Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Laura @ A Novel Review

Another installment of Bloggers Made Of AWESOME! This time it’s Laura @ A Novel Review. I discovered Laura through Twitter, we liked many of the same books- so I always kept an eye open to see what she was tweeting or blogging about. We are also both members of She Reads. Laura’s blog is interesting, cute (it recently went through a remodel- and I really like the new look!) Plus, she’s involved in many book-ish things. Add her blog to blogs you must read!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Laura @ A Novel Review

Laura- when did you begin blogging?

I started blogging in March of 2011, wow I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for over two years! It goes so fast!

How did you come up with the name A Novel Review?

Well, I sat down with a notepad and started with a list of possible names for my blog. A Novel Review wasn’t really one that I thought was great, lol but there were so many blogs with similar names I was looking at. I also wanted to make sure I could add other bloggers down the road if it ever grew (and it has!). The name pretty much tells you what the blog is about—simple and straight forward.

On a side note, I did find out after the fact there is another blog called A Novel Review, but the blogger no longer blogs.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I believe bloggers are becoming more and more important to the book-ish world. I know I check other bloggers to see what they say about a book before I buy a book. Personally, I’ve never read newspaper reviews. But bloggers are just a click away, blogger reviews are at my fingertips when I’m looking to buy on my nook—right there and I can read what they are saying about the book.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

Well I’m a busy mom. I have four kids (three still at home) ranging from a junior in high school, a first grader and a little one in pre-k. So besides reading and blogging, that keeps me really busy. I also volunteer at our church working with kids, I love to crochet and make hair bows for my youngest daughter, and I write. I have a novel I’m working on, a short story and I try to write for Yahoo Contributor now and then (gotta build those writing chops).

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’m a book hoarder. I have a serious…let’s call it an issue. I can’t read nearly as fast as I need to in order to read all the books I get in a month. I try not to take on too many reviews, but if there is a book I think will be amazing I try really hard to win a copy. I have an entire shelf of books I really want to read, but no idea when I would actually be able to read them. We won’t even discuss the books I purchase.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Oh goodness…tell me you didn’t ask this! Ok this is a throwback, but Ponyboy Curtis from THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton! I will never forget the book, or the movie. I loved both. I loved how the greasers were this rough group of bad boys, but Ponyboy was golden. He seemed so perfect to me. I’ll be honest and say I could never get how Cherrie preferred a Soc or even Dallas. Ponyboy just seemed like enough bad boy, but still had a soft side.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013? So many!

My tops are MORNING GLORY by Sarah Jio, THE GHOST BRIDE by Yangsze Choo, THE BUTTERFLY SISTER by Amy Gail Hansen, and THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN by Mitch Albom. I’m still trying to get my hands on some of these!

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

This is a really hard question. I’ve read a multitude of truly amazing books this year, but I would say the best of the best this year has been SEDUCTION: A NOVEL OF SUSPENSE by M.J. Rose. It is a stunning novel.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Honestly, whatever books are next in my review pile. Let me be honest, I get very little reading done on the beach with two young children!

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I’m a tree book lover, I just love the feel of a real book. Silly, but I love the sound of ‘breaking the spine’ of a new book and oh the sweetness of a book with deckled edges! I enjoy seeing how far I have to read—sometimes I also dread this when coming faster than I want and I like seeing how much I’ve read.

I don’t mind e-readers, I can see the space saving appeal and always having an extra book with you.

You are a member of She Reads- an organization that helps women find great books. What is the experience like- helping authors get the word out about books and connecting women with great books?

Oh love being a part of She Reads! It is run by some really lovely ladies and I love helping to share about fabulous books! I love the community of readers being brought together. When I began blogging/reviewing I did it with the desire to expand the genres I read and the authors I read. With She Reads I have been introduced to a number of great authors and had the pleasure to get to know them a bit more. I can’t wait to have more time to be even more involved in the group.

