What's better than finding books under the Christmas tree? Maybe a Border's gift card? How about both? And a small stash of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? Yes, I am the luckiest girl on Earth. I'm not even going to try to deny it.

First, the books that were actually under the tree:

Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein - Austin is actually my neighbor. I'm super excited to read this book about the charity he started to help families in Africa. The Gutweins gave me an extra copy (that Austin has promised to sign) to give away. It will all be happening later in the month, so stay tuned ... In the meantime, check out his website here.

Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld - My husband bought this one for me. We all need to eat healthier, so I'm going to give deception a try ...

Lion House Bakery cookbook (not pictured) - I love these cookbooks published by Deseret Book. The Lion House is a cozy restaurant in Salt Lake City, housed in the home Brigham Young built for his family in 1856. The food is excellent, the recipes are easy to follow and it's all just YUM.

My 5-year-old got this one for me, since he was my Secret Santa this year. He looked a little confused when I thanked him for it as he'd never seen it before. Hee hee. Sometimes you have to help your Secret Santa out a little, you know?

Books purchased with Border's gift card:

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett - I know little about collecting rare books (although I know all about loving books too much), so I thought this true story would make an interesting read. It's all about a book thief, the people he ripped off and the detective who hunted him down.

If A Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko - This one was all of $3. I love Choldenko's books about Al Capone, so I figured I'd give this one a try.

How NOT to Write A Novel by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman - What I really need to know is How TO Write A Novel, but I think that's actually what this one's all about. Someone on here recommended this to me - I'm excited to read it.

Voodoo Dreams by Jewell Parker Rhodes - I didn't know this until I saw an article about Rhodes in The Arizona Republic, but she is a local author. This is the first book in Rhodes' Marie Laveau series. It's all about a voodoo priestess in mid-19th Century New Orleans. It sounds fascinating.

Ruined by Paula Morris - I didn't realize this one was also about New Orleans, but it is. It's a ghost story, and I'm already loving it.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier - Does this one really need an explanation? After all the hoopla over this one, I'm curious to see what I think.

Speaking of bookish goodies, tomorrow's the last day for my 500th post celebration giveaway. You could win the book of your choice from Amazon. So, click on over and enter. Good luck!