Mollie Mathews's Blog, page 8
May 26, 2024
Boosting Romance Book Sales through Newsletter Marketing
As an author or publisher of romance books, your newsletter is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and driving book sales. By strategically leveraging your newsletter, you can engage readers, build relationships, and ultimately sell more romance books. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies to sell more romance books through your newsletter.
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1. Build a Targeted and Engaged Subscriber List:
The first step in selling more romance books through your newsletter is to build a targeted and engaged subscriber list. Ensure that your newsletter signup form is prominently displayed on your website and social media platforms. Offer incentives such as exclusive content or discounts to encourage readers to join. Focus on quality over quantity by attracting readers who have a genuine interest in romance books. Engage with your subscribers regularly and provide value through interesting content and updates.
2. Craft Compelling Book Recommendations:
One of the most effective ways to sell more romance books is by providing compelling book recommendations in your newsletter. Showcase a variety of romance sub-genres, highlighting new releases, bestsellers, and hidden gems. Craft engaging and persuasive descriptions that capture readers’ attention and generate excitement. Include quotes or snippets from positive reviews to further entice readers. Personalize your recommendations based on readers’ preferences and previous interactions to enhance their connection with your newsletter.
3. Exclusive Content and Sneak Peeks:
To entice readers and create a sense of exclusivity, offer unique and valuable content through your newsletter. Provide sneak peeks of upcoming romance books, including excerpts or behind-the-scenes insights. Offer bonus chapters, short stories, or novellas exclusively to your newsletter subscribers. This exclusive content not only rewards your loyal readers but also creates a strong incentive for new readers to join your newsletter.
4. Run Contests and Giveaways:
Contests and giveaways are excellent promotional tools to generate excitement and increase book sales. Use your newsletter to announce and run these promotions, offering romance books as prizes. Encourage readers to share the contest with their friends and on social media to expand your reach. This not only increases engagement but also helps to grow your newsletter subscriber list. Remember to comply with legal regulations and clearly communicate the terms and conditions of the contest or giveaway.
5. Author Updates and Behind-the-Scenes:
Readers love to connect with authors on a personal level. Share regular author updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses in your newsletter. Let readers into your writing process, share your inspirations, and provide insights into your characters and stories. This personal connection builds trust and loyalty, making readers more likely to support your work by purchasing your romance books.
6. Limited-Time Promotions and Discounts:
Create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action by offering limited-time promotions and discounts exclusively to your newsletter subscribers. This could include discounted e-book prices, free shipping, or bundle deals. Clearly communicate the limited-time nature of these offers and provide a direct link to purchase the books. Additionally, consider partnering with other romance authors or publishers to offer joint promotions, expanding your reach and attracting new readers.
Your newsletter is a valuable marketing tool for selling more romance books. By building a targeted and engaged subscriber list, crafting compelling book recommendations, providing exclusive content and sneak peeks, running contests and giveaways, sharing author updates, and offering limited-time promotions, you can effectively engage with your readers and drive book sales. Remember to continuously analyze and optimize your newsletter strategy based on reader feedback and engagement metrics. With a well-executed newsletter marketing strategy, you can boost your romance book sales and cultivate a dedicated community of romance readers.
SIGN UP FOR MOLLIE MATHEWS’ NEWSLETTER and RECEIVE A FREE LOVE STORY
The post Boosting Romance Book Sales through Newsletter Marketing appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
May 19, 2024
World Bee Day and Bonus Chapter: Love All of Me
Dear friends,
To celebrate World Bee Day on the 20th of May, I wanted to share a bonus prologue (scroll to the end of this post) and a chapter from, Love All of Me, with you. This story was inspired by the tragic events of December 2019 when the volcano on Whakaari, commonly known as White Island, in New Zealand erupted. At the time of writing, the eruption took the lives of 16 people and injured 30, most were critically hurt with life-threatening burns.
I read about a young man (aged only nineteen) who not only was severely burned but awoke from his induced coma to learn that his entire family had died.
I wondered, what would it be like to be a survivor? What if you were wracked with survivor’s guilt? What if your scars weren’t just on the outside but buried deep within? What if you felt you had no right to live, let alone love again? What and who would it take to heal such traumatic scars?
And what would happen if a woman who hates Christmas agreed to be Red-Hot Santa’s helper and the spark they have is hotter than a Sicilian sunset?
Here’s a little more about the story:After surviving a horrific accident Kate Miller is plagued by guilt. Hiding both her mental and physical scars, she shuns love and escapes into work—finding meaning and purpose in running her global manuka honey empire.
Beautiful and smart, when Gianni Romano demands she sell the business to him, her passions are inflamed. How dare he think he can buy the only thing that gives her a reason to live?
Gianni Romano has ventured to New Zealand by the one thing he’d love to escape: family The Romano fortune and name has followed him wherever he goes. But that only made the headstrong Italian more determined to strike out on his own. Now he’s on the cusp of achieving world acclaim.
Only one woman stands in his way—Kate Miller and her refusal to submit to his demands.
The spark they have flames hotter than a Sicilian sunset, but when emotions run deep and lives are on the line, will mixing business with pleasure be the bedrock for a lifelong love? Or will it all explode like an angry volcano?
Love All of Me is a true romance, brimming with the promise of a happily ever after.
If you love feel-good, sensual contemporary romances set in beautiful love-infused settings, then you’ll love Kate and Gianni’s story!
Listen to your free excerpt hereP.S.
You might be interested to know that Ron Howard and Leonardo DiCaprio have produced a feature documentary about the 2019 tragedy. Netflix’s documentary about the White Island/Whakaari eruption titled The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari. The Netflix documentary shows a number of survivors sharing their stories.
“I thought, ‘This is it. We’re going to die on our honeymoon’,” says one man.
Rescue workers also feature in the documentary, recounting their experiences of the tragic day. “I heard the call, ‘There’s people on the island and she’s erupting’,” says one man.
The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari was released on Netflix on 16 December 2022.
WORLD BEE DAY“Bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance. This day provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping.” Source: https://www.fao.org/world-bee-day
Bee In Flower by Cassandra Gaisford
“Bees and other pollinators are essential for our existence, sustaining agriculture and biodiversity worldwide. With over 20,000 species of bees and various other wild pollinators, they face challenges from human activities, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
In recognition of the pivotal role that youth can play in addressing challenges bees and other pollinators are facing, World Bee Day 2024 focuses on the theme “Bee engaged with Youth.” This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as the future stewards of our environment.
This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness among youth and other stakeholders about the essential role of bees and other pollinators in agriculture, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. By engaging young people in beekeeping activities, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we can inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and empower them to make a positive impact on the world.”
