It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

Good, bad, or somewhere in between, you'll always get my honest take.

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to hear from readers, publishers, authors, and fellow book lovers.

Review Copies

I'm always open to considering books for review. I read across a pretty wide range of genres, though mysteries and thrillers tend to be particular favorites. If you'd like me to consider a book, send along a little information about it and why you think it might be a good fit for A Book A Week.

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Review requests, interviews, features, or something else you have in mind? Send me a note. I'm always happy to hear about new books and opportunities that might be a good fit for the blog.

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Have a question, a recommendation, or just want to talk books? Those messages are welcome, too.

Before the review, I feel that some explanation is in order. At the start of this year, I was very frustrated with the amount of books I had read in the previous year. Despite my kind of reader apathy, I resolved to become a better reader. I had a copy of Bitter Legacy, which I had won months earlier on GoodReads, so I decided to finally read it. Before I knew it, a day had passed and I had compulsively finished the novel. Invigorated by my sense of accomplishment, I came up with the staggering goal of reading at least one book each week. I don't hesitate in saying that without this novel, this blog would have never been born. I have been amazed at all of the positive feedback and helpful comments I have received. I would never have imagined that this blog would gain such a diverse and loyal following. In a form of thanks to all readers, I am pleased to offer a re-post of my very first review, and a giveaway of this fun mystery novel.

Taking a hint from other authors, such as Carl Hiaasen and Jeff Lindsay, H. Terrell Griffin sets his story in a fascinating Florida, that sets the tone for this wildly entertaining mystery. Matt Royal, retired soldier, lawyer, and occasional fisherman and beer drinker, becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy when an attempt is made on his life, and the life of his best friend, Logan. Royal, assisted by the chief of police, Logan, and his buddy Jock, a high up member of a secretive government agency with considerable influence and resources, embarks on a cat and mouse chase to find the people who want him dead.

The small town Florida setting allows Griffin to juxtapose his protagonist and supporting characters, all of who seem to possess that rare quality found only in small town, working class America, with the cold corrupt tone of the rich greedy villains. On top of the attempts at his life, Matt Royal is also forced to learn to work with the new female detective, J.D. Duncan, who not only threatens to disrupt the "good ole boy" cooperation between Royal and the Longboat Key Police Department, but also stirs feelings somewhere deeper in Royal's heart. Duncan is a great fish out of water, by the book, contrast to Royal's more maverick ideals. Through J.D. Duncan, Griffin manages to produce a surprisingly believable, romantic subplot.

This is the fifth novel to feature Matt Royal, but as this was the first novel I read, I don't think it is important to read the other installments in the series before reading this one. From the moment I began reading this book, I could not put it down! The novel takes place over a weeklong period of time, and is divided into sections by the different days of the week(it seemed oddly fitting that I read this weeklong story as the first novel in my Book A Week challenge). With the fairly short chapters and quick pacing, this novel had me flying through the pages and kept me engaged to the very end. As a fan of great mysteries, interesting characters, and beautiful settings, I found Bitter Legacy to be a great read!

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2GDYO673ZNYA9/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Giveaway Rules: (Closed)

1. Use the link above to read the Amazon review. At the end of the review, indicate "YES" this review was helpful.

2. Leave your email address in the comments of this post, and indicate that you have completed the above step.

3. This giveaway will continue to May 12.

4. US and Canada entries only.

5. Two winners will be selected

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8 Comments

Comments

RyanApril 29, 2012 at 11:05 AM
I had a very similar epiphany when I read A.J. Jacobs My Year of Living Biblically (don't ask how). I vowed that I would read at least 25 pages a day every day. That was four years ago and I have not broken my vow yet.
Jonathan WilhoitMay 3, 2012 at 8:17 AM
Sign me up, Ethan! I've hit the button on Amazon and everything. Eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners.
RachelMay 5, 2012 at 3:59 AM
I visited Amazon, thanks for the giveaway :)
malibu311 at gmail dot com
Pauline MIlnerMay 5, 2012 at 4:37 AM
I visited Amazon and clicked that the review was helpful.

Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity. ~Pauline

dod@rogers.com
Linda TrinkleinMay 6, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Clicked review was helpful!! :)
thanks for a chance to win

lzamudio02 @ hotmail .com
LaurenMay 10, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Voted "yes" the review was helpful

laurenalexis at gmail dot com
KHAIRU DHANANIMay 11, 2012 at 10:02 AM
"Yes" very helpful. Thanks again ,

parwaizriaz@gmail.com
EthanMay 13, 2012 at 5:10 PM
Congratulations to Khairu and Pauline! They will each receive a copy of Bitter Legacy by H. Terrell Griffin. Thanks to the publisher for making this giveaway available, and thanks to all who entered. Be sure to check this site for future giveaway opportunities.

A Book A Week

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About Me

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

Honest reviews, always.

Contact