Welcome to Litsy!

squirrelbrain @Jas16 @Bookpearl @Bookwormjillk @AmyG @Deblovestoread @kwmg40 @Sarahbarnes @Hooked_on_Books @suet624 @BkClubCare @decalino @Ruthiella @Karisimo 2mo

pick

I couldn‘t decide between pick or so-so, it‘s well written and I love a story about a close family and especially sisters since I‘m one of 3 girls. But in no world would this ever be okay and for that reason I hated everyone in the book except the twins who were my favorite characters!

squirrelbrain

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Today‘s #litsytob24 bracket has another runaway winner!

Hello Beautiful gained 16 votes, with only 3 (Ruth, Holly and Debra)voting for Lovesick Blossoms. Personally I liked both of these books, but we had to pick just one, didn‘t we?! How difficult a decision was it for you?

We put these two books together due to their portrayal of entangled relationships - how do you think each book dealt with this theme?

Megabooks, BarbaraBB

squirrelbrain Karisimo

@Chelsea.Poole @Well-readNeck @cariashley @KarenUK @merelybookish @kitta @Kristy_K @MicheleinPhilly @leniverse @ReaderAnn @Catlass007 @Larkken @fredthemoose 2mo

Megabooks It was no question for me that Hello Beautiful was a better book. I think Lovesick really missed some opportunities to develop excellent secondary characters. Plus, I was just more moved emotionally by HB. 2mo

See All 24 Comments

Chelsea.Poole I also liked both of these but I had much more of an emotional reaction to Hello Beautiful so it got my vote. Lovesick Blossoms was also memorable for me. Well done to the hosts for pairing these two with “entangled relationships“. Hello Beautiful's entanglement was a bit more morally questionable for me, and the characters in Lovesick Blossoms had few choices due to the time and place they lived. 2mo

AmyG I haven‘t read Lovesick Blossoms. Hello Beautiful was my favorite book of last year. Oh how I love a good, damaged character and a dysfunctional family….and HB had it all. 2mo

fredthemoose I also enjoyed both of these, but also give Hello, Beautiful the edge. My reactions to LB were more about the restrictions based on the time and place the characters were in where for HB it was more about the choices they made and the family and interpersonal dynamics in play. 2mo

Ruthiella I am an outlier. I didn‘t believe any character‘s motivation in HB, so I was never invested emotionally. Lovesick Blossoms was a simpler story, but it at least rang true for me. 2mo

Deblovestoread I liked both books with Lovesick Blossoms getting the edge due to memorability. It stuck with me a bit longer than HB did. 2mo

Bookwormjillk I didn‘t get to LB but I really loved HB so happy to see it moving on. 2mo

BkClubCare @Bookwormjillk - Same 🙋‍♀️ I absolutely loved Hello Beautiful but didn‘t get to Lovesick Blosssoms - so many not available in time or not at all from the library. 😢 2mo

Bookwormjillk @BkClubCare same! I‘m waiting to see what makes it to the next round before I buy anything. 2mo

BarbaraBB I was underwhelmed by LS and loved HB so this was my easiest choice of all brackets! 2mo

squirrelbrain That‘s a great way of looking at it @chelsea.poole - thank you! 2mo

squirrelbrain It‘s interesting @Ruthiella @Deblovestoread - reading these comments I can actually recall LB more easily than HB, even though I voted for HB and it made my best of 2023. 🤷‍♀️ I wonder if it‘s because of the simpler storyline? 🤔 2mo

squirrelbrain @AmyG @Bookwormjillk @BkClubCare - do you think you‘ll read Lovesick Blossoms in the future after seeing reviews on here? Or is it a case of #toomanybookstoolittletime?! 2mo

squirrelbrain @fredthemoose - I agree - I loved all of the different interpersonal dynamics in Hello Beautiful, and also you never knew what was coming next, whereas LB was a bit more predictable, probably because of the social limits, as you point out. 2mo

AmyG @squirrelbrain Honestly, probably not. I have so many other books to read. 2mo

BkClubCare @squirrelbrain - I have it requested from the library so we will have to wait and see. If it comes as an ebook,yes, I will sample and see if I am hooked. If I see it FREE anywhere (like in a LFL or a friend offers, likely a YES) (edited) 2mo

squirrelbrain Yes, I think it‘s a #borrownotbuy @BkClubCare and I don‘t blame you! @AmyG 2mo

fredthemoose @squirrelbrain I‘m having the same experience! I read LB more recently, and it was a simpler and more predictable story, but it‘s definitely much clearer in my mind than HB. 2mo

Bookwormjillk @squirrelbrain I agree with @BkClubCare 2mo

Hooked_on_books I really liked both these books, so this was a hard choice for me. I read HB back in the early fall and loved it, but it hasn‘t stuck with me much. I thought LB was such a sweet story and its simplicity made it really beautiful. I figured it would likely be the underdog and wanted to give it my support. 2mo

squirrelbrain A great description for LB, @Hooked_on_books - sweet and simple! 2mo

kwmg40 I'm about halfway through HB and enjoying it. I've not gotten around to reading LB yet. 1mo

65 likes1 stack add24 comments

Bookwormjillk

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

Finished this one in the wee hours of the morning. I loved it except for a plot point that you could see coming mid-way through the book like a freight train. I wanted to scream at some of the characters but that was part of the charm. Like others I don‘t see this as a Little Women retelling. I loved the setting (Chicago) and the time period (1960-2008.) Four and a half stars. #LitsyTOB24

Megabooks, squirrelbrain, BarbaraBB

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I was also screaming at Sylvie 😱😫 2mo

AmyG Agree-how many relatives do we want to scream at??? Seemed true. And I join in on the Little Women re-telling. Why? Because there are 4 sisters and no father?? 😳 (edited) 2mo

Bookwormjillk @AmyG yes, I love a good multi-generational family saga. 2mo

Bookwormjillk @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Oh me too, but also Julia. Because what was going to happen to him without Sylvie? Your husband had a breakdown and tried to kill himself and you can't even visit him in the hospital? And don't even get me started on Rose.

