Sharing Beyond Books #150 Comment Giveaway May 10, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Five out of 18 people prefer shorter series, 3-5 books; one prefers a medium series of about 10. The others are all glad to have longer series as long as the author keeps up the focus and engaging storyline.  And I think Nikki is right that the In Death series is close to 40 especially if you include novellas. The Goodreads list shows #39 due out September 2014.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #149 comments is: #11 Faith Hope & Cherrytea who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #150 (One Question.)

Q1. Abby asks: Have you ever changed your mind about reading a book (summary/plot/cover didn’t capture your interest at first) after reading good blog reviews on that book? Which book was it??

A:  I find this an interesting question. Not only have I changed my mind based on good blog reviews but also I have agreed to review books upon a request when I might not have selected the book otherwise. One book I selected after seeing favorable blog reviews was The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

Image found at Families Online.

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! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Abby asks: Have you ever changed your mind about reading a book (summary/plot/cover didn’t capture your interest at first) after reading good blog reviews on that book? Which book was it??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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 through Saturday May 17, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: Harmless by Ernie Lindsey

This is a fun mystery in spite of -and because of- the irritating protagonist.

Harmless
Written by: Ernie Lindsey
Narrated by: DJ Holte

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-13-13
Publisher: Ernie Lindsey
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the USA TODAY and Amazon best-selling author of Sara's Game,..this is Harmless, an unconventional love story, a murder mystery, and a laugh out loud, hilarious work of fiction.
There's someone for everyone...even Steve.
Steve Pendragon is an eccentric (and sometimes delusional) used car salesman in love with Kerry, the quiet, secretive girl next door - only she doesn't know it. When the would-be love of his life turns up dead, all signs point to Steve.
Once the detectives hit a dead end in their investigation and he becomes the prime suspect, Steve is left with only a reluctant police officer and a crooked private investigator to help him prove his innocence. Could a kindhearted homeless woman and a cryptic note in Kerry's diary provide the key to the mystery?
©2013 Ernie Lindsey (P)2013 Ernie Lindsey

Review:
Let me be clear - the protagonist, Steve, may not be an easy character to like but he is humorous and he grows on you. Steve, a used-car salesman, is often arrogant and majorly delusional. He tends to be whiny and a blamer, blaming his failings and problems on everyone else instead of accepting responsibility for his own bad behavior and habits. Steve rages about his estranged wife and missing his two children. He is also obsessed with the postal service, occasionally going off on a tangent about its wonders.

One night Steve is awakened and looks out just in time to hear a gun shot and see his attractive new neighbor (and secret love interest) Kerry thrown from her bedroom window. Steve runs next door hoping to trap the killer but is knocked out instead. When he awakens he decides to investigate for clues and is surprised by some of the things he finds. However the most important discovery is Kerry’s diary which seems to contain a message for him.

Steve is intent on seeking revenge for Kerry and enlists the help of the local patrolman, Officer Planck, rather than turning all of the information over to the detectives. Planck also suspects something wrong with one of the investigating detectives especially after Steve’s home is broken into and newly found clues point to him as the killer.

Planck helps Steve go into hiding while a plan to prove his innocence is implemented. Steve decides the perfect place to hide out will be an abandoned post office, which he discovers is not completely abandoned.

The story, told by Steve, moves along well with plenty of humor to make-up for his sometimes pathetic character. Along the way I began to feel empathy for Steve and I liked the surprises that came up at the end. I am glad this was offered for review as I might not have picked this out on my own yet I found it to be an unusual and engaging mystery.

I received this title from the narrator for an honest review.
Audio Notes: DJ Holte does a great job conveying Steve’s irritating traits of whininess, arrogance, and ridiculousness. The delivery and pace work well with the strange presentation of the mystery by Steve.

I received this title from the narrator for an honest review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 9, 2014

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

I am sorry that the email subscription for my blog isn't working properly. I hope to figure out the problem this weekend. Add to that more computer glitches at work that have made my week sort of difficult and frustrating.  Hopefully I can get these things fixed soon.

I'd like to encourage you all to see the movie Legends of Oz this weekend. I am hoping it will be lots of fun.
My husband and I invested in this project over five years ago and it is finally opening tomorrow!

More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the May 2 Pick. There were two Automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were two titles blocked with multiple picks.
Linda K gets If She Only Knew
CarolNW gets No Safe Place tapes

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 2 Pick:
Natasha gets a GC

bn100 gets The MacGregor Grooms

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, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

My son said he saw lots of fireflies in our yard. 

Think they could help us read at night?

Image found at My Classroom Ideas.

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

PAIRS:
Catherine Palmer: Prairie Rose and A Whisper of Danger
Stephanie Laurens: A Lady of His Own (spine creases) and Impetuous Innocent
SINGLES:
Hawken's Heart by Suzanne Brockman
The Mystery Man of Whitehorse by B.J. Daniels
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper
When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The MacGregor Grooms by Nora Roberts
Sirius About Murder by Sue Owens Wright
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
The Stepmother by Carrie Adams (hardback) 


New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS: gone
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

Pairs gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour 
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

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

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

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
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

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

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 657+ 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 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 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
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5---(All gone)
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

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review: Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson

This is an engaging story with lovely prose.
Sonata for a Scoundrel
by Anthea Lawson

• File Size: 562 KB
• Print Length: 271 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615885942
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Fiddlehead Press (November 12, 2013)
• ASIN: B00FJNPJMW

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
* 2014 RITA Award Finalist!*
The Muse...
Clara Becker is a supremely gifted composer - a talent of little to use to a woman in 1830s Europe. Her compositions only have worth when they are published under her brother's name, yet this deception barely enables them to scrape out a living in the poorest quarter of London.

