“WELCOME” to Rave Reviews Book Club’s BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY
Location: New Jersey
Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour – each one has prizes to give away for those that participate!
Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today:
*($10.00) Amazon Gift Card
*($10.00) ITunes Gift Card
*($10.00) Starbuck’s Gift Card
* (2) Each of a Kindle Copy of my book: Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women
# of Winners for this stop: 5
I have always used this opportunity to remind us about the commitment we all agreed to, which is, to read and review one another’s books. Last year, I read over one hundred of our members’ books. I am tempted to list them here, but I will not. My point is this: There are some of us who joined #RRBC to have their books read and reviewed, not to read and review others. In other words, they are the writers, and the others, the readers and reviewers. They whine and lament when they are not in the front, back, and center of the review forefront…My advise for these members is, check your book reviews and return the favor to every member who have read and reviewed you. this is the right thing to do.
In Mirror of Our Lives, four Nigerian women share the compelling tales of their troubled lives and failed marriages, revealing how each managed to not only survive, but triumph under difficult and repressive circumstances. Njide, Nneka, Miss Nelly, and Oby relive their stories of passion, deceit, heartache, and strength as they push through life—each on a unique journey to attain happiness, self-respect and inner peace. But none of the women’s journeys is without misjudgments and missteps. Njide falls in love at first sight, marries Tunji too quickly, and is dismayed when Tunji shows his true colors. Nneka once thought that she and Oji were the perfect couple—until Oji traveled to the United States. Miss Nelly is a kind and goodnatured woman who allows everyone to take advantage of her—even her husband, whom she married only for his name. But everyone wonders why Oby and Mat even married at all, for their marriage was a battle from the very beginning. The tales in Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women will inspire women around the world to never give up, to discover a sense of worth, and most of all, to learn to love themselves above everyone else.
Joy Nwosu was born in Enugu, Anambra State of south-eastern Nigeria. Her parents were Charles Belonwu and Deborah Nwosu. She is the fifth in rank of the seven children of her parents. Joy was born into a music family.
Joy, now retired, was a music teacher, trained in Santa Cecilia, Rome, and obtained her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Michigan, USA.
She has written and published extensively on national and international scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers.
Her short story I Come from Utopia was published in African Voices, Spring/Summer, 2007, pg. 18, and her first English novel; Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women was published in 2011, and was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Contest in 2012. She has also two books published in the Italian language.
Joy is a trained musician, and taught music for 35 years. She writes, performs, and record folk songs.
Her new book: The Legend of the Walking Dead: Igbo Mythologies, which has just been released, is a journey into the mysteries of life and death of the Igbos of Nigeria. She loves reading romances and mystery stories.
Websites: http://sbpra.com/joylobamijoko/ Mirror of Our Lives …..
http://sbprabooks.com/JoyNwosuLoBamijoko/ Legend of the Walking…
Buy Mirror of Our Lives…Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Our-Lives-Women/dp/1450278965
Barnes & Noble Link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mirror-of-our-lives-joy-nwosu-lo-bamijoko/1102630079?ean=9781450278966
Link to my Blog: jinlobify.Com
Face BookLink: https://www.facebook.com/joy.lobamijoko
Link to my LinkedIn Book Add
http://goo.gl/fT1P2O
Trailer: Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women
Twitter Handle: @Jinlobify
You are welcome Rebecca. Enjoy the read! 🙂
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Thank you for the gift copy of “Mirror of Our Lives.” I am looking forward to it. 🙂
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Sorry I’m late to the party, but I’m not really interested in the giveaways but rather learning about fellow authors. This is really fantastic. I lived two years in Nigeria and loved the Nigeria people. I have huge respect for the majority that are struggling to make the best of their lives in a system that is so utterly rotten with corruption. Good luck with your work!
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Hi Helena, thank you for stopping by. So you lived for sometime in Nigeria? I still have a home in Lagos, and I visit quite often. You do understand why it is so hard for any sane person to stay in that God forsaken place for too long. I go, because I still have family there. I spent years working, and trying to make things better, and when, in the end, I was practically thrown under the rails, I left. Thank God, I was able to do so. There are many of my colleagues who want to leave, but cannot. 😦
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Joy, I tried to leave my own comment in my own space, but there is no place to leave a comment…. 😦
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I think I know what you mean Nonnie 😀 Sorry, my space was so small and congested. Next time, I will try to hire a larger space, 🙂
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A wonderfully inspirational book, from the looks of it!
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Hi Nicholas! I always think of you as being very far away. :D. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Lol – not true. I’m very close by to where I live. Indeed, it’s you who’s far away :b
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:D!
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Powerful stuff, thank you so much for sharing!
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Thank you Green for stopping by. 🙂
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Oh… poot!
Joy – I’m truly sorry to get here so late, but for some reason it didn’t gel with me that you were partying yesterday until just now *blushes furiously*. Still, better late than not at all, although I know I’ve blown my prize opportunities (but I own the book, so no probs there! 😉 ) I love both Mirror Of Our Lives and The Legend Of The Walking Dead, not only because of their intense African flavour, but also because they take you on an internal journey, which, for Westerners is at once challenging and only too familiar.
We humans are strange creatures, who focus too much on differences that don’t really matter (with gender, race, religion and cultural mores) and don’t pay enough attention to what we all share and desire – your books show hope and gathering strength in equal measures with the trials your characters face, and so they’re ‘must read’ books that will have appeal and resonance for everyone.
I can see you had a great time yesterday – and attracted lots of new aficiandos! I’ll make sure I’m not so royally late next time! 😀
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Oh Jan,… you are very welcome. You only missed the wine, and goodies… :D. We really had fun! Sure Jan, you are amongst my favorite people, one of the best, always ready to SO for me. :D. I can never thank you enough for the support you give me. Thank you for looking in. 🙂
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Joy, I’m still playing ‘catch up’ – my excuse is that I’ve finally got that Foreword my cyber-hubby was writing on Friday, so it’s been nose to the grindstone with perfecting the paperback layout for A Freebooter’s Fantasy Almanac for launch in a couple of weeks. Will let you know when I’ve got the eBook updated as promised! 😉 ❤
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Great Jan! I’m looking forward to that. 🙂
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Very inspiring, Joy! Great blog post indeed!!
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Thank you Miranda for stopping by. 🙂
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Outstanding book trailer. What an impressive life you have led. I love reviewing books and consider my reviews a piece of literature as in an essay. Hoping the lyme calms down so I can see well enough to catch up. Your book sounds interesting. Another one for my vast TBR list. Congrats on ‘Reviewer’ of the year!!
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Thank you for stopping by Micki. Yes, 4Wills…. does great trailers. You must try them too. :D. Thank you for your support. 🙂
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Loved the book trailer. I’m adding this one to my TBR list.
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Thank you Lori for the support, and for stopping by. 🙂
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Although I feel I have long been a “writer”, I have not yet written anything beyond my blog. But it is becoming quite apparent that there is a close community of writers who support and encourage one another here. Thank you for your advice; your insight is much appreciated.
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Hi Many Faces… here at #RRBC we are also readers, not just writers. You read a lot, and maybe one day, you read enough to spur you to write. :). Never give up! Thank you for stopping by, and good to know you. 😀
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Oh, reading I can definitely do! 🙂
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Bring it on Many Faces! 🙂
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You are a very accomplished and well-traveled woman. And I know you speak more than one language. That is an awesome lifestyle that most of us never get to experience. I read your books and enjoyed them immensely, plus it was an education for me learning about your culture which mirrors ours to some degree, when it comes to the opposite sex. Women just recently won the right to vote in the last century. Our pay is still unequal to men’s pay. Anyway I’m enjoying your blog and kudos for putting everything together so well.
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Well Shirley, I hold you in very high esteem as a friend, and as one of my foremost supporter. I truly appreciate your support. You have the true spirit of what #RRBC stands for. I, in turn, will always support you. Thank you for being my friend, and for being on my side. 😀 Thank you for always being very supportive.
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You sound so rich in culture, Joy! And talented to boot! 😉 I am in awe that you read 100 books in one year. I do my best but do not come anywhere near that number. I will definitely be checking your books out. Thanks for sharing Mirror of our Lives with us. 🙂
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Ha, ha, Yvette! I read that much that year because it was a challenge. I am not trying to do anything close to that again, but, I am still reading. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Your generosity of spirit shines through in this post. Supporting fellow authors and genuinely loving what you do. I will be reading ‘Mirror of Our Lives’ very soon. Thanks so much for all you do.
