Sharing Beyond Books #142 Comment Giveaway March 15, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Most of us do not go to theatre productions that often. However six people do enjoy productions and try to go often OR they go because family members are involved, like scottsgal's sister and niece in acting or Sarah's nephew in band productions. Ricki must be very busy running a community youth theatre that puts on 12 programs a year!

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The Winner from SBB #141 comments is: #15 ElizabethL who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #142 (One Question.)

Q1. Nikki asks: I've always been interested in names. And with all the great new names created these days, just wondering, for those who already have kids, did you name your kids after book/movie characters, or countries, or singers? For those who have yet to have kids, would you consider naming your kids after book/movie characters??

A: Our daughter was named after a flower with middle name Raye as a mix of her grandfather's name, Ray, and a favorite aunt of mine, Rae. But our son does have a character name as his middle name. The choice was between "Patton" which was actually a family surname, or "Shane" from the 1953 movie which is one of my husband's favorites. :-)

Image found at IMBd.

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:

Q1. Nikki asks: I've always been interested in names. And with all the great new names created these days, just wondering, for those who already have kids, did you name your kids after book/movie characters, or countries, or singers? For those who have yet to have kids, would you consider naming your kids after book/movie characters??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

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 March 22, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaways (three total): The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2 by Susan Page Davis

This is another fun, easy read in the Ladies Shooting Club Series.

The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2

by Susan Page Davis

Number of Pages: 320

Vendor: Barbour Publishing

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN-13: 9781602607958

$1.99 (CBD Price)

Genre: Historical Romance, Western

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description

Widowed gunsmith Hiram Dooley is in a fix. His widowed sister-in-law believes Hiram's duty is to marry her, and shopkeeper Libby Adams has no idea that he loves her. When the schoolteacher's uncle is murdered, Libby and Hiram team up to solve the crime. Will Hiram be able to tell Libby his true feelings?

Review:
Hiram Dooley has been reclusive for several years since the death of his wife in childbirth. He is pleased his sister, Trudy, has found a beau in his best friend, town sheriff, Ethan (The Sheriff's Surrender - Book 1). Although he is beginning to wonder when Ethan is going to get the gumption to make Trudy his bride. Hiram is also beginning to wonder if he might be able to find love again as he becomes more interested in the town shopkeeper, widow Libby Adams.  First though Hiram has to deal with the complication of his first wife’s prissy sister-in-law who has moved in with the idea that Hiram should marry her!

Libby hasn't been looking for another husband but she keeps noticing the steady strength, honesty and goodness of her best friend’s brother, Hiram. If they are both ready to move away from their morning pasts, perhaps her future could hold more than just a widow’s life running the town mercantile.

Although this book presents itself as Libby and Hiram’s story, their relationship is really quietly building in the background while the action revolves around Isabel and her father, Cyrus. Cyrus is the biggest land owner in town and wealthiest man as he runs the stage and bed & breakfast among other interests. One night a strange, rather unkempt man shows up at their house and he is introduced to Isabel as her Uncle. This is news to Isabel who never heard her mother talk about a brother. Isabel doesn't hear the man leave but a bit later discovers her father secretly burying something behind the barn. Isabel seeks comfort and help from Libby as she is frightened especially as her father becomes more and more uncommunicative. Then he starts trying to sell land around town to raise money but Isabel doesn't know why.

A new group of rough cowboys show up in town causing some ruckus for the sheriff and raising concerns from other townsfolk. It seems that the family trouble between Cyrus and Isabel is related to the rough man who has set up ranching on one of Cyrus’ properties.

Before Ethan, Trudy, Libby and Hiram can help Isabel to figure out what is going on with Cyrus she is kidnapped. It is heartwarming when the whole town steps forward to help Cyrus rescue one of their own.

There is gentle humor and western action to keep this story interesting. It moves at a good pace especially since we know the town characters from the first book. I really enjoy how the author brings in Christian messages of love, forgiveness and trust by making them part of the characters' lives in sharing rather than a preaching situation.

This is the second book in the series. Although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend reading the books in order to get a better grasp on the manner town characters. One of our book club members thought we were reading book 3 instead of 2. She said that book 3 is a fun read too.

I picked up book 1 and 2 in this series at very good prices for Ladies Book Club.

I have decided to giveaway print books 1 and 2 separately but in this one entry - so TWO WINNERS get one print book each. Please note that The Sheriff's Surrender is still available for $1.65 at CBD and The Gunsmith's Gallantry is $1.99. All three books in the series are available in ebook format from CBD for the very reasonable price of $6.05 with no postage costs! SO - I am adding a THIRD WINNER for the ebook of all three stories!
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used Print Copies.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the first review, second review OR

 visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print but worldwide for the ebook!
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 26, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 26, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 14, 2014

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

Aargh! I never got to the office last weekend as I spent the day with book club and facial and grandkids. :-) So I completely forgot the picture for another set of books this week. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pickings are getting slim so if you want to wait until Saturday 3/15 I'll add a new list then! New Pic and list now added!

I've had a good week - busy but not overly stressful. Our weather warmed up until another shot of cold today but there are many signs of spring - hyacinth, daffodils and wild African violets blooming!


More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the March 7 Pick. LOTS - FIVE! - of Automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There was one title blocked but it was won.
bn100 gets Something Extra
rubynreba gets Fern Michaels' Pair
Carol NW gets The Reckoning
Rita gets White Heather
and
Sue gets Swimming Without a Net

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 7 Pick:
Alyn gets Provocative in Pearls (through the block)

Janhvi gets a GC

SPECIAL ebook GIVEAWAY: Only five people entered for the eBook Giveaway.

WINNER:  Jess1 gets The Iron Duke (Riveted Novel)

 (which looks like a book I would like!)

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.}

This image is in recognition of St. Patrick's Day! Happy Green!

Image found at EnergyAce.

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS: gone
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

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

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 639+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

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

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Audio Book Review: Silver City Massacre by Charles G. West

This is a fine, entertaining, western listening experience.
Silver City Massacre
by Charles G. West
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:01-07-14
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Westerns

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A treacherous journey…
Joel McAllister is a lieutenant in the Confederate Army – or at least he was, until Lee surrendered. Now he's determined to get as far away from war as possible, somewhere beyond North and South…and maybe somewhere with some gold: Idaho Territory.
Accompanied by his steadfast sergeant, Riley, the two former soldiers travel westward from Texas. But the trail to Silver City is littered with peril - including a band of notoriously merciless Comanche warriors.
When his traveling party expands to include two women survivors of a Comanche raid and a Bannock Indian, Joel will need to rely on what soldier's instinct he has left in him to deliver everyone to Silver City alive - and keep them alive once they're there.
©2014 Charles G. West (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
I enjoyed listening to this western that reminded me of the older, classic western movies my husband watches. I think he would like this in movie form and would probably enjoy listening too.

Joel McAllister leaves his former Confederate army troop to head north to Idaho where he hopes to meet up with his brother in Silver City. His brother had been injured in the war and went off to settle on land, with a small mine, outside of Silver City. Joel hasn’t heard from him in a long time but he has no where else to go.

Joel is joined by a rough Sergeant Riley who has fought with him and they respect and trust each other. Although they are both good men, they push the boundaries where they feel it is justified in their best interest, which includes helping themselves to a couple of horses and some supplies to help the journey.

Riley has some helpful knowledge on the direction and landmarks they need to follow as they head north. But the men must be careful to stay alert as the way is treacherous with the possibility of hostile Indians anywhere along the way. At one point they come upon an Indian attack on a small group of wagons. They arrive too late to help in the main fight but in time to save a woman and young girl. The strong headed woman is clearly used to being independent and able to fend for herself. When Joel would drop them off at a settlement along the way she insists that they will continue with Joel and Riley until they reach Silver City.

They band pick up another traveler when they pass some Indians and one tries to steal a horse. Joel makes a deal with Red Shirt to guide them through the territory in exchange for a horse. Red Shirt too insists on staying when they reach Silver City.

Joel and his group finally arrive to find his brother struggling to protect his cattle, the mine and his home. There is large landowner nearby who wants the McAllister land and although the man holds himself out as a trustworthy business man in town he has actually hired gunslingers to intimidate or, if need be, kill the neighbors to get the land holdings. Joel has survived the long trek home but can he protect his friends and survive the attacks by the local land baron?

This is a well written story with plenty of action as well as interesting characters. If you enjoy tales of the old west this is a great selection.


Audio Notes: Jim Meskimen’s voice is a good match for the story. He is not gruff but strong enough to make it a very easy listen with clear story presentation. I wouldn’t necessarily read this type of book but I enjoyed it as a good audio choice.

I received this audio book from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox

Audio Book Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

This is an engaging, unexpected, positive surprise.

Of Poseidon

by Anna Banks

Published by AudioGO

UNABRIDGED AUDIOBOOK
Reader: Rebecca Gibel
Running Time: 9hrs 32min
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Description:
Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange–is it attraction?–and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of–a human who can communicate with fish. What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either–and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings. Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

Review:
This was the YA selection paired with The Tempest and I was delightfully surprised!
Emma is an awkward teen who runs into a hot guy, Galen, on a Florida beach. There is a strange, electrical pull between them and Galen is alarmed by Emma’s violet eyes. That is a color that should only belong to the Syrena a race of mer-people who live hidden from humans. Galen suspects that Emma has the gift of Poseidon - the ability to communicate with fish. If that is true she may be destined to be his brother’s mate and to unite enemy factions.

Galen follows Emma home to New Jersey where he meets her in school pretending to be a student. Galen and Emma grow closer even as Galen tries to resist the attraction between them. Galen is joined by his sister, best friend and his human “step-mom.” They are sensing an unrecognized signature in the water that seems to be a threat to Emma so they are trying to protect her. Meanwhile Emma, who isn’t so self-assured, is getting frustrated by the mixed messages that she is getting from Galen who seems to really like her but holds her at arms length.

The characters are sweet and fun with wonderful chemistry. The plot is well developed and there is plenty of conflict, mystery and action. I got lost listening to the story and was so engrossed that I was startled by the cliff-hanger ending. I couldn't wait to get online to make sure there was a follow-up book available! I recommend this as a fun sweet read/listen. This is an interesting pairing with The Tempest and I wouldn't work too hard at making comparisons. I really enjoyed this much more.

Audio Notes: I obviously was wrapped up in the narration. There were a couple of times when the POV changed and it wasn’t totally clear at first but smoothed out pretty quickly. Rebecca Gibel’s narration voice fit the age of the characters even if it wasn't what I expected - but neither was the story - in a good way.

I received this and The Tempest from SYNC YA May 30 – June 5, 2013.