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The Blue Castle
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
When Dreams Come True All her life, Valancy Stirling lived on a quiet little street in an ugly little house and never dared to contradict her domineering mother and her unforgiving aunt. Then she gets a letterand decides that very day things need to change. For the first time in her life, she does exactly what she wants to and says exactly what she feels. At first her family thinks she's gone around the bend. But soon Valancy discovers more surprises and adventure than she ever thought possible. She also finds her one true love and the real-life version of the Blue Castle that she was sure only existed in her dreams... What Readers are Saying: "This just became one of my all-time favorites! In fact, this may be my favorite L.M. Montgomery book, and I'm a huge 'Anne' fan!...I loved the drama and the romance, and the beautiful descriptions of the Canadian wilds. What a great book! It's a treat to read, just a joy with every page!" "The sweetest...
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Clare-Dragonfly
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

What a marvelous romance!

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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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My #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead-ers should get a kick out of this… I just got this series of texts from one of my best friends, with whom I share a great love for L.M. Montgomery‘s The Blue Castle. We‘ve been discussing which covers/editions are out there, I mentioned the Elly McKay covers, she bought us each copies. And yes, that is indeed the first chapter of Anne of Avonlea. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Damn Jeff Bezos.

lauraisntwilder Oh no! 😆 8mo
Prairiegirl_reading 😲😲 8mo
quietjenn 😲🤨 8mo
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Ruthiella What? 😳 8mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh my gosh. My sister was actually just looking through all The Blue Castle editions on Amazon yesterday and we were cracking up at how many of them do not remotely match the story! Our two favorites were one of a dark and dramatic castle that definitely gave off “here be dragons“ vibes, and another one of a tiny, ramshackle house that had “isolated murder mystery“ vibes 😂 8mo
julieclair So bizarre! 😵 8mo
BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks 😂😂 I was trading bad cover images of The Blue Castle with this same friend prior to her buying this one! There was one she called the “Game of Thrones” version—medieval-ish castle complete with a fierce redhead in a crown. 😂 Have you seen this post? https://teaandinksociety.com/bad-book-covers-anne-of-green-gables/ I think my favorite is what she calls the “Disney-ready pop star” version of The Story Girl. 🤣 8mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh my gosh, THANK YOU for sharing that, I truly just sat here and laughed for five solid minutes. That was AMAZING. HOW can there be SO MANY terrible options!??! Especially when you think of all the lovely, delightful scenes and characters, it really seems like it should be quite easy to create beautiful covers that actually go with the story!? 😂 8mo
BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks You are so welcome—glad I could offer some laughter—and shared horror! 😂 It‘s staggering just how MANY awful ones there are!! Please show that link to your sister when she needs a laugh. It might give her some good ideas for rebuilding her collection. 😆 8mo
43 likes9 comments
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Purpleness
The Blue Castle | Lucy M. Montgomery
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New edition of one of my favourites! I noticed on my recent reread that my copy (published 1988) is falling apart, so I splurged on a beautiful new edition. #rereadingsummer

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Purpleness
The Blue Castle | Lucy Maud Montgomery
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Purpleness
The Blue Castle: A novel | L. M. Montgomery
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RobES
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

Matching my nails to my novel! Love this sweetly funny book. My Senior book club have chosen this as their summer holiday read- a perfect choice for sunny days 💙💛

RaeLovesToRead Great colour! 💅🏻 10mo
Gissy 💅 😍 💙 10mo
Tamra Perfect for summer! 10mo
Ruthiella Perfect match! 10mo
AllDebooks Wow that blue is perfect 🥰 10mo
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StaceGhost
Blue Castle | L M Montgomery
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Pickpick

This may be my favorite stand alone L.M.M. Gorgeous descriptions of nature, mixed with both lighthearted observations and reflections on the meaning of life.

I also found this tunnel through the trees outside my local library— do you think if I passed through it I would end up in another time?

#kindredspirits

Purpleness My favourite L.M. Montgomery, too! I think it might be time for a re-read… 10mo
LeahBergen I love this book. 🩵 10mo
StaceGhost @Purpleness @LeahBergen I agree! I just read it and I already want to read it again 10mo
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kwmg40 That photo does look like a time portal! 10mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Just checking that see if you got your package 📦 🩷 10mo
StaceGhost @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks hey! Just posted :) sorry! I wanted to be able to review it but this week and last has been full of celebrations and lots of unexpected end of the year work— like cleaning out my office! 10mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @StaceGhost great!! Enjoy your summer 💛 10mo
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#12Booksof2022 day 3

March was a strong reading month with several amazing reads so it was hard to choose a favorite, but I decided on this one.

