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

StayCurious

Joined January 2017

Host of #LittensLoveRomance; Co-host of #Scarathlon and #WinterGames; Co-host of #LitsyLove; Co-host of #Pemberlittens
review
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Pickpick

#Pemberlittens Ch.28: seemed a bit of a quick ending but overall, a satisfying one. I couldn‘t help but think how sad it must be to know you are writing your last letter to a friend, sensing the end is near. I enjoyed this book for the most part. It was good to see some of the motivations behind why Cassandra might have burned Jane‘s letters. I didn‘t love the way Jane was portrayed but I understood the author‘s choices, most of the time.

BarkingMadRead I did like the look into why the letters were destroyed, even it was a little misguided. I am not a fan of how they portrayed Jane, this is the second book I‘ve read where this happened lol I like her the way I think of her 🤣 7h
suvata All-in-all a satisfying book. I, too, am not a fan of how Jane was portrayed. (edited) 7h
See All 12 Comments
suvata Thanks for all your awesome discussion memes. Very clever! 7h
TheAromaofBooks I enjoyed reading this one with the group, but the book itself was just so-so for me - it was honestly rather boring haha and I felt like some people were written SO negatively that it seemed a bit unfair since they aren't around to defend themselves! 7h
willaful @TheAromaofBooks I'm always a little uncomfortable reading fictional accounts of real people. I really want to know the difference between truth and fiction. 6h
IndoorDame @StayCurious thank you for leading this one! It‘s always so much more fun to read with the group! Especially on the ones I end up with conflicting feelings about like this one. 5h
StayCurious @willaful @TheAromaofBooks I wonder if Mary was really that terrible? 5h
StayCurious @IndoorDame yes I like reading with the group and getting everyone‘s thoughts! 5h
StayCurious @suvata aw thanks! 5h
Librarybelle Thanks for hosting!! 2h
julieclair Thank you for hosting. Your memes were so fun! I enjoyed the book. 58m
9 likes12 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.27: a difficult chapter to get through for sure. We knew it was coming but it wasn‘t easy to read. Also, once more we see the callousness of Fulwar. I do wonder how Eliza put up with her husband.

13 likes4 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.26: Cassandra is feeling contrite and Dinah is feeling a bit snug that her plan worked. She tells Cassandra that her meddling only caused heartbreak. Cassandra tells the sisters that maybe moving in together is a bit hasty and everyone is so happy for a reprieve - what an interesting family dynamic! But will Isabella go to the doctor or is she doomed to miss out on her HEA?

BarkingMadRead I sure hope so! 2d
willaful I'm pleased that I read Dinah correctly re being devoted to Isabella. Not such a bad sort after all. And it would certainly be nice if someone in this cursed family got a happy ending! 2d
julieclair I will be very disappointed if Isabella does not end up with the doctor. 2d
suvata And how about Mary-Jane? She moved her bedroom to the first floor because, “Stairs can be dangerous—wicked things—always said so. To be used at one‘s peril.” @julieclair I feel the same about Isabella and the doctor. 2d
13 likes5 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Ayesha at Last | Uzma Jalaluddin
post image

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent April Read: P&P with a modern twist! I thought it would be fun to read a contemporary version of a Jane story and this one was picked in the vote! It‘s been on my TBR for a while so I hope it‘s good. We‘ll read 2 chapters a day starting April 1 so that we can finish it within the month. Let me know if you want to be tagged in my daily posts below!

See All 28 Comments
Ruthiella Yes, please tag me. This has been on my TBR for a while too! Really looking forward to reading it. 3d
Clare-Dragonfly Yay, I‘m in! I‘ve been wanting to read this one, and even better, my library has it available right away! 3d
BarkingMadRead So excited!! 3d
peanutnine Yes, please tag me! Looking forward to this one! 3d
batsy I've been meaning to read this, so I might not be able to stick to the schedule but will try to read it in April 🙂 3d
ravenlee Great! Just requested it from my library. 3d
IndoorDame Not sure if my hold for this will show up in time to join, but please tag me, I‘ll try 😊 3d
Julsmarshall I‘ve read this and loved it! I lol forward to the discussion:) 3d
Librarybelle I‘m going to pass for this month…I‘ve actually recently reread this one for a different book discussion! It is so amazing! I think the group will enjoy it!! 3d
AllDebooks I'll pass for this month please. 3d
julieclair I'm in! This is on the list for a challenge at my local library, so I've been meaning to read it. 3d
Deblovestoread I‘ll pass for this month. It‘s a great read! Enjoy 😊 3d
suvata I will be passing this month because I‘ve already read this book. I hope y‘all enjoy it as much as I did. 3d
Ann_Reads I'll pass on this one, too. I didn't vote for April's selection, knowing I wouldn't have time to join in. Hope you all enjoy the book though; it looks like a fun one. 2d
Chrissyreadit I‘ve already read it- but I hope you all enjoy it! 2d
PageShifter I have to see if I can get this 🤔 2d
TheAromaofBooks This one is on my TBR as well, so I'm in!! 2d
LitStephanie Please include me. I might be slightly late to the party depending on how soon the hold at my library comes through. 2d
willaful Have already read, but keep me tagged, I'll be interested to see what people think. 2d
Bklover Yes please! 2d
MoonWitch94 I‘m in please! 2d
DivineDiana Yes, please keep me tagged! I am ready to go! 🙂 1d
vonnie862 Woop! Please tag me. I would like to join. 1d
Crinoline_Laphroaig Tag me please! 1d
54 likes2 stack adds28 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.25 - Cassandra seems to have found her “Utopia” at Chawton with Jane, Martha and her mother. She has no regrets even though Mrs.Hobday still writes to her to rub in how happy her son is (wtf?) I still feel bad for Anna. She seems desperate to escape Mary - but who can blame her?

