Book Blogger Party II - Nine Reviewers You'll Want to Follow!

Here's a recap of our last group of book bloggers!

Becky
Follow Becky's Blog It's Story Time With Van Daniker here Becky is a Florida girl who enjoys reading (especially on the beach), collecting books, talking about books, and telling her friends to read her favorites. She enjoys the beach, Disney, spending time with friends, and spending time with God. She enjoys almost any genre in Christian Fiction except for Amish. Some of her favorite genres are mystery and suspense, contemporary romance, and historical fiction. She loves supporting authors and helping them spread the word about their amazing books. When you spot her out in the wild, you'll probably see her wearing her favorite pair of flip flops, carrying a book, and wearing a poop emoji or guitar purse.

Nicole
Nicole says, "For me, the best part of being a reviewer is the community I have become a part of. The bloggers, authors, publicity teams, and publishers that I have met and worked with over the past few months have been so welcoming, helpful, and kind. And, the support of the people who read my blog regularly is unlike anything I could have imagined. I really feel like I have made some excellent friendships over the past few months. I am truly blessed."
Blog: https://christianfictiongirl.blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellesmoma16
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bellesmoma16/

Beckie
Beckie says, "I started blogging about books in 2009 as part of the library ministry at my former church. I thought it would be a great way to introduce church members to what was available in the library. When I found out I could get free books for the library by taking part in review programs and tours, I jumped at the chance. My first reviews are a bit embarrassing, but hopefully I’ve grown since then. ;) My blog’s name, By The Book, is the name of my book club that started in 2002. When I switched from being the church library blog to a personal blog, I thought that the name was fitting."
Beckie's Blog: By The Book
Beckie on Twitter: @BeckieByTheBook
Beckie on Facebook BeckieByTheBook
Beckie on Instagram : @Beckiebythebook

 

Rel
Rel says, "The best part of being a reviewer is connecting readers with books and authors. My best book blogging days are when I receive a comment or message from a reader letting me know they read a book or searched out an author on my recommendation, and they fell in love with the story and the author’s talent.
In addition, I’ve had the privilege of attending the ACFW conference in 2013 and 2016, meeting dear author friends along with many amazing writers I’ve been reading for years."
Website: http://relzreviewz.com/
Instagram: RelMollet
Twitter: @Relz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relzreviewz/

Sydney
Sydney says, "I have always enjoyed reading and singing. When I was in college, I took private voice lessons as well as lots of music classes so I could learn how to teach singing. Because of my love of books and reading, once I completed my undergraduate degree, I went on to obtain an MLS (Masters of Library Science). So as far as the theme of my blog goes, I combined two of my favorite loves—singing and books!"
Personal Blog: Singing Librarian Books: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/singinglibrarianbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/singlibbooks
Instagram: http://instagram.com/singinglibrarianbooks
SLB Tours Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slbtours/ 

Sarah
Sarah says, "I’ve been seriously reviewing for about a year and a half now, but didn’t start my blog until March of this year. Before that, I was just posting my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and my #bookstagram. I noticed as I continued to review and grow on social media, I started to get more opportunities to work with authors and publishers. I figured if I wanted to continue on this journey and grow even more as a reviewer, then I should start a blog. And now I have and couldn’t be happier! I love absolutely love it!"
Blog: https://www.thebarefootreader.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/TheBarefootReader96
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootreader

Julia
Julia says, "I have been reviewing for... forever! I used to just do a quick few lines but over the years my reviews have changed. My love of reading has always been there as my Nanny used to read books to me when I was little.
My blog came about because I wanted to share my reviews."
Christian Bookaholic Facebook Page
Christian Bookaholic Blog
Follow Julia on Twitter
Julia's GoodReads Page

Phyllis
Phyllis says, "I try to remember to pray before writing any review. I do that more naturally when I've committed via a blog tour to review and didn't care much for the book. I hate the idea of hurting someone with my words and realize that authors pour their hearts into their works, so to be critical is hard, and yet I want to always be honest."
Phyllis's blog can be found at http://amongTheReads.net.
she is also at www.twitter.com/amongTheReads,
www.facebook.com/amongTheReads,
www.pinterest.com/amongTheReads,
and www.instagram.com/amongTheReads

