Mailbox Monday: Holiday Book Blogger Swap Edition

It has been a little while since I have done a Mailbox Monday post and much has come in the mail since then (I went a little crazy on the Better World Books website) but I wanted to focus today's post on my Book Blogger Holiday Swap gifts. 


This beautifully wrapped box arrived - I love the red wrapping paper - the gift looked beautiful placed on my sideboard amongst some special ornaments and next to Frosty.

Secret Santa remains anonymous . . . .

In addition to the box, I received two books - The Violets of March by Sarah Jio and The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper.  I have been waiting to read these two for awhile and can't wait to dive into them. 

I eventually broke down and opened the big red box to reveal . . . .

A delightful box of Ghirardelli treats! I am proud to say they have remained under wraps but I make no promises when Christmas rolls around next week!

I still have not figured out who my Secret Santa is so if you are reading this post, please reveal! I want to thank you for bringing a little holiday cheer into my home this season!
 
Mailbox Monday is being hosted this month by Let Them Read Books  - check out her blog to link to other participants this week. 

Christmas in January?

No, I have not abandoned my blog but I can't blame people for thinking I might considering I have not posted since Dec 19th!  The holidays and travel intervened and my best laid plans for scheduled posts, etc fell victim to too little time and connectivity issues while in Thailand.  But  - I am in Bangkok now with a good internet connection so on with the posts!

First up is a post about my Holiday Swap Secret Santa present - it arrived just before I left and I was floored by the thoughtfulness of my Santa in selecting books for me.  My secret Santa - Charlotte from Charlotte's Library - sent me too lovely books both of which have been on my TBR list.  The books were beautifully wrapped (the picture only shows the green ribbon which wrapped the packages since I tore into the wrapping before taking a photo!) and accompanied by a card. 

Charlotte selected for me -


Chosen: A Novel by Chandra Hoffman
The Pleasure Seekers: A Novel by Tishani Doshi

To further complete the book blogger circle, both of these books are ones I selected for my TBR based on recommendations by other bloggers!

Charlotte's blog focuses on science fiction and fantasy books for children - please stop by and visit her blog - I especially like her Sunday Round-Up  posts because they provide a nice summary of reviews in this genre from across the blogosphere.  

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2011!