The Book Maven Reviews Half Faerie and Half Mortal

Thank you The Book Maven for reading and reviewing the first two books in Daughter of Light, Half Faerie and Half Mortal!

She had this to say about Half Faerie:

This was a fantastic new world. I truly enjoyed the story and the complicated characters. Melia really develops well throughout the story. She and the other significant characters propel the book further into the world that Heidi Garrett has created. The detail and excellent storytelling allows the reader to fully dive into the world of Faerie. As the characters make the difficult choices, the reader will feel as though they are making the choices with them. If you like the idea of faeries, pixies, brownies and many other mythical creatures you will enjoy Half Faerie.

Read the full review HERE!

And here are some of there thoughts about Half Mortal:

This was a great continuation to this story. It really propels the story into a new realm of excitement and intrigue. I really liked the addition of Jade as a contender to host Umbra. I thought it really had you guessing what would happened between her and Ryder and what would happen with Melia’s idea of hosting Umbra herself. I also enjoyed the deepening of Ryder’s story within this second book.

Read the full review HERE!

Fantasy Book Lane Reviews Half Faerie

Last week I shared Erica Lane's review of Isolt's Enchantment. This week I'm going to share her review of Half Faerie...

Let me begin by saying this is an immense fantasy world complete with old tales and legends. A lot of thought has gone into creating this world, and it really shows. Present are faeries, pixies, elves, brownies, and trolls. There are some pretty cool cat characters with distinct personalities, along with a goat that is smarter than some people. Add in some dwarves who love to cook (who I thought were just plain awesome), and you’ve got a rich fairy tale world. The presence of pixies and animal characters might give one the impression that this book is intended for children, but it definitely isn’t. The plot is complex, as are the characters, making this a high fantasy fairy tale fit for adults.

To read the rest of the review please visit Fantasy Book Lane.

Thank you, Erica!

Add Half Faerie to your Goodreads Shelf

Review: Nandana's Mark (Now the first part of Half Faerie!)

I'm currently deep in the throes of preparing two releases in the Daughter of Light trilogy. The first release (May 5th) will be Isolt's Enchantment. This short novel is a prequel to the trilogy. It tells Ryder's story in Idonne, and includes seven other tales, including the creation of the Whole. These tales were written ages ago, when I was creating the world, and have been added and removed more than once from the main books. However, I've always believed that nothing happens in a vacuum, and the events that lead up to Melia's journey have been critical to the development of her story. I've been intending to publish these stories for over two years, as I think readers will enjoy learning more about Ryder and the historical forces that he and Melia must ultimately face, so I'm very excited about this upcoming release. The second release, Half Mortal, is scheduled for late June, early July. And I promise, Melia's transformation within it's pages is going to be epic!

If you're still wondering whether or not you'd enjoy Melia's story/adventure/quest, AimeeKay has just written a thorough review of Nandana's Mark on her blog. (Nandana's Mark being the first part of Half Faerie.)

Thank you, Aimee!

Let's start with the story and world that the author has brought to life. I got the impression when I first started reading that it wasn't going to be as deep as it was. But Garrett's story has so many layers to it. The way she has woven them altogether is truly talented. The book is about so much more than just Melia and her family. Yes, it is their story, but it is also the story of the entire enchanted and mortal world. The author's descriptions bring the landscape itself to life. Whether it's the eternal summer of the faerie's world or the island Melia's father lives on in the mortal realm. It really feels as if you're right there. Plus as the book progresses more and more of the rich history and legends of Garrett's world is revealed. I was incredibly impressed with how well everything was woven together and the way the author decided to reveal the secrets of Melia, her family and her world with each page.

The story is intriguing and holds the reader's attention from beginning to end. The author reveals just enough to keep the momentum going. But she does it in such a way that you don't become frustrated over the fact that at the end of the book everything hasn't come close to being resolved...

Read the rest of the review at AimeeKay's Reviews & Other Awesome Randomness!

Susan's Book Bag

Cupcakes & Kisses will be here on December 2nd!!!!! And Susan at The Book Bag has already read the book and interviewed me and Billie. It's Our First Ever Author interview!!! So don't miss it, because it will make you smile... (Pretty sure!)

