BBAW: Interview Swap #4

I have really enjoyed BBAW! I know that there were other activities scheduled this week besides interviews but I felt that the best way I could promote and be a community player would be to have a few extra interviews on my blog.

I'm super excited to have the fabulous Rel from Relz Reviewz with me today. I'm so glad that I ran into Rel on Twitter. Like my other interviewees, we can be found chatting up Ronie Kendig books, along with several others, on any given day on Twitter!

Without further ado, here is Rel!

1. Who or what inspired you to blog? Why?

Rel: I’d begun to do some book reviews for my local Christian bookstore and wanted somewhere to store them so started a blog.  I had no idea the amazing ride that would follow in terms of books, bloggers and especially, authors!

2. How long have you been blogging?

Since September, 2006 so just over five years ~ wow!

3. What do you find most enjoyable about blogging?

Having the opportunity to “meet”, support and encourage authors who put their heart and soul into their stories for our enjoyment and being part of a community of friends who love books like I do.   Also, it is through my blog, that the opportunity arose for me to write for the brilliant FamilyFiction digital magazine - I am their Romance and Historical correspondent.

4. What is your favorite genre of book to blog about?

My blog is dedicated to Christian Fiction, although I do read more widely than that.  My head would simply explode if I tried to add more to the blog commitments I already have.  Within that I would have to say Romantic Suspense is my favourite genre - high on the suspense!

5. You are going on a long trip and are only allowed to take one book. What would it be and why?

Does one Kindle work.....with LOTS of books on it?!

Me: I have begun to wonder whatever will I do when my Kindle is too full...I'm already contemplating asking for another for Christmas! :) 

6. You have the privilege of dining with any book character you wish. Who would it be and why?

Mmmm....Marshall “The Kid” Vaughan.  Why?  Read Ronie Kendig’s Firethorn releasing in January, 2012 and you will know why ;-D

Me: I'm hoping to get into this one soon! Ya'll should check out Ronie and Rel's interview with the hunky Marshall!

7. What would you serve at the dinner with #6?

Whatever he wanted - hehehe!

8. What is one of your biggest bookish pet peeves?

Cover art that differs from the descriptions in the book and incorrect historical details.

9. Favorite author?

Can’t limit it to just one!  So I’m cheating by doing it by genre and I’m still leaving out favs:

Romantic suspense ~ Ronie Kendig
Romance ~ Denise Hunter & MaryLu Tyndall
YA ~ Lisa T Begren & Jenny B Jones (or anyone who uses their middle initial - LOL!)
Historical romance ~ Laura Frantz, Julie Lessman & Jody Hedlund
Historical ~ TL Higley
Thriller ~ Robert Liparulo
Contemporary ~ Nicole Baart
Spec Fic ~ James Rubart & Karen Hancock
Biblical Fiction ~ Tosca Lee
Legal thrillers ~ Randy Singer


10. E-reader or physical book in your hands?

There is nothing like a physical book but I also love the convenience of my e-reader

11. Favorite blog to read?

Jenny B Jones’ - no one can make me laugh like she can!

12. What one book from the past 12 months would you most like to see made into a movie?

Lisa T Bergren’s Waterfall ~ time travel, hot 14th Century Italian knights and sword wielding, arrow flinging girls from the 21st century!

Me: I'm going to have to add this one to the TBR pile!

13. How many books do you own?

Well, over 2000 CF books plus a whole lot more!  Let’s just say my husband is a BIG fan of my Kindle - LOL!

Me: WOW...I think I may have close to that. I haven't counted lately! My hubby threatens to burn my books when he gets mad at me. He knows the whole house would go though! LOL

14. What do you do when you are not reading and/or blogging? 

Spend time with my man and three girls, work and sleep!

15. Several high school students read my blog. What is one piece of advice you could offer to them?

Live in the moment and hug your mum!

