Glistering: B's Blog: 2016

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop!
This hop is hosted by BookHounds

I am giving away a $15 gift card to the book store of your choice to add to your winter reading! Make sure to check out the other blogs through the linky at the end.

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Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com

All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Just in the Nick of Time Cash Giveaway

Just in the Nick of Time - $250 Christmas Cash Giveaway

December 5th to 22nd

Enter for your chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash.

Thanks to this awesome group of bloggers and authors who have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you this fabulous prize!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Lori's Reading Corner
J.L. Weil
Author Mary Ting
Heather Gray
Literary Winner
Coupons and Freebies Mom
Caroline Clemmons
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Here We Go Again...Ready?
Simple Wyrdings
Kindle and Me
Lucy McConnell
Jeanette Lewis
Cindy Roland Anderson
Cami Checketts
Maureen's Musings
Kimberley Montpetit
Confessions of a Frugal Mind
Glistering: B's Blog
Rockin' Book Reviews
Jennifer Youngblood
Author Cindy C Bennett
Diana's Book Reviews
Author Ednah WAlters
Raye Wagner

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Giveaway ends 12/22/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Holiday Cash Giveaway

$300 Holiday Cash Giveaway – December 1st to 21st

Enter for your chance to win a $300 Amazon Gift Code or $300 in Paypal Cash!!

Thanks to this awesome group of bloggers and authors who have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you one fabulous prize!!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Heather Gray
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Lori's Reading Corner
Simple Wyrdings
Every Free Chance Books
Jennifer Bardsley
Author Melissa Wright
Coupons and Freebies Mom
Author Crystal Marcos
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and MORE
B. Kristin McMichael
Author Inger Iversen
Rockin' Book Reviews
Julie Coulter Bellon
Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance
Helen Smith
Talia Jager
Everly Frost, YA author
Rachelle J. Christensen
Books R Us
Author Deb Atwood
Leora Krygier Author
The Lovely Books
MagicalCoolCatsMysteries
Maureen's Musings
Jo Noelle
Why Not? Because I Said So! (Sheila Staley)
Kelly's Lucky You
Savings in Seconds
Glistering: B's Blog
Raquel @ The Babbling Reader

Giveaway Details

$300 in Paypal Cash or a $300 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 12/21/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 25, 2016

A Little Late but Still Thankful

This year Thanksgiving somehow snuck up on me. (Yes, snuck is a real word) I mean, I knew it was coming and everything, but one minute I had time to do things and then all of a sudden, I didn't. And I forgot all about my Thanksgiving post!

To be honest, I've just had too many things on my mind. The biggest, most important of those things is that my oldest daughter is having surgery on Monday. It's scary. Because of the physical limitations (pain, kidney damage, other things) the cause of the surgery placed on her, she was fired from her job. Now her employer isn't cooperating with EDD and is likely to contest my daughter's unemployment claim. She has no income right now, has not been able to look for a new job because of her physical condition and upcoming surgery, and will probably have at least two weeks of recovery before being able to look for work again. The whole situation is worrying, to say the least.

On a more positive note, the new paperback edition of Bronze in in final formatting mode and should be available soon with the e-book following right after. I'm excited to say that the e-book will have a brand new cover, possibly the paperback too. I'm keeping my hardback cover and will continue that theme through the series with the hardback releases, but will have alternate covers for at least the e-books. I can't wait to see what my designer comes up with!

Copper is in good shape and I'm working on it every day, but I still can't give a finish date. I refuse to rush it. All I can say is, it's almost finished. Really. Please hang in there with me. And I promise the third book won't take anywhere near as long to release.

I'm also going to be working on some Glister related short stories that I plan to offer as free downloads. If you've read Bronze, who would you like a story about?

So what am I thankful for this year? Everything!

I'm most thankful for my wonderful family: my son and daughters, my daughter-in-law and grandson and new granddaughter on the way (so exciting!), my oldest daughter's boyfriend and his family, who have embraced her and by extension us as a part of their family.

I'm thankful for my eighty-year-young aunt, my only other relative in this country, healthy and still working in Hollywood.

I'm thankful for my incredible friends, a couple of whom I've known almost all my life. Thank you for ALWAYS being there!

I'm thankful for my job and my wonderful students. There are aspects of my work that have been extremely difficult this year, but for the most part I still get up on work days looking forward to seeing and working with my students and excited for what we can accomplish.

I'm thankful for my new apartment. I've been here almost a year now and it's been the best place I've lived in a really long time. It's small but reasonably priced (for the Bay Area), in a nice community (with security) and relatively quiet (which is a HUGE issue for me.)

I'm thankful to have lost some significant weight this past year, which I'll probably write about in a post in the New Year. I'm feeling better and healthier than I have in many years.

I'm also thankful for this writing journey I'm on, and for all of you who are coming along with me. I get discouraged sometimes, doubtful of the value in what I'm doing, and wondering what the heck was I thinking when I started this. But all I have to do is think of some of you who have been so kind to me and my book, read over some of the reviews, and it pumps me up again.

So thank you! I hope to get to know more of you in the coming year.

It's my Thanksgiving post tradition to include a Switchfoot video, so here you go. Have a great weekend!

Writing: Copper.

Listening: Need new music!

Reading: Crooked Kindom by Leigh Bardugo

Watching: Dr. Strange and Fantastic Beasts.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Thankful for Cash Giveaway

Thankful for Cash
$250 Giveaway

November 15th to December 15th

Enter for your chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash!

Thanks to this awesome group of bloggers and authors who have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you one fabulous prize!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Ebooks For Review
Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love
Pat Esden
Helen Smith
The Book Referees
Lori's Reading Corner
Cynthia Luhrs Author
Heather Gray
Bookworm Lisa
Elizabeth Isaacs
Diana's Book Reviews
Niki Danforth, author
Barefoot by the Sea
Caroline Clemmons
Glistering: B's Blog
Krysten Lindsay Hager
Melissa A. Hanson, Author
Bookroom Reviews
Talia Jager
Simple Wyrdings
Every Free Chance Books
Author Melissa Wright
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and MORE
B. Kristin McMichael
Author Inger Iversen
Rockin' Book Reviews
Nicole Tone
Everly Frost, YA author
Rachelle J. Christensen
Cindy C Bennett
Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama
Melissa Giorgio

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 12/15/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gratitude Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop on the Gratitude Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds!

This is one of my favorite giveaways, where I get to thank you for following. I am giving away a $25 gift card to the book store of your choice for one winner. Let me know how you follow, but please don't put your e-mail in the comments.

And I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive, and use a book store Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. US and Canada residents only. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

EDIT Agh!!!! I don't know what happened to the rafflecopter - but here it is. So sorry for the inconvenience!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Saturday, October 29, 2016

Review: A Gentleman In Moscow

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From Amazon: From the New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Civility—a transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.

My Review: Count Alexander Rostov is in the wrong place at the right time (or vice versa) at the beginning of the Russian Revolution. Saved from internment in Siberia or, more likely, death, a poem written in praise of soviet ideals has earned him a more comfortable prison – the Metropol Hotel in Moscow. For the course of some thirty years with only one extreme exception, Rostov, a “former person,” does not step outside the hotel. A rare combination of intelligent, wise, and kind, Rostov is the epitome of the perfect gentleman. In spite of one small lapse, he remains optimistic and self-reliant. And though the novel takes place almost completely within the walls of the Metropol, adventures and intrigue abound.

This is the best book I’ve read in recent memory – recent meaning probably ten years or more. The language is brilliant and beautiful. The characters are believable and delightful. I loved the enlightening historical footnotes giving insight into things going on behind the scenes. I can’t think of a single thing that bothered me as I read, and that’s saying something! I can’t help thinking Mr. Towles must have drawn deeply on his own character to write Rostov, as there is such a light but unerring touch to his prose. In fact, though it took a long time for me to finish the book, that’s because I have so little time to read, not because I was reluctant to continue. Reading this novel was completely enjoyable. It will have a permanent place on my shelves and I will return to it when I need a guaranteed great read. I had started Rules of Civility and was enjoying it before stopping to read Gentleman (as it was a book club read). So it is waiting in the wings. But I’m going to save it for a little while, like a treat saved for a special occasion. When I’m in need of another guaranteed good read, I will turn to it.

View all my reviews

Friday, October 21, 2016

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

Welcome to this year's Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, hosted by Bookhounds

I am giving away a $15 gift card to one winner to the book store of their choice. This giveaway runs from October 22 to Halloween (the 31st). Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive, and use a book store Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Friday, October 14, 2016

Fall Into Cash

Fall Into Cash $250 Giveaway

October 15th to November 15th

Enter for your chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash.

Thanks to this awesome group of bloggers and authors who have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you one fabulous prize!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Kris Bock Romantic Suspense author
Chris Eboch, children's book author
Coupons and Freebies Mom
Simple Wyrdings
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Krysten Lindsay Hager
Author Melissa Wright
B. Kristin McMichael
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Suzi Love
Helen Smith
Kindle and Me
Elizabeth Isaacs
Glistering: B's Blog
Heather Gray
ACME Teen Books - Kids & YA Too!
Crystal Collier, YA Author
Eric Buffington YA Fantasy Adventure
My Life. One Story at a Time.
Fat Free Faith
Diana's Book Reviews
Author D.E. Haggerty
Lori's Reading Corner
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU
CoolCatMysteries

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 11/15/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
Reviews for Bronze
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com

All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Books to Movies Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Books to Movies Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds!

I really wracked my brains to try to think of a recent book/movie pairing that I love and can recommend, but I couldn't. So I'm turning back to the classics, and who is more classic than Jane Austen? Most people are familiar with Pride and Prejudice and have seen the various screen versions, but not as many are familiar with her last novel, Persuasion.

Jane Austen has been my favorite author since I was in my teens. I've read all her novels at least once (except Emma - I have it, I just haven't read it) and I'm sure I've seen every screen version of all of them. Second only to P & P, my favorite is Persuasion. It's a gentle story with now familiar themes: a quiet young woman with a strong sense of familial duty gives up her own wishes, longings, and dreams because of the opinions and for the convenience of others. But of course that's not the end of the story!

I'm giving away two film versions of Persuasion, plus a paperback of the novel! The novel edition I've chosen is new and has a GORGEOUS cover. It also has illustrations by the same artist. I'm going to have to get my own copy of this!

I'm including two screen versions as, while I prefer the newer (2007) version, the older (1995) version is, I think, a little truer to the text. Both are British adaptations and are beautifully acted and filmed.

I'd love to hear what your favorite Austen book, movie, or spinoff is. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter. United States and Canada residents only. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Reading: A Gentleman In Moscow
Watching: Mansfield Park (1999) and Persuasion (2007)
Listening: MUTEMATH - Vitals (and Changes)

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Banned Books Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Banned Book Week Giveaway Hop. I am giving away a $25.00 gift card to the book store of your choice for one winner. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive, and use a book store Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Powered by Linky Tools

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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Fall Into Books Giveaway

Fall Into Books $250 Giveaway

September 23rd to October 15th

These wonderful bloggers and authors have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you this fabulous prize:

A $250 Amazon Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash.

Sponsor List

I Am A Reader
Simple Wyrdings
MK McClintock
Heather Gray
Niki Danforth, Author
Aubrey Wynne: Vintage Romance for Today
Lori's Reading Corner
Paperback Parlor
Here We Go Again...Ready?
BookHounds
Glistering: B's Blog
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Fat Free Faith
Talia Jager
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
FLYLēF
Helen Smith
Author Erin Richards
CoolCatMysteries
Dorine White
Confessions of a Frugal Mind
B. Kristin McMichael
Barefoot by the Sea
Inger Iversen
Jo Noelle
The Page Unbound
Charissa Stastny
Katie's Clean Book Collection
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU
Every Free Chance Books
Author Crystal Marcos
Raquel @ The Babbling Reader

Giveaway Details

$250 Paypal Cash or Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 10/15/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Farewell To Summer Cash Giveaway

Farewell to Summer

$250 Cash Giveaway

September 1st to 22nd

A wonderful group of bloggers and authors have joined with I Am A Reader to give away one fabulous prize: a $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Code!

