Hi Friends,
Welcome to the second annual British Blooms and Books Giveaway! This week, we’re celebrating the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show and some lovely historical novels set in England. After enjoying this post, please visit each of the other five authors’ blogs (links provided below) and, after a bit of reading fun, follow one simple instruction and leave a comment on each blog. You’ll be entered to win a fabulous, British Blooms and Books prize. (US winners only, please, due to shipping the petit fours.) Enjoy, and thank you for stopping by!
Touring the Gardens at Cragside ~ Morningside Manor
Cragside House and Gardens are the inspiration for the setting of Shine Like the Dawn, my latest English historical romance. When I first researched the story I was fascinated by the photos I saw of the beautiful gardens surrounding Cragside House. And when I read the story behind them, I was even more eager to include those amazing gardens in my story.
Cragside house was built on a rocky moor area with few trees, but William Armstrong, the original developer and owner of Cragside decided to create a lush woodland garden around his home with three lakes, miles of carriage drives, bridges, and beautiful rock gardens.
Rhododendrons and azaleas flourish there and make a sunning display each spring. I hope you enjoy these photos and video tour. Viewing them will add to your enjoyment when you read Shine Like the Dawn!
To enter the giveaway, Please sign up for my newsletter in the box on the upper right hand column of my blog post (if you’re already signed up, just let me know in the comments). Then, comment below and tell me one of your favorite flowers, and you’ll be entered in the drawing to win the grand prize! Thanks to broadoak2006 for this beautiful video tour of Cragside!
Giveaway Rules: One grand prize winner who comments on each of the six authors’ blogs and agrees to the one boldfaced condition posted at the end of each post will win a signed copy of each of the books plus delivery of six English hat petit fours to enjoy while you read! Name will be drawn via random.org
Please visit these other fabulous authors of historical novels set in England to see what flowers mean to them and their heroines.
Links to the other authors:
Melanie Dickerson’s Post link: http://melaniewrites.blogspot.com/2017/05/second-annual-british-blooms-books.html
Melanie Dobson’s Post link: http://melaniedobson.com/2nd-annual-british-blooms-books-giveaway/
Julie Klassen’s Post link: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/2nd-annual-british-blooms-books-giveaway/
Roseanna White’s Post link: http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/2017/05/2nd-annual-british-blooms-and-books.html
Sandra Byrd’s Post link: http://www.sandrabyrd.com/2nd-annual-british-blooms-and-books-giveaway/
Until Next Time . . . Happy Reading!
Carrie
That was a beautiful video of all the flowers and the structures. I am a newsletter subscriber. And one of my favorite flowers are grape hyacinths. 🙂
Hi Sabrina, thanks for stopping by! I love grape hyacinths too! I have lots of them in my front and back flower gardens. They sure brighten up the garden in the spring, and they’re an especially nice contrast to the bright red tulips.
I’m a newsletter subscriber. I love all flowers, as long as I don’t have to grow them! Lilies and peonies are my favorites
Hi Jessica, I love lilies and peonies too. I have some pretty pink peonies that are blooming in my yard right now.
Well I actually don’t know the name of my favorite flower, haha. When I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, there was a where everyone goes to the graves of their loved ones and decorates them in some way. We went to go see and on one grave there were these beautiful white flowers that had the shape kind of like bluebells. Since then I have been trying to figure out what they are and I can’t. I would love to find out.
Hi Katie, I’m not sure of the name of those flowers . . . but I’m responding to your comment while I’m in Italy this week! We’re in Rome now and will visit Florence next week. I’ll be on the lookout for those white flowers.
I enjoyed your “Shine Like the Dawn”‘, and your accompanying video.
Hi Jeanne, thanks for stopping by. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Shine Like the Dawn. My next English historical novel will be coming out early in 2018. The title is Across the Blue. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you!
I love carnations and tulips! I subscribed to the newsletter.
I am already a newsletter subscriber. I love tulips.
Thanx for the giveaway. The flowers are gorgeous!!!! I love the spring flowers. Hyacinths and irises are favorites. I am a subscriber to your newsletter.
I have several of your books that I want to read soon. I need to have a “binge” week! Love the little Tea Hat treats, and all the pictures and flowers. Look forward to reading Across the Blue, also!
I am a subscriber already.
Sorry, but I forgot to say that my favorite flower is lilacs.
I signed up for the newsletter. My favorite flowers are lilacs. We had a bush in the back yard a couple places we lived. I even transplanted one at another place. The large yard across the street when I was growing up had lilacs all around the perimeter.
