If you were at the Romantic Times convention in Orlando recently, you may have seen a particularly attractive redhead running around with a killer smile and a To Die For tiara. Not that a tiara — or any accessory of excess, come to think of it — is out of place at RT, but this tiara was not for the Queen of the Faerie Ball. This jeweled crown sat on the head of one of our industry’s most revered and adored individuals: The Bookseller of the Year.
This year, that honor went to Dena Russ of B&L Books in Altamonte Springs, Florida. And this week, it is our privilege to have Dena join us at MSW to talk about the thing she does better than anyone else: sell books! Boy oh boy, can this gorgeous woman sell books!
Let me back up a little. I’ve called Dena a friend for a few years now. We first met at RT in Daytona and she saw my name tag and paid me the ultimate compliment: a fangirl squee! We bonded instantly. Dena is an articulate, energetic, adorable fan of books in general and romance in particular. When I walked into her store later that year to do a signing, I instantly knew it reflected her personality. Bright, light, and packed with F-U-N, Dena runs a bookstore that makes a visitor feel welcome, happy, and ready to buy. Well-organized, spacious, and browser-friendly, B&L Books is a destination store for many readers, despite a multitude of alternatives in malls and strip centers all over central Florida. I’m thrilled to call her a fan because when she likes your books…she sells the hell out of your books!
So, it was no surprise to me that Dena was selected as Bookseller of the Year, but apparently it was to her! She’s agreed to take a pause from her fantastic handselling today and answer few of my questions. In addition, she’s promised to pop in periodically to answer any questions of yours, chat about books, or just make you all smile. To keep things lively, I’m going to randomly select one question/comment and the winner will receive a copy of an ARC that Dena just finished and says she lurved. (Go ahead, you can ask her about it!!) So comment or question and ein an Advanced Review Copy of HUNT HER DOWN, the next Bullet Catcher book.
So, if you don’t have the pleasure of already knowing her, let me introduce you to one of my favorite people in bookselling….Dena Russ, Romantic Times 2009 Bookseller of the Year!
Congratulations and welcome to MSW, Dena! Please tell us how your felt when they announced your name at RT as Bookseller of the Year?
Thank you! I am delighted to be here and can honestly say that I was completely and totally surprised when they called my name. I had no clue and was honored to get the title. This is an award all booksellers should strive to get and feel proud to earn.
You’ve heard the horror stories. Chains closing stores. Indies getting squashed. Distributors shutting doors. Sales are down, retail sucks, the economy is in the tank. However, B&L books is enjoying success and profit, experiencing growth while stores in the near vicinity are closing. What’s your secret?
There is no secret! I am very passionate about my job and what I do. I love making people happy and want them to read books they are going to enjoy. But if I had to narrow it down I would say one of the main things is the awesome computer program we use, and the other would that we make our customers feel special…after all, they are. My personal goal everyday in my store is to make sure each and every customer walks out with a smile on her face and a longing to get back in here.
Yes, bookstores have closed in my area, but they didn’t have a computer database working for them, and those booksellers conducted business strictly by memory. That’s hard to do! The computer program we use does many things, but primarily it keeps track of all the books customers read. I can’t keep track of what they buy at the other stores, but if they bought it at B&L, I know it. So I can suggest more like it. Even better, I know what they’ve read, so when that customer walks in the story, I know what’s coming out tht they will like. Customers are looking for knowledgeable staff and they expect you to do everything but read the book for them — which I do, by the way. I am an avid reader.
I guess my customers always feel special because we cater to them. We always suggest purchases, make sure they know what’s coming out from their favorite author, and can guide them to similar authors as well. I think that’s the key to my success.
I’ve been there and you have an incredible atmosphere in your store. How do you do it?
Thank you! I do what ever I can to make a customer’s experience fun and worth their precious time. As an independent store, we don’t have to play by corporate rules, we make our own. We have more flexibility and control over our store. We know most all of our customers by name and when they walk in, they are greeted with a “Hey Holly, I have something you are going to love!” Everyone likes to feel wanted — that’s human nature. And it keeps people coming back. Our customers are like extended family!