Our First Ever Author Interview

Susan Share's Her Thoughts on Cupcakes & Kisses

Susan at the Book Bag Celebrates her 1000th Blog Post!

Susan at The Book Bag has reached the amazing milestone of 1000 blog posts! To give you some perspective, my blog has 185 posts to date. The Book Bag has 815 more posts than that! Certainly, something to celebrate. And Susan is doing it right with a GINORMOUS giveaway.

You can enter to win over 30 books, a $20 Amazon Gift Card, and a cute book bag. So don't miss this party! Join in the celebration HERE!

Desert Rose Literary Services and Virtual Tours

Today I'd like to introduce you to Rose and Ken Wallin of Desert Rose Literary Services and Desert Rose Tours. Desert Rose Literary Services offers editing, proof reading, beta reads, and more. Desert Rose Tours also offers a variety of services for authors including blog tours, blitzes, bashes, and cover reveals. Unique to Desert Rose, they'll also be offering virtual services for musicians and artists. How cool is that?

(I love their dogs and cat! Can you find their pet turtle?) I met Rose through Goodreads, and in the year that I've known her, I've watched her book blog, and commitment to helping authors grow. I was so excited when I learned that she and her husband were opening the doors of their Literary and Tour Services. 

Without further gushing, I will let them tell you a little bit about their awesome selves!

 1.  Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Sure!  We're a husband and wife team.  We're best friends, met on Facebook, and have been together for 7 years.  Collectively, we've lived in Japan, Wyoming, New Mexico, Missouri, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Montana, and Idaho.  We have several dogs (Chevy, Ace and Daisy), a cat (Max), and a baby turtle (Fred).  

2.  How did your business start?

We started a review blog focused on books, because we love to read, support authors, and share our reviews with people.  From there, it grew into tour hosting, and one day we thought “Wow, a tour service would be so much fun!  We could easily offer tours as well, and make ours unique!”

3.  How many people are in your business?

Right now, it's just the two of us.  If it grows, we may add people in the future, but it's just us for now :)

4.  What services do you offer?

We offer book reviewing and literary services, which includes book editing, beta-reading, writing advice, and co-writing.  We  offer advertising and promotions on our blog and Facebook page, and also offer virtual tours.

5.  How are you different from other tour services?  Are you bringing anything new to the table?

Most virtual tour services at the moment offer book tours only.  We offer tours to musicians and artists as well.  

We'll be doing the same kinds of things that book tour services offer, such as cover reveals, book release blasts, reviews and tours.  

For musicians, we'll offer things like album cover reveals, album release blasts, reviews and tours- same things as for the books, just for music!  

For artists, we'll offer things like art tours, showcasing their art on different blogs and websites, and help them get their work out to people.

6.  What is your goal for your business?

We want to help authors, musicians and artists however we can.  We love supporting indie books and music, and love art in general.

7.  How did you come up with your banner image?  

Our banner image was created by Ken.  Each part of the image has a meaning for both of us.  

The sword is a representation of Ken (he spent his high-school years growing up in Japan, and his name in Japanese means "sword"), and the rose in the hilt of the sword represents Rose.  Then the yin yang sign covering the rose, which covers the sword, is the balance we create for each other, and together.  Then the dragon represents our life, how it's dangerous, yet equally mysterious and beautiful :)

8.  What are your stylistic influences?

Some of our biggest influences are steampunk, dieselpunk, fantasy, anime, Rock, Punk, Indie, Europe, and nature.

9.  What music bands do you like?

We enjoy most kinds of music, but some of our favorite bands are Third Eye Blind, The Killers, Dashboard Confessional, Brand New, Imagine Dragons, Deathcab for Cutie, Lana Del Rey, Frank Sinatra, The Beetles, Kimbra, Gotye, Grouplove, Fun., Matt & Kim, Modern English, and most everything from the Twilight Saga Soundtracks.

10.  What are your passions?

Some of our passions are music, art, animals, nature, old-world, steampunk, dieselpunk, reading, writing, photography, food and cooking, trying new things, traveling, and cultures/languages. 

Thank you, Rose & Ken for stopping by!

You can also find Desert Rose on Goodreads!

