Pages & Paws

Writing, Reading, and Rural Life With a Border Collie


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Treat Yo’ Shelves: Yes, We Review Indie Books!

Okay, hoomans. Let’s be honest. That internet thingy is flooded with books. Some are what Mom calls “masterpieces.” (No idea what that means. But Mom likes it. So I do, too.) Some are… let’s call them “Big Kitty Litter Box in the Sky” candidates. And some of the worst books we’ve read in the last six months are by indie authors. We’re talking cringeworthy. But we’ve also found some hidden gems by indie authors that we loved.

‘Ahoy mateys!’

So. Speaking of “hidden gems” – sort of – The ‘Ole Curmudgeon and I thought now’s a good time to review what we review. (Kimber: It’s mostly my brilliant idea. TOC helped. A little.) Like this:

We read, review, and occasionally rant about books and book love. That includes well-written books by indie authors.

Here’s the deal:
We love indie authors. You are brave. You are fast. You think outside the litter box.

You don’t have to wait three years for a partridge in a pear tree and a publishing house to tell you that your story matters. But we’re not your mom, Sugar. Like, we don’t give five star ratings just cuz you sent us a polite DM. (Kimber: Altho extra bacon never hurts. What?)

Now we’re talkin’!

What We Do:

  • Real Reviews: If your plot twist makes us stand up and cheer or chuckle and snort root beer out our nose, we’ll say so. If your dialogue sounds like an AI trying to write poetry or serve up wilted arugula, we’ll say that, too.
  • Honest Takes: We believe indie authors need real feedback to grow, not just toxic positivity from bots.
  • Spotlight Hidden Gems: If we love your book, we will scream about it from the rooftops (or the dog house).

Indie Authors, Come and Get It:

So if you think your book can handle a thoughtful, blunt, woof-worthy review, lend us your ears. Oh, wait. Wrong reference. (Silly Mom!) If you think your book is well-written, coherent, and has something to say worth listening to, send us your ARC (preferrably hard copy after reading our Submission Guidelines). Examples:

  • Clean romance with NO Alaska-sized plot-holes? Send it.
  • Fantasy with better world-building than the actual world? We’re in!
  • Historical fiction that stands up and walks? Yes, please.
  • Faith-flavored fiction or inspiring memoir that’s better than a second bowl of cookies and cream ice cream? Let’s grab another spoon. (Wait. Better than ice cream??? Let’s not get crazy here, okay?)

Be sure to read our Submission Guidelines first. That’s key. Cuz we’re like, picky. And we accept maybe half of the review requests that come our way.

Also note: Likes, Comments and Link Sharing are required for any book getting a positive review (3 stars or more). Failure to do do within three days of posting may result in removal of the post.

Warning: We DNF (Did Not Finish) with reckless abandon if the pacing is slower than our WiFi. As in, you’ve got about three to five chapters to reel us in. If we’re not hooked by then, chances are we’ll jump ship.

Got that, Cupcake? Good.

How to Submit

If you think your magnum opus can make the cut, send your review request to: kikero@juno.com. Subject line: Review request.

Let’s make the indie world a little more interesting, one honest sentence at a time. And don’t forget bacon!

Stay noisy,
Mom and Kimber the Magnificent


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How to Survive a ‘Beach Read’ With Your Furry Bestie

The Beach!

Ah, summer! Sun. Sand. The beach! Mom’s fave iced tea. Big ‘ole fluffy towel. Dark glasses. Floppy hat. That Russian novel she’s been threatening to finish since shortly after the discovery of fire. And snacks. Don’t forget snacks! And, really. How was I supposed to know a mini cooler is for cooling, not burying in the sand after running it all over the beach at Mach 4?

Next stop: China!

Well. That was yesterday’s beach adventure. Live and learn, eh? There was also: 

The Tail of the Towel. Aka: a giant, plush bullseye perfectly calibrated to absorb water right before I launch a full-body shake and douse Mom with enough salt water to sink the Bismarck. Oh, and that soggy, salty belly-flop onto chapter 3? It was an accident. Promise.

The “Quicksand” Illusion. How come the beach doesn’t come with more grass? Why am I always sinking? And what’s up with all this sand?

The Great Chapter Bury. Okay, okay. So maybe I did get a little carried away with that beach excavation thing. Like, digging half-way to China. And chucking sand all over Tolstoy. But, hey. The guy needed a face lift anyway. Think of all the money I saved him!

Go!

