About Book Reviews/Blog Tours and Their Results

This is NOT a book review. If you've followed all of last week's posts from the blog tour for Secrets of the King's Daughter, you've seen plenty of those for now, but you may find what I observed helpful or interesting.

1. I went into it recognizing that most reviewers are honest and will tell what they did and didn't like without intentional meanness. I hoped for mostly good but expected that some would find both negative and positive elements. Opinions vary, after all.
2. Book review bloggers typically have enough experience to be diplomatic. They've learned to sandwich in a negative issue between other positives. Trust that overall, they will give a fair review.
3. That said, as a first-timer I anxiously awaited each review, keeping busy to avoid excessive focus. Still, I wondered if they would love it or find it amateurish. My confidence grew when the consensus proved positive. 
4. Use the feedback rather than fear it. If one or two reviewers point out a weakness, it's not the end of the world. You either chalk it up to a singular opinion and ignore it, or you analyze similarities in what reviewers are saying so that you can find where to fix/improve. 
I'm not sure what I would have done if the reviews were less than favorable. I love writing enough to believe that I would continue on. Some writers may need a break, but should recognize that we only get better with time and practice. Find a few cheerleaders or a support group to get you going again. Read some how-to books or go to a conference if the writing craft was the issue.
5. Picking reviewers that like the genre you write in will garner more positive reviews, so do your research. My marketer handled this.
6. Sometimes a blogger will fall through. Line up two or three reviews for each day so that your book gets more reviews, a better representation, and you don't have a day that bombs.
7. Thank the reviewer no matter how the review goes. It's not only common curtesy, we need to keep those who blog about books wanting to continue with their service.
8. Consider doing more reviewing of the books you read. Writers and readers depend on your word of mouth/pen.

What do you think about book reviews?

Book Review #3 of Blog Tour and Giveaway

REVIEW from LDS and Lovin' It
Karlinah' first marriage left her with heavy secret to carry as she returns home after her husband's death.  A secret she dares not share with anyone. But things at home don't offer as much relief as she had hoped when her father betroths her to a man she distrusts so that her younger sister can wed.  The arrival of a young Nephite complicate everything.  But Ammon turns out to be different than she expected and the upheaval he brings offers hope that she may be able to choose her own path.  But she's reluctant to accept the gospel since it means confessing her secret, a secret she fears could cost her own life.  Mackley has written a compelling story that revolves around events recounted in The Book of Mormon.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Karlinah and imagining what it might have been like to be there when the incredible events surrounding Ammon's mission to the Laminates took place.  The incredible workings of the Lord have been beautifully depicted in this story which does have romantic elements in it but which come second to the changes that Karlinah and her family undergo when they listen to Ammon's message.  A truly engaging work of fiction that takes the scriptural story and adds details about what it may have been like to be there.  I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.

Enter GIVEAWAWY for $25 Amazon Gift Card and Free Book here or on one of these blogs.
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TOUR SCHEDULE
*March 21st: 
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 

*March 22nd: 
http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://empowermoms.net/ 

*March 23rd: 
http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/
http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*March 24th: 
http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

*March 25th: 

http://www.iamareader.com/
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/ 

Book Review #2 of Blog Tour

This review comes from http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 
This is an interesting view on what could have taken place during the months before and during Ammon's interaction with King Lamoni.
Why did King Lamoni offer his eldest daughter as a wife to a Nephite? Was this daughter accepting of Ammon?
The author's development of the circumstances and of the characters offers a new insight to this Book of Mormon story. Whether or not one is familiar with the stories of the "Lamanites and Nephites" of the Book of Mormon, one will find this tale of the American Indian and the White man very entertaining. The character are created in a realistic way and the scenes are easily visualized. There is plenty of drama, action, and romance for any lover of fiction.
The only slight negative is I felt too much time was spent on the attitude of Karlinah in the earlier portion of the novel. Even then it steadily moved forward.
4.5 stars

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Book Review #1 of Blog Tour

Here is the http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ Review:

And click on the giveaway link!

