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LibrarianRyan, TheBookHippie

Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James

pick

Did I stay up way late to finish this one? Yes, yes I did. I‘ll pay for it tomorrow, but I had to find out what happens! Without giving away any spoilers, this #SupernaturalThriller is probably my second favorite by St James…she has this incredible way of building suspense with a multitude of clues and a creep factor that makes me keep all of the lights on as I read. Cannot wait to discuss this next Sunday! #SundayBuddyRead #BBRC #YeahBaby

Librarybelle Updated progress for #MarvellousMay #Readathon @Andrew65 2d

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 2d

5feet.of.fury I‘m so excited for the conclusion of this one! 2d

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CoffeeNBooks I can't wait to finish reading this one this week! 2d

Librarybelle @5feet.of.fury @CoffeeNBooks It is so good! 2d

LibrarianRyan yeahhh 1d

68 likes6 comments

Death of a Green-Eyed Monster | M. C. Beaton

pick

It was wonderful to visit the Scottish Highlands and the quirky village of Lochdubh. I swear I could tell that this was written by someone else, as especially the last few in the series were entertaining but not quite as polished. Beaton leaves behind a colorful series with Hamish, and Green does well bringing the village to life once again. Hamish is up to his eyeballs in murder again, and of course his love life comes to play yet again.

Librarybelle Quite a few prompts for this one! #19822022 #2022 , #NewIn2022 #Booked2022 @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen , and my progress in #MarvellousMay #Readathon @Andrew65 2d

Cinfhen Well done 👍🏽💚 2d

Cinfhen Hope you‘re feeling well xx 2d

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Librarybelle @Cinfhen Thank you! I‘m still not 100%, but all tests came back normal, so at least that‘s good. 2d

Cinfhen It‘s great that tests are “normal” but frustrating that you can‘t pinpoint diagnosis what‘s causing your symptoms 🥺 2d

Librarybelle @Cinfhen It‘s frustrating. The diet change I made has helped, so I‘m hoping it‘s just a slow process. Thank you for asking! ❤️ 2d

76 likes6 comments

Untitled | Unknown

It‘s time for #MarvellousMay and the mid-month #readathon ! I‘m aiming once again for 20 hours read over the course of the readathon. Starting with my daily read of Wildfell Hall for #PemberLittens and catching up on the weekly reading for #SundayBuddyRead .

Andrew65

Andrew65 Good luck and thanks for playing along 😊 3d

77 likes1 comment

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme | Krista Davis

so-so

This cozy mystery was so crazy - eccentric characters, bizarre situations, and some pretty unbelievable moments. Yet, a good way to suspend belief and escape reality for awhile. Lots of characters in this one, and I think some of the situations in this novel definitely fall into the #BumblingDetective category. Fast read, and I may try the next in the series at some point. #BBRC #Adult

LibrarianRyan yeah. I have the newest book in this series. i need to get around to reading it. 1d

73 likes1 comment

Lady Susan | Jane Austen

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A sheer delight! It‘s like watching a soap opera or am awful reality TV show - you cannot turn away! Lady Susan and her hurricane-like personality bursts onto the scene and leaves so much destruction in its path. This has the Austen wit we know so well with characters that will be hard to forget. #PemberLittens

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Enjoying Tequila: A Tasting Guide and Journal | Paul Kahan

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Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

The latest in a series of books featuring liquors and their origins, Kahan explored tequila, from its history to its popular brands to recipes and more. This addition does not disappoint with the many facts about tequila and the tasting notes to consider when tasting the liquor. As with others in the series, a collection of tasting notes appears at the back of the book. Informative, fun read!

80 likes

First Impressions: A Novel | Charlie Lovett

pick

A soft pick for me. Told in a dual timeline, this novel follows a potential scandal over the original author to Pride and Prejudice.

There are moments of suspense in the novel, and some parts of the story just seem a little too hard to believe. But, I had to keep reading, and even though I pretty much figured out how the story would go, I enjoyed the ride.

68 likes

Untitled | Unknown

I finally set up my May #BookSpinBingo board…better late than never!

TheAromaofBooks

KristiAhlers You have some awesome titles on that board! 1w

Librarybelle @KristiAhlers Thank you! 1w

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looks great!! 1w

65 likes3 comments

Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas

so-so

Set in 1918 during the influenza outbreak, this novel follows Lutie and her sister Helen as they navigate a changing world, filled with war, murder, heartbreak, and child trauma. There are so many dark layers to this novel, so definitely not a light read. Lutie‘s naivety was at times very distracting to me, and as I listened (the narration is great!), I would roll my eyes.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC!

