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Julsmarshall

Julsmarshall

Joined March 2016

I like big books and I cannot lie.
review
Julsmarshall
Judgment of Paris | George M. Taber
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Pickpick

Fascinating, a bit slow in places, but if you are a wine lover or interested in the history of wine, this book may be right for you. Following the wine tasting that changed the world of wine, this looks at the history of California wine and what happened when they beat the best French wines in France in 1976. I savored this one! #Doublespin #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4d
48 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Quirky and fascinating, I love experiencing the natural world through Sy Montgomery‘s eyes. This love letter to our most common avian friends was funny and interesting, made me smile, laugh, and think. Short too, about 2 hours on #audio and read by the author.

ncsufoxes My oldest child would probably love this one. He loves birds (wildlife biologist major). At his university they have chicken that are free to roam on the campus. The university even has an instagram account for the chickens. 4d
kspenmoll My neighbors raise chickens & they hobble about my yard fertilizing it( we do not use anything on our lawn in terms of fertilizer, weed killer, etc. It‘s a neighborhood thing). I will definitely suggest this to them! Thx! 4d
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Baron | Joanna Shupe
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Pickpick

Solid historical, I love the setting in NYC during the gilded age. Strong characters, witty banter, and political machinations make this a fun ride!

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Julsmarshall
The Kiss Countdown | Etta Easton
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Mehso-so

Cute and fun, enjoyable on #audio. Not a fave but glad I gave it a try.

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Julsmarshall
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#BookspinBingo time! Bring it on, April. March is a crazy work month for me so I hope to play some catch up in April. @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 6d
38 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

So good! Well written and great on #audio with both Cher and her long time friend reading it. Loved hearing about her backstory and the difficult lives of both her and her mom. I knew she had experienced a difficult upbringing but her mother‘s history was truly shocking.

MemoirsForMe Loved this one too! 🙌🏻 1w
58 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Mehso-so

This was just okay for me. The premise was promising, winter in Scotland, touring the Isle of Skye for a book with a l ada ape photographer that happens to be an ex, shenanigans ensue. I just wanted a little more intensity, both from the characters and the story. Maybe just not in the right mood? Released March 4.

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Julsmarshall
Origin | Dan Brown
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Pickpick

This was so great! Exciting, and thought provoking with great characters that want to spend time with. Which is good, because this one is long! Could maybe have been a bit shorter but so good that I‘m not mad ☺️ Fun on #audio , Brown can really tell a story!

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Julsmarshall
The Fall Risk | Abby Jimenez
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I really enjoyed this novella. Clever premise, compelling backstory, happy ending, all in a two hour read. What more could you want?

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Loved the latest in this series! This couple is funny, frustrating, and so meant to be! Time is such a great small town to visit and get comfortable.

46 likes1 stack add
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Julsmarshall
Before the Coffee Gets Cold | Toshikazu Kawaguchi
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My birthday #bookhaul is a pretty good one! Checked out a new bookstore that opened in the Austin area, Flutter, which specializes in romance. It was quite lovely, though nearly an hour away so not sure how often I‘ll make the trek. All in all, a pretty great day!

Ruthiella Happy Birthday! 🥳🥳🥳 2w
kspenmoll Happy Birthday!!🎉🎈🎂 2w
Billypar Happy birthday!!🎉 I'm also a fan of the birthday bookshop trip. 2w
LeahBergen Happy Birthday!! 📚📚📚 2w
63 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Julsmarshall
My Own Words | Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Pickpick

This was amazing, I listened on #audio and it contained recordings from Ruth Bader Ginsberg herself, as well as chapters read by the fantastic Linda Lavin. I learned a bit, remembered some special moments, and mourned for both the person and the American hero that she was. So blessed to share a birthday with her!

51 likes1 stack add
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Julsmarshall
The Love Fix | Jill Shalvis
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Pickpick

Easy, breezy, a little cheesy but a whole lot of fun. Great read while work is a little crazy. It is always a good time in Sunrise Cove. Releasing in June of this year.

