Wondering what to read next? Want ideas for books to consider for your book club or for a gift? Like to get a free copy of a new book even before it comes out? Check out GoodReads, the giant website for book lovers.

Today and tomorrow you can sign up for a chance to win both of my new books—Thunder Beneath My Feet (just out) and Show Me the Ashes (out in three weeks). The giveaway of the advance reading copy of Ashes continues until March 12.

Go to http://www. goodreads.com and search by title. That will take you to a brief description of the book. Below that, click on the Enter Giveaway box.

If you’re not familiar with GoodReads, explore the site. Search by book titles, authors, and special-interest lists, such as mystery, history, and Missouri books and authors. Mark books you Want to Read and list favorite books you have read. Follow favorite authors.

If you’ve indicated a special interest, you may receive a notice of a giveaway in that category or by that author. Hundreds of authors and publishers introduce their books by offering a chance to win free copies for a few days or weeks. They hope giveaway winners will write favorable mini reviews or rate the books a four or a rather rare five.

And sometimes you discover great books you’ve never seen mentioned elsewhere.

—Carolyn Mulford