suvata Favorite quote from this chapter: “Novels are a fad, nothing more, nothing less. Austen says so, and who can know better than him? When I think of his poetry—oh, well, there I shall stop, for I do not wish to offend.” 3d
BarkingMadRead What the actual F with these letters?!? Why would Cassy want to hear about his kids? Ugh! 3d
10 likes3 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.24: a short Ch but a doozy! Just as Cassandra is about to share the ?good? news that Isabella is to gain a roomie out of her oddball sister, Dinah literally throws herself down the stairs. It‘s all a bid to get the doctor there - because she knows that Isabella & the doctor love each other but aren‘t together b/c of family disapproval. Cassandra sees everything happening and feels terrible that she may have cost Isabella her HEA

IndoorDame I don‘t know how I feel about this showing up so late in the book… I‘ve been finding the pacing of this odd even for a dual timeline novel 4d
TheBookHippie @IndoorDame so far the book is an eh for me 😝 4d
See All 11 Comments
Librarybelle Dinah is shifty. I‘m personally struggling with how Cassandra and even Jane are represented in the novel, with choices made and their thoughts and feelings. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4d
IndoorDame @TheBookHippie same. I‘m enjoying the parts with Cassandra as an older woman way more, but the letters aren‘t really working for me so it feels unbalanced 4d
KristiAhlers @Librarybelle I really feel the same way. And I agree @TheBookHippie 4d
willaful @IndoorDame I feel the same. Older Cassandra is far more interesting. 4d
Crinoline_Laphroaig How'd Dinah not break her neck? Was she a circus performer in another life? 4d
BarkingMadRead Omg these pics 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Dinah took quite a risk with that tumble! 4d
suvata Throwing oneself down, a flight of steps is a little overdramatic, don‘t you think? Strangely, I am enjoying this novel. I just don‘t like the way Jane is portrayed as being so weak-spirited. 3d
julieclair I was surprised at Dinah doing something so selfless and reckless. She was obviously very devoted to Isabella. I am enjoying the book, although the depiction of Jane as so depressed makes me sad. 3d
12 likes1 stack add11 comments
blurb
StayCurious
post image

#Pemberlittens it‘s time to vote for our next #JaneAdjacent read! Here is the link: https://forms.gle/nw5kVQVRc3xwCCUC7 As always, please reach out to pemberlittens@gmail.com with book suggestions and comments.

47 likes18 comments
blurb
StayCurious
By a Thread | Lucy Score
post image

#LittensLoveRomance - April read: our winner by 1 vote! This one is available (at least in Canada) in Kindle Unlimited, so check there first. It‘s long but should be a simple read so I‘ve divvied it up into 4 chapters a day. Please let me know if you want to be tagged in my daily posts below. If not, we also do a discussion on the last Friday of the month. As always, please send book or theme suggestions to littensloveromance@gmail.com

BarkingMadRead Woohoo 💕💕💕 4d
See All 21 Comments
LiseWorks Sounds 👍 good 4d
Laughterhp Looks like it‘s on KU in the US too! 4d
OriginalCyn620 Yay! This one sounds really good! Tag me, please! 4d
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I've been crap at sticking to a schedule. If I can keep up with the daily readings, I know where to find you. In a totally friendly, non-threatening way, of course! 😁 4d
PageShifter I have to see if I can find this somewhere, didn't find immediately 4d
CoverToCoverGirl I‘m not sure if I‘ll get to this one or not, I‘ll do my best. 🙂 4d
Kshakal Just got it on kindle… can‘t wait! 4d
peanutnine I think I'll sit this month out 4d
TheAromaofBooks I'm not sure if I'm going to read this one or not, but do tag me in the daily posts. I find them entertaining even when I'm not reading the book 😂 4d
Read4life I‘m in. Please tag me 🤓 4d
StayCurious @TheAromaofBooks thanks! I do try 😝 4d
MoonWitch94 I‘m in! 4d
KristiAhlers Tag me! 4d
TheSpineView Great that it is on KU! Looking forward to reading the book! 4d
CarolynM I‘m in for this one🙂 Please tag me. 4d
CrowCAH Seemed like they were all good “billionaire” choices. Not the one I voted for, so I‘ll skip this romance read. Please, tag me for the next book vote. 4d
slategreyskies I‘m in for this one. Just picked up my copy today. Please tag me! 💕 9h
49 likes1 stack add21 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.23 - poor Elizabeth dies from who knows what after having 11 kids and surviving each birth (no easy feat), and at first Edward wants Cass to give up her life to take care of his. It would give her security but take her away from Jane. So she hints enough that he finally offers the cottage in Chawton - yay! But also - sad. Yes. We‘re sad. But also Yay.

