My blog made a “best of” list plus audiobook news & why I took a week offline

Oct 1, 2022 | 6 comments

30 best women’s fiction blogs and websites

Like most bloggers, I often wonder if my posts resonate with readers. As such, it was both an honour and fantastic surprise to learn that this blog has been chosen by Feedspot as one of the “Top 30 Women’s Fiction Blogs” on the internet.

You can see the whole list here where “Jen Gilroy” is at number five.

It’s especially meaningful to spot author friends and colleagues like Laura Drake and Lainey Cameron from the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) on the list too, as well as several bloggers (Bookish Jottings and Harlequin Junkie) who have generously read and reviewed some of my books over the years.

I have a range of new-to-me bloggers to follow as well.

Thanks to Feedspot for including me in this list of popular women’s fiction blogs and also helping me reach new blog readers.

Will you listen to The Sweetheart Locket in audiobook?

In case you missed it in my September newsletter, The Sweetheart Locket, my dual-time Second World War women’s fiction novel, will soon be available in audiobook.

Narrated by Polly Edsell and Regina Reagan, the audiobook is being released by Isis Audio on 1 October (primarily for the UK library market), and subsequently, on 6 October, by Orion Publishing Group for the general market.

From Isis Audio, the book has this new and gorgeous cover with a strong historical feel.

If you’re in the UK and spot a copy in your local library I’d love to see a photo.

The Orion trade audiobook retains the existing cover, and you can find it on Audible and all other sites.

Although it’s always odd to hear others read words that until now were only inside my head, I’m excited to hear these talented narrators, who sound as I imagine my main characters do, bring The Sweetheart Locket to life in a new way.

Why I took a week offline

If you follow me on social media (I usually post daily on my Facebook author page and Twitter), you’ll have seen a post from Tech Guy indicating I was offline.

Although I returned this week, I’m still pacing myself and having to take regular screen (and other) breaks.

Diagnosed with an inner ear problem, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), I’ve experienced severe vertigo, nausea and other not-so-fun things.

And while there is no identifiable cause, this episode seems to have been triggered by bending over to load the dishwasher.

Finally, evidence that housework can be bad for your health!

I’ll be back with a regular blog post in two weeks but, in the meantime, cosy October wishes to all.

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6 Comments

  1. Angela Joynes

    Congratulations Jen,

    Woohoo! On a top blog list!! Wow.

    I really enjoy your blog too, as well as your novels. I feel like we’re some kind of kindred spirits separated by hundreds of miles!

    Congrats again!
    Angela

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      What a lovely comment, Angela. Thank you! I’m happy you’ve found my books and blog and glad you enjoy both. I like that idea of “kindred spirits separated by hundreds of miles” too. It’s special to connect, virtually.

      Reply
  2. Deb

    Jen, so sorry about vertigo issues. But YAY on blog recognition. Yours is always one of my go-tos.

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Deb. I’m so happy that my blog is one of your “go-tos.” That’s special and means a lot to me.

      Reply
  3. Heidi Vanstone

    Congratulations on earning a spot in the Top 30. Way to go; well done, you! And, I hope you will have a full return to good health soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Heidi. I appreciate your good wishes. I’ve had a rough few weeks with some ongoing health issues but am hopeful that things are finally on the “up” and I’ll be fully better soon.

      Reply

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