Valancy is given a short time to live by her doctor. She decides to live the life she wants and not the one expected of her by her closest family. About love, standing up to your family and going your own ways.

tpixie What a lovely premise! Thanks for sharing all those covers! 1y
bookandbedandtea This is my absolute favorite LMM book 😍 1y
Andrew65 An excellent author, but wasn‘t aware of this book. (edited) 1y
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AnneCecilie @Andrew65 I feel like her Anne and Emily books get most of the attention. But this is just wonderful. 1y
AnneCecilie @tpixie I just loved the picture when I found it online. 1y
AnneCecilie @bookandbedandtea This one of my favorite LMM books 1y
tpixie @AnneCecilie 💝💝💝 1y
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#AdventRecommends December 2nd

I loved this book by L. M. Montgomery aimed at an older audience than most of her novels. It‘s cozy like all her novels and about love, family and following your own dreams.

LeahBergen It‘s a favourite of mine, too. 1y
emilyrose_x I love Anne of Green Gables, so I have added this to my list 🥰 1y
BarbaraJean I love this one so much—it‘s a favorite for me, too. 1y
Aimeesue I love this one ❤️ 1y
batsy One of my favourites too 💕 1y
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bookandbedandtea
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Barney and Velancy's little cabin would make me very happy 😊

BookmarkTavern Oh that sounds idyllic! Thank you for sharing! 2y
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Laughterhp
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Hey Chrissy and Sarah! I found this book today and I‘m pretty sure we were trying to do a mark up read outside of LMPBC. It looks like I got 50 pages into this book (and if I remember correctly, found it super depressing).

Do you want me to send this back to you Chrissy? Or should I send it along to Sarah. Sorry for the delay, I literally don‘t know how long I‘ve had this book. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Chrissyreadit Too funny! I did like it, if Sarah wants to read it that‘s fine. I‘m not worried either way. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Whatever works for you!! I will say that this is one of my all-time favorite books, and even though it does start rough, Valancy takes control of her life and turns this into a genuinely happy, funny story... so it may be worth trying to reread 😂 I'm always happy to read it again if you send it my way, just whatever works best!! 2y
Chrissyreadit I agree with @TheAromaofBooks I definitely felt better as it went along. 2y
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Daisey
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

This was a reread for me, but I honestly remembered nothing from my initial read years ago. I enjoyed this more adult Montgomery story as a lovely change of pace from my more serous reading. It has the same beautiful appreciation of nature and moments of humor I always love in her writing. So glad I made time to listen to it again, even if a month late for the buddy read.

#audiobook #reread #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead

CogsOfEncouragement I haven‘t read this, but I‘ve loved the other books by Montgomery that I have. 2y
Daisey @CogsOfEncouragement Of her lesser known books, this one might well be my favorite. (edited) 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead - Blue Castle discussion part 6

Anything else you‘d like to discuss from The Blue Castle?

Favorite passages, favorite characters, favorite Stirling relative you love to hate? Favorite “John Foster” quote?

tenar My favorite genre is nature writing, so I found John Foster as dreamy & inspiring as Valancy did! 😅 It was cute when it said that Valancy was spreading the Foster “gospel”; she & Cissy wouldn‘t pick flowers in the wood because he had written, “The way to enjoy wood-flowers is to track them down to their remote haunts—gloat over them—and then leave them with backward glances, taking with us only the beguiling memory of their grace and fragrance.” 2y
quietjenn I just want to mention how idyllic I found their Valancy and Barney's life on the island, post-marriage but pre-ending. And also, I love that LMM created a romantic hero named Barney Snaith, perhaps the most unromantic name I can imagine. 2y
JenlovesJT47 Lol @quietjenn I was thinking the same thing !! 😂😂🤣 2y
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LeahBergen Happy Birthday! ❤️📚❤️📚 2y
BarbaraJean @tenar I've never been very interested in nature writing, but I love how John Foster offers Valancy such an outlet. And the descriptions of Mistawis--💜 Maybe there's some nature-writer-appreciation in me after all! @quietjenn YES!! I mean, Snaith?!? I had a professor who commented on a character named “Lurvy“ in Charlotte's Web--he said Brad Pitt wouldn't be seen as attractive if his name were Lurvy. But LMM makes it work for Barney Snaith! 2y
BarbaraJean @Cathythoughts You are so sweet!! I will email you my address--thank you so much! I love having Litsy birthday buddies. 💕 I hope you had a lovely bookish birthday yourself! 📚 🎉 @LeahBergen Thank you!! 💜 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead - Blue Castle discussion part 5

“Valancy had long ago decided that she would rather offend God than Aunt Wellington, because God might forgive her but Aunt Wellington never would.”