IndoorDame Mostly yay for me, I‘m so ready for her to catch a break! 5d
BarkingMadRead Finally being supported by a brother! A shame it took a death to bring it about! 5d
See All 14 Comments
TheBookHippie @IndoorDame That is it exactly. Also all these poor women having so many children....til they die.....ugh. 5d
IndoorDame @TheBookHippie I know! But reading how universal this was in the past helps me stay aware of how much of the world hasn‘t improved these statistics nearly enough. It‘s criminal! 5d
suvata I think it was cute how they all started divvying up the duties they wanted at Chawton. And Jane has a place to write again. ✍️ 5d
KristiAhlers I had enough medical problems having the two babies I had. I can't imagine spending your life pregnant like that. Just no. 5d
Crinoline_Laphroaig Not Fun Fact - Queen Charlotte wife of George the 3rd was pregnant for basically 20 years. Learned that reading 5d
Crinoline_Laphroaig Edward really was a selfish prig. I was just watching IMDb: : Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7467912/ Edward had 15000 £ a year. Darcy only had 10000.
5d
julieclair I was proud of the way Cassandra expertly steered Edward (again!) into giving them the cottage, waiting for his slow mind to catch up, step by step, until he finally reached the conclusion she wanted. (edited) 5d
StayCurious @Crinoline_Laphroaig what? And he only gave them 100 a year?? 4d
Crinoline_Laphroaig @StayCurious in comparison to what other brothers gave it was paltry. 4d
15 likes14 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.21-22: Cass is set to take care of everyone, especially after the death of her father - and no one seems to need it more than Jane. I don‘t like seeing Jane like this, full on depressed. Does anyone know if this is an accurate portrayal? Does she just have an artistic temperament? Sounds to me to be very serious. Poor Cassie. 👇

StayCurious And, man those rich relatives are so oblivious! Especially Edward! Calling them the “Austen Ladies” was a bit of a slap too. Grrr! 6d
BarkingMadRead Edward is horrible, all of their brothers are horrible! To leave them in such grave circumstances! 6d
See All 11 Comments
TheBookHippie @BarkingMadRead Right?! Ugh. All we read about is all these horrible men 😝 6d
TheBookHippie @StayCurious that was a slap! 6d
IndoorDame I don‘t know if she suffered from depression, but there‘s definitely evidence that whatever chronic immune issues ultimately led to her death severely affected her quality of life and her ability to write at times. Not being able to work would definitely affect the mental health of any artist. 6d
IndoorDame And seriously hating Elizabeth right now! 6d
Crinoline_Laphroaig I don't like seeing Jane depressed either. It's horribly sad. I don't no that there is any proof but speculation. I agree with @IndoorDame of not being able to work would affect her. I also think it would be hard to write when you're life is so unsettled. 6d
julieclair I wish that Cass had had the courage to contradict Elizabeth. But I suppose that would have been an unimaginable breach of etiquette. 6d
willaful Sad to think that with more support she might have lived longer and written more books. 😞 6d
suvata I don‘t think there is any concrete proof that Jane had clinical depression. However, after her father‘s death, and with all the worry about where and how they would live, she did take a long break from writing. I think it is very clever how Cassy lead Frank into giving them the Chawton estate. 5d
12 likes11 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Voting Day | Clare O'Dea
post image

#LittensLoveRomance It‘s time to vote for our April Read! Here is the link: https://forms.gle/3UEZZnnJH9Xgd6Lu9 As always, you can reach me with book suggestions or comments or life advice at littensloveromance@gmail.com

MoonWitch94 Voted! 6d
See All 22 Comments
willaful I was just thinking about rereading Sugar Daddy so went for that. 6d
BethM Great theme! My comment (and I can‘t remember if we‘ve discussed this) is that I like the end of the month discussions vs the weekly ones. I can‘t always keep up or get my hold in time for weekly. 6d
StayCurious @BethM hi Beth! So we do it both ways now. I do a daily buddy read and you can let me know if you want to be tagged in that, and now I also do an end of the month discussion on the final Sunday of the month. I can always tag you in that as a reminder if you choose to read the book. 6d
BarkingMadRead It‘s my birthday month as well 🎉🎉🎉 happy birthday to us both! 6d
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Happy birthday!! Can't wait to see what gets picked!! 6d
tdrosebud Voted and it's also my birthday month! 6d
CarolynM Voted. Thanks Renee😘 6d
Pigpen_Reads Voted! 😁 6d
Laughterhp Not sure if I‘ve ever read a billionaire romance! But voted! 6d
Read4life Thanks, Renee 🤓 I voted. 6d
TheSpineView Voted! Thanks bunches! 6d
OriginalCyn620 Voted! It was a tough decision! 6d
BethM @StayCurious thanks! I‘m always down for the end of the month one. @Laughterhp it‘s one of my favorite tropes :) 6d
slategreyskies Voted! 🥰💕 6d
CoverToCoverGirl Voted! 🤞 6d
PageShifter Voted 6d
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I picked one that I have already on my Kindle, but I'm down for most of these. 5d
Kerrbearlib Voted 1d
43 likes22 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.20: we see Cassandra show a bit of backbone with Dinah when she demands the letters be returned. We see a bit more of her motivations (and again it comes down to duty - and a fear of her and Jane‘s lives being dissected - especially by Mary). We see a lot of Mary in Caroline 😒 - she said some pretty tactless things in front of Cassandra. This family gives me a headache.

BarkingMadRead Omg I wanted to pop Caroline in the face. Nobody needs two Marys. 1w
suvata So, it appears that the “meddler“ was Dinah, which most of us suspected anyway. Good for Cassy for putting her foot down. It does appear that Mary and Carolyn are two sides of the same coin. Having this family, it‘s no wonder Jane seems to have bouts of melancholy. 1w
15 likes3 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.19: the Austen girls are bothering me. I understand why Jane didn‘t go through with it even though it would have given her the security she was desperate to have, but why now does Cassy need to stop writing to poor Hobday? Because she‘s leading him on? Why can‘t she just say yes to him? Oh yes, her duty. Feeling frustrated. And for the girls to have to slink back to their parents - how embarrassing and hopeless.

IndoorDame I‘m right there with you! I understand Jane and totally don‘t understand Cassy‘s decisions. Which is super unusual since the story is being told from her perspective 1w
Librarybelle It is frustrating…I feel so bad for Mr Hobday! He sounded like such a nice gentleman. 1w
See All 8 Comments
peanutnine Poor Mr Hobday! But it's probably better that she stopped writing to him if she was just gonna break his heart 💔 1w
julieclair I agree. Cassy is on my nerves. I feel sorry for Mr. Honday. (edited) 1w
suvata I am right with you. These girls are intolerable. Jane wants to marry off Cassy. Cassy wants to marry off Jane, and they‘re leaving a total sh*t-storm in their wake. Also, Mr. Bigg-Wither … hater of the sea! Frustrating chapter. (edited) 1w
TheAromaofBooks I think part of the issue is that Cassy and Tom were standing in the church when she made him that promise*. I think she genuinely sees it as a vow made “before God“ similar to a marriage vow. She's such a dutiful person, I think breaking her promise would make her feel guilty for the rest of her life. But it doesn't make her less frustrating!

*originally autocorrected to “problem“, which may be more accurate 😂
(edited) 1w
willaful I think there's also a hint that Cassy is afraid of marriage. The discomfort she felt seeing Tom's intimate personal items comes back to haunt her. (Unless I'm reading that wrong.) Anyway, I still think she made a huge mistake. 😖

Jane is really the more sensible of the two; she recognizes her mistake and finds the courage to correct it, which must have been tremendously difficult. I doubt being in church would have made a difference to her.
1w
13 likes8 comments
review
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
post image
Pickpick

#LittensLoveRomance The final chapters brought the story of Royce and Nicholaa to a satisfying close. Their romance was a fun tête-à-tête and a fantastic battle of the sexes. It was enemies to lovers at its best. It was historical fiction written decades ago that stood up - I first discovered Julie Garwood in high school and this book makes me want to revisit her other books. ?

StayCurious We will have a further discussion on the final Sunday of the month. I hope you all enjoyed our March Medieval Romance as much as I did! 1w
Kshakal I enjoyed this book very much! 1w
See All 7 Comments
BarkingMadRead I loved this!! I had to finish it a few days ago, I couldn‘t wait any more! 1w
CoverToCoverGirl I‘m also happy to have re-visited this early work. And I agree it does stand the test of time. 1w
TheSpineView I definitely enjoyed this one. I now want to read some of her other books. Great pick! 1w
Read4life Not my typical read but this was a great pick. I‘m so glad I read this with all of you. I may just read more Garwood in the future. 1w
48 likes1 stack add7 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.17-18: Oh Cassy…sigh. You‘re punishing yourself and destined for a lonely life. How disappointing. Now granted, it would have been nice to get to know Henry a bit more before he proposed, but things were different back then. By all accounts, he was perfect. And you blew it. And then jump to 1840 - no wonder you‘re desperate to settle Isabella and give her a future. 👇

StayCurious You need to be useful and here is someone that needs you. But what is up with Dinah?? 1w
BarkingMadRead Dinah is not happy, but what choice does Isabella have? 1w
See All 6 Comments
suvata Henry Hobday: Suitor or Stalker? Depends on what Century you are living in. Seriously though, I don‘t understand why Cassy is denying her self a happy future. I know she doesn‘t want to break her promise but, really, was it a promise? Jane is very clever about finding ways to get rid of people so she can have some peace and quiet. 1w
Librarybelle Cassandra denying herself happiness is so sad. 1w
julieclair Ooohhh, @suvata , what an interesting point! By today‘s standards, he is a stalker. And oh, Cassandra… break the promise. Tom is dead and doesn‘t care. Plus, he didn‘t want you to make the promise in the first place. 1w
15 likes6 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.16: I missed a day! My library ebook got returned right as I was in the middle of a chapter - very frustrating. I had to find another copy. Anywho…boy those meddling Mamas…they‘re so transparent it‘s embarrassing but also to be expected. Mrs.Austen has not given up. Her house has all the single ladies and she wants that to change. Jane intends to scare off anyone who comes close. 👇

StayCurious And Cass is so caught up in her own head she‘s missing what‘s there. Take the leap, darling! You‘ve mourned long enough. 2w
BarkingMadRead Ugh I really wish she would move on, it‘s been so long and I don‘t think Tom really expected her to never marry! 2w
See All 9 Comments
IndoorDame @BarkingMadRead I don‘t either. That would just be too awful of him! 2w
suvata Cassy: Heavens, no! I am a mourning widow, but may I introduce you to my sister Jane? (Not a direct quote, just a general feeling I got from this chapter). Cassy needs to get a grip! 2w
suvata @StayCurious Absolutely. Leap away, my dear. 2w
julieclair Cass promised Tom she would never marry… even though he never asked her to promise that. It was rather shortsighted of her, even if it was heartfelt. Why shouldn‘t she have a chance at happiness? Life is for the living. 2w
willaful This is what I saw happening and I'm heartbroken for her. As well as wanting to give her a swift kick in the backside. 2w
12 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch.15-16 - sorry I‘m a bit behind, but I‘ll have my final review up tomorrow. These chapters were fun - Nicholaa tries to tamp down her temper, her true self in an effort to please her husband - and he hates it! He wants his passionate wife back! She loves him and he loves her just the way she is. It‘s very sweet.

