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Sisters in Arms
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
41 posts | 29 read | 25 to read
Kaia Alderson's debut historical fiction novel reveals the untold, true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women's Army Corps, who made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received word from their loved ones during World War II. Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve. As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy--everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else. When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves. Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.
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review
CollapsingLibrary
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Mehso-so

The story was fine, writing was decent, I really liked the idea behind it… but it was missing something. I didn‘t really care for the characters, not that I disliked them but I wasn‘t invested in them and I kept waiting for the story to start. Easy read, so I finished rather than bailing.

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marleed
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Mehso-so

There are interesting elements here - two college educated black women in the 40s from differing Harlem backgrounds and both answering calls to join the military for their own unique reasons. I was frustrated by the romance element for both women distracting from a story of two capable, intelligent, determined women. I also wanted more about a black woman in the 40s yearning to compose in the jazz world.

71 likes3 stack adds
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julieclair
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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🎶🎵On the second day of ##12BooksOf2022 my book log gave to me… my favorite book of February 2022!

One of several great reads I discovered this year thanks to #OverBookedClub! I recommended it to my IRL book club, so I‘m looking forward to re-reading it in a couple of months. 😀

Andrew65 I‘ve got this on my TBR and need to get to it. 1y
sblbooks I'm glad you enjoyed it! 1y
29 likes2 comments
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HillsAndHamletsBookshop
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

Women were allowed a limited role in the US military until WWII when the Women‘s Army Auxillary Corps was formed. Sisters In Arms tells the story of the only black battalion of the WAAC, through the characters of Grace & Eliza. They navigate a segregated army, hostile military leaders, & entrenched racism, not to mention enemy attacks. This compelling, warm-hearted book shines light on the overlooked contributions of these courageous black women.

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underground_bks
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

Inspired by the sole all-Black battalion of the Women‘s Army Corp, the Six Triple Eight, this enjoyable and educational novel tells the story of two very different young Black women in WWII. Working-class pianist Grace and socialite turned aspiring journalist Eliza defy racism, misogyny, and the wishes of their families to enlist, and this novel recounts the alternately harrowing and heartwarming experiences they have as reluctant sisters in arms.

24 likes1 stack add
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Crinoline_Laphroaig
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

Tomorrow I'm starting my Summer Stack. Tonight I'm finishing the last few chapters of final Spring Read. I've really enjoyed this Historical Fiction. It tells the story of 2 very sheltered young women who defy their families to join the only all-Black battalion of the Women‘s Army Corps during World War II. 🌻📖🍷

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Hooked_on_books
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

Sisters in Arms follows Grace and Eliza as they sign up for the WAC officer‘s corp in WWII. I liked the story and appreciate the attention brought to these women, though the book reads a bit YA. Ultimately, I give it a pick for the terrific characters.

56 likes1 stack add
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MaggieCarr
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

Expand Your Horizons Task 2022: Historical Fiction.

I was unaware of an all black female unit (six triple eight) dispatched during WW2 so while the story is fictionalized I still learned something new. Oftentimes I struggle through war-themed books due to the descriptive violence and while there are some incidents in the book they are race/gender crimes and vehicle accidents and not direct hand-to-hand combat...

MaggieCarr ...Loved loathing the cattiness of some of the women but those distinct characteristics demonstrate how versatile the author is. 2y
34 likes1 comment
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Butterfinger
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

I was typing a so-so, but I had to delete everything when I realized that it may not have shown the pathos I expected, but it had a triumphant spirit I appreciated. Those women fought barriers, but fought to rise above expectations even above their parents'. #OverlookedClub @sblbooks @megnews

