Reviews can be both scary and delightful. They prove that someone has indeed read your work, which makes the author (moi) very giddy. Whenever I get a good review I float around the house, whistling and petting my Siamese more than usual.

This week Deacon Leeds received two reviews: one on Amazon and the other on Goodreads. The Amazon review rated 4 stars. I was very happy about this because up till then everyone had rated the book 5 stars. Which is wonderful, but a 5 star rating also casts some doubt to prospective readers as to whether it's a truthful review. Yes, unfortunately we live n a world where authors sometimes write reviews for their own books. Nasty business.

Regardless, I was very happy to see a 4 star review because of the balance it represents. Not everyone is going to like Deacon Leeds. There are some books I love that other people absolutely hate. Thank the heavens for differences in taste! Otherwise we'd all be reading the same books and boring the heck out of each other with all the tedious praises.

Now, the Goodreads review came in at 3 stars, which translates to "I liked it". It's a good middle of the road rating. And Deacon Leeds has earned a few 3 stars on Goodreads. However, the review was not so pleasant, and it bordered on mean. But they say you know you've made it to the Bigtime when the meanies start reviewing your books.

A year ago I would've lost sleep over that review. But today I stood up and shouted, "Somebody hates my book! Finally! I've made it to the Bigtime!!!"

Till next time, keep reading and writing (and reviewing books because it makes us feel good).