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Want to go on a blind date with a book?

As far as recent literary trends go, the literary blind date is one of my favorites. A few years ago, in an effort to help customers not judge their books by their covers, Elizabeth’s Bookshop in Australia began wrapping books in brown paper, hinting at the contents with intriguing clues that don’t give too much away.

I was delighted to see the trend make its way to my local bookstore shortly thereafter, and went on my first blind date with a book a few years ago. (Interestingly, the description on that book isn’t really appropriate three years later. Click the link to read that post and you’ll see what I mean.)

Want to go on a blind date with a book? | Modern Mrs. Darcy

Readers, if you don’t have a bookstore or library near you wrapping books in brown paper, this post is for you. I chose three books from my collection (let’s be honest—duplicate books), wrapped them up, and took a stab at writing intriguing clues that don’t give too much away. (It’s not easy! I tried to err on the side of being cryptic, but maybe I’m wrong and you’ll know immediately which titles I’m talking about.)

I’m giving them all away to three separate readers, one book per reader.

Based on these slim descriptions, how do these books sound to you?

Want to go on a blind date with a book? | Modern Mrs. Darcy

book #1: historical fiction, pandemic, adoption, war, mothers and daughters

book #2: dark, small town, adventure, love, survival, cold, family saga

Want to go on a blind date with a book? | Modern Mrs. Darcy

book #3: unlikely friends, terrible childhood, social awkwardness, unfiltered, baby steps

To enter: leave a comment that says which book you’re most interested in, identifying the book with the number 1, 2, or 3. We’ll choose the winners randomly, and reveal the books in Friday’s links I love post. (Winners will be notified by email.)

Giveaway ends Thursday, February 8 at 11:59 pm EST.

Good luck! I hope YOU win.

Have you gone on a blind date with a book? Have you let someone set you up with a novel you were skeptical of? Would you try it? I’d love to hear about your experiences in comments.

1,292 comments

  1. Cori says:

    Such a fun post and giveaway!#1 sounds like one I would typically like but #2 sounds like a good one to get me out of my book comfort zone (which isn’t that what blind dates do?!). Thanks!

  2. CTMayfield says:

    I think I’ve guessed #2 which does sound right up my alley but I think I have it so it’s going to have to be #3 especially as I was socially awkward in high school and my best friend was really someone a lot of people would have thought was unlikely to be my bestie. Sounds like a fun read!

  3. Ashley says:

    I think I may already own book #1, based on the clues you gave. They all sound so intriguing but I think #2 would be for me. This is such a fun idea, I need to try it with friends!

    • Kitty says:

      You know, I’m drawn to #3, but I love a story set in a small town so I have to go with #3. By the way, the last meeting of our local Sisters in Crime did this and it was great fun. Everyone got ended up with a book.

  4. Angela says:

    My friend went for a book blind date from a bookstore in NYC but I chickened out, so another opportunity to try sounds great. #1 would be right up my alley!

  5. Pam says:

    #1 sounds like it’s right in my wheelhouse! (I hope international entries are okay. Canada, here.)
    What fun! I can hardly wait to see the reveal.

  6. Michelle Gajda says:

    I would love to unwrap book # 1 or 2 because I think I know what book 3 is and I have already read and loved it! LOL Thanks for the chance…..a very fun idea!!!

  7. Kim Hartlove says:

    I love this idea! #2 sounds right up my alley. Small town stories and family sagas are my favorites – and I love reading seasonally so cold is perfect right now!

  8. Becca Keefer says:

    I love this idea! I have always been so intrigued by the blind date book idea but have yet to find a bookstore near me that does it! I cannot wait until you announce (hopefully?) all these titles because I want to read all of them but I think I am most excited for #3!

  9. Valerie says:

    #3!!!

    I love this concept. I was shocked when my local library started doing this and my local librarians were so excited and proud at seeing my excitement over it! We all smiled a little brighter that day. 🙂

  10. Gracie Lehmann says:

    Oh my gosh!! This is so cool, Anne! What an intriguing idea! It’s a hard decision, but I would go with either #1 or #3. But like I said, they all sound awesome!

  11. KaRonna says:

    Book #3! It sounds so relatable to my life and, as someone who aspires to write a book one day, I love reading relatable books!

  12. Anna K says:

    #1 sounds like what Im most likely to pick myself (historical fiction junkie) but the other two are interesting as well – no wrong choice here!

  13. Shannon G says:

    I pick book #2

    I’m interested in them all, do you think you will reveal the titles for us that don’t win or even for the winners so they can know the other books offered?

  14. Nancy Willard says:

    All sound great! I’ll start with #1……and pray you’ll reveal the names of the others eventually so I can read them all!

  15. MISSY says:

    Number 3 sucked me right in with “unlikely friends” and social awkwardness”. My kind of story. Can’t wait for the reveal! Thanks for doing the giveaway!

  16. Tracey says:

    I am really interested in book #1!! Historical Fiction is my favorite, and “pandemic, adoption, and mother and daughter relationship “ all sounds super intriguing to me!

  17. Jill says:

    #1! War! Historical Fiction! Pandemic! Adoption! (sorry, some faves there)

    My local library does an Express Book Bag where you give them your favorite / least favorite authors and they check out 3 books for you that they send home with you in a brown paper bag. I have tried this once and they were spot on with all three choices for me. I love ideas like this one!

  18. Erin Peraldo says:

    I love this idea! I think I’d read any of them and am super curious about the title! But I think I’ll go with #2. Thanks!

  19. Melody says:

    Ohhh I can’t wait to see what these are on Friday! 🙂
    For now I would pick #2 but I have a feeling all three may end up in my TBR!!

  20. Stacey Boss-Keith says:

    #3 sounds like an exciting date!
    I have never been on a blind date with a book and have been really wanting to give it a try. You are my most trusted person for my “set -up”, and believe it will be a match made in heaven.

  21. Kat says:

    Oh gosh, it is hard to pick just one! I’m torn between #2 and #3… Ok, gonna go with 2 since it is *slightly* outside of my usual.

  22. Carrie says:

    Fun idea! The “unfiltered” adjective on the last book makes me a little nervous. I think I can guess what book #2 is and I’ve already been on a date with it. So I’ll go with book #1. I love a good pandemic.

  23. Shagun says:

    Definitely book no. 3!!! It’s has the kind of description that gets me rating to read and I’m sure that, given your clues, it’s the one I’m reading right now.

  24. Salmah says:

    Omg I’ve always wanted to go on a blind date with a book because I love the idea but no bookstore near me has had the epiphany to do it yet, so this got me REALLY excited! #1 sounds like my cup of tea! And I have no idea what it could be

  25. Joi says:

    I would love love love to read # 3!!! I love social awkwardness and relating to strange dynamics in literature. The hint of “Baby steps” makes me feel warm and fuzzy. 😀

  26. Cassy C says:

    Such a hard choice! I would be happy with any of these (if I’m allowed to choose all 3), but I guess a blind date with 3 dates wouldn’t work out well. I choose number 3. ?

