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The Other Side of the Coin–Why Sometimes I Wonder Why I Write

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On Tuesday I shared a letter where my Women of Ivy Manor series had a deep impact on one of my readers, “B.” Today I’m giving you the flip side.

Amazon has an “interesting” feature where readers can post reviews. One reader posted a review for each book in my series. Here are a few quotes from this flipside reader’s reviews of each book:

“CHLOE: Lastly, there is not much religious/spiritual content in this book. That’s fine, the story is not lacking because of it. The problem is that it is sold as being a “Christian” book, and God is only vaguely mentioned about 4 times….Despite its shortcomings, I am looking forward to the other books in the series, to see what happens to the other generations of Chloe’s family….

BETTE: Once again, Lyn Cote did a wonderful job of illustrating the historical aspects of the story. She has a distinct talent for “transporting” her readers to another time and place. Just as with the first novel in this series, I don’t feel that this book is necessarily a “Christian” novel, as it is often touted as being. However, I do think this book had more references to God than the last one did . . . .

LEIGH: Yes, I am still looking forward to the final book in the series. Even though I have complained about “Leigh” being poorly-written, something still keeps me drawn to these books: the great historical detail, and complicated plotlines.

CARLY: I recommend this book only if you love American history, and are willing to put up with a lot of cheesy writing… or if you got suckered into this series just like I did, and want to see it through to the end.”

You notice that she bought all four books, read them intently and wrote reviews of each.

AND THE QUESTION IS—WHY??? Why buy and read all 4 of Lyn Cote’s “cheesy” novels?

My final question today is what do you think was really bothering her? And why did she get so riled up about my books?

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About Lyn Cote

Lyn Cote welcomes other authors to her "Strong Women, Brave Stories" blog to share stories of women who triumph over the challenges common to all women.

Comments

The Other Side of the Coin–Why Sometimes I Wonder Why I Write — 12 Comments

  1. Hello. For girls names, I think these are some you could consider:
    Sasha, Cinders, Sierra, Sassy.
    For a boy: Gus, peeps, zee, rocky, sam.
    I love your books!

  2. Lyn- As we all have problems in our life and she read all the books as we know they were so intense and wonderful for the heart and it hit a spot in hers and it produced anger. Sometimes that happens with people and she had to take it out on something and she felt a connection to you since she read all 4 of your books and took it out on the innocent one. But just put her in your heart and go on with the people that care and dont give her any more attention.

  3. Thanks for all the commiseration. I wonder if she realized how much of "her" she was revealing in writing these reviews?

  4. I wonder is she felt like she should not like this type of book. For some religion is cheesy. The world is filled with so many different people and she is just one.
    debby236 at att dot net

  5. Seems some people like to complain. Just cos a book doesn't mention God more than 4 times doesn't mean its not christian. You are in good company as the book of Esther in the bible doesn't mention God once.
    To me inspriational doesn't have to have God or Church mentioned at every turn. Its the morals of the people and there how they choose to live that is important. I know not christians who are reading the christian fiction because they are clean wholesome books. While the books may not be Religious enough for her (even though she still bought all 4) They may still plant a seed in someone else. I know one lady who reads the books from our churches library she said we have ruined the town library books for her. She cant read them now because they are not clean. In fact more people reading our books are non christian than christian and Its our prayer one of the books will speak to them (there must be something right for them to constantly borrow)

    you know maybe she was trying to justify her reading them with a bad review.

  6. I just laughed at this. I imagine she got a guilty pleasure from reading them. Why guilty? Who knows? The fact that she bought, read & reviewed all 4 speaks volumes.

    marypres(at)gmail(dot)com

  7. I do not understand myself why anyone would even write a review like that. If I do not like a book, I contact the author and voice my concerns with them. But I do not and never will write a negative review like that for anyone. You want some positive reviews, I would read your books and write them for you on 7 sites. I know your books glorify God and I've never once read one of your books that didn't.

    jrs362 at hotmail dot com

  8. Lyn,

    I too believe it strange that one would read not just one, but multiple books in a series and then call them 'cheesy'. It could be that she is searching for something and she hasn't found it yet. Maybe she just needs counseling.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.
    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

  9. I don't know why anyone would continue to read a book that they didn't find interesting. There are so many books to read, I just go on to the next one if I find one I can't get interested in.

  10. Thanks, Hannah and Juanita, at first it upset me and then I thought this poor woman has a problem! I think Hannah is right that my books weren't religious enough to suit her. And Juanita, you're right a critical spirit is death to the person who has it and anyone she comes into contact with. Poor woman!

  11. That is hard to understand. They had to have been well written if she continued. If I don't like a book, I don't waste any more of my time with it and go on to the next book. I have so many to read, esp. Love Inspired. Have gone to Goodwill and St. Joseph's and got some, those are the older ones, but I want to read all I can find. I have 125 in all, read over 50 of them. Can't complaint, I get so blessed. Think this lady may have a critical spirit, and would find something wrong with most any book, or anyone, or anything. She sounds like someone I know. Lyn, I have so loved your books. I have not found those she mentioned, but they are on my wish list. God keep ministering through you through your books. Juanita W.
    whisper97304@yahoo.com

  12. Lyn,
    That is really weird! Lol! And you pose a very good question. Why would she continue to read the series if she is just going to post a negative review? It almost makes her sound like she wants to read them, deep down, but she has to cover her "image". Do you know what I mean? Maybe she is not in a setting where religion or Christianity is accepted so she feels she needs to post these reviews so that she can push them off. I don't know!

    Maybe she cannot come to terms with religion? So she puts it down as a defense mechanism. I feel like there's something blocking her from really opening up to God. I would say that's the problem!

    I mean, she does admit that they're good books. You're very knowledgable of the historical information. But as soon as she gets to the topic of religion, I feel the negativity starts to butt in.

    I'm sorry for the negative reaviews! That's no fun (and a little innecessary in my opinion!). I've loved answering all these questions, Lyn! It really gets me thinking

    : D

    Now I've got to go finish my laundry so I can pack! Tomorrow's move-in day!
    Hannah

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