16. What attracts you most to a book? 

The author first, then blurb, then cover.  I know that covers don’t always reflect the content or quality of the writing inside!

17. What book are you currently reading?

The Queen by Steven James

18. What was the last book you read?

The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund

19. Is there a character you love to hate? Who and why?

I’ve got this love/hate thing going on with Lord Rodolfo Greco from Lisa T Bergren’s Cascade and Torrent.  I’m undecided whether to throw myself at his feet or spit on his fine Italian boots.....maybe both!  Read the series and you will know exactly what I mean!

Me: I love you Rel but seriously, that's 3 books you've added to the TBR pile since we got started!! LOL

20. Have you ever preferred a movie or tv series over a book? If so, which one(s) and why?

Ahh.......nope!

21. How would you plan the perfect holiday?

Any holiday where there is time to read is a perfect holiday to me!

22. What are five items on your wish list?

More hours in the day
A trip to Texas to visit two of my favourite people (you know who you are!)
A black labrador
A personal library room
Peace and quiet!

23. Is there a book that you would rewrite the ending to? What book and why?

Yes, but I can’t say - it hasn’t released yet ;-)

Me: Ok, you are scaring me with this one. I know what you are referring too....

24. How many books do you read in a typical year? 

That is one thing I have never done, kept count of the books I have read!



25. Where can we stalk you?

Twitter: Relz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rel.mollet
Goodreads: goodreads.com/Relz
Blog: http://www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com/

BBAW: Interview Swap #3!

I have recently "met" Lydia through my conversations about Ronie Kendig books. Today, I'm honored to have her visiting my little corner for a few minutes!

Lydia, The Overweight Bookshelf

1. Who or what inspired you to blog? Why? Forget the Lone Ranger, I was the lone reader. Throughout my childhood I was proud (and still am) of my classification as the quintessential bookworm. What bothered me was that I didn’t have anyone with whom I could share and discuss the books I was reading. I had so much pent up excitement with no outlet through which to expel it-until I discovered book blogs.

2. How long have you been blogging? I started out as a lifestyle blogger in 2007. In effect, it was a trial to find my blogging “voice” and niche. In 2010 I decided to move my book reviews (the majority of my posts) over to a subject-specific blog tailored for book addicts like myself. And so, The Overweight Bookshelf was born.

3. What do you find most enjoyable about blogging? Book blogging is all about building relationships through books-whether it is with readers, bloggers, authors, or publishers. The book blogging community has allowed me to meet amazing people from around the world, who I consider my friends.

4. What is your favorite genre of book to blog about? My favourite book genre is inspirational fiction. I adore inspirational fiction because it ministers, encourages, provokes, and draws readers to a closer intimacy with God. The purpose of inspirational fiction is the not solely to entertain, but to interact with readers through insightful writing and an inherent message of hope.

5. You are going on a long trip and are only allowed to take one book. What would it be and why? This will sound terribly cliché but it is true-my Bible. Books are my travel companions and I cannot think of a better travel companion than the Word of God. It doesn’t matter how many times I read a particular verse or chapter because it always speaks to me in a different way.  The Bible has something for everyone-the adventurer, the philosopher, the romantic, the theologian, the historian, and the searcher.

6. You have the privilege of dining with any book character you wish. Who would it be and why?

I am going to be completely indulgent and humour the hopeful romantic in me and say....any of Ronie Kendig’s leading men. LOL

7. What would you serve at the dinner with #6?

8. What is one of your biggest bookish pet peeves? I have two-one related to books and the other to book blogging. Firstly, cookie-cutter plotlines annoy me to no end. Having a plot that is inspired by the classics-such as Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice-is perfectly alright. However, if the adaption doesn’t bring something new to the table, than, in my mind, it is intellectual plagiarism. Creativity needs to be celebrated. 

Secondly, a book review should not be a summary of every high and low point of the plot. If your review needs the tagline “Approach with caution,” then it is not truly a review. You are risking the reader’s enjoyment and disrespecting the author’s hard work.