I can vouch for that! Just last week, I met several readers who identify themselves as “Dena’s customer.” It’s like an elite club! How do you develop relationships with readers — it can’t all be the computer system. How do you determine what they’d like and how do you keep up with the market?
I talk to them! People want to be talked to and enjoy themselves. We are not a library, so in our store, everyone is welcome to get loud and have some fun! When a customer comes in and asks what she should be reading, I really talk to them about what they like or dislike, about what movies they love, what authors they’ve read in the past. That is usually all I need to steer them to the right author.
Do you do any kind of special promotions?
The only kind of promotions we do in our store is put up cover flats at least 5 weeks in advance — so authors and publicists, please send me your cover flats! The customers are always looking at my cork boards to see what is coming out next.
Who are your favorite authors?
With so many to choose from that is hard. I absolutely love Roxanne St. Claire (I swear I didn’t pay her!), Karen Rose, Lori Foster, Allison Brennan, Jordan Dane, Marlis Melton, Lora Leigh, Lorelei James, Mariah Stewart, Shannon Butcher. The list could go on forever because I love romance!
What trends do you love? Miss? Have had enough of?
I love the whole bodyguard, Navy SEAL, tough macho man hero, and I love the suspense. And of course don’t forget my cowboys! I love them. I guess I would say I miss time travel and would like to see more of it. What have I had enough of? Books taking to long to come out —LOL! There isn’t really any area I personally have had enough of, but my customers might say they are over the whole vampire thing, but certain paranormal authors will always be strong sellers.
Has the popularity of e-books affected sales for you?
Not really, because your hard core booklovers love just that the book. I have several customers who do ebooks, but still buy the book in print.
What can authors do to make your job easier/better?
Send cover flats! I would love to get more promo materials like bookmarks and covers and of course the ARC’s are great. If I get a book before it is published I read it and then know who would want to read that book. Please mail them to:
B&L Books
990 N.S.R. 434, Suite 1140
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.
Dena, you have rightfully earned the coveted title of Bookseller of the Year! Congratulations and thank you for all you do to get our books into the hands of readers!
Readers and writers – anything you want to ask Dena about books, the market, sales techniques, or wearing a crown with such style, now’s your chance! (Remember, one comment wins and ARC of my September 2009 release, HUNT HER DOWN.) We love you, Dena!
Congratulations, Dena! How exciting, to wear a tiara all day, and be applauded by authors, en masse. Too fun.
I notice on your website that you have a book exchange program. Do you put the used books in inventory? Just curious as to how that works. It’s a fabulous idea, especially in this economic climate, and in this day of stupendous waste.
My youngest daughter will be attending graduate school at U of M, beginning this fall. I think on my first visit I will definitely be making a detour to Altamonte Springs!
Karen,
Thank you so much for the compliment. I am trying not to let all of this go to my head. We do have a book exchange program in place that makes taking in used books very easy. If you have a bookstore or are thinking of starting one you must have UBIC SYSTEM.
We allow our customers to bring in their used books and we give them a store credit for it. Then when they buy books, we discount them 40% and then allow them to use their credit to pay for half of that book. Like a $7.99 book our 40% discount brings it down to $4.79 then they can use $2.40 in credit to pay for the book. They are happy and I am happy.
That sounds like a great system, Dena. Thank you for the explanation.
I see that your store has been around for awhile. But you look so young! How long have you been there, as owner, or as an employee?
I have had the joy of growing up in my moms store. I was in here since I was 8 and loved the people and decided after a 3 year absence that I need that store. I took back over the store 8 1/2 years ago and found my nitch. My mom now pays the bills and I make them. It is a great working realtionship.
It’s awesome that you enjoy following in your mother’s footsteps, Dena. I wish you many more years of great success.
Rock that tiara!
She is pretty young and beautiful, but we forgive her those sins. 🙂
Dena, congratulations! Wear that tiara in good health and great sales. You and your store are obviously doing something very right.
My question: How do you feel about working with small presses?
