As readers we all love books and the stories they contain. Whether we have a favourite genre, or read multiple, the joy of immersing into other worlds, characters and narratives is the same. Many of you know I read multiple genres, because I write many, as well as across age groups. That maybe peculiar to me, but as a writer it gives me an insight into what readers of those genres love and expect.

I know a lot of people on both sides of the book world - the readers and the writers, and I can say that the one thing that ranks the highest is giving and receiving reviews.

After we enjoy a well written and absorbing story, many of us know the agony of the book hangover. The character’s remain with us for days, weeks, or even months. If we are lucky to know there will be sequel’s, we must be patient and wait for the next installment, but sometimes the tale is a one off, leaving the characters to remain in the ether and our minds. For me, many are like old friends, or acquaintances who moved away, but are certainly not forgotten.

So where do you write a review? 

Well, there are numerous options: Amazon, Smashwords, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble etc, or even directly to the author via their social media, or blog. No matter which avenue you choose, the author will be forever grateful, knowing you enjoyed their narrative and the many hours, weeks, months, and even years they toiled to bring you that story are not in vain.

Next comes how do I write a review? 

Many readers think a review needs to be a long, lengthy in-depth summary of the book and that is certainly not the case. A simple one line sentence saying you enjoyed the narrative, the characters, the location, how you relate to a character, or circumstance, or that it moved you in some way is all that is required.

A trickier question is if you didn’t like the book? 

Obviously, we can’t love every single book we read, but we don’t have to be mean about reviewing it either. If a book doesn’t please you then maybe just a short sentence telling the author this particular book of theirs didn’t move you, but always find something nice to say. You can always be kind. Maybe the location was well described, one character reminded you of a relative, or friend, you enjoyed the plot idea, anything to show the author their worth. We authors are a sensitive bunch after all. It is a brave thing to put your work out into the world.

I would like to ask you to pledge to review every book you read in 2025.

I always review every book I read on Goodreads, so please take a look. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5477628?ref=nav_mybooks

And if you have read, or are reading any of my books, I will be most grateful for a short review.

Happy Reading