I'm working on Susan Squires' new vampire historical, The Burning. An April book I'm reviewing. Very good so far. A bit slow to take off, but lots of good atmosphere.
As for what "grabs" me about a book - the first thing I notice are the characters. If I find the characters, interesting, complex, with plenty of room for growth - the plot is almost incidental.
I am reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I saw the movie and decided it was time to finally read the book. I have read the other books in the series and have enjoyed them. I love the characters and premise of the series. That is why I keep reading it.
Next in my TBR stack is Julia Quinn's To Sir Phillip With Love. Once again this book is part of a series that has great characters. I love Ms. Quinn's books and her use of humor. The characters are probably what keep me reading this series.
As for what "grabs" me in general, it is different for every book. I find that it is usually a combination of the characters and beginning premise.
Good writing - I'm a sucker for good writing. I just put my nose in a book set in the Middle Ages, and the author was so good that by the third sentence I was riding in the cold rain, my clothes sodden, my horse's hooves squelching in the deep mud. I could hardly put that book down!
I find I enjoy a book that has something happening early on. Also, when questions are raised about a character's past but you don't get all the inforation right away.
<< and the author was so good that by the third sentence I was riding in the cold rain, my clothes sodden, my horse's hooves squelching in the deep mud. >>
Oh, yes, don't you love that feeling of being right there? What a gift.
It's THE COTTON QUEEN, Cheryl. Contemporary (I still miss her historicals. Sigh) and about three generations of women in a family. I haven't gotten far, but her writing is always fun to read.
Kathy Seidel's, A MOST UNCOMMON DEGREE OF POPULARITY, was outstanding. I always like my own writing voice a lot until I read her, or Pam Morsi, or you... :-)
<< I always like my own writing voice a lot until I read her, or Pam Morsi, or you >>
Oh my goodness, thank you! The comparison blows me away. Pam has always been a favorite of mine. I adored her early historicals and love her as a person. The second time we met we were doing the Rocky Mountain Book Festival in Colorado, and I took an entire tote bag of her books to have them signed.
As blessing would have it, I happened to see her arriving and offered to help her get her stuff from her cab to her room. As a gushing fan, I then asked if she had any free time, I'd love to have my books signed. She graciously agreed. I ran to my room for the bag, and we had a great visit.
So nearly all of my books are signed--up to that year.
Cheryl, just printed the list of Montana Maverick's & found 2 more authors- read several of Myrna Temte & have 26+ of Marilyn Pappano (she only wrote 1 in that series). I was THRILLED when 1 of her books was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie (A Season for Miracles with Patty Duke!) while I worked with them ('99). Never met her, though; Have you?
Lou, I have met her in the course of being at the same book signing, but I can't say I know her. Somewhere I have her diary of when that book was turned into a movie and will keep an eye out for it for you. Have you ever checked her website?
I'm working on Susan Squires' new vampire historical, The Burning. An April book I'm reviewing. Very good so far. A bit slow to take off, but lots of good atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteAs for what "grabs" me about a book - the first thing I notice are the characters. If I find the characters, interesting, complex, with plenty of room for growth - the plot is almost incidental.
I'm reading THE RELUCTANT MISS VAN HELSING by Minda Webber.
ReplyDeleteBeginning premise, characters and setting. Those are what grab me.
I am reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I saw the movie and decided it was time to finally read the book. I have read the other books in the series and have enjoyed them. I love the characters and premise of the series. That is why I keep reading it.
ReplyDeleteNext in my TBR stack is Julia Quinn's To Sir Phillip With Love. Once again this book is part of a series that has great characters. I love Ms. Quinn's books and her use of humor. The characters are probably what keep me reading this series.
As for what "grabs" me in general, it is different for every book. I find that it is usually a combination of the characters and beginning premise.
Good writing - I'm a sucker for good writing. I just put my nose in a book set in the Middle Ages, and the author was so good that by the third sentence I was riding in the cold rain, my clothes sodden, my horse's hooves squelching in the deep mud.
ReplyDeleteI could hardly put that book down!
I am reading Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline.
ReplyDeleteI find I enjoy a book that has something happening early on. Also, when questions are raised about a character's past but you don't get all the inforation right away.
<< Also, when questions are raised about a character's past but you don't get all the inforation right away >>
ReplyDeleteGreat! That's the book I'm writing right now!!
<< and the author was so good that by the third sentence I was riding in the cold rain, my clothes sodden, my horse's hooves squelching in the deep mud. >>
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, don't you love that feeling of being right there? What a gift.
I just start Kathleen Gilles Seidel's new one and I have Pam Morsi's waiting in the wings. What riches!
ReplyDeleteLiz Flaherty
Liz, what is the title of Pam Morsi's new book?
ReplyDeleteIt's THE COTTON QUEEN, Cheryl. Contemporary (I still miss her historicals. Sigh) and about three generations of women in a family. I haven't gotten far, but her writing is always fun to read.
ReplyDeleteKathy Seidel's, A MOST UNCOMMON DEGREE OF POPULARITY, was outstanding. I always like my own writing voice a lot until I read her, or Pam Morsi, or you... :-)
<< I always like my own writing voice a lot until I read her, or Pam Morsi, or you >>
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, thank you! The comparison blows me away. Pam has always been a favorite of mine. I adored her early historicals and love her as a person. The second time we met we were doing the Rocky Mountain Book Festival in Colorado, and I took an entire tote bag of her books to have them signed.
As blessing would have it, I happened to see her arriving and offered to help her get her stuff from her cab to her room. As a gushing fan, I then asked if she had any free time, I'd love to have my books signed. She graciously agreed. I ran to my room for the bag, and we had a great visit.
So nearly all of my books are signed--up to that year.
Now I will have to find Kathy Seidel.
Thank you, Liz!
Oh, and I forgot to mention: I got to hold Pam's RITA statue one year!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. I'd love to meet her. I've sent a few gushing-fan emails to her after reading her books--they leave me absolutely limp, a Good Thing.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, just printed the list of Montana Maverick's & found 2 more authors- read several of Myrna Temte & have 26+ of Marilyn Pappano (she only wrote 1 in that series). I was THRILLED when 1 of her books was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie (A Season for Miracles with Patty Duke!) while I worked with them ('99). Never met her, though; Have you?
ReplyDeleteLou, I have met her in the course of being at the same book signing, but I can't say I know her. Somewhere I have her diary of when that book was turned into a movie and will keep an eye out for it for you. Have you ever checked her website?
ReplyDelete