Lilacs & geraniums are favorites. Love the covers!
And I’m a subscriber 🙂
Westeria, sweet pea flowers, and columbines are my favorites. Along with peach, yellow, and pale purple roses!
I subscribed to your newsletter. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love ALL flowers, my MOST favorites include Roses and Lavender
Just signed up for your newsletter. 🙂 My favorite flower is the simple Daisy.
I forgot to say that my favorite flowers are red roses.
I’m signed up.
I am already signed up for your newsletter! I love peonies!
My favorite flowers are Roses and Pansies.
I’ve seen this book around and would like to read it one day. I just signed up.
My favorite flowers are pink roses, daisies, and bluebonnets. 🙂 I am excited to read Shine Like the Dawn!
I love that the gardens inspired you. It is always the smallest of God’s wonders that inspire great works.
I love tiger lilies!
This story looks simply enchanting! I can’t wait to read it!
I love stargazer lilies!
I just signed up for the newsletter. I’m looking forward to following you in the future!
I can say that as a proud Southerner, my favorite flowers are our traditional azaleas.
Subscribed to the newsletter, although I’m pretty sure I already was one. I love pansies and roses. Not sure I have a favorite flower, but I do love the beauty of flowers.
I signed up. I love Sunflowers.
I am looking forward to reading “Shine like the Dawn”!
Shine Like the Dawn has a stunning cover!! I am signed up, thank you so much for the generous giveaway!
I’m signed up for your newsletter. Your new book looks and sounds so fascinating. It’s on my wish list. My favorite flowers are perennial phlox and asiatic lilies.
I love Tulips ?
I signed up for your newsletter. One of my favorite flowers is firewitch dianthus. They’re so simple and they smell light and so good!
I already am a subscribdr to your newsletter. One of my favorite flowers are pansies.
Hi Carrie! My favorite flower is the old English cottage rose that is so full it looks like a little cabbage. Since I can’t enjoy their blooms all year round due to their climate, I have been enjoying African violets for their varieties, fuzzy leaves, and glitter on the petals that bloom all year round, even when there is a blizzard outside.
Subscribed! I love roses, they smell so good! But carnations last a long time so I get to enjoy them longer.
I subscribed! I love my lilacs in May and my peonies in June. (I live in southeast SD) My indoor flowers I enjoy are my African violets.
Think already s subscriber…my new favorite a Angela…
No, a wigelea.
I’m already a newsletter subscriber! I always look forward to your monthly notes! ?
I think that my favorite flower is the daffodil. It has such a unique shape and beauty to it. I love its cheerful reminder of spring!
My favorite flowers are roses of any kind and color and my 2nd favorite flowers are peonies.
Thank you for sharing the video…one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!! Roses are one of my favorite flowers….I am already subscribed to your newsletter….Love your books!!!
That was beautiful my favorite flower is the old English rose I have one growing in my yard thanks to the original owner of our home!
Already subscribe, and my favorite flower is the peony.
Subscribe to your newsletter. I love carnations & roses! 🙂
Signed up already for your newsletter ? tulips are my favorite flower!!! They make my kitchen so cheerful and inviting when I have them on the table!!!
I love tulips! The first since of winter being over!
Just signed up for the newsletter. My favorite flowers are daisies (gerbera and white) and poppies.
Hello! I am new subscriber. Love the photos and the slideshow. My favorite flowers are lilacs, and I love seeing flowering trees and bushes.
Wow…the video was wonderful and the music.
I love Cleomies…and truly all flowers….it is a passion of mine plus reading Christian Fiction.
I subscribe to your newsletter. Bluebonnets are one of my favorite flowers.
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.
For outdoor plants, then lilacs are my favourite flowers. But if you’re going to buy me flowers then shower me with “wildflower” type of flowers.
Shine Like the Dawn sounds very interesting. I love the picture of the flowers.
Oh my goodness! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Shine Like the Dawn. I can’t wait to read it!! Daisy’s and Sunflowers are my favorite flower. Thanks so much for this giveaway!! I signed up for your newsletter.
One of my favorite flowers is a violet! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. I’m signed up for your newsletter!
I believe I’m already a subscriber but I signed up again just in case- didn’t want to miss out on this fun giveaway. In answer to your question, my favorite flower is a Sunflower. As a child, my grandfather would grow some in his fields just for me and I’ve loved them since.
-Sara
I love hibiscus and birds of paradise. I just love a colorful arrangement. It can brighten ones day.
Sonnetta Jones
Signed up for your newsletter. My favorite flower is a poppy!
Already signed up. Enjoy the beautiful pictures.
I just subscribed to your newsletter. As for a favorite flower… I don’t think I could pick just one… but for the sake of the question… I will say I love the bright blue color of the Bachelor’s Button.
What a great prize to win. My favorite flower is lily of the valley. I love that flower. I already subscribe to the news letter.
I am a subscriber–thanks for the giveaway! I love lilacs, but can’t seem to get mine to bloom every year.
Would love to win to read these lovely stories! My favorite flower is a rose! -Anna Hargis
I signed up for your newsletter.
I am a lover of flowers, so it’s hard to pick a favorite! 🙂
Spring flowers, I think tulips are my favorites,
but in the summertime, I love roses!
I don’t love flowers because of my allergies. My grandma had a gardenia bush when I was growing up, and I liked it when we cut some of the flowers and floated them in a pretty bowl, so I guess that’s my favorite.
I’m already a newsletter subscriber, Carrie. My favorite flower is the lilac, followed closely by the Lily of the valley. Love the scent of both.
Thank you. I signed up for your email. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
I forgot. I love all flowers, but my favorite in the Midas Touch Rose. It has the most wonderful yellow color and even the leaves have a spicy scent.
I’m already a newsletter subscriber. One of my favorite flowers is the lilac. Our town has the Spokane Lilac Festival every year in May. It’s awesome!
I’m already a newsletter subscriber. Some of my favorite flowers are hydrangeas, tulips, and hyacinths. Thanks for the giveaway!
Lilacs and roses are a favorite but for my summer porch, I always get red geraniums…they are so hardy! I get your newsletter and thank you for the opportunity to win some books!
Lilacs are a favorite here too!!
I signed up for your newsletter!
I like roses and purple flowers. 🙂
I’ve signed up for your newsletter! My favorite flower are roses. I love how fragrant they are and how they look while still in the bush. They’ve been my favorite since I was a little girl.
What a beautiful place to set a story. I’m excited to read it!
My favorite flowers are roses, especially in rose gardens. However, I do miss the giant rhododendrons that I grew up with at my Seattle home!
I would love to read your book. I love lilacs.
I love bearded irises
A,ready a subscriber. My favorite flower is daisies.
My favorite flower is probably the lilac~ so fragrant, pretty, and deer don’t like them! Thank you for the opportunity to win your book!
Subscribed to newsletter. Love Carnations . Thx for the chance!!
One of my favorite flowers is the peony. Thank you for the giveaway and thank you for the video tour. Lovely house and grounds.
Excited about the giveaway and finding a new author.
Those are lovely! Flowers always make me smile except for roses which I always equate with death for some reason. I love lilacs. They are gorgeous especially the deep purple and they smell heavenly. I always have a case on my counter while they are in bloom.
Looks great! My favorite flower – hmm. That’s a tough one. I love the scent of lilacs and their beautiful purple, lavender, and white colors. I also like any flower my grandchildren give to me!
I love all flowers, but my favorite would have to be roses. I can’t wait to read this book!
I love all kinds of flowers, but the calla lily is special to me.
I have a hard time picking a favorite, but really like ranunculus and dahlias.
Lovely pictures and video. I really like your book cover.
There are so many beautiful flowers. One of my favorites is Zinnias.
I’m looking forward to reading Shine Like the Dawn, and i loving gardening. My favorite flower my be Hydrangeas. I signed up for your newsletter.
I’m looking forward to reading this book. My favourite flower is the Lily. It’s a messy flower, but it truly is beautiful.
Many years were spent in Oregon, where the Rhododendrons and azaleas are gorgeous every spring. It would be magical to see them in England, if only in my heart.
Loved the video!
Love lilacs!!!!
I love pansies!
One of my favorite flowers is wisteria. I have beautiful vines in my yard. I already receive your newletter. Thanks so much!
Mary
God made so many beautiful flowers it’s hard to choose just one, but lilac has to be one of my top picks.
Your new book cover is eye-catching. Good job!
I’ve always loved pansies…such a cheerful little flower. 🙂 Love your books!
What a great collection of books! Thanks for the giveaway! I love gerbera daisies and lilacs — not necessarily together, tho 🙂
Signed up and I live daisies
Love not live
There are so many beautiful flowers on this earth is difficult to choose just one favorite! Right now, my blue hydrangeas are beginning to bloom, so I’ll go with those :). And I have signed up for your newsletter.
I subscribed to your newsletter, maybe I already had but I did it again just in case!
I love seeing the daffodils in the spring, probably because they are the first flowers we usually see around here,
i think I already subscribe but I signed up again, just in case. 🙂 I am thrilled about this giveaway and would love to win! 🙂
Oh! And one of my favorite flowers is the iris. 🙂
I’m already subscribed to your newsletter. I love Roses and tulips
I am subscribed to your newsletter. The flowers in this post are gorgeous! I love all kinds of flowers, but lilacs remind me of the house where I grew up. I planted 3 bushes where I live now and love their fragrance!
I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for sharing the video of this stunning property. The colors and textures of the plants are lovely. I was happy to see a photo of an iris; they are one of my very favorite flowers.
subscribed to newsletter
roses
Those pictures of the gardens are beautiful and make me really anxious to read your book! My favorite flower would be a purple orchid–even if I do struggle keeping them alive lol. Thank you for participating in this giveaway! I just signed up for your newsletter.
I just signed up for your newsletter. One of my favorite flowers are the beautiful white Easter Lilies. I love them, and had them in my wedding bouquet.
Signed up for the newsletter and look forward to your posts. My favorite flower, hands down … the peony. The books above look lovely.
Your video was so beautiful…i will watch it many times. And I would love to read your books just as much. Flowers in stories…love them so much. Thank you for the video!
I’m looking forward to reading your book.
I am already signed up to receive your newsletter via email.
My favorite flower is the daffodil, partly because of their fragrance, partly because yellow is my favorite color and partly because they are one of the earliest sign of Spring’s arrival.
Oh to choose only one flower! I love Gerber daisies for a bouquet and dwarf irises that are deep purple for a garden ? however, I love both the beauty and smell of cherry blossom trees! I love your books and eagerly await the chance to read them!
My favorite flower is probably the peony. Mine have already bloomed for the season sadly. Your video was beautiful! I would adore seeing that in person. I’m already one of your subscribers.
I’ve already signed up for your newsletter! I love your writing, and the book covers are always beautiful. My favorite flower are Carnations no matter what the colors are!
My favorite flower since I was a child is snapdragons, to me they look like people talking, when you squeeze them. 🙂
I like the pictures in your post. I’ve always liked zinnias and any colorful flowers.
Melanie Dickerson’s blog post is one that won’t let me comment. I’m not sure why.
Already subscribed.
I am already a newsletter subscriber and my favorite flowers are lilies and roses.
I like a lot of flowers,so,it’s hard to pick just one. Daisies and roses are among my most favorite!
I really enjoyed the video. What a beautiful place. I love many different types of flowers. It is hard to pick only one. I think roses would be at the top.
I love carnations. They have always been my favorite flower.
Hi Carrie, what a lovely tour. One of the best photos I’ve ever seen of the Monkey Puzzle Tree! Hard to pick just one flower ~ perhaps peonies, they are so lush. Love roses and azaleas and lilacs and miss them.
I am signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for this British Blooms & Books Giveaway.
Blessings, Mary Kay
I love your pics here Carrie. Particularly the purple flowers. They remind me of my favorite flower – Lilacs. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m not big on flowers, but I do like gerbera daisies.
I signed up for the newsletter.
I am already a subscriber of your newsletter and it’s a good thing I am! This is how I found out about this giveaway. Thankfully! I love these types of books and read every day when I go to bed for the night.
My favorite flower is a daisy. Perhaps they’re just a humble flower but they always remind me of happiness and sunshine.
Many thanks for your part in this beautiful giveaway!
I am a subscriber, my favorite flower is the Iris,
I’m a subscriber already. I love peonies so much!! Just wish they lasted a little longer. I would love to read your book “Shine like the Dawn” the cover is gorgeous!!!
I loved the video and subscribed to your newsletter. My favorite flowers are flowering magnolias, and several years ago my husband gave me a flowering magnolia tree with the beautiful pink blossoms that herald the onset of spring in Houston, TX. We’ve had 4-5 magnolias with the waxy leaves and gorgeous white blossoms in our back for about the last 40 years and love those too.
Loved Shine Like the Dawn and really enjoyed the video. Already a subscriber to your newsletter. Choosing a favorite flower is hard but peonies and lilacs and roses.
I signed up for your newsletter. My favorite flowers are roses and tulips. I’m looking forward to reading these great books!
