Harper-Collins Blog Tour for A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian

February 24, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m excited today to be part of the blog tour for Vera Kurian’s new thriller A Step Past Darkness.

This was a fast and exciting read, following 6 friends who witness something terrible and come back together twenty years later when one of them dies from a supposed accident. I could see this book being for adults or YA or new age readers. What I really could see would be it as a Netflix or Hulu limited series.

Thank you for my copy and for having me as part of the tour!

Here’s the scoop:

A Step Past Darkness : A Novel

Vera Kurian

On Sale Date: February 20, 2024

9780778310761

Hardcover

$30.00 USD

Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological

448 pages

ABOUT THE BOOK:

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER meets Stephen King in this character-driven thriller about a study group of six teenagers who witness something tragic in an abandoned mine, which comes back to haunt them 20 years later.

SIX CLASSMATES.

ONE TERRIFYING NIGHT.

A MURDER TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING…

There’s more to Wesley Falls than meets the eye, but for six high school students, it’s home.

Kelly, the new girl and rule-follower.

Maddy, the beauty and the church favorite.

Padma, the brains and all-A student.

Casey, the jock and football star.

James, the burnout and just trying to make it to graduation.

And Jia, the psychic, who can see the future.

When these six are assigned to work on a summer group project, their lives are forever changed. At an end of the year party in the abandoned mine, they witness a preventable tragedy, but no one will take them seriously. As things escalate, they realize the church, the police, and the town’s founders are all conspiring to cover up what happened. When James is targeted as the scapegoat, to avoid suspicion, they vow their silence and to never contact each other again. Their plan works – almost.

Twenty years later, Maddy is found murdered is Wesley Falls, and the remaining five are forced to confront their past and work together to finally put right what happened all those years ago. If they can survive…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vera Kurian is a writer and scientist based in Washington DC. Her debut novel, NEVER SAW ME COMING (Park Row Books, 2021 was an Edgar Award nominee and was named one of the New York Times’ Best Thrillers of 2021. Her short fiction has been published in magazines such as Glimmer Train, Day One, and The Pinch. She has a PhD in Social Psychology, where she studied intergroup relations, ideology, and quantitative methods. She blogs irregularly about writing, horror movies and pop culture/terrible TV.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Author website: https://www.verakurian.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/verakurianauthor/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vera_kurian

BUY LINKS: Not affiliated with BBNB

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-step-past-darkness-original-vera-kurian/20155061?ean=9780778310761

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Step-Past-Darkness-Novel/dp/0778310760

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-step-past-darkness-vera-kurian/1143574161

Online Book Club Event with the Author: Meet Eva Stachniak, author of The School of Mirrors

February 21, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I am SUPER EXCITED to share that I will be hosting an online zoom book club event with Eva Stachniak, author of the historical novel: The School of Mirrors.

Here’s some info from Amazon about the book:

“A riveting epic, keenly observed and shining with lush historical detail. You’ll never forget this journey.”–Cara Black, New York Times bestselling author of Three Hours in Paris

“A sweeping tale of tumult and tragedy— intricate, absorbing, and impeccably depicted, The School of Mirrors will linger in your imagination long after you turn the last page.”–Ann Mah, bestselling author of Jacqueline in Paris

A scintillating, gorgeously written historical novel about a mother and a daughter in eighteenth-century France, beginning with decadence and palace intrigue at Versailles and ending in an explosive new era of revolution.

During the reign of Louis XV, impoverished but lovely teenage girls from all over France are sent to a discreet villa in the town of Versailles. Overseen by the King’s favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour, they will be trained as potential courtesans for the King. When the time is right, each girl is smuggled into the palace of Versailles, with its legendary Hall of Mirrors. There they meet a mysterious but splendidly dressed man who they’re told is merely a Polish count, a cousin of the Queen. Living an indulgent life of silk gowns, delicious meals, and soft beds, the students at this “school of mirrors” rarely ask questions, and when Louis tires of them, they are married off to minor aristocrats or allowed to retire to one of the more luxurious nunneries.