Source: https://www.fao.org/world-bee-day
I was inspired by the 2024 theme of World Bee Day, “Bee engaged with youth,” to create a bonus scene, a prologue, in which the heroine, Kate Millar, travels back in time and is a six-year-old being taught by her father the importance of bees to our survival. If you’ve read Love All of Me, you’ll know how vital bees became in helping Kate heal from the tragedy that took her father’s life years later.
BONUS PROLOGUE: LOVE ALL OF MESix-year-old Kate Millar skipped along the white pebbled path towards the buzzing beehives, her small hand gripping tightly onto her father’s calloused fingers. The warm rays of the morning sun filtered through the trees, casting shimmering gold fairy dust on the picturesque scene before them. The air was filled with the gentle hum of bees going about their important work.
“Look, Daddy!” Kate exclaimed, her eyes widening with wonder as she pointed towards a cluster of bees gathering nectar from a vibrant patch of pink and blue wildflowers nearby. “There are so many bees! They’re so busy!”
Her father smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling with pride and love. “Yes, sweetheart,” he replied, his voice filled with warmth. “Bees work tirelessly to pollinate plants, allowing them to grow and produce the fruits and vegetables that we rely on for food. They are incredibly important for our existence.”
Kate’s curiosity piqued, and she turned her attention back to the beehives in front of them. The smell of honey wafted through the air, enticing her senses. She watched as her father lifted the lid of one of the hives, revealing the intricate network of honeycomb inside.
“Daddy, why do bees make honey?”
Her father gently set the hive tool aside and knelt down to her level. “Bees make honey as their food source, Katie,” he explained. “They collect nectar from flowers and bring it back to the hive. Then, they use their special glands to turn the nectar into honey. It’s their way of storing food for the colony, especially during the colder months when there are fewer flowers blooming.”
Kate nodded, absorbing her father’s words. She reached out a tiny hand towards a jar of honey sitting on a nearby table. “Can I taste some honey, Daddy?”
Her father chuckled and handed her a small spoon. “Of course, sweetheart,” he replied. “Just a little bit though, honey is precious to the bees.”
Kate eagerly dipped the spoon into the jar, scooping up a small dollop of golden honey. She closed her eyes and savored the sweet, sticky goodness on her tongue. A smile spread across her face as she opened her eyes again.
“Mmm, it’s delicious!” Kate exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Thank you for sharing, bees!”
Her father smiled and tousled her hair gently. “You’re welcome, Katie,” he said. “But remember, bees don’t just give us honey. They also play a vital role in pollinating plants. Without them, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we enjoy would not exist.”
Kate’s eyes widened in understanding. She looked around at the vibrant garden surrounding them, the colorful petals swaying in the gentle breeze. “So, bees help plants grow and make everything beautiful?”
Her father nodded, his eyes filled with pride. “Exactly, sweetheart,” he affirmed. “Bees are nature’s little superheroes. They work tirelessly to ensure our environment is healthy and thriving. We need to protect and take care of them.”
Kate nodded solemnly, her young mind grasping the importance of the bees’ role in the world. She made a silent promise to herself to always appreciate and cherish these tiny creatures that held such great significance.
As they stood there, surrounded by the harmonious symphony of buzzing bees, Kate felt a deep connection to nature and a newfound respect for the intricate balance of life. She knew that she would carry this awareness with her, not just as a 6-year-old girl, but throughout her entire life.
She placed her hand in her father’s, and continued to explore the fascinating world of bees, their tiny wings carrying the weight of the world’s existence on their delicate bodies.
She slipped her hand free and tiptoed through the wildflower meadow, her small fingers gently brushing against the delicate petals. The vibrant colours danced in the breeze, creating a kaleidoscope of beauty. Her father, followed closely behind, his protective presence providing her with a sense of comfort and security.
“You’re like a bee, aren’t you Daddy? And I’m your flower. Without you I wouldn’t exist.”
Her father laughed, but Kate suddenly felt afraid. “Promise me you’ll never leave. Promise me you’ll always look after me and protect me.”
“I promise, sweetheart. No matter what, I will never leave. One day, far far away, when it is time to meet my maker in the sky, I will come back as a bee. Where ever the bees are you will find me.”
Buy this book through the links below…AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/Love-All-Me-Mollie-Mathews-ebook/dp/B09NMTYMV4
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09NMTYMV4
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NMTYMV4
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09NMTYMV4
Universal Link: https://mybook.to/LoveAllofMe
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES: https://books2read.com/u/4N9KnY
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/love-all-of-me
AUDIOBOOKAUDIBLE US: https://www.audible.com/pd/Love-All-of-Me-Audiobook/B0B75KCRSR
AUDIBLE UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Love-All-of-Me-Audiobook/B0B75P48T2
AUDIBLE AU: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Love-All-of-Me-Audiobook/B0B75NCPD8
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/love-all-of-me-1
Audiobooks are also available from other online retailers and libraries for your listening pleasure
Listen to your free excerpt here
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1bddw1Qw1...The post World Bee Day and Bonus Chapter: Love All of Me appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
May 16, 2024
Love in New Zealand
So many of my readers are based in the US and dream of visiting New Zealand and the exotic Fijian Islands one day—but it’s just so far away.
The first two books of my romantic series were set in my home country against the beautiful backdrop of stunning Aotearoa and the tranquility of Fiji.
***YOU’LL LOVE THIS 2-BOOK BOXSET***EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON
AMAZON
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X17G5PR
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06X17G5PR
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06X17G5PR
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06X17G5PR
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/2BillionairesBoxSet
I loved writing these books, and I fed my inspiration by taking loads of photos and painting scenes as I wrote both The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride, which is set in Auckland and Fiji, and the The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage, which is set in stunning Queenstown—with a wee dose of Milan, Italy.
To help you visualise the extraordinary beauty of a country I’m lucky enough to call home, and to see some of the things that inspired these love stories, here’s a few piccies—taken by me.
First, here’s a few images from Fiji—so much natural beauty, and only a two hour flight away from New Zealand!
New Zealand’s Queenstown and Auckland, played a staring role in The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage. Here’s a couple of shots of some of the stunning scenery around this part of the country.
And a few looking back across Auckland harbour, in New Zealand’s North Island, with The Sky Tower looming in the distance.
If you’ve read The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage you’ll remember that scene where Alex finds out that man in the art gallery who’d taken her breath away the night before, is the mysterious buyer who holds the key to unraveling the secrets of her past. The ‘reveal’ takes place at the top of the Sky Tower. Here’s an excerpt from this scene, as Alex, who’s afraid of heights rides in the lift:
A bolt of awareness streaked down Alex’s backbone as sexual tension echoed in the silence around them. Excruciatingly aware of his amused stare, she locked her gaze on the elevator panel forcing herself to find it infinitely fascinating as every fiber of her body orbited in his direction.