Meets the Master...
Darien Reynard, the most celebrated musician in Europe, pursues success with a single-minded intensity. When he comes across Becker's compositions, he knows that this music will secure his place in history. Darien tracks the composer down and, with some difficulty, convinces the man to tour with him. Mr. Becker agrees, but with the most unusual condition that he bring along his sister...

Set against the glittering backdrop of 19th century celebrity, Sonata for a Scoundrel is the newest full-length historical romance novel from RITA-nominated author Anthea Lawson.

Review:
Clara Becker composes beautiful music but has to publish it under the name of her brother, Nicolas. Only her brother and their father know the truth. Even the composition sales are not enough as they struggle to pay bills.

Then the “maestro”, Darien Reynard, the premier violin musician in Europe, seeks out Becker. He is intent on having the composer collaborate with him on tour and in preparation of an upcoming music duel. Darien is preparing to face another violinist who wants to claim the position and title of Maestro. Darien makes a financially tempting offer but Nicholas has to insist on his sister coming along on the tour.

Nicholas is a gifted pianist but finds it difficult to hide behind his sister. They know they must keep up the pretext or it would be disaster for all of them. He is distressed that some of the new compositions are more emotional than most men might write and Darien’s rival makes a point of belittling them. The pressure of the tour and secrets weigh heavily on him and feed his tendency towards depression, or melancholy as they term it.

Darien is drawn to beautiful Clara but Nicholas has made it clear that he must not dally with her or the Beckers will leave the tour. Darien spends weeks trying to ignore her. One night Nicholas fails to appear for a performance and Darien learns that Clara plays with even more emotion than Nicholas. There is a special and powerful blending of energy and music when they play together.

As the date of the musical duel draws near Nicholas drinks more and becomes more distressed and fragile. Darien and Clara work together more and begin to see each other in secret. Darien begins to suspect there is more to Clara’s musical abilities than the siblings are sharing. Can Clara help keep Nicholas on track for the most important night of Darien’s career? What will happen to Clara after the duel is over?

The characters are well developed and the tensions are natural in the storyline. This writing contains wonderful prose, including phrases that fit with the musical theme.

Instead he studied her as though she were an unexpected dissonance in the score of his life; different, possibly unpleasant, yet unmistakably interesting. Location 718.

The musical theme and touring creates a lovely, rich backdrop to the romance. The romantic encounters were a bit drawn out but the rest of the story makes it worthwhile. I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging story to its triumphant ending. I also liked the informative author’s notes. I recommend this to readers who like strong romance set in an interesting historical time and circumstance.

I received this as part of a review bundle from Story Bundle - check out the deals available 4/30 to 5/21.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Vendetta by Larry Correia

This is a fun series with lots of monster action.

Monster Hunter Vendetta
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 20 hrs and 46 mins
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 2
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:03-15-11
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Action
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Accountant turned professional monster hunter Owen Zastava Pitt managed to stop the nefarious Old Ones' invasion plans last year, but as a result made an enemy out of one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Now an evil death cult known as the Church of the Temporary Mortal Condition wants to capture Owen in order to gain the favor of the great Old Ones. The Condition is led by a fanatical necromancer known as the Shadow Man. The government wants to capture the Shadow Man and has assigned the enigmatic Agent Franks to be Owen's full-time bodyguard, which is a polite way of saying that Owen is monster bait.

With supernatural assassins targeting his family, a spy in their midst, and horrific beasties lurking around every corner, Owen and the staff of Monster Hunter International don't need to go hunting, because this time the monsters are hunting them. Fortunately, this bait is armed and very dangerous.
©2010 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Monster Hunter Owen and his team have gone to a hotel after a minor assignment in Mexico. While relaxing Owen is visited by a man who is a monster in the dark and weakened by the light. Owen manages to escape by jumping out the window only to be confronted by an army of zombies swarming the resort. Owen is able to eliminate the threat, with some late help from his team, only to be arrested for mass murder.

Agents Myers and Franks of the government Monster Bureau show up to rescue Owen. They explain that the man after Owen is a fanatical necromancer known as the Shadow Man. He leads an evil cult, known as the Condition, who are trying to capture Owen and deliver him to Owen’s enemies, the Old Ones. So Agent Franks is appointed as Owen’s bodyguard.

Owen is confined to the grounds of Monster Hunter International as they try to locate the Condition. Harbinger, head of the Hunters, believes that the grounds are warded from monsters and completely secure. But nothing is secure if traitors infiltrate MHI.

Thanks to a shard that Vampire Suzanne forced on Owen, he has developed the capability to mind read flash backs when he touches people. Through flashbacks the reader/listener learns more of the history of several characters and MHI. We also meet Owen’s family as the Shadow Man goes after them to draw out Owen.

I enjoy the great action and fun tension created by the rivalries. There are losses that bring sadness and victories that bring joy. I am anxious to listen to more.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a wonderful job of portraying the voices, emotions and excitement. He makes this a fun, entertaining series to listen to.

This book is from my own Audible Library.