  27. Bryanna says:

    I apparently missed your first blog post about blind dates with books because I’ve never heard of this before! Book #3 sounds very interesting to me. Thanks for the chance to win!

  28. Marty K says:

    #2 sounds interesting! My library is doing this also and I picked one up yesterday but haven’t unwrapped it yet!

  29. Katherine says:

    Pretty sure I know what #1 is and it’s on my TBR! No clue on the other two, though. Hard choice but I’d pick #1!

  30. Amy says:

    I would like to read #1. Since I am a mother to two daughters and no sons, stories of mothers and daughters are close to my heart.

  31. Meredith B says:

    I would choose number 1, but they all look like something I would enjoy! (Number 2 looks like something I’ve read and LOVED.) I’m tucking this delightful idea away as a possible reading adventure for my kids this summer! Maybe choose some books for them at the library and wrap them up like this. Fun!

  32. Katie says:

    I’ve gone on a blind date with a book once. It wasn’t a book I would have chosen, but I quite enjoyed it! I’m totally overthinking which book I’d choose…okay…#3 it is!

  33. Stella Portman says:

    I love this idea! A great way to read books you might not otherwise pick up. I always love a good historical fiction, so #1 is my choice!

  34. Ann DeSuttet says:

    #1 sounds interesting.
    I love the idea of a book blind date. After a few decades of marriage, and children, etc. funny what can get you excited!

  35. Lana Stafford says:

    My local library did this and it was awesome. I found several new authors just by picking a book that I had no idea what it was….so much fun!

  36. I love this idea! We used to do this with YA books at the library I worked for (before babies)! It was always a well received program! I love the description of all of these books! I always lean toward historical fiction, so #1 sounds great!

  37. Cynthia Blocksom says:

    #1 Historical Fiction sounds awesome! I am curious that I may have already read it, but if not, I want it on my list to read.

  38. Charles Hess says:

    I’d love to win book number one. I really enjoy reading historical fiction! And I’ve never won a contest for a book.

  39. Karis says:

    They all sound intriguing – wish my library or bookstore would do this! #2 sounds the most interesting to me.

  40. I’ve have only seen this trend once this week on Instagram, and I think it is so much fun. I would LOVE to go on a blind date with a book!!! You did a great job with your descriptions, and I’d be interested in any of the three, but I think that since I’m so socially awkward, I’d choose number 3!

    BTW I don’t have a clue about the books’ titles….

  41. Pamela Beckford says:

    I have done the literary blind date before and have never been disappointed. Would love to do it again with #1, historical fiction

  42. Beth Ann Swinson says:

    #1 looks intriguing. I’ve always loved seeing the past through the lens of a good fictional narrative. As a kid, I read a group of gilded books on my grandmother’s shelf — historical novels by Thomas B. Costain. I was so enamored with the Scottish tales, that I decided someday I would name my dogs, or my sons, Willie Wallace and Bonnie Prince Charlie. My son, you’ll be glad to know, escaped this fate. My dog is Caspian!

  43. Chrissie says:

    So fun! Book #2 for sure. Although cold and survival aren’t my typical criteria for a great date, they make for a delicious winter read! 😉

  44. Vanessa says:

    OOoh how fun! I feel like you’ve set me up with so many good books! I think #1 sounds most intriguing to me. And I can’t wait to see if my guesses are correct!

  45. Katie says:

    They all sound intriguing! Are you going to reveal what they were in a future post? I think #1 sounds the most up my alley, but they all sound good!

  46. Kandace says:

    This is such a great idea! Number one sounds like the perfect read for all this freezing, icy, yucky weather we’ve been having. Hygge anyone?! 🙂

  47. Cathy says:

    Book #1 sounds interesting to me because it’s historical fiction. I’ve never seen the blind date with a book concept in an actual bookstore. But we don’t have many independent bookstores here, sadly.

  48. Carol says:

    I chose #3. Sounds good. I am pretty sure I know book #2 and loved it and I am someone who ALWAYS chooses historical fiction so I have likely read #1 already. Awesome idea!

  49. Melissa Davenport says:

    I’ve never done this and it always makes me nervous to do so. So I think I’ll pick #3, because it’s really outside my comfort zone.

  50. Patty A says:

    I love the description for book #3. Some of my unlikely friendships have been my best. I told one woman friend that she was “too cheerleadery” for me to seriously consider as a friend, but my autistic son gravitated toward her so I thought I should get to know her. We’ve been close friends for over 10 years now.

  51. Rose says:

    I love the idea of a literary blind date 🙂 I would love to “date” book bachelor number 3 because I love all those elements in your cryptic clues.

  52. Natalie Tull says:

    This was such a great idea Ann!!! I just saw that they are doing this at my local barnes and noble too!!! I would love to win one of the books and I think im going to go for #2!!!!! Good luck everybody!!! ❤️?

  53. Annie says:

    Number 2 sounds right up my alley!! I can’t wait to see what they all are. My school librarian is doing something like this but calling it “Don’t judge a book by its cover!”

  54. Melissa Graf says:

    #3 please!
    This sounds like a fun book club idea.
    I’d probably buy this book and then finding out more would be a fun reveal.

  55. Kristin says:

    I’ve never gone on a blind date with a book, but I’d love to meet book number two! I’m intrigued….

  56. Kristin says:

    #3 had me at “social awkwardness”! Currently saving all of my Amazon points to spend on your summer reading list recommendations. As a teacher, the release of that list is a signal that the finish line is near! 🙂

  57. Laura says:

    They all sound so good! I do hope that you will eventually share the actual titles.

    If I’m only choosing one, I think I’d select #3.

  58. Kay Lynn says:

    Book 1 sounds intriguing. What a lovely idea to have a blind date with a book; I’ll look for it at my bookstore.

  59. Sharon Kavka says:

    Book #1 really intrigues me. I love historical fiction and reading about wars. Throw on Pandemic and mothers and daughters and I’m hooked.)

  60. Cindee E says:

    Book #1 sounds so good!! Ha, who am I kidding. They all sound good.
    Can’t wait to see what they are. Pick me!

  61. Cherylann says:

    My school library has done blind date with books, and I’m definitely planning a blind date section of my class library for Valentine’s Day next week. I’m curious to see how my students respond.

    As for your blind date with books, 2 would be my pick!

  62. Phoebe says:

    I would love to be entered for #1! These are great descriptions, and what a fantastic idea. Have you done this for nonfiction books?

  63. Val says:

    #1 seems right up my alley!

    I think I know what #2 is – and if so, it was gut-wrenching and so so amazing!! I can’t stop thinking about it and recommending it to people!

  64. Chris Carpenter says:

    What fun! Thanks for offering these blind dates!! Our local library has did this last year & it just made me smile. # 1 sounds intriguing to me!