I love working with any press. I know what will work in my store and what won’t. As long as you have books that my customers read, I am happy to work with the small presses. I work a lot with Red Sage, and Ellora’s cave, Samhain. I love helping small businesses grow and become big. Networking is the only way to be successful.
Dena, I meant to bring this up in our interview…you sell both new and used books and I know when I’ve been in your store, there’s a great emphasis on getting the brand new books into the hands of readers. How do you balance this? Do you have a core group of customers who prefer new books?
Thank you so much for being here today!
Thank you so much for having me. I am very honored. Great question. I balance this by knowing what is coming out and who reads what. My customers depend on me to keep them feed. There are times that one of our favorites will do a book with a smaller publisher and I don’t notice it. Once my customers point it out then I go out and tackel getting it in my store.
As far as core group of customers who prefer new books, well they want what they want and want it now. I try very hard to make sure they get them new. Alot of your hardcore readers keep their books, so buying new is an investment for them. Not all of my customers keep them, but a lot do. Our new book sales account for about 40% of all of our sales. If any of my reps are on here today, they will tell you “street day is a nightmare if Dena doesn’t have her books” I have managed to get my fedex driver to deliver my boxes on street day by 9:00 so when I open I am ready for my customers, my friends.
Oh, we love fed ex drivers who deliver boxes of new books, don’t we? And booksellers who honor a laydown date? Le sigh. The best!
Well I did bribe him with homemade Christmas cookies lol!
Dena, darlin’ – great interview – and I still love the tiara 🙂
I had the distinct pleasure of hanging out with Dena at Romantic Times in Orlando, and I’ve got to say, her knowledge of books is staggering and her love of books is absolutely infectious – it comes across in everything she says, everything she does, and she truly is an ambassador for getting the right books into the hands of the right readers. I wish there were a million Dena’s in the bookstore business – but she’d still be one of a kind!
aww! I knew my buying drinks would pay off lol. For those of you who love cowboys you have to read Lerelei James. I love her books!!! Yum Yum. She is actually why I am not allowed in Texas.
Wow here comes my great spelling. It is Lorelei James. Sorry for the spelling.
Congratulations on your win, Dena! Wear the tiara proudly! It takes a special person to please so many customers and do such a good job for authors! I wish you continued success!
Thank you Thank you. I hope for continued success as well.
I met Dena at RT this year and totally fell in love with her charm and sense of humor. I can’t wait to return to Orlando so I can pop in and visit her store.
She really is a gem, and made me want to go out and buy a tiara. LOL.
Lyn
I will let you borrow mine anytime!!!
I’ll hold you to that. Tee Hee. ;0)
Lyn
xoxo
Congratulations, Dena! You looked so gorgeous in the tiara (not everyone can pull that off). And you so deserved the award! Thank you for all you do. Great post, Roxanne!
Congratulations! What an honor! As a central Florida, it is nice to hear about a bookstore that is author AND reader friendly. Keep up the good work.
I will have to put an info packet/excerpt booklet in the mail for you this week, or I may even stop by soon!
Again, congrats on such a great honor!
Thanks Michelle, that would be awsome.
Dena, it was a pleasure to meet you at RT. Rocki certainly sung your praises! And now I really want to visit your store!
Congrats on the award!
No, Thank you. I had such a great time at RT and can’t wait to go back (provided they will let me lol)
Uh, Rocki sung a lot in Orlando. Mostly at Howl At The Moon. Come on the B&L Road Trip, Kristen. We’ll invade Dena’s store and sing some more!
Kristen, can I catch a ride? After hearing about Dena, a road trip to B&L is definitely in the works.
Road Trip to B&L!!! I’m so in.
Me too Me too. Okay so I work here of course I want to be here
You’d BETTER be there. And wear the crown, baby.
Absolutly! I do love my Tiara, but I have worn it so much I can’t tell when it is on or off lol!
Road trip to B & L…yah! I’m in. I’ll bring the blueberry wine. LOL.
Blueberry wine, white wine, red wine who cares JUST BRING IT!!!!
I was just visiting my mom who lives on a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. There’s an independent bookseller there and while I don’t know about the computer program, they do the same thing — greet customers by name, have tremendous knowledge of books and authors and make their customers feel special. I went in with my sister and even though they didn’t know me, once they found out I had a 2 1/2 year old granddaughter they began to talk about books appropriate for her age and ask “Does she have this? And does she have that?”
It’s the very personal touch that makes an independent bookstore so special. Congrats to Dena for the award!
I love hearing stories of other stores that are that way. This is such a fun industry and very rewarding as well. It is so easy to make a lasting connection to a customer by just being able to talk to them.
That sounds like the bookstore in one of Carolyn Hart’s series. Annie Darling’s Death on Demand–isn’t that on a barrier island community?
Hello Dena,
Your bookstore sounds wonderful. I live in rural Kentucky and I have to use Wal-mart as my bookstore. Wish yours was closer. Have a great day. Congrats on the award.
Maybe one day I can figure out what makes this a whole package work and start some franchises. I have so many loyal customers we call in Florida “Snow Birds”. My store is one of the highlights of their winter vacation. I even have a family that vacations here every year from England and they always come in to see me.
Rocki,
Awesome blog…I really enjoyed it!
Dena,
Cograts to you and the bookstore sounds fabulous!
Hawk (Houston A.W. Knight)
Thank you I think I have one of the best bookstores out there. I do owe it to all of my loyal customers, who help make me shine. Thank you all!
Congratulations on winning Bookseller of the year. You have my dream job…handselling books you love! And looking at your favorite authors, we have much in common.
Wishing you many many years of handselling fabulous books
I never relized how much I loved my job until last August when I went on my first family vacation. I was only gone 6 days, but when I pulled into the parking lot I had butterflies in my stomach. I thank my mom for giving me the opportunity and the job. Thanks mom I love you.
Oh, that is so sweet. When you told me that story about the butterflies in your stomach, it really stuck with me, Dena. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to invite you here, and I should have mentioned it in my blog. You know what you have? PASSION. It’s such a gift to find it vis a vis a career path – and you have it in spades!
Cograts = Congrats = Congratulations…
Sorry been up since 4 A.M.
Hawk
Such a neat idea to post coverflats at your store…I work in a library and that’s a fantastic idea!
Congrats on your success u super marketer u! 🙂
rachie2004 AT yahoo.com
Doing the cover flats has been a great way to promote all the awsome authors and all they write. Get back to writing I have excited customers awaiting them.
Congrats Dena, and wear that tiara with pride!
Hearing about your store makes me wish I lived down in Florida… I like how you keep your costumer’s needs upfront, keeping them updated and possible recommendations on what they’d possibly like.
We are a big state and welcome all! If you don’t live here, come visit!
Okay, Rocki and others have tried to convince me to move to Florida, but I have to say your store sounds like the best inducement I’ve heard yet! There’s nothing like it where I live in Ohio. You make me want to open one! Except then I’d never finish writing the next book on my contract.
It was great to meet you even briefly at RT; you can bet you’ll be getting some cover flats and an ARC from me in the near future!
Awsome! What kind of book are you writing? My customers always love new authors and of course their regular authors. Feel free to come visit my store and then decide if you want to move here. I love Florida
Oh, yeah, Louisa, like the daily pool party at Kristen’s wasn’t enough to get you here, Dena had to seal the deal!
She’s writing an amazing contemporary romance, Dena, and you are going to LOVE it!
I always welcome ARCs.
Congrats, Dena.
Question. How are hard cover books doing? Has the economy cut sales on those?
Actually, I am pleased to say that while I was at RT I was talking to a friend I met there who works for a big chain and I actually ordered and sold more of the new Hardcover by J.R. Ward than their store did. I was blown away, I mean my store is on 1400 sq.ft. probably the size of their loading dock. Hardcovers are doing fantastic in my store. We used to only do a Hardcover rental, but now my customers don’t want to wait and they want that hardcover right away. Of course I don’t charge full price for my books and they can buy them for up to 30% off the retail price and they don’t have to have a membership.
Sounds great – I think I’ll get in touch with you for more details, since I have a hard cover from a small press that could really use some exposure.
First, I want to thank Rocki for bringing B&L to our attention. I’ve lived here longer than Dena’s been alive (probably), and now I find there’s a bookstore I haven’t been in….
A few extra miles (I’m by the airport) vs finding a hands-on, independent bookseller? No problem!
And when my novels are (finally) published, you can bet I’ll be talking to you about them 🙂
Congratulations on the award!
Lorena
Not trying to be conceited but we are well worth the drive. I always work on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays so make it one of those.
Hi Dena,
Great to have you here on MSW, and congratulations on the award!
S. J.
I am glad to be here. Thank you Rocki for inviting me. This has been a lot of fun.
The bookstore sounds awesome! Too bad I’m all the way in NJ instead of FL. Congrats on winning this awesome award. I love alot of the same authors as you because they’re obviously wonderful. Great taste! 🙂
I’m droolin in anticipation of Hunt Her Down! Great interview and contest Roxanne!
The book is well worth the droolin you are doing. I loved it and the one thing I have always loved about Rocki’s books is that she nails where I am hoping the characters are going. I remember telling Rocki that I didn’t want to see Lucy with Dan and when she filled me in that they didn’t have the chemestry I was so happy. One thing that nonreaders don’t understand is that these characters are our imaginary life and we really care what happens to them.
And we LOVE that you care about them. I did get some heat when Lucy ended up with someone other than Dan Gallagher, but I am really optimistic they’ll love his story as it ultimately happens. I’m so glad you did, Dena!
Dena – Congratulations! It is encouraging to see you succeed (as a small business owner) in a conglomerate world.
I will always stand up for the little guy, because after all we keep the gears running. I hope there is never a day where mom and pop stores are gone. That would be a sad day in America.
My next trip down to the Tampa area, I’m adding an extra day just so I can road trip to B&L! I don’t have a release date yet, but I’ll be in touch when I do, Dena. (Pesky revisions :P) The upcoming book is a light time-travel paranormal.
And Rocki? I was in the running for your Bullet Catchers package at Brenda Novak’s auction. I’ve been outbid but I’m watching it… Maybe I can swoop in at the last minute and steal it! LOL! 😉
Oh, thank you, Silver, for bidding. I think Brenda is updating that item so readers know it’s 8 books and 2 novellas. And if you have video of me singing, I might throw in cash! KIDDING!
B&L is in Altamonte Springs, about half way between Tampa and Melbourne. When are you coming down here???
I visit friends in Mulberry, which is near Lakeland twice a year or so. I was there in January and again in April. (During RT but I had the DH with me and he had other plans, lol). I’ll be back January 2010 because we’re going on a Celebrity cruise with them. I may be back out this fall (they’re coming here in August) so maybe October? Just depends on finances. 🙁
I am SOOOO gonna get video of you singing at RWA!
How cool. My customers are missing the time travel books, so that is awsome you are doing this.
Yay! I’m with a small publisher (The Wild Rose Press) but the book will be available in print as well as ebook. I’ll send you a copy as soon as I get one! (Along with other goodies I’ll be gettting together.)
I see why you won that tiara, Dena! You rock!
Hi Dena!
I want to fly out to Florida right now and visit your store! But I’ll send Rocki in, she’s 3,000 miles closer than me 🙂 I’m sending cover flats today … I rarely send things out because most booksellers tell me they don’t want anything, but I’m going to make sure you get them every time. I’m so excited that you enjoy my books. We have very similar tastes 🙂
XO,
Allison
Awesome Allison. I love your books and they do very well in my store. I know it is a long way away, but if you are ever at the Mouse Capitol of Florida, we are only about 45 minutes away. I would love for you to come in. Covers are always welcome and of course so are ARCs. At the RT convention, I told many booksellers and librarians about using the covers to promote the books and they loved the idea. Sometime you just assume everyone does what you do. Thanks again.
