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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Sharing Beyond Books #32 Comment Giveaway January 21, 2012

Hello again SBB fans! Welcome to Saturday --- Sharing Beyond Books!

Thank you for commenting last week.
You guys did a great job of thinking of good occupations! Travel reporter or travel host would offer fun as would being a bookstore owner. Marybelle thought of Guardian Angel which is great choice! Now Louisa - I suppose a mental patient might have free time but I think I would worry about medication and treatment! :-0

I think favorite authors was the biggest influence on purchasing. Price was next. Covers, blurbs and even reviews are factors too. And Mystica has more difficulty than most of us because she has to choose when books are available.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #31 comments is: #4 lag123 (another commenter new to SBB!) There are still 9 'love' books to pick from, 3 Christmas choices and 2 Summer titles below. lag123 please 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 #32 Questions

Q1. This week Mad Moose Mama asks:  What do you wear to bed??  Are you a PJ's, nightgown or naked sleeper?? 
A:  When I was first married (many years ago) I wore slinky nightgowns. But for the past many years I wear warm pajamas if the bedroom is under 68 degrees (outside below 50) or a night T-shirt if it is warmer. One of mine is an Eeyore looking out of bed at a plateful of cookies saying "I woke up on the right side of bed!"  I couldn't find a picture so I choose this one.


Q2. Here is my question: Do you have a preference for short or long chapters??
A:  I really do prefer shorter chapters because they tend to be well focused on a point and they let you read quick bits if you only have a short time without stopping in the middle of something.  Some authors who really use short chapters are James Patterson, David Baldacci and Margaret Atwood. Do you know other authors who use short chapters?

