Sharing Beyond Books #188 Comment Giveaway January 31, 2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

This has been another busy week for me at work with staff out. Fortunately, it hasn't been stressful, just sort of tiring. I got some good reading in that made it nice. I hope everyone else had a good week personally and reading!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

There were similar responses and some unique replies too for what makes us try a new author. Those mentioned in order of most to least were: a) the blurb or summary, b) reviews on blogs, Goodreads and Amazon, recommendations and word of mouth, c) enticing cover, and d) genre. Also mentioned by individuals were: price, author interviews, accessibility (library), won in giveaway, no errors on packaging/blurb, recognition of author through social media, excerpts and teasers.

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The Winner from SBB #187 comments is: #3 Miss Meagan Marie who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #188 (One Question.)

Q1. My question this week:  Do you belong to Yahoo Groups? How often do you visit??

A: I do belong to many Yahoo Groups, all book or author groups, which I signed up for about six years ago and visited much more often before I began blogging. (I was even a moderator of a couple back then.) Now I only visit a handful rarely, not even once a month. I get the digests but usually delete them without looking at them. Time is just too limited.

 Image found at PartyPlan Divas.

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.
The contributors for four weeks of January were: Alyn, nrlymrtl, miki and MaryP. Random pick was #4 so MaryP gets a GC. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. My question: Do you belong to Yahoo Groups? How often do you visit??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 February 7, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria

I loved the constitutional and immigration issue discussions in this book.
The Founders' Plot
by Frank Victoria

File Size: 406 KB

• Print Length: 192 pages
• Publisher: Frank M. Victoria; Limited edition (June 1, 2012)
• ASIN: B0088DBQ8Q
• Genre: Political Thriller
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
When California Governor Michael J. DiGrasso pushes through a tough immigration law, the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional, but the decorated Vietnam veteran refuses to accept the ruling. This ignites a clash between federal, state, and judicial power that threatens to jar the country’s political and justice systems. And it leaves the governor’s long-time friend, President of the United States, Martin W. Ballard, with the decision of whether to federalize the California National Guard to enforce the Court’s order.Tension increases when Elizabeth Stern, a savvy member of the opposition party tries to ram through a new immigration law that will pass judicial review. An expert in back room legislative machinations, she’ll go to any length to force the governor to obey the Court decision, and her devious maneuvers throw DiGrasso’s personal and professional life into turmoil.One sub-plot involves DiGrasso’s close personal friend, Congressman Manuel Mendoza, who is indicted for taking bribes. Another concerns two Mexican families in the country illegally and the tragedies that befall them because of the new immigration law.The unfolding of these interwoven events creates a tense, fast-paced thriller that parallels the current tumult over illegal immigration and the on-going debate on Constitutional interpretation that will leave readers craving for the eventual outcome.

Review:
Michael (Mike) J. DiGrasso was elected as Governor of California on a platform promoting a tough immigration law. He gets a strong law passed by a favorable legislature but then has to struggle to enforce it especially as sanctuary city mayors resent the law. A bigger issue arises when the law is challenged and the appeal process results in the US Supreme Court declaring the law unconstitutional. Mike has determined that the Supreme Court has overstepped its function and he refuses to abide by their ruling.

A particularly determined Senate Minority leader is intent on bringing down the Governor by any means possible. First they will try to race through a more lenient immigration bill that will not be overturned. Second they will seek impeachment. All of this stress creates tension between Mike and his wife, including the fact that the opposition is willing to stoop to blackmail with a past indiscretion.

Meanwhile Carlos and his friend, Julio, are concerned about Carlos and his family being deported to Mexico. They have managed to make good money including owning the apartment building where they live. Carlos has also earned significant funds by participating in an illegal activity. Although Carlos wants to stop this activity, his superiors are not going to take that nicely.

I loved the first half of this book that expounds on the history of the American founders, the separation of government powers, constitutional issues, government finagling and, most importantly, examples of the Supreme Court improperly stepping into the legislative realm through court orders. The description of difficulties for government dealing with illegal immigrants and for the problems the people face personally were also very interesting. I liked the secret plot that supports the title.

