Sharing Beyond Books #443 Comment Giveaway April 2, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#442 Nikki asked: Now now let's be honest please. Do you secretly like reading spoilers?? Books, movies, etc ?
Three commenters don't like to read spoilers; three do read spoilers. One commenter checks ratings before buying a book and another checks reviews - but doesn't read the endings!
Thanks all for sharing!

For US participants: I need to update and refill the books available to US winners. I have used "Love" and "Christmas" titles as well as ARC titles. Since the supply is lower, I have author collections I could choose from, mostly romance - historical, suspense and some contemporary. What genres/books/authors would you like me to include?

The Winner from SBB#442 comments is #6 LINDA 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. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

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

WEEK #443

(One Question.)

Miki asks: What kind of book signing do you prefer?In convention? in little bookstore? Where you can bring your own books or where you must buy one during the signing??

I have done both -- getting books signed at a convention and getting books signed at a bookstore. Both times I bought the books. I think I prefer the bookstore atmosphere. It was less crowded, more intimate.

Image found at Book Riot.

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. Miki asks: What kind of book signing do you prefer?In convention? in little bookstore? Where you can bring your own books or where you must buy one during the signing??

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, April 16, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story by Ryan W. Aslesen

This is a quick military story to introduce the primary character. It portrays a very sad state of military politics.
Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: Crucible, Book 0
Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 01-19-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The War on Terror provides the backdrop for the thriller that introduces the roots of ultimate antihero, Max Ahlgren.
Captain Max Ahlgren is proud to be one of the first team commanders in the Marine Corps’ nascent MARSOC detachment. Finally, the Corps’ elite warriors are working alongside those of other branches, battling insurgents, not on the front lines but behind them.
After his first mission, however, Max learns he will be replaced as team commander. The new commander, Major Whitbeck, comes from 8th and I: Marine Barracks, Washington DC. His late father, a revered general, died in a terrorist car bombing. The commander is in Afghanistan for vengeance - and redemption. When the team infiltrates the ancient desert fortress of Kazindrak, hunting an elusive Al-Qaeda terrorist, Whitbeck reveals his ineptitude in combat.
Max’s fury grows as the body count rises. When the actual nature of the mission is revealed, Max gets a good look at the sordid underbelly of the War on Terror and sees firsthand what monsters men can become. If he is to survive, however, he may have no choice but to become one. Sometimes the greatest enemy is within.
©2018 Ryan W. Aslesen (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Captain Max Ahlgren was successful in leading men in battle. He has been assigned to a specialist team. Unfortunately, his commander advises him that he is being sent on a mission but rather than leading, he will be second in command. The mission will be led by Major Whitbeck whose record shows no field experience. But he is the son of a revered general who was killed by terrorists.

Max gets warned before going out that the Major did lead a previous mission where everyone on his team died. Apparently, the mission information got buried thanks to his father. Also, before the mission, Max challenges a Sergeant over rough shod treatment of a soldier. The Sergeant clearly dislikes all officers and warns Max to watch his back.

Max and his unique team are quick to recognize the inexperience in the Major and are even more concerned when they learn that the mission is to infiltrate and kill the terrorist that killed the Major’s father. Sure enough, the Major is quick to make misjudgments and soon makes a deadly mistake. The team is soon ducking for their lives and leaving dead enemies and comrades on the ground.

The matter gets worse when the Major, Max, and the handful of remaining soldiers get to the point of completing the mission. Max and his team are horrified. They plan to report on the Major as soon as they get back to base but sadly only Max is still standing when they come to the debriefing. And matters go from bad to worse. The actions taken against Max are disgusting. But then he is made an offer he can’t refuse.

I like Max as a character but was very disturbed by the hatred of the Sergeant and the ineptitude of the Major. This novella tells how Max gets recruited to a terrorist fighting agency. As much as I didn’t like how he got there, I like Max enough to hope he succeeds in his next mission, and I will get the first full book. I recommend this to fans of military thrillers.

Audio Notes: I like Jeffrey Kafer as a narrator and he did a good job with this story. He provided distinct voices and strong energy. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/19/2021 Free download from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 1, 2022

Happy Friday and HAPPY APRIL - NO APRIL FOOL'S HERE!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
Still super busy - that is such a mixed blessing.

