Today I Am A Guest Visiting Kim At Brockway House As Part Of Her Book Bloggers Unveiled Series.

Re-blogged by kind permission from Kim.

Hello everyone and welcome to The BG Blog. Today’s post is Book Bloggers Unveiled: Meet Rosie the blogger behind Rosie Amber.

In the last decade, there has been a self-publishing revolution as I discussed in my first Book Bloggers Unveiled post. I have a strong appreciation for the book blogging community and the part it plays. It’s obvious to me that book bloggers are a valuable marketing resource for any author wanting to self-publish their novels. Not only will they read your novel and write an honest review, but they’ll share their thoughts with their friends – they have hundreds of blogging friends.

Therefore, I’m using my voice to sing the praises of the humble book blogger. Today, it’s the lovely Rosie @ Rosie Amber.

Book Bloggers Unveiled: Meet Rosie (Part 1)

Hello Rosie, thanks for joining us. Firstly, let’s find out a little bit about you.

Why Did You Start Blogging?

I started blogging to combine a love of reading with a desire to embrace social technology; since then it’s developed into a passion to introduce avid readers to new writers, and offer a platform for little-known talent.

What’s The Best Part About Being A Book Blogger?

Creating a place where readers can discover exciting new books. Talking to writers and readers and that special moment when someone says ‘I have just bought that book after reading your review.’

What Books Do You Read?

I read both fiction and non-fiction

Are There Any Genres or Type of Books You Avoid?

I prefer not to read horror, political works, high fantasy, scifi, poetry and short stories.

Do You Have A Favourite Genre, Author, Series? Tell Us More.

Yes, several! I will just mention a few.

• Historical fiction – I really enjoy Kate Quinn’s war themed stories, I like anything realistic and gritty from either World War, especially if it is resistance themed.
• Historical romance – I’m quite happy reading Mills and Boon/ Harlequin romance. A few of my current favourite authors are Virginia Heath, Janice Preston, Annie Burrows and Marguerite Kaye.
• For contemporary adult romance I will read anything by Melissa Foster and I do enjoy a sports romance which tend to fit the new adult genre.
• I like an action adventure and will read any Scott Mariani story, I recently read an indie author in this genre whose book was good too; Jenks by Barney Burrell.
• I enjoy urban fantasy and can recommend books by Debra Dunbar, Kalayna Price and Kirsten Weiss.
• This then crosses to the paranormal genre with books by India R Adams, Melissa Haag and Sarah Addison Allen.
• While I’m going down my list, I like young adult stories too and would like to mention Joy Jenkins, Kylie Scott and Margot de Klerk.

Which Five Authors (Living or Dead) Would You Invite To Your Dinner Party? Tell Us Why.

Ooh a dinner party, that’s a thing of dreams with another Covid induced Lockdown looming! I’d actually like to host a dinner for some of the authors that I have built a great book relationship with: Reily Garrett (author of romantic suspense Moonlight and Murder stories), Marguerite Kaye (author of many Historical romances most recently the joint author of Her Heart For A Compass with Sarah, Duchess Of York), Virginia Heath (Historical romance author of many books; The Wild Warriners were some of my favourites), Kimberly Wenzler (contemporary author of Seasons Out Of Time) and Chris Bridge (His war story Back Behind Enemy Lines was brilliant).

What’s The Worst Part About Being A Book Blogger?

One of the most challenging parts is creating interesting content on multiple platforms to keep your audience entertained and to gain additional genuine followers.

Do You Have Any Hobbies Outside of Blogging? What Do You Do To Relax?

I like baking although I look on a recipe as a guide rather than something which I must follow! I also enjoy gardening. In the last two years I have been growing more and last year I created a kitchen garden.

Tell Us Something That Your Existing Followers Don’t Know About You?

I come from a farming background and I have a cow named after me, although she is can be quite awkward at times, so I hope I’m nothing like her!

Thank you for sharing your innermost secrets with us Rosie. Now, I’m even more excited to find out more about your book blog in part 2 of the interview.

Continue reading the rest of the interview here.

Good Deeds Challenge – Year 2, Week 17

Welcome to my second Year of Good Deeds, a challenge I set myself during April 2013. I decided to do at least one Good Deed a day for a whole year, now I an into my second year.

During my week I’ll also being updating you on My Kindness Challenge which I’m also doing. I read about a new challenge to make the world a better place to live in. “Speak Kind Words, Receive Kind Echoes” see the inspiration on  The Kindness blog . During my learning process I’m donating money to charity for my slip-ups to make me work harder to achieve results. I earn no money from any of my book reviews, so having little to spare should focus my mind.

This week I’ve been doing the following;

August 10th – Have been drafting up Romancing September posts, and a book review post. Had a lovely chat to the student who served me at the supermarket till about his new course he’ll soon be starting at University, made time to be interested in what he had to say.

August 11th – I’ve been spending my Amazon vouchers on books! Some for me and others to share with family and friends. I’ve read some great books in e-format which I would like to share with others, so today I bought Saving our Pennys and The Singing Bowl by Roy Dimond in paperback. I’m also looking forward to re-reading them. Both books really impressed me and got me thinking about life and I wanted to share them with others.

Augustt 12th – It’s been a hard day today, I posted my 3* review of a book for an author who took offence, ( 3* stars! I said there were parts I liked! Get a reality check) I have already put up with a rude e-mail and he has added a vile comment on Goodreads to my review. He posted a equally bullying comment on my blog which I removed. My review stays because I will not bow down to an author who behaves this badly. My book review policy clearly states “I’ll never try to degrade an author or their hard work, but we all have our own tastes, so please RESPECT MINE. Should you dislike my review, then we will have to agree to disagree. Any further ranting about it especially on any of my social sites will not help your cause.” Not clear enough for some people it would seem. The kindness challenge has gone out of the window today and the charity box is firmly closed, I will not pay out my money in this  situation, sorry, I will try harder tomorrow.

Good Deeds received ; Thank you everyone for you support at this trying time.

I’m pleased to say it hasn’t put me off reviewing, I have sent of a review for a lovely YA book Spirit Warriors; The Scarring by Della Connor. As you know I do like a book that has a bit of ghosts and spiritual connections, so this book was right up my street. I have also taken on 3 more books for review today.

August 13th – I’ve bought another book today, my Amazon vouchers have nearly all gone! Isn’t it a lovely feeling to just splurge sometimes? Today I bought How I Changed My Life In A Year by Shelley Wilson . Helped author Charles Yallowitz spread news of his book tour for his latest book The Compass Key I’ve signed up for a day and e-mailed a few others to ask if they can help out. Added a new book to the book review team list, this one is a little different and proceeds will go to those living on the streets. Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People by Dennis Cardiff

Good deeds received: An apology from the author who had his temper tantrum of my 3* review.

August 14th – Have nearly finished all 30 drafts for the Romancing September Tour. Downloaded a free book from Author Rae Rivers who will be one of our guests on the tour, a quick prequel to her series, The Keepers: Sienna. Sent my youngest child out on a play date with chocolate cakes to share.

August 15th – A couple of friends birthdays today so we are off to deliver presents and best wishes. Wished another friends son good luck with his driving theory test tomorrow. My oldest is learning to drive too and so are many of her friends, its all the next step in growing up. A bit scary though, sitting in the passenger seat and not being in control of the car while she learns.

August 16th – Started a good tidy up of the house and garden, to help reflect the need to tidy up my life. Started reading Patriot by A.S Bond ready for a book review. Drafted up a couple more posts for later in the month.