Chrissyreadit Happy Litsyversary!🎉🎉🎉🎉 3w
49 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Deep End | Ali Hazelwood
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Pickpick

Hazelwood does it again. Steamy and fun with compelling characters going through it. Not for the faint of heart, especially if power dynamics aren‘t your thing. Not really mine but the high level aquatics competition setting was a big hit for me.

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Delightfully funny, steamy, and full of hilarious family and four legged characters. Interesting premise of a single man who wants to be a dad and the surrogate who is willing to try to make his dream come true. My first by this author but it won‘t be my last. I throughly enjoyed getting lost in this one. Highly recommend! #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks

AllDebooks Aww, sounds cute 😍 3w
48 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Slow Dance: A Novel | Rainbow Rowell
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Pickpick

I‘m in awe of how Rainbow Rowell writes such singular characters-authentic, complicated, and quirky. She manages to make you forget you are reading fiction and makes you feel more like you are remembering the story of close friends. I loved this on #audio, didn‘t want to stop listening, and I can‘t wait to read it again. It is a romance, but different. It is a novel of patient friendship, and enduring love. So good!

CoffeeAndABook Yay!!! Sounds great 😊 I have it right here, ready to read, I‘m just savoring the anticipation a bit longer before getting into it!! 3w
54 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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The Librarians documentary film was absolutely amazing. We are all so blessed to have these heroes fighting for our children and marginalized communities to feel supported and safe while at the same time holding the line against censorship and fascism. I‘m honored to know so many of these patriotic librarians and hope that this film will bring their story to the broader public. It comes out maybe next year on PBS.

Julsmarshall It was riveting, infuriating, and inspiring, and I encourage you to do everything you can to see this fantastic documentary. 4w
charl08 Looking forward to seeing this! 3w
39 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

What a juicy, gossipy, and thrilling ride! I loved stepping into the ice dancing world with all the intrigue, personalities, and drama. Complicated characters making passionate and often poor decisions in a wonderfully specific space and time made for a book that was really hard to put down. Released in January, I suspect we‘ll be hearing a lot about this one and oh how I‘d love to see it as a series :) So good!

54 likes2 stack adds
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Thought provoking, riveting, and a little infuriating, I didn‘t want to stop listening. An interesting take on consumerism, fame, and success, I‘ll be thinking about this one for awhile.

49 likes1 stack add
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Julsmarshall
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Loved the idea someone else was doing for their #BookspinBingo list this month. Should be fun for my birthday month!

Librariana I love this!! So clever! 😊 1mo
MemoirsForMe Love it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 1mo
51 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Pickpick

This lovely novel examining grief, love, and finding one's purpose is so good! Memorable, funny, and heartbreakingly sad in others, Bastone's latest doesn't disappoint. It feels authentic and effortless and doesn't shy away from real problems; you can't help but keep reading to see what happens next. Releasing on March 4, you'll want to pick this one up if you like layered romance that goes a little deeper and makes you reach for the tissues.

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Julsmarshall
Ash | Malinda Lo
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Pickpick

An amazing fairytale retelling filled with gorgeous prose, deeply drawn characters, and a story that sticks with you. So good!

TheBookHippie We‘re reading this in June for #SUNDAYBUDDYREAD 1mo
44 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Sad, compelling, full of sisterly love, competition, and disappointment. Content warnings for addition, child abuse, and suicide.

57 likes2 stack adds
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Julsmarshall
Well, Actually | Mazey Eddings
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Pickpick

So happy to read this while available on #netgalley for 72 hours. Funny, challenging, and steamy, this enemies to lovers had it all. Eddings is such a gifted writer, managing to weave deeper themes into the story that make it so satisfying. Highly recommend! Releases August 4th.

50 likes2 stack adds
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Julsmarshall
Fabled | Kara Jaynes
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While on a work trip last week, I stopped at a wonderful indie bookstore in Waco, Texas called Fabled. I will definitely stop in again!