Beautiful and canny Veronique arrives at the school of mirrors and quickly becomes a favorite of the King. But when she discovers her lover’s true identity, she is whisked away, sent to give birth to a daughter in secret, and then to marry a wealthy Breton merchant. There is no return to the School of Mirrors.

This is also the story of the King’s daughter by Veronique—Marie-Louise. Well-provided for in a comfortable home, Marie-Louise has never known her mother, let alone her father. Capable and intelligent, she discovers a passion for healing and science, and becomes an accredited midwife, one of the few reputable careers for women like her. But eventually Veronique comes back into her daughter’s life, bringing with her the secret of Marie-Louise’s birth. But the new King—Louis XVI—is teetering on his throne and it’s a volatile time in France…and those with royal relatives must mind their step very carefully.

This sounds SO good and I can’t wait!

Our zoom event will be on Saturday, April 6, from 3:00-4:30 EST.

I will send my zoom link closer to the date (as a good reminder, too!). It would be great if folks could RSVP but my zoom is unlimited for time and up to 500 people, so it’s okay if you don’t.

Bird’s Eye View by Jan Capps

February 11, 2024 / drbethnolan / 1 Comment

Jan Capps, the author of Bird’s Eye View, reached out to me earlier in the winter so offer her memoir which tells of her year living and working at a medical clinic, with her ten-year-old daughter, in Guatemala.

This was such an interesting story that I will admit I read it in pretty much one sitting (it’s 388 pages but who’s counting).

Here’s the scoop:

When Jan Moves to Guatemala with her young daughter to run a medical clinic on the heels of her divorce, she knows the experience will be difficult and life-changing. But she doesn’t anticipate all the ways she will change.

To make sense of her professional, personal, and parenting turmoil in a country with plenty of its own turmoil, Jan finds herself adopting a Maya worldview that weaves together concepts of duality (there can be no light without dark, no joy without pain), harmony with nature, and the importance of connecting to the past to understand one’s present self.

Awash with elements of Maya mythology, history, and culture and innumerable revelations of the compassion, intelligence, and resilience of the Guatemalan people, Bird’s-Eye View is a coming-of-middle-age story that shows how viewing life through the prism of a different set of myths can help an individual understand the familiar tales they have unwittingly followed.

About the Author

Jan Capps has been a public health advocate for immigrants, farmworkers, domestic violence victims, and people of color in the US, Guatemala, and Mexico for over thirty years, focusing on building local capacity and health equity. During her two stints living in Guatemala, she organized and trained community health workers and midwives, managed a medical clinic, and studied the Maya Tz’utujil language. She has presented, trained, and written for national audiences. Her greatest joy and most humbling experiences have been being a mother and watching her glorious daughter grow and launch into the world. Jan splits her time between Seattle, Washington, and North Carolina.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your book, Ms. Capps!

Harper-Collins Blog Tour for The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West by Sara Ackerman

February 10, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m so happy today to be part of the tour for this wonderful new historical fiction novel about a plucky female aviator.

Here’s the scoop:

THE UNCHARTED FLIGHT OF OLIVIA WEST

Author: Sara Ackerman

ISBN: 9780778369516
Publication date: February 6, 2024
Publisher: MIRA

Book Summary:

1927. Olivia ‘Livy’ Jones is a young and determined pilot with a love of adventure. She’s been bit by the flying bug and yearns to cross oceans and see the world, pioneering the way for other women pilots. When she learns of the Dole Air Race–organized immediately after Charles Lindbergh’s famous flight–a race to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West coast to Hawaii, with a huge grand prize of $25,000–she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that will change her life forever.

1987. Nothing is going right for Emma Summers. When she learns that she has inherited a piece of land from a great uncle, she hopes it might hold something valuable, but instead she finds nothing but an old barn full of junk, including a small plane is in disrepair, with faded paint and a broken propeller. Then she discovers her great uncle’s journal. He was a pilot in the Dole Air Race, but in the journal, he reveals that he fell ill over the Pacific, and that it was his navigator who piloted his plane. As she uncovers Livy’s story, Emma finds new purpose, restoring the old plane and fighting to secure Livy’s place in the aviation hall of fame.