Anne
Anne says, "Most people might think the best part of being a reviewer is receiving free books but I love getting to know the authors and other reviewers. I’ve met some of the kindest people through social media and have had the privilege to meet a few authors and reviewers in person and am blessed to call them ‘friend’. I was skeptical in the beginning about how well you can actually get to know someone online, but this is a community of people who not only share a love of reading but a love of God too. It is a special ‘family’ to be a part of and I am blessed!
I blog about books, crafts, and my amateur attempt at photography on Stuff and Nonsense - https://annepayne.blogspot.com/. Most of what I post there is also posted on the blogs Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/StuffandNonsense.AnnePayne/. I’m an avid pinner on Pinterest too, so look me up." - https://www.pinterest.com/annepayne/.

As if that's not enough, here's the link to our first party and eleven more amazing book bloggers!

Welcome: Book Blogger Phyllis Helton of Among the Reads!

Hooray! Our Book Blogger Guest posts are back and Phyllis Helton is my first guest of the year.
 
Debra: So- how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Phyllis: I started reviewing around 6 years ago, but originally it was only for one author. As time went on, the number of authors I reviewed for grew and in the summer of 2017 I decided that I read and reviewed enough books each month, I should start a blog.

My husband and brainstormed names and with his help we came up with Among the Reads with a tag line of "drawing treasures from a sea of words". I actually could have used a ".com" but with the name and tagline, it just seemed too much fun to use the ".net". As my hubby helped me create a banner image, having the net to draw the books from the word-art waves containing first lines of famous books, it simply fit.
 
Debra: I've always loved that graphic. Nice job!
What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

Phyllis: Reading. :-)

I also love connecting with authors that I probably wouldn't have met if I wasn't doing this, and love sharing debut authors with the world.

I recently had a debut author contact me to review his book. His daughter is also a writer and I had written some reviews for her. Through emailing back and forth, I felt like we became friends and after his book released, he told me:

I wanted to say that whatever happens in the future, I will always credit you with giving me my start. Your interactions and feedback in the lead up to the release were very helpful and encouraging. Once the book released, the first few days felt like an eternity. It was like sailing in uncharted waters, and your solitary review was like a beam from a lighthouse!

It certainly makes me want to do this more and more!

Debra: Good. I hope it's a reminder to all book bloggers of the importance of all your hard work! With authors being almost entirely responsible for 'getting the word out', book bloggers are more important than ever!
That said...what’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

Believe it or not, it is harder to write a review for a 4 star book than one with only 3 stars, at least for me. 5 star books are just so obviously wonderful it is easy to gush about them. I find that the language of these books often finds its way into my wording as well.

3 star books I generally have pros and cons I can share so it is easy to come up with plenty to say. And, yes, I do my best to keep it positive - maybe a little too much so. I've had my husband read my reviews and ask me why it sounds so good and yet I only gave it 3 stars.

But 4 star books. They are good, but not "gushable". I don't necessarily want to continue reading and slow down to savor at the same time. At the same time, there aren't really any major cons. So it is sometimes harder to come up with the words to express my thoughts.

And equally hard is passing up on opportunities to review books so I still have time to eat, interact with my husband, work and sleep. "No" is a word I am still learning to use!
Debra: What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?
This weekend I read Daughters of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof. It was one of those stories that just reaches in and squeezes your heart! 

Debra: No surprise! I'm still recovering from The Lady and the Lionheart! 

What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)?

I work full-time as a database administrator/programmer for a large Christian mission organization, help with bookkeeping for my (very small) church, teach Sunday School, and watch movies with my husband on the weekend. I do love to take walks and also love photography.
Debra: What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

 
It is really hard to pick favorites. I love historicals, fantasy, mystery, action/adventure, and romance. I have read some paranormal that I have really enjoyed as well. What I do not like is witches, zombies and the like and I am too wimpy to read books that are too suspenseful or gory.