There are some wonderfully hilarious situations, comments, and descriptions in this book. What are some of your favorites?

quietjenn There's a few, but what immediately leaps to mind was the anniversary party, i.e. “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was - a little - you understand?“ The entire way she releases on them after years is just delightful. 2y
AnneCecilie I loved the way her family reacted when she stopped pleasing them. And the meetings they had. Her mother didn‘t approve of Valancy‘s reading early on so I never liked her. 2y
JenlovesJT47 I loved it when her uncle stumbled upon them when the car broke down. And when she finally told them she was married, their reactions were hilarious! 2y
BarbaraJean @quietjenn That whole dinner party is amazing! All the ridiculousness of the Stirling family is on display and Valancy revels in finally letting her internal commentary become external. I think my favorite line is when Uncle James asks Aunt Alberta where the dog bit her. When she replies: “A little below the Catholic church,“ Valancy laughs and says: “Is that a vital part?“ 😂 @JenlovesJT47 Oh, I love the car breakdown scene!! 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead discussion part 4

I love that LMM found refuge in writing Blue Castle. Reading it felt like a refuge to me—because it‘s a familiar, favorite read, but also because the narrative is full of humor, warmth, and of course a happy ending. The comfort I found was a fitting parallel to the comfort Valancy finds in her own Blue Castle.

Do you have a “Blue Castle”? Where have you found refuge & comfort during difficult times?

tenar Thank you for sharing these quotes! I felt the same way as you, and it‘s lovely to think LMM shared that feeling while writing it. 2y
Jerdencon This was my first time reading it and it took a little bit to get into it but then I flew through it and it was so much fun! It was a nice escape from the heavier stuff I usually read. 2y
quietjenn What wonderful quotes! Thanks so much for sharing them. I'm glad LMM had the refuge of writing this book as well. I do think I find it in reading beloved books - including this one - or certain go-to types of books that I find comforting. And also in throwing on episodes of a favorite tv show I've seen a million times already. 2y
AnneCecilie I loved the quotes and I felt the same way while reading. Her books have been an escape for me over the last years. I also escape in other books and comforting series and movies. 2y
BarbaraJean @quietjenn @AnneCecilie I also find comfort and escape in reading beloved books. There's something about familiar storylines that you know are going to turn out well! That was the main reason I was inspired to suggest this buddy read late in 2020--I knew I needed some LMM comfort in my life!! 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead - Blue Castle discussion part 3

Did the romance feel plausible to you, or was it contrived/too perfect? Or does it matter if it‘s all a little implausible?

Did any parts of the narrative surprise you?

tenar I didn‘t really judge the romance for plausibility while reading; it seemed plenty plausible within the world of the novel, I think.

This was my first read, and I rather smugly thought I had the storyline all figured out for quite a while. But Doc Redfern was a totally unexpected development for me, hah!
2y
quietjenn I do think it's a bit contrived, but I still love it mightily! 😊 2y
AnneCecilie I didn‘t think of its plausibility while reading but I did love the love story. Valancy is very clear on her feelings towards Barney. He came a little later to his realization, but he must have cared early on. Why else would he show at the party to make sure Valancy was okey and to get her out? I didn‘t see any of the surprises towards the end, what Barney was the writer and the son of a millionaire. (edited) 2y
JenlovesJT47 I found it sweet and fairly believable. I loved how she wasn‘t afraid anymore and just went after what she wanted. 2y
BarbaraJean @AnneCecilie It was all those surprises at the end that seemed a little contrived to me, but I'm with @quietjenn --all the coincidences may be a little too convenient, but I really don't care because I love it so much! @tenar I think that's key--it's plausible within the world LMM has created (and within its genre). But Redfern really does come out of left field, doesn't he?! 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead - Blue Castle discussion part 2

How did you feel about Valancy as a character? Did you find her likable initially?

What about Cissy Gay and Roaring Abel? What do you think they add to the book?

tenar The section with Cissy and Abel was my favorite part of the book! I thought including Cissy‘s story and perspective grounded Valancy‘s own health plotline; it brought some seriousness and deep feeling to it when it could have been frivolous. Cissy and Abel also obviously served as a great transition period for Valancy and added to the overall commentary on respectability and appearances. I think the book wouldn‘t be the same without them! 2y
Jerdencon I liked Valancy but her extremes were a bit much - from completely passive to the other side so quickly but I understood why… I was happy she was with Cissy and Abel and felt they “saved” Valency. 2y
quietjenn I do like Valancy, but she was a bit hard to love at the beginning. I'd forgotten just how downtrodden and depressing her life was and it could be frustrating that she was just so passive. I loved Cissy and Abel both as characters in and of themselves and for the “excuse“ they gave Valancy to really step away from her family. 2y
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AnneCecilie I loved Valancy. It was probably not an easy thing being unmarried and have no prospect to ever be at the age of 29. She is doing what she needs to do in order to keep the peace with everyone in the beginning, when she‘s told that she has less than a year to live there‘s no longer any need for that. Cissy and Abel weren‘t my favorite characters, but they did show that people aren‘t necessarily how you are told they are. (edited) 2y
JenlovesJT47 I love it when she snaps out of her 29-year fog and starts standing up for herself and not caring what her family thinks. Her family was awful but hilarious nonetheless. Loved her older cousin and that she was supportive of her. Also loved Cissy and Abel. They all helped each other more than they could possibly know. 2y
BarbaraJean @quietjenn I'd also forgotten how very bleak the beginning of this book is. @Jerdencon I could completely understand how Valancy had been worn down and dominated by her relatives, and actually found her more frustrating in retrospect; once she started standing up to her family, it bothered me that she'd had the spirit to do so before, but hadn't! @JenlovesJT47 Agreed - her family was so terrible but made for some hilarious situations. 2y
BarbaraJean @AnneCecilie @JenlovesJT47 I loved how LMM provides such a strong critique of societal expectations; she just tears down that felt need to maintain certain appearances/behaviors only to please others. I love Valancy so much for her courage to act against those expectations in order to live the life she wants. @tenar YES! I love Cissy and Abel for how real they are--they're exactly what Valancy needs to establish herself outside those expectations. 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead - Blue Castle discussion part 1

