The Great Divide Giveaway!

Hi there! Today I have a very special giveaway by a very special friend, Cristina Henriquez. Her new novel called The Great Divide is coming out this March and she has so graciously offered a super fun giveaway for this exciting release!

Here’s a bit more about this book:

Available 3/5/24, The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez is for those of you who love historical fiction, literary fiction, and epic stories with unforgettable casts of characters! Sweeping and empathetic, The Great Divide “speeds us into a wild world of adventure and danger [with its] epic visions of the creation of the Panama Canal,” (Luis Alberto Urrea, author of Good Night, Irene) casting light on those rarely acknowledged by history even as they carved out its course.

Many of you may remember Cristina more as Cristina Kowalczyk from her card making blog, My Paper Secret. She is not only my favorite card maker that has ever existed, but also an incredibly talented writer and friend. We got to have dinner years ago in Chicago and it was the best night ever! She put card making on the back burner to pursue her writing career and has been so successful! I am just so proud of her and so happy that she contacted me to do a fun giveaway.

Here are just a few projects that I remember so fondly of hers. You can find many of her projects over on Pinterest. Her blog is now inactive, but I still look at her work and get inspired by her clean and clever designs.

****GIVEAWAY CLOSED****
Congratulation Ruth Gaus! You are the winner!


Cristina will be giving away one copy of her new novel along with a hand-made card or bookmark.
Leave me a comment for your chance to win!
Giveaway closes February 23rd.
I will update this post with the winner announced, and personally contact the winner by email.
_______

Here are some additional links if you are interested in more information about the book:
Cristina’s website
Book Page
Book on Goodreads

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108 Comments

  • Reply
    Meli C.
    February 16, 2024 at 11:37 am

    This book sounds and looks just beautiful! I’d be honored to receive such a book or card. Good luck everyone.

  • Reply
    Lori Spitzer
    February 16, 2024 at 11:42 am

    I would love to win this! Cristina’s name is new to me and I would be excited to give her story a read! Thanks for the opportunity.
    Lori S in PA

  • Reply
    Amy Cooley
    February 16, 2024 at 11:43 am

    Thank you for the giveaway! My son started his writing career a couple of years ago. He just signed with a publisher last week! Congrats on your book Cristina! I wish you much success.

  • Reply
    Nancy
    February 16, 2024 at 11:47 am

    Looks very interesting!

  • Reply
    Karlina Vetter
    February 16, 2024 at 11:48 am

    I’m excited to learn of another author to check out! I’m sure I won’t win but I will definitely be getting it! Thank you Laura!

  • Reply
    Jean Marmo
    February 16, 2024 at 11:48 am

    What a lovely opportunity. This sounds like a fun read. Thank you for the chance.

  • Reply
    Avra Williams
    February 16, 2024 at 11:50 am

    This is so cool! Going to check out her blog!

  • Reply
    Robin Keith
    February 16, 2024 at 11:53 am

    I am so excited to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win. And I love her card design style so will be CASING her!

  • Reply
    Ruth Gauss
    February 16, 2024 at 11:58 am

    Thank you so much for sharing!!! Cristina was always an inspiration! I remember when she announced her first book, I am so excited to get some to read this one as well!!
    Wishing her so much joy as she shares her gift for storytelling!

  • Reply
    Rachelle Richards
    February 16, 2024 at 11:59 am

    Beautiful cards and her book sounds like a good read.

  • Reply
    Mary-Jane
    February 16, 2024 at 12:03 pm

    Love a good read,even better when accompanied with handmade card!

  • Reply
    Michele F
    February 16, 2024 at 12:04 pm

    Oh, Laura! Cristina is one of my personal favorite card makers, TOO! I remember that darling thread-art card and I’m sure I CASE’d this Christmas card more than once! lol
    Congratulations, Cristina! I’m thrilled for you!
    =]

  • Reply
    Joy Barry
    February 16, 2024 at 12:09 pm

    You, ladies, are so talented! ❤️

  • Reply
    Valerie Wolf
    February 16, 2024 at 12:11 pm

    I love historical fiction. This book has now been added to my Goodreads “Want To Read” list. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Reply
    Tammy Clarke
    February 16, 2024 at 12:12 pm

    Thank you for this opportunity, such a generous offer of what sounds like a wonderful book!

  • Reply
    Tracy
    February 16, 2024 at 12:14 pm

    I’m a reader and I love a good read. Thank you for this opportunity.