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Thank you so much Snoooz for your support. Good to know you. To read and review is the way we support one another in #RRBC. 🙂 Please let me know what you think when you read “Mirror……” 😀
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i will be writing a review, once I’ve read the book. I’m always excited to discover works I haven’t seen before. 💕
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Thank you so much. 🙂
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Congratulations on your 2015 Rave Award for Top Reviewer!!! You are always an inspiration and I receive your message. I will up my review game. Enjoy your tour today!
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That is the spirit Linda. Just remember that the more you give, the more you receive. :D. That is the rule of the game. :).
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I love this line: Women will inspire women around the world to never give up, to discover a sense of worth, and most of all, to learn to love themselves above everyone else..
What a powerful message. Wishing you much success!
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Thank you Stacy for capturing the core of my message. :D. Thank you for stopping by.
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Hi Joy! What a great post; your book looks like a very powerful read. I’m curious; you live in NJ, but your book is about Nigerian women. I see that you are originally from Nigeria; are these women you met before you moved, women who also moved to the states, or women you met or remained in contact with after moving? Anyway, thanks so much for sharing; it’s nice to get to know a little more about a fellow RRBC member! Enjoy the rest of your day! 🙂 ~Stephanie
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Hi Stephanie, good to know you too. These are all glimpses into the lives of real women. The stories are that of these particular Nigerian culture, but they universal to women. Thank you for your kind thoughts, and for stopping by. 🙂
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Thank you for the reminder why we authors join RRBC. It is an approach I’ve embraced and I am enjoying. I loved your trailer as well as entire post. I look forward to reading your book and added it to my kindle.
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Please do D.I., and good to know you. Our Book club, the #RRBC is great for bringing writers together, and to give one another great support. 🙂 You are in good company.
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Hi Joy. That was a great post, and a wonderful peek into your world. I hope you have a wonderful time with your day on the tour. *Hugs*
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Thank you so much Rhani for stopping by. Sure, this party is nothing but amazing! :D.
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Hello Joy and nice to “meet” you. Great advice in the beginning. I’m still rather new to RRBC but I’ve read and reviewed 3 books so far. Authors really need to support one another. If not us, then who? Keep writing and keep making music! Cheers! S.J. Francis
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Well said S.J.! Good to know you too. 3 books so far? You are doing fine. Just keep it up. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Joy,
Good point about reviews – RRBC is about helping other writers (those who have a well crafted tale to highlight these great read) by reading and honestly reviewing their works. I always have a long TBR list of RRBC stories which I’m working through (not as long as yours!).
Best wishes,
Wendy
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I know Wendy! I always look out for sales and promotions, and don’t let any of those pass me by. :D. I am also a voracious reader. :).
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I really enjoyed your post and trailer. Your an inspiration to not only writers and women, but to people!
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Thank you so much Linda for your kind words. Good to Know you, and Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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I agree with John. Your opening piece says it all. I have slowly but surely started reading and reviewing many RRBC members books. They are posted on my blog and Amazon. Thank you for sharing the stories of these amazing women.
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Thank you Marymichael for stopping by. Good to know you. This is why we constantly chide our member to continue reading and reviewing each other’s books. This is the spirit of #RRBC. 😀
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🙂
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Joy, your support for fellow members is tremendous and your words offer much encouragement to all. 🙂 High five on the milestone of 100 books! I’m challenging myself to read and review at least two books a week. The number of books on my TBR list is huge. I’m delighted to say both of your books are on my Kindle, and I look forward to reading your work very soon! Cheers. 🙂
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Oh wow Natalie! Thank you for the support. Two books a week is rather too much for me now. This year, I am nearly doing four books a month. Last year was a challenge, but not any more. Maybe, you will win it this year. I wish you do. 😀 Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Nice to meet and learn about you, Joy.
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Nice to know you too Sandra. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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You are so impressive. Thank you for sharing all of your accomplishments with us. I’ll be sure to check out your books.
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KJ, you must be new here, good to know you, and thank you for stopping by. Yes, at #RRBC, we know how to party. :D.
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Hi Joy! Great to be back on your blog again – your books are always interesting and unique reads. Good luck with them and have fun on your RRBC Back to School Blog Block party day – MikeL
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Yes, MikeL, thank you of stopping by, and for your support. This party is really rocking! This is the best we have had it. :D.
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Great post and trailer. You really are writing about such important and powerful topics. I’ll be sure to pick up one of your novels soon.
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That will be great Brent! Thank you for stopping by, and good to know you. 🙂
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Great advice and a great post, Joy! Through RRBC I’ve learned to enjoy different genres than I normally read. I’ve found some real gems too. I have Mirror of Our Lives on my Kindle and I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Thank you Kim, please do, and let me know what you think. Thank you for the support, and for stopping by. 🙂
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Thanks for the review encouragement, Joy, and all you’ve done to support club members. I agree with John’s earlier remarks about how accomplished you are. You are very inspiring to continue to share your life.
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Thank you P.H. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are all here at #RRBC for supporting each other. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
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Great post Joy! I’m going to get your book right away and check it out because it sounds fantastic! Well done and best of luck with everything!
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Great Lincoln, and thank you for the support. We have to constantly chide ourselves often about supporting each other. :D. Do I have your books?… I will wait until your party. 🙂
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Such a great blog post Joy. RRBC is a wonderful place to find new books to read and review. I have just bought your book today and look forward to reading it. You are an inspiring lady and I wish you great success in all that you do.
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Yoo hoo! Lizzie, thank you for the support. #RRBC has given us writers a heads-up. Here, we can carry each other as high as they are ready to carry us. That is the name of the game. :D.
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Bravo, Joy! Well said. You are still the only member with over 100 reviews of fellow members’ books. I am amazed at the numbers of books you read. You are the true embodiment of what it means to be an RRBC member. Best wishes to you!
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Thank you Beem, and well said. I don’t think I will be able to do so again this year. :). Thank you for stopping by.
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(clearing throat)…Uh, Mr. Beem…I’ve read 200 books but I just haven’t reported them all to you. (#Lies!) LOL
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Yeah, yeah, Nonnie! 😀 How funny! 🙂
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What a lovely blog post, Joy! It’s always good to meet and find another musician/romance lover. I have found that music and romance so often go together. I suppose it’s a natural fit. I am truly amazed at how many books you’ve reviewed! Absolutely astounding!
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Good to know you Pringfall, my kindred spirit! :D. Yes, I was a music teacher all my life, and you are right, you can’t love music without being a romantic. :D. Thank you for stopping by.
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Those are some impressive credentials, and it is a great stop along our tour.
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Craig, good to see you here. You know, sometimes, we have to brag about these things, especially when they are true. I don’t think I will ever have that much time to read so much again. 🙂
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Even if you don’t, it’s something to be proud of.
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Thank you Craig. 🙂
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I am so impressed by your accomplishments Joy and hope to read your book soon. Sounds so interesting. Your advice to other club members is so needed and appropriate. the list of books i wish to read keeps growing and yours is among them.
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Oh Joann, I am happy to know that you have my book on your reading list. Than you for the support. You know, sometimes, just buying the books, and having them in your view, is a step forward. Right now, I have more than a hundred books on my Kindle, and I am still a veracious reader. 😀
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Thanks for sharing such powerful thoughts, Joy🤓 Your blog reflects this quality and your positivity reaffirms my own resolve to do as much as possible and give more support to as many authors here on RRBC as possible. I hope you have a great blog stop today. Best wishes ! Oh least I forget – the trailer is great! 💥
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Thank so much Mareth for understanding, and by the way, good to know you. 🙂 Yes, that trailer was done by our very own 4WillPublishing. You must try them. 😀
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Thanks for letting me know, Jo. I’ll definitely make some enquirers about the trailer. I’m just sorry I didn’t become a fully fledged club member earlier. I hope you had a successful blog tour. Enjoy your week. 🤓📚🌹📚
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you are welcome Mareth. Just remember, at #RRBC we support one another. 🙂
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Joy, run!!!!!! Before Joy gets you for that shameless plug of 4WillsPub…LOL!!!! (I’m having way too much fun here!)
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I love the after parties too Nonnie! 😀
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Nice post, Joy. RRBC is all about support and connecting with other authors. You get out what you put in! Have a great day at the party!
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You said it all Michelle. You get out what you put in! Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Although “review” may be in the title of RRBC, that is not the only thing the club is about. If that is all people expect, they are missing out on so much more. It’s about connecting with other authors and supporting one another. It’s amazing how many club members there are, but so few take the time to comment on posts and such.
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I agree totally with you Rebecca, #RRBC is a lot more than just reviews, but then, what best way can you support your fellow member, than to read and review their books? I think reading and reviewing each others books is number one on my list. Commenting on posts comes second. 😀
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Joy, your name is perfect description of you and how you have affected me (and I am sure thousands more). I have watched your trailer twice and your book is on my list. I so admire all you have accomplished and your beautiful spirit.
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Thank you Karen. I too value your friendship a lot. #RRBC has really opened up for us, a world outreach, where you speak to people you never saw or met, as if you have been friends for ever. It is a wonderful feeling. :D. Thank you for your support.
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Definitely great advice you give for all writers
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Yes Nell, at #RRBC our motto is, you get as much as you give. Many people don’t know that, but it is true. :D.
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Happy Sunday!
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Hi Nell, good to know you… Happy Sunday to you too. :).
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When I think about you, Joy, I think about how gifted I am to enjoy this association and friendship with you. You are truly an accomplished woman and this book should be at the top of everyone’s reading list. Great advice at the top of this message! Another brilliant trailer by 4WillsPublishing! Have a super day, Joy!
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Thank you John F. for always reserving your kindest words for me. I am truly honored. And yes, 4Wills… did a great job with my trailer. I like it very much.
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It is my pleasure, Joy, because you inspire me to be my best.
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Thanks, John, for that shameless plug of 4WillsPub! Now run, before Joy whips both of us!
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Lol!!
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Yeah! Lol!
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Joy…this seems so very interesting. I am glad to get to know you.
Best~
Richie Gerber
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Hi Cousin, good to know you too. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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I like your opening paragraph! Supporting others is at the center of RRBC!
Your stop is such an inspiration! The message for all women in your writing excites me and I’m looking forward to reading both of your English written books!
I feel your heart in your post and I thank you for the chance to know you better.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you… Patricia. These are very kind and supportive words. I am so proud to be a member of the great #RRBC. All writers, Indies or not should become members. 😀
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As someone who reads constantly, I can’t imagine stopping at four books a year! The club is great, Joy, and I’ve been so impressed by the support of its members since joining. BTW, Legends of the Walking Dead is the book that really fascinates me. It’s already on my Kindle and my TBR. I look forward to discovering the myths and beliefs of the Igbo people. Have a great day at the blog party!
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Thank you Mae for the support. Yes we have a great club, that constantly encourages you to support others, because by so doing you are supported. 🙂 What a great plan! Just look at the reviews of even the new releases. how they sky-rocket. That comes from #RRBC, a club like ours. 😀
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Joy, this is a lovely post — heartfelt and powerful. I have your book and look forward to reading it. You amaze me in so many ways, not the least of which is that you’ve read and reviewed over 100 books this past year. You inspire me to do more!
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Thank you Gwen for your kind words. Yes, I did. At the time, I took it as a challenge, and I won. I haven’t done as much this year, but I’m still at it 😀
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Wow, powerful book trailer. I look forward to reading the stories of these courageous women. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you Tara, that will be wonderful. Please let me know when you do 🙂
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Might I say that Joy’s trailer is a 4WillsProduction! Glad you all enjoyed it! (Now, running from Joy, before she hits me with the broom because of my shameless plug)
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Just like you Nonnie, I do not do violence! 😀
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Your introduction and your trailer were inspirational! Wishing you great success!
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Thank you Susan for stopping by. 🙂
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Great post Joy – How amazing that you read and reviewed over 100 books – that is so impressive! We might not all be able to manage that quantity but I think everyone can achieve more than just the clubs minimum requirements 🙂 Great to read a little more about you too 🙂
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Good to see you here D.E. Yes, it is just a reminder that we should constantly support each other. Some of us go over and beyond, but we don’t expect it to be the same with everyone. Thanks for stopping by.
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You are such an inspiring lady, Joy, and many of us would do well to follow your example. I love your books and the look into life that they offer. Best wishes with everything! 🙂
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You are very welcome Hamz. Thank you for stopping by, and for your support. I very much appreciate it. 🙂
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I like your advice in the opening paragraph, Joy. Also, I love to read your bio and reflect on how accomplished you are in your life. You are very inspiring.
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Thank you John H. I believe we should constantly remind ourselves about supporting each other. Thank you for stopping by.
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🙂
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I never forget how accomplished she is, John! We’re living in the midst of royalty! Have fun, Joy!
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Aww, Nonnie! Thank you. 🙂
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