I have been emotional today. I’m not exactly sure why. But I knew that I was a little on the tender side when I was in a meeting this morning and someone asked me a very simple question about work – and all of the sudden I felt tears well up in the back of my eyes followed by a big ole lump in my throat. And then I was sitting there trying to say words while tears ran down my cheeks and all I could think was “WHY AM I SUCH A WEIRDO? I NEED TO FIND A GRIP AND THEN MAYBE HOLD ON TO IT, MY WORD.”
I still couldn’t tell you what made me weepy. So I guess I’ll just chalk it up to hormones because hormones are my favorite objects of blame and scorn right now.
Right after lunch, though, I remembered that I wanted to pre-order Jen Hatmaker’s new book, For the Love, so that I could go ahead and download the PDF and start reading (the book doesn’t release until August 18, but a preorder PDF download is available until July 15). Jen is one of my very favorite writers, and she’s also one of my favorite people. She’s crazy smart, deeply funny, and effortlessly encouraging.
These are delightful qualities, don’t you think?
I’ve been looking forward to For the Love since the beginning of the year, and I have said several times that I’ll probably want to quit writing after I finish reading it. I mean, I don’t know if you’re aware, but Jen really has a knack for this whole writing thing. It comes sort of natural to her. She just might have a future if she sticks with it.
Feel free to enclose the last three sentences from the previous paragraph in a complimentary pair of *sarcasterisks.*
Anyway. I ordered my book. Filled out the pre-order info on the For the Love website. Clicked on the confirmation email. Clicked on the PDF link in another email. Started reading. And by page xvi – not even the real page 16, mind you – I was in tears all over again. There is so much grace on those pages, y’all. And there’s also a whole lot of funny (I have clapped my hands more times than I can count). But there’s so much grace. SO. MUCH. GRACE. And my word – when the political climate and the cultural climate and the social media climate are chock-full of meanness and bitterness and impatience and anger, all that grace feels like a balm.
Because it’s hope. And it’s Hope.
Given all of that, I’m going to give away THREE copies of For the Love before the pre-order offer ends, but TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE, my friends.
SO.
If you’d like to enter to win, leave a comment on this post. And then tomorrow night – probably around 9:00 central time – I’ll pick three winners. I’ll notify those winners by email, and they can choose the hardback version or the digital version. Then I’ll order the books, which you’ll receive on or around August 18, and I’ll submit the receipt info on the For the Love website.
The winners will be responsible for responding to the confirmation email by July 15 and then downloading the PDF. I can’t do that part for you, unfortunately. But it’ll only take a couple of clicks for you to claim your PDF, and you’re going to get the biggest kick out of reading it. I’m just as carried away with it as I can be.
The giveaway is only open for 24 hours-ish, so remember that time, it is a-wastin’.
Y’all are in for such a treat!
By the way, nobody asked me to give away these books. This is nobody’s marketing strategy. It’s just for the love of For the Love.
See what I did there?
This giveaway is now closed. Winners have been selected by random.org and notified via email. Thanks, everybody!
I understand the weepies. The ones that come from grace and love are the best.
With two kids in college and a daughter getting married next summer, my book budget is basically non existant. I would so love to win this!
Hormones: who needs ’em?!!! Love Jen and you!
I think we can all use some HOPE today. Thanks for the giveaway.
This is so exciting! I found Jen’s writing after watching their reno on HGTV and reading your books. 💖💖
Would love to read it!
Would love to read this!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your heart!
I would love to read this!
I would love to win!
I live near Jen, but don’t know her. I had a chance encounter at the Y and could think of nothing to say.
Love her writing. Please pick me!
Sounds like a great book! Would love to read it!!!
Can’t wait for this book! Would love to win a preorder!!
Yes, please!!
Well, as a fellow cryer-for-no-good-reason-let’s-blame-hormones I would LOVE to win a copy! I have pre-ordered two and will gladly pass this copy on to a friend. You are such a treasure to me, Sophie Hudson!!!!
Thanks for the chance to win this book. What a great gift this would be.
Can’t wait to read this!
I’m with you, Sophie! Maybe we’re emotional because school is just around the corner? Where did the summer go? Thank you for having the giveaway! Whether I win or not, I have added this book to my Good Reads “to read” list!
This is such a great idea!
I’d love to win, yeah!
I can always use more Grace in my life!
Thank you for the book give-away and for always making us smile even amongst your own tears. You are a dear. So excited to read this book. Thank goodness that His Grace is sufficient for all our needs.
As always you bring a smile even when you are talking about tearing up! I, too, have the “tears from out of nowhere” hormonal thing going on. Have Mercy! Always an interesting way to start the day. I would love a copy of that book.
Best to you and your hormones!
Lina
Would love to read this!!!
I would love to win!! Thanks so much for the opportunity. By the way, I was in Fox Tale Bookstore in Woodstock, GA yesterday with some friends and your books were on display. I was all like, get these, read these, I have these, you will love them! Thanks, Vickie
I would love it – thank you!!
So excited about Jen’s new book! What a generous giveaway!!!!
Thanks for your kindness to give away 3 books. Hope I win!!!
I would love to read it!
Would love to win this book!
Love your blog and Love Jen….would be great to win!!
Can’t wait to read this.
I’d love to read! Thanks for the giveaway
Can I just say how much I love that you clapped your hands while reading?! I so do the same thing! I like to read books as though in a conversation (as one way as it may be) with the author!