Chelleo This looks so interesting! Stacked! 2y
TiredLibrarian I just put this one in a Women's History Month display! 2y
57 likes2 comments
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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sblbooks Thanks for hosting! 2y
katy4peas Great pick! 😊 2y
27 likes2 comments
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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julieclair I would definitely read another book by Kaia Anderson, especially if it was historical fiction. I thought she did a great job of immersing the reader in the specific time and place of this book. I enjoyed her writing style - good character development, and communication of the characters‘ thoughts and feelings, without being overly wordy. (edited) 2y
megnews @julieclair I would give her another read of historical fiction as well. I think the bickering and misunderstandings could have ended earlier than they did but for a debut novel I thought this was good. And I enjoyed seeing it through more than one character‘s eyes. 2y
sblbooks The writing style was fine. My main problem was the characters were just frustrating. I might give her another chance if it's a topic I would enjoy. 2y
See All 6 Comments
katy4peas I also enjoyed the writing style and the way the characters stories and the historical stories were told throughout the book. I thought there was a lot of bickering also, but to me that made the ending more meaningful when they did fully make up with each other. I also appreciated the character‘s feelings and growth throughout the book. 2y
julieclair @sblbooks I agree… the characters were frustrating. Not sure I would ever be friends with either Grace or Eliza, lol. 2y
julieclair I thought that Kaia Alderson left the door wide open for a sequel. If she writes one, it will be interesting to see if the bickering continues. 2y
19 likes1 stack add6 comments
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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julieclair I learned so much! I was aware of the WAC, but never really thought about how Black women serving in it would be segregated. Even though I knew about the Tuskegee Airmen, and knew they were segregated. Reading the descriptions of how segregation and prejudice were such an ever-present issue - even in such mundane tasks as hailing a cab in New York City - was eye-opening. 90 years after the Civil War! So disappointing and sad and hard to believe. 2y
megnews @julieclair I‘m sorry I missed tagging you! I only learned about the WAAC this month through this book and one other. But I wasn‘t surprised by the segregation because I had read a lot about that regarding male troops in WWII. I agree though it is difficult to read about the impact on people. I was surprised to learn about all the mail that was backed up for so long. Troops had to be so discouraged. 2y
sblbooks I didn't know anything about the six-triple-eight before reading this book. It made me want to read more, possibly a nonfiction book. 2y
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katy4peas I learned a lot. I didn‘t know really anything about the WACC or the segregation. I guess the segregation doesn‘t surprise me but is very sad and disappointing that it was still around and is still around. I learned a lot and want to explore more of the loca history about the WACC in Des Moines where I live. I had no clue so much happened here. 2y
Butterfinger I never thought about women becoming officers. I was surprised. I assumed that men were always their commanding officers. 2y
megnews @Butterfinger you know, now that you mentioned it, I remember thinking the same. That was surprising to me too. I was majorly annoyed by all the leaders that made them drop their work to be reviewed. What a power trip! 🙄 2y
17 likes6 comments
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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#OverBookedClub discussion starts now. Join in when you can.

sblbooks Grace and Eliza were both black women trying to prove something to their families and themselves. Eliza came from much more privileged background. I didn't have a favorite character because both MC's unlikable. 2y
katy4peas I didn‘t love either character either, but I understood where they both came from with the challenges they faced. I also saw some growth in them both and grew to like them more than I did in the beginning. I appreciated that they became friends. Grace was my favorite over the two of the them, but there were times when Eliza really shone and really did like her at times. 2y
Butterfinger I didn't like Grace or Eliza either. I thought Grace should have shown more guilt and Eliza was just there. I liked Charity. They had so much to prove and I think she motivated her women because people wanted them to fail. @sblbooks @katy4peas 2y
16 likes3 comments
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this historical fiction about the 6888th Women‘s Auxiliary Air Corps. Looking forward to discussion with #OverBookedClub Saturday.

sblbooks We have the exact same star rating. 2y
37 likes1 comment
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Deblovestoread
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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I didn‘t plan to read it in a day but the stars aligned allowing me to spend my afternoon and evening learning a new piece of black history during WWII.

The story focuses on two black women who are looking to find their path after their initial dreams for their futures are denied. They meet as they apply to get 1 of the few slots allotted for black women in the WAC.