Aims42 Thank you for the honest review! Sounds like one I can hold off until Mt. TBR dwindles down lol 1w

Librarybelle This fits the #Booked2022 #AboutSisters prompt! @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen 1w

Librarybelle @Aims42 You‘re welcome! 😂 I‘ve seen a ton of very positive reviews for this, so maybe I‘m not the best judge for this one. 1w

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KristiAhlers Sounds like they tried to cram too much turmoil to do much justice to any of it. 1w

Cinfhen The cover definitely draws me in. But like @Aims42 said…. 1w

Librarybelle @KristiAhlers Admittedly, every time one of these elements was added to the end plot, I thought “okay…so the characters are tackling that too.” 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1w

Librarybelle @Cinfhen I really like the cover too! 1w

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Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs and @TheRiehlDeal !

1. Quite often! It‘s like the story continues even in my sleep…

2. Pride and Prejudice…”It‘s a truth universally acknowledged…”

3. Take one day at a time. Things are super crazy at work, and will only get crazier as summer and summer reading kicks in…

#WondrousWednesday

Eggs Love summer reading💗💗 2w

TheRiehlDeal You‘re welcome! 🙂 2w

49 likes2 comments

The Capture | Kathryn Lasky

so-so

I went into this book knowing this is not my typical read, so I already kind of had low expectations.

There is so much violence and evil in this book, that it almost felt like it had to be an allegory of something, or a cautionary tale, or it could just be a very violent world depicted. The darkness of tone didn‘t bother me. I persevered to check this off #BBRC for the #AnthropomorphicCharactersPublishedBefore2010 prompt.

hannah-leeloo I love the film I was a few of the books too. 2w

LibrarianRyan This was such a big book series when I was still a children's librarian. I just didn't get it it. I didn't care for it either.

Ryan 2w

Librarybelle @hannah-leeloo @LibrarianRyan I can remember when this was incredibly popular at the library! I‘m not seeing it check out as much anymore, and I actually forgot about the movie until I started reading this. 2w

74 likes3 comments

All the Ways We Said Goodbye | Beatriz Williams

Today starts this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead - this compilation from the amazing trio of Williams, Willig, and White!

I‘m really looking forward to this one! Tagging those who have expressed interest in being tagged this month. If you would like me to also tag you in posts this month, comment below!

Kangaj1, Reynosa8701, BethM, megnews, Kdgordon88, CoverToCoverGirl, coffeewithbooks, Sargar114, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, julieclair

KristiAhlers Yes. Please keep me tagged in posts. I‘ve made it through about seven chapters today. I love how she‘s weaving the timelines 2w

Librarybelle Awesome, @KristiAhlers ! 2w

Sargar114 Yup! Got it cued up next to read! 2w

CarolineLovesToRead So sorry for late response. My mother has been ill and from working and taking care of her I haven‘t had much time but she‘s better now. I‘ve ordered this book and should start it in the next few days 4d

Librarybelle @CarolineLovesToRead So glad to hear your mom is better now! 4d

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The Tenant of Wildfell Hall | Anne Bront�

I started this years ago but set it to the side, because life interrupted. However, I am so excited to start this again (and finish!). From what I remember, I was transfixed by the story, and Anne Brontë‘s writing was amazing.

I picked up this particular edition through BookOutlet some time ago. It‘s a rainy afternoon at my house, so a perfect time to start this. #PemberLittens

BarkingMadRun

BarkingMadRun So pretty!! 2w

Mollyanna That is a pretty edition! 2w

ravenlee Nice-looking edition! 2w

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Untitled | Unknown

For #BookSpinBingo in May, I hope to focus on some books waiting for reviews, mostly from #NetGalley . And yes, some of these have been published for years…

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w

53 likes1 comment

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

Time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! There are so many points worth discussing in this novel, but I didn‘t want to flood everyone‘s feed with questions! You‘ll find 8 questions related to Salt to the Sea on the title‘s feed, my feed, and by searching the #LiteraryCrew hashtag.

Anything else you wish to discuss, comment below! Remember to use the spoiler tag if needed. Thanks for joining this month!

Kangaj1, Jerdencon, PurpleyPumpkin, megnews, CoverToCoverGirl, coffeewithbooks, Sargar114, jimfields3, CarolineLovesToRead, julieclair

jimfields3 Thanks for a good read! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks for joining!! @jimfields3 2w

49 likes2 comments

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

8. The Amber Room is also mentioned in this novel. Have you heard of it prior to reading this? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Older Smithsonian Magazine article about the Amber Room: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-amber-room-1609401...

megnews No I had not. 2w

Jerdencon I had looked it up as I was reading because I never heard of it either. 2w

CoverToCoverGirl I have. It must have been an amazing sight. Steve Berry wrote an interesting novel that was written around this mystery! It was quite good.

