Look what just came in the mail.
It is a full color advance reader copy. It is beautiful. This is not the final manuscript – there are still a few typos, but it is very close to done.
We are going to be giving away 2 copies to US readers only. The cost of shipping internationally is prohibitive right now and we’ve had packages that were lost.
To enter, leave us a comment about something that makes you happy. Doesn’t have to be a big thing. A cup of tea, someone letting you merge onto a crowded highway, a cat perching on your lap. Just something that brought you happiness recently.
If you are reading this in your email, click here to enter.
Winners will be chosen next Friday, 09/26/2025. This is a blog giveaway, only answers in blog comments count.
When the drug reps bring a special lunch for my dietary restrictions (I work in health care.)
Hi! You guys are my favorite authors and I love your books. I can’t wait to read this one!
Hi!
I really enjoy your books!
What makes me happy? Simple things like blue skies, the smell after it rains, looking at mushrooms, a perfect cup of tea…
I am never more happy than when I was able to sit back in the tub surrounded by candles reading a great book.
Something that makes me happy: knit nights with friends we may be slow to finish fiber projects but we’re great at the making of deep connections.
When my husband sees one of our kids having a rough day and gives them cuddles and back scratches until their face brightens up again. Makes my heart happy.
I recently saw a bumper sticker that read “honk if you honk” and that honestly brought me a lot of joy haha
The fall season makes me happy… chai lattes, pumpkins, gourds, cooler weather, fall showers.
Sometimes it’s the small things in life that brings happiness unexpectedly…like the other day I was having a bad day at work …long and stressful…not looking forward to making dinner that night. I come home and my husband had done all the prep work to make my life easier. Thoughtful and kind. 😊
Time with friends & autumnal weather.
What makes me the happiest is hearing my 5 yo grandson belly laugh
Spending time with my family
I love a new book from a one of my favorite authors and experience a feeling of delight and happiness when I have ordered, received and sit down to read it. Also, I feel happiness when I see my family, a clean and ordered kitchen, and visas of beauty in my day.
My kids voluntarily giving me a hug before leaving for school makes me pretty happy. 🙂
It makes me happy when one of my fur babies (2 dogs & 1 cat) comes to me seeking attention.
Reading, watching kittens or puppies playing, and vacations all make me happy.
My dog sitting in my lap and reading a good book with a cup of coffee 🙂
I enjoy bright days with gentle sun and a mild breeze. Looking forward to a good cup of tea and an audiobook!
hello!! lately i’ve been finding a lot of happiness and joy in collecting little things I find around.. receipts and rocks and ticket stubs. I love to bring things home and find a place for them to remind myself of time I spend outside. It makes me smile every time I see them!
Having my daughter home after graduating college as she figures out her next steps in this crazy economy & world. I get to appreciate her as an adult, and she is starting to appreciate me. Yay!!! It makes me happy that she has largely taken on the decorating for holidays. I always decorated for every single one so the kids would have as magical a childhood as I could give them, and it brightens my smile to see that she loves to celebrate and decorate for holidays too.
Something that makes me happy is the cool, overcast weather of the PNW (Pacific Northwest)!
When my dog leans on me and puts his paw on my arm so I will rub his “armpit”. He gets a zoned out look, which makes me happy. But the Seattle Mariners clinching a playoff spot and winning the AL West has me out of my mind in joy that I have not felt in almost 25 years. Still floating.
Love your books and please don’t stop creating. I love visiting your worlds!
Picking out apples at an apple stand. You can’t help smiling while picking out apples in the fall. Basic but still true
Fall colors in the changing leaves
Being surrounded by people who like one thing in common even if they disagree with everything else. In the sunshine. Preferably with some type of drink. And someone I like. This makes me happy.
Saying good morning to people walking and running on my bike commute
what makes me happy?
my wife
danny
I love the little progress updates you give us. it’s so exciting!
Seeing my two little ones play together and laugh together makes me happy!
My cat Olly (short for Olidammara, a chaotic neutral god from the Greyhawk d&d campaign setting) is being very needy today and asking for lots of affection, so I have gotten a ton of cuddles from him.
reading a good book–curled under a blanket with a latte.
When my tuxedo drapes himself across my neck. I call it “scarf time.”
I will be visiting friends this weekend I have known for over 30 years and rarely get to see – can’t wait for hours of laughs and fun new memories!
Swimming in the outdoor lakes near my home. Soothes the mind and soul
My mom got a kidney and I got to visit her. Extremely happy. 🙂
Sitting curled up with a blanket and a cat in my lap. Cup of delicious coffee and birdsong is a bonus.
When my kids yell mommy! When I get home from work.
a black sesame cream filled croissant!
Coffe, warm cat on the lap, and an Ilona Andrews book is the perfect afternoon.
I’m a huge fan of your stories.
As to what makes me happy, besides a clean kitchen, finishing a quilt or knitting project makes me super happy.
When my dog sees me, runs back and flops belly up. Life can be so simple and beautiful.
My husband just made me a new bookshelf <3
All fingers crossed! I always look forward to a cup of coffee and our sweet goofy dog!
An ice cold beer on a hot humid day.
My teenage daughter sitting on my lap while we watched pet videos on YouTube. (Teenagers don’t typically spend time with their parents, and this little moment brought me so much joy. I miss her being little)
My extended family that’s been so supportive of me since my 82-year-old mom was diagnosed with some serious health issues. Having people invite me to dinner and call to see how I’m doing makes me feel that I’m not alone!
I’m happiest with a book in hand and a cat on my lap.
Returning home after a long day of work and finding my daughter has a warm meal ready for me … heaven
Hmm. Something that makes me happy:
Getting a random, unexpected, simple message from my partner, family or one of my friends.
Having time to read always makes me happy!
What makes me happy?
When my children call, both of whom are studying 600 km away, a ray of sunshine between the clouds, when my cat comes home after a walk, AND whenever a new book of yours is announced.
Thank you for many weeks and months of happy anticipation 😉
And many hours of true happiness while reading!
I am absolutely thrilled about this new series and am looking forward to it beyond words, but I wish I could finally look forward to a continuation of the series that have already begun.
Seeing my loved ones happy makes me happy too.