How Many Books Do You Read in a Month? A Year?

If you are anything like me you will read as many books as you can each month. I always take the Reading Challenge on Goodreads each year and try to surpass my goal. I don’t always surpass it but I try my best to at least reach my goal. This year my goal is to read 80 books. So far I have read 29. I think I will surpass this year’s goal since I will be taking some time off to just read and get away from social media and writing to get recharged.

What about you? How many books do you read in a month? A year?

Just think about how smart you are going to be the more you read each day. It certainly can’t hurt you, that’s for sure. Let reading be your escape from the troubles of the world.

Here is my link to Goodreads to check out all my books and the others I have read. https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomgoodreadscomjspina

I love to read in multi-genres as well as write that way. We all have different tastes in reading. There are so many books to choose from on Amazon and other book sites that the most difficult thing is choosing which ones you want to read. I hope I help you make decisions by my monthly reads and reviews and from all my promotions of my own books. Authors need readers, you are why we write. Reviews are most welcomed and appreciated. Get reading today. You don’t have to set goals like I do, just read, relax and enjoy.

Promo by BMGN

JEMSBOOKS NOVELS FOR 18+ are available on Amazon as paperbacks and ebooks (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble as paperbacks.

Purchase YA books here.

MG/PT/YA books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Please come back again soon for more books, reviews and whatever else pops into my tired brain. As I have mentioned before this post, I will be taking some time off for a little while. You may not hear from me during that time but don’t worry I will be back to comment and answer whatever questions you have. Keep reading!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

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Posted in Books for 15+, books for 18+, Books for all ages, Books for MG/PT/YA, Books for PS and Kindergarten children, Books for YA, books of all genres, Goodreads goal, Reading, Reading and relaxing, Reading is Good for your Health, Reading is important, READING TIME!, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Reading is Good for Your Brain!

I have written many posts about the benefits of reading daily. Here are several reasons why you should read every day, not just your children.

GOOGLE FREE PHOTOS

Did you know that reading is good for you? It not only increases your word vocabulary and stimulates your mind, but also gives you a feeling of wellbeing and promotes good health, dispels feelings of loneliness, improves your memory, promotes better patterns of sleep, and don’t forget – it brings families closer when they share and read books together.

Here is a link with more info about the benefits of reading.

Purchase YA books here.

JEMSBOOKS NOVELS FOR 18+ are available on Amazon as paperbacks and ebooks (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble as paperbacks.

MG/PT/YA books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Here are some suggestions for your reading pleasure using BMGN promo.

There are so many choices online not only from me (ha) but millions of other books from millions of other authors. There is no excuse to say that there isn’t anything to read. In fact, there is entirely too many books to choose from so delve into them today. Get healthier, happier and keep your brain active and your body, mind and spirit in a more positive frame.

I am never without a book wherever I go with my Kindle, iPhone or iPad handy. I would feel lost without a book. As you can see from all my reads and reviews, I read about seven or more books a month besides writing a book of my own every three months or so. I definitely keep my mind active and begging me for a reprieve.

I am currently taking a break from writing, if you can believe that. I scheduled this post and several others ahead of time so I could rest my weary brain and just read some more books. Please get yourself and your children into reading and less into TV, videos, X-box, and whatever other new devices are out there. You will see a difference in yourself and your children when you pick up a book instead, put your feet up, grab a cup of tea, coffee, cocoa and your favorite snacks and relax. Ahh! I will be doing that too! Happy Reading Everyone!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Read, read and read some more and feel better! Come back again for more news, books and whatever else pops into my head.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Books for all ages, Jemsbooks for all ages, Reading is Good for your Health, Reading is important, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Have you read Hunting Mariah and Mariah’s Revenge yet?

I love to hear from readers and listen to their suggestions about what I should write next. A couple of readers who had read the first book in the two-book series of Hunting Mariah asked me to write a sequel. They wanted to know more about what happened to Mariah. Well, I had to think about that for a long time but finally deciding to write the sequel in 2018, four years after the first book. Of course, I had to read the first book all over again which made me make some changes in it. I republished the first book again with a new cover and then published Mariah’s Revenge the sequel.