Sponsor List

Thanks to these great authors & bloggers for making this giveaway possible!

I Am A Reader
Lori's Reading Corner
J.L. Weil
Simple Wyrdings
Maria @A Night's Dream of Books
Julie Coulter Bellon
Fire and Ice
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
Author Deb Atwood
Dawn Malone
Diana's Book Reviews
Glistering Bs Blog
Aubrey Wynne: Vintage Romance for Today
A Journey Without Map
Caroline Clemmons
Author Georgina Young-Ellis
Erin Richards
Rachel Matthews, Author of sweet, cozy reads
Jennifer Bardsley
Author Rachael Anderson
The Lovely Books
Author Charissa Stastny
Pat Esden
Author Jessica Gunn
Suzi Love
Tamara Gill - Historical & Time Travel Author
Paperback Parlor
Talia Jager
Helen Smith
Heather Gray
The Page Unbound

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 9/22/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com
Note: All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Back To Books Cash Giveaway

Back to Books $250 Cash Giveaway

August 17th to September 7th

A wonderful group of bloggers and authors are sponsoring, with I Am A Reader to bring you a fabulous prize:

One winner can choose $250 in Paypal Cash OR Amazon.com Gift Code! Just imagine how much that could help getting ready for back to school! Good luck!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Here We Go Again...Ready?
Hall Ways Blog
Kindle and Me
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Bound 4 Escape
Every Free Chance Books
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Heather Boyd, Historical Romance Author
The Page Unbound
Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Rockin' Book Reviews
Lori's Reading Corner
Rice & Rocks, by Sandra L. Richards
Simple Wyrdings
D.S. Venetta
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Diana's Book Reviews
MK McClintock
Books & Benches
Kasey Cocoa
Heather @ Townsend House
Glistering Bs Blog
Paisley Piranha YA Book Blog
Cool Cat Mysteries
Bella Street Time Travel Romance
Bonnie Blythe Faith Based Romance
The Candid Cover
Talia Jager
Lise McClendon - Author
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
FLYLēF

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code)

Ends 9/7/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Sizzling Summer Cash Giveaway

Sizzling Summer $250 Cash Giveaway
July 27th to August 16th

This wonderful group of bloggers and authors have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you this fabulous prize: $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com gift code!

Sponsor List

I Am A Reader
Jennifer Faye ~ Romance Author
Caroline Clemmons
Simple Wyrdings
Lori's Reading Corner
Aubrey Wynne: Vintage Romance for Today
Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author
Glistering Bs Blog
Diana's Book Reviews
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Leora Krygier Author
A Journey Without Map
CoolCatMysteries
B. Kristin McMichael
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
{A Leisure Moment} A Casual Conversation About Our Love For Literature
Erin Unger- Writer of Killer Romance
Darcus @ Rainy Days and Pajamas
Every Free Chance Books
Julie Reece
Pauline Creeden, Author
The Late Bloomer's Book Blog
Julia E. Antoine
Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Suzi Love

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code)

Ends 8/16/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
New website coming!
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com
Note: All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Smoothies and Book Club - A Summer Update

{Photo of one of my first smoothies on a bookshelf with some of the books I've bought recently}

Well I started this post before summer vacation started and look - it's almost the middle of July!

In Glister news, I've been waiting on getting my laptop fixed, the one with all my heavy-duty programs on. I wasn't able to use my USBs and for various reasons don't have internet on it, so transferring work to upload on this computer was impossible. It's apparently working okay now, so first up will be the new edition of Bronze in paperback and then I'll be looking into releasing it as e-book again. I have mixed feelings about this as book theft is such a problem, but with Copper coming out as soon as I can manage it, I really want that e-book out there. I'll also be doing Goodreads giveaways and might post chapters of both books at Wattpad and Smashwords. I'll keep you posted.

I'm staying close to home for most of the summer, doing curriculum planning for graduate credit as well as doing my best to finish the second Glister Journals novel, Copper. So I'm very busy. I admit that I've been stuck for a while on the last chapters, not because I don't know what happens at the end, but I'm not sure in what order those things happen, which affects what ties them together, which has made it difficult to focus on just writing. Earlier this year, there was a lot happening at work that adversely affected me and possible changes to my job on the horizon, both of which had me very stressed out for the last six months or so. Nothing of my doing, but I was deeply affected none the less. So that also made writing difficult to focus on. I'm not making excuses, just saying the way it is. I am making good progress now though, and all chapters are going out for final critiques.

I have no road trips planned this summer, which I'm a little sad about, but my poor little car has seen better days. I think I'm going to play it safe until I can buy a newer one. I plan on doing that next spring, if my car lasts that long without needing major repair. Poor thing's over ten years old and has over 200,000 miles - almost all mine! It's been a little trooper to be sure.

The one trip I made this summer was to see my son and his family in Iowa. I had mixed feelings about the trip, but I couldn't wait to see my son - I hadn't seen him in two years! I hugged him tightly twice a day to make up for lost time and try to stock up a bit for the future. And I hadn't seen my little grandson since last summer. I'm not sure whether he actually remembered me, but he seemed happy enough to have me around. But I'm not a fan of flying and Iowa and I have a little history together. They're not the best memories. The trip was nice though - just relaxing most of the time. They live in a very nice small north Iowa town where there's not much to do, but the time seemed to fly anyway.

I was interested in exploring SE Minnesota and loved the area around Rochester and especially Chatfield, but didn't have an opportunity to really investigate. Chatfield seems like exactly the kind of small town I'd like to eventually live near. Is anyone from around those areas? I'd love to hear your thoughts or experience concerning them. I'm thinking about retirement within the next ten years and certainly can't afford to retire here in the Bay Area. So I'm looking for alternatives. Somewhere I can buy a decent home in a quiet neighborhood with a low mortgage, maybe even a small farm - for horses, of course. It'll be the first (and probably last) home I've ever owned, so I'm rather looking forward to it!

{a picture of Chatfield, Minnesota, an old fashioned-looking small town. Not my photo.}

The other things I'm working on (in the sense of actually employing them in daily life) are life hacks. It seems like most things should be easier now at my age, but I still struggle with a lot of things, many because I'm autistic, but also just because I'm me! My two favorite discoveries so far this summer are making my own smoothies, which I'll mention again in a future post, and joining a book club, which I've never done before. I have a slow processing speed for some things, including reading, and know I can't keep up with most other people, but thought I'd give it a go for the summer weeks.

Is anyone else in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Club? I've been following her book posts for a few years. This is her first club (I think), and I've really been enjoying it. She chose five books for the summer weeks that I'd never heard of and probably never would have read otherwise. Since I have a very eclectic taste in books, it's been a real treat. Each book's reading time is culminated with a webinar and live feed, but conversation is ongoing on a Facebook group. The first webinar was really interesting. So far we've read One In A Million Boy and The Nest, both of which I enjoyed for different reasons. We're reading Everyone Brave Is Forgiven right now, which I'm not sold on yet. It's hanging in the balance. I may ditch it and sneak in a book of my own choice until we're on to the next one.

One In A Million Boy - From the acclaimed author of When We Were the Kennedys and Any Bitter Thing, the incandescent story of a 104-year-old woman and the sweet, strange young boy assigned to help her around the house—a friendship with unexpected reverberations for the boy's unmoored family.

I LOVE this book. It's difficult to describe and not like anything I've read before, but it's beautifully written with many quote-worthy passages and very memorable characters. I admit I got behind in reading this one and still need to finish it, but it's definitely one to enjoy the journey, not race to the end, so I know I'll be able to pick it back up and finish at my leisure.

The Nest - A warm, funny and acutely perceptive debut novel about four adult siblings and the fate of the shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives.

Every family has its problems. But even among the most troubled, the Plumb family stands out as spectacularly dysfunctional. Years of simmering tensions finally reach a breaking point on an unseasonably cold afternoon in New York City as Melody, Beatrice, and Jack Plumb gather to confront their charismatic and reckless older brother, Leo, freshly released from rehab. Months earlier, an inebriated Leo got behind the wheel of a car with a nineteen-year-old waitress as his passenger. The ensuing accident has endangered the Plumbs joint trust fund, “The Nest,” which they are months away from finally receiving. Meant by their deceased father to be a modest mid-life supplement, the Plumb siblings have watched The Nest’s value soar along with the stock market and have been counting on the money to solve a number of self-inflicted problems.

This is a story about the power of family, the possibilities of friendship, the ways we depend upon one another and the ways we let one another down. In this tender, entertaining, and deftly written debut, Sweeney brings a remarkable cast of characters to life to illuminate what money does to relationships, what happens to our ambitions over the course of time, and the fraught yet unbreakable ties we share with those we love.

This one really surprised me. From the description (which I didn't read before starting) and the conversation of others in the club, I didn't think I would like this at all. Indeed, the characters are not very likable, but they are certainly very human and it's a fascinating study. It was an extremely easy read and I finished way before the deadline. Woot!

I'll have a giveaway for these books later. What are your favorite reads so far this summer?

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Lazy Days of Summer Cash Giveaway

Lazy Days of Summer

$250 Cash Giveaway

July 6th to 26th

The following list of bloggers and authors have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you one super prize!

We're giving away $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code!

Sponsor List – Thanks to these great authors and bloggers for making this giveaway possible!
I Am A Reader
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Simple Wyrdings
Heather Gray, Author
Bookworm Lisa
B. Kristin McMichael
Rachel Matthews, Author of cozy, sweet reads
Kindle and Me
Everly Frost, YA Author
Cool Cats Mysteries
Helen Smith
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
Dark and Dreamy with C. C. Marks
Dawn Malone
Author Nikki Jefford
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages
Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Confessions of a Frugal Mind
AuggieTalk
Darcus @ Rainy Days and Pajamas
Lori's Reading Corner
Glistering Bs Blog
The Lovely Books
J.C. Whyte, author
Gigi McAllister@ The Late Bloomer's Book Blog
Bonnie Blythe Faith-Based Romance
Bella Street Time Travel Romance
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
Beth M. Honeycutt

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or $250 Amazon.com Gift Code

Ends 7/26/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
More Glister Journals info at the book's website here: theglisterjournals.com
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com
Note: All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop, sponsored by BookHounds. My prize is a $15 gift card to the book store of your choice. I hope you have a fabulous 4th of July!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive, and use a book store Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW
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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Summer Dreaming Cash Giveaway

Summer Dreaming $250 Cash Giveaway

June 21st to July 15th

An awesome group of bloggers and authors have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you this terrific prize:
One lucky winner will receive a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash

These are the fabulous Sponsors:
I Am A Reader
Suzi Love
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Glistering Bs Blog
Lori's Reading Corner
Bonnie Blythe Faith Based Romance
Bella Street Time Travel Romance
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More
KellysLuckyYou
Deb Atwood Author
Kindle and Me
Melanie McFarlane, YA Author
Heather Gray, Author
Everly Frost, YA Author
Author Pauline Creeden
Subtitled Books
The Page Unbound
LeahSay's Views
Joshua David Bellin
Crystal Marcos
The Candid Cover
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU
Here We Go Again...Ready?
Helen Smith
Jennifer Faye ~ Romance Author
B. Kristin McMichael
Cool Cat Mysteries
The Lovely Books
Author Elisa Dane
Simple Wyrdings
D.E. Haggerty, author
Why Not? Because I Said So! (Sheila Staley)
Diana's Book Reviews
Stones of Gilgal Novels
AuggieTalk
Author Dorothy Dreyer

Giveaway Details
$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card
Ends 7/15/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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