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan Release Event!

Hi Everyone! I usually present all things fairy tale and fantasy, but today I wanted to bring you a special event: The book trailer for Shane Morgan's G-rated New Adult Contemporary Romance Impossibly Love. Please Enjoy!

Release date: October 29th, 2013

Publisher: TSW Books
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Available: Paperback, Kindle

Synopsis:
All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn’t believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it. 

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.

A selfless romantic who’s had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya’s personality and hopes to develop something real with her-a connection so strong it’ll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.

Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

Rated G for everyone. No strong language. No raunchy sex scenes throughout.

This is a New Adult novel about finding love and oneself.

About the writer:
Shane’s love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, divulging in a variety of genres; from comedy, drama, to horror and romance. She’s quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed “impossible.”

Book Blogger Interview: Konstanz Silverbow

Today I'd like to welcome Konstanz Silverbow. She's the author of the bookish blog No Thought Too Small.

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you’d like folks to know about you.
My name is Konstanz Silverbow. I collect dragons and swords! I write fantasy and am the proud Creator of magical worlds, fictional creatures, ideal super heroes and sarcasm since 2007!

2. Coffee or tea or water? Espresso, drip, instant, or french press? Bag or looseleaf? Bottled, filtered, tap or rainwater?
Water. I don't like Coffee or tea.  Rainwater is the best!

3. Why do you blog about books?
I love to read, I love to write. I was told to get my foot in the door, introduce myself to others if I wanted to make it in the writing world. So I went to conferences and started a blog. I love every bit of it!

4. What inspired the design of your site?
I am actually planning on doing a makeover soon. It is time I make my blog look a little more like me. It will be all dragons and well, that's because I love dragons! And it fits because I write fantasy. :)

5. What is your favorite thing about book blogging?
Honestly, the authors! I love getting to meet new authors, and help them get their books out there. Helping readers find books!

6. How do you decide which books to read?
A lot of things. The cover, the blurb, the author. I read Fantasy mostly but I will read other genres if I think I will like them just by what is on the cover and the synopsis.

7. How much time do you invest reading and blogging?
If I'm not writing, I'm reading. If I'm not reading, I'm blogging! I love all of it, so pretty much all of my time. :) Aside from when I actually have to go to work. Cause book blogging doesn't exactly pay the bills.

8. Care to comment on the Alice Hoffman quote: Books may well be the only magic?
Well books are definitely magic. But I did an interview and asked the author "What is your definition of magic?" and her answer has stuck with me. "Magic is taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary."

9. On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you? 10 being VERY…
Hmmm . . .Maybe a 7? Depends I suppose. :)

10. Is there anything else we need to know about you?
Well if you care to know, I also play the violin, make jewelry, and just finished my third book (my fourth is almost done!) and I am hoping to be published in 2014.

Only Half Alive by Konstanz Silverbow

The World's darkest creature, will be their brightest hope!

While darkness haunts her, she craves the light. Christina is a demon, but she doesn't want to be. She is
willing to sacrifice everything to change it. Only one person stands in her way, and he will stop at nothing to keep her the way she is.

The greatest battle of light vs dark threatens every living creature, a battle that could destroy all. And the demon in love will only have one chance to save everyone.

Missing Royal by Konstanz Silverbow

One princess destroyed the world, one princess must save it.

When she was little she wished to be a princess. Now as a teenager she just wishes she fit in. But Shanice doesn't feel like she belongs, she never has.

When her parents tell her she is the last known princess from another world, it all makes sense. A world full of magic in place of technology. One where she is more than just royalty, she is their last chance to stop the one who is bent on destroying it. Mendina.

But she can't do it alone, first she must find the other missing royals. In her quest, Shanice will be forced to choose between the course prophecy set for her, and the one that leads to the man her heart belongs to.