Debra: If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

To be honest, if I was alone, I wouldn't be watching a movie - I'd read. If I was with my husband and was picking the movie, The Princess Bride, Pride and Prejudice (well, anything with Greer Garson), The Mighty, While You Were Sleeping, or maybe a swashbuckler. And I'm assuming if you are paying with your virtual bank account, food allergies and calories won't count. So for dinner, I would get some gourmet pizza, something Mexican, or maybe even Thai. And I'd have cheesecake for dessert. 

Debra: (darn those food allergies!) I'll likely be joining you for any of the above!

If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?
Some days I'd say I have my dream career, others, maybe not. Databases can be cantankerous!

I've been loving the things I've been doing with my blog, connecting with authors and promoting them, and, of course, reading. If I could find a way to actually make money doing this, I would. As long as it wasn't too administrative.

Debra: Book blogging is really a labor of love. Reading books doesn't quite pay the bills! (sort of like writing them...)
What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?
I know there are many authors who write a book, do a pass or two of editing and then release. I don't recommend this at all. It shows in the end product, even when the author is really good. Even if your grammar is excellent, find an editor. And don't assume one pass with the editor will be enough. As you revise, have your editor re-read. Spend time going over your manuscript and then set it aside until you aren't remembering what you intended and then go over it again.

I also recommend that if you aren't artistic - don't design your own cover. And maybe you should not have your (fill in the blank) create it either. While I try hard to not judge a book by the cover, I do. And so do most of your potential readers.

And use social media to create interest. Have all your family and friends reach out on their media and take advantage of bloggers like me who don't know enough to charge for promotion. :-)

Debra: Absolutely agree. Even after editing by multiple people things slip through. And once an editor has recommended even the smallest of tweaks, it needs another read through!
Same for new reviewers--

If you normally read 3 books a week, don't commit to reading more than 1 a week at the beginning. The rate at which I finish books has slowed due to reviewing. I have spent up to four hours working on a review post. They don't all take that long, but if you are blogging, there is more to it than just typing up your review. Learn the pace that you can maintain, and don't feel like you have to say yes to every book request or review opportunity. Don't worry, there will always be plenty of books to read!

And pray! I try to remember to pray before writing any review. I do that more naturally when I've committed via a blog tour to review and didn't care much for the book. I hate the idea of hurting someone with my words and realize that authors pour their hearts into their works, so to be critical is hard, and yet I want to always be honest. 


Debra: Great suggestions, Phyllis! I'm so glad you were able to be our guest. I've been following your blog for quite awhile and I'm pleased to have you here.

Thank you for allowing me to share! I would love to have you visit me on my blog and let me know you came from Inkwell Inspirations. 
 
My blog can be found at http://amongTheReads.net. 
I am also at www.twitter.com/amongTheReads, 
www.facebook.com/amongTheReads, 
www.pinterest.com/amongTheReads, 
and www.instagram.com/amongTheReads

Meet Book Blogger Sarah Barnhart of The Barefoot Reader

This month's interview is with Sarah, a book blogger I recently 'met' (online) and thought you'd all like to do so as well!

Deb asks: how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?  

Sarah answers: I’ve been seriously reviewing for about a year and a half now, but didn’t start my blog until March of this year. Before that, I was just posting my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and my #bookstagram. I noticed as I continued to review and grow on social media, I started to get more opportunities to work with authors and publishers. I figured if I wanted to continue on this journey and grow even more as a reviewer, then I should start a blog. And now I have and couldn’t be happier! I love absolutely love it! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootreader

As far as themes go, I’ve always loved the warmer and cozy types, so I knew that’s what I wanted for mine. I wanted my blog to feel cozy and I guess in a way, intimate: like sitting with a friend and enjoying a cup of coffee. J

Deb: Definitely! Some blogs just come across as more relaxing. But there's so much a blogger wants to put on that page! Hard choice!
What’s the best part of being a reviewer?  