This was a great book for the LitsyLove group. I went back and read the discussion. So much to talk about here! (edited) 2mo

67 likes1 stack add4 comments

Bookwormjillk

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

First time reading in the back yard this year. I have a lot to do but warm March days aren‘t guaranteed.

TheBookgeekFrau Your backyard looks like a little slice of heaven - I'd drop everything to sit out there too! 🤩 2mo

AnnCrystal How lovely 🤩👍💝. 2mo

Daisey I‘m spending my weekend with much the same reasoning. When the weather is this beautiful, you just enjoy it! 2mo

Bookwormjillk @TheBookgeekFrau thank you. It‘s like having a whole other room when the weather is nice. 2mo

76 likes4 comments

TieDyeDude, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Congratulations, @Texreader 🎉
You‘re the winner of our very first #LitsyLove #FreebieFriday giveaway!

I‘ll send it out Monday or Tuesday. 💙💙

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Congratulations 🎈🎊🎉 2mo

Texreader Yay!!!! Thank you!! 2mo

Read4life @Texreader I‘m sorry. Your package is going out today. I had a medical issue so I couldn‘t get this to the post office. Sorry for the delay. 💙😞 1mo

Texreader @Read4life No worries!! I hope you‘re doing ok!! 1mo

51 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Happy Friday!
Here‘s a new hashtag for our #LitsyLove group.
#FreebieFriday is here.
Our 1st Friday giveaway is Hello Beautiful. This is a #LitsyLove pay it forward title. I received it as a gift from @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks & now it‘s time for another member to enjoy it.
To enter comment on this post with your answer to the following: Other than Little Women, what book (F or NF) about sisters do you recommend?

TieDyeDude, Read4life

Cuilin Sense and sensibility by Jane Austen. Those Dashwoods have my heart. 2mo

ShelleyBooksie Sweet Valley High - those books hold many great memories. 2mo

Mimi28 The house on Mango Street- if I remember correctly lol 2mo

Teresereading Jodi Picoult My Sister‘s Keeper 2mo

33 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Happy Friday! Here‘s a new #LitsyLove group #.
#FreebieFriday is here.
This giveaway is a #LitsyLove “pay it forward” title. I received it from Misty & now it‘s time for another member to enjoy it.
To enter comment below with your answer to the following: What book (F or NF) about sisters do you recommend?

US only due to shipping costs

Texreader Sense and Sensibilities 2mo

Read4life @Texreader 🤓💙 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 👏🏻💞🎉🎊🎈 2mo

37 likes3 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

#LitsyLoveReads

I agree with @CatLass007 . I don‘t consider this a Little Women retelling and it‘s difficult to explain why I enjoyed it. It was definitely a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some characters were really hard to like while others were lovable despite (or, perhaps, because of) their flaws and mistakes.

#BookSpinBingo #ReadAway2024 #LitsyLove

DieAReader, TieDyeDude, Andrew65, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, TheAromaofBooks

DieAReader 🥳Great 2mo

CatLass007 I don‘t think anyone who read this book thought it was a retelling of Little Women. At least not according to the comments I‘ve read. (edited) 2mo

maich I agree with you. There were a lot of different emotions during this book. 2mo

See All 9 Comments

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo

Maria_Pulver I‘m curious now: as I‘ve never read Little Women, what made people/critics say it‘s a retelling? Is there anything in common apart from the fact there is a family of women whose lives turn differently but they keep being a family in some sense? 2mo

Read4life @Maria_Pulver the sisters said things like “I was supposed to be Beth” or “You were always Jo” but referencing the book and characters wasn‘t enough for me to consider it a retelling. 2mo

Andrew65 Well done 🎉🎉🎉 2mo

Maria_Pulver @Read4life this name mentioning felt a bit forced for me. If I were a fan of Little Women I‘d expect deeper connections in either plot development or character traits (or both) 2mo

Read4life @Maria_Pulver I agree 💯 2mo

58 likes9 comments

staci.reads

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

Such a beautiful story of families and all their complicated messiness. I loved these characters. Also, outdoor reading in February?! What a weird, but beautiful winter weekend.

72 likes

CatLass007

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

#LitsyToB24 #LitsyLoveReads #ReadAway2024 I don‘t consider this a modern retelling of Little Women. And I don‘t know why I enjoyed it as much as I did. But I did enjoy it. That‘s my story and I‘m sticking to it.

