Changes coming!

I know people normally make changes when the new year begins, but I’m going with…now. Had an idea to change things up a little here. Hopefully you’ll like the new way I’m doing things.

So what’s going to be different? Rather than post a bunch of reviews on one day on individual pages, I’m going to post a single review here on the front page – kind of like a spotlight, but no author bios or links. Just the review and book cover and maybe one link–probably to Goodreads.

I will still do specific spotlights for authors. I’m all about helping my fellow authors out. And the reviews will still be posted on individual pages as well. I’m just going to feature them a little more on the front page too.

Oh, and when I don’t have a review or a spotlight, I will continue with the Writing Tips, Tricks, Thoughts. So something new every day.

And please check my ratings below. I’ve gotten complaints about not giving out many 5 Sparklers. This is a subjective enterprise and I call them as *I* see them. How well did the book work for me? And you may not agree with me. That’s fine. We don’t all like the same types of books. I will not post 1 Sparkler reviews. Instead, I will (when possible) contact the author and let them know why the book didn’t work for me. Most of the books I review fall into the 4 category. Why 4 and not 5? It’s that whole subjective thing again. For a 5, the book has to be one that really drew me in, hung onto me with claws, and when done, I wanted to read it again and again, and tell all my friends to read it too. There’s nothing wrong with a 4. That means it was a good book. Just not quite up to the 5 level for me.

1 Sparkler – We currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If we can’t finish it, we won’t review it.

2 Sparklers — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop me reading. Not trash, but nothing I’d re-read. If I recommended it, I’d send them to the library, not the “buy me” button.

3 Sparklers — Okay. Mostly enjoyable. I made it through and didn’t consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw me back in . There’s a chance I’ll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn’t go on my keeper shelf.

4 Sparklers — Very Good. I’m glad I was the one who got to review the book. I would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to my friends. I liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Sparklers — Wow! I would definitely buy this book. I would definitely recommend it to my friends. I really loved the characters and the plot and would look for other books by this author. Definitely a keeper.

So that’s it. New month, new format.