We hope that you will pay it forward by reading a group member's book. If you do, please leave the book title and author below. Let's spread some good cheer!

[Cecily]

and - I've read Davenport House as well - this is perfect for Downton Abbey fans. Very clean, crisp writing that echoes the polished feel of this historical period.

[R.L.]

I'm buckling down and reading this weekend to clear my mind. Michael P Cash weekend with reviews to follow

[Angel]

Jane Jago's latest book "Bolded Hearts" is on my currently reading list, so a read and review will be in store, once I narrow my currently reading list, which I'm doing now with each book I read and review. My currently reading list keeps growing. There are currently twenty on my list to read and review, not to mention those on my kindle that I'm also reading and reviewing (total on my kindle over 5,000) so everybody will eventually get a read and review from me. Carole, I've been reading your books to my nine year old son, so a review from me will be coming for you soon. R.L. I got you too, girl. Erica Graham and Groovy I have your books on my kindle I'll be sending a review(s) your way also. I pretty much got everybody to read and review. Groovy, I read and reviewed at least one of your books in the past. I'm intrigued by your lastest one so that's one I'll be reading and reviewing. Also when I read and review each book I usually recommend them to my other Goodreads friends. So I hope that helps everybody!

[Wendy]

I'm reading Carole P. Roman's (along with J.A. Gerber) "Navigating Indieworld" with a large cup of coffee and a smile on my face. I'm trying to slip in a little bit of reading before my 5yo wakes up!

[R.L.]

Lol Angel you're a busy bee!

[Carole]

Thanks everyone!!!

[Groovy]

That goes for me, too. Thanks, Alexis and Angel. And Angel, thanks for those kind words. I've got some books on my Kindle, if you see a review, that means I've read it--LOL!

(hint: Angel is one of them:)

I almost forgot, just finished 'Obsessed' by Alex Carver:) Will put the review up as soon as I get a chance!

[Angel]

R.L. wrote: "Lol Angel you're a busy bee!"

Yep!

[Ember-Raine]

Cecily wrote: "I just read/reviewed Ember Raine Winters's Beautiful Delusions - which was spectacular! I kept reading during my breaks at work and I admit, was a little late gett..."
Oh my gosh! Cecily! So sorry I made you late back to work! LOL! But soo glad you enjoyed it! And honestly, Thank you for coming to help me celebrate. It was a lot of fun!

[Ember-Raine]

Kay wrote: "I have the first two books of Ember Raine Winters Born series in my tbr pile, I'm looking forward to getting into them!"
I'm totally missing comments on this thread! Thanks so much Kay I hope you enjoy them!

[Angel]

Alex wrote: "My head just exploded at the thought of all that reading Angel, and I'm someone who loves to read in general.

Wendy, I found Navigating Indieworld very useful, I even redid my blurb following the..."

LOL! Oh, no, don't let your head explode. I'm also writing and trying to finish my own books to get my next new releases out this year. So yeah, I stay busy all time as mom and author. I have to stay busy I get bored easily.

[Angel]

Groovy wrote: "That goes for me, too. Thanks, Alexis and Angel. And Angel, thanks for those kind words. I've got some books on my Kindle, if you see a review, that means I've read it--LOL!

(hint: Angel is one o..."

Sure, you welcome!

[Wendy]

I just finished Navigating Indieworld. What a wonderful read. I especially appreciated its guidance about promotion; it made me feel like I'm on the right track!

[Carole]

Thank you Wendy. We hope the book continues to be useful to you!!

[Carole]

Holeee crap, Wendy!! How am I supposed to sleep now? I just finished Girls for Spiders!!!

[R.L.]

What's the scare factor on a scale of 1 to can't sleep for weeks cause I'm intrigued lol

[Carole]

It was chillingly good. You don't know where it's going and then zap- she gets you. I give it an 8 Im tossing and turning right now.- replaying the whole story in my head. That's some good writing!

[R.L.]