Megabooks, DieAReader, Andrew65, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, squirrelbrain, BarbaraBB, GHABI4ROSES

DieAReader 🥳Great 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I enjoyed it too despite it being very depressing. 🫶🏻 2mo

squirrelbrain I didn‘t realise it was supposed to be a Little Women retelling until after I‘d read it, and I certainly didn‘t notice any parallels whilst reading. 2mo

See All 6 Comments

BarbaraBB I liked it way better than Little Women 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2mo

CatLass007 @BarbaraBB When I was a girl I enjoyed Little Women but I never wanted to reread it. I‘m not sure I would have read this book if I‘d known it was supposed to be a modern retelling of Little Women. Especially since it really isn‘t. I enjoyed this quite a bit considering that I often wanted to knock some sense into Rose and Julia. 2mo

Andrew65 Brilliant 🎉🎉🎉 2mo

58 likes6 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative

Couldn‘t you just visualize Cecelia‘s murals?! It would have been amazing to have illustrations! 🎨

Let‘s discuss the 3 R‘s! Give us your rating, a book that you think would be a readalike, and would you recommend this novel?!

Final thoughts?! 💭

#LitsyLoveReads

Cupcake12 A slow burning read that picked up speed in the second half. I was torn between 3 or 4 star so went with 3.5🌟 I couldn‘t think of a readalike! This book isn‘t well known in the Uk, none of the libraries near me had it. I brought a copy and so glad that I was introduced to this writer through Litsy and look forward to next months read. Thanks you @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️ 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Cupcake12 thanks so much for participating Kerry 💗 I have heard that her book “Dear Edward” is really good! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Cupcake12 I agree with you! The second half was much better. Things started coming together! I‘m going to rate it 4 stars ⭐️ The first half was a struggle, but the second half made up for it. I‘ve had a little difficulty not thinking about these characters since I finished it. Hopefully I won‘t have a book hangover! I would recommend it to readers who love a slow burn! I‘m thinking about a readalike… 2mo

REPollock I gave it a pick because i found it structurally engaging—the way in which the author crafted the book was fun and fascinating to read. I would recommend it to writers who seek examples of books with unusual structure beyond the Aristotelian arc—great for readers of

2mo

Deblovestoread I gave it 3.5 🌟. 2mo

8 likes5 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

William is not in Alice‘s life but she ends up looking more like him—even has his similar height. And her personality seems to align a bit more with William as well as she does struggle a bit socially. How did the absence of family impact both Alice and Julia?

How will Sylvie‘s passing change the family for good?

#LitsyLoveReads

Cupcake12 Lack of family network impacted on both Julia and Alice immensely. Julia had to work hard to be everything for Alice which took its toll. I felt for Alice as she had no family growing up except for a yearly visit to her grandma in Florida. I‘d like to think that the passing of Sylvie would help them realise that family is important and that they begin to spend more time together to heal the rifts caused by their choices. A movie - yes! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Cupcake12 yes… it‘s so sad that Alice had all of these family members and had no idea 😪 definitely a movie! 🎥 2mo

Deblovestoread I loved that when Alice showed up she was immediately embraced by her family. Julia‘s choice to move away made Alice‘s world very small. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Deblovestoread yes it did 😪 2mo

8 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

There are several romantic relationships. Which relationship do you think was the most ideal in terms of love and connection? Which were the most challenging?

How do you see these characters 5 years from now? Would you like to see this novel adapted to film? 🎥

#LitsyLoveReads

Cupcake12 The two most challenging were Julia/William did to control issues and William never fully be his true self with his first wife. Emeline/Josie were the couple who had the strongest relationship. Even though with a devout catholic upbringing they defied society and Rose, and ended up being the happiest. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Cupcake12 I totally agree! They had a great relationship! 2mo

Deblovestoread Emeline & Josie had a great relationship and although Sylvie and William‘s relationship maybe shouldn‘t have happened they did have a solid relationship, too. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Deblovestoread yes, you are so right! 2mo

9 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Discuss the title. What did these words mean to the sisters? What do they mean to you?

Is there a quote from this novel that stuck with you?

#LitsyLoveReads

Cupcake12 Charlie wasn‘t in the book much but was referred to through out. I‘d like to think the ‘Hello Beautiful‘ quote shows that no matter what the sisters did, Charlie would have stood by them. 2mo

REPollock “Anyone that dresses and does their hair as carefully as your mom does every single day is unhappy on the inside.” 2mo

REPollock “Sylvie cared too much and lived too much in her head. She would be branded a slut and eventually marry a good-looking loser because he stared at Sylvie in a way that reminded her of Heathcliff.” 2mo

See All 9 Comments

REPollock “Witnessing this endless merry-go-round of books was what had ultimately put her off trying to publish her own.” 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks “You‘re depressed, not crazy. It‘s not insane to be depressed in this world. It‘s more sane than being happy. I never trust those upbeat individuals who grin no matter what‘s going on. Those are the ones with a screw loose, if you ask me.” 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks “When an old person dies,” Kent said, “even if that person is wonderful, he or she is still somewhat ready, and so are the people who loved them. They‘re like old trees, whose roots have loosened in the ground. They fall gently. But when someone like your aunt Sylvie dies—before her time—her roots get pulled out and the ground is ripped up. Everyone nearby is in danger of being knocked over.” 2mo

Deblovestoread I loved that Charlie greeted his daughters with Hello Beautiful. It was his way of saying I Love You. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Deblovestoread my husband says this to me every time he answers my call ❤️ 2mo

Deblovestoread I love that! 💜💜💜 2mo

10 likes9 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Discuss what happened with William, Julia, and Sylvie. Did you feel that Julia was justified in her actions toward her family when she found out about William and Sylvie? What would you have done in this situation?

How did you feel about the mother daughter relationships in this book? As a parent could you cut off your child?

