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HollyBahling

HollyBahling

Joined December 2018

review
HollyBahling
Caraval | Stephanie Garber
Pickpick

I was really worried this would let me down similarly to Night Circus did. However, this is far and away better. I loved the magic of the world and the characters are extremely likable. I am very excited to continue the magic in the next book!

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HollyBahling
THE FOXGLOVE KING | Hannah Whitten
Mehso-so

Ugh! Here‘s the deal… did I kind of hate the ending? Yes. But did I preorder book 2? Also a resounding yes.
I am obsessed with the world building and it definitely had twists I didn‘t see coming. If you love political world building then this is absolutely a book for you. If there was one more element to it, it would be a massive pick. Hopefully I get it in the next book.

16 likes1 stack add
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HollyBahling
THE FOXGLOVE KING | Hannah Whitten
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I don‘t think I‘ve seen a more beautiful map in a book. 💜

GondorGirl 😍😍😍 11mo
Booksblanketsandahotbeverage That is stunning ❤️ 11mo
32 likes2 comments
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HollyBahling
A Court of Mist and Fury | Perfection Learning Corporation
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I‘m in deep on my reread. Fell down a few rabbit holes yesterday but I‘m back in it! Let‘s go!!!!

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HollyBahling
This post contains spoilers
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Starting my whole Maas-iverse reread with this one and starting post-it‘s! And yes, Tamlin is as bad as they make him seem if not worse. He displays typical abuser behavior, allows her to be in danger and only lifts glamour when he gets something from her, blames her for sleeping with someone else on Calamai and I could go on and on and on. One could argue that Feyre truly falls in love with Lucian as he‘s the one guiding Tamlin to court her.

monibookishnerd There were so many red flags! 1y
HollyBahling @monibookishnerd I feel like an idiot not seeing them the first time! But that‘s the problem with manipulators and abusers. You don‘t see it and the cycle continues. There was even a point he showered her with flowers and apologized. And she apologized back. It‘s classic abusive behavior. 1y
monibookishnerd SMJ did a very good job in the storytelling. I was so frustrated with Feyre in the first book. But we know it will get much better in the next book 😉 1y
HollyBahling @monibookishnerd I‘m excited to start it tomorrow! Just finished this one. Oh the theories and questions I have… there are so many clues skittered throughout her books. I love it. 1y
monibookishnerd So far, I've read all released books and there are so many hidden easter eggs and possible intertwinings. While I admire her mastermind it's also a bit annoying because there are so many mysteries. Looking very much forward to Crescent City 3, whenever it will be released. 1y
5 likes5 comments
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HollyBahling
Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros
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Pickpick

Editing my review because I can‘t stop thinking about this book. To call this “a fantasy romance with dragons” is such a slap in the face of the author. this book is so in depth and writhing with magic, politics, complex world building and so much more. I cannot even begin to describe what this book has done to me. Rebecca Yarros has proven herself to be one of the great fantasy authors. I CANNOT wait for the next book!

CallMeIshmael Yep, it‘s so much more and didn‘t expect to enjoy it as much as I did 1y
39 likes1 comment
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HollyBahling
Six Scorched Roses | Carissa Broadbent
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved Lilith and Vale‘s story. Very quick read but I just wish it was longer because I wanted more! I can‘t believe I have to wait a year for the next book in the series. I will definitely be re reading in the meantime.

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HollyBahling
Ashes and the Star-Cursed King | Carissa Broadbent
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Pickpick

Has no one else taken the dust jacket off these books!? The covers are as incredible as the story within! I feel like my review of the first book didn‘t touch on anything within. Betrayal, love, slow burn, battles and blood… everything I love in a good fantasy. What I love most about this series is the House of Night‘s chapter has come to an end, but is still open enough for more books. I can‘t wait to get into the other houses.

