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!
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
108 Comments
Meli C.
February 16, 2024 at 11:37 amThis book sounds and looks just beautiful! I’d be honored to receive such a book or card. Good luck everyone.
Lori Spitzer
February 16, 2024 at 11:42 amI 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
Amy Cooley
February 16, 2024 at 11:43 amThank 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.
Nancy
February 16, 2024 at 11:47 amLooks very interesting!
Karlina Vetter
February 16, 2024 at 11:48 amI’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!
Jean Marmo
February 16, 2024 at 11:48 amWhat a lovely opportunity. This sounds like a fun read. Thank you for the chance.
Avra Williams
February 16, 2024 at 11:50 amThis is so cool! Going to check out her blog!
Robin Keith
February 16, 2024 at 11:53 amI 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!
Ruth Gauss
February 16, 2024 at 11:58 amThank 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!
Rachelle Richards
February 16, 2024 at 11:59 amBeautiful cards and her book sounds like a good read.
Mary-Jane
February 16, 2024 at 12:03 pmLove a good read,even better when accompanied with handmade card!
Michele F
February 16, 2024 at 12:04 pmOh, 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!
=]
Joy Barry
February 16, 2024 at 12:09 pmYou, ladies, are so talented! ❤️
Valerie Wolf
February 16, 2024 at 12:11 pmI love historical fiction. This book has now been added to my Goodreads “Want To Read” list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Tammy Clarke
February 16, 2024 at 12:12 pmThank you for this opportunity, such a generous offer of what sounds like a wonderful book!
Tracy
February 16, 2024 at 12:14 pmI’m a reader and I love a good read. Thank you for this opportunity.
Tona
February 16, 2024 at 12:16 pmThe book sounds great. She sounds like a woman of many talents. Thanks for the chance.
Pam
February 16, 2024 at 12:19 pmWhat an awesome prize!!! I am an avid reader! How fun that she was a crafter!
Anonymous
February 16, 2024 at 12:20 pmThank you for a chance to win! 🎈
Mary Holshouser
February 16, 2024 at 12:22 pmThe book sounds like a good read.
The cards are wonderful.
take care.
Joy Barry
February 16, 2024 at 12:24 pmShe is so talented to write and craft. What an cool prize.
Thanks
Jane Katarina Beljo
February 16, 2024 at 12:26 pmI do remember Cristina! How awesome!
Courtney Leiva
February 16, 2024 at 12:28 pmThe book sounds so interesting and beautiful card inspo!
Robin Ridpath
February 16, 2024 at 12:33 pmI 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.
Annette
February 16, 2024 at 12:37 pmI 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!
Julie Urban
February 16, 2024 at 12:37 pmYes 🙌 Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book! Besides crafting, reading is my favorite hobby.
Barb Rogaczewski
February 16, 2024 at 12:44 pmHow generous! I am always looking for a great book to read! This one sounds so interesting
Cindy MacLean
February 16, 2024 at 12:45 pmBeautiful 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!
Judy Grinnwll
February 16, 2024 at 12:51 pmWhat a clever idea! So nice of crafters to share their other talents as well.
Anita Knepprath
February 16, 2024 at 12:56 pmI loved seeing the Panama Canal this is a must read!
Angie
February 16, 2024 at 12:59 pmI truly enjoy that genre of books. Happy for her.
Kristina Gentle
February 16, 2024 at 1:11 pmSeriously the best friend you are Laura. And how exciting for her book. The story sounds marvelous!!
Nancy Sherrod
February 16, 2024 at 1:15 pmI love the cover of this book and the subject sounds fascinating. I am putting it on my list.
Wida Miller
February 16, 2024 at 1:24 pmIt looks like another fantastic book! Cristina is a powerhouse artist in design and word. Thanks for the chance to win!
Kathy Andrews
February 16, 2024 at 1:25 pmOMGoodness, 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.
Phyllis Freese
February 16, 2024 at 1:31 pmHistorical fiction is my favorite genre, so I’d be excited to win this book & bookmark from your creative friend.
Vicki Dutcher
February 16, 2024 at 1:31 pmChristina’s cards were so excellent. Good for her excelling in another avenue!
Joann Bedsaul
February 16, 2024 at 1:42 pmThank you for this opportunity to win what sounds like a wonderful book. Her cards are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing. Very talented.
Iris Esther López
February 16, 2024 at 1:45 pmFantastic giveaway! I love reading and I love historical fiction. This book sounds so interesting.
Connie Gregoire
February 16, 2024 at 1:54 pmI 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!!
Tina Anglin
February 16, 2024 at 2:02 pmI remember Christina! Have CASE-d her work in times past. Super talented! Thanks for the chance, would love to read her book!
Kelly Griglione
February 16, 2024 at 2:10 pmOmg, 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!
Deb Case
February 16, 2024 at 2:11 pmWow exciting on a new adventure. Two of my favorite things, Cardmaking and historic fiction.
Gail Tuominen
February 16, 2024 at 2:14 pmWOW. My husband was born in Panama. That would be kind of awesome. *Ü*
Dottie
February 16, 2024 at 2:15 pmWhat could be better than card making and reading??
Anita Trippi
February 16, 2024 at 2:25 pmCongratulations! Such creativity is inspiring❤️
Mutzy Mia
February 16, 2024 at 2:26 pmI would love the chance to read her book. Thanks to you both of you for your generosity!
Susan R Opel
February 16, 2024 at 2:30 pmOh, 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!!!
Ann R
February 16, 2024 at 2:37 pmHow wonderful to have a friend that is an author!
Linda Mazzola
February 16, 2024 at 2:40 pmI 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.
Nancy Roth
February 16, 2024 at 2:59 pmChristina’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.
Teri Ann
February 16, 2024 at 3:02 pmHer work is amazing!
Mary Smith
February 16, 2024 at 3:03 pmI remember Cristina, too. I love her work. I read her book, The Book of Unknown Americans. I am excited to read her new book!
donna mikasa
February 16, 2024 at 3:10 pmOh, 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!
Laurie Fowler
February 16, 2024 at 3:11 pmI would love to win her novel. A bookmark made by her would be a great keepsake.
Sandie Scott
February 16, 2024 at 3:31 pmlove to find new to me authors and her cards a so pretty too. got to check her out
Lisa Petrella
February 16, 2024 at 3:37 pmThis 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!
Lynn Pressler
February 16, 2024 at 3:43 pmI’m going to look for her cards on YouTube. Thanks for this opportunity.
Susan McRae
February 16, 2024 at 3:47 pmChristina 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!
maria f.
February 16, 2024 at 4:07 pmMy Paper Secret! The Queen of CAS! And now the Queen of character development – can’t wait to read this one.
Christine Eck
February 16, 2024 at 4:18 pmA historical fiction book nerd here – this is SO exciting! Thank you Christina and Laura for this chance at what looks like a fantastic read!
Cheryl
February 16, 2024 at 4:37 pmA fre book AND a card? How lucky the winner will be!
Terry Hinz
February 16, 2024 at 4:37 pmI’m always amazed by people with creative minds!! What a beautiful picture of both of you!
Nikki Cochran
February 16, 2024 at 4:51 pmThe book sounds awesome!
Laurie Brown
February 16, 2024 at 5:15 pmSo so awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Jackie Paule
February 16, 2024 at 5:20 pmSo excited to check out the book! Thank you
Leslie
February 16, 2024 at 5:40 pmWow 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.
Patricia H
February 16, 2024 at 5:57 pmThis 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!
Rita Montgomery
February 16, 2024 at 5:57 pmMany 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.
Susie Wittwer
February 16, 2024 at 6:22 pmOh my goodness, I remember Cristina! She created such beautiful cards! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her novel.
DWilley
February 16, 2024 at 6:28 pmBeautiful cards, the 1st one looks so familiar. Also love historical fiction.
Jayne Simpson
February 16, 2024 at 6:32 pmThank 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.
Pam
February 16, 2024 at 6:50 pmI 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!!
Sheri D
February 16, 2024 at 7:06 pmA new opportunity to read a new author is always exciting! Congrats to her!! Her cards are fabulous too
Cheryl Inman
February 16, 2024 at 7:10 pmI loved following Cristina and her beautiful cardmaking skills! I also love historical fiction. Thank you for letting us know about this new book!
Marcie Sexauer
February 16, 2024 at 7:16 pmOh 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. 💚
Kim U
February 16, 2024 at 7:33 pmI 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.
Debbie S. SCHENZ
February 16, 2024 at 7:52 pmHow 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!
REGINA S ROACH
February 16, 2024 at 8:05 pmLove historical fiction, and the book sounds so interesting! And also love everything Laura makes, so double-win!
Nancy R
February 16, 2024 at 8:56 pmOMG. I 100% remember thread card! One of my favorites. Congratulations to her for following another dream and passion.
Joan Bardee
February 17, 2024 at 4:02 amHow exciting!! I’m going to buy Christina’s book for a friend’s birthday. I think my friend will love it.
Lorena
February 17, 2024 at 4:42 amWhat a great combo, crafting and reading. My two favorite hobbies.
Karen Walker
February 17, 2024 at 6:19 amCristina 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!
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!
Leticia A
February 17, 2024 at 7:13 amThose 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.
Lisa Achilles
February 17, 2024 at 7:21 amThis book sounds so good. I love historical fiction.
Viveca Valeriano
February 17, 2024 at 8:13 amTwo 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.
Titus Debbie
February 17, 2024 at 9:20 amThanks Laura.. what a great friendship you two have!
Bonnie Klass
February 17, 2024 at 9:37 amI 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!
Bonnie
February 17, 2024 at 9:40 amSorry I misspelled Criistina’s name.
Mary Kay Pilcher Ross
February 17, 2024 at 9:52 amOOh! 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!
Sheri Kempke
February 17, 2024 at 12:00 pmI 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.
Kristine Boydstun
February 17, 2024 at 12:20 pmThere 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!
Maureen Chandler
February 17, 2024 at 12:20 pmI’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!
Evelyn G.
February 17, 2024 at 2:56 pmThe cards are beautiful and this looks like a wonderful book.
Evelyn G.
February 17, 2024 at 2:58 pmThe cards are just amazing and it looks like a wonderful book.
K Wolter
February 17, 2024 at 8:53 pmI loved her first book, excited to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Bethany Stover
February 17, 2024 at 11:21 pmI didn’t even know you were an author as well! I always love your cards!
Vicki SQ
February 18, 2024 at 9:09 amThank 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.
Iris Schimke
February 18, 2024 at 1:53 pmWow! 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!
Deb Schell
February 18, 2024 at 3:47 pmWow, what a fun giveaway! Thanks to both of you!
Amy Klin
February 18, 2024 at 9:07 pmOh yes, I always loved Cristina’s amazing cards and card-making skill. How wonderful that she is also an amazing writer!
Mitzi Chafin Adkinson
February 19, 2024 at 2:57 pmI love her clean card style- just like yours!
Vickie Z
February 20, 2024 at 6:11 amCongratulations to Christina on another book…. so exciting!! I remember her blog and card art well!!
Ashley K
February 20, 2024 at 10:20 amI’m looking forward to reading this book. Would be thrilled to receive a copy. Your cards are so lovely!
Pai C Meng
February 21, 2024 at 6:24 pmI 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!
Bertha P
February 21, 2024 at 6:24 pmI 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.
Lori Beseke
February 22, 2024 at 10:44 amCristina’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!