#LitsyLoveReads

JessieKB I don‘t have all the words for this one. As one that was blessed with an amazing Mom and good relationship with her, the mother daughter relationship with the girls was hard for me. I did understand Julia creating the separation. She experienced some of the worst hurt from her closest people which caused unrest to her true nature and self. 💔🖤 (edited) 2mo

Cupcake12 I could understand Rose and her reactions but could never do it myself. There were so many complicated relationships in this story which made for some great reading. Julia had no right to tell Alice her father was dead, her decision to do this ate away at her and falling out with Sylvie had detrimental effects on her life and this was demonstrated with her control issues and interactions with Alice. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I didn‘t have a good relationship with my mother unfortunately. As a mom I could never cut off my children. No matter what they do. Julia had a right to be upset about the relationship, but took it too far. As Sylvie and William‘s relationship unfolded I was screaming noooo!!! Don‘t do it!! 2mo

Deblovestoread I can‘t imagine being estranged from my kids for any reason. Although I can understand how difficult it would be for Julia to be around Sylvie and William as a couple her coldness towards William was unforgivable IMO 2mo

9 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Why do you think the author focused on William in the beginning? Whose story is this? What is your favorite memorable scene?

#LitsyLoveReads

JessieKB There were so many strong main characters. To me, William was “the one”…his story. At the end of the day, the progression of their family unit and their individual lives was at a minimum influenced by him…in some cases directly changed because of him. Between this and him personally coming full circle, it had to start and end there. (edited) 2mo

Cupcake12 Great answer @JessieKB, I thought the book was going to be about William (I didn‘t read the blurb) but was surprised to find it centred around the sisters. In a sense, he was protected by the sisters due to his childhood experiences and he was one of my favourite characters. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I agree. So many strong characters! Cecelia was probably my favorite character. I wish there had been a bit more to her story and I was hoping she would find her love ❤️ 2mo

9 likes3 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Sylvie imagines her life as full as “third doors,” or unexpected opportunities and decisions that challenge societal expectations. What “third doors” have you experienced in your life?

#LitsyLoveReads

8 likes

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Which of the four Padavano girls did you most enjoy and/or relate to?

Friendships were vital in this story. Do you have or have you had a friend like Kent or Carrie?

#LitsyLoveReads

Cupcake12 At first, when Sylvie and William showed feelings for one another I couldn‘t understand how she could as it was her sisters ex-husband but the writer made me understand how and why they were made for each other, even if I didn‘t agree with what they had done. I didn‘t like Julia from the beginning as I just thought control issues, taking Alice‘s father out of the equation really riled me up! A great set of characters though! 2mo

REPollock I couldn‘t relate to any of them—they all had integral traits I found baffling or off-putting. I recognized my preteen/adolescent self in Sylvie‘s romanticism but she kept it into adulthood and that‘s foreign to me now. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I didn‘t care for Julia. Her control issues were insane!! 2mo

Deblovestoread I agree about Julia and she never seemed to become self aware about that trait. I liked Sylvie for the most part. Her recognition of William‘s despair and unwillingness to ignore the signs that something was seriously wrong saved him. The other two sisters weren‘t as fleshed out as characters for me. 2mo

9 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

Mental health is a significant theme throughout this book. How did the characters experiences with depression and anxiety impact their relationships and personal growth?

What did you think of Rose‘s decision to move to FL? What about her reaction to Cecelia‘s pregnancy, Emeline‘s sexuality, Julia‘s divorce, and Sylvie marrying William?

#LitsyLoveReads

Cupcake12 Depression was a huge theme throughout and I liked how the author tackled it. Julia, obviously had her own mental health issues but hid away from them too. I‘m surprised Rose moved away as I thought she would be in the story more but her reaction to her daughter‘s life choices was commonplace at that time, especially with her religious beliefs. 2mo

REPollock Rose struck me as the most realistic character—performative devout mothers disowning and abandoning their adult children for self-righteous moralizing abound among my own friends and family. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Cupcake12 I thought Rose would have been in the story more too. I was really shocked that she moved away! 2mo

Deblovestoread I agree that Rose was the most realistic of the women until she took off for Florida. 2mo

9 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

This post contains spoilers

“Hello Beautiful “ is described as a homage to “Little Women.” What parallels do you see between these novels? How does the author both honor and diverge from the classic?

#LitsyloveReads

* image from google

Tagging those who expressed interest!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @kspenmoll @Read4life @Pageturner1 @CatLass007 @Desha @Sleepswithbooks @Bklover @JessieKB @AmandaBlaze @PageShifter @julieclair @KristiAhlers @Maggie4483 @Cupcake12 💗 2mo

Cupcake12 Definitely the complicated yet loving relationship between the sisters. Each sister identified with a Little Women sister but obviously life happened and the roles changed. There were definitely 4 strong women in their own right. 2mo

REPollock Honestly it‘s been like 40 years since I read Little Women as a tween, and my main recollections are that I was excited to read a “classic” with so many female characters and that I found them all unrelatable and irritating, which mirrors my feelings about the Padovano sisters. 2mo

See All 8 Comments

Bklover I loved this book, but I didn‘t see any connection to Little Women other than the number of sisters. Loved their relationships with each other 2mo

Read4life If the characters hadn‘t commented on which Little Women character they were, were meant to be or wanted to be I wouldn‘t have thought of Little Women at all. I enjoyed this one. 2mo

CatLass007 So it‘s not just me! I don‘t see this as a modern retelling of Little Women at all. Granted it‘s been decades since I first read it, and the last screen version I saw was a 1978 mini-series with Susan Dey as Jo and William Shatner as her beloved Professor. There were four sisters and one of the sisters died in both books but that‘s really about it. 2mo

Deblovestoread Was out and about all day Saturday and forgot to come back to this until now. Other than the mentions of Little Women I did not really connect Padavano sisters to the March sisters. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Deblovestoread no worries! 2mo

11 likes8 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Happy Friday everyone! I may post discussion questions later tonight! We have to help my daughter move into her house tomorrow! I didn‘t think it would be this soon!

