I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Do you believe it is already August?  The summer is almost over friends!!  Even though it has been hot and humid, I’ll take this over the cold and snow anytime.  So I thought we would take advantage of the nice weather and have another “gab session” cookout poolside.  And yes, I got all of your complaints about the grumpy 2 men…what can I say except ….Men!!!  lol

Today’s guest is another special blogger.  I’m sure a lot of you know her, but if not, I wanted to introduce her to you all.  She is the founder of and made me a partner in Partners In Crime Tours.  Today’s Sundays Shining Star is MOLLY from REVIEWS BY MOLLY.

I started blogging in August of 2009. I had just finished reading a book, and was looking on line at some reviews of it. I came across another persons review that they had on their blog. I thought that it was a really awesome way to spread the word about books, so I hunted a little more and found the Blogger.com site and signed myself up for a blog.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Well. I’m not really sure HOW I decided to name my blog. Really I looked around and saw that others had fancy names and stuff. I decided to go simple AND fancy: Book Reviews By Buuklvr81. After awhile, people got confused and would list me as Book Reviews By Booklover81 or something like that. So, I changed it last year to Book Reviews By Molly. Since then, however, I have made things even simpler: Reviews By Molly. It’s been like that since the first of this year when I purchased the domain to my blog and made it into a website.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
The main content of my blogs is books. Occasionally, I review a DVD or a CD but not often. I love my books, both eBooks (gotta love my Nook!) and hard copies.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Oh, that. Well, I’m VERY eclectic. I read everything. Christian fiction, Suspense, Historical, Mystery, Thrillers, Horror, some paranormal or gothic, children’s books, young adult. I don’t like Sci-Fi, though. No, I leave those for the Sci-Fi fanatics.

*How often do you post?
I try my best to post at least one post daily. Occasionally there may be a day or two (or three) when I just can’t so I don’t post on those days.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Hmmm, well most everything. I love meeting other bloggers and making friends. I love sharing the good books with others. I love helping the authors and publishers and seeing other peoples thoughts on the same book I’ve just read.

*What are some of the negatives?
Negatives. Well, I guess the negatives would be the time. It’s a little time consuming when you have to format your posts, take the time to type them up, etc. Oh and sometimes it’s very hard when you’ve done your best to read a book and write a review, and publishers or authors still aren’t happy with your help.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
Let’s see. I LOVE my quote that’s on my header. It just about sums up every good book I’ve ever read. Another thing, I love my button for The Romance Reviews! I feel all official like :~) And, lastly, I love my blog roll page. It shows some of the many fantastic bloggers out there that I follow.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Don’t give up. Stick with it, even when you think you’re not succeeding with the reviews or you feel frustrating because some might criticize your review, it’s worth it in the end when you get an email from the author of that book, telling you how much your review means.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Well, I think it’s the quality of the blog really. Not the amount of followers or the reviews them selves. The way the blogger “pulls” you into their blog just from the site.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Definitely. When they send out blog awards. Don’t get me wrong, there are some really awesome blogs out there highly deserving of such a reward, but it’s even more time consuming accepting and “passing out the award” than creating the posts. Please. Don’t send me an award, though I am grateful for the thought!

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. I’m a single(divorced) mom of two awesome little boys, Jakob-almost 9 and Jonah-7.

2. I’m a pharmacy technician.

3. I’m addicted to Ghost Hunters.

4. I love me some Sweet Tea (with lime!)!

5. I love to cook and bake.

6. I don’t hate anybody…I love to make friends!

7. My mom is my best friend.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Yes. If you are an author who writes crime/suspense/thriller/mystery, check out our Virtual Book Tour site: www.partnersincrimetours.net . If you are a blogger, check us out there, too! And, if you don’t have an eReader, might I suggest you get one? They are the awesome-est!!

Molly thank you for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with us.  I, of course, have a lot to thank Molly for since she offered me partnership in Partners In Crime Tours.  But even before that, Molly would email me or leave comments with the sweetest comments.  You can see even in her answers how kind she is.  She is a very devoted and loving single mom, hard working, patient and always willing to help others.  And she does love her nook and sweet iced tea!!!! Molly is most definitely a Shining Star!!! 

 

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Do you believe it is already August?  The summer is almost over friends!!  Even though it has been hot and humid, I’ll take this over the cold and snow anytime.  So I thought we would take advantage of the nice weather and have another “gab session” cookout poolside.  And yes, I got all of your complaints about the grumpy 2 men…what can I say except ….Men!!!  lol

Today’s guest is another special blogger.  I’m sure a lot of you know her, but if not, I wanted to introduce her to you all.  She is the founder of and made me a partner in Partners In Crime Tours.  Today’s Sundays Shining Star is MOLLY from REVIEWS BY MOLLY.

I started blogging in August of 2009. I had just finished reading a book, and was looking on line at some reviews of it. I came across another persons review that they had on their blog. I thought that it was a really awesome way to spread the word about books, so I hunted a little more and found the Blogger.com site and signed myself up for a blog.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Well. I’m not really sure HOW I decided to name my blog. Really I looked around and saw that others had fancy names and stuff. I decided to go simple AND fancy: Book Reviews By Buuklvr81. After awhile, people got confused and would list me as Book Reviews By Booklover81 or something like that. So, I changed it last year to Book Reviews By Molly. Since then, however, I have made things even simpler: Reviews By Molly. It’s been like that since the first of this year when I purchased the domain to my blog and made it into a website.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
The main content of my blogs is books. Occasionally, I review a DVD or a CD but not often. I love my books, both eBooks (gotta love my Nook!) and hard copies.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Oh, that. Well, I’m VERY eclectic. I read everything. Christian fiction, Suspense, Historical, Mystery, Thrillers, Horror, some paranormal or gothic, children’s books, young adult. I don’t like Sci-Fi, though. No, I leave those for the Sci-Fi fanatics.

*How often do you post?
I try my best to post at least one post daily. Occasionally there may be a day or two (or three) when I just can’t so I don’t post on those days.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Hmmm, well most everything. I love meeting other bloggers and making friends. I love sharing the good books with others. I love helping the authors and publishers and seeing other peoples thoughts on the same book I’ve just read.

*What are some of the negatives?
Negatives. Well, I guess the negatives would be the time. It’s a little time consuming when you have to format your posts, take the time to type them up, etc. Oh and sometimes it’s very hard when you’ve done your best to read a book and write a review, and publishers or authors still aren’t happy with your help.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
Let’s see. I LOVE my quote that’s on my header. It just about sums up every good book I’ve ever read. Another thing, I love my button for The Romance Reviews! I feel all official like :~) And, lastly, I love my blog roll page. It shows some of the many fantastic bloggers out there that I follow.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Don’t give up. Stick with it, even when you think you’re not succeeding with the reviews or you feel frustrating because some might criticize your review, it’s worth it in the end when you get an email from the author of that book, telling you how much your review means.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Well, I think it’s the quality of the blog really. Not the amount of followers or the reviews them selves. The way the blogger “pulls” you into their blog just from the site.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Definitely. When they send out blog awards. Don’t get me wrong, there are some really awesome blogs out there highly deserving of such a reward, but it’s even more time consuming accepting and “passing out the award” than creating the posts. Please. Don’t send me an award, though I am grateful for the thought!

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. I’m a single(divorced) mom of two awesome little boys, Jakob-almost 9 and Jonah-7.

2. I’m a pharmacy technician.

3. I’m addicted to Ghost Hunters.

4. I love me some Sweet Tea (with lime!)!

5. I love to cook and bake.

6. I don’t hate anybody…I love to make friends!

7. My mom is my best friend.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Yes. If you are an author who writes crime/suspense/thriller/mystery, check out our Virtual Book Tour site: www.partnersincrimetours.net . If you are a blogger, check us out there, too! And, if you don’t have an eReader, might I suggest you get one? They are the awesome-est!!

Molly thank you for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with us.  I, of course, have a lot to thank Molly for since she offered me partnership in Partners In Crime Tours.  But even before that, Molly would email me or leave comments with the sweetest comments.  You can see even in her answers how kind she is.  She is a very devoted and loving single mom, hard working, patient and always willing to help others.  And she does love her nook and sweet iced tea!!!! Molly is most definitely a Shining Star!!! 

 

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

This summer has been brutal heat wise, hasn’t it?  But just think, in a few short months, we will be complaining that it’s too cold.  I’ll take the heat and sitting around the pool with friends over snow.  Now if we can only do something about those two grumpy old people….I’m not pointing fingers….I think you all know who I mean…..Men!!!  Jeff..make my burger well done please.  Steve, I need a frozen banana daiquiri please.

I found today’s guest through Friday’s blog hop and just loved the look of her blog.  I stayed a while, checked things out and became a follower.  And now, like you, I am going to get to know the person behind the blog.  Today’s guest is MICHELLE from RED HEADED BOOK CHILD

I started blogging in July 2009. I needed an outlet for my reading and recommending passion. I was laid off from my job as a bookstore manager a few months prior and was feeling a little lost without that stage to talk to people about books. I was hesitant at first to blog because i didn’t think anyone would read it. But now, I may not have 1000s of followers, but i know I have a good solid readership and i am proud of it!

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I am a red head and my son, who was a littler guy at that time, was a very BRIGHT red head . We read to him all the time and I thought it was a cute little name. I named it after him. red headed book child He loves books as much as I do!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Reviews of all the books I read. I sprinkle in some of my personal life, little stories of my kiddo, weird things that pop in my head but mostly my book reviews.

This year i am going to do a monthly book club post that sums up my book club picks and reviews. We are named The Ladies Book Club. That should start this month. I’m also starting to post a few more tales of my life in the literary world; from my career in bookstores, to now working at my local library. Those posts are going to be called Loosely Bound: Tales from my Literary Life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
My top 3 favorite genres are LIterary Fiction, Memoirs and Mystery/Thrillers. I enjoy all books but those are the ones that I read the most of and you will only find those genres reviewed on my blog.

*How often do you post?
A few times a week seems to be the norm for me. I am surprised at how quickly the weeks go and sometimes it will be four days and I haven’t posted anything. During that time though, I don’t feel compelled just to post for the sake of posting. i always try to read other blogs and comment during that time. I would rather have quality over quantity of posts.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love the audience and the community of people that are really similar to me. It’s extraordinary to find 1000s of blogs out there dedicated to BOOKS and book reviewing. That’s amazing to me. Gosh, if I had this as a kid or as a teenager, boy it would have helped! But it was just me and my New Kids on the Block cassette tapes and my own stories I would create in my backyard in the country. 🙁

*What are some of the negatives?
Gosh, it’s hard to say. I haven’t had any bad experiences as far as negative comments or authors being mean to me after I review their books, etc etc. I know this has happened to some. I treasure sincerity. So the only thing I can say is it’s tough when someone only stops by your blog for a giveaway and that’s it. But really, that’s silly. It’s the nature of us all. who doesn’t want free things, right? So, i don’t do a lot of those anyway. My point is that I treasure sincere comments and it’s only been a few times when I felt some comments weren’t sincere or my reviews or posts weren’t read. That’s really rare. I am fortunate I have amazing, awesome readers who I feel care about what I have to say. I only hope I do the same for you all.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I think I mentioned them above too. I will be doing posts for my book club, The Ladies Book Club. I will also be doing Loosely Bound: Tales from my LIterary Life where you will hear some funny stories of author signings I’ve worked and stuff I’ve heard managing a bookstore, etc etc. You know, “I’m looking for that blue book. You know, that one” (sigh) There will be lots of fun stories about my adventures in my careers in the literary world!

I have enjoyed doing occasional personal posts about my little kiddo, my lack of sleep due to little kiddo, and the fact I had very few friends growing up as a skinny big red haired girl who lived in the country and spent most of her time either in a tree or at the library.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Stay true to yourself on your blog and have fun! And be kind.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I am drawn initially by what they are reading and if they comment on my blog. I always try to follow up with my comments and respond and follow those blogs. I look at the profiles too and their history, likes and whatnot. And sometimes, I like pretty pictures and if it’s a shiny happy blog full of bells and whistles, sometimes I am easily amused and click that darn follow button!

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Hmmm…not really. Your blog is your own. Do whatever the heck you want. Just please don’t blast me or other bloggers. Be kind, once again!

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!! Oh, man, I always sound crazy when I do stuff like this because it’s whatever pops into my head. Here goes…

I am a huge fan of Jackie Collins.

I get hives.

I am addicted to soy lattes and may need to seek therapy for it.

One day i would really love a farm with a pick up truck and cute farm hands to help me with chores. And my husband, of course.

I have really pointy incisor teeth that make me look like a vampire and I enjoy scaring the children I work with. he he. All in good fun, no worries.

I had open heart surgery when I was 5.

I sing a lot and am addicted to musicals and GLEE!

Oh and I think I am waaay funnier than I really am.

*Any other info you would like to share.
It would make me really happy if I hit 300 followers this year. There is just something really cool sounding about 300…maybe because I really liked that movie with Gerard Butler. Yes, that’s it.

No pressure, people.

Michelle, thank you for being my guest today and sharing yourself with us all.  Once again, as you can see from her answers, book bloggers are definitely the kindest, nicest, caring bloggers in bloggy land.  A wife, a loving and devoted mom, a down to earth person, a self proclaimed comic lol, and a girl who has faced some major health problems, I think you will all agree, Michelle is a SHIINING STAR!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

This summer has been brutal heat wise, hasn’t it?  But just think, in a few short months, we will be complaining that it’s too cold.  I’ll take the heat and sitting around the pool with friends over snow.  Now if we can only do something about those two grumpy old people….I’m not pointing fingers….I think you all know who I mean…..Men!!!  Jeff..make my burger well done please.  Steve, I need a frozen banana daiquiri please.

I found today’s guest through Friday’s blog hop and just loved the look of her blog.  I stayed a while, checked things out and became a follower.  And now, like you, I am going to get to know the person behind the blog.  Today’s guest is MICHELLE from RED HEADED BOOK CHILD

I started blogging in July 2009. I needed an outlet for my reading and recommending passion. I was laid off from my job as a bookstore manager a few months prior and was feeling a little lost without that stage to talk to people about books. I was hesitant at first to blog because i didn’t think anyone would read it. But now, I may not have 1000s of followers, but i know I have a good solid readership and i am proud of it!

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I am a red head and my son, who was a littler guy at that time, was a very BRIGHT red head . We read to him all the time and I thought it was a cute little name. I named it after him. red headed book child He loves books as much as I do!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Reviews of all the books I read. I sprinkle in some of my personal life, little stories of my kiddo, weird things that pop in my head but mostly my book reviews.

This year i am going to do a monthly book club post that sums up my book club picks and reviews. We are named The Ladies Book Club. That should start this month. I’m also starting to post a few more tales of my life in the literary world; from my career in bookstores, to now working at my local library. Those posts are going to be called Loosely Bound: Tales from my Literary Life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
My top 3 favorite genres are LIterary Fiction, Memoirs and Mystery/Thrillers. I enjoy all books but those are the ones that I read the most of and you will only find those genres reviewed on my blog.

*How often do you post?
A few times a week seems to be the norm for me. I am surprised at how quickly the weeks go and sometimes it will be four days and I haven’t posted anything. During that time though, I don’t feel compelled just to post for the sake of posting. i always try to read other blogs and comment during that time. I would rather have quality over quantity of posts.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love the audience and the community of people that are really similar to me. It’s extraordinary to find 1000s of blogs out there dedicated to BOOKS and book reviewing. That’s amazing to me. Gosh, if I had this as a kid or as a teenager, boy it would have helped! But it was just me and my New Kids on the Block cassette tapes and my own stories I would create in my backyard in the country. 🙁