Itching for Books Reviews Tour

Billie's PINK Reviews Review & Image Montage
The Book Bag Review & Excerpt
The Booklicker Review & Excerpt

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club Review & Dream Cast

Once Upon a YA Book Review

Bookworm Lisa~ Review
Reviewing in Chaos Review & Quote

Nazish Reads Review, Excerpt & Quotes

Shelves of Books Review & Dream Cast

Peace, Love and Fangirl Review & Quote
Book Marks the Spot Review

Book Hostage Review
Boarding with Books Review & Excerpt
Two-Tall-Tales Excerpt (Light)
A Backwards Story Excerpt (Dark)

The Booklicker: W...W...W... Wednesday

The Booklicker: W...W...W... Wednesday: My Take [on True Love's First Kiss]:

This book is different than any other book I've ever read, and as we book-lovers know different is good. When I read it it's like I'm sucked into a world that's magical and enchanting. I'm also reading this book for a blog tour, my review and an excerpt will be up on the 9th of August if you're interested to know more about this book and to have a taste of what this book has in store for you.

Goodreads Giveaway: 10 Print Editions of True Love's First Kiss

The Goodreads Giveaway for 10 print editions of True Love's First Kiss is on! This is a big, beautiful book—696 pages—priced at $18.99 on Amazon.

About True Love's First Kiss~

True Love's First Kiss is a journey of self-discovery in a fantastical world. It’s also quirky and whimsical, as well as dark. And it’s epic, but it all starts with one half-faerie and her best friend, a pixie. It's ideal for the reader who loves getting lost in a big, thick book with an intriguing cosmology. 

About the series~

The Queen of the Realm of Faerie is a fairy tale fantasy series that bridges the Mortal and Enchanted worlds. The main character, Melia, is an eighteen-year-old half-faerie, half-mortal.

When the story opens in the first book, Melia is troubled by her dark moon visions, gossip she overhears about her parents at the local market, and the trauma of living among full-blooded faeries with wings--she doesn't have any.

As the series unfolds, the historic and mystical forces that shape Melia's life are revealed. Each step of her journey--to find the place where she belongs--alters her perceptions about herself, deepens her relationships with others, and enlarges her world view.

True Love's First Kiss is a compilation of the first three books in this ongoing series.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

True Love's First Kiss

by Heidi Garrett

Giveaway ends August 09, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

The Queen of the Realm of Faerie Book Blitz

Blitz Featured Blogs:

Krystal's Enchanting Reads
Kassie's Book Thoughts (Giveaway + Spunky Half-Faerie Interviews Heidi Garrett)
Fae Books (Giveaway + Excerpt)
The Book Tart (Giveaway + Fairytale Magic)
The Shadow Realm (Giveaway + Excerpt)

Tuesday, June 18

The Diary of an Engineer (Giveaway)
Bookwyrming Thoughts

Itching for Books

Wednesday, June 19

Why I Can't Stop Reading (Giveaway + Excerpt)
The Indigo Quill (Excerpt)
Mom With a Kindle (Top 10 TV Shows)

Thursday, June 20

Jany's Book Blog (Excerpt)

Friday, June 21 

Share My Destiny (Giveaway + Excerpt)

Nazish Reads (Giveaway + Excerpt)
Love in a Book (Top 10 TV Shows)

Saturday, June 22

The Rest is Still UnWritten (Giveaway + Excerpt)

alwaysjoart

Monday, June 24
Dee's Reads(Giveaway)
Deal Sharing Aunt (Giveaway + Spunky Half-Faerie Interviews Heidi Garrett)

Tuesday, June 25
Reviewing in Chaos (Giveaway + Excerpt)
The Fantastical World of Wonders (Giveaway + Fairytale Magic)
Darlene's Book Nook (Giveaway + Fairytale Magic)
My Life is a Notebook  (Giveaway + Excerpt)

Cover Reveal: True Love's First Kiss

Today, you can check out the cover for True Love's First Kiss on any and all of these awesome blogs!

Ridiculously Peachy
Once Upon a Coffin
I Talk Books
The Bootlicker
Peace, Love, And Fangirl
Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Reviews
I Heart YA Books
Library of a Book Witch
Book Marks the Spot
A Dream Within A Dream
Mind-ventures
Aripi pentru a Visa
Dazzled By Books
A Backwards Story
The Reader Lines
Counting in Bookcases
Rusty Reads
Whatever You Can Still Betray
Drugs Called Books
Spiced Latte Reads
Little Bookworm Reviews

thoughts by j. a book blogger interview

I met Joy through Goodreads. If I had to describe her blog, thoughts by j, in one word, it would be elegant. Swing by her place and you'll see what I mean.

