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.

I hope you have your overnight bag packed because today I thought we would do a little traveling.  Lori, (aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) hubby’s, Jeff, will also be coming along and is in charge of carrying our luggage lol.  Since this month there is the big wedding “across the pond” what better place to visit.  And in the UK is a very pleasant and sweet blogger.  If you don’t already know her, I would like you to meet her.  Today my guest is CAROL from DIZZY C’s LITTLE BOOK BLOG.

I am a newbie. I have only been blogging since Friday 16th July,2010 with a post entitled “Here goes”.


It read “I have been reading other peoples’ reading blogs for a while now and decided to take the plunge with my own. I get my ideas for books to read mainly from book forums and blogs.”
I decided that it was a great community that I wanted to be part of and I could share my reads with others.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
DizzyC is a nickname I have adopted at home. My partner calls me Dizzy at times because I can be forgetful, repeat myself often, clumsy, and repeat myself often! 🙂
C of course for Carol. The Little book blog came about because it was little at the time LOL

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
My main content should be book related. I do have to remind myself of this sometimes as I tend to rant about the family a lot. Book news, reviews, and book memes.


My youngest AJ has a little feature on there, I do share a little about the family but keep them anon. I just don’t think I have enough on books or family alone to split the two at the moment.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Like my Dizzy nature I cannot decide my favourites when it comes to books, tv and music. I love a mish-mash. My main genres are popular fiction, historical fiction, women’s fiction and chick-lit.

*How often do you post?
This depends on family. There are times when I can blog every day and then sometimes only 3 or 4 times a week. I try not to go more than a few days else I might lose followers!.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Being a stay at home mum (at the moment) can be lonely. I love the community. I love to see what others are blogging about and join in with comments on their blogs.


By the same token I love to blog and receive comments.

*What are some of the negatives?
Time consuming! Bloggers block. I am increasingly finding myself in a queue somewhere or at the cooker racking my brains for the next blog instalment!

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I do love AJ’s posts. They are fun (for me), hope others enjoy them too.


I have my own personal challenge going and hope that will interest my blogging friends from over the pond. I am reading UK and Ireland books thru the ages and
reviewing these books.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Have a good look around other blogs in your subject matter. Check out the forums and groups they use. These can be helpful.


There are blog tutorials out there to help you find your way around setting up your blog.


Don’t worry that some blogs look bigger and more professional. Soon your blog will grow with the community. there are still blogs bigger and more professional than mine 🙂


Be yourself, that is what attracts followers. I had a post on my blog early on. I was worried about my English accent being a problem in a mainly American blog world to begin with.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Firstly, common interests. Then content – an easy to navigate blog with labels or page prompts and not too many gadgets is just right for me.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. I want to go back to college. I am envious of my daughter who is choosing her options for Sixth Form at school. I want to go back and take English Lit and Travel and Tourism!


2. I live in black. It drives my partner mad. I just cannot bring myself to wear much colour. What I wear gives me confidence. I know the old saying that black is a colour to hide behind but black gives me confidence. I do wear a few colour tops and jeans but most of my trousers and skirts are black.


3.I still live in the town I was born in. The furthest I have ever lived away from here is 7 miles. I live 2 streets from the hospital I was born in. I do need to get out more and see more of the UK and the world!


4. The first time I travelled abroad and went on an aeroplane was at the age of 41. All thanks to my wonderful partner. I was married before for 16years and my ex husband never thought once of taking me abroad.


5.My favourite film era is the 1940’s, I love Bette Davies, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn.


6.I would love to have straight, shiny hair. My curly hair is natural, I wouldnt pay good
money for it to look this messy!

*Any other info you would like to share.
I have ranted on long enough. I don’t want to outstay my welcome! 🙂

Carol, Thank You for being my guest today and sharing with all of us.  I know I enjoyed learning a bit more about you.  And for those that don’t know Carol, we have corresponed on several occasions and she is such a sweet and kind person.  It is funny how the “proper” English comes through in her emails.  She has just taken the next step with her blog in the UK whereas she is now accepting requests for reviews, interviewing Guest Authors and hosting giveaways.  I have also gathered from her emails that she is a loving and dedicated Mum, as they say in the UK, sensitive, honest, and strives for perfection with her blog.  With all those traits, I consider her a SHINING STAR.  I hope you enjoyed meeting Carol, if you didn’t know her, or getting to know her better if you do.  Please stop by her blog and say hi !!

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.

I hope you have your overnight bag packed because today I thought we would do a little traveling.  Lori, (aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) hubby’s, Jeff, will also be coming along and is in charge of carrying our luggage lol.  Since this month there is the big wedding “across the pond” what better place to visit.  And in the UK is a very pleasant and sweet blogger.  If you don’t already know her, I would like you to meet her.  Today my guest is CAROL from DIZZY C’s LITTLE BOOK BLOG.

I am a newbie. I have only been blogging since Friday 16th July,2010 with a post entitled “Here goes”.


