Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Julsmarshall

Julsmarshall

Joined March 2016

I like big books and I cannot lie.
review
Julsmarshall
Well, Actually | Mazey Eddings
post image
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.

48 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Julsmarshall
Fabled | Kara Jaynes
post image

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. 6d
51 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
First Time Caller | B. K. Borison
post image
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!

58 likes2 stack adds
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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

review
Julsmarshall
Two Can Play | Ali Hazelwood
post image
Mehso-so

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

review
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
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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. 1w
57 likes7 stack adds1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
Prisoner of My Desire | Johanna Lindsey
post image

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? 🤔 2w
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 😍 2w
willaful I remember The Wedding Night as a fun old skool read. 2w
MemoirsForMe Cool store! 😍 2w
60 likes4 comments
review
Julsmarshall
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir | Lisa Marie Presley, Riley Keough
post image
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!

review
Julsmarshall
post image
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 2w
Julsmarshall @mcctrish Same! You can tell the author has spent a lot of time with teenagers! 2w
51 likes2 comments
blurb
Julsmarshall
Bingo's Run: A Novel | James Levine
post image

February Bingo board! Love where all those free spaces landed!

review
Julsmarshall
Wild and Wrangled | Lyla Sage
post image
Pickpick

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. 3w
mandarchy What kind of device are you reading on? 3w
AllDebooks Yay! 3w
Julsmarshall @mandarchy It is an ipad mini 😍 3w
mandarchy @Julsmarshall thanks, I'm always curious what device people use for graphic novels. 3w
53 likes5 comments
blurb
Julsmarshall
post image

8 bingoes for January, I‘m okay with that! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Fantastic month!! 3w
46 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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

review
Julsmarshall
Skin Tight | Carl Hiaasen
post image
Pickpick

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

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3w
50 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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🙂 3w
57 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
post image

Look at this beauty! Those edges 😍🤩 I just couldn‘t resist!

ItsAnotherJen I can't wait to read this! 4w
Julsmarshall I‘m having a hard time putting it down to do my weekend cleaning chores @ItsAnotherJen (edited) 4w
62 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Julsmarshall
post image

My February #BookspinBingo list! There are several I‘m really looking forward to!

49 likes1 stack add
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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! 4w
55 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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!! 4w
50 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
The Rose Code | Kate Quinn
post image

@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!! 🎊 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I'm glad it arrived safely. Thanks for spinning with me, and I hope you enjoy this one!! 4w
48 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Julsmarshall
The Bront Plot | Katherine Reay
post image
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!! 1mo
66 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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. 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 1mo
TieDyeDude Someone at my book club just recommended this. Thanks for the review! 1mo
70 likes4 stack adds3 comments
review
Julsmarshall
post image
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 .

review
Julsmarshall
post image
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.

blurb
Julsmarshall
Six of Crows | Leigh Bardugo
post image

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! 1mo
tpixie Congrats 🎈🎉📚 1mo
50 likes2 comments
review
Julsmarshall
Out On a Limb | Hannah Bonam-Young
post image
Pickpick

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

review
Julsmarshall
Death Note, Volume 1 | Tsugumi Ohba
post image
Pickpick

This was a soft pick for me. Not usually my jam but I read it for #Bookriot #ReadHander challenge (task 14) and read it in one sitting. An interesting concept, it was compelling made me think about good and evil and right and wrong.

review
Julsmarshall
Whose Body? | Dorothy Sayers
post image
Mehso-so

This was just okay for me. The mystery was pretty solid but slow (could have been the narrator) and it wasn‘t good enough to make up for the pretty consistent racism all the way through. I recognize that some of that is the time period in which it was written but, still no. #AAM #authoramonth @Soubhiville

review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

So good! Captivating and powerful, Lawhon‘s novel is a gripping read that you won‘t want to put down. Based on a true story of a midwife in 18th century America, I loved this strong, courageous woman who was fighting for justice and truth, no matter what it takes. This is a story of resilience, compassion, family, and the relentless pursuit of equality. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
57 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek | Annie Dillard
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve had this forever and finally gave it some the time it deserved. It is lovely, unique and quietly powerful. The cadence of the prose is hypnotic and the way she crafts a sentence! I moved between my print copy and on #audio and can see why this won the Pulitzer prize, well deserving of all the praise. #Roll100 @PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Nicely done! 1mo
56 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
Moon of the Turning Leaves | Waubgeshig Rice
post image
Pickpick

Amazing! This follow up to the thoughtful dystopian novel Moon of the Crusted Snow was fantastic, beautiful writing, tight pacing, and the setting in an indigenous community after the fall of the world is brilliant and compelling. If you haven‘t checked out these short (under 200 pages!) novels from Waubgeshig Rice, you are truly missing out. #BookspinBingo

Tamra I agree, great writing! 1mo
53 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

Fantastic! Moore has managed to make me want to stop everything to read her book yet again; such an amazing storyteller! Dark, mysterious, and twisty with characters that are complicated and authentic-everything you want in a thriller! If this is on your TBR, move it up! If it isn‘t and you like thrillers, add it now 🙂

64 likes1 stack add
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

So good! Riveting feminist non fiction that explores the history of witches in connection to the patriarchy, shares the impact it has had in the past through now, and empowers the reader to respond effectively. This one informed and infuriated me and so feel more prepared to fight what is surely to come over the next few years. Great on #audio

TheBookHippie I loved this book. I‘m tired already for the upcoming battles … 2mo
63 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
Frozen River | Ariel Lawhon
post image

January Bookspinbingo board is complete! Bookspin is also my #readordonate and my Doublespin will be a new book, likely The Will of the Many, my #jolabokaflod gift from @Gissy So many litsy connections this month! @TheAromaofBooks @julieclair

julieclair I will be reading The Frozen River with my IRL book club in April. Looking forward to your review! 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looks fantastic!! 2mo
Gissy I will also wait for your review. That book is in my wish list. I was tempted to buy a copy for me but I behaved😌I should understand that I cannot buy double books for each swap I participate🤣 2mo
40 likes3 comments
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

Wow! This #audio was so good that I walked farther than usual to keep listening and then finished my LEGO Christmas gift while finishing it. Complicated coworkers, many dealing with significant personal challenges, trying to just make it through at a difficult corporate organization. Surprisingly funny, especially for a former cubicle worker, this made me laugh out loud often and cry real tears too. So good! Makes it 241 for the year :)

Texreader Love your Lego!! 2mo
49 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek | Annie Dillard
post image

My #Roll100 and #ReadorDonate list is done (I use the same list). First up in January will be the tagged, hoping to read 2 titles for #Roll100 January and 1 for #ReadorDonate . @PuddleJumper @julieclair I read 54 books from my list in 2024, can I beat it in 2025?

PuddleJumper That's amazing! 2mo
julieclair Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is on my list, too. I‘m interested to hear your thoughts once you‘ve finished. Congrats on a very successful 2024. And I bet you can beat that score by at least 1 book in 2025! 👍 2mo
39 likes2 comments
blurb
Julsmarshall
post image

Another good reading year! I don‘t get too caught up in the numbers, mainly just want to be sure to keep reading, learning, and sharing reading suggestions with others. I need to dig into determining my favorites, will work on that over the next day and a half :)

RobES Amazing 😍🤩 2mo
TheSpineView Well done!! 2mo
BookmarkTavern Congrats! 🎉🎉🎉 2mo
DogMomIrene Wowza! 🙌🏼 Congrats! 2mo
45 likes4 comments
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

Delightful, charming, a perfect holiday novella to end the year with! #BookspinBingo

42 likes1 stack add
review
Julsmarshall
Untitled | Unknown
post image
Pickpick

Stormbound by Maggie Maren is not in the database. I read it via Kindle Unlimited and it was okay, a low pick. I liked the setting and the witchy woman who is stranded and the lumberjack forest ranger who feels compelled to protect her. #BookspinBingo

review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

This fascinating piece of non fiction was a deeply researched exploration of the intersection of faith, culture, and politics. It made me think about the assumptions our society makes about religion and shines a light on the complex and often corrupt history and values of white evangelicalism. Really compelling on #audio . #BookspinBingo

Soscha Have you ever listened to Public Enemy, the rap group, “Fight the Power”? Gots a lyric about John Wayne, searing stuff. I‘ve said this before but tis true. I grew up in uber-White small town Iowa. “Fear of a Black Planet” was my entré & education on race & racism. 2mo
Itchyfeetreader I have this on my kindle - I suspect a blame it on lists buy! 2mo
48 likes2 comments
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

This was a great one to read at the end of the year to learn about voices I may not be familiar with and set me up for a really diverse reading year in 2025! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #diversebooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
54 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Mehso-so

Short holiday novel, a little predictable and I would have liked more story, less spice.

blurb
Julsmarshall
James: A Novel | Percival Everett
post image

How is it time to think about #BookspinBingo 2025? Got my new planner for 2025 so it must be! My list for January :) @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2mo
38 likes1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
Three Junes | Julia Glass
post image

My last #readordonate of 2024 is a donate. Just didn‘t grab me, #hailthebail . @julieclair

julieclair I started this one a couple of years ago and just couldn‘t get into it. But it seems like the kind of story I would love… 2mo
38 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

Delightful and funny with really clever banter, this was a great enemies to lovers romance with a good bit of mystery thrown in. I went into it pretty blind so I won‘t say much but so good on #audio ! Loved these characters and would enjoy seeing them again! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
46 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
Make the Season Bright | Ashley Herring Blake
post image
Pickpick

Loved this sweet Christmas novel about a woman who was left at the altar being forced to face her ex-fiancé during an extended friends holiday. Strong characters, funny shenanigans, and queer love make this a special holiday romance that had me grinning ear to ear! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2mo
44 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Julsmarshall
Make the Season Bright | Ashley Herring Blake
post image

My quiet view during the calm before the busy. Feeling blessed to be with family today and sending love to all those who celebrate the holiday, and to those who don‘t. You are loved! Merry Christmas!

Daisey Merry Christmas! 🎄 2mo
Ruthiella Merry Christmas to you! 🎄 2mo
47 likes2 comments
blurb
Julsmarshall
The Will of the Many | James Islington
post image

I love everything in my #jolabokaflod package! Thank you so much @Gissy I‘m so excited to read this one, it will be my first read of 2025! Thanks so much for organizing @MaleficentBookDragon 😍 Merry Christmas eve everyone!

TheBookHippie Happy Christmas to you! 2mo
Gissy Merry Christmas to you! I‘m so happy you liked the book and chocolate. That one is on my wish list too😃Looking forward to read your review. Pj, something to drink, to eat and a good book, perfect🎄👌💚❤️💚🤗

Yes, and thank you to @MaleficentBookDragon for this amazing swap🥰
2mo
dabbe Happiest of holidays. 💙❄️💙 2mo
MaleficentBookDragon Happy Jólabókaflóð! I'm so happy you enjoyed the swap. @Gissy is always a great swap partner. 2mo
61 likes4 comments
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

Wow! Totally worth the hype :) I prefer her more recent works but this was riveting and I really enjoyed the #audiobook . Great palate cleanser from all the holiday stories. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo
49 likes1 comment