Okay, rant over.  

9. Favorite author? Anyone I have every given a rating of 9 or 10 on my book scale.

10. E-reader or physical book in your hands? I am undeniably a lover of the physical book-the cracking sound the binding makes when you open a new book, the musty smell of a well loved novel, the little notes made in the margins of particularly thought-provoking page, the dog eared corners of works in progress, how beautiful they look lined up on shelves or stacked on bedside tables. But, I have recently succumbed to the e-reader craze out of necessity. I infamously (at least in my family) filled a carry-on rolling suitcase during one of my extended trips visiting my parents and nearly wrenched my arm out of its sockets lifting that sucker into the overhead compartment. My Kindle is quite convenient when I travel, and I love that I can download books instantly. However, there are certain authors that I have to have a hard copy of their books. My bookshelves would not look complete without a physical copy of their newest release.

11. Favorite blog to read? There are too many to list, but I do have a page on my blog listing all of them.

12. What one book from the past 12 months would you most like to see made into a movie?

Lisa Bergren’s River of Times series would push all of the Twilight movies of their pedestal. Not that I’m biased or anything ;)

13. How many books do you own? Hundreds. Over the years I have had to edit down my collection by keeping only books I truly adored and would read again. I don’t believe in throwing books out; if you don’t like it, donate it.

14. What do you do when you are not reading and/or blogging? Eat and sleep. Just kidding. I like to joke that I am a teacher by day and blogger by night, but I do have other hobbies. I also run a makeup and beauty blog that allows me the opportunity to attend collection releases seasonally-but that’s blogging so it doesn’t count.

On a more personal front, I come from an Italian family. Does that require more explanation? Let’s just say we like to spend time around each other eating, laughing, and being merry.

I also enjoy candlelight dinners and long walks on the beach...

15. Several high school students read my blog. What is one piece of advice you could offer to them?

16. What attracts you most to a book? That depends if I am on a spontaneous book run or not. I'm a shallow book reader. If a book doesn't look aesthetically pleasing, I am not as eager to pick it up. Sad, but true. It can be overwhelming standing in a stack of books and looking for “The One.” Otherwise, I have an ongoing “To Be Read” list that I update regularly based on suggestions from fellow readers and bloggers that I know have impeccable reading tastes. I like books that push the envelope and dare to take risks, especially in the inspirational market.

17. What book are you currently reading?
I have a few going at the same time, but I am really enjoying The First Gardener by Denise Hildreth Jones. I love her books because they are full of Southern charm and provoking characters.

18. What was the last book you read?

19. Is there a character you love to hate? Who and why?
What is it with “bad boys”?! Lisa Bergren’s Lord Greco has me twisted, confused, and intrigued.

20. Have you ever preferred a movie or tv series over a book? If so, which one(s) and why?

21. How would you plan the perfect holiday? I am only capable of sitting idle for two days maximum, so beach centered vacations and I don’t mesh well. I love taking day excursions, visiting museums and historical sites, people watching while sitting in an outdoor café, hunting through used bookstores, taking pictures of old doors...clearly I have watched too many Nora Ephron movies...

I was bitten by the travel bug and I am constantly adding to my “Future Destination” list. I actually have a file on my computer filled with places I want to see, activities I want to do, and things I want to eat all around the world.

22. What are five items on your wish list?

1.    A vintage Jane Austen (preferably Sense and Sensibility)

2.    A library to revival the one in Beauty and the Beast

3.    Open ended tickets to fly anywhere in the world

4.    Coldplay Tickets

5.    My own “Happily Ever After”

23. Is there a book that you would rewrite the ending to? What book and why?

24. How many books do you read in a typical year? 100-150. I haven’t really counted until Goodreads. It sasses me when I get behind on my Reading Challenge goal.

25. Where can we stalk you?
            Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/overweightbooks
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Perfectly-Imperfect-Life/149345135087297
            Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top
            Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4230224-lydia-overweight-bookshelf?ref=header
            Blog: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot.com/

BBAW: Interview Swap #2!!

I have grown to really love and appreciate what Renee has to say! She and I may fight over men but she is a great person and someone I love to chat with! Here's a few questions that she answered for me in true BBAW Interview style!

1. Who or what inspired you to blog? Why?

I absolutely LOVE to read but coming from a family of non-readers I didn’t really have the opportunity to “talk books” with anyone so blogging seemed like the perfect opportunity to share something I love with like-minded people.

2. How long have you been blogging?

Over 2 years now!

3. What do you find most enjoyable about blogging?

I’m not gonna lie and say I don’t love the fact that I get free books but I also LOVE that I’ve had the chance to “meet” so many people! I’ve gotten to know some amaaaaazing authors and fellow bloggers who are so encouraging and helpful.

4. What is your favorite genre of book to blog about?

I love Christian fiction and YA fiction but I definitely blog more about Christian fiction but I’d love to change that. :-)

5. You are going on a long trip and are only allowed to take one book. What would it be and why?

Oh my gosh. No way can I answer this, it’s not fair for a book lover like me.

6. You have the privilege of dining with any book character you wish. Who would it be and why?

Oh okay this is easier I would really like to dine with Canyon Metcalfe. Why? Have you seen him...GORGEOUS. Seriously.   

TOTALLY Agree with you there Renee!!! 

7. What would you serve at the dinner with #6?

Anything, it wouldn't matter I wouldn’t be eating anyhow.

You think Canyon would be ok with that? Somehow, I don't think that would fly with him!

8. What is one of your biggest bookish pet peeves?

Ugh I absolutely hate it when characters are too modern. People who lived in the 1800s didn’t say things like “dude.”

9. Favorite author?

Tough question but I love Ronie Kendig, Julie Lessman, Laura Frantz, Deaanne Gist and the writers of classics, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.

10. E-reader or physical book in your hands?

Physical book in my hands although I do have a Kindle!

11. Favorite blog to read?

There are too many to list!

12. What one book from the past 12 months would you most like to see made into a movie?

I’m a sucker for romance with a lush setting so I would say Laura Frantz’s Courting Morrow Little.

13. How many books do you own?

Ummm....a lot.

14. What do you do when you are not reading and/or blogging?

Watching Steelers football or walking my dogs!

15. Several high school students read my blog. What is one piece of advice you could offer to them?

Do what you love!

16. What attracts you most to a book?

I’m one who judges a book by its cover so chances are if the cover is pretty I’ll pick it up and read the blurb and if it sounds good I’ll get it. If the cover isn’t aesthetically pleasing I won’t usually pick it up unless the author is familiar to me,.

17. What book are you currently reading?

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan

18. What was the last book you read?

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

19. Is there a character you love to hate? Who and why?

20. Have you ever preferred a movie or tv series over a book? If so, which one(s) and why?

I don’t think this has ever happened, books are usually better. For example Twilight, amazing series but the movies aren’t that great.

21. How would you plan the perfect holiday?

22. What are five items on your wish list?

Steelers tickets

Mustang

an iPod

a tablet or new laptop

more books!

23. Is there a book that you would rewrite the ending to? What book and why?

Probably Gone With the Wind because I always wanted to know what happened next with Scarlett.

24. How many books do you read in a typical year?

I’m not really sure but I set a goal of 200 books this year and I’m over halfway towards meeting it

25. Where can we stalk you?

        Twitter: steelergirl83

        Facebook:

        Linked In:

        Goodreads: goodreads.com/steelergirl83

        Blog: http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com

Thanks for hanging out with me for a while today Renee! Ya'll be sure to check out her uber cozy blog and see what's up in her world. She recently had a birthday and had some pretty cool author interviews that might interest you! :)