It read “I have been reading other peoples’ reading blogs for a while now and decided to take the plunge with my own. I get my ideas for books to read mainly from book forums and blogs.”
I decided that it was a great community that I wanted to be part of and I could share my reads with others.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
DizzyC is a nickname I have adopted at home. My partner calls me Dizzy at times because I can be forgetful, repeat myself often, clumsy, and repeat myself often! 🙂
C of course for Carol. The Little book blog came about because it was little at the time LOL

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
My main content should be book related. I do have to remind myself of this sometimes as I tend to rant about the family a lot. Book news, reviews, and book memes.


My youngest AJ has a little feature on there, I do share a little about the family but keep them anon. I just don’t think I have enough on books or family alone to split the two at the moment.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Like my Dizzy nature I cannot decide my favourites when it comes to books, tv and music. I love a mish-mash. My main genres are popular fiction, historical fiction, women’s fiction and chick-lit.

*How often do you post?
This depends on family. There are times when I can blog every day and then sometimes only 3 or 4 times a week. I try not to go more than a few days else I might lose followers!.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Being a stay at home mum (at the moment) can be lonely. I love the community. I love to see what others are blogging about and join in with comments on their blogs.


By the same token I love to blog and receive comments.

*What are some of the negatives?
Time consuming! Bloggers block. I am increasingly finding myself in a queue somewhere or at the cooker racking my brains for the next blog instalment!

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I do love AJ’s posts. They are fun (for me), hope others enjoy them too.


I have my own personal challenge going and hope that will interest my blogging friends from over the pond. I am reading UK and Ireland books thru the ages and
reviewing these books.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Have a good look around other blogs in your subject matter. Check out the forums and groups they use. These can be helpful.


There are blog tutorials out there to help you find your way around setting up your blog.


Don’t worry that some blogs look bigger and more professional. Soon your blog will grow with the community. there are still blogs bigger and more professional than mine 🙂


Be yourself, that is what attracts followers. I had a post on my blog early on. I was worried about my English accent being a problem in a mainly American blog world to begin with.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Firstly, common interests. Then content – an easy to navigate blog with labels or page prompts and not too many gadgets is just right for me.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. I want to go back to college. I am envious of my daughter who is choosing her options for Sixth Form at school. I want to go back and take English Lit and Travel and Tourism!


2. I live in black. It drives my partner mad. I just cannot bring myself to wear much colour. What I wear gives me confidence. I know the old saying that black is a colour to hide behind but black gives me confidence. I do wear a few colour tops and jeans but most of my trousers and skirts are black.


3.I still live in the town I was born in. The furthest I have ever lived away from here is 7 miles. I live 2 streets from the hospital I was born in. I do need to get out more and see more of the UK and the world!


4. The first time I travelled abroad and went on an aeroplane was at the age of 41. All thanks to my wonderful partner. I was married before for 16years and my ex husband never thought once of taking me abroad.


5.My favourite film era is the 1940’s, I love Bette Davies, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn.


6.I would love to have straight, shiny hair. My curly hair is natural, I wouldnt pay good
money for it to look this messy!

*Any other info you would like to share.
I have ranted on long enough. I don’t want to outstay my welcome! 🙂

Carol, Thank You for being my guest today and sharing with all of us.  I know I enjoyed learning a bit more about you.  And for those that don’t know Carol, we have corresponed on several occasions and she is such a sweet and kind person.  It is funny how the “proper” English comes through in her emails.  She has just taken the next step with her blog in the UK whereas she is now accepting requests for reviews, interviewing Guest Authors and hosting giveaways.  I have also gathered from her emails that she is a loving and dedicated Mum, as they say in the UK, sensitive, honest, and strives for perfection with her blog.  With all those traits, I consider her a SHINING STAR.  I hope you enjoyed meeting Carol, if you didn’t know her, or getting to know her better if you do.  Please stop by her blog and say hi !!

SPINNING by Michael Baron

The Aronica-Miller Publishing Project, LLC

At the request of The Story Plant, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from author’s website): Dylan Hunter has it made. At 29, he has great friends, a huge job, all the women he can handle, and no commitments. A public relations executive, Dylan has dashed up the ladder of success by mastering the art of the spin – bending the truth to his and his clients’ needs. But when a former lover steps back into his life with a three-year-old girl by her side (no, she’s not his), Dylan suddenly finds himself in a place he can’t spin himself out of. And when Dylan unexpectedly becomes the child’s sole guardian, he finds himself to be like a circus performer trying to keep all of his spinning plates from crashing to the ground. In what seems like a blink of the eye, Dylan Hunter’s life has changed completely…whether he’s ready for it or not.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: This book was the best birthday present I ever gave to myself !!! People asked what my plans for my birthday were and my answer was relax and read, and I picked the perfect book to read. I became a fan of Michael Baron’s after I read Crossing The Bridge, and his next book, The Journey Home, which was just as good. Talented!!! In this book, Spinning, Mr. Baron, through his writing style and words created life like characters, whereas I fell in love with Spring, the 3 year old child in the center of the story line. Touching!!! This page turner, had this reader, actually able to feel the emotions the characters were experiencing. I had to keep reminding myself that this poignant book was written by a male author. Brilliant!! A novel from page one to the very last page, was full of emotion, heart wrenching and tender, funny and sad, warm with devotion and unconditional love. An engrossing read that pulls on your heartstrings and doesn’t let go, even after you read the last page. Superb!!! A highly recommended must read!!
  Mr. Baron will be visiting on April 12th, so mark your calendars and stop by!!!