#LitsyLove
#LitsyLoveReads

This is our lineup through June! Everyone welcome!

@ElizaMarie I‘m hoping I can make the zoom meeting! I had no idea we would be doing this tomorrow 😩

AmyG Hope the move goes well! 2mo

Bookwormjillk Good luck with the move. I had planned on reading Hello Beautiful this month, but I ran out of month. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG thank you! 😊 2mo

See All 9 Comments

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookwormjillk thank you ☺️ haha! I totally understand! 2mo

CatLass007 Wait. You have a daughter who‘s old enough to have her own house!!? I don‘t think you look that old. Of course, my Facebook profile pic is my high school pic. I didn‘t see this post yesterday and I didn‘t know we were discussing Hello Beautiful today. Is there a discussion schedule posted somewhere? Or did you say something like “We will have our book discussion on the last Saturday of the month?” 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CatLass007 lol I have a 29 year old and a 23 year old! I started young! Yes, the discussion can be found using the hashtag #LitsyLoveReads 💗 2mo

CatLass007 I had no problem finding the discussion, I just didn‘t realize when it would be posted. Is there a schedule for when the discussions will be every month? I guess I could have planned my monthly reading schedule better if I‘d known about it ahead of time. I do know I won‘t be joining in the discussion in March, but I‘ll be back in April, so please keep me on the tag list. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CatLass007 I‘m planning on the last Saturday of the month! I did have to post the questions late Friday night because we moved my daughter all day Saturday. You can jump in anytime though. I‘m still going back and checking responses! ❤️ 2mo

CatLass007 Thank you. 2mo

51 likes9 comments

Maggie4483

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

When you have a bad day, but it‘s okay because it‘s #NationalMargaritaDay and your local takeout margarita bar is having a BOGO special…so you get four. And then go to Taco Bell, too.

KateReadsYA 🙌 Girl you know how to have a good time!!!! 🥰 2mo

Maggie4483 @KateReadsYA Lol…they DO freeze well, so I might save one of the shorties for this weekend.☺️ 2mo

KateReadsYA @Maggie4483 What was your taco bell order? I always go for a Baja blast freeze, steak quesedilla with a side of nacho cheese, a soft taco and loads of hot sauce 🤩🤭 2mo

See All 6 Comments

AmyG Yum! 2mo

Maggie4483 @KateReadsYA I usually only go during Nacho Fries season, but they have a new chicken empanada that I highly recommend. And, yes, all the hot sauce for me, too! 🔥 2mo

KateReadsYA @Maggie4483 yupp gonna have to try that out. 👍 2mo

21 likes6 comments

Cupcake12

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

so-so

#LitsyLoveReads
An emotionally layered story about family, grief and love. William, grew up with tragedy and never felt the love of his family. He meets Julia Padavano, one of four sisters and a loving family. A huge family rift changes their lives and family forever but will loyalty bring them back together?
It took a while for me to get into the story but if
you like a deep rooted, multi generational slow story - this is definitely for you.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Great review! I had no idea it was so low… 2mo

39 likes1 comment

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

1. D.D Warren (Lisa Gardner D.D Warren books) and Grandma Mazur (Evanovich‘s Stephanie Plum books)

2. Myron & Win (Harlan Coben‘s Bolitar series) and Stone Barrington (Stuart Woods series of the same name)

3. The tagged book for #LitsyLoveReads & my February #BookSpin book, The BookClub Hotel.

Want to play @CBee @Crazeedi @TheSpineView @Andrew65 @ElizaMarie

Crazeedi Thanks for the tag 2mo

TheSpineView Thanks for the tag! 💜🏷 2mo

Read4life @Crazeedi 💙 2mo

See All 6 Comments

Read4life @TheSpineView 🤓 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo

Eggs Thanks for playing and sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻 2mo

44 likes6 comments

Cupcake12

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

#two4tuesday
1. 10 years ago. This is the longest house we‘ve lived in! Prior to that we moved 9 times 🤣 🏡
2. Tagged - lots of moving in this book as it charts a family growing

TheSpineView

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! Happy Reading! 2mo

25 likes1 comment

Deblovestoread

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

#LitsyTOB #52Bookclub24 #4POVs

I liked this book well enough. Maybe a bit too long, and while I liked most of the characters I didn‘t feel they were fully developed. I did feel seen when Alice described being pestered by coaches to play sports due to her height recalling one of my most cringeworthy moments in high school. And the new sentence I‘m finding in books I hate “getting the answer to a question you didn‘t know you had”. 3.5 🌟

BkClubCare, Kristy_K, LaraReads, KarenUK, Megabooks, Hooked_on_books, Jas16, cariashley, BarkingMadRead, Well-ReadNeck, Crazeedi, brittanyreads, Graciouswarriorprincess, Magpiegem, MicheleinPhilly, BookBelle84, Larkken, Suet624, jenniferw88, julesG, merelybookish, MidnightBookGirl, Librarybelle, batsy, triplem80, Readerann, Tove_Reads, slategreyskies, Chelsea.Poole, Read4life, rmaclean4, Bluebird, kwmg40, squirrelbrain, BarbaraBB, RebelReader, jlhammar, Addison_Reads, eeclayton, Ruthiella, hissingpotatoes, sarahbarnes, Book_Lover95, TheAromaofBooks, ImperfectCJ

