind, Rebecca, Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Rings, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Watership Down are all very well thumbed books, but my favourite author is probably David Eddings and his Belgariad series. Have a great Clarity Open Day Festival!

  79. How exciting! Another fabulous Clarity weekend ahead! – My favourite author is James Patterson with his page turning Crime thrillers. I have so many favourite books, I love the trashy holiday reads that make me laugh out very loud, but one book that sticks in my mind recently is Red Notice (how I became Putin’s No. 1 enemy) a real OMG read! – See you later at the PJ party! 😁 x

  80. The tattooist of Auschwitz by heather morris,
    I found this quite uplifting and thought provoking, we must never forget what horrible things people can do to each other.
    On a lighter note I have read all Danielle Steele books she’s my favourite , I often read them flat in 5 hours often stopping up to finish a book into the small hours once I start I cant stop.

  81. I know this is naughty but I really loved the 50 shades of grey books by E L James.

    Also love Alan Bennett books especially The Lady in the Van.

  82. A hard choice for someone that owns hundreds of books but my favourite has to be “beyond the point by Damien Boyd”
    I love these books as they are written by a man local to where I live and he used the local towns in his books so it really helps to set the scene

  83. I have recently read The Bridges of Madison County by James Waller. I usually read murder mystery adventure books, but this was completely different. It was beautifully written, depicting an America of an earlier age and had me quietly weeping over the intense love story.

  84. C S Lewis, The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe. In fact the whole Narnia series. When we married it was the only thing that my husband and I both owned!

  85. Sara Paretsky and my favourite is Indemnity Only. I chose this purely because its the first one of the V.I Warshawski series of books, the first one of hers i had read. Sara Paretsky is an awesome author! xxx

  86. I have read and enjoyed so many books but the one that has always made the biggest impression and is my favorite is Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. I know it has been banned in several countries because of the title, but times were different in the late 50s early 60s. It was the first proper novel I read as a horse mad 10 or 11 year old. The part where Black Beauty was cruelly treated made me cry more than any other book ever has and the happy ending was such a relief.

  87. My favourite book is my Kärntner Kochbuch, given to me by my lovely Aunt in Austria and I just love making childhood favourite delights.

    Fave author has to be Maeve Binchy , I’m not a great reader so I love her style, easy reading. I prefer to be doing something practical.

    Xx

  88. My fav books were when I was a child and were mostly by Enid Blyton. The famous Five series were my all time favourites.
    Little Women was also a fav by Louisa M Alcot

  89. It’s so difficult to pick a favourite book. For reading at night before switching off the light, I used to love Jodie Picoult, Meave Binchy, Rosamund Pilcher, Penny Vinchenzi, Susan Howatch and so many others – nothing too taxing. Just nice stories but I also loved books by Böll when I was studying: Wanderer, kommst du nach Spa…, Wolgang’s Koeppen’s Tauben im Gras and others, mainly post-war German lit. However, if I have to pick one, I’m going to say Can you let me go, my love? by Kay van Dijk, perhaps because it resonated so much with me after my mum died. It’s the diary of a woman whose husband died but true. Don’t read it if you are needing cheered up! The other one I could have suggested was even worse and to do with children – it was a research study – but won’t go there! Hxx

  90. As a young adult I remember reading “Where Are The Children” by Mary Higgins Clark. I literally could not put it down, I read through the night until I finished it. I was hooked and read many more by the same author and many others.
    However, when asked what is your favourite book or author I instantly recall that first book as it was so memorable to me.
    I’m hoping I’m lucky enough to win one of your books. I’m a novice stamper and would love to have more of your “tips and tricks” and projects to follow.

  91. I have to say …Dianna Gabeldon. Her books Outlander is just outstanding…i love to read period pieces…

  92. I have to say ..Diana Galbedon Her books Outlander is just outstanding…i love to read period pieces…love her work…she can sure bring a story to life with her detail

  93. Charlestown Dickens – Little Dorrit. Read it for my A level English text and loved it and still get totally absorbed in it today. A classic and fantastic author.

  94. Charlestown Dickens – Little Dorrit. Read it for my A level English text and loved it and still get totally absorbed in it today. A classic and fantastic author. Well worth reading.

  95. My favourite children’s book:
    The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis – wonderful fantasy of time travel!
    Adult book :
    The Source by James A Mitchener – amazing story of history from the beginning to modern times told through artefacts found under a tel in Israel. Fascinating!

  96. I had a terrible start to reading and didn’t for about 3 years until someone lent me Ring of bright water by Gavin Maxwell, brilliant book. Now I’m never without at least one book on the go.

  97. I love all the J.K. Rowling books. But my no 1 is J.D. Salinger, A catcher in the rye. Read at school in 1977 and I still have the book. See you in the pj party tonight. Keep up the good work you and the team. We know it is not easy for you. Xx

  98. Hi Barb
    What a wonderful prize you are giving away.
    My favourite author (at the moment) is Simon Kernick who is a British crime writer. “Final Minute” is a good one of his. They have you sitting on the edge of your seat eager to turn the next page.
    Love & Hugs
    Penny
    Xxx

  99. My favourite author is James Patterson. He has written some fantastic crime novels, as well as some great books for the younger reader. My favourite book of all time is not one of his though. It is To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. It is set in Alabama, during the Great Recession. It centres around a lawyer called Atticus Finch (played by Gregory Peck in the film), who defends an innocent black man accused of raping a white girl. There is a lot more to the story, from a reclusive neighbour to a dog with rabies. The best thing about it, is that the whole book is told through the eyes of Atticus’s children, Jem and Scout. I love it and now I need to read it again, for the umpteenth time!

  100. In the past few years I have read the seven sisters books by Lucinda Riley, who sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago, only in her 50s. She researched and visited every country she wrote about in each book, so you could imagine you were there. Her last book about the seventh sister was published in May.
    Enjoyed them very much

  101. Can’t choose just one, so many favourites! I loved The Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pilcher, Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy, but just in the lead would be The Thornbirds by Colleen McCulloch. X

  102. I have loads off books . And audio books . For when I am crafting. Getting lost in crafting and listening to a good book .
    But my favourite book is William Morris by myself designs and writings.
    Just looking at it when you are searching for ideas. The is allways something there.

    1. The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
      The story of King Arthur from the point of view of the women involved.
      I absolutely loved it. I read it after an operation on my throat , very therapeutic.
      If I inspire anyone to read it, I hope you get as much enjoyment as I did xx

  103. Hello, also have a view books i like very much, but there is one book that is always on my mind. :
    Die Buddenbrocks von Thomas Mann.
    Maybe some of you might know it …….
    See you later in the shac…must look for my baby doll. 🙋

  104. All time childhood favourites Enid Blyton got to be magic far away tree but all Enids books r fab xx

  105. Charlotte Bronte is my choice. I have read Jane Eyre so many times and love how I get more from it each time.

  106. For me it would have to be a toss up between Game of Thrones (George RR Martin) and Harry Potter (J K Rowling. Loved them both.

  107. Has to be Winnie the Pooh –by A. A. Milne
    I watched the film goodbye Christopher Robin a few months ago and made me see the winning the pooh stories so differently now ❤

  108. The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business. This is a children’s book by German authors Werner Holzwarth and Wolf Erlbruch. My children and grandchildren love it – I am well read (honestly) but this is off the wall.

  109. Wolf hall and bring up the bones by Hilary Mantel, I love a bit of Tudor after going on a school trip to Hatfield House in Primary School.

  110. Too many to pick a favourite but will go for these that I have read so many times the pages are well loved and worn:
    To Kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee
    The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and by Tolkien
    Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
    Would love to have this beautiful book by you, such a talented, clever and wonderful lady, Barbara.
    Thank you for the chance to have one.
    Take care and stay safe 🙋🏼‍♀️🦋🐈💕

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