From Danielle’s blog:
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: If you could change something about yourself, what would it be & why?
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/2011/03/a-bit-of-meme-soaring-through-the-clouds/#ixzz1HiA0HmBi

SPINNING by Michael Baron

The Aronica-Miller Publishing Project, LLC

At the request of The Story Plant, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
 
Synopsis (borrowed from author’s website): Dylan Hunter has it made. At 29, he has great friends, a huge job, all the women he can handle, and no commitments. A public relations executive, Dylan has dashed up the ladder of success by mastering the art of the spin – bending the truth to his and his clients’ needs. But when a former lover steps back into his life with a three-year-old girl by her side (no, she’s not his), Dylan suddenly finds himself in a place he can’t spin himself out of. And when Dylan unexpectedly becomes the child’s sole guardian, he finds himself to be like a circus performer trying to keep all of his spinning plates from crashing to the ground. In what seems like a blink of the eye, Dylan Hunter’s life has changed completely…whether he’s ready for it or not.
  
My Thoughts and Opinion: This book was the best birthday present I ever gave to myself !!! People asked what my plans for my birthday were and my answer was relax and read, and I picked the perfect book to read. I became a fan of Michael Baron’s after I read Crossing The Bridge, and his next book, The Journey Home, which was just as good. Talented!!! In this book, Spinning, Mr. Baron, through his writing style and words created life like characters, whereas I fell in love with Spring, the 3 year old child in the center of the story line. Touching!!! This page turner, had this reader, actually able to feel the emotions the characters were experiencing. I had to keep reminding myself that this poignant book was written by a male author. Brilliant!! A novel from page one to the very last page, was full of emotion, heart wrenching and tender, funny and sad, warm with devotion and unconditional love. An engrossing read that pulls on your heartstrings and doesn’t let go, even after you read the last page. Superb!!! A highly recommended must read!!
  Mr. Baron will be visiting on April 12th, so mark your calendars and stop by!!!

SPINNING by Michael Baron

The Aronica-Miller Publishing Project, LLC

At the request of The Story Plant, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from author’s website): Dylan Hunter has it made. At 29, he has great friends, a huge job, all the women he can handle, and no commitments. A public relations executive, Dylan has dashed up the ladder of success by mastering the art of the spin – bending the truth to his and his clients’ needs. But when a former lover steps back into his life with a three-year-old girl by her side (no, she’s not his), Dylan suddenly finds himself in a place he can’t spin himself out of. And when Dylan unexpectedly becomes the child’s sole guardian, he finds himself to be like a circus performer trying to keep all of his spinning plates from crashing to the ground. In what seems like a blink of the eye, Dylan Hunter’s life has changed completely…whether he’s ready for it or not.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: This book was the best birthday present I ever gave to myself !!! People asked what my plans for my birthday were and my answer was relax and read, and I picked the perfect book to read. I became a fan of Michael Baron’s after I read Crossing The Bridge, and his next book, The Journey Home, which was just as good. Talented!!! In this book, Spinning, Mr. Baron, through his writing style and words created life like characters, whereas I fell in love with Spring, the 3 year old child in the center of the story line. Touching!!! This page turner, had this reader, actually able to feel the emotions the characters were experiencing. I had to keep reminding myself that this poignant book was written by a male author. Brilliant!! A novel from page one to the very last page, was full of emotion, heart wrenching and tender, funny and sad, warm with devotion and unconditional love. An engrossing read that pulls on your heartstrings and doesn’t let go, even after you read the last page. Superb!!! A highly recommended must read!!
  Mr. Baron will be visiting on April 12th, so mark your calendars and stop by!!!

From Danielle’s blog:
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: If you could change something about yourself, what would it be & why?
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/2011/03/a-bit-of-meme-soaring-through-the-clouds/#ixzz1HiA0HmBi

From An Island Life:
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My Question:

Has anyone played an April Fool’s Trick on you today?

My Answer:

Not yet!!!

.

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don’t have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

This week’s question:
“Since today is April Fool’s Day in the USA, what is the best prank you have ever played on someone OR that someone has played on you?”
My answer:
Off hand I can’t remember, but I am sure my boys pulled off a few good ones when they were younger.  But what really comes to mind is the one I played on my parents, it fell on Easter Sunday in 1956 and I was born!!!