Dear Reader,

I love reading reviews on my books.

For a long time, authors said, “Don’t read them. They’ll depress you.” Or, “Reading reviews stops your creative process.” For a long time, I believed them.

Then, one day, I had someone call me and say, “What are you doing? This reviewer says you’re changing up your style and aren’t writing Christian and family books anymore.”

I jumped on the computer and looked up the review, finding a whole lot of lies about my book, me as a person, and my pet parrot (which I don’t have.) I was concerned. What had I done to merit such an attack?

I quickly scanned the other reviews on the book and found that nothing like that was mentioned in any of the other reviews. Either this person didn’t read my book; or, they read another book and accidentally posted it on my page.

I went back and read the other reviews again. Just to be sure. What I found delighted me. Some of the reviewers had a wonderful turn of phrase. Some were short and quick, others long and detailed. It touched my heart that they’d taken time to think about my book after the last page–and to share their thoughts with other readers. To me, it was huge.

So, if anyone asks if I read reviews, the answer is YES! I love it. I love reviewers!

Here are a few samples of reviews left on my latest release, Snowed In at the Castle.

“I’m in love with this new book and series. I am delighted by the plot and the characters. Truthfully, I kind of wish the author would continue a new series based on this country and the inhabitants. **Cough, cough** It was a quick, fun read. It was a great happy ending and a good one to put a smile on your face!” ~Brandy Hatchel

Brandy, I hear you.