The Amber Room

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julieclair I had never heard of it. Nor had I heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff tragedy. So many stories still untold from WWII... 2w

jimfields3 I haven‘t but after reading about it and finding it‘s still a mystery today I‘m intrigued to learn more. 2w

Sargar114 I had never heard of this either. Thanks for the article share. 2w

Librarybelle I had heard of the Amber Room and its still mysterious whereabouts. Yet more of those pieces that may be found (if not destroyed) sometime. There is still so much artwork and antiques that are missing that could be out there, waiting for someone to find… @megnews @Jerdencon @CoverToCoverGirl @julieclair @jimfields3 @Sargar114 2w

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Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

7. Describe Florian, Emilia, Joana, and Alfred. What makes them dynamic characters? What are their greatest strengths as people? What are their weaknesses? - from the Reading Discussion guide on the author‘s website #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews I have to talk about Alfred. So full of himself. Grotesque grandiosity. And ultimately a chicken hearted bully. I kept thinking he was a well done symbol for Nazism overall. 2w

julieclair @megnews , great description of Alfred. I have been trying to think of a strength for him, and keep coming up blank. He is all weakness, in my opinion. 2w

julieclair I really admired Joana, and her compulsive drive to help people. This was her greatest strength, but also her greatest weakness, as it sometimes clouded her judgement. 2w

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CoverToCoverGirl @megnews perfectly said. I‘ll add repulsive, dangerous toad. 2w

jimfields3 Alfred is easy to despise: even the good he does by getting Joana, Emilia, and Florian on board he does only because he thinks it will help him with superiors. 2w

Sargar114 @megnews completely agree. Reading Alfred‘s sections was difficult; the audio version was a little easier to get through. He is a well down symbol of Nazism and the terribleness that can be found in humanity. That being said, he countered the goodness of the other three characters. @julieclair agree that Joana‘s desire to help almost led to her demise multiple times. 2w

Sargar114 Emelia and Florian were both flawed but ultimately found redemption when they found each other. I very much liked their dynamic as well as their complicated characters. 2w

Librarybelle Agree with everyone, and well stated about Alfred, @megnews ! Each character had their flaws, but as @julieclair said, I had to admire Joana for her dedication to helping others. And, we‘ve discussed how courageous Emilia was. Florian was definitely flawed, but his goodness came through, and I gained more respect for him as the novel progressed. @CoverToCoverGirl @jimfields3 @Sargar114 2w

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Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

Librarybelle https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/deadliest-disaster-sea-happened-75-years-... 3w

6. Explain the significance of the title, Salt to the Sea. Given the magnitude of the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff, does it accurately describe the events and relationships portrayed in the novel? - from the Reading Discussion guide on the author‘s website #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Article from The Smithsonian Magazine about the disaster found in the comments⬇️⬇️⬇️

Jerdencon I found it interesting that not much is talked about this tragedy - and it was just another casualty of war, 2w

Sargar114 Thanks for sharing the article. It confirmed a lot of what I thought about why a tragedy like this wouldn‘t be well known. I would also agree that the title is very well suited for the book and this story(ies) 2w

Librarybelle @Jerdencon @Sargar114 I had no clue this was a real tragedy until I read the author‘s note and later this article. I think Joana uses the term “salt to the sea” at some point in the novel, though silly me, I didn‘t record the page number! 2w

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Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

5. Considering each of the main characters‘ perspectives, in what ways is this novel a story about things that have been lost? What does each character find along the way? - adapted from the Reading Discussion guide on the author‘s website #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews Lost innocence. Lost family. Lost homeland. They found depth of character to struggle on. 2w

PurpleyPumpkin They all lost so much. But in finding each other, I think it helped them to survive that much longer. Their relationships gave them strength to carry on. 2w

julieclair Each of the refugees lost their family, their home, their possessions, and even in some cases their home country itself. But they never lost their dignity. They found resilience and a will to carry on. As I read this book, I kept thinking about the Ukrainian refugees, and how they are living with this reality right now. So hard to imagine. 2w

Librarybelle Really good comparison to today‘s refugees, @julieclair . Everyone lost so much, but as @megnews and @PurpleyPumpkin said, they found the depth of character and relied on each other to carry on. 2w

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Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