In your opinion, what do you think is more important- a good opening line or an ending that leaves you wanting to discuss the book with everyone?

Hmmm, I think for me it’s the ending. I don’t expect a book to draw me in the first line, but a great book leaves me wanting more.

If you could go on a literary road trip- where would you go?

Well, I used to want to go down to New Orleans after reading a few books set there. I’m thrilled I was able to go. I loved seeing the entire area, it was very cool. I also always wanted to go to the East Coast to experience the Ocean, beaches, light houses and Cape Cod homes with weathered siding. So I was over the moon when we moved to New Port, RI. I would say now a trip to England would be my choice of literary road trip. To not only get a sense of England today, but to get to tour real castles! See some of their beautiful English Gardens!

Find more out about Laura @ A Novel Review- follow her blog, or visit her Facebook or Twitter!

Hotshot by Julie Garwood

Photo Credit: Amazon

Peyton Lockhart’s life was saved when she was 6 by a hotshot swimmer named Finn. Can he save Peyton’s life again?

Peyton, young and beautiful- recently graduated from college, unlucky in love- takes a job in Minnesota at a magazine. She’s excited to have a great job- and looking forward to the work. Until she finds out the work that her boss really wants her to take part in. Peyton’s boss is sexually harassing her- and she has no where to turn. Her work friends, Mimi and Lars, want Peyton to leave before something bad happens- and after Peyton’s boss makes a particularly threatening move- she sets out to leave Minnesota. Just not before she gets some proof of the harassment.

Back home with her sisters, Peyton runs into to Finn at his brother’s wedding- and sparks fly. When Finn, a FBI agent, finds out why Peyton left Minnesota and sees bullet holes in her car- he’s instantly on alert. And makes it his business to save her life again.

While home with the sister, Peyton’s uncle has an interesting proposition- run Bishop’s Cove for a year, make a profit and it’s theirs to do what they want- or he could sell it and give the girls the money earned from the sale. All agree that selling makes more sense- and yet, they take ownership of Bishop’s Cove. If Peyton thought life was going to get easier by being in a relaxing area- she was wrong. Between a contractor wanting to buy the land for his own personal resort, a cousin that thinks she has rights to the property, and her Minnesota problems coming to Florida to try and kill her- Peyton’s hands are full. Lucky for her- she has Finn “HotShot” McBain around to protect her in the day and watch over her all night long.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

This is my first Julie Garwood novel- and I enjoyed it. The romance between Finn and Peyton was cute, hot even- maybe a tad bit predictable- but enjoyable. The plot line where Peyton was being sexually harassed and threatened was interesting and a nice way to link Finn back to needing to save Peyton. Hotshot has been a nice book to enjoy sitting poolside and while relaxing! There was enough mystery and thrills to keep me interested. Enjoyable.

Interview with Reba White Williams, author of Restrike

Several weeks ago, through TLC Book Tours, I had the opportunity to review Reba White Williams book, Restrike. Enjoying the mix of art and mystery (plus the 2 sassy women characters), I approached Reba White Williams about an interview. Happily she agreed!

Today, Reba will talk about her book, Restrike, and on Wednesday- she will be back to reveal #literayconfessions!

Interview with Reba White Williams

1. Reba, what was the inspiration for Restrike?

A: I love mysteries, and always wanted to write one. I got the idea of two female protagonists from an old TV show, Cagney & Lacey.

2. Coleman and Dinah—Southern girls now living in New York City. Which character is more similar to you, Reba?

A: I’m not much like either of them. But I’d like to think I’m as determined and as loyal as Coleman.

3. When writing Restrike, did you know how the book would end? Or did it reveal itself during the writing process?

A: Yes, I always knew how it would end.

4. Reba, do you have a writing space or routine?

A: Not really. I make notes when I have a thought, and incorporate it when I have a minute.

5. If Restrike was made into a movie, any idea or suggestions for a dream cast?

A: No, I haven’t thought about a film—just more books.