  65. Janell says:

    If I get lucky, this is gonna be my first book blind date. I’m just quite familiar to the concept but I haven’t really seen a bookstore near my area who does this. Well, all the books you’ve presented are interesting but I’d really love to have a ‘date’ with book #3.

  66. Tracy Martorana says:

    I would love to see what #3 is all about. I showed this post to a co-worker and we had polar opposite interpretations about what sort of book this is.

  67. Austin says:

    Such a fun idea! #1 looks most interesting to me. What better way to spend a February weekend than reading about a pandemic, right? 😉

  68. Victoria says:

    Wow, this is a such a fun idea. I can’t wait for the big reveal! And I would pick no. 2 to read first for sure 🙂

  69. Casey says:

    I’m really interested in #1!
    My library does this every year, wrapped in red paper. I’m heading there tomorrow to pick one up 🙂

  70. Stephanie Osborne says:

    Oh number two for sure!! All those words are a big yes for me! Except family saga… I’ve always wanted to read a family saga but been afraid to invest the time in case it’s not any good. They seem like you really need to commit 100%. Who knows, maybe number 2 can be my first try!

  71. Megan says:

    Definitely book #2!! All of those words totally draw me in and sound like they would make an intriguing read!

  72. Sharon White says:

    It’s hard to choose. I look forward to the reveal of all three titles. If I could win one, I’d like to read #1. My favorite genre and subjects. Thank you.

  73. Katie says:

    What a fantastic idea! If I saw this in a bookstore, I would want to take a peek behind every jacket. Given the choice, I would love to read #2. “Cold” has me extra curious. After the giveaway will you reveal each “identity?”

  74. Anne Hoekman says:

    So fun! I’m going to say #2 but I am of course intrigued by all three – can’t wait to find out if my guesses for what they might be are even a little close to the mark…

  75. Chelsea Floyd says:

    I would love to win Book #1! I just finished reading Peace Like a River, and I really need another book to fill the hole that it left in my heart ?❤️

  76. Nickie says:

    Hard choice but I think I would pick #2. I’m still enjoying winter (even though I live in the south…maybe that’s why I am enjoying it?) and I love the charm, but yet intriguing life, that goes on in small towns.

  77. Lindsay Gietzen says:

    I would love to read #2! I’m from North Dakota, so a small town, cold, family saga of survival sounds right up my alley! Toss in some love and I’m hooked!

  78. Becca says:

    I’d love to read book #1. I love a good historical fiction book! My local indie bookstore does blind date with a book for their galley copies. I’ve received some fantastic books from this stack.

  79. ashley says:

    #2 sounds great! For Christmas, my book club did a book exchange and we covered our books and labeled it with hints like this. It was so much fun!

  80. Robin says:

    I would choose #3. Our local library did something like this last year I think, although I never got around to checking out one of the books. Neat idea!

  81. Kelley says:

    Book #1 seems like the perfect book for me!! I’ve always wanted to participate in blind date with a book but my local indie doesn’t provide it! Thanks, Anne!

  82. Ashley says:

    I love this idea! And as a single lady, I would double love if the blind date book was combined with a blind date guy that had also read the book! Great automatic convo starter! ??

  83. Jen says:

    Oh my gosh Anne – I’ve not seen this before… what a great idea!!
    All 3 sound wonderful but since we can only choose one… I would like to be put in the drawing for #2.
    Thanks so much!

  84. Angela says:

    #3 piqued my interest the most. I’d like to learn more about the unlikely friends and social awkwardness.
    Thanks for doing this, Anne. Very fun!

  85. Haley Wilson-Lenmon says:

    #1 is definitely As Bright as Heaven by Susan Mesner and I’m thinking #2 might be The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah. If that’s the case I would love #2 and maybe #3 just for the mystery of it!

  86. Mia White says:

    How fun is this?! Frankly, each of the short synopses sound great… I’m inclined to either #1 because of the historical fiction & adoption, or else #3 (you had me at social awkwardness). Can’t wait for the big reveal!

  87. Georgiana Nelsen says:

    My daughter gave us all blind dates for Christmas! It was great fun and I can’t resist a puzzle. Number 1 looks most interesting to me, but all three sound great!

  88. Lynn says:

    This is so fun! Our local library used to do this in February – but, alas, we moved and our current local library doesn’t do this. Anway – book #3 is my pick.

  89. #3 though I can’t wait to see what they all are. I have an idea for #2 and I think I am reading it at the moment, if I am right, that is! Very cool concept. I have not heard of this before!

  90. Janet Miles says:

    My husband was in Oregon taking care of his mom a couple of years ago and she had him take her to the local library inside of which is a book store. They sell unpublished books in brown paper wrapping with cryptic info about the book on it. He’s gotten my daughters and I about 9 of those books. I’ve read my three and they were all great reads. It is fun to play blind date with books.

  91. Lisa Silzel says:

    I would be most interested in a date with Book #2. I like the idea of providing clues — the blind date with a book events I have seen in the past don’t do that, you just randomly choose a wrapped book. This feels more like a blind date — with your friend telling you the parts they think you would find appealing. 🙂

  92. Catherine says:

    I’m going with #3. I love the idea of it being unfiltered and with social awkwardness! It sounds like real and raw life, which is intriguing to me.

  93. Carolyn says:

    I’m going to go with #2, but truthfully if I were to win, I’d love to be surprised completely! I absolutely love this idea

  94. Kathy says:

    Is it bad that I’m the type of person who reads your clues and tries to figure out the book titles? Haha… I choose #1.

  95. Swetha says:

    Never tried a blind date with a book but honestly I guess it’s just the same as picking a book of the month. I’d pick #3 as I identify with the social awkwardness and tragic childhood. I’d definitely love a coming of age novel.

  96. Jess says:

    I’ve always wanted a blind date with a book! I’m sure it will far surpass the blind dates I’ve been on in real life. I’d choose number 1.

  97. Karen Grosz says:

    What a fun thing to do…go on a date with a book. Love #1 historical fiction is my favorite genre right now.

  98. Anne-Merrin says:

    It’s a cold, dark day in the small town where I live, so of course #2 is what caught my eye … but these clues make me want to read all three books! I’m looking forward to hearing the titles.

  99. Tammi says:

    #1 for sure! I love historical fiction even though I’m not sure I like the word ‘pandemic’ being included in the clues. Can’t wait to find out what book it really is!

  100. Elise Roberts says:

    I’ve never been in a blind date with book and would love too. All 3 sound interesting in different ways but #2 is the most intriguing to me.

  101. Jami says:

    I love blind date with a book! My library does this every year and I’ve discovered some great books this way that I never would have normally picked up! Book #2 is my pick ?

  102. Jami says:

    I love blind date with a book! My library does this every year and I have read some great books that I never would have picked up on my own! Book #2 is my pick ?

