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Mr. Dickens and His Carol
Mr. Dickens and His Carol: A Novel of Christmas Past | Samantha Silva
A charming, comic, and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written. Its as foggy and haunted and redemptive as the original; its all heart, and I read it in a couple of ebullient, Christmassy gulps. Anthony Doerr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All The Light We Cannot See A debut novel with the wit of Shakespeare in Love and the evergreen charm of A Christmas Carol For Charles Dickens, each Christmas has been better than the last. But when his newest book is an utter flop, his publishers offer an ultimatum: either he writes a Christmas book in a month, or they will call in his debts, and he could lose everything. Grudgingly, he accepts, but with relatives hounding him for loans, his wife planning an excessively lavish holiday party, and jealous critics moving in for the kill, he is hardly feeling the Christmas spirit. Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace and inspiration in London itself, his great palace of thinking. And on one of his long walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets a young woman who might be just the muse he needs. Over the next few weeks, Eleanor Lovejoy propels Dickens on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambitionand Christmas. Laced with humor, rich historical detail from Dickens life, and clever winks to his work, Samantha Silva's Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an irresistible new take on an adored classic.
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Eggs
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Pickpick

A charming re-imagining of how Dickens was inspired to create his classic Christmas story 🎄

#LitsyLove
#ReadAway2024

DieAReader 🥳Great! 7mo
Eggs @DieAReader 😍🙏🏻 7mo
60 likes2 comments
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Kshakal
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Eggs My choice too 🙌🏻🙌🏻 10mo
36 likes1 comment
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MaureenMc
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Pickpick

Charming read that was perfect for Christmastide. 🎄Silva imagines Dickens‘ inspiration for writing A Christmas Carol. I listened to a small portion of the book and found the narration delightful.

43 likes1 stack add
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MittenGirlPeach
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What a fabulous package, @kspenmoll ! The candleholder is so perfect! I‘m going to cozy up with books tonight. As you can see, Eddy Charcoal is keeping me company. @wanderinglynn #YuleSwap @BookwormAHN

BookwormAHN Cool candle holder 🤍 11mo
wanderinglynn Love it! Happy Yule! ❄️ 11mo
kspenmoll I am sorry I somehow missed this post. I am happy you enjoyed the swap. I had such fin such fun picking out things to send you. 11mo
MittenGirlPeach @kspenmoll it was a fantastic package! I‘m really enjoying it. (edited) 11mo
22 likes4 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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My #jolabokaflodswap23 arrived today @MaleficentBookDragon I don‘t know who it‘s from yet, I didn‘t open the card.
Whoever it‘s from, I didn‘t see if the box was marked, I thought it was something I ordered 🤣 the stuff I did see made me cry, it‘s been a rough week and I needed this more than you know! Now I just gotta wait until the 24th to see the rest!!

MaleficentBookDragon It‘s nice when that happens. Some days you really need it. 11mo
41 likes1 comment
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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ A fictional rendition of Dickens‘s life leading up to producing A Christmas Carol. This was cute, clever, often funny, and had some great references to his other works. A very enjoyable holiday read. #bookclub

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steph_phanie
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ - Pretty good for a debut novel. I liked it!

A moving fictional account of Charles Dickens' writing of A Christmas Carol. There's quite a bit of emotion in it, even some humor. I recommend saving this easy read for a wintry day and a hot cup of tea! It's probably best followed up with a rereading (or watching) of A Christmas Carol.

I was unaware of the history that inspired this novel, and it led me to research more on Dickens and ACC.

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tdrosebud
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I'm so sorry I forgot to post this when I got home @LeslieO ! I love it. The candy is gone, that sponge candy was so interesting! I really liked it. I'm thinking of saving the book for Christmas season this year but haven't decided yet. Thanks again!
Thanks for hosting #jolabokaflodswap @MaleficentBookDragon !

LeslieO You are so welcome! I loved the book and wouldn‘t blame you if you wait to read it next Christmas season. I hope interesting means you liked the sponge candy!😄 2y
LeslieO BTW did you get the truffles I scattered in the box? I hope they didn‘t get mixed up with the packing stuff. (edited) 2y
tdrosebud @LeslieO Yes I liked the sponge candy. It sort of reminded me of a malted milk ball but not quite. And all I received is what is pictured. There wasn't a truffle. 2y
LeslieO Oh no I think I only put them in one of my swap boxes. 2y
tdrosebud @LeslieO no biggie. I loved what I got! 2y
24 likes5 comments
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actualdisneyprincess
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Cleansing my palate of the terrible that was “Layla.” This is delightful so far. #mrdickensandhiscarol #samanthasilva #christmascarol #christmasbooks #holidayreads

Sharpeipup Oh no! I was just picking up 2y
actualdisneyprincess It‘s…something. 😬 I think it‘s one of those books that‘s especially love it or hate it, no middle ground. I‘m interested to see what you think!! 2y
18 likes2 comments
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Pageturner1
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MoonWitch94
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📦I sent out my #jolabokaflod package today!!!! Can‘t wait to get mine & open it on Christmas Eve!