Major congrats on the award. I saw you at RT, but since I was more visiting than attending I didn’t know why you had the tiara. I loved it though and you wore well. 🙂
Being a book seller is amazing and from the sounds of it you have a great place. One I can’t wait to visit.
Singing and wine…hmmmm…they do go hand in hand.
Thank you Vicki. I hope that next years winner wears the tiara with as much pride as I did. It is a major honor to be crowned Bookseller of the Year. Hell I think I would have been just excited if it was bookseller of the month. I hope that this site can help motivate other booksellers to open their minds and doors to networking and helping each other.
Hi, Dena! I have tiara envy! Okay and energy envy too! You were so bright and bubbly and friendly. Your love for books is obvious to all. No wonder you are bookseller of the year! Congrats again!
Karin Tabke
The one thing this world could not handle is Two of me. That is a really scary thought. I just had my mom update our stores website and I have pictures of us on the site along with some of the other wonderful authors I got to meet. By the way when do you have another Pocket book coming out that is trade size? We are waiting.
no trades in the works right now. book three of the Blood Sword Legacy series, MASTER OF CRAVING releases later this month. But I’ve got some other goodies cookin’. 🙂
Off now to check out the pics!
url please!
http://www.bandlbooks.com Sorry, I didn’t put that in here anywhere. I have everyone linking to this website from mine, but not vice versa.
http://www.bandlbooks.com Sorry I didn’t even mention my site, but I have this site linked on my website.
http://www.bandlbooks.com
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of B&L before (I live in downtown Orlando) but I’ll definitely be stopping by!
Mega congrats on the win and the cool tiara! 🙂
Thank you. When you come into the store we offer first timers a $3.00 start up credit. Don’t forget to request that when you come in. Hope to see you soon.
I live in Orlando and now I can’t wait to come and check out your store! We need more booksellers like you. Congrats on the title and the tiara!
Maybe Katie, Dara & I will descend upon you en masse. We’re all in Orlando.
I love a crowd. On really good days i am very entertaining. Maybe that is why they keep coming back lol
She’s entertaining on BAD days. She’s just plain entertaining! You guys over in Orlando should definitely GO and have a party! If I hadn’t just made the trip to Orlando/Lakeland THREE TIMES (and back) in THREE DAYS, I would join you.
excuses excuses. I know you just don’t want to go to Howl at the Moon with me. That would be major TROUBLE.
Dena’s having trouble posting – here’s her web site and my bad for not including it in the original post:
http://www.bandlbooks.com
Congratulations, Dena! You are truly every author’s dream. And you look great in that tiara. 🙂
Aww thank you. By the way I am totaly loving your Riding Temptation and Riding on Instinct books. They are awsome. How long do I have to wait until the next one. I seem to gobble them up as soon as they show up.
Thank you so much Dena! I’ll have a Wild Riders novella coming out next year in an anthology with Lora Leigh. July, I think. 🙂
Can’t wait.
Dena, welcome to MSW and congrats on being Bookseller of the Year! Your store sounds wonderful, I hope to visit it soon!
I’ll send cover flats of SOUL MAGIC if at all possible!
Yeah! Would love it!
Sounds like you have an amazing job and a beautiful, sparkling tiara to show for it! Do you get to keep the taira or hand it over to the next winner? Lol, that’s not my real question. It seems like we need more bookstores like yours around. How is it you think that you’ve succeeded where other stores may have failed?
If I lived anywhere near Florida then I’d absolutely make the trip. Stores like the one you have are my happy places. Maybe one day a book of mine will be on your shelves!
Congrats on the win. It was clearly deserved.
I get to keep the Tiara for one year booh hoo, but I will happily pass it on to the next winner. lol
In response to your real question, I have been asking my customers today “Why do you come here,(and no I was not fishing for compliments, but they are always welcome)?” The general response is the atmospher and the feeling of being welcomed. Independants work hard for the money (LOL) and we try a little harder than the bigger stores, because we have to. My passion for what I do helps the most. A lot of people start a bookstore because they love to read and do it more like a hobby. Hobbies are not profitable normally. You have to love what you do to make it work. I am not speaking for all independants out there for I love all of you. I can’t tell you how many of my customers want their own store, but it is for their passion in reading not a business. The store close to me that closed did all their business off of memory. If I tried that we might as well close shop. I have a bad case of C.R.S. A computer program to help you run your business is always a plus. We use UBIC.