  103. Brittany Bailey says:

    Book #1 intrigues me, I usually don’t gravitate toward Historical fiction but those clues are really drawing me in and making me think I would love that book!

  104. Barbara Heller says:

    Intrigued…interested in #1

    My new local indie bookstore (Malaprops in Asheville, NC) does the
    brown paper wrapped books — but haven’t tried it….would ease into the “blind-date” thing with this give-away!

  105. Wendy L says:

    It’s so hard to choose—they all sound fantastic to me. But I’ll pick #2, as I love a good family saga. This is a fun idea!

  106. Elaine says:

    I think I can guess what #1 and #2 are and wait to see if I’m right!! I would pick #2 (even if it isn’t what I’m thinking it is 😉

  107. Jamie says:

    I’m torn between #1 and #2, but am ultimately going to say #2 because nothing appeals to me like small town and family saga!

  108. Stephanie Schiltz says:

    #1 Love historical novels. I like to reap knowledge and be entertained at the same time! Thanks for the giveaway!

  109. Amy Heck says:

    #3 is intriguing…..My local library is doing this for Valentine’s Day with the books wrapped in red.

  110. Natalie says:

    I think I’d pick #2, I love this idea! I have never seen it in any book store I’ve been in, but there aren’t very many independent book stores in my area, so I usually only get a chance to visit those smaller stores on summer holidays!

    I belong to a book club with a wonderful group of ladies with quite varied tastes, we all recommend books and try to sample different genres…so I quite often pick up a book I would have never chosen for myself (mostly positive outcomes, but I must admit more than once I have abandoned the selection before finishing!)

    I hope you’ll reveal all 3 titles after you’ve sent out the “blind dates”, I’m really curious to see what books you chose 🙂

  111. Brittany Reed says:

    #3 sounds like it’s right up my alley. I’m trying to guess what these are but honestly have no idea!!!

  112. Ashley Fancher says:

    #2 sounds good. You’re going to give away the titles after the giveaway right? I kind of want to read all of them 😉

  113. Lynn says:

    #2 – it keeps speaking to me every time I look at the choices.
    And I just know I should KNOW what #1 is! This is fun!

  114. Amanda says:

    1 or 2 sound great. I can’t even decide! I guess #2, if it’s mandatory to choose 🙂

    Now I want to have a party at my house, where everyone comes with a book like this, and we exchange. Hmm…

  115. Beth says:

    #1 sounds great! I think I know what #2 is, and if I’m right, it’s my next read waiting for me on my nightstand!

  116. Rachel Stefaniw says:

    So fun! #2 looks great to me. Can I ask that you do this again in the future, even if you aren’t giving away the books? Once we know the book we could go pick it out at the library. Seems like a fun way to try the “blind date with a book” if we haven’t found it in person.

  117. Oh this is so fun! I haven’t seen this done in a local book store but would love to try it out if I came upon a store that did this! All 3 sound interesting to me, but I think that #1 stands out!

  118. Joan Carothers says:

    #3 looks like it could be written about me and my neighbor who has become family to me. Definitely “unlikely friends” is a way to describe us! I’d love to read it!

  119. Julia R. says:

    Book 2! I think I know what it is, and have already read it, but if I’m wrong, I definitely would want to go on a blind date with this book! I haven’t done this before, but what a fun idea!!! Thank you!

  120. Kelsey Burnett says:

    Ahh! I just love this idea! You could find some real treasures reading this way. Fingers crossed ?? and I pick number 1!

  121. Janean says:

    I’m SO drawn to #2 with “dark” and “cold” ?, but I think I have it. #3 intrigues me because I’m curious how all those elements would work together. #3 it is! Fun!

  122. Cathe Kunze says:

    Book #1 would be my choice for a blind date. I enjoy historical fiction,am an adoptive mom, have had a difficult relationship with my mother and I am intrigued by your clues. I need to read this book!

  123. Marie Roberts says:

    #2! So fun…I JUST picked up a “blind date” from my local library a couple of days ago. It’s one I never would have picked out on my own, and I’m really enjoying it so far.

  124. Nina Fickett says:

    #1 – I have never done this…a book blind date but I definitely would. Especially put together by you or my BBF (Best Book Friend).

  125. Jolene says:

    I am intrigued most by #1. I think I can guess #2. Actually, #3 sounds good too. Worried tho about unfiltered.

  126. Kristine says:

    #2! I love family sagas and can’t resist stories that are just a little bit dark :-). What a fun idea!

  127. Jan says:

    I choose #3 please. Friendship and social awkwardness always get my attention. Also, I think I have read #2 already!

  128. What a fun giveaway! I’d go for #1 ALL THE WAY! I also hope you’ll let us know how the numbers work out. Interested to know which category draws the most interest!

  129. Jocelyn says:

    So what were those titles in the bookshop back in 2015. Lonely man … Mysterious woman … Cold. A rebel band … A comic quest. The jungle … Ex president.

  130. Raela says:

    I’d love to try book #2! For some reason, family saga, love, and cold just sound right to me at the moment here in chilly MN 🙂

  131. Amber says:

    #1 leans into all the elements I want in a book: a specific historical context, a struggle for the characters (pandemic), and a relational glimpse into character relationships. As a mom to three little girls myself, I am pretty biased toward these mother-daughter perspectives! 🙂

  132. Neeti says:

    I love this idea! I haven’t encountered this in my local library or bookstore yet! I am gravitating towards #3 based on these clues.

  133. adele says:

    They all have intriguing elements, but #2 is the winner for me since I adore family sagas! And what a cool idea. I haven’t seen this yet in my library or local book shops, but hope to some day.

  134. Beth says:

    Love the sound of #2!! A cold, dark adventure sounds like a great curl up with a cup of tea in front of the fire winter read!

  135. Maura says:

    I am intrigued by # 3! I long for a small local book store to be near me! All we have is Barnes & Noble and that is a 30 minute drive from my house. Thankfully we have an awesome library in our town though! Kristin Hannah is coming to speak there on Friday night!

  136. Ashley says:

    They all sound good! I’d probably choose 1 or 2. Fine, I know I’d axthallt choose historical fiction. So 1. 🙂

  137. anna_chronistic says:

    #3 looks interesting to me! My library started doing this last year. I was just there last night and didn’t see “blind date books” available, though, so maybe they decided not to do it this year? I’ll have to ask next time I’m in.

  138. Kelli says:

    #1… I did this for our school’s auction. I paired a book with a complementry bottle of spirits and called it Liquid Lit. It was so difficult and yet a fun challenge.

  139. Amy says:

    So FUN!! I love this trend. I would be interested in either book 2 or 3. THANK YOU Anne for the opportunity to win!

  140. AnnMarie diblanda says:

    I am new to this blog and am loving it!!! I like book 1 and I love this idea!!! I have read almost all of your books that you have read in 24 hours or less? Blessings to you!!