Looking forward to #OverBookedClub discussion on Saturday.
Last for #FabFeb

Andrew65 Looks great, stacked. 2y
64 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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sblbooks
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟💫
I would have DNFed this if I was not reading it for #overbookedclub the constant bickering between Grace and Eliza got on my nerves. However, I'm glad I stuck it out. The historical aspect was interesting, and by the end the characters had grown on me a little. Reading this book caused me to do a deep dive on the six-triple-eight battalion of the WAC. I found a non fiction on this topic I want to read. I will tag it in the comments.👇

sblbooks The story of the first African American women serving overseas during World War II 2y
megnews It‘s a fascinating topic I knew nothing about before this one and 2y
37 likes2 comments
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katy4peas
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

I very much enjoyed this book about the first Black Women‘s Army Corps. They were very brave women to have faced all of the racism, sexism and the war as army members. I liked the characters and couldn‘t put the book down. Hence, the review for February‘s #overbookedclub read on the 4th of Feb! 😮😊 I learned a lot and have some local exploring to do. Ft Des Moines is close to my house, and I can hear the guns go off during their trainings.

megnews I‘m glad you liked it. I‘m a few chapters in a enjoying it so far but I always have lots of books going on so I haven‘t gotten farther yet. 2y
katy4peas @megnews I‘m surprised I actually finished this one as fast as I did. I have tons of buddy reads going on, but this one grabbed my interest so it got special treatment. 😊 2y
66 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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katy4peas I only have a few hours left on the audiobook. It‘s a great read!!! I‘m excited for discussion! 2y
46 likes1 comment
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katy4peas
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Missed the January book for #overbookclub so started early on February‘s read. It‘s really good! And it talks about Des Moines as one of the first places for WAC officers. It is really weird to hear Iowa mentioned as I‘m not used to my hometown area being a prominent place in a book. And since this is historical fiction, now I‘m going to have to go on a hunt for more info and sight seeing. 🤔🙂

Lindy That‘s cool. I love finding my home city in the books I‘m reading. 2y
JaclynW So cool! I love when my hometown/home state get mentioned. Funny how exciting it is. 😄 This book looks great! 2y
megnews I love when my area is mentioned. Learning new things and going on searches for more info is one of my favorite things about historical fiction. 2y
60 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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LitsyEvents
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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megnews Thanks for sharing! 2y
44 likes1 comment
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Reminder to place those holds or grab a copy of February‘s #OverBookedClub discussion. All welcome! Please let me know if you plan to read along.

sblbooks I'll be there!😁 2y
TheBookHippie I put it on hold! 🤞🏻 2y
Chrissyreadit I‘m planning to. But I take my licensure exam in Feb so all my reading is off these days just trying and will see how it works out. 2y
See All 12 Comments
megnews @Chrissyreadit I understand! Good luck on your exam! 2y
Chrissyreadit ☺️ thank you. 2y
Deblovestoread I‘m in. 😊 2y
Aims42 This was such a great read!! I won‘t be able to participate but thank you! 2y
SamanthaMarie I got it on a kindle deal so I'm looking forward to it!! 2y
Crazeedi I'll try to find, not sure if I can but I'll let you know 2y
katy4peas I‘ll try to join in! 2y
Liatrek Hi, I would love to join this buddy read🙂 2y
megnews @Liatrek great! I‘ll add you to the list. 2y
34 likes12 comments
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TiminCalifornia
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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I got to open this amazing package of goodies today for #LittleChristmasSwap #LCS. Thank you, @BookBosomed1 - everything is delightful and I can‘t wait to delve into the books and the treats!

BookBosomed1 Yea! I look forward to hearing what you think of Sisters in Arms. It‘s on my TBR. 2y
49 likes1 comment
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megnews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Cupcakesbookishreviews
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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I‘m trying something new where I read a library book a month. Hopefully this will hold me accountable to getting my library books done and reading more of them. So here is the library book I will be reading this month.