BarkingMadRead I really loved this, he got what he wanted and then didn‘t want it 🤣🤣 (edited) 2w
OriginalCyn620 @StayCurious @BarkingMadRead Right? So funny! Be careful what you wish for… 2w
TheSpineView As they say, beware what you ask for. I had a good chuckle at his expense. 2w
PageShifter I hated how she started to act. It felt so bad that she started to act totally differently trying to please him. You should never do that 😑 7d
13 likes5 comments
blurb
StayCurious
post image

#Pemberlittens This is cool - one of Jane‘s surviving letters to go on display https://amp.theguardian.com/books/2023/mar/17/jane-austen-rare-early-letter-disp...

BarkingMadRead Ohhhhhh 2w
IndoorDame It would be incredible to see that!!! That‘s the letter with one of my favorite lines in all of her correspondence. 2w
CoverToCoverGirl How lovely! 2w
55 likes3 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.15: Cassandra ventures out into the not so idyllic town and we are reminded that the Fowles are not the perfect upstanding family they appear to be. They have family drama and Cassandra is appalled at being confronted with it. How can they not hold each other up as the Austens do? Although she needs to be reminded that she was thrown out of her house by her brother once upon a time.

BarkingMadRead The way they all treat each other blows my mind! I know that was common for the time period, but damn! Do not abandon your sisters after yo he stolen their home from your parents! 🙄🙄 2w
KristiAhlers Yeah I just don't get it either. It's sad 2w
See All 7 Comments
willaful So anyone else thinking about Isabella and the doctor, who is obviously a kindly man but Not Our Kind? I think maybe her sister knows -- and maybe approves? Or very much does not? Hard to say. 2w
Crinoline_Laphroaig Whenever I read Austen I always imagine being at the mercy of the worst men in my family and shudder. 2w
suvata @Crinoline_Laphroaig Yes, I imagine it would be very much like that 2w
janeycanuck @willaful I think so, too. I don‘t know if approval comes in, per se. I think it‘s knowing it should never happen and the consequences for Isabella if it did. 2w
15 likes7 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch.13-14: life in the manor isn‘t peaceful, that‘s for sure. But Royce is certainly trying to make it that way. If only his wife would listen! I honestly feel bad for Nicholaa. She‘s going through so much with her family and learning to love and everything she knows is changing. How are these two going to come to an understanding that works for the both of them?

BarkingMadRead These two need ten minutes in the closet. Communication is key! 2w
TheAromaofBooks @BarkingMadRead - I know, right? When we were kids, if my brother and I got in a fight, Mom would make us hold hands and do laps around the yard until we had worked it out. That's the kind of thing these two need, I think 😂 2w
See All 7 Comments
Read4life I agree with both of you @BarkingMadRead & @TheAromaofBooks Now I have an image of them holding hands running around the castle. I definitely think 10 minutes in the closet would result in something other than communicating 😉 2w
BarkingMadRead @Read4life 🤣🤣🤣 2w
PageShifter It felt almost bad to read about him lecturing her how his orders are something that she can't change etc. 🤮 1w
11 likes7 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.14: when you finally meet a guy - He could be a 10, but he‘s into Conchology…Cass is definitely interested in Henry and even goes to lunch with his mother (😮) only to be told they‘re on their way to Europe. Well…what was the point of inviting them then, Mrs. Hobden? How disappointed Cass is. The light has once again been snuffed and she is sinking back into a shell of herself.

BarkingMadRead Dude needs to stay here. Ugh! 2w
julieclair @BarkingMadRead Perfectly said! 2w
suvata Why even put him in the book if he‘s leaving the next day? I think he will be coming back into the picture before it‘s all over. 2w
julieclair @suvata I hope you‘re right! 2w
16 likes5 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch.11-12: Nicholaa is caught in the middle. She loves her husband and wants to build a future with him but she is also clinging to the traditions of her past. When Thurston arrives and calls her a traitor, Nicholaa is torn. How can she be loyal to the man she loves if it means ignoring her family and burying the woman she thought she was? 👇

StayCurious Will love be worth losing herself or can she forge a new identity and blend elements of the past and future together? 2w
OriginalCyn620 The scene with Thurston was rough! It seems like he could‘ve at least listened to his sister‘s side of things. But hitting her was crossing a line. I kinda wanted Royce to kill him, but of course, I get why he didn‘t. Now I‘m rooting for the newlyweds even more! 2w
See All 6 Comments
BarkingMadRead I do not like Thurston at all! I get why he‘s angry, but he should not have hit his sister. I wanted Royce to beat the 💩 out of him! 2w
CoverToCoverGirl They are finding each but it‘s a very rough road. And Thurston worries me and the unknown assassin(s) too. 2w
PageShifter I felt so bad for Nicholaa 😒 1w
13 likes6 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.13: I don‘t know what I‘m happier about: the fact that Cass is attracted to a stranger or the fact that Mrs. Austen‘s bowels are feeling better. “This was a new hell: a fusion of spinsterhood with the troubles of digestion.” Haha. Even back then families talked about poop.