*What are some of the negatives?
Gosh, it’s hard to say. I haven’t had any bad experiences as far as negative comments or authors being mean to me after I review their books, etc etc. I know this has happened to some. I treasure sincerity. So the only thing I can say is it’s tough when someone only stops by your blog for a giveaway and that’s it. But really, that’s silly. It’s the nature of us all. who doesn’t want free things, right? So, i don’t do a lot of those anyway. My point is that I treasure sincere comments and it’s only been a few times when I felt some comments weren’t sincere or my reviews or posts weren’t read. That’s really rare. I am fortunate I have amazing, awesome readers who I feel care about what I have to say. I only hope I do the same for you all.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I think I mentioned them above too. I will be doing posts for my book club, The Ladies Book Club. I will also be doing Loosely Bound: Tales from my LIterary Life where you will hear some funny stories of author signings I’ve worked and stuff I’ve heard managing a bookstore, etc etc. You know, “I’m looking for that blue book. You know, that one” (sigh) There will be lots of fun stories about my adventures in my careers in the literary world!

I have enjoyed doing occasional personal posts about my little kiddo, my lack of sleep due to little kiddo, and the fact I had very few friends growing up as a skinny big red haired girl who lived in the country and spent most of her time either in a tree or at the library.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Stay true to yourself on your blog and have fun! And be kind.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
I am drawn initially by what they are reading and if they comment on my blog. I always try to follow up with my comments and respond and follow those blogs. I look at the profiles too and their history, likes and whatnot. And sometimes, I like pretty pictures and if it’s a shiny happy blog full of bells and whistles, sometimes I am easily amused and click that darn follow button!

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Hmmm…not really. Your blog is your own. Do whatever the heck you want. Just please don’t blast me or other bloggers. Be kind, once again!

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!! Oh, man, I always sound crazy when I do stuff like this because it’s whatever pops into my head. Here goes…

I am a huge fan of Jackie Collins.

I get hives.

I am addicted to soy lattes and may need to seek therapy for it.

One day i would really love a farm with a pick up truck and cute farm hands to help me with chores. And my husband, of course.

I have really pointy incisor teeth that make me look like a vampire and I enjoy scaring the children I work with. he he. All in good fun, no worries.

I had open heart surgery when I was 5.

I sing a lot and am addicted to musicals and GLEE!

Oh and I think I am waaay funnier than I really am.

*Any other info you would like to share.
It would make me really happy if I hit 300 followers this year. There is just something really cool sounding about 300…maybe because I really liked that movie with Gerard Butler. Yes, that’s it.

No pressure, people.

Michelle, thank you for being my guest today and sharing yourself with us all.  Once again, as you can see from her answers, book bloggers are definitely the kindest, nicest, caring bloggers in bloggy land.  A wife, a loving and devoted mom, a down to earth person, a self proclaimed comic lol, and a girl who has faced some major health problems, I think you will all agree, Michelle is a SHIINING STAR!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Last week’s trip to India was fun, wasn’t it?  Except for the two, which will remain nameless, that complained the whole time about the luggage, complained about how long the flight was, on and on and on….MEN!!!!   We learned a lot about our blogging friend Guatami and she was the perfect host.  This week, with the heat affecting all of us, I thought we would stay by or in my pool, having another cook out and a few frozen drinks.  Unfortunately, we have the same wait staff…..again no names mentioned…just ignore them  lol…Men!!!!

Today, we have another special guest, one I’m sure many will know.   However, I am also sure you are going to find out things that may surprise you.  Today’s special guest is YVONNE from SOCRATE’S BOOK REVIEWS

*When and why did you start blogging?
I started in May 2008. I began because I love books and thought this would be a great way to meet others with the same passion for reading that I have.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Socrates is the name of one of my cats and it sounded intellectual. LOL

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Book reviews of different genres.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Romantic suspense, cozy mysteries, romance, suspense and thrillers.

*How often do you post?
I try to do everyday, but that doesn’t always work out. At least 5-6 times a week.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Meeting new people.