4. World War II was the first war in which civilians were as affected as soldiers. Considering what you learned from the novel, what were some of the ways in which civilians were most greatly affected? - adapted from the Reading Discussion guide on the author‘s website #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews Displacement, constantly under threat of violence/death, hunger. 2w

julieclair Yes, @megnews ! And also constant worry about loved ones' safety and whereabouts, and learning to live with the unknown. Until reading this book, I hadn't really given much thought to the fact that the German people suffered these things just as much as the people in the countries that Hitler invaded. 2w

jimfields3 In addition to what @megnews and @julieclair said I also see in this book how people had to handle opposing forces that steal your control. Emilia fled the Nazis to save her life but then got raped by a Soviet. This book is a good reminder that people had to choose between the lesser of two evils instead of a clear cut choice between e and evil. 2w

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Sargar114 @megnews @julieclair @jimfields3 Agree with what y‘all have said. I imagine the majority of these refugees didn‘t have a strong opinion about either side in the conflict and mostly were just trying to survive. 2w

Sargar114 I also found it interesting that I had never heard of this event given the scope of the tragedy, and then realized it would be difficult to talk about any event that may garner sympathy for Germans during WWII. Especially awful considering the majority of victims were not the proponents of the atrocities. 2w

julieclair Yes. This book is a good reminder that there are always two groups of innocent people who suffer in any war. The "good" side and the "bad" side both have many normal, everyday families just trying to survive. @megnews @jimfields3 @Sargar114 2w

Librarybelle So many good points, @megnews @julieclair @jimfields3 @Sargar114 ! Honestly, I had an idea that there was fleeing in Germany to avoid Russian capture, but I never really pondered the magnitude of it. I always thought of the soldiers that would rush to American lines to surrender both the Russians arrived (my grandfather would tell stories to my dad about this situation). 2w

5 likes7 comments

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

3. Throughout the novel, many characters exhibit acts of bravery. Consider the individual actions of these characters. Who do you believe to be the most courageous, and why? - adapted from the Reading Discussion guide on the author‘s website #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon They were all courageous in their own way- they had to be. 2w

PurpleyPumpkin I agree with @Jerdencon all the characters were courageous in their own way. Well, perhaps not Alfred. 😑 (edited) 2w

julieclair I think Emilie was the most courageous. So many horrible things happened to her, and she just kept moving forward. She was the one who spurred the others to action, even when they were paralyzed by fear. And giving the wandering boy the last place in the lifeboat was extremely courageous and loving. 2w

jimfields3 I also believe Emilia was the most courageous. She was always concerned with the omens and thought her fate determined, but in the end she controlled her own fate more than she knew. Her death came through her choice to sacrifice a spot in a safer lifeboat for a raft. I really admired her. 2w

Librarybelle I agree, @julieclair and @jimfields3 - Emilia‘s courageous actions helped save the wandering boy. She faced so much, yet did it with dignity. I also agree that each character had to find courage, @Jerdencon @PurpleyPumpkin , with maybe the exception of Alfred… 2w

4 likes5 comments

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

2. Salt to the Sea is told in multiple first-person narratives; how woks the story be different if only a single character were telling it? - from Reading Discussion Guide on the author‘s website #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews I love multiple POVs and in this case I think it really made the book. Because the sections were short it took me a few rounds to catch each voice but after that I flew through. 2w

Jerdencon I flew threw this book too - multiple perspectives don‘t bother me. 2w

PurpleyPumpkin I really enjoyed each character‘s perspective. I think multiple POVs add a lot to a story because as a reader, you‘re able to see the events in different ways. I really enjoy this approach. 2w

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sblbooks I had a harder time with four points of view. I think my problem was I was listening to the audio book while trying to work. 2w

julieclair I thought the 4 POVs added depth to the story, and facilitated rich character development. Each of the characters ended up at the same place... on that doomed ship... but all had unique, and sad, back stories. And to think that every one of those thousands of refugees also had a story to tell. It boggles the mind. 2w

jimfields3 I thought the use of multiple points of view was fine. I don‘t know that this adds more than third person omniscient, but I guess it‘s more natural. I could go either way. 2w

CoverToCoverGirl I‘m a big fan of multiple POV‘s. Perspective is everything so seeing an event though multiple views gives you the opportunity to walk in someone else‘s shoes. 2w

Sargar114 I really enjoy multiple perspectives. I will say with each being so short that it can be hard to keep track. The audiobook used 4 separate actors, so for me that helped keep Track a little better with this read. The upside though is the Alfred sections are really difficult to read due to how awful a human he is. 2w

Librarybelle I think the multiple povs in this novel really helped us to get to know the characters a bit better. I could see where listening on audio would make this a bit more of a challenge, @sblbooks . @megnews @Jerdencon @PurpleyPumpkin @julieclair @jimfields3 @CoverToCoverGirl @Sargar114 2w