The second half of the book lost some momentum as it turned into more personal drama. The story followed personal issues of Mike, especially after he was the victim of an assassin attempt. The author also followed family and work problems faced by Carlos and his friends. The author did wrap up details at the end even though it felt a bit forced and incomplete.

The writing had a good flow with better pacing in the first half and drama in the second. There was good individual character development with some normal and unusual quirks. The final result was engaging although I would have liked it better if it had stayed more with the political and social issues instead of diverging into the drama issues. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys constitutional issues and stories involving political and personal effects of immigration issues.

I received this from New Shelves Distribution for an honest review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 30, 2015

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

Yikes - It's Friday Again! It's been another busy week - court hearings and closings. I hope everyone is looking forward to the LOVEly month of February!
(I didn't get to pull new books this week but I plan to do it Saturday. Books are pulled but we are still behind in mailing as I am still down one staff person and my right hand lady (my daughter) has to be out tomorrow for an abscess.) 

[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 January 23 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.
Rita  gets 'Til There Was You
Brooke gets the Elysa Hendricks Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 23 Pick:
Betty gets The Ladies Lunch

YunA 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, 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.}

Pretty New books announced with Pretty stained glass!

Image found at Pinterest from freshlymintedlibrarian.wordpress.com

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014

PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner



New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
SINGLES:
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin

New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014
SINGLES:
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain

New Book Group #41-45 ---(All gone)

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

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 #33-35 --- (All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
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)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #24-28 ---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #18-22 ---(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 five years I have posted 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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 758+ 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 #12-15---(All gone)

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

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2-6(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8---(All gone)

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready

I found this story fun, active and entertaining.

Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands)
by Gwyn Cready

• File Size: 1119 KB
• Print Length: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 3, 2015)
• ASIN: B00NH1UK40

Genre: Time Travel, Highlander
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
From RITA winner Gwyn Cready comes a Scottish borderlands time travel romance perfect for fans of Outlander

For Duncan MacHarg, things just got real...
Battle reenactor and financier Duncan MacHarg thinks he has it made-until he lands in the middle of a real Clan Kerr battle and comes face to face with their beautiful, spirited leader. Out of time and out of place, Duncan must use every skill he can muster to earn his position among the clansmen and in the heart of the devastatingly intriguing woman to whom he must pledge his oath.

Abby needs a hero and she needs him now
When Abigail Ailich Kerr sees a handsome, mysterious stranger materialize in the midst of her clan's skirmish with the English, she's stunned to discover he's the strong arm she's been praying for. Instead of a tested fighter, the fierce young chieftess has been given a man with no measurable battle skills and a damnably distracting smile. And the only way to get rid of him is to turn him into a Scots warrior herself-one demanding and intimate lesson at a time.

Review:
Duncan is a handsome, modern day financier, He is accustomed to being successful in the boardroom and the bedroom. As he is participating in a SScottishbattle reenactment he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a real-life battle between Scottish Highlanders and the British. Duncan is trying to help a young boy under attack when he is hit by an arrow shot by a fierce young woman who is apparently the Scottish leader.

Abigail Kerr has her hands full as a reluctantly accepted chieftess of her clan. She has reached a rocky peace with the British and wants to get a loan to build a canal on the clan property, even while they struggle to pay the annual taxes. The favored solution is for her to marry her childhood friend, cousin and leader of a neighbor clan, Rosston Kerr. He is more than ready to bring his wealth and rule the clan as only a true Scotsman can. Abby is convinced that she doesn’t need to marry but she does need a strong arm to stand by her side as she leads. She is shocked to discover a strange foreigner who barely knows how to fight is to be that strong arm.

In only a matter of days (or was it more like hours) Abigail is kissing Duncan and tempting him. He’s not one to resist long and soon they are entangled in intimacies as well as the other material problems. He is convinced he can help her but he has a lot to learn of the times and ways. Undine, Abby’s potion brewing friend, is the one responsible for the magic that brought Duncan back in time. She explains that he must fulfill his purpose before he can return to his own time. He doesn’t have a choice even if he wanted to stay and even if the fulfillment of his mission results in Abby marrying his rival, Rosston.