ShelleyBooksie Super cool! My favorite book podcast (Currently Reading) references Fabled and it's owner (Elizabeth Barnhill) all the time. It sounds like an amazing store. 2mo
53 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
First Time Caller | B. K. Borison
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Pickpick

I love a B.K. Borison book and this was no exception. Funny, charming, and full of author characters, I laughed and cried while watching Aiden and Lucie fall for each other. A perfect example of why we love romance, this one will stick with me!

61 likes1 stack add
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Mouth watering, fascinating, a chef‘s kiss of a memoir. I loved hearing about Ripert‘s growing up in his mother‘s kitchen, live of restaurants from a young age, and his early training in french kitchens. This one will make you hungry! Great on #audio

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Julsmarshall
Two Can Play | Ali Hazelwood
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Mehso-so

Short, light, and fun. A quick listen that was perfect for a road trip by myself.

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Julsmarshall
Reckless | Amanda Quick
Pickpick

A great old school historical romance. Combine a whip smart ingenue, a jaded and grumpy possible pirate, vintage books, and a mystery to keep you guessing and you‘ve got Reckless. This was a lot of fun!

41 likes1 stack add
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Fascinating, infuriating, and horrifying. This #audiobook kept me listening and I may have yelled a bit too. Deeply researched and thoughtful, I highly recommend for anyone interested in cults or how the US political landscape got to where it is right now. #BookspinBingo

Tamra Scary. 2mo
58 likes7 stack adds1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Prisoner of My Desire | Johanna Lindsey
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Bought a bag of historical romance by the pound at a small little bookstore called The Book Burrow in Pflugerville Texas. Got a couple that I‘ve heard great things about!

Ruthiella How many books were there in the pound? 🤔 2mo
Julsmarshall The four in the bottom right corner. I haven‘t read a lot of the “vintage” historically and the tagged one was on my list. The Fated Mates podcast raves about it so it was a definite win for me, @Ruthiella 😍 2mo
willaful I remember The Wedding Night as a fun old skool read. 2mo
MemoirsForMe Cool store! 😍 2mo
61 likes4 comments
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Julsmarshall
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir | Lisa Marie Presley, Riley Keough
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Pickpick

I was surprised by how easy this was to listen to. Even though Lisa Marie Presley‘s story is upsetting in many ways, the writing was informal and conversational. The chapters by Her daughter, Riley Keough, added a lot to the story and flow. Great on #audio , the narration by Julia Roberts and Ms Keough was lovely!

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Oof! Riveting, fast paced, stressful, heartbreaking. I don‘t love everything about the series, but I sure do love a lot of things, especially the dragons. 🐉 Andarna and Tairn‘s relationship is one of my favorites and I love the crew and their found family vibes. The way they tease, challenge, and take care of each other is delightful. #BookspinBingo

mcctrish I love how the dragons talk too. Andarna‘s sass at the beginning of Iron Flame made me laugh out loud everytime 2mo
Julsmarshall @mcctrish Same! You can tell the author has spent a lot of time with teenagers! 2mo
52 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Bingo's Run: A Novel | James Levine
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February Bingo board! Love where all those free spaces landed!

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Julsmarshall
Wild and Wrangled | Lyla Sage
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This may have been my favorite of this series, though I‘ve loved them all. The western setting, blood and found family, finding your true purpose, all while taking care of each zither equals my kind of book! This releases on April 15th and I think it is one for everyone! Pick this one up as soon as you can! #BookspinBingo #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! The first book in this series is on my TBR. 2mo
mandarchy What kind of device are you reading on? 2mo
AllDebooks Yay! 2mo
Julsmarshall @mandarchy It is an ipad mini 😍 2mo
mandarchy @Julsmarshall thanks, I'm always curious what device people use for graphic novels. 2mo
53 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
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8 bingoes for January, I‘m okay with that! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Fantastic month!! 2mo
46 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

So fun! This was released last month and I finally jumped in. Loved the Wordle elements, setting on Prince Edward Island and the museum pieces. My first from this author, will read more. #ARC #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks

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Julsmarshall
Skin Tight | Carl Hiaasen
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Pickpick

This was a bonkers thrill ride Silly and a little dated, still a roaring good time. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
50 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Funny and smart with the most delightfully quirky queer characters! This madcap mystery will keep you guessing and the situations the main characters find themselves in with make you laugh out loud. Great on #audio #BookspinBingo #BookriotReadHarderChallenge #3

CarolynM I had such a good time with this book. Glad you enjoyed🙂 2mo
57 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Look at this beauty! Those edges 😍🤩 I just couldn‘t resist!

ItsAnotherJen I can't wait to read this! 2mo
Julsmarshall I‘m having a hard time putting it down to do my weekend cleaning chores @ItsAnotherJen (edited) 2mo
63 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
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My February #BookspinBingo list! There are several I‘m really looking forward to!

49 likes1 stack add
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

This was a thought provoking book about knowledge workers, unnecessary busy-ness and what quality truly looks like in the work world. It gave me a lot to think about and I‘m so grateful that the staff leadership at my organization is reading this together. A lot of work/self help/productivity books fall flat for me but this was worth the read! #BookspinBingo

TheBookHippie This has been recommend to me by a friend! 2mo
55 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Absolutely delightful! Kicking your heels, clapping your hands fun 🤩 A steamy STEM romance with layer characters who are kind and thoughtful with each other. I‘ll definitely read more from this author! #ARC #netgalleygroup @AllDebooks #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
50 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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Julsmarshall
The Rose Code | Kate Quinn
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@TheAromaofBooks Thank you so much! Made my day to come home and find my #BookspinBingo prize waiting for me. Made for an amazing Friday! I can‘t wait to read this one and I‘ll do so for the #authoramonth challenge in April. Thank you again for all your time and effort managing #Bookspin .

TheBookgeekFrau Congratulations!! 🎊 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I'm glad it arrived safely. Thanks for spinning with me, and I hope you enjoy this one!! 2mo
48 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Julsmarshall
The Bront Plot | Katherine Reay
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Pickpick

This one started slow and I nearly set it aside but the literary references, Beatrix Potter, Jane Austen and, of course the Brontës, kept me reading and I‘m so glad I did! A great story of self reflection, complicated families, and resilience, I‘ll be thinking about this one for a while and want to plan a trip to the UK! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
66 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

It felt fitting to finish this one today. A powerful account of one woman‘s fight against censorship and her right to free speech as the book banners in her community attacked her relentlessly and without cause. This is happening to librarians and citizens all over the US as white nationalists try to take our country back decades. I was angered, informed, and inspired. I highly recommend! #BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Suet624 It‘s all so frightening. 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2mo
TieDyeDude Someone at my book club just recommended this. Thanks for the review! 2mo
70 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Loved this thriller filled with complicated and often problematic characters. You have to hang in there with this one through a lot of uncertainty but it is worth it. Made our long drive home in tricky weather a little more bearable. Good on #audio .

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Twisty and fast paced, this was a little silly and stretched the boundaries of reality but the snarky vibe kept it interesting. Perfect #audiobook for a long travel day, it kept us listening and made the miles go faster.

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Julsmarshall
Six of Crows | Leigh Bardugo
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Thank you so much, @Soubhiville ! I‘ve been out of town and so finally had time to check my mailbox and was so happy to see your generous gift from the #AAM 2024. I‘m thrilled to receive both books and I love the bookmark and stickers. I love participating in the #authoramonth challenge and winning a prize just made it all the sweeter. Thanks again!

Soubhiville You‘re welcome! Thanks for participating! 2mo
tpixie Congrats 🎈🎉📚 2mo
50 likes2 comments
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Julsmarshall
Out On a Limb | Hannah Bonam-Young
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Delightful! I loved this quietly building romance that finds two people working through challenges of their own, finding each other and discovering the transformative power of love. I especially enjoyed learning from the perspectives of the characters (as also experienced by the author) as they deepened my understanding of some people treat others who are different from themselves. Such a lovely book! #ownvoices