Sunday, November 1, 2009

Michelle Moran Giveaway (CLOSED)

Michelle Moran is the author of Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter. Her fourth novel, Madame Tussaud, will debut in March 2011.

Michelle was born in the San Fernando Valley, CA. She took an interest in writing from an early age, purchasing Writer's Market and submitting her stories and novellas to publishers from the time she was twelve. When she was accepted into Pomona College she took as many classes as possible in British Literature, particularly Milton, Chaucer, and the Bard. Not surprisingly, she majored in English while she was there. Following a summer in Israel where she worked as a volunteer archaeologist, she earned an MA from the Claremont Graduate University.

She has traveled around the world, from Zimbabwe to India, and her experiences at archaeological sites were what inspired her to write historical fiction. A public high school teacher for six years, Michelle Moran is currently a full-time writer living in California with her husband.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes. Some authors come to writing by chance, some after graduating college or working for a while. For me there was never any doubt about what I would do as a career. I think my teachers felt the same way. I can remember being in third grade with the toughest teacher in the world and hearing her voice echo in my mind like a scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. "Michelle... Michelle.... Michelle?" Only I wasn't physically absent like Bueller. Just mentally! When I write, the scene unfolds in my mind like a movie, only I'm the director. I can listen to characters' dialogue, then tell them to stop, do it over, say the words differently, or strike a different pose. In an academic setting this can be a problem, because instead of learning Algebra I'm watching a movie, only it's a movie with endless possibilities because I create the scenes.

If you weren't a writer what would you want to be?
A teacher. I taught in a public high school for six years and nothing could be more rewarding than exposing young adults to historical fiction and many other kinds of reading and writing. Many people talk about teaching with an abundance of clichés. You can change lives, you can open doors, you can etc etc. But for me, those clichés were all true.

michelle
What prompted you to write a novel about Cleopatra’s daughter?
I do a great deal of traveling both for research and for fun, and most of my destinations are archaeological sites. On a trip to Alexandria in Egypt, I was afforded the amazing opportunity of participating in a dive to see the submerged remains of Cleopatra’s ancient city. More than ten thousand artifacts remain completely preserved underwater: sphinxes, amphorae, even the stones of the ancient palace. Although I'm not a fan of diving, it was an incredible experience, and it changed the way I looked at Cleopatra. I immediately wanted to know more about her life, and it was mere coincidence that my next trip took me to Italy, where her ten year-old children were brought to live after her suicide. While in Rome, I was able to retrace her daughter's steps, and upon seeing where her daughter had lived on the Palatine, I knew I had my next novel.

What resources did you use to write this novel?
I did most of my research on-site (in Rome, Alexandria) and in libraries. In order to describe the Palatine, I went there (not that this was necessary… but it was certainly fun!). To get a feel for life on Capri, my husband and I booked a week there and took several trips into the Blue Grotto (where you can no longer swim). I also used dozens of books and contacted scholars such as D. Roller whose work on the life of Kleopatra Selene was invaluable to me.

If you would like to know more about Michelle Moran and her books, visit her blog or webpage. All of her books are available on Amazon; Barnes & Noble; Borders; IndieBound; Random House and Books-a-Million.

Giveaway!
Michelle will give one hardcover copy of Cleo's Daughter as well as an ancient Roman coin (complete with certificate of authenticity) to the lucky winner!
Dibujo

Rules:
* please make sure to leave separate comment for each entry;

* in your comment, please include an email address so I can reach you;

* winner of the giveaway will be chosen from random.org on Saturday, November 28th;

* winner has 24 hours to answer my email or new winner will be drawn.

Here’s how to enter:
* Mandatory entry: please visit Michelle’s webpage. Have a look at her other books, then return to Made In Canarias and let me know what other book would you like to read and why.

* Extra entries:
- follow my blog (1 entry); if you already follow me you get 2 entries;

- tweet this giveaway (leave your tweet link, use @MadeInCanarias);

- follow @MadeInCanarias on Twitter (1 entry); if you already follow me you get 2 entries;

- post about this giveaway on your blog (leave a link) (2 entries);

- grab my button (2 entries; leave a link);

- 1 extra entry for the people on the top commentators list (look at the left sidebar).