Librarybelle I‘ve heard lots of good things about this one! I picked it up as a #BOTM …I‘ll get to it one of these days! 2mo

Ruthiella I‘ve not yet noticed that phrase, but I will now! 😃 I definitely understand the appeal of this novel, but it didn‘t quite come together for me. 2mo

julesG That phrase 🙄🙄🙄 I've noticed it, too. Does the reader get a book for free when that phrase turns up and the one with the unconsciously held breath? 2mo

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TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo

Megabooks That is a terrible sentence!! 2mo

squirrelbrain I shall be looking out for that sentence now! 🤣 2mo

79 likes6 comments

maich

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

#two4tuesday

1. 15 years ago when I finished studies (college) and moved from Ljubljana to the village where I grew up.

2. The last one I really enjoyed was Hello Beautiful.

@TheSpineView

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! Happy Tuesday 2mo

maich @TheSpineView you're welcome💕 2mo

32 likes2 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Yes, the majority of these characters were not likable! Especially one! IYKYK! But, the depth of these characters and their situations drew me in and held me to the very end. I‘m still thinking of this family and catch myself wondering what will happen next in their lives and it‘s over 😫

Grief, depression, forgiveness, acceptance, strength, endurance, love, loyalty, multigenerational, Little Women references, friendships, and basketball! 👇🏻

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This book pretty much has it all… Check the trigger warnings! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (edited) 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks “When an old person dies, even if that person is wonderful, he or she is still somewhat ready, and so are the people who loved them. They‘re like old trees, whose roots have loosened in the ground. They fall gently, but when someone dies before their time- the roots get pulled out and the ground is ripped up. Everyone nearby is in danger of being knocked over.” 💔💔 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks #LitsyLoveReads discussion Saturday! February 24th!! 2mo

See All 9 Comments

ChaoticMissAdventures I really enjoyed this, the characters felt real, so often people write "nice" characters that are so unrealistic, and I felt this hit a good spot of realistic. I read a GR review that was all "As a sister no sister would ever leave like that" and please! Families come in so many messes! 2mo

Deblovestoread That‘s a great quote! I‘m close to 100 pages in and enjoying it so far. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @ChaoticMissAdventures yes!! I forgot to add messy! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Deblovestoread ❤️🫶🏻 2mo

AmyG I am so happy you loved this book-I did, too. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG I miss the characters = book hangover!! 2mo

90 likes1 stack add9 comments

Ruthiella

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

so-so

Beautiful cover but the story telling style was not for me. I know people IRL who have cut themselves off from their family as well as those who have been abandoned by family, and yet no one‘s behavior felt real to me here. And there was far too much repetition in my opinion. The Little Women retelling aspects were interesting, however.

#LitsyToB24
#52BookClub24 Includes a wedding
#pop24 at least 3 PoV

TheBookHippie I did not like this book. I bailed. 🤣😅😝 2mo

Tamra I‘ll pass. ☺️ 2mo

Ruthiella @TheBookHippie Good to know I‘m not alone-it‘s such a popular book. 2mo

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Ruthiella @Tamra You‘re already getting the best part of it, which is the cover. 😜 2mo

Tamra @Ruthiella bahaha it‘s sad when that is true. 2mo

TheBookHippie @Ruthiella You‘re right, none of it rang true or authentic, amongst other things I did not like- that one was the worst. 2mo

Reggie The amount of books this past year with split opinions by people I trust. Our planets must be in retrograde. lol I don‘t know what‘s going on. 2mo

Lesliereadsalot Really liked Dear Edward. But this one…meh. 2mo

Ruthiella @Reggie Trust no one! 😜 Just kidding. That‘s just the way it pans out sometimes. Maybe at a different point in my life as a reader, I‘d have loved it, who can say? 2mo

Ruthiella @Lesliereadsalot Good to know that you liked her other book! 👍 I won‘t count her out for now and may try another from her in future. 2mo

BkClubCare @Ruthiella - I adored this one!! 😆 and bought Dear Edward so I will check in with you if you might want me to send to you “someday”. I have it in the stack for “fitting a challenge category” but I am blanking on which! 😂 so might be long time… 2mo

Ruthiella @BkClubCare I won‘t count her out just yet and I‘m glad this was a pick for you! 😃 2mo

71 likes12 comments

Cupcake12

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Finally got my hands on a copy..that‘s my weekend planned. #LitsyLoveReaddk

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I loved it! ❤️ 2mo

34 likes1 comment

cariashley

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

I liked but didn‘t love this one. It started out very strong and I love deep character studies, but the way some of the relationships developed (or degraded) just didn‘t always feel true to life to me. I‘m glad I read it, though. #litsytob24

TheLudicReader This book seems to be universally adored, though not by me, so I always feel a little vindicated when I read a review like yours. 🙂 2mo

cariashley @TheLudicReader right? I thought I‘d be more impressed based on all the positive reviews. 2mo

54 likes2 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Mammogram today🩷 and visited with my dad 💙

Edited to add that I have to have an ultrasound of my left breast 😢 I‘ve never had to have anything additional so I‘m pretty nervous… please say a prayer 🙏🏻

Finishing this one today and it‘s breaking my heart 💔 I really don‘t want to say goodbye to these characters!