Lol ok I'm gonna think on it. I'm the type that's can't turn off their brain and I'd be up for days

[Carole]

I don't read horror as a rule- I didn't realize it was horror when I picked it. But the story sucked me right in.

[C.L.]

I'm more than half way through Amy J. Hamilton's Modified and it's a lot of fun.

[Wendy]

Carole, I just popped in to scan through this board and I am super delighted right now! Thank you for the epic compliments. I'm going to be floating on air for days!

[Carole]

It was a good story, Wendy- Good luck with it.

[Carole]

C.L. wrote: "I'm more than half way through Amy J. Hamilton's Modified and it's a lot of fun."

I loved how Amy made it feel like you could be in a bureaucratic office anywhere. She had every type of person there. She made me smile.

[C.L.]

Carole wrote: "C.L. wrote: "I'm more than half way through Amy J. Hamilton's Modified and it's a lot of fun."

I loved how Amy made it feel like you could be in a bureaucratic office anywhere. She..."

Yep, bureaucracy is bureaucracy, even in space with sex mutants.

[Carole]

All I can say is lol.

[David]

Groovy wrote: "I agree, Crystal Dawn. To be so young, David is a talented writer. I can only imagine what wonderful stories will come out of him years from now. I have his new book on my Kindle ready to read. And..."

Thank you for the compliment Groovy and Crystal. The book she is talking about, "My Abigail," actually does have some choice words in it. I tried not to overdo it though. And I used them in times that I only felt it was appropriate and realistic for the story. Just to clarify so nobody is shocked if they read it!

[C.L.]

David wrote: ""My Abigail," actually does have some choice words in it. I tried not to overdo it though. And I used them in times that I only felt it was appropriate and realistic for the story. Just to clarify so nobody is shocked if they read it! ."

I sympathize. My book also contains some questionable language. But come on! That's how people talk!

[David]

C.L. wrote: "David wrote: ""My Abigail," actually does have some choice words in it. I tried not to overdo it though. And I used them in times that I only felt it was appropriate and realistic for the story. Ju..."

Very true! I try not to overdo it, though

[Crystal Dawn]

David wrote: "Groovy wrote: "I agree, Crystal Dawn. To be so young, David is a talented writer. I can only imagine what wonderful stories will come out of him years from now. I have his new book on my Kindle rea..."

That was actually some advice I had for you (I know, I've been meaning to send it but I keep forgetting, haha). If you're going to swear, just swear. There's no need to cover it up, because as long as you're not over doing it, and you're using it at scenes of great tension, then it will only enhance the reading expirience, whereas just saying f-bomb or f-sakes etc, can take away from it.

I really loved your work kiddo, I'll email you shortly regarding another one!

Very shortly I'll be reading Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices by Melissa Abigail, so I'll let you know how it goes :)

Would anyone else be interested in review exchanges that are legal in Goodreads Speak? My fiancè's works for something of yours to be read by me and placed on my book blog? It seems like a good deal ;) Send me a pm if you'd like to talk about it.

[David]

Thank you Crystal :) I really appreciate it! In the book My Abigail, I do cover up some of the swear words just because my school didn't approve of it and I was trying not to get in detention lol.

About the review exchange, I am interested if there are any books of mine you haven't already read. Let me know!

[Erica]

The Unicorn Hunter by Del Henderson is a very good read! I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or even possibly mystery.

[Lucia]

I am planning to read Marie Silk's Davenport House. Looking forward to it!

[Carole]

You are in for a treat- it takes you to another time period. ;)

[Lucia]

Carole wrote: "You are in for a treat- it takes you to another time period. ;)"

I read all sorts of books, but I do love a bit of history :). Just picked it up. May take me a week or two, but I will get to it!

[Becky]

Just bought The Little Mower That Could by Yvonne Jones.

I credit the children's books portfolio over on the Navigating Indieworld website!

[Groovy]

I did the same thing. The way the genre section is set up entices you to click and see the different titles and lovely covers. The sharp colors of the covers grabs your attention first, then you see a few books that invites you to read and there you go...That's why I made a purchase:)

I just know when other readers visit the website, they won't be able to resist purchasing a book or two. The event is going to be so good.

[Amy]

Carole wrote: "C.L. wrote: "I'm more than half way through Amy J. Hamilton's Modified and it's a lot of fun."

I loved how Amy made it feel like you could be in a bureaucratic office anywhere. She..."

Awww fanks.

On the understanding that I read at the rate of one word a month at the moment I'm trying to get around to reading:

Pokergeist and Witches Protection Program-Michael Phillip Cash
A Shadow of Time-Louann Carroll
Alex I want to start your first one too.

So I should finish them by Christmas, I'm just not saying which year...

[Amy]

Alex wrote: "Lol @Amy, I'm in the same position as you, my reading speed is currently something akin to an arthritic snail.

Don't feel under pressure to read my book, take your time and get around to it when ..."

But I really want to read it.

I was planning to start Witches last week. I read half a page of Louann's, But my excuse is I'm on a deadline for the mutant sheep short story for the anthology. Sorry Spring theme short story (about some people who find a mutant sheep, on an alien planet, because I can't write normal stuff.)

[Amy]

I'm curious too. I've got a vague idea where it's going. It might be readable!

[Laura]

I just finished reading Carole P. Roman and Julie A. Gerber's Navigating Indieworld which is a wonderful resource. A great aid to own!

[Carole]

Glad you liked it Laura!

[Anna]

I've read Eldon's book 'Stillness' and here's my review:

The story opens with someone searching for justice. And the reader can tell this isn't going to be easy. Digging up your parents' grave doesn't seem the right thing to do, so the reader knows there's a lot at stake. By the time the parents are re-interred, we've been treated to a well written, well told and fast paced story.

[Carole]

Tweeted.

[Anna]

Attagirl, Carole.

I'm hopeless at writing reviews. Honestly. The words just don't come but I do know how important it is to try.

The silly thing is, I won a county award for writing a book review when I was 11. It's been all downhill since then.

[Ember-Raine]

Thanks Alex!! I just saw your post! Hope you like it!!!

[Carole]

I think your review was fine, Anna. People just want to know what the story was about and if there is something in it that will pique their interests. Some people on Goodreads, not Amazon as much, take delight in poking fun at an author and mocking all their hard work. The review becomes a platform for someone who didn't have the guts to actually write a book, destroy the effort of another without regard to the consequences. When you write an "ordinary" review with a few basic facts- something you enjoyed, or even letting people know what you didn't like, it helps a buyer select a book. When they load up the reviews with comments and gifs for entertainment, while some of them are witty, most are destructive and hurtful.
When I write a review, I recap a key element of the story, then add what I thought was well-done. If I don't like a book at all- I won't leave a review. I don't want to take a chance that anything I say might affect the outcome of a buyer choosing not to buy a book. Sometimes, I will add why the book merited a lower star rating- but I will never go below three. As I've said before, reading is personal and selective- what one enjoys- another hates. How else could you explain Fifty Shades?

[Carole]

Me too, Alex!!

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Anna Faversham wrote: "Attagirl, Carole.

I'm hopeless at writing reviews. Honestly. The words just don't come but I do know how important it is to try..."

Hi Anna,
I'm not good at writing reviews. Please look at mine and you'll agree. You'll also notice the majority of my reviews are for indie authors. I just put my star rating and write my thoughts on the story. No, it doesn't come easy for me, either. However, like you, I think it's important to try, especially for indie authors. ; )
Hugs, Sam

[Carole]

Yep, it doesn't have to be a book report. I thought your review for Stillness was terrific, Anna.
Sam, all an indie wants is reviews, so anything you write is usually enough. ;)

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Thanks, Carole. I also hope to get others interested in reading the story (i.e. buying the book and leaving a positive review).