The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Author: Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards
Publisher: Twilight Times Books

http://twilighttimesbooks.com/

ISBN: 978-1-933353-22-7
Genre: Reference/Writing
Format: Trade paperback
Price: $16.95 print, $4.99 ebook
Pages: 180

Some may think it’s easy as 1 – 2 – 3 to write a review.

And to be honest, it is a simple process. But it does help to know how to put your words into print. This is what THE SLIPPERY ART OF BOOK REVIEWING is all about. Authors, Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards, delve into the mysterious caverns so few reviewers perfect but many readers use to determine if that book is going to be purchased. We all know that the author’s ultimate goal is to sell sell sell!

Selling is closely related to promotion. As many public relation professionals can relate, one must see – or hear – something at least seven times before it is even tried. Or remembered! Thus reviews are a very important part of promotion process. As Mayra Calvani states:

“Book reviews are one of the most effective tools of book promotion. In fact, some experts consider reviews the most effective tool.
For librarians, top review publications such as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, School Library Journal, etc., play a vital role in the selection of titles. Reviews are the strongest criterion for selection. While it’s true booksellers look at different criteria when making a decision about which books to stock, reviews are a tremendously useful and helpful factor, especially when in doubt or when the author is unknown. Pre-release review publications like the ones mentioned before play an important role in the selection of books, allowing bookstores to order titles in advance of their official release dates, thus making them available to the public immediately after their release. Online reviews are particularly important when selecting titles from small presses or unknown authors who often don’t get reviews in the major pre-release publications.
“The fact is, most people read reviews. Reviews and readers go together like wine and cheese. Before spending money on a book–especially in the case of expensive hard covers–most people turn to reviews to get an idea of the book’s quality and whether or not there’s a recommendation. In this age of computers when almost every person has a PC at home, it’s easy for booklovers to access the Internet and read book reviews. With the rise of so many niche review sites, book blogs, and readers sharing their reviews on sites like Amazon, it’s popular to read reviews. Also, the more reviews about a book, the more buzz and exposure.”

This very well could be considered the desk reference for reviewers. Calvani and Edwards don’t just talk to the beginners, they also provide some hard statistics and information for the reviewer who has been around the block or two.

–a JustViews.net MiniView

On sale March 19, 2012 for ONLY $2.99

At Amazon : The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

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Forever and a Day
Delilah Marvelle
Harlequin
HQN
December 27, 2011

He was only trying to help a lady in distress. Perhaps that is why Georgia Milton took pity on the man with no memories of who, what, nor where he was. Yet Georgia knew the man, who called himself Robinson, was someone, somewhere in society. His clothes, his manners, and his speech gave that away even though the man Georgia came to know over the next few days was not the true Roderick of before. Rather he was nothing but a gentleman and a scroundal. He had no purpose in life expecting all to bow to his desires. So when Roderick told Georgia she would never fit in with his peers, Georgia sets out to prove him wrong.

This was a fun read. Featuring two polar opposites, Marvelle treats fans to a taste of the ghetto from the eyes of an aristocrat. The downside of this fantastic tale is the backstory. This bogs down and stalls the flow as readers must become familiar with what has already happened but had not yet been told.
–a JustViews.net MiniView

SEAL of My Dream
an anthology
Bell Bridge Books
November 11, 2011
ISBN 978-1611940510

In this anthology, readers will find heartbreak, tears, laughter, fear, sorrow, and love. Each story reminds us of the sacrifice made on a daily basis by the men and women who serve in the military.

SEAL of My Dreams pays tribute to the Navy SEALs with proceeds from the sales of this volume benefiting all veterans in the form of medical research by the Veteran’s Research Corporation.
–a JustViews.net MiniView

Mulligan Girl
Rebecca L Boschee
Avalon
February 24, 2010
9780803499928

Ren Edwards had everything a woman could ask for. Her job provided a cushy expense account to purchase items at her leisure, while at the same time enjoy the finer things in life. So when Ren meets the Golf Pro Shop manager, she quickly fell into her role learning something new while her boss picked up the tab.

