Our Team
Management
Irene Watson
Managing Editor
Born in Northern Alberta in Canada, Irene's career took her from career counseling, to business ownership, to working in management for a police force, to spiritual counseling, to teaching at a college, to retreat/seminar/workshop design and facilitation to her most recent - owning/managing Reader Views. She obtained her B.S. in psychology at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX and her M. A. in psychology from Regis University in Denver, CO.
After retiring in 2003 Irene authored an award winning memoir, The Sitting Swing, which was published in October 2005. Having a hard time getting reviews for her book, she started Reader Views on a whim. Within a month it exploded to a full time business. So much for retirement! Irene's hobbies include genealogy and reading. Her book is republished by Loving Healing Press in August 2008 with a subtile of "Finding Wisdom to Know the Difference." Her newest book is "Rewriting Life Scripts: Transformational Recovery for Familes of Addicts."
Irene lives with her husband of 41 years, Robert, near Barton Creek in Austin, Texas - the best of two worlds - she has the city out the front door and the country out the back door. They are parents of two children, Juanita and Daryn, as well as in-laws of Christine, and grandparents to Kyle, and his siblings Kaitlyn and Keifer. Her personal website is: www.irenewatson.com
Juanita Watson
Internet Radio Host, Inside Scoop Live
Client/Public Relations, Reader Views
Born in Northern Alberta in Canada, Juanita currently resides in Austin, Texas. Prior to moving to Austin in 1996 she managed an HMV Music Store in Edmonton, Alberta. While in Austin she received her Massage Therapy License, opened up a practice, and was soon offered a position at an addictions treatment center in Western North Carolina. After living a few years in rural NC, Juanita eventually relocated to beautiful Asheville, NC, and added colon therapy to her practice.
In 2004 she temporarily moved to Bisbee, AZ to attend a 6 month intensive, herbal training program at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Upon completion, Juanita returned to Austin to continue her herbal studies/endeavors, as well as working as a part-time colon therapist.
Juanita loves hiking, swimming, reading, being in nature, plants, trying to unravel the mysteries of life, and travel. She has been to many of the U.S. states, and makes annual trips back to Canada. She discovered Jamaica about 6 years ago, and immediately developed a deep respect for its culture and land. She makes yearly trips to spend time with locals studying Jamaican herbs and natural healing. Juanita assisted her mother, Irene Watson throughout the early stages of Reader Views, finally finding her niche interviewing authors for Inside Scoop Live.
Susan Violante
Admin Associate
Born and raised in Venezuela from Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA degree in Political and Administrative Cs. before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst / Accountant, she also kept herself active as a Freelance writer in the US . She is currently working on her second book
Nicolas Parke
Virtual Admin Associate
Nicolas was born just outside New York City but has lived in Austin for the past 13 years. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas, “Hook’em Horns,” in 2010. He is presently attending law school at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
In his free time, Nic enjoys playing just about any sport with his friends and just enjoying his time in school.
Tyler R. Tichelaar
Associate Editor - Author Interivews, C0-host on Author's Access, Media - Press Releases
Tyler is a seventh generation resident of Marquette, Michigan. He has a Ph.D. in Literature from Western Michigan University, and Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from Northern Michigan University. He has lectured on writing and literature at Clemson University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of London. Tyler is a regular guest host of Authors Access Internet Radio, the President of the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association, and our own Associate Editor here at Reader Views.
Tyler is the author of the regionally bestselling Marquette Trilogy, a family saga covering seven generations between 1849-1999 and centering on the pioneers who settled Upper Michigan. The trilogy consists of the novels: “Iron Pioneers,” “The Queen City,” and “Superior Heritage.” Tyler lives in his native Marquette where the roar of Lake Superior, mountains of snow, beautiful scenery, and sandstone architecture inspire his writing. He has just published his fourth novel, “Narrow Lives.”
Susan Sherrill Estes
Editing Services, Virtual Assistant
Susan has been with Reader Views since September, 2006. She feels that reading all the book reviews is the next best thing to actually reading all the books. She is a native of Austin, Texas, and has resided there all but one year spent in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She has an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Austin Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin.
Robert Watson
Shipping/Receiving/Inventory, Processing
Robert is the husband of Irene and father of Juanita, the anchors of Reader Views. The reason the family ended up in Austin was because Robert was transferred here to manage a multi-family complex for a Canadian firm. After several years, when the project was sold, Robert and Irene decided to make Austin their permanent home.
He is very active in the Founder's Lions Club in Austin, Texas, chairing projects and being a board member. He likes to golf and catch the occasional hockey game on TV. Robert's reading interests are business and real estate related.
Victor Volkman
Audio Engineer, Kindle monkey, Cohost - Authors Access
I have an extensive background in computer programming, beginning with a bachelor's degree from Michigan Technological University back in 1986. Since then, I've written dozens of technical articles for journals such as C++ Users Journal and Windows Developer. I'm the author of two books on computer programming and editor of several books on psychology topics.
My wife's background in trauma counseling got me more interested in that field of work. I've become more involved with it each year, culminating in the founding of Loving Healing Press (LHP) in 2003. LHP is dedicated to producing books which redefine what is possible for healing mind and spirit. Specifically, this includes psychology, self-help, personal growth, trauma recovery, and living with disabilities.
Tafton
Chief of Security
I love my job! I get to pretend I’m sleeping under the chair or in the entrance to the office. Sometimes I get real lucky and am allowed to stretch out on top of my Mommie's desk, although it’s a little crowded there. I often have to squeeze my little body among the papers, stapler, files and other such things, however, I consider it a real honor to do that. I hate it when I'm told I snore.
My job is 24/7. During office hours I get to alert everyone when the mail carrier delivers the mail. Sometimes I just alert them so they know that I'm doing a good job. During the evening or weekends I get to chase the deer that come into the yard to eat everything they feel is edible. During the night, usually around 3 a.m., I get to bark when the raccoons and possums trespass on our deck. That really annoys me because I know that everyone is in a deep sleep and I have to wake them up. However, this IS my job. If it gets any busier I'll have to call on the help of my house partner, Patches. She's a typical cat and I'm not sure how cooperative she will be.
My motto: The bark starts here.
Patches
Whatever
This is MY computer, and I'll sit on it when I want to. Get over it. I'll be over for a tasty treat when I'm good and ready, and it's not right now. In a moment I will curl up and go to sleep on the keyboard so don't bug me.
And, get Tafton off my case. When I am good and ready I will get off the keyboard and move to another favorite place. And, no, I will not move so you can use the scanner. So, get over that too. Reader Views what? You gotta be kidin'!
I don't always have an attitude. But, the human society thinks our species do so I don't want to disappoint them. On good days I'm very affectionate and I love people. I will put my head against you and give you all kinds of lovin'. When I want to....
Pantheon Design (Rick and Laura)
Website Designers
Rick and Laura offer design services in a wide range of media: print, imagery, web, mixed media, video training, user interface design, urban color. We have designed books and posters; redesigned complicated application software; designed information kiosks, created animated fonts for video; built simple, small scale websites; built mixed media websites; designed and implemented web-based corporate information systems; collaborated on large exhibitions; created the corporate image for a theatrical company; designed brochures; made interactive CD-ROMs; colorized buildings in Italy. More about Pantheon Design
Rick Ligas
I helped design and build the ReaderViews website. HTML/CSS/Javascript and the Dreamweaver templates have been and continue to be my responsibility. When you see a new feature here on the site I probably had the pleasure of implementing it. But a lot of my work you won't ever see because it is just figuring out how to make managing a big site like this easier for the ReaderViews team.
I really enjoy working with the ReaderViews team and it has been a real pleasure to see how they took a site of a few hundred pages and grew it into thousands and thousands of reviews, interviews and PreViews. More about Rick.
Laura Ruggeri
Laura
has two responsibilities: she uses her visual communication/information design skills to insure accuracy, consistency and relevance. Then she focuses on the visual realization. More about Laura.
Active Reviewers
Paige Lovitt
I was born in Long Beach, California but raised on the east coast in New Jersey. I now reside in the Imperial Valley. I have a Master of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. I teach disabled students at my local community college. I run a computer lab that has assistive software to help my students with their special needs. I love what I do! It is what keeps me living down in a place that gets over 120 degrees in the summertime. In my free time, I travel.
I am single and do not have any family where I live. I like to travel to see my family, or I like to travel to see new places. My number one hobby, of course, is reading! I love to read. My favorite genres are fiction books with a touch of the paranormal. I love fantasy books. I read self-help and spiritual types of books. Really, I will read anything. If I am stuck in your car, you can be guaranteed that I will be reading your owner's manual! I also listen to audio books. I like to walk a lot, so I have my audio books going. My other passion is martial arts. I have my black belt in Shorin Ryu karate. I have been fortunate enough to go to Okinawa to train under the grandmaster of my style. Just in case the karate doesn't work, I also enjoy target practice with my .357 magnum. In my spare time when I am not kicking or shooting things, I also like to lift weights. I walk a lot, I haven't gotten the running thing down yet, but I am working on it. I don't have any pets. I am away from home too much to give them the care that they would need. However, I do love animals.
I like to review books because it gives me an opportunity to be introduced to new authors that I might not otherwise learn about. When I receive a book to review, I know in my heart that I am holding something that is very precious to the author. I feel honored to be asked to give my opinion about a book that they have poured their heart into. I am grateful to have this opportunity.
Lynn O'Connell
I have been reviewing books since 2001. An avid reader and writer, I find reviewing books to be a hobby that I really enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to discover authors that are new to me, and I appreciate the “new voices” to which I am introduced.
As my full-time profession, I currently serve as executive director of a national grantmaking organization. I also freelance as a writer, a proofreader and a tour guide. Previously, I had been a teacher. One of the greatest experiences of my life was when I had the opportunity to spend time overseas, working for the U.S. government as a diplomat. I have lived in countries throughout Western Europe and Africa.
My hobbies include theatre (attending as well as acting and directing), cooking ethnic and gourmet foods, the outdoors, travel, volunteering within my community, movies and publishing two monthly newsletters for nonprofit professionals. I love animals of all kinds; currently, I have two pets – a Dalmatian and a Maine Coon cat.
Bill Cooper
Bill Cooper is the retired Chief of Police of a suburban city near Seattle. He spent nearly 30 years in policing and is recognized for his expertise in organizational development, high performance organizations, and leadership. He is the author and instructor of supervision, middle and executive management, and leadership courses. Chief Cooper has instructed courses for The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Northwestern University Traffic Institute, and the private sector, as well as MBA graduate school. He also delivers keynote addresses and training seminars.
Chief Cooper holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, and Masters Degrees in Business and Public Administration. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Washington State Law Enforcement Executive Command College and has lectured at both.
Chief Cooper is the author of the book Leading Beyond Tradition: A Breakthrough Strategy for Law Enforcement. His book presents a unique and highly successful management model designed to maximize organizational efficiency and effectiveness. More information about the book may be seen on www.leadingbeyondtradition.com.
He lives in Mukilteo, Washington with his wonderful wife of 30 years.
April Sullivan
As a young girl, my mom would take my sisters and me to the downtown Houston library. I would always start at the beginning of the children’s section and sit and read one book after another until it was time to leave. I never got out of the A’s, because I would start over each trip, just in case they had added any new books.
In addition to a passion for books, I also have a passion for art. In 1996, I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Art History. My studies provided me with critical thinking skills, a career as an arts administrator, and an appreciation for folk art. As a fiber artist, I create “Yarn Paintings” depicting images from my imagination and of the world around me, using a technique similar to the traditional art of the Huichol Indians of Mexico.
Currently, I live in Austin, TX with my husband Milton and our Miniature Pinscher Bongo. Even today, walking into a library or bookstore, I am overwhelmed by the number of books on the shelf. How will I ever get to them all? Reviewing books is a great way for me to read new books that I may not get to read otherwise. Plus, when my husband says, “Sitting around reading again?” I can say, “I am doing important work over here!”
Lisa Kisner
Currently, I live in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida with my husband, our dachshund, and our cat. Growing up,and in my adult life, I have lived in several places such as Oklahoma, Chicago, Missouri, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Pittsburgh, PA is where I have the most memories and consider it my hometown. I attended West Virgina University and hold a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology. I am currently taking classes to obtain an Infant-Toddler Developmental Specialist certification.
I work for the local school system as a Speech- Language Pathologist on a Pre-K Assessment Team. My hobbies include reading (of course!) all types of books and spending time in nature. I enjoy reviewing books because I am always searching for my next "favorite" book. I try to look beyond the best seller lists and find good reads I would not have enjoyed had I stuck to the mainstream
Deb Shunamon
I’m teacher by profession, an anthropologist at heart (with a half-finished MA degree packed away somewhere), a busy mom of young teenagers, and a lump on the couch with my nose in a book whenever possible. Whenever I’ve wanted to understand a people or culture I’ve always read their fiction, which has resulted in a diverse collection of books and reading experiences.
My African (black) literature sits ready to feed my sons’ curiosity about that side of their heritage; memories of living in Japan and my obsession with marital arts are squashed into a couple shelves; Chinese, Irish, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Greek stories have their spots; British thrillers were my latest “binge” read; my Canadian KidLit and juvenile fiction are put to good use when teaching reading & writing; and I can’t think of a better way to relax than to hunker down with a good sci-fi novel. I really enjoy being able to offer my opinion for Reader Views. People who are able to complete and publish books are amazing, and I hope I’m of some help to them.
William Phenn
Born of Russian immigrant parents who struggled to give their children a happy and wholesome life. Having started writing in the fifth grade he found the beauty of expression utilizing the mighty quill. William has held many positions in life but the one of writer is cherished the most.
Writing from the heart, he expresses his feelings and thoughts (gathered from his life), in a manner that would not attract the average person. William's writing is a reflection of his inner self. All his trials, triumphs, attempts and failures are depicted in his work. He bares his soul in what he writes and intends it for the intelligent few.
Kathleen Dowdell
I live in Avon Lake, Ohio, a small city about 18 miles west of Cleveland with my husband. My three children are grown and two live near by. I am employed by Case Western Reserve University, a private college in Cleveland. I am the Administrator for the Department of Anthropology. My job on a daily basis is neither boring nor predictable. I work with a diverse faculty and students from all over the world. My job is very fun and rewarding.
I was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago and remained there until I married. I travel to Chicago every two to three months to visit my family including my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters, Olivia and Kate. My other two grandchildren, Luke and Anna live nearby me. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful family.
Many believe that over a lifetime people do not change. I would agree. As long as I can remember, I loved to read. I volunteered to stack books at a library when I was ten years old and got hooked on Nancy Drew. Mysteries still remain my favorite but I have branched out into reading just about anything that catches my eye. I do some guest writing for a local business and occasionally write articles for the university’s Human Resource Department. I am presently researching and writing about a historical area in Chicago. I am a preservationist and write articles on my blog http://historicchicago-kathleendowdell.blogspot.com/ about historical topics in Chicago.
Richard R Blake
During long winter evenings in a small prairie town in northern Minnesota my mother introduced my brother and me to the power of story and a love for books. During World War II we moved to St. Paul. After high school and two years of college I enlisted in the Navy for service during the Korean conflict.
After my discharge from the Navy I graduated from Armstrong College in Berkeley, California with a degree in Business Management and Accounting. During this time I met and married Thelma Barnes a student Nurse at the Samuel Merritt School of Nursing.
Highlights in my career include a position as regional controller with Boise Cascade Building Company, and Case Power and Equipment, in the San Francisco Bay area in California.
I have been active in church since childhood and have served in various Christian Education ministries. While actively serving in a lay capacity I received a Masters degree in Christian Education and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Religious Education from Golden State School of Theology in Oakland, California.
Over the years I have owned and operated a Christian book store, and became co-founder of Christian Education Resources, also in San Leandro. More recently I have been serving as Finance Director at the Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley, California an also serving in a lay capacity as Training Coordinator for Follow Up Ministries, Inc. a faith based ministry to prisoners. I am a regular contributor to the Restorative Justice News published in Huntsville, Texas and members of the Castro Valley Christian Writers Group.
My wife Thelma is a registered nurse. We are the proud parents of four adult sons. I am an avid reader; enjoy gardening, writing, and vacationing with my family.
Cherie Fisher
I was born in San Diego CA. As a daughter of a Naval Officer and then as a Navy Pilot's wife I have lived in 10 states (CA,NV,AZ,NJ,NY,VA,HI,WA,MA &RI) and been to 46 states. I love to travel, gourmet cook, read and am a very spiritual person. Currently I am single and am owned by 3 slightly neurotic dogs (I say slightly because pets are supposed to represent their owner's personalities). I really love animals and provide foster care for dogs in rescue. I also have 12 nieces and nephews and enjoy spending as much quality time with them as I can.
In 1988 I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Currently, I have over 15 years of experience as an Executive Director in healthcare not for profits. Prior to that I worked in Program Research and Development and was the recipient of the Epilepsy Foundation of America Program Development award in 1990 for development of programs in the Hawaiian Islands. In 1996 I completed Harvard Business School’s “Strategic Perspectives in Not for Profit Management” program and the University of South Florida’s “Social Marketing” certificate program in 1998. I have been with the Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island for eleven years and my areas of expertise are project design, research, fund development and grant writing.
Vicki Landes
Military wife and mom Vicki Landes has been an avid reader for most of her life. But it was only after having her own book published did she realize how important reviews were for authors…and how difficult they can be to obtain! Since then, she’s gained an extra amount of respect for today’s new author and enjoys seeing their creativity and hard work in finished form.
Landes’ book, “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal” was published while living in Europe for seven years and contains over 200 pages of full-color photography.
With a current list of 45 countries under her belt, Landes strives to find the overlooked details that make each place distinctive and unique. Her book has been featured on television, newspapers, radio, and various internet sources. Check out her website: www.EuropeForTheSenses.com !
Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson
I was born in Yugoslavia - quite a while ago - and grew up in what later became the tiny independent country of Slovenia. My mom tells me I was an extremely chatty child, until I discovered books at the age of 5. Reading, along with travel and gardening, is one of the biggest joys of my life.
My professional life has always revolved about traveling and languages. I like to think of myself as a well read professional traveler, but what pays my mortgage nowadays is actually a number of diverse translating jobs. My absolutely most favorite translating job was a novel that I’ve translated a few years ago from English into Slovenian. Before moving to USA in late 1999 I worked full time as a tour manager, visiting fascinating places with groups of tourists. There are few things better in life than being paid to stay in 5-star hotels.
In late 1999 I took a trip to New Orleans, met a wonderful man, fell head over heels in love with him and we were married four months later. Life in New Orleans was fun, until a certain little storm by the name of Katrina decided that partying should be over at least for a while. Things are not back to normal there, nor are they likely to be any time in the near future, so we decided to move three hours inland, to the gorgeous Natchez, MS. Sitting on the bluffs hundreds of feet above the mighty Mississippi, Natchez is a gentler, slower and smaller version of New Orleans. Life is good again.
Leslie Granier
I have lived in southeast Louisiana my entire life so naturally I have a love of fun, music and good food. I am a Medical Laboratory Technologist at a level one trauma center. Aside from being an avid reader, I enjoy gardening (both flower and vegetable), puzzles of any kind, and doing home improvement projects.
I am a passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs and I hope to live long enough to one day see them win the World Series. I aspire to one day work as a freelance proofreader or editor and am currently seeking avenues through which I can achieve this goal.
Michael Philliber
I served in U. S. Air Force for 20 years. In my 20 years I have been a security police specialist; worked on F-4 fighters and H-3 helicopters; ran a correctional facility; worked with those in alcohol/drug abuse situations; and been a successful medical professions recruiter.
I retired from the Air Force in 1999. I was ordained into the Presbyterian Ministry in 2001 and am currently serving my second church, Providence Presbyterian Church, in Midland Texas. I received my Doctorate in May 2007 from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.
Carol Hoyer
Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas Carol has worked extensively in counseling, corrections, teaching Special Education and currently teaches college online with Galen College of Nursing and Argosy University. She received her MA in Counseling and Human Relations from Webster University and her PhD in Psychology from Capella University. For the past 25 years she has worked as a Psychologist for the Department of the Army.
In 2006 she retired from civil service to take care of her granddaughter Zoey, while her daughter taught kindergarten autistic children. She's learned to color, play Barbies and have tea-parties with the help from Zoey!
In her free time, Carol loves to read any type of book that will expand her knowledge- she often shares some of the books she reviews with her online classes as additional resources. Her favorite get-away is Myrtle Beach, SC - sitting on the beach and reading her books.
Carol is living in Newport News, VA with her husband Pete (retired military) and loves having both her children close by. Her son Chris is a freelance photographer and wrestler and Sarah, her daughter, is a Autism teacher.
Carol is currently taking courses on Gang activity and homelessness and volunteers with Concerned Citizens for the Elderly.
Ron Standerfer
Ron
was born and raised across the Mississippi river from St. Louis, Mo. in Belleville, Ill. While attending the University of Illinois, he took his first airplane ride in a World War II-Vintage B-25 bomber assigned to the local ROTC detachment. It was a defining moment in his life. Weeks later, he left college to enlist in the Air Force’s aviation cadet program. After graduating from flight training at the tender age of 20, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and thrust into the jaded world of hard drinking, hard living World War II and Korean War veterans “who tried their best to trash his core values, not to mention his liver,” he states.
Another defining moment occurred early his career. In August 1957, he participated in an atomic test at Yucca Flat, Nevada. Standing on an observation platform eight miles from ground zero, he watched the detonation of an atomic bomb code named ‘Smokey.’ The test yielded an unexpected 44 kilotons, more than twice the size of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki.
“I never forgot Smokey, and the memory of that experience weighed heavily on my mind when I wrote my first novel, The Eagle’s Last Flight,” Standerfer said.
After Smokey, he spent another 24 years in the Air Force, a career that spanned the Cold War years between 1954 and 1981. During that time, he flew a variety of high performance fighters, including 237 combat missions during the Vietnam conflict, and was shot down over Tchepone, Laos in 1969. He retired from the Air Force as a full Colonel after tours in the Pentagon and Tactical Air Command headquarters in Virginia.
These days, Ron and his wife Marzenna, the daughter of a distinguished theatrical family in Poland, spend time in their homes in Gulf Stream, Florida and in Warsaw.
I refuse to limit my reading to any one genre. Each book read is a gift in some way!
Ali Neshati
A lifelong resident of Kansas, Ali received his Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University in 2008. During his graduate studies, Ali taught over a dozen psychology courses to hundreds of undergraduate students, first as a graduate instructor and later as an adjunct faculty member. His passionate and enthusiastic teaching style earned him a university-wide teaching award in 2007.
Ali works in the area of community mental health, engaging in individual and group therapy with both adolescents and adults, as well as conducting psychological evaluations for medical facilities, courts, and other agencies throughout Kansas. He is an active member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Southwestern Psychological Association. A prolific writer and researcher, Ali has written newspaper articles on topics such as eating disorders, suicide, and internet addiction, and has presented his research findings at numerous professional conferences in world-class cities such as Toronto, San Antonio, and Memphis.
In addition to his academic and professional interests, Ali is an avid reader, enjoys keeping physically fit, and dabbles in various artistic and technical pursuits.
Tiffany Schlarman
Born in Lawrence, MA and raised in southern New Hampshire, I am an east coast girl at heart! Growing up, I spent my time reading on the beach, shopping and spending time with family which included learning to cook, bake and keep house from my Nana. After graduating from Harding University, with a BA in Marketing, my husband and I moved to Columbia, MO. The memories of being home with my mom while I was little, and then spending my summers vacations with my Nana, sparked the desire within me to stay home with my girls until they were also in school. I am a stay at home mom by day. I currently work in management for a call center of a textbook company that provides for high schools, colleges and universities around the globe.
I am an avid reader with a passion and love for books. One of the most memorable moments of my life was obtaining a library card of my own. My sisters and I used to walk to the library every two days and pick up a pile of new books! I enjoy sharing my passion of reading with my children and my friends. Writing reviews makes me feel I am helping readers to decide what book is right for them, as well as helping authors to sell or improve on their writing. I can't imagine writing a book to an audience so large, I feel reviews help authors to know the readers and what they are looking for in a book. A truly great review mimics a great book. I strive to be better with my writing in each review I complete. Most of all, I look forward to the next book! The creativity of authors amazes me.
Victoria Gonzales
I am a pre-med student that reads a lot of text books, but I still love to read for fun. I have so many books they don't fit in my bookshelf. Some of my favorite authors are Dean Koontz and Norton Juster. I also have two little brothers who share my love of reading. I have three dogs who must also love books because one of them chewed up a vintage book that I had laying out.
Samantha Glaudel Smith
After spending the first twenty-two years of her life in Illinois, Sam moved to Savannah, Georgia, upon graduation from law school. She has practiced law since that time, but her true heart’s desire is to be a soap opera actress. On top of practicing law, she regularly performs in local theater productions, commercials, and films. The free time that she does have (after her daughter has gone to sleep) is spent either reading or remodeling her house.
She shares her Savannah home with her husband, her daughter, a dog, and a very mean cat.
Chad Feight
Being married to the most beautiful woman in the world, the new father of a gorgeous baby girl, and working in my dream job, I can only consider my life blessed. I have been married for 3 years (yes, we're still basically newlyweds), and I couldn't be more in love. Recently, I was given the opportunity to lead the middle school ministry at the church I grew up in, as well as direct the internship program there. Previously, I had spent most of my working years in the rewarding career of working with people with disabilities. Shortly after that, I was given the gift of our daughter. I am quickly learning how much I know nothing about parenting, but I am enjoying the process.
One thing I have learned (from reading) is that "leaders are readers" (I heard it from John Maxwell - where he got it, I don't know). I have always enjoyed reading, but it wasn't until I spent some time with great mentors that I began to devote myself to reading. Since then I have developed a passion for reading (so much so that I occasionally will read the backs of cereal boxes and cans of soup if I'm bored at the grocery store) and make sure it is a part of my everyday plans.
I enjoy reading mostly non-fiction books, especially the Bible and books related to it. I also enjoy watching a good movie or TV show, spending time with my family, and just hanging out with teenagers in the Cedar Rapids area (eastern Iowa.)
Marty Shaw
was born and raised in Houston, Texas and now reside in the little town of Trinity – don’t bother looking for it on a map but it’s about halfway between Houston and Dallas. I’m married to a beautiful woman who thankfully loves reading as much as I do so there’s no shortage of books around here. We don’t have kids, but two Labs and a Chihuahua do a good job of keeping us busy.
I’ve always been passionate about three things: reading, writing, and sharing my opinions with others. Reviewing books turned out to be a great way to combine those passions and I love sharing news about great books with others.
Tracy Rock
I am a working mom, living in Mckinney, Texas, who spends my downtime reading as much as I can.
Along with our book reviews we offer affordable services to meet the needs of our authors in the growing book publishing industry. Our service packages are budget friendly, effective, and will assist the author in showcasing their book to the reading audience.