BarkingMadRead 💩💩💩I can‘t wait to hear more about this mystery man! 2w
See All 9 Comments
janeycanuck I‘d rather hear about Mrs. Austen‘s bowels than listen to Mary read any more poetry. 2w
CoverToCoverGirl 🤭 poop happens.. 🤭 2w
suvata That wasn‘t just poop, it was “a most frightful evacuation.” But, who is this mysterious and handsome gentleman? I can‘t wait to hear more about this dude. (edited) 2w
julieclair Mrs. Austen has really outdone herself with this conversation! 😂💩 2w
KristiAhlers That poop convo was so funny. And I am glad she's got one less issue. 2w
15 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch.9-10: Nicholaa is tired of being ignored and wants to get her marriage back on track. She needs to be honest with Royce and show that she‘s loyal to him. So she comes up with a foolproof plan…haha this whole scene made me laugh. Royce‘s reaction to her silliness is great. But now what to do about the very big Thurston problem?

BarkingMadRead 🍻🍻🍻🍻 2w
Kshakal I really didn‘t think I would enjoy this book but I am really liking it! 2w
OriginalCyn620 Oh, I like drunk Nicholaa! She‘s so funny! I mean, I liked her before, but that whole scene was too good. 🍻 2w
PageShifter That picture 🤣🤣🤣🤣 It sums up everything in these chapters. Now Royce knows the truth about things. 2w
13 likes5 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.12: the fact that Jane is so openly talking about how Mary truly is to her sister shows that everyone had the same opinion of her. The poor Austens! Being kicked out of their home. And Anna - I feel terrible for her. Mary is the wicked stepmother for sure. And then there is Jane‘s revelation - Cassandra was in love - with someone other than Tom!

TheBookHippie It‘s like a soap opera!!!! Just yikes 😵‍💫🤯😳 2w
BarkingMadRead Omg Mary is the 👿 2w
See All 6 Comments
suvata I didn‘t realize that Jane was so close with Eliza. Jane really spills the beans in her letters. I love reading them and getting all the gossip. I never thought I was that kind of person but, apparently, I am. 2w
janeycanuck I just can‘t with Mary. How has someone not slapped her yet? 2w
julieclair @suvata LOL! I‘m with you. Apparently I‘m that kind of person too. 😂 2w
14 likes6 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch:7-8: Royce and Nicholaa are definitely developing feelings and their attraction is building. But there are Saxon plots in the works that could put their budding romance at risk. Especially when Nicholaa realizes her brother is still alive. That‘s going to complicate things.

OriginalCyn620 The brother was a nice little surprise! Can‘t wait to see where that goes. And your memes are on point @StayCurious! 😂 2w
StayCurious @OriginalCyn620 haha I try 😄 2w
See All 6 Comments
BarkingMadRead The memes are on point! The timing with her brother 🤣 2w
CoverToCoverGirl Another cliffhanger.. 😲 and the plot thickens 🙂 I want to read on but I won‘t. 2w
PageShifter Her brother being alive definitely was a surprise! 2w
12 likes6 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.11: James, pressured certainly by Mary, basically tells his parents to get gone and make room for the next generation- the nerve! Not once does he think of his sisters or where they should go. Poor Cassandra and Jane - an uncertain future would be so scary!

Librarybelle This just continues to show how terrible Mary is 2w
willaful I think we may be seeing the origins of the half-brother and wife in Sense and Sensibility.... 2w
See All 9 Comments
suvata James is a bit of an ass himself. And please, no more horrid poetry. 2w
suvata @willaful I think you might be dead on with that idea. 2w
janeycanuck @Librarybelle oh definitely! The bit where she forgot she had a daughter?? Killed me. 2w
willaful I wonder if there's a form of cognitive dissonance going on in the person who becomes more horrible after marrying someone horrible. Or if it's more the echo chamber effect. James was obviously very susceptible to flattery to begin with, so is inclined to listen to anyone telling him how wise and right he is. 2w
peanutnine @willaful definitely got S&S vibes from them! And I agree that Mary is for sure inflating James' self-importance 2w
julieclair I was surprised at how easily their father agreed to the plan. And @suvata … amen about the poetry! 😆 2w
15 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch:5-6: “They were married a scant half hour later.” Wow! Checkmate indeed! Now to find out who rules in this relationship. Nicholaa is certain it‘s her. Royce is certain she‘s wrong. It‘s a battle of wills while attraction simmers underneath it all. It‘s fun to be in the audience for this. Will Nicholaa accept her fate and prove her loyalty to her new husband? 👇

StayCurious Will Royce realize Nicholaa is not going to be tamed? And what about the danger that lurks around them? Their love is certain to be put to the test. 3w
KristiAhlers I love these two. Garwood is one of my favorite authors. These two are well matched 3w
See All 8 Comments
OriginalCyn620 The battle of wills is definitely fun, but there‘s genuine caring there too, which is sweet! 3w
BarkingMadRead This is so much fun, hopefully they both win in the end! 3w
CoverToCoverGirl Garwood has yet to disappoint me. These two are wonderful and hilarious together! 💞Yet… beware evil lurks in the shadows. Looking forward to tomorrow‘s chapters. 3w
TheSpineView No courting or anything. Brave people! Makes for a good story 3w
PageShifter It was quick, indeed 🤣 I think she already proved her loyalty, she talked for him because she wanted to do that. I think that revealed quite much. But this went thrilling now! I really love this twist because it's intriguing to see how Nicholaa's is going to solve the situation! They even threatened to kill her!! 2w
16 likes8 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.10: Interesting - there‘s a secret liaison in Cassandra‘s past - I don‘t think it was Jane falling for a man by the sea. At least that wasn‘t the impression I got. And then she has the bad manners to get sick - how awfully inconsiderate of her. Do you think Dinah found the letters? Is she a spy for Mary?

suvata Very interesting theory that Dinah may be a spy for Mary. It sounds completely plausible. This chapter has a great quote in honor of “National Women‘s Month: “Through her life, Cassandra‘s happiest moments had been passed in the company of excellent women. They had all, of course, sadly departed. Oh, she missed and thought of them constantly, and of one above all.” 3w
KristiAhlers Oh I never thought of her being a spy for Mary but now that you mention it I could totally see that. 3w
See All 9 Comments
BarkingMadRead Omg I gasped out loud when the letters went missing. I think it‘s Dinah 3w
julieclair I think it‘s Dinah, too. But it never occurred to me that she might be a spy for Mary. That‘s an intriguing thought. And speaking of intriguing thoughts… a seaside romance for Cassandra? I hope we get all the juicy details! 😉 3w
willaful Dinah is definitely Up to Something, but she does seem pretty devoted to Isobel. This is quite exciting for such a quiet looking novel! 😁

I wondered if the excellent women line was a nod to Barbara Pym, except Cassandra uses it with no irony.
3w
Crinoline_Laphroaig @willaful I didn't catch Excellent Women nod before. Totally fits in! 3w
janeycanuck I think we‘re supposed to think it‘s Dinah but I bet it‘s Isabella. Can‘t tell you why I think that, it‘s just my gut feel. But it‘s getting very hard to listen to only one chapter a day! 2w
16 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch.3-4: I love Nicholaa and Royce going back and forth - it‘s so clear they are attracted to each other but they‘re fighting it - naturally. Nicholaa is lured out of her sanctuary by Royce and he drags her - sometimes literally - to London. She is to be the prize for a worthy knight. Is Royce going to fight for her hand? Can he handle her going to another man instead of him? 👇

StayCurious Before he can decide, there‘s an accident and Nicholaa burns her hands saving the queen‘s niece. The queen realizes that the brave Saxon likes Royce, and to her amusement he likes her too. Time to play matchmaker! 3w
LiseWorks I love the queen. 3w
See All 8 Comments
OriginalCyn620 Love the back and forth between Royce and Nicholaa! 3w
TheSpineView I love the matchmaking. 💗 3w
CoverToCoverGirl Checkmate! Ha! What else is there to say?! I love it..🤭🤣💜 3w
BookwormAHN @CoverToCoverGirl That was brilliant 😸 2w
PageShifter I laughed when Royce didn't believe that Nicholaa was the child's mother and said how he had called even him and a horse a mother 🤣 The chapter 4 was good, I started to understand how good man Royce is and I am glad she choosed him. Well we knew she would, but still. (edited) 2w
14 likes8 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.9: how scary to have your future suddenly gone. To go from fiancé to probable spinster aunt in such a short time. To have all your prospects gone. How scary to be a woman. The only thing I can say is - and don‘t take this the wrong way - at least he died and didn‘t jilt her- or they didn‘t have a falling out. At least this way she garners sympathy and not blame.

BarkingMadRead This chapter was heartbreaking 💔 3w
KristiAhlers Ugh this made me cry. But I totally agree with you. By passing away she won't be a subject of censor or possible gossip. So bright side on such a heartbreaking chapter 3w
See All 11 Comments
willaful Yes, such a sad, sad chapter. Cassandra's decision to make the best of the situation is somewhat admirable, but also frustrating because life was so unfair to her and she had no other vision for herself. 3w
janeycanuck Agreed, this was a tough one. I also found it sad that Jane seemed resigned to never marrying already, as well. 3w
peanutnine I agree with all said above, but also what is with all the rude, self-absorbed female relations in this family? 😡 3w
julieclair Heartbreaking and terrifying. So sad. 3w
suvata I found it particularly sad that Cassy resigned herself to becoming “the black-clad Tragedy Queen”. Although, I do think that‘s a great name for a band. 3w
Crinoline_Laphroaig @suvata is a great band name. 3w
Crinoline_Laphroaig @peanutnine they were so horrible! 3w
Crinoline_Laphroaig I've always tell people that the reason Jane wrote poor relations so well was because she was one. Also while it's wonderful IRL that Edward did gift them Chawton Cottage, why did he wait so long!? He had plenty of money. He could have given them some place to live long before he did. 3w
14 likes11 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Ch.1-2: starts off right in the action of a siege on a castle in the wake of the Norman conquest of 1066. We get to know Baron Royce - he‘s a strong, capable warrior with a good reputation and an impressive record. He was sent to capture lady Nicholaa and bring her back to William the conqueror so he can marry her off 👇.