1. Please, Introduce yourself.
I'm Joy, and I'm a 20 year old book blogger from Sydney, Australia! I'm currently studying media in university, and hopefully will be able to work for Bloomsbury one day. Fingers crossed! 

2. Coffee or Tea or Water? Espresso, Drip, Instant, or French Press? Bag or Looseleaf? Bottled, Filtered, Tap or Rainwater?
I love tea and coffee. I usually go for Earl Grey in the mornings and never fail to drink at least one cup of tea a day. When I'm out and about, I usually grab coffee. There's a great coffee cart at my uni where the best caramel lattes I've ever tasted are sold. I am a sucker for their coffees. Fun fact: My first job was at a cafe, where I was able to drink as many coffees as I wanted. I'm not sure if it's because I've had too many coffees in my short life-time, but instead of waking me up, drinking coffee puts me to sleep!

3. Why do you blog about books?
I love reading, simple as that. I never did blog, but as a media student I needed a platform to fine-tune my writing. Starting a book blog sounded like the perfect way to incorporate these two hobbies! 

4.What inspired the design of your site?
I wanted a more sophisticated feel to my website - something similar to how a digital magazine website would look like. I like really neat designs, as it gives off a hint of professionalism (ha!). I'm always a little weary of websites that are too cluttered, so I tried to keep that in mind when choosing my themes. 

5. What is your favorite thing about book blogging?
Meeting all the wonderful people in the industry! I've definitely met some wonderful bloggers, authors and aspiring writers during my short time blogging. It's wonderful to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions with like-minded people all over the world!

6. How do you decide which books to read?
When I'm really busy, I usually pick books that are shorter in length. I hate reading sporadically, starting a book and not finishing it for ages. Unfortunately, this happens much too often. When I get book review requests, I usually bump these up to the front of my TBR list. I am always grateful to any authors that take the time out to contact me, so I'm always more than willingly to choose to read their books first.

7. How much time do you invest reading and blogging?
Unfortunately not enough ever since uni resumed. I just came out of a four months holiday, where I had plenty to time to read and blog every week. Now I am swamped with course work, a part-time job, extra-curriculars and sports on the weekends. I can barely find the time to sit down a enjoy some quality reading time. This is really disappointing, but I'm trying my best to rectify this.

8. Care to comment on the Alice Hoffman quote: Books may well be the only magic?
I wouldn't say the ONLY magic. Magic is whatever you make of it - there are magicians worldwide that can perform amazing feats and I definitely consider them magical. Books are in a completely different realm altogether though. What I believe Alice Hoffman meant is that books are the only form of magic that is able to transport you to a different place, metaphorically speaking. Reading is the only way that you can really shut out your own life and follow the wonderful adventures of the characters that you're reading about. It may not be the only magic, but it is definitely magical.

9. On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you? 10 being VERY…
Haha, I would love to say I am wild and eccentric, but I probably only sit at around a 2 on the scale. :P

10. Is there anything else we need to know about you?
I love rabbits and own one named Mia. (:

Thank you, Joy!

The Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom

Today I'd like welcome Shona Lawrence the creator of the wonderful book blog Bookie Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom.

1. Please tell us something about yourself. Hi my name is Shona, I am a full time mom to 4 beautiful girls aged 9 and under. I read to relax, I read for fun, I read... I am a book addict.
2. Coffee or Tea or Water? Espresso, Drip, Instant, or French Press? Bag or Loose leaf? Bottled, Filtered, Tap or Rainwater? Definitely Tea. Though I quite like water throughout the day.
3. Why do you blog about books? I initially started my blog as a personal one for me, but books are such a big part of who i am that the blog became mostly book reviews, so i decided to change the name a little and open myself up to reviewing more and helping out with blog tours etc.
4. What inspired the design of your site? I really just like the clean look. With 4 children aged under 9 its nice to have one area of my life at least that is clean and organised.
5. What is your favourite thing about book blogging? The wonderful authors I have met.
6. How do you decide which books to read? My read to review books I generally do on a first come first served basis. My read for fun books i choose whichever one takes my fancy, though I tend to squeeze in long awaited books.
7. How much time do you invest in reading and blogging? I read most days, where other people would be watching TV or gardening I read. I am one of those awful people who rush home to do the housework, but its only so i have more time to read. Blogging i fit in and around my books. I always write a review immediately after reading it, so having the schedule button on the blog is really useful. The amount of time varies from day to day. 
8. Care to comment on the Alice Hoffman quote: Books may well be the only magic? Books are definitely Magic, but i think movies can be just as magical.
9. On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you? 10 being VERY... I would say probably a 3, Though  my kids and husband might say it was considerably higher than that.
10. Is there anything else we need to know about you? Need to know? Probably not. BUT... I have a huge crush on Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman.

