I have this memory from sometime in the late 2000s.

Melanie, Sophie, and I were riding in a car in Charlotte, NC looking for a place to have some queso dip and Melanie was talking about wanting to write a book. [This is also the same trip where Sophie introduced me to boo-berry biscuits from Bojangles and my word those things are amazing.] Melanie talked about the title of her book and the idea and it was really really good.

She and I had dreams that day that honestly, neither of us were sure would ever become reality. I remember we both felt almost sick with hope. Sophie, on the other hand, swore she’d never write a book and wished us both the best of luck in our endeavors.

So last week, when my copy of Sparkly Green Earrings arrived in the mail, I just teared up. Not only had Mel survived the publishing process, I don’t think she’d mind me telling you that she also survived a few low days on the path to publishing that led to many question marks. [If you ever plan to write a book, prepare yourself for lows. They are real.] But she persevered and God opened doors and I am so glad.

Over the last few days, I’ve read this book and it is some of the most heartwarming, honest, and beautifully sculpted prose about motherhood I’ve read in a long time. It is funny and sad and real and encouraging and all these descriptors that you would want in a weekend read that you just can’t put down but you don’t have to because it is Saturday.

Know what I mean?

Check out the video trailer… it explains the book better than I. Also, you get to hear Mel’s sweet voice and that just about makes me get on a plane to visit her immediately.

SparklyGreenEarings4 from Big Mama on Vimeo.

RIGHT? So sweet, huh?

So may I politely suggest that you grab up your own copy today or…..

YOU CAN WIN ONE!

Melanie and her publisher Tyndale were all, “AnnieBlogs? Yeah, we’ll let AnnieBlogs give a copy away. She has good people. People who like to read.”

[That’s you.]

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me why you want to read this book! Easy cheesy! [Aww, cheese. I miss you.] I will use the most random of number generators to pick a winner on Sunday night, BEFORE Downton Abbey. Obviously. Because I have to focus. You understand.

On a side note, to Melanie- I could not be more proud of you, friend. What you have written in this book is life-giving and the world is a better and brighter place because this book exists in homes, on bookshelves, and flying out of Amazon’s warehouses.

[Oh, and Sophie? Never writing a book? Yeah right. 🙂 ]

So comment away, you guys! And go get Sparkly Green Earrings for yourself and a few friends.