  141. Kelly says:

    I’d probably go with #3! I absolutely love this idea and wish I could find a place close to me that did it. I would be more than willing to take care in an activity like this at a local bookstore.

  142. Melanie says:

    I’ve seen Blind Date with a Book at a number of bookstores but I’ve never actually participated. I think #1 sounds most interesting.

  143. Toni Laliberte says:

    I’d love to go on a blind date with book number one. I love historical fiction and your description is very intriguing. Thanks for the chance!

  144. Amy Russell says:

    All of them sound like great reads. I keep scrolling between #1 & #2. It came down to “Eeny, Meany” to choose: #1.

  145. Dana Cash says:

    I’ll try book #3. Outside of my normal historical romance, but hey, I’m blind-dating a new book. So shimmy!

  146. Kayla says:

    #2, You had me at dark. And then small town. You did me in with cold. Can’t wait to find out what you are!

  147. Nancy says:

    If I have to choose only one, then #1 – but I’ll probably try to read all three when they’re revealed!

  148. Marie says:

    1 sounds really interesting! My local library does this at Christmas time. So fun to take home a book to unwrap!Thanks!

  149. Ashley says:

    I love book blind dates! My book club does them for our holiday gift exchange. All three of the ones you’ve chosen sound great, but I’m going to go with #2. So much fun!

  150. Ashley says:

    I love book blind dates! My book club does one for our holiday book exchange. So much fun! All three of the books you’ve selected sound like great reads, but I’m going to go with #2.

  151. .:chels:. says:

    Love this idea! So excited for a chance to try this! I was initially intrigued by #2, but it sounds a little like Beartown (which I love, but also own multiple copies of). So my pick is #3…that book sounds exactly my cup of tea!

  152. Linda E says:

    I think I’m dating book #1 currently so I will say that I am most intrigued by book#2. I hope you will eventually share the names of these books! Thanks for the chance!

  153. Kari says:

    Book #1. Working at a local health department, the only way I want to experience an epidemic is in literary form. But I find the transmission and the human impacts fascinating!

  154. Lisa C. says:

    #2. The words “dark” and “adventure” call to me.
    Never done this befor and haven’t seen anyone around here doing it. It’s an internet phenomenon to me! It also gives me a bit of anxiety for some reason. LOL!

  155. Jaquelyn says:

    How fun! My vote would be #1 or #2… and I’m so curious to see if my guesses at the titles are correct!

  156. Meagan says:

    I *think* I might have read #1, but am not sure. Oh I love historical fiction! I am going to go with #3 though 🙂 Thank you!

  157. Melissa Waltman says:

    Book 1 or 3! Neat idea! Haven’t heard of it before. Want to thank you for changing my reading life! You convinced me via your podcast to give the book “This is how it Always Is” another try! I had abandoned it awhile back and then heard you talking about it on the show recently and gave it another shot! Loved it! Thank you!

  158. Kristin says:

    #1 sounds intriguing to me! I love historical fiction and have read so many good WWII books the last couple years (not that we know what ware this is!) Also, I had a “lightning bolt moment” listening to Laura Vanderkam’s episode when she said she doesn’t like books with “social awkwardness” situations. I don’t either and I never thought about it as something I could not like and therefore avoid! So in my newfound knowledge and realization, I’m going to steer clear of #3! So fun! I’m going to think how I can do something like this for my bookclub!

  159. Alyssa says:

    Even though I don’t usually read dark books that often, 2 grabbed my attention. Will you share all the titles in the future please?

  160. Jill says:

    Book #1! Historical fiction as always my first choice. Plus since I read Station Eleven I’ve been looking for a book with a good pandemic.

  161. Kristin says:

    All three sound interesting, but I would choose #1 because I love historical fiction. Interestingly enough, I was at my local public library this morning with two of my children (we are a family with 4 kids as well! :)), and there was a display with three wrapped books on it and a sign that said something along the lines…”suggestion from a librarian. Check me out.” 🙂

  162. Jeni says:

    Oh man, they all look great! I wouldn’t mind reading any of them, but maybe I’d pick up #2 first just based on these clues. 🙂

  163. Heather says:

    They all sound intriguing, but I would have to go with #2. I’ve never gone in a blind date with a book, but I’ve seen the idea before and thought it was so clever!

  164. Katherine says:

    I love this idea!! I live in smalltown Indiana, where the closest bookstore is almost an hour away (yikes!). I’ve been dying to give this a try – I choose book #2!

  165. Elizabeth N says:

    The library where I work did this last year! I have to admit the patrons were somewhat unsure and didn’t participate as much as we would have liked. The staff, however, had great fun picking out favorite books and writing the clues!

    I’ll have to pick #2!

  166. Hannah Anderson says:

    I’m going to have to say #2, although #3 sounds good too! Excited to hear what the titles are!

  167. Elizabeth says:

    I think I’d like to read #1, though #3 sounds interesting too. I hope you’ll post what they actually are after the winners have been announced! I love this idea 🙂

  168. Julia says:

    #1 sounds like right up my alley! Are these new releases? Because it sounds like “As Bright As Heaven” by Susan Meissner and I really want to read it! 🙂

  169. Terry Stevenson says:

    I’d love to try book #3. I think I am going to arrange some blind dates for my next book club meeting! Thanks for the fun idea!

  170. Lexa says:

    #2 sounds awesome! I’m intrigued by #3 because I think I’ve read it! I want to see if I’m right 🙂

  171. Krista says:

    I have so many guesses!!! Can’t wait until friday to find out. I’d pick #1 for sure. I’m a sucker for historical fiction.

  172. Teri says:

    I think I would have to go with #1. Though, it’s a very difficult decision as all three sound intriguing (and I’m at a complete loss as to what any of them could be).

  173. Kacey DeBerry says:

    #1 I love Historical fiction! Being adopted myself I love the aspect of the adoption clue and mother and daughter clue.

  174. Holly Minion says:

    I recently tried a blind date with a book at a used bookstore in Asheville. I was a little (ok, a lot) disappointed to unwrap the book later to discover…a history textbook about domestic life in ancient Rome. 😀

    Yours all sound much better than that and #2 sounds the most intriguing!!

  175. Lindsey Castle says:

    My local bookstore doesn’t do this but one of my favorites, Malaprops in Asheville does! After a lot of waffling, it’s got to be #2 for me!

  176. Sarah Clark says:

    Number 2 sounds intriguing and outside my normal read!

    My library did this a few years back, and I loved it!

  177. Angela says:

    What a great idea, Anne! I’m interested in #2. Even if I don’t win, you’ll have to tell us what the titles were!

    Thanks for bringing the idea to us!

  178. Betcei Butler says:

    I have a guess on #2, I think I am reading it right now…. So My choice is #3! And thank you for the inspiration for my library display this weekend!

  179. Liza says:

    #2 looks intriguing to me. I went on a blind date with a book once – the book was Miss Emily by Nuala O’Connor. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up on my own, but I enjoyed it.