No gaping. Didn’t the brute know that was elevator etiquette, she thought shocked at his directness and irritated by her humiliation?
She inhaled sharply and in an uncharacteristic move of boldness slowly, purposely, turned her head and surveyed him with one calm, detached glance.
At least that was what it was meant to be. Maddeningly, sage green eyes trapped hers, forcing her gaze to sensuous lips curved into a sardonic smile, as he leaned against the wall. Strong arms folded against his powerful chest as he faced her with the arrogant confidence of a non-conformist who found her mortal embarrassment amusing and cared nothing for rules. Clear and confident and incisive, his piercing gaze stirred an instant protective instinct, hammering home her acute vulnerability.
Damn, she thought helplessly, he is totally gorgeous. Alex’s heartbeat kicked up a gear even as her senses hummed, every cell detonating into life. Up close he was even taller and more warrior like than he’d appeared at the gallery. Long-legged, with shoulders that would be a credit to any Greek god he was 110% pure man. 1001% pure danger.
Gosh, what if he was the mysterious buyer, she thought for a reckless second? No impossible. He looked to be in his early-thirties, not old enough to be a man who had known her father and what had happened with his life over 20 years ago. This man would only have been a child then. He was far too young and far too casually dressed to be in possession of such a fortune. Heart contracting in her chest Alex ran a swift glance over his clothes. A rich chocolate hip-length leather jacket covered a V-neck navy cashmere jersey and white shirt hanging informally over ink colored designer jeans. Casual they may appear, but they were tailor made for brute strength, impeccably proportioned for his lean body and long, strong, muscled legs..
Her pulse hammered as the lift began to climb toward the restaurant 192 meters above the city. Don’t look down, a voice warned as the lift climbed higher. She fixed her gaze on a spot on the horizon, trying to block out the stranger’s unrelenting stare, made worse by his amused silence.
‘Allora, is your invisible friend afraid of heights?’ His unsmiling, icy calmness was in direct contrast to her uneasy emotions. The brute obviously had no empathy.
‘Afraid of heights? Nope,’ she lied, hoping he wouldn’t detect the fear sucking life from her voice. She hadn’t thought about the height thing when she’d impulsively picked the meeting venue. She wasn’t a planner. She was impetuous, impulsive. Stupid.
Why the hell hadn’t she thought it through? Whether it was a fierce determination to prove him wrong, or the mortification of already having made a fool of herself, she plastered on her most fearless, warrior-woman face and stepped over to the viewing glass inserted in the middle of the floor. Feel the fear and do it anyway, isn’t that what the self-help gurus advocated? Heck, it wasn’t as if she’d die.
I can do this she told herself, fixing the stranger with a defiant stare. Whether it was fear or the thrill of the crazed energy that sparked between them like wild-fire she didn’t know, but her head began to spin as she peered down into the abyss of the lift shaft. Her body tilted as the whole lift seemed to sway, pulling her in one lethal direction.
Gasping, she fought to control her legs. She squealed as she lost her balance. For one stark second she felt the undulating contour of every muscle in his hard torso on her back, and the strength of his arm across her breasts. Sparks like flints on graphite ignited between them as she clung to the man of steel and their bodies momentarily fused.
Although the heat storming her chest robbed her of breath, strength and wits, instinct kicked in. “Move back!” it snapped.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she mumbled mortified, her voice barely audible, as she sprung away from him as though his touch burned her.
I hope you enjoyed this wee peek into some of the inspiration for my books
Love
The Gemstone Billionaires Boxed Set contains the first two books of AMAZON TODAY BEST-SELLING author Mollie Mathew’s romantic series set against the beautiful backdrop of stunning Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet romances with a touch of comedy, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women longing to find their special soul with heart.
EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON
AMAZON
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X17G5PR
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06X17G5PR
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06X17G5PR
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06X17G5PR
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/2BillionairesBoxSet
The first two Gemstone Billionaire books (over 500 pages) included in this bundle are:
The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride
What if the person who is so, so, so wrong for you is really so, so, so right, but you’re too afraid to give love a chance?
Last Christmas, art therapist Issy Riley was jilted by her fiancé. This Christmas she’s running away. A week with a client on his private Fijian island promises to save her from cheating men and the London festive season. But when the client turns out to be a gorgeous and magnetic Italian billionaire, he threatens her resolve to never again trust her heart to the wrong man.
Milan fashion house leader and avowed bachelor Massimiliano Balforni has no intention of taking a vacation, despite his sister’s insistence that he subject himself to an art therapy retreat following a minor heart attack. With an important collection due, he intends to fire his therapist and work, instead. But the determined and striking Issy gives his heart palpitations of a far more dangerous kind.
The one thing Max and Issy agree on: they are as wrong for each other as wrong gets. He’s a workaholic playboy who believes emotion is a weakness. She’s a romantic who yearns for a happily ever after.
As the tropical heat soars, they discover that in this battle between work and play, resistance only fuels attraction—and sometimes two wrongs make a very passionate right.
Set in two beautiful paradises—Milano, Italy and the tropical Pacific islands of Fiji.
The Italian Billionaire’s Scandalous Marriage
What if everything you believed was a lie?
When a lonely young American woman inherits a painting she discovers her whole life was a lie. Desperate for the truth, she goes in search of her true identity.
The painting is her only clue. But everyone is determined to keep its secret past repressed, including Vitaliano Rossi, the Italian gold tycoon, unnaturally suspicious of her motives, who wants the painting vanquished. How can she discover who she really is and convince him that his love means more to her than gold?
Three women. Three lives. And the lies that bind them. Why is everyone afraid of the truth?
Praise for The Gemstone Billionaires series!
“What a blinking good read—more please. I was hooked from page one.”
“Mollie is just such a good writer with enormous appeal in her story – an excellent read on a rainy day.”
“An enthralling read. Keeps me captivated from start to finish and leaves me wanting more.”
Escape into romance with this beautiful box set. The Gemstone Billionaires Box Set is a fun read with healthy doses of escapism.
The post Love in New Zealand appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
May 11, 2024
Why Doesn’t Mummy Love Me?
As I write this post, countries in the Southern hemisphere begin their Mother’s Day celebrations. But being or having a mother is not a cause for celebration for everyone. Some children are blessed with wonderful mother’s and others aren’t. The traumatic truth is some mother’s don’t love their children as they could, or should.