MoonWitch94 @rsteve388 I have a shipping update! You will have a package delivered via Amazon by 12/21 due to shipping delays. 2y
rsteve388 Thank you!! 2y
44 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I‘m haven‘t read this one… have you? ❄️

#DivineDecember
#Carols

hannah-leeloo This looks good! I'll have to look into this one, happy reading hun 2y
Eggs No but it sounds lovely 🥰 2y
Andrew65 Read this and loved it. Read it last year and gave it 4.5 stars so I would definitely recommend it. @AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks @hannah-leeloo @eggs (edited) 2y
See All 8 Comments
hannah-leeloo Brilliant thank you @Andrew65 I look forward to this 2y
megnews Yes I really enjoyed it 2y
Libby1 I loved it. I might read it again this year! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @hannah-leeloo how are you sweetie? ❤️ 2y
hannah-leeloo Currently cold. Been super busy sadly with meetings for me and the kids health @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks trying to feel secure. Also sorting out the latest animals I've taken in who needed a home. How about you my friend? Thank you for asking 💗 2y
52 likes2 stack adds8 comments
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Marmie7
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TheSpineView Excellant! 3y
23 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
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Mehso-so

The last 25% saved this from being a total pan. The only reason I didn't bail was indecision over what to read instead 🤣 In my opinion, it wasn't worth the slog to reach the charm.

DivineDiana That‘s too bad! I am wanting to see the movie with Dan Stevens. 3y
MaureenMc @DivineDiana I haven‘t read the book, but I watched the Dan Stevens‘ film earlier this week and found it delightful. 😊 3y
TheKidUpstairs @DivineDiana it has a really good rating on here, so I think I'm in the minority! Don't let my review scare you off the movie 😄 3y
DivineDiana @MaureenMc @TheKidUpstairs Thank you! ❤️❤️ 3y
57 likes4 comments
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CaitZ
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Pickpick

This is a fictional account of Dickens' life around the time he was writing it. Elements of Christmas Carol are dropped into the story. I wonder how much is true. Does anyone know of a good biography of Dickens?#WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers #AVeryMerryReadathon #LittenListen #WinterCosy #WrapItUp #Adventathon #AVeryMerryBingo @StayCurious @TheSpineView @aperfectmjk @PuddleJumper @keys_on_fire @ozma.of.oz @Jadams1776

suvata Awesome book 3y
Jadams89 🎉👍🏻🎄 3y
25 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Madeline! Thank you so much for this thoughtful gift!! I love everything and the candle smells so good!! You are so sweet! Merry Christmas 🎄 ❤️💚

#LitsyLove

RosePressedPages I‘m glad you like it!!☺️ Merry Christmas!!🎄 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @MadelineMcCrae I love it!! Merry Christmas ❤️💚 3y
Andrew65 I really enjoyed this book. 3y
70 likes3 comments
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jenniferw88
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Pickpick
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ncsufoxes
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Pickpick

A break from Christmas romance reads (much needed), I liked this one. I liked the author‘s descriptions, they were very well detailed & painted vivid images. I finally read “A Christmas Carol” last year, so this was a nice follow up. It was a good, quick read. 26 points #wintergames2021 #mistletoemaniacs #bookspin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
21 likes1 comment
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Andrew65
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Pickpick

Loved this book but it did take a while to get going. A clever little book about Dickens writing a Christmas Carol. Quite a shock hidden in the book. Recommended.