What did you think of The Blue Castle compared to LMM‘s other books? What similarities or differences did you notice?

Are there any themes or ideas that stood out to you?

BarbaraJean Kicking off the discussion a little early, as I will be spending the day with my family. My mother is not well and the family is gathering this weekend to be with her. So if I‘m a little MIA in the discussion, that‘s why! I‘ll jump back in when I can. ☺️ 2y
Jerdencon @BarbaraJean hope your mother feels better 🙏🏻 2y
Jerdencon I enjoyed that this was an adult novel - while the descriptions of landscapes and scenery are usual LM Montgomery for me but the more grown up themes were there and no kids anywhere! 2y
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quietjenn I hope things are okay with mother. As for the book, it definitely still feels like a Montgomery book and I think there are similar characters and situations as in her children's books. But no kids and no hijinks, which I appreciated (as much as I enjoy those in the other books). 2y
AnneCecilie I hope everything is okay with your mother. As for the book, I loved this one. This is one of my favorites of her. It has all the escapism and coziness as her other books. 2y
JenlovesJT47 I loved it because it‘s geared towards adults but still has that same warm and cozy vibe as her other books, and of course her beautiful descriptions about nature. Every now and then I think there‘s a little TOO much description in her books but she always paints a beautiful picture. Wish I had read this when I was in my 20s! I‘m so sorry about your mom, I hope you had an enjoyable time with your family. ❤️ 2y
BarbaraJean @Jerdencon @quietjenn @AnneCecilie @JenlovesJT47 Thank you all for your well-wishes for my mother! It's been a rough week as she is now on hospice care. Although she's often confused (due to her dementia) and sometimes non-responsive, we had some really lovely family time last weekend. My cousins were able to bring her siblings, my uncle and aunt, to visit (which was a feat as they are 96 & 90!) and my mom had some sweet moments with both of them. 2y
BarbaraJean @Jerdencon @quietjenn I also love that it's not a kids' book! @JenlovesJT47 It really does have the same feel as her others, but with more grown-up themes & a more mature main character. (I think this is also why House of Dreams was my favorite Anne book on my most recent re-read.) The theme of what makes a meaningful life stood out, which is better explored in an adult book. @AnneCecilie The cozy escapism was exactly what I needed right now! 2y
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#BookReport

Finished The Blue Castle #KinderedSpiritsBuddyRead. Continued Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid and with the #PemberLittens both The Other Bennett Sister and North and South.

I read The Cauliflower and In.
Currently reading My Family and Other Animals, the group read for #foodandlit #Greece and Bibliophile: Diverse Spines.

Cinfhen Great week!! Can‘t believe the month is almost over!! 2y
AnneCecilie @Cinfhen I know, I can‘t believe how fast this year has moved so far. I want a “pause” button so I can read all the books. 2y
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review
AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

I LOVED THIS!

29 yr old Valancy has accepted that she will become an old spinster forever living with her mum and cousin. One day she goes to the doctor, and is told that she has less than a year to live. She decides to live her life on her own terms and do what she wants.

Her family‘s reactions to this was hilarious and I loved their dialogue.

I‘m so glad I joined #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead when we started with the Anne books, otherwise I‘m

AnneCecilie not sure I ever would have read this. I loved this so much that I‘m actually considering getting my own copy. I can definitely see myself rereading this some time in the future. 2y
TheAromaofBooks This is one of my all-time favorite books. I just love Valancy's journey of self-discovery and even though I've read this book so many times, it still makes me snort with laughter every time. I also love how her love for Barney changes him as well ❤ 2y
AnneCecilie @TheAromaofBooks Me too and also that the world doesn‘t end because she does it. I can‘t imagine like Valancy did before the letter - always being told what to do, basically having no “value” because you are neither married or a widow. He probably started loving her earlier than he thinks, after all he did travel to the party out back just to make sure she was okay. 2y
batsy I love seeing people discover this book! It's one of my favourites and dear to my heart. 2y
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LitsyEvents
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Repost for @BarbaraJean

Just a little reminder that the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead discussion of The Blue Castle will be next weekend: Saturday, March 26th. I‘ll post questions around mid-day Pacific Time. Everyone is welcome—if you‘re not tagged and you‘d like to join the discussion, just let me know and I‘ll add you for this book!