I can‘t wait for our discussion #LitsyLoveReads 📚📚

Mimi28 Good luck with your mammogram 🩷🫶🏽 2mo

Bookwomble Wishing you well for your tests, Misty 🙏🏻💗 2mo

AmyG Wishing you all the best. I had an ultrasound done for years…turned out to be a cyst. 2mo

See All 43 Comments

Jari-chan Sending lots of good wishes and thoughts ❤️🙏 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Mimi28 thank you Michelle ❤️ 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookwomble thank you Michael 🙏🏻 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG thank you Amy ❤️ I just scheduled it for Monday at 830. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Jari-chan thank you 🫂 2mo

Read4life Keeping you in my prayers. I had to have an ultrasound a couple of years ago. It was nothing and all is good. Keep me posted please! 💙💙 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Read4life thanks Lynn ❤️ I should know something Monday 🙏🏻 2mo

BookNAround Fingers crossed they‘re jut being super cautious and it‘s nothing. 2mo

Jas16 Sending love and keeping you in my thoughts. ❤️ 2mo

dabbe I know how you feel. I've had a biopsy, 2 MRI's, 2 ultrasounds, and multiple mammograms on my right breast. All they can say is that it's not cancer, but there is “questionable“ tissue. Me: 😳 So I go back every 6 months to see if things have gotten worse; so far they haven't. You can do this! 💪 Like @BookNAround said, it's great that they're cautious. I'd gladly go back every month if they told me too. 😃 Holding you in my thoughts. ❤️💜🩷 2mo

Bookwormjillk Thinking good thoughts for you on Monday. 2mo

Chelsea.Poole I know how scary that can be. Sending positivity your way! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @BookNAround 🙏🏻🫶🏻 thank you! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Jas16 thank you friend ❤️ 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @dabbe thank you so much Denise ❤️🫶🏻 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookwormjillk thank you Jill 🫶🏻 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Chelsea.Poole thank you so much ❤️ 2mo

AnnCrystal May your test go well 🙏💕🫂. (edited) 2mo

TheBookgeekFrau 🙏🏼 💕 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AnnCrystal thank you sweetie 💞 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheBookgeekFrau 🫂❤️ 2mo

DaveGreen7777 Hope you get good news soon! 🙏 2mo

Mimi28 That happened to me one time and they even had to do a biopsy of my left breast but they said it was not cancerous and too small to try to remove. Sending prayers 🤗🙏🏽😊🫶🏽🩷 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @DaveGreen7777 thank you 🙏🏻💙 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Mimi28 thank you ❤️ 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Mimi28 @Bookwomble @AmyG @Jari-chan @Read4life @BookNAround @Jas16 @dabbe @Bookwormjillk @Chelsea.Poole @AnnCrystal @TheBookgeekFrau @DaveGreen7777 thank you all for the thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻 the ultrasound was negative ❤️🙏🏻🫶🏻 2mo

dabbe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!! 🤩😍🤩 2mo

Mimi28 That‘s great news!! 🙏🏽🤗😊🫶🏽🩷 2mo

TheBookgeekFrau Yayyyyy!!!! 💞 🙏🏼🫶 2mo

Chelsea.Poole So so happy to hear this wonderful news!! ♥️ 2mo

AmyG Good news!!!! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @dabbe 🫂🫶🏻❤️ 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Mimi28 thank you 🙏🏻 ❤️ 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheBookgeekFrau 💗🤗 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Chelsea.Poole thank you ❤️🙏🏻 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG thank you 🫂❤️🫶🏻 2mo

Read4life Fantastic news! 💙💜💙💌 2mo

Bookwomble That's good to hear 😊🩷 2mo

DaveGreen7777 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Wonderful news! 🙏 2mo

CBee @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I had to have the same thing last year, it‘s scary but mine was also fine 😅 Glad yours was too ♥️♥️♥️ 2mo

58 likes43 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

We haven‘t played this in a while! 🎵 💿 🎤 #Booknotes

Can you think of a song that matches your current read? 📚📀

When I hear this song it makes me think of the tagged book we are reading for #LitsyLoveReads 📚

What Was I Made For? https://g.co/kgs/BN3g9s2

Tag friends!!

Desha, Read4life, CBee, dabbe, Cupcake12

dabbe So far we have 31 songs on our Spotify playlist! Pass this link along, too!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0BweE8nr34nXd8ooqLtjey

Thanks for the tag! I have some thinking to do! ❤️💜🩷 2mo

48 likes1 comment

kspenmoll

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

It‘s a snow day! So I am home, snuggling with my cats & the tagged book. What a gift! #litsylovereads #February

IndoorDame Oooh, your snow day is so picturesque and cozy looking! Enjoy! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 😍 2mo

Librarybelle So snuggly! 2mo

dabbe 🖤🐾🐾🖤 2mo

marleed What a pretty day you have going. Our area schools and businesses are closed tomorrow for a ‘red‘ snow day. Otherwise known as the Chiefs Super Bowl parade. And this one will actually have temps above freezing at 60°! 2mo

69 likes1 stack add5 comments

Gissy

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

#LuckyInLove Day 12 #Face/BodyOnCover

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Gorgeous cover👌🏼 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Reading this now for our buddy read! #LitsyLoveReads 💚💙 2mo

43 likes2 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

“I didn‘t know that you could lose someone, and that meant you lost so much else.”

The perfect day! Rain, reading, home, kitty cuddles 🥰 🐾 🐈‍⬛

#catsoflitsy

#LitsyLoveReads

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2mo

rubyslippersreads I 🧡 everything about this picture. 😻 2mo

Desha I loved that quote too! :) 2mo

See All 14 Comments

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @dabbe 😽😽 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @rubyslippersreads 😽🫶🏻 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Desha ❤️ where are you in the book?? 2mo

Desha I‘m on page 125…just starting to read for today with my Sophie next to me! 🐶♥️ 2mo

Desha Where are you?? 😄 2mo

AnnCrystal 🌦️😻☕📚🥳💝. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Desha I‘m on page 140! You could totally see that coming with William! Julia is so pushy! 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AnnCrystal ❤️🤗💛😽🥰 2mo

Desha I know! It‘s good that William is getting the treatment he needs! I‘m so sad that Julia won‘t visit but it just shows how different from him she is! 2mo

maich I'm a little mad on Julia and she left. He needs help and maybe it will be better if she stays. 2mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @maich me too 😡 2mo

82 likes1 stack add14 comments

DocBrown

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

I can‘t believe my youngest turns 18 in just a few days! I sent this pic in for the senior baby ads in his yearbook. On another note, this book did a great job depicting the (mostly hidden) ripple effects of childhood emotional neglect. I wish I could buy lots of copies to give to all the people in my life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-1/2

Ruthiella Cute picture! 😃 2mo

AmyG Adorable! It goes fast, doesn‘t it? 2mo

Tamra Cliche but true, the time flies by incredibly fast! 2mo

Suet624 Oohhh, how sweet. I agree about the book too. 2mo

DocBrown @Ruthiella I agree, it's one of my favorites! Actually @AmyG and @Tamra, it feels like it's been a looooooong time coming! Not that I haven't loved being this guy's dad, he reminds me so much of myself at that age. Thanks @Suet624! 2mo

56 likes5 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

For the first six days of William Water‘s life, he was not an only child.

Finally a day off to read!! 🧡🧡

#LitsyLove
#LitsyLoveReads
#FirstLineFridays

📚❤️

ShyBookOwl

maich I'm listening this and like it for now. 3mo

ShyBookOwl 😔 that has to be going somewhere devastating 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @ShyBookOwl yes 💔💔 2mo

63 likes3 comments

sarahbarnes

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

pick

A very good story, as many others here have said. It was sweet and simple in some ways, but it had its sharp edges as well, and ended in a way that felt like the right way for it to end. #litsyTOB

43 likes

Maggie4483

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful and “Hello, Beautiful.”

My pretty girl isn‘t feeling good tonight, 😿 so I‘m neglecting my chores in favor of giving her lots of love.

rubyslippersreads Hope she feels better soon. 😽 3mo

dabbe Hope she's on the mend soon! 🖤🐾🖤 3mo

maich Sending her love and hope she feels better soon❤️❤️ 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Hope she‘s feeling better ❤️ 2mo

27 likes4 comments

Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano

Happy Wednesday! Trying to sneak in a few pages today for our #LitsyLoveReads selection! I‘m really enjoying getting to know the sisters in this one 🩷

My favorite #chocolate @Eggs
#LuckyinLove

Tagging those of you who were interested! If you can‘t join us just let me know! Everyone welcome! 🤗

I do have an extra copy of next month‘s selection (YellowFace) up for grabs!

Maggie4483, kspenmoll, Desha, Bklover, Read4life, CatLass007, Sleepswithbooks, Cupcake12, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair, JessieKB

CatLass007 I‘m in! And I love Reese‘s Cups!! 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CatLass007 awesome! I love them cold best! 3mo

Desha Misty what do you use your journal for? 📚 3mo

See All 21 Comments

CatLass007 I like them room temperature, maybe a little melty. 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Desha ideas, possible questions, things about the characters, quotes 🩷 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CatLass007 they are the best!! 3mo

Pageturner1 getting ready to start it. 3mo

Eggs I like PB M&Ms 3mo

Desha Awesome Misty! 💗 3mo

CatLass007 @Eggs Is there an actual nut in there or is it peanut butter on its own? I‘ve always preferred peanut M&Ms. When I was in college, I was a green peanut M&M for Halloween at a dorm party. Oddly enough one of the guys in our co-ed dorm was a green plain M&M. I took pictures and my photo albums still haven‘t been unpacked. But my memory is still sharp and I see pictures of what happened in my mind. 3mo

julieclair Looking forward to starting this one this weekend! 3mo

Eggs @CatLass007 no nuts just pb 3mo

CatLass007 @Eggs It still sounds good to me.🤤 3mo

Eggs @CatLass007 They are so good 😍 3mo

KristiAhlers I'm totally in! And I ❤️ almost any candy 3mo

Bklover Love this book! I‘d love to join the discussion. Oh, and I love Hershey kisses. And M&Ms. And Almond Joys. And Reese‘s anything! (And I don‘t have a copy of Yellowface - if not taken) looking forward to that discussion too! Oh, and when is the discussion for Hello Beautiful?❤️❤️❤️ 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bklover awesome!! 😎 I‘m aiming for February 24th! Yellowface is yours!! 💛 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @KristiAhlers yay!! 😁 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @julieclair awesome 🤩 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Pageturner1 yay!! 😃 3mo

Bklover I will put it on my calendar. Thanks Misty!❤️ 3mo

73 likes21 comments