Monday, March 21, 2016

Blog Tour - Secrets of the King's Daughter Review and Giveaway

About the book: It was a relationship designed to unite not two young people in love, but two powerful kingdoms. And for Princess Karlinah, eldest daughter of King Lamoni, her marriage to the haughty heir to the throne of Jersusalem has led to a life of fear and abuse. There seems to be no escape—until her husband is murdered and Karlinah is unexpectedly free to return to her father’s kingdom. She can begin again—but no one can ever know of the part she played in the prince’s demise . . . Karlinah’s relief is short-lived, for upon her return to the land of Ishmael, she is once again swept into her father’s plans for a politically powerful marriage. Then the arrival of a young missionary in her father’s court changes everything: her family is converted to a new religion, and Karlinah is free to choose her path. Yet she is not so easily convinced by the words of Ammon—especially when repentance means confessing her crime. But as her faith grows and a young stone artisan captures her heart, Karlinah realizes that she must face the consequences of her past in order to move forward with her future.

My review: I had just a bit of a hard time getting into the story line of this book. It starts out with the death of Karlinah's husband. You know that she has a secret about what has happened to him, but it takes quite a while in the book to actually learn what happened to him. 

Karlinah doesn't want to stay with the family of her dead husband, but asks instead to be sent home to her family in the land of Ishmael. This is when the book starts to show it's Book of Mormon influence. It's in the home of her father in the land of Ishmael where Ammon, one of the sons of King Mosiah, comes to be a servant and eventually an amazing missionary to the Lamanites.

I really liked the way that the author showed things through Karlinah's eyes, as well as the eyes of her father, mother and Ammon as well. Karlinah is the main character, but this book shifts through several characters to really give a complete picture of all that is happening throughout the book.

I liked the way there is conflict shown between Karlinah's views and the views of Ammon and all of the people who converted because of him. Her family believes him easily, but Karlinah needs her own desire to gain a witness and she needs her own witness to believe and follow him.

I thought that this book was a bit slow in the beginning, but by the end, I was enjoying the story and didn't want to put it down until I was able to finish. I thought that the characters were well-written and interesting. The plot is well-written and the ending is exciting. Make sure to get your own copy!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other stops on the blog tour!

March 21st: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 

March 22nd: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/ 

March 23rd: http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

March 24th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

March 25th: http://www.iamareader.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/ 

A Book Spotlight, A Blog, and Finding Motivation

Waiting in an airport lobby, I recently read a thought-provoking mini-book by Tamara Passey called Mothering Through the Whirlwinds. I found it an appropriate prelude to the reason for my trip. I would spend ten days mothering three rambunctious little boys while their mother was on bed-rest in a hospital, avoiding her baby coming too early. I knew what I was in for--having six children of my own--but my body wasn't young anymore, and I was out of practice. I determined to give it my best shot. My motivation? I'm their grandmother and my daughter needed me.

Tamara writes that her book is less of a How-to manual and more of a How-I-Found-My-Way story. I found it very inspiring and recommend it to mothers everywhere. She relates some personal hardships in an I'm-just-like-you manner, sharing hope and the wisdom of her experiences.

Tamara and Renae at LDStorymakers Writers Conference 2015

That is what I strive to do with this blog. My 'writespot' shares tips and experiences that express my journey as I grow into a writer. This is my How-I-found-my-way writing journal. Writing is a hard goal, but we can do hard things when we have motivation and support. Just like a grandmother who is willing to care for her grandchildren or a tired mother who continues through the challenges. You can do hard things too!
I passed the book on to my daughter before returning home. She's going to have more whirlwinds to come with those wonderful boys and now a 4 1/2 pound daughter in the NICU. I'm not too worried about her; she'll have motivation and support. It makes me grateful for the support team of my husband, critique group, and many writer friends. A big motivation for me is loving my story and seeing my manuscript improve through critique comments and revisions. It's a long, hard road. But I can do hard things too!


Witnesses of the First Christmas, and Book Review

Do you realize how many witnesses announced the birth of Christ? 

In honor of the true spirit of Christmas, I want to share a timely insight gained from my wonderful brother's wonderful book, Our Savior Jesus Messiah, Vol. 1 by Bryan Young Weight. The chapter entitled Events At Birth starts: "The Law of witnesses requires two or more testimonies before truth is established..." He explains how the following are all witnesses that God the Father announced the birth of His Holy Son:

• Angels. Not only did an angel proclaim to the shepherds, a group of heavenly hosts shouted "Hosanna!"
• Shepherds. The selected shepherds shared their new knowledge abroad.
• Temple witnesses. The Holy infant was recognized by Simeon and Anna at the temple.
• The Star. A new star shown as a sign and a witness.
• Wise Men. The wise men came to worship the King of the Jews.
• Scripture. Prophets foretold and four disciples retold the birth of Christ, recorded in scripture. Bryan uses scriptures for each of the above examples.

  

Here is my review: I loved this bargain-priced book and gained some new insights from reading it. The book is well-written, with logical content supported by multiple scripture sources and the perfect study for daily scripture time, for anyone of any religion who is confused about Jesus or the Messiah, and a useful companion to LDS Gospel Doctrine lessons. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next volumes coming out in 2015. I gave it 5 stars. 
Learn more insights and proofs of how Jesus Christ is our Savior and Messiah in this inspirational work. Find out more on www.JesusMessiah.net
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Book Review and Reading Variety

The Great American Family Reunion Cookbook is the perfect title for this new book by Lori Nawyn. Not only is it a cookbook with recipes especially geared toward family gatherings, fifty states are highlighted with recipes and state notes or tips. Food is the focus, of course, but you will also find motivation, ideas for themes and activities, and go-with menus. You'll want to peruse the entire book, drooling at some of the recipe titles and getting non-food ideas. When you're ready to try something out, a nice table of contents will help readers remember and find anything in the book. I recommend it as a gift to yourself or for the head honcho of your next family reunion.

Does 'reading' a cookbook count as reading? You bet it does. Especially ones like the above that include more than recipes. Even comic books count, but let's not get carried away. Variety adds spice to life.

Do your reading habits include different genres of fiction and non-fiction? I hope so. Especially if you're a writer. Writers learn from different authors by focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. One may be good at dialogue, another description or characterization. Reading a variety helps us know what is out there, to view different writing styles and language, and let's us find new things to love or discover why we don't like something. It's all good. Happy reading!

Book Review - Marketing

While preparing for last week's marketing post from a panel of authors, I read Tim Grahl's Your First 1000 Copies: The step-by-step guide to marketing your book. This was a good combination for getting me in the marketing mode. Yes, marketing starts before the first book comes out.

 

About the book: Grahl has a marketing system he calls The Connection System. Having a system gives you confidence, saves time, and lets you be creative. His focuses include: Connections, Permission, Outreach, Sell, and Track. These are described on his website www.first1000copies.com.

This book gave me some great ideas that we first-time authors can implement. The only thing I wished for was more ideas on fiction authors giving readers content they want in a newsletter. He seemed to have more examples from non-fiction and how-to book authors. Though geared more to the self-publisher, I think any reader interested in marketing can gain something from its pages. I especially liked the chapter summary bullets and website links. I gave it 5 stars.

Between this book and my recent marketing panel post, I've been thinking about what I (you) can do now to implement the beginning (and all-encompassing) step in Grahl's marketing system--Connections. Marketing is about helping people. To build connections and help others, I (you) can:
1. Figure out my platform. What do I want to talk about that helps  others (besides writing tips)?
2. Write useful posts on my blog and author page.
3. Embrace the fact that I have something to offer of value/be a fan of my own book. Be excited!
4. Share interesting facts, tips, photos, etc. on my book's topic without going overboard. What ways best reach my intended audience?
5. Keep in touch with writer friends through social media, email, etc.

Book Review & Book Highlight

Wow. Reading Tornado Warning: The Extraordinary Women of Joplin by Tamara Hart Heiner gave me a greater appreciation for the scope of those who endured devastation and loss. Though not exactly a tear-jerker, I traveled the emotional ride with the seven women whose individual experiences during the Joplin tornado are retold in play-by-play fashion. Heiner did an excellent job putting me in the moment with these women and their families and I wanted to keep reading. At times it took a few seconds to remember whose story this section was, but the author gave heading clues for manageable chunks at a time from each story. I don't know a better way she could have done this. I would recommend this nonfiction work to any YA to Adult fiction lover. The stories told will have an impact.

According to Heiner, the book came about "simply because I wanted to help" and the one thing she could do was to write. I asked her how she became connected with these women. She started asking for contacts through Facebook. She says, "Of the many I talked to, only a few ended up willing to tell their story. Of those few, I had to pick stories that were the most unique and would resonate with the most people."

When I learned that Heiner is donating her proceeds for the lifetime of the book to disasters in general and the cause of rebuilding Joplin, I became more excited to share this review. Read a good story, gain a little knowledge, and support a good cause with one purchase! In Heiner's words, "I hope this will be the book that keeps on giving!" From her blog: Proceeds from the book will be donated to Misty's Missions, as long as she is actively raising money for disaster relief, and RebuildJoplin.org. Click the links to find out more about these organizations!
I've previously reviewed a couple of Heiner's other books and recommend this author. To learn more about her, go to tamarahartheiner.com and click on Blog.

I want to give a shout out to my sister-in-laws' incredible non-fiction book. She spent years preparing this unique volume for those who are interested in LDS history, curious about the temple, and/or appreciate a fascinating read. Find out more on https://www.woodruffswitness.com/
 Jennifer Ann Mackley says, "After 15 years, I am pleased to announce the release of Wilford Woodruff's Witness. Wilford Woodruff's Witness chronicles the development of LDS temple doctrine and practices over the course of the nineteenth century. The compelling story is accompanied by more than 120 archival images--some previously unpublished--and is told from Wilford Woodruff's perspective, as preserved in his letters, discourses, and journals."

Fallen Angel Book Review and Alliteration Contest

There's still time to enter my Third Annual Alliteration Contest.
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My Review:
New this month is Fallen Angel, a delightful contemporary romance set in Florence, Italy. Having traveled there, I loved the setting with Swinton's references to the area and a sprinkling of Italian language. Give me gelato! It was easy to be transported into this world. The characters were rich and fun to get to know. Minor issues like hospital staff operations and Renatta's climbing abilities right after her cast comes off were easy to dismiss. Harder to buy into were the struggles that kept the couple from getting together. But I can only guess at what amnesia would really be like and how previous family situations might sway someone. Swinton does a good job exploring this. The story kept my interest and was fun to read. A clean romance that I can recommend to YA and adult readers.

Fallen Angel - the blurb: 

Antonio does not believe in love at first sight until he sees her fall into a street in Milan and get hit by a motorcycle. Compelled to know if she can return his affection, he becomes Renatta’s hospital volunteer only to learn that the accident erased her memory. Together they must discover her past, present and future. In the way of happily ever after stand her opera career, tyrannical mother, and fiancé.  Antonio must win Renatta’s heart before she bends to the will of her mother and marries Marcello.  Failure means a lifetime of loneliness, for love at first sight never happens twice.

You can buy it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Angel-Lisa-Swinton-ebook/dp/B00HX4L38E/ref=la_B00HXNXDCO_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390338367&sr=1-1

 
About the Author

Lisa Swinton caught the romance bug early by way of fairy tales and hasn’t been able to cure it since. Instead, she feeds her addiction with romance novels and films. In between being a doctor’s wife and mother of two, she occasionally puts her B.A. in Musical Theater to good use via community theater, church choir and teaching the art of singing. In her elusive spare time she enjoys researching her family tree and baking (especially with chocolate). She loves to travel, Jane Austen, and all things Italian. In her next life, she plans to be a professional organizer

 

Social Media Links:

http://lisaswinton.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaSwinton

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HXNXDCO

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Book Review - Copied

COPIED - Book Review to follow.
Author: S. M. Anderson
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Release Date: December 11
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Target Audience: 14 and up
Book Blurb: Adopted off the black market, Alexander Mitchell, has no idea his DNA is copyrighted and property of military weapons giant Texacom Defense.
Nor that his DNA is being used to develop an army of clones. When the company discovers he was not properly disposed of 17 years ago, they send an assassin copy, BETA23, to terminate Xan and cover it up
After he narrowly escapes BETA23’s first attempt, Xan teams up with Lacey, a genetically engineered genius he’s surprised to find common ground with— only they’re awkward together. Half of the time she stares at Xan like the science project he is and the other half…let’s just say Xan can’t keep his eyes off her lips.
When they manage to capture a company copy by luck and sheer stupidity on Xan’s part, Lacey is determined to see the good in their prisoner to the point she believes BETA23 can be persuaded to give them the intelligence they need to keep the company forever off Xan’s back. Xan’s not sure if he can trust the darker version of himself, not when it means gambling with the lives of his family and the possibility of losing Lacey.

My Review: This amount of Sci-Fi was just right for me, not too heavy. I liked the YA contemporary setting with a few interesting sci-fi oddities placed in it. Anderson did a good job adding researched elements to make the plot plausible. The story makes readers think about the ethics of cloning and gratitude for individualism. She throws fun characters into the mix, some fight scenes and romance--something for everyone. I found the transition from shifting Xan's attraction off a popular girl to a geek-girl believable and refreshing--one that gives hope to similar adolescents. But Lacey has her own complicated emotions that leave the relationship unresolved and readers hungry for the next book. Anderson has a good thing going here, yet it didn't quite reach that amazing wow factor I hoped for. I'm thinking the best is yet to come. The writing is good, it kept my interest, and the direction held some surprises. A clean book that I am happy to recommend.

 Author Biography: S. M. Anderson (Sarah Anderson) was born in Lima, Peru. She has lived in seven different countries, on five continents, and speaks a smattering of languages. As a child and even young adult, writing and reading were difficult for her, so difficult that she received extra help outside the classroom and was diagnosed with a learning disability. However, she always loved stories, especially ethnic folktales from the countries she lived in. It was the desire to create stories of her own that fueled her determination to overcome the challenges that came with writing. She has a BA in Art Education from BYU, with a minor in Russian, and a love of power tools. She has a growing family of three kids and currently lives in Springville, Utah.
Find Sarah Anderson or watch her book trailer at:
http://www.smandersonfiction.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SMAndersonfiction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rATMhz7ZMw

A Book Review and Two More Contests!

Gratitude is November's theme. I am grateful for Christmas with all its spiritual meanings and fun traditions. I'm grateful for new stories of Christmas to read. The stories so far have been enjoyable and sometimes inspiring. I plan to finish them all and believe that you would like this book too. The best part is that the proceeds go toward Autism programs. I'm grateful for the charity of these authors. Don't forget that I'm grateful for my followers and those who stop in to make comments. For you there is a special giveaway below.

Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels: An Advent Anthology, Volume 2

Christmas carols capture the spirit of Christmas, and Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels brings beloved carols to life like never before. Throw your cares away with the tales from sweet silver bells. Find out how Santa Claus dabbles in time travel, and feel the redemption of a dying wife's parting Christmas gift. Experience all this and more in these heartfelt, entertaining tales donated by a team of authors from across the country, working together for a good cause. The proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated toward Autism research and advocacy.

Anthology authors include: Shirley Bahlmann, C. David Belt, Rebecca Carlson, Loretta Carter, Madonna D. Christensen, Danyelle Ferguson, C. Michelle Jefferies, Theric Jepson, Ryan Larsen, Angie Lofthouse, Betsy Love, J. Lloyd Morgan, Janet Olsen, Teresa G. Osgood, Brian Ricks, Jennifer Ricks, Peg Russell, and Michael Young.

Carol of the Tales is the 2nd book in the Advent Anthology series. Both anthologies are available in paperback and Amazon Kindle
formats from Amazon.com. 
Purchase “Sing We Now of Christmas”: http://amzn.com/1479266248

Purchase: “Carol of the Tales”:  http://amzn.com/1484145526

To kick off the release of the second anthology, a Christmas
concert will be held at American Fork Junior High on December 7^th,
2013. The concert will feature the Saltaires Barbershop Chorus. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to charity as well. Purchase: Tickets for the Concert: https://tickettool.net/en/index/eventpopup/b54dab4bd0a13fa6975068f4784dfaa5

Blog Tour Giveaway!
Use the rafflecopter below to enter to win wonderful prizes, such as tickets to the concert and copies of the anthology. 

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Blog Followers Appreciation Giveaway!
Be a Follower and make a comment for easy entry to win this wall hanging.

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Book Review and Two Contests

My focus for November is Gratitude. I am grateful today for those with the courage to write or speak out against ills that plague them in an effort to make changes for the better. That is what the following book is about.

Blurb: In December, 2009, Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her home in West Valley City, Utah. As law enforcement tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, her husband, Josh Powell, became the only person of interest in the case.

For Jennifer Graves, Josh’s sister, the nightmare started long before Susan’s disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe her brother was a killer, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to the safety of Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own. When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was more than devastated, but she had to believe there was a reason for it all—including the deaths of her beloved nephews.

In A Light In Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and her triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy she finally was able to embrace the truth that we all have the power to choose our own path—and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.

Wow. It's a privilege to tell you about A Light in Dark Places. This is a personal account from the viewpoint of Josh Powell's sister, the man who is suspected of killing his wife and later blew up himself and his two young sons. What a hard story to tell. But one with a purpose. Jennifer Graves and co-author Emily Graves Clawson write this biographical account in sequential events that kept me turning page after page. A fascinating read that grabbed my emotions, tastefully done with the right amount of details to portray an accurate account from her viewpoint, but without getting too disturbing. This book is meant to give hope to others locked in abusive relationships, but I would recommend it to any but the most sensitive adult reader. 5 Stars.
The blog tour sponsor is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card or Paypal cash. Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway 

More fun:

To show appreciation to my followers, I am giving away this cute wall hanging in an easy contest! All you have to do is be a follower and make a comment. Yep. That's it! The contest runs through November 22nd and the winner will be announced November 25th. Earn another entry by commenting each week until the deadline.
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Book Review and Tough Choices

It's tricky making a clean YA story feel realistic in a world where young people swear and are experimenting with sex. This brings me to the friend-recommended audio-book I listened to last week called The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.

It featured an excellent teenage voice and the atypical subject matter of teens with cancer. I loved those things about it and more. In an author interview recorded at the end, the author tells that he wants readers to get "what it's like to be young and in love and sick". His goal was met. He also succeeded in perpetuating worldly ideals such as it being better not to die a virgin. I can't help but notice my difference in moral standards, even while I try not to impose them on others. It is what it is. I suppose I am not the target audience. I just wish there were more clean reading choices for me from good, national authors.

Because I consider all talents to be God-given--at whatever current level they exist--I feel an added responsibility when those talents affect others. The more public the venue, the more responsibility to bless the lives of others through 1) giving my best performance, and 2) giving it as God would have me do. I want to please Him. That means striving to keep high moral standards in my writing while wanting to please man as well. (Or at least a portion of readers.)

I am committed to using my writing as a way to uplift others. It is easier to meet this goal with my inspirational non-fiction WIP, Bishop Stories, or my Book of Mormon Fiction, The Seventh City, than with Perception, a contemporary YA suspense. I've gone back and forth on the latter becoming LDS fiction rather than mainstream. So far it's still for the national market and I hope to stick to that. Either way, I want it to be a clean read and provide readers with that choice. 

Leave me your recommendation for a good, clean read. 

Using Goodreads to Choose A Book

Okay, readers, do you go from one book to the next with hardly a word about it OR do you give out reviews or recommendations? Are you a feedback kind of person? I'm learning to be. I've updated Renae's Reads on my sidebar with a link to my Goodreads ratings and reviews. You can easily view what I rated the past five books I read or click on it to find out more or other books I've listed. 

A few years back I told my friend that I enjoyed her book and she asked me if I could post a review on Goodreads. It was new to me but I found it easy enough to create an account and navigate my way around. Now I feel it almost a duty to at least rate a book. Sometimes I tap out my opinion. Who looks at it? The authors, maybe someone on my friend list, or someone checking out judgement of a book. I hope it matters to someone. Since I took the time to read or listen to a book, why not give what I can? 

Social media alerted me that an author friend discovered her book on a Goodreads list. The ranking of her book could go higher, creating more exposure of said book, by people voting or putting it on their "To Read" list. I'm not going to get into a debate of popularity contests or manipulation here, except to say that it plays into the equation. Ratings have their issues as well. You've probably heard that discussion before. I can only account for myself and hope that my honest evaluation might even out someone else's crazy one.

How do you choose a book to read? Do you look at what others are reading or how a book gets rated? Do you sometimes branch out from your favorite author or genre? I'm will to take more of a chance when it's a library book rather than a purchase. I recently won an Amazon gift card (thank you, Jordan McCollum) and could use some suggestions how to spend it. Or tell me if Goodreads works for you. 

Spy Advice, Book Review, and Contest

We're celebrating the launch of I, Spy! Read on to find out more about the book, get a cool spy tip for your daily life and download a free gift! Then find I, Spy on Amazon, Kobo, and JordanMcCollum.com!

About the Book

Canada is probably the last place you'd expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets—and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too—until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn't the only thing suffering. Now to save her secrets and her country, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.


More about I, Spy | Add I, Spy to your Goodreads to-read list!

Advance praise

The edge-of-my-seat undercover operations kept me turning pages, and just when I thought the story would go one way, plot twists sent it down another path. Thrilling, adventurous, and romantic, this book has it all for an Alias fan.

