***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries – see who won below!***
And the random winner who’s about to get their read and their DIY on is… Julie Smith (who said we’d see her at her desk in the office daydreaming about going home to finish painting her half-completed bathroom). Congratulations, Julie!
If you like stories about a young couple tackling their first home renovation, then Jen Lancaster’s latest paperback, If You Were Here, should be on your reading list. Jen’s voice is consistently hilarious and relatable, and her take on home improvement misadventures is both entertaining and unexpectedly poignant. We were thrilled when she mentioned us on her blog last year, and now that the book is out in paperback, we thought it was the perfect time to celebrate with a giveaway.
This giveaway included a signed-feel prize pack designed for readers who love DIY tales and practical treats: a copy of If You Were Here paired with a $100 Home Depot gift card — more useful than a simple bookmark, and perfect for anyone mid-project or planning a weekend refresh.
- PRIZE: A copy of “If You Were Here” by Jen Lancaster and a $100 Home Depot gift card
- HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post containing the phrase “IF YOU WERE HERE” and answer the bonus question below.
- BONUS QUESTION: Tell us what we might see if we were with you right now. Would it be the latest home project you’re tackling? The crowded subway you commute on? Or the sandwich you’re enjoying at your desk? Share a brief snapshot of your current scene.
- GIVEAWAY DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 7th at 8pm EST, or when entries reach 10,000 — whichever comes first.
- NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
- ELIGIBILITY: Prize ships to the 48 contiguous United States. We try to offer international giveaways when possible.
- RULES: One entry per email address. The winner will be chosen at random and announced in an update to this post the following Thursday. Be sure to check back here for the winner announcement. Good luck!
Note: We’re not paid or otherwise compensated to host this giveaway — we do these events simply to thank our readers for stopping by. See our Giveaway FAQ for more information. Images courtesy of Penguin Books.
Why this giveaway felt right for our community: so many readers here enjoy the messy, funny, and heartwarming parts of renovating a home. Whether you’re mid-demo or just dreaming about the perfect paint color, Jen Lancaster’s novel captures those small domestic dramas with humor and warmth. Pairing the book with a Home Depot gift card felt like a natural fit — a little reading pleasure plus a practical nudge toward finishing that next project.
Even if you missed this giveaway, there are plenty of ways to stay involved. Keep an eye on our regular posts for future book features, product recommendations, and giveaways that cater to readers and DIYers alike. We love hearing about your own projects and daily scenes, and the “IF YOU WERE HERE” responses painted a vivid picture of life across kitchens, commuter trains, and cozy corners where readers unwind with a good book.
Thanks again to everyone who entered and shared a slice of their day with us. We appreciate your enthusiasm and the community you help build here — from renovation triumphs to lunchtime confessions, your stories make this space feel lively and inspiring. Stay tuned for more chances to win and more reads to enjoy.