  • Reply
    Tona
    February 16, 2024 at 12:16 pm

    The book sounds great. She sounds like a woman of many talents. Thanks for the chance.

  • Reply
    Pam
    February 16, 2024 at 12:19 pm

    What an awesome prize!!! I am an avid reader! How fun that she was a crafter!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    February 16, 2024 at 12:20 pm

    Thank you for a chance to win! 🎈

  • Reply
    Mary Holshouser
    February 16, 2024 at 12:22 pm

    The book sounds like a good read.
    The cards are wonderful.
    take care.

  • Reply
    Joy Barry
    February 16, 2024 at 12:24 pm

    She is so talented to write and craft. What an cool prize.
    Thanks

  • Reply
    Jane Katarina Beljo
    February 16, 2024 at 12:26 pm

    I do remember Cristina! How awesome!

  • Reply
    Courtney Leiva
    February 16, 2024 at 12:28 pm

    The book sounds so interesting and beautiful card inspo!

  • Reply
    Robin Ridpath
    February 16, 2024 at 12:33 pm

    I love historical fiction and this is a time and project I don’t know much about. I will plan on reading Cristina’s book either way. Thanks for the chance to win and for sharing this book.

  • Reply
    Annette
    February 16, 2024 at 12:37 pm

    I was a big fan of Cristina’s when she was blogging and bought her first book immediately when it was released. I would love a copy of her next book. How I miss her cards, but I love to read so am happy the is writing books!

  • Reply
    Julie Urban
    February 16, 2024 at 12:37 pm

    Yes 🙌 Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book! Besides crafting, reading is my favorite hobby.

  • Reply
    Barb Rogaczewski
    February 16, 2024 at 12:44 pm

    How generous! I am always looking for a great book to read! This one sounds so interesting

  • Reply
    Cindy MacLean
    February 16, 2024 at 12:45 pm

    Beautiful cover and a topic I haven’t read about before means it just got added to my TBR pile on Goodreads. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    Judy Grinnwll
    February 16, 2024 at 12:51 pm

    What a clever idea! So nice of crafters to share their other talents as well.

  • Reply
    Anita Knepprath
    February 16, 2024 at 12:56 pm

    I loved seeing the Panama Canal this is a must read!

  • Reply
    Angie
    February 16, 2024 at 12:59 pm

    I truly enjoy that genre of books. Happy for her.

  • Reply
    Kristina Gentle
    February 16, 2024 at 1:11 pm

    Seriously the best friend you are Laura. And how exciting for her book. The story sounds marvelous!!

  • Reply
    Nancy Sherrod
    February 16, 2024 at 1:15 pm

    I love the cover of this book and the subject sounds fascinating. I am putting it on my list.

  • Reply
    Wida Miller
    February 16, 2024 at 1:24 pm

    It looks like another fantastic book! Cristina is a powerhouse artist in design and word. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Reply
    Kathy Andrews
    February 16, 2024 at 1:25 pm

    OMGoodness, Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Cristina on her new book; The Great Divide sound very interesting. I read the Reader’s Guide of Cristina’s other books on her website and they sound very exciting as well. I can’t wait to get started reading them. If her books are as captivating as her beautiful cards, they will sell out in no time. Thank you for this opportunity.

  • Reply
    Phyllis Freese
    February 16, 2024 at 1:31 pm

    Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so I’d be excited to win this book & bookmark from your creative friend.

  • Reply
    Vicki Dutcher
    February 16, 2024 at 1:31 pm

    Christina’s cards were so excellent. Good for her excelling in another avenue!

  • Reply
    Joann Bedsaul
    February 16, 2024 at 1:42 pm

    Thank you for this opportunity to win what sounds like a wonderful book. Her cards are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing. Very talented.

  • Reply
    Iris Esther López
    February 16, 2024 at 1:45 pm

    Fantastic giveaway! I love reading and I love historical fiction. This book sounds so interesting.

  • Reply
    Connie Gregoire
    February 16, 2024 at 1:54 pm

    I was so glad to see Christina’s name again! Name from the past and I wondered where she went. If I remember correctly, she used to be on PTI’s DT. Is that right?That’s exciting that she is an author now. Her book sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the giveaway!!

  • Reply
    Tina Anglin
    February 16, 2024 at 2:02 pm

    I remember Christina! Have CASE-d her work in times past. Super talented! Thanks for the chance, would love to read her book!

