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As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
From the acclaimed author of Secrets of a Charmed Life and A Bridge Across the Ocean comes a new novel set in Philadelphia during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which tells the story of a family reborn through loss and love. In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters--Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa--a chance at a better life. But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without--and what they are willing to do about it. As Bright as Heaven is the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.
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review
bookaholic1
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

#35
HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

This book was good and sad, there are sad moments and happy moments

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Lsmoore43
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author. My first was A FALL OF MARIGOLDS and the last one was ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL. Both were such wonderful books. All of this author's books that I have read are so good. Well written and heart touching historical. I look forward to many more. If you get a chance grab THE NATURE OF FRAGIL THINGS. You won't regret it. All of her books are good so never be afraid to read any one of them.
5 stars

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Cinfhen
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

I‘ve been reading this book off and on for several weeks. It was good but I wasn‘t as pulled into the story as other readers. I did love the Philly setting and learning about the devastation brought on in 1918 when the Spanish Flu swept through the world. This book was written pre Covid so I wonder what the author might have done differently. A story of a family, undertakers who must deal with the dying as both a business and personal tragedy.

marleed I wasn‘t most fascinated by this story having read it in 2023 and knowing the book was written and published just prior to Covid-19. I‘ve no idea what my opinion of the actual story would be had I read when published - or if I‘d even recall the book. I can‘t help but wonder how different the same attempt of that book would be if the author were to write it today - I don‘t think she‘d be able to set aside the mess and politics of covid-19. 1y
Cinfhen Right? It‘s hard to know how i would have reacted to this book if I‘d read it when it first published @marleed 1y
SilversReviews A good one!! 1y
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Megabooks This has been on my TBR since BOTM picked it and I didn‘t put it in my box. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I can imagine a very different reaction in 2019 vs 2023. I know I can always count on you for #PhillyLit! 😁 1y
Cinfhen Damn! I would have sent you my copy but I donated it yesterday to the charity shop @Megabooks it‘s definitely a #BorrowNotBuy IMHO funny thing… this was in my BOTM box but I left it in Florida for my mom, she loved it and she passed it along to all of her friends- somewhere along the way it got lost. So I actually bought it twice 😁 1y
marleed @Megabooks @Cinfhen I‘m limited in the books I can nominate for my 2024 irl bookclub. I‘m tempted to nominate this one not for the book/story itself but for the thoughts and conversation in researching the 1918 pandemic per vs post Covid-19. My bc is politically aligned so if the conversation veered in that direction members would leave remaining friends :) 1y
Cinfhen I do think this book would make for a good “friendly” discussion @marleed - what else are you considering? I love knowing what other book clubs are reading! 1y
marleed @Cinfhen I can nominate 3 books. The tagged is locked in because I love this book so much. Also it‘s short and I‘m pretty sure The covenant of water will be up for a vote. I‘m thinking I can get my nomination extra points by explaining it would be a quick book before or after the chunkster :). I‘m close to a lock on Shark Heart because I have a reputation nominating a weird book that people end up loving and wasn‘t otherwise on their radar. 1y
Cinfhen LOVED LOVED LOVED both We All Want & Shark Heart!!!! Great choices @marleed 🤩 1y
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marleed
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

I have no idea what my experience and opinion would have been had I read this when it was published in 2018. But reading HF about the Spanish flu that was not influenced by the divisive politics during Covid-19 was fascinating. I think it would be impossible to write this story without 2020-2021 influences today.

#14books14weeks2023 Book 9
@TheHeartlandBookFairy

TheHeartlandBookFairy I read this a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it! Couldn't help but draw a comparisons to what our current situation was at the time. 1y
SilversReviews Loved it!! Definitely our current situation. (edited) 1y
marleed @SilversReviews in September, I can nominate 3 books for consideration for my 2024 IRL bookclub. I typically choose from my 5^ reads of the current year. I neither give this 5* nor was it published in 2023,, but I think it would make for a great discussion so I may nominate it. (edited) 1y
theokiereader I absolutely loved that book! When COVID kicked off, I kept thinking about it. It might be time for a reread. 😉 1y
marleed @theokiereader oh it would be interesting to have read this both before and after the Covid-19 shutdown! 1y
77 likes5 comments
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MeganAnn
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

February catchup review 2:
This one was been on my shelf for a few years now and I‘m so glad I finally got around to it. It ended being one of my favorites this month and might even make it on the year end list I loved it so much.