6. Will you be going on a book signing tour, Reba?

A: Yes, I have been touring for a while—and I leave for Maine next week.

7. Coleman and Dinah, what can readers expect from that duo in future books?

A: Fatal Impressions will be published in April 2014; Bloody Royal Prints, in October 2014.

*Special thanks to Reba White Williams for agreeing to this interview.

Reba White Williams, author of Restrike, is currently working on more stories of her sassy characters, Coleman and Dinah. If you like art and mystery- give Restrike a try. To learn more about Reba, visit her website.

To read Traveling With T’s review of Restrike, visit here.

The Comfort of Lies- Week 3 Questions

This is the last week of questions for The Comfort of Lies. Next week, we’ll be back to talk about overall thoughts and more!

I finished The Comfort of Lies this morning- and I was really satisfied with the book. Well-written, enjoyable.

Week 3 Questions:

Why couldn’t Juliette’s mom accept that Juliette might want to leave Nathan?

Bobby- was he acting in the best interest of Tia? Or was he so blinded by his needs that he couldn’t see the big picture?

Could you change your lifestyle like Caroline and her husband did after living the life they were accustomed to? Did they make the best possible choice for Savannah?

Juliette- should Caroline have told her off?

What are your thoughts on Juliette and Nathan?

Does Tia deserve a happy ending?

What did you think about the book’s ending?

“Street Cred” and books- rating, talking about books, and being a bookworm

I’ve been trying to think of how I want this post to come across- I don’t want to be all shout-y, I want it to be a funny, tongue in cheek even- and maybe make some people think about their rating system.

Bear with me, kiddos- it’s Friday, and I’ve got months of thoughts on this subject- so buckle up and enjoy the ride….

Last summer, I went to this event called Booktopia and while there, I met this group of readers- some really great ladies. Sitting around talking with them about the authors at the event was fab- and then someone brought up talking about the best, ever book we’d read. Which, I began thinking and I was pretty confident in my choice (Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood). As the other ladies went around talking, they began naming books I’d never heard of. Ok, no problem- but when the other ladies started chiming in about these books- and then asking me about them, I thought- well, I guess I’m not as much of a reader as I thought.

So I began to re-evaluate my “bookworm” status. I tried to start reading “smarter” books, occasionally dabbling in non-fiction, some historical fiction and other, more “smart” type books. Yet, I was not satisfied. So I began reading the things that interested me and put this out of my mind.

During this time frame, I became a member of She Reads. Some books they pick might not be the ones I would have reached for on the shelf- but in the year, I’ve been reviewing for them- I’ve read books that are great, charming, funny. Some are books I would have picked on my own (hello, The Meryl Streep Movie Club) where others like The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow or The Firebird– I might not would have picked- and yet, I’m a better bookworm for reading them.

In She Reads, I’ve found a group of women- who like books similar to the ones I like. Who can point and direct me to other books. Through them, I’ve found other bloggers who make recommendations- some I like, some I do not. But, my reading taste has expanded.

Then in January, my Booktopia friends wanted to get together again. We were told to nominate a few books to read for our meeting in January- and I picked a Sarah Jio book (among others to nominate). I felt at least 1 of my books would get voted in- and yet, no. I tried to not let it bother me- but still, I wondered. What about my reading taste is so “off” that my Booktopia friends did not want to read the books I nominated?

And, then I realized: NOTHING. There’s nothing wrong with the books I pick. These books are just as great as the latest non-fiction, highly anticipated fiction, most buzzed about book. The problem is that my Booktopia friends are like the people who watch the Oscars/Emmys- they get caught up in all the details, the buzz, maybe even a “street cred” thing. They enjoy reading the lists of books nominated for various book-ish awards.

I read for pleasure. For enjoyment. For taking my mind to a fun place. (Not saying they don’t read for the same reason- but our ideas of what classifies as the type of book is far different than mine). My Booktopia friends are literary snobs in a sense- and my taste runs more for thrillers, women’s fiction and the like. They aren’t wrong (and neither am I.) We just have different opinions about books.

Sometimes I wish my taste in books run to more “street cred” books- the classics, the latest non-fiction, the “smart” books. Sometimes I wish it more than I care to admit. But, that’s not me. I like my Janet Evanovich books, my cozy mysteries- I like women’s fiction- I like a story with heart, that makes me laugh and maybe even cry. I like the books that take my mind to a relaxing spot, a story that I want to sit and read for hours. I like the thrillers, the mystery books. Happiness is a Mia March book for me. Sarah Jio rocks my world. I’m going to read the books I want to read, the books that make me happy. And I’m not going to question my bookworm status again.

Literary Friday ya’ll……

Can you believe that next week is Labor Day Weekend? Where, oh where did my summer go?!

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday is hot, hot, hot: Giveaway of Lookaway, Lookaway By Wilton Barnhardt, Decatur Book Festival news, Southern Festival of Books, and much more!

PS: Plus a mention of an interview I did with Katherine Center, author of The Lost Husband, that just happened to make Deep South Mag’s Summer Reading List 2013!

2. Several #giveaways to list this week:

Linus’s Blanket is giving away a copy of The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes! (this giveaway ends TODAY!)

Always With A Book is giving away Three Little Words by Susan Mallery!

Traveling With T is giving away The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim!

Traveling With T is giving away The Lost Husband by Katherine Center!

**Just added: The Book Wheel is giving away Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra. This giveaway ends in 2 days!

3. Another Blogger Made Of AWESOME was featured this week on Traveling With T! Katherine @ Story Matters has quite a story and a nostalgic #literaryconfession!

4. #ctbs is still going on- so far, I’ve read 4 books from my shelf (a far less admirable goal than I’d hoped- but this last week of August might turn things around!)

5. My #fridayreads Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand- what are you reading for #fridayreads?

6. Author Spotlights this week on Traveling With T: Jolina Petersheim, Katherine Center, and Shannon Polson (plus a Shannon Polson Interview!)

7. I reviewed Whistling Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall this week on Traveling With T!

Happy Reading!

Author Spotlight: Shannon Polson

On Wednesday, I interviewed Shannon Polson, author of North of Hope. Today, we’re going to learn more about Shannon- favorite books, what she wants to read next and more. If you like the author spotlight, be sure and read the interview with Shannon!

Author Spotlight: Shannon Polson

What are some of your favorite books, Shannon?

This is a tough question- my answer is always whatever I’m reading right now. On that note: I just finished Christian Wiman’s My Bright Abyss, which was amazing. I love Annie Dillard and Barry Lopez, all of them, Some of the books I talk about influencing me as I wrote North of Hope (there are so many!) include Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Lopez’s Arctic Dreams, Beryl Markham’s West With the Night, and Jill Ker Conway’s A Road from Coorain.

If you could choose to be a character in a book- who would you choose?

I’ve been reading and writing so much nonfiction lately I’m not sure how to answer that; from the non-fiction standpoint I’m slightly obsessed by Annie Dillard’s voice and perspective.

When not reading or writing- what are some other interests?

I love backpacking with my family, and any kind of skiing. Lately we’ve been skiing Nordic more because of the wee ones. I sing with a classical choral group in Seattle. I love to cook. I love any time with my family. And I really enjoy yoga!

What is your favorite song?

I’m pretty much a classical choral music junkie. And like books, I can never pick a favorite, but I just sang in the Britten War Requiem and it was one of the most incredible choral experiences of my life! Of course, if you’ve read North of Hope, you’ll know I love the Mozart Requiem, too.

Shannon- are you a hardback, paperback, or e-book kind of reader?

All three, in the order you asked!

What are some of the books in your TBR (To Be Read) list?

The stacks and lists are deep and long! Into the Backcountry by Steve Edwards is on my list right now, as is Snow Child by Alaskan Eowyn Ivey. I’m in the middle of Still Points North and the Rock Springs story collection.

*Special thanks to Shannon Polson for agreeing to the author spotlight!

Want to learn more about Shannon? She can be found on Facebook, Twitter and her website.

Whistling Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall

Photo Credit: Amazon

Starla knows about life being unfair. Living with her Mamie- a woman who lives to punish Starla for every little thing, who won’t share the “good cookies” and who is constantly trying to mold Starla into a lady- Starla knows a lot for her 9 years. However, while on a road trip to find and live with her mom, Starla’s eyes are opened to a whole different world- a world that sometimes is more unfair than her 9 year old self can understand or bear.

Starla is looking forward to the 4th of July parade and fireworks more than anything. Looking forward to it so much, she’s trying to toe the line with Mamie just so she won’t get punished and miss the fun. All is going good till Starla sees a boy bullying a little girl and gets into a fight with him. Which then leads to Starla being punished- and Mamie saying she can’t go to the parade or fireworks. Starla decides to sneak to the parade anyway- and all is going good until a nosy neighbor sees her and chaos ensues. Starla, being fearful that Mamie will send her to reform school, decides it’s time to head to Nashville. Her mom is a famous singer in Nashville and life will be good.

Starla begins walking to Nashville, and meets Eula, a black lady who sells homemade pies. Eula has a white baby with her, and Starla is mighty curious about the baby- but accepts a ride to Nashville. Both Starla and Eula are leaving behind things in Cayuga Springs that they’d rather not have others know about- and Starla just knows that as soon as they make it to Nashville- her momma is going to be happy and take care of Starla and Eula.

The road trip to Nashville is eventful. Starla begins to see how people treat Eula and she is furious- which leads to problems. Eula, Starla and baby James find help along the way- and with the help, they are able to make it to Nashville. When Starla meets Lula- Starla finds out that Lula is not at all like what she remembers. Starla also finds out that Lula’s dreams and Starla’s hopes are not the same- which upsets Starla. Starla’s dad comes to get her, Eula and the baby- and when he finds out what the road trip entailed- he’s mighty grateful to Eula.

Back home in Cayuga Springs, Starla’s life is changing- and she’s taking to heart the lessons of life she learned on the road. At the end of the day, for a 9 year old, Starla learns much about life, love, and what makes a family, And thanks to Eula, Starla knows she has gifts- wonderful and beautiful gifts, and she knows it’s her responsibility to not only find the gifts- but to share with others.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Told from the perspective of a 9 year old girl, a girl who doesn’t understand why the world is the way it is- but gets a heavy dose of a life lesson- Starla is an unforgettable character, She’s a crusader for fairness, and believes in the people that love her. Starla may be a firey redhead- but she’s got a heart of gold. Susan Crandall weaves a storyline that is enjoyable, highly readable and excellent for discussion!

*This book was requested through Netgalley. The above review is my thoughts and opinion.

Swanson’s Sleuths Street Team Interview 3: Nancy

A few weeks ago, Denise Swanson approached several of us about our opinions of a Street Team. A Street Team can vary from author to author- but for Denise- we hand out bookmarks, post to Twitter and Facebook, take pictures of our books and chatter excitedly about the new book, Murder of a Stacked Librarian (in stores Sept 3rd!)

For the next few weeks, I’ll be posting interviews with some of the members- and spreading the word about Scumble River and Densie Swanson. If you enjoy cozy books, I hope you’ll consider trying out a Scumble River book. If you’ve never read a cozy mystery- now’s the perfect time to try!

Interview with Nancy

1. How did you begin reading Denise Swanson books?

My sister got my interested in the Scumble River series.

2. Do you read other cozy mysteries?

Yes I read Cleo Coyle, Joanne Fluke, Heather Blake-Webber many more. I also am a big Janet Evanovich fan, but I am not sure she is considered “cozy” LOL. Another big time favorite author of mine is Mary Daheim. Her Bed and Breakfast mysteries and her Alpine series are really great.

3. You are a member of Swanon’s Sleuths (Denise Swanson’s Street Team to help promote her Scumble River books.) Are you a member of other street teams? What do you think of street teams- are they helpful to authors?

I was thinking of joining Janet Evanovich’s street team but not sure yet. I think they do help the author get the word out about there books!

4. What is your favorite Denise Swanson mystery?

I can’t choose a favorite I love them all!

5. Do you read Devereaux’s Dime Store Mystery (Denise Swanson’s other mystery series)? If you do, do you prefer Devereaux’s Dime Store or Scumble River? Or do you like them both?

Love both series of books. I am re-reading Little Shop of Homicide now actually. I need to get the second book.

6. What character in Scumble River would make the BEST best friend forever (BFF)? And why?

Trixie would make a Best best friend forever because she seems loyal but yet not in her friends business 24/7 but she is there when she needs her. That is something that is great in a friend.

Author Spotlight: Katherine Center

Katherine Center is back today to talk about #literarycrush, #literaryconfessions and more! Be sure and check out the Interview with Katherine (1. It’s great! and 2. You can #win a copy of The Lost Husband!)

Author Spotlight: Katherine Center

Who are some of your favorite authors?

This is a tough question for me, because I don’t read like a reader—but like a writer. I try to read for fun when I can, but I often wind up studying the books I read. If I like them, I wind up underlining and trying to get at what I like about them. It’s hard to turn it off and just enjoy the story!! Lots of different people for different reasons. I’m kind of all over the place. Jane Austen is always my #1. Then, after that, it varies a lot depending on my mood. I love fiction, but I also love non-fiction. I read in my genre, but I also love others. It’s hard to name names because I never want to leave anybody out!

When you are not writing, what are some of your favorite things to do?

I love to goof around with my kids! I love to mess around with the butterfly garden in our backyard. I love to fantasize about re-decorating my house. I love to sew and make things. I am always happiest when I’m making things—whether writing a book, or sewing a skirt, or making a collage. We also crank up the music in our house and dance around a lot. And sing goofy songs.

What are some of the books you are looking forward to reading in 2013?

I’ve just ordered Elizabeth Strout’s The Burgess Boys. I heard a fantastic interview with her on NPR, and she’s now next on my list. Also on my list for the next few months: Elizabeth Berg, Lisa See, and Geraldine Brooks.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I tried to read Moby Dick last year and could not get through it. There it is.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Maybe Captain Wentworth from Jane Austen’s Persuasion. You’ve gotta love that kind of loyalty.

What books will you always make room for on your shelf?

Anything I love even one line from. Even if the rest of the book’s a disaster, if it’s got something redeeming to it, it stays! I have a hard time parting with books.

Is there a book that has already been published that you wished you had written?

I have tons and tons of pieces of other people’s books that I admire: snippets of dialogue, great lines, even whole story concepts. I have characters I adore, turns of phrase that catch my breath, surprises I wish I’d come up with. I am awash with all kinds of admiration for other writers’ work in all kinds of ways. But I don’t think there’s an entire book by someone else that I would love to have written. I guess other people’s books feel too much like other people…

*Special thanks to Katherine Center for agreeing to this author spotlight!

Katherine Center is the author of four novels about love and family: The Bright Side of Disaster, Everyone Is Beautiful, Get Lucky, and The Lost Husband. Her work has appeared in Redbook, People, USA Today, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and Real Simple—as well as the anthologies Because I Love Her, CRUSH, and My Parents Were Awesome. People magazine calls Katherine’s first novel, “cleverly told and uncommonly appealing,” and USA Today calls her newest one “heartwarming.” BookPage named her a new writer to watch, Varsity Pictures optioned the movie rights to her first novel, and the Houston Press just named her a Top Ten writer in Houston. She is a graduate of Vassar College and the University of Houston’s Creative Writing Program. Katherine lives in Houston with her husband and two sweet children.