5 likes9 comments

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

This post contains spoilers

1. Ruta Sepetys has gained critical and reader acclaim for her YA historical fiction that highlights a dark aspect of history rarely discussed or even known to most readers. Have you read any of her books prior to this? If so, how does this month‘s book compare? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews I‘ve read Out of the Easy which I also rated 5 stars. But I think I liked this one even more. I‘ve had Between Shades of Grey on my tbr for awhile. 2w

PurpleyPumpkin This was my first book by this author. I‘m planning to read more!👍🏽 2w

julieclair I have not read any of her other books. But this one was amazing, so I‘m sure I will read more. 2w

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sblbooks I read Between Shades of Gray and The Fountains of Silence. I want to read all of hers. 2w

CoverToCoverGirl This is the first. YA is not something I usually read but I certainly will recommend this title to others. 2w

Sargar114 I also read Fountains of Silence but I thought this one was much better. I do like the fact that she is writing about historical events that I wasn‘t aware of and because it is YA, it is easier to read. Plus her style with the short chapters makes it very easy to read fast. 2w

Librarybelle I read Between Shades of Grey and loved her writing style. I definitely plan to read more! @megnews @PurpleyPumpkin @julieclair @sblbooks @CoverToCoverGirl @Sargar114 2w

5 likes7 comments

Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

pick

Told from the perspective of four young adults, this #historicalfiction novel chronicles the final days of WWII and the refugees fleeing the Russian advance. It‘s spellbinding, horrific, and deeply emotional. Sepetys has a way with words and the hook that keeps you reading. I loved this one. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

#TeenAngst #BBRC

#19822022 #2016

LeeRHarry Loved this one too. 3w

LibrarianRyan I can't bring myself to read this after the author killed me with Between Shades of Gray. 3w

Librarybelle @LibrarianRyan I understand - this one is also have tissues at the ready 3w

Librarybelle @LeeRHarry ❤️❤️❤️ 3w

Jerdencon I‘ve read some of her others and I loved this one too. 2w

77 likes5 comments

Red Island House: A Novel | Andrea Lee

so-so

Set in #Madagascar , this book of chronologically interconnected stories follows Shay, the mistress of the Red House. I loved the descriptive aspects of the novel, detailing a country I know so little about and learning the customs of those who live on the island. The first story had a somewhat Gothic overtone, which I wished carried on throughout the book. At times, I felt the stories became a bit tedious, as Shay grapples ⬇️⬇️⬇️

BarbaraBB

Librarybelle …with her life as mistress and her straying-eye Italian husband. What I did appreciate was her often reflection of her role as a Black American being mistress over others…lots of emotion to unpack there! In the end, even the wonderful narration by Turpin left this being a so-so for me. Thanks to @Cinfhen for introducing this one to me and raving about the narrator! #ReadingAfrica2022 3w

Bookwormjillk Sorry the stories weren‘t what you hoped but at least it‘s a really pretty cover! 3w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Yes! The cover is gorgeous…love the cover! 3w

Cinfhen I totally understand how parts of this book could feel tedious but I was enthralled - glad you gave it a try! 3w

BarbaraBB I‘m going to read this one too! 3w

63 likes5 comments

Untitled | Unknown

Littens truly know when you need a box of joy!

Thank you so much @kspenmoll for the amazing box! I am so touched that you sent these to me. I‘ve not been in the best mindset of late, and these put such a smile on my face. I am so glad we got to know each other through Litsy! ❤️❤️❤️

LeahBergen Lovely! 🥰 3w

Bookzombie So nice! I love the card! 3w

kspenmoll Timing is everything isn‘t it? I am so happy the package came when you needed it!💕Litsy friends are the best! I love our connections over cats & books! (edited) 3w

77 likes3 comments

All the Ways We Said Goodbye | Beatriz Williams

The May selection for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is this collaborative work by the amazing trio of Williams, Willig, and White!

This is a low key buddy read - read at your own pace during the month, and I will post periodic check ins throughout the month. Group discussion at the end of May!

Tagging those who have expressed interest in joining the May buddy read. If you would like me to tag you as well, please comment below! All are welcome!

Kangaj1, megnews, Kdgordon88, CoverToCoverGirl, coffeewithbooks, Sargar114, CarolineLovesToRead, julieclair

Librarybelle Are you able to join May‘s discussion, @Jerdencon @BethM @PurpleyPumpkin ? 3w

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 3w

BethM Thanks for the tag! I‘ll look for the book! 3w

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BethM I will be in Canada on vacation for the discussion so I‘ll participate when I can! 3w

CoverToCoverGirl Yay! Loved the last one we read by these authors. 3w

Librarybelle Awesome, @BethM ! 3w

Librarybelle @CoverToCoverGirl I love their collaborative books…looking forward to this one! 3w

julieclair Looking forward to reading this one! 3w

Librarybelle Me too, @julieclair !! 3w

KristiAhlers Please tag me! I love these authors! 3w

Reynosa8701 Interested 3w

megnews I‘m in! 3w

Librarybelle Hooray, @KristiAhlers @Reynosa8701 @megnews !! 3w

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Salt to the Sea | Ruta Sepetys

How is it the end of April already?!?!?!

Reminder that the #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion for this title will be on April 30th! Judging from posts, it looks like most of us have completed the book (I‘m hoping to by the 30th!), so I‘m anticipating a great discussion!

Kangaj1, Jerdencon, PurpleyPumpkin, megnews, CoverToCoverGirl, coffeewithbooks, Sargar114, jimfields3, CarolineLovesToRead, julieclair

KristiAhlers Y‘all had a good read for this month! 3w

Librarybelle @KristiAhlers Sepetys is an amazing author! 3w

julieclair Trying hard to read this by the 30th! 3w

Sargar114 I just started but this is a re-read for me anyway. Enjoying the audiobook format this time. 3w

Jerdencon I actually finished this! 3w

55 likes5 comments

Cinfhen, BarbaraTheBibliophage, 4thhouseontheleft

The White Ship | Charles Spencer

pick

A fascinating look at twelfth century politics in England, culminating in the White Ship disaster that completely changed the trajectory of the Royal dynasty at the time. Fair warning, though: there are so many Henry‘s and William‘s and Matilda‘s that, unless you‘re well-versed in this history, it could get a tad confusing. But, this is also a time of upheaval, and Spencer lays it out well. Great history! #Booked2022 #AboutARealOrFictionalRoyal

Cinfhen Oh ALL those Henry‘s are killers!!! 3w

TrishB I enjoyed this one 👍🏻 one of my fave periods of history. 3w

Librarybelle This is a period of history that I have limited knowledge of, and it‘s such a good reminder of how contentious and unstable and bloody it was. So much violence! But also so fascinating to see how this period shaped the generations to come - things that happened 900 years ago are still impacting today. @Cinfhen @TrishB 3w

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Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !

1. I do both!

2. Reading challenges help me think creatively to fond books to fit the prompts. Sometimes, they even push me out of my usual type of read, which is perfect!

3. Trying to finish up The White Ship (it‘s way overdue at the library) and over halfway through Red Island House on audio.

#WondrousWednesday

KristiAhlers I love reading challenges and buddy reads and book clubs. Online. In person I‘m down. And I‘ll read just about anything. 4w

Librarybelle @KristiAhlers I‘ll read just about anything too! 4w

Eggs # 2: I agree - pushing oneself out of a comfort zone can be illuminating! 4w

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JuniperWilde I like the idea of prompts to get out of a particular genre but I must admit that I am really fussy. I can bail out early if the writing style feels off. 4w

Librarybelle @Eggs It really can! 4w

Librarybelle @JuniperWilde I think bailing out of a book that just doesn‘t seem right is very important. I still struggle with letting something go that I‘m not really connecting with, and that has helped my reading experience. I always feel so bad, but so many books so little time, so why read a book that is not connecting with me??? 4w

50 likes6 comments

Kiss me in New York: A Winter Romance | Catherine Rider

so-so

Charlotte is stuck in NYC on Christmas Eve. As she waits for a flight home to England, she decides she wants to live a “Story.” Enter Anthony. Both have been unceremoniously dumped and decide to spend a crazy Christmas Eve having adventures in the city. For a short book, this took me forever to read. I probably would have appreciated it more if I were the age of the target audience. I did lots of eye rolling. 😂

#HolidayRomance #TeenAngst #BBRC

Librarybelle I snapped a picture last night for my grand total #AwesomeApril hours. So pleased I made my goal for this #Readathon ! @Andrew65 1mo

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How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel | Louise Penny

pick

It took all I had not to stay up and finish this one last night. So, I had to finish it this morning!

Without going into too much detail, as this builds on so much that has happened in the Gamache series, this has to be one of my favorites thus far in the series. So much emotion is conveyed in Penny‘s writing, and so many built up layers fall into place. She really could have ended the series with this one, but we all know it continues!

Librarybelle My progress for #AwesomeApril - depending upon how the day goes, I may just meet my 20 hour goal by the end of today! @Andrew65 1mo

Librarybelle I‘m also using this for the #Revenge prompt for #YeahBaby #BBRC - there are definite elements of revenge that have grown throughout the series and culminate in this one. @LibrarianRyan 1mo

Librarybelle And…this fits perfectly the #SetInACanadianProvince prompt for #Booked2022 @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen 1mo

Cinfhen Yay!!! Good find 1mo

76 likes4 comments

Murder Past Due | Miranda James

pick

A reread for me & finished just in time for my library‘s discussion of it!

A bit different for a cozy mystery, as the amateur sleuth is male. I love Diesel the cat, who has an uncanny way of knowing who needs comfort. This is a fast read featuring librarians & books. Some of the comments characters make about other characters‘ appearance & behavior are not exactly polite, which is a tad bothersome, but I did like this one overall. #19822022 #2010

Librarybelle Progress made in #AwesomeApril @Andrew65 1mo

rwmg Maybe I shoukd move it further up the virtual TBR shelf 1mo

Librarybelle @rwmg I found it quick and entertaining. At my book discussion tonight, some of the attendees commented on further entries in the series and how the writing gets better. I definitely plan to try more in the series at some point! 1mo

See All 8 Comments

BkClubCare And it is library week! (I don‘t really know, but every day this week has had some kind of book and reader appreciation theme) 1mo

Librarybelle @BkClubCare Last week was National Library Week, at least in the US! So, maybe it‘s a fun continuation! And, a couple of days ago was Drop Everything And Read Day, so definitely reader appreciation! 1mo

BkClubCare I think I saw that today was Teen Reader Appreciation Day? And yes, one of these days was Library Worker Day. So YAY YOU! 😍 1mo

Librarybelle @BkClubCare Thank you! So many appreciation days celebrating libraries and readers! ❤️ 1mo

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 1mo

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Among the Janeites | Deborah Yaffe

pick

I absolutely loved this witty and sometimes slightly snarky (but in a good way) look at the Jane Austen fandom. Yaffe, who is a Janeite, writes about her experiences interviewing fellow Jane Austen enthusiasts and attending a JASNA Annual General Meeting. If you‘ve seen her give a presentation on the fandom (I have twice) her writing style is much like her presentations. As I told one of my IRL friends ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle …it was like seeing me on a page. Just reading other people‘s thoughts about Austen and what she means to them is so inspiring. #AwesomeApril #Readathon @Andrew65 1mo

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 1mo

kspenmoll Sounds fascinating! 1mo

Librarybelle @kspenmoll It was such a pleasure to read! 1mo

84 likes4 comments

Shield's Lady | Jayne Ann Krentz

pan

Oh dear. This is the first book by Krentz that I didn‘t really like. Granted, it is book 3 in a series, and I have not read the first two, but it‘s way more sci-fi than her other reads, including her Arcane series. The arrogance of the male main character bordered on domineering and controlling, and I really did not Bond well with the female lead. It did serve as a good distraction while doing house chores, though! #19822022 #1989

67 likes

Among the Janeites | Deborah Yaffe

Life has been incredibly busy, especially thanks to work and navigating some personal things. Not much down time, but I‘m aiming to read 20 hours for #AwesomeApril . I haven‘t made it in the last few months, but it‘s been fun to see what I can do!

The cats also miss my down time. Here is #Xander and #Zeke flanking me as I prepare to begin the #readathon with the tagged book, which I‘ll be discussing on Monday night for my library. #catsoflitsy

Andrew65

Andrew65 I can definitely relate to these comments, struggled to read as much as usual recently. Hope the Readathon helps. Good luck 😊👍 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Andrew65 ! 1mo

lirahlu I've never measured how much time I read each month. It's an interesting concept. Seems like it takes a bit of effort too. Good for you! 1mo

Librarybelle @lirahlu I‘m keeping track for the #readathon @Andrew65 hosts in the middle of each month. I don‘t always remember to track! 😂 I‘d do a terrible job if I tried to track for the whole month…I‘m way better if it‘s for just a couple of days. 1mo

86 likes4 comments

The Secrets of Art: Uncovering the Mysteries and Messages of Great Works of Art | Debra N. Mancoff

pick

This fascinating book explores forms of art and the secrets that the medium hides and/or reveals - from coverups to unfinished works to even censorship, art has a lot of stories to tell. I loved the brief background of each art piece discussed, as well as the pages of closer detail of each art piece. I think this is a must for any art enthusiast. #ArtPhotography for #YeahBaby #BBRC

LibrarianRyan Yeahhhh 1mo

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Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !

1. Daffodils

2. Cozy mysteries - my perfect way to escape from reality

3. …a tight bond

#WondrousWednesday

Eggs Thanks for playing 🥰 1mo

49 likes1 comment

Untitled | Unknown

First Quarter wrap up for the #19822022 #Challenge .

I‘ve read 10 so far - mostly 4 star reads with one 2 star read.

Looking forward to where the next quarter will take me with reading!

66 likes

Cinfhen, BarbaraTheBibliophage, 4thhouseontheleft

Untitled | Unknown

I submitted my three reads to the Google form for #Booked2022 Quarter 1.

I had hoped to cover more prompts in the first quarter but there‘s definitely time to cover more in the future quarters!

Each of these were satisfying reads:

Non-patriarchal society - The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

A Murder Mystery - A Mourning Wedding by Carola Dunn

Includes a Recipe - Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette

Cinfhen Yay!!! It‘s a no pressure challenge so like you said, PLENTY of time to read more prompts. Hope you‘re feeling better 💜 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @Cinfhen ! I‘m cautiously optimistic…the suggested additions to my diet may finally be working. I felt really good yesterday and woke up this morning also feeling really good. All tests came back normal, so at least I know every organ looks fine. So I‘m 🤞 that things will be okay. Thank you for asking! ❤️ 1mo

BarbaraTheBibliophage I relate to your concern about finishing challenges. I love how they stretch me and the fun of community. But I *hate* feeling the pressure and obligations. My goal this year is to challenge less and mood read more. It‘s been fun so far! Also, sorry to hear you haven‘t been feeling 💯. Hope things turn around and improve! 💕 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @BarbaraTheBibliophage ! I‘m cautiously optimistic that things are turning a corner! 1mo

60 likes4 comments

Untitled | Unknown

My April #BookSpinBingo board!

Thanks for hosting, @TheAromaofBooks !

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1mo

58 likes1 comment

Secrets of Hallstead House | Amy M. Reade

so-so

Macy Stoddard takes a position as a nurse for a patient in the Thousand Islands of New York. Little does she know the multitude of secrets and dangers that await her. While parts of this kept my interest and made me want to read more to see what happens next, other parts seemed to drag for me. For a short book, it took me awhile to finish!

Macy visits some castles that I would love to see…loved those descriptions!

70 likes

Untitled | Unknown

My April #BookSpinBingo selections look pretty much like the March selections…it at least makes getting the list together easy!

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo

54 likes1 comment

Jane Austen's England: A Walking Guide | Anne-Marie Edwards

I highlighted this one a few years ago on Litsy, and it works perfectly for the final #200PnPCovers prompt #walks . Take the paths of Austen on these self guided tours of Austen‘s stomping grounds. Along the way, Edwards highlights Austen history and the area‘s history.

Thanks to @CrowCAH and @mabell for hosting a fun Austen challenge!!

LeahBergen This looks lovely! I‘ve enjoyed your posts this month, especially when we overlapped. 😆😆 2mo

mabell What a perfect ending! (And this sounds like a wonderful book!) Thank you so much for participating - I loved seeing all the fabulous Austen-related books in your collection! 2mo

CrowCAH You‘re welcome ☺️ Thank you so much for joining the challenge! 2mo

Librarybelle @LeahBergen I know, right??? 😂 I‘ve enjoyed your posts too! 2mo

Librarybelle @mabell @CrowCAH 😁 2mo

72 likes5 comments

China Dolls: A Novel | Lisa See

Time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion!

I have 8 questions under the spoiler…thanks to the reading guide from Ballantine/Penguin Random House. Comment general thoughts below!

You can find these either by searching the hashtags, under my feed or the book‘s feed. Thanks to those participating this month. If I did not tag you in the post for next month‘s discussion, and you wish to be tagged, let me know!

Kangaj1, Soubhiville, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BookNAround, MeganAnn, BethM, megnews, Kdgordon88, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, sblbooks, KristiAhlers, PageShifter, julieclair

51 likes

China Dolls: A Novel | Lisa See

This post contains spoilers

8. “China doll” or “China dolls” are phrases used often in the novel. What are the most important meanings behind this phrase? Which are positive? Which are negative? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Adapted from Reader‘s Guide

7 likes

China Dolls: A Novel | Lisa See

This post contains spoilers

7. This novel, much more than other works by See, focuses on clothing and fashion. Why do you think there is such a focus on these elements, and what what See trying to say? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Adapted from Reader‘s Guide

3 likes

China Dolls: A Novel | Lisa See

This post contains spoilers

6. While there are big betrayals in the novel, there were also moments of great resiliency and hope as the girls helped each other. In what ways did Grace, Helen, and Ruby support each other? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

From Reader‘s Guide

3 likes

China Dolls: A Novel | Lisa See

This post contains spoilers