Sharing Beyond Books #82 Comment Giveaway January 12, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB and Welcome to 2013!
I hope everyone had a good week. I had an easy going day getting my hair cut and doing some fun shopping before I went to the office.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Most of us have post some reviews and I was glad to see that many of you try to post to Goodreads, Amazon and some other forums too. Four of the commenters do not post reviews and I believe do not have blogs.  Another four didn't reply so I am assuming they don't post.  Most of those who do blog will write on books we didn't enjoy but we try to be specific why we didn't like it.

I suppose it is not so surprising that most of us readers had quiet New Years Eves - most of us celebrated with a Whimper or a Snore. :-) Several had dinners or parties at home and Scottsgal did enjoy a neighborhood party and some fireworks. It sounds like nrlymrtl had the most romantic with her man - a nice dinner, wine and kissing. Nice!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #81 comments is: #8 Elizabeth. There are still 5 'love' books to pick from and new Christmas choices. Elizabeth please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining five Love Books List for Giveaway, the new Christmas Giveaway Book list, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.   [I hope to add some additional Christmas books, Valentine titles and ARCs to the books available in the next week or so.]

WEEK #82 Questions

Q1. My bookish Question this week: Why do you read? For escape, enlightenment, entertainment, other??

I definitely read for relaxation and entertainment although sometimes I like to be enlightened.:-) I don't think of it as escapism although there are some titles that could take me out of the current reality. But not often as I have too much to do to get totally lost in reading.

Image found at Loyolan.

Q2. Elizabeth asks this week: What was your favorite present received in December (Christmas or other celebration)??

A: I'd have to say mine was our trip to Hawaii, the cruise and seeing our son, d-i-l and brand new baby! Also, our daughter cleaned our house while we were gone so that was extra special too. My DH received Bose noise cancelling headphones for the flight back and those made him VERY happy (which contributes to my happiness).

Grandmom (me) and Baby Victoria

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 draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! I STILL HAVE A GROUP OF QUESTIONS AVAILABLE BUT THEY ARE FROM ABOUT FOUR PEOPLE SO SOME OF YOU MAY WANT TO ADD A QUESTION OR TWO! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

1. My bookish Question this week: Why do you read? For escape, enlightenment, entertainment, other??

2. Elizabeth asks this week: What was your favorite present received in December (Christmas or other celebration)??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining Valentine and "Love" books (5 left) or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List 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, January 18, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot (1/12/13) Continued Travels on Maui

I am continuing to share pictures from our Cruise and visit to Hawaii in December.

We stopped at a little roadside park on our way to our next scheduled site in Maui. These are just a couple of shots of Sun Yat Sen Park. 

The park is not very fancy but the view was lovely.

I was fascinated by this plant with long plumes.

There are several statues and behind this one is the coastline in the distance.

This is a wild Poinsietta in the corner of the Park...

my DH was rushing me to get back in the car.

This sign warns of the curvy road.

I hope this gives an idea of the winding road.

You really had to slow down on these outside curves!

I loved this stone fence that ran for quite a way along the road.

The third spot on our visit was Maui's Winery ~ Tedeschi Vineyards at Ulupalakua Ranch.

I only took about five photos but the camera must have locked up because I only got one cute bird that I will share in bird photos another day. It was getting late in the day so we took a very quick taste, used the private facilities (brb) and headed back down that winding road.

Next week I'll move on to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Book Review and Giveaway: Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay

I found this to be a delightful read!

Last Chance Christmas

by Hope Ramsay

• File Size: 495 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0446576077
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (September 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Dear Reader,

I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .

Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Review:
Lark is an intense, war-experienced photo-journalists. She nursed her father during his last few days during which he asked her to spread his ashes on the eighteenth hole of Golfing for God mini golf in Last Chance. Lark is trying to fulfill her father’s last wish and she hopes to get a little down time from her last traumatic assignment. Her father had only been in the town for a short time but he had created a racial stir in 1968 by taking a black woman into the local, white diner.

Some people in town believe Lark’s father murdered the grandfather of the current chief of police, Stone Rhodes. Many in town don’t want Lark stirring up memories of the racially charged time.  Stone’s stubborn father is one of those and Stone’s first inclination is to get Lark to leave town. He has enough trouble raising his daughters, while still clinging to the memory and loss of his wife. His eight year old daughter claims to see a weeping angel whom she wants to help find a way back to heaven and his fifteen year old is developing a friendship with a Jewish boy whose parents want to keep her away.

But Lark is set on getting permission to spread her father’s ashes even if it means pushing reluctant people to share their memories.  Then a local black man goes missing and is discovered killed.  At the same time someone is attacking and harassing Lark.  Stone begins to feel protective towards Lark and then he begins to feel emotions he has buried for years. Can Lark share her fears and emotions and will Stone recognize that he can have a second love before they lose the chance?

This story flew by as an easy, fun read. Lark and Stone are strong but troubled souls who need warmth, sharing and love but hold themselves apart. Ms. Ramsay does a good job of noting that issues of racial hatred and bigotry still exist today.  She also reveals similarities in Jewish Hanukkah and Christmas traditions, especially how the hope and joy of the season brings light in a dark world.And then there is the touch of angels for those willing to believe...

There is intrigue and fun in this story. I felt there were several loose ends but I still completely enjoyed the read.  I recommend this series to those who like family-centered romance with some quirky family members, strong, yet vulnerable characters, and a bit of spice with lots of warmth.

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

Lark makes an interesting observation about the church ladies:

The only community she knew about was the brotherhood that existed among the soldiers in the field.. But in a way, Semper Fi applied as much to the ladies of the auxilary as it did to the marines she knew. These women were always faithful. And when bad things happened, they closed ranks and took care of their own.  Location  3429.

I received this, for an honest review, from Forever, division of Hachette.

This is set in South Carolina for my 2013 Where are You Reading list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR REVIEW COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 25, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 26, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Authors Kindle Fire Giveaway (Or GC for International!)

20 Amazing Authors have joined together to bring you
One Amazing Giveaway!

January Kindle Fire Authors

Goodreads »

The winner will have the option of receiving a Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

This giveaway is sponsored by these Awesome Authors:

The Essence by Kimberly Derting
Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out by Pandora Poikilos
Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes
Hunted by Ednah Walters
Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders
I Was Here - Before You Came by Camelia Miron Skiba
Everlost by Brenda Pandos
Blood Oath by T.L. Clarke
Reaper's Novice by Cecilia Robert
Bulletproof by Jeff LaFerney
Lancaster House by Taylor Dean
Two Halves by Marta Szemik
Murder on Potrero Hill by M.L. Hamilton
Bellyache by Crystal Marcos
Kill Shot by Anne Patrick
Skid Out by Ann Marie Frohoff
Between by Mary Ting
Dragon Stones Saga by Kristian Alva
Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 1/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Martha's Bookshefl***Friday Pick Giveaway January 11, 2013

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

Happy Friday! Hi folks. Are we still doing well in the new year? I am not getting all done that I want but I am moving forward so that is good. 
Please check out the new set of books up this week. :-) Some pairs and singles again.

Thank you to all who entered the January 4 Pick. There were two automatic winners again 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 only two titles blocked this week, one of which was won.

Carol L chose Savage Thunder
Carol M chose From Doon With Death

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 4 Pick:

Janhvi gets a GC

Ashley won the Fern Michael's Pair (which has been blocked for several weeks!)

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.

This bookshelf works as a Resolution for me!
Image found at LetsDesignHome.

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Beverly Barton:
    Downright Dangerous and What She Doesn't Know
Heather Graham Pozzessere
    Renegades (Western Anthology) and Everytime I Love You (The spine is creased.)
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening

Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Flashpoint by Linda Barnes
Across a Thousand Miles by Nadia Nichols
Lady Beware by Fayrene Preston
Secrets of the Outback by Margaret Way
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*Married to His Business by Elizabeth Bevarly
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
*Chance Adventure by Kelly Eileen Hake
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Pairs:
Fern Michaels
    Payback and Full Me Once
Luanne Rice
    Silver Bells (spine wear) and True Blue
Janet Evanovich
    Full Tilt and Full Bloom
Singles:
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*Mrs Mallory and the Silent Killer by Hazel Holt


New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

PAIRS:
Dick Francis:
     10 LB Penalty and Risk
Tom Clancy:
     Op-Center State of Siege and Op-Center Mission of Honor
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont

Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson



New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes
*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

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

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts
Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

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

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

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---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

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 three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

I 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 461 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--- (All gone)

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

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Looking Back by Belva Plain

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
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---(All Gone)