Sharing Beyond Books #54 Giveaway Comment June 23, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!
I'm still in South Florida but we were pleased that they had Dad sitting up in ICU for the first time in 10 days.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

More fun questions! I welcome William as a new commenter - maybe we can get some male perspective. :-) We all remembered our first user names. William's was work related but I have to admit I love Abby's first user name -Abyssinian, because she loves cats.

Okay - so most of you DO NOT fall asleep while reading - 9 compared to 7 of us who do. At least two others, Linda and Margaret, join me in waking up and grabbing a book. :-) No one else acknowledged that they wake up in the middle of the night and grab a book. Guess I am the odd ball out on that one.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #53 comments is: #9 Jane There are still 7 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Jane 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/Review box (New Updated list at the Giveaway Hop) and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #54 Questions

Q1.  Birgit asks: Is there a genre (or more than one) you would never ever read??

A: Well- Never ever is a long time! I don't choose to read much erotica but every once in a while I read one by an author I know online or one I might win. So that is not "never ever". I pretty much do not read menage or GLBT as those are not my thing.  Most other genres I will read even if some are only occasional. 

Image found at  Imbecile Entertainment

 

Q2. My question: What is your primary online tool: desk top computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone??

A: I carry my laptop wherever I go as I use it at work, home and travel.  I do have a tablet that I am just growing accustomed to.  I do not yet have a smartphone.

 

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!  

Your turn to share:

1. Birgit asks: Is there a genre (or more than one) you would never ever read??
 
2. My question: What is your primary online tool: desk top computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone??

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 29, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Audio Book Review: Whispers II: the Books by Terry Rich Hartley

This is a surprisingly full story in a small package. 

Whispers II: The Books

by Terry Rich Hartley

Read By: Nick Landrum
CD Price: $2.99 | Download $1.99
ISBN: 9781611140880
Product Code: MWA0201112D1
Publisher: Mind Wings Audio (February 12, 2012)

Available also at: Amazon Kindle
Listening time: approximately 1 hour 10 min.
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Novella
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Description:

Three bodies in a submerged SUV, a yuppie’s suicide, and a pawnbroker’s heart attack seem as unrelated as apples and rocks until unemployed crime reporter Moe Bybee stumbles into a connection. Two books, separated by miles, provide links to what could be the biggest story of Moe’s life, but they also lead him to encounter a cold-blooded bounty hunter with mob connections and dark powers. Ultimately—and unhappily—mild-mannered Moe stands as the only shield between the hunter and his prey, Glenna Whitcome and her Down’s syndrome child, Newt. –Sequel to Terry Rich Hartley’s Whisper.

Review:
This short audio packs a good chilling punch. I was immediately pulled into the story and waiting to find out the connections. It quickly became clear that a certain book was cursed, bringing death to those who opened it and perhaps even to those who only handled it. Then the nature of the book and the history are revealed as Moe, a round bellied, rather unattractive and unemployed reporter begins to chase down the story. Moe discovers a connection to a second book, the mob and a murderous bounty hunter. Moe has a chance to become a hero and redeem his writing career. But will he survive the experience?

The story is crisp and the mystery, humor and suspense is really well done.  The narration is excellent. I really liked the fast paced story and the inflection for the characters fit precisely.  I would definitely look for more books authored by Terry Rich Hartley and books narrated by Nick Landrum.

If you want a quick chilling suspense listen I recommend you pick this up.

I appreciate receiving this MP3 Download for review from Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

This story is set in Ennis, Montana for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC, New Authors and Audio Challenge lists.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 22, 2012

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

I think this is still open so I am still asking 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 :-):
Thanks Faith Hope Cherrytea for telling me the link was general.
Here is the specific link:  (Scroll down below mid page)
http://www.facebook.com/audiobookcommunity?v=app_308816365872891&app_data=entry_id%3D6058046

Thanks for BD wishes for our son and for prayers and caring form my Dad. Dad has been in ICU since Saturday night. Some visits he is alert but others he is disoriented. He is not happy about being in the hospital and stuck in the bed. All we can do is encourage him to get rest and get stronger. I extended my stay in South Florida through this weekend then I will return home. Continued prayers are appreciated.
I think I'll be adding a new group of books in the next week or two.

Thank you to all who entered June 15 Pick.  There were FOUR Automatic winners!! :-) (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
There were four blocked picks but one was won through Random.org

Tore chose Midnight Hour
mamabunny13 chose Forever Victoria
Margaret chose Shades of Grey Audio book - which is actually Shades of Grace
and

Maria chose Cross Country.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from June 15 Pick:

marybelle gets a GC
and welcome to a new entrant who won first time out:

Laceyblossom chose Tender Triumph

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.

I hope you are catching the reading wave!
Image found at White Center Blog

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

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

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

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)

The Heart of Justice by William L. Coughlin

Cross Country by James Patterson

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

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon

September Morning by Diana Palmer

Beneath the Surface by Annie White (slight spine wear)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

*Summer's Belle by Paige Winship Dooly

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
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.

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

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

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



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

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

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!---(All gone)

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

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 373 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

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

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

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

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

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)

Book Review: Deadly Dance by Dee Davis Plus A Giveaway

Dee Davis delivers her usual punch of adrenaline and passion!

Deadly Dance
by Dee Davis

• File Size: 545 KB
• Print Length: 392 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: B0072Q50UA
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (March 27, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004QZ9P9M

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Book 5 in the A-Tac Series)

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

 Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.

A KILLER CLOSES IN

After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.

Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.

Review:
Hannah is a member of the elite crime team, A-Tac, who work as college professors as their cover. Hannah has experienced betrayal and lose as a child and as a member of the team. Even as a young girl she learned to hold herself apart to protect herself. She doesn’t trust easily and doesn’t plan on ever opening up to love.

Harrison is a newer member of the team, adding his computer, technical expertise, FBI and private security experience. Through the years he has never stopped hunting the serial killer who tortured and murdered his twin sister. He feels that he failed her and he questions his ability to risk loving and protecting.

When Hannah’s teaching assistant is sent an email of a brutal murder, everyone, but especially, Harrison’s, emotions are set on edge. Is there a copy cat of the dreaded serial killer? Or could the enemy Consortium be targeting the team?  As the team works together to piece out the clues before another death occurs, Hannah and Harrison are drawn closer and their relationship shifts from friendship to passion to more. Will either be able to move beyond the pain of their past to look to a future together?

I really liked how there were different clues of sight or sound in each video hint of the crimes for the team to locate the victims. I think Ms. Davis does a wonderful job of providing fast paced, high adrenaline in her stories.  She also has flawed characters who have to show courage to risk loving. I did love the section where Hannah pulls out of her safe hiding place in response to Harrison’s voice.

The one thing I felt was weak in this story is the likely exposure of their cover as college professors. It might work for the campus and students to think that several of their professors were helping the FBI because one of their assistants was somehow connected to the killings. But it seemed to me that the Consortium would be able to spot all of the members of the A-Tac team as they kept gathering in public places, like Hannah’s house. I also felt that the love making was a little heavier than need be in this book - but that is just me. Other romance readers will love the extra heat and passion.

This might not be my favorite of Dee Davis reads but it is still satisfying with strong characters, lots of excitement, and a compelling romance. If you love adrenaline and passion you must try a Dee Davis title!

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

Hannah’s thoughts on the death of a team member as the result of the betrayal of another:

Betrayal was the worst human offense because it came at such a high price. Trust broken, possibly forever.  Location 246

Harrison’s response to their growing relationship:

“...but I know that walking away isn’t an option. At least not for me.” Their gazes met and held, her heart constricting at the raw emotion reflected in his eyes. Location 1897

Thank you to Forever Romance, Hachette Books for providing this book through NetGalley.

The story was set in Sunderland, New York for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Check out my other reviews in this series: Desperate Deeds and Dangerous Desires
I have these two of the prior books available in my book boxes:

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Winner's choice of Dangerous Desires or Desperate Deeds:
1. If you have read Dee Davis before, tell me your favorite of her books. I think mine is still Just Breath although After Twilight and Dark of Night are tight in the race. If you haven't read her, take a look at her titles and tell me which you think you would like to read.  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 29, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 30. 
Winner will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3)

The danger, romance and action begins to pick up in book three of this engaging series.

Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3) 

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 147 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FP8TE

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Pursued by increasingly violent Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan acquire the first and most important talisman necessary to open the celestial gate.

Targeted by Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan are guided to acquire the crystal skull, the core of Aislinn’s past and future power. After a terrifying encounter with the dark forces while spending Christmas at her parents, Aislinn and Dylan accept the perilous journey ahead of them.

Review:
The action begins to pick up in this book three of the series. 
Aislinn is clearly able to see auras around her now and has close escapes from Eletarii attacks.  She stumbles onto the crystal skull which is a source of power intended for her. She also picks up a music box that seems to be special as a gift for Dylan.

Dylan is opened minded to Aislinn’s explanation of her continued danger and the fact that their connection was planned. The light spheres and voices appear to Dylan affirming his involvement.
Aislinn and Dylan make a Christmas visit to Aislinn’s parents who were the characters from Book 1.  Unfortunately the enemy elementals attack at the farmhouse and drive Aislinn and Dylan to leave rather than risk more danger to her family.

I appreciate that Dylan’s character is more developed in this book. The reader learns more of his background in addition to his charm and strength. The reading continues to flow easily and I like that the mission is explained more fully and the action picks up in this volume. I am ready to read book 4, Itineras, to see what dangers Aislinn and Dylan will face next.

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

Aislinn recognizes the importance of Dylan in her life:

But for now, the most important factor of all was that he brought her hope. She would no longer have to struggle alone, fearful of what the next day might bring. Location 291

I am reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!