Sharing Beyond Books #420 Comment Giveaway May 1, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Last post SBB#419 Fredamans asks: If you could write a story, what topic/genre would you write??
Three or four commenters would write fantasy, three would write mystery and two would write historical, one being mail order bride. Then the choices run the gamut from children, food, life experience, gardening, family anecdotal, WWII romance, family saga and sci fi. Only one person felt they couldn't write a story.


The Winner from SBB#419 comments is #8 MARYP who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 11/28/20 I have added a box of new books for SBB and will list them in the next week or so. I have to try to cross off books that have already been awarded. ]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #420

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Have you ever written yourself a letter? Like one to be opened in the future??

In my high school years I kept a journal with poetry. But I can't say I have ever written myself a letter.

Image found at Bucket List Journey.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.

Your turn to share. Nikki asks: Have you ever written yourself a letter? Like one to be opened in the future??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 15, 2021, at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: Pathfinder's Way - A Novel of the Broken Lands by T.A. White

I devoured this fantasy novel full of action and intrigue.

Pathfinder's Way
A Novel of The Broken Lands
Written by T. A. White
Narrated by Christa Lewis

Broken Lands Series, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins
Release Date: January 18, 2017
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

The Trateri are about to learn a vital lesson of the Broken Lands. Deep in the remote expanse where anything can happen, it pays to be on a pathfinder's good side. Nobody ventures beyond their village. Nobody sane, that is. Monstrous creatures and deadly mysteries wait out here. Luckily for the people she serves, Shea's not exactly sane. As a pathfinder, it's her job to face what others fear and find the safest route through the wilderness. It's not an easy job, but she's the best at what she does. When the people she serves betray her into servitude to the Trateri, a barbarian horde sweeping through the Lowlands intent on conquest, Shea relies on her wits and skill to escape, disguising herself as a boy to hide from the Warlord, a man as dangerous as he is compelling. After being mistaken as a Trateri scout during her escape, Shea finds herself forced to choose between the life she led and the possibilities of a new one. Her decision might mean the difference between life and death. For danger looms on the horizon, and a partnership with the Warlord may be the only thing preventing the destruction of everything she holds dear.

Review:
Shea went through rigorous training and testing to become a Pathfinder. As such, she knows the monster creatures in the dangerous lands she explores and maps. Unfortunately, Shea has been assigned to a highland community that is led by men who disdain her guide skills and blame her for their own shortcomings. Only one or two men truly recognize and support Shea, and she is glad when they join her missions.

Shea and a handful of men are sent to rescue two young men, one the son of a village elder, who ventured off to a town in spite of warnings. During the rescue efforts they discover other men waiting to be executed. All of the men are released, and the strangers help Shea and her team escape pursuit. Shea wonders about these men especially when the apparent leader declares that she will go with him as ‘his possession’.

Shea escapes but the Trateri warlord, Fallon Hawkvale, declares that he will find her again. The Trateri, a people living in the badlands, are pushing in to conquer the lowlands. They would move into the highlands too if they could figure out how to safely get past the mists.

Shea’s village elders send her and their choice of men to negotiate trade routes with a lowland village. The negotiations are going strangely and as the team tries to leave, they discover they have been betrayed. Shea and her team are given as ‘tribute’ to appease the Trateri who conscript them into service. When Shea is recognized, she is held to be delivered to Fallon. Once again Shea is able to escape before Fallon arrives. As she tries to leave camp she is mistaken as a Trateri scout and pulled into a mission.

Shea finds herself fighting monsters alongside men who should be her enemies. Shea has to decide if she is going to make an escape to the highlands or if she is going to remain with the Trateri and maybe find a relationship with the fierce warlord.

I totally love Shea’s skills and her ability to defeat or escape from the monsters. It seems she isn’t the most patient communicator and that creates the friction that gets her into trouble. I also liked Fallon as soon as he appeared even if he is a bit of a chauvinist barbarian. He is intense and intriguing and there is more to him than initially apparent. It was good to see his character modify as a result of his respect for Shea.

I enjoyed the monsters, action and relationship issues in this well-written story. I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. I look forward to reading more in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good fantasy and aren’t offended by a 'barbarian' hero.

Audio Notes: Christa Lewis does a very fine job with the narration. She provides clear voices and conveys the personalities of the characters. The narration enhanced my enjoyment.

Source: 12/19/20199 Chirp purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 30, 2021

Happy Friday!
I bought some new books at a yard sale last month so I will put together a new box of books soon. Oops - forgot to do this last week. Maybe I'll get to it this week.

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 too 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 April 23, 2021 Pick. There was no automatic win last week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 23, 2021 Pick:
BN100 gets Inner Harbor and Chesapeake Blue

AND
MYSTICA 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.}

Rainy days are great for reading!
Image found at Plano Public Library.