[photo found at Modern Ekklesia]
~~~~
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 FormAt 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. :-)  The question list is getting low so feel free to send in a Q or 2 or 4! Remember they don't all have to be book related. I'm going to be asking some other questions soon! 

Your turn to share:

1. This week Mad Moose Mama asks: What do you wear to bed?? Are you a PJ's, nightgown or naked sleeper??


2. Do you have a preference for short or long chapters??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 12 books available plus 2 left in the Summer titles to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

My copy is a paperback from 2006
with a different cover.


A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles) 
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, January 27 at 10PM central.

Winners of Bossypants and Scrumptious!

Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS!

Giveaways Ended January 20





bn100

Patricia's Particularity


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

Friday, January 20, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Giveaway Pick January 20, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway, scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 

Another week has flown by.  Even with Monday off I feel like it was a rushed week.
Thank you to all who entered January 13 Pick.  There was only one Automatic winner this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). We have a lot of 3x requests so hopefully there will be several automatics next week.


Carol L asked for Rhapsody: A Love Story for 4 weeks with no blocks.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 13 Pick:

lilahshea chose Thinner

Linda H chose Baby and All


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. 


Here's a new bookshelf to start the year:
Has been read and Will be read!
Found at Style of Design


New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.
Endless Chain by Emilie Richards
Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie
Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice
Thinner by Stephen King
Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson
Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott
November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer
Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman
*Prime Time by Sandra Brown  
*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark
*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson
*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart 


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.)


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
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell
Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon
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)
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic
Death Angel by Linda Howard


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011


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

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.

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)
Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

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
Primary Colors - audio tapes
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:

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  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 298 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

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

List #14
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

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
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
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)

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Congratulations to the Winners of MBS Dreaming Hop!

I have to say I am so glad I used Rafflecopter for this giveaway Hop.  I didn't have to print out the spreadsheet and number the entries, including extras. So simple to go to Rafflecopter and click: pick winner!!
  • 2 Winners get a Book or two from your own "DREAM LIST" Up to $15.00 Value

    And the winners are...

    results powered by Random.org
    Entry #1172 Adeeb F.
    Entry #501 Lisa J.

    The winners have been emailed (Rafflecopter makes that easy too). 
    Happy book picking Adeeb and Lisa!

    Book Review: Smitten Anthology

    Delightful reading! "Smitten" is a perfect way to describe how you feel when you read these heartwarming stories of love, friendship and faith.
    • Paperback: 432 pages
    • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 20, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1401684947
    • ISBN-13: 978-1401684945
         Genre: Contemporary Romance
         My Rating: 4.25+ of 5.0

    Book Description
    Publication Date: December 20, 2011
    Welcome to Smitten, Vermont.
    With the help of four friends, it's about to become the most romantic town in America.

    The proposed closing of the lumber mill comes as unwelcome news for the citizens of Smitten. How will the town survive without its main employer? A close-knit group of women think they've got just the plan to save Smitten. They'll capitalize on its name and turn it into a tourist destination for lovers-complete with sweet shops, a high-end spa, romantic music on the square, and cabins outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs.

    But is this manly town ready for an influx of romantically-minded guests?

    Country music sensation Sawyer Smitten, the town's hometown hero, wants to help by holding his own wedding there on Valentine's Day. And little Mia's lavender wreaths hang all over town as a reminder that faith can work miracles. Along the way, four women spearheading the town's transformation-energetic Natalie, sophisticated Julia, graceful Shelby, and athletic Reese-get in the spirit by reviving their own love lives.

    Join best-selling inspirational romance authors (and real-life BFFs) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for an inspiring stay at the (soon-to-be) most romantic town on the eastern seaboard.

    One visit . . . and you'll be smitten too.

    Review:
    This really is adorable! The four friends are like close sisters and they have the grit and determination to initiate changes to save their town. The mill is closing so the four decide to turn the town into a romantic getaway. After all, the name Smitten fits the desired new image. Of course the men in town resist what they think will turn their town into a frilly girl place that is going to fade around them.

    The four stories have different voices but fit together beautifully. They each have varying faith issues of forgiveness, trust, independence and pride that they have to overcome. The Biblical references are well placed and appropriate in the lives of the Christian characters. They are shared in the natural circumstances so they aren’t really preachy but are rather a reminder of God’s safe control and desire for the best in our lives.

    There is a fun forward and a Reading Group Guide as well as "Conversation over Coffee with the Authors" describing how the authors got together to work up the anthology. There is a brief blog post here:  http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

    I would recommend reading any of these authors for warm characters and engaging plots. I look forward to reading more by each of them. I rate each story as 4.25 and the whole package gets extra bonus for working so well together!

    Natalie: Birthday Wishes by Colleen Coble
    Natalie’s father left when she was young and she doesn't trust men or relationships. Carson is a dependable businessman in town but Natalie’s sister, Lisa, has named him as the father of her daughter, Mia.  Natalie is raising the adorable Mia who is making lavender wreaths for the doors. The wreaths are to give the townspeople hope during the difficult times.

    When Carson’s country star brother agrees to be married in Smitten, Natalie is able to talk Carson into updating the old fishing cabins he owns. He can’t see it until she begins to describe the changes and becomes his assistant to remodel. As they work closely together they are drawn to notice each other as more than just friends.  Natalie has to find forgiveness and learn to trust if she wants to allow love to remodel her own life. 


    Julia: Small Town, Big Dreams by Kristin Billerbeck
    Julia has returned from New York to take care of her injured mother. Her friends encourage her to set up a spa like the one she ran in the city. A big city fellow comes to town to give her advice and to consider investing in her plans. He recommends that she rent space that is owned by rugged Zak who has the local rustic grill. It is a beautiful setting but Julia has always had a crush on her older brother’s best friend, Zak. She claims that she can’t envision a spa next to the smells of a rustic grill even though Zak is remodeling his restaurant. 

    Zak has always liked Julia but promised her brother that he would look after Julia and never try to seduce her. But he’ll chase away that city slicker and remodel the space for her spa because he knows she can make it work even if she doesn’t think so.  Can Julia find enough faith to risk telling Zak how she really feels or will she run back to New York?


    Shelby: You’ve Got a Friend by Diann Hunt
    Shelby tends to be a little accident prone but her friend Nick is always there coaching her on safety and rescuing her. Shelby isn’t really a socialite, she just appreciates fashion and teaches Social Graces to young girls so they will have nice manners and deportment. Nick is a strong lumberman and doesn’t see himself as someone Shelby could fall for. Besides, Nick has an ex-wife who left because she wanted the society things that Smitten and Nick couldn’t offer. But when Nick’s ex-wife dies and his preteen daughter comes to live with him its Shelby’s turn to rescue him by helping with this sweet lost young girl.  Meanwhile Shelby’s long absent father moves in and they begin to rebuild their relationship. 

    When Shelby and Nick grow closer Shelby knows she has to tell him of her secret. She has had to learn to put aside the guilt and forgive herself but will she be able to forgive Nick when he judges her for her past?


    Reese: All Along by Denise Hunter
    Reese and Griffen were best buddies in high school. When Reese was preparing to marry Sawyer Smitten Griffen left town to hide his broken heart. He is back in town now to help with all of the renovations and to see if he can’t show Reese how he really feels. Too bad that Reese seems to be struggling with her old feelings for her ex-fiancé who is coming back to town to marry someone else. 

    Reese is working hard on setting up her outfitters shop and she is really glad to have her good friend Griffen there for support. But suddenly she sees him as more than a good friend. She decides to take plans into her own hands, even if it means a little deception. But her plans to make Griffen jealous backfire when he thinks she is trying to make Sawyer jealous.

    Reese realizes how God must feel loving us so much when we don’t always love him back. Can she get out of her own tangled web before Griffen leaves town again?
     I received this book for review from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
    This book will be linked to Vermont in my Where are you reading map; it will also go towards my ARC challenge.

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