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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Just a little reminder that the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead discussion of The Blue Castle will be next weekend: Saturday, March 26th. I‘ll post questions around mid-day Pacific Time. Everyone is welcome—if you‘re not tagged and you‘d like to join the discussion, just let me know and I‘ll add you for this book!

This is my absolute favorite LMM novel, and I‘m so excited to discuss it! It‘s exactly the comfort read I need right now. 🥰

AnneCecilie I just finished this morning and I loved this one. 2y
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L.M. Montgomery
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A combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForcast

I read Bonjour Tristesse (returned to the library), Hello Mum, Seek You and Spring.

I kept up with the buddy reads and will continue to do so. Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid and with the #PemberLittens both The Other Bennett Sister and North and South. I hope to finish The Blue Castle #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead

In the upcoming week I want to read The Cauliflower and In.

AnneCecilie I want to start both My Family and Other Animals and Bibliophile: Diverse Spines 2y
Cinfhen That‘s quite an impressive stack 🤩 2y
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quietjenn
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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I've loved revisiting this, as it's one of my favorite Montgomerys. I think it's interesting that, as her official Adult Book, it's the one that feels most like a fairy tale to me. In the best possible way. 💙
#kindredspiritsbuddyread

batsy One of my favourites! 2y
TheLudicReader I read this one for the first time just a few ago and loved it. 2y
LeahBergen It IS very fairy tale-ish! 💙💙 2y
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BarbaraJean Oh, it does feel like a fairy tale! No evil stepmother, but the relatives are certainly awful enough to provide a parallel… 2y
rubyslippersreads The relatives remind me of some of Emily‘s relatives in the Emily books. 2y
quietjenn @rubyslippersreads totally! All those family confabs 🙄 2y
68 likes6 comments
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JenlovesJT47
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

I am officially out of my reading funk! (Reading with my eyeballs, thank God for audiobooks!) I have always wanted to read this but never got around to it. I didn‘t even read the blurb, couldn‘t remember what it was about. Guys, I freaking loved this book! Valancy is such a great character and 20-something year old me could have related to her a lot. This is her only book I‘ve read geared more towards adults, but it still has that warm and cozy ⬇️

JenlovesJT47 Vibe that you get from AOGG and Emily. So many LOL moments and I had a hard time putting this down! 5⭐️ 2y
JenlovesJT47 Thanks for organizing the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead @BarbaraJean ! I‘m out of the loop so don‘t know if we‘re doing any other LMM books after this but I already started Kilmeny of the Orchard 😬😬 2y
TheBookHippie I loved the Emily series! I love it more than Anne 🤫 2y
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jlhammar I'm really looking forward to this one! I have it on my shelves, just waiting to be read. 2y
BarbaraJean This one is my absolute favorite by LMM and it‘s been exactly what I needed this month! I‘ve been distracted by so many other things and haven‘t even asked people about next month… maybe we should just do Kilmeny if you‘ve already started it… 😂 2y
JenlovesJT47 @BarbaraJean it‘s really good and I plan to finish it today! It‘s only 144 pages so would be good for a laid back month for a buddy read. 2y
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thestarlesscasea
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

What a delight! There's sharp satire of proper society and all the bullshit that comes with it. There's Valancy--imaginative, genuine, kind, and fascinating--coming into her own. And there's a swoonworthy romance that was so much sweeter than I expected. Plus there are a lot of beautiful descriptions of natural landscapes in reality as well as in Valancy's imagination. Finally, there are two cats named Banjo and Good Luck, and I love them. 😻

thestarlesscasea Thank you for the rec and the book, @Eyelit ! 😻 2y
Eyelit 😘😘😘 2y
21 likes2 comments
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AvidReader25
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

The story is predictable but sweet. It‘s the equivalent of a really good romantic comedy movie. So save it for when you‘re in the mood for a charming tale. This reread made me think about what I would do if I didn‘t care what others thought. It almost made me appreciate my own blue castle (our home) a little more.

“She, who had been afraid of almost everything in life, was not afraid of death.”

56 likes2 stack adds
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#WeeklyForecast

Keep up with the buddy reads. Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid, the tagged book #KinderedSpiritsBuddyRead and with the #PemberLittens North and South, and The Other Bennett Sister.

Read Bonjour Tristesse, Hello Mum, Seek You and Spring.

I want to start on the short story collection The Dangers of Smoking in Bed.

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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#BookReport

I continued Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid and the tagged book #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead. With the #PemberLittens I finished Sanditon and continued North and South and The Other Bennett Sister.

I finished The Island of Missing Trees and read Murder in Mesopotamia.

I‘ve started Friday on my Mind and hope to finish today, if I have a good reading day.

