Rhoda Baxter's Blog, page 32
September 20, 2017
Book Review: The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We can all recount moments that changed our lives. This book is about those moments – what they have in common, how to recognise a moment and, most importantly, how to create one. There are a range of examples of how ‘moments’ can be used to change things – from teaching, to improving sanitation in the developing world, to turning around failing schools.
The writing style is conversat...
September 13, 2017
Book review: Famous by Jenny Holiday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One day, at the height of his infamy, Evan Winslow meets a girl called Emmy. His muse. (except he’s just quit painting).
Seven years later, Emmy has become Emmerson Quinn – mega star. Evan is hiding out, teaching in a small university. When Emmy turns up needing a place to hide, he understands.
The thing I loved about this book is that the characters are so believable. Great dialogue (not snappy for the sake of the one-liner, but genuinely natur...
September 6, 2017
Book review: Altitude by Niel Bushnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this up because I met Niel Bushnell at an event and was curious. (Generally speaking, if I get on with people in real life, I tend to like their writing too). It’s billed as paranormal YA, but it’s not what you’d expect. It’s a story about a bully who learns to fly and the disruption that causes to her relationships.
Tam isn’t a nice person. In fact, she’s a bully. Abigail is her on/off victim. The two are bound together by the shared...
August 31, 2017
How to: Run an Instafreebie giveaway
A few months ago, I set up an Instafreebie giveaway to send out samples of books which were shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year (RoNA) awards. I wrote it up for Romance Matters magazine as a case study. In order to keep this blog post short, I’ve picked out the ‘how to’ part of it. If you want to see the full article, including the download figures etc, just download the document at the end (it’s free).
When I heard about being shortlisted of a RoNA award, I was over the moon. My...
August 30, 2017
Book Review: Badredhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge by Rachel Thompson
BadRedhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge: How to energize your book sales in a month by Rachel Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It took me some time to read this book as I tried implementing some of the suggestions as I went along (haven’t done them all yet!). It was extremely informative and made me think about little details, especially regarding social media, which I hadn’t even considered before.
Very useful. It’s useful for beginners and intermediate level markers of books, I sho...
August 29, 2017
Cover Reveal: Girl In Trouble
I’ve got a new book coming out! For those of you who have read Girl Having A Ball, this is the next book in the series and follows Tom’s best friend Og.
Here’s the cover:
Isn’t it fabulous? I think the woman encapsulates Olivia’s attitude perfectly.
Blurb:
What do you do when the things that define you disappear?
Grown up tomboy Olivia doesn’t need a man to complete her. Judging by her absent father, men aren’t that reliable anyway. She’s got a successful career, good friends and can evict s...
August 23, 2017
Book review: The Arrangement by Sonya Lalli
The Arrangement by Sonya Lalli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this book up because, as you know, stories about modern Asian women/ second generation expats is totally my catnip. Also, I really like the cover.
Raina is nearly 30 and unmarried. Her grandmother (Nani) is trying desperately to find her a husband. But Raina doesn’t want to meet a nice Indian boy because she’s still in love with her ex… who is still stringing her along. There’s a lot going on in Raina’s life – apart from things w...
August 16, 2017
Book review: Claiming his Pregnant Princess by Annie O’Neil
Claiming His Pregnant Princess: Italian Royals by Annie O’Neil
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t often read Mills and Boon books, because I’m not a fan of alpha males. I got a copy of this book in my RNAConf17 goody bag and Annie O’Neil is such a fun person, that I thought I’d have a go.
Bea is hiding from the paparazzi after her high profile society wedding was cancelled at the last minute in a blaze of scandal (Tempted by The Bridesmaid is the prequel to this book). She’s hiding out working a...
August 11, 2017
Inheritance Books: Sonya Lalli
This week’s Inheritance Books are from Sonya Lalli, whose debut novel is out this week! Welcome to the Inheritance Books sofa Sonya. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself. I’ll go make us some tea.
[image error]I’m a 28 year-old Canadian writer, journalist and former lawyer. I’ve been writing all my life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to write a novel. I put my legal career on hold and moved to London to do a masters in creative writing, during which I wrote The Arrangement. Wh...
August 9, 2017
Book review: How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis
How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis: A Step-by-Step System for Enticing New Readers, Selling More Fiction, and Making Your Books Sound Good by Bryan Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I should point out that this is a book about writing blurbs to go on the back of the book, not the synopsis that you send to a publisher/ agent.
I’d heard of Bryan Cohen and his ninja copywriting skills, so I thought I’d buy his book and see what I could learn. This book is clearly and concisely written (as you’d expect...
