Eureka! (and a Review)

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Carol Early Cooney

I apparently follow the crowd.  This is not necessarily something that makes me proud.  But I have been thinking that I should have some sort of rating system for the books I review.  To honor those great rating systems like the

thumbs

system employed in rating movies by Siskel and Ebert.

But what to use?

Then it hit me.  How do I know if I am really involved in reading a book?  What do I do if I am reading and know that I just can’t put it down.  Yep, I take the book to bed with me.

And what would be the symbol of taking the book to bed with me?

IMG_2483 (2) Yes, the mighty night light.  Slayer of dragons, the light under the covers, and the light on the path to the bathroom.

So there we go.  A book will be given a rating between one and four night lights.  A rating of four night lights will be hard to come by as it is the best.  I sincerely hope that even rarer will be the rating of one night light.

There is my new visual review tool.  The night light.

I did read a very nice book.  The title is Almost Perfect and it was written by Diane Daniels Manning.

Synopsis –

Benny Neusner is having a hard time growing up.  He spends a lot of time trying to get his Mother’s love and attention.  He lives with his father and his father’s new wife, Sonya.  He decides that what he really needs is a dog.  He wants a beagle.  He thinks that would be the perfect dog.  His father and Sonya think that he is too irresponsible for a dog.

Benny goes to the New Hope School that is run by Dr. Kate.  It is a school for children who have trouble attending regular public schools.  Benny has regular talks with Dr. Kate who is trying to get him to control his temper and vocalize his needs.

One day while he was waiting for his Mom to pick him up for a visit, he hears a crying sound and despite some trepidations, goes over the fence to investigate at his neighbor’s house.  He thinks she is a witch but his curiosity gets the best of him.  He finds a sign indicating that the house next door was a kennel .  But it was a kennel for poodles.  Poodles are silly dogs that certainly are not worth his attention.

Benny meets his neighbor, Bess Rutledge.  That day changed many things in Benny’s life.  Through meeting Bess, her son, and most of all, McCreery (Champion Umpawaug McCreery), he starts to grow up slowly.  He learns many lessons and teaches a few lessons to those around him.

Opinion –

I really enjoyed this book.  Benny’s hopes and dreams are simple and heartbreaking at times.  In his unfiltered way, he just wants to be happy and for those around him to be happy.  I thought that the characters were believable in their imperfections.

This book is classified as a YA (Young Adult) book.  At 342 pages it might be for older YA readers and adults.

confetti

 (And for the TADA moment)  (Please imagine a drum roll here)

IMG_2483 (2)IMG_2483 (2)IMG_2483 (2)

 

 

 

What do you think of my new system?  Let me know in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

 

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Cozy Mysteries

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Carol Early Cooney

 

Fridays are the best.  One of the reasons is that I try and give you some ideas for weekend reading. I realize that I have not been doing book reviews the last few weeks. I can tell because I made up a list of the books that I have to review and there are 16 of them! How can that be?

One of the reasons is that I have wanted to a post about the genre “cozy mysteries”. I happen to be a fan of the cozy mystery. I didn’t know that they arecalled cozy mysteries until about a year ago. I just knew they were mysteries.

In case you are with me on not being up on all the genres, I will give you a quick definition of a cozy mystery.

The cozy mystery usually takes place in a small town or village (click here to read more on the village setting). The small size of the setting makes it believable that all the suspects know each other. The amateur sleuth is usually a very likeable person who is able to get the community members to talk freely (i.e. gossip) about each other. There is usually at least one very knowledgeable and nosy (and of course, very reliable!) character in the book who is able to fill in all of the blanks, thus enabling the amateur sleuth to solve the case.

Although the cozy mystery sleuth is usually not a medical examiner, detective, or police officer, a lot of times her best friend, husband, or significant other is. This makes a very convenient way for her to find out things that she would otherwise not have access to… Do you know any caterers or dog trainers who have access to autopsy reports? I don’t! (Unless you count some of my favorite cozy characters…)

At the same time, it is probably safe to say that the local police force doesn’t take the amateur sleuth very seriously. They dismiss her presence, almost as if she doesn’t exist. This of course, makes it convenient for her to “casually overhear” things at the scene of a crime.                       

Definition thanks to the Cozy Mystery web site

I have been reading cozy mysteries for a long time. I am not sure but I probably started with the beloved Miss Marple books by Agatha Christie.  There are many cozy mystery books these days.

I have recently found some authors of cozy mysteries that are new to me.

Honeybee

I found Death by Honey Bee by Abigail Keam as a discount book for the Kindle.  It is part of a series and this is the first book in the series.

Synopsis –

Josiah Reynolds is out checking on her bees when she finds a man face down in one of her bee hives. It becomes worse when it turns out that the man is dead and he is a rival beekeeper. Before a cause of death is even decided, the police are acting like Josiah is a killer. When the cause of death is not ruled homicide, she feels obligated to clear her name.  At the same time, the ruling does not seem to stop the police from trying to pin the non-murder on her.

Opinion –

I enjoyed the story and the introduction to the characters. There was just the right amount of intrigue to get me to want to read the next book in the series. (And you need to read them in order.) I did read the next book, Death by Drowning. It carries the story along nicely.

As a regular mystery reader, I liked the ending of the book. It was not the standard ending for a mystery.

A good beach read.

whole

Another of the “cozy mystery” authors is Diane Mott Davidson.  Her latest book, The Whole Enchilada” came out  last August.

Synopsis –

Goldie Schulz is a caterer in Aspen Meadow, CO. She caters the birthday party for a friend’s son. As the friend is leaving the party, she dies. Goldie takes it upon herself to try to unravel what has happened to her friend. Along the way, Goldie is injured and learns more about her neighbors than she ever wanted to know. There are several recipes in the book that go along what Goldie is catering for parties.

 Opinion –

This is the 17th book in the series. I have enjoyed many of the stories.  This particular one left me a little flat. I felt that the end was abrupt. Not only was the killer found and Goldie endangered in the process but there was a personal surprise for Goldie at the end. If you have not read these books before, I would start at the beginning of the series. I think that the books can stand alone but I think the first ones are more fun.

body

Body in the Backyard is what in my mind I would think of as a contemporary cozy mystery. The author of the book is Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Synopsis –

Octogenariean Myrtle Clover is shocked to find a body in her back yard. She feels that this definitely entitles her to try and find the killer. Her son, the police chief does not agree. That does not stop her for looking into the murder and enlisting the aid of her neighbor, Miles. Together they have some close calls but the murderer is eventually found.

Opinion –

This is the 4th book in a series of what is about to be 7 books. (The 7th book comes out in the fall.)I had no idea that it was part of a series. I would certainly read the others.  It was an easy enjoyable read.  It does not appear that you need to read the series in order.

All in all, the books on today’s list are enjoyable and are very easy reads.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading!

Stop on over at http://www.juliatomiak.com/  if you would like to find out my take on popcorn books.  I am guest posting on Diary of a Word Nerd this week.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Talking Books | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Carol Early Cooney

Ab

Fridays are the best.  One of the reasons is that I try and give you some ideas for weekend reading. I realize that I have not been doing book reviews the last few weeks. I can tell because I made up a list of the books that I have to review and there are 16 of them! How can that be?

One of the reasons is that I have wanted to a post about the genre “cozy mysteries”. I happen to be a fan of the cozy mystery. I didn’t know that they arecalled cozy mysteries until about a year ago. I just knew they were mysteries.

In case you are with me on not being up on all the genres, I will give you a quick definition of a cozy mystery.

The cozy mystery usually takes place in a small town or village (click here to read more on the village setting). The small size of the setting makes it believable that all the suspects know each other. The amateur sleuth is usually a very likeable person who is able to get the community members to talk freely (i.e. gossip) about each other. There is usually at least one very knowledgeable and nosy (and of course, very reliable!) character in the book who is able to fill in all of the blanks, thus enabling the amateur sleuth to solve the case.

Although the cozy mystery sleuth is usually not a medical examiner, detective, or police officer, a lot of times her best friend, husband, or significant other is. This makes a very convenient way for her to find out things that she would otherwise not have access to… Do you know any caterers or dog trainers who have access to autopsy reports? I don’t! (Unless you count some of my favorite cozy characters…)

At the same time, it is probably safe to say that the local police force doesn’t take the amateur sleuth very seriously. They dismiss her presence, almost as if she doesn’t exist. This of course, makes it convenient for her to “casually overhear” things at the scene of a crime.                       

Definition thanks to the Cozy Mystery web site

I have been reading cozy mysteries for a long time. I am not sure but I probably started with the beloved Miss Marple books by Agatha Christie.  There are many cozy mystery books these days.

I have recently found some authors of cozy mysteries that are new to me.

Honeybee

I found Death by Honey Bee by Abigail Keam as a discount book for the Kindle.  It is part of a series and this is the first book in the series.

Synopsis –

Josiah Reynolds is out checking on her bees when she finds a man face down in one of her bee hives. It becomes worse when it turns out that the man is dead and he is a rival beekeeper. Before a cause of death is even decided, the police are acting like Josiah is a killer. When the cause of death is not ruled homicide, she feels obligated to clear her name.  At the same time, the ruling does not seem to stop the police from trying to pin the non-murder on her.

Opinion –

I enjoyed the story and the introduction to the characters. There was just the right amount of intrigue to get me to want to read the next book in the series. (And you need to read them in order.) I did read the next book, Death by Drowning. It carries the story along nicely.

As a regular mystery reader, I liked the ending of the book. It was not the standard ending for a mystery.

A good beach read.

whole

Another of the “cozy mystery” authors is Diane Mott Davidson.  Her latest book, The Whole Enchilada” came out  last August.

Synopsis –

Goldie Schulz is a caterer in Aspen Meadow, CO. She caters the birthday party for a friend’s son. As the friend is leaving the party, she dies. Goldie takes it upon herself to try to unravel what has happened to her friend. Along the way, Goldie is injured and learns more about her neighbors than she ever wanted to know. There are several recipes in the book that go along what Goldie is catering for parties.

 Opinion –

This is the 17th book in the series. I have enjoyed many of the stories.  This particular one left me a little flat. I felt that the end was abrupt. Not only was the killer found and Goldie endangered in the process but there was a personal surprise for Goldie at the end. If you have not read these books before, I would start at the beginning of the series. I think that the books can stand alone but I think the first ones are more fun.

body

Body in the Backyard is what in my mind I would think of as a contemporary cozy mystery. The author of the book is Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Synopsis –

Octogenariean Myrtle Clover is shocked to find a body in her back yard. She feels that this definitely entitles her to try and find the killer. Her son, the police chief does not agree. That does not stop her for looking into the murder and enlisting the aid of her neighbor, Miles. Together they have some close calls but the murderer is eventually found.

Opinion –

This is the 4th book in a series of what is about to be 7 books. (The 7th book comes out in the fall.)I had no idea that it was part of a series. I would certainly read the others.  It was an easy enjoyable read.  It does not appear that you need to read the series in order.

All in all, the books on today’s list are enjoyable and are very easy reads.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading!

Stop on over at http://www.juliatomiak.com/  if you would like to find out my take on popcorn books.  I am guest posting on Diary of a Word Nerd this week.

 

 

 

 

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Blog Hop – What is your writing process?

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Carol Early Cooney

Screenshot 2014-07-07 11.21.44 (2)

Writers are fascinated with the way that other writers write. I think that we all hope that we will pick up some clue or tip from a writer that will make the process easier.

I have been invited to join a blog hop about the writing process.  To join this hop, I need to thank the person who invited me, answer four questions, and introduce you to the next person on the hop.

Two years ago, I had the good fortune to join a writer’s group, the Wordsmith Studio. I am thankful to the group for all the help and support they have given me.  The group is an online group so face to face meetings are not that frequent. We are spread not only across the U.S. but also in Canada and even Bulgaria!

Sometimes even in a situation like this, you will find friends. Somehow even when just talking or working on line, you can find a kindred spirit. I am lucky to have found several in the group.

Linda Hatton is one of those people. She has been incredibly helpful and has shown so much patience with my often sometimes idiotic simple questions.   I feel very lucky to have gotten to know her over the last two years.  Linda invited me to this hop. Let me introduce you to her.

Linda G. Hatton

Linda G. Hatton

Linda G Hatton spends her days writing—poetry, novels, screenplays, web codes, or notes to her children. She is also the managing editor of Mouse Tales Press and works as a freelance copyeditor.  Please check her out at  http://www.lindaghatton.com/

(Linda is very knowledgeable and is a wonderful copyeditor.  Please contact her if you need copyediting. You won’t be sorry!)

And now on to my four questions –

What am I currently working on?

I currently write three blogs – one professionally as the foot blogger chick, one about adapting to my husband’s diabetes, and one about books. I also participated in last November’s NaNoWriMo and wrote a story about a Lola. Poor Lola needs a lot of work and I have been avoiding her. She is that needy friend.  You know the kind I mean. The one whose problems are just overpowering.

How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

Wow… That is the big question, isn’t it? I think that, while it is still developing, my writing “voice” sounds a lot like me.  I am fairly casual and that comes out in my writing. I will admit that I have a harder time with book reviews. I have a tendency to be a bit stiff with the reviews. I take the reviews very seriously but I need to loosen up a bit. I am fortunate that my employer for the foot blog likes my casual style.

Why do I write/create what I do? 

I started with the blog about my husband’s diabetes. I felt that it was a confusing new world and that we could share what we were finding along the way. I thought that because we were such idiots about it that we could probably help others.  We were so overcome with serious information that we worried about screwing up and what that would mean.  But, of course, we all screw up.

That blog started the ball rolling. Also there were some changes in my work situation that gave me more time to be able to work at writing.  I found that I loved (most of the time) writing and there was so much for me to learn. Also, I could be creative and that was really fun.

How does your writing/creating process work?

Sometimes better than others? I sit down at my desk each morning sometime between 8-9 a.m. and finish for the day about 5:30 p.m. Now, I have a schedule for when the blogs are supposed to be posted so I have to write them to meet the schedule. I do also have a small property management business that I have to take care of while in the office also.

I saw the following quote and I think it is perfect for the way I work –

I write when I’m inspired. And I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.

Peter de Vries

I am a “pantser”. That is the term for writer who “flies by the seat of their pants” and does not outline what they are going to write before they write it. I sit down and expect it to happen. When I was writing about Lola last year, I had no idea what was going on or why I was writing about Lola. I suspect that I could use a little more discipline. The problem is that I love being a “pantser”. I sit down and just start typing. I even just look up into the air and type. Sometimes what comes out is just crap but sometimes a story happens. The trick is to know the difference. I am not sure I know how to tell.

And now I get to introduce you to the next stop on the hop!

 Sarah LaFleur

Sarah LaFleur

Sarah LaFleur is another of my Wordsmith Studio buddies.  She is so very talented and full of interesting ideas.  Please take a few minutes to check out her site and her book!

Until December 2012, Sarah LaFleur was a working pianist and teacher. In the midst of a career change, she started writing a story. Less than 17 weeks later she completed her first full-length novel.  Who Is Evelyn Dae? was born when Sarah decided to launch her writing persona (lafleurdeplume) on social media. By early September 2013, she connected with a wonderful community of writers and readers who convinced her to publish the Amazon bestselling story.

Sarah continues to write, and has several projects in the works including a sequel to her first novel, an adult science fiction book that stands alone, and multiple guest blog spots. She lives in the greater Chicago metropolitan area with her children, cats, and piano. You can find out more about her at http://lafleurdeplume.com

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

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So Your Friend has a Book Published – The 5 Things You Should Do

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Carol Early Cooney

 

Hours of work went into the book!

Hours of work went into the book!

Are you  wondering what you should do when your friend has a book published?  If you are a close friend, you know that this has been a long slow process and that giving birth to a child is faster.  Okay, giving birth to an elephant could be faster.

So you have congratulated your friend and you are there for the cake when the book comes out.  But is there something else you should do?

Here are my suggestions for –

The top 5 things you should do once a friend’s book is published.

1.  Write to your friend and congratulation them on the momentous accomplishment.  I really don’t care if you see the person every day.  Write a note to say “Wow, I  am so excited to know an author!” and “I am so thrilled for you.”  Your note will be appreciated more than you could ever know. Your friend has just put a part of their soul on the line, tell them how proud you are of them.

In person or online it doesn't matter where, just buy the book.

In person or online it doesn’t matter where, just buy the book.

2.  Buy the book.  Do not under and circumstances tell your friend that you are going to take it out of the library to read it.  No, that is not the correct thing to say.  Buy the book.  Your friend has just given birth to an elephant, the least you can do is support the author and BUY THE BOOK.

3.  Write your friend and tell him/her that you just put the book down and you are sorry it is over.  That they have done a great job and you can’t wait to tell everyone you know what a great book it is.

4.  Go on the web and write reviews for the book.  Go to Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and LibraryThing.  Anywhere you can think of that will tell people they should read the book.

5.  Go to your local bookstore and library to make sure they are carrying the book.  If they aren’t, ask them to please carry the book.  Offer to give the library a copy.

I will readily admit that these are things that I would not have thought about before I started writing.  But please, support your friend the author!

This is my friend and neighbor Tish Suk's book. I think you will like it. It is available on Amazon

This is my friend and neighbor Tish Suk’s book. I think you will like it. It is available on Amazon

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

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