Cindy's Book Club ends in one form, but begins in another

Cindy's Book Club started in June 2007 as sort of an experiment. We at 101QFL wanted to do something fun to reach out to our audience this summer, so we partnered with Cannoli Caffe for June, July and August.

In most ways, Cindy's Book Club has been an unqualified success. Frankly, we weren't overwhelmed with registrations for seats at the Book Reviews...I believe we had a high of about 20 registrations. However, those of you who did participate were wonderfully enthusiastic!

Since there were relatively few registrations, we were able to invite everyone who registered to come to the Book Reviews. The result? Several of you were able to come twice or even all three times...meaning we all got to know each other and connected in a wonderful way.

Each Book Review was thoroughly enjoyable. There was a lot of laughter, empathy, and as I said, real connection.

We discussed Lisa Samson's Quaker Summer in June, Kristin Billerbeck's Split Ends in July, and Sharon Hinck's The Restorer in August.

Another plus: local bookstores did report increased sales of each book during the month it was highlighted. And I believe we did introduce some people to Cannoli Caffee who might not otherwise have made their way there.


So, what's next?

Well, the Book Reviews--the actual physical discussions--are on hiatus for now.

Our agreement with Cannoli Caffe has come to an end, so we've sat back and taken a look at where we should go now with Cindy's Book Club.

First of all, we knew that we wouldn't have time to devote to the Book Club during the month of September, because all our energies are focused on our annual fundraising Sharathon (which takes place September 25, 26 and 27).

After careful discussion, we've decided to shelve the actual physical discussions for now. After the first of the year, in January 2008, we'll re-evaluate that decision.

But for now, I will continue Cindy's Book Club here on this blog, and we'll also mention it on the air from time to time. In September I'll have a new selection. I'll include sound bites from author interviews, and I'll let the bookstores know to make sure they're carrying the book. I hope those of you that are interested will make frequent stops here at the blog, and that you'll comment on your reactions to the books that are featured.

Thanks to everyone who made Cindy's Book Club so special...and a big thanks to Cannoli Caffe for being such wonderful hosts!

Look for my September selection within the next several days!

Time is running out to sign up for the Book Review!

Just a reminder that tomorrow (Thursday, August 23rd) is the last day to sign up for the August Book Review for Cindy's Book Club!

If you haven't done so already, please head over to the Cannoli Caffe on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack and sign up to win your seat the Book Review!

I'll be drawing names either this afternoon or tomorrow, and phoning the people who won.

The Book Review will be held next Monday, August 27th at 6 PM at the Cannoli Caffe! Hope to see you there!

Listen to soundclips from my interview with Sharon Hinck

Cindy's Book Club has been a real success so far! We started off the summer with Lisa Samson's Quaker Summer. Then on July 23rd, we met to discuss Split Ends, by Kristin Billerbeck.

Once again I was so impressed with the ladies who participated. They are truly enjoying the books, and I think the authors would be so pleased with how they "got" the books, and how the books have enriched their lives. We've been having a great deal of fun and fellowship at the discussions.

Ladies, by the way, if you came and enjoyed the Book Review, please leave a comment! Just click on "Comments" at the bottom of this post.

My pick for the month of August is The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck. As I blogged earlier:

The Restorer is an unusual book, and one that, frankly, I wasn't sure I was going to like. It's a unique blend of fantasy and faith--pretty hard to describe. But as I told Sharon, she grabbed me from the first paragraph. I had a really, really hard time putting the book down--I LOVED it-- and I'm thrilled to spread the word about it.

Fortunately for me and those who have yet to fall in love with The Restorer, this is a series as well. I can't wait to sink my teeth into The Restorer's Son!

Here are a couple of sound clips from my interview with Sharon Hinck. In the first one, she explains what The Restorer is about:




In this next soundclip, Sharon talks about the "world" she created in the book:



I am SO excited about this book, and I recommend it highly!

To win your spot at the next August 27th Book Review, head over to Cannoli Caffe on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack, and sign up to win your seat!

The Book Review was a Blast!

Last night's Book Review for Split Ends was amazing. While there were fewer in attendance than at the June 30th review, the camaraderie was just as fantastic. We had some ladies returning from the first review, plus a few new ones, like Megan, who had this comment:

Hi everybody! The book review this evening was great! It was really nice to get to know everyone. It was a good book, great food, super people, and a lot of good discussion. I highly recommend getting in on the action! Thank you to Cindy for a great time and my super door prizes. I played the cd I won the whole way home from the cafe. Thanks!

Did I mention that we always have some pretty cool door prizes? :)

Now we're already launching my August pick, The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck. I'll be adding some sound clips from my interview with Sharon...stay tuned! I'll also be adding some pics from the Book Review.

Ladies, if you were at the Book Review Monday night, please add your comments here!

Get ready for "The Restorer"!

The Book Review for "Split Ends" takes place tonight at 6 PM at the Cannoli Caffe! I can't wait to see the winners there. The last Review was a blast, and I have no doubt that tonight will be awesome as well.

We're already in full gear promoting my August pick, The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck.

Keep coming back to this blog, as I'll be posting excerpts of my interview with Sharon. And as soon as possible, get down to the Cannoli Caffe to sign up to win your seat at the August Book Review, to be held Monday, August 27th at 6 PM!

Cindy's Book Club has already proven to be a great time of fellowship and making new friends. Don't miss out on it in August!

July's Book Review is Set!

The Book Review for July will take place Monday, July 23rd at 6 PM at the Cannoli Caffe!

My pick for July is Split Ends, by Kristin Billerbeck. Pick it up at your favorite bookstore, but you don't have to finish it before heading over to Cannoli Caffe (on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack) to sign up to win your seat at the Review.

Scroll down for some pictures and comments from women who had a terrific time at the June Book Review.

I can't wait to meet new friends and maybe see some from last month as well!

The Book Review was a Blast!!!

Well, we had our first Cindy's Book Club Book Review on Saturday, June 30th at the beautiful Cannoli Caffe, and it was AWESOME!!!

I can't say enough about the wonderful ladies who took part in the Book Review. They were wonderful women, and I so enjoyed spending time with them. Everyone had enjoyed reading Quaker Summer, and they really "got" the message that Lisa was trying to get across in the book.

The discussion was great, the fellowship (or womenship? :)) was great, and the coffee and cookies were great.

A big "thank you" to Cannoli Caffe for being such kind and gracious hosts. We really appreciate it.

Another big thank you to Wynn-Wynn Media and Women of Faith for providing gift bags and products to give as prizes at the Book Review. They were a big hit!

Ladies, if you were at the Book Club, I would appreciate it so much if you would comment here about your experience. You told me verbally that you had a blast...I'd love for you to express that here on this blog.

Here are a few comments:

"I had a great time at the book review today! The Cannoli Cafe did a wonderful job with the refreshments and serving. Cindy did an excellent job as moderator and it was fun interacting with the other women. I hope I win a spot again next month--I'll certainly be trying!"--Michelle

I had such a great time at the Book Club last Saturday. I met new friends and got to enjoy great conversation over coffee and treats. Now, how cool is that! Thank you so much for the great gift bag. I am already looking forward to reading “Split Ends” and seeing you again next month.--Sharon

Cindy thanks so much for a great morning. I really did have a blast. It was awesome to meet new ladies who share my thoughts and feelings.Thanks to Cannoli's Cafe for the wonderful desserts and hopitality. The Hot chocolate was to die for...--Dawn

What an awesome time at your first book club event. The atmosphere was perfect, the conversation delightful, and Cindy, you were a terrific leader. Thanks for a great morning and I hope I get a pass for the Split-Ends group...I'll be signing up often, Caffe Cannoli's coffee is grand!--Jules

Thanks so much for your comments!

The featured book club for the month of July...

...is Split Ends, by Kristin Billerbeck. All the local Christian bookstores and Barnes and Noble are making sure to have plenty of copies on hand.

Again, all you need to do to register to win your seat at the next Book Review is head to Cannoli Caffe and enter your name. (I encourage you to grab a coffee drink or a bite to eat when you do so!) We'll draw winners again in late July (details forthcoming.)

THANK SO MUCH to all of you who took part. I hope this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship! :)