Sunday's Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young'ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that "book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are" and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those "nicest bloggers" around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Hi everyone!!  I'm so glad our Sunday sessions are back because I honestly missed our weekly "gab sessions".  I know that they say, at least here in New England that it is Spring but I haven't seen many signs of it, but then that gives us more time to sit around visiting instead of being outdoors enjoying the weather.  However,  the "boys"Jeff (Lori's hubby aka Dollycas's Thoughts) and Steve (my hubby) might be late in delivering the pastry as I overheard something about a round of golf!!!

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a newbie to our community.  She contacted me not that long ago with so much enthusiasm and many questions (which I love) and has put together a beautiful blog.  I am excited to get to know her and hope you do too.  Today our guest is REBECCA from CONFESSIONS OF A PAGE TURNER.

Awww, thank you so much, Cheryl!! I can't believe how kind and welcoming the book blogging community has been...I'm so honored to be a part of it! I'm thrilled that you have so graciously agreed to mentor me...I'm sure I will have questions along the way! I will definitely be keeping up with your blog frequently as well :).


When and why did you start blogging?
A dear friend of mine began a personal blog when her first baby was born, and urged me to create a personal blog of my own. Once I did, I realized how much fun blogging could be and started wondering what other kind of blogs were out there. As soon as I did some searching, I realized that there was this incredible book blogging community out there, sharing about their love of literature and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it! It has taken me awhile to get started because I was such a novice when it came to technology and computer lingo. But fortunately, after a lot of determination and devotion, I think I've started a blog that will be interesting and a lot of fun not only for me, but for my followers as well!

Name of blog?
I wanted something that was unique and catchy! Confessions of a Page Turner just popped into my head one day and was approved by the hubby! :) It's kind of a play on words...My "confessions" on the books which I read, but also the page turner's (books) themselves who are divulging their secrets and lessons to us. It also sounded kinda girly, and I'm all girl!

Content of blog?
Books, books, and more wonderful books! With some movie reviews thrown in now and then for good measure.

Genres?
When it comes to books, I like a little bit of everything. Variety is the spice of life so they say! I do of course have my favorites, which are fantasy and historical fiction. My love of fantasy began when my dad read The Hobbit out loud to my sister and I when we were little and ever since then, it's had a place in my heart. I also still cry sometimes over the fact that there will be no more Harry Potter books haha! I really think my blog will have a little bit for everyone, though. Look for reviews on everything from YA to mystery to non-fiction.

Posting?

I hope to post something almost every day, whether it's memes, reviews, challenges and coming soon...giveaways!

Love about blogging?

Expressing myself creatively is very important to me...and blogging is a great way to do this! I think women can give of themselves so much to others that we forget how intuitive and creative we can be. Hobbies such as blogging, reading and writing help me to nourish and restore my spirit. Creating or embracing art give you wings to fly to the best part of yourself. I also love the community aspect of blogging! It's a great way to share and connect with others and make new friends.

1-3 favorite items on blog?

I have several cool things in the works that I hope my dear followers will enjoy! :)

**Starting an online book club once I have a few more members is something I'm really excited about.

**Also, I love artwork and photography so I would like to post any pictures which I find inspiring so that my readers can enjoy them too!

**Cooking and food is another passion of mine...probably a little too much so (I'm basically a recovering chocoholic) and so I had the idea of posting recipes that seem to go along with certain books. Like for example, if I'm reading a book based in Italy, posting a recipe for tiramusi so that my followers might be inspired of not only reading about Italy, but tasting it too!

Advice for new bloggers?
Well, I'm a newbie myself, but what I've learned so far is that you just have to have patience. I started out as a total novice not even really being sure what a blog was! Now, I'm getting lots of great feedback on my very own blog and reviews! Also, reach out to other more established bloggers. It never hurts to ask questions and you will be amazed at how friendly and eager to help many bloggers are!

Things to know about me:

1. I was born and grew up in Ohio...It really is the heartland of America. Filled with quaint towns, and people who are the salt of the Earth. And yes, there is more than just cornfields there! :)

2. My husband is a medical resident and we are currently living in Oklahoma while he finishes his residency. We hope to relocate soon so he can set up his practice in either Maine or New Hampshire...I'm excited about living near the sea and seeing that incredible New England fall foliage you always hear about!

3. I'm an aspiring writer! I'm currently at work on two books. My dream is that maybe one day someone will be reviewing my books!

4. I like sparkly things.

5. Hubby and I have two "literary" dogs, Zeddicus and Atlas. Zedd or Zeddy as he likes to be called is named after the wizard in Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Atlas is named after the book, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

6. I adore the scent of roses.

7. I think I might be addicted to chai tea!

8. I watch the pbs version of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea once a year...it's like comfort food for the soul!

9. My favorite quote is: Life is the greatest fairytale of all by Hans Christian Anderson

10. I'm the proud aunt of a new baby girl, Adeline Frances!

Other info?
I'm so excited about starting this blog and connecting with other book lovers out there!

Rebecca, welcome to the wonderful world of book blogging.  I am sure you are going to meet fantastic and create fabulous friendships.  I am also sure, now that you have been introduced into this neighborhood, and told us that your dream of being an aspiring writer, there will be a line of bloggers who would love to review your books.  You are right, ask questions, they will be answered.  The best advice my mentor gave me was just that.  Thank you for sharing with us today and being my guest.  I believe that you are a rising Shining Star in the awesome world of book blogging.