*What are some of the negatives?
Can’t think of any negatives. I have had fun doing this.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
Reviews, author interviews and memes.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Make the blog yours…design it the way that pleases you and make the posts about things that are on your mind.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Interesting topics.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
No, not really. I hate spammers, but they aren’t bloggers…they are just people spamming us.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I love to read (big surprise)

I not only love cats, but I love all animals.

I’m an aspiring author – I completed 4 romance manuscripts but only have rejections to show for my troubles.

I’m a TV addict

I love to collect dolls and teddy bears.

*Any other info you would like to share.
I have a TBR that’s way too big for me to finish in this lifetime, but I’m having fun blogging. I’ve met some great people out there and hope to meet many more in the future.

Yvonne, thank you for being my guest today and allowing us the chance to get to know you better.  I have been following her blog for quite a while, if my memory serves me correctly, from around the time I first went public.  I will admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, because of the name of her blog.  I honestly thought she might be a PhD or college professor of English History/Literature.  True!!  Until one day when I spent some time checking everything out and could let out a breath of relief  lol.  You can see by her answers, as I say in my introduction, book bloggers are the kindest bloggers there are.  No negatives with Yvonne, just positive thoughts.  Even about her tbr list.  She has accepted that it is too large but continues to add to it because she is having fun.  I was so impressed to see her answer that she is an aspiring author and has 4 romance novels.  My wish for you Yvonne, is to have your dream come true.  I am sure that everyone here today would love to read and review your galleys.  A blogger since 2008, an aspiring author, a kind person, a SHINING STAR!!.

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Last week’s trip to India was fun, wasn’t it?  Except for the two, which will remain nameless, that complained the whole time about the luggage, complained about how long the flight was, on and on and on….MEN!!!!   We learned a lot about our blogging friend Guatami and she was the perfect host.  This week, with the heat affecting all of us, I thought we would stay by or in my pool, having another cook out and a few frozen drinks.  Unfortunately, we have the same wait staff…..again no names mentioned…just ignore them  lol…Men!!!!

Today, we have another special guest, one I’m sure many will know.   However, I am also sure you are going to find out things that may surprise you.  Today’s special guest is YVONNE from SOCRATE’S BOOK REVIEWS

*When and why did you start blogging?
I started in May 2008. I began because I love books and thought this would be a great way to meet others with the same passion for reading that I have.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Socrates is the name of one of my cats and it sounded intellectual. LOL

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Book reviews of different genres.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Romantic suspense, cozy mysteries, romance, suspense and thrillers.

*How often do you post?
I try to do everyday, but that doesn’t always work out. At least 5-6 times a week.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Meeting new people.

*What are some of the negatives?
Can’t think of any negatives. I have had fun doing this.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
Reviews, author interviews and memes.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Make the blog yours…design it the way that pleases you and make the posts about things that are on your mind.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Interesting topics.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
No, not really. I hate spammers, but they aren’t bloggers…they are just people spamming us.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I love to read (big surprise)

I not only love cats, but I love all animals.

I’m an aspiring author – I completed 4 romance manuscripts but only have rejections to show for my troubles.

I’m a TV addict

I love to collect dolls and teddy bears.

*Any other info you would like to share.
I have a TBR that’s way too big for me to finish in this lifetime, but I’m having fun blogging. I’ve met some great people out there and hope to meet many more in the future.

Yvonne, thank you for being my guest today and allowing us the chance to get to know you better.  I have been following her blog for quite a while, if my memory serves me correctly, from around the time I first went public.  I will admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, because of the name of her blog.  I honestly thought she might be a PhD or college professor of English History/Literature.  True!!  Until one day when I spent some time checking everything out and could let out a breath of relief  lol.  You can see by her answers, as I say in my introduction, book bloggers are the kindest bloggers there are.  No negatives with Yvonne, just positive thoughts.  Even about her tbr list.  She has accepted that it is too large but continues to add to it because she is having fun.  I was so impressed to see her answer that she is an aspiring author and has 4 romance novels.  My wish for you Yvonne, is to have your dream come true.  I am sure that everyone here today would love to read and review your galleys.  A blogger since 2008, an aspiring author, a kind person, a SHINING STAR!!.