The Bait and Switch. Mom said, “Wanna play fetch?” Well. What kinda question is that?! Soon as she tossed the stick, I was all in! Sprinting full-speed down the coastline to:

  • Outrun every shorebird in sight.
  • Roll in every piece of seaweed I could find.
  • Say “hello” to everyone in the same zip code.
  • Protect Mom from one very sketchy-looking plastic bag.

The Salty Sea Gulp. Kids, don’t try this at home! Yeech!

Oh yeah!

Well. We had fun. Mostly. One of us even learned a few things. So here, at no extra charge, are some tips for surviving a “beach read” with your canine. (Accessories not included. Batteries sold separately.)

  • Pack a Canine Command Center: Bring an Explorer Dog Travel Bag to organize all the toys, fresh water, and portable bowls to keep them distracted from your book.
  • Bring Shade: A pop-up sun shelter makes a good chill zone where your pup can stay cool, keeping the sand-kicking radius at a safe distance. Add a cooling mat.
  • Accept Defeat: Honestly, the best way to handle reading at the beach with Fido is to just accept that your book will end up as a glorified chew toy. Bring a waterproof e-reader, or just give up and enjoy watching your furry bestie live their absolute best life in the surf. And leave that Russian novel at home. Kimber: Works for me! Can we go again tomorrow? Can we? Can we? Huh? Huh?
Till next time!


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Kimber’s Ultimate Pup-riotic Book List for the 4th!

Happy Dog-pendence Day!

Kimber the Magnificent here. Being all brilliant and beautiful. (It’s a tough job. But someone’s gotta do it.)

Who’s ready for a swim?

While Mom is grilling outside, I’m inside chillin’ on my new dog cooling mat. It’s this cool blue thingy. It’s magic. I lay down on it and stop panting. It keeps me cool and comfy all day. Even in July.

Mom also closes the windows today. Leaves the fan on. Music, too. It helps mask the big booms outside. I don’t freak out over the big booms. But let’s just say they’re not my favorite. Waiting for Mom to drop something from the grill is!

Anyway, if you misplaced your cooling mat or want to celebrate this Pawesome America 250 thing with some Kimber-approved books, I gotcha covered.

Just grab your favorite chew toy and check out this cozy Independence Day reading list. Perfectly curated from Yours Truly ♥️.

🇺🇸 Kimber’s Ultimate Pup-riotic Book List 🇺🇸

1. My Fourth of July

The Vibe: Wholesome, nostalgic, and totally chew-free!

Why I picked it: Written by Jerry Spinelli, this book follows a little human getting ready for the ultimate picnic, listening to bands, and enjoying the day. It’s exactly how I like my holidays—lots of deviled eggs and zero loud bangs.

2. I Am Sammy, Trusted Guide

The Vibe: An inspiring hero’s journey (starring a Golden Retriever, obviously).

Why I picked it: See the world directly through the eyes of Sammy, a very good boy with a very important city job. It reminds everyone what loyal, hard-working heroes dogs are, which is a great reason to give me an extra treat.

3. Liberty (The Puppy Place #32)

The Vibe: Action, adventure, and a happy ending.

Why I picked it: In this one, Liberty gets spooked by fireworks on the beach and goes on a grand adventure before finding her family. It’s a great reminder to double-check your tags and microchip before the festivities begin!

4. Newfie to the Rescue! A Lifeguard Dog Story

The Vibe: Bravery and water-front heroism.

Why I picked it: While other humans are completely distracted by the bright sky, a big brave Newfoundland dog saves the day at the beach. We dogs are always looking out for the pack!

5. Your Dog’s Guide to a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

The Vibe: Relatable, snarky, and very demanding.

Why I picked it: For a laugh, give this one a read! It’s our official manifesto on why hot dogs belong on the patio and how a good belly rub is basically the real meaning of Independence Day.

You gonna eat that?

Happy Independence Day, friends!

And Happy Birthday America!


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World Book Blogging Domination: My Ultimate Master Plan

‘Who loves ya, baby?’

Let’s get one thing straight, okay? I, Kimber the Magnificent, am the true brains behind this entire book blogging operation. Sure, Her Royal Momness does all that “typing” and “reading” stuff requiring opposable thumbs. But without my strategic tail-wags, adorable puppy eyes, and sheer genius, her reviews would be nothing but plain text!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMBER the Bookish Dog

Kimber the Magnificent here. You probably noticed I nosed my way into Mom’s ‘bookish’ blog awhile back. Kind of like the way I nose into a New York steak. Top sirloin. Meatloaf. Whatever. Nobody’s perfect.

Anyway, Mom says a whole raft of new readers have recently joined us. I’m not sure what that means. But if Mom’s happy, I’m happy. See my tail wagging? We wanted to say Thank you and Welcome!

Also, for any of you looking for any last-minute gift ideas, today’s my birthday. I’m ten years old! Just sayin’.

Now then. Since it’s my birthday today and some of you may be new readers, Mom thinks some “introductions” may be in order. So here goes:

If you’re just joining us, my name is Kimber. I’m a “rescue dog.” Part Golden Retriever. Part black Lab. A lot Border Collie. That accounts for my smarts and my speed. Mom says both are Off The Charts. Whatever that means.

By way of background, I joined my forever family in August 2016. I was about ten weeks old. (Not that I’m keeping track. But Mom is. You know how moms are.)

One of my baby pictures. I know. I’m adorable.

Mom calls me “Kimber the Magnifcent.” I don’t know why. She just does. But you can call me Kimmi. All my friends do.

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Kimber’s Guide to June Reading

Brilliant AND Beautiful!

Happy June 1!

No idea what that means, spake I, Kimber the Magnificent. But Mom is crowing about “Hoo-ray for June!” So “June” must be a good thing, right? Especially if “June” comes in Filet Mignon, medium-well, wrapped in bacon and all juicy and yummy and…

Wait. Where was I?

Oh yeah. June. And reading.

Well. Today you’re in for a treat, Cupcake. Cuz today I’m gonna give you a rundown on how this June reading thing works in my house. Like this:

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3 Surprising Packages of Hope

Kimber here. I bet you think Her Crankiness is… 100% cranky, right? So do I. (Don’t tell Mom, okay? Let’s just keep this our little secret.)


But every once in a while Mom surprises me. Not that I’m surprise-able. But …


Wait. Where was I?



Oh yeah. Mom and I read a trio of books recently that were … surprising. They were quite different from each other, too. Think dogs and cats. (Well, okay. Maybe not cats. But you get the picture.)


Anyway, the first book is a delightful Christian romance from Kim Vogel Sawyer. The second is a non-fiction “travel tome with a twist” from Joseph F. Smith, M.D. There’s also an historical fiction novel by Kristin Hannah.


All get an Official Thumbs Up from Her Crankiness. Here’s why (short version):


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Why ‘Travel Mania’ Will Have You Reaching for Your Passport

Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust

By Karen Gershowitz

Travel/Memoir/Non-Fiction

“Is it spring yet?”

What a kick in the passport!” Mom hooted after finishing Karen Gershowitz’s Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust. “It’s fun and educational!” (She’s outside turning handsprings. Don’t tell anyone, okay?)

“But Mom,” says The Level-Headed One. “You say that about every travel book!”

Ever see someone try to stop hand-springing halfway through?

“I do not!” barks Mom.

Okay, fine. Whatevs, says I, Kimber the Magnificent. But tell me, Mom. What makes this book so splendiferous?

Well. Buckle up. Cuz here we go:

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Flat and Fine: 2 Novels by Popular Authors Contrasted

Kimber: Jackpot! It’s a beautiful spring day. The sun is shining. The sky is a perfect bowl of blue. The neighbor’s cat is visiting relatives elsewhere. And  Her Grumpiness  is only half as grumpy as usual.

What a deal!

Speaking of “deals,” I’ve got a two-fer for you today. Sort of. One’s a  “repeat surprise.” I’ll let Her Grumpiness tell us about that in a min. So kindly keep your shirt on, okay? The other is a Second Sigh. As in, we loved the author’s first book but this second one is a stinker. Which is why Her Grumpiness is only half as grumpy as…

Well, wait. Here she is now. Mom, is that the second or third bowl of cookies ’n cream ice cream? “Mind your own beeswax;” Mom chirps.

So I’ll let her fill you in on these two books:

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10 Ways to ROCK Read Across America Day!

Someone has finally come up with an idea I can sink my teeth into! Mom calls it Read Across America Day! Mom is so excited! So I! Am! Excited! Too!

Mom says this special day is a nationwide observance. We’re giving you a little head start. Cuz it coincides with the March 2 birthday of Dr Seuss. You know. That “hat cat” and Grinch guy. (Nobody’s perfect.)

Anyway, Read Across America Day is our kinda day! Yeah, Lassie! One whole day to focus on my favorite two things in the world: reading and books. (Well, okay. Maybe a nice, thick New York steak, too.) So, here are…

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