Thank you :-) 

Shona. x

Much Loved Books, An Interview With a Book Blogger

Welcome, Michelle, the UK blogger of Much Loved Books. One of the things I love about the blogging, bookish, bibliophile community is meeting passionate readers from all over the world.

Please enjoy Michelle's interview. You're going to have to read it to figure out why this is the perfect picture for her!

1. Introduce Yourself (anything you’d like folks who visit your blog to know about you)
My name is Michelle and I am a UK book blogger.  I have a full time job looking after children in a nursery and I read whenever I get the time to.  I hate the sun and avoid it as often as I can, but give me snow and I will gladly spend the entire day outside.  I am a strange person who has lots of fears (spiders, wasps, bees, needles, bugs) but I have tattoos and ear piercings (although the gun to pierce my ears scares me).

2. Coffee or Tea or Water? Espresso, Drip, Instant, or French Press? Bag or Looseleaf? Bottled, Filtered, Tap or Rainwater? Coffee, always coffee,  I tend to use instant as its quicker and easier for me to drink it in work too.  Although I do like lattes and cappuccino when I am out in town.

3. Why do you blog about books?
I blog about books to share my thoughts and feelings about them, and to spread the word about books that wouldn't normally catch people attention.  I read almost anything and I have read so much before blogging that I decided to share my thoughts about what I liked about the book I had read.  I never expected to still be here nearly two years later.

4. What inspired the design of your site?

At the moment it is a free template I found online.  I picked it as I love the style and colour of it.  I wish I had a creative bone in my body so I could work on a template myself and put my ideas down but sadly I don't.

5. What is your favorite thing about book blogging?

Getting to meet others who share the same interests as me, getting the opportunity to meet authors at events or other bloggers.  Also getting to read some amazing books, sometimes before they are released to the public.

6. How do you decide which books to read?
For my review books I have to like the synopsis of a book before I request or accept it.  If it doesn't sound interesting I am not going to read it.  For my own books again it is what sounds good or if it is an author I already like, then they will automatically get purchased.

7. How much time do you invest reading and blogging?

Weekday I read during my dinner hour, then for a few hours at home.  Weekend it depends on what I am doing, shopping, movie day in brothers.  This weekend alone I have read and finished 3 books and started two.  So anywhere from 1 hour to 5 hours a day.

8. Care to comment on the Alice Hoffman quote: Books may well be the only magic?

I have never heard this quote before but I do agree with it.  Books have the ability to take the reader away from their own world and their own problems, and place them into whatever world is between the pages, all while you are sitting.  The ability of an author to do this is well and truly a magical experience and I hope I never get bored of it.

9. On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you? 10 being VERY...

I would say I am maybe 2, I do have some quirky moments, and some OCD moments, but I like to think I am not very eccentric

10.Is there anything else we need to know about you?

I am a lefty (leftys rock) :D

Michelle Smith Blogger, Much Loved Books

Indie Life: Book Bloggers

Book Bloggers are an integral part of the reading community. They are passionate folks who invest their time in reading and spreading the word about the books they love. They write book reviews and host all sorts of bookish events like giveaways, cover reveals, author spotlights, and blog tours. Getting to know some bloggers and understanding the reading world from their perspective can be helpful for any indie author.