16th book #WinterGames2021 #mistletoeManiacs
#WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire #Wintercosy Readathon @PuddleJumper #AVeryMerryReadathon @TheSpineView #Adventathon @ozma.of.oz #dashingDecember #ChristmasMyWay @GHABI4ROSES @DieAReader

CoverToCoverGirl Love that cover. 👏🏻👏🏻 (edited) 3y
DieAReader Awesome job🎉🎉🎉 3y
Andrew65 @CoverToCoverGirl It is a great cover. 3y
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Andrew65 @DieAReader Thanks 😍 3y
Jennifer3 I need to pull this off the shelf and check it out finally. 3y
Andrew65 @Jennifer3 Most definitely. 3y
TheSpineView Fantastic! 🤩📖 3y
Andrew65 @TheSpineView Thanks 😍 3y
84 likes8 comments
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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Pickpick

Sentimental and charming, this is a wonderful holiday read for fans of the classic Christmas story (🙋🏻‍♀️). Silva takes liberties with portraying Dickens‘s real life, but succeeds in taking something familiar and making it new. I was enchanted (and inspired to read more Dickens). Silva is also a screenwriter and this should absolutely be adapted into a film. Simply delightful. 4⭐️ #wintergames2021 #mistletoemaniacs #averymerrybingo

BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @Jadams1776 AVMB Prompt 7: White Christmas 3y
Jadams89 🎅🏻👍🏻🎁 3y
14 likes2 comments
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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I blew through my reading goals for #dashingdecember, and am starting my #bookspin book tonight! 4+ books in one week is awesome for me as fulltime mom and engineer! #wintergames2021 #mistletoemaniacs

Andrew65 Fantastic 👏👏👏 3y
BeckyWithTheGoodBooks @Andrew65 I was happy to see that you enjoyed Mr. Dickens too! 3y
Andrew65 @BeckyWithTheGoodBooks Yes a very enjoyable read with a great twist. 3y
10 likes3 comments
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MoonWitch94
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#Two4Tuesday

1️⃣ I love the classics, and Celtic carols. Instrumentals are good, too.
2️⃣ Pine/Evergreen hands down!

Thanks for the tag, Lisa! Anyone who hasn‘t played: this is your sign to play! ♥️❄️🎄

TheSpineView You're welcome! Thanks for playing! 3y
Sharpeipup Is there a particular Celtic album you‘d recommend? 3y
MoonWitch94 @Sharpeipup “A Cozy Celtic Christmas” is a playlist that I love on Spotify. Celtic Women also have a couple Christmas albums that are nice, too. 3y
38 likes3 comments
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Andrew65
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Starting a new book, been looking forward to this one. Hope it doesn‘t disappoint.

#WinterGames2021 #MistletoeManiacs

MoonWitch94 I‘m reading this one, too! I like it so far. 3y
Vansa She's a good writer. Her book about Mary Wollstonecraft is great, so this one probably will be too! 3y
Andrew65 @MoonWitch94 @Vansa I‘m enjoying it so far. 3y
63 likes3 comments
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aperfectmjk
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Pickpick
BookmarkTavern 👍🏻👍🏻 3y
TheSpineView Great 🤩🤩🤩 3y
Andrew65 On my list for this year. 3y
See All 8 Comments
PuddleJumper That's really great! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
Jadams89 🎄🎁🎉👍🏻 3y
StayCurious Isn't finishing a long time read a great feeling? 3y
aperfectmjk @Jadams1776 I am using prompt 1 for this one. It's been on my TBR for the past two years. 😂 3y
49 likes1 stack add8 comments
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aperfectmjk
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Still listening to Mr. Dickens and His Carol and crafting. Painting rocks is the new thing now.

#Holidaycraft #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

HeathHof So pretty!! 3y
SeaToSkyes That's beautiful! 3y
See All 6 Comments
Magpiegem I love painting pebbles! Last year I did all the children in my family Christmas pebble naughts and crosses. This snowman is beautiful! Xx 3y
StayCurious That is sooo cute! Give yourself an extra 10 points. 👏 😁 3y
aperfectmjk @StayCurious Awww... thanks! I'll add it to this week's points. 3y
48 likes6 comments
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aperfectmjk
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Did some crafting while listening to this one. Made this cute Christmas tree from a pine cone. We haven't put our tree up yet because we have a 4 month old kitten that will no doubt destroy it. 😒

#XmasTreeContest #HolidayCraft #WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

PuddleJumper That's really pretty! 3y
TheSpineView Beautiful! 3y
See All 10 Comments
keys_on_fire That‘s such a cute idea!! And you are rocking with all the reading! 3y
Jadams89 🎄🎉🎁🎅🏻👍🏻 3y
BookmarkTavern How cute! 3y
HeathHof So adorable!! 3y
tpixie That‘s an adorable tree🎄 3y
TheAromaofBooks Oh my gosh that is SO adorable! 3y
StayCurious How creative! 3y
48 likes10 comments
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jenniferw88
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#bookspin list for December @TheAromaofBooks

Most of these are for challenges I think I can complete!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
66 likes1 comment
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Twainy
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Pickpick

🎧 I love a good narration! It helped when things slowed down.