*Remember to leave your email in the comments and leave separate comment for each entry.

Good luck!

Thank you Michelle for great prizes!

134 comments:

  1. Okay...I would literally LOVE to read The Heretic Queen. I love historical novels and the inclusion of Ramesses the Great just makes this a must for me. Please enter me in your giveaway.


    Thanks for hosting it!

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. I am a new blog follower. :)

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. I have your button on my right blog side bar.

    http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/

    +1

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. I have yout button on my right side bar.

    +2

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  5. I follow you on Twitter.

    @kellyblackwell

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. I tweeted your giveaway:

    http://twitter.com/kellyblackwell/status/5371881003

    kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. Hi. I would love to read The Heretic Queen. The reason is because I just love historical fiction that's my favorite genre. polo-puppy-fluffyAThotmail *dot* com Cheers

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  8. I'm also a follower. polo-puppy-fluffyAThotmail *dot* com Please count me in, I'd love to read this. Cheers

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  9. I would like to read Nefertiti because I've always been fascinated with Egyptian culture.

    jrhammlett at yahoo

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  10. My pick will have to be "Nefertiti." The statue of her bust is one of my favorite Egyptian works of art!

    mabelilly28 at yahoo dot com

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  11. I am a Google follower!

    mabelilly28 at yahoo dot com

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  12. mabelilly28: +1 for being a follower

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  13. I would love to read "The Heretic Queen" because it sounds like a fascinating story, and I've never heard of Nefertari. I love discovering fascinating people from the past!

    lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com

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  14. I am a follower.

    lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com

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  15. I'm following you on Twitter (@angloaddict).

    lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com

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  16. I would love to read Nefertiti because I don't know all that much about her, but I would love to.

    qtpies5 at msn. com

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  17. I would love to read the Heretic Queen. I really like historical fictions esp. those set in Rome/Egypt.

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  18. would love to read the Heretic Queen
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  19. follow @MadeInCanarias on Twitter
    @copperllama
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  20. have button
    http://copperllamastudio.blogspot.com/

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  21. I'd like to read Nefertiti, because Nefertiti has been the only queen of Egypt who has somewhy caught my attention.

    kadi.taar@gmail.com

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  22. I'm already following your blog ;)

    kadi.taar@gmail.com

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  23. I'm already following you on twitter ;)

    kadi.taar@gmail.com

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  24. Kadi: +1 for following me on Twitter

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  25. The Heretic Queen sounds like an amazing story! I have always been intrigued with Ancient Egyptian culture and history and love a good love story :)

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

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  26. following your blog

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

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  27. following in twitter (kissyj)

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

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  28. I am extremely interested in all of her books because I love Egyptian history. But if I have to choose just one I guess it would be The Heretic Queen.
    tanyainjville@yahoo.com

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  29. Twitter Follower(starryeyed24)
    tanyainjville@yahoo.com

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  30. Twitter Follower(starryeyed24)
    tanyainjville@yahoo.com

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  31. Wow, all of her books sound great! If I had to choose just one other one to read, I would choose the Heretic Queen.


    girlygirlugh at gmail dot com

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  32. #1 I was following your blog before this contest entry. Screen name: girlygirlugh


    girlygirlugh at gmail dot com

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  33. #2 I was following your blog before this contest entry. Screen name: girlygirlugh


    girlygirlugh at gmail dot com

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  34. I love to read this book looks wonderful.
    The "The Heretic Queen" looks good also i love reading about egypt. onwingsofsilver at gmail.com

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  35. I would like to read Nefertiti because I'd love to read about the relationship of the two sisters.

    readingatthebeach at gmail dot com

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  36. I follow

    readingatthebeach at gmail dot com

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  37. I follow on Twitter: VickiLN

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  38. Tweet: http://twitter.com/VickiLN/status/5487744969

    readingatthebeach at gmail dot com

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  39. I posted this giveaway on my sidebar HERE

    readingatthebeach at gmail dot com

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  40. What an exciting giveaway, please count me in.