— Jami Gold, award-winning author

Jordan McCollum’s debut novel is a delightful combination of mystery, action, and romance. Talia’s CIA training and almost OCD caution feed her quirky humor while exposing her very human fears and insecurities. Add in her boyfriend Danny, and it's enough to twist your heart.

— Donna K. Weaver, author of A Change of Plans

Clever, suspenseful, and charged with political intrigue and romance, I, Spy is the perfect combination for a fun and captivating read!

— Michelle Davidson Argyle, author of Monarch

About the author

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most—she’s a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

Jordan offered me some official spy novelist advice in connection with her new spy novel (review to follow). She didn't know that my question stems from my current work in progress, Perception, about a high school boy whose senior project evolves into danger with car thieves. Let's see what her spy savvy has to offer: 

Hone your spy skills

What do you do when a friend asks about the provenance of your car?


Further hone your spy skills by reading I, Spy!

The clue!

As part of the debut of I, Spy, Jordan is hosting a contest to figure out the song that inspired the story. Collect clues at each blog stop and use your spy skills to piece together the clues to win a $25 Amazon gift card! How to enter

The clue for this stop is:

The I, Spy song peaked at #8 on the Billboard charts.

The freebie!

Thanks for participating in this launch tour! As a free gift this week, Jordan is giving out free copies of Mr. Nice Spy, an I, Spy prequel novella. Simply to go http://JordanMcCollum.com/store/. You can also get 40% off I, Spy!

Now for my review:
I was pulled into I, Spy right away from the beautiful cover and intriguing first line into getting to know Talia. A saucy attitude and being good at her spy job mixes with Talia's compulsive obsessions. A fun, admirable, and flawed character combination that hits its mark. Throw in romance and great spy adventures to win readers' hearts. I liked the realism of using the Russian language and Canadianisms to bring the setting alive, teach me something, and add validity. A clean read for YA and up. I'm giving this book a rare five stars. My only issue was my being visual enough to notice and have to adjust to the use of parentheses for Talia's thoughts or explanations. If it had been an audio book this wouldn't have bothered me. I was over it before too long. The ending includes an unexpected life lesson learned. I look forward to Talia's next adventure.

Book Review - Inevitable

Tamara Hart Heiner penned this intriguing YA book where the main character possesses a gift she hates--she Sees the deaths of those around her who have a violent end. Here's the blurb:

Visions of death plague Jayne, who thinks watching her boyfriend and sister die is the worst that could happen to her. But when she witnesses a murder, Jayne finds herself caught up in a dangerous world of intrigue and suspense.

As it turns out, she is not the only one doing the stalking. The killer is on to her, and all of her visions of the dying don't reveal how her life will end. Somehow, she must stop the murderer before he arranges Jayne's own inevitable death.

In this contemporary setting, Jayne is conflicted with the things she Sees and maintaining a normal teenage life. She must choose what to do about her annoying gift. I liked the use of lemon scent and capitalizing verbs about her visions as a way of cluing readers in. I liked the romantic and suspense elements. Much of the writing had me right in the moment, visualizing everything from setting to character actions. The pacing was good. There was only one short spot when I wished for a turn of new events before Heiner gave it to me. I wanted to keep reading throughout. I didn't love the paranormal ending, yet it could satisfy most readers. A fun, clean read.

Book Review - Sudden Darkness

Just finished another good LDS fiction. Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley brings futuristic YA into the contemporary. The premise revolves around terroristic world events that hit home for a quiet town in Washington state and the saints must trek by foot to Utah, paralleling pioneer days but feeling like the near-future. Walking hundreds of miles is not easy for Amélie Hatch, a musically talented eighteen-year-old with a crippled foot. This alone caught my interest. She is not a popular girl and yet she has so much to offer. Many teens can relate. I enjoyed seeing Amélie learn to accept the challenge and chip away her pride as the adventure takes her on both a physical and personal journey. For a girl who had little to do with romance, she finds her heart torn in two different directions and keeps the reader guessing a wee bit. A recommended read for LDS fiction readers. 
 
I want to add a link to a beautiful new cover I saw of Emily Gray Clawson's new book, A Way Back To You. Check it out: http://www.emilygrayclawson.com/2013/03/18/a-way-back-to-you-cover-revealed-and-a-giveaway/