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

Box #93 (14 books)

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
When We Met by Susan Mallery
Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook

PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)

New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls

New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job

New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- 

All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 almost TEN years I have posted 91 groups of 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling 1,477 books available to find new homes! (As of November 6, 2020).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,359+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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, TWRP, 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 faraway 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

This is a lovely Christian, Historical Romance.
A Cowboy for Keeps
by Jody Hedlund

ASIN : B08CJB95HZ
Publisher : Bethany House Publishers (January 5, 2021)
File size : 9179 KB
Print length : 333 pages
Genre: American, Christian, Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

Review:
Greta agreed to move west to Colorado as a mail order bride. She is willing to marry a stranger in hopes that the weather in the west will help her little sister, Astrid. A day away from her destination the stagecoach is robbed. Then she arrives to learn that her fiancé is believed to have died. The mayor in town, who wants more families in the community, decides that the best plan is to have Greta marry a local rancher, Wyatt.

Wyatt is struggling to make his ranch successful, and he has not thought about finding a wife and growing a family. He is competing with a brutal neighbor who is willing to kill Wyatt’s cattle rather than allow him to succeed. Wyatt wants the mayor to invest in the future of his ranch by financing the first herd of cattle. The mayor makes a deal agreeing to invest if Wyatt will marry Greta.

Both Greta and Wyatt come to the Judge with doubt and concerns, but they agree to get married. Greta manages to find ways to contribute to the household. But Wyatt worries about his cattle and Greta worries about Astrid’s health. As they face hostile neighbors and fragile health issues, they begin to find a mutual respect and attraction. Will they be able to move beyond their doubts to begin to trust each other and most importantly to trust God’s love and plan to prosper them?

Greta and Wyatt are wonderful and compelling characters. Greta showed sacrificial care for her sister which was lovely. Wyatt too showed a great caring for Greta and Astrid as did his friend and ranch hand, an older cowboy who became close friends with Astrid. The self-doubt that the characters struggle with is a realistic human flaw that allowed the author to show the depth of God’s love and grace in a gentle fashion. I found myself drawn into the story and eager to keep reading as I rooted for Greta and Wyatt. I recommend this to fans of Christian, historical romance.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021NetGalley goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: A Waterfront Wedding by Leigh Duncan

This is an easy listen and sweet romance. Pretty much what you expect from Hallmark.

A Waterfront Wedding
A Heart's Landing Novel from Hallmark Publishing
By: Leigh Duncan
Narrated by: Karissa Vacker

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
Release Date: April 20, 2021
Publisher Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Hallmark, Romance, Weddings
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In Heart’s Landing, Evelyn wants to prove she’s a good manager of the Captain’s Cottage by the bay - a favorite place for weddings. Meanwhile, Ryan has invested his life savings to remodel the town’s old boatworks into a brand-new wedding venue.
When a Marine and his bride win the Wedding in a Week contest, they have seven days to put together a romantic, all-expenses-paid event. It’ll be written up in Weddings Today magazine. But will they choose Evelyn’s cottage or Ryan’s boatworks?
The rival business owners cozy up to the bride and groom, helping them plan their military wedding. And even though Evelyn and Ryan both grew up in Heart’s Landing, they learn they never truly knew each other until now. But can they trust each other when only one of them can win?
This sweet, heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.
©2021 Leigh Duncan (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Heart’s Landing is a premier wedding destination. Evelyn is a bookkeeper for the family business at the Captain’s Cottage, a longtime favorite for weddings. Evelyn is filling in for her brother, the top manager, and wants to prove she can handle the management while he is on his honeymoon. Now Evelyn is in the competition for the Captain’s Cottage to be picked in the prestigious Wedding in a Week Contest.

Ryan has just finished remodeling the town’s old boatworks into a wedding venue on the water. He is surprised to learn that someone put his brand new location into the Wedding in a Week Contest. If his new building is picked by the winning couple, his business will be made.

Ryan was the childhood friend of Evelyn’s older brother. She always tried to tag along with the two guys and as she grew, she had a crush on Ryan. Although Ryan was kind when they were young, as they got into high school he seemed to avoid her. Now they are thrown together as they play guide to the Marine and his bride who are the winning couple in the all-expenses-paid Wedding in a Week contest. The various vendors in Heart’s Landing are thrilled to participate, even as Evelyn and Ryan experience a cautious attraction while anticipating that their venue will be selected.

Evelyn has some confidence and control issues that I found frustrating. Still, I enjoyed the rivalry between Evelyn and Ryan and the various wedding details were fun to follow. The wedding couple had their own pre-wedding jitters and issues that needed some soothing. Of course, this is a Hallmark Romance so I was glad to have the expected HEA ending. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy read and sweet, “Hallmark” romance.

Audio Notes: Karissa Vacker does a very good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and fitting emotional delivery. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.