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 March 25, 2022 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 were no titles blocked last week.

CONGRATULATIONS to:
Random.org picked Winners from March 25, 2022 Pick:
ASHFA gets a GC
AND
BN100 gets Dawn of Redemption

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.}

  Edible books? Who knew!
Image found at Celebration Marketing on Pinterest

New Book Box #95 November 7, 2021

I'll add the titles through the week (16 including 2 doubles, 1 pair).
(on top) (Two) Rancher's Wild Secret and Hold Me Cowboy by Maisey Yates
(on top) Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
(Two) The Taming & The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
(Pair) Dreaming of You and Promises of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
The Hollows by Ben Larken
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
Storm Sisters: Friends Through All Seasons by Afton Rovrik (Hardback)
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)

Three Audio CD Books:
Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale
A Summer of Firsts by Susan Wiggs and Sarah Morgan
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Christmas on 4th Street: An Anthology by Susan Mallery
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson

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
All Gone

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.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

(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 TWELVE years I have posted 91 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,535 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2021).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,394 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!

Audible Book Review: On the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

This essay is timely even 173 years from when it was written.

On the Duty of Civil Disobedience
By: Henry David Thoreau
Narrated by: Jim Killavey

Length 1h 3m
Release date: 01-12-12
Publisher: Jimcin Recordings
Genre: History, Nonfiction, United States
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 3.75

Publisher's Summary
This essay by Thoreau first published in 1849, argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule their consciences. It goes on to say that individuals have a duty to avoid allowing the government to make them the agents of injustice. The quote: "That government is best which governs least," sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson or Thomas Paine, actually was first found in this essay. Thoreaus' thoughts were motivated by his disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War but they are still relevant and resonate today.
Public Domain (P)2011 Jimcin Recordings

Review:
I had not read this essay in years. I was surprised how timely the message is. Thoreau questioned injustice and immorality supported by national government (particularly slavery and the Mexican-American War). Thoreau argues that each citizen must investigate and search out the facts if he believes that the government is acting unjustly. Thoreau espoused less government (see the quote in the blurb) and encouraged taking action to refuse to support unjust situations.

The underlying message of this essay is still applicable in modern day protests. One of the big differences though is that Thoreau did not promote violence, although he did not rule it out. Thoreau did not speak in favor of censorship but encouraged open debate.

It is interesting to learn (from outside research) that Thoreau exercised his right to civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes for which he was jailed. A friend bailed him out by paying the taxes. I dd note from the essay (and independent research) that it is frustrating to know that civil disobedience might not change the policy or authority. I enjoyed reading this piece of historic writing and recommend it to anyone who finds public debate interesting.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Jim Killavey to be clear but flat. I would recommend reading the text or looking for a different narrator.

Source: August 2021 Free Kindle and Audible for $.49. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

This is a creative and good story to share with children.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Adventure, Children, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget.
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish and families can listen to together.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library

Review:
Janner, Tink and Leeli are three children who try to live a normal life but instead have to live under the shadow of evil authorities, the Fangs of Dang, and the threat of being taken off at night in the black carriage. The Igiby children who live with their dignified and loving mother and their ex-pirate grandfather, are not aware of their full history.

Leeli has a damaged leg and walks with a crutch. She is almost always accompanied by their sweet little dog, Nugget. Janner, as the oldest, is always taxed with watching over his younger brother and sister. But the children are curious and although they get to share some exciting and dangerous adventures, they end up in desperate trouble. As they try to get away from the Fangs, they find help from a strange character and betrayal from another.

The story is filled with creative characters and adventures any child might enjoy. There are secrets that aren’t revealed till near the ending and it gives a whole new picture of the Igiby family and their allies. There are footnotes and items set out in a pdf that comes with the audio.

Our grandchildren are reading this series so I decided to listen and be able to share. I enjoyed the characters, the creativity and the adventures in the plot. We have the other books in the series and I will be listening to book two in the near future. I recommend this as a family listen to enjoy.

Audio Notes: I didn’t realize until I finished the story that the narrator is the author! Andrew Peterson  does a wonderful job with the voices, and of course brings the appropriate energy and emotion to the story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/14/2021 January Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022 Alphabet goals.