Five Star Reviews Make an Author Happy and REVIEW CONTEST WINNER

As many of you know, my paranormal romance, WITCH EVER WAY YOU CAN, came out in ebook form in December. So far, the reaction has been lovely--another Five Star review just went up, and seeing it made me do the "happy author" dance :-)

Check it out, if you've a mind to...
http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/product-reviews/B006HWZPGO/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

And if you haven't taken a look at the book yet (gasp!), here is the link on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO

If you have read it and liked it (either on the Kindle or the Nook--which has no reviews up yet, alas), it would make me do the "really, really happy author" dance if you would post a review of your own.

Oh-- and one more thing: I realized I never picked a winner for my "Review Contest" back in December (I blame the holidays, and exhaustion). Oops. My bad. So, the winner of the contest is KiaLynn! Email me at magicmysticminerva at yahoo and tell me where to send your prize!

Great Reviews! Doing the Happy Author Dance

Nothing makes an author happier than a shiny new positive review of one of her books. Today, I got two! EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z SPELLBOOK was reviewed by two different people at the fabulous Facing North site--and both of them loved it, despite not being "spellbook" fans.

*does happy author dance*

Check them out, then if you want, come back here and tell me if any of what they said resonates with you.
http://facingnorth.net/Witchcraft/everyday-witch-a-to-z-spellbook.html

YAY!

National Read A Book Day--What I've been reading!

Happy National Read A Book Day! Of course, around my house, EVERY day is read a book day. Which would explain why I had to buy yet another bookshelf last month...

I have a stack of books I've read recently that I liked even more than usual, and I've been meaning to blog about them. Seems like National Read A Book Day is the perfect day to do so. Some are books in series I've been reading and enjoying, others are new books by a few of my favorite authors, and I've got a couple of new discoveries in there as well. Every single one of them comes with  my highest recommendation, and I hope you'll go out and try one or two and come back to tell me if you liked them as much as I did.

Favorite Series:
GHOST STORY by Jim Butcher -- The Harry Dresden series (which I first discovered from the short-lived but wonderful TV show based on the books) is amazing, magical, clever, and funny urban fantasy. For these of you who might not be familiar with it, Harry is the only professional wizard in Chicago. This book has been eagerly awaited by fans of the series, since Butcher left us hanging at the end of the previous book. *shakes fist at author* And it doesn't disappoint. At all. If you haven't read these, I suggest you start at the beginning, with STORM FRONT.
THE SNOW QUEEN'S SHADOW by Jim C. Hines -- the final installment in the "Princess" series, this book features the same kick-ass heroines as the others, and winds things up very satisfactorily. Hines' take on the traditional fairy tales is second to none; these are NOT your childhood princesses, I assure you. Read this whole series, too. The first book is THE STEPSISTER SCHEME.
MAGIC SLAYS & MAGIC BLEEDS by Ilona Andrews -- I got behind on this series, which meant I got to read two in a row. Huzzah! Another urban fantasy series, this one is set in Atlanta, but in an Atlanta that is very different from the one we know. Kate Daniels is one of my favorite heroines, and the world-building here is second to none. The series starts with MAGIC BITES.

Favorite Authors:
I don't always read fantasy or urban fantasy; sometime I like a nice contemporary romance, especially one with a touch of humor or an exotic locale. (I'm actually very picky about the romance I read, however, so the few favorite authors I have are REALLY good.)
I have a weakness for British contemporaries, and my absolute top author there is Katie Fforde. I like her work so much, I actually order the books directly from England, rather than waiting the extra year for them to come out here. (Although I do usually wait until the hardcovers are available used through an Amazon seller.) I somehow got one behind on these as well, so I just read two and loved them both. These books are all stand-alones, so they don't need to be read in any particular order. If you're a fan of Jennifer Crusie's writing, you'll like SUMMER OF LOVE, A PERFECT PROPOSAL and everything else Fforde has ever written.
Mindy Klasky is another author whose work I love, whether it was her humorous paranormal series or her earlier fantasies. I don't normally read the Harlequin Special Edition books, but when Mindy came out with one, I made an exception. And I was glad I had, because THE MOGUL'S MAYBE MARRIAGE was sweet and charming and lots of fun to read.
Starhawk is a well-known Pagan author of nonfiction (THE SPIRAL DANCE is a must-read classic) but I'd had her novel THE FIFTH SACRED THING on my bookshelves for years without getting around to reading it. My writing partner Lisa recommended it, though, and she was right--it was amazing!

New Discoveries:
One of the best parts of reading is when you find a new author whose work you love. I just read three new or new-to-me authors, one of which I liked a lot and two of which I loved with a white-hot passion that had me telling everyone I know to run out and buy their books.
I've been in fairy tale mode, so I really enjoyed the YA fantasy THE AMARANTH ENCHANTMENT by Julie Berry. If you like charming stories set in earlier eras with likable heroines, you should definitely check this out.
I was lucky enough to get an advance reader's copy at RWA of Rosemary Clement-Moore's new book, TEXAS GOTHIC. Run out and buy this book. (No, really--I'll wait.) I love books that feature magic and witches, especially if the author finds a clever new approach. This YA has a terrific protagonist, Amy Goodnight, who is saddled with a charming but eccentric family and a lot of secrets. I read this book in two days, because I just couldn't put it down, and I can only hope that Rosemary writes another one with these same lovable and quirky characters.
And I just finished a fabulous debut novel, MAKING WAVES by Tawna Fenske. Another contemporary romance, with just the right amount of humor and spiciness, this is another book you should run out and buy immediately. If not sooner! I was laughing out loud by page five. Heck, it is worth reading it for the Jell-O salad alone. Fenske is my new favorite discovery and I can't wait to read her next one.