  180. Jade says:

    I had no idea that it originated in Australia. I love the concept though now all I want to know is what the books are.
    Book 1 would be my pick but they all sound really good.

  181. Mia Greenhill says:

    What a fun idea! I would love Book #1. Adoption + the mom/dot dance are always intriguing themes!

  182. Sue D. says:

    #1 !!!! Pandemic, historical fiction, mothers and daughters ….some of my very favorite themes for books!

  183. Kristin W. says:

    #1 for sure! I would be so so excited. I recently started to fall in love with physical books again, mostly thanks to your podcast. I’d love to add another to my collection!

  184. Kate Cricco says:

    OK, all look amazing as I love to read any genre- but 2 has me more intrigued than others. Love small town adventures and family sagas…..by cold, I’m assuming you mean northern climes as opposed to the family? But, either way, sounds good!

  185. Erin Sager says:

    I’m interested in #1. Historical fiction is starting to be one of my favorite new types of books!

  186. Ashley V says:

    I think they all sound kind of intriguing! Each one has at least one word that’s drawing me in, but I’ll pick #2!

  187. Joan Odean says:

    #1 definitely. Has all of the ingredients I like in a book. What an intriguing idea to go on a blind date with a book! It would certainly be better than 90% of the “real” blind dates I went on when I was younger!

  188. Sarah says:

    I saw this recently at a local thrift store and thought it was SUCH a fun idea! Unfortunately, none of their descriptions really appealed to me, so I didn’t purchase. Haha! But of these, I’d have to say number 1 sounds most intriguing!

  189. Sara G says:

    Books 1&2 are equally appealing but I feel like I might have read book number 2…so I’d pick book #1. I hope I win, but if not I still look forward to finding out why the titles are because I totally want to read them!!!

  190. Jacelyn McGowan says:

    I’d choose Book #2! I think I’ve read Book #3 and #1 sounds like something I have read, but I cannot figure it out. They all sound great!

  191. Melinda says:

    I love this idea! I once got a free book with purchase and had to pick from a bunch of wrapped books, no descriptions. I choose door number 1!

  192. Lauren says:

    BOOK #2!! What a super fun idea, I’ve never heard of this…my book club does a white elephant book exchange and I’m going to suggest this!

  193. Alyson Epp says:

    Book #1 sounds so intriguing! I’m a teacher (and nurse) and I’ll be teaching about pandemics next month so I’d love to know what book it is.

  194. Denita says:

    Oh- so hard to choose! But historical fiction + pandemic is too interesting to pass up the chance! #1. What a fascinating idea; can’t wait for the reveal.

  195. Lara says:

    My order of preference would be 2, 1, 3 – all of the descriptions have an element of interest. Thanks!

  196. Cammy Tidwell says:

    #1 for me! I can never resist a good pandemic and with a mother daughter dynamic thrown in? I have gone on one blind date with a book from our local library and my teenage daughter picked it out for me. See why I love a mother daughter connection?

  197. Julie Richardson says:

    Book #1! I’d love to do this blind date idea at book club one month. I think the ladies would all LOVE it.

  198. Kelly Dibble says:

    I love this idea & wish we had An indie bookstore around town to do this. #2 would be my pick but they all look intriguing.

  199. Alicia Mae says:

    I haven’t yet found a nearby bookstore that does blind dates with books, but I have loved the idea ever since I first heard of it! While all your options look good, I’m most intrigued by the first one. Thanks for the chance, Anne.

  200. Susan Nothwehr says:

    Woo woo!! What a fun contest!!#1
    This brown book makes me ‘wonder’ the most. Historical fiction turns my crank. Add the word PANDEMIC and I get a little creeped out—which I also like!!
    Pick me! Pick me!?

  201. Trisha says:

    #1. Who doesn’t love a good pandemic!!!! I have not done a blind date with a book and excited to try it. It has to be better than my last blind date in college (a million years ago).

  202. Emma says:

    Oh boy, what fun! Knowing you I bet that I would be pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy all of them. Today, number 3 is really piquing my interest.

  203. Debi Morton says:

    It’s possible I already own #2 if I’m guessing right, so I’m going to go with #3. It was hard to choose between the two (#1 and #3), though.

  204. Lindsay says:

    Based on your clues, I think I know #1 (and I loved it). Who doesn’t want to go with love (and with all the little hearts, no less), so I’d pick #2! My favorite kids bookstore where I used to live did this and I thought it was such a fun idea! xo

  205. Mary Ann Christman says:

    Our local library has done this and it looked fun but for whatever reason I didn’t grab one. #2 sounds right up my alley! Looking forward to the big reveal…

  206. Arenda says:

    Ooh, I’d choose Book #1.

    I have gone on a blind date with a book through our local library and… it was terrible! (Bleak Norwegian story about an arsonist.) I think the librarians picked books that had been neglected on their shelves (for good reason)! 🙂

  207. Janet says:

    I’m in 2 book groups so that’s sort of like having other people set you up on blind book dates? I love it because it has me reading things other than what I would pick for myself. I’m always excited to find out the new pick! In an effort to pick the book I would least pick myself, I choose #2.

  208. Katy Caldwell says:

    #3
    I think I’ve guessed #1 and have just read it. Also think I know #2 and have read it. If I’m right I loved both.

  209. Karen says:

    #1 – I’m going through a historical fiction phase! My local used bookstore is doing “blind date with a book” on Valentines Day and I’m planning to go, but it would be fun to date two books at once! ?

  210. Katy says:

    Oops, I mean I would pick #2. I think I’ve read #3 and if I’m right I loved it. Last week I picked up a blind date book at the library. The description was male, occupation author, hates war, loves to spend an evening at a cafe. It was Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast.

  211. Chele Zehnder says:

    #2 sounds perfect for me… I have seen similar at the book store, but afraid of commiting to an actual purchase! I would definitely try at the library though. Look forward to Friday’s reveal even if I don’t “win”.

  212. Sara says:

    They all sound great, but I have to say #3 sounds the most compelling to me. I am a sucker for social awkwardness (I can so relate!).

  213. As a librarian, I have done the book blind date before. It is surprisingly hard to write decent descriptions for a book without giving too much away. You have inspired me to make another round of them for next week. I think I am most interested in #1,because I love the sort of historical fiction that might feature a pandemic. Number #3 was sort of appealing to my unfiltered self, too, but I am choosing #1.

  214. Lis Moriarty says:

    #1 ALL THE WAY! Adoption – mothers & daughters always gets me to pick up a book – super excited about this one because I’m not sure at all what it is!

  215. Tiffany says:

    Number 2! This is fun! I’ve done this at a bookstore before, but I’d never though of a library doing it! I’m going to suggest that a my library!

  216. Crystal says:

    Sign me up for awkward — 3 sounds right up my alley! Can’t wait to see these revealed and add to my TBR :’D

  217. Jime Escalante says:

    #1 and #2 look incredibly interesting. But I think #2 has got my attention more!!!! I would love to win number 2!!!!

