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On 25th September, 2006 I started this blog as a place to keep a few reviews I was doing for my local Christian bookstore in Melbourne, Australia, and I began by posting a review of Siri Mitchell’s Chateau of Echoes. I had no inkling at the time that five years later I would still be blogging and reviewing books, having to juggle a reading schedule and be forced to decline books to review!
It is still fascinating and not a little surprising to me, that people visit my blog and actually find some of my thoughts interesting, let alone helpful! I received a lovely email from a reader the other day who said this, “Iโve ordered and read a number of books based on your reviews โ thank you for them, also. Your blog is prominently listed in my โfavoritesโ as I check it often.” What a blessing that brief note was to me as that is what I hope my blog achieves ~ a link connecting readers to fabulous books that challenge, encourage, entertain and stimulate and the amazing authors who pour blood, sweat and tears into their tales, for our enjoyment.
Since 2006, my blog has expanded from just reviews to include author interviews, character spotlights, character interviews, giveaways, previews of future releases and more. While many more people lurk than comment, I appreciate every single person who drops by whether they comment or not ๐
Inspired by fabulous blogger and dear friend, who started her blog only a few days before mine, Deborah of Books, Movies & Chinese Food, I’ve put together a short survey that I’d so appreciate you filling in on what you love here and what you would like to see improved.
September 27, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Happy blogiversary!! I'm just a few months behind you. And thanks for the mention, too! ๐
September 27, 2011 at 2:37 pm
CONGRATS on 5 years! WOW! =)
September 27, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I am 4 days older than you! Congrats almost twin!!
September 27, 2011 at 3:49 pm
REL!!! SUPER CONGRATS, MY FRIEND!!! And FIVE YEARS??? HOLY COW!!!!
I am actually not a blog reader except for a select few, and YOURS is at the top of the list, my friend. Always informative and always fun … you are a must read for me.
I look forward to many, MANY more years of great blogging … and even more in great friendship!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
September 27, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Five years??!! That's awesome!!!! Congratulations girl! I love you and your wonderful blog. ๐
XOXO~ RENEE
September 27, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Congratulations! You have a wonderful blog and are a blessing to so many. Great job!!
September 27, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Congrats and well deserved. I remember the day my blogging friend e-mailed me and said she thought I'd enjoy your blog. I have over the past couple years and many of the books you've reviewed I've read. Hugs
September 27, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Have many more!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
September 27, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Congratulations, Rel! Love your blog and check it daily. Here's to many more years of your quality reviews.
September 27, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Happy Blog Anniversary! Your blog is truly one of my favorites! ๐
September 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Rel congrats on your 5 year anniversary. I am so glad you told me about your blog all those years ago. I come here often even if I dont post. I get your email updates.
thanks for a great blog
September 27, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Really? Five years? Who'd have thought. One of the greatest blessings I've enjoyed from your blog is helping you with your review load. It's one of the things I've missed this year ~ I know I'm the loser for having had to put it on hold for a few years. If you're still going when my degree is done I'm all yours again.
In the meantime I'm always blessed by your thoughtful and insightful reviews.
September 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Congratulations! You have a fabulous blog! Love the character spotlights and looks at upcoming releases and well, everything! I've found so many great books through you!
Tami
September 28, 2011 at 2:01 am
Congrats on your blogoversary! I am more of a lurker but I do enjoy your blog! It's great chatting with you on Twitter too! Keep up the great work!
September 28, 2011 at 4:20 am
congrats on 5 years!
September 28, 2011 at 5:14 am
Happy blogbirthday. Love it! I hope you're well!
September 28, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Sorry, I'm late in responding to your amazing comments. I so appreciate your encouragement and support ๐
You have all made me smile ~ thank you!
September 28, 2011 at 9:12 pm
You started with Chateau of Echoes? What a wonderful way to begin! Now I'll have to pull that one out and reread it.
I have read a number of books because you either highlighted them or recommended them. I love seeing what's coming next each day on your blog.
Congrats on five years!
September 28, 2011 at 10:41 pm
I literally welled up at your mention. I've been away for awhile and just assumed out of sight, out of mind.
You have been a blessing in my life too. You never once forget to give an encouraging word or cyber hug at just the right time.
Thank you for all your hard work! AND for being my very first commenter when I mentioned I wasn't feeling well.
Here's to many more blogging years!!!
September 28, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Happy 5th blogiversary! ๐ keep up the fantastic work!
September 28, 2011 at 11:28 pm
WOW Rel,How exciting and Congratulations! It's amazing that its been 5 years, I do enjoy reading your reviews and all the other things. I am directed to reading good novels and I love that! Thanks.
September 29, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Hey girls – thanks for your encouragement and support!
CeeCee – you will ALWAYS be special to me. Don't you forget it!
September 30, 2011 at 4:42 am
Congratulations on your 5th anniversary, Rel. You've been a wonder…taking time out of your busy life with your family, church, job, etc., to continue to delight and inform readers and encourage and promote authors (and fellow bloggers) with your posts.
You're the Gold Standard…not just as an advocate for Christian Fiction…but as a friend. Blessings to you, lovely lady!
PS: Thanks for the mention…and you're pretty FABULOUS yourself. Love ya!
September 30, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Congrats on 5 years!!!! Your blog is stellar.
October 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Congrats on 5 years!! You have a wonderful blog and we've been so blessed by it.
October 3, 2011 at 10:02 am
Jenny – thanks for your extra kind words! You are fabulous ๐
CJ and Julia ~ so appreciate your encouragement!