GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "THE SWEETEST THING" ENDED

APRIL 6th TO APRIL 20th, 2011

THE SWEETEST THING

by JILL SHALVIS

SYNOPSIS:

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

  Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.
  But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor. 

THANKS TO BRIANNE AND THE FANTASTIC

PEOPLE FROM THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

I HAVE THREE (3) COPIES OF THIS

FUN & ROMANTIC BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.

*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*

AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN

*LEAVE COMMENT: DID YOU EVER

HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE?*

*EXTRA ENTRIES*

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS
  BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).

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**HONOR SYSTEM / PER PUBLISHER**

ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD

PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE

WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER

SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY

HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN

AND READ THIS BOOK.

THANK YOU.

*GIVEAWAY ENDS APRIL 20th AT 6PM EST*

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG

AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND WILL

AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND

OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,
agent and/or author. This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the
above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in
exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are
ever sold...they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed

W.W.W. Wednesday

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

And the winner is..........

........of SIXTY-NINE by Pynk



Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

6

Timestamp: 2011-04-05 22:17:13 UTC

Tore said... 6  I am an email subscriber.

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. 

Teaser Tuesday

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"So this isn't a case of murder, or manslaughter, or any other crime.  What it represents is someone who wanted to get you in trouble professionally, for going outside protocol, for ignoring policy.  Right?"

page 97

Monday Memes

Before I get to today's memes, I have a special message on this very special day to a special person in my life, my husband.  Happy 30th Anniversary!!!  It doesn't seem possible that we have been married for 30 years.  We are fortunate that we have 2 very successful, handsome, caring, wonderful sons.  We have been through good times and bad, but made it through, due to our love and respect for each other.  I would do it all over again.  Looking forward to the next 30.  I love you!!!!

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week's question:
When you were little did other children tease you about your reading habits?
My answer:
Oh so many years ago, but as I recall, I really don't think so.  Back then, though, it was mandatory that we were given a summer reading list with a number of books that had to be read and reports written.  I remember how some of the kids absolutely hated the assignment, whereas, I couldn't wait to see what books were on the list to choose from.  I was the kid who was at the library getting books the first day of summer vacation.  I also remember my summer reading spot, which was under a huge tree in our backyard, the perfect spot on hot days. 

 

April is being hosted by Amy from Passages to the Past

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of  A girl and her books and is now on tour.
According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
Before sharing my mailbox, I want to thank Amy for being so kind to host one of my favorite memes.  I look forward to stopping by every Monday.  Thank you Amy.

                                                                        For Review

ARC- St. Martin's Press

                                                       
                                                          Personal Kindle Downloads

                                                                                      (for hubby-maybe he will

                                                                                        read on vacation)

Sunday's Shining Star

WELCOME!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young'ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that "book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are" and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those "nicest bloggers" around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

I hope you have your overnight bag packed because today I thought we would do a little traveling.  Lori, (aka Dollycas's Thoughts) hubby's, Jeff, will also be coming along and is in charge of carrying our luggage lol.  Since this month there is the big wedding "across the pond" what better place to visit.  And in the UK is a very pleasant and sweet blogger.  If you don't already know her, I would like you to meet her.  Today my guest is CAROL from DIZZY C's LITTLE BOOK BLOG.

*When and why did you start blogging?

I am a newbie. I have only been blogging since Friday 16th July,2010 with a post entitled "Here goes".


It read "I have been reading other peoples' reading blogs for a while now and decided to take the plunge with my own. I get my ideas for books to read mainly from book forums and blogs."
I decided that it was a great community that I wanted to be part of and I could share my reads with others.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
DizzyC is a nickname I have adopted at home. My partner calls me Dizzy at times because I can be forgetful, repeat myself often, clumsy, and repeat myself often! :)
C of course for Carol. The Little book blog came about because it was little at the time LOL

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
My main content should be book related. I do have to remind myself of this sometimes as I tend to rant about the family a lot. Book news, reviews, and book memes.


My youngest AJ has a little feature on there, I do share a little about the family but keep them anon. I just don't think I have enough on books or family alone to split the two at the moment.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Like my Dizzy nature I cannot decide my favourites when it comes to books, tv and music. I love a mish-mash. My main genres are popular fiction, historical fiction, women's fiction and chick-lit.

*How often do you post?
This depends on family. There are times when I can blog every day and then sometimes only 3 or 4 times a week. I try not to go more than a few days else I might lose followers!.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Being a stay at home mum (at the moment) can be lonely. I love the community. I love to see what others are blogging about and join in with comments on their blogs.


By the same token I love to blog and receive comments.

*What are some of the negatives?
Time consuming! Bloggers block. I am increasingly finding myself in a queue somewhere or at the cooker racking my brains for the next blog instalment!

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I do love AJ's posts. They are fun (for me), hope others enjoy them too.


I have my own personal challenge going and hope that will interest my blogging friends from over the pond. I am reading UK and Ireland books thru the ages and
reviewing these books.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Have a good look around other blogs in your subject matter. Check out the forums and groups they use. These can be helpful.


There are blog tutorials out there to help you find your way around setting up your blog.


Don't worry that some blogs look bigger and more professional. Soon your blog will grow with the community. there are still blogs bigger and more professional than mine :)


Be yourself, that is what attracts followers. I had a post on my blog early on. I was worried about my English accent being a problem in a mainly American blog world to begin with.

*What draws you to follow someone's blog?
Firstly, common interests. Then content - an easy to navigate blog with labels or page prompts and not too many gadgets is just right for me.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the "real" you!!
1. I want to go back to college. I am envious of my daughter who is choosing her options for Sixth Form at school. I want to go back and take English Lit and Travel and Tourism!


2. I live in black. It drives my partner mad. I just cannot bring myself to wear much colour. What I wear gives me confidence. I know the old saying that black is a colour to hide behind but black gives me confidence. I do wear a few colour tops and jeans but most of my trousers and skirts are black.


3.I still live in the town I was born in. The furthest I have ever lived away from here is 7 miles. I live 2 streets from the hospital I was born in. I do need to get out more and see more of the UK and the world!


4. The first time I travelled abroad and went on an aeroplane was at the age of 41. All thanks to my wonderful partner. I was married before for 16years and my ex husband never thought once of taking me abroad.


5.My favourite film era is the 1940's, I love Bette Davies, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn.


6.I would love to have straight, shiny hair. My curly hair is natural, I wouldnt pay good
money for it to look this messy!

*Any other info you would like to share.
I have ranted on long enough. I don't want to outstay my welcome! :)

Carol, Thank You for being my guest today and sharing with all of us.  I know I enjoyed learning a bit more about you.  And for those that don't know Carol, we have corresponed on several occasions and she is such a sweet and kind person.  It is funny how the "proper" English comes through in her emails.  She has just taken the next step with her blog in the UK whereas she is now accepting requests for reviews, interviewing Guest Authors and hosting giveaways.  I have also gathered from her emails that she is a loving and dedicated Mum, as they say in the UK, sensitive, honest, and strives for perfection with her blog.  With all those traits, I consider her a SHINING STAR.  I hope you enjoyed meeting Carol, if you didn't know her, or getting to know her better if you do.  Please stop by her blog and say hi !!

Book Review "Spinning" by Michael Baron

SPINNING by Michael Baron

Published by The Story Plant

The Aronica-Miller Publishing Project, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-1-61188-005-2

At the request of The Story Plant, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
 
Synopsis (borrowed from author's website): Dylan Hunter has it made. At 29, he has great friends, a huge job, all the women he can handle, and no commitments. A public relations executive, Dylan has dashed up the ladder of success by mastering the art of the spin – bending the truth to his and his clients’ needs. But when a former lover steps back into his life with a three-year-old girl by her side (no, she’s not his), Dylan suddenly finds himself in a place he can’t spin himself out of. And when Dylan unexpectedly becomes the child’s sole guardian, he finds himself to be like a circus performer trying to keep all of his spinning plates from crashing to the ground. In what seems like a blink of the eye, Dylan Hunter’s life has changed completely…whether he’s ready for it or not.
  
My Thoughts and Opinion: This book was the best birthday present I ever gave to myself !!! People asked what my plans for my birthday were and my answer was relax and read, and I picked the perfect book to read. I became a fan of Michael Baron's after I read Crossing The Bridge, and his next book, The Journey Home, which was just as good. Talented!!! In this book, Spinning, Mr. Baron, through his writing style and words created life like characters, whereas I fell in love with Spring, the 3 year old child in the center of the story line. Touching!!! This page turner, had this reader, actually able to feel the emotions the characters were experiencing. I had to keep reminding myself that this poignant book was written by a male author. Brilliant!! A novel from page one to the very last page, was full of emotion, heart wrenching and tender, funny and sad, warm with devotion and unconditional love. An engrossing read that pulls on your heartstrings and doesn't let go, even after you read the last page. Superb!!! A highly recommended must read!!
  Mr. Baron will be visiting on April 12th, so mark your calendars and stop by!!!

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold...they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

Saturday Memes

Hosted by Danielle at There's A Book

From Danielle's blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
This week's question: If you could change something about yourself, what would it be & why?
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/2011/03/a-bit-of-meme-soaring-through-the-clouds/#ixzz1HiA0HmBi

I admit these are 2 traits I need to work on.  Both that I have been living with these past few months.  I have anticipatory anxiety, the kind where I need to know what is going to happen, need to know every little detail, etc., etc., or I can become spastic.  And as far as patience, some things, I just want done NOW, no waiting, sitting back, let the cards fall where they may.  But as I am learning presently, sometimes patience will pay out in the long run. 

Hosted by Yvonne from Socrates Book Reviews From Yvonne's site:

I've wanted to start a meme like this for a long time. It's "Anything Goes on Saturday". It's a chance to choose any topic you want and talk about it on Saturday - it can be about a book, TV show, movie, a recipe or just an update on your week. Whatever you choose.

Topic:  Spam Explosion

Is it just me?  Lately I have had a spam mailbox explosion!!!  Until recently, I would get 3-5 spam emails, but, lately it is ridiculous!!  Is it the season?  Is anyone else seeing an increase in their spam folder?  Wondering why all of a sudden?  Would love to hear your thoughts!!!!

Friday Memes

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My Question:

Has anyone played an April Fool's Trick on you today?

My Answer:

Not yet!!!

.

Hosted by Jennifer from CRAZY FOR BOOKS

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

This week's question:
"Since today is April Fool's Day in the USA, what is the best prank you have ever played on someone OR that someone has played on you?"
My answer:
Off hand I can't remember, but I am sure my boys pulled off a few good ones when they were younger.  But what really comes to mind is the one I played on my parents, it fell on Easter Sunday in 1956 and I was born!!!