Good evening! Or perhaps I should say good morning, because frankly I scheduled this post for 6P.M. and now it is most certainly not 6P.M. but instead I believe farmers around the country are waking to start their day. In case you’re wondering, this means that the Technology Elves were out to get me. However, that’s neither here nor there! The real issue at hand is this awesome giveaway that is taking place in this very entry. Focus!

Last year, I declared myself the president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer for the Maureen Johnson Appreciation Society. It was not in jest; even now, a year later, I think back on my experience of Johnson’s novel, Suite Scarlett, with the warm glow of good times: the fantastic sibling relationships, the zany antics of the side-characters, Scarlett’s obvious enjoyment of being a teenager, where so often in many books being a teen is more a cross to bear. SIDENOTE: I am quite aware that being a teen is oftentimes a cross to bear! However, sometimes it is a like a delicious dessert to read a novel where the protagonist is simply enjoying rolling with the birthdays instead of suffering through them. Suite Scarlett was a wonderful story and so when I was approached to host a giveaway for the paperback, I jumped so high it is quite possible that I am still floating.

Let’s talk about this cover. I loved the cover for the hardcover release, but after seeing this cover, I am almost—just almost, mind you—tempted to pass my hardcover copy on to someone else and replace it with this one, which I find just lovely. A key! The city skyline! It is a true story this novel is practically leaking NYC all over the reader. I would want this version of the book; don’t you?

Synopsis: When Scarlett Martin turns fifteen she is put in charge of the Empire Suite, one of the rooms in her family’s hotel. Enter Mrs. Amberson, an aging C-list starlet who decides to employ Scarlett. Soon, she is taking dictation, running around New York City, and getting caught up in Mrs. Amberson’s crazy adventures. In the midst of it all, Scarlett falls in love—or so she thinks—and it takes Mrs. Amberson to help her see the light. To entice you, here is a video of Maureen Johnson doing what she does best, which is being hilarious (who wants multiple videos of outtakes? Because I sure do.)

RECAP: I am hosting this awesome giveaway of five (5) copies of Suite Scarlett in paperback. If you haven’t read this book, why not? You must immediately enter this contest! Perhaps you have a friend who hasn’t read it! Think what an awesome surprise gift this would make. The possibilities are endless. There will be five winners! You could be one of them.

To enter this contest, simply leave a comment below. For an extra entry, tell some folks about this giveaway on your blog/twitter/preferred social media site, and leave an additional comment with the link. After you enter, feel free to pass the time waiting for the results by reading one (or all!) of Johnson’s other stories:

• Girl at Sea
• Devilish
• 13 Little Blue Envelopes
• The Bermudez Triangle
• The Key to the Golden Firebird
• Vacations from Hell
• Let It Snow

The contest is open to residents of the U.S. with physical mailing addresses (no P.O. boxes). The deadline for entering is July 7th, 2009. Good luck!

[Suite Scarlett @ Amazon | this is POINT]

eta: You can also enter another contest for this book over at The Compulsive Reader for more chances to win the book. :D