Today my indie life post introduces book blogger Cloey K of Cloey's Book Reviews And Other Stuff. One of the first things that intrigued me about Cloey was her passion for ebooks, tea, chocolate and Nascar. What an eclectic combination. 

1. Introduce Yourself.

Hi, my name is Cloey and I blog at Cloey's Book Reviews and Other Stuff at cloeyk.blogspot.com you are welcome to come by when you get a chance and say hello. I have many ideas for my blog and cannot wait to make them happen in 2013 so come be a part of something awesome.

2. Coffee or Tea or Water? Espresso, Drip, Instant, or French Press? Bag or Looseleaf? Bottled, Filtered, Tap or Rainwater?

I love tea and can drink a cup all hours of the day or night. I use prepackaged tea bags and looseleaf with bottled or filtered water, with or without milk/creamer. The flavors vary from black, peppermint, floral and many others. I used to buy bagged herbs to mix for the perfect brew and devoted a cabinet in my kitchen just for my teas.

While packing to move into my new home I found cotton tea bags, three tea balls, and three tea pots so look out! I may be blogging about my perfect brews at Cloey's soon, hehehe.

3. Why do you blog about books?

I was looking for a hobby with a zero dollar budget so I picked something that I liked to do which is reading and talk about books. When I originally started my blog I thought that it would be a win/win for me and authors, I get a free book to read and they get an honest review and I was right. Since starting my blog Feb 2012, I discovered that I really love showcasing authors, reading their work, and sharing my reviews with readers. I really hope that my blog will help readers to find their next hot read.

4. What inspired the design of your site?

I was looking for something funky and dark to fit in with the genres that I like to read and found an awesome design by @Parajunkee. My blog has an urban fantasy, paranormal, or dark fantasy feel but horror and science fiction fits well too. I also wanted a place where people would feel comfortable hanging out and browsing the pages without having ads popping up everywhere. 

5. What is your favorite thing about book blogging?

My favorite thing about book blogging is meeting like minded people. I am bringing readers and authors together in a comfortable place where everyone can express themselves - what's not to like about that? I get to read fabulous books and help to introduce them to readers. I feel like I am helping authors to get the word out about their work and saving readers the hassle of reading through the many books out there when searching for a good read. I also share my favorite TV shows and occasionally anything else that comes to mind.

6. How do you decide which books to read?

If the book is a request for my review, and I do get many review requests, I take a look at the cover art, description, and if it was edited by someone other then the author and a family member then I may consider it for reading. After that I go with my mood. No matter how much I try, if I want to read something Scifi an Urban Fantasy will not be interesting to me no matter how good the book is.

If I am picking out the book for my pleasure then I look at what other people are reading. I checkout other book blogs, read reviews by my friends on goodreads, and always read the reviews on book selling sites. I have also found books through Twitter which were very good reads.

7. How much time do you invest reading and blogging?

About 10 - 15 hours a week. Most of my spare time is spent reading and you will always see me reading at lunch time and when alone waiting in lines.

8. Care to comment on the Alice Hoffman quote: Books may well be the only magic?

I agree with Alice Hoffman because where else can you live a thousand lives and walk side by side with heroes without leaving the safety of your home?

While a movie gives us a flat view of the story world based upon someone else's imagination a book gives us a description and our imagination brings that description to life... that's part of the magic. 

A story in a book can invoke a memory of a scent, or a feeling and also make us feel like we are right there in the story on the sidelines watching the scene as it happens. We can be in the present moment reading a story taking place in the past or future and get so caught up that we lose all concept of everything going on around us... now that's the magic. 

9. On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you? 10 being VERY...

Haha! I'll say a 3. I am eclectic and open minded. I never picture myself living with 10 cats but I can picture myself living in an eco friendly house mixing transitional designs with a touch of modern.

10. Is there anything else we need to know about you?

I love NASCAR - my driver is Jimmie Johnson.  I began watching NASCAR  in 1990 while taking naps because the races where just too long. Then in 2004 I paid attention and in 2006 I became a fan of Jimmie Johnson and have been going to races twice a year since 2008. Other drivers that I quietly cheer for are Tony Stewart (I love his attitude), Martin Truex Jr (go Jersey!), and Danika Patrick (who said girls can't drive?).

