I promised some exciting news this week and here it is…well, first the background!
My blog has for the most part been a solo affair, aside from some valued friends writing guest reviews many years ago. Starting my virtual assistant work five years ago with my business, Author Support Services, means a lot of my time is now focused on my wonderful author clients. My life has become increasingly busy keeping up with family and church commitments and I was finding less and less time to devote to my longstanding passion, this blog. Relz Reviewz was born from my love of storytelling and my desire to share the books I was reading. It has grown into a way I can share my love of books with other readers, connect them to books and authors they might enjoy, and also support Christian writers, with book reviews, character spotlights, giveaways, author interviews, cover art reveals, guest posts, and more. My shrinking reading time has impacted the number of reviews I’ve been able to post and that has been breaking my heart a little. Sounding a bit dramatic? If you think so, maybe you don’t understand how strongly I feel about matching people to stories and authors 🙂 I get that. This book obsession is not for everyone, but it’s my experience – and I know this from readers who share with me – that novels are a powerful tool of encouragement, relaxation, stress relief, challenge, and life change and if this blog puts one book into the hands of a reader who experiences one of more of those things, that makes me incredibly happy.
I’ve been thinking and praying for a number of years – and consulting with beloved friends – about how I can keep my commitment to readers and writers and maintain my blog. In my crazy busy moments, I’ve thought about closing Relz Reviewz – it would be both the easiest and hardest solution to my dilemma. But I feel strongly that God still calls me to this book blogging ministry, so I needed help!
My answer came unexpectedly, yet not surprisingly, from a friendship born over the internet with another book-loving kindred spirit called Necee 🙂 I’m thrilled to announce the lovely Necee is joining Relz Reviewz as an in-house book reviewer (yay!) and I’m working on talking her into a feature or two, or three, or….!! I will still be reviewing books – we may arm-wrestle each other over the privilege to review some, or you’ll just get two – and my regular features will continue, but it will certainly mean more book reviews for you!
Necee and I first connected over our mutual love of Ronie Kendig and her stories – thanks Ronie! It’s been a joy to chat about books together – I can say with confidence that nearly every one of my closest friendships have begun with a mutual love of books. PSA – find people who love the stories you do and a friendship is likely to follow!
Now for the lowdown on this fabulous friend…
Necee lives in Alaska with her family, so I couldn’t have chosen anyone much further away from me here in Australia. We have kangaroos in our front yard, and she has moose in her back!! But Necee and her family have a love for my country (smart woman!) and are finally coming on their dream trip to New Zealand and Australia at the end of the year! I’m super excited to meet Necee, her husband, and two lovely daughters in person, and can’t wait to play tour guide for a week. You can be sure pictures will be shared here.
So, let’s get to know our in-house reviewer with a little Q&A…
Meet Necee Lomelino
What are your hobbies or what you like to do for fun?
I love photography, long walks along the beach, rivers or mountains, and of course, reading.
What are your favorite genres?
I love romantic suspense, contemporary, YA, dystopian, and some historical. Basically, if it has romance and adventure in whatever genre, I’m in!
Who are your favorite authors?
I would have to categorize authors to really choose:
Romantic Suspense with Adventure: Ronie Kendig, Susan May Warren, Dani Pettrey
Legal/Crime fighting Romantic Suspense: Lynette Eason, Cara Putman
Cozy Mystery: Christy Barritt, Angela Ruth Strong,
Dystopian/YA/Fantasy: K.E. Ganshert, Jenny B. Jones
Romance: Becky Wade, Kara Isaac, Pepper Basham
My newest genre I’m loving because of these amazing authors, Tamara Leigh and Dorothy Adamek, is historical romance!
What are a few of your favorite books?
All of them! No really, I love so many! I would say my current favs are:
My favorite spot to read is anywhere I can have coffee or tea and a good book…on the beach, on my porch or in my comfortable chair with a snuggly blanket!
Necee’s backyard friends!
How did you become a reader?
My Mom and Nana gave me a love for reading. Though they weren’t happy catching me reading at midnight on a school night 🙂 My favorite books growing up were anything Nancy Drew!
Thanks Necee – our mothers would have plenty to talk about on the midnight reading front!!
Necee’s first review will be posted soon. For now, please welcome her to Relz Reviewz and let us know if you have ever travelled to Alaska!
October 19, 2019 at 12:40 am
Welcome, Necee! Looking forward to reading your reviews. Since you mentioned two of my ABSOLUTE favorites (Ronie Kendig & Tamara Leigh) I know we’ll get along famously. 🙂
I’ve never traveled to Alaska, but do have family that live there. Quite jealous that you’ll be visiting Australia and Rel later this year. I know you’ll have a great time because well it’s Rel :-). Again welcome to Relz Reviewz!!
October 19, 2019 at 5:15 am
Thank you so much…yes, Ronie and Tamara are definite favs! I’m sure Rel and I will be fighting reviewing them both. Though it may be fun for us to both review them : )
We love living in Alaska until the darker/colder months…however, I love having a white Christmas! Hope you can visit family there. As for Australia, I am beyond excited and counting down the days! Thanks for stopping by!
October 19, 2019 at 8:14 am
Amy!! You are so lovely and I adore you – thanks for welcoming Necee xo
October 19, 2019 at 3:01 am
Welcome to the blog, Necee! I look forward to reading your reviews and posts. I am glad that Rel has someone to assist her in this work.
October 19, 2019 at 5:17 am
Thank you! I’m so excited to come alongside Rel. She is amazing and we are already having a lot of fun together. Thanks for your support!
October 19, 2019 at 8:15 am
You are a sweetheart, Sylvia – thank you!
October 19, 2019 at 3:20 am
Glad to have you here and learn more about you, Necee! I’ve been to Alaska twice. Unfortunately, it was during February, which isn’t the best time to visit, and they were fairly short trips, so we didn’t get to see much. We were in Anchorage visiting our grandchildren who were living there. We loved what we saw of it. It actually is quite similar to where we live in northern Utah with the mountains and snow. We often have deer in our backyard but no moose–yet!
I’m looking forward to your reviews and posts along with Rel’s!
October 19, 2019 at 5:24 am
HI Winnie,
Thanks for stopping by! Alaska during February is one of our least favorite months, but still beautiful. However, playing with your grandchildren made it worth it, I’ll bet! I’ve never been to Utah, but it sounds lovely. I miss seeing deer, but love our moose. Though, not when I’m trying to leave and they won’t leave the driveway!
October 19, 2019 at 8:39 am
Well, we wish we could have gone in a warmer month! Our grandchildren are now in Utah about 90 miles away, so that’s a plus!
October 19, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Oh, that is so much better. Grandkids are a blessing for sure!
October 19, 2019 at 8:16 am
Hey Winnie – hmmm….cold and snow…not my favourite things! But you and mountains are 🙂
October 19, 2019 at 8:37 am
Awwww! Thanks, Rel! You’re my favorite, too, along with the mountains!
October 19, 2019 at 3:23 am
Woohoo Necee! Glad to see you here!
October 19, 2019 at 5:26 am
Thank you, I’m excited to be here! Thanks for the warm welcome!
October 19, 2019 at 8:16 am
I’m so glad she’s here, too!!
October 19, 2019 at 4:10 am
Woohoo!!!! Oh Necee, this makes me so incredibly excited and happy for you. I know this will be what you need to spread your love of books! My smile wants to jump off my face. Yay!!!!
October 19, 2019 at 8:17 am
What a lovely welcome to Necee, Susan 🙂 Makes me smile too!!
October 19, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Thank you..I feel incredibly excited, too! So excited, and your smile makes me smile, too!
October 19, 2019 at 5:30 am
You made me smile. Thank you : ) You do know how much I love talking books!
October 19, 2019 at 6:01 am
Awesome! Congrats to you both! Can’t wait to read all the reviews. 🙂
October 19, 2019 at 8:18 am
It’s exciting, for sure! Thanks for welcoming Necee, Beth xo
October 19, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Thank you for your congrats. I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing, too!
October 19, 2019 at 6:53 am
Hi, Necee!! How exciting! I love this for Rel! I haven’t been to Alaska but my dad was being transferred there until the Navy changed their minds after we’d sold our house and been packed up. Does that count?
October 19, 2019 at 8:19 am
Oh, gosh! How frustrating for your family, Andi. It’s amazing how things like that can change your life, though. Appreciate you!
October 19, 2019 at 6:42 pm
Oh dear, that would be frustrating, Andi! My husband and I are both prior Air Force, so I understand how those military moves can change on a dime! Hope you can make it here one day! Thank you for the support!
October 19, 2019 at 7:04 am
Welcome, Necee! What a lovely arrangement for you both! Looking forward to seeing you around here. 🙂
October 19, 2019 at 8:20 am
Thank you, dear Katie – your love, support, consultation, and “therapy” are such a blessing!!
October 19, 2019 at 6:44 pm
You’ve been so amazing, Katie and I’m so excited to see you “around here” too! Thanks for the welcome.
October 19, 2019 at 8:12 am
Welcome, Necee! So happy for the two of you to join forces! I’ve been thinking about adopting a reviewer too. This blogging gig isn’t for the faint of heart, lol!
October 19, 2019 at 8:20 am
So true, Beth. I’m so excited for my readers to get more reviews and for Necee to share her love of story. I recommend it!!
October 19, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Thank you, Beth! Yes, I chose not to blog, because it was a little overwhelming. I’m loving joining Rel and having fun with words, too! Plus, everything is just more enjoyable with a friend!
October 19, 2019 at 11:25 am
I LOVE this!!! And Rel, you should be super happy because you introduced me to my absolute favorite author – The AMAZING Ronie Kendig! ❤️- as well as so many others! And, Necee and I have a lot of favorite authors and books in common, so I am really looking forward to this!!
October 19, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Oh, how wonderful. You have great taste, Kim! I’m looking forward to sharing more great books here.
October 19, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Big welcome!
And so glad you didn’t close down your blog. I visit your site several times a week and enjoy checking out new titles in the Christian book world.
October 19, 2019 at 6:52 pm
Thank you, Dianna. Yes, we love RelzReviews and I’m so glad I can be here!
October 19, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Rel, and Necee, WOW! This is so sweet! Two people I really like, working together to give us wonderful suggestions for books! I think this is going to be a fantastic team! I can’t be more happy for the two of you! Have fun you two!
October 19, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Marilynn, you are super sweet! Thank you for your support. We are having a lot of fun, for sure!
October 19, 2019 at 10:29 pm
Welcome to RelzReviewz, Necee! I’m excited for you and Rel and the fabulous team you’ll make–and so honored you’ve enjoyed my medieval romances. It’s lovely getting to know more about you and your family. Enjoy your trip to Australia. I’ll be there end of February–actually, with the long flight and time difference, I believe I arrive March 1st 🙂 I’ll miss meeting you in person by two months. Grr!
October 20, 2019 at 5:47 am
Oh my dearest Tamara… thank you so much. You truly gave me a love for historical fiction and always will hold a special place in my heart for history. Rel and Ronie showed me the way to your books and for that I am forever grateful! I’ve loved getting to know you and your family more, too. I almost rearranged my trip to Australia when I heard you were going, but my family would not be happy with me. Sigh…one day soon though!
October 20, 2019 at 6:59 am
You brightened my day, Necee! Thank you! Oh, can you imagine what a time we would all have in Australia–you, Rel, Dotti, Ronie, me? Sounds like the ultimate reader/writer retreat. Perhaps one day we can make it happen.
October 20, 2019 at 8:59 am
Ohhh, that would be perfection : ) We would have so much fun. I’m in!
October 20, 2019 at 12:57 am
I have visited AK three times. Two visits with my parents when we drove the Al-Can Highway and camped around the state for the summer. Another visit was to visit my parents who were camp hosts at Eagle River. AK is so beautiful. Australia is also my dream trip.
October 20, 2019 at 5:52 am
Danielle, I live about 30 miles outside of Eagle River in the Matanuska Valley. We drove the Al-Can Hwy when we moved up here with the military as a young married couple. We’ve raised both our girls here. It really is a beautiful state. We’ve always dreamed of visiting Australia and New Zealand and are still a bit shocked that the vacation is happening! And of course, spending time with Rel and her family will be like extra whip on my latte! Super sweet! Hope you can go one day, too. Thanks for stopping by : )
October 20, 2019 at 1:16 am
Welcome Neece! I have visited Alaska once when my husband and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon. Such beautiful scenery! We were so amazed by the amount of daylight in early July!
October 20, 2019 at 5:56 am
An Alaskan cruise for your honeymoon! Wow, that would be amazing! I still haven’t been on an Alaskan cruise or along the Juneau coastal area, but I’d love to go one day. Yes, summers are our favorite with the long daylight hours, especially when its sunny. Thank you for the welcome, too!
October 20, 2019 at 1:20 am
Welcome Necee! Very nice to meet you. I look forward to future posts that you have to share.
I’ve never been to Alaska, but have always wanted to visit there. Perhaps you’ll be able to share awesome pictures with your reviews. 😊 I also love photography and while I don’t have the beautiful backdrop of Alaska, I think I’m in the next best place possible, Colorado.
October 20, 2019 at 8:40 am
Thank you, Brandi, I’m excited to be here. I’d love to share more pictures from Alaska, so we will work on making that happen. I love Colorado and have visited friends and family there multiple times. It’s beautiful!
October 20, 2019 at 1:51 am
Hello Necee! I’m so glad you are here! I’ve never traveled to Alaska. I would love to someday.
Blessings!
October 20, 2019 at 8:42 am
Thank you, Caryl. Hope you can visit, to. Blessings to you, too!
October 20, 2019 at 6:02 am
Congratulations to you both! Sounds like you will be a great team.
I think it’s fabulous that you two are on opposite sides of the world. What better way to share each other’s lives than through your blog. 🙂
I look forward to learning more about Necee and the adventures from her Alaskan home.
October 20, 2019 at 8:49 am
Thank you, Cindi. Don’t you love how God connects us wherever we are…even across the world! Rel has been such a blessing and we are looking forward to sharing more with everyone as time passes. My current adventure is trying to get out the door with a mama moose and her calf hanging around our house. They were back this morning.
October 20, 2019 at 7:49 am
So excited for you both!
Blessings 🙂
October 20, 2019 at 8:50 am
Janet, we are so excited, too! Thanks for stopping by and blessings to you.
October 20, 2019 at 10:19 am
What a super duo! Plus you can’t get any better than following scripture where it says in Ecclesiastes that “Two are better than one, for they have a good reward for their labor” – – so I know ya’ll are going to be the dynamic duo of the blog/reading world. I’m somewhere in-between the two of you – Florida – – I have gators in my backyard – they’re not as nice as moose or kangaroos. I am looking forward to the dueling banjo blog – this will be interesting! Welcome aboard Necee – I can’t wait for the blogging to begin!!
October 22, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Thank you for the warm welcome. We are having a lot of fun together for sure. I love Florida, but not the gators! I think I’d rather have Moose or Kangaroos!
October 21, 2019 at 6:36 am
How exciting for you both! And… whew! So glad you didn’t close Relz Reviews! That would be way too sad. Looking forward to more great content!
October 22, 2019 at 5:37 pm
Jennifer, I agree with you. We have to keep RelzReviewz going : ) Thanks for stopping by and for the welcome!
October 21, 2019 at 6:44 am
I will look forward to Necee’s reviews. How very cool that you because friends through a mutual love of reading (and a particular author) on-line! I can’t wait to see what else might wander through Necee’s backyard, too!
October 22, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Ellie, thank you so much. I’ll keep my eyes open for other wildlife for you : )