    I am a google reader follower.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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  41. I would also like to read The Heretic Queen

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  42. I would choose The Heretic Queen
    http://www.michellemoran.com/hereticqueen.htm
    I love tales of Ancient Egypt and still have much to learn about Nefertiti
    thank you
    kaiminani(at)gmail(dot)com

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  43. I follow
    thank you
    kaiminani(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. I was already a follower on twitter where I am BrokenTeepee 1
    thank you
    kaiminani(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. I was already a follower on twitter where I am BrokenTeepee 2
    thank you
    kaiminani(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I tweeted
    thank you
    http://twitter.com/BrokenTeepee/status/5511955256
    kaiminani(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. I'd like to read The Heretic Queen

    ReplyDelete
  48. tweet

    http://twitter.com/Jamericanspice/status/5522488728

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  49. JamericanSpice: +1 for being on top commentators list

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  50. I'm really inspired to read The Heretic Queen. The synopsis and reviews certainly make it sound engrossing.

    wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

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  51. I follow on Google Friend Connect.


    wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. I would love to read The Heretic Queen as it looks interesting and I love books based in ancient Egypt. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  53. I follow through google friend. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  54. I would like to read The Heretic Queen. I would love to learn more about someone I know nothing about, Nefertari.
    cspmom at gmail dot com

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  55. I follow your blog.
    cspmom at gmail dot com

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  56. I follow your blog.
    cspmom at gmail dot com

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  57. I am a follower of your blog.
    harvee44 at yahoo dot com

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  58. I have visited Michelle's website and would love to read The Heretic Queen. The title alone makes the book interesting and intriguing.
    harvee44 at yahoo dot com

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  59. I visited and would like to read The Heretic Queen,it sounds great!
    sandym204@ gmail dot com

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  60. tweeted - http://twitter.com/LMsMeeMaw/status/5680437061
    sandym204@ gmail dot com

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  61. I follow you on Twitter as LMsMeeMaw.
    sandym204@ gmail dot com

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  62. I read a preview of The Heretic Queen...I sensed that I was there, with the flavorful words, vivid descriptions... and I could feel the air, the voices seemed so real, I was enchanted.....

    All of these books are mystical and I hope to travel to far places within them....

    pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

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  63. oh goodness i love this giveaway! i'm a huge ancient rome geek!

    i'd love to read The Heretic Queen. sounds like a great book!

    saladforbreakfast AT gmail DOT com

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  64. Wow, great giveaway. I think I'd like to read Nefertiti. I love books set in ancient Egypt, so The Heretic Queen looks very good, too.

    Alessandra
    outofblue1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. +1 I'm now following you on Twitter! I'm @alessandra83.

    Alessandra
    outofblue1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Tweeted about your contest at http://twitter.com/alessandra83/status/5762129651

    Alessandra
    outofblue1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I would love to read the heretic queen. I adore the cover and the story sounds great.

    milkavainamo@lyseo.edu.ouka.fi

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  68. I became a follower

    milkavainamo@lyseo.edu.ouka.fi

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  69. I think I would enjoy reading Nefertiti to watch the sister become the queen. Thanks!

    tauntsociety@gmail.com

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  70. Am (and have been) a follower. Thanks!

    tauntsociety@gmail.com

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  71. I would love to read the Heretic Queen because I really love historical fiction, political fiction and strong female characters. That book seems to fit the bill.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    tulanihk@gmail.com

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  72. Wow, these books look very interesting!! I'm really digging the Heretic Queen. I'm into these books of fiction around real stories and meshing them together...and with growing up loving The Ten Commandments, would be great to read this.

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  73. I would love to reas Nefertiti because I love historical fiction!
    krkupr01@yahoo.com

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  74. would love to read heretic queen as a predecessor to cleo's daughters!

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  75. The Heretic Queen looks intriguing. I am a sucker period pieces in literature, and I am always game for the heroine/anti-heroine (well-behaved women seldom make history)!

