Reader Spot – Meet Book Reviewer, Sarah Hardy

Here on the ‘Reader Spot,’ I share the bookish love of our avid book reviewers. From young adult to historical romance, chick-lit to a murder mystery, they know what they like and they’re happy to share.  Whether you are a reader looking for a new book, or a writer wondering what your reader wants, I hope you find this series enjoyable.

Next up to the Reader Spot is reviewer, Sarah Hardy. Find her book review blog HERE.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I enjoy so many genres. My absolute favourite has to be crime and thrillers but I also enjoy chick lit, more recently lad lit, some non fiction as well as some contemporary fiction.

Do you have a favourite author in this genre?

This is a tough one as I have so many favourites. In the crime/thriller genre, just a few of my favourites are Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, David Jackson, Steven Dunne. Chick lit I absolutely adore Sue Watson’s books as well as authors like Marcie Steele/Mel Sherratt and Lynda Renham whose books are a combination of humour/romance. I could probably fill a page with all my favourites so apologises to the authors I didn’t mention but I just have too many to mention them all.

How do you prefer to read your books?

Even though I swore I would never use a kindle, my husband bought me one for Christmas and now I am well and truly hooked to it. I absolutely love my kindle and it goes literally everywhere with me. Even though I still enjoy reading the odd physical book, I must admit I do prefer to read books on my kindle.

Where do you purchase your books?

I purchase a lot of books through Amazon but only for my kindle. If I’m buying a physical book I tend to buy a lot of them in supermarkets as they always tend to do great deals on books, I also buy some from WHSmiths as well as Waterstones as they have a lot better selection than the supermarkets.

Where do you find out about the books you read?

I think social media is a fantastic way of coming across new authors and books. Facebook and Twitter being the main platforms. Also being part of the blogging community I also come across a lot of them that way as well and I have purchased quite a few books after reading their reviews.

Do you have a budget when buying books? Do you stick to it if you do?

I wouldn’t say I have a budget as such but I have more than once got a bit carried away so always make sure I check my bank account quite often to keep a check on what I’m spending, as with the kindle especially it is so easy to get carried away.

Do you write a review when you’ve finished reading? If so, where do you post this?

I have come to learn just how important reviews are to authors. If you love a book there is no greater way to show your appreciation than leaving a lovely review. I post all my reviews to Goodreads and Amazon as well as posting them on Twitter and various places on Facebook.

What do you look for in a good book?

Ooh good question. As I read quite a few different genres, I would say what I want from a crime/thriller would be different to what I would want out of a chick lit novel. Overall though I want a storyline that grabs my interest and keeps me hooked right up until the end. I like characters that I can relate to or are likeable as unfortunately I have struggled with a few books where the characters were not very likeable and it did affect my enjoyment of the book.

Where do you like to read?

I will literally read anywhere but I have to admit my favourite place to read has to be my bed. I can sprawl out into any position and be totally relaxed as well as it being quiet so my book can get my full attention.

What social media platforms are you active on?

I have a Facebook page for my blog , I am also on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram under S.HARDY.

Thanks to Sarah for joining me today – share the book love and pop over to her book review blog – By The Letter Book Reviews

If you are an avid reader and would like to be included in this feature, then please use the ‘say hello’ page to send me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.