I can appreciate the difficulties Abby faced as a female in a time when women were possessions, not leaders. She has to walk a fine line between independence and duty to her clan. I liked Duncan’s willingness to be what Abby needed and, even more, his willingness to accept her strengths. They both had flaws that contributed to conflicts. There was a goodly amount of sensual tension and involvement in a very short time.

I especially enjoyed the bit of mystery that simmered behind the clan difficulties. I also liked the interesting modern references and double entendres that were humorously blended with the past circumstances. I wanted to learn the solution to Serafina’s problem but that was a thread that was left loose for another story apparently. I definitely liked the time travel element which gave more interest beyond the highlander romance. All in all I found the story fun, active and entertaining.

I received this through Sourcebooks at NetGalley for an honest review.
I am counting it towards my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare, Winter COYER, and Alphabet Soup.

Book Review: Starship Blackbeard by Michael Wallace

This was so much fun - fast paced and engaging!
Starship Blackbeard
by Michael Wallace

• File Size: 373 KB
• Print Length: 171 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Balsalom Publishing (December 22, 2014)
• ASIN: B00PYOF1V0

Genre: Sci Fi Action Adventure
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publication Date: December 22, 2014
In the aftermath of an interstellar war with an alien race, Captain James Drake is unjustly court martialed and sentenced to hard labor. Now Drake is on the run from Lord Admiral Malthorne, while another pursuer, Drake's old friend, believes the accusations are true, and promises to bring him to justice.
But Drake won't go down without a fight. Rather than surrender, he'll lead his loyal crew into the lawless frontier worlds, infested with pirates and smugglers, to repair and rearm his ship. Then he'll return to attack Malthorne's estates and seize the evidence he needs to clear his name.
But more than just Malthorne's estate is at stake. If Drake is captured, he and his crew are doomed--and the kingdom will be plunged into another war.
Book #1 of the Starship Blackbeard Series, by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Michael Wallace.

Review:
James Drake was a loyal Captain commanding the Royal Navy warship, HMS Ajax, on a planet that draws similarities to earth. Drake and his crew were victorious in a hard fought battle against the alien Hroom. When the battle was done the Captain was found guilty of shooting down an innocent merchant ship and headed to a prison planet. His first mate and a good number of his crew are convinced Drake was framed. They arrange a rescue and mutiny in his own ship. Drake is unhappy with the rescue and is prepared to turn himself in to his old friend, Rutherford, Captain of a sister ship. But Drake learns more facts that don’t make sense, including the fact that his valued pilot, a Hroom, has been turned into an addicted sugar eater who is now destined to be a slave on a sugar plantation. Drake struggles with the desire to save his friends and events tumble until he and the crew end up on the run with the Ajax.

Drake ends up seeking help within a planet cluster of pirates and smugglers. He has always been loyal to the admiralty and hates the position he is in. Still the more they learn the more it appears there is a serious conspiracy. Drake begins to accept that he cannot safely surrender so his plans begin to change. In addition to running from the Admiralty, they have to battle for freedom against a pirate ship.  Although damaged, Ajax and the crew prevail. Drake and his crew gain a new reputation and Ajax gets fixed up with a new name: Starship Blackbeard!

A startling secret is uncovered that could change the future of the beleaguered Hroom and threaten the human colonies. Drake realizes that the Lord Admiral Malthorne is involved in hiding the secret and he suspects that the Admiral is behind framing him. Drake prepares to return to his home planet to do battle.

I quickly learned to like Drake and his dedicated crew members. They are a mixed crew and I was reminded of the band of friends that made up the crew in the movie/series Firefly. They are brave, bold and daring and there is lots of fast paced action, space chases and battles, that kept me thoroughly engaged. The story is very well written and the combination of characters, plot intrigue and action make this wonderful entertainment. I enjoyed several books from the Righteous Series by this author and was glad to try this Sci Fi thriller when he offered it. I was delighted to discover the beginning of another good series in a totally different genre. I highly recommend this to sci fi adventure lovers and those who enjoy fast paced entertainment. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

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