Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Special Day for One Very Special Lady

I had a different post scheduled for today then realized that it was a big day for a little lady. And I would be very lame if I didn't recognize Ann Best and her new release, In the Mirror, available today from WiDo Publishing.

Ann is so supportive of authors. She buys copies of their books out of her fixed income and reads and reviews them. Her review of my novel, Uncut Diamonds, is one of the best, most insightful reviews I've gotten, and definitely one of my favorites. Thank you, Ann!

Ann's memoir is an amazing story. I got an ARC to preview and could barely put it down.


Her writing style is intense in its simplicity, ideal for this story. I got drawn right in and read it straight through in a day and a half. It is about a family in trouble-- a couple whose lives get turned upside down by the repercussions of a shocking revelation. It is also the story of choices, and how one's choices affect those closest to them for years to come. By the time I finished the book, I felt like I knew this family. Ann doesn't write herself as the perfect, long suffering, injured wife. On the contrary, she has her flaws and makes her mistakes right along with Larry. They are two people who were once in love, now wanting to be good parents to their four children, but they're on different roads going opposite directions. In the beginning, it is a tale of  shattered dreams and betrayal. In the end, a story of hope and determination and survival and love.

Congratulations to Ann on the release of In the Mirror! 

I along with all of your blogging friends wish you much success!


33 comments:

  1. Wow. This sounds wonderful. Ann really is a sweetheart and deserves all the support she can get. Off to purchase it right now! ;o) And Ann, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :o) XOXO

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  2. I have mine all ordered!!! I can't wait to receive it!! Yay!! Go, Ann, go!! Take care
    x

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  3. This sounds good and I am very happy Ann has reached this milestone. Yay!
    Jan Morrison

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  4. Thank you, KarenG, for a stunning review. And thank you, Jessica, Old Kitty, Jan, and Karen for your support. I love you. I love all of the friends I've met through Blogger this past year. It HAS indeed been an awesome journey, the end result not possible without the guidance/encouragement/help of all involved. You don't raise a book without a community, and this one is the greatest!!!! (Old Kitty's and my daughter Jen's exclamations!!!!!!!)

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  5. Congratulations to Ann! Sounds like an inspiring read.

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  6. Congrats Ann! This sounds wonderful and is going on my to read list. Great review Karen :)

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  7. Oooh, I like the sound of this book-- I must check it out. Thanks for sharing this. :-)

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  8. Congratulations Ann! and kudos to you Karen for the awesome support!

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  9. Ann is a sweetheart. Anyone who follows her blog or has her as a follower knows this. Also you probably know that she is largely home bound as she is the sole caregiver for her disabled daughter, Jen. She can't go out and about to bookstores doing signings and events. Blogging has been the ideal forum for her to promote her book, share her story, and in the process make some wonderful friends. Her voice and personality shine through the forum of blogging. Without it, it would be much more difficult for her voice to be heard and for her book to find an audience.

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  10. Congratulations to Ann! Will have to check her out. Thanks for sharing about her.

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  11. Big congrats to Ann! She is so super supportive. I'm headed over to say congrats right now!

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  12. After reading Ann's post this morning, I ordered the book right away. After reading your post, I can't wait to read her book!

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  13. Thanks for the review Karen. I don't know how many books there are that provide the revelation from the other side. When you're the one who gets left behind after the revelation, how do you cope?

    I know two people who were affected by similar experiences, though not as far into their relationships. I look forward to reading this, and may pass on the info to those who can relate to this book.

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  14. Hi Karen .. this is a wonderful review - I feel really drawn in and am so looking forward to reading the book - congratulations Karen on 'waking up to THIS DAY' ..

    Ann - an amazing time you've had putting this together and now it's actually out there ..

    Theresa writes a good comment above .. the book will definitely be an eye-opener .. cheers Hilary

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  15. I have discovered Ann too and many other authors, much thanks to you, Karen. Thank you for this review, it is so great and points out the essence of the story. I wish Ann all the best, well, I'll go there and tell her myself.--Inger

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  16. Thank you for writing this. I just ordered Ann's book.

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  17. That is terrific news Ann- Karen thanks for posting this, I'll go over and make sure to congratulate her on her blog!

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  18. How kind of you to remember Ann's big day! (even better than her birthday!!) Can't wait to read her book.

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  19. Congratulations to Ann! :) It sounds like a great book.

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  20. Congratulations to Ann! What a great review, too! It definitely sounds like an intriguing book.

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  21. I'll add my congratulations to Ann as well. She deserves it! :)

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  22. Yay to Ann.CONGRATS. Very exciting! :O)

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  23. Ann is a wonderful lady and we all hope for the best for her book! I'm thinking big thoughts right now for big big big things for Ann.

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  24. Very exciting! Congratulations Ann!!

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  25. Great review Karen... I'm off to find Ann now ...

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  26. I'm so happy for Ann.. this was a great review Karen :)

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  27. I too am so happy for Ann. I have her book on order. I look forward to reading it.

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  28. Excellent review Karen. I came over from Ann's blog. she was thrilled and I can see why.
    Nancy
    N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

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