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Friends Like These

Laugh out loud, cringeworthy and occasionally painful stories of friendship.

Have you ever had a frully in your life? Do you find the rules of friendship baffling? Or have you had friends from before you are even born?

Cringe along with with these tales about the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous friendships we make, and escape throughout our lives.

A Little Book Problem Interview

I was delighted to be a interviewee for Julie at A Little Book Problems Desert Island Books feature.

"My name is Julie, I’m 50 and I am a book addict. Seriously, it is a severe and untreatable problem, hence the name of my blog. However, since it is not a vice that is dangerous in any way other than to my bank balance, I’m not too worried".

It’s time to strand another willing victim on my literary tropical island with five books of their choosing to keep them company until rescue arrives, plus one luxury item (which cannot be any kind of human or animal companion, or a rescue or escape device). Today’s castaway is author… Eden Gruger

Read The Full Article

If you would like to hear more Eden news then why not become one of my Very Important Reader Gang and get a free copy of Funny Bird here

Short Story Sunday – Jessica’s Reading Room

Down With Frogs audiobook was reviewed by Jessica's Reading Room:

"My name is Jessica and I live in Georgia. I am married and we have three precious cat furbabies named Sage, Curry, and Shiva. Sage and Curry were adopted from a local animal shelter and Shiva was a stray kitten found at my husband’s job.

I’ve been actively reading and keeping track of the books I have read since 2009. More recently I started writing reviews for Goodreads and Amazon. I wanted to expand that and the result is this website! The reviews posted are 100% my honest opinions.

I don’t read one particular genre. If I am interested in it I will read it, and I will read most genres".

Books are rated on a 5 star scale:

1 star- I did not like the book
2 stars- It was ok/ it wasn’t terrible
3 stars- It was good/ I liked it
4 stars- I really liked it
5 stars- I loved the book and was blown away/it was amazing

Blogs where I have been featured:
Compulsive Readers in: Behind the Blogger
The Book Review Café in: #TopFiveThursday
Bookliterati book review inA Life in Books
Clues and Reviews: Meet the Blogger
Damppebbles Crime Book Blog: #R3COMM3ND3D2017 , #R3COMM3ND2018, #R3COMM3ND3D2019
Kendall Reviews: #PageTurners: An Interview Series with Book Reviewers

Where I can be found on social media:
Goodreads: Jessica Johnson
Twitter: @JessReadingRoom
Instagram @jessica42980

Read Jessica's Review Here

If you would like to hear more Eden news then why not become one of my Very Important Reader Gang and get a free copy of Funny Bird here

 

Author Spotlight on Trini Girl Reads

It was a delight to be given the author spotlight on Trini Girl Reads. Francica is from the beautiful Caribbean islands Trinidad and Tobago. And reading is one of her favourite things to do in my spare time. So she decided to share her passion for books online. Reading a wide range of genres historical fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thrillers. And from the wider world like Asia and Africa.

"Today on the blog I would be highlighting the work of a very talented writer, Ms. Eden Gruger who graciously sent an excerpt for everyone to enjoy from her exciting new book "Down With Frogs". I am so happy for the opportunity to share this sneak peek with you guys. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did".

Read the article on Trini Girl Reads

If you would like to hear more Eden news then why not become one of my Very Important Reader Gang and get a free copy of Funny Bird here

Shaz’s Book Blog Feature

I was lucky enough to do speak to Sharon of Shaz's book blog about the affect of Covid on the release of my second book Laughing at Myself.

Sharon says "I have always been a bookworm and love nothing more than to curl up with a book but sadly gone are the days when I have the free time to read a book a day.  My day job entails working in the technical department for an insurance company but when I'm not working or prepping blog posts you are likely to find me with a book very close to hand".

The Write Stuff with... Eden Gruger

If you would like support and motivation to fulfil your writing dreams click here

If you would like to hear more Eden news then why not become one of my Very Important Reader Gang and get a free copy of Funny Bird here

Funny Bird by Eden Gruger

Here I share some more of the darkly comic stories that will make you laugh and cringe in equal measure.

This mini collection is an exclusive for my Very Important Reader Gang.

Stories include The Taxi Driver, Deafness and Accents, He is not Father Dougal and Chip pans and Louvre doors.

You are quite welcome to buy my book using the link BUT every member of my Very Important Reader Gang get a copy for free - so why not join in?

I Want To Be In The Gang!

Laughing at Myself

Laughing at Myself are the fascinating and compelling stories about all the times that life conspires to make you look like an idiot. Stories include: Wheel of (Mis)fortune, Cataracts Toilet, Death by Frisbee, First Driving Test, Put Them Away Love, and Nice to See You

“the type of book you want to read on a rainy day, with a cuppa and a biscuit (or three)”

Down With Frogs

It has always been said Princesses have to kiss a lot frogs before they find their Prince… so it makes sense that sometimes they might feel like giving up on love.

From awkward first meetings, dreadful dinners, to who should do the dusting, and sexual mishaps dating is a minefield.

The big question is will we learn from our mistakes or make them all over again?

Whether you are happily settled, or still looking, these laugh out loud, always candid, occasionally tragic tales will delight you.

"Amazingly funny book. the author has got an amazing sense of humour can't wait to read the next book"
"I would highly recommend"

"5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious I absolutely loved this book! What a fab read and never a dull moment. It was very easy to read and very well written"

"Hahaha! Imagination into overdrive. Can just imagine being in such a situation and having the giggles. More stories please!"

"Had me smiling all the way through. Can’t wait to read more"

Laughing At Myself is here!

Hello gorgeous friends, today's the day, you can buy your paperback copy of Laughing at Myself direct from my publisher! It's released on Amazon and all good retailers worldwide from August 2020. So this link is super special!

laughing at myself (Book Cover)
Laughing at Myself released today!

These laugh out loud, hilarious, candid tales of awkward meetings, terrible driving tests, dodgy hairdos and accidentally flashing, show just what a minefield life can be.

The big question is how will we survive the embarrassment?

Whether you are the sort of person who trips over fresh air, or you have the poise of a Queen, these tales will delight you.

“Loved Laughing at Myself…easy to read, episodic, the type of book you want to read on a rainy day, with a cuppa and a biscuit (or three)”.

“Delightfully cringeworthy, humorous book…”

“Thoroughly enjoyed Laughing at Myself… had some laugh out loud moments. I read it in one sitting as I wanted to know what she did next!”

With stories such as Wheel of (Mis)fortune, Cataracts Toilet, Death by Frisbee and How to Take Your Driving Test, this book will make you laugh, and give a sigh of relief that you aren't the clumsiest and scattiest person in the world after all.

Laughing at Myself available in paperback, eBook and audio

If you would like to hear more from me, and get a free copy of Funny Bird, then become one of my Very Important Reader Gang here

Laughing At Myself Cover Reveal

So much tantalising, and teasing, and finally I can reveal that the act going through tonight is...... oh hold on know that's not right... 

laughing at myself (Book Cover)

These laugh out loud, hilarious, candid tales of awkward meetings, terrible driving tests, dodgy hairdos and accidentally flashing, show just what a minefield life can be.

The big question is how will we survive the embarrassment?

Whether you are the sort of person who trips over fresh air, or you have the poise of a Queen, these tales will delight you.

“Loved Laughing at Myself…easy to read, episodic, the type of book you want to read on a rainy day, with a cuppa and a biscuit (or three)”.

“Delightfully cringeworthy, humorous book…”

“Thoroughly enjoyed Laughing at Myself… had some laugh out loud moments. I read it in one sitting as I wanted to know what she did next!”

Laughing at Myself available in paperback, eBook and audio

If you would like to hear more from me, and get a free copy of Funny Bird, then become one of my Very Important Reader Gang here

First Reviews For Laughing at Myself Are In!

Getting the first reviews of your new book, product or service is always a slightly nerve-wracking moment, was all that work worth it? Will they like it? And don’t get me wrong there are always people who don’t like something; but as long as the reviews are generally positive, I’m a happy bunny.   By the way I don't pay for reviews, and you shouldn't consider doing it either, it's unethical.

Laughing at Myself isn’t available on general release as yet, but here’s what the reviewers have to say so far; 

“I just read Eden's book 'Laughing At Myself', which is a delightfully cringeworthy, humorous book of short stories that is written so well that I couldn’t help but picture myself as the character in most stories, particularly the one about the elderly cat’s bladder issues, as I had to literally question the author whether the story was based on the time it happened to me. It wasn’t and I was evilly relieved that I wasn’t the only person that cats had decided to use as a litter tray. 

The whole book made me feel grateful that I am not the only person in the world that gets myself in an array of embarrassing situations, and I happily laughed at the characters’ misfortune. 

I read the book over three mornings and found the writing style easy to read due to the ease of flow and the large type intended for dyslexic readers. I am not dyslexic myself but did find the format easier to read than a regular font. 

I also particularly enjoyed the story about the size 6 shoes on size 4 feet, and the one about the driving test. I won’t give any more away as you need to read it yourself. 

I very much look forward to reading future work from Eden. Well done!” written by Wendy Harding

“Just finished reading this, great book! I have loved reading LAUGHING AT MYSELF … so many of the stories I could relate to in way one or another … feeling like an awkward teenager at times and especially the perm ? didn’t we all have a disaster hair-do during some stage in our lives? ?? 

The book is easy to read, episodic, the type of book you want to read on a rainy day, with a cuppa and a biscuit (or three). It’s important we can find humour in some of the hiccups life throws at us, and Eden’s book reminds us of that. 

I was sorry that I’d finished it, it was like I was getting to know Eden more and more and then it was the end ☹ I hope there’s another in the future.” Written by Clare Drew 

This delightfully hilarious, sensitive, witty, brave, forgiving and loving read is not to be missed. The author’s magical simplicity is a clever invitation, not only to be thoroughly entertained, but Gruger reintroduces ourselves in a whole new light. 

Laughing at Myself is a beautifully easy read that you won’t want to put down. Gruger skilfully guides you effortlessly through her narrative, while giving you all the details the reader needs to put themselves in the scenes of the story. Each short story flows into the next. Equally if time to yourself is limited, (and hiding from my 3 children at home during lockdown is only successful for so long), it is a book you can delve into for a quick visit, be entertained and come back to it again later... again and again. It will never fail to put a smile on your face. 

As Gruger continues to introduce herself as she skips through her life’s encounters, you are left laughing out loud as you get to know her ‘Bridget Jones meets Calamity Jane’ character. The amusing references are endless, but... “Yet another time in my life when something I found funny, everyone else thought was idiotic”... resounds throughout. 

I was left feeling not only amused, but quite elated. Encouraged to look at the humour within ourselves, our own vulnerabilities, to recognise them, greet them, open heartedly, and laugh away. Perhaps we can admit a little piece of this author is within all of us, and Gruger does a superb job of introducing us. 

Gruger will leave you awakened, with a renewed awareness, as she teaches us those good solid life lessons... laugh at yourself, laugh with others, find the humour in life, forgive ourselves and ultimately love ourselves and the life we live. 

The only criticism you will have is being left wanting more. Not just more tales of Gruger’s adventures, that goes without saying. But intrigued to find out more about each scenario, to share the further depths of Gruger’s thinking and humour. Where will each experience take her next. You want more than that peek, you’ll want to be experiencing it with her, get to know her better. She’s your potential best friend you haven’t met yet. And there’s a hell of a lot of catching up to do!” Written by Vida Warby . 

It's worth remembering that not everyone can like everything, and that's ok, if someone doesn't enjoy one of my books, as long as they are constructively critical it's all useful. For these reviews I am very thankful, Laughing at Myself will be on pre-order to subscribers only for the next two weeks, and in six weeks it will be available worldwide! there will be more books to come after this (and with a much shorter waiting time), I promise, you can always check into my blog for your Eden fix. 

