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.

If any of you notice a change in Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) it is because he has had 3 weeks off and is well rested.  So he delivered the pastry and early, however, I do think a few pieces are missing…hmmmmmm?????

I am sure today’s guest is known by so many of us as she has been blogging for many years.  But today we get to know her a little bit better, which I know I am looking forward to.  Since Sunday’s Shining Star has been on vacation for a few weeks, I am going to start right away by introducing our special Blogger, NISE from UNDER THE BOARDWALK

*When and why did you start blogging?
I first created a blog profile and blog to have an “identity” in order to comment on other blogs as myself rather than anonymous with no intention of starting my own. One thing lead to another and I started posting. My first blog was more about my family and my faith. I discovered that I had a hard time coming up with things to write about and slowed down posting on my first blog. My book blog started as a place to do meme, giveaways, contests, etc and turned into a forum to keep track of what I’ve read. Once I got to know that there were other book bloggers out there, the rest is as they say, “history”. Not that my family and faith are not important, but I’ve found my niche in book blogging. Now and then I still post on my other blog.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I thought about some of my favorite things in order to come up with a name. I live on Lake Michigan and love our beach and boardwalk. Two places I would rather be which led to the song Under The Boardwalk that I then used for my blog name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Anything and everything about my reading life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I honestly do not have an answer. I read so many books from many genres. My favorites are historical fiction, suspense/thrillers and anything about women/families and their relationships.

*How often do you post?
Three to Five times a week

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The community. Discovering new authors. Discovering new bloggers. Sharing the enthusiasm of reading with others.

*What are some of the negatives?
At times it can be a time consumer. I can get so caught up in it that I lose track of time and things that need to get done are ignored.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I enjoy participating in different memes that other bloggers host.

It is my goal to review every book I’ve read.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
There is never a dumb question and most bloggers are more than willing to help you figure things out or tell you how they did “that”.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Shared reading interests.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
None really, everyone does things differently.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!

My very flexible day job is a Church secretary that I’ve enjoyed for 20 years.

My husband and I have been married 30 years.

Our children are young adults, two are not quite out of the nest. I have a daughter and two sons.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday.

Besides reading I love to travel and go out to lunch with my friends.

Thank you Nise for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with us all.  I personally am amazed by this phenomenal blogger at the number of books she reads and reviews she writes in one week lol.  But not only that, she is a kind and genuine person which comes through in the comments that she leaves on blogs and emails she sends.  She is devoted to faith and family.  All traits that definitely make her 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.

If any of you notice a change in Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) it is because he has had 3 weeks off and is well rested.  So he delivered the pastry and early, however, I do think a few pieces are missing…hmmmmmm?????

I am sure today’s guest is known by so many of us as she has been blogging for many years.  But today we get to know her a little bit better, which I know I am looking forward to.  Since Sunday’s Shining Star has been on vacation for a few weeks, I am going to start right away by introducing our special Blogger, NISE from UNDER THE BOARDWALK

*When and why did you start blogging?
I first created a blog profile and blog to have an “identity” in order to comment on other blogs as myself rather than anonymous with no intention of starting my own. One thing lead to another and I started posting. My first blog was more about my family and my faith. I discovered that I had a hard time coming up with things to write about and slowed down posting on my first blog. My book blog started as a place to do meme, giveaways, contests, etc and turned into a forum to keep track of what I’ve read. Once I got to know that there were other book bloggers out there, the rest is as they say, “history”. Not that my family and faith are not important, but I’ve found my niche in book blogging. Now and then I still post on my other blog.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I thought about some of my favorite things in order to come up with a name. I live on Lake Michigan and love our beach and boardwalk. Two places I would rather be which led to the song Under The Boardwalk that I then used for my blog name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Anything and everything about my reading life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I honestly do not have an answer. I read so many books from many genres. My favorites are historical fiction, suspense/thrillers and anything about women/families and their relationships.

*How often do you post?
Three to Five times a week

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The community. Discovering new authors. Discovering new bloggers. Sharing the enthusiasm of reading with others.

*What are some of the negatives?
At times it can be a time consumer. I can get so caught up in it that I lose track of time and things that need to get done are ignored.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I enjoy participating in different memes that other bloggers host.

It is my goal to review every book I’ve read.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
There is never a dumb question and most bloggers are more than willing to help you figure things out or tell you how they did “that”.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Shared reading interests.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
None really, everyone does things differently.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!

My very flexible day job is a Church secretary that I’ve enjoyed for 20 years.

My husband and I have been married 30 years.

Our children are young adults, two are not quite out of the nest. I have a daughter and two sons.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday.

Besides reading I love to travel and go out to lunch with my friends.

Thank you Nise for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with us all.  I personally am amazed by this phenomenal blogger at the number of books she reads and reviews she writes in one week lol.  But not only that, she is a kind and genuine person which comes through in the comments that she leaves on blogs and emails she sends.  She is devoted to faith and family.  All traits that definitely make her a Shining Star!!!!!