Sarah: I’d have to say the best part of being a reviewer is that I get to read and share incredible stories that I really enjoyed or that have touched me in some way with fellow book lovers like me. I also get to help promote the author’s work and help spread the word. And you know, the fact that I usually get a free book doesn’t hurt either. ;) 

Deb: Free is good (until the TBR pile tumbles!) 
What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?  

Sarah: For me, it’s reading the book and getting the review up in time if the publisher or author has given me a specific date. I’m pretty busy with classes, my day job, and volunteer work, so trying to manage all that plus writing reviews is kind of tough. I’ve had to say ‘no’ to quite a few different opportunities because of it. It just wouldn’t be fair to the author/publisher or myself if I said I could do something and then not follow through with it. Not only would I disappoint myself, but I would be letting them down, too.

D: Saying no can be difficult! Writing that review can't always be a fifteen minute effort. Sometimes the words just don't want to come "on demand"! 
What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

S: The Life After series by Julie Hall! It’s a Young Adult Christian fantasy series and it’s amazing! I loved it so much that I binge read the whole series within a week! (Here's a link!)

D: Excellent Word of Mouth! What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)? 

S: Hmmm…good question! My family definitely keeps me entertained! I usually go hiking with my sisters and my mom when I can. It’s something we’ve been doing for years now.

I also like to listen to music, watch my favorite musicals or Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn movies, hang out with friends, go shopping at used bookstores, and snuggling my cat, Rascal. 

Deb's favorite!

D: And you didn't send along  a photo of Rascal! Oh dear!

What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?  

S: Don’t make me choose! There’s so many! This is a tough one. I’ll give you my top three genres: 1) Fantasy-Chronicles of Narnia type stuff. 2) Biblical Fiction-I love reading about the Kings of Israel and the disciples. 3) Contemporary Suspense/Mystery- Terri Blackstock and Irene Hannon are my go-to’s.

D: That's a great mix of genres! Wow! When I discovered Christian fiction, the suspense stories were my favorite, so I've definitely read my share of these.
What person from history would you most like to text with?  

S: Text with? Besides Jesus? I’d have to say King David, Katherine Hepburn, or George Washington.

Unlisted Number!

D: If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!  

S: You’re paying? Well, okay then! Okay, so if it’s a rainy afternoon, then I’ll most likely be watching Pride and Prejudice (2005 Version) or some sort of musical (usually a classic or Disney-related). And then I’d order some Japanese curry! That stuff is delicious!   

Worth the time on so many levels. One of the best film scores ever!

D: If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?  

S: My dream career is to become an author, own my own orphanage (kind of like Tim Tebow) or have an organization where I can help orphans, and own my very own library. The author part is still in progress along with my non-profit organization, but as for the library…we’ll see. ;)

D: What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?  

S: Become better acquainted with social media and social media marketing. I love seeing authors on social media share what’s going on with their writing, sharing behind the scenes, updating readers on their books, sharing exclusives, interacting with their followers, and just being themselves! It helps us as readers to get to know you on a more personal level. And learning social media marketing will really boost your exposure and books, which is something you want!

D: (Deb makes face at those three words: social media marketing). Sighs. (and smiles!)
But ignore me and tell me what you'd say to new reviewers— 

S: Write honest and considerate reviews, even if you didn’t necessarily like the book. Don’t bad mouth the author, simply share what you didn’t like about the book and why. And if you have multiple books you have to review by a certain date, schedule your reading time. I’m speaking from personal experience. I was SUPER behind last year on reviews because I wasn’t being intentional about it, and because of that, a lot of my reviews were late. And learn to say no. If you’re like me, then you want to say yes to review as many books as you can! But the reality is, you can only do so much, so choose the books you KNOW you can review. The ones you want to review the most. Be honest with yourself and be considerate of other people’s time. 

D: Thanks so much for being my guest, Sarah. I wish you continued success and hope more readers head on over and follow your blog!

Blog: https://www.thebarefootreader.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/TheBarefootReader96

Meet Book Blogger Julia Wilson of Christian Bookaholic!