StayCurious Things get complicated when Nicholaa manages to get to sanctuary at an abbey using a clever ploy. It‘s now a battle of wills between the Norman and the Saxon beauty and I can‘t wait to see more of their interactions. 3w
BarkingMadRead Omg I worship the ground Nicholaa walks on! So crafty!! 3w
See All 17 Comments
BethM Are we doing read along posts? I think I thought we were going to end of the month discussions. Just clarifying so I know when to look/not look :) 3w
LiseWorks I think she is rather clever, i also think the Baron is not stupid to believe her ploy. I actually had a laugh when the description of the 40 year old nun was like an 80 year old, and the description said she was old. 3w
StayCurious @BethM it‘s completely up to you😁 I can take you off my daily tag list no problem. Let me know 3w
StayCurious @LiseWorks I know! I thought that was a neat detail to bring us back in time 3w
TheSpineView I think they both are clever and shrewd. Will it be a test of wills? I think so. 3w
CoverToCoverGirl @LiseWorks I had to read the that sentence twice, by that standard I‘d now be described as ancient! 3w
CoverToCoverGirl I‘m enjoying the battle of the wills. She was clever in her tactics to evade capture and gain sanctuary but I‘m anticipating how clever and crafty Baron Royce will be in getting her to leave sanctuary. Until tomorrow….. 3w
MeganAnn My library hold on this just came in today! Picking it up tomorrow and then I‘ll catch up. I‘m very excited about this one! 3w
Clwojick I‘m so glad I stuck with it! It was a little slow for me at first, but then I ended up devouring it! 💜 I‘ll check in at the end of the month since I finished it all in one go. 3w
TheAromaofBooks I started this one on the first, and then realized we weren't actually starting until the eighth 😂 But I'm ready to pick back up today! 3w
OriginalCyn620 I am loving Nicholaa! She‘s got spunk! I think she and Royce will have some great chemistry together! 3w
peanutnine My library hold finally came in! Loving the back and forth between these two so far! 2w
BookwormAHN I love Nicholaa. Posing as a nun was brilliant 👏🏻 2w
PageShifter I laughed when it was revealed how there wasn't a twin, and now I laughed again when I saw those pictures 🤣🤣 The second chapter wasn't as fun but Royce met her knowing who she was. 2w
19 likes1 stack add17 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens: Ch.8 - wow. Just wow. Mary Austen is evil and mean spirited. First with that tactless poem, then with that letter. Poor Cassandra. And I really feel for Mary‘s daughter too.

TheBookHippie It was certainly over the top 😵‍💫😬🤯. 3w
BarkingMadRead Omg I want to drop kick her so badly! Ughhhh 3w
See All 11 Comments
janeycanuck I was also moved to tears when Mary read that poem. But mine were tears of pain. I did absolutely laugh hysterically when she was yammering on about how someday everyone would know the name Austen and it wouldn‘t because of Jane. 3w
janeycanuck @BarkingMadRead do you need an assistant for that? I am available. 3w
Librarybelle Mary is absolutely terrible! Grrr… 3w
willaful I'm dying to know whether the poem is real. It definitely seems to have borrowed a lot! 3w
Bklover I am so sorry but I have fallen behind. You can remove me from this list and I will try again next month. (I‘ve been painting my house with my neighbor). Thanks. ❤️ 3w
StayCurious @Bklover not a problem! 3w
suvata That poem was ridiculous. 3w
julieclair Honest to goodness… could Mary actually have been that bad in real life? It seems hard to believe. So self-centered and tactless. 3w
15 likes11 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.7 - so Mary, now Mary Austen, is the worst! She‘s the relative everyone dreads seeing. And we now know she‘s the one who will be going through Eliza‘s papers and will be the main antagonist I think when it comes to Cassandra‘s mission. Also, bad news is coming about Tom I think-in the past. How will reliving it affect Cassandra in the present?

BarkingMadRead Ew, Mary is awful! What a horrible human being! 3w
IndoorDame So awful! I‘m feeling worried that Cassandra is such a terrible sneak. I don‘t think she‘ll be a match for Mary 😬 3w
See All 9 Comments
peanutnine @IndoorDame she is the worst at being sneaky!! 3w
Crinoline_Laphroaig Mary shows up in #JaneAndTheExcellentReadalong as well. She's gone down in history as a dreadful person. 3w
suvata There is one sentence that pretty much sums up the entire chapter. “Mary Austen had come with a long list of grievances and an ungovernable impulse to air them forthwith.” 3w
KristiAhlers I so feel that meme lol. Mary is just so ick! 3w
janeycanuck Agreed. Mary is awful. But I‘m dreading our next chapter, knowing what‘s coming next… 3w
julieclair @suvata 💯Perfect sentence to sum up the chapter. And about the next chapter, I fear that Cassandra will have a painful time as she relives her memories… (edited) 3w
17 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.6 Cassandra is taken back to when she was working hard to match Mary Lloyd with her widower brother James - perhaps not the best idea but hindsight is 20/20. I guess she had to keep herself occupied during Tom‘s long absence. But Mary seems whiney and desperate and a bit mean to her sister and not worthy of becoming an Austen. IMO.

TheBookHippie I agree 💯. 3w
BarkingMadRead I am not a fan of Mary at all 3w
See All 7 Comments
Librarybelle Mary is portrayed as a very whiny, but also manipulative - the way she converses with James at the ball took a lot of calculation. 3w
willaful I suspect both James and Mary got the spouses they deserved. 😒 3w
suvata My goodness, aren‘t the Austen women quite the match-making group. I am happy to see that Jane pretty much stayed out of it. And, James is such a narcissist. 3w
janeycanuck That whole scene was something else! Mary is certainly not for me. 3w
11 likes7 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.5: Cassandra is awash in memories and Dinah is suspicious of her wandering around the house. And did the maid see the letters on Cassandra‘s bed? Probably. Then Cassandra goes for a walk and sees none other than Isabella meeting someone, a “gentleman”. How strange!

BarkingMadRead So much drama in this chapter! Dinah needs to chill out, but who is this mystery gentleman? Can‘t wait to find out! 3w
willaful I think Isