Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway August 5, 2011

MY APOLOGIES TO THOSE WHO HAD TROUBLE ENTERING ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNING. I HAD FAILED TO SET TO ALLOW COMMENTS. I WAS BUSY ALL DAY FRIDAY AT WORK AND NEVER GOT TO CHECK THE POST. COMMENT SECTION IS NOW PROPERLY OPEN.
Thank you to all who entered July 29 Pick. There were Two Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Louisa won Cold as Ice - (this book was named by another but the person is international and the price to ship overseas too costly.)
Krystal won The Crush.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from July 29nd Pick:

Janhvi - gets undercover pursuit by susan may warren or having faith by barbara delinsky or a GC

and
CAROL L- chose The Hellion 

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 - either sweet and sensual or sexy +plus. 

Hope you're not too hot as you're reading! :o)

New Group #20 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Dead Jitterbug by Victoria Houston

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

* Wolf to the Slaughter: An Inspector Wexford Novel (Mortalis) by Ruth Rendell

* Point No Point by Mary Logue

The Cheshire Cat's Eye by Marcia Muller

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell 

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

* Resort to Murder: A Henrie O Mystery by Carolyn Hart

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

Until We Meet Again by Christine McGuire (spine creased)

Bloody Good by Georgia Evans (spine creased)

* Undercover Pursuit (Love Inspired Suspense) by Susan May Warren

* The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

* Having Faith by Barbara Delinsky

* Easy On the Heart by Jodi Thomas

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Pairs:

Debbie Macomber 

Between Friends

Thursdays at Eight

Luanne Rice

Firefly Beach

Cloud Nine

Singles

Iced (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 3)by Carol Higgins Clark

A Price for Everything (Rosamunde Pilcher's Book Shelf) by Mary Sheepshank

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery) by Sue Grafton

Poirot Investigates - Volume 1 Agatha Christie - Audio Cassettes

Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy

Hope Everlastin' by Mickee Madden

The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

The Hope Chest: Yesterday's Magic\Today's Secrets\Tomorrow's Promise (Signature Select) Anthology

Susan, Kearney, Julie Kenner and Jacquie D'Alessandro

Once a Princess by Johanna Lindsey

Resistance: A Novel by Anita Shreve

Vanity by Jane Feather

3/25/11  I did get to set up a new group of books:
Group #19

Pair - James Patterson

1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)

Kiss the Girls (2nd Alex Cross Novel)

Singles

And Then Came You: Sam's Story

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

The Italian (Mira Historical Romance)

Rhapsody: A Love Story

A Sight for Sore Eyes 

The Waterfall

Primary Colors - audio tapes

A Little Magic

See No Evil (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #39) (black stripe on cover)

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!
Not all of these are two from a series but several are.  Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell:
Cruel and Unusual
At Risk (Win Garano)
John Grisham
Bleachers
The Last Juror
Jack Higgins
Touch the Devil (1983 Signet Edition)
Thunder Point (Sean Dillon)
Fern Michaels 
Final Justice: Sisterhood Series #5
The Jury: Sisterhood Series #4 (Revenge of the Sisterhood)

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.

So far I have posted 21 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I am continuing to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off until I get around to deleting the crossed off books.  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 206 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the correct number sent out.

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 and $6.00 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. :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 before the next Pick post. 
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.  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

Scavenger by David Morrell
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4) by Janet Evanovich
Turbulent Sea (Drake Sisters, Book 6) by Christine Feehan
Saving Faith by David Baldacci

12/3/10  Book Set:
#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith
Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart
Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (small tear on cover)
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

Double Exposure (Brio Girls) by Kathy Wierenga

Wicked Widow  by Amanda Quick

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart

Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller

List #14

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Off Season by Jack Ketchum

The Color of Law: A Novel by Mark Gimenez
Depraved Indifference by Joseph Teller
Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Must the Maiden Die (Seneca Falls Historical Myster) by Miriam Grace Monfredo
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom
The Summons by John Grisham - Audio CDs

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Anansi Boys by Neil Gairman
The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read.  Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!"  Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....
Group #12
The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson
First King of Shannara (Shannara Trilogy, Prequel)  by Terry Brooks
Seal Team One by Dick Couch
Motion to Suppress by Perri O'Saughnessy
Presumption of Death by Perri O'Saughnessy
Pandemic by Daniel Kalla
Lethal Practice by Peter Clement
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Burning Man by Phillip M. Margollin
Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt
The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher
Looking Back by Belva Plain
The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Sixth Sense
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman
Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee
Montana Bride by Barbara Clark (A)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Jake's Return by Liana Laverentz (A)
The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
Misfortune by Nancy Geary
False Prophet by Faye Kellerman
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
A Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney (SC)

Pick #6
Tin Man by Dale Brown
The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*
On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith - Audio Cassette
Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan
Mistletoe and Mischief by Patricia Wynn

Pick #7
In Her Defense by Stephen Horn - Audio Tape
A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)
Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber (sc)

Pick #9
Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes
Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology
Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)
The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes
Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10
The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)
Double Blind by Ken Goodard
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Audible Book Review: One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

This is a striking and engaging audio story.

One Tuesday Morning

• UNABRIDGED
• by Karen Kingsbury
• Narrated by Full Cast 

Genre: Inspirational Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Summary from Audible:
One Tuesday Morning
A devoted fireman and a driven businessman: strangers with the same face. Only one will leave the Twin Towers alive, but will he ever find his way home?

On the morning of September 11, 2001, two men meet in a smoky stairwell of the World Trade Center. One is Eric Michaels, a driven financial manager from Los Angeles who has been busy climbing the corporate ladder, often at the expense of his wife and young son. The other is Jake Bryan, a New York City fireman devoted to his wife and daughter. In the midst of the crisis, Eric falls on the stairs and Jake stops to help him up. The two men freeze momentarily, stunned by the uncanny resemblance between them.

Later, after the building has crumbled to the ground, Eric awakes beneath a fire truck. He is burned and bloody and most of his clothes have been blown off. A fire captain rushes to his side, thinking he recognizes his friend Jake. By the time Jake's wife arrives at the hospital, Eric's face is bandaged and his memory gone.

In the months that follow, Eric struggles to relate to a wife and daughter he doesn't remember, while on the opposite coast Eric's real wife grieves and finds comfort from Eric's brother, a single man who has always adored her. The emotional suspense builds as Eric begins to have disturbing dreams and flashbacks, and questions grow in Jake's wife's mind.

The only way for Eric to find his way is by following the love of a special woman, and the footsteps of a man who no longer exists.

Review: I liked the basis for this story and found it to be an engaging listen.
The first couple of hours of the story are spent developing the characters and this seemed to move slowly but it is important to set the personalities.  Eric is a man who fails to appreciate his family as he is only focused on his career and success. His wife is a Christian and it is only her faith that has kept her from taking their son, who feels as if he has no father, and walking away from her marriage.  Jake, on the other hand, is a devoted Godly man who cherishes his wife and daughter above all things. He prays for his wife, Jamie, to come to salvation and trust in God and feels that she is leaning toward that acceptance. These extreme differences play a big factor in the story after the 9/11 attack.

Once the story hits the terror attack on September 11 it becomes very active and intense.  Jake is steadfast with his coworkers climbing the stairs in the second tower even though they realize they may never walk out.  Eric finally leaves his boss and heads down the stairs.  He stumbles along the way and is helped up by Jake. In that encounter he sees the picture of Jake’s daughter, Sierra, in Jake’s helmet.  When Eric awakens in the hospital all he remembers is Sierra, nothing more.

The intensity of the action dies down in the final third of the book as Eric struggles to find himself in the position and life of Jake. There is great emotionally turmoil for Jamie and a tender friendship that develops between Eric, presumed to be Jake, and Jamie, as they try to piece together his past and their lives.  There is also turmoil for other wives who lost their spouses in the attack. There is hope and tenderness as the story resolves.

There were multiple readers and unfortunately the female narrator read with a lot of swallowing  and as though she was reading around a lozenge which can be distracting.  I recognized one of the male narrators who I really liked.

This is a powerful story that I think many people could appreciate.

Sheila at Book Journey was reading this also and we agreed to share our reviews. Thanks for sharing Sheila! She asked me these questions:

Q1. Initially the book had come into publication in May of 2003.... not two years after the real attacks.  Do you think that was too soon?  Do you feel this book could have been used as a healing mechanism for those who have painful memories or losses during the events of 9-1-1, or was it a painful reminder?
I thought that the portrayal of the crash from a “ground zero” view was quite powerful. I myself was not fully aware of the extent of the loss of life in the fire crews. I think this story might have been too raw for some in 2003 but for others there might be great healing in the faith messages.

Q2.  Did you find this story believable?
Ah- The families presented and the attack scenes are completely believable.
I did however have some issues on the issue of the mistaken identity.  I questioned that there was no wedding ring on Eric to distinguish him from Jake and no body mark, birth mark that was distinguishing. I could understand the Fire Chief jumping to the assumption this was Jake but I had a harder time with Jamie, his wife, accepting this. It was understandable initially because of the look-a- like aspects and the fact that she would want him to be alive. She did have a few doubts but managed to rationalize them away.  Also I questioned how they were managing for months without income while Jake/Eric did not return to work.

Q3.  Do you plan to continue the series with the second book/audio - Beyond Tuesday Morning?
I was not even aware that there was a second in the series. I enjoyed this book and would be interested to see how Jamie and Sierra move forward from grief to living again.

I asked this question - but did not get this Sheila in time for her post as I failed to catch her last two emails in time to realize we were posting today (August 4).
Did you feel that the faith based issues were blended easily in the story or did some feel forced (more preachy)?
I felt, even as a follower of Christ, that parts of the early story seemed to hit a little heavy on Bible which might turn off some potential readers.  Later in the book parts of the message of faith were naturally blended  from Jake’s journal and I really liked that. I also liked the salvation message although again I thought this might be too “preachy” for some readers/listeners.  In these circumstances I sometimes feel that a book like this might end up “preaching to the choir.”

Audio Book Review: Change Anything

This is an easy listen with practical directives.

Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillian

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (April 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609419871
• ISBN-13: 978-1609419875
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 6 inches 

     Genre:  Self Help, Nonfiction
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
A stunning new approach to how individuals can not only change their lives for the better in the workplace, but also their lives away from the office, including (but not limited to) finding ways to improve one's working relationship with others, one's overall health, outlook on life, and so on.

For example, why is it that 95% of all diet attempts fail? Why do New Year's Resolutions last no more than a few days? Why can't people with good intentions seem to make consistent and positive strides in the way they want to improve their careers, financial fitness, physical fitness, and so on?

Based upon the latest research in a number of psychological and medical fields, the authors of CHANGE ANYTHING will show that traditional will-power is not necessarily the answer to these strivings, that people are affected in their behaviors by far more subtle influences. CHANGE ANYTHING shows how individuals can come to understand these powerful and influential forces, and how to put these forces to work in a positive manner that brings real and meaningful results.

The authors present an array of everyday examples that will change and truly empower you to reexamine the way you go about your business and life.

Review: This book is presented in a direct, consistent manner.
The introduction explains the difficulties we have in relying only on our own motivations to change habits.  The authors explain a specific methodology towards change and describe how they tested their methods.

Briefly the method engages six sources of influence that will help strengthen the will to lead to success. The book describes the steps generally. Then it discusses specific circumstances with first hand examples. The specific areas include changing habits to be successful in weight lose, financial security, addictions and relationships.  The steps make great sense and provide the tools necessary to succeed in changing anything you determine to change.

First identify crucial moments of weakness; create vital behaviors to support change; then boost the chances of success by engaging all six sources of influence:
1.  Love what you hate.
(Visit your default future for motivation.)
2.  Do what you can
(Learn new skills for what you can't do.)
3. and 4.  Turn accomplices into friends.
(Be careful of peer pressure. Redefine normal.).
5.  Invert the Economy.
(Use incentives.)
6.  Control your space.
(Use tools available and engage your autopilot.)

The audio is easy to listen to but I found it best to listen in a setting where I could take notes. The book would be easy to refer back to the specific steps. With the audio you have to listen several times unless you take notes outlining the steps.  The do give a special code to use online for extra information and support that is very nice!
I am going to be listening again to this and sharing it with my daughter.  I recommend it to anyone who seriously wants to make changes in their life.

###

Thank you to Hachette Audio for providing this book to review. More information is available here.

Sourcebooks Shares August eBook Specials!

Thanks to Danielle at Sourcebooks for sharing this announcement! I get to pick up a couple of books too!

Here are a few eBook deals running this week—enjoy!!

As always, please be patient if our online retailers don’t have every single title uploaded to their discounted price points, but the promotion is set to start tomorrow!

Please feel free to share the info with your blog readers, on Facebook and Twitter, and however else you’d like to spread the word!

You can always receive the latest information about our ebook deals by joining our newsletter: http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.html

Happy Reading!

Danielle

 Sourcebooks, Inc. www.sourcebooks.com | @SourcebooksCasa

AUGUST eBOOK DEALS FROM SOURCEBOOKS

In honor of The Vampire Next Door, book 3 in the sassy paranormal romance series by Ashlyn Chase, book 1, STRANGE NEIGHBORS will be available for FREE from 8/2/11-8/8/11! How can a who is witch afraid of the dark and a vampire who can’t survive in sunlight find a way to be together?

Jeanette Baker is a beloved romance author, and Sourcebooks Casablanca is proud to be bringing her books back in print! With Catriona, a captivating tale of love, danger, and a passion that endures across the boundaries of time, heading back into stores this month, LEGACY will be available for FREE from 8/2/11-8/8/11!!

Are you looking for an adventurous book full of goblins, pixies, fairies and more? Book 2 by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Elliot and the Pixie Plot, hits stores this month but you can start the series from the beginning for FREE this week only (8/2/11-8/8/11) by reading ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR.

Would you like to brush up on your vocab skills? Or perhaps you know a high school graduate or current student getting ready to head back to school… Download these two reference/study aids to have the best conversation skills in town—not to mention it helps out with testing and college admissions!  Fiske 250 Words Every High School Graduate Needs to Know and Fiske 250 Words Every High School Freshman Needs to Know will both be available for $1.99 for two weeks, 8/2/11-8/15/11!

Q&A Interview with Tawna Fenske, Author of Making Waves

Today I welcome Author Tawna Fenske.  You can get a good sense of her humor from her interview answers. :-)

Q1.  I'm always interested to discover the story behind the story. Where did the inspiration for Making Waves come from?

TF: The story started brewing in my brain on a sailing trip around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, though at that point it was the equivalent of, “wow, men on boats are kinda hot.” The plot didn’t come together in my mind until the economy tanked and tons of people around me started getting laid off. I began mulling the crazy lengths people might go to if they were unfairly sacked by a shady employer. A high seas diamond heist organized by the four most unlikely pirates on the planet seemed like a good start.

Q2. What inspired you to write romantic comedy?

TF: I come from a family of hysterical people who are always cracking jokes and laughing, so you’d think it might have occurred to me earlier to try writing comedy. Hey, I never claimed to be the sharpest meatball in the pot. I started off writing women’s action/adventure several years ago, sold a book to Harlequin/Silhouette’s Bombshell line, and wrote two follow-ups that hadn’t made it to contract when I got “the un-call” from my editor saying the line was being canceled a month before my scheduled debut. It was my 32nd birthday. And the day my cat died. Oh, and the same day my employer threatened to fire me if I kept disobeying the hosiery policy (I did, they didn’t). As all this stuff was hitting me, I thought, “it’s actually kinda funny.” Realizing I could find the humor in something like that got me started finding the humor in my writing, too.

Q3.  Do your work career/hobbies/interests influence your writing (maybe your dogs)?

TF: Everything around me is a source of inspiration, but I sometimes have to look for it. I’m a natural introvert, so I’m vigilant about dragging my lazy self out of the house to experience something besides the squish of the chair under my butt. There was a period where I tried to do the full-time writer thing, but I realized pretty quickly that my brain shrivels up like castrated sheep testicle when I don’t have regular human interaction. I now work part-time in marketing/PR where there’s plenty of day-to-day silliness to inspire me.

Q4.  Did you do any "hands on" or other unusual research for Making Waves?

TF: Are you asking if the Strip Battleship scene has been fully researched and tested? A lady never tells (so of course!)

Q5.  Do you have a favorite mentor or author that you have learned from?

TF: Too many to count! If I narrow it down just to my genre, my favorite romantic comedy authors are Jennifer Crusie, Lani Diane Rich, and Kristan Higgins. All are hysterically funny, but in completely different ways.

Q6.  If you were to start your writing career over, what would you do first?

TF: There were a lot of stumbling blocks on my road to publication, from that first ill-fated book deal I mentioned, to an early agent relationship that didn’t work out. Tough as those experiences were at the time, I wouldn’t do things any differently. Sometimes you have to learn things the hard way to really appreciate the good stuff when it comes along.

Q7.  What is your most or least (you pick) favorite aspect of promoting?

TF: In some ways, I’m lucky that my day-job for the last 12+ years has been in marketing/public relations. It makes me fairly well-equipped to handle the promotional aspects of being an author, but the downside is that I let myself get too consumed by it – sometimes at the expense of actual writing.

Q8.  What do you hope your readers get out of your books?

TF: At least five or six good, hard belly laughs and the occasional inappropriate tingly sensation.

Q9.  I think you could have fun with this:  if you could write the “fortune” in a fortune cookie what would it be?

TF: I’m drawing a complete and utter blank on this one (blame it on the double deadline I’m up against right now). I will say that I’m a big fan of reading any fortune I get and adding the words “in bed” at the end. You know, “You will find great prosperity and happiness…in bed.” That sort of thing. It really never stops being funny to me.

Q10.  If you could have readers finish a sentence what would it be? 
TF: The last time I laughed really hard, it was because…

Thank you so much for sharing at my blog.
Martha

MAKING WAVES BY TAWNA FENSKE – IN STORES AUGUST 2011

She always wanted to belong… Just not to a dysfunctional pirate crew…

Juli has trouble fitting in, though she’d prefer to keep the reasons to herself. But when she mistakenly stows away on a ship of misfit corporate castoffs, her own secrets become the least of her concerns…

He knows plotting a diamond heist may be considered unusual behavior…

But Alex isn’t feeling very normal when his unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb. Meeting Juli doesn’t do much to restore normalcy to Alex’s life either, but it sure is exhilarating!

As Alex and Juli bare their secrets—and a whole lot more—they find that while normal is nice, weird can be wonderful…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tawna Fenske traveled a career path that took her from newspaper reporter to English teacher in Venezuela to marketing geek. An avid globetrotter with a fondness for the sea, she shares her heroine’s violent allergy to seasickness medication (though, sadly, has never stowed away on a pirate ship).Tawna is the author of the popular daily blog “Don’t Pet Me, I’m Writing” and lives in Central Oregon, where she is working on her next novel, Believe It or Not, in stores March 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.tawnafenske.com/ or follower her on Twitter @tawnafenske. 

Check out my review and the giveaway for a chance to win this fun, fun book!