It takes place during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and follows the Bright family as the lose loved ones, take in an orphaned baby, and learn to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic. It‘s harrowing and hopeful… ⬇️

MeganAnn … there is loss and death, love and strength, and it promises that we too can continue on and even find happiness in the aftermath. I think this one was even more compelling having read it after our own pandemic experience. 5⭐️ Also love this beautiful cover! 💖 #pantone2023 #airyblue #skylight #graylilac @Clwojick 2y
Clwojick Great matches! 2y
50 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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“It‘s as if the body is a candle and the soul is its flame. When the flame is snuffed out, all that is left to prove that there had been a flame is the candle, and even that we only have for a little while. Even the candle is not ours to keep. And yet how we care for that candle for that stretch of time that it is still ours! How we want to remember the shape and fragrance of the little flame it held.”

A day late!! I absolutely loved this book!

megnews I loved this too. 2y
Eggs I do love Meissner ❤️ 🕯️ 💞 2y
60 likes3 comments
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Andrew65
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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#BigJuneReadathon #Bright @Clwojick

Loved this book set in Philadelphia during the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918, really showed the impact of Spanish Flu. 😢

Crazeedi This was a really good one! 2y
Andrew65 @Crazeedi Most definitely. One that has stayed with me. (edited) 2y
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Ncostell
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

Finished another book from my #roll100 stack. I‘m not sure when I even bought this Kindle book but found this story set in Philadelphia during the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918 to be really interesting. Meissner wrote this before COVid and the parallels between the two pandemics were eerie.

PuddleJumper I have so many books like that! I buy them, forget about them, come back a year later and wonder what I was thinking 2y
Ncostell @Puddlejumper The struggle is real! 2y
SilversReviews Loved this book!! It was very eerie. (edited) 2y
Ncostell @SilversReviews Yes, history repeats itself as they say! 2y
SilversReviews @Ncostell Unfortunately it does. 2y
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Tamra
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Bailedbailed

46% into the audio and bailing. I just can‘t do overwrought sentimentality. It could very well be the narration. Plus, the plot is moving too slowly to keep me hooked. But, if you are looking for a relatable pandemic story, this will be familiar.

Cathythoughts I can‘t do overwrought sentimentality either … I just can‘t. 3y
Tamra @Cathythoughts 😅 I make some exceptions for classics, but they usually have other excellent qualities to compensate. 3y
61 likes2 comments
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angieinwonderland
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
This post contains spoilers
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Reading this with spiked mocha, kleenex in close reach, two months after losing my mom, never before having to believe something with 100% certainty than I do of Chapter 35. Will the following chapters hug me as fiercely?

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TheNerdyProfessor
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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I've had this BOTM pick since January 2018 - I don't know why it's taken me so long to actually pick it up. Even though I'm usually not a big historical fiction reader, this one is really up my alley! Maybe it's the parallel between the Spanish flu and the current COVID pandemic, but I'm finding it so fascinating. Usually I find historical fiction books to be a bit of a slog but I sucked down 100 pages in no time today.

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Tattooedteacher
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Just started this. Rain this afternoon and the weekend so I should get far.

lahousewyfe So good!!! 3y
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MelKelsey
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

Book 19 My first novel by Meissner, and I will read more. The story of a family of undertakers (an interesting perspective) in Philadelphia during the Spanish Flu. Published in 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the pandemic, this historical fiction book is more pertinent than Meissner could have predicted.Told from the perspective of a mom and her 3 daughters, it was engaging from the beginning, though occasionally the story dragged.⭐⭐⭐⭐

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EadieB
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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#WondrousWednesday @Eggs Thanks for the tag!

1. Tagged book is set in Philadelphia.

2. New York and Mexico in Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay.

3. Crawley family from Downton Abbey.

I tag anyone who reads this!

Eggs Ah the Crawleys-excellent choice 👏🏻❤️👏🏻 4y
EadieB Thanks! I love Downton Abbey! 4y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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#Clouds
#ForeverNovember

“I no longer fear Death, though I know that I should. I'm strangely at peace with what I used to think of as my enemy. Living seems more the taskmaster of the two, doesn't it? Life is wonderful and beautiful but oh, how hard it can be. Dying, by contrast, is easy and simple, almost gentle. But who can I tell such a thing to? No one. I am troubled by how remarkable this feeling is.” 💔💔

OriginalCyn620 Great passage! 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks When we read this book for book club I never imagined we would be living it... I remember thinking how awful it would be if that happened now... just praying for things to get better 🙏🏻 It is so devastating everywhere. It‘s so sad to lose a loved one and it‘s taking a toll on health care workers, doctors, and other medical providers. We must not forget them in our prayers 🙏🏻 4y
Bookishlie @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks you are such a lovely person and always in our thoughts:) 4y
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SilversReviews Such a good book. 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookishlie thank you Angela ❤️❤️ 4y
AmyG I loved this book. Who knew we‘d be living in a pandemic when we read it? 😬 Ha...I just saw you posted the same thing. I don‘t understand why people are not being careful when this affects our health care workers the most. (edited) 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG we think alike! I don‘t know either .. we are in the mountains and haven‘t left this glorious cabin.. just glad to get away ❤️ 4y
AmyG Enjoy your peace and quiet! 😘😘😘 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG I did! It was wonderful ❤️ 4y
MelKelsey I liked this quote, too! 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @MelKelsey this book... I never imagined when I read it we would be going through something similar 💔 4y
MelKelsey Crazy!!! 4y
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Chrissyreadit
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Thank you @Kdgordon88 for the tag. These books were all 5 star reads for me this year, and all of them made me cry. Two historical fiction and 1 magical realism and perfect emotional connection with characters. #fridayfeelings

Cuilin These all look great. Thanks for playing. 4y
TrishB Luis Valdez was ❤️ 4y
Deblovestoread Luis Valdez made me cry too. Adding the other two to my TBR. 4y
60 likes3 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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1) no different, my girls are too old to trick or treat!
2) my friends 👯‍♀️

#ThankfulThursday

@Bklover @Mjm1 @iread2much

Cosmos_Moon_River I‘ll be sad when my boys are grown up and we won‘t do these things 💕 4y
iread2much Thanks so much for tagging me! 4y
iread2much 1 - I will not pass out candy this year 2 - I am grateful for my dogs; who always make me smile. I don‘t remember the last that book made me cry, I don‘t like to cry, so I tend not read books that are sad 4y
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Bklover Thanks for the tag, my friend! ❤️❤️❤️ 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @iread2much 1) I won‘t either 2) sometimes I need a good cry 😓 4y
iread2much @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I find that tv is better for that for me. I especially don‘t like to cry over books, then I can‘t see to read! Although the last book that I had to put down because it was making me cry was “Our Bodies, Their Battlefields” it was so harrowing and so intense I couldn‘t even read more than 10 pages. 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @iread2much all I watch is the news 😫😫😫 I‘ve got to turn it off! 4y
49 likes8 comments
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Sharpeipup
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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“If people don't do their part to stop the spread of evil when they're asked to, it just gets stronger and then no one can stop it.“

#audiowalk #quotes

Megabooks Gorgeous picture!! 4y
Sharpeipup @Megabooks thanks! It was actually a full rainbow but I couldn‘t see that at first. 4y
wanderinglynn Wow! What a beautiful sky! And that rainbow 😍 4y
SilversReviews Gorgeous photo, and great book. 4y
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SailorJohn
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
Pickpick

Superb story. The trials and challenges of raising energetic children, who become teenagers! Begins in 1918 just before the “Spanish” flu. Easy parallels to today. Loved it.

