Congratulations to Helen, Jane, Glynis and Karen, winners in the October draw for the 'Definitive Guide to Home Exchanging' by Chris and Hannah Alford. We look forward to receiving short book reviews from our winners (a mix of experienced exchangers and first timers) and will include some of their comments in the December newsletter.

If you didn't win a copy of the guide in the draw, you can still use the code, OTABCQ2KGR for a 50% discount on the regular price, £8.97. Click here for more details and to download a copy

The following story is one of three runners-up in the "Win a Kindle" competition:

"We have just completed our first ever home exchange to the Sunshine State of Florida. What an amazing experience! As new exchangers we were understandably slightly apprehensive, but we could not have enjoyed our holiday more.

After a long journey (involving planes, trains and automobiles!) we arrived in Englewood, Florida. The house was so welcoming and we loved having our own private pool. We exchanged cars as well, which was great and we explored as much of Florida as we could during our four week stay there. We found some fantastic places including the most beautiful sunset at Venice Isles, whilst watching wild dolphins. Some memories will stay with us forever.

We really don't have any negative comments to make, but we particularly liked the fact that you have so much freedom and so many home comforts available during home exchange. We have another exchange organised to Switzerland for Xmas and New Year and we are very excited about this - and the world of opportunity which home swapping opens up"

Anne Shearer

Anne and husband Danny live in a beautiful 200 year old country cottage, in an idyllic Scottish village. See full details of their attractive home swap offer here