Toxic mothers (and fathers, brothers, and daughters) is a theme I write about in many of my self-empowerment books (written as Cassandra Gaisford) and love stories (written as Mollie Mathews).
Having a toxic mother doesn’t have to condemn you to a life of less. You can find joy from sh*t and be your own magic mummy and give yourself all the love and devotion, cheerleading and praise you missed out on growing up.
You may find the following book in my Transformational Super Kids series helpful in your journey:
Why Doesn’t Mummy Love Me?Love yourself unconditionally. Be a magic mummy!When Annie’s mother is mean to her she tries harder to please her, but nothing works. She believes she’s unlovable and thinks she’s bad. Until her friend, Lulu shares her story and tells Annie that some mothers don’t know how to love.
This is a classic, empowering book that every child, teenager and adult should have the joy of reading.
With a unique combination of beautifully simple stories, comforting words, and powerful uplifting messages, Cassandra has been delighting young children, teenagers and adults for over fifty years.
Cassandra cuts to the heart of the lesson we all need to hear, over and over again, helping us learn to self-soothe, surround ourselves with positive influences, be empowered and love ourselves unconditionally.
Creator of the delightfully beautiful and courageous, The Little Princess, Cassandra Gaisford is a global best-seller.
Why Doesn’t Mummy Love Me? is an inspiring story and personal development guide for girls with themes on self-love, self-esteem, self-reliance and resilience.
This book is especially for you if you’re:
The child (young or old) of an abusive parent, narcissist or a mother with borderline personality disorder, this book will aid hope and healingA therapist—this book will help empower your clientsA caregiver or friend of an abandoned child, this book will aid understanding
Click the BUY NOW links below to get your copy today.To enjoy your copy from Amazon: viewbook.at/WhyDoesntMummyLoveMe
To enjoy your copy from iBooks, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores, click here: https://books2read.com/u/38MdW6
To enjoy your copy from Kobo, click here:
https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/why-doesn-t-my-mummy-love-me
AUDIOBOOK
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/why-doesn-t-mummy-love-me
Amazon coming soon
What Readers Say“A really good story. I love that the Transformational Super Kids stories have a real rhythm to them that makes for easy reading for a child. In Why Doesn’t Mummy Love Me? I particularly liked the perspective from her friend, challenging what Annie thought of herself. The gathering evidence exercise is awesome and was a reminder to me to do that more often Also for Lulu to say she didn’t see her Mummy anymore because it was too painful was very powerful. Too often, I think stories along these lines still put the onus on the reader to change themselves to somehow appease the other person Cassandra did not. In a very subtle way, she has got across that the mother’s behaviour was unacceptable and that Annie caring about herself was not selfish but necessary (it’s hard for me to admit to anyone other than my brother that life is much more stress-free without my own mother around). And lastly, the talk of being a magic mummy has a real sparkle to it – something a child could imagine doing and a helpful way out of a difficult situation. A really good story and the following author’s note, while confronting is very real and relatable.”
~ Laura V.
As a child therapist, I had the privilege of hearing from boys and girls, young and old, who told me that their mummies didn’t love them as they should.
“If I was my mother, I wouldn’t drink,” one 8-year-old said. His father was in prison and his mother was at the pub. Luckily he had an excellent GRAND-mummy who was raising him and bringing him to therapy to help with his anger issues.
“My mother wanted custody of my sister, but she didn’t come for me. She doesn’t want me. She doesn’t love me. I’m no good,” a 12-year-old boy referred, also for anger issues, told me.
“I want to kill myself,” a 10-year-old sobbed. “My mother is always yelling at me. The more I try to do to make her happy, the more she gives me and then she shouts when I can’t do it all. She wouldn’t care if I died.”
Look into their mother’s history, as I helped these children do, and as I have done to heal my own wounds, and they discover that their mothers are walking wounded. Their mummies (and daddies) rather than learn from their childhoods, victimise all, or some of their children.
One woman, now in her mid-fifties, was the daughter of a mother raised by an alcoholic. “I don’t remember my mother ever being sober,” her mother once confided in her. “And my father flew into violent rages.”
A child of divorced parents once said to her mother, “If you don’t love my dad that means you don’t love half of me.”
I can see the logic, but also the mistaken belief – because her mother had raised her on her own and had given her more love than 20 fathers ever could.
Reflecting now I wonder if a mother doesn’t or can’t love her daughter perhaps there is 50 per cent or more about herself that she doesn’t love either. Perhaps because of the damage inflicted by her mummy (or daddy) too.
Only love loves. It’s often a hard lesson to learn. So many unloved children suffer from mental illnesses, which if left unexamined extends into adulthood
“I was four or five I ran away from home. It’s my earliest memory of wanting to find someone to love me,” a client shared with me.
“I think my mother-story started at birth. I was the first-born— a girl. Not the son my parents wanted. But perhaps the daughter upon whom my father doted. They quickly tried again. My brother, my mother’s favourite, arrived with lungs that never stopped yelling, 11 months after I was born.”
“Don’t show off,” her mother scolded my client, then a child, when she would come home from school with A’s. “Don’t do so well, you know your brother finds school hard.”
She told me that both her siblings later excelled commercially.
“Don’t do this. Don’t do that. Don’t be that. Don’t wear that. Don’t say that. Whack! Don’t be left-handed,” she was told with smack and smack.
“Don’t! Don’t. I soon lost myself. I became a mummy pleaser—or, rather, I tried. Bending over to try to be loved, keeping quiet when I wanted to cry or share something that made me happy. I pursued careers in accounting and banking to make my parents happy—at the cost of my own mental and emotional health.”
I can assure you people-pleasing is not a winner’s strategy. If someone has taken a dislike to you, sometimes, like a person who hates eating fish, their distaste never changes.
Nor should you.
If you can’t be loved by your mother unconditionally then love yourself unconditionally. Warts, pimples, freckles, flaws and extraordinary talents and all. Because you are a star. We all are. Some stars live in dark galaxies, and others need to live in the light to shine brightly.
Promise me you won’t play small to make others feel tall. Be greater today than the story of your past.
Everyone’s mean-mother story is unique. As one of my clients shared, “My issues with my Mum were a bit different. She definitely had a victim mentality and while she would say she was proud of me and my brother with our achievements, there was always a little dig about how much luckier we were than she was. She ‘took umbrage’ (her words) to everything and always seemed to turn an innocuous comment into a personal attack on her. Threatened suicide several times which meant every time I had a fight with her, I had to ring one of her friends afterwards to check in on her to make sure she hadn’t done anything stupid. I think when Dad left (when I was 15), she defined herself as a divorced woman and never recovered.”
Of course, it’s not just mums that can be mean, or manipulative. There’s plenty of mean and toxic dads out there. If you think you were or are lucky to have your mum or dad, I promise you one day you’ll look back and you’ll understand why you had your parents.
Like my book coaching client Heather who channelled her lack of love into teaching and later became a children’s self-empowerment author.
Similarly, author and creator of Hay House books, Louise Hay who was sexually and emotionally abused as a child, transformed her wounds into wisdom. Hay’s success lay in highlighting the power of our words to both heal and harm.
David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, based Livia heavily on his own mother, Norma Chase. He described her as being paranoid, sharp-tongued, abusive, and disregarding her son’s career achievements. Many of Livia’s memorable lines, such as “Poor you” (something my mother said whenever I tried to tell her how I felt) are what Norma Chase would say. Rather than be victimised he spent time in psychotherapy and channelled his experiences of growing up with a narcissistic mother into the gangster Tony Sopranos, mother.
Or Kiwi songbird, Kiri Te Kanawa, who said, “I learned early on to be self-reliant.”
Similarly, actress Drew Barrymore divorced both parents when she was fifteen.
In short, it’s easy to imagine who you may have become had your mother been kinder, nicer, sweeter.
But what if the real tragedy is, who would you not have become had life treated you differently? What if your life unfolded exactly as it should? What if there was a divine plan? There’s magic in that!
“Go laugh in the places you cried. Change the narrative. Everything aligns.”
The post Why Doesn’t Mummy Love Me? appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
May 3, 2024
Sheikhs Untamed Brides Box Set Books 1-3
EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D37DY81N
If you’re in KU, you’ll enjoy The Sheikhs Untamed Brides Box Set Books 1-3 for FREE. If you enjoy tender love in exotic locations, grab these sweet & sensual escapist reads today. Lose yourself in these beautiful stories of broken hearts and second chances. The boxset will give you three books at a bargain price!
★★★★★ “Beautiful, well-written, totally addictive stories that had me wanting more!”
This is a sweet and clean sheikh romance boxed set from award-winning author Mollie Mathews. Filled with sweet, enthralling tales of sheikh romance, set in a number of fictional Middle Eastern kingdoms, and featuring a host of maverick, handsome sheik romantic heroes, it’s a great value boxed set featuring three books at a bargain price!
Claimed by The Sheikh
The secret she kept from the Sheikh…
A grief-stricken Sheikh Tariq na Hassir, the formidable ruler of the Kingdom of Avana, arrives in Paris to claim his brother’s child after a car crash killed his parents–only to find out from the hospital that the child isn’t their biological son. Salim is Tariq’s son, with his former lover, a renowned architect.
Three years ago, after being banished by Tariq from his desert kingdom, Melanie Jones secretly gave her baby to Tariq’s childless brother and his wife, in a swap the world was never supposed to discover.
The tragedy pulls her back to the world that rejected her and the man who abandoned her—the only man capable of turning her carefully controlled world upside down.
Tariq will do whatever it takes to protect his legacy, including claiming Melanie as his bride and his son as heir before scandals ensue. But Melanie has other plans for her future—a westernized life where she’s free to operate her own business, control her life, and hold onto her wish that one day she’ll meet a man who loves her for who she truly is.
Stolen By The Sheikh
Fiercely independent contemporary artist Lucy Ford was absolutely content with her life—until the day maverick Sheikh Anwar na Hassir strolled into her gallery and back into her life. Anwar could not, would not, must not ever know the truth. Not if she was to keep her child.
Luring Lucy to his desert Kingdom, somewhere between the magic of the desert and the stroll along the ocean, she lets him steal her heart. Only to discover that love, once given, can never be returned.
Bought By The Sheikh
Sometimes, love wins. Is this one of those times?
Charismatic playboy Sheikh Prince Fazza na Hassir faces a challenge that will test his business acumen and his heart. When his life collides with Grace Hunt, a fiercely independent and brilliant CEO who has relocated to Aibud to escape her toxic family, Fazza attempts to win her over with his wealth and power.
Grace remains steadfast in her determination not to be bought by the sheikh. Their clash of wills sets the stage for a mesmerizing tale of love, passion, and destiny.
Readers who love sheikdom stories will love this 3 book boxset with its familiar secret babies, enemies to lovers; opposites attract, later-in-life, the wrong side of the track and forced proximity tropes.
one moving read
“This is one moving read that will hold you captivated in its thrall and propel you to read more in this world/series.”
exciting and sensual
“An exciting, sensual addition to the Sheikh romance genre. Thank you so much for writing this story.”
touched my heart
“I loved Stolen By The Sheikh! The depth of emotions of both going back to their childhoods and how they were raised touched my heart! Such a heartbreaking way to grow up. Both seemed to have worked their way through that and came out on top!! Best kind of story for sure!”
EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON
Exclusive to KU
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON CA:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D37DY81N
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D37DY81N
Audio version of this book coming soon
Enjoy other Boxset contemporary romances by Mollie Mathews:
Second Chance, Secret Baby Romance
Sweet Christmas Romance Collection 3 Book-Bundle Box Set
Passion Down Under Sassy Short Stories 6 Book-Bundle Box Set
The post Sheikhs Untamed Brides Box Set Books 1-3 appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
April 27, 2024
5 Reasons Why I Write Love Stories
Hi…I’m Mollie, the joyful writer. Joy is my passion. I find joy in writing love stories and creating paintings people love.
Did you know…
Along with being an award-winning author, I have also won awards for my art. Many of my books have art-related themes and/or star Issy Riley as an art therapist. The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride is one of my favorites and features her love story with Milan fashion house leader and avowed bachelor Massimiliano Balforni.
One of the unexpected joys of writing is the lovely readers I have met. Plus, opening my artist’s studio and creating an art gallery during the pandemic (Feb 2021). Here are a few more things you probably didn’t know about me.
I once had a business called The Colour Girl, helping Wellingtonians feel more confident and happier, too, wearing colors that made their soul sing. People used to call me “Pot Plant” because of the beautiful flower-fabrics I loved to wear.
For many years, I was a child and adult therapist.
I entered an art award once, just for the fun, and won! When they told me I had won the supreme award and thousands of dollars, I said, “That can’t be right. You’ve made a mistake. That other painting was better. That artist should have won.”
No, they said, “The judges were unanimous, they loved yours. It was different.”
I used my winnings to join Max Gimblett for a never-to-be-repeated Sumi ink painting class he held in Maui, Hawaii. Hurray! You may enjoy reading my blog about this experience, here>>
One of my most ‘colourful jobs,” was working for the Department of Corrections as a Transformational Change Mentor, working with prison managers and senior managers. ‘Thank you for brightening up our day, “ staff used to say. “You’ll like an exotic flower.”
My experience working in prisons kicked-started my romance writing when a prison manager asked me if I would write a book about Sheikhs.
CLAIMED BY THE SHEIKH is the first in’ THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES series starring Maverick Sheikh Billionaires. I have since written and published three books in this series–each can be read as a stand-alone and feature characters from my other books, too.
Claimed by the Sheikh (Tariq and Melanie)
Stolen By The Sheikh (Anwar and Lucy)
Bought By The Sheikh (Fazza and Grace)
Tamed By The Sheikh (Hamad and Nicky) Coming soon.
Freed by the Sheikh (Rashad and Haya) Coming soon
I love to write outside and paint barefoot with my canvas on the ground.
Born in the sign of Libra, beauty is my muse. It’s important to me that my paintings and stories make people feel happy and uplifted. As Picasso once said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
My other favorite quote is by Mother Theresa, “We are all pens in the hand of a writing God, sending love letters to the world.”
In summary, the 5 reasons I love to write love stories include:
Creating and sharing joy
Sharing my heart
Uplifting others
Creative Expression
Connecting with like-hearted readers
I’d love to hear more about you, too, so please comment below
Much love
Mollie
✩° ⋆。˚ 
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
Embarking on a journey to distant lands not only broadens our horizons but also…
Travel turns you into a storyteller
GET MY AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER “TWIST OF FATE” FOR FREE
The post 5 Reasons Why I Write Love Stories appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
April 25, 2024
New Release! Bittersweet Short Love Stories
Loss, Hope, and Healing…It’s never too late for love
Everyone deals with loss, whether it’s the death of parents, bereavement, retrenchment, a fracture in a relationship, a wayward child, a financial loss, betrayal, or something more tragic. There are no exceptions: everyone will live in those shadows. Award-winning author and artist Mollie Mathews provides a collection of love stories, capturing her way of embracing the shadow and living in light.
The stories in the What is Soft is Strong: Bittersweet Short Love Stories collection include:
The Imperfect Daughter
48-year-old Nicky Pelli’s mother hates her, and she’s only just figured it out. When Nicky receives a text a week before Christmas disowning her, she vows she’ll never do Christmas or sacrifice her needs again. She decides to transform a slumbering hobby into a career making jewelry that makes life shine—only to be unexpectedly delighted by an expected encounter.
You’re Lucky You’ve Only Got One Child
Haya has fled her past, but she can’t escape the haunting memories when her joy turns into sorrow. Whatever has happened, she is determined to master fate by radically accepting it and embracing love.
What is Soft is Strong
Childhood trauma has taught Samara Joy to protect her heart. But when she risks losing the man she loves, she risks vulnerability. Will Hal reject her again or love Samara unconditionally?
Bittersweet
Chocolate wars brew when 44-year-old, fledgling Montana-based chocolate maker Susie Sweet receives a cease-and-desist from Italian confectionary baron Raffaello Ferrero.
Bonus excerpt from book 3 in Mollie Mathews’s Sassy Short Stories Downunder Collection, Forever and Always.
Forever and Always is a short romance full of quirky humor and the promise of a happily ever after. Set in The Bay of Islands, New Zealand—one of the most beautiful, unspoiled, sensuous places in the world.
FOREVER AND ALWAYS is part of Mollie Mathews’ PASSION DOWN UNDER SASSY SHORT STORIES series starring Maverick Billionaires and Rebellious Wives. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too.
Twist of Fate (Jonathon and Danny)
Love Me Forever (Joey and Tomasso)
Forever and Always (Lily and Leonardo)
Love Me As I Am (Kiri and Benotti)
The Lightkeeper’s Lover (Lucy and Andrew)
Finding a Husband (Julie and Oliver)
Love Me As I Am (Kiri and Benotti)
Fans of Sarah Morgan and Danielle Steel will love these HEA romances!
PRAISE FOR STORIES BY MOLLIE MATHEWScompellingly page-turning“Wow, just wow, I can’t articulate enough how compellingly page-turning this remarkable story was. If I could give it more than 5 stars this would be it! This author has the gift & the power to make you experience her remarkable craft on a whole other level. I’m not one to tell the story, the blurb & other reviewers will cover that but I will concede that this magical, mystical, hauntingly beautiful story will stay with me for the longest time. Highly recommended.”
~ Terry
grabbed me from the first page“This book grabbed me from the first page. Both lead characters were portrayed fully as real people not just by how they looked as in many books. There being a child involved added to my enjoyment!”
~ Melba
determined to carve a career for herself“The tone for this book is set in the opening chapters as the young Sheikh is faced with ongoing difficulties in the kingdom created by his atrocious father. He is fighting an ongoing battle to prevent himself from being sucked into the past and to rather create a new and prosperous future for his people. Tariq’s previous rejection of Melanie and the results have soured her against romantic love and made her determined to carve a career for herself.”
~ Margaret
fiery, passionate and conflicting“I really like the premise of the book, I always like the royal romance with impediments to happiness and this book has it in spades. I like the strong figure of the Sheikh and the strong heroine who has built a professional career. Immediately I can see lots of problems that seem insurmountable at first: their past stormy relationship, the baby secret, her desire to have her own career, his desire for an heir, his demand to raise the child, his vow to swear off women. I also like that, right off the bat, we learn about his plan to build a reserve for animals and to right the many wrongs from his father’s legacy. These are all good foundations for a fiery, passionate and conflicting relationship.”
~ Elaine
fantastic premise that has a substantial conflict“Fantastic premise that has a substantial conflict behind it. I like Melanie a lot. A strong female heroine is what I want to read. I think that is particularly important with such a powerful man, and here in this instance, someone who can wield such power. I love love love the beginning. This is one tough guy but the book opens with him protecting a baby giraffe. Fantastic opening.”
~ Leanne
Buy this collection through the links below…FREE FOR KINDLE UNLIMITED READERSTo enjoy your copy from Amazon:
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2N2M73P
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D2N2M73P
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2N2M73P
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D2N2M73P
Universal Link:
WHAT IS SOFT IS STRONG is part of Mollie Mathews’ new BITTERSWEET SHORT LOVE STORIES series While each story and book in the collection can be read as standalones, you’ll enjoy reading the other books, too. All of Mollie’s series are linked. If you find a character you love, they could be in another story or full-length novel.