So, now that I've told you what I've been reading, what about you? Any new books by old favorites? Any great new discoveries you have to shout about? What are you reading for National Read a Book Day?

Another great review!

Check out this great review for the new Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-of-everyday-witch-to-z-by.html

I love it when people love me! (Well, or my books, anyway.)

Review of SHADE

Check out my review of Jeri Smith-Ready's excellent YA urban fantasy, SHADE at Debuts & Reviews http://www.tianevitt.com/2010/06/fantasy-review-shade-by-jeri-smith-ready/

Then go buy the bok. Yes--it is THAT good.

REview of EMBERS

Check out my review of Laura Bickle's urban fantasy debut novel, EMBERS, at Debuts & Reviews http://www.tianevitt.com/2010/05/debut-review-embers-by-laura-bickle/

Must read books: WHEN GOOD WISHES GO BAD

I read a lot of books. a LOT of books, people. So when I put one down at the end of the story and say, "I have to tell everyone to get this book," you know that really means something.

I just finished reading Mindy Klasky's new book, WHEN GOOD WISHES GO BAD. It is the second in her genie series (the first, HOW NOT TO MAKE A WISH, was also spectacular), but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book.

This book knocked my socks off. Seriously. It is funny, charming, intelligent, and clever. And there's a genie. And theater. And a cute guy...

I've convinced the wonderful Mindy to come do a Q and A here next Tuesday. But in the meanwhile, run don't walk to buy this book!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_6_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=when+good+wishes+go+bad&sprefix=When+good+

A great review!

There is very little that can make an author happier than receiving a great review for one of her books. In the newest edition of WITCHES & PAGANS Magazine (used to be newWitch and Pangaia), there was a terrific review of my second book, EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z.

And I have to tell you, reading it made my day!

If you are a pagan, you should be subscribing to this wonderful magazine. It covers all approaches and a wide variety of belief sets, and I look forward to seeing it in my mailbox. (And yes, I have written a few articles for both the original two magazines, and also sister magazine SAGE WOMAN--but I would recommend it even if I hadn't!)

Below you will find the link for the magazine, as well as a copy of the review, which editor extraordinaire Anne Newkirk Niven was kind enough to send me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

One little note: the reviewer refers to me a couple of times as "Lady Onyx." Onyx is my magical name, but I don't use the title "Lady." This was a fairly common practice in the earlier forms of Wicca (such as Gardnarian and Alexandrian) and some folks still follow it--but I'm just plain "Onyx."

http://www.witchesandpagans.com/

Everyday Witch A to Z
Deborah Blake, Llewellyn, 2008
4/5 Broomsticks

At first glance, this seemed a very "fluffy" book. However, after
giving Lady Onyx's book, Everyday Witch A to Z, an honest read, I
changed my mind. My pointy hat is off to Ms. Blake (aka Onyx) for a
work of fabulous diplomacy and the friendliest introduction to the
world of Witchcraft that I have encountered. Organized into short,
alphabetized categories, this graphically-pleasing book explains all
the basics of Witchcraft in a forthright, non-threatening manner.
Everything from the philosophy of Perfect Love and Perfect Trust to
Sabbats and Esbats, elementals, basic spellcraft, herbology, gem
magic, and more are covered. Do you have a relative, friend, or
neighbor who thinks Witchcraft is evil? This is the book to give them!

Beginning witches will find a wealth of information in these
pages. The layout of the book demonstrates a great deal about the
culture of Witchcraft. From the copious use of pretty graphics and
color to the casual mismatch of jokes, quotes, "advice columns," and
helpful hints, Everyday Witch stays true to the eclectic, practical
tendency of witches to use what works, when it works. Like the
fabric of our lives, there is a lovely balance of mirth and reverence here.

Lady Onyx, it is not an easy thing to create a beginner's guide that
holds the interest of more advanced practitioners, but I think you've
done it. A blessing in your general direction for a job well done.
Review by KRISTIN BARTON.

Library Journal Review

Check out this fabulous review of my newest book, The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch. I'm told that the Library Journal rarely reviews Llewellyn books, and when it does, the reviews are rarely favorable. That makes this glowing review even more precious!

Blake, Deborah. The Goddess Is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch. Llewellyn. May 2009. c.240p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-7387-1486-8. pap. $16.95. PARAPSYCH
Blake (Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice) dons the mantle of the high priestess with grace, wisdom, and a dose of humility as she doles out advice on incorporating magic and pagan philosophy into everyday life. Brief but not superficial, the book glides smoothly from private concerns such as internalizing Wiccan beliefs or mindful eating to more external and social issues like creating sacred space, home keeping, and working with a coven. Along the way, Blake manages to cover most of daily life, from raising children in the craft to dealing with horrified unbelievers in a cheerful and inclusive tone. Lovely spells, ideas for rituals (with some unique adaptations to “mundane” holidays), and thoughtful assignments at the end of chapters round out the offerings. Blake’s view is highly personal, but she frequently references other Wiccan writers, such as Scott Cunningham, and concludes with a meaty bibliography. High praise and recommendations; this title is for all public libraries with a dedicated pagan or Wiccan collection.—Janet Tapper, Western States Chiropractic Coll. Lib., Portland, OR

Whoo hoo! If you know any librarians, please bring this to their attention.Thanks,Deborah