A Drop Of The Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block

ISBN-13: 9780316127332
At the request of Mulholland Books, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Grandmaster Lawrence Block brings his greatest character, Matthew Scudder, back into action in his most personal case.
  Matthew Scudder is finally on the straight and narrow when he runs into “High-Low” Jack Ellery, a childhood friend from the Bronx. In Scudder, Jack sees the moral man he might have become. In Jack, Scudder sees the hard-won sobriety he hopes to achieve.
  Then Ellery, following to the letter the dictates of Alcoholics Anonymous’ infamous twelve steps, is shot down while attempting to atone for past sins, and Scudder is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to upset his path toward recovery—and get him killed in the process.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I initially read the synopsis of this book, I felt that it was definitely a match for me, being in the genre of suspense, which is my favorite preference of books to read. It was also the first book that I had read by this author and also not realizing that this novel was one of many in a series. Before stating my thoughts and opinion, I would like to add a caveat. I did do some research on different sites such as B&N and GR to read other reviews and the majority were very good. I say this because not every book is the same for every reader. And the following is my opinion, and my opinion only. I read 50+ pages and had to put this book aside. I felt that it was an effort to continue to read. To me, it was very dry reading, whereas nothing truly “grabbed” me. I am not sure if it could be that I never read any of the books in the series or any other books by this author. Unfortunately, this book went into the DNF pile.

As most of you might be aware, Blogger was down for a day.  And during that time, and maybe a bit before, comments have gone missing.  So if you have entered in any of the current giveaways, please check to make sure your comments are still there, and if not please REENTER.  I do not want you to miss out on the possibility of you winning a book that you are interested in.  Good Luck!!

A Drop Of The Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block

ISBN-13: 9780316127332
At the request of Mulholland Books, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Grandmaster Lawrence Block brings his greatest character, Matthew Scudder, back into action in his most personal case.
  Matthew Scudder is finally on the straight and narrow when he runs into “High-Low” Jack Ellery, a childhood friend from the Bronx. In Scudder, Jack sees the moral man he might have become. In Jack, Scudder sees the hard-won sobriety he hopes to achieve.
  Then Ellery, following to the letter the dictates of Alcoholics Anonymous’ infamous twelve steps, is shot down while attempting to atone for past sins, and Scudder is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to upset his path toward recovery—and get him killed in the process.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I initially read the synopsis of this book, I felt that it was definitely a match for me, being in the genre of suspense, which is my favorite preference of books to read. It was also the first book that I had read by this author and also not realizing that this novel was one of many in a series. Before stating my thoughts and opinion, I would like to add a caveat. I did do some research on different sites such as B&N and GR to read other reviews and the majority were very good. I say this because not every book is the same for every reader. And the following is my opinion, and my opinion only. I read 50+ pages and had to put this book aside. I felt that it was an effort to continue to read. To me, it was very dry reading, whereas nothing truly “grabbed” me. I am not sure if it could be that I never read any of the books in the series or any other books by this author. Unfortunately, this book went into the DNF pile.

Thanks to Brianne from The Hachette Book Group, we have a special treat in store for you, a Double Trouble Treat.  And here to talk about it is the very talented author, Ms. Katie Lane!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Hope Scroggs is finally ready to get hitched. After years of sowing her wild oats, the former head cheerleader and homecoming queen has returned to Bramble, Texas, to marry her high school flame. But her perfect wedding plans are stomped to smithereens when her adoring cowboy two-steps down the aisle with someone else. Now Hope is stuck with the one man from her past she can’t shake: Colt Lomax, an irresistible bad boy whose sultry kisses are hotter than the Panhandle in August . . .
  Colt lives for freedom and the open road; he never gets attached, never looks back. Still, he can’t forget the night of passion he once shared with Bramble’s sweetheart–a night he wouldn’t mind repeating. So, he piles on the Texas charm to tease the feisty beauty back into his bed, while she tries her darnedest to resist. But something unexpected is about to tie their fates together . . . and oh, baby, will it ever!



But Slate’s no fool. The woman in his truck may look like Hope, yet the way she feels in his arms is altogether new. He’s determined to keep this twin in his bed and out of his heart. Trouble is, the real Hope is headed home, and she’s got her own designs on Slate. If Faith wants to avoid heartbreak, she’ll have to show a certain ruggedly handsome cowboy that this crazy-impossible love is worth fighting for.

SYNOPSIS:
Make Mine a Bad Boy
  Hope Scroggs is finally ready to get hitched. After years of sowing her wild oats, the former head cheerleader and homecoming queen has returned to Bramble, Texas, to marry her high school flame. But her perfect wedding plans are stomped to smithereens when her adoring cowboy two-steps down the aisle with someone else. Now Hope is stuck with the one man from her past she can’t shake: Colt Lomax, an irresistible bad boy whose sultry kisses are hotter than the Panhandle in August . . .

  Colt lives for freedom and the open road; he never gets attached, never looks back. Still, he can’t forget the night of passion he once shared with Bramble’s sweetheart–a night he wouldn’t mind repeating. So, he piles on the Texas charm to tease the feisty beauty back into his bed, while she tries her darnedest to resist. But something unexpected is about to tie their fates together . . . and oh, baby, will it ever!

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We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
This week’s question:  What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/2011/05/a-bit-of-meme-favorite-things/#ixzz1LfIiWJ8z