Tag Archives: book reviews


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How to Write a Book Review

Do you ever wonder what the best way is to support your favorite authors? Of course, purchasing books, reading their books, and telling your friends about them is the best way of getting the word out.

Another way of showing your support is reviewing the books you read. When you purchase a book from Amazon or Barnes & Nobel online there is a place for you to write a short review. Goodreads.com also provides a place for reviews. Most readers don’t leave one because it intimidates them. People think that there are certain requirements you must have to be a book reviewer. Not true any more.                        animated woman typing

I’d like to give you some tips on how to write a simple, short review that is easy and only take a few minutes of your time. You can read the book in print form and put a review online whether you bought it online or not. Fear keeps us from doing a lot of things. Don’t be scared of writing a review.

Some suggestions:

  • The theme represents …
  • I enjoyed the story because …
  • The relationships between characters demonstrated …
  • It is well written …
  • My favorite character …
  • The story is well researched …
  • Read some of the reviews posted for examples and write one in your own words.
  • A review does not have to be only positive statements, but can include points that you feel are negative. Just be sure that you stick to the subject and the writing, do not get personal about the author.
  • If the writing is not professional, then it is alright to say that.
  • If the research in a historical novel is obviously well done, then mention it.
  • It can be a great story that isn’t told very well.
  • Tell whether you like the book or not.
  • Would you recommend it to others?

I hope this helps take some of the anxiety out of writing a review. I am sure your favorite authors will appreciate your support.


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“The Fisherman’s Wife” Latest Reviews

First, a thank you to those who have reviewed my book so far.

The Fisherman’s Wife – Book Review

By Camille Bradstreet

Step back into first century Palestine with Johanna, the wife of a moderately successful fisherman named Simon. Dianne Sagan does a wonderful job of weaving her story about this typical Jewish girl who grows into a woman during the time of religious renewal in this area of the world. Enjoy the sights, sounds, images and hardships described as Johanna evolves from young bride to adult woman in an age of difficult times and oppression.

Appealing to young adult and anyone interested in the lifestyle of Jesus’ contemporaries, Sagan uses her imagination, scripture and tradition in The Fisherman’s Wife to bring these characters to life and tie them to events Christians recognize from scripture.

Johanna’s character as well as those around her deal with real, timeless issues of our day and hers.

What if Simon Peter had a wife and child? August 30, 2010

By Wyn (Canada)

This review is from: The Fisherman’s Wife (Paperback)

What if the disciples had families? Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us that Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, therefore; he had a wife. Church history tells us that Peter and his wife were crucified together in Rome. Ms. Sagan has taken these passages and histories to fashion a woman called Johanna as the wife of Simon. Johanna has grown up with Simon and is ecstatic when their fathers come to an agreement on a bridal contract. At first the marriage is wonderful but then troubles develop which cause bitterness and withdrawal. Soon Simon starts to follow Jesus leaving the fishing business to be managed by his partner. Johanna’s bitterness grows as she feels left out and partially abandoned by Simon. Her interactions with Jesus help her to come to terms with God. Ms. Sagan has portrayed 1st Century Capernaum in a detailed and believable manner as she did in “Rebecca Redeemed”. This second book about women in the time of Jesus shows an eternal century-crossing side of women. Like women today Johanna has joys and troubles and when in trouble, she needs proof that the solutions will work. She is also stubborn and needs proof that her beliefs will support her in the long run. Although she supports her husband, she wants to know that he still loves her, honors her, and will take care of her as well as the family. This novella has many facets that make it enjoyable as well as thoughtful.

The book can be purchased at Buoy Up Press


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Fall is Definitely in the Air

The temperatures at night are around 60 degrees in the Panhandle of Texas and we’ve been in the low to mid-80’s during the day. Football season and school are in full swing. No leaves turning for awhile yet, but it looks like it will be a busy time between now and the end of the year.

“Rebekah Redeemed”, my book released earlier this year may not be hitting the top ten yet, but those who read it are touched by it and I’m happy with the great book reviews on amazon.com or barnes&nobel.com. I’m working on the next book in the series “The Fisherman’s Wife” and hope to have it out in 2010. I’m also scheduling book signings, speaking engagements to both writing groups and women’s groups. I’ll put the dates on the blog as they get nearer.

Things are moving along for the flash fiction anthology and my novel for release later in the Fall 2009. It’s been a very exciting year and looks like next year will be even better. I also expect to pick up some more ghostwriting projects over the Fall and Winter season.

As we all move inside when the weather gets cold, I hope you all will be reading books like I plan to. Cold nights snuggled up with a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate and a good book are one of my ideas of contentment. I invite readers to leave a comment on what books they are reading or have on their list of ‘to read’ books.


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More about Karen Cioffi’s book

                                                                                                                      Days End Lullaby

 

Bedtime is the most precious time between a loved one and a child.  Day’s End Lullaby will soothe any precious little one to sleep after a long day of play.  I look forward to sharing this book with my daughter every night and waiting for Mr. Sandman to kiss her thoughts to dreams.

Veronica DePaolo
Assistant Principal, The Abigail Adams School
Jamaica, New York

This book is an appealing addition to any collection of bedtime stories for preschoolers.  Colorful and attractive illustrations pair beautifully with the rhyming text.  Day’s End Lullaby provides the reassuring tone young children will love as part of their bedtime routine.

Kathleen Cavanagh
Librarian, Old South School
Ozone Park, New York

Here is order information for this great children’s book. It is on my list to get for our new grand daughter who is due in September.

Thanks for visiting this week with me, Karen.