Fresh Fiction Blog | Sara Reyes

As I write this 2011 has already been spotted for some of our friends in the Pacific Rim and is slowly methodically working its way across the planet. So Happy New Year to all! At the end of the year, I usually reflect on the good things of the past year and look forward to even better opportunities and life ahead. What's past is past and the future is bright and shiny, a silver ball.

Yesterday I spent looking at some of my books, because I've also decided I really need to be honest and clean out some of the ones I'll never read again or that have no specific meaning in my life. Not being cruel just realistic that even with more bookcases I am NOT going to be able to keep every book. It's a sad decision but one that had to be made. However in my throes of feeling strong about eliminating "clutter" I came across some of my collection of Georgette Heyer books. Not the popular ones that are reissued over and over but the medieval ones like THE CONQUEROR and SIMON THE COLDHEARTED. Wow, these were old ex-library books I'd collected, printed over 50 years ago and published even earlier. The pages were a bit faded and the typeset unfamiliar as was the dialect and the words. Sheld for shed or so I presume. Definitely not "cleaned up for Americans." But they brought back memories of reading old books in my home town's library.

The library was small and cramped with only one small room crowded with racks but the shelves were crowded with books, so that it was sometimes hard to pull out a book to check it out. And none of the books had book jackets. I suppose they took up too much space. So it was shelf after shelf of green, blue and red books with titles and authors in gold or white lettering, some faded some very bright, but all filled with the possibility of escape to an exciting unknown world.

So being me, I took the time to sit in a comfortable chair with THE CONQUEROR and relive a time long past (1066 to be exact) and enjoy the adventures of Raoul and Elfreda. Sorting through books can wait for another day.

This could be why I have so many books, I really need to become brutal. Sigh.

So, what are you doing for 2011? What books are you looking forward to reading?

Until next time...Get out there and READ a book...

Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 11-13, 2011 with Vicki Lewis Thompson and more guests

See you on the Twitter (@FreshFiction)

PS: Tell me what your worst or best books read in 2010 and be entered to win this weekend's Fresh Fiction contest. Everyone LOVES free books!

Comments

best book read this year Rainwater by Sandra Brw
(Linda Calvert 12:52pm December 31, 2010)

Ive read so many good books this year, I can't really say which is the best. Mostly I read Robynn Carr, Sherilyn Kenyon, and Lindsay Sands, who are all great authors.
(Tabitha Monroe 1:29pm December 31, 2010)

Some of the best this year: Sinful by Charlotte Featherstone; Promises in the Dark by Stephanie Tyler; Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow. Worst reads will remain unnamed -- those authors did put their words to print and I give them applause for trying.
(Cynthia Netherton 1:37pm December 31, 2010)

I am looking to read "Simply Obsession" by Kate Pearce and "in Deep" by Chloe Harris plus a bunch more..hahaa
(Clicia Tremblay 1:59pm December 31, 2010)

The best book I've read in 2010 is Lily Gayle's modern day paranormal romance, OUT OF THE DARKNESS, published in May, 2010, Vincent Maxwell is a vampire who wants to be human again and discovers that Dr. Megan Harper has discovered a possible cure to vampirism, so he worms his way into her research and into her heart as well. Can a vampire and a mortal find a way to blend their lives and in the process find happiness together?
The plot turns, the familiar settings and the sexual scenes between Megan and Vincent were a fantastic, a can't put down read and the surprising ending was superb with supporting characters such as a compelling vixon (Sonia), and a best friend (Tina). Of course, as an added attraction there were very chilling villains.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS is Lilly Gayle's first novel, and her next novel, SLIGHTLY TARNISHED. A historical romance, will be published in 2011, which I am looking forward to reading.
(Rebecca Booth 2:02pm December 31, 2010)

I'm looking forward to reading something that I normally wouldn't read. I want to read some new genres and find authors to read along with the ones that I read now.
(Leni Kaye 2:02pm December 31, 2010)

