Cindy's Book Club

Cindy's Book Club ends in one form, but begins in another

2007-08-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

Cindy's Book Club started in June 2007 as sort of an experiment. We at 101QFL wanted to do something fun to reach out to our audience this summer, so we partnered with Cannoli Caffe for June, July and August.

In most ways, Cindy's Book Club has been an unqualified success. Frankly, we weren't overwhelmed with registrations for seats at the Book Reviews...I believe we had a high of about 20 registrations. However, those of you who did participate were wonderfully enthusiastic!

Since there were relatively few registrations, we were able to invite everyone who registered to come to the Book Reviews. The result? Several of you were able to come twice or even all three times...meaning we all got to know each other and connected in a wonderful way.

Each Book Review was thoroughly enjoyable. There was a lot of laughter, empathy, and as I said, real connection.

We discussed Lisa Samson's Quaker Summer in June, Kristin Billerbeck's Split Ends in July, and Sharon Hinck's The Restorer in August.

Another plus: local bookstores did report increased sales of each book during the month it was highlighted. And I believe we did introduce some people to Cannoli Caffee who might not otherwise have made their way there.

So, what's next?

Well, the Book Reviews--the actual physical discussions--are on hiatus for now.

Our agreement with Cannoli Caffe has come to an end, so we've sat back and taken a look at where we should go now with Cindy's Book Club.

First of all, we knew that we wouldn't have time to devote to the Book Club during the month of September, because all our energies are focused on our annual fundraising Sharathon (which takes place September 25, 26 and 27).

After careful discussion, we've decided to shelve the actual physical discussions for now. After the first of the year, in January 2008, we'll re-evaluate that decision.

But for now, I will continue Cindy's Book Club here on this blog, and we'll also mention it on the air from time to time. In September I'll have a new selection. I'll include sound bites from author interviews, and I'll let the bookstores know to make sure they're carrying the book. I hope those of you that are interested will make frequent stops here at the blog, and that you'll comment on your reactions to the books that are featured.

Thanks to everyone who made Cindy's Book Club so special...and a big thanks to Cannoli Caffe for being such wonderful hosts!

Look for my September selection within the next several days!

Time is running out to sign up for the Book Review!

2007-08-22T08:10:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow (Thursday, August 23rd) is the last day to sign up for the August Book Review for Cindy's Book Club!

If you haven't done so already, please head over to the Cannoli Caffe on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack and sign up to win your seat the Book Review!

I'll be drawing names either this afternoon or tomorrow, and phoning the people who won.

The Book Review will be held next Monday, August 27th at 6 PM at the Cannoli Caffe! Hope to see you there!

Listen to soundclips from my interview with Sharon Hinck

2007-07-26T09:23:00.001-07:00

Cindy's Book Club has been a real success so far! We started off the summer with Lisa Samson's Quaker Summer. Then on July 23rd, we met to discuss Split Ends, by Kristin Billerbeck.

Once again I was so impressed with the ladies who participated. They are truly enjoying the books, and I think the authors would be so pleased with how they "got" the books, and how the books have enriched their lives. We've been having a great deal of fun and fellowship at the discussions.

Ladies, by the way, if you came and enjoyed the Book Review, please leave a comment! Just click on "Comments" at the bottom of this post.

My pick for the month of August is The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck. As I blogged earlier:

The Restorer is an unusual book, and one that, frankly, I wasn't sure I was going to like. It's a unique blend of fantasy and faith--pretty hard to describe. But as I told Sharon, she grabbed me from the first paragraph. I had a really, really hard time putting the book down--I LOVED it-- and I'm thrilled to spread the word about it.

Fortunately for me and those who have yet to fall in love with The Restorer, this is a series as well. I can't wait to sink my teeth into The Restorer's Son!

Here are a couple of sound clips from my interview with Sharon Hinck. In the first one, she explains what The Restorer is about:

In this next soundclip, Sharon talks about the "world" she created in the book:

I am SO excited about this book, and I recommend it highly!

To win your spot at the next August 27th Book Review, head over to Cannoli Caffe on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack, and sign up to win your seat!

The Book Review was a Blast!

2007-07-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

Last night's Book Review for Split Ends was amazing. While there were fewer in attendance than at the June 30th review, the camaraderie was just as fantastic. We had some ladies returning from the first review, plus a few new ones, like Megan, who had this comment:

Hi everybody! The book review this evening was great! It was really nice to get to know everyone. It was a good book, great food, super people, and a lot of good discussion. I highly recommend getting in on the action! Thank you to Cindy for a great time and my super door prizes. I played the cd I won the whole way home from the cafe. Thanks!

Did I mention that we always have some pretty cool door prizes? :)

Now we're already launching my August pick, The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck. I'll be adding some sound clips from my interview with Sharon...stay tuned! I'll also be adding some pics from the Book Review.

Ladies, if you were at the Book Review Monday night, please add your comments here!

Get ready for "The Restorer"!

2007-07-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Book Review for "Split Ends" takes place tonight at 6 PM at the Cannoli Caffe! I can't wait to see the winners there. The last Review was a blast, and I have no doubt that tonight will be awesome as well.

We're already in full gear promoting my August pick, The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck.

Keep coming back to this blog, as I'll be posting excerpts of my interview with Sharon. And as soon as possible, get down to the Cannoli Caffe to sign up to win your seat at the August Book Review, to be held Monday, August 27th at 6 PM!

Cindy's Book Club has already proven to be a great time of fellowship and making new friends. Don't miss out on it in August!

July's Book Review is Set!

2007-07-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Book Review for July will take place Monday, July 23rd at 6 PM at the Cannoli Caffe!

My pick for July is Split Ends, by Kristin Billerbeck. Pick it up at your favorite bookstore, but you don't have to finish it before heading over to Cannoli Caffe (on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack) to sign up to win your seat at the Review.

Scroll down for some pictures and comments from women who had a terrific time at the June Book Review.

I can't wait to meet new friends and maybe see some from last month as well!

The Book Review was a Blast!!!

2007-07-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

Well, we had our first Cindy's Book Club Book Review on Saturday, June 30th at the beautiful Cannoli Caffe, and it was AWESOME!!!

I can't say enough about the wonderful ladies who took part in the Book Review. They were wonderful women, and I so enjoyed spending time with them. Everyone had enjoyed reading Quaker Summer, and they really "got" the message that Lisa was trying to get across in the book.

The discussion was great, the fellowship (or womenship? :)) was great, and the coffee and cookies were great.

A big "thank you" to Cannoli Caffe for being such kind and gracious hosts. We really appreciate it.

Another big thank you to Wynn-Wynn Media and Women of Faith for providing gift bags and products to give as prizes at the Book Review. They were a big hit!

Ladies, if you were at the Book Club, I would appreciate it so much if you would comment here about your experience. You told me verbally that you had a blast...I'd love for you to express that here on this blog.

Here are a few comments:

"I had a great time at the book review today! The Cannoli Cafe did a wonderful job with the refreshments and serving. Cindy did an excellent job as moderator and it was fun interacting with the other women. I hope I win a spot again next month--I'll certainly be trying!"--Michelle

I had such a great time at the Book Club last Saturday. I met new friends and got to enjoy great conversation over coffee and treats. Now, how cool is that! Thank you so much for the great gift bag. I am already looking forward to reading “Split Ends” and seeing you again next month.--Sharon

Cindy thanks so much for a great morning. I really did have a blast. It was awesome to meet new ladies who share my thoughts and feelings.Thanks to Cannoli's Cafe for the wonderful desserts and hopitality. The Hot chocolate was to die for...--Dawn

What an awesome time at your first book club event. The atmosphere was perfect, the conversation delightful, and Cindy, you were a terrific leader. Thanks for a great morning and I hope I get a pass for the Split-Ends group...I'll be signing up often, Caffe Cannoli's coffee is grand!--Jules

Thanks so much for your comments!

The featured book club for the month of July...

...is Split Ends, by Kristin Billerbeck. All the local Christian bookstores and Barnes and Noble are making sure to have plenty of copies on hand.

Again, all you need to do to register to win your seat at the next Book Review is head to Cannoli Caffe and enter your name. (I encourage you to grab a coffee drink or a bite to eat when you do so!) We'll draw winners again in late July (details forthcoming.)

THANK SO MUCH to all of you who took part. I hope this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship! :)

See you at the Cannoli Caffe!

2007-06-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the very first book discussion for Cindy's Book Club! I am REALLY looking forward to meeting those of you who won seats at the Book Review. See you at Cannoli Caffe at 9 AM, Saturday, June 30th!

Woo-hoo! Cindy's Book Club is taking off!

2007-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

It's really happening! The Cindy's Book Club Book Review takes place this Saturday at 9 AM at Cannoli Caffe.

The winners have been selected, and I'm in the midst of calling them to let them know! This being the first month for the Book Club, I think we've had wonderful response. Area bookstores tell us you're buying the book, and now many of you have taken the next step and headed to Cannoli Caffe to sign up.

I think we're going to have a GREAT time! Congrats on being a part of the very first month of what I hope will be a very successful endeavor.

Have you signed up for the Book Review?

2007-06-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

...and some soundclips from my Lisa Samson interview

It's definitely not too late for you to head down to the Cannoli Caffe (on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack in Rockford) to sign up to win your seat at the Book Review, June 30th at 9 AM!

It's not even too late for you to start reading "Quaker Summer" by Lisa Samson, if you're a fairly fast reader. I'm so excited about the potential for this Book Club, and I think it will be a lot of fun--but only if you, the listener/reader, take an active part in it. I want to see YOU at the Book Review.

Scroll down to my previous posts to get all the details about signing up. In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy some soundclips from my interview with Lisa Samson, the author of "Quaker Summer." Enjoy!

Oh, and please leave a comment to let me know a) if you're reading the book, b) how you're liking it or what you think of it, and c) if you've visited the Cannoli Caffe to sign up for your seat at the Book Review! I'd love to get your feedback.

Now, Lisa's soundclips:

Lisa explains what "Quaker Summer" is about:

Lisa talks about the changes that take place in the life of the main character, Heather:

Lisa explains why she wrote the book:

Oh, and if you have a moment? Check out this excellent review of "Quaker Summer."

Don't wait any longer to sign up!

2007-06-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

I'm getting so excited about Cindy's Book Club! Area bookstores tell us that you're buying "Quaker Summer," the June pick for the book club. That's fantastic!

But I have to tell you--you don't have to finish reading the book before you head over to the Cannoli Caffe to sign up to win a seat at the Book Review, which takes place June 30th at 9 AM at the caffe.

Why would you want to be a part of the Book Review?

Well, first of all, it's going to be FUN! We'll discuss the book, meet each other and make new friends, and you'll have the chance to win some awesome door prizes that will include Bath and Body Works products and a signed copy of our next book!

We'll also be able to enjoy the Cannoli Caffe's incredible coffee for just 1.01--get it, like 101QFL? :)

So sign up to win your seat at the Book Review as soon as possible. Simply go to the Cannoli Caffe during a weekday morning or afternoon (they're asking you to do it during these times to avoid the lunch rush). You'll want to sample the amazing goodies while you're there!

Where can you buy Quaker Summer?

Head to one of the following bookstores:

Faith Bookstore

Journey Books and Music

Lemstone Books

Rockford First Assembly Bookstore

The Scroll Bookstore

Vineyard Books and Gifts

Cornerstone Christian Supplies in Dekalb

The Crossing Bookstore in Freeport

Lighthouse Books & Gifts in Janesville

Thanks to all these bookstores for supporting Cindy's Book Club!

Finally...comment here!

If you're checking out this blog, please let me know by commenting! I'd love to hear from you. If you're reading Quaker Summer, I'd love to know how you're liking it so far. Just click on "comments" and tell me what you're thinking!

Cindy's Book Club is kicking into high gear!

2007-06-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Lisa Samson

The Book Club is really happening! You're now hearing promo's for Cindy's Book Club here on 101QFL, including snippets of Lisa Samson talking about "Quaker Summer."

Now it's up to you to participate. I really hope you will! I think this will be such a fun thing to be a part of.

All you have to do is:

--Read "Quaker Summer" (you can pick it up at Lemstone, or your favorite Christian bookstore, or order it from Amazon.com--we're also going to give away six copies on the air, so be listening for that!)

--Go to the Cannoli Caffe, on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack, and sign up to win your seat at the Book Review, which takes place on Saturday, June 30th at 9 AM). Sign-up times are between 7 and 11 AM or between 4 and 7 PM--you can enter as many times as you like

(While you're there, you'll probably want to indulge in one of their tasty coffees and/or food or dessert items!)

But, hey...you DON'T have to read the book before you enter to win a seat! You can enter any time during the month, whether you've finished the book or not!

The Charm of the Cannoli Caffe...

My daughter and I popped into the Cannoli Caffe for coffee and dessert the first time a few weeks ago, and we were instantly charmed! Greg and Rose Mary Sandahl were inspired to open the Caffe by their travels throughout Italy, "where the locals celebrate their love of coffee with many customs and traditions."

The atmosphere is so inviting, the decor colorful and attractive. I indulged in tiramisu, which is a favorite of mine that I rarely get to enjoy, with delicious Bella Rosa coffee to wash it down. My daughter had something delectably chocolate and a White Chocolate mocha (if I remember right).

The tiramisu was, literally, the best I've ever had. And Elizabeth and I agreed that the Cannoli Caffe would be the perfect place to meet friends for lunch or coffee.

I hope you'll get on board with the Book Club, and head over to the Caffee to enter to win a seat at the Book Review. I think it's going to be a blast, and I look forward to getting to know you and hearing your thoughts on "Quaker Summer." It's going to be fun!

--If you missed my interview with Lisa Samson on Weekend Rockford last week, we're airing it again this Sunday, June 3rd, at 5:30 AM on 101QFL and at 9 PM on our sister station, Radio 91!

--Please feel free to comment on this blog with anything you'd like to ask or say about the Book Club, Quaker Summer, Lisa Samson, or whatever's on your mind!

---Go here to read more of my book reviews, including one of Lisa Samson's "The Church Ladies"!

Welcome to Cindy's Book Club!

2007-05-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hi, I’m Cindy Swanson. Everyone knows I’m crazy about fiction. That’s why I’m so excited about something we’re calling Cindy’s Book Club. Each month this summer, I’ll be featuring a different Christian fiction book. You can participate by reading the book and going to Cannoli Caffé to sign up to win a seat at the Book Review…where you’ll have a chance to hang out with me, discuss the book, win some awesome gift baskets, and enjoy Cannoli Café’s delicious coffee for just a dollar-one!

So, read Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson…then head over to the Cannoli Caffé on Bell School Road across from the Golf Shack in Rockford, IL, between 7 and 11 AM or between 4 and 7 PM… and sign up to win your seat at the Book Review, which takes place Saturday, June 30th at 9 AM. Oh, when you’re signing up? I highly recommend the Cannoli. :)

***Listen to an interview with Lisa Samson on Cindy Swanson's Weekend Rockford radio show--this Sunday, June 3, 2007, on 101QFL at 5:30 AM and on our sister station, Radio 91, at 9 PM!