7
Oct
I’m currently reading Guide to the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692 by David C. Brown (bought for me last year by a friend who was vacationing in the infamous town), so I’ve got witches on the brain.
If you’ve never read anything on the Salem witch trials, you really should, even if you’re not particularly interested in that time in American history. There’s something chilling about how easily the denizens of Salem Village and the surrounding towns were caught up in the insanity of these events and how ridiculous were some of their superstitions and accusations. It makes me wonder what people will think about our belief systems a few hundred years from now.
If non-fiction isn’t your thing, there’s certainly no shortage of novels featuring witches. I have several books and/or series on my “To Read” list, but am having trouble choosing between them. So, here’s my challenge to all of you: Take a look at the website of each author listed below and let me know which series you think sounds like the most fun. Whichever author gets the most votes will be first up on my Witchy reading list. In exchange for your vote, when I’m finished reading the winning novel, I’ll post a review. 
So, without further ado, here are the three authors from which to choose:
Mindy Klasky’s Jane Madison Series
Vicki Lewis Thompson’s The Hex Series
Linda Wisdom’s Hex Series
I can’t wait to get started on one of these fantastic reads, so cast your vote!
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
30
Nov
What kind of a paranormal romance writer would I be if I didn’t take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Halloween? This is one of my favorite holidays — just ask my day-job colleagues who are baffled by the fact that I leave my pumpkin lights up in my office all year!
I think part of the fun for me is that my youngest sister’s birthday is on October 31st, so it was always a huge party! Another aspect of Halloween that appeals to me is the fact that it’s the last hoorah before the craziness of Thanksgiving and Christmas begins. (Just thinking about the next two months makes me tense.)
But, of course, my favorite part of Halloween is the fabulous smorgasbord of monster/horror movies that inundate the airwaves today! I would do nothing but chill in front of the TV with popcorn and a Diet Coke if I could, but, alas, there’s far too much partying and trick-or-treating to be had! Thank God for DVR, that’s all I’m saying. My scary movie marathon will have to wait until tonight after the rest of the festivities and after the kiddies come crashing down from their sugar highs and eventually fall into bed. Then my big decision will be if I should numb out my brain on vampires or ghosts or werewolves or zombies… Oh, the choices!
So, here’s wishing you and all your little goblins and ghosties a wonderfully ghoulish and delightfully creepy Halloween!
Maura
(Originally posted – you guessed it! – Oct 31)
