Reading? Take A Tea Break!

Image by joshstaiger via FlickrPrimula Double Wall
Glass Mug





If you are a reader like me, you might start your day out reading from your latest novel...while you sip your cup of tea (or coffee...)

I'm one of those individuals who chooses a mug for drinking tea, and rarely switch to another, just washing out the one I have been using. So when I saw a Glass Mug "with the Tea Bag Buddy" available on Amazon, I just had to try it...and am sooooo glad I did! It immediately became my chosen tea mug! Here's a quick formal description directly from the box:

Advanced double-wall borosilicate glass retains heat and freshness longer while keeping the mug free of condensation. Enjoy an elegant, rich and satisfying brew. 

Here's my four top reasons for accepting the mug for my daily tea:

• It is indeed "elegant" and, somehow, that brightens the beginning of my day!
• It holds 16 oz, which was the exact size of my earlier choice. Since I only drink one cup a day, this works for me!
• It is very light, easy to pick up and hold for my fingers which are sometimes stiff in the morning (most important)
• The cup lip, as is the cup itself, is thin and feels "right" on those first few hot sips!

Now the Tea Bag Buddy did indeed work just as described and, if you like to steep your tea, will be an added benefit. This was not as important although I did verify its effectiveness and that the top did NOT stain after holding the tea bag...

The cup does keep the tea hotter, even without using the cover, since I sip...read...sip...read continuously...LOL

All in all, I was quite impressed and thankful to be able to look forward to my first sip of tea each morning from my new, quite elegant lovely cup!

Tea Cup Received

Via Amazon Vine

I Got A Back-Handed Compliment Today! LOL...

I Got notice of this feedback on Amazon today... "What a joke," I completely agreed with this individual's assessment of my review activities...You may too! Father Bascio died before his last book was published. What a Loss to all of us... M. miller

"book lover"

read your reviews and as an avid reader, I have never heard of the books you recommend so highly. what a joke...

I have no doubt you are correct. I have dedicated my review role to help promote little known books from great authors...Sure I read James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Linda Howard, J. D. Robb, Nora Roberts, Jonathan Kellerman, Scott Turow and many others for whom I don't write reviews...but they have help in their publishing activities and lots of fans...so I choose not to promulgate the "groupie" mentality that follows only those that are well-known, adding my review to many others who read only the big name authors. In fact, if you were a new or little-known author, I'd be happy to give my time to read and review your book. Fortunately, there are many others like me who are willing to support independent activities, including those who write novels...Try it, you might find just as many books to enjoy as I do....

And by the way, I don't use my time to read books for which I would give a 1 or 2 ranking...I feel no need to share my time and negative thoughts on a book that is not worth reading..and if a book is not to my personal liking, then I make an effort to understand the goal of the writer and consider the skill in its writing. If more individuals spent time trying to objectively review books rather than just give personal opinions in a few lines, then, in my opinion, the feedback process would be much more effective.

On a personal level, I am amazed daily at how many authors, who reach the New York Bestselling list that I have never heard of...I am amazed, also, that you are able to recognize my "niche"...how many books do YOU read annually from authors you've never heard of? And, thanks for being a fan if you read so many of my reviews!

Guest Reviewer Chantal Boudreau Shares Thoughts on Cheryl Moore...

The Blurb on Other People’s Words – Cheryl Moore, Writer/Artist

July 4, 2011 at 11:39 pm (writing)

I’m taking a break from reviewing novels and anthologies to focus on a series of phenomenal micro-stories being published online. Their creator, an incredibly creative woman by the name of Cheryl Moore, has been sharing them with the world at large as a way of introducing readers to her Unbound Boxes Limping Gods series, which will hopefully be published relatively soon (she is currently submitting the first novel to publishers, while working on novel number six.). Not only is she an extraordinary writer, but she also produces stunning color and black & white illustrations to accompany her intriguing micro-stories (such as the example I’ve included here), so that you can see firsthand what these dynamic characters look like from Cheryl’s point of view.

At last count, Cheryl has eighteen of her delightful tales posted to her wordpress site. Now don’t misunderstand me – when I say delightful, I’m not suggesting that these are sweet, joyful, positive stories, like pretty, little fairy tales. Far from it; many of these are dark and disturbing, gratingly so even, but they are very human, always touching, and evoke a great assortment of emotion. They are entertaining, they have an amazing amount of scope and depth for so few words and they capture each flawed character very succinctly with just a small glimpse into their lives. It is kind of like looking through a little window and eavesdropping on their existence before someone slams the shutter quickly closed again. When you can see what wonderful things she can do with these small interludes, you can just imagine the even greater wonders she can achieve with a full-length novel – or several.

As I mentioned, Cheryl is hoping to publish the full series someday, but until then, I encourage you to go meet her characters and explore her frightening but beautiful world. You may even want to leave an appreciative comment so you can say someday: “I knew her before she was famous…”

~~~~~~~

Chantal Boudreau is an accountant and mother of 2 who lives with her family by the sea in beautiful Sambro, Nova Scotia. She writes and illustrates fantasy, dark fantasy and horror during her "spare" time.  In addition to her CMA-MBA from Saint Mary’s University, she has an English degree from Dalhousie University.  Her novel, Fervor, debuted from May December Publications (MDP) in the spring of 2011.  She has written 14 other novels, in various stages of editing and submission, and has also completed many short stories. Magic University, the first of her Masters & Renegades fantasy series is scheduled for release in September 2011.  In addition to her CMA-MBA from Saint Mary’s University, she has an English degree from Dalhousie University.  Her novel, Fervor, debuted from May December Publications (MDP) in the spring of 2011.  She has written 14 other novels, in various stages of editing and submission, and has also completed many short stories. Magic University, the first of her Masters & Renegades fantasy series is scheduled for release soon.

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Bruce DeSilva Gets Rave Reviews - Chat With Him Today at 4 PM EST!

Rogue Island is a tense, terrific thriller and a remarkably assured debut from Bruce DeSilva, an author to watch. -- Dennis Lehane, best-selling author of Mystic River and Shutter Island.

The Rhode Island of Bruce DeSilva’s imagination is a claustrophobic little state where everyone knows your name, secrets are hard to keep, and corruption has ruled since the first colonial governor dined with Captain Kidd. In this vivid landscape peopled by colorful mobsters, brutal cops and sleazy politicians, a droll hero named Mulligan fights long odds to find a measure of justice. Rogue Island is a stunning debut in the noir tradition. -- Harlan Coben, New York Times bestselling author of Long Lost and Hold Tight.

Rogue Island is a blast! Writing with genuine authority, a dose of cynical humor and a squinting eye on the world, Bruce DeSilva delivers a newspaper story that ranks with the best of them. -- Michael Connelly, best-selling author of the Harry Bosch crime novels.

Bruce DeSilva puts it all out there: a gripping plot, memorable characters, and terrific writing. Rogue Island is a stunning debut, and DeSilva is a writer to watch. -- Alafair Burke, author of 212.

Not since Dennis Lehane's A Drink Before the War have I read a first novel as compelling and sure-handed as DeSilva's Rogue Island. Investigative reporter Liam Mulligan has the tough-talking charm, the old school street smarts, and sexy chivalry of a Marlowe or Spade. He needs all these skills to navigate a world where vigilantes prowl the neighborhood with baseball bats, and everyone from sleazy politicians to mafia losers are out to slice off their pound of flesh. I hope Mulligan is around for years to come. He’s funny, fallible, and real.
-- James W. Hall, Edgar-Award-winning author of Hell’s Bay and Magic City

Fans of Michael Connelly and Robert B. Parker, rejoice. L.S.A. Mulligan is on the case. Rogue Island is full of high spirits, low cunning and barbed wit. A wry and entertaining debut in the grand hard-boiled tradition from Bruce DeSilva. -- Peter Blauner, critically acclaimed author of Slow Motion Riot and Slipping Into Darkness.

Bruce DeSilva knows exactly how thrillers work, and he pulls out all the stops in this impressive debut. With a powerful and authentic sense of place, DeSilva peels back the curtain and shows us the real deal; a Providence as gritty and corrupt as any big city, and deadlier than most. -– Sean Chercover, award-winning author of Trigger City.

Live on Facebook's Reviewers Roundup Discussion Board...Bruce DeSilva will be discussing his book, writing and much more!

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If you find you can't participate (comment), click quickly bad to Reviewers Roundup Group, join and come on back to talk!