AUTHORSDB FIRST LINES CONTEST – FINALIST!

An insane killer, obsessed with blood and death, seeks revenge with those he perceives wronged him. He is now on the loose. His next victim may be Mariah.

Mariah has lost her memory. Will she remember what has transpired in her past? Can Mariah escape this deadly killer’s grasp. Will she finally be safe? Will the killer be apprehended?

AUTHORSDB FIRST LINES CONTEST – FINALIST!
 
This book begins where the first book, Hunting Mariah, left off. This suspense/thriller/crime novel will keep you turning pages as the tension grows. There will be twists and turns and some surprises. Many of the same characters will be in play to give support and encouragement to Mariah along the way.
A new man comes into Mariah’s life that reminds her of someone she wants to forget. He threatens to bring back the horrors that she and her family once endured. While the one she wants to forget suffers from a horrendous attack that puts his life in jeopardy.
Mariah must draw on her strength and resilience to survive danger at every turn. How much more can Mariah endure? How far will Mariah go to protect her family?

Both of these books were finalists in Authorsdb First Lines Contest because they will grab you from the first page and never let you go until you finish the book. I had a reader’s wife tell me that her husband picked up the first book on her nightstand one night and stayed up all night to read it. He explained, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this book!” He promptly went online and purchased book 2.

That was quite a compliment from a man who his wife says, ‘doesn’t read a thing!’ Wow! I was thrilled to hear this. So, as you can see, this series is not just for women because it’s about a strong woman but it’s because there are strong men involved too. Grab your copy and share it with your husband for some exciting talks about who did what and why today!

Warning: Prepare to not do laundry, cook or take care of your family until you finish it! Sorry about that, family!

If this book grabbed you, I would love to hear about your thoughts. Let me share something else with you. When I wrote these two books I had nightmares about this serial killer for months until I completed the first book. Four years later after publishing several other books I once again experienced the same nightmares about this killer when I picked up the story again in book 2. Phew! I was relieved to finish it and forget about him. He finally left my dreams after I refused to listen to anything else he tried to share with me.

Now my muse is telling me to pick up the story again! Would you believe that? I don’t either! Sigh! I told him/her that I am not ready to have nightmares again. So there! Just leave me alone!!

Well, that is not the end of our discussions. There may, and I say MAY, be four more books in the future if I dare pick up the tale again but this time Mariah is in a different role and will be in charge of helping other women who have the same problems she did. What do you think about this four-book series?

It is still on the back burner, way back, since I have so many other books to complete, but it is still nagging me a little to see it there waiting.

I hope you will check out all my books and keep tuning in to see what my crazy muse is going to come up with next. It’s always a surprise to me too! Ha!

As always here are some reviews to wet your appetite for this thriller!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. I appreciate your kind support and any reviews you may post wherever my books are sold. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. That is me speaking and not my muse. Ha!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in crime/mystery/thriller, Mariah’s Revenge, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What genres do you like the best?

I always want to know what genres readers enjoy the most. Of course readers have all kinds of favorite genres for each age group. I try to give something to all ages and in all genres to keep everyone happy. It also makes me a happy writer when I see readers enjoying my books.

I have 42 books at present with a new children’s book coming in June of 2023. This is a promo from BMGN showcasing 42 books. It’s getting a little crowded but I keep books coming in a steady stream due to my prolific muse for which I am thankful! I am also blessed to have a talented and artistic husband who creates my book covers and illustrates all my children’s books. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without his help. Thank you, John. I love you!

Each month I showcase fellow authors book in my Monthly Reads and Reviews. I hope you have been checking out these wonderful books each month. As I previously questioned you about what are your favorite genres, I’m sure you are wondering what are mine? Aha! I thought so. Ha!

Well, as you can see from my monthly reviews that I love all kinds of books but do prefer mysteries, suspense, crime, detective, fantasy, and heartwarming stories that make lift up my spirits and make feel good. How about you?

The only books I will not read and review are explicit material, horror, zombies and horrific crimes. They would make me sick to my stomach and having nightmares every night. Would you read these genres?

I have to admit I did write some short stories in my book, An Angel Among Us, that were different genres out of my usual, one of which was a mild horror. I don’t know what made me write it but my muse insisted that I include it in the book. Sigh! I don’t always follow my muse’s advice but I guess I did this time. If you haven’t read this short story collection of 15 stories of different genres including one dedicated to my friend who lost her life in 2017 to breast cancer. The story I wrote for her was a sweet love story, hence the title, An Angel Among Us. I put in a mixture of stories with unusual and surprise endings, some angelic while others not so. You can check it out below.

A collection of short stories that covers several genres including romance, grief/loss, mystery, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal. This book is dedicated to a courageous friend who passed this year. The first story is specially created for her and is the inspiration for the title of this book.

Here are some reviews of this book from Amazon using AllAuthor.com promos which I love!!

I look forward to writing another collection like this in multi-genres once again. My muse has been keeping me busy with three other projects and two more besides this one in the wings. Yikes! I can’t keep up with her/him whoever it is. I am happy that I have this muse but he/she is wearing me out!

Look for more books coming from Jemsbooks in 2023 and beyond! There is always another story running around in my already overcrowded head begging to get out! I feel blessed and hope they keep coming!!

Thank you so much for stopping by read this post. Please come back again. I write for you readers. If you didn’t come there would be no point in my writing another word. Thank you for your support and for any reviews you post wherever my books are sold.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Amazon book reviews, An Angel Among Us, award-winning children’s books, book reviews, Books for all ages, Children’s books for PS-Grade 3, Jemsbooks for all ages, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Taking a Break to Get Recharged for the next WIP!

A couple of times a year I take a break away from blogging and writing to get recharged for the next WIP. It is that time now. I have three books completed for 2023 so far with the hope of completing two more. My goal for 2023 was four books but with perseverance and hard work I will complete five. Phew!

Here are the ones I completed so far in 2023. The first one, Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2 was published in January, Mission of Mercy: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 2 in March and Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3 coming in June.

This is book 2 of the Bedtime Stories for Children Series. There are six tales with an illustration for each. Children will read about two squirrels, a turkey, a frog, a tree, a leopard and mouse, and a cat. These animal tales will delight children and become their favorite bedtime stories.

Each story carries life lessons that will help children understand about the importance of friendship, helping others in need, family, and it’s okay to be different.

Branyrd goes on another mission to Earth, this time she has been enlisted to help a homeless vet and his young son. The Angel goes out of her way to put things right for Lucas and his son, Ezra. She finds it difficult through with the influx of empathic messages and feelings that threaten to overload her. Will she be able to help Lucas get his family back together and find his way to recovery after suffering from PTSD?

Branyrd is a funny, sweet, strong, resilient and capable Angel who is not afraid to take on the toughest tasks, who strives to pave the way for those in need, who creates change and makes a difference in the lives of others that enables them to find their way forward to a good life.

When Branyrd visits a homeless community, she meets with the mayor to work out a plan to solve the problems the homeless have there. Will others stop her from helping those in need? Will Benedicto be there in case she needs his intervention? Will Branyrd be able to break free from the connections she has made when it is time for her to leave Earth and return to Heaven?

My next projects are another book in both of these series above and book 3 in the Gateskin Chronicles Series. I may finish complete the first two series with book 4 in each in 2023 but book 3 in the fantasy series will not be published until later in 2024.

I promise to give you a sneak peek of the latest book in the children’s series soon. My husband needs to finish it with last minute details.

There are two other series that I can’t wait to get to – one for children and the other for 18+. It is so much fun to jump around genres and age groups. I don’t like to stay with one series too long or I get stale. The only time I did not feel this way was when I wrote six books in Davey & Derek Series and six books in the Abby & Holly Series. Of all the genres I write for, this age group is still my favorite. I may go back to that group again after all these other projects are completed. That may take a few years though unless my muse begins to nudge me into doing it sooner. Who knows? I certainly don’t.

I will try to schedule some posts ahead of time to run so you won’t miss me too much. In the meantime, please continue to check out all my previous posts and books. Don’t forget I love and appreciate reviews and welcome comments on my posts.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Come again soon!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Children’s Books, New books coming from Jemsbooks, Novels for 15+, Novels for 18+, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Interview an Author with Author Francis H. Powell!

It is a pleasure to welcome author Francis H. Powell to my blog today. It is nice meeting you, Francis. Feel free to step up to the podium and tell us a little about yourself and your work.

Thank you, Janice.

Francis H. Powell

Please tell us something about yourself.

I was born in the UK, I spent some time living in Austria, and since 1999 I have lived in France. I live with my wife, my ten-year-old son, and our rescue dog, Bertie. I have spent a lot of time teaching at schools and universities. We have a really nice house near Fontainebleau. Sometimes we travel to Paris. Before, we lived in Brittany, near the sea, but I missed the life I used to have when I lived in Paris, lots of culture and things happening. I also have friends who live in Paris.

Jjspina: Sounds like a lovely place for you and your family. It’s important to feel happy where you live.

What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?

I went to art school, and I still do lots of creative things, like painting and sculpture. I also do music. We have a wonderful garden, but I know next to nothing about gardening. I have limited success planting things. 

Jjspina: It’s evident that you are talented in your artwork with your colorful children’s book.

What is your target audience for your book?

According to the publisher, for children six years old and older. There is quite a lot of text. I hope that adults can also enjoy this book. It is aiming to be witty; there are fishy jokes in it. I also did the illustrations. There are over thirty illustrations. If I could make a few people laugh and bring a smile to a few faces, this would be great.

Jjspina: We all a good laugh or two, Francis. Your book does sound comical.

Would you rather be an animal or a vegetable?

I am a vegetarian, so I would prefer to be an animal. I love dogs, so if I had a nice owner, I would be happy.

Jjspina: That is a good thing to have a nice owner if you are a dog. Dogs are precious in the short time they are our companions.

Speak about one of your characters in your books for this interview.

I think stories have to have a bad, evil character, for example, a wicked witch or an evil stepmother. In my story, the bad character is called Princess Chipolata.Her name gave me the possibility of the lines below.

It seemed that the Fish King had met his chips. He even

kissed this fishy princess on the lips.

Ghosts Henry and John wondered about the king’s catch. Was this fishy

princess such a good match? 

Though King Fish and Chips seemed to go together.

The two wise ghosts thought that they knew better.

How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

With my recent book, I got the idea from a drawing my son did. He does a lot of drawing and this particular drawing seemed to be a king holding the hands of two ghosts. He looked a bit like a fish so I decided to call him “The Fish King”. I wrote a long poem based on his drawing. At one point I decided to change it into prose, but I decided to keep a lot of the poetry.

Sometimes a story title pops into my head. Other times I might read something on the internet or watch a documentary on television, that sparks an idea. Sometimes I might start a story and then come back to it. I might work on several ideas at once.

Jjspina: It appears evident that your son inherited your artistic ability. How wonderful you could work together like that. I agree we never know where inspiration will strike whether it’s something we saw on TV or heard in the news. Authors can’t ignore the spark of creativity when it strikes.

Thank you so much, Francis, for stopping by to share a little about yourself and your work. I wish you much success with your new book and any future projects.

Here is Francis new children’s book.

Two fish tales in one!

The Fish King is lonely and wishes he has a wife to keep him company. So when his chance of happiness is dashed by Princess Chipolata, after she is caught by the two wise ghosts stealing the crown jewels and is sent to prison, the king is still left feeling miserable. The Fish King has many suiters but it is Princess Alice’s sister, Lilly, who finally wins his heart!

However, there’s only one problem…he must introduce her to the two ghosts that reside in his palace and who like to play jokes on people!

A grand wedding takes place at the palace and soon after the king and queen produce a royal heir – Prince Erik. The young prince grows to love the two wise ghosts as much as his father does and, as soon as he is old enough, he leaves the palace to embark on a magical adventure with his ghost friends; until at last it is time to go home and share his many stories with his parents and Aunt Alice.

I have written books in different genres, but my latest book is a children’s book. Here are my links:

The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts – Blossom Spring Publishing

Francis H Powell (@francis_h_powell_writer) • Instagram photos and videos

Francis H. Powell (Author of Flight of Destiny) | Goodreads

(20) Francis H Powell (@Dreamheadz) / Twitter

FRANCIS H POWELL AUTHOR OF FLIGHT OF DESTINY AND OTHER STORIES – Home page (weebly.com)

Purchase links

The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts – Blossom Spring Publishing

Francis H Powell Twitter 

@Dreamheadz

Instagram

Francis H Powell (@francis_h_powell_writer) • Instagram photos and videos

Goodreads

Francis H. Powell (Author of Flight of Destiny) | Goodreads

Facebook

(20+) Francis H Powell author | Facebook

youtube

Francis H Powell – YouTube

Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read this post. Please check out Francis’s books when you can at the above links. Your support and reviews are appreciated and welcomed wherever you purchase my books and those of fellow authors.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in author interview, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Guest Post with Author Mike Martin!

I am honored to welcome talented author Mike Martin of the Winston Windflower Mystery Series. Thank you for coming today, Mike. It’s a pleasure to see you and hear about your lovely books.

Please step up to the podium, Mike, the floor is yours.

Setting the Scene in Newfoundland

Before I’d even written the first Sgt. Windflower Mystery, I knew that the story would be set in Newfoundland, my home province in Canada. I had no idea what kind of book it would be and certainly no clues about characters or plot development. But I knew that even though I hadn’t lived there for twenty-five years, I wanted to have the story set in Newfoundland.

If you’re from there, or have visited even once, you know the appeal of Canada’s newest province. It is relatively small, lightly populated and very friendly. I thought that my book (I didn’t know it would be a series) would be set in St. John’s, the capital city. That’s my hometown and a place I know well. But while Sgt. Windflower does visit St. John’s occasionally, almost all of the series is set in the small community of Grand Bank on the southeast coast of the island.

Why? That’s a good story in itself. As Shakespeare said ‘Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered’. My partner, Joan was not from Newfoundland, I was pretty sure of that. But as I got to know her more I found out that her father was. From Grand Bank. We started visiting Grand Bank during the summers and eventually she bought and lovingly restored her grandfather’s original house in Grand Bank. We started visiting more and soon were spending the month of August there.

One night, in Grand Bank, in the fog, the character, Sgt. Windflower, came to me and started telling me his story. Where he was from, what he was doing in Grand Bank. I started writing his story down and the stories have grown and blossomed into 13 books, translations in four languages and six audio books. Now, I’m getting ready to release the latest book in the series, All That Glitters.

As the stories unfolded, Newfoundland itself became a character and I was able to add a little bit of the food, geography, culture and history into every book. So, too, has the weather, which if you’ve been there, you can understand why. It’s often foggy and damp, almost always windy and sometimes it’s sunny and fine. All in the same day. The old saying about the weather in Newfoundland is that if you don’t like it, don’t worry. It’ll change in the next 10 minutes.

I’ve also had the chance to have Sgt. Windflower travel all over the province of Newfoundland and even set one of the books mainly in St. John’s. And I have to tell you how much fun it was to write about Bowring Park, Signal Hill and Marine Drive, just outside of town. Still my hometown, after all these years. I hope you can come and visit. There’s always another seat at the table in Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.

Jjspina: It is as if I am coming home after I read one of your books since I know the characters so well. They feel like family. It must give you a warm cozy feeling to go back there in your stories since that was once your home.

All That Glitters is available in fine bookstores all over Canada and around the world on Amazon

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the award-winning and best-selling author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 13 books in this light mystery series with the publication of All That Glitters

A Tangled Web was shortlisted in 2017 for the best light mystery of the year, and Darkest Before the Dawn won the 2019 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award. 

Some Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are now available as audiobooks and the latest A Tangled Web was released as an audiobook in 2023. All audiobooks are available from Audible in Canada and around the world.

Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and Capital Crime Writers.

You can follow the Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore/

Jjspina: After reading your books, Mike, I would love to visit Newfoundland when it is warmer. It sounds like it can get quite cold and snowy from your stories. I also enjoyed the recipes of the region you share in each book since I love fish and seafood.

Thank you, Mike, for stopping by to share your books with me and my readers. I have read all of your books in the Windflower Mysteries and throughly enjoyed them.

Here are some of my reviews of your books so that my readers can see how much I enjoyed them. Below is my review of book 1, Walker on the Cape, and the latest book in the series, All That Glitters. I hope my readers will check out your books soon and find out how lovely they are like snuggling up with a warm and cozy blanket on a cold day.

Jjspina

5.0 out of 5 stars An Intriguing Mystery!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 9, 2015

The Walker on the Cape is a good beginning for the Winston Windflower Series. I read book 2 in error first but found it and this book intriguing and felt caught up in the series. In this book Winston Windflower, a member of RCMP, is called into service to solve the mystery of the murder of a quiet and reclusive man, Elias Martin. His death turns out to be more than just a heart attack. There are many forces who want to keep this murder a secret. Windflower finds himself up against strong and influentual people who will stop at nothing short of murder. These people do not know how resilient and persistent Windflower really is.

Mike Martin has created a fascinating character in Winston Windflower and I look forward to more books in this series.

Another addition to the Winston Windflower series that is an enjoyable read with most of the same characters making an appearance once again. The main protagonist, Winston Windflower, is back in another role but still helping the RCMP with cases using his expertise and experience. 

There is danger at every turn for Windflower but he endures it all evidenced by his courage and fearlessness but with compassion and empathy. Windflower smudges as in the other books and experiences dreams that he interprets with the help of his uncle Frank. 

There are other changes in roles for Tizzard and his wife, Carrie, who are still with the RCMP but not in Outer Bank. Tizzard is now acting superintendent until a permanent replacement can be found while Carrie is working with Windflower.

I love this series that makes me feel like I am going home again with the warmth, love, and down-home appeal of Newfoundland, and the people and the community that supports one another. I also enjoy hearing about the food and recipes that Windflower grills with fish and beef making my mouth water.

The author has created once again a lovely book to add to the Windflower series.

I was gifted a copy of this book and reviewed it honestly.

Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read this post. Come back again soon for more books, reviews, guest posts and interviews and whatever else pops into my already overcrowded brain.

If you would like to guest post or do an interview on my blog, contact me by email at jjspina@comcast.net. Just a reminder, I will need to check over your work on your blog, social media and on Amazon to make sure you are a good fit for my blog. I do not accept any products to sell or books about zombies, horror, elicit or unacceptable material on my family blog.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Amazon book reviews, books, Guest interviews, Guest Posts, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Series Book 2 Won a Silver Medal from Mom’s Choice Awards!

I am thrilled to announce that my book, Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Series Book 2 has won a Silver Medal – Mom’s Choice Awards! I am so excited that book 2 has joined book 1 with this prestigious award!! It is an honor to receive this Mom’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval!” Thank you, @MomsChoiceAwards!

Silver Medal – Mom’s Choice Awards

The Mom’s Choice Awards, Among the Best in Family-Friendly Products (or service), is honored to announce that

MAKE BELIEVE IS FUN: BEDTIME STORIES FOR CHILDREN SERIES BOOK 2 has earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award®.

Having been rigorously evaluated by a panel of MCA evaluators, MAKE BELIEVE IS FUN is deemed to be among the best products / services for families.

About the Mom’s Choice Awards® The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators. The program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of entries from more than 55 countries. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media look for the MCA mother-and-child Honoring Excellence seal of approval when selecting quality products and services for children and families. Learn more about the Mom’s Choice Awards by visiting their website: www.MomsChoiceAwards.com.

I never tire of receiving a book award. It only encourages me to write more. I am truly thankful and blessed to be a part of Mom’s Choice Awards family once again.

If you haven’t checked out this bedtime stories series, please go to this link. Both of these books have received a Silver Medal from Mom’s Choice Awards!

Here are some reviews for you to peruse.

Thank you for stopping by to read this post. I am still up on cloud 9 and jumping up and down in joy!! Thank you for letting me share this honor with you. Please come back again for more books, news, and whatever else pops into my already overcrowded head!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in Award Winning Series, Make Believe, Make Believe (Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1), Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2, Mom’s Choice Awards, Recommended by Mom’s Choice Awards, Silver Medal - Mom’s Choice Awards, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WIP – Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3 is coming!!

I have been working on Book 3 of the Bedtime Stories for Children this past month or so. It is nearing completion and going into editing mode with two more illustrations being finished by my husband John. I will also be sharing the cover when it is completed by John.

Writing this series has been such fun creating animal stories that will intrigue children and help to spark their imagination. John has done a fabulous job with the illustrations. There will be one more book in this series later in 2023.

Check out books 1 & 2 in the meantime and add them to your children’s home library today. Your children will be delighted and engaged for many bedtimes.

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

As with the other two books there will be six stories with six different animals along with important life lessons. These stories are perfect for ages 5-8 with a chapter for each story. By giving children chapters they will feel more grownup when they read this book or have a parent/guardian read it to them.

Here are some reviews from Amazon using AllAuthor.com promos.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Come back again soon for more news about this book and others too. Please keep those reviews coming for hard-working authors everywhere!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in 5-star reviews, animal stories, Award-winning books, award-winning children’s books, children's stories, Children’s Books, Make Believe, Make Believe (Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1), Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jemsbooks for all ages – award-winning books!

As you know I love to write in all kinds of genres and for all ages. I want to create something for all readers to enjoy. My goal is to encourage all ages to read daily to enhance their health and wellbeing, perk up their spirits and spark their imagination and creativity. We all need a little spark to lighten our days. I know I do, and I get this spark by writing for you! Keep reading everyone and I will keep writing for as long as God allows me to use this gift.

These are promos by BMGN of my books. Thank you, BMGN for the lovely promos.

JEMSBOOKS NOVELS FOR 18+ are available on Amazon as paperbacks and ebooks (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble as paperbacks.

Purchase YA books here.

MG/PT/YA books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Jemsbooks Children’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I feel blessed to be able to create stories by a creative and helpful muse who keeps me busy with a constant stream of ideas floating around in my head. Some days I feel as if my head will explode trying to keep them all in there until I can write them down. Thank you, God, for your blessings.

As long as I am able, I will do all I can to create many more books for you and your family to enjoy over years to come. Please keep reading daily for yourself and to your children to enhance your own health and wellbeing and that of your children. I know how I feel when I am reading, happier, healthier and more positive in mind and spirit.

Did you know that reading is good for you? It not only increases your word vocabulary and stimulates your mind, but also gives you a feeling of wellbeing and promotes good health, dispels feelings of loneliness, improves your memory, promotes better patterns of sleep, and don’t forget – it brings families closer when they share and read books together.

My goal in writing for MG/PT/YA is to encourage all ages to read daily to enhance their creativity, increase their vocabulary and enable them to live healthier and happier lives. Keep reading and I will keep writing. Thank you! Happy Reading!

My goal in writing for children is to encourage them to read daily to enhance their life through good health and increase their creativity. Please read to your children daily even after they can read by themselves. This is a wonderful time to bond, cuddle, and get closer to your children. They will love and remember fondly the times you spent with them. Please keep reading and I will keep writing! Happy Reading Everyone!

My goal as an author of Novels for 18+ is to encourage everyone to read daily to enhance their lives and increase their creativity and good health. Please keep reading and I will keep writing. Happy reading everyone!

I feel pure joy writing for children and hope with God’s help and blessing to continue to write many more fun adventures for children to read and enjoy. I do enjoy writing for MG/PT/YA and 18+ too!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Please come back again soon. You are always welcome. I am grateful for any reviews you post wherever you purchase my books. They are like early Christmas gifts and a boost to my ego. Ha!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

BARNES & NOBLE (18+ NOVELS)

Thank you for stopping by to read this post and for all your kind support and reviews. Please keep the reviews coming. They are like early Christmas gifts to me and a much-needed lift to my ego! Ha!

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

Posted in award-winning author, Award-winning books, award-winning children’s books, Books for MG/PT/YA, Children’s Books, Jemsbooks for all ages, Novels for 18+, Reading, Writing, book reviews and publishing, poetry, children's books, YA and novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment