Congratulations to the winners of the last contest. Carol K. of Omaha, NE won ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas. Melissa K. of Merrimack, NH will receive The Amish Wife. The books are in the mail.

This week, again, I have two books that are very different to give away.

Olivia Matthews’ Murder Out of Character is a signed Peach Coast Library Mystery, published by Hallmark. It will appeal to readers who enjoy Hallmark mystery movies. It’s a book with humor, intrigue, and a hint of romance featuring Marvey, a small-town librarian. Marvey, still adjusting to life in Peach Coast, Georgia, is at a library fundraising event when she comes across a list of four names. One is the name of someone who recently died—and who may have been murdered. Another is Spencer Holt, the handsome newspaper owner who’s become one of Marvey’s best friends. The four people appear to have nothing in common other than living in Peach Coast. Spencer dismisses the list at first, but before long, he has to admit he may be in danger. As Marvey prepares for a visit from her parents, can she, Spencer, and their intrepid librarian friends stop a killer bent on long overdue revenge?

Shoji Morimoto’s Rental Person Who Does Nothing is the Japanese memoir, translated into English, that I reviewed earlier this week. Shoji Morimoto was constantly being told by his boss, “It makes no difference whether you’re here or not,” and that his presence contributed nothing to the company. Morimoto began to wonder whether a person who “does nothing” could still have actual value and a place in the world. Perhaps he could turn “doing nothing” into a service? With one tweet, Rental Person was born.

Rental Person provides a fascinating service to the lonely and socially anxious. This book details some of his true-life adventures:

• Accompanying a divorcee to her favorite restaurant
• Waving goodbye to a client from the train platform
• Sitting in the courtroom during a client’s trial

Which book would you like to win? You can enter to win both, but I need separate entries. Email me at Lesa.Holstine@gmail.com. Your subject line should read either “Win Murder Out of Character” or “Win Rental Person.” Please include your name and mailing address. The giveaway will end Thursday, Jan. 18 at 5 PM ET. Entries from the U.S. only, please.