I signed up for your newsletter. 🙂
My favorite flower is a Gardenia. Not only are they beautiful but their fragrance is amazing too!
I love all kinds of flowers! I suppose my favorite is a Carnation because they last so long in a bouquet. I’ve never grown them though. As to that, I would say Roses. I’m not usually one to cut them and bring them in because they don’t last long that way. Yellow and pink are my fav colors. This year, I have some beautiful yellow Petunias I potted, along with some that have a variegated purple-like bloom but it’s a smaller variety. Gerbera Daisies are a fav too. I love the scent of Lilacs, Lavender, and Gardenia! I like them all!!! 🙂
I already subscribe! My favorite flower is the daffodil. They are so happy looking after the long winter.
great give away
The video was stunning – a brief trip to another part of the world. It’s easy to see how many artists and writers have been inspired by the beautiful English countryside.
I signed up for your newsletter. Thank you for participating in this generous giveaway.
What a great giveaway, thank you! I love Irises!
I am already signed up for your newsletter! Thanks for the giveaway!
already get your newsletter and I love roses and daisies
I’ve loved all your books, this one looks to be great, too.
My favorite flower is the iris.
My favorite flower is the daisy and thankfully I have no problem growing those. I think they’ve taken over the yard thanks to our lovely squirrels digging around.
Just signed up for your newsletter. My favorite flowers are roses and wildflowers. 🙂
What a video. Loved it. I love peonies and lilacs that we have in Minnesota. I am from West Texas and did not have them there. I subscribed to your newsletter.
Amazing video! Thank you! My favorite flower? Feels like choosing a favorite child! I named my daughter Lillian Rose… see the favorites there? LOL
But all time favorite would be the sunflower
Very excited to read this book!
I’m already signed up for your newsletter. My favorite flower is hard-I love so many! I’ve always liked lilacs and also daisies.
Thank you for participating in this contest. My favorite flowers are daisies and lilies.
Enjoyed the video and the music.
A favorite flower, that is a difficult choice. At this time of year I always enjoy honeysuckle. Not a showy flower, but I do love the fragrance. Lilacs are another favorite for the scent. I love roses for their delicate petals and the variety of colors.
Hi Carrie,
I’m already a subscriber! I love lilacs and lilies!
I love to garden, and flowers are my summer pleasure. I love all of them, from zinnias to hydrangeas to petunias.
Also, signed up for your newsletter!
Signed up for your newsletter. My favorite flowers are carnations.
I subscribe to your newsletters and Iris are a current fav. (then peony, then rose, you understand… 🙂 )
I love my flower gardens. One of my favorite flowers are wild violets. I already receive your newsletter. Blessings
I’m on your mailing list.
My favorite flower is pink lilies.
Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I already subscribe
Have been wanting to read this book. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway.
I already subscribe to your newsletter. One of my favorite flowers.is the pansy
My favorite flower is the lilac.
I love flowers. My grandmother always had a variety growing, especially lilac’s and irises. Subscribed to your newsletter.
I signed up for your newsletter. I was already friends with you on Facebook. You have an open invitation to be interviewed on my blog with each new book release.
Your book looks cool. Favorite flower…. I love flowers picking a favorite is so hard! I like snapdragons. I subscribed to your newsletter.
I’m subscribed! Nice description.
I’ve already been on your newsletter list. My favorite flowers are freesias. They smell so good!
Hi Carrie! I received your email in regards to this contest thus morning. ? My favorite flower is the Gardenia. It had a beautiful scent.
I have always love peonies and look forward to early spring when they bloom. I am a subscriber of your newsletter.
Thank you for the giveaway! I am already a subscriber. My favorite flower is the lily, specifically the stargazer lily!
Flowers are gorgeous reminders of God’s creativity, and I love them all. Anything red or orange or yellow – gerbera daisies are lovely. And I love peonies!
I’m subscribed to your newsletter and I would love to enter! I really enjoy reading historical fiction. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
CutePolarBear
Also, my favorite flowers may be yellow dandelions. They are so pretty, and it takes no work on my part to watch them grow!
I hope I made the giveaway on time, had difficulties posting, proving I am not a robot and recovering webpage that I gave up until something told me to try again, so, here I am, gave my e-mail to all the authors participating and Commented…hoping all was posted…thanks for the chance!…blessings to ALL.
I’m excited to see a new author that I will be trying/reading books from! Julie Classen told me to come here !
Thank you for the video. It looks like a delightful place to visit.