ENJOY OTHER BOOKS IN MOLLIE’S THE TRUE LOVE SERIESLove In Venice (Mauro and Maggie) (3rd prize, Koru Excellence in Romance Award)
Love In Mexico (Ruby and Oliver)
Love In Sicily (Gianni and Kate)
Love in Montana (Jack and Lizzie) (Pre-order, releases June 20)
Fall in love with these contemporary heroes and heroines trying to mend their hearts, overcome their fears and find true love—read the other standalone books my Mollie to discover the friends and family who tumble into a once-in-a-lifetime-happily-ever-after affair of the heart themselves. 5-star reviews
The post New Release! Bittersweet Short Love Stories appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
April 22, 2024
Unveiling the inspiration behind ‘Bought by the Sheikh’
I was reflecting today somewhat belatedly, as I began writing this blog on 20 April 2024, after I released my book Bought By The Sheikh. Readers often ask what inspired the story, and they are delighted to find that it is inspired by actual events, as in this book.
Many moons ago, the seed was planted when I read about women who were denied the right to drive in Saudi Arabia and were being arrested while fighting for this freedom. A freedom I, living in the West, have taken for granted.
I learned to drive when I was 14 years old, getting my license at 15, and being taught by my father, who ensured that I had the same privileges as my brother—something still denied to women in Saudi Arabia. My father also ensured that I was educated and at the best possible private school.
Not many women are afforded this privilege, especially in countries that are overruled by men who seek to oppress and limit women’s freedom, access to education, and even their reproductive rights (something I see under threat in parts of America). You may enjoy my blog, where I share how investing in women accelerates their progress>>
Invest in women: Accelerate progressImagine living under extreme rule
I recently read about how Dubai markets itself as a progressive country. However, some activists have revealed how women (and men) still live under extreme rule and cannot move about freely nor speak freely for fear of being incarcerated and cut off from their families forever.
Today (20 April 2024) I was reminded of the passion and purpose behind my story when I read about American actress Jennifer Lawrence teaming up with Malala Yousafzai to create a movie about the abuse of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule after US troops withdrew in 2021. Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani female education activist and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the age of 17. She is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history. She became an international symbol of the fight for girls’ education after she was shot in the head as she returned from school in 2012 for opposing Taliban restrictions on female education in her home country of Pakistan.
New laws that ban women from school, work or going out other than in certain chaperoned circumstances, wearing full-body coverings.
“Strong women are not easy women,” says Jennifer Lawrence, “and a woman’s life is lonely. So much of our experience cannot be shared or understood by men, and our rights are in their hands. That’s why we need each other.”
“It’s an unbelievable way to treat your wives, your mothers, your sisters. It’s so overwhelming” – Bread & Roses, produced by Malala Yousafzai and Jennifer Lawrence. You can read the article here>>
I feel empowered when I am writing my mind and sharing my heart.“I feel empowered when I am speaking my mind” ~ Jennifer Lawrence. This human right is denied to many. Freedom of speech is increasingly under threat in the West also. I feel empowered when I am writing my mind and sharing my heart.
“You don’t really write Sheikh romances, do you?”Someone asked me recently, “Why do you write Sheikh romances?” She was quite amused at the notion. But sheikh romances enthrall me. It’s the depth of history, the breath of the injustice, the beauty of the culture (when untainted by extremists who seek to rule and overpower) that fuel the fire in my fiction.
I recall that Mother Theresa once said, “We are all pens in the hands of a writing God sending love letters to the world.
“Give me love. Give me peace.” ~ George Harrison, The Beatles“Would you like to discover why we’re not free to be lovers? I meant to ask you where all the love has gone and what we have become,” said Don Mclean.I’m heartened when reviewers leave me comments, such as
“While providing a wonderful escape, I was pleasantly surprised that this romance story provided thoughtful, relatable characters but also provided insights into Islam and I always enjoy learning new things about other cultures and philosophies. Through greater understanding and respect for differences, we can all unite for the greater good of the human race … in my humble opinion.”
I am fortunate to have experienced some of this lifestyle and culture when I traveled to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel as a single woman in my early 20s. I was driven by my own curiosity to see these cultures, and I hope to travel to Oman and other desert kingdoms one day. But more than this, I hope and yearn for the day that there will be everlasting peace amongst all cultures, all religions, all faiths, and all genders.
Shangri LaMy interest in the merging of Arabic and Western culture was also inspired by a lovely stay on the island of Maui in 2008, where I chanced upon the Arabic-inspired palatial home of American tobacco heiress Doris Duke. Constructed from 1935 to 1937, Shangri La was inspired by her extensive travels throughout North Africa and Western, Central, South and Southeast Asia, and the landscapes of Hawai’i. Her grand passion for Arabic architecture led her to import many pieces into her home. It was a truly memorable, beautiful, and life-changing experience. Travel always inspires my stories.
As part of her lasting desire to promote the study and understanding of the art and cultures experienced during her travels, Doris Duke directed in her will that Shangri La be “available to scholars, students and others interested in the furtherance and preservation of Islamic art and make the premises open to the public.” In 2002, Shangri La opened as the only museum dedicated exclusively to Islamic art in the United States.
Crackdowns, Attacks and Threat of War Put Iranians on Edge
In several episodes captured on video which spread quickly on social media and were published on BBC Persian, the morality police berate, beat and drag women forcefully to police vans. One video showed an agitated woman collapsing on the sidewalk and struggling to breathe after an argument with the police as a crowd of passers-by gathered around her.
The scenes have set off an outpouring of anger and condemnation, particularly since the morality police were supposedly abolished during the protests in 2022, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, while in police custody. She was being held for violating the hijab rule.
Then today (23 April, 2024) I read an extraordinary thing
The ride of his life!1998 the Queen took Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — who was from a country that only ended their ban on women driving in 2018 — on the ride of his life. You can enjoy the entertaining article here>> https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/09/14/queen-elizabeth-king-abdullah/#
I hope you enjoyed this insight into the many inspirations behind my Sheikh’s Untamed Brides Series
Enjoy this book through the links below…
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CRR3XQ5M
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/BoughtByTheSheikh
iBOOK, BARNES AND NOBLE, AND OTHER GREAT BOOKSTORES
https://books2read.com/u/mKXvo5
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com//en/ebook/bought-by-the-sheikh-1
Audio: Coming soon
BOUGHT BY THE SHEIKH is part of Mollie Mathews’ THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES series starring Maverick Sheikh Billionaires. While it can easily be read as a standalone story, you’ll likely enjoy reading the other books, too. All of Mollie’s series are linked. If you find a character you love, they could be in another novel!
THE SHEIKHS UNTAMED BRIDES
Claimed by the Sheikh (Tariq and Melanie)
Stolen By The Sheikh (Anwar and Lucy)
Bought By The Sheikh (Fazza and Grace)
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:Invest in women: Accelerate progress
The joy of writing and reading love stories
The post Unveiling the inspiration behind ‘Bought by the Sheikh’ appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
April 20, 2024
The Power of Leaving Book Reviews: Why Your Opinion Matters
I’m always so grateful to readers of my books who leave reviews. Many authors say they don’t read their reviews, but I love to 
. A lovely review always cheers me up and encourages my love of telling stories.
How about you? If you are an author, do you read your reviews? If you are a romance reader, do you take time to leave reviews?
In today’s digital age, where countless books are just a click away, leaving book reviews may seem like a small gesture. However, the truth is that your opinion holds immense power in shaping the success of an author and their work. You may not think your opinion matters, but it does. Let’s explore the importance of leaving book reviews and the impact they can have on both readers and authors.
1. Support AuthorsWriting a book is a labor of love, often taking months or even years to complete. By leaving a book review, you are showing support and appreciation for the author’s hard work. Positive reviews can boost an author’s confidence and motivate them to continue writing, while constructive criticism can help them grow and improve their craft.
2. Guide Fellow ReadersBook reviews serve as a valuable resource for other readers who are looking for their next literary adventure. Your honest opinion can help potential readers make informed decisions about whether a particular book is worth their time and money. By sharing your thoughts, you are helping to guide fellow readers towards quality literature that aligns with their interests.
3. Influence Book SalesBook reviews play a significant role in influencing book sales. Positive reviews can attract more readers, resulting in increased sales and visibility for the author. On the other hand, negative reviews can serve as a cautionary tale for potential buyers, helping them avoid books that may not meet their expectations. Your review can contribute to the success or failure of a book, making your opinion a powerful tool in the literary world.
4. Foster a Thriving Literary CommunityLeaving book reviews helps to foster a sense of community among readers, authors, and publishers. By actively engaging in discussions about books, you become a part of the larger literary conversation. Your reviews can spark dialogue, inspire others to share their thoughts, and create a platform for meaningful discussions about literature. This sense of community strengthens the bond between readers and authors, creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages creativity and the exchange of ideas.
5. Recognition for Your Own InsightsWhen you leave a book review, you are not only contributing to the literary community, but you also gain recognition for your own insights and opinions. Your unique perspective adds value to the conversation and can establish you as a trusted reviewer among fellow readers. Your reviews may even catch the attention of authors or publishers, who may reach out to you for future collaborations or advanced reading opportunities.
How and where to leave your book reviewsHow to write your reviewWrite or narrate your review in your notes app on your phone or in a doc on your computer.
Things to consider when writing a review:
What parts did you love?How did it make you feel?Why you would recommend the book?Proofread your review. Do a quick check for autocorrect errors, punctuation, and grammar.
TIP: Read it out loud to yourself. You’ll catch any areas that you may wish to rework.
Choose where you want to leave your book review. Simply choose a site from below, login (if necessary), type in the book title in the search bar, then find the review submission box.
The best place to leave your reviews includes: On your favorite author pages
The Facebook page of the author, publisher, or retailer.
Share in your reader groups and on your social channel
Leaving book reviews is a simple yet impactful way to support authors, guide fellow readers, influence book sales, foster a thriving literary community, and gain recognition for your own insights. Your opinion matters, and by taking a few minutes to share your thoughts, you can contribute to the success of authors and the growth of the literary world. So, the next time you finish reading a book, don’t hesitate to leave a review and let your voice be heard. Together, we can create a vibrant literary community that celebrates the power, love and healing of storytelling.
ARC READERS WANTED. ACCEPTING AMAZING REVIEW COPY REQUESTSJoin my dream team of advance reviewers and receive free love stories in exchange for honest.
Reviewer Requirements:
Reviewer must be able to leave a review on Amazon
Reviewer must be willing to leave an honest review
Reviewer will post their review to Amazon as soon as they receive the live link
I’ve got limited review copies, so do let me know ASAP if you’re keen! ARCs (mobi and epub and PDF) will be sent via a certified BookFunnel campaign. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
To apply, please email Mollie@molliemathews.com
And if you loved any of my books, please take a moment to leave a review once you’re done. Thank you!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY
Free Chapter Stolen by The Sheikh
Free chapter Bought By The Sheikh—out now!
The post The Power of Leaving Book Reviews: Why Your Opinion Matters appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
April 18, 2024
Free Sheikh Romance Boxset today
“The depth of emotions touched my heart!”
This is a sensuous and beautiful sheikh romance boxed set from award-winning author Mollie Mathews. Filled with sweet, enthralling tales of sheikh romance set in several fictional Middle Eastern kingdoms and featuring a host of maverick, handsome sheik romantic heroes, it is a great value boxed set featuring two books at a bargain price—FREE TODAY! ONLY FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT IN KU
Claimed by The SheikhThe secret she kept from the Sheikh…
A grief-stricken Sheikh Tariq na Hassir, the formidable ruler of the Kingdom of Avana, arrives in Paris to claim his brother’s child after a car crash killed his parents–only to find out from the hospital that the child isn’t their biological son. Salim is Tariq’s son, with his former lover, a renowned architect.
Three years ago, after being banished by Tariq from his desert kingdom, Melanie Jones secretly gave her baby to Tariq’s childless brother and his wife, in a swap the world was never supposed to discover.
The tragedy pulls her back to the world that rejected her and the man who abandoned her—the only man capable of turning her carefully controlled world upside down.
Tariq will do whatever it takes to protect his legacy, including claiming Melanie as his bride and his son as heir before scandals ensue. But Melanie has other plans for her future—a westernized life where she’s free to operate her own business, control her life, and hold onto her wish that one day she’ll meet a man who loves her for who she truly is.
Stolen By The SheikhFiercely independent contemporary artist Lucy Ford was absolutely content with her life—until the day maverick Sheikh Anwar na Hassir strolled into her gallery and back into her life. Anwar could not, would not, must not ever know the truth. Not if she was to keep her child.
Luring Lucy to his desert Kingdom, somewhere between the magic of the desert and the stroll along the ocean, she lets him steal her heart. Only to discover that love, once given, can never be returned.
If you love second-chance romances after heartbreak books, you’ll love these exotic secret baby romances.
Share with friends and book addicts!
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTFYJHCH
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CTFYJHCH
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTFYJHCH
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CTFYJHCH
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://mybook.to/Sheikhs2BookBoxset
Universal Link:
https://mybook.to/Sheikhs2BookBoxset
The post Free Sheikh Romance Boxset today appeared first on Mollie Mathews.