Debra says- 
I didn't know a lot about Julia before this interview because I've just begun to follow her blog this past year.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
 

Thanks for joining me, Julia! How long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Julia says- 
I have been reviewing for... forever! I used to just do a quick few lines but over the years my reviews have changed. My love of reading has always been there as my Nanny used to read books to me when I was little.

My blog came about because I wanted to share my reviews. My son Michael set up my blog for me, because he is good at ICT and I am not. I chose my theme because I like pink and I think it looks pretty.

Julia  in Llandudno. With that Spelling, it had to be Wales!

D-What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

J-I get to read fabulous books and share them with the world. I believe that if we read a great book, we should publicise it. If we don't pass the word on, how will others know?

I get a lot of my books via Net Galley and also from the Book Gobbler but I also buy loads of books. I cannot help myself! Someone recommends a book and I have to get it! If it's part of a series, I buy the set!

D-Book Gobbler is new to me. Should we share that or is it a dangerous slope for other bookaholics?

What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

J-Remembering who needs what read and when! Thank goodness for my Net Galley shelf and also being able to schedule on my blog. Plus I use a calendar and a notebook!

D-What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

J-The Key Of All Unknown by K.A. Hitchins. I read it in one sitting 2 days ago. By the time this interview goes out, there will probably be more books added to the list.

I am always tied between wanting to read on and finish a book and not wanting it to end! The read on and find out what happens next usually wins out!

(Okay so Deb had to grab the blurb for this book --so compelling!)

Brilliant scientific researcher Tilda Moss wakes up in hospital unable to speak or move and with no recollection of what happened to her. Determined to find answers and prove she is not in a persistent vegetative state, she travels back through her fractured memories looking for clues. Could someone really have tried to kill her? An indulged younger brother, an obsessive flatmate, jealous colleagues and a missing lover. Everyone has a motive. On the edge of death, and questioning the value of her life, Tilda's only hope is to unlock the key of all unknown

D-That sounds like the kind of book I'd want to start when I had two days of reading ahead of me!

What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)

J-Doing the school run morning and night. Seriously though, I love knitting and tend to do that in an evening while watching the TV. I used to love walking far and fast but having M.E and fibromyalgia has stopped all that. I now do aqua aerobics twice a week for 45 minutes. I also learnt to swim last year and so I swim for about an hour before my aqua classes.

D-Ahh... the school run! Knitting is a great evening craft as long as you're not trying to follow a difficult pattern during a tense episode! It's great you've been able to add water aerobics and swimming in place of some other activities. Kudos for you! I mean, putting on a suit and taking it off when it's wet is an aerobic challenge in itself!

Julia and her Dad! (Makes me miss mine a lot!)

D-My newest question for guest bloggers--I've made Julia go first--is...What historical figure would you most like to Text with?

J-Corrie ten Boom. I think she is an amazing woman of faith. So brave. So obedient. So inspiring. I wish I could have met her. She is my heroine.

D-She is such an inspiration. Incredible strength and perseverance and then kindness after what might have made most of us bitter!  What a great choice!

What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

J-Ooh I love fiction set in WWII in Europe. I do like my fiction to be set from 1850 onwards. I read a wide variety of Christian and mass market. The only genre I do not read is fantasy, sci fi etc, other than that I am flexible.

Outside the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth

D-Okay so we're just a bit jealous of that photo, but how amazing it must be to travel those footsteps!

The WWl and WWll era have really boomed in popularity! We can thank Downton Abbey for some of that, but there's so many fascinating true stories that come out of those difficult decades.

If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

J-I would watch Wuthering Heights with Laurence Olivier. It's one of my favourites. When I was pregnant with Michael, I watched it at least once a week, every week. I just think that it is such a powerful film about a love that never dies. I would also watch White Christmas with Bing Crosby as that is my favourite feel good film.

D-That particular Wuthering Heights production was my mother's favorite!  I have to agree with White Christmas. It's my go-to holiday film and the songs are so fantastic. Such a great era. I think it fed my desire to travel by train (Which is not so common here in the states--a treat for many of us!)

J-Food... mmnn that's a difficult one. I think I would forgo a main meal and just want a big piece of apple pie with homemade custard. I take after my Dad and am an old fashioned pudding person!

D-Ahh, Custard! A staple in my house growing up. My grandmother was an expert. I guess it's 'genetic', and I've rarely found any that half as good as hers!

Just give me a spoon!

If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?

J-I am so blessed to be living my dream. As a child I always wanted to be a Mummy with a husband, 4 children and lots of cats. I have been so blessed to be married and have 4 children and  5 cats. My dream is to own an old fashioned Seal point Siamese but not while we have our present cats.

Julia with her parents and brothers!

D- My first Siamese was a seal point and I've had flame point and lilac points since then. Now I have what I'd consider a Himalayan mix. Her coloring is all seal-point, except, she's not long and skinny and doesn't have the short hair of a Siamese. She's a 'used cat' that I acquired on line and only saw her face! I'm not allergic to Siamese and they do grow on you with particular temperaments!

What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

J-Remember to 'show' us the scene you see in your head. I have read some books that are mainly dialogue and that drives me nuts as I cannot 'see' the action.
(Deb scrambles through her W.I.P.  I'll be right back!)

D-Same for new reviewers--

J-Be kind. Every book is someone's baby.

Llandudno's Cheshire Cat

Thank you Julia! I've really enjoying learning more about! 

Here are more ways for our readers to stay in touch!

Christian Bookaholic Facebook Page

Christian Bookaholic Blog

Follow Julia on Twitter

Julia's GoodReads Page

Meet Book Blogger Nicole Santana

Welcome to the Inkwell, Nicole! 

Debra asks…how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Nicole- I am a newbie blogger! I started at the end of last May, and I absolutely love it. I decided to call my blog The Christian Fiction Girl because I love Christian Fiction and wanted to share my love with others. Honestly, I thought nothing would really come of my blog other than it being a space for my thoughts, but God has had other plans. I have met, and been welcomed by, an amazing community of like-minded people. It’s been a true blessing!

D-. Wow! I didn’t know that. I thought you’d been blogging for longer than that. You certainly have been busy! 

So tell me, what’s the best part of being a reviewer?

N- For me, the best part of being a reviewer is the community I have become a part of. The bloggers, authors, publicity teams, and publishers that I have met and worked with over the past few months have been so welcoming, helpful, and kind. And, the support of the people who read my blog regularly is unlike anything I could have imagined. I really feel like I have made some excellent friendships over the past few months. I am truly blessed.

D- I agree. And you know what? When I first started writing, I only knew of one or two people who had review blogs. I was busy trying to get to know other authors. Then, with my first release (Surprise, books don’t review themselves!), I slowly started to meet reviewers and bloggers. It’s double the fun. After all we are all readers!

What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

N- I think the most difficult part of the “job” is saying “No.” I genuinely want to read for every author who asks, but as just one person there really is no way for me to get to every book. I have a hard time telling people that I can’t read for them. I also have a hard time saying “No” to myself. I need to learn to give myself a little wiggle room in case a book takes longer to read and review than I think it will initially. I have a tendency to really fill my reading schedule, then I feel overwhelmed. But, these are all things I am learning to navigate as a new reviewer.

D- I appreciate when reviewers say no because it means they want to take the time to review without feeling rushed.

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

N- I just finished Love’s Bright Tomorrow by Naomi Rawlings. What an amazing read! I highly recommend it. And, Roseanna White’s A Song Unheard is UH-MAY-ZING!!! Willa, the main character, is my soul sister. I cannot recommend that book enough. I think I read it in about 36 hours.

D- Okay, your enthusiasm allows you to have two answers!  I love both these authors too. I first read Naomi’s writing with her Love Inspired Historical series!

What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)?

N- My five-year old daughter, Isabella, is my absolute joy! My most favorite time of day is when I walk through my front door after a long day at work and see her adorable face as she lights up with excitement to see me. Working with her on her homework, making dinner with her, cuddling on the couch as we watch PBS Kids, and doing our night-time routine is the highlight of my day.