I love the Christmas Carol & this story about how it came about was full of characters and mentions from other beloved stories. Detailed descriptions of life in Victorian England, the relationships (past, present & future), the decisions and actions and women in his life. I enjoyed this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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suvata
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Pickpick

This is an absolutely delightful and inspirational story of how Charles Dickens came to write the most iconic Christmas story ever written. A CHRISTMAS CAROL has been revered by every generation since its publication in 1843. Samantha Silva has captured the essence of Dickens and Victorian London such that I felt as if I was there living there right beside him — a ghost from Christmas future, if you will. 5-Stars

megnews I loved this. 4y
suvata @megnews Me too. It was great! 4y
60 likes1 stack add2 comments
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melissajayne
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Pickpick

4⭐️ A reread for me that was much more enjoyable the second time around. The middle was a bit slow, but it was still enjoyable. #fiction #historicalfiction #christmasfiction #bookreview #bookstagram #wintergames2020 #readnosedreindeers +36pts

32 likes3 stack adds
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OriginalCyn620
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this! A bit slow in the middle but not enough for me to bail. I love A Christmas Carol, and this was a fun fictional account of how Dickens came to write his beloved story. The ending was great!
#merryreaders #wintergames2020 #tbrread 15+1=16pts
#bookspinbingo
#readyourway #DashingDecember #WinterSolstice 120pts for reading time

Andrew65 Looks good 👏👏👏 4y
TheSpineView 👍🎄🎅🎁 4y
Bookgoil Looks great! ❤️ 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
47 likes4 comments
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Blueberry
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1st day of Christmas 🌟
#12booksof2020 @Andrew65

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

I almost set this one aside because it felt like the story was going to try and justify selfish, untrustworthy behavior. But the writing is beautiful and so Dickens-like that I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did. This is a fictional account speculating on how the Christmas Carol was conceived, and it was wonderfully executed.

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OriginalCyn620
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Started this book today but had to limit my reading time to 2 hours, as I have some adulting to do!
#wintergames2020 #merryreaders #readyourway #DashingDecember #WinterSolstice 61pts

Mitch I love that cover - very Christmassy! 4y
Andrew65 This looks interesting. Look forward to your review. 4y
Bookgoil This one looks good! 4y
TheSpineView 🤩📖📚 4y
58 likes4 comments
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TheSpineView
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#DecemberSong @Eggs
Day 23: Carol of the Bells

Eggs Great choice - it sounds similar to the film about Dickens‘ invention of Christmas which I loved 4y
65 likes1 stack add2 comments
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OriginalCyn620
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54 likes1 stack add
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Blueberry
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Currently reading.

50 likes2 stack adds
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Laughterhp
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Pickpick

Finished this one last night. It was pretty good. It was to see how Dickens got his “inspiration”. How he turned grumpy and started walking around as Scrooge until he got his Christmas spirit back. The author‘s note says she took a lot of liberties to create the story, so I doubt much of it is true. A low pick.

#MerryReaders #WinterGames2020 +26pts
#BookSpinBingo - Box 14
#ReadYourWay - 11hrs read this week so far

TheAromaofBooks Great review!!! 4y
TheSpineView 😍📚📖 4y
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Kshakal
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Pickpick

This book was a slow burn for me... I absolutely loved the last 20 pages or so but the rest was just kind of meh for me.

#tbr #teamreadnosedreindeer #wintergames2020 @StayCurious

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veritysalter
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Pickpick

Faced with financial ruin, Charles Dickens must write a Christmas story to pay his debts or face his father‘s fate of the debtors prison. Brimming with ‘Easter Eggs‘ of names and phrases from ‘A Christmas Carol‘, this is an enjoyable imagining of how the story came to be. #WinterGames #MerryReaders

Clwojick ❤ Way to go! 🌲 4y
37 likes1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
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(online) book haul! One for me, Mr. Dickens, and The Wonky Donkey books for my sister which brings me much joy. I can't wait for her to read aloud to the grandbabies.

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MoonWitch94
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#ThoughtfulThursday

✨Christmas, Yule/Winter Solstice, New Years
✨Decorate, get a tree, put up lights inside & out, bake, buy gifts, send holiday cards, watch holiday movies, buy & wrap presents, light candles
✨ As long as I have my family & boyfriend, everything else can be overcome. 2020 is the year I was reminded that the little things are what matter.

🌲Everyone can play! Tagging some Littens to get this started!

Texreader Thanks for the tag! 😘 4y
wanderinglynn Thanks for the tag! 😘 4y
Crazeedi Thanks for the tag !💗 4y
See All 8 Comments
Eggs Thanks for the tag ❣️ 4y
OriginalCyn620 Thanks for the tag! 😊 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for the tag! Yes, it‘s the little things ❤️ 4y
DaveGreen7777 Thank you for the tag! 😁🏷 4y
42 likes8 comments
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MoonWitch94
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#WondrousWednesday

🎄Scotland, Ireland and England. The history, the gorgeous country, the Highlands—it‘s on my bucket list. Ultimate goal!

🎄#WinterGames2020 and #authoramonth
I signed up for too much this year and haven‘t accomplished much. Next year will be lighter & more tangible.

Want to play: @Sharpeipup @StayCurious @Nute @NeedsMoreBooks @BayouGirl85 @Mitch @inthegreensandblues @MicheleinPhilly

TheSpineView Oops.. I just tagged you. You must have just posted your responses as I was working on mine!😋 4y
MoonWitch94 @TheSpineView 🤣 Great Litsy minds think alike! ❤️💗📚 4y
Mitch Thanks for the tag! I love the Highlands. I‘d move there in a shot ( except Mr K isn‘t into outdoor stuff or the cold!) 4y
See All 10 Comments
TheSpineView @MoonWitch94 Yes they do!😊 4y
MoonWitch94 @Mitch My Boyfriend is the same! 😆 4y
inthegreensandblues My favorite area of the world! ❤️ Well I've been to GB but not Ireland yet. Was thinking about planning a trip right before the pandemic hit, lol. I hope you get to go! 4y
StayCurious Scotland was my favourite trip so far! Love love love it! 4y
Eggs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇮🇪 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿!!! Thanks for joining in 🥳📚🥰 4y
Sharpeipup I‘ve been to 2 of your 3 and Scotland is next on my list! 4y
MoonWitch94 @inthegreensandblues Thank you! @StayCurious I‘ve heard it‘s pretty phenomenal. @Eggs You‘re welcome 😘 @Sharpeipup You lucky duck! I hope you get to Scotland 🤞🏻 4y
39 likes10 comments
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PandaPanda
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Mehso-so

Finished this book just in time for book club today as well as my first read for #teamrednosedreindeer! I was not as into this as I was hoping I would be - I honestly think it would have been better as a short story. #wintergames2020

+26 points for this Christmas read! @StayCurious

batsy I gave it the same rating. A little too mawkish for my taste towards the end! 4y
56 likes1 comment
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MoonWitch94
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My #WinterGames2020 #TBR for #TeamReadNosedReindeer 📚🎄❤️

26 points

fakesteph I love your graphic! 4y
BookwormAHN Fantastic graphic 💚 4y
MoonWitch94 @fakesteph @BookwormAHN Thank you! 📚❤️🎄 4y
StayCurious This looks great! 4y
51 likes4 comments
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PandaPanda
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Dickens couldn‘t sleep, didn‘t want to. The end was too near, close enough to touch.

Not great when you get excited because a line in a book reminds you it‘s almost over. Not loving this one but forcing myself to finish it for book club.

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RainyDayReading
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Here is part one of my December/#merryreaders TBR. On the left are all the holiday/winter themed books I own. The right are mostly #bookspin and #doublespin books that I‘ve started but didn‘t finish. I‘m hoping to finish out as many as I can as well as read books from the left stack and the holiday books I‘m getting from the library. @Clwojick #wintergames2020

Clwojick Awesome!!! ♥️ 4y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! That's quite the stack!! 4y
PuddleJumper I am super jealous of your stack! There is so many awesome books 4y
Patchshank I love house of leaves. So much going on with it. I hope you like it as much as I did. 4y
46 likes4 comments
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PandaPanda
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Really excited to dig into this atmospheric read! I would have kept it for next month for points for #readnosedreindeer but it‘s my book club book for this month so have to get it read!

47 likes1 stack add
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SonyaV
Pickpick

A lovely book. I enjoyed it immensely. Of course, I also love A Christmas Carol; and have to admit I know very, little of Charles Dickens' actual life.. Although, now I might have to find a good biography on the man. And this a work of fiction, but I found it charming