#bookblogger #bookreviewer #librarybook #librarybookofthemonth

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Jemgirl2014
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
Mehso-so

Although interesting enough, this book is instantly forgettable. Also, the modern language threw me. When Eliza described Grace's love interest as a "hottie" I kind of stopped taking it seriously. That word reminds me of the 90s when the movie Clueless first came on the scene. ?

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KadeLexical
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
Mehso-so

A good story, I am interested to dig deeper into this time in history. I found one of the characters a bit inconsistent and sometimes the writing was a bit off for me, but overall engaging and important.

5 likes1 stack add
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TaraTLK
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Really enjoyed this story about the all Black female battalion of the Women's Army Corp in World War II. While there's some hints of romance it does have - as my one book club friend often says - insufficient smooching. There's also some racism and one physical assault. But overall this story of folks being given odd tasks and finding friends was just what I needed this week.

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shannasbookshelf
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Although I‘m only a couple of chapters in, I am thoroughly enjoying #kaiaalderson‘s #sistersinarms. I am also very happy that I decided to try out #bookofthemonth #botm. It‘s not something I plan to do every month, but it‘s definitely worth it.

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Aims42
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

Finished this wonderful book at my husband‘s softball game. It was a great read! Definitely recommend for any historical fiction fans who like WWII stories, but want a fresh perspective. This is it! My only complaint is that I wished it was longer, I wasn‘t ready to say good bye to everyone 😩

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wideeyedreader
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Mehso-so

While I loved the history in this, I though the writing could have been stronger. However, a solid book that is very much worth reading! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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wideeyedreader
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Post-workout snack—banana, strawberries, and hot fudge sauce!

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kissmehardy
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Mehso-so

Incredible sense of place and time, but not well characterized, imo. Grace especially felt hard for me to get a sense of. I loved reading about the all-Black battalion, though! Can't believe I didn't know about them before. (Or, you know, I can, but I hate that they're not more prominent.) #historicalfiction

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AmyK1
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Pickpick

This is a fictional account about the strong, courageous women who made up the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion-the only all black female US battalion to be sent to Europe during WWII. I knew nothing about this part of WWII history and loved that real people were included. This is my #doublespin for July. @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
37 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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AmyK1
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Thanks for the tag @Eggs
1. Currently reading the tagged, which is historical fiction. Last NF was Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.
2. 👍🏼👍🏼
3. I definitely read more HF than anything else.

#wondrouswednesday

Eggs #3 me too! Your book is the one I chose for July BOTM 👏🏻🤗 3y
AmyK1 @Eggs it was my BOTM too! Hope you like it! 3y
Eggs @AmyK1 Confession: I joined botm in February-have read none of them yet!! 3y
AmyK1 @Eggs 😂 3y
22 likes4 comments
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SilverShanica
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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A fantastic story, a fictionalized account based on the WAC 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - the first all-Negro, female unit to be deployed overseas in Europe during WWII. A wonderful story that shows a side of the war effort that is rarely takes about or shown in movies. A great read for those who love historical fiction, or who loved Hidden Figures.

5 likes1 stack add
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SilverShanica
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Finding some much needed relief from the heat hanging out on the deck and reading this gem from Kaia Alderson.

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S3V3N
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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My July 2021 Pick! #BOTM

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AmyK1
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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It‘s #botm day! These two looked good.

AmyK1 @BookishMarginalia Hopefully we both like it! 😊 3y
36 likes2 comments
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Laughterhp
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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I can always use another debut for the #BOTM challenge! It also sounds right up my alley!

Also, of course I had to get the Marie Benedict. I‘ve had it on my TBR for a while!

#JulyBOTM

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Aims42
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Ooo I am so excited about my box 🥳 I loved ‘Addie LaRue‘ and now have my own copy for re-reading 🙌🏻 And the other two were Goodreads giveaways I didn‘t win, so it was meant to be LOL

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wideeyedreader
Sisters in Arms: A Novel | Kaia Alderson
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Only grabbing one book this month, but I‘m super excited about it! #botm