Hello ,

Do you leave reviews when you read a book? I try to get to it on books I've read, but I also try not to leave a review unless I can give it at least four stars. Why? Well, just because I don't like a book doesn't meant it wasn't a good book. Maybe the book just wasn't for me. I like to try new genres sometimes so I have to give grace when I don't like it in case it's really that I don't enjoy the genre. As for a book poorly written, well, I just don't have the heart.

As an indie author, reviews are really, really important. We can spend HOURS begging people for them! A little tip, when you're looking for a book to read, you can assume that if a book has around five reviews, those are all from the families and friends that the author got to review their book. Past those first few reviews, it usually starts getting to be actual unknown people reviewing. Which is a nice way to gauge whether the book is worth buying...

OR NOT!

I say usually because ...I signed up for a book review group and had the shock of a lifetime last week. I chose a book that seemed right inline with what I like: historical thriller set between several countries with twists and turns that 'keep the reader on their toes'. And it had dozens and dozens of reviews that gave an average of 4.5 stars. (94 actually!)

And ...it was horrible. I really, really disliked it and resented giving my time to it. The introduction was 108 pages with no dialogue that read like a history essay but worse; walking the reader through the backstory of the main character in literal step by step reels.

And when the introduction ended, and I hoped the STORY was about to start, it didn't. The writer just continued on their merry way in the same writing form. It wasn't a thriller AT ALL. There were no twists or turns except that sometimes the main character would miraculously end up where he needed to ....just because.

I can't recommend it, but I HAD to review it. Because I signed up to review it. UGH. I ended up giving three stars and commenting why. But I felt awful about it.

Lesson learned.

A book I CAN recommend that I'm reading is Pity The Reader: One Writing With Style. Very good book. It has reminded me that sometimes a story can take decades to write. And THAT'S OK.

Also I'm reading The Time In Between, which is taking forever because apparently my kids don't know how to leave me alone to read for more than twenty minutes. GRRR! But I really like it. The writing style is so different, very old-fashion European. Like a classical French novel. But in a good way. Lot's a description. I love description!

In other news, I've been thinking quite a bit about the fall coming around the corner as well and the Coffee Stains book launch, which I will be diving into with full speed when I get back home. With regards to that launch, a friend asked me if I would come in and talk about Coffee Stains at her book club, which of course I said, "heck, yes!" to. But her comment got me thinking too, have you ever had a writer come to your book club to talk? What a fantastic idea. I'm up for it anytime, even if you don't read my book for it. I'm always down for talking about writing and reading! LOL.

What's the last book you gave a five star rating to? Is your book club reading anything wonderful? Do share!!

Until next time (possibly with a cover reveal!),

Kat