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  76. Forgot to include e-mail. ariel.cooksey@live.com

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  77. +1 Great Giveaway! I also want to read the Heretic Queen, because I love learning about ancient Egypt.

    tirachii@yahoo.com

    +1 Followed your Blog

    +1 Tweeted about it!

    + 1 Followed you on Twitter @PheonixFire2

    + 2 Put your Button on my Blog

    http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/

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  78. I would LOVE to read Nefertiti! I am so intrigued her and by Egypt.

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  79. I would really enjoy reading the Heretic Queen. I am fascinated by a good historical book and this looks intriguing!
    maureenruble@yahoo.com

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  80. I am a new email subscriber too!
    maureenruble@yahoo.com

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  81. I follow your blog!
    maureenruble@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I'd also like to read her book "Nefertiti".

    elizabethdaming@yahoo.com

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  83. This looks great! Can't wait to read it!

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  84. Would love to read "Nefertiti". Love Egyption culture.

    mandm_2002(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  85. I would love to read Nefertiti! I always enjoyed learning about Egypt when I was in school.
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

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  86. I'm a new follower.
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

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  87. Tweet

    http://twitter.com/CarolAnnM/status/5947047459

    mittens0831 at aol dot com

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  88. I want to read Nefertiti.
    because ever since I was piccolaed I went to school ... I always liked this woman.

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

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  89. I'm a follower

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    ReplyDelete
  90. I added your button on my blog.
    www.ecobetsabea.blogspot.com

    ale84.vercelliòhotmail.it

    #1

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  91. I added your button on my blog.
    www.ecobetsabea.blogspot.com

    ale84.vercelliòhotmail.it

    #2

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  92. Betsabè: +1 for being my follower already

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  93. I would read The Heretic Queen - romance, forbidden love, history - what more could you ask for?

    Samantha@PricelessWriters.com

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  94. The Heretic Queen looks like a very interesting read. I'm very much into Middle Eastern History and it looks like a potentially thrilling, unique read.

    ronitie.85 at gmail.com

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  95. Already following you on twitter!

    @ronite

    ronitie.85 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Already following you on twitter! #2

    @ronite

    ronitie.85 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I already follow your blog! (Ronit - Google Account)

    ronitie.85 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I already follow your blog! #2 (Ronit - Google Account)

    ronitie.85 at gmail.com

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  99. Hi, I would like to read The Heretic Queen because it sounds interesting. I love forbidden love stories.

    browneyed_x@yahoo.com

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  100. I already followed your blog.

    browneyed_x@yahoo.com

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  101. Ms. Marie: +1 for following my blog already

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  102. Please enter me. walkerd@primus.ca

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  103. I would love to read 'The Heretic Queen'. Just love history as well as love stories with happy endings. This novel sounds really intriguing!

    elena.cacahuete@gmail.com

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  104. I would like to read The Heretic Queen, because anything about ancient Egypt and especially the status of women in that time period fascinates me.

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  105. I added your giveaway on my blog.
    http://ecobetsabea.blogspot.com/2009/11/made-in-canarias-1.html

    #1

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  106. I added your giveaway on my blog.
    http://ecobetsabea.blogspot.com/2009/11/made-in-canarias-1.html

    #2

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  107. Hmm...I think it's pretty much a toss up between The Heretic Queen and Nefertiti. I'd like to read them all! ;)

    thesweetestpetunia AT gmail DOT com

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  108. Following your blog now!

    thesweetestpetunia AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Following you on Twitter! @thesweetpetunia

    thesweetestpetunia AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  110. i'm following you

    theredheadriter(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  111. http://twitter.com/TheRedheadRiter/status/6073516166


    tweeted 11/26

    ReplyDelete
  112. The Redhead Riter: +1 for already following me on Twitter

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  113. the heretic queen looks interesting - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

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  114. I'd like to enter this giveaway.
    walkermisc@primus.ca

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  115. The Heretic Queen seems interesting

    ReplyDelete