  218. Lillian says:

    #1 looks intriguing! I just picked up my first blind date with a book from my local library and I’d love to do another date with this book!

  219. Sue says:

    I’m really intrigued by Book #2. Maybe it’s because I’m relating to the COLD in all capital letters!!

  220. Victoria Bakrdjian says:

    I’m a sucker for mother-daughter stories and I love historical fiction, so I pick book #1! 🙂

  221. aimee ingerson says:

    Book #1 sounds very interesting; they ALL sound very interesting, but I would really be looking at the price tag of Number 1 if I were in a bookstore. Thank you for an inspiring contest!

  222. Denise Talen says:

    I can’t decided between 1 or 2. I have an idea of what 2 is, so if I had to pick, I think I would go with 1 because I have no idea what that one could be.

  223. Meg says:

    #3 Sounds the most intriguing to me. I’ve recently found your podcast WSIRN and I’ve fallen in love with it! I work at a bookstore so I’m always looking for new picks and interesting finds. We’re also setting up a Blind Date with a Book display, and it’s difficult finding books and what to say! Thanks for all you’re doing for us book-lovers!

  224. Ashley Crosby says:

    Book #1 would be my choice! Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres! I look forward to seeing your post on Friday and discovering what books these are!

  225. Amy says:

    #2 sounds good! I prefer not to know too much about books before I read them, so I’m not tainted and the story just evolves, so a blind date book sounds fantastic!

  226. Kate Greenwood says:

    Book #!
    The first and only time I’ve seen this in person was at the Red Lodge, Montana library while my husband and I took a rest in between days of mountain climbing.
    Thanks for the giveaway Anne 🙂

  227. Maureen says:

    No. 1 (cannot resist a good pandemic!)

    I’ve seen blind dates with books at my library and also at bookstores but I haven’t yet taken the plunge!

  228. Jenna says:

    I am intrigued by all three, but I would have to pick number 2! I can’t wait to find out what they are!!

  229. Pam says:

    #2 For me! You had me at “Dark” and sealed my interest with “small town” then curiosity kicked in with “cold”! Can’t wait to see what this book is. So exciting…this is fun! Thank you

  230. Kara says:

    I’d pick book #1.
    I know I’ve already read #3, and based on your clues, I think I just finished reading #2. How fun – can’t wait for Friday’s reveals.
    I think you should make this a regular thing. Even without a giveaway, this would be a fun way to get introduced to books we might not otherwise pick!

  231. Kirsten says:

    Oooooh, so fun! Thank you for the chance to win! They all sound fantastic, and I’m not confident in any of them, so well done. 🙂 I’m a sucker for historical fiction, so I think #1 is my first choice, but I’m intrigued by all three.

  232. Kathy says:

    Such an interesting way to choose a book. As a retired school librarian this would have been a great way to get students to read books. Wish I had thought of this! I am intrigued by book #2. Fingers crossed

  233. Timber says:

    All three sound like something I’d want to read! But if I had to pick , I’d say #1. I love historical fiction!

  234. Jenna says:

    #1. Thank you for doing this. Can’t wait to hear the titles. Happy Valentine’s (and galentine’s) Day to you!

  235. Caitlin Mallery says:

    I am interested in Number 1. The Mother’s and daughter storyline and historical fiction have me intrigued.

  236. Nicholette says:

    3 sounds more my type. I hate to say historical fiction is not my thing typically but unlikely friends with social awkwardness sounds great! I loved Eleanor and Park so this might be great.

  237. Cindy kozal says:

    What fun! I’m going to choose #3. I have ideas for 1 and 2 so I can’t wait to see what they are. Thanks Ann – your very creative!

  238. Christa says:

    I love historical fiction, but something about small-town grabs me. #2 please! Though I’d be happy to go on this adventure with any. Thanks Anne!

  239. Danielle says:

    #2 handsdown! 🙂 I think I have an inkling on book #1… My guess is that it was a recent pick for Reese Witherspoon’s book club…

  240. Carmen says:

    #1 is my first choice! I love historical fiction!

    #2 would be my second choice. I’m drawn in by the small town setting.

  241. Lisa D. says:

    Wow! Such fun! I “think” that I finished book #3 on July 4, 2016; and then I finished #2 on September 16, 2017, so I would love a chance at #1. (Having two daughters helps with that choice, too.). Thank you for creating such a fun puzzle. This sounds like a future project for my book club!

  242. Gloria says:

    I’d love to read book 2, it sounds right up my alley, specially cuddled up in my sofa with my dog and a hot cup of tea. x) Thank you for doing this!

  243. Rhonda Laws says:

    I’m really torn – I’m not a picky reader at all but I guess I’d pick #3 but only because two had the word dark in the description. But if I were in a bookstore I’d probably buy all three. Thank you for your generosity.

  244. Karen says:

    I would
    select book #3. Have not seen this done at any book stores in St. Louis yet. Fun to select a new read this way! Thanks for the opportunity, Anne.

  245. Peggy Minisi says:

    Number 3 please. I love historical fiction but my last 3 books were in that genre so number 3 sounds intriguing. Fun giveaway!

  246. Heather says:

    That is tough! I love historical fiction but #2 sounds the most intriguing. I did a blind date through my library. It was interesting.

  247. Elise says:

    I would choose #1 – I’m trying to read more historical fiction and I can never resist a book with that is described as having a “pandemic” in it!

  248. Susan E says:

    If it wasn’t a blind date, I’d say #1 because I love historical fiction. Since it’s a blind date and I should try something out of my comfort zone, I choose #3.

  249. LHouse says:

    I have always wanted to try this, but have not yet visited a bookstore where it is offered! I would pick book #2. It sounds intriguing!

  250. Anne says:

    I recently saw this at my local bookstore. I purchased 2. When I opened them I realize they were probably books that they couldn’t sell which kinda discouraged me.

    I think #3 from your lineup looks pretty interesting.

  251. Allison says:

    #1 would totally be my cup of tea! I love historical fiction and have fallen into a bit of a historical fiction war theme recently.

  252. Debbie Kristosik says:

    I’d love to go on a blind date with Book #2. I’ve gotten so many book ideas from your blogs.

  253. Cari Neff says:

    I would love to read a book from any of the categories. But since I have just finished several historical fictions, I would like to read something from #2

  254. Jen W. says:

    Oh my gosh this is such a cool idea! I’m going to try and get my local bookstore to do it! All three books sound intriguing but I confess that the word “pandemic” in Book 1 grabbed me. What does that say about me…

  255. Angie K says:

    They all sound perfect! I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction lately so let me go out on a limb and say number three. Doesn’t sound like something I would normally read but trying to broaden my horizons.

  256. Elizabeth Dehghani says:

    A fun idea 🙂 I’ve never bought a ‘blind book date’, but if I ever see one again, I’ll give it a go! I’m interested in #1, or #3. No ‘dark’ for me 🙂 Thank you Anne, for the intriguing post!