  • Reply
    Kelly Griglione
    February 16, 2024 at 2:10 pm

    Omg, Cristina!! And all her paper secrets! Favorite card maker status well-deserved, I sure miss her design inspiration. I remember at dinner she said she would make 2-3 cards for every one she shared publicly because she was such a perfectionist – and I died knowing there were a whole stash of her cards I’d never see!!! Big congrats on her new book – sharing this with my book reading friends!

  • Reply
    Deb Case
    February 16, 2024 at 2:11 pm

    Wow exciting on a new adventure. Two of my favorite things, Cardmaking and historic fiction.

  • Reply
    Gail Tuominen
    February 16, 2024 at 2:14 pm

    WOW. My husband was born in Panama. That would be kind of awesome. *Ü*

  • Reply
    Dottie
    February 16, 2024 at 2:15 pm

    What could be better than card making and reading??

  • Reply
    Anita Trippi
    February 16, 2024 at 2:25 pm

    Congratulations! Such creativity is inspiring❤️

  • Reply
    Mutzy Mia
    February 16, 2024 at 2:26 pm

    I would love the chance to read her book. Thanks to you both of you for your generosity!

  • Reply
    Susan R Opel
    February 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm

    Oh, Laura! I am going to buy the book right now! I have the first two right beside me. I adore Cristina and miss her cards, too! She is an absolutely lovely human being, and seeing that picture of two Gallery Idols whisked me back in time. THANK YOU for sharing this!!!

  • Reply
    Ann R
    February 16, 2024 at 2:37 pm

    How wonderful to have a friend that is an author!

  • Reply
    Linda Mazzola
    February 16, 2024 at 2:40 pm

    I remember Christina! She created beautiful things. So wonderful that she is sharing another amazing talent of hers. I love historical fiction and would love to read her book.

  • Reply
    Nancy Roth
    February 16, 2024 at 2:59 pm

    Christina’s book sounds fascinating! I love historical fiction. And her cards are so beautiful. Thanks so much for this opportunity to share in her life.

  • Reply
    Teri Ann
    February 16, 2024 at 3:02 pm

    Her work is amazing!

  • Reply
    Mary Smith
    February 16, 2024 at 3:03 pm

    I remember Cristina, too. I love her work. I read her book, The Book of Unknown Americans. I am excited to read her new book!

  • Reply
    donna mikasa
    February 16, 2024 at 3:10 pm

    Oh, I DO remember Cristina and I was a huge fan of her work and style! I’m happy that she pursued a writing career to further share her talents!

  • Reply
    Laurie Fowler
    February 16, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    I would love to win her novel. A bookmark made by her would be a great keepsake.

  • Reply
    Sandie Scott
    February 16, 2024 at 3:31 pm

    love to find new to me authors and her cards a so pretty too. got to check her out

  • Reply
    Lisa Petrella
    February 16, 2024 at 3:37 pm

    This book sounds fantastic! Definitely on my “books to read” list!!! Congrats to Cristina on her writing success!!! She’s incredible! And thank you, Laura, for the chance to win!

  • Reply
    Lynn Pressler
    February 16, 2024 at 3:43 pm

    I’m going to look for her cards on YouTube. Thanks for this opportunity.

  • Reply
    Susan McRae
    February 16, 2024 at 3:47 pm

    Christina was one of my favorite card designers and was sad when she stopped creating cards but am thrilled she has found a new calling. Would love a chance to read her book!

  • Reply
    maria f.
    February 16, 2024 at 4:07 pm

    My Paper Secret! The Queen of CAS! And now the Queen of character development – can’t wait to read this one.

  • Reply
    Christine Eck
    February 16, 2024 at 4:18 pm

    A historical fiction book nerd here – this is SO exciting! Thank you Christina and Laura for this chance at what looks like a fantastic read!

  • Reply
    Cheryl
    February 16, 2024 at 4:37 pm

    A fre book AND a card? How lucky the winner will be!

  • Reply
    Terry Hinz
    February 16, 2024 at 4:37 pm

    I’m always amazed by people with creative minds!! What a beautiful picture of both of you!

  • Reply
    Nikki Cochran
    February 16, 2024 at 4:51 pm

    The book sounds awesome!

  • Reply
    Laurie Brown
    February 16, 2024 at 5:15 pm

    So so awesome! Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Jackie Paule
    February 16, 2024 at 5:20 pm

    So excited to check out the book! Thank you

  • Reply
    Leslie
    February 16, 2024 at 5:40 pm

    Wow this is great! One of my favorite card makers of all time as well, Laura. And my dear Laura you are right up there too!!! Would love to read this novel. Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Reply
    Patricia H
    February 16, 2024 at 5:57 pm

    This is so exciting. The book sounds so intriguing. I am trying to get back into the habit of reading regularly. Seems like a great choice to get started.

    And I admire you so, Laura. If you say it’s good, I’m in!

  • Reply
    Rita Montgomery
    February 16, 2024 at 5:57 pm

    Many years ago my daughter dated at guy who’s dad helped build the Panama Canal. We met him a few times and he was very interesting. I’d love to read more about that great experience.

  • Reply
    Susie Wittwer
    February 16, 2024 at 6:22 pm

    Oh my goodness, I remember Cristina! She created such beautiful cards! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her novel.

  • Reply
    DWilley
    February 16, 2024 at 6:28 pm

    Beautiful cards, the 1st one looks so familiar. Also love historical fiction.

  • Reply
    Jayne Simpson
    February 16, 2024 at 6:32 pm

    Thank you for the opportunity to get a free copy of my favorite kind of book. If I don’t win a free book, it will be put on my list of books to buy soon.

  • Reply
    Pam
    February 16, 2024 at 6:50 pm

    I read The Book of Unknown Americans, and followed Christina’s card blog. I am excited to read her new novel!! Thank you for the chance to win the new novel, and possibly for one of her cards!!

  • Reply
    Sheri D
    February 16, 2024 at 7:06 pm

    A new opportunity to read a new author is always exciting! Congrats to her!! Her cards are fabulous too

  • Reply
    Cheryl Inman
    February 16, 2024 at 7:10 pm

    I loved following Cristina and her beautiful cardmaking skills! I also love historical fiction. Thank you for letting us know about this new book!

  • Reply
    Marcie Sexauer
    February 16, 2024 at 7:16 pm

    Oh my gosh! I ‘ve read her … “The Book of Unknown Americans.” It was excellent!!! I rarely give a book 5 stars (Goodreads), but this book is THAT good! Thank you both for hosting this giveaway. 💚

  • Reply
    Kim U
    February 16, 2024 at 7:33 pm

    I love historical fiction and I would love to read Cristina’s book (even if I don’t win!). Thanks for letting us know about it.

  • Reply
    Debbie S. SCHENZ
    February 16, 2024 at 7:52 pm

    How awesome to have a friend that is so special for years. You can just pick up where you left off the last time you spoke. So thoughtful for her to reach out to you with her new book and for you to pay it forward. Blessings!

  • Reply
    REGINA S ROACH
    February 16, 2024 at 8:05 pm

    Love historical fiction, and the book sounds so interesting! And also love everything Laura makes, so double-win!

  • Reply
    Nancy R
    February 16, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    OMG. I 100% remember thread card! One of my favorites. Congratulations to her for following another dream and passion.

  • Reply
    Joan Bardee
    February 17, 2024 at 4:02 am

    How exciting!! I’m going to buy Christina’s book for a friend’s birthday. I think my friend will love it.

  • Reply
    Lorena
    February 17, 2024 at 4:42 am

    What a great combo, crafting and reading. My two favorite hobbies.

  • Reply
    Karen Walker
    February 17, 2024 at 6:19 am

    Cristina was one of my very favorite card makers, and I still go back to her wonderful CAS designs when I’m looking for inspiration! I read and loved her first book, and will definitely read this one, too. Thanks for a chance to win a copy!

  • Reply
    Cathy Morris
    February 17, 2024 at 6:46 am

    “The Great Divide” sounds like a fascinating book, one that my daughter and I would enjoy reading and talking about! Christina’s cards are soooo amazing, clean and simple and unique, Woah!

  • Reply
    Leticia A
    February 17, 2024 at 7:13 am

    Those cards are stunning. Thanks for sharing them! The images on the book cover have sparked my interest! I love historical fiction! I have never read one set in the Panama Canal.

  • Reply
    Lisa Achilles
    February 17, 2024 at 7:21 am

    This book sounds so good. I love historical fiction.

  • Reply
    Viveca Valeriano
    February 17, 2024 at 8:13 am

    Two of my most favorite things to do in the world are reading and crafting. I went to the author’s site, and I look forward to reading her books. I would be thrilled to win The Great Divide. Thank you Laura for introducing a new author to me.

  • Reply
    Titus Debbie
    February 17, 2024 at 9:20 am

    Thanks Laura.. what a great friendship you two have!

  • Reply
    Bonnie Klass
    February 17, 2024 at 9:37 am

    I remember Kristina well and still make a calendar every year that she inspired. I won her first book and enjoyed it and I’m excited to see she is still writing. I will definitely check this one out!

    • Reply
      Bonnie
      February 17, 2024 at 9:40 am

      Sorry I misspelled Criistina’s name.

  • Reply
    Mary Kay Pilcher Ross
    February 17, 2024 at 9:52 am

    OOh! This looks like a fabulous book and one I need to add to my list of reads. She definitely contacted the right person in you. Her cards are gorgeous, too! Thanks for the offer to win, Laura!

  • Reply
    Sheri Kempke
    February 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    I love historical fiction, this new book sounds fabulous! I remember Cristina’s cards and really liked her style and her blog.
    Congratulations to her on finding another creative outlet as an author, I’ve been a reader since childhood. My now adult daughter and I enjoy discussing books and sharing favorites.

  • Reply
    Kristine Boydstun
    February 17, 2024 at 12:20 pm

    There is nothing I like more than a great historical read! This author is right up my alley with reading and card making!! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of her books!

  • Reply
    Maureen Chandler
    February 17, 2024 at 12:20 pm

    I’d love to win a copy of this book!! My grandfather and his brother owned a steam shovel and worked on the Panama Canal and I have one photo that has survived! Thank you for the chance to win!

  • Reply
    Evelyn G.
    February 17, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    The cards are beautiful and this looks like a wonderful book.

  • Reply
    Evelyn G.
    February 17, 2024 at 2:58 pm

    The cards are just amazing and it looks like a wonderful book.

  • Reply
    K Wolter
    February 17, 2024 at 8:53 pm

    I loved her first book, excited to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  • Reply
    Bethany Stover
    February 17, 2024 at 11:21 pm

    I didn’t even know you were an author as well! I always love your cards!

  • Reply
    Vicki SQ
    February 18, 2024 at 9:09 am

    Thank you so much for the chance to win! sounds like a great read. It is so nice to have such talented creative friends you can get inspiration from.

  • Reply
    Iris Schimke
    February 18, 2024 at 1:53 pm

    Wow! Her work is amazing, perhaps someday she can find time to papercraft again. In the meantime – I’m hoping to win to read the latest book. Thanks!

  • Reply
    Deb Schell
    February 18, 2024 at 3:47 pm

    Wow, what a fun giveaway! Thanks to both of you!

  • Reply
    Amy Klin
    February 18, 2024 at 9:07 pm

    Oh yes, I always loved Cristina’s amazing cards and card-making skill. How wonderful that she is also an amazing writer!

  • Reply
    Mitzi Chafin Adkinson
    February 19, 2024 at 2:57 pm

    I love her clean card style- just like yours!

  • Reply
    Vickie Z
    February 20, 2024 at 6:11 am

    Congratulations to Christina on another book…. so exciting!! I remember her blog and card art well!!

  • Reply
    Ashley K
    February 20, 2024 at 10:20 am

    I’m looking forward to reading this book. Would be thrilled to receive a copy. Your cards are so lovely!

  • Reply
    Pai C Meng
    February 21, 2024 at 6:24 pm

    I loved her as a card maker. so CAS! and then I read her books and they are also so good! The Book of Unknown Americans is still one of the favorites of my book club and was also Washtenaw Reads book for 2016 (a collaboration between the library systems of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti MI – a book is chosen and publicized widely for a community read). Excited she has a new one coming out!

  • Reply
    Bertha P
    February 21, 2024 at 6:24 pm

    I didn’t know if Christina but her book sounds interesting and I love her card designs. Thank you for sharing her art and creativity on your page.

  • Reply
    Lori Beseke
    February 22, 2024 at 10:44 am

    Cristina’s book “The Book of Unknown Americans” was my book club pick a few years ago. We had a wonderful discussion about it. Love her writing and am looking forward to her new book. I do miss her lovely paper crafting projects though. Thanks for the heads up on her new book!

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