I want to read "Room" and the first set of Charles Dickens biography!!
(Maria Antunes 2:10pm December 31, 2010)

I love anything by Emma Wildes and Amanda McIntyre, or any good book, really...I just LOVE books!!
(Clio Teixeira 2:17pm December 31, 2010)

Oh, how could I forget Megan Hart's "Precious and Fragile Things"?? looking forward to that one too.
(Clicia Tremblay 3:17pm December 31, 2010)

well i can say i got some great books form the author here
and i have never one the blog one but i did get some form good reads and then the authors are great have great new year and write more
(Desiree Reilly 3:25pm December 31, 2010)

I enjoyed Sandra Hyatt's first two books in 2010: HAVING THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABY and THE MAGNATE'S PREGNANCY PROPOSAL. Really looking forward to her third book in 2011: HIS BRIDE FOR THE TAKING?
(Elaine Seymour 3:27pm December 31, 2010)

Happy New Year All! I discovered a "new to me" author, Barbara O'Neal. I love her books "The Lost Recipe for Happiness" and "The Secret of Everything".
(Robin McKay 3:34pm December 31, 2010)

Happy New Year! I love all the writers on this blog...I re-read a few Christmas tearjerkers and I think Diana Love is my favorite, her books are WONDERFUL!
(Darci Paice 3:41pm December 31, 2010)

I really loved Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn. A romantic comedy set in historical England. I do love all her books, but I think this one is my favorite.
(Pamela Stewart 4:05pm December 31, 2010)

Happy New Year! Best books read this year are classic - Jane
Eyre and Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South.
(Margay Roberge 4:08pm December 31, 2010)

Happy new year, Sara and everyone at Fresh Fiction!

I know only too well what it's like to cull the keepers shelves and send books I'm unlikely to read again to the used book store. But nowadays there's a new factor to consider.

In the event that a reader wants a book she has already sold or given away, she can access it electronically. Unless, of course, it's an oldie that's unlikely to become available in this format. Nowadays I bear this in mind when deciding what to keep.
(Mary Anne Landers 4:30pm December 31, 2010)

Keep bringing these fabulous books and interesting writers.
Thank you and Happy New Year.
(Barbara Ryan 4:55pm December 31, 2010)

Here's to great writing and greatreading in 2101.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 4:58pm December 31, 2010)

I have to say 95% of all the books I read are very good. Right now I have three goods ones that I am reading (I am one of those people who can't live unless I have something to read. Here's to a great New Year!
(Linda Pillow 5:15pm December 31, 2010)

Happy New Year, keep the contests coming!
(Wilma Frana 5:28pm December 31, 2010)

Almost all the books I read in 2010 were pretty good. My favorite was "Innocent as Sin" by Elizabeth Lowell.
(Sue Farrell 5:45pm December 31, 2010)

I'm reading Sabrina Jeffries's ,(A Hellion in Her Bed). A great start for 2011. Happy New Year everyone.
(Deb Pelletier 5:49pm December 31, 2010)

I received a few books for Christmas... adding them to my lovely TBR pile. As a gift, I received a trilogy by Suzanne Collins... she is a new to me author... have to see what they are all about!

Happy New Year All!
(Colleen Conklin 6:30pm December 31, 2010)

A couple of the books I enjoyed in 2010: "Who Killed the Pinup Queen" by Toni L.P. Kelner and "Death's Excellent Vacation", an anthology of short stories including Kelner, Charlaine Harris, etc.
(Kelli Rolvaag 7:09pm December 31, 2010)

I love to read in my spare time and I have read so many wonderful and interesting books this year that it would be hard to list them all. One book that I read was Summer In Sonoma by Robyn Carr and it was very well written. I enjoyed it very much. Just yesterday, I got Cold Dawn by Carla Neggers . I have not started it yet because I want to finish the book that I am currently reading. I love to read books by Sandra Brown. I am looking forward to discovering new authors in 2011. I hope that everyone has a blessed and wonderful 2011.
(Mary Christian 8:20pm December 31, 2010)

innocent as sin was a favorote of mine
(Joanne Mckeareany 9:08pm December 31, 2010)

One of the hardest things I do is weed out my bookcase from
time to time and pass on books I've enjoyed, books I hated,
and books I loved. Some were used. some were new but the
time has come to pass them on. Let's be honest, even the
ones I loved will probably not be read again. I mean OMG,
I've got 2936 books on my shelves that I'm struggling to get
to now and more creeping under my door every week. So, I
will pass the ones on that have been read and make room for
more.
(Lisa Richards 9:10pm December 31, 2010)

I loved Never Without Hope by Michelle Sutton and others I have been reading this year. Now I am reading A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sudin and loving it already.
It is hard to make the decision to give away books but I have been doing this for many, many years. Friends of the Library love me. lol
Hope you have a Happy New Year.
(Brenda Hill 9:39pm December 31, 2010)

Happy New Year Everyone! Please enter me in this fantastic contest and I Pray that I Win too. We did not get any Christmas so would love to Win some great Prizes in the New Year 2011. Thanks, Cecilia
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 9:53pm December 31, 2010)

I think that the years best book that I had read this year- "Lover Mine" by J.R. Ward. I believe that this book brought the series to a good wrap up but then could be continued on without any difficulty. I also loved reading "A Questionable Hero" by Kiki Howell- a short ebook paranormal romance that is action packed through out and ends on a great note!

Happy New Year to all and may this year be even better for book releases! :)
(Laura Parmentier 10:06pm December 31, 2010)

I am like you, it is so hard to weed out my bookshelves. Books are one of my great passions. When I do decide to let go of a few I donate them to our public library or put some on the shelves here in my apt building for others to enjoy.Just finished reading Cold Dawn by Carla Neggers, one of my many favorite authors
(Teresa Ward 10:07pm December 31, 2010)

Happy New Year to everyone ! I love to read,and I love Fresh Fiction. Thanks !
(Linda Hall 10:14pm December 31, 2010)

Pass 'em around with friends and when we are all through, we find retirement centers that can always use donations. I am such a book-a-holic that I have started using audio books to get through chores (folding laundry, cooking, etc). That way, I get my book 'fix' and the housework still gets done!
(Susan Driskill 10:50pm December 31, 2010)

Happy new year to all! One of my favorite books read in 2010 was Sherry Thomas' His at Night. Her writing is so elegant and the dialogue was fabulous.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:12pm December 31, 2010)

When I did get a chance to read, I was introduced to Janet Evanovich, and her series, which was a fun, quick read, and just the medicine I needed at the time. I inhaled her series. I also got into the Gregory Maguire series of books starting with Wicked about his take on the Wizard of Oz characters which are quite different. I loved the book Roses by Leila Meacham, and couldn't put it down. That was a love story that took my breath away!! I also read any new book that comes out from Jennifer Chiaverini about the Elm Creek Quilters. I'm a knitter that helps teach a knitting group and does other crafts as well, so these books have a special meaning to me. I don't get a lot of time to read, but am making that a New Year's resolution. Between my class and being a caretaker where I live, it takes up a lot of my time, unfortunately. I also have other commitments, along with health problems, so it does tend to get in the way of my reading. I've always been an avid reader. I loved your description of the future, and wish you a Happy New Year as well!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:39pm December 31, 2010)

Hi Sara,

I know what you mean about so many books on your bookshelf. I just don't have the heart to part with any of my books! I have my books triple stacked on my shelves & it doesn't look like they will be relieved anytime soon! LOL! WOW! The memories you bring back talking about your home town library. Ours too, was a one room Library filled with many books, but ours did have their book covers on them, although handled quite a bit! ;) I love reading some of the older books on my shelf. I get nastalgic with the old way of writing & it just brings up memories of my childhood.
Goodluck with trying to rid yourself of some of your books. It like chopping off a limb (to me anyway) to part with any of my books. I think I will die buried in a mountain of books! LOL!! What a way to go though, right?!! ;)
Have a happy & safe New Year!
(Quetzi Fernald 11:53pm December 31, 2010)

just love to read and I read all kind of books
(Kathy Weber 12:18pm January 1, 2011)

I just finished reading INDULGENCE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb, and her books are always good. I'm celebrating getting a Kindle for Christmas, and having a good time with it.
(Ann Garland 4:43am January 1, 2011)

I am always on the look out for new authors and am awaiting my new kindle - so the year ahead looks great. Happy new year everyone!
(Barbara Hanson 5:16am January 1, 2011)

2010 was a different year for me. I tried new authors, new genres. I am never
without a book in my hand. The book I enjoy most is the one in my hand. There
are so many great choices!!! How can anyone choose a favorite when the next
one might be it?? HAPPY NEW YEAR and KEEP READING!!!!!
(Sandra Spilecki 6:01am January 1, 2011)

Happy, Happy New Year! One of the best books I read this year was Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. Worst book had to be Revenge Served Cold by Jackie Fullerton. So many good books to look forward to.
(Karen Gervasi 7:21am January 1, 2011)

I loved Georgette Heyer's books years ago! I just love to read all genre's as long as there is romance - Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz, Diana Palmer, Catherine Coulter to name just a few. Have a Great 2011!
(Diane Sallans 8:46pm January 1, 2011)

Happy new year!! I wan the newest John Grisham...great escapism!!
(Clicia Tremblay 9:03pm January 1, 2011)

I love Nora Roberts too!! Anything by her is good.
(Maria Antunes 9:11pm January 1, 2011)

first and foremost Happy New Year, I love reading books romance,mysteries and fiction.
(Gloria Walshver 9:49pm January 1, 2011)

Happy New Year- Jennifer Estep's VENOM It was awesome
(Audra Holtwick 9:57pm January 1, 2011)

Best: Julia London - Summer of Two Wishes.

Happy New Year.
(Pat Lieberman 10:05pm January 1, 2011)

Happy new years everybody. I read a lot of books in 2010. I started a series by Jane Lindskold the first one called Thirteen Orphans. I can't wait for the next one of it to come out. But that is, as they say, the tip of the iceberg.
(Amy Christian 10:06pm January 1, 2011)

Happy New Year. I have so many authors that I am looking forward to reading and seeing this year, that the list would take more space than allowed. The one thing that I am looking forward to is finding another author to add to my collections.
(Cindy Olp 11:48pm January 1, 2011)

Happy New Year!Thanks for all your good reads. :)
(Shirley Sego 12:20pm January 2, 2011)

Happy New Year! I'm glad to know there is someone else out there who's book obsession is out of control enough to require a downsize! I recently had to sacrafice some of my books for the same reasons. Bookshelves were taking over the house! I broke down and began picking through what I could let go and what I simply couldn't bear to take off the shelf! We laugh that I probably have a better selection than the library! LOL It is very hard to do and I wish you the best in this awful task! I've been lucky enough to have my Kindle as my sidekick so when one is removed-it's added electronically! :0) I feel that makes the sacrafice well less sacraficial!
(Kirsten Christensen 12:47pm January 2, 2011)

I haven't read a lousy book this past year. I know what it's like to clean out books. I hate giving any of them away, but I do donate them to worthy organizations. The local Lions Club sells them and uses the money for various causes (many scolarships also).
(Evelyn Day 2:20am January 2, 2011)

Happy 2011! Some of the best books I read this year were The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook, Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn and Wicked Surrender by Jade Lee to name a few.
(Maureen Emmons 7:23am January 2, 2011)

I honestly can't think of a bad book that I read this year, and hundreds of books that were simply amazing. I guess the worst book I read this year would be Mockingjay. I could not stand what Collins did to her characters. If I am going to read a trilogy and invest so much time and love into a book, I really need there to be some sort of personal growth at the end. As for the very best book I read this year it would either be The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, or Firelight by Sophie Jordan. Both books were just an amazing surprise :)
(Shawn Adams 9:53am January 2, 2011)

Happy New Year to all.....I read lots of books this year, and a few were outstanding. One of them was Meljean Brook's The Iron Duke a steampunk. This is a genre I am discovering this past year and I look forward to reading more in the coming year.

Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 11:59am January 2, 2011)

I'm looking forward to reading the books I got, some Maeve Binchy.
(Pam Howell 12:05pm January 2, 2011)

Happy New Year! I am looking forward in reading most of my books in the TBR pile this winter season. I am currently reading Kate Collins recent murder series.
(Elisa Varey 1:37pm January 2, 2011)

Happy new year!! I love James Patterson too!!
(Maria Antunes 1:52pm January 2, 2011)

Have a wonderful 2011 filled with great books - Anita Shreeve has a new out!!
(Clio Teixeira 2:47pm January 2, 2011)

I do understand about too many books on the shelves, in boxes and binns. I did what I do at the end of every year. I donated my books to a charity.
(Carmella Hathaway 3:18pm January 2, 2011)

I am looking forward to Kat Martin's The Raines of Wind Canyon.

Happy New Year.
(Kai Wong 3:31pm January 2, 2011)

Books,books,books all over the place. It is just to hard to weed them out because they are waiting for me to read them again. When I finally bite the bullet and go thru them the lucky few go to our boys and girls club for resale. But first maybe I'll just read a few chapters of this Ann Rice book.
(Elizabeth Parzino 3:46pm January 2, 2011)

I'm looking forward to the next books by lisa kleypas and j.r. ward.

When I feel like I have too many books in my house I donate them to this little bookstore in New Jersey that gives you credit for books you donate toward other newer books.
(Amanda Daghli 4:34pm January 2, 2011)

I love to read I go through 2-4 books a week and go crazy when I run out, almost like a panic attack! My husband put his foot down and I got rid of over 500 books but still have about 500 I just can not let go of. I haunt all the used books stores and if they don't have what I want I go the big book stores. I really enjoy reading the paranormal romance and non romance books, Horror and others. Books are my sanity. When I buy books its not one a time its 20 at a time.
(Cj Swier 5:40pm January 2, 2011)

I,M trying to get caught up on my reading. This year i hope!
(Ann Unger 6:16pm January 2, 2011)

I'm looking forwars to Nalini Singh's Archangel's Consort in Januuary, Nora Roberts' Chasing Fire and lots more...
(Diane Sadler 7:44pm January 2, 2011)

I really enjoyed Stephen Kings Under the Dome.Really love his way of writing!
(Teresa Ward 8:17pm January 2, 2011)

I read sooo many. Robyn Carr was one of my favorites but I think Jane Porter beat them all!
(Lori Myers 10:47pm January 2, 2011)

I really liked the last child, and the devotion of suspect x. I was really dissappointed in the book room.
[email protected]
(Debbie Penny 7:51am January 4, 2011)

I loved "The Help" not remember the authors name, and "Leaving Avery" by Laurie Lewis were great! I read "Uncoupling" and didn't care for it.
So thanks for the contest, please count me in!
(Brenda Rupp 9:41am January 4, 2011)

Georgette Heyer is one of the authors I followed first with historical romance. She knew how to use the setting and trappings of the time to make you feel as though you were there. I expect to read a lot of books on my overflowing bookshelves and beyond. There's a few I've had my eye on for awhile waiting for the flakes to fall.
(Alyson Widen 4:48pm January 5, 2011)

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors

Sara Reyes | HAPPY New Year

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Sara Reyes | HAPPY New Year

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors