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Librarybelle

Librarybelle

Joined September 2016

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Immortal in Death by J. D. Robb
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Our Country Friends: A Novel by Gary Shteyngart
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Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza, Emily Harding
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Normal Women by Philippa Gregory
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Argylle: A Novel by Elly Conway
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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir
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Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence
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Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackerey
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Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
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Villette by Charlotte Bront
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Jane Austen's Letters by Jane Austen, Deirdre Le Faye
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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront
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All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams
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Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
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The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty
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The Widow Queen by Elzbieta Cherezinska
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Beatrice and Benedick by Marina Fiorato
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Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
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The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
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Rutherford Park by Elizabeth Cooke
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Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
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The Golden Hour: A Novel by Beatriz Williams
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The Professor: A Tale by Charlotte Bront
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What the Lady Wants by Rene Rosen
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Lilac Girls: A Novel by Martha Hall Kelly
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The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
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We Went to the Woods by Caite Dolan-Leach
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The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
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The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
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Arabella by Georgette Heyer
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The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman
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Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
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Julian Fellowes's Belgravia by Julian Fellowes
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Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
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The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe
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The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
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Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Pat Conroy
review
Librarybelle
The Housemaid | Freida McFadden
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Pickpick

Light pick…the writing was less than stellar - how many times McFadden repeats the same thing over and over got on my nerves - but the thrill of the story kept me reading and the various twists. And the end - wow! I can see why she has become extremely popular, with long waiting lists for her books at the libraries. Fast read that left me gasping in parts. #52BookClub24 #AnAuthorEveryoneHasRead

Hooked_on_books I keep seeing this everywhere, but I think the repititon you mention would drive me batty. Otherwise, it sounds fun! 9h
Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books I probably would not have continued because of the repetition except for the twists she would throw into the narrative. That‘s what really got me through the book! 9h
Kristy_K Good choice! I also haven‘t read her. 6h
47 likes5 comments
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Librarybelle
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I reviewed this a few years ago on Litsy and gave it a pick; I greatly enjoyed my reread of this for #RandomClassics !

Evelina‘s character at times can be so maddening for her naivety, and yet she somehow becomes entangled with the most cartoonish 18th century characters I‘ve ever seen. Just about everything is worked out in the end.

Thanks for hosting this, @TheAromaofBooks !

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Thank you for reading along with me!! I finished yesterday. I enjoyed it, but don't see myself returning to it again and again. I loved Evelina herself, but some of those side characters...!!!!! 21h
53 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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For tonight‘s #hyggehour I finished this week‘s section from Immortal in Death for the #InDeathLongReadalong and started The Housemaid. I enjoyed an hour in my reading nook with my Candied Apple Yankee Candle burning nearby.

Though I tend to read most Sundays all day anyhow, it has been nice to have a dedicated hour with quiet and no distraction in the evening. A nice way to recharge for the week and forget worries!

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Librarybelle
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Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast :

I had a really good reading week last week! My favorite by far was The Collected Regrets of Clover.

This week, I have a number of library books due, so will try to read what I can of those, as well as keep up with buddy read titles. Evelina should be finished within the next couple of days.

Happy Reading!

kspenmoll You did have a great reading week! 2d
43 likes2 comments
review
Librarybelle
Glory in Death | Nora Roberts, J. D. Robb
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Pickpick

A couple weeks behind the #InDeathLongReadalong , but I wanted to finish last month‘s book this weekend!

I really like watching Eve become more comfortable with her feelings and being with Roarke. He definitely has issues too, but it seems like they balance each other well. Good mystery with lots of suspense and a nail biting conclusion. I‘m really enjoying this series so far. On to book 3!

LiseWorks Oh so glad you liked it. Book 3 is even better 😍 2d
71 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
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We‘re up to book 6 in the series, #LittenDetectives ! In April, we follow Nancy, George & Bess to Red Gate Farm. Discussion will be April 15th.

Please feel free to continue contributing to the Shadow Ranch discussion! I plan to join in later today.

If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, just let me know! I‘ve also had some questions about the book order, so I have a link in the comments to a list of the books. #NancyDrewBR

DGRachel Placed my library hold yesterday! Thanks for hosting this. 💖 3d
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TheBookHippie I have this one -phew! 3d
Ruthiella This is another one I don‘t think I read before. Looking forward to reading it! 3d
Librarybelle @DGRachel @TheBookHippie @Ruthiella Hooray!! Let‘s see what happens to Nancy and crew this time! 3d
kwmg40 I actually have an old battered copy of this one! 3d
Allylu Yay! You caught up to me! 3d
Librarybelle @Allylu I thought this was the one! Yay!! 2d
julieclair My copy arrived yesterday, so I‘m ready to go! 2d
TheAromaofBooks Looks like I have the 1961 copy of this one! My collection is all over the place 😂 2d
BarkingMadRead I‘m ready to go!! 1d
47 likes16 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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When most of your library holds arrive at the same time, it takes a pretty strong bag to make it back to the car. Does anyone else like to gaze at the books you pick up at the library, especially the new ones you know you‘re the first to get, or is it just me???

The books have been thoroughly examined, as Zeke is showing. Any recommendations on the first to read from the stack? #Zeke #CatsOfLitsy #libraryhaul

RaeLovesToRead Hi Zeke!!! 👋🏻😄💕 4d
AlaMich I love getting brand new hardbacks at the library because, ever since I was a kid, I‘ve enjoyed the crackling sound the plastic makes. 4d
JanuarieTimewalker13 Zeke is adorable!!❤️🐾 4d
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Librarybelle @AlaMich That is the best sound! 3d
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3d
CatLass007 Hello gorgeous 😻😻😻! Is Zeke a dilute calico or am I seeing three colors where there are only two? 3d
CatLass007 Also, the books all look amazing. Have you decided which to read first? I‘m taking a screenshot so I can make sure to add these to my wish list. I think most of them are already on my list. 3d
Librarybelle @CatLass007 Zeke is gray and white. The setting sun may be playing with his color scheme, as some of his gray spots do look like a lighter gray or neutral color on spots on his legs. No clue which to read first! I actually have other books due this coming week I should get to before this stack. 😂 3d
CatLass007 He‘s still gorgeous. Enjoy whatever you read. 3d
CatLass007 As a native West Virginian, I‘m most intrigued by In the Shadow of the Greenbrier. It‘s now at the top of my wish list. 3d
Librarybelle @CatLass007 I‘m actually leaning towards that one…I had not heard of the significance of Greenbrier until I was in college. It‘s so intriguing, and I‘m glad to see a fictional story centered on Greenbrier. 3d
CatLass007 I‘ve never been to The Greenbrier but my Dad worked there now and then. He had two fine Greenbrier mugs and now they‘re mine. He had a mid weight jacket from there too. I think that was donated to charity. We didn‘t even live near there but Daddy did a lot of traveling before he met Mom and has fond memories of the place. There‘s a fallout shelter under the hotel that could house a lot of government officials if there were an emergency. (cont)⬇️ 3d
CatLass007 Of course it‘s no longer a secret but it‘s still fascinating. I saw it on a documentary several years ago. The mugs and jacket were a 21st century addition to my Dad‘s collection. 3d
Librarybelle What an awesome connection, @CatLass007 ! I had heard of the fallout shelter too from a documentary. 3d
CatLass007 Daddy traveled all over the country but he came back to his home town, which is my hometown. I no longer live in West Virginia and I won‘t ever move back there but visiting family isn‘t out of the question. Mom wasn‘t from West Virginia. She moved there for her first job after her dietetic internship. Not a lot of women in her generation went to college and had a career, but she did. Wow, I may be getting homesick… 3d
Jess I‘m quite interested in The Tower. If you get to that one, let us know what you think. Enjoy! 3d
Librarybelle Will do, @Jess . Thanks! 3d
Crazeedi I thought I was the only one to have a pile of 10 plus books I just borrowed, not like I don't have hundreds on my shelves tbr!! Lol 3d
Crazeedi And I always go to the new books rack first, that sits by the check out counter, hehehe!!! 3d
Librarybelle @Crazeedi Yes! New shelf scoping is the best stop at the library! 3d
Crazeedi @Librarybelle 🥰❤️ 3d
marleed When I‘m the first to read a newly published book from the public library in my head I deduct $15 from tax bill - telling myself it‘s a tax refund! 3d
Librarybelle @marleed 😁❤️ 3d
75 likes26 comments
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Librarybelle
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#LittenDetectives : it‘s time to discuss this month‘s #NancyDrewBR !

I have 5 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR . This month‘s book & the varying editions made it a little hard for specific discussion points, so I posted some generic ones. Answer whenever, & feel free to post other thoughts in the comments.

Thanks for reading with me! Look for info about next month tomorrow!

Ruthiella Thanks for the great questions! 😃 4d
mrp27 Never realized the editions were so different but I guess it makes sense to update. 4d
MariaW Only one day late this time! 🙈🤣🙈 3d
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Librarybelle Thanks! You‘re welcome, @Ruthiella ! 3d
Librarybelle @mrp27 I was amazed at how staggering the differences were! 3d
Librarybelle @MariaW Totally fine! 3d
51 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
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5. During last month's discussion, @thebookhippie provided a couple of great articles regarding Nancy Drew, from racist depictions to book banning Nancy (links in comments).

I also came across an article about Nancy Drew and prejudice, race, and ablest narratives within the books (link in comments).

I think we're all balancing the enjoyment of reading these while acknowledging the issues presented. Any thoughts to share? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I haven‘t had a chance to read these yet, but this was on my mind with the Native Americans and their artifacts present in this one. Thanks for the articles. 4d
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jlhammar Really interesting articles. Thanks for sharing! 4d
CogsOfEncouragement 1931. No Native Americans mentioned. George prides herself on being boyish & Nancy encourages her in being herself on pg 4. Bess: noted for always doing the correct thing, dignity & composure, dressed w/care & taste. Nancy Drew: could not be termed beautiful. It is explained in just one sentence that all the girls get tan, & gain weight on the ranch from their activities when they had been there for awhile. I understood them to be stronger. 4d
Ruthiella As @dabbe pointed out in her review, the term squaw is offensive and there are other aspects which jar with a modern reader. But these don‘t bother me. The 1950/60s versions reflect the time in which they were written. 4d
mrp27 I cringed a bit in this one with language and “costumes”. Articles really gave interesting perspectives. 4d
DGRachel It‘s been so long since I first read these and I just didn‘t remember them being so…in tune with the times in which they were written. I‘m really struggling with the racism and a lot of the character depictions - even more so than I thought I would. I‘ll have to go back and read the articles. 4d
DebinHawaii I liked what it said in the last article, “But Nancy, Bess, and George themselves remained barrier breakers. Because they were revolutionary for their time. I gave each book an honest review, because yes, we can love things while pointing out their problematic elements at the same time. In spite of all the warts of the original series, these characters paved the way for today‘s Nancy Bess, and George.” I agree that I can still like the books… ⬇️ 4d
DebinHawaii … & treasure what they were to my childhood while recognizing & discussing the problematic parts. 4d
dabbe @Ruthiella That's why I find banning books so infuriating or changing them to make them more acceptable. Part of reading books like these is to see the POV of the time period so that we can face it and talk about it. Side note: Squaw Peak in Phoenix was renamed Piestewa Peak in 2003, after Lori Piestewa, the 1st Native American woman to die in combat in the US military, and the 1st woman killed in the 2003 Iraq War. 3d
kwmg40 When I read these books as a child, I was totally oblivious to the racism and other problematic aspects. It's definitely harder to read passages about the costume party and the teasing of Bess about her eating habits without cringing a little. Well, the books do reflect the era! 3d
lauraisntwilder I wasn't surprised to see "indian," but "squaw" made me grimace. It's par for the course, reading books this old, but I do wonder if they could add an introduction for young readers. 3d
MariaW I think it is a good idea to rewrite those novels. Even now certain terms made me cringe even we as adults are able to read them critically with our knowledge of that time and recognition of how society‘s perception changed through time. But is a young reader to do that? Most of them are just consuming what they are reading. 3d
Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @jlhammar @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @dabbe @kwmg40 @lauraisntwilder @MariaW Lucy Worsley‘s interviewed an English professor discussing Agatha Christie and the prejudice/racism in her novels…how do you revere an author with clear biases was the gist of the question. The professor said something much like Deb said in her response - we can love the novels but acknowledge the issues with the books. 3d
AnneCecilie I read a translated version so I don‘t remember anything and as @CogsOfEncouragement states the 1931 edition seems to have less of it. 2d
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Librarybelle
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4. As in past books in the series, Nancy has two mysteries to solve- which is true in both the original and the revised texts. Yet, the mysteries in both are somewhat different. What mysteries did Nancy have to solve in the edition you read, and what do you think of the methods Nancy takes to solve them? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk In my edition she was looking for the phantom/treasure/saboteur and Alice‘s dad. I liked how she figured out about the phosphorescent paint and the light in the pump house. 4d
jlhammar It didn‘t feel right to not have a mystery tied to a Carson Drew case! I liked how Nancy used her chemistry knowledge to solve the phantom horse mystery. Also kind of fun to have the pastels lead to Alice‘s father. 4d
CogsOfEncouragement 1931. There is a man named Ross who is socially awkward. A girl named Alice is a relative of George and Bess and joins them at the ranch. Alice‘s dad went missing years ago. There is a nearby cottage with a neglected and abused young girl living with a woman named Martha. An intimidating man named Zany is around. Nancy asks for help via telegram to dig up news articles and determines the girl had been kidnapped… 4d
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CogsOfEncouragement …Nancy has a lawyer question Martha. She confesses Zany took the girl for ransom years ago. At that time, Zany feared a bystander (Ross) to intervene and hits him in the head. Martha & Zany flee leaving Ross for dead. Ross lives but lost his memory, relocated to town near the ranch. Ross is Alice‘s missing father. Martha & Zany are let go, (WHY!?!) and the kidnapped girl goes with Alice and Ross to live HEA since her folks are since deceased. 4d
CogsOfEncouragement I was struck by how difficult it used to be to communicate and do research. I have never sent a telegram but I of course used to write letters and certainly employed microfiche for research papers. 4d
Ruthiella Nancy always uses her smarts to make deductions and follow clues…like how she found both the green bottle and ultimately the treasure. 👍 4d
mrp27 I don‘t care for the second mysteries that always crop up. Sometimes it works and sometimes it just seems unnecessary. 4d
DGRachel I did like the solution to the spectral horse, but the way everything else was solved just relied too much on chance and coincidence. “We‘re searching for treasure and Surprise! There‘s Alice‘s dad tied up in a cabin! 😱” I did like the decoy treasure dig, though. That was clever, even if it ultimately failed. 4d
DebinHawaii @CogsOfEncouragement More head injuries… I feel like everyone needs helmets! 🤕 4d
DebinHawaii I liked how she put together the phantom horse too. Nancy using that science for mysteries & baking cakes! 😉 The other mysteries in the 60s were a little weak & it also seems like the villains do things in the most convoluted ways in these books. 4d
TheAromaofBooks I usually am pretty willing to roll with coincidences, but they were VERY heavy-handed in this one, especially in the 1930s edition that out of all the places Alice's amnesia-dad would end up just HAPPENS to be this random tiny town on the other side of the country where she is going to spend the summer?? I was also confused by one point acting like Alice was 7-8 when her dad disappeared, yet later her saying she was too young to remember what he⬇ 4d
TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) looks like?? Wouldn't she at least have seen pictures of him?? To not even say, “wow this guy looks like my dad“ felt strange. 4d
kwmg40 I liked the science references in this story but the mysteries didn't grab me like the ones in the previous books. 3d
AmandaBlaze 1965. Solving the mystery of the phantom horse, finding the lost treasure, and finding Alice's father. 3d
lauraisntwilder Like @DGRachel said, I don't think she solves anything for Alice. It's sort of like they all keep humoring Alice, but don't really believe her until they stumble across her dad. 3d
MariaW I‘ve read the 60ies version as well. I really like the mystery revolving around the old curse. I always like it when superstition can be solved with normal explanations. But I think the second mystery was unnecessary and unlikely. Why does there always have to be second mystery that is somehow tangled to the major one? Why not elaborate on the curse? 3d
dabbe @MariaW I agree 💯! 3d
Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @jlhammar @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @TheAromaofBooks @kwmg40 @AmandaBlaze @lauraisntwilder @MariaW @dabbe Great responses! I read the 1965 and certainly missed the Carson Drew tie-in! I agree that it seemed like the second mystery of Alice‘s missing dad was just kind of tagged onto the story, and stumbling upon him was not really solving. Loved the science in solving the phantom horse! 3d
AnneCecilie @CogsOfEncouragement made a perfect summery of the mysteries in the edition that I read. It felt like the conclusions came out of nowhere towards the end. 2d
21 likes19 comments
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Librarybelle
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3. We (finally!) meet George and Bess, thankfully in both the original and revised texts. What are your thoughts on them? How do they help Nancy solve the mystery (or mysteries)? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk They really liked to talk about how much Bess was eating 🙄 4d
jlhammar Fun sidekicks, I guess. I feel like we should have gotten a better introduction. They (and Ned!) were written as if they‘d been there all along. 4d
bookandbedandtea @Bookwormjillk Yes! That's constant through the whole series- a very big deal about how much Bess is eating. 🙄 And that she's always on the lookout for a handsome man to spend time with. I'm relating strongly to Bess this time around. 4d
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CogsOfEncouragement 1931. They don‘t really help Nancy in this one. They are not nearly as brave or accomplished as Nancy. Maybe the point was to see them grow in skill and confidence through the series. 4d
Ruthiella They‘re her support crew! Bess to advise caution and George to provide muscle when needed and both can do footwork. It is funny how they are introduced as if they were always a part of Nancy‘s crew @jlhammar ! And I guess Helen got married and stopped associating with single Nancy? 🤔 4d
mrp27 I was so excited to get to George and Bess but was ultimately disappointed. I agree with @jlhammar that they were just dropped in the story like they had already been there. For being best friends this book had been their only mention. That being said, I‘m glad they are in the book and I look forward to reading more books with them in it. 4d
DGRachel Like everyone else, I was thrilled to get Bess and George finally, and it was jarring to get no introduction to them. The one casual reference to Ned had me scratching my head, too. Bess being plump and boy-crazy is another one of the elements that hasn‘t aged well and I found it very cringy. 😔 4d
DebinHawaii Yep, was waiting for George & Bess & it was a bit of a letdown how they were introduced for sure. And the casually dropped Ned mention that he‘d be jealous when he hasn‘t come up before. 🤔 And I also forgot all the weight shaming of Bess. 🫣 4d
TheAromaofBooks The 30s edition didn't mention Ned at all (that I remember) and I also don't feel like it was particularly fixated on Bess eating, although maybe my brain just glossed over it 😂 4d
Read4life As many others have said, I was disappointed in how we met Bess & George. I also forgot (or didn‘t realize at such a young age) how many comments there are about Bess in regards to food and boys. 3d
kwmg40 I agree with everyone else that, while it was great to finally see Bess and George, they just seemed to show up out of nowhere. 3d
AmandaBlaze Helen had more of a backstory than Bess and George. As for all the mention of Bess and food, I remember describing her as “pleasantly plump“ in later books. 3d
lauraisntwilder I feel like Helen was a more well-rounded character, but maybe they grow? 3d
julieclair I agree with everyone about George an Bess, and Bess‘s eating. I kind of missed Helen. 3d
MariaW For me as a first time reader of the novels they seemed like the regular secondary characters Nancy meets in all her adventures like Emily in The Mystery at Lilac Inn. Old friends that are mentioned to give Nancy are reason to be there. I am looking forward to get to know them beeter in the next novels. What stroke me weird was the mentioning of Ned out of the blue. 3d
mrp27 @Librarybelle Agreed! At first I thought I had missed something in the previous. So random just plopping him in at the end. 2d
Librarybelle @mrp27 Me too! But then I realized that he‘s also completely new, like George and Bess. Just an odd way to introduce him. 2d
AnneCecilie I agree with everyone else here. They were just suddenly there. I don‘t remember them from reading Nancy Drew in my teen years, and I don‘t remember any mention of Ned. 2d
21 likes19 comments
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Librarybelle
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2. Think about the adventures/dangers presented in this addition to the series. Compare to the past 4 books we have read. How do the adventures/dangers Nancy faces compare or contrast to the prior books? Which episode in Shadow Ranch was the most memorable for you? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk This one didn‘t seem as dire as the last. Nancy keeps sustaining head trauma and then going back to work though. The sports mom in me does not approve! All of the horse stuff seemed exciting here. Nancy was quick thinking when they crossed the stream, 4d
jlhammar Being stranded in the desert without water (when the car overheated towards the start) thanks to shady Shorty was pretty memorable. Overall perhaps not quite as danger-filled as the previous few. Honestly, it‘s more the clothes and the food that stand out to me. Of course Nancy can bake a fabulous chocolate cake! 4d
bookandbedandtea In the 30s version, Nancy and the girls have encounters with lots of dangerous wildlife but none of those encounters feel scary. They do cross a rising river at one point which feels scary. (But it also felt pretty dumb 😬) 4d
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CogsOfEncouragement 1931. The girls get lost on the trails nearby a couple times. They need to spend the night in a cave. I had to remind myself I am not the intended audience when I got bored with this. lol Nancy is in the grasp of a bad guy for only a moment, she gets a good punch in under his chin and easily gets away. 4d
Ruthiella This was on par for me adventure wise. The first two books were pretty tame compared to the following three. It seems like the instructions to the ghost writers was to have Nancy in peril at least every other chapter! 😆 4d
mrp27 Not quite as intense as previous books but I liked the scenery change and that the dangers came from nature. 4d
DGRachel 10 year old me has such different memories of Nancy Drew. 😂 For me now, this was definitely not a strong mystery and the perils are becoming repetitive. Of course, when Nancy is in danger all the time as @Ruthiella noted, the authors are probably running out of ideas. 🤣🤣 4d
DebinHawaii I agree—the stakes felt lower this book. Probably most dramatic/traumatic were the high creek crossing, desert car stranding & Nancy falling from her horse & getting knocked out. (fyi, my Nancy Noggin Knockout count is 3/5 books so far for Nancy only not including Helen & Carson Drew‘s potential concussions… )🤕😱 4d
TheAromaofBooks In the 30s edition there was an entire chapter of them being “stalked“ by a mountain lion that I believe may have been written by someone who had done 0% mountain lion research 😂 4d
Read4life @DebinHawaii Nancy Noggin Knockout! 😂😂 3d
kwmg40 I thought the dangers from mother nature (being caught in the desert without water, crossing the river) were more perilous and interesting than the encounters with the bad guys. 3d
AmandaBlaze It wasn't as suspenseful, but I still had a lot of childhood nostalgia while reading the book. My love of horses was huge. 3d
lauraisntwilder @TheAromaofBooks Why does the idea of a poorly researched mountain lion chapter make me want to seek out the 30s version?! 😂 3d
lauraisntwilder The danger in this one wasn't as dramatic, but that made it feel more dangerous to me. It's much more realistic to get stranded beside the road with no water in the desert heat than to narrowly escape your cabin before a time bomb goes off. 3d
TheAromaofBooks @lauraisntwilder - I just... I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure you don't hear a mountain lion's footsteps following you?? Aren't they supposed to be pretty much silent when they are stalking their prey?? 3d
bookandbedandtea @TheAromaofBooks @lauraisntwilder That's exactly what I was thinking as I read it, Sarah! If a mountain lion is stalking you, you don't know it! My parents have wildlife cameras around their cabin here in Colorado and occasionally we'll see bears and mountain lions on photos when we were there but we sure didn't know they were there! 3d
julieclair I think the perils in this one felt a bit more realistic (1960s version). Maybe because they came from nature more often than from the bad guys. 3d
MariaW I think the rockslide seemed very dangerous. I found the ending of the chapter „An escaped dog“ with the huge surge of water sweeping over Nancy and her horse was somewhat left as a cliffhanger for the next chapter, but was then banalized at the beginning of the next one. I thought she might have to fight her way back to the surface or looses her horse or something. Instead she just went on rescuing Bess. 🤦‍♀️ 3d
dabbe @jlhammar Well, she is excellent at chemistry, too, right? Maybe she channeled Elizabeth Zott's baking expertise from LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. 🤩😃😂 3d
AnneCecilie The tension wasn‘t so high in this one, there was more focus on horse riding and learning to ride a horse. And maybe that was okey after two high tension books? 2d
22 likes21 comments
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Librarybelle
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1. We have seen in prior novels how much the story line between the original edition & the revised edition(s) has changed. For this month's book, the plot lines between the original (1931) & the revised (1965-present) are vastly different, one might even say completely different books with similar-ish titles.

Take a look at the edition information: http://www.nancydrewsleuth.com/mysterystories.html

Which edition did you read? #NancyDrewBR

jlhammar 1965, but, as always, very curious about the earlier edition. Sounds so different! 4d
Bookwormjillk My library has the 1965 editions but I am so curious to go back and try the original ones. 4d
PurpleyPumpkin I had no idea that volumes 1-34 were revised! And here I thought I was reading the original story when I was actually reading the later version. Wow! Thanks for tagging the website @Librarybelle! 4d
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bookandbedandtea I read the 30s version- I meant to read both but haven't gotten to the 60s one yet- and it's full of adventure (see encounters with a lynx, bear, snake, and cougar) but at the same time it felt like nothing was happening for most of the book. 4d
CogsOfEncouragement 1931. Lots of the girls getting lost on the trails near the ranch, or getting caught in a storm. Nancy carries a gun sometimes and shoots a snake and a lynx. This felt more like a story with wild coincidences at the end rather than a mystery. 4d
Ruthiella I read the 60s version, which I‘m sticking to because they are the ones I read/would have read as a kid. The extensive revision is interesting. And yet it doesn‘t matter in many ways. Nancy is an icon who can be reinvented for each new generation. 4d
mrp27 I read the 60‘s version. I agree with @Ruthiella that in the end the revisions don‘t really matter as Nancy is iconic no matter what. The revisions are interesting in the sense of how time has changed things. 4d
DGRachel Wow! I read the 60s version because it‘s what my library had, but it hardly sounds like the same book at all! I‘m not sure I could tolerate a book with even more stereotypes, though, so I think I‘ll stick to the “revised” versions. I‘m curious, though, if the 30s books are more or less Scooby-Doo like. 🤔 4d
DebinHawaii My library has the 60s versions too. Wow, such big plot differences between the two! 4d
TheAromaofBooks @CogsOfEncouragement - “story with wild coincidences at the end rather than a mystery“ - yes!!! The 1930s edition did not feel particularly cohesive, and it felt like they had the same basic altercation with Martha repeatedly without accomplishing anything. I was left feeling very !??!!? with some of the way plot lines were “resolved“ 😂 I still enjoyed it, but this was not a strong installment of the series! 4d
Read4life I read the 1960s version and thought it just fell flat. 3d
kwmg40 Like @Ruthiella, I'm reading the revised versions, as I'd wanted to reread the ones I had read as a child. I might try one of the 1930's versions to compare. 3d
AmandaBlaze The revised version, and I think I read the same version as a kid. 3d
julieclair I read the 1960s version. There were less crazy adventures in this one (no submarines!), but I enjoyed the ranch setting. I got a kick out of the stereotypical “cowboy” dialogue! 😂 3d
MariaW I‘ve read the 1960ies version. I think the older one is not available as an ebook. 3d
CogsOfEncouragement @TheAromaofBooks @bookandbedandtea Agreed. They didn't seem to have enough of a plot to fill out their 25 ch / 200 pp framework. I think even as a young reader this may have been a bit boring w/them lost on the trail - again. Even a conversation between the girls to highlight their characters would have been appreciated. More details about the dance could have been fun too to take up pages. (edited) 3d
bookandbedandtea You're both so right that there was very little plot in this book, just a series of mountain/ horse riding/ wildlife adventures with the occasional trip to town. It would have been a great opportunity, as @CogsOfEncouragement suggests, for more conversation among the girls to flesh out the story and even some background for Bess and George and their friendship with Nancy. @TheAromaofBooks 3d
CogsOfEncouragement @bookandbedandtea @thearomaofbooks thanks for replying. I truly enjoy this community and these discussions. 3d
CogsOfEncouragement Was there a dance in 1965? In 1931 the girls enjoy a dance in the nearby small town. The girls all end up with suitors. Nancy‘s is a doctor and when he comes out to the ranch for a visit he ends up being a great help to the neglected, abused, kidnapped girl. No mention of Ned in 1931. 2d
Librarybelle @CogsOfEncouragement There was, and one of the ranch hands (who had his own secrets, but ends up on Nancy‘s side) is Nancy‘s “date.” 2d
bookandbedandtea @CogsOfEncouragement I'm really enjoying these discussions too! 🩷 2d
AnneCecilie I read the 1931 edition 2d
Deblovestoread I read the 1965 version and am surprised it is so different from the original. 1d
20 likes24 comments
review
Librarybelle
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Pickpick

Remarkable debut novel about a death doula who learns how to live her life & to face her regrets.

I was captivated by the writing & had a very hard time putting this down. I recognized some of myself in Clover. Her compassion is also very inspiring. This is a quiet novel with a lot to unpack & reflect upon, how to live one‘s life, how to face regrets, and how to take that leap. Tissues needed!

“Grief is just love looking for a place to settle.”

Librarybelle A friend prompted me to read this for a discussion meet up, and I am so glad I did. Very thought provoking. 5 star, highly recommended. 4d
69 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Librarybelle
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Mehso-so

Sadly, not my favorite of the series so far. Maybe it‘s because the dangers Nancy faces are not as intense as in prior books…kidnapping and dust storms and falling from a horse are dangers for sure, but compared to other books, well…

I like how Nancy brings in chemistry to this one, which highlights the sciences for girls.

Discussion on Friday the 15th, #LittenDetectives ! #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella I like how the bad guys are sign-posted pretty much from the start. 🤣 I think that might be to allow the child reader to help “solve” the mystery. I knew that Shorty guy was shifty! 6d
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Librarybelle @Ruthiella 😂 True! 6d
Hooked_on_books I love that you feel Nancy isn‘t imperiled enough. 😂 6d
Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books It‘s so weird! The last two books were pretty heavy with danger. This one…not so much! 😂 6d
TheAromaofBooks I can't believe we read two totally separate books! 😂 6d
Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks The discussion will be so bizarre! 😂 6d
AmandaBlaze I remember loving this one as a kid as I was horse crazy back then. In comparison to the last few, it doesn't have quite as much action. Then again, she was on vacation. lol
I was happy to see Bess and George.
6d
TheAromaofBooks For real!! I'm pretty sure that nothing that happened in your book happened in mine except for going to a ranch and riding some horses! 😆 6d
Librarybelle So happy to see Bess and George, @AmandaBlaze ! 6d
Bookwormjillk This one seemed shorter than the others, but also it dragged. This is the first one where I started feeling a little bored. 5d
Bluebird Lol! I‘m the odd one out. This is my favorite so far. However, i think it may be due to the change in media. The prior ones I read on my kindle app. This one I read via the audiobook. Laura Linney‘s narration was wonderful. I‘m hoping to get other audiobooks-but most have long library wait lists. 5d
Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk It didn‘t feel shorter for me, but I can relate to the thought of it dragging a bit. 5d
Librarybelle @Bluebird That‘s the beauty of reading - everyone thinks differently!!! I get the Laura Linney audio version would be perfect. 5d
77 likes16 comments
review
Librarybelle
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Pickpick

For a book filled with horrible characters and an unreliable narrator, I just could not stop reading. I had a suspicion of one of the twists in this thriller, but there were definitely surprises.

Charlie survived Scarlet Christmas, a horrific incident at her journalism school that left 3 dead. She thinks she‘s coping, but is she? 9 years after the incident, her life begins to unravel as she addresses her trauma. So many secrets, so entertaining.

BarbaraBB Sounds intriguing, great review 7d
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Hooked_on_books I think some of the best mystery/thrillers have all dreadful characters! It makes it more interesting and when it‘s a “who died?” situation, you‘re glad to get rid of any of them! 😂 7d
Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books So true! I kind of like either really horrible people in books or the unreliable narrator…you never know what‘s going to happen! 7d
Kristy_K Great book for this prompt! 6d
82 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Librarybelle
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My #hyggehour found me wrapped up in my weighted blanket, on my cozy chair in my bedroom. Still burning the Yankee Candle Candy Apple candle I have been burning, so a nice apple smell filled my bedroom. For most of the time, I had Vladimir with me. I also silenced my phone and had it on the other side of the room - complete immersion into the hour!

It was a nice escape, though reading a psychological thriller is probably not the ideal escape. 😂

TheBookHippie 🤣🤣🤣🤣😅 1w
Chrissyreadit Love it! 1w
AllDebooks How funny 😅 1w
82 likes3 comments
review
Librarybelle
Buttercream Bump Off | Jenn McKinlay
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Mehso-so

The second in the series was slightly better than the first, in my opinion. Still a so-so read. Mel‘s mother I think is made to be somewhat comic with her insecurities and her overprotectiveness, but it just bothers me. Though she was dating the victim, and was a suspect, I‘m kind of glad she did not seem to be as much of a part of this book as the last one - more time to focus on Mel and Angie and the bakery! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️I will continue with the series, but I won‘t necessarily rush to read book 3. Though, I am now craving cupcakes! Love is in the air, as it takes place around Valentine‘s Day. There is good set up for love interests and some love tensions. My February #SeasonalCozies selection. @julieclair 1w
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julieclair That title is a hoot! 😂 1w
Librarybelle @julieclair I love cozy mystery titles! 😂 1w
julieclair Me too! 😂😉 1w
Hooked_on_books Cute title! 1w
71 likes9 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast :

I completed one book last week, and it was a good one! Highly recommend Mrs. Quinn‘s Rise to Fame! I also made progress in the #buddyread titles I‘m participating in.

This week, I have a couple of library books due, and I need to catch-up on #InDeathLongReadalong , so another busy reading week!

Happy Reading!

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Librarybelle
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Celebrating International Women‘s Day by playing catch up on this month‘s #SundayBuddyRead .

There‘s a lot of info, but Lessing has a way of presenting the story as if the reader is there. I won‘t have section 2 complete by Sunday‘s discussion, but at least I‘m making progress!

Xander is my reading buddy tonight. #Xander #CatsOfLitsy

TheBookHippie 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛 1w
Velvetfur Aaawww Xander is so pretty! 🥰 1w
Librarybelle Thank you, @Velvetfur ! ❤️ 1w
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kspenmoll I am behind too. Hi Xander! 😻 1w
Librarybelle @kspenmoll Glad I‘m not the only one! 1w
batsy Great book and perfect IWD-themed read! 1w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1w
74 likes8 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I love nonfiction, and though I could list dozens of “must read” books, I‘ll restrain myself!

1. Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz - the first time I read this one I was parts entranced and scared. Such a good book on long memory of the American Civil War. I read it again when he passed away, and it still left me with so many emotions.

2. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottleib - Talk about emotions!⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I think this was the first book that made me realize it‘s okay to not be okay and led me on my mental health journey to acceptance and better understanding of my thoughts, feelings, and actions. 2w
Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ 3. The Five by Hallie Rubenhold - I defended this book in a committee meeting when I worked at the library. It gave a voice to the victims of Jack the Ripper, more so that it identified them truthfully. I loved every bit of this book. #TLT 2w
Deblovestoread Added Confederates to my list and agree about The Five. 2w
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LeahBergen I LOVED Confederates in the Attic, too. 👍 2w
dabbe More for the TBR. Feel free to keep adding, too! I'm compiling the best list and will share with everyone when finished! Thanks for sharing. 💚💙💚 2w
Librarybelle @dabbe Thanks!! 2w
Deblovestoread @dabbe. Thanks for compiling a list “O Queen of Listmakers”. 👑 Yours are more complete and much neater than mine! 💜💜💜 2w
dabbe @Deblovestoread You just made my day! 🤩😍😘 1w
42 likes9 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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My finalized February #BookSpinBingo board, and my freshly printed March board!

No bingos last month, but so close!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Looking great!! 2w
54 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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For tonight‘s #hyggehour , I lit a Yankee Candle (current scent - Candy Apple, and I began with a 5 minute body scan through the Calm app, then nestled under my weighted blanket to read Argylle. Definitely not what I expected so far - though I had some suspicions on that, given reviews I‘ve read. Xander joined me, and my other cats are nearby. #Xander #CatsOfLitsy

Librarybelle I‘m definitely ready for bed now - so nice and relaxed! 2w
AllDebooks Purrfect ❤️🐾😊 2w
Chrissyreadit 💛💛💛💛 2w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
RaeLovesToRead Aww, Xander is a circlefloof 🥰🥰 2w
72 likes5 comments
review
Librarybelle
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Pickpick

How I loved this one! Think Rachel Joyce‘s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Kathleen Rooney‘s Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, with a bit of Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal.

Jenny is 77 years old, loves to bake, loves her husband of nearly 60 years Bernard, and has a secret. She also impulsively applies to be on a British baking competition. The story weaves between past and present through her recipes. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️It‘s a story about love, sacrifice, and finding oneself, no matter how old you are. It‘s a remarkable debut novel by Ford, who seems to capture so much emotion and can evoke so many feelings through Jenny‘s stories. Family recipes have power. Have tissues at the ready for this one. #192025 #2024 #52BookClub24 #Publishedin2024 2w
thegirlwiththelibrarybag Sounds lovely, I‘m going to request it from the library. 2w
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Hooked_on_books Oh good! I have this out from the library and I look forward to it even more now! 2w
Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books Hope you enjoy it! 2w
ReadingOver50 Sounds great. Just requested it from the library 2w
CatLass007 It looks good. My library doesn‘t have it yet but I‘ve asked them to notify me when it‘s available. 2w
julesG You're not helping me here. 😭😂😂 #MountTBR 2w
Crazeedi This sounds good, adding!! 2w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w
85 likes7 stack adds12 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast :

A good reading week! 5 completed books. I finally received a copy of 60 Songs back from the library so was able to finish that…best read of the week!

This week, it‘s continuing with #TheBros (those Karamazovs!!) and dive into The Golden Notebook, as well as catch up on some other titles (I‘m a bit behind on some buddy reads).

Happy Reading, everyone!!

5feet.of.fury My library hold for Argylle just came in, so excited to see what the deal is 2w
Librarybelle @5feet.of.fury Yes! 2w
44 likes2 comments
review
Librarybelle
The Burden | Agatha Christie
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Pickpick

Can love be a burden? Westmacott/Christie writes a psychological study of family and how far one can go to protect a loved one. There are parts, especially at the end, that did not quite seem to fit with the rest of the narrative. However, it‘s Christie, and so therefore there‘s an in-depth study of human nature. Not as strong as others of her Westmacott books, but still a pick.

Thanks for hosting #LMWBR , @CSeydel !

#192025 #1956

review
Librarybelle
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Mehso-so

I stumbled upon the short story that looks at Agatha‘s first case, way before she moves to the Cotswolds. It was okay. Short stories are hard for me, as I much prefer the development from a novel, but it was an interesting intro to Agatha Raisin. The audio is not a Penelope Keith audio, so I really missed her narration of this. #BBRC #Adult #LongStoryShort #52BookClub24 #AnApostropheInTheTitle

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2w
LibrarianRyan Really. I had no idea this novella existed. Inusually love novellas. I like to see what an author can do in such few pages. 2w
Librarybelle @LibrarianRyan It came out a few years ago, before Beaton passed away. Her last few books she wrote were not the best in the series. 2w
71 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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My February stats! I really love Storygraph‘s graphs and Bookmory‘s calendar feature!

13 books read, with my favorite being 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s. I also highly recommend Witchcraft.

julieclair Great month! I love Story Graph‘s charts, too. I‘ve never heard of Bookmory. Off to check it out now! 2w
Librarybelle @julieclair I learned about it on Litsy! 2w
Sapphire I love StoryGraph too. I also had not heard of bookmory but that calendar does look cool. Not sure if I want more places to log though. Still can‘t help myself from looking! 2w
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charl08 That calendar looks great! What a nice idea. 2w
Librarybelle @Sapphire The calendar feature definitely attracted me to Bookmory. 2w
Librarybelle @charl08 Yes! Love the calendar! 2w
BekaReid I absolutely LOVE StoryGraph! All the charts and graphs make my nerdy heart sing 😆 2w
julieclair I am now an official Bookmory user! Thanks for introducing me to it! 2w
Librarybelle Hooray, @julieclair ! You‘re welcome! 2w
65 likes10 comments
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Librarybelle
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Dear Dostoevsky…when you say we‘re not going to dwell on the details and then proceed to dwell on the details…though, I suppose you‘re showing some restraint in the descriptions!

“But we will continue our story in such detail as before.”

I‘m a little ahead of most everyone for #TheBros , so won‘t spoil say more.

I think we all deserve a nice piece of cake when this is done. I‘m liking it, but it‘s tough. #PemberLittens #HashtagBrigade

BarkingMadRead Every time he says that, I wait for details 🤣 he‘s trying to psych us out 🤣 2w
Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead He probably is trying to psych us out! 😂 2w
Aimeesue Lies! Lies! He‘s telling us lies!!! 😂 2w
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Ruthiella 🤣🤣🤣If this is sparing the reader, imagine the “detailed” version of it. 2w
Librarybelle I know, @Ruthiella ! 😂 2w
56 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
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#LittenDetectives : we‘re two weeks away from the next #NancyDrewBR discussion! I‘ll have questions posted on March 15th. I‘m looking forward to visiting Shadow Ranch with Nancy and with you!

Pageturner1 is there a google page to track reads? 2w
TheBookHippie I‘m stilll trying to get a copy 👀🤷🏻‍♀️ 2w
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BarkingMadRead Started it today! 2w
Librarybelle @Pageturner1 Are you looking for the books in order? This has the books in order: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nancy_Drew_books . I apologize…I do not have a Google page or a special page set for the group. 2w
Librarybelle @TheBookHippie I hope you find one soon! 2w
TheBookHippie @Librarybelle checking school library Monday 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️ but they‘ve weeded most of them. 😵‍💫 for ….wait for it….content 🤣🤣🤣🤣🫠 2w
Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Ugh! So disappointing! 2w
Roary47 I‘m hoping to finish book 4 tonight. 2w
Pageturner1 no worries @Librarybelle just making sure not missing anything 2w
Librarybelle @Pageturner1 Perfectly understandable! 2w
bookandbedandtea I'm ready! I may start reading this weekend. 2w
TheAromaofBooks I love that Bess and George appear out of nowhere! 😂 Also from the first chapter - “You ride, don't you, Nancy?“ “Oh, a little.“ “That probably means you're a regular top-notcher at it.“ LOL Bess has Nancy's number 😆 2w
tpixie @TheAromaofBooks 😂 good deduction Bess! 2w
Librarybelle Bess for the win! 😂 @TheAromaofBooks @tpixie 2w
Ruthiella Looking forward to running toward danger with Nancy again! 😱😂 2w
Librarybelle @Ruthiella That Nancy! 2w
Allylu After The Secret of Red Gate Farm, you will be caught up to me!! 2w
Librarybelle @Allylu We‘re getting closer! 2w
51 likes23 comments
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Librarybelle
Hour of the Witch | Chris Bohjalian
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Today is the first day for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! Read at your own pace throughout the month of March. I‘ll post periodic checkins and post discussion questions on March 31st!

If you would like to be added to this month‘s tag list, let me know! If you would like to be removed for this month, let me know too!

tpixie Thanks!! Great author!! 2w
Cuilin I really enjoyed your questions today for The Essex Serpent. Enjoy your trip. Post a pic. 🩷 2w
Librarybelle Thanks, @Cuilin ! I wish I could travel to Essex, but my traveling tends to be vicariously through books and websites. Maybe someday! 2w
39 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
Librarybelle
Sprinkle with Murder | Jenn McKinlay
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Mehso-so

This is my third time reading this first in the series, the second time on audio, and every time I read this, I find more things that bother me. I cannot stand Mel‘s mother. She‘s a horror - thank goodness my mother does not come to my house to make sure I‘m awake!

I do plan to continue to listen to the series - cupcakes for the win! - but I‘ll be interested to see how the characters develop.

kwmg40 I'm not familiar with this series, but that's such a fun cover image. 3w
Librarybelle @kwmg40 Yes! The covers are so much fun! 3w
55 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
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#LiteraryCrew friends: it‘s time for the discussion! I have 8 questions posted as spoilers. You may find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or searching for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead .

While I try not to post too many questions with big spoilers within the question, this time there are a few. Fair warning, in case you haven‘t finished the book but wish to preview the questions!

Our March book is Hour of the Witch. I‘ll post a reminder tomorrow!

julieclair Not finished yet. Thanks for the heads up about the spoilers! 3w
IMASLOWREADER same…life got in the way 😢 3w
willaful I couldn't get past the first page. :-( Very rough month for me and I couldn't concentrate. 3w
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Sargar114 I started but don‘t know if I‘ll be able to finish. I may bail and try next months, the subject matter seems real interesting 3w
rubyslippersreads I‘m way behind, but I‘ll come back to the discussion when I‘m done. 2w
PurpleyPumpkin I‘m still reading it and finding it very interesting! I‘ll be sure to circle back to the discussion when I‘m finished. 👍🏽 2w
BookWrym I have just finished will look for the questions still learning my way round Litsy 2w
Librarybelle @BookWrym Welcome to Litsy! I see you found the questions…hooray! Thanks for joining! 2w
BookWrym @Librarybelle thanks for the welcome 😀 2w
PaperbackPirate I loved it! Thank you for hosting! 🐉 2w
Librarybelle Thanks for joining, @PaperbackPirate ! 2w
Crazeedi @Librarybelle I've been MIA, so bust, I'll look for the questions later today , thanks Jess 2w
Librarybelle No worries, @Crazeedi ! 2w
53 likes14 comments
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Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
This post contains spoilers
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8. Apple TV+ recently turned the book into a miniseries. Has anyone seen it? Plan to see it?

Info on the series, from the Apple TV+ website: https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/the-essex-serpent/

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I don't have apple TV but I have considered getting it to watch this. 3w
tpixie Yes, I wondered if it might help me try to read it again at some point. Or it just might give me more an excuse not to read it! 😂 3w
Cuilin Yes, I think they did a really good job. Especially creating the atmosphere. 3w
batsy I've watched the first 3 episodes so far and I prefer the book. The setting, the costumes, and the actors are all very good but owing to having to adapt some elements of the story, it feels like the rich, complicated, and interesting relationships between the various characters are not as well-explored in the TV show. But I'm only midway through. 3w
BookWrym Hadn‘t heard of it don‘t have Apple TV don‘t watch much TV anyway so it doesn‘t really appeal if it makes it to free view I will probably give it a go 2w
12 likes5 comments
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Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
This post contains spoilers
show me

7. The novel sets up Cora to choose between two men and in the end she chooses neither. Do you think this is a comment on traditional literary plots? Do you think the novel sees friendship as more valuable and enduring than romantic love? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I don't think it was in her character to want someone else so soon. But yes I'm sick of reading books where the woman says over and over again that she's not ready for a new relationship and then at the end has magically found her true love 🤦🏼‍♀️ 3w
Cuilin For true independence at that time you had to be financially secure and unmarried. If she chose a suiter, then that hard won independence would be no more. It was too much to lose. 3w
batsy Agree with @Cuilin and it does feel like a deliberate choice in plot and character. But it is ambiguous and open-ended with regards to her relationship with Will. 3w
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BookWrym I think Cora is a loner at heart so the outcome is not a surprise in that way. It is a non traditional ending from the Victorian norm. 2w
PaperbackPirate I liked the ending because Cora seemed to find her true independence on her own without Luke, Martha, The Ambrose‘s, or even Francis there. But I also got the feeling that when Stella dies she and Will will be together. 2w
10 likes6 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
This post contains spoilers
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6. One of the subplots of the novel is the disappearance of Naomi Banks. She and Joanna Ransome argued and Naomi ran away. By the end of the novel, she has returned and Joanna is trying to cope with the imminent death of her mother. Do you think they will become close friends again, for good, or are the differences between them simply too great? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I hope so but I suspect that Naomi had some problems at home too. 3w
batsy I think they can be. They seem to be the kind of girls who can work it out but it's the different circumstances of their families that made the friendship knottier than it would have been. 3w
BookWrym I think they can have a new and different but just as deep friendship. 2w
PaperbackPirate They had a period where they grew apart, but they are true friends and will grow back together again. 2w
10 likes4 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
This post contains spoilers
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5. Cora‘s physical size and mannish habits of dress are frequently commented upon by
other characters in the novel. She rejects a lot of society‘s expectations of her as a
woman, whereas Stella Ransome is the living embodiment of the perfect housewife. Despite their differences, they are friends. What do you think Perry is trying to tell us by having Cora save her rival instead of quietly letting her drown? ~from RGG #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN That she is not a monster. Besides even though Cora was having an emotional affair with Stella's husband I'm not sure she wanted anything more. 3w
tpixie @BookwormAHN I like this answer. 😀 3w
BookWrym I think Cora is a loner and really doesn‘t need anyone else . Stella is not a threat or a rival she is a friend and Cora wouldn‘t hurt a friend deliberately. 2w
PaperbackPirate I think she continued to defy society‘s expectations by saving her friend. I think it also brought to the forefront of her mind that she would never want harm to come to her in any way which is why she stepped back from Will again. 2w
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blurb
Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
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4. Many of the characters have unequal relationships: Cora and Martha, Spencer and Will.
Do you think that viewing someone as a means to an end necessarily precludes loving them? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN Not necessarily like with Cora and Martha, the other seemed a bit more complicated. 3w
batsy Yes, I think it does. One might think one loves someone but if they're only a means to an end, then it's a compromised kind of love. I don't think this reflects the relationships in the book; with Cora and Martha I think they genuinely care for each other but Martha perhaps hints at loving her more (the difference in class, Cora wanting an audience). I thought Spencer and Luke's friendship was one of the more beautiful things in the book. 3w
BookWrym I think in every relationship there is a balance of power and benefits and that is reflected in the relationships in the book. 2w
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Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
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3. “I‘ll fill your wounds with gold”, Michael says. He means both literally that he will make sure Cora is financially comfortable during their marriage in exchange for the pleasure of hurting her, but also that he will remake her as something more beautiful & interesting than she was before. Cora survived her marriage, but was damaged by it. What do you think the seams of gold are in Cora‘s character? ~from RGG #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I think it was her intelligence. 3w
tpixie Not an answer to this question, but I had just read in another book recently about how the Japanese fix their pottery pieces with gold to make them even stronger. The coinkydink Of seeing this in one of my next books read was intriguing. It‘s funny how things happen sometimes. I did think her husband showed how cruel he was when he said that. 3w
batsy I don't think that his statement had anything to do with Cora, but was just a reflection of a man who couldn't love something that he didn't break and put back together again. But perhaps it's Cora's curiosity and the sense of autonomy that stems from that. He wanted to break it. I'm not sure if that answers the question. 3w
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Cuilin You know I‘d like to believe Cora had gold running through her before she met her husband. I think he tried to break her but was unsuccessful. Like @Batsy said it was a reflection on him and his cruelty. She was always going to survive. 3w
BookWrym I am not sure about this Cora survives and thrives but how much of that is due to his repairing is beyond me I think you need to be strong yourself to survive this. 2w
PaperbackPirate Her gold is being free from him and finally living life on her terms. 2w
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Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
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2. Many comparisons have been drawn between Sarah Perry‘s writing and the Victorian novelists who were writing at the time the book was set, including Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. Do you think this book feels Victorian, or contemporary feel when she effectively provides hope in the form of bread each day? ~from Reading Group Guides #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I haven't read Collins but I can see a little bit of Dickens in her writing style and in some of her characters. 3w
batsy I think it did feel Victorian but also modern, in a sense. Although their styles are very different, this book reminded me of how Hilary Mantel does historical fiction. It doesn't just immerse you in another time and place, there's a kind of tension between old and new. Haven't read enough Dickens (shameful, I know 😁) but it didn't remind me of Wilkie Collins, who is someone I also enjoy. It feels like its own thing. 3w
BookWrym To me it had a modern feeling I think the attitude and freedoms that Cora has are more modern than Victorian. I didn‘t see Dickens or Collins in the writing. 2w
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Librarybelle
The Essex Serpent | Sarah Perry
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1. We're traveling to Essex this month for the book! I cannot help but think, as a lover of gothic stories myself (albeit very British-based gothic stories), that the setting is perfect. Have you ever visited Essex? Have you visited a place with a potential “sea monster“ lurking in the waters?

To get us in the location mood, here's a site that will take us to Essex: https://www.visitessex.com/

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

batsy I have not been to Essex and I'd love to. Perry is a descriptive writer and I thought she set up the atmosphere so well. I've been looking up pictures and started watching the TV adaptation of the book, which is set in some areas in Essex that beautifully depict the marshes. 3w
Jerdencon I haven‘t been to Essex but I was near where the Loch Ness monster was on a gloomy day - def sets the mood. 3w
BookwormAHN I haven't been to Essex, but living in Louisiana I think a lake monster/Lake Placid sized alligator is very possible. 3w
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Cuilin Not been to Essex, yet!! Though have been in many atmospheric coastal locations in Ireland where the mythology leaches into earth. 3w
BookWrym Not been to Essex or anywhere with a water monster now I feel I need to. @BookwormAHN Lake Placid is one of my favourite films!! 2w
BookwormAHN @Bookwyrm Mine too! 2w
PaperbackPirate Funny coincidence: while reading this book I just traced my ancestry back to a man living in Essex in the 1500s so yes I would love to go there! It was already on my to-see list because I‘m a Mary Anning fan. 2w
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I‘m happy to do a bit of #NGGSpringClean maintenance for my #NetGalley account. Small goals may actually mean success - right???

My aim is to read and review 5 titles from NetGalley and make sure I have reviewed everything I read. My number of titles is obscenely high, so it‘s easy for me to read something and completely forget I had it on my NetGalley shelf! #NetGalleyGroup

AllDebooks Yay, good luck x 3w
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Librarybelle
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#PemberLittens - look what I found on #NetGalley ! Obviously, I requested it!

BarkingMadRead Ohhhhhh i requested it but my net galley score is garbage 🤣 3w
Bookwormjillk Not on Net Galley but really looking forward to this one! 3w
StayCurious I can‘t wait for this one! 3w
BarkingMadRead Aghhhhhhhhh I got in!! I‘m so excited!! 3w
Librarybelle That is so awesome, @BarkingMadRead !!! 3w
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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

If you‘re stuck musically in the ‘90s like I am, this is a must read. Harvilla explores more than 60 songs that impacted the ‘90s in some way. Covering a variety of genres, Harvilla cages his choices with personal anecdotes or factual tidbits about the artist. It‘s a fun trip down memory lane and makes me want to listen to his podcast! Many thanks to @Megabooks for posting about this! #52BookClub24 #NonFictionRecommendedByAFriend

Kimberlone The podcast is so good! 3w
BarbaraBB Great! I bought this too! 3w
Megabooks So glad you enjoyed it!!! 3w
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Hooked_on_books That looks fun! 3w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3w
Librarybelle That is good to know, @Kimberlone ! 3w
Librarybelle @BarbaraBB @Megabooks @Hooked_on_books So much fun to read and reminisce! 3w
monalyisha Thanks for this review! I wasn‘t aware of the book OR the podcast, and I started the latter today with the earliest episode I could find (about Alanis Morissette‘s “You Oughta Know”). It‘s perfect. 3w
Librarybelle @monalyisha 😁 Awesome! 3w
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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My March #BookSpinBingo list consists of some titles from my February list. How is it March?!?!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3w
47 likes1 comment
review
Librarybelle
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Pickpick

This was a fun romance with layers of humor & danger, not to mention some heavy topics. I liked Cohen‘s weaving of Austen novels into the story. There were times Vicky drove me a little crazy, but given the situation she faced from her family - having to #BiteTheBullet and marry - I‘ll give her a little leeway. Very charming. Thanks for hosting, @StayCurious ! #PemberLittens #JaneAdjacent

#Zeke #Xander #SebastianKitty #CatsOfLitsy

StayCurious It was fun to see all the Austen parts woven in 3w
dabbe 🖤🐾🐾🖤 3w
LibrarianRyan Nice. 2w
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Librarybelle
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Finally getting back to the tagged book - a copy finally came in again for me through the library! Highly recommended for ‘90s music enthusiasts!

I‘m attempting my #hyggehour an hour earlier than 8pm…it‘s a bit easier on my evening routine to unwind a bit earlier. Hope that‘s okay! I‘ve got my weighted blanket and #Zeke resting against me. A candle is burning in the background, and cell phone on silent. #CatsofLitsy

TheBookHippie 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 3w
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Awww Zeke 🐾🫶🏻 3w
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AllDebooks Beautiful Zeke x We're all for flexibility. It's all about time for you to relax in whatever way works best for you x 3w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3w
ElizaMarie Awe Zeke looks very interested in your book 💕 3w
CatLass007 Who needs a weighted blanket when you‘re owned by cats? My kitties love to pin me down.😽 3d
Librarybelle @CatLass007 So true! Cats act like a comfy warmer 😊 3d
Librarybelle @ElizaMarie Zeke definitely likes to see what I‘m reading! 3d
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast :

#TheBros continue to occupy much of my reading time (😂), but I managed to complete a few books last week. This week, with the change in the month, most of my #buddyread titles should be completed.

Happy Reading!

review
Librarybelle
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Pickpick

Light pick. Lee‘s YA novel about a girl, her mom, and their special ability to make potions of sorts to help with love has the feel of teen emotions, including the complicated mother-daughter relationship, and of course love. I was really invested in the elixir creations and the “heart notes” Mim and her mom could detect for emotions. So fascinating - a smell for everything, from worry to happiness. #SundayBuddyRead

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review
Librarybelle
Dead on Target: An Agatha Raisin Mystery | M. C. Beaton, R.W. Green
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Pickpick

I cannot believe I‘m now caught up with the series! Much better than the last one, this 34th in the series finds Agatha at an archery contest and a body in the woods. I liked the side characters in this one, and her unveil at the end seems so like Agatha Christie. Now to wait for the next in the series!