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

How is everyone today?  Since last week was a relaxing day by the pool, I thought that this week we would do some travelling to meet our blogging friend.  Today we will be going to India so I hope you packed enough, but then don’t we always over pack when going away?  And that grumbling you hear…..ignore it…..it’s Jeff and Steve complaining……that the luggage is too heavy……it’s the perfect day to be on the golf course……how come Lori packed 4 pieces of luggage…….MEN!!!!

Today’s guest, I am sure most of you know, either from comments that she has left on your blog or you visiting her place.  But we have the treat today of getting to know her better.  Today’s guest is GAUTAMI from EVERYTHING DISTILS INTO READING

*When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in June 2005. My poetry, rooted, exists from that date. I was always a reader but did not know about book blogging. I got to know about it from another book blogger, who used to visit my poetry blog and insisted I answer the book memes that she tagged. I started my book blog, My Own Little Reading Room, in 2006. However, I lost that blog to Malware in April 2009. I started the current blog, Everything Distils Into Reading, in May 2009. I had to rebuilt it from scratch. I could recover my review posts with dates, as I had subscribed own blog in Google Reader.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My life revolves around reading. Even my poetry writing revolves around reading. So Everything Distils Into Reading just fell into place.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
I would say book reviews. The memes I do are also book reviews. I try to incorporate my reviews into my blog in all ways possible.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I read Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction and poetry. Sometimes Historical novels, Memoirs, and Travelogues. I am trying to incorporate other genres too. I pick up th difficult reads somehow.

*How often do you post?
On my book blog, almost daily. On poetry blog 3 times a week.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Books and Poetry. I keep my personal self away from it!

*What are some of the negatives?
I spend too much time blogging and blog hopping!

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
All book reviews on my book blog
Everything Distils Into Reading
All my poetry on my poetry blog, rooted.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Keep you blog simple. No blings, not animations. Keep it user friendly. Your writing should be good and interesting.. And network. But have patience.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Good content. Artful writing. And my kind of genres. For poetry blog..POETRY!

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Yes. I don’t like intensedebate, disqus and embedded comment system. Then music, blings etc. If it is book blog, it has to be about books. Not Music and the likes. I also don’t like too much of author interviews, All those challenge posts, only book promotions.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
Well, I am a math teacher.
I love to cook.
I have to learn about each little thing.
I am single.
I love children.
I like doing math puzzles.
I am a good listener
I am a very positive person.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Anyone interested to write poetry with me??

Gautami thank you for being my guest today.  I found this interview to be so much fun because I have been following her blog for quite some time now but really didn’t know the person behind the screen.  I knew about her poetry blog, absolutely beautiful work.  If you get a chance, do stop by.  There are blogging peers that have that in common with Gautami, that they may not have known.  I didn’t realize that Gautami was a math teacher and embarrassed to say that was my worse subject in school, I may need some tutoring in that area.  However, I was not surprised to learn that she is a good listener or a positive person because I feel that has come through from her postings.  The advice she has given, has given me a few thoughts to ponder.  Her reviews are excellent, and my only negative with Gautami….. lol….. is Teaser Tuesday.  It never fails, the book that she showcases goes on to my tbr bucket list.  Another great blogger.  Another Shining Star!!!!

Addendum: After drafting this post on Wednesday morning, I sent Gautami an email to let her know she was this week’s Shining Star.  My TV is on when I blog, tuned on to a cable news station, and there was breaking news that there had just been bombings in India.  Sometimes we don’t realize or take it for granted, that in today’s world with the internet, we have made wonderful friendships from around the world.  I was quite anxious, waiting to hear that she was OK, until she emailed me.  I expressed my concern and she sent me to her FB page of a poem she had written 3 years ago, that I would like to share:   https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/notes/gautami-tripathy/undead-for-eternity-repost-from-my-blog-for-the-mumbai-attacks-07132011/10150235981411608?notif_t=note_tag