Sharing Beyond Books #51 Comment Giveaway June 2, 2012

Welcome to SBB! I hope everyone is doing well as we head toward summer! I spent the day working on clearing my desk so I'd be ready to go on a cruise this week. Then I had to come home and pack. So this is late and I am very tired.

Thank you to all those who commented last week.

It was interesting to learn of the Asian authors that were shared. I am glad to have the post to refer back to in the future.

I was rather surprised that most of the graduation celebrations seemed to be low key. I guess we are not a big party crowd...all of us bookish people. :-).

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The Winner from SBB #50 comments is: #5 mamabunny13. There are still 7 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Mamabunny please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, 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 #51 Questions

Q1.  I am splitting a Q that Carol L. asked into two questions tonight: What book would you say is your favorite??

A:   (This goes along with the current Hop too.) My favorite book is not the same as that which touched me the most (unless I pick the Bible). It is really hard to pick just one favorite book and it would even be hard to pick one favorite author. I actually looked back at 10 years worth of lists to try to answer this question. It brought to mind authors I want to read and books I planned to get!  As noted, if I had to pick one author I am having a hard time deciding between Catherine Coulter, Christina Dodd, Iris Johansen or Merline Lovelace. I pick these four because they offer a variety of historical, suspense and even paranormal. But back to the question...I have tried now for over half an hour while I packed to think of one favorite book. I will pick Lightening by Dean Koontz - I can't say he's a fav author but I do have that book as a repeat favorite. (But I reserve the right to change my favorite choice in the future.)

Q2. What book touched you more than any other??

A: I had a similar book question on my list... what book changed your life. Other than the Bible the book I think of as having touched me more than any other is This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. The book portrays demons whispering to men and angels being given strength by the prayers of the people. That book changed my view of demons and angels and changed my prayer life because it became more real and important to me. Thank you Mr. Peretti for touching my life!

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. :-)  The question list is being replenished!  Thanks for sending in questions!   Questions in May were contributed by mamabunny13, Sarah, Margaret and Abby. The random.org picked winner is Sarah - Sarah please pick a book or GC if you are international and let me know through the winner form link above.

Your turn to share:

1. Carol L. asked two questions tonight: What book would you say is your favorite??
 
2. What book touched you more than any other??
 
SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 9 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Review and ARC Box now.

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, June 8, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Henny on the Couch by Rebecca Land Soodak

This is a well written, intense story, and I recommend it especially for those who enjoy real to life drama that might make you ponder about your own life.

Henny on The Couch

by Rebecca Land Soodak

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: 5 Spot; Original edition (March 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446574260
• ISBN-13: 978-0446574266

Genre: Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

Kara Caine Lawson has worked hard to become the woman she is-wife, mother and successful shop owner. Having survived a turbulent childhood, Kara understands that life could've just as easily gone another way . . . and even if she isn't gliding through the trials of lost library books, entitled customers and routine date nights, at least she's not sipping a Dewar's all day like her mother did.

But then Kara unexpectedly encounters paintings by her now-famous college boyfriend just as she's beginning to suspect that her daughter Henny's difficulties may be the sign of something serious, and all of her past decisions are thrown into dramatic relief.

Kara's narration, at turns heartbreaking and hilarious, captures the imperfect thoughts we have about ourselves and those around us. Rebecca Land Soodak's debut novel asks the difficult questions about the choices we make while revealing the minute details that end up defining our lives.

Review:

This story is told in first person by Kara, a forty-ish wife and mother of three children, Adam, aged 10, Henny age 7, and Max a 3 year old toddler.  Kara is part owner in a successful children’s hair salon, Little Scissors, located in Upper East Side, New York.

When Kara sees a gallery show of art from her college boyfriend, Oliver, she becomes conflicted. What if she had pursued her own painting desires instead of marrying, having children and opening the salon with Willa?  Are the nannys she hires good for her children and is she being a good mother providing a nanny as well as dividing her time between the children and her business?

Her business partner, Willa, with the help of Willa’s new personal partner, Victoria, a Public Relations specialist, is looking to move the shop location and expand the business. Kara’s comfortable husband of many years, Michael, is a successful architect and his business is also looking to grow and expand to global customers. Kara is resistant to Willa’s ideas for expansion and she is even more resistant when Michael proposes that they move to Los Angeles. What direction does Kara want for her life now that she is being pulled in so many directions?

Kara’s dilemma is really the story but Henny’s behavior brings to focus some issues that were never known or recognized for Kara. When Henny shows difficulty in reading and keeping up with other children of her age Kara becomes concerned and finally seeks evaluation that reveals a learning disorder.

Kara’s close friend Morgan adds to Kara’s confusion as Morgan pursues a growing affair because of the excitement she finds. Kara doesn’t approve even though she has some admiration for Morgan’s confidence and vitality. Morgan is the one who encourages Kara to take a deeper look at her own dreams and desires.

The story rocks in time from Kara’s current day conflicts in 2007-2008, her college affair from 1982 to 1987 and her childhood years in the '70s when she struggled growing up with a “has been” starlet mother who spirals down into alcoholism. Each chapter announces the year so the reader can easily identify the time-line and characters for that period. I enjoyed this method of developing Kara’s character by showing her difficult childhood that carried into her shyness and neediness in the college affair, as well as her doubts and conflicting emotions in her current circumstances.

Although I thought the book started a little slowly, after passing the mid point I was anxious to read on to learn what would happen. The story is very well written and easy to read.  I like to stretch my reading to include fiction that I might not otherwise read. Choosing this book was one of those stretches as it is not a genre I read a lot.  I found it interesting but I have to acknowledge that, for entertainment and relaxation, I prefer fantasy fiction to real life drama fiction. Those who appreciate the internal struggles of artists would enjoy Ms. Soodak's emotional debut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kara's thoughts to consider:

Comments on Oliver:

...Being around him alters me. It doesn’t matter if this monumental change is microscopic, invisible to the human eye....I’m no longer the same. I always wanted to be...no longer the same. Page 27.

Early wisdom -viewing life as a movie at age 10:

Without even trying, I realize something about my movie. It doesn’t matter if I’m moving toward something or trying to get away. I may only be ten years old, but I’m suddenly aware that there’s little difference between the two. Page 67

Talking to Morgan about current day, grown up stuff:

“...You’d think I’d be used to it by now. Husband. Three kids. Businesses. Partners. Mortgages. Homes. It’s all so...substantial. Very high-stakes, grown-up decisions.” Page 199

Thank you to Hachette for providing this book for review.

This is set in New York for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to the ARC and New Author challenge lists.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.  This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 8, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 9. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 1, 2012

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

Friday Morning ADD ON - BTW I was so tired I forgot to ask for your vote on my Audio love post at Audiobook Community. Here is the link if you get a chance and would be so kind :-):

 https://www.facebook.com/audiobookcommunity/app_308816365872891

Hi all. Ohhh I am so glad it is Friday and I am soooo tired as I prepare this post. :-) It is a labor of love of course as I love sharing books with those who want to read! Sadly I am not going to BEA next week but my DH surprised me with a cruise - he got a great deal. So next week I will be posting from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. YAY!

Thank you to all who entered May 25 Pick.  There were TWO 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).
There were two picks blocked by multiple requests.
Elizabeth chose Not Looking for a Texas Man
Carol W chose I.O.U.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from May 25 Pick:

Linda K chose Sleeping Arrangements
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 and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Has anyone seen this beach spot?
Mmmmm - Books!!
Image found at STIGLITZ 

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Sleeping Arrangements by Madeline Wickham

Game Over by Fern Michaels

Forever Victoria by Dorothy Garlock

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

Gentle From the Night Meagan McKinney (spine creased)

In Too Deep by Tina Wainscott

Gabriel's Lady by Ana Seymor

Wildflower by Jill Marie Landis

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

*Shades of Grace by Barbara Delinsky (audio tapes)

Nightshade by John Saul

The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin

Cross Country by James Patterson

Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

An Earl to Enchant by Amelia Grey (spine damage)

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

When Dreams Come True by Cathy Maxwell (slight spine wear)

A Week in Winter by Marcia Willett

Slow Heat by Erica Spindler

The Trouble with Joe by Emilie Richards

Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon

September Morning by Diana Palmer

Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)

The Amazing Mrs. Polifax by Dorothy Gilman

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly
*Not Looking for a Texas Man by Lass Small
*Ladies Start Your Engines

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.

Nora Roberts
     Inner Harbor (#3 Cheasapeake Bay Series) and Blue Dahlia (SC) (#1 In the Garden Trilogy -(nice trilogy!)
Dick Francis
     Smokescreen (SC) and Field of Thirteen

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown  

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

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.)

Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey

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

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

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.

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)

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:

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  posted 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

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 361 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

List #15---

List #14

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

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

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)

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

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

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

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)

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop June 1-6 Open Worldwide

WELCOME TO MY FAVORITE READS GIVEAWAY HOP!

I love my followers and wish you could all win. :-) 

Thank you to the hosts: the fabulous Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Rachelle Writes.

The hop runs from June 1st through midnight Wednesday, June 6th.

I ran out of time to set up a fancy sort of post. I want to encourage YOU to read some of my favorite books and authors, my giveaway will be for two winners who will get to pick any book(s), up to $15.00 total value, from the following group of TWELVE AUTHORS who are among my favorites although not my only favorites. The winners are not limited to the books listed here as 1-8. These are just links to my 4.75 and 5.0 reviews so far this year (out of 77 completed books):

1. Book Review: Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow; Christian Mystery; my rating 4.75.
2. Book Review: The Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan; Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.75. 
3. Silver Borne: Mercy Thompson, Book 5 by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal Romance; my rating: 4.75.
4. Book Review: The Night is Mine by M.L. Buchman; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75. 
5. Book Review: Kicking Ashe by Pauline Baird Jones; Sci Fi Romance;  my rating 5.0.
6. Book Review: Love to Water My Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick; Historical Fiction, Inspirational;  my rating 5.0.
7.  Book Review: Rise of Empire (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy; my rating 5.0.
   
8. Book Review: Dangerous Favors by Joyce DiPastina; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

OR these additional authors: 

Gail Carriger, Maria V. Snyder, Catherine Mann, Veronica Roth, J.D. Robb

OPEN WORLDWIDE: My Giveaway is for ANYONE who can get books from Amazon, Indie Presses, OR Book Depository. OR if Book Depository doesn't ship to you then I will do a PayPal or other gift card for that winner.  So hopefully this really does include EVERYONE.

There will be two winners; book value(s) up to $15.00 each winner.

The book(s) can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $15.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on June 7.  Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN HOPPING! 

Announcement: Sourcebooks Wants to Visit All Around the World with Austen

It's not too late to vacation with "Jane" and enter to win prizes sponsored by Sourcebooks.

Hi there!

In the June memoir, All Roads Lead to Austen the author Amy Elizabeth Smith took Jane Austen’s works along with her as she traveled to foreign countries. Her goal was to see if the magic of Jane Austen could hold its power across borders, languages and cultures.

Amy took Jane to far off countries – and we need your help to take her even further! We are holding a contest called All Around the World with Jane! Join us on our Austen love fest by printing out our Jane Austen “flat Stanley.” Take pictures of yourself with Jane in your hometown or on your vacation, and submit it from April 30^th – June 30^th!

We will award the following prizes to the individuals with the most creative picture:

1 Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• An E-reader with all of our available Austen sequels/continuations downloaded on to it
• A signed copy of All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith
• A Skype session with Amy Elizabeth Smith

3 Second Place Winner will receive:

• A signed copy of All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith
• A choice of 5 Jane Austen sequels/continuations from Sourcebooks

5 Third Place Winners will receive:

• A signed copy of All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith

You can then submit your pictures on the All Around the World with Jane Facebook page or email your submission to landmark@sourcebookspr.com.

Below are some examples of where Jane has been already (Times Square, The Jane Austen Centre in Bath, and the Sourcebooks offices!) along with the flat Stanley that you can print off (also available on the Facebook page). 

Please share this with your followers and friends! Sourcebooks want to see Jane go as many places as possible!

Thank you!