Sharing Beyond Books #27 Comment Giveaway December 17, 2011

Welcome once again to Sharing Beyond Books! 8 days left until Christmas. 
Thank you for commenting last week - everyone else's industry helped stir me to get more done.

Most all of us like both series and stand alones although several prefer series for the "family" of characters and the world building. Marybelle prefers stand alones and Linda and Llehn have no real preference.

I am glad that many of you are mostly ready for Christmas. I made progress this week by finishing most of the necessary present purchases. We even bought a tree today which we'll trim tomorrow. It is so nice that mamabunny13 is helping her daughters to get together for the holidays. I bet they will have a great time.

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The Winner from SBB #26 comments is: #6 Mystica who will most likely get a GC or pick a book at the Book Depository. There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 4 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below. Mystica please let me know if you want a GC or choose a book from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway or remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, the one summer book below OR pick from the ARC box and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #27 Questions

Q1. This week MaryP asks:  Do you read books, for pleasure, that are considered classics: Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte etc?? 

A:  I occasionally do read classics. Not because I don't want to but because often they are re-reads and I have to decide to fit one in my schedule every now and then.  I'm not quite sure which authors fit in the "classics." Just this week I purchased Fahrenheit 451, which I think of as a classic, on Audio to listen to it soon.  

Q2. I have a book and holiday question - Do you have a favorite holiday story that you read during the holiday season?? (Oops I realized this was an Enquiring minds Q last year. Hope you don't mind the repeat.)

A:  First, I do always like to read the nativity story in the gospel of Luke, which is read either at church or I read myself. Only occasionally have we read that together as a family.  The secular story that we read more often is The Night Before Christmas.

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Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask.  Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form.  At the end of each month I will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far.  Either way - it works for me. :-)

Your turn to share:

1. This week Mary P asks a book Q: Do you read books, for pleasure, that are considered classics: Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte etc??

2. Do you have a favorite holiday story that you read during the holiday season??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 14 books available plus 2 left in the Summer titles to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

The Days of Summer: A Novel

My copy is a paperback from 2006

with a different cover.

A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles)
I love Susan Wigg's historicals!

SBB Rules: a) Must be a follower; 
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, December 23 at 10PM central.

Three Winners of Headover Heels

CONGRATULATIONS 

to the Winners of

Three Copies of Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

Carol W, Linda K and Pat L.

ALL WINNERS please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form so I can mail the books and calendars out to winners.  Please reply within 72 hours! 

Book Review and eBook Giveaway: Gift of the Heart by Suzanne Barrett

This author writes reliably heartwarming stories.
Gift of the Heart

by Suzanne Barrett

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 295 KB
• Print Length: 65 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (October 8, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005U53DKE

    Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance
    My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Amy Wilson struggles to make a home for herself and her small son in the Northern California town of Riverton. Widowed and alone, and saddled with debt from her husband’s failed business, she vows to pay off his creditors herself and remain independent from her overbearing in-laws.

Shay McHugh is dissatisfied with his life. At thirty-three, he has a home on the river which he has just remodeled, a white Porsche, a powerboat, and a position as manager of Riverton’s ValuKing Supermarket. But lately he finds life doesn’t offer the fulfillment he craves. Something is lacking. When he meets Amy, he has an overwhelming desire to protect her, which is exactly the thing Amy has been escaping. Can the two set aside their differences and make room for love?

Review: This is a sweet romance for a Christmas treat.
Amy is a loving and caring mother. She escaped her family to marry a man who charmed her until they were married. Then he revealed his true abusive and overbearing nature. Jonathan died three years before leaving her a pile of debt. At least she has her wonderful son, Josh. She has left her home town to get away from her critical and controlling parents and in-laws. On her way to start a new life with a friend her car gives out and she is stranded in the small town of Riverton.
Amy is lucky enough to find a friendly welcome in town with a waitress job and a small cabin.

 As she tries to settle in she meets
Shay McHugh is a well established business man who has a lovely but empty house. As he watches friends enjoying their families he begins to think something is missing in his own life. His attention is caught by the beautiful Amy and sweet little Josh.  It is apparent that Amy is struggling but she refuses to swallow her pride and accept help.

Slowly Shay charms his way into Amy and Josh’s lives.  Amy continues to resist having her independence and decisions controlled by anyone, even this wonderfully handsome and nice man.  Will Amy’s fear from her past prevent her from realizing a full loving relationship with Shay? Or will she be able to realize all that he is willing to share with her if she can give the ‘gift of her heart’?

These characters come alive as you root for them to get together. Josh is a sweet addition as a well behaved little boy with lots of little boy wishes.  The community is charming and quaint as small towns can be. The author adds in some traditions regarding Saint Lucia which added interest. Once again Ms. Barrett's smoothl writing portrays warm characters in a realistic and engaging situation. This novella makes a perfect quick read to slip in during the holiday season or anytime you want a heart lift.  

Thank you to Ms. Barrett for the book to read and review. She has graciously offered to give away an eBook copy to a lucky commenter.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest  is Open Worldwide.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 23, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 24. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick December 16, 2011

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 
NOTE to you Audio lovers - Timesplash Audio giveaway closes on Monday!!
Friday again -- I've been a bit scattered with my assistant out for medical difficulties. 

Thank you to all who entered December 9 Pick.  There were Three Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).

Elizabeth L has asked for Rogue Stallion for 4 weeks with no blocks.
Linda Kish has asked for Bone Cold for 4 weeks with no blocks.
Lieder has asked for A Little Magic for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from December 9 Pick:

Carol W chose Lots Highways

Mona chose Cause for Alarm

and
Abby gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy +plus - I am still low on just sweet. 

Vintage books made into a tree; 
Freshly Found/Vinatge refreshed.

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

Skin Tight by Susan Andersen  (Cover has one thin black marker stripe)
Hour Game by David Baldacci
After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)
The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley
Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey
Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver
Lucifer Rising by Barbara Fifield
Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag (spine wear)
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
Sweet Vengeance by Kat Martin
Lost Highways by Curtiss Ann Matlock
The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell
Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon
Cause for Alarm by Erica Spindler
Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods


New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October - Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)
Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards (spine wear)
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic
Death Angel by Linda Howard
A Marked Man by Stella Cameron
Bone Cold by Erica Spindler (spine wear)

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook

Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

Primary Colors - audio tapes

A Little Magic

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways. 

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I have posted 24 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 286 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17

Scavenger by David Morrell
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Special Savings and Giveaways at eTreasures for Christmas

eTreasures is celebrating Christmas with our friends by giving a 12% discount for twelve days of Christmas shopping from December 13 through December 24, 2011.  You can pick up the code on the home page of the bookstore.

Also check out Twelve days of Christmas giveaways at eTreasures Publishing blog:

To celebrate this great time of year we're hosting 12 of our amazing authors on a whirlwind tour which will culminate with the awarding of some amazing ebooks!  THREE WAYS TO WIN!

#1 Individual post Giveaways:

An author's ebook (and maybe a print book for some) will be offered with each day's post. All comments are considered an entry and everyone who subscribes to our newsletter will get a bonus entry tell us if you are an old or new subscriber.  The post giveaways will be open three days each.

#2 ALSO: At the end of the Twelve day tour one lucky winner from all comments will get a collection of goodies from our authors.

#3  Each of our authors will post for the next twelve days leaving small treasures you can 'collect'.  At the end you will have until 12/26 midnight to submit a Treasure entry to us via email to: etpauthorscontact (at) gmail.com. You must send a list of the 12 authors and the treasure with their post to be entered for an eTreasures Christmas Grand Prize Package. The package includes an eBook download of Joy Brook's brand new novella release Christmas Wish; a $12.00 coupon for any items (ebooks or print) at eTreasures;  and a $12.00 gift card of winner's choice (provided gc available, i.e Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, etc.).  There will be a winner for every twelve entries up to four total winners.