In this case, Ren was doomed to fail. Golf definately is not her sport. Yet Ren will do anything to get the attention of the man behind the counter – even if she needs to tell him she is married to get his attention.

Meanwhile, Adan Bennett is silently learning all about the married woman, Mrs. Edwards. He is also losing his heart in the process. So he invites Ren to Ireland.

This is a terrific romp. Boschee writes a smooth tale that will tickle the funny bone and shudder in anticipation of the outcome.
–a JustViews.net Mini View

Dangerous Lord, Innocent Governess
Christine Merrill
Harlequin Historical #1048
July 2011
9780373296484

Tm Colton is not whom is he appears. Neither is his governess. Together Tiim and Daphne learn how to bring the children happiness and joy to their own lives. But first they need to know how Clarissa was killed. And why! Only then will the past free them from grief.

Although a stand-alone tale, readers will definitely find it helpful to read “Miss Winthorpe’s Elopement” which explains the behaviors of many characters. Even without these helpful tidbits, Merrill brings to life the inner struggles families face when loved ones die under suspcious circumstances. And then invokes the belief that the truth will win.
–a JustViews Mini View

Embraced by Blood
Laurie London
HQN Books
9780373775866
June 28, 2011

This is much more than a tale of vampires finding their true mates. In London’s newest book in the Sweetblood Series, readers meet Alfonso and Lily. With a lot of contention between the two, one wonders how they will ever figure out each was meant for the other.

London had a awesome plot that engaged readers. However, without a prologue to reintroduce some of the characters, London made a disservice to those who have not read earlier book. It is definitely a problem as each can not be considered a stand-alone title. The first book must be read or readers will find themselves on a roller-coaster ride until individual characters manifest into bold living creatures.

I did enjoy this book and can cheerfully recommend reading about Guardians meeting Darkbloods along with a blood assassin thrown in the mix. I caution readers, however, to read the first book, BONDED BY BLOOD, to get a grasp on the scenery, stage and characters before delving into EMBRACED BY BLOOD.
–a JustViews.net Mini View

The Bastard
Brenda Novak
Exclusively from Amazon.com
November 1, 2011

romance historical

Unwilling to sacrifice herself to a man who creatively manufactured a plan to get an heir, Jeanette flees. The Baron St. Ives, her new husband will be searching so Jeanette knows she must disguise herself to remain safe.

Jeanette learns a frigate is due to set sail for London so she signs on as a boy under the command of Lt. Treynor. However, Jeanette is unaccustomed to life as a sailor. So she runs only to receive a panalty of lashes which Treynor accepts on her behalf.

But not before Treynor learns Jean Vicard is really Jeanette, Baroness St. Ives, wife to Lord Percival Borden. Now Treynor has no love for the noble realm. Yet he decides to help Jeanette.

Life happens. Trouble follows. Yet love will unerringly target two unlikely souls. And bring happiness in strange and unique ways. Novak weaves a yarn that makes it difficult to put aside. My only dilemma was how Novak quickly dispensed with the old and put Treynor in a loftly position to claim the woman he loved.
–a JustViews.net MiniView

In a unique twist, THE BASTARD is available only from Amazon.com both as a paperback and for Amazon Kindle, which can be downloaded for free as an Amazon Prime member.

While this book is an oldie, St Martin’s Paperbacks just released FORBIDDEN PLEASURE in January 2011. This is a tale of two men who desire the same woman. Meet Mac, who is kind and caring and spoils his wife outrageously. But Keiley realizes that her husband is acting strange. And goes out of her way to torment him about his past. So Mac invites his ‘third’ to visit the ranch. Then things really get hot and steamy. But Keiley isn’t altogether sure she likes this new side of her husband. Yet Jethro is a man Keiley can’t wait to love.

–A JustViews.net Mini Review