Giveaway- "Georgia's Kitchen" by Jenny Nelson

A few weeks ago, I was offered the opportunity to combine my love of books and food, via an advanced copy of author Jenny Nelson's debut novel: Georgia's Kitchen.  The press release I received from the Booksparks PR company describes the story much better than I could, so here goes:

(cover image also courtesy of Booksparks PR)

"Talented chef Georgia Gray, 33, has everything a woman could want—the top job at one of Manhattan’s best restaurants, a posse of smart and savvy gal pals who never let her down, and a platinum-set, cushion-cut diamond engagement ring courtesy of Glenn, the handsome entertainment lawyer who Georgia’s overbearing mother can’t wait for her to marry. The table is set for the ambitious bride-to-be until a scathing restaurant review destroys her reputation. To add salt to her wounds, Glenn suddenly calls off the wedding.

Brokenhearted, Georgia escapes to the Italian countryside, where she sharpens her skills at a trattoria run by a world-class chef who seems to have it all—a devoted lover, a magnificent villa, and most importantly, a kitchen of her own. Georgia quells her longings with Italy’s delectable offerings: fine wine, luscious cheeses, cerulean blue skies, and irresistible Gianni, an expert in the vineyard and the bedroom. So when Gianni tempts Georgia to stay in Italy with an offer no sane top chef could refuse, why can’t she say yes?

An appetite for something more looms large in Georgia’s heart – the desire to run her own restaurant in the city she loves. But having left New York with her career in flames, she’ll need to stir up more than just courage if she’s to realize her dreams and find her way home."

This is a great debut novel by author Jenny Nelson - seamlessly combining my love of food and chick-lit-type light reading in one story.  I especially liked the depictions of the restaurant business, particularly as it relates to women in the industry.  Georgia's passion for food and cooking is v. clear throughout, and made me crave Italian food with every chapter I finished, haha.  And let's be honest, I think lots of us have at least considered traveling (or making another type of Big change in our lives) to seek out what else is out there for us, at least at one point or another.  I really liked how the story developed around Georgia and her circle of family and friends, as they related to the ups and downs of her life.  

And now- for the really fun part!  Not only did Booksparks PR provide me with a copy of the book (out tomorrow, August 3rd), but they also have offered to send a copy to one of YOU, my lovely blog readers, woo!  

Here are the rules:

• Enter to win one (1) new copy of Georgia's Kitchen by commenting to this post and telling me your favorite Italian/Italian-American dish.  FYI, because you're clearly dying to know, my long-time favorite is Linguine with (White) Clam Sauce, yum.
• Giveaway will run from 10:00AM August 2nd - 8:00PM August 3rd (Eastern Standard Time).
  
• Winner will be chosen at random and notified via e-mail (so please make sure there is a valid e-mail address attached to your entry, haha).  The winner's name will be announced on my blog later this week (pending winner verification).
• One entry per person, please.
• This giveaway is valid to residents of the US and Canada only. 

Good luck!