When I first started Book Reviews & More by Kathy in September 2011, my plan was to post three reviews of books I owned every week. I was also going to post a couple of contests a week. Then blog tour companies and publishers came a-calling and well, the rest is history.
During the past twelve years, much has changed in the publishing world. Small, independent publishers imploded due to malfeasance and dwindling profits (such as Ellora’s Cave & Samhain Publishing). Other independent publishers ended up with major problems but they are still limping along. The New York publishing world has also changed due to the explosion of self-published authors. eBook prices have dramatically risen as has the price of hardback and some paperpacks.
The world in general has also undergone tremendous upheaval and change. The Covid pandemic resulted in a tragic loss of lives world wide. After everyone resumed their lives after shutdowns and lockdowns, “normal” looks different . It is hard for me to remember my life before all of the worrying about my friends’ and family members’ health.
In the wake of my own non-covid (I have managed to avoid catching it, knock on wood!) health problems, we moved to a warmer town in New Mexico. Due to a cascade of health issues, I gave up reviewing full-time and changed my website’s name to Book Talk & More with Kathy. I greatly enjoyed returning to reading for pleasure and no longer hosting blog tours. My health is now greatly improved and I love being “me” again.
Not too long ago when I was setting up my posts for the week, the thought “I don’t want to do this anymore” popped into my mind. I wasn’t sure if that was just a transitory feeling but when it happened again, I knew it was time to pick a date to say “The End”.
I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years. Many of you have been with me right from the beginning and my appreciation is beyond words. I wish nothing but good health and happiness for all of you in the future. And, of course, happy reading!
So, like Carol Burnett ended each episode of her show, I’ll conclude my final post with “I’m so glad we had this time together”.
I’ll be sad to see you go – I loved when you popped into my inbox. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a rough go, but am cheered by your improving health. I wish you all the best. Love, Gabbi
Thank you, Gabbi. It’s been a great run and I’ll miss it!
Thank so much for all the great reviews and books! I hope you enjoy your time with your family and of course reading and relaxing!
Thank you, Maria. I am so glad I got to share my love of books with you and everyone else!
You will be greatly missed. I have enjoyed all of our interactions throughout the years. It’s not good bye it’s until we meet again. I wish you all the best!!!
Thank you, Trinitee! I’m so glad we’ve gotten to know each other!
Sorry to see you go Kathy, but I hope you know how much I’ve enjoy all your reviews and posts etc over the years. Wishing you much much happiness and good health to you and yours.
Thank you, Shirley Ann. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. I’m glad I was able to share my love of reading with you!
Hate to see you go but I respect your decision. All the hugs and love to you!!! Wishing you all the best!!!
Thank you, Timitra! We’ve known each other for so long now-where did the years go?! Crazy how far the world has come, isn’t it? I’m so happy we’re firends!
Kathy, may you continue to know brighter days and love what you’re doing every one of those days. Thank you so much for all the love of books you’ve shared with us, both in your reviews and the book giveaways. You are a treasure!
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I’ve loved sharing my enthusiasm for books with you. I will miss chatting with you!
Kathy,
You had a great 12-year run reviewing books and running your own website. I’m proud of you for following your passion for reading books of all kinds and engaging with fellow readers. Also, I thank you for introducing me to many different books that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Now, we’ll find new reading adventures in retirement.
Love,
Brad
Thank you for supporting me all thses years! I am looking forward to our next adventures-reading and in life. Love you!
Ah Kathy, all good things must come to an end!!
Yours was one of the first book blogs I followed and has been the only one for a while – it must take massive effort, so can appreciate the thoughts creeping in.
Thanks for all the great recommendations over the years.
Health and happiness are not to be taken for granted, so go grab opportunities for fun!!!
Thank you, Suze. I’ve so enjoyed sharing my love of books with you! I’m honored you spent part of your day with me. I’m glad we’ve become friends and I’m still hoping to visit Isle of Man at some point in the future!
Thank you for all your post. I did enjoy your reviews a lot, and I am going to miss them. But there is no reason to keep doing something that does not make you happy anymore, so I wish you all the best in your new projects
Thank you, Susana. I’ve so loved sharing my love of books with you! Wishing you the best as well.
Thanks for everything, my friend! I will miss your book suggestions but you have given us your all for many years and definitely deserve to just read for pleasure now!
Hugs!
You’re so welcome! I’m so happy we became friends through our love of reading. I’ll miss working on my website, but I’m eager for the next chapter whatever it might be.
Oh, Kathy! I’m so happy that you are feeling better and that you listened to yourself when you thought, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” I wish you many happy adventures and many years of reading for pleasure!
Thank you, Debbie. It feels like it’s been a long road to healthy! I’m looking forward to adventures in reading and life! XOXO
It’s sad to see you go. Thank you for the reviews and book events you share with us through the years. It’s been a weird year for me, too lately that I just realized I don’t read as much book anymore. I wish you the best on your next endeavor, Kathy. May we stay healthy and someday would see you active in the book world again. Much hugs and kisses from afar!
Thank you, Didi. My reading has declined too over the past few years. I’m looking forward to losing myself in the pages of more books in the future. I also hope you rediscover your love of reading too!
Kathy,
So sorry to see you go. It has been a pleasure knowing you. Thank you for all the wonderful book recommendations and posts. Following your heart and knowing when to move on is so important for living a happy life. Wishing you all the best in the future!
Thank you, Bonnie. I’ve very much enjoyed our email chats. We share a love of similar books-I feel like we’re book twins!
Thank you for all your hard work running this blog. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you even just a little bit. I’ll certainly miss you! Good luck in your future endeavours!
Thank you, Maya. It’s been a great 12 years! I’m looking forward to reading lots of books for fun!
Take care; I’ve loved chatting with you over email.
Thank you so much for everything! I’m sorry to see you go, but so happy that you get to end things on your own terms. You’re certainly entitled to a break and new horizons, too! Twelve years is an amazing achievement, and I wish you all the best!
Thank you so much, Trix. I’ve enjoyed it immensely and I’m sure I’ll miss it. I’m excited to see what comes next!
Kathy, I’m glad to learn that your health is improving. What a treat it will be for you to read for pleasure and not for work or on a deadline!
I have enjoyed reading your reviews and won a few books along the way.
Thank you for letting us know that this is the end, so we don’t realize a few weeks from now that we haven’t heard from you lately and never know what happened.
You’re very welcome for letting everyone know. It never occurred to me not to say anything! I am truly appreciative for everyone’s support over the years.
I’m looking forward to enjoying the extra free time!
Thank you Kathy, for all you’ve done for authors over the years. Enjoy retirement – you earned it!
Hugs.
You’re welcome, Laura. I’m so glad I was able to devote time to helping authors. I know I’ll miss it but I am eager to see what the next chapter brings.
Hugs!