Book Blogger Hop: May 20 - 23, 2011

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer from Crazy for Books.  This week's hop question is:

"If you were given the chance to spend one day in a fictional world (from a book), which book would it be from and what would that place be?"


This should be an easy question to answer but it's really not.  There are a few series of books that come immediately to mind for me with fictional worlds that I love.  J.D. Robb's 'In Death' series, The world created by Madeleine L'Engle in A Wrinkle in Time and most recently, I loved Deborah Harkness' world in A Discovery of Witches.

The above fictional worlds are very strong contenders but I do have a number one choice for a fictional place to spend a day.  And that would be Hogwarts in J.K. Rowling's much loved Harry Potter series.  I'm reading the first book - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - to my children and falling in love with the wizarding world all over again.  It's extra magical experiencing that world through the eyes and imaginations of my kids.  So yeah, my day would have to be at Hogwarts.

Book Blogger Hop & Follow friday

"If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?"


Absolutely! This is how I discovered that I adore Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas.  Last Summer I read The Duke and I by Julia Quinn and fell in love with her writing style.  It turned out that the book was the second in an eight book series.  Of course, I then started with book one and rapidly read by way through Quinn's Bridgerton series.

Sadly though, I'm not always enthralled by other books that I find by authors.  More times than not I do like an authors other works, though.




Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club! Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers with the hop at Never Growing Hold hosted by Jave.

The RULES to join in are very simple!
1. Grab the button

2. Add your link to the list

3. Visit as many other blogs as you can

4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)
Hae a great weekend!

Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday: 4/1/11

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This week's Hop question is:

"Since today is April Fool's Day in the USA, what is the best prank you have ever played on someone OR that someone has played on you?"

I love a good joke or prank as much as the next person.  However, i'm not very good at implementing the jokes and pranks.  I'm always afraid I'm going to say or do the wrong thing and really hurt someone.  Even with my family, I avoid doing this kind of thing.  I'm actually blanking on any really amazing ones that may have been played on me.  I guess maybe people pick up on my reluctance to do this to others and therefore don't do it to me.  Also, my school-aged daughter is really sensitve and was worried about today.  I told her not to worry about any of this from her family.  I hope it's not bad at school.




There is also Follow Friday over at Java's Never Growing Old.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This week's Hop question is:

"If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

I LOVE this question! The answer is so easy for me, too! I would absolutely put myself into J.D. Robb's 'In Death' series.  I would make sure I would become one of the fun, smart, strong recurring characters, though.  I would NOT want to be a murder victim.  No way - too, too creepy!Maybe I could work with Feeney's EDD team.  I love electronics and gadgets.  It'd be fun to solve a crime using all the futuristic gadgets.  Although, a lot of the gadgets in the futuristic NYPSD are quite like the ones we have now - iPhones, etc.  I wonder what J.D. Robb thinks seeing some of the stuff she started writing about in the 1990's coming into being.  I would think it'd be cool but maybe just a tad strange.









And here is the button for 'Follow Friday' over at Java's Never Growing Old - also a fun blog to visit.

Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This weeks hop question is:

"Do you read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?"

Before I had children I often read more than one book at a time.  It drove my best friend bonkers.  She could not understand how I could keep the characters and plot from each book straight.  I just did and I enjoyed reading more than one book at a time.  However, since I've had children, I have tried to continue on with this and it never works.  LOL My brain can no longer can keep every thing straight.  I have to read one book at a time now or I am truly confused as to what is going on in the books.  It's a complete turn around but one that I am perfectly all right with.



 Jave at Never Growing Old also has a Follow Friday event.

Feel free to join in if you are so inclined.  Have a great and safe weekend!

Book Blogger Hop - 3/11 - 3/14

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This week's Hop question is:

 "If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a bookshop right now, what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?"

I have a really weird habit when it comes to book related gifts, especially gift cards.  I don't read the books or use the gift cards right away.  I like to savor the anticipation of gifted books.  And I like the idea of being able to buy new books over the course of a period of time, rather than all at once.

So, if I were given $80 to spend on books today - I would buy Haunting Jasmine by Anjali Banerjee.  I'd also pre-order the new Sarah Addison Allen and then I'd put the rest of onto a gift card in order to spread the book buying happiness out over time.

Book Blogger Hop - February 25th - 28th

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books.  This weeks question is:

"Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?"

No, not at all.  The name of my blog suits well as it is about my love for books - reading, writing and sharing them.  This is my little place to do all of that with like minded people.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Book Blogger Hop - 1/28 - 1/31

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.  This weeks Hop question is:

"What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?"

The first book I thought of after reading this question is Heather Webber's Absolutely, Positively.  Then I immeadiately thought of J.D. Robb's Treachery in Death and Sarah Addison Allen's The Peach Keeper.  So, of course, I simply can not choose just one book that I am most excited for this year. 

Absolutely, Positively is the third in Webber's quirky Lucy Valentine series.  I love the characters in this series, the mysteries and the ever present hope for happiness and true love.  Plus, I am super excited that this book comes out on Tuesday.

Treachery in Death is the 32nd installment in Robb's 'In Death' series and I am a huge fan.  Again, I love the well-written mysteries but it's the complex characters that keep me coming back for each book.

I discovered Sarah Addison Allen last year and just fell in love with her style of writing. I am looking forward to yet another mystical book by her. Plus, I think the cove of The Peach Keeper is beautiful.

Book Blogger Hop: January 14 - 17, 2011: Gnere

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books. This week's question is:

"Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?"

I read more than one genre.  However, I will say that my favorite genre is romance.  What draws me to the types of romance novels I read are the characters and the happy ending.  I know there are all sorts of different sub genres of romance: suspense, historical, contemporary, paranormal, etc.  I tend to prefer the historical but have found books in all the categories that I like.  And others that I have disliked.  If a book has strong, believable characters then I am usually pleased.  And of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending - which I am guaranteed with a romance novel.

What is your favorite genre, and why?

Have a great weekend!

Book Blogger Hop - January 7-10, 2011

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This week's question is:

"What book influenced or changed your life? How did it influence or change you?"

There are two books that answer this question for me.  They are: Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain and Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.  These two books are absolutely responsible for my lifelong love and passion for reading and books.  My Grandma got them for me shortly after I learned to read as a child.  They were slightly beyond my reading level but she helped me get through them.  And in a very real way opened my eyes and imagination to the entire world through reading.  There have been many other books that I have felt strongly about in my life (and hopefully many to come) but none moreso than these as they are the ones that made me fall in love with reading.  Books in general have been a constant influence for me.

Book Blogger Hop December 17 - 20, 2010

This week's Book Blogger Hop question is:

"What do you consider the most important part in a story the plot or the characters?"

This is a slightly difficult question for me to answer as I feel both plot and characterization are important in a story.  However, in the essence of the Hop, and answering the question, I will say characters are most important.  Well developed characters can help a slightly less developed plot, in my opinion.  As long as there are strong characters- I am generally a happy reader.

Book Blogger Hop - 12/10 - 12/13/10

This week's Book Blogger Hop question is:

"What is the thing you like most about reading book blogs? Is it the reviews, author guest posts, articles, giveaways, or something else entirely?"

I do like every aspect listed in the question about book blogs.  However, the thing I like best is the sense of community that I have found to exist with book bloggers.  I also like how blogging has made the world a more easily accessible place. I love that I have made new contacts - and even a couple of friends - with people that I otherwise may never have met.  In fact, one of my closer, real life friends and I bonded over books and blogging.  I am grateful, on a regular basis, for the way that book blogging has enriched my life.

Book Blogger Hop: Nov. 26 - 29, 2010 - Cover Love

This week's Book Blogger Hop question is:

What is your favorite book cover?

This is a simple but great question.  However, the answer is difficult for me.  I am a book cover lover.  I am not going to read (or not read) a book solely based upon the cover - but I do always pay attention to the cover art of my books.  I really can not choose only one favorite cover.  Two series of books whose covers I love come to mind, though.  One is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  The book covers were done by Mary GrandPre and they are all just fantastic.  Another series whose covers I love is The Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts.  Each cover is wedding related and they all are so romantic and beautiful.

How about you? Are you a cover lover, too? And if so, which are your favorites?

Book Blogger Hop - Nov. 12 - 15, 2010: Series

This week's Book Blogger Hop question is:

"If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?"

No, not always.  A perfect example is the "In Death' series by J.D. Robb.  I love this series and am, in fact, reading the latest installment called Indulgence in Death.  However, I was quite afraid of this series of books before I started reading them.  J.D. Robb is a pseudnym for Nora Roberts - whom I adore.  I knew about the 'In Death' series but was leary to read stories about a homicide detective.  I thought they would be too gruesome for my taste.  Then, in 2003 (I believe) she released a book called Remember When.  The first half of the book was written as Nora Roberts and the second half as J.D. Robb and the stories intertwined a mystery over 50-ish years.  It was really quite a clever move from a marketing stand point as I'm sure it pulled in a lot of new readers for both of her writing personalities.  I loved the book and was captivated by the 'In Death' characters.  At which point I went back to the beginning of the series and read it in order.

Another thing with me and series is that I tend to get bored with them.  It's sad but true.  Unless the writing is exceptional and I love the characters for whatever reason - I find it hard to stick with a lengthy series.

Book Blogger Hop Nov. 5 - 8, 2010: Followers

This week's Book Blogger Hop qyestion is: 

"What are your feelings on losing followers? Have you ever stopped following a blog?"

I have only recently started blog networking and hopping. It has been a lot of fun and I am enjoying 'getting to know' and follow other bloggers. I also like that I have received new followers. That being said, I believe I would be a little bummed to lose followers. I understand that not every one is going to enjoy every post written on a blog they read but I just think it would be a bit of a bummer to see my followers decrease.

As for leaving a blog I've started following - I have not done that.  I also don't believe that I would do that.  It seems tacky to me.  Of course, if someone were to be obnoxios and rude to me on a personal level, I probably would stop following.  However, if it was just a matter of deciding I didn't love the blog - I'd still stay on as a follower.  It just seems right to me for some reason.

It will be interesting to see how others answer this week.  I hadn't thought about this and wonder if others have and how they feel.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Book Blogger Hop Oct. 29 - Nov. 1: Bookish Dreams

This week's Book Blogger Hop question is:

"What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?"

There are two different answers to this question for me.  If you've read any recent posts to my blog, or know me in real life, then you know I am a writer.  It is my dream to be a published author.  Of course, I write because I absolutely love to do it but I do want to be published.  Making this dream a reality isn't so much about financial cost as it is perseverance and patience.  I'm confident that I will become published, though.

My second bookish dream is to one day own a home with enough space for my family and a home library.  I want a room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves (filled with books, of course), windows for lots of natural light and so much comfortable, cozy seating that family and friends will flock to this space.  I want to spend real family and friend time in our own personal library.  Talking amongst one another will be highly encouraged but television and texting of any sort would be banned.  I know I sound like such a throwback but that's completely all right with me.

Book Blogger Hop October 22 - 25: Favorite Reading Spot

This week's Book Blogger Hop question is: 

"Where is your favorite place to read? Curled up on the sofa, in bed, in the garden?"

I love to read in bed! I find it very comforting to be nestled in the blankets and lost in the pages of a book. I prefer it to be quiet but can read while my husband is watching the television. How about you? What's your favorite reading spot?

Book Blogger Hop Oct. 15 - 18: Stick It Out or Move On

This weeks Book Blogger Hop question is: .

"When you read a book that you just can't get into, do you stick it out and keep reading or move to your next title?"

This really is an excellent question.  I think a lot of readers grapple with this issue.  Personally, if a book doesn't have my attention, for whatever reason, fairly early on - it's probably not going to grab me.  For the most part, I will set the book aside and move on to another one that I want to read.  There are so many great books and so many that I want to read or even re-read, that I just can't spend my time on a book I really don't like or just can't get involved with

Of course, there are a couple of exceptions.  One, if it's a book I've agreed to read and review, I stick it out and then review it.  As a writer, I know how important feedback is to all involved in the process; writer, publisher, booksellers, etc.

Another time I'll make an exception is when someone whose opinion I value tells me it's worth it to stick it out with the book.  I don't always end up agreeing with whomever but more times than not - in these instances - I have been glad that I kept with the book. 

Generally speaking, I do move on, though.  How about you?

Book Blogger Hop: October 8 - 11; Drink Choice

It's time for the Book Blogger Hop again.  I had so much fun doing this last week that I just had to participate again.  This week's question is:

What's your favorite beverage while reading or blogging, if any? Is it tea, coffee, water, a glass of wine, or something else?

What I drink while blogging, reading or writing depends upon my mood and the weather outside.  That being said, I do tend to go for coffee most often.  I'm trying to drink more water, as well.

That was a fun and easy question.  What's your drink of choice?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Book Blogger Hop: October 1 - 4, 2010

Once again I found a really cool blog/event from Find Your Next Good Read.  Thanks Julia!

It's a Book Blogger Hop!  It's hosted at a site that is new to me - Crazy for Books.

This weeks question is: This is an extremely timely question as I am in the process of trying to make my blog more noticable.  I started my blog because I love books, plain and simple.  I wanted a place to write about my love of books and my process in writing my own books.  Then I realized there is an entire culture of book bloggers.  It's wonderful and beautifully inspiring. 

"How do you spread the word about your blog? (e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)"

So, in the hope of getting the word out about my blog I joined Twitter (just this week, as a matter of fact).  I have also started getting more involved with the challenges, memes, etc. that occur at other book blogs.  My main love is for the books but I do enjoy the blogs - a lot.  And I'd like my own take on the book world to be out there, too.