Utah Book Month 2014 Roundup

What a lovely month it has been!  Though I'm sad to see the third annual Utah Book Month come to a close, I'm also overwhelmed by the awesome bookish community that thrives here in Utah.  Thank you so much to everyone that participated.  There would be no Utah Book Month without you.

Suey and I had a blast planning this event and getting to know you all a little better.  Mark your calendars now, because we'll be back next August.  And, we'll try to post here from time to time with exciting Utah book events.  If you have a suggestion for anything Utah Books related, please drop us a line.

MINI-CHALLENGES & GIVEAWAYS

Mini-Challenge + Linkup: Utah Books hosts Review a Utah Book!
Mini-Challenge + Giveaway: Jessica hosts Insta-Utah
Mini-Challenge + Giveaway: Suey hosts First Lines Quiz
Mini-Challenge + Giveaway: Kami hosts Character Challenge
Mini-Challenge + Giveaway: Jenni hosts International Cover Challenge
Mini-Challenge + Giveaway: Penelope hosts Visit Utah

AUTHOR INTERVIEWS & SPOTLIGHTS
Author Spotlight: Krista spotlights Richard Paul Evans

Author Interview: Jenni interviews J.R. Johannson

Author Interview: Kami interviews Shallee McArthur

Author Interview: Penelope interviews Bree Despain

Author Spotlight: Angie spotlights Kristen Chandler

Author Spotlight: Jessica spotlights Katharine Coles

Author Interview: Taffy interviews Ilima Todd

Author Interview: Melissa interviews Jennifer Nielsen

Author Interview: Kathy interviews Elana Johnson

Author Spotlight: Daniel spotlights David Butler

Author Interview: Angie interviews Natalie Whipple

Author Interview: Suey interviews Michelle Argyle

Author Spotlight: Taffy spotlights Julie Daines + critique group

Author Interview: Cindy interviews Sara B. Larson

Author Interview: Daniel spotlights Brad Torgorson

BLOGGER INTERVIEWS SPOTLIGHTS
Blogger Spotlight: Angela spotlights the Utah Books blog

Blogger Spotlight: Jessica spotlights book club book bloggers

Blogger Interview: Kathy interviews Penelope

Blogger Interview: Cindy interviews Kami

Blogger Interview: Jenni interviews Cindy

Blogger Interview: Penelope interviews Angela

Blogger Interview: Kami interviews Melissa

Blogger Interview: Melissa interviews Kathy

Blogger Interview: Angie interviews Jenni

GUEST POSTS & SPECIAL FEATURES

Utah Books Guest Post: Cindy posts about Utah authors

Utah Books Guest Post: Melissa posts about Utah books for all seasons

Utah Books Guest Post: Kami posts about Utah bloggers

Utah Books Guest Post: Jenni posts about her experiences partying with Utah authors

Bookish Feature: Suey features Utah books she's read in 2014

Bookish Feature + Giveaway: Marissa hosts Utah Author Roundup

Bookish Feature: Jessica features the Utah Book Awards

Bookish Feature: Taffy features the Pleasant Grove Library

Bookish Feature: Jenni features the Provo Library

Bookish Feature: Cindy features the West Jordan Library

Bookish Feature: Jessica features dedications in Utah books

Bookish Feature: Jessica features the Beehive Book Awards
Utah Books Post: Utah Book Social 2014

Let us know if we missed one of your posts.  And visit the Utah Book Month 2014 page to see a chronological list of this month's fun.

That's it for this year's Utah Book Month.  Thank you so much for playing along.

Daniel Spotlights and a Write-Up and a Round-Up are Posted

Ah, the third annual Utah Book Month comes to a close.  We've got three new posts for you today, before we sign off.

First, Daniel spotlights Utah author Brad Torgersen.

Second, check out this write-up of yesterday's Utah Books social.

Finally, check out this round-up post for a categorical list of the fun we've had this month.  (You can always reference the Utah Book Month 2014 page, if you prefer a chronological list.)

Thank you so much for playing along with us this month.  For talk about Utah books all year long, subscribe to this blog, follow us on Twitter, and watch for the hashtag #UtahBooks.

Your organizers,

Suey & Jessica

#UtahBooks Social 2014

The internet is an amazing place that allows us to come together in amazing ways.  But every once in a while, it's nice to bring the internet into real life.  And that's what we did yesterday with the Utah Books annual social!!

It was so much fun to talk about books, get to know new people, get reacquainted with old friends, eat food, and swap a few books around.  Here are the attendees:

Utah Bloggers
Suey of It's All About Books (+ husband Stuart and daughter)
Jessica of The Bluestocking Society
Jenni of Jenni Elyse (+ husband Corey)
Kami of Kami's Library Thoughts (+ husband Dave and dog)
Kathy of Read This Instead (+ husband Rusty and kids)
Jessica of Books A True Story (+ baby)
Karena of Discovery Writer

Utah Authors
Heather Ostler (+ baby)
Shannen Crane Camp
M.K. Hutchins (+ husband John and kids)

It was a lovely bookish evening.  Thanks to everyone who came.  Here is the not-great picture I took of our book swap in progress.  If you were there and took a better picture, please let me know!

Angie Interviews Jenni

It's the penultimate day of the Third Annual Utah Book Month. For our featured post of the day, Angie interviews fellow Utah book blogger Jenni.

Our Utah Books annual party is TODAY at 7:00 p.m.!  Head to this post for more information.  We hope to see you there.

Melissa Interviews Kathy

Today for Utah Book Month, Melissa interviews fellow Utah book blogger Kathy. Go forth and learn a little more about Kathy.

Our Utah Books annual party is TOMORROW at 7:00 p.m.!  Head to this post for more information.  We hope to see you there.

Cindy Interviews and Jessica Spotlights

We're approaching the end of Utah Book Month, but we still have a lot of great content coming your way.  Today, Cindy interviews fellow Utah author Sara B. Larson, and Jessica spotlights the Beehive Book Awards.  Click away!

Here's your daily reminder that our Utah Books annual party is coming up on Saturday!  Head to this post for more information.

Kami Interviews, Taffy Spotlights, and Jenni Guest Posts

Are you ready for three Utah Book Month posts today? I am. First, Kami interviews fellow Utah book blogger Melissa. Second, Taffy spotlights Utah author Julie Daines and their critique group. Finally, we are so excited to have Jenni guest post here at Utah Books about her experiences with Utah authors.

And we can't sign off without the daily reminder that our Utah Books annual party is coming up on Saturday!  Head to this post for more information.

Guest Post by Jenni: Partying with Local Authors

Jenni is a Utah book blogger who blogs at Jenni Elyse.  As you'll see, she's very active in the Utah Books community.  Follow her on Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram. Without further ado, here's Jenni:

_________________________

I’m so excited to guest post on the Utah Books blog for Utah Book Month today. I love the literary community we have here. It’s so awesome and so much fun! I’m especially excited to talk about my adventures with Utah authors, some of my favorite people. Imagine a time when Twilight was just getting popular—just before Eclipse and the first movie came out. I read Twilight and fell in love with reading, but I also fell in love with this series. I joined the Twilight Lexicon and met some amazing people, many who live in Utah like I do. After we corresponded via the interwebs for several months and realized no one was a serial killer, we decided to get together for dinner to meet each other in person. That was nearly seven years ago. Since that time, these amazing ladies have been some of my very best friends. We no longer obsess over Twilight, but we still obsess over books. We especially love to Support Local Talented Authors, hence our group name—SLTA.

We’ve had the opportunity to meet and party with many local authors and celebrate their awesome books! The first author we ever hosted was Ally Condie, about a year before Matched came out. We celebrated her book Freshman for President. Because of this party, we established a relationship with her and were able to celebrate Matched, Crossed, and Reached when they all came out too.

Since that first party with Ally, we’ve had the opportunity to party with Sydney Salter, Bree Despain, Shannon Hale, Brodi Ashton, Julianne Donaldson, Sara B. Larson, and Amy Harmon. 

At each of our parties, we make usually have book-themed decorations, serve book-themed dinner and desserts, play book-themed games, and do a Q&A with the author. We make it point to make that author feel special and like they’re the most awesome person in the world for that night. Afterward, the author will usually sign our books and then we present the author with a gift bag. 

Each time we’ve partied with these authors, I’ve been amazed at how down-to-earth they are. I’ve loved getting to know them and learning fun facts about them and their stories. It gives me a much more personal connection to them and their books.

Suey Interviews and Penelope Interviews

Not just one but two interviews for this, the twenty-sixth day of the Third Annual Utah Book Month.  Suey interviews Utah author Michelle Argyle, and Penelope interviews fellow Utah blogger Angela. Head over and peruse.

And your daily reminder that our annual Utah Books party is coming up on Saturday. Head to this post for more information.

Angie Interviews Natalie Whipple

Today we have an awesome interview for your Utah Book Month pleasure! Angie interviews Utah author Natalie Whipple. Go forth and visit.

This is the last week to participate in our mini-challenges and enter to win the associated giveaways. If you haven't already, make sure to check these out:

• Jessica hosts Insta-Utah
• Suey hosts First Lines Quiz
• Kami hosts Character Challenge
• Jenni hosts International Cover Challenge
• Penelope hosts Visit Utah

Also, a reminder that our Utah Books annual party is coming up on Saturday!  Head to this post for more information.

Daniel Spotlights David Butler

Today we have Utah author spotlight. Head on over to Daniel's Attack of the Books blog where he'll introduce you to Utah author David Butler. Be sure to stop long enough to say hello to them both!

Kathy Spotlights Elana Johnson

In today's featured Utah Book Month post, Kathy spotlights Utah author Elana Johnson.  Head over and check it out.

Melissa Interviews Utah Author Jennifer Nielsen

Today, we bring to you a post from Melissa at Bookmark Dragon. She is interviewing a most beloved Utah author, Jennifer Nielsen! Be sure to give her a visit.

Jenni Interviews Cindy, Suey Spotlights Orem Library

Today we have a post from Jenni at Jenni Elyse where she interviews Utah author and blogger Cindy Bennett. Also, over at Suey's you can find a post featuring the Orem Library. Enjoy!

Three Featured Posts Today!

We have three posts for you today! Jessica from The Bluestocking Society is spotlighting Utah author Katharine Coles. Author Interview: Taffy from Taffy's Writings is interviewing Utah author Ilima Todd. And finally, we have a guest post here on the Utah Book Blog by Kami from Kami's Library Thoughts. She is featuring some of her favorite Utah book bloggers! Click away!

Guest Post from Kami's Library Thoughts: Favorite Utah Bloggers

Today we welcome Kami from Kami's Library Thoughts. She's been part of the Utah book blogger community for going on three years now. She's brought a ton of enthusiasm to our group and we are so excited that she is guest posting today. Take it away Kami!

Utah has a wonderful group of bloggers! We each come from different walks of life, and it is fun to get to know each other through the internet, and it is even more fun to see each other at author events. 

Today I'd like to highlight some of my favorite Utah blogs and bloggers! These are in no particular order.

Jenni Elyse

is one of the first bloggers I met, and she is a super fun person!

Her blog is neat and organized. It is visually awesome for those of us who are a bit OCD.

I love her little animated self!

Jenni's book reviews are honest and real. She has a way of getting her emotions and feelings in her reviews. I wish I could express myself as well as she does.

Blog - Twitter - Goodreads

It's All About Books

Blog is a must visit for bloggers!

Suey hosts some big events like Bloggiesta and Utah Book Month!

Not only is Suey's blog all about books, it encompasses all aspects of her life. She frequently posts about her love for music, her family, and movies.

Suey does a lot for Utah bloggers, and she's been at it for a long time!

I like to call her our blogger mom.

Blog - Twitter - Goodreads

The Bluestocking Society

Jessica is a very intelligent and informed person. She is amazing!

Jessica also helps host Utah Book Month.

Jessica has a way of describing things. Sometimes I have a hard time trying to say why something is good or bad, but Jessica is awesome at this.

Jessica's blog is super clean. It is very easy to navigate and read.

Blog - Twitter - Goodreads

Go check out these blogs! You won't regret it!

Cindy Interviews Kami

Today our Utah Book Month featured post is over at Cindy's blog where she is interviewing Kami from Kami's Library Thoughts. It's time you got to know Kami better! Don't miss it. 

Angie Spotlights Utah Author Kristen Chandler

Today's Utah Book Month featured post: Angie from Angela's Anxious life is spotlighting Utah Author Kristen Chandler. Do go and check it out!

Penelope Interviews and Jessica Features

Today, we have two excellent featured Utah Book Month posts for your enjoyment.  Utah book blogger Penelope interviews Utah author Bree Despain. And Jessica, yours truly, features dedications in Utah Books. Go. Read.

Kathy Interviews Penelope

Today, in the Utah Book Month featured post, Kathy interviews fellow Utah book blogger Penelope.  Go show them some love.

Utah Book Month 2014 Bash

As we've done in years past, we are planning a get together IRL to celebrate Utah bookish-ness!  And we'd love for you to join us. Whether you're a blogger, author, or anything in between WE WANT TO SEE YOU! Here are the details:

Utah Book Month Bash

Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Wines Park in Lehi, Pavilion #1*

• Bring a small dessert to share; we'll provide plates/forks/napkins/cups/water.
• Bring ONE book (per attendee) to swap.
• We do have a pavilion with picnic tables, but you may also want to bring chairs or blankets for sitting on the grass.
• Families are welcome - there is a playground for kids.

*From I-15, take Lehi Main Street Exit. Turn west onto Main Street (toward Lehi Roller Mills). Turn right onto 100 East. Pavilion #1 is in the northeast corner at 100 East and 600 North. This is directly opposite, diagonally across the park from where we've been the last few years. Take note!

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SPREAD THE WORD! 

Jenni Features and Cindy Features

Head over to today's featured Utah Book Month posts and check out Jenni's feature of the historic Provo Library, and Cindy's feature of a Utah bookstore or library.  Just do it.

Jessica Spotlights and Melissa Guest Posts

Hello!  Today we have two excellent featured Utah Book Month posts.  First, Jessica, yours truly, is spotlighting the many Utah book bloggers in the Third Thursday Book Club.  Then, we have a guest post here at Utah Books written by the lovely Melissa featuring Utah books for all seasons.  Go forth and read them.

Guest Post by Melissa: Utah Books for All Seasons

Melissa is a Utah book blogger who blogs at Bookmark Dragon.  As you'll see, she's a newbie to the state but has already acclimated. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and elsewhere. Without further ado, here's Melissa:

_________________________

I am so delighted to be participating in Utah Book Month this year!  All hail the Beehive State.

Before I say another word, I have a confession: I am not originally from Utah.  I've lived in four different states and in two different countries, but only arrived in Utah two years ago.  Since then, I've worked hard to make Utah home.  Happily, Utah has welcomed me with open arms, and I am happy to be here.

One thing I have come to appreciate about my new home in Salt Lake City is the seasons!  I grew up in California, which was wonderful in many ways, but when you're breaking out winter coats once the temperature drops to a frigid sixty degrees (not an exaggeration) you just don't know much about weather.  In Utah, the leaves on the trees actually change colors in the fall!  It snows real live snowflakes in the winter!  Scarves and hats are more than fashion statements!  You appreciate summer so much more since it only lasts a few months!  

So, with that in mind, I have book recommendations by season for you!  All these books are written by Utah authors as well.  Feel the state patriotism.

Spring

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This exciting, adventurous, and enigmatic story will make you want to break out your running shoes and hit the pavement after your winter hibernation.

Summer

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Grab this book and find a hammock, and I promise you will have one of the most delightful afternoons of your life.

Fall

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Sometimes all you need in life is a thick, epic fantasy novel and some pumpkin pie to wash it down.  This book will make you believe in magic, a perfect state of mind for the holiday season.

Winter

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Although Austenland may be more popular, Midnight in Austenland is just as blithe and bonny, but a tad more cryptic than its more famous counterpart.  The mystery and the suspense makes this just the right book to cuddle up to under a blanket while you wait for the snow to melt.

Thanks again to UtahBooks for hosting me!  

Kami Interviews and Taffy Features

Today, we have two lovely featured Utah Book Month posts for your enjoyment and consumption.  First up, Kami interviews Utah author Shallee McArthur.  Then, Taffy features the Pleasant Grove Library and all of its cool programs.  Enjoy!

Jenni Interviews JR Johansson

We're so lucky today to have an awesome featured Utah Book Month post for you. Jenni Elyse is interviewing Utah author J.R. Johansson.  Go over and show them some love.

Angela Spotlights a Utah Blogger

In today's featured Utah Book Month post, Angela is spotlighting this very site, the Utah Books blog.  Head on over to check it out!

Jessica Spotlights the Utah Book Awards

In today's featured post for Utah Book Month, Jessica spotlights the Utah Book Awards. Yep. We have book awards.

P.S. This lovely modified button was designed by Jenni Elyse. Check out all of the available buttons on our newly designed and designated button page!

Penelope Hosts the Visit Utah Challenge and Giveaway

Today's featured Utah Book Month post: Penelope hosts a mini-challenge about visiting Utah in whatever capacity you can. Make sure to check out and enter to win.

Jenni Elyse Hosts a Utah Books Mini Challenge and Giveaway

Today's Utah Books featured post: Jenni Elyse hosts a Utah Books Mini Challenge (matching US covers to international covers) and Giveaway. Be sure to check out her blog for all the details!

Also today on the Utah Books blog we introduce new Utah Author, T.L. Coulter. Be sure to come and say hi to her!

Introducing Utah Author T.L. Coulter!

Today we welcome T.L. Coulter to the blog! She is a fairly new Utah blogger and would like to introduce herself:

After seven years of living in Belgium and Germany, our family decided it was time to move back to the United States. In October 2013, we settled in a quaint little mountain town close to a nice ski resort. Since then, I became an avid runner and was even training for my first half-marathon when my knee popped taking me out of the game. Now, four weeks out of surgery, I am ready to get back out there. However, my doctor and therapist forbids it. So what do I do while I wait for my knee to heal? I write the third and final book in The Arcadian Series titled The Warrior.

While a child growing up in Southeastern Oklahoma, I dreamed of writing and publishing a book someday. I always thought I would write romance novels. However, once I read The Twilight Series, Divergent and The Hunger Games, I knew I wanted to write Young Adult novels.

While living in Wiesbaden Germany, the idea for The Arcadian Series was born. In December 2013 after our move to Utah, I found myself putting my notes into a book. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. The first book The Key, was published in March 2014. The second book The Oracle soon followed in June 2014. Now, as I sit here trying to wrap up and say goodbye to my first series, I find it hard to let go. My goal is to have The Warrior released September 2014.

If you like Wizards, romance, battles and other realms, then this series is for you. I do hope you will check it out. You can find the first two books on Amazon. I would love to hear from you.

You can contact me at:

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Blog

Email: t.l.coulter1@gmail.com

Marissa hosts Utah Author Roundup and Giveaway

Today's featured Utah Books post: Marissa from Rae Gun Ramblings hosts a Utah Author Roundup and Giveaway. Go and join the fun!

Guest Post by Cindy C Bennett: Our Amazing Utah Author Community

Today we'd like to welcome Utah author Cindy C Bennett to the blog! She is the author of several books, most of them contemporary YA and the mother of four children. You can learn more about her on her blog. Or you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. 

Our Amazing Utah Author Community

by Cindy C Bennett

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a writer. Fear held me back when it shouldn’t have. I also think I had this idea that writers were these sort of mythological creatures who were uber-classy, didn’t change diapers, had housemaids, and every day looked like they did in their professional author photos. When I finally had the courage to give my writing a shot at publication, it wasn’t long until my eyes were opened. Authors are people just like me! I was very surprised to find they’re just normal people who looked little like their photos (we all use the best of the best and if a little touch-up happens, well, we just pretend we know nothing about it). They are moms and dads, husbands and wives, daughters or sons. Most authors have a “day job” other than writing and not only do they change diapers and clean their own toilets, they also have to dress themselves—on days they deign to get dressed and not spend the day in pajamas or sweats, writing.

My biggest shock was the sheer number of authors who live right here in Utah. You mean they don’t all live in New York, London, San Francisco, or Paris? Or somewhere exotic? Sure, some of them do. But in Utah, and even within a few miles of where I live, are a lot of authors, and a massive amount of talent. I can’t believe the brilliant writers who live close, who make the bestseller’s lists not only in New York but even on Amazon amongst the millions of books there.

I find myself grateful to be counted among the elite but numerous Utah authors, many of whom I now call friends. Book signings that I didn’t know happened here are nearly a weekly event for readers who wish to meet their favorite writer. And the support system among writers is like nothing I’ve ever known.

So, if you live in Utah, next time you’re at the grocery store, you might be walking right past an author that you admire—and they might even be buying diapers.

Kami Hosts A Character Mini Challenge and Giveaway

Today's featured Utah Books post: Kami from Kami's Library Thoughts hosts a Utah Books Character Mini Challenge and Giveaway. Come on by and see if you can guess the character!

We also have Utah author Cindy C Bennett joining us here on the blog with a guest post about our amazing Utah author community. Be sure to check it out!

Suey Hosts First Lines Quiz Mini Challenge and Giveaway

Today's featured Utah Books post: Suey from It's All About Books hosts a Utah Books First Lines Quiz Mini Challenge and giveaway. Come test your knowledge about Utah books!

Jessica Hosts Insta-Utah Mini Challenge and Giveaway

Today's featured Utah Books post: Jessica from The Bluestocking Society hosts Insta-Utah Mini Challenge along with a giveaway. Be sure to check it out and play along!

Suey Lists Utah Books

Today's featured Utah Book Month post: Suey from It's All About Books lists all the Utah books she's read since last August's Utah Book celebration. Be sure to click on over and get some ideas for Utah books you can read this month!

Krista Spotlights Richard Paul Evans

Today's featured Utah Book Month post: Krista from Cubicle Blindness spotlights Utah author Richard Paul Evans. Be sure to click over and check it out!