Please pick me!
Would love to read this!!
Sounds like just the book I read right now, although I must admit part of why I visit your website each day is for your sweet insight and encouragement!
You have the biggest..softest heart ever and I love you for that! So refreshing with all the back-biting plain ole meanness that is so prevelant in the world (and workforce) today a “GRACE BALM” would be a delightful treat! Thank you for your thoughtfulness to think of “your people” in this way! Getting ready to go on a mini vacation and not sure I will be patient enough to see if I “win” ~ make have to order and gift it if I do :)
Love that you’re doing this – I could use a huge dose of grace this week!
Thanks for the chance!
Would love it!
I’ve had For The Love and the release date written on my “To Read List” since Jen announced it. I am the mother of 4 kiddos including a special needs son. There is much joy but much pain and guilt associated with mothering a teenager who isn’t capable of making good choices but thinks he is. I need the laughter and the grace. Don’t we all? Can’t wait to read it!!!
Would feel blessed to receive a copy
My younger sister & I still love a good “for the love” answer! When anyone tries to start drama on social media/life, I think we all need to respond with a “for the love!”ha! Thanks for the giveaway, Sophie.
for the love I would love the book!!!
Ohhh Sophie a big ole dose of Grace to you girl!! I would love to be able to pass this book on to some of my girlfriends! So yes please enter me!
So in need of this balm of Grace! My sweet Sista in Christ lost her Daddy and I am hurting for her right now. Would love your prayers!!
thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a must-read for this summer!
Hey there, Sophie!
I was thinking about pre-ordering this book because I’ve heard such great things about Jen Hatmaker. I am with you on the tender moments (had one of those myself already today) and DEFINITELY with you on the hormones being to blame for just about everything.
Love you, love your work. Please keep writing! And podcasting with Melanie. :)
I’d love to win!
Hope it gets to me. Thanks for the offer.
Oh I would LOVE to read this book!
You are a generous, kind and funny person!
Yes please, send it my way.
I would LOVE this book! Ever since I saw Jen on her show, I have loved her whole family!
What a gift! I’d love to win this book. Thanks!!
Thank you for the “complimentary pair of *sarcasterisks.*” … and for your own brand of humor and encouragement!
YES! Cannot wait to read this book!!
Ooh I so need this!
Yes please, I would love a copy of For The Love!
Looking forward to reading it!
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the give away.
I love that you are sharing for the love of For the Love. I would love to win!
I would LOVE this book!
What a nice idea-and a beautiful cover!
I would love to read this book; thank you so much for the opportunity to win it!
I can totally relate to feelings you had yesterday– I’d welcome the chance to read Jen’s book. Thanks for writing your wonderful blog, Sophie!!!
I’ve just discovered Jen Hatmaker’s blog and would love to read this book. Thanks for the give-a-way!
Would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks for the giveaway. Would love to read it !
Love! Who can resist a book about love?
I would love to read this. Thanks!
This book sounds amazing! Can’t wait!!!
When I have those days where you feel like you’re about 13.7 seconds away from a big ol’ come-apart, I remember the line from ‘Postcards From The Edge’ where the grandma tells Shirley Maclain’s character to “go ahead and cry, you’ll pee less.” And it always works…until I start laughing so hard I cry and if you’ve had children, you’ll be happy you cried those tears and depleted the water level a smidge. Thank you for the chance to win this book!
Looking forward to reading this book. Love your blog Sophie!
Thank you being you!
Grace and Hope, two things we all need desperately!!
I want it!!!
It releases on my bday – That HAS to be a sign!
Would love to get this! Love Jen, but have never read her stuff, so I need to! Also love reading your blog and your newsletter and your comments about everything! You crack me up! From one Southern girl (Southeast TN – Go VOLS!) to another, thanks!
awesome give away!
I hope I win a book! :)
Haven’t read any of her books. Would love to read it. Thanks for the give away.
Sounds like a great book!
Oh no! I accidently replied instead of posting my own comment. I’m a dork! A dork that LOVES Jen Hatmaker.
Thanks for giving away these books, Sophie. I’d love to win one! I hope your hormones get back in control soon. Believe it or not, they do settle down more as you get older (well into menopause). So, there is something to look forward to as you age! There isn’t anything we really can do to stop aging (though many try), so we need to enjoy the benefits when we find them.
This seems like a read I could use right now! Thanks for the giveaway!
Aww–such a sweet give away. I would love to read her new book.
I totally understand the unpredictable emotions. Sometimes I get embarrassed by them. Most of the time, I chalk it up to “God made me sensitive and that’s good!”
This book sounds so good!
I am a newbie here to your blog. I recently heard about the Big Boo Podcast and have been “binge” listening. I listen while I walk and I’m sure anyone who passes me wonders what kind of a weirdo I am because I have a huge grin plastered on my face the entire time and randomly let out loud cackles of laughter. You two are such a hoot! I adore you and can’t wait to check out your blog too! Jen’s book sounds amazing too and something I could use right now as well!
Yay! I would love this book.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of For the Love!
Thank you for doing this giveaway! The 7 bible study changed my life. I would love to win this book.
I would love to win.
Love your books and your friends Melanie’s…..I have read them all!!! I would love to in this book!!!
I so want this book!! She is an amazing writer
I could use the HOPE!
Sounds like a great book; I haven’t read anything by her yet.