Available in paperback, ebook and audio

If you would like to hear more from me, and get a free copy of Funny Bird, then become one of my Very Important Reader Gang here

Free eBook For Very Important Reader Gang

Try one of my books completely free, Funny Bird is available to members of my Very Important Reader Gang, with laugh out loud stories like Taxi Driver, and He Is Not Father Dougal....

Claim Your Free eBook

Cheeky Preview From Laughing at Myself

Just because, here's another little cheeky preview of a first draft from my second book Laughing at Myself

On the day I booked in my regular hairdresser was away, but I wasn’t worried, these ladies were all professionals, I sat in the chair, took off my spectacles, and settled into a very soft focus world. Three hours later I put my glasses back on to find I had the tightest perm that anyone has ever had, reducing my hair to about a half an inch fuzz all over my head, it was also dried out and crunchy to the touch, two qualities that hair should never really have.

It couldn’t have looked more ridiculous if I were wearing a joke wig, in shock I paid, stumbled home and was greeted with my mum’s tactful “what the f**k have you done to your hair?”. This surprisingly did not help me to feel better about my hair monstrosity, and I phoned the shop to complain.

“It just needs a deep condition”, said the lady who wasn’t my hairdresser, “perms can be ‘a bit drying”. She suggested a wax conditioner, (which I attempted to buy in several shops without success, deciding it must be the hairdressers equivalent of tartan paint). I suggested coming in to see the manager. The next day I went into the manager who said she thought it looked really ‘nice’ funny then that she didn’t have the same hairstyle herself then wasn’t it.

They didn’t offer to do anything, even when after explaining I had asked the ladies to do a light body perm, and they had told the trainee which rollers to use (the smallest rollers invented, the sort that would make pencil look on the flabby side).

At the point when I was almost immune to people’s sideways looks of horror at work, in shops, cafes, and on the bus frizz ease was invented, and although it took two hours to apply and blow dry straight, it turned my hair from crunchy poodle, to Lego helmet hair. Which at least gave me another option.

Let me know what you think of this story from Laughing at Myself

Available in paperback, ebook and audio

Sneak peak from Laughing at Myself

Here's a sneak peek of Cataracts Toilet from my second Laughing at Myself, which is (I promise) on it's way...

Being the fabulous daughter that I obviously am, what else would I do when mum needed to get to a check-up before her cataracts operation but offer to drive her to the hospital?

she was having her first check up with a specialist to see whether her cataracts were ‘ripe enough’ to operate on (I think this expression is gross, but it is the real one, so there we go).

We arrived with plenty of time to spare before the appointment so that she had time to ‘settle in’, which translates into had time to take her coat off, pop to the toilet and then chat in the waiting room for a bit. The chatting part is very important, although her husband is still around, she tells me that after 46 years you really are in need of some fresh conversation.

If you want to hear the rest of the story I'll be reading it for you very soon :-)

Laughing at Myself is available in paperback, ebook or audio

Read a book, review, and share

It's that sort of world now, people want to know what something is like, whether you enjoyed it, and what your opinion is for everything. And books are no different, this is especially true when people are considering trying out a new author.

What if you didn't like a book? well that's fine, you cannot like everything. Leave a review anyway, and just make sure that any criticisms you make are constructive; after all this is someone's livelihood. Who knows if you are making a good point it could be really helpful for them in their future books. 

When you buy a book online you'll often get that email prompt saying hey what did you think of that book you bought? how many stars will you give it? what about books that you buy elsewhere? I have made a lovely list for you below, of all the places readers hangout online, so you'll be able to leave your opinion all over the show! 

So, how important is it that you review books after you read or listen to them? it's no exaggeration to say it's vital. 

Not only does it help fellow readers find new work, and new authors that they might enjoy; but it also helps writers reach new readers who may want to borrow their books from libraries or to buy them.

That in turn encourages people to use libraries and independent book shops.

See? the five minutes it takes you to compose and post your review could help an author, a small business, and your community - wow that's a powerful few minutes - so get reviewing!

Goodreads

Kobo

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Thirsty

Booksie

Walmart

Scribd

If you would like to hear more from me, and get a free copy of Funny Bird, then become one of my Very Important Reader Gang here