Sharing Beyond Books #206 Comment Giveaway June 6, 2015

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

Aargh! I spent most of today on one major corporate closing package. I had to do that today as I have two residential packages to prepare on Monday, as well as a trial to cover. I'll be the only one in the office on Monday.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I appreciated the information on how others choose their books. At least nine people check out blog reviews; five use Goodreads and five use friend and family recommendations. Several use Amazon reviews, library releases and catalogs or author newsletters. Several choose books from fav authors or authors who write similarly to their favs. Mystica uses NetGalley and Open library and doesn't purchase due to limited selection and costly prices. (I'm with Mystica on not purchasing too many books although I do fall for the $.99 books now and again.) Marjorie has two nearby used books stores that are a good source. Mary P and Becky get books "everywhere" - got to love that. :-)

A couple mentioned how they choose what to read too. In addition to genre and synopsis, some choose by covers and Fredamans is brave to just "pick up a book and have at it", hopefully getting lucky!

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The regular Winner from SBB #205 comments is: #11 bn100 who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) 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 #206 (One Question.)

Becky asks: Q1. A question about learning: do you know how to push yourself? What experience in your life taught you this and what experiences in your future could reinforce your skill in this regard??

A: I don't quite know how I learned to push myself. I was always a good student and wanted to do well in class and sports. In swimming and running I ended up doing the longer races rather than sprints. I think I was able to push myself to see it through more than some others. I finished college and law school in six years instead of seven but looking back I don't know that I would recommend that to others. My sister always said I was competitive but I said it was with myself, to do my best, not to out do her or others. I love to cheer others on too.

I will share two book related thoughts that popped to mind with this question. When I was a young teen I thought I was an "ugly duckling" but fortunately my mom reminded me that the ugly duckling became a swan. Somewhere in those teen years I read Alice in Wonderland and I adopted my own motto: "If I really am a Queen, I am sure I will handle it in time." Now as my life winds down, I still strive to always do my best and live up to my commitments. 

I really like this quote - it fits for me.

Image found by Via @agent seven at Explore at Instagram

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:
Becky asks: Q1. A question about learning: do you know how to push yourself? What experience in your life taught you this and what experiences in your future could reinforce your skill in this regard??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 June 13, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 5, 2015

Whew- another week and was it busy! My other staff was out this week on vacation and my daughter had to work extremely hard to keep up and prepare for her own vacation week next week. She deserves the rest. We had a nice family dinner tonight before they go.
I am still having difficulty with internet at home - last night it didn't work but tonight it is fine. Haven't figured out the problem yet. 

I am still mindful of the tornadoes, floods, hail and strange weather in many places. Hoping all blogger friends are safe. 

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the May 29 Pick. There were FIVE automatic wins this week!  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were two titles blocked.
AUTO: 
holdenj gets World's Greatest Dad, 
LindaK gets Jack With A Twist, 
Natasha gets Skin Game, 
Carol L gets the Jude Devereaux Pair and 
Anita gets One Eye Closed.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 29 Pick:
Miki gets a GC

bn100 gets Bride By Command

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.}

Are you ready to listen to some books this month?

Image found at Wastepaper Prose.

NOTE!! FREE audiobooks every weekday in June at Audiobook.com

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Dragon and the Jewel and Tempted
Jude Deveraux: The Invitation and Remembrance
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
World's Greatest Dad by Marie Ferrarella
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess
Skin Game by Ava Gray
Special Agent
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spears
Dean in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever
Jack with a Twist by Brenda Janowitz

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun


New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
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
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
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
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 829+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!

Delay in Posting MBS Friday Pick for June 5, 2015

There will be a delay in posting Friday Pick this week. I did not have internet connection Thursday night and am busy at work this morning. I will probably not get to the post until late Friday afternoon.
Thanks for being patient!

Audible Review: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21 by Stephanie Laurens

I enjoyed the overall story even though there are flaws.
The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21
Written by: Stephanie Laurens
Narrated by: Matthew Brenher

Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins
Series: Cynsters, Book 21
Release Date:02-24-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
What happens when fate, love, and passion collide?
The number one New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland with a tale of two lovers irrevocably linked by destiny and passion.
Thomas Carrick is a gentleman driven to control all aspects of his life. As the wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and fully intends to select an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that necessary next step along his self-determined path, yet no young lady captures his eye, much less his attention - not in the way Lucilla Cynster does, even though she lives miles away.
For over two years, Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen force him to return to the countryside - only to discover that his uncle, the laird, is ailing, a clan family is desperately ill, and the clan healer is unconscious and dying. Duty to the clan leaves Thomas no choice but to seek help from the last woman he wants to face.
Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has been waiting - increasingly impatient - for Thomas to return and claim his rightful place by her side. She knows he is hers - her fated lover, husband, protector, and mate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. And, at last, he's back. Even though his returning wasn't on her account, Lucilla is willing to seize whatever chance fate hands her.
Thomas can never forget Lucilla, much less the connection that seethes between them, but to marry her would mean embracing a life he's adamant he does not want.
Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the inevitability of their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as theirs - one so much stronger than reason?
©2015 Savdek Management Proprietary Limited (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
I deleted my first three paragraphs as I found them to be a restating of the Publisher summary which gives the basic information. I direct you to read the Publisher summary to which I add the next paragraph in my own words.

Lucilla has been waiting for Thomas to return to the area and now that he is here she realizes she must use every temptation she can to get him to stay, even if it means outright seduction and disregard for his plans. Thomas resists giving in to his physical needs but his attraction to Lucilla is undeniable. Even if he finally succumbs to her persistent attentions, he has no intention of submitting to some fate, or Lady of the Vale, that he cannot control.

I liked the mystery that opens and closes the book although I felt there were loose ends. The plot in between focuses on the romance and conflicts of interest between the main characters. The romance scenes are sensual and nicely done, if a bit long winded for my tastes. It did bother me that there was no regard for the consequences of their intimacy. I found this unrealistic for the times as well as making Thomas to be a man of little honor.

I read the beginning books in this series many years ago and have a collection on my TBR shelves. I was pleased to find Ms. Laurens’ writing style still includes strong, well developed characters and an engaging romance. There is a point late in the story that brings the Cynster family together and I was glad to recognize several characters from the early books. There are details of other characters left open at the end that imply a future story for another Cynster character.

This is clearly part of a long family series, but I don't feel it would be necessary to read the earlier books. Reading book 3, Scandal's Bride would provide the story of Lucilla's parents. I would not want a steady diet of this type of romance but I am comfortable recommending this story, and this author, to readers who enjoy a sensual, character centered historical romance.

Audio Notes: You don’t generically think of romance as being suited for male narration. However, much of this story is told from Thomas’ view so it fit. Matthew Brenher does a fine job with both the voices, accents and emotions of the characters. My engagement in the story was enhanced by the audio.

I selected this title from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox. This adds to my Audio Book Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Virgin River by Robyn Carr

This is an entertaining, character driven, small town romance story.

Virgin River

Written by: Robyn Carr

Narrated by: Therese Plummer

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Series: Virgin River, Book 1

Release Date:05-07-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Fan-adored author Robyn Carr presents the story of a woman who "needs a change [and] gets something very different than she bargained for" (Booklist).

Recently widowed, grieving Los Angeles midwife/nurse Melinda Monroe answers a small upstate town's ad for help. Nestled amongst California's giant redwoods, quaint Virgin River is host to many quirky characters - including bar owner Jack Sheridan, who may be just the man to make Melinda smile again.

©2007 Robyn Carr; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Review:
Melinda, a midwife/nurse, left the busy hospital in Los Angeles to take a job in the remote town of Virgin River. She seeks to escape the familiar places that remind her of her grief over the murder of her husband. She loves being a midwife and the woman who recruited her to Virgin River assured her that she would be provided with a cozy cabin and a position working with the town's aging doctor.

Melinda arrives to discover that the cabin is filthy and dilapidated. When she meets the 70+ year old doctor she learns that he is a curmudgeon who objects to the idea of help. She heads to the local bar to get warm, get something to eat, and find out where she can stay but there is no other accommodation in town. Things don’t look too promising and she plans to leave the next morning.

The bar owner, Jack Sheridan, is immediately smitten which is new for him. Unmarried at 40, he has been fine with friendly flings and no attachments. He sees the sadness in Mel and wants to find a way to keep her in town so he can make her smile. Fate steps in the next morning when they discover an abandoned baby on Doc’s doorstep. Melinda moves in with Doc, determined to make sure the baby is okay before she leaves. Jack goes to work fixing up the cabin as a surprise lure to keep Mel from leaving.

A day becomes a week, a week a month, and bit by bit Melinda makes friends and becomes invested in the lives of the people of Virgin River. She views Jack as her best friend in town but she still hasn’t told anyone about her dead husband. Jack knows there is something holding her back from sharing feelings and time with him. He is willing to pursue her patiently but persistently.

Melinda and Jack are nice strong characters who carry the story. The secondary characters add a lot of interest and fun as well. I enjoyed the tension and the sweet development of friendship and love. Melinda visits nearby towns including Grace Valley where she meets June and Jim. I mention this as it was nice to revisit with those characters that I met in the very first Carr book and trilogy that I read years ago.

Ms. Carr does a wonderful job of developing real characters in real circumstances. The story is character driven with enough plot and action to keep it moving at an easy pace. I did enjoy this but I‘m not sure I would make it through 19 books in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy small town romances with  life-like characters.

Audio Notes: Therese Plummer does a fine job with the narration. It isn’t over the top in voice accents but she succeeds in sharing the emotional intensity. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

This has been in my Audible library since 2012. This qualifies for my TBR list, my Audio Book Challenge and V in Alphabet Soup Challenge.