Cinfhen I‘m about to start this one ~ what did you think? 2y
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#WeeklyForcast

Continue with all the buddy reads, Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid, the tagged #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead and with the #PemberLittens Sanditon, North and South and The Other Bennett Sister.

I‘ve just started The Island of Missing Trees and want to finish that. I also want to get to Murder in Mesopotamia and hopefully start Friday on my Mind.

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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#BookReport

I continued Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid and started the tagged #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead, and with #PemberLittens Sanditon, North and South and The Other Bennett Sister

I finished Lot (which has been returned to the library) and To Paradise.

I‘ve decided to DNF Harlem Shuffle for now which makes me a lot sad since I‘m going to hear Whitehead speak in May.

And I‘ve started The Fell and hope to finish it later today.

vlwelser I was also a bail on Harlem Shuffle despite loving his other books a lot. 2y
Cinfhen I didn‘t love HS, either 😪I did a lot of skimming. You still had a GREAT week!!! 2y
Cinfhen I‘m curious about this one / share your thoughts ( please) 💗 2y
Cathythoughts Fabulous stack ❤️ 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Suddenly it‘s March, and time for a new #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead book! Read at your own pace throughout the month, and we‘ll discuss on Saturday, March 26th.

All are welcome! This is a standalone, so it‘s easy to jump in at this point or just join us for this month.

I‘ve tagged those who expressed interest, so if you‘re not tagged and would like to participate, please let me know! And feel free to share or tag people who might be interested.😊

catebutler I have my copy ready to go. 💓 2y
BarbaraJean @catebutler Yaaaay! 🎉 2y
Jerdencon I‘m ready to go too! 2y
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quietjenn Took mine off the shelf yesterday and ready to go! 2y
sblbooks I'm in! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! I love this one so much! 2y
AnneCecilie I‘ve started reading 😊 2y
JenlovesJT47 I‘m starting it now!! 😁🙋🏻‍♀️ 2y
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AnneCecilie
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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#WeeklyForecast

Continue Rage Becomes Her #SheSaid
March 1 marks the beginning of several new buddy reads. The tagged book with #KinderedSpiritsBuddyRead. And with the #PemberLittens Sanditon, North and South and The Other Bennett Sister (on its way to my in the library system)

I want to finish Lot and To Paradise.

And start/ finish Harlem Shuffle

Cinfhen Lots of lovely buddyreads coming up😀❤️ 2y
AnneCecilie @Cinfhen I know 😊 I‘m so excited. I‘ve wanted to read some of those for a time now. 2y
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BarbaraJean
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Hello, #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead-ers! March is swiftly approaching…😱 That means it‘s time to line up our next L.M. Montgomery book! A few of us had talked about reading The Blue Castle next, and since March is my birthday month & The Blue Castle is my favorite Montgomery, that‘s what I‘m going with.

All are welcome—please let me know if you‘d like to join in/be added to the tag list! And feel free to share or tag people who might be interested.😊

sblbooks Yes, please. 2y
quietjenn Yes, I love this one! 2y
Jerdencon Excited to keep reading her! 2y
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TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! This may be my favorite Montgomery as well, although Jane of Lantern Hill is a close second. 2y
tenar Lovely, this is on my TBR. Would you add me to the tag list? 2y
BarbaraJean @sblbooks @quietjenn @Jerdencon Looking forward to continuing the buddy read with you all! @TheAromaofBooks I‘ve actually never read Jane of Lantern Hill! Maybe there‘s our April pick…😁 @tenar Absolutely! Excited to have you join in! (edited) 2y
AnneCecilie I‘ve never read this, but have seen great reviews so I‘m ready for this. 2y
catebutler Count me in! 2y
BarbaraJean @AnneCecilie @catebutler Yay! Glad to have you both continuing the buddy read! 2y
mom2bugnbee I'm just now learning about this Buddy Read group & would love to be added, please! ♥ Adore LMM! 2y
BarbaraJean @mom2bugnbee Wonderful—will add you to the tag list! Great to have you! 2y
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katy4peas
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
Bailedbailed

I loved this storyline quite a bit as the character was able to stand up for herself and do what made her happy even though her family was completely against it. However, 75% through, and it started to get repetitive for me, so I bailed. It has great messages, but was a bit slow moving compared to other books I‘m reading at the same time. Might finish at some point, but bailing for now. 🤷‍♀️ #mtTBR

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Eyelit
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Joining a little late (or maybe just in time 😄)
1. Cabin. No doubt.
2. Camp Kittehs
3. Tagged 💙 🏰
4. Read everyday on my kindle and try to have more nonfiction in the mix 🤓
#litsysummercamp #litsysummercampreadathon

Looking forward to a fun camping experience 😄

ImperfectCJ Oh, my, I own The Blue Castle but haven't read it since freshman year of high school. I'm going to have to pull it off the shelf now! Also... ❤ Camp Kittehs! Great to have you at camp this week! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Blue Castle is one of my all-time favorites!! 3y
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TheLudicReader
The Blue Castle | Lucy Maud Montgomery
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Pickpick

At 29, Valancy Stirling is an old maid with zero prospects of ever getting out from under the control of her mother, & overbearing extended family. The only pleasure she has is found in her “Blue Castle”, an imaginary place where life is as she‘d like it to be. Then she gets a health diagnosis & everything changes. A delightful, funny and sweet book by a beloved author. 100% recommend.
#bookspin #doublespin
@TheAromaofBooks

LeahBergen Aww, I love this one! 3y
TheAromaofBooks This is one of my very favorites. 3y
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Blueberry
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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A stand-alone book from the author of Anna of a green Gables. It has a slow start where you think of character is pathetic but then she does a reverse and the story gets good.

NataliePatalie Pathetic 😂 3y
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mom2bugnbee
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
Mehso-so

I enjoyed this tremendously for the first 2/3... and then I felt like it ended abruptly & predictably. Certainly not Anne or Emily - I'm glad I read it, but I won't revisit it.

#Booked2021 - Underrated / Less known @cinfen @BarbaraTheBibliophage @4thhouseontheleft

⭐⭐✨/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Scochrane26
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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In central Ky where I live, a well-known landmark is our castle. Someone built it years ago, & at times, it hasn‘t had an owner. It now operates as a hotel/restaurant & hosts several events & tours. I had always wanted to see it up close, so I took an opportunity to attend yoga on the roof there a few years ago. #castle #litsyspringbreak @TheKidUpstairs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

TheKidUpstairs So cool 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty!! What is the name of it? Would it be a cool place to go for a get away trip? 3y
Scochrane26 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes, you could go for a getaway weekend. It‘s right outside Lexington, near a small town where a lot of the horse farms & our horse racing is. Not sure it has a name, but if you look up the Kentucky Castle, it should come up. 3y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Scochrane26 thank you Shannon!!! 💛 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I looked it up! I think it will be cheaper in the fall! I want to go even if I go by myself!! 3y
Scochrane26 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I forgot to mention that my favorite bookstore is only about 20 min away from the castle. You would love it. 3y
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emtobiasz
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

Finished up this romantic story of a 29-year-old realizing she was too scared of making waves to ever really live... and throwing that all out for a chance to find herself. The book is almost 100 years old, so her acts of rebellion may read a bit tame at this point, and her methods of self-activation a bit conventional, but the whole thing is still very cathartic.

Come-read-with-me I think I first read this when I was in grade 8. She seemed so brave and daring to me at the time! I really love some of these lesser known books by L.M. Montgomery. 💕 3y
purple_takkies One of my favorite books of all time. 💙💙 3y
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thatotherlisa
Blue Castle | L M Montgomery
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Pickpick

Valency Stirling, 29 year old spinster, receives shocking news from a doctor, breaks with her overbearing family to set off and find some happiness. Ultimately, it‘s rather a silly book, but I adore it for Valency‘s rebellion and path to self-discovery. Also made me want to live in a shack on a small island in Canada.

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Librarybelle
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Mehso-so

I feel bad for leaving a so-so review on a book I was so anxious to read, but...I just did not connect with it. I adore Anne and Emily, so I eagerly anticipated this book for older readers by Montgomery. It was a struggle for me to get through the first half - the family is vile, and while I had a little bit of sympathy for Valancy, her attitude did get to me slightly. I could personally connect with Valancy in some ways, so maybe that‘s why ⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ...I‘m taking a more critical look at it. However, the second half I loved! Without going into spoilers, seeing the change in Valancy was amazing and beautiful to witness. Kindness goes a long way to helping others. I ended the book feeling warm inside, yet I cannot forget how I struggled with the beginning. 3y
Librarybelle Thanks to @Chrissyreadit (and also @hes7 ) for including this one on their #NewYearWhoDis lists for me over the last two years. I am so glad I had a chance to read it and experience another version of Montgomery‘s writings, and I can see why this is such a special book. @monalyisha 3y
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Chrissyreadit I‘m glad you read it- and it‘s always good to have differing opinions 3y
Librarybelle @Chrissyreadit I‘m glad I read it too! Thanks for sharing this title with me ❤️ 3y
monalyisha I totally get where you‘re coming from! I think I just viewed the misery of the first half as a necessary foil to the joys of the second. 3y
rubyslippersreads The way Valancy‘s relatives treated her reminded me of how mean some of the Murrays were to Emily. (Aunt Ruth and Uncle Wallace, I‘m looking at you!) 3y
Librarybelle @monalyisha That‘s a good way to look at it! The second half is amazing, and to see Valancy blossom was incredible. 3y
Librarybelle @rubyslippersreads That could be! It has been years since I read Emily, so perhaps I was in a different frame of mind when I read them. 3y
TheAromaofBooks This is definitely one of my favorites, but there are a few chapters at the beginning that I skip/skim when I reread it, especially where she is remembering all the sad moments of her childhood :-( But I love the way Valancy comes alive, and the funny parts are SO funny that I come back to this one regularly. 3y
Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks I agree with you on that! And yes, the sly humor and humorous parts are hilarious! 3y
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Librarybelle
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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I have a few minutes before I have to leave for work, so diving into my first book from @Chrissyreadit ‘s #NewYearWhoDis list. #Vladimir is keeping me warm. #catsoflitsy

monalyisha Nice! 3y
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Laughterhp
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Received this in the mail over the weekend (just checked the mail today 🤷🏻‍♀️) from Sara.

I‘m not sure what our expected timeframe is to read and send it on, but I‘m hoping to read in February and I‘ll send it along to Sarah right?

Chrissyreadit Sounds like a plan! 3y
Chrissyreadit Hope you enjoy it! 3y
Bradleygirl oh I LOVE this one. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Oh I forgot all about this one!! I don't think we're on a tight time frame with this one, so whenever you send it along should work!! 3y
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monalyisha
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Pickpick

@erinreads I can't believe you put this book on your #NewYearWhoDis list & I put Thornyhold on mine. They're basically the same book! Or, they would be if Mary Stewart had been a Canadian writing in the 1920's & L.M. Montgomery a Brit writing 60 years later.

Apparently, all I like to read about now are young spinsters coming into their own independence & near goddess-hood while nestled in nature, tucked away in tiny cabins. 👇🏻

monalyisha 1/1: And coincidentally (though not centrally), finding romance in the process. Is this the literary equivalent of cottagecore? I've only listened to Taylor Swift's “Folklore“ once through (so I could tell myself I was at least *trying* to stay culturally relevant), so I admit: I'm no expert. 😅 (edited) 3y
erinreads I know! When I was reading about Thornyhold, it seemed to definitely have Blue Castle vibes, so I‘m really excited to read it. 3y
monalyisha @erinreads This one was totally enjoyable, though! Extra enchanting in a way that only L.M. Montgomery can be. I will say that I guessed nearly every, single one of the “reveals“ (all but one)...but I don't think one reads L.M. Montgomery for her plot twists. 😉 3y
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erinreads Also, not the same story at all, but Disappearing Earth has the same lonely vibe that The Great Offshore Grounds has, so you really matched our book moods almost perfectly. 🙌🏻 3y
monalyisha @erinreads Phew! I am GOOD! 😂 😜 3y
Suet624 Love this post... spinsters coming into their own independence and near-goddess-hood while nestled in nature, tucked away in tiny cabins is kind of a description of me. :) 3y
TheAromaofBooks Ooooo now I have to find Thornyhold because The Blue Castle is one of my all time favorites!!! 3y
monalyisha @Suet624 Yes! Own it! 💪🏻 🌸 3y
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monalyisha
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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Reading about January at the little Blue Castle; drawing a bath with “Snow & Roses.”

#NewYearWhoDis
@erinreads

Moonprismpower Heh. Looks more like a cinnamon roll. Now I want cinnamon rolls. 3y
MittenGirlPeach I thought it was a cinnamon roll too! Looks loverly either way. 3y
monalyisha @Moonprismpower @MIttenGirlPeach That's so funny! I'm struggling to see the cinnamon roll, since I know that it's actually a glitter-dusted flower. But I'm all about tasty snack foods...so I don't begrudge the resemblance! 3y
Moonprismpower Meanwhile I don‘t have a decent bathtub so I‘ve been trying shower steamers. I have yet to find one that is scented enough. ☹️ I wish I had a bathtub! Self-care I need! Lol 3y
LL1964 When I first looked at it I thought “Mmm that mini cinnamon bun looks so good” 3y
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monalyisha
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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“She did not care whether she caught a cold or not. It was delightful to sit there in that cold, beautiful, fragrant world and feel free. She filled her lungs with the clean, lovely wind and held out her arms to it and let it tear her hair to pieces.”

#NewYearWhoDis
@erinreads

Soubhiville Yes! Wonderful imagery. 3y
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monalyisha
The Blue Castle | L. M. Montgomery
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My first #NewYearWhoDis read is underway!

I started late last night. Knowing I had words by L.M. Montgomery waiting for me made it a little easier to get out of bed this morning. Though, I suppose I could have read in bed, too... 😏

LinesUponAPage I didn‘t even know there was such a book!! I thought I‘d read all of Lucy‘s books! Hope you enjoy it! 3y
monalyisha @Lifeisasnap What a wonderful realization for a Monday morning! 3y
erinreads This was actually the first of her books I ever read! Last year... in my 30s. 😂 I hope you enjoy it! Vacancy is such an amazing character. 💕 3y
monalyisha @erinreads I get it! I read Anne for the first time in my 20‘s. So charming, so hopeful, & such rich language. I think adults need that just as much as children! I‘m a big proponent of continuing to read “children‘s literature” as a grown-up. 3y
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