I have been described as Bohemian and opinionated (well, in my defense, I am child 5 of 6). I am a meditator and live as holistically as possible with my old school minded fiancé who often shakes his head and laughs at my quirks and affectionately calls me crazy while my 2 kids call me mom.

Find Cloey at:
Twitter: @CloeyWorld
Blog: cloeyk.blogspot.com
Facebook: Cloey's Book Reviews
Instagram: cloeyworld

Thanks for stopping by the Indie Life blog hop!

Bookworm Lisa's Family Friendly Blog

Today, Lisa Faber shares the philosophy of her family friendly blog, Bookworm Lisa. She loves to read and pass on good books she'd be comfortable recommending to her fifteen year old daughter or her grandma. Blogs like Lisa's are invaluable for parents involved in their children's reading activity.

They're also great for readers who might get squeamish when sex and violence get too detailed. With tabs like: Children's Picture Books, Juvenile and Middle Grade Chapter Books, Young Adult Books, Clean Romance Books, Inspirational Books, Fantasy/Paranormal Books, and Adventure Books, there's plenty to choose from.

That's why book blogs are great. Invest some time online to find the blogs of those who have similar tastes to yours and they can help you find your next great read, especially in those moments when you don't have time to forage on your own.

Now, on to Lisa's interview!

1.  Introduce Yourself My first and foremost role is being a mother.  I have four children, three boys and one girl.  I was a "sahm" for almost 17 years. I now work part time as a lunch lady, so I can be home when my kids are home.  I actually enjoy the time at work, it's fun to work closely with a bunch of wonderful ladies, and I get my "girl friend" time in at work.

2.  Coffee or Tea or Water? Espresso, Drip, Instant, or French Press? Bag or Looseleaf? Bottled, Filtered, Tap or Rainwater? It would have to be water for me.  I love filtered water.  If I can't get the filtered then I resort to bottled.  My first preference would really have to be Dr. Pepper though. :)

3.  Why do you blog about books? Reading has always been a love of mine.  As far as blogging goes, I kind of fell into it. I started reviewing on Goodreads and then things expanded.  I really enjoy sharing my journey of reading with others.

4.  What inspired the design of your site? Several years ago I made a profile picture of the book I was reading (The Sword of Shannara Trilogy ~ 25th anniversary edition) with a bookmark that I created from my kids school pictures.  It has reading glasses on top of the book.  I spend several years in my local PTA helping children learn to read.  I wanted my blog to reflect a family friendly atmosphere and focus on books that would appeal to all ages. So I have books from childrens picture books to romance books for mom and grandma.

5.  What is your favorite thing about book blogging? I can't believe all of the wonderful bloggers out there.  There is a thriving community of book bloggers.  I have had the opportunity to "meet online" many people that I wouldn't have known about in any other way.

6.  How do you decide which books to read? There has to be an appeal on some level to me.  When I first started blogging, I couldn't believe that people actually wanted to give me a copy of their books to read.  I accepted everything, but soon learned that it didn't work for me.  I received books that I just couldn't get interested in.  I now look at the story line, the cover, and sometimes I will look at reviews that have been written on the book before making my decision.

7.  How much time do you invest reading and blogging? I don't know how to get a number for that. I spend many hours reading and many hours blogging.  I try to spend more time reading that blogging.  Sometimes it is hard to find the balance, because my kids need me too.

8.  Care to comment on the Alice Hoffman quote: Books may well be the only magic?

I look at books more as an escape.  I love that I can learn and be entertained.  That is in a way magical.  My favorite quote about books comes from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society.

 "That's what I love about reading: One tiny thing will interest you in a book, and another tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment." 

9.  On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you? 10 being VERY...

Maybe a four or so.  I try to blend in.

10.  Is there anything else we need to know about you? I am committed to literacy and helping people find books that are a good fit for them. My blog is on the conservative side.  I try to find books that I wouldn't be embarrassed to recommend to my grandma, or my daughter, she's 15.  I am very committed to my family, particularly my very supportive husband.

Lisa, thank you for sharing your love of books with us!

You can visit Bookworm Lisa for reviews, giveaways, blog tours, cover reveals, and other bookish things every day of the week.