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HollyBahling
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Pickpick

I LOVED this book. One of my favorite things about it is the setting. Weird, i know. It takes place in the desert which sounds blah but the author built an incredible world and I am so excited to explore more of it in the next book. Don‘t get me wrong the rest of the story is ah-mazing but it is so refreshing to get out of “lush forests” and “sprawling gardens”. The range of emotions I felt through the book is incredible and I 100% recommend.

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HollyBahling
Firekeeper's Daughter | Angeline Boulley
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Pickpick

Wow… if you‘re expecting teenage angst and a fun story, this isn‘t for you. The book touches on some very dark and very real issues facing indigenous communities across the continent. I went in blind simply based on the cover and it was an absolutely exhilarating read. You‘ll experience the full range of emotions with this one. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟I cannot recommend this book enough.

38 likes2 stack adds
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HollyBahling
Ambrosia | C. N. Crawford
Mehso-so

I am only calling this so-so because there is so much untapped potential in this series! I enjoyed it all but felt the story could have gone so much deeper. I love that there are only two books and that made it a quick read. This book, unlike the first didn‘t have the witty laughs the first book had so be warned for that. It gets dark! But very nicely done to the author.

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HollyBahling
Frost | C N Crawford
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Pickpick

Is it predictable? At times. However, The Bachelor meets Fae brutality at I t‘s finest. I love the cast of characters. I wish I knew more back stories for the side characters but I am sure they‘ll come later. For a kindle unlimited book this was a solid read!

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HollyBahling
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As books pile up and I keep reading anything else, this needed to be said. 💜

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HollyBahling
Gild | Raven Kennedy
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Mehso-so

I truly don‘t know how to feel at the end of this. It was so slow to get going and the end was JUST enough to get me curious enough to move onto the next. It‘s a quick read so it has that going for it. But idk. Am I the only one here who didn‘t quite like it but still has their interest peaked?

Fan art from unknown artist

Linear Love the art. I've kinda been picturing her like the gold painted lady from the mummy 2y
HollyBahling @Linear holy cow I didn‘t realize I did the same thing until you just said that. I need to rewatch The Mummy now! 2y
30 likes2 comments
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HollyBahling
House of Sky and Breath | Sarah J. Maas
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Pickpick

Ok… does it take a while? Yes. Did I take breaks? Yes. Was I lost at times? Yes… UNTIL THE LAST 4 HOURS IF YOURE DOING AUDIOBOOK! Holy crap guys! I can‘t handle it. I was completely floored by it all and had my crazy, shocked (of course screaming) tears by the end. DO IT. DO IT. DO IT. Read it, persevere, and fall absolutely in love with SJM again and again. Hold this book to your chest and scream like me.

brittanyreads Ok...I'm sold. Lol 3y
fire_skyee I literally screamed at the end....in joy! 3y
31 likes2 comments
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HollyBahling
A Court of Silver Flames | Sarah J. Maas
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Pickpick

Not one! Not two… but THREE badass females in one book!? Now don‘t get me wrong. This book was about Nesta and Cas. However. Ugh the underlying story sold me on its own. This is pure magic and I loved every single minute of it. If it was two completely different stories I would read them both over and over. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
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Found the pic on google. Idk who to give credit to

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HollyBahling
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Pitball might be my new favorite sport. It amazes me the sports some of these authors invent and I hate the fact I can‘t actually see them played in real life. Booktok does it again with another amazing fantasy series. Woola doesn‘t even mind being my kindle prop for hands free reading of it. #catsoflitsy #catswithbooknames #theprincessofmars #edgarriceburroughs #fantasysports

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HollyBahling
A Court of Mist and Fury | Perfection Learning Corporation
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Pickpick

I am… SCREAMING! The last few chapters of this book have me careening over the edge. I promised myself I would read another book I already have between this one and the next. I simply CANT DO IT. I thought the last book was amazing but this one shot it out of the water. But Feyre proves herself to be the badass female protagonist we all are so thirsty for. I can‘t do anything but start the next book.

34 likes1 stack add
blurb
HollyBahling
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I‘m a nurse. I‘ve been reading a lot of fantasy. Works been brutal and I was finding I couldn‘t connect with things that took place in our normal world. It was actually suffocating. So I decided to delve into fantasy to keep a grasp in my love of reading. I‘ve tinkered in it. Read one here and there but found a few series I could dive into. I‘m 10 chapters in and love that decision more and more each word. Not my first series and not my last.

Chrissyreadit 🙌🙌🙌🙌 I am having a similar struggle in mental health but using cozy mysteries for comfort. Hope you stay safe and healthy and feel the love from everyone who appreciates the work you do. ❤️🙌🙌🙌🙌❤️ 3y
Chrissyreadit Also- ACOTAR is one of my favorite series- Have you read Holly Blacks A Cruel Prince trilogy? 3y
AmyG Thank you for all you do. You and everyone in the health field are rock stars. I, too, feel my reading has changed a bit due to the stress of the times we live in. My comfort books are reading about other peoples struggles. I am a “misery loves company” kind of a person now. I am happy you found a respite in fantasy. 3y
See All 11 Comments
BethM Fantasy is a great escape! @Chrissyreadit I‘m using cozy‘s for the same :) 3y
Deblovestoread Echoing @AmyG…Thank you! Nothing like good fantasy to take you somewhere new and enchanting. 3y
HollyBahling @Chrissyreadit thank you so very much. 💜 It never stops helping to hear we‘re appreciated. And I haven‘t but have been thinking it needs to be added to my TBR! 3y
HollyBahling @AmyG and @Kdgordon88 thank you for the support. I know we all appreciate it so much! 3y
Librarianaut Thank you for being a nurse! Your job is so important. Our school nurse (we are so lucky to have one) is one of my heroes. 3y
Librarianaut Also, if you want some more awesome fantasy, I suggest Garth Nix‘s The Old Kingdom series. First title is Sabriel. It is one of my favorite fantasy rereads… 3y
HollyBahling @Librarianaut fun fact, since this post, I became a school nurse. Glad to look back and still feel the love!!!! 1y
Librarianaut That is awesome!! Congrats!! 1y
51 likes11 comments
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HollyBahling
Sleeping Giants | Sylvain Neuvel
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Onto the next. I am so intrigued by the case file style of this book and it including interviews as it‘s method of story telling. Fox (Mulder) seems excited with the paranormal/extraterrestrial vibe to the synopsis.

allureofbeauty I love this one. It‘s also especially good on audio. 3y
HollyBahling @allureofbeauty I‘m really enjoying it. I‘m over a third of the way done already. 3y
BethM I read this trilogy must faster than I anticipated. It was really intriguing. 3y
HollyBahling @BethM I believe it because I finished this one in 5 hours! It was super easy to read quickly. 3y
46 likes5 comments
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HollyBahling
A Shadow in the Ember | Jennifer L. Armentrout
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I will need more than 1070 calories to get me through the wait for the next book in the series. It‘s been so long since a book has gripped me like this and taken a hold of my every waking moment. I‘m so glad I chose the audio version for this otherwise I would get nothing done. Still, I found myself sitting and staring off while I listened far too often to consider myself “productive” while listening. So. Freaking. Good.

49 likes1 stack add
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HollyBahling
A Shadow in the Ember | Jennifer L. Armentrout
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Soooo excited at the start of this book! The Blood and Ash series was an unexpected pleasure and I cannot wait to find out more about this world and see what else J. Armentrout has to offer!

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HollyBahling
Dark Magic | Christine Feehan
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Mehso-so

I love this cover that I found for this book. Perfectly encapsulates what most people think romance novels are. It makes me laugh because I don‘t think that it fully encapsulates anything within the book. The romance is there, yes, but there is so much more to this series than that. This book took a while to actually get going for me. But when it finally did I enjoyed it. I just wish it didn‘t take months of forcing myself through it to get there.

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HollyBahling
Kingdom of Flesh and Fire | Jennifer L Armentrout
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Pickpick

Love. Love. Love. The relationships formed and the amazing moments that got me yelling, “Oh my God” had my husband constantly asking me what happened and if everything was ok. I‘m going to have to break my New Years resolution of not starting another new book until I finished my stack. I just can‘t wait for the next one!

34 likes1 stack add
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HollyBahling
Street Game | Christine Feehan
Panpan

I hate it. I love the series but I hate this one. It doesn‘t seem to have any place with the rest and this urban warfare angle hopefully won‘t last long.

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HollyBahling
Ruthless Game | Christine Feehan
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Mehso-so

Ok so this book was GREAT in the first half. But completely ruined by the second half. The whole urban warfare thing is just not my cup of tea. I want the Ghost Walkers in the shadows, back in bayous and forests! I HATE them being in a big city. I hoped this would avenge the series but it‘s left me just kind of ehh. Idk if anyone else agrees with that or not but I wish they stayed in the desert.

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HollyBahling
Shadow Storm | Christine Feehan
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Mehso-so

I have loved every book in the series and absorbed each one. UNTIL NOW. It took me forever to get through this one. I think what bothered me is that they already knew each other so the mystery of who they are and getting to know each other was lost. It was full of the usual Ferraro family action and revenge which saves the series and has me excited for the next one. But other than that. Meh.

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HollyBahling
Off to Be the Wizard | Scott Meyer
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Bailedbailed

I tried. I really really did. I wanted so badly to love it as it‘s one of the few books my brother has ever asked me to read.I made 3 separate attempts and each time I found myself completely disconnected from the characters and wishing for some kind of element I could grasp onto. Unfortunately I just never found anything. So it‘s off to our little library, which will make its debut in our yard this spring, to be someone else‘s adventure.

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HollyBahling
Her Soul for Revenge | Harley Laroux
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Mehso-so

While loved Juniper and Zane more than Raelynn and Leon, I hated that I knew the big events that were going to occur. It was still a great well written book that I enjoyed. But definitely felt a little bit of a loss knowing.

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HollyBahling
Pickpick

I kept coming across this book on tiktok and finally caved in and read it. Holy cow I am glad I did. It wasn't exactly what I expected but the fantasy world grabbed me in quickly and Poppy is such a great heroine. I was happy that the whole book remained in her perspective as I feel like it helps the reader connect more with the character. The only downside to this book is I would say that it was predictable. The “twist“ was quite obvious.

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HollyBahling
Mehso-so

I‘m starting to realize that per capita, Three Pines probably has the highest murder rate in the country. But, I mean… they find a warhead in the woods? Honestly it took me a long time to get through this one. I definitely didn‘t enjoy it like I did the others in the series. It didn‘t feel like it fit in with the other books and threw me through a loop.

Ruthiella Three Pines vs Cabot Cove (Murder She Wrote) vs Midsomer (Midsomer Murders)! I wonder which has the higher rate? 🤪🤔 3y
TrishB This was probably my least favourite too. 3y
CarolynM Agreed. I wish the author's note about the real thing had been at the beginning of the book. The whole time I was reading I was thinking "how can anyone believe this?" which kind of spoilt it for me. 3y
30 likes3 comments
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HollyBahling
Island of Lost Girls | Jennifer McMahon
Mehso-so

Finished it in 6 hours. Honestly, it took me longer to get into this than most of Jennifer McMahon‘s books. I love that she‘s not afraid to breach topics that should contain trigger warnings. To be honest the story was amazing. It doesn‘t contain mystical aspects like some of her other stuff but if you‘re looking for a mystery, this is for you. I went into it wanting the paranormal mystery so it wasn‘t what I was really looking for at this time.

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HollyBahling
Shadow Keeper | Christine Feehan
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God damn I need to try this wine….

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HollyBahling
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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Pickpick

Grew up on the cartoon and the live action of the Hobbit and LOTR being staples in the house. Finally read the book! Loved it. It was enchanting and exciting the whole way through. It‘s a fast paced story so there is little down time to get bored. Definitely recommend!

Cathythoughts ☀️☀️☀️the sun & the sea 3y
49 likes1 comment
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HollyBahling
The Stranger Diaries | Elly Griffiths
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Pickpick

I have to say I came into this book expecting it to be predictable and I am very happy to say I was wrong. I loved seeing events from the different characters perspectives but didn‘t feel like you were jumping too much either. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys mysteries with a twist.

38 likes1 stack add
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HollyBahling
Timeline | Michael Crichton
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Pickpick

Finished Timeline this morning! Such a good read. Interesting, detailed and fast paced, it kept my interest throughout. I loved the Middle Ages for the setting and the characters were all well rounded and developed! Would definitely recommend!

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HollyBahling
A Princess of Mars | EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
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Loved the series so much, I had to name my girl Woola. 💜 Anyone else out there name their animals from books?

Ruthiella I named my orphaned cat Oliver from Oliver Twist. 4y
HollyBahling @Ruthiella I love the name Oliver so much! I always think of Oliver Twist whenever I hear it. 4y
Rissa1 🐕Atticus 🐈Alabama 🐈‍⬛Cinder🐈Eyre🐈Hazel🐈‍⬛Lucy Gray🐈‍⬛Kindred 🐈Sherlock🐈‍⬛Watson 4y
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xicanti My dog came with his name, but I‘ve always assumed his first family named him after the title character in “Casey At the Bat.” 4y
Susanita Kili the unexpected kitten (now a grown ash cat) 4y
HollyBahling @Rissa1 so many good ones! Our dog was almost Sherlock so I have a special place in my heart for that one. 4y
HollyBahling @Susanita I still need to read The Hobbit. I‘m embarrassed to say it‘s still in my TBR! 4y
HollyBahling @xicanti I didn‘t know about this poem! And there are a lot of Casey‘s in my life. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! 4y
29 likes8 comments
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HollyBahling
Shadow Rider | Christine Feehan
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Mehso-so

I actually loved the main story line a lot and the shadow riders were an exciting take for a male protagonist. The characters and town are what makes me want to come back for more. The romance, however, definitely left a lot to be desired. I don‘t enjoy overbearing male characters and although Francesca is a strong female protagonist I didn‘t enjoy their relationship.

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HollyBahling
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After taking a break I am back at it with the Inspector Gamanche series! I am so sad though that the iconic voice of the inspector Ralph Cosham passed away. I specifically listen to this series as opposed to read because of him. I hope that Robert Bathurst can live up to standards set before him. 🤞

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HollyBahling
Heart-Shaped Box | Joe Hill
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Bailedbailed

I promise I tried. But 21 chapters in and I still would look forward to one ending because it meant I was closer to the end. I like the story line but just not enough to get into it.

RamsFan1963 I bailed on this one too. I don't think Joe Hill is an author for me. 4y
HollyBahling @RamsFan1963 I‘m glad I‘m not the only one! 4y
28 likes2 comments
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HollyBahling
Alice Network | Kate Quinn
Pickpick

Pure perfection. I waited so long to finish it because I just didn‘t want it to end. I absolutely loved the characters and their journey across France. The writing was beautiful and made you feel like you were there with them. From every heartbreaking moment to the joyous seconds scattered about, I loved it.

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HollyBahling
Summer Knight | Jim Butcher
Pickpick

I feel like every time I read another installment of The Dresden Files it becomes my new favorite. However, this one started strong and KEPT GOING. Full of action and adventure with characters I love. Not to mention I laughed throughout. There was no point that I felt there was fluff or a point that was unnecessary. Pure perfection. God I would kill to have a TV or movie series of The Dresden Files done right. Wishful thinking as always.

AutumnRLS Same! The Dresden Files is my favorite. I wish I could go back and read them for the first time all over again! 4y
27 likes1 comment
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HollyBahling
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Pickpick

Ok so I got this on Amazon for $15. Didn‘t think know what to expect but needed an uncomplicated way to track my mood and omg I am in love! So simple and it‘s quick enough I can track and jot down my day in a few seconds before bed. I‘m looking forward to the rest of the year!

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HollyBahling
Behind Her Eyes | Sarah Pinborough
Panpan

Ok... unpopular opinion but this book was too what the actual **** for me. I love psychological thrillers but something about this was... too far fetched? The end was a shock, of course but I just couldn‘t convince myself to enjoy it at any point.

Enchanted_Bibliophile Totally agree with you! I was also like WTF. 4y
mrozzz AGREE 4y
That-Bookish-Hiker I felt like that ending was a cop out. Like really?! Even now I get angry at the time wasted on that novel for that ending. 4y
37 likes3 comments
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HollyBahling
Grave Peril | Jim Butcher
Pickpick

I love how fast paced and quick witted these books are! Each one is so different from the one before it but could easily be read in any order. Recently recommended the series to my brother and he‘s hooked as well!

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HollyBahling
Fool Moon | Jim Butcher
Pickpick

Absolutely loved the second installment of the Dresden Files. It took me a long time to get into this book. It starts slower than the first but after coming back to it multiple times it clicked and I couldn‘t put it down! I absolutely love the characters Jim Butcher created and can‘t get enough of them! Already bought the next one!

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HollyBahling
The Invited: A Novel | Jennifer McMahon
Mehso-so

Such an interesting story line with twists and turns at every chance. Another amazing book by Jennifer McMahon. Having said that, it didn‘t wow me like previous books from this author.

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HollyBahling
Pickpick

Oh that was NOT what I was expecting! This has been recommended to me multiple times and social isolation has finally drawn me to it. Harry is a fantastic character and the cast of supporting characters with him create an interesting, whimsical world that kept my interest. Jim Butcher is so wonderfully detailed in his writing and creates a world you can disappear into and forget the world around you. This is my new #1 recommendation to everyone!

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HollyBahling
The Night Circus | Erin Morgenstern
Mehso-so

Maybe it‘s just me but, despite the absolutely beautiful writing and the breathtaking setting of the book I felt withdrawn. The story line is an absolutely magical web of many characters and settings coming together as a modern fairytale. Erin Morgenstern paints pictures with words and created a world I felt I was a part of with every sense. HOWEVER, not my favorite book. But, I would still recommend it and definitely see the allure to the masses.

marleed I had similar feelings. So many people love it though so I think I may have read it at the wrong time which is too bad because I likely won‘t take the time to give it a second chance. 5y
AileenRR I agree that the imagery is beautiful in this one, but I don‘t see myself ever recommending it. 5y
Itchyfeetreader I think I described it as a beautiful journey to a really average hotel! 5y
See All 6 Comments
HollyBahling @marleed I wondered that too! Since I‘ve been on a romance kick lately maybe it just wasn‘t the right transition? Regardless, I can‘t put myself through it again. To the little library it goes! 5y
HollyBahling @AileenRR I will only recommend it to people I know will enjoy it. I know some people who it‘s far more about the overall as opposed to the ending for them. Those kind of readers would enjoy it. 5y
HollyBahling @Itchyfeetreader that explains it perfectly! And in much less words than I could manage. I see though how for some people it‘s kore about the journey than the destination and that‘s why it‘s so loved. 5y
60 likes6 comments
blurb
HollyBahling
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My New Years resolution is to knock out my TBR list before I go in search of any new books. Staring with this stack! Wish me luck. I am going to need it!
#TBR #newyearsresolution