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Margot0817
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

I didn't want this book to end and now I'm so sad I am no longer a part of it. I loved every minute of this story. 💜 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Margot0817
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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megnews Love this book and family so much. 4y
8 likes1 comment
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lahousewyfe
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

Placed during and after the Spanish Flu epidemic in Philadelphia, this book filled my soul with its love and hope amidst the tragedy. I wept with a smile on my face as I read the last sentence.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😭😭😭 loved this one!! (edited) 4y
lahousewyfe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Struck such a chord in my heart! 4y
29 likes2 comments
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sblbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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My #top6reads so far in 2020. What are your favorites?

keys_on_fire Where the Crawdads Sing, Back from the Future, Chuck Noll: His Life‘s Work, Postscript, Failure Is Not An Option, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 4y
megnews We have such similar taste. Only plane and As Bright as Heaven were two of my favorites last year 4y
48 likes3 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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1) #LitsyLove, flowers 🌸
2) all of my wonderful, loving friends on Litsy

#ThankfulThursday

Cosmos_Moon_River I love flowers, too! All the photos I‘ve been using here are from my plants 💚🌺🌸🌼 4y
MemoirsForMe Yay #LitsyLove! 🤗💌🤗 4y
54 likes2 comments
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sblbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this book, It it will rip your heart out! Set in Philadelphia 1918 to 1925. A story of the Bright family, and their neighbors, recovering from the aftermath of World War 1, and the Spanish flu. A very timely read considering what's going on in the world today.

marleed Sounds good - stacked! 4y
41 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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kspenmoll
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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#BoundTogetherJune #Bright
A mesmerizing read. The Bright family move to Philadelphia to help their Uncle who runs a funeral home in the midst of WWI. The Spanish flu overtakes the city. This novel is about how these two major events affect the family. If I remember correctly it was a #botmbuddyread?

OriginalCyn620 📚👍🏻📚 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes, it was... we had great discussions and this book seems relevant at this time!!! 💔💔💔 4y
54 likes2 comments
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Eggs
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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OriginalCyn620 Pretty cover! 💛 4y
Eggs @OriginalCyn620 Isn‘t it??? 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So relevant right now 💔💔💔 4y
60 likes3 comments
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EadieB
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Day 4 - #Bright #BoundTogetherJune
#AsBrightAsHeaven #SusanMeissner

I enjoyed this book about the 1918 pandemic in Philadelphia.

Andrew65 A great book! 4y
EadieB @Andrew65 👍I agree! 4y
OriginalCyn620 📚👍🏻📚 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This book broke my heart 💔💔 4y
EadieB @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes it was very sad. 4y
53 likes1 stack add5 comments
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SilversReviews
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Thank you to:

#MagicalMay
@eggs

Today‘s Prompt: HEAVEN

AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN has a beautiful story line, beautiful research, and beautiful characters.

It is about the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.

REVIEW HERE: https://tinyurl.com/y978okp3

@soozmeissner

Eggs Fabulous choice-great author great book 📚 4y
rachelm Happy Litsyversary!! 😎 4y
TheHeartlandBookFairy I loved this book! 4y
51 likes3 comments
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LyndyG
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

I was a little hesitant to read a book about a pandemic during a pandemic...but I couldn‘t stop listening. Not a huge fan of one character‘s storyline, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks We read this for our buddy read last year... 💔💔💔 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Everyone is awesome!!! 4y
See All 47 Comments
Eggs @LyndyG welcome to Litsy 🤗💕🥳 4y
Birdsong28 Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG 🎉🎊📚📖 4y
Cuilin Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG💥 4y
OriginalCyn620 Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG! 🎊 4y
Cinfhen Hi @LyndyG welcome and thanks for the shoutout, Misty xx @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks (edited) 4y
TheSpineView Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG 🤗 4y
AmyG Welcome! 🎉 4y
Eggs Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💕 4y
aroc Welcome to Litsy! Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 4y
Bklover Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG ! Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💛💛 4y
Andrew65 Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG 🤗 Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😊👍 4y
Andrew65 This was a great book, we loved it in the Buddy read. 4y
Bookwormjillk Welcome to Litsy! 4y
JaclynW Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG ! Tgis is a marvelous community to be part of. Enjoy! I've read this book twice! It is an excellent book! It was great for insights into the Spanish flu pandemic. Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🤗 4y
JaclynW This not tgis😄⬆️ 4y
Crazeedi Welcome to litsy!!🎉 I loved this book 4y
kspenmoll Welcome to Litsy @LyndyG ! I also read and loved this book! Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️💜💙 4y
Sleepswithbooks Thanks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😘 Welcome to the fuuuunest place ever @LyndyG !!!!! 4y
MemoirsForMe Welcome to all the fun! 👋🏻❤️🎉📚📚📚 4y
Bookgoil Welcome to litsy!!!! ❤️ 4y
LyndyG @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you so much for the welcome! I am following everyone now! And buddy read?! How can I get in on the next one? 4y
LyndyG @Eggs Thank you so much! I am excited to be here! 4y
LyndyG @Birdsong28 Thank you thank you! 4y
LyndyG @Cuilin Thank you so much for the warm welcome! 4y
LyndyG @OriginalCyn620 Hey thank you! 4y
LyndyG @Cinfhen Thank you so much! 4y
LyndyG @TheSpineView Thank you! It‘s really cool to see how friendly everyone is! 4y
LyndyG @AmyG Thank you! 4y
MrBook Welcome to the #LitsyFamily, @LyndyG 😁👏🏻! Thank you for the tag, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ! ☺️🤗 4y
LyndyG @aroc Thank you! 4y
LyndyG @Bklover Thank you so much! 4y
LyndyG @Andrew65 Thank you! I really enjoyed this too, so please let me know if you have recommendations for me! 4y
LyndyG @Bookwormjillk Thank you! 4y
LyndyG @JaclynW Thank you! I cannot believe how friendly and welcoming everyone has been (but I mean, book people are the best people). I love reading historical fiction, and it‘s a definite bonus when it‘s an era I don‘t know much about! Let me know if you have any other recommendations! 4y
LyndyG @Crazeedi Thank you so much! I did too! 4y
LyndyG @kspenmoll Thank you! This book was amazing and I can‘t wait to read more by Susan Meissner! 4y
LyndyG @Stacypatrice Litsy has been a blast so far! Thank you for the welcome! 4y
LyndyG @UwannaPublishme Thank you! It‘s been so much fun! 4y
LyndyG @Bookgoil Thanks so much! 4y
LyndyG @MrBook It‘s great to be a part of such a welcoming group! Thank you! 4y
JaclynW @LyndyG Book people are totally the best! A totally true statement. 😊 Have you read 4y
rather_be_reading welcome to litsy 📚☕📚 4y
17 likes47 comments
review
Kshakal
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

What a beautiful book and so timely... the similarities between the reaction to the Spanish flu and covid-19 are uncanny... it just goes to show that history always repeats itself!

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Eggs
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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The edge:
The last dance
Leaving home, choosing courage
Lost in the sun as bright as heaven!

#spinepoem2
#acrossapril

Leftcoastzen Nice! 5y
Come-read-with-me Beautiful! 5y
Eggs Thank you!! @Leftcoastzen @Come-read-with-me 🌹🌹 5y
See All 9 Comments
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks As Bright As Heaven 💔 a book and time in history that I think about daily 💔 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful photo also!! 😘🌹 5y
Eggs I can relate to this novel personally: “a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.” @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💗 5y
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks 🤗❤️🤗 5y
BookishMe 😍😍 5y
Eggs @BookishMe Thanks 🙏🏻 5y
62 likes1 stack add9 comments
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MallenNC
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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I didn‘t need more books but Kindle deals today were too good to pass up. More for my TBR. (The Harlan Coben on the bottom right is a library book.) #ebooks #BookHaul

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Don‘t read As Bright As Heaven right now ❌🙅🏼‍♀️😭 5y
MallenNC @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Oh I know! I know what it‘s about. 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @MallenNC it ripped my heart out when I read it, so I can‘t imagine reading it now. I think about it all the time! You can scroll way back to our discussion if you want! 😓😓😓💔💔💔 5y
JenReadsAlot I bought Your House will Pay today too! 5y
30 likes4 comments
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JacqMac
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

“Interestingly enough, it is our mortality that gives our existence its value and beauty. If our days were not numbered, we probably wouldn‘t care how we spent them. How does this knowledge that we are mortal affect our choices? The risks we take? The risks we don‘t?” This book is fantastic. And this was a perfect time to read it.
#EasterExtravaganza Time: 10:10
@Andrew65

trazo Love this quote! 5y
Andrew65 Great time, and a great book. 👏👏👏 5y
slategreyskies I haven‘t read this one. I‘ll have to check it out! :) 5y
53 likes3 comments
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JacqMac
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Starting day 3. Loving this story.
#EasterExtravaganza @Andrew65

kspenmoll I loved it. ❤️📚 5y
Andrew65 This is a great book that sticks in my mind for many reasons. We did it as a #BOTMBuddyRead, so assume the discussion will still be on the book‘s page. @TheBookHippie @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 5y
JacqMac @Andrew65 Thanks! 👏 I will look it up when I‘m finished. 5y
See All 9 Comments
TheBookHippie @Andrew65 it‘s on my mind daily should be able to see discussion ! 5y
Andrew65 @TheBookHippie So much of it is of this time. The politicians need to read this! 5y
JacqMac @Andrew65 @TheBookHippie The parallels are both fascinating and frightening. Seeing the pictures out of Detroit today. So very scary. 5y
Andrew65 @JacqMac Couldn‘t agree more. 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This book is on my mind constantly 😓 5y
42 likes9 comments
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JacqMac
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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About to start day two, but here is day one of #EasterExtravaganza About as much as I was expecting to get done yesterday. And I know, who reads about a pandemic during a pandemic? That would be me. I am that person.
@Andrew65

Desha 😂😂😂 I would probably do that too! But Susan Meissner is really good. When I lived in San Diego I saw her a lot because she led our church‘s book club! She‘s so kind. 💖💖💖 5y
Andrew65 😂😂😂 It is an excellent book however, the Spanish Flu bits still stick strongly in my mind. Great time. 👏👏👏 (edited) 5y
Buechersuechtling @Andrew65 I am sorry, but after first reading your comment I was very puzzled because I wondered what aspects one could think of having been a “great time” during the Spanish Flu – but then I realised that, of course, you were talking of the reading time, @JacqMac clocked in. 😂 5y
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Andrew65 @Buechersuechtling 😂😂😂 Yes not the best structured piece of writing was it! What‘s a bit of Spanish Flu between friends. 😱😳😂 5y
JacqMac @Desha So very cool. That sounds like a great book club. 5y
Buechersuechtling @Andrew65 Well for that there is if not a vaccine, then at least the therapy isn‘t it❓If yes, then I‘ll happily be your Spanish Flu companion whenever you need one. 😂 5y
Andrew65 @Buechersuechtling That‘s what you call true friends. 🥰 (edited) 5y
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review
suvata
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

What do you do when you are quarantined because of the #COVID-19 pandemic? You read a book about the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, of course. 😷 Pretty scary stuff! Seriously, this book was exceptional with its multi-layered plot and it‘s memorable characters, it‘s one of the best books that I‘ve read centered on that pandemic.

kspenmoll I loved this book but read it pre pandemic!!! 5y
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BayouGirl85
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

It took a little getting used to a story old from so many perspectives...the Bright family of 5. However the electrical emotion story that follows them for Quakertown to the big city was great. So many pieces to the puzzle do not reveal themselves until the very shocking end.

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stuck.in.the.stacks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Today on the blog, we decided to from our planned post to share some book recs featuring plagues and pandemics.

Check pur picks and tell us all about yours in the comments.

https://stuckinthestacks.com/2020/03/12/themed-thursday-infectious-stories/

#bookrecommendations #themedthursdays #bookstagram #bookishalgor #bookishalgorithm

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Chrissyreadit
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

@megnews I‘m so glad you picked this book for our #LMPBC book. I loved it so much! I loved reading everyone‘s thoughts in it too @Butterfinger @Laughterhp . I really enjoyed doing this together. I absolutely recommend this for lovers of historical fiction. I will mail this back Friday or Saturday.

megnews I‘m so glad you loved it. I do too. Can‘t wait to read all your comments!! 5y
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JenlovesJT47
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

This story is set at the tail-end of WWI and follows a family and their friends through the Spanish Flu pandemic and its after-effects. This book broke my heart but it‘s very much worth reading, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. I look forward to reading more of her books! 5⭐️

#HistoricalFiction
#BOTM

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JenlovesJT47
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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This book is killing me!! 😭😭😭 Must finish it ASAP so I can go read something cheerful. 😓 #BOTM

Butterfinger When I read it, I had to put it down so I could mourn. 5y
JenlovesJT47 @Butterfinger I don‘t blame you! I‘m feeling the same way 😞 5y
Laughterhp Yeah. I felt the same way when reading. I had to take at least a 3 day break from reading! 5y
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Chrissyreadit
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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@Cinfhen I‘m posting what was going to be my first post as a #monthlybookreport- but three of these books need to be finished and put in the mail ASAP. @megnews @SamHeartCoffee I have not forgotten! My #book spin is listed thanks to @TheAromaofBooks and my current audio book Born A Crime- it is a perfect audio. Spillover is my alternate audio. A family emergency meant very little schoolwork or reading for two weeks. #catchupweek #wishmeluck

Cinfhen Hope all is well 💜 5y
megnews Can‘t wait to see everyone‘s comments! 5y
TheAromaofBooks Lots to read!! Good luck!! 5y
SamHeartCoffee Hope all is well, too! 😘 5y
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megnews
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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1. Definitely drawn to beautiful or intriguing covers
2. For #LMPBC
3. Online
4. Up long before the alarm. That‘s my peaceful reading time.
5. @sblbooks

#FriYayIntro

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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“Life is wonderful and beautiful but oh, how hard it can be.”

#disaster
#ReallyRandomFebruary

I‘m playing catch up! Yesterday was extremely busy! I keep thinking about this book and The Spanish flu epidemic in 1918 the more I hear about the Coronavirus... 😓💔

AmyG This book was so good. 5y
Eggs Beautiful book💗💗❤️ 5y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Liked this book too - that CDC announcement yesterday freaked me out 😬 5y
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OriginalCyn620 I haven‘t read it but the cover is beautiful! 5y
Catherine_Willoughby Its more real for us Europeans now. A lady returned to our city yesterday after returning home from the infected Spanish hotel that's now in lock down. Hoping there no case to worry. Didn't say what part of city she is from or if she has kids in school or her employment. We are only a country of 5.5 million. Our city is only 250k .We are not ready. I hope she self isolates as precaution as well as her those in her household . We know soon enough 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Catherine_Willoughby wow... I was just reading the CDC statements this morning. It‘s so scary. Just praying 🙏🏻 it‘s not going to be as bad as they predict. 5y
Andrew65 A great book! Very real situation for us in Europe at the moment, feels like the genie is out of the bottle and doesn‘t feel as if enough robust action is being taken across Europe. @Catherine_Willoughby @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled 5y
Andrew65 @OriginalCyn620 You need to read this great book. 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Andrew65 😥😥 🙏🏻 be safe and keep me updated! 5y
Andrew65 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks. Unfortunately our half-term break in the UK coincided with the developing situation in Italy and Tenerife. A lot of people had holidays in those places last week, including a number of schools who had skiing trips in Italy. These have now come back for the start of the new term in school. This has led to a number of schools shutting and a couple of cases occurring today, including one school in Derby where 👇 (edited) 5y
Andrew65 a parent was diagnosed with it. I would imagine as a head teacher of a primary school (ages 3 - 11) heightens the risk for me catching any illnesses going round, and you also working in A+E.Hopefully if that should happen being heathyish 😹 it will only be a mild case. (edited) 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Andrew65 Have they thought about closing schools temporarily? 5y
Andrew65 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Been told to keep schools open, May differ if cases develop. Where shut has been at decision of the headteacher/principal. At moment isolated cases and all where caught out of country and brought in. (edited) 5y
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review
Laughterhp
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

Phew, this book was heartbreaking. So much death. I can‘t even imagine living in a time with that much death and nothing you can do about it. This book was also beautiful and had so many great phrases and thoughts that made you think. So even though this book made me depressed and angry, I‘m not sorry I read it. But I definitely need a happy palette cleanser.

#LMPBC - I‘ll get this out to you this week Chrissy

Chrissyreadit Ok- I‘m working on Postmistress now, and really want to be reading something fluffy these days. 5y
megnews It was tough. But such a beautiful family. 5y
Aswenson I put this one down after only a few chapters because of the impending deaths... I didn‘t feel like I was ready. Sounds like I was probably right to do so at that time! 5y
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Laughterhp @Aswenson You were definitely right. There is so much death and the beginning of the book there is so much talk about death, etc. 5y
Laughterhp @Chrissyreadit I sent this out to you today. You should have it by Tuesday! 😊 Going to start the Wet Nurse‘s Tale today! 5y
Chrissyreadit Great! Can‘t wait! 5y
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Laughterhp
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Hey #LMPBC group, I know I owe this book to @Chrissyreadit - I just wanted to give you all an update. I‘m about 229 pages in and this book made me so depressed and grumpy last night (I was snapping at my husband for no reason) I just had to take a break.

I hope to be able to mail this out to you next weekend at the latest. (I have 200 pages left)

I also have the Wet Nurses Tales to read too! (Which I think is the last book in the round for Feb

Chrissyreadit No worries! 5y
Chrissyreadit Also, while sections of The Wet Nurses Tale are sad the MC is amazing!!! And I thought it was a fast read. 5y
Butterfinger I understand how it affected you. It is an emotional book. @Chrissyreadit beware!!! 5y
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Laughterhp
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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#Bookmail

Tammy - I received the next #LMPBC book today! Thanks so much for the goodies. The envelope was a little bit open just so you know. But I can‘t wait to use this gorgeous journal! And the hat looks so warm and I love that it‘s hand knit.

Kristen - I received your book as well! I appreciate you sending it! 😊

Can‘t wait to dive into both these books!

#newyearwhodis

SilversReviews I have read AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN and really enjoyed it. 5y
Butterfinger You are welcome!! 5y
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review
Butterfinger
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
Pickpick

A new favorite author. Thank you @megnews . @Laughterhp , I am sort of scared to mail it. I will let you know when I do send it. Merry Christmas to all @Chrissyreadit

Laughterhp When I mailed my other book priority, it made it there safely! 😂 Hopefully we have no more mailing issues! 5y
Andrew65 Loved this book. 5y
megnews Glad you liked it! I really love her writing. 5y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I just discovered her too and want to read more! 5y
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megnews
As Bright as Heaven | Susan Meissner
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Pickpick

This book will break your 💔 again & again. Still, one of my best reads this year and glad I picked it for #LMPBC. Can‘t wait to hear what the rest of you think. @Butterfinger will be on its way to you early next week.
Book 12 for #20booksby2020
Book 288 11/16/19

megnews @Butterfinger mailed As Bright as Heaven to you yesterday 5y
Butterfinger I can't wait to read it. 5y
Butterfinger @megnews 😭 Bawling my eyes out. You can't help but to love this family. Thank you for such a good read. I'm not rushing (1/2 way) because I want time to grieve and process. I'm not tagging the others so they shouldn't be able to see it. 5y
megnews @Butterfinger I know! I love them too and they keep coming back to mind since I finished. I think it‘s one of my favorite this year. I would speed up because I wanted to see what happened to them and then slow back down through the difficult parts. 5y
megnews @Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @Laughterhp I got my book back! Can‘t wait to read your comments! 5y
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