Ever wonder about the story behind some of your favorite book bloggers’ websites? Well, wonder no more because each month we’re featuring an interview with a well-known blogger. Our July guest is Bree Herron from Bibliophile Reviews!
Welcome, Bree. Please tell us about your blog. Why did you decide to write it?
I started my blog so I could share reviews and books better. We have our consumer sites, but book blogging is a fun way to get to know the books and readers in a different way. Bibliophile Reviews is a blog that has a personality much like a book. I allow it to lead me to authors and books, then the magic happens and my thoughts form to be shared. I really love that we have a more intimate connection with other readers through blogging.
What are some of the challenges and/or successes you’ve experienced along the way?
I was a newbie for a few years, learning how many books I could handle reading was my biggest challenge. I hate to say no to an author or publisher, but had to learn I am human (with superhuman reading) and saying No is okay. Biggest successes has been when authors or publishers have shared my thoughts, I get giddy each time I see that. It gives me hope that my thoughts on the book can make a difference.
Do you also post your reviews elsewhere (Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.)? Why or why not?
Yes and No. Amazon, you are killing the reviewers. And as many of us have seen some or all of our reviews disappear. Now, I do post but I can’t guarantee that they will show up there. Goodreads is my homie, I love tracking my reading there and being able to do the challenges. B&N is a great resource and I post when the books are there. I share in many ways on social media, being a millennial I am huge about Instagram and Facebook.
What are some of the best or most surprising experiences you’ve had related to your blog?
I will never forget my first comment from an author on the blog or my first big publisher request those moments made me jump up and down literally! I really though love that being a book blogger allows us to constantly find new ways to share the books.
What advice would you give to new bloggers and/or to authors who would like to connect with book bloggers?
I jumped right in and learned as I went. I think one thing I would stress is have a limit each month. Find your reading zone and stick to it. You don’t want to let anyone down or stretch yourself to far so finding the happy spot in amount of reading is a must. Also reach out to other bloggers, we are a tribe and support each other.
What book started your love of reading?
The entire series of Pony Pals books. Those were my little heart’s joy back in the day.
Thanks for having me!
Thanks so much for visiting us, Bree!
Please read more about Bree below and say hello in the comments.
Bree Herron started reading at the age of 4 and never stopped. She began Bibliophile Reviews back in 2016, she saw starting a book review blog as a way to share authors and books she loves with readers around the world. Since then Bree has expanded to social media promotions and also working with other bloggers to start groups and new websites. She hopes that sharing books through her website that each book will find a new reader. Bree is also a single mom, full time student working on her second bachelor degree and a passionate paraprofessional.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breannagolightly
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BibliophileReviews
Blog: https://www.bibliophile.reviews
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BreeReviews
Chicks on the Case 
Thank you for talking about blogging. I am still struggling how to do book reviews. How do I find the right balance? How do I give a positive spin on a book I feel is all wrong, but others love it? And how in the world do I decide the number of stars?
I appreciate and applaud the professional reviewers out there!
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Well, you find what works for you. I cap myself each month but sometimes have some extra time. I also request to get the books well in advance so I have the time for them. Deciding Stars is tough. I have chosen to not share books that I have read below two stars and I reach out to the author when this happens. It is rare now to not love a book as I am blessed with wonderful Authors!
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Nice to meet you, Bree!
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Hi Liz nice to meet you as well! Thank you for stopping by!
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Bree, this is wonderful! Thanks so much for taking time from your very busy reading and reviewing schedule to join us. As authors, we’re grateful for your support and passion for books. And I love that you’re a millennial. Authors, especially of cozy mysteries, are constantly have convos about where our future readers will come from. I believe there has to be a path from Harry Potter onward.
P.S. Stunning photo.
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Hi Ellen, thanks so much! I really love the cozy world and share it often with my younger friends. I hope we can move it to the masses by sharing!
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Pony Pals, lol–a fellow child horse nut! (Mine were the Black Stallion books, being the boomer I am). Thanks so much for what you do for us authors (and readers), Bree!
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Don’t forget Saddle Club, lol!
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Hi Bree,
I can attest that finding your reading balance is very very important. This is supposed to be a hobby, right?
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Hobby, stress relief LOL. I find t to be my release from work and other aspects of life.
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Most of the time, yes. But there are times when I get stressed out about not having time to devote to my blog.
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Great interview. Always smile when I see your posts pop up in my inbox. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks Kellye! I look forward to your next book 😀
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Thanks for stopping by, Bree! How did I miss out on Pony Pals? 🙂
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You were a real-life Pony Pal, Marla!!
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Marla being an equestrian for 22 years pony pals was my Book version of my real life minus the ponies. Showing quarter horses was a bit more challenging lol.
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Bree, thanks for hanging with the Chicks today! As an author and a reader I appreciate your support of the cozy community! And, wow, you’re a full-time student in top of everything else!!
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Yes, and surprise reading makes it so much easier for me! I try and tell my students they haven’t found the right book yet to love and that they will one day.
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Hi Bree! Wow! You are a busy young woman! I appreciate that you volunteer as much time as you do to the cozy community, and that with all the hats you wear, reading has remained one of your greatest passions. 😊 Thank you. 📚
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And you as well, Linda!!
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Hi Linda, I take that with a huge smile as you were a blogger I have loved for years 😀😀😀😀slight fan girl lol
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Thank you, Bree. 😊
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Bree, this is very interesting! Thank you so much for all you do and for visiting us today!
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Thank you for having me. It is such an honor.
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Hi Bree, so glad you shared your blogger story with us today! You do so much you for authors–we’ll all have to write super fast to keep up with you!’
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Going across genres helps slow my mystery pace down but not by much lol. Thankfully, I love to re-read books as well. It’s amazing what you find when you read a book twice.
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Thank you for featuring Bree this month! Loved getting to know her a little more through this fun post.
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I love this feature of Chicks On the Case and I love Bree’s blog! I agree, it’s a balancing act of learning just how much time a blogger can actually carve out of real life to read and write reviews. Your commitment to the cozy community is inspiring, Bree!
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