What a great reply, Dena! What a smart businessperson you are!
LOL on CRS. I have it, too. I think. Maybe. I forgot. 🙂
I just wanted to say I will be answering questions and comments until 8:00 because tonight is American Idol and I have to see what Adam will do this week.
Dena, you know that your store has been my number 1 bookseller for the past 20 years. I’ve been coming there since I was 14, can you believe it? For years, you listened to me say that I was writing books. And when I finally got one published, you were fantastic! I just wanted to say thanks for being the first store to order my book and put it on the shelves. As a writer, I am amazed at your talent for selling. As a reader, I love the fact that you always know just what I’m looking for. You’re the best…and now you have the plaque to prove it!!!!!
Thank you Shauna, you know how much I love you and your books. Still waiting for the next one by the way.
Just got the new cover! I’ll forward it to you 🙂
Thank you. Now when do I get the book?
It comes out July1st!
Yes, what WILL Adam do? Following American Idol, I will announce a winner for the ARC. My 11 year old daughter picks a winner, randomly basing her choice on your screen name (“oooh, I like that name”) or the comment. Tweens rule! Just as Kris — the cutie on AI.
Dena, you have been EXTRAORDINARY today. And every day!!!!!
xoxox
I don’t know what Adam will do, but I am sure it will be great. I will check back on here to see who the winner is for your book. I just want to put a personal touch on Rocki’s books. If you are not reading them get up off the computer and get one. That is all you need to get hooked, she had me at hello. For those of you who have read her books you know what I am talking about. Rocki, I am going to do everything I can to see you on the New York Times list where you have been long time deserving. Independants out there, if you have customers looking for Suspense, hot romance that isn’t to nauhty, and fast paced, this is the author to promote. Good luck Rocki, you deserve it!!!!!
OMG, I blush. Well, maybe that’s the wine. Now, ladies & gents, it’s time for Idol (at least it is here on the East Coast.) Stay tuned for a winner.
What a day at sea, huh? Dena rocks da HOUSE!!!!!!
And the envelope PLEASE!! I want to know who wins. GO ADAM
Dena,
Congratulations on the success of your bookstore and for winning this wonderful honor.
I can see why it would be such a great place to come and shop for those favorite reads we all love.
Best Wishes from another book lover here in Alabama.
btw, OMGosh! I want that ARC really, really, REALLY BAD! *BG* Ooh, I believe I’m too late to enter?!
Thank you Bella. I would lend you mine, but I want to see Rocki get to the New York Times list where she belongs. Don’t forget to tell all your friends how great she is and get them reading. Wouldn’t that be cool if we could make her as sought after as the Stephanie Meyer books. She is a great writer and a wonderful person. I don’t want to rub in what a great book it is, but Damn was it great! Just remember patience is a virture and the book will be well worth the wait. I am now awaiting Con’s story. Knowing Rocki like I do, I know it too will be worth the wait. Good luck and Happy Reading.
Dena when I walked into B&L you made me feel at home and I want to thank you so much.
You are the Best! And when she recommens a book TRUST Me save your self the time get the book- She is always dead-on…
Namaste Dena
Samuelle
Thank you Sam. I am so glad you enjoy your visits. See you soon.
Congratulations, Dena!!! And great post, Roxi. You’re absolutely right about Dena’s personality and beauty. I had the pleasure of meeting the tiara-wearing redhead at a session I did at RT, and after that, we bonded too. She’s a super gal, and really loves her customers. I see why she was voted Bookseller of the Year!
Keep wearing that tiara, Dena. You’re a queen!
Kayla
Thank you Kayla!!! I had a great time and it was an honor to meet you. Can’t wait till we can get together again. I have an amazing concept, move back to the states you are really wanted here!
I might just do that! Find me the American beefcake and I’m there. 🙂