D-  isn’t that the truth! I have to warn you this enthusiasm wanes. But then… there’s grandchildren. Finally! Someone is happy to see me again! Haha.

What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

N- I really love Historical Christian Fiction and Biblical Fiction. I love the Regency-era novels of Julie Klassen, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Carolyn Miller. I love anything Civil War era, so authors like Tamera Alexander and Jocelyn Green are go-to authors for me. And, anything Laura Frantz writes regardless of era. She is an outstanding writer. I also love Roseanna White’s works, and will read anything she releases no matter when her books take place. And, as far as Biblical Fiction goes, I will devour everything by Mesu Andrews and Tessa Afshar. I think they are brilliant researchers and excellent storytellers.

Recently though, I have begun appreciating Contemporary Christian novels. Courtney Walsh, Cara Putman, Bethany Turner, Becky Wade, and Lynette Eason are a few of my favorite Contemporary Fiction authors. I will read anything these fabulous ladies produce!

D- Just keeping up with these alone will keep you busy! (and I had my big fangirl moment this summer when I got to meet Laura Frantz in person after so many years of chatting online!)

If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

N- This is a very difficult question for me as I adore Classic films. I will watch anything starring Cary Grant, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Katherine Hepburn, or Ingrid Bergman. They are fantastic actors and actresses. If I had to choose just one film, it would be Notorious starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains. It’s an Alfred Hitchcock film, and it is brilliant. It has everything you could want in a movie: a dashing undercover agent, a beautiful but damaged damsel in distress, an evil villain who is really just a puppet to his mommy (scary!), romance, intrigue, suspense. It’s excellent!!!

I love food! Give me a taco and tamale any day. However, I don’t usually eat a meal when I am watching films because I get so absorbed that I forget the food is there. Typically, when I watch a film I like to have snack food and tea! Tea is my drink. I love it hot, cold, black, or herbal. It’s so soothing!

D- I’m glad you feel that way because I think a lot of ‘young people” (sorry, I had to use that awful phrase) don’t care for black and whites! I grew up with them. We used to have movies on the local tv channels at 1 and 4 pm when I was a kid, so I grew up on westerns, gangsters, and the great classics!

If you could wiggle your nose and be in a new career, what would it be?

N- I would love to be in a career where I could work with authors and publishers on a full-time scale. I enjoy the PR-side to writing the reviews, interviews, and cover reveals that I do now on my blog, and wish I could turn that into a full-time job so I could support my author, blogger, and publicity teams better.

Here is the perfect Virtual Assistant for an Author!

D- I guess my dream career would be hiring someone like you so I don’t have to clone myself! 

What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

N- I’m not in any way gifted at creative writing, so I can’t give advice on writing practices or the publishing industry as I don’t really know how that side of things works, but I would advise prayer. I am a firm believer that working with God on our dreams and hopes gets us to achievement far sooner, and with better outcomes, than working without Him ever could. It is my practice to pray before I write every post, take on every review job, and work with any author/publisher. If I’m not doing this blogging for God, I shouldn’t really be doing any of it at all.

D- Same for new reviewers—

This I can talk about! Prayer is definitely my first piece of advice. Nothing will succeed as well as it could if we ignore God. He wants a relationship with us, so allow Him into this endeavor. Then, I would recommend making friends with fellow bloggers and asking them questions. Don’t be timid! So far, I have not met a “mean” blogger who wouldn’t answer my questions. I recommend joining Facebook groups for readers/bloggers/authors so you can begin networking and seeing what is out there and what people are doing. I suggest going to the websites of the publishers you like and see if they have any review programs you could apply for. And, follow lots of different types of blogs. You pick up great ideas for how to write various types of posts, how to set up your site so it’s visually appealing, etc. 

D- thanks so much for indulging my questions. And thanks for visiting! I wish you the best with your blog and  I'll be following along!

Links to share:

Blog: https://christianfictiongirl.blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellesmoma16

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bellesmoma16/