This month’s Featured Book Blogger is Joy Tamsin David, who reviews books at Edgy Inspirational Romance, the most popular inspy romance blog on the web. I asked Joy a few questions about herself, her blog, and her reading tastes.
First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a wife, a mother, a Jesus lover. A middle aged book nerd and romance writer wannabe who spends her days trippin’, I mean teaching in an inner city public school. Class sizes are high and funding is low, but my first graders make me laugh every single day.
When and why did you start your blog, Edgy Inspirational Romance?
I started my blog in May 2010 to build a platform for my writing. Unfortunately, my cart left my horse a few miles back–I’m still learning the craft and not producing anything publishable yet. But I’m enjoying the ride, the friends I’m making, and the books I’m reading, and maybe one day I’ll be able to join the ranks of my favorite authors.
How does your faith impact how you blog and what you blog about?
My faith colors everything I do, but my blog is not my ministry. There are several blogs that do ministry very well (for example Renee Ann Smith’s Doorkeeper), but I’m not one of them. My sole purpose is to entertain. I review clean(ish) Christian fiction and my taste might not be for everyone.
What specific qualities do you look for in an inspy romance novel that would prompt you to give it a positive review?
I love angst and romantic tension in novels. I’m also a huge fan of snarky humor.
What are some of the best romance novels you’ve reviewed within the last year?
Lisa Bergren’s Waterfall and Cascade were unexpected surprises. They’re YA time travel stories with strong historical and romance elements. Love, love, love! Lilly’s Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long (the first Amish romance I’ve read in a decade) gave me my edgy inspirational fix. But Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones holds my favorite of the year award . . . so far.
What’s your favorite comfort food?
A tall non-fat Mocha latte could probably cure gout. I mean, I’m no doctor, but it does wonders for crappy days.
Name two famous people, living or dead, you would most like to meet and why.
Hmm, the mature picks would be intellectuals like Jane Austen or Martin Luther King Jr., but my regular blog readers would soooo see through that answer.
I’d love to meet Rob Lowe, because number one, have you seen him? And number two, I just finished his memoir Stories I Only Tell My Friends (which he actually wrote himself). His stories would make great dinner conversation. I’d also love to meet my blog partner, Serena Chase. We have similar tastes in humor and books so we’ll have to get together in person one day (she’ll probably insist I bring Rob Lowe).
If you had to choose three books you think everyone should read, what would they be and why?
The Bible stands in a class by itself. Everyone should read that, because in the grand scheme of things none of the books I blog about make a bit of difference.
But if readers want to see what edgy inspirational romance is all about, three titles I always reccommend are A Bride Most Begrudging or The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist, and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
Be sure to check out Edgy Inspirational Romance and leave a comment! You can also follow Joy on Twitter @JoyTamsinDavid.
@Renee, I’m hearing great things about Torrent too. I haven’t finished the series yet, but I hope to before the summer!
@Jill- Thanks for following me over here! I just discovered your blog the other day and I’m enjoying looking around.
Loved getting to know you better, Joy. I’m so with you on the medicinal properties of a good cup of coffee.
Enjoy the rest of your summer before you head back into teaching those first graders!
Joy I just love your taste in books! Edgy inspys are definitely my favorites and I loved The Measure of a Lady and Bride Most Begrudging and just about every other book you mentioned except for Cascade and that’s only because I haven’t read it yet.
XOXO~ Renee C.
Hi Julia! How’s your writing coming?
Patricia- It’s been great connecting with you, thanks for following me over here!
Serena- I’d be all over the full fat version of the mocha latte if it didn’t send me…[redacted for TMI]
Great interview, Parchment Girl! And Joy — don’t even think of meeting me for a FULL FAT mocha latte without bringing Rob Lowe along. (kidding!)
Looking forward to reading more of your blog here, PG!
Serena Chase
Thanks for stopping by, Serena!
Joy that was a wonderful Q&A interview. I haven’t known her very long but you can tell when someone is blessed.
We have the same taste and opinion on a lot of books.
Kate you picked a winner to be on your blog.
You bet! Isn’t she terrific?
Hi Tammy- Wouldn’t you guys wonder what got into me if I started spouting the intellectual answers all of a sudden? LOL I don’t think I could fool anyone.
Thanks Juju! I don’t review anything but Christian fiction usually, but I posted a litte blurb on his book on Goodreads and Amazon.
This was a fun to read post. I’m excited for you that you’re starting a new novel, a new project always has that rush of excitement.
Love Joy! She is so way cool and the it girl to go to for Christian Fiction in my book. Great post.
PS Rob Lowe? Very cool. Will you be reviewing his book Joy?
Joy, you always make me laugh!! I love the answer you gave about who you would like to meet. I’ve always felt a little guilty that I probably wouldn’t pick the intellectual answers like everybody always does. I love your honesty!
Thanks guys for stopping in to say hello, I love you all too. I always get scared when I do an interview there will be crickets chirping in the comments section.
And Renee Ann, I feel the same way about high schoolers. God bless you, I couldn’t do it. LOL.
I was instructed by Joy to stop by and say hi…
so HI JOY!
)
But seriously, fun interview! Love your blog, Joy, love you and love your writing. Hope that new book project is going well.
)
Thanks for the shout out, ladies! Joy’s was one of the first blogs I stumbled upon when I started blogging a year ago. I was impressed with how her blog reflected her personality. I think it portrays her as open, honest, fun-loving, and so accepting of others! . . . BTW, I can’t imagine spending long school days with first graders
She should get a special award for that!
Great interview, Joy!
You’re a fabulous blogger–and friend!
~Amber
Oh I love you Joy!!!
And I loved The Waterfall Series and Redeeming Love was life changing!!!
LOL and Save the Date, this list could go on forever….lol
Thanks for having me Kate! This was fun.
Anytime, Joy!