  257. Nina Rowan says:

    I pick 1. I’ve never been on a blind date but this one looks like one my husband wouldn’t mind me going on 🙂

  258. Cori says:

    Hard to choose between 2 or 3, but I am thinking I’ll go with 3. Books wrapped in brown paper with secret messages is the cutest idea!

  259. Page says:

    Number 2 sounds like a great read.
    Btw I can’t figure out what the books are by your descriptions, but they make me want to read all of them.

  260. Valerie says:

    Number 3: I love to read about unlikely characters that meet up and found they have more in common then they think.

  261. Mia B says:

    Wow they all sound so interesting #2 sounds like something I have not read in a while. This is a great idea! Thank you.

  262. Lissa says:

    Hmm, I can’t decide on #2 or #3. Both sound very intriguing. I have been definitely interested in getting out of my comfort zone and trying something new and both fit the bill!

  263. Adie says:

    #2 and #3 look like something I would like. I will choose #2 because of the word “dark.” I am always drawn to a little darkness in a book!

  264. Keisha Dawson says:

    #2 sounds like a book out of my comfort zone, so I have to go for that one. You never know, I might just love it!

  265. ShariZ says:

    All of your clues intrigue me! Always love a good family saga, so I’ll say #2. I’ve never tried a book blind date!

  266. Heather Kaufman says:

    I would be interested in #1. I have guesses as to what #2 and #3 are and if I am correct I have already read the books. Whatever happens I can’t wait to find out about more about the blind date books.

  267. Sarah says:

    They all sound intriguing, but I’m going with #1. We did this in our school library when I was teaching. Fun!

  268. Anna P says:

    I can’t decide between #1 and #3! #3 sounds like more of a typical read for me, while the themes in #1 are intriguing but I generally don’t go for historical fiction. I guess that’s what the blind date part is all about, right? Sooo. #1. Let’s go out and see what happens. 😉

  269. Mary Ann says:

    #2 – I have been suffering from book hangover all week and I think I need something dark and moody to get me over it already!

  270. Cathi Aloisi says:

    #3 looks interesting. It was so exciting to see this, as I work part-time in a small library and we did a similar promotion around April Fool’s Day last year. Until the patron had chosen their mystery
    book and checked it out, they didn’t know what they would be reading. All we asked is that they give the book a try, regardless of what they usually read. We had a lot of positive feedback and everyone enjoyed the mystery of it all. Thank you for this promotion.

  271. Laurie Houle says:

    #1 sounds intriguing, chosen from the word “Pandemic”. Being a nurse I am always interested in such things and considering the word “historical” think it would be especially interesting! I happened across your site for the first time this morning and love the notion of a blind date with a book! What a great idea!

  272. Lauren Kennedy says:

    #3 sounds awesome! I hope you reveal what each is after you send these out, because I am super interested in knowing what they are now!! 🙂

  273. Jennifer Bubb says:

    #1 looks like it’s up my alley. I love historical fiction and have read many books on the Spanish flu pandemic.

    Love the podcast!

  274. Aloha Rover says:

    This is such a great idea! I wish my local book store or library did something like this. Maybe I will suggest it! i’ve never even heard of it until I read your post.

    I think book number 2 sounds most interesting. I have no idea what it could be, but it combines a lot of interesting themes that tend to be in many fiction books that I read. Plus, being from a small town that is cold, I was immediately intrigued!

  275. Kialynne says:

    While none of these fit into what I would consider my go-to genres (as far as I can tell) I’m really intrigued by #2! Regardless of who wins I would love to find out what this one is at a later date.

  276. Denise P says:

    Never done a blind book-date before! I pick #3 since it doesn’t really sound like a book I would normally select for myself

  277. Judi Ranson says:

    Wow! How exciting.
    Have looked at the descriptions very carefully, tried to read between the lines (or get inside your head ?) and although I’ll try anything you’d chuck at me my blind date is number three – please!
    Judi

  278. Katy says:

    Number 1, because I enjoy historical fiction, but don’t stray from a few authors. The surprise is intriguing!

  279. Danielle says:

    Hmmm, hard toss up between #1 and #2. I love historical fiction and small town survival family drama sounds cool too. I guess I’d choose #2.

  280. Jimilyn Butt says:

    They all sound good; however #2 really intrigues me. So I’d love a blind date with Book #2.

    This feels a little bit like that old game show The Dating Game…Bachelor #1, Bachelor #2, or Bachelor #3. LOL!

  281. Lisa says:

    #1 – the “mothers and daughters” plus “historical fiction” sounds like a story made for me. Thanks for the fun contest

  282. Rebecca says:

    I love small towns and family sagas so looks like it would be #2 for me. Can’t wait to see the big reveal.

  283. Bethany G says:

    I’d pick #2! I think I own #1 and that I’ve read #3. We’ll see when you reveal them if I’m as clever as I think I am!

  284. Joey Lienert says:

    #1 all the way… I love stories about pandemics, especially if it is about the plague. If this is about the plague, I will be buying it right away! I guess you could say this is one of my niche fascinations 🙂

  285. Jenni says:

    I love this idea! So mysterious! The phrase “historical fiction” hooked me for book #1. Thank you for introducing us to this concept!

  286. Christine says:

    None of my local bookstores or library do “blind date” with a book. I do subscribe to two services that act in the same way- A Novel Subscription and Page 1 books. Both are wonderful ways to have a book surprise each month.
    All of them sound interesting. I think I would prefer#1, but who am I kidding?!? I’ll prpvably read them all once they’re revealed.
    Good luck everyone!

  287. DebiKT says:

    How fun is this? Totally unexpected. # 2 – dark and family saga and survival. I’ll ignore the cold for now… I live in Minnesota! LOL!

  288. Katie F says:

    I love this idea! #2 sounds right up my alley. My kids have been sick for the last few weeks with various illnesses (darn flu season!) so I’ve been trying to read more since I’m stuck in the house, but I’m dying to go to the bookstore are search the stacks.

  289. Michelle says:

    I think I’ve read number 3! And I can’t decide, but I guess number 1 is the one I’d pick first to read since I only have daughters! What a fun idea!

  290. Ruth Neff says:

    #1 sounds intriguing and fascinating!I’ve never had a blind date with a book, but have always wanted to try… I’m rather a fan of blind dates ever since meeting my husband on my last blind date two and a half years ago.

  291. Brooke says:

    As a fellow HSP, “dark” always means nervous, so I think I’d lean toward #1! (With #3 as a second choice!) What a fun thing to do!!

  292. Laura says:

    #2 sounds most intriguing to me. I’d love to see a breakdown of how many people said each number along with the reveal.

  293. Jessica says:

    Love this – such fun! Hard to choose, but #3 sounds like the one for me! Hope you reveal these to us all!

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