Author Bio:

Sara Ackerman is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes books about love and life, and all of their messy and beautiful imperfections. She believes that the light is just as important as the dark, and that the world is in need of uplifting stories. Born and raised in Hawaii, she studied journalism and later earned graduate degrees in psychology and Chinese medicine. She blames Hawaii for her addiction to writing, and sees no end to its untapped stories. Find out more about Sara and her books at http://www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.

I love Sara Ackerman’s writing and this novel has my favorite plot sequencing of past/present timelines. Ms. Ackerman’s writing is always engaging and her characters well developed. I loved the character of Livy and I’m sure you will, too!

Thank you for my copy and for making me part of the tour!

Buy Links: Not affiliated with BBNB

Social Links:

Blog Tour for THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB by Robyn Carr

January 26, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m happy to be part of the blog tour for Robyn Carr’s new novel: The Friendship Club. Two of the main protagonists in this story are women in their 50’s so I could relate to them, even though their life circumstances (one divorced, one widowed) are different than mine. It was an engaging and “romantic” read and focused on the power of female friendship. I think my only other Robyn Carr novel was Virgin River (now on Netflix)- and I enjoyed this one, too!

Here’s the scoop:

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Author: Robyn Carr

ISBN: 9780778311881
Publication Date: January 23rd, 2024

Publisher: MIRA
28.99 US | 35.99 CAN

Buy Links:
Harlequin

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.robyncarr.com/

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

Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/Robyn-Carr-134368309920956/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robyn-Carr-134368309920956/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robyncarrwriter

Author Bio:

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at http://www.RobynCarr.com.

Book Summary:

Four women who work on a popular cooking show band together when they discover the youngest member of their group has an abusive boyfriend. The Barefoot Contessa meets Big Little Lies in this drama-filled novel about the power of female friendships.

Marni McGuire is the host of a popular television cooking show and leads a very happy life. Twice married, she has been widowed and divorced and now, in her mid-fifties, she enjoys being a successful single woman. But Marni’s daughter Bella, who is pregnant with her first child, is convinced that Marni is lonely and she is determined to find a new man for her mother. To humor her daughter, Marni goes on a series of terrible dates. Marni’s best-friend and colleague from the cooking show, Ellen, is a widow who has no interest in meeting anyone new and the two women have discussed the challenges of marriage and the joys of being single. But, while Ellen is adamant she wants nothing to do with men, Marni has to admit to herself that she would like to be with someone but only if he is the right fit.

As Bella’s pregnancy progresses she admits to her mother that she has some concerns about the state of her own marriage, and all three women are concerned that the young intern on the cooking show is caught in a toxic relationship.

Marni and Ellen are determined to guide the two younger women to have the strength, confidence and support to improve their situations and the women gather regularly to talk about the important issues in their lives.

When Marni and Ellen each unexpectedly find themselves falling for new men in their lives the younger women help them navigate the dating world.

Together these four women form a strong bond of family and friendship that will anchor all of them as they navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of life.

Her Name Was Lola by Karen Janowsky

January 8, 2024January 7, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

Recently, author Karen Janowsky reached out to me to offer me a galley of her new title Her Name Was Lola. The description felt a bit “new age” in genre (in my opinion) so, with Karen’s permission, I offered it to my college-age daughter, Anne, to read and to give me feedback.

Here’s the scoop:

In Her Name Was Lola, which also is published by eXtasy Books, readers are introduced to Lola Nelsson, a fairy tale lover and college senior determined to learn how to “adult.” In her mind, this includes falling in love, becoming self-sufficient, and losing her virginity. Parallel to her journey is Vance Anderson, a womanizing fairy tale professor grappling with a traumatic past. He is determined to avoid anything that smacks of emotional commitments. The two meet at a conference, where they have a tryst that lasts less than a couple of hours. Then he kicks her out. A week later, they are both shocked to discover that she will be his research assistant for the year. The year can only end in one of two ways: they’ll either end up wanting to kill each other or they’ll fall madly in love. Before they can make sense of their feelings and decide whether their own fairy tale will end happily, they must learn to trust themselves, and then one another.
Please check out Karen’s website and blog: https://KarenJanowsky.com

Here’s what Anne thought:

Overall she liked the story, the characters, and the writing and found it compelling and engaging. We Conners gals tend to be “gentle readers”, however, and Anne felt readers should know that there was some sexually explicit scenes and also a scene of what she termed “sexual aggression” (but not violence) where she got a bit nervous for the protagonist. As long as readers are prepared for that, she would recommend this book and she also enjoyed the ending!

Here’s the blurb from Amazon:

Sometimes you have to lose your heart in order to gain your dream.

Lover of fairy tales Lola Nelsson learned at an early age that darker truths lay behind their bright facades. At twenty-two, she still hopes for her fairy tale to come true before she graduates college. But she hasn’t met her prince yet, and she doesn’t know how to navigate the real world. Then a handsome man at a conference catches her eye. She’s sure he’s out of her league but tries to get his attention anyway. And she’s successful… until she isn’t.

Only one thing matters to Professor Vance Anderson—gaining tenure. Known as Dr. Casanova on campus, he’s a true love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. For now, though, he’s sworn off the distraction of women. When he spots a beauty of a different sort at a conference, he can’t stop thinking about her. But when she accepts his invitation to his room, his insecurities kick in. Everything goes well… until it doesn’t.

The night ends disastrously, and it’s all over. Until Lola and Vance wind up in a working relationship, making it impossible to avoid one another. The situation can only end in one of two ways. They’ll either end up madly in love or they’ll want to kill each other. Before they can discover their real feelings, they need to learn to trust themselves. Only time will tell if their fairy tale is sweet or dark.

And here’s a bit on Karen herself:

Karen wanted to be an author and/or Wonder Woman when she grew up. One of those jobs was already taken, though. She lives with her husband, son, and six cats in Maryland, where she teaches college literature and writing. Karen received her MA in literature and creative writing from Florida State University. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found sitting at a friend’s dining room table drinking wine and playing RPGs, hanging out at the local Indian restaurant with her bestie, or curled up in bed with a few cats, listening to the rain and either reading a book or watching a BBC mystery.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and share your new book, Ms. Janowsky!

Spotlight on: Brad Forenza’s Podcast AROUND THE SUN

January 7, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I was contacted a bit ago by Mr. Forenza’s publicist about his new podcast, which I gave a listen to. It has a variety of interesting topics and super interesting guest participants, so I wanted to spotlight it so you can check it out!

Here’s the scoop:

Award-Winning ‘Around the Sun’ Anthology Audio Drama Podcast Series
Announces Season 3 Premiere Date, EGOT-Winning Cast

Listen to the 60-second trailer here

[JERSEY CITY, NJ — October 23, 2023] The third season of Around the Sun, the award-winning radio series, premiered today via the Broadway Podcast Network. The seven-episode season, entitled Around the Sun: Pinecones, was written, directed, and produced by actor/writer Brad Forenza, and features anEGOT-winning ensemble of performers. Episodes 1 and 2 are now available, with new episodes being released regularly until January 3.

“Around the Sun is a scripted, episodic audio drama that explores human connections, made and missed, with an existential flare,” explains Forenza, who created the podcast during the 2020 pandemic. “Whether consumed together or independently, each episode presents a mix of comedy, tragedy, and soul, embracing one character’s assertion that ‘We’re never alone… even if it feels like the opposite is often true.’”

Around the Sun’s season three cast includes François Clemmons (Grammy Award for Porgy and Bess), Robert Funaro (The Irishman, The Sopranos), Judy Gold (Emmy Awards for The Rosie O’Donnell Show), Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Tony Award, Rent), Terry Hu (Disney’s first non-binary lead: Zombies 3), Cady McClain (Emmy Awards for playing three unique roles across daytime television), Estelle Parsons (Academy Award for Bonnie and Clyde), Jai Rodriguez (Emmy Award for the original Queer Eye), and series creator Brad Forenza. Previous seasons feature numerous iconic award-winning actors, including B.D. Wong, Vincent Pastore, Richard Kind, Marsha Mason, and Piper Laurie in her final credited role. Click here for quotes from the Around the Sun: Pinecones cast. Around the Sun: Pinecones is set in a snowy mountain region, where the absence of a matriarch forces one family to adapt, grow, and evolve with the times. “Unlike previous seasons, the characters are integrated from one story to the next,” Forenza notes. “Think of it more as a miniseries with self-contained episodes.” Forenza is eager for season three to expand the audience for Around the Sun. “I’m excited to see this cast tug at listeners’ heartstrings with their beautiful and nuanced performances.” As for himself, he hopes his work on the series will lead to further opportunities as a writer and performer of socially impactful content. “I’d love to be staffed on a TV comedy or drama,” Forenza says. “I’m right at home in every aspect of the creative process, and the awesome privilege of reflecting humanity back on itself.”

Brad Forenza Bio: Brad (IMDB here) is an award-winning New York-based writer and performer. His artistic style blends observational humor and existential contemplation. Brad’s original films include: Awakening Arlene, Breaking Points, and The Lady Yang. His plays have been presented in New York and Los Angeles. He is the author of over 100 articles, editorials, and speeches. Brad’s anthologized publications include: Long Ways Home (plays in one act), The Public Figure Songbook (a concept album), Reagan Babies (a collection of personal essays), and Vignettes (a compendium of short plays comprising Around the Sun, an episodic audio drama). As an actor, Brad has appeared in roles for all mediums.

The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice

January 3, 2024January 2, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I recently received this title as a free gift for my kindle as part of the Kindle First Reads program through Amazon. I’ve only read one other Luanne Rice book but I loved this one! It was suspenseful and exciting. I read the whole thing in two days over winter break.

Here’s the scoop:

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

The Amazon Charts bestselling author of Last Day delivers a haunting thriller about how far one wife is willing to go to expose the truth―and the lengths someone will go to stop her.

After artist Claire Beaudry Chase is attacked and left for dead in her home on the Connecticut coast, she doesn’t know who she can trust. But her well-connected husband, Griffin―who is running for governor―is her prime suspect.

Just before the attack, Claire was preparing for an exhibit of her shadow boxes, one of which clearly accuses Griffin of a violent crime committed twenty-five years ago. If the public were to find out who her husband is, his political career would be over. Claire’s certain her husband and his powerful supporters would kill her to stop the truth from getting out.

When one of Claire’s acquaintances is murdered, the authorities suspect the homicide is linked to the attack on Claire. As the dual investigations unfold, Claire must decide how much she’s willing to lose to take down her husband and the corrupt group of elites who will do anything to protect Griffin’s interests and their own.

I need to find more novels by Luanne Rice! Happy Reading!!

The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz

January 2, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

So I was going through my kindle and I came across this title which I had not read. I loved Brenda Janowitz’ Liz Taylor Ring and Grace Kelly Dress so I knew that I’d love this one, too. This story moved through time, telling the story of a young woman who grew up on a large estate where her mother was personal assistant to the estate owner, and her two best friends: the son of the chauffeur and the grandson of the estate owner.

There are several subplots in this story, so I had to make sure I was keeping track (I read this book all in one day because I loved it so much and wanted to see what would happen). I will say that once we got to the climax and resolution I was a bit disappointed in the draconian choices the characters made (but I guess the story had to wrap up somehow!).

Here’s the scoop:

One woman. Two childhood loves. The dazzling place where it all began.

“An exciting, emotional page-turner.” —KRISTIN HARMEL, New York Times bestselling author

A CBS New York Book Club Pick!

When Emma Jansen discovers that the grand Long Island estate where she grew up is set to be demolished, she can’t help but return for one last visit. After all, it was a place filled with firsts: learning to ride a bike, sneaking a glass of champagne, falling in love.

But once Emma arrives at the storied mansion, she can’t ignore the more complicated memories. Because that’s not exactly where Emma grew up. Her mother and father worked for the family that owned the estate, and they lived over the garage like Audrey Hepburn’s character in the film Sabrina. Emma never felt fully accepted, except by the family’s grandson, Henry—a former love—and by the driver’s son, Leo—her best friend.

As plans for the property are put into motion and the three are together for the first time in over a decade, Emma finds herself caught between two worlds and two loves. And when the house reveals a shattering secret about her own family, she’ll have to decide what kind of life she really wants for herself now and who she wants to be in it.

“Readers will find themselves engrossed by this absolute treat of a book.” —PAM JENOFF, New York Times bestselling author

Thank you to Harper-Collins for my review e-galley!

It’s my bloggiversary!!!

January 1, 2024 / drbethnolan / 2 Comments

So I was lying around and thinking my thoughts when I suddenly realized that I am having a big bloggiversary this month — 15 years! It hardly seems possible that I’ve been sharing info on what I’m reading for all those years! I noticed today that, just on Net Galley, I’ve been approved overall for 900 books (I started using Net Galley a few years into my blog) so that’s a lot of ARCs! I also get books from the library, I buy books, and I use Edelweiss; and of course many many people (and their publicists) send me ePubs of their books!

I thought it would be fun to think of how things have changed on the blog over the past 15 years.

Here are some thoughts:

When I started my blog I did so because I was sending a lot of emails of book suggestions to families and friends (who asked for them) and I wanted to just write it all once and have it in one place. I thought perhaps a few others may follow me, too. Little did I expect to grow a following!
When I started blogging I was not working full time and I would take at least an hour to craft a thoughtful summary and discourse on a title. Now I have zero time to blog and if I do have free time, I spend it reading. I have my blog time down to early morning Saturdays and Sunday afternoons when I write and then schedule my posts for the upcoming week or two. I focus on the publisher or publicist-provided description, a picture of the cover, a blurb about the author, and a few words on if I liked it and why.
I only do positive reviews. This is for two reasons: one, if I don’t like a book I don’t finish it (and if I don’t finish it, I don’t review. It’s that simple); two, years ago a blogger was stalked by an author that she gave a bad review to. No thanks! I just toss a book I don’t like and move on.
Over the years I added “spotlights”. This is my way of featuring a book without having to read it. I especially like to do this for new/indie authors. I can’t read everything, but I like to give a shout out.
When I started I had to say no to self-published works. Why? Because they were SO bad! But times have changed and the industry has changed. Many hybrid houses and self-publishing houses provide editorial services, etc. that result in good reads!
I tried adding a podcast – I had to teach myself how to do it (not too hard) but honestly, no one listened to it and it was a time suck. I also did Litsy – another time suck. And I am tempted to do Bokstagram, but again, more time that I do not have! Maybe when I retire…
I have met so many wonderful people. There are a lot of kindred spirits out there and I was so thrilled to find so many wacky and wonderful readers who were just like me. Actually many of these people read much more than me, making me not seem like the freak that most people think I am. Which leads me to book clubs. One very sad reason I started my blog is because I had been “uninvited” to two different book clubs, simply because I read a lot. And loved talking about books. And wanted to talk about books. With enthusiasm. And people felt I was some dorky freak. I actually got a phone call from one group that I had joined and really really liked to say that I “made people feel insecure” by how many books I knew about and was not welcome any more. So I figured my blog was just that – mine. If you don’t like it, move along!
I never accept money. And folks have offered it. But that’s not how this truly works. How can I honestly say if I like a book or not if there is money involved? (Cue memories of Psychology 1 class).
I’m not big and famous, and I’m okay with that. Some blogger friends have thousands, if not tens of thousands, of followers. I have hundreds. And that’s okay. I do not need the pressure of 10,000 people looking at what I do and say regularly. Or contacting me. I actually was surprised and pleased in the past to be at BEA in NYC and having numerous folks looking at my nametag and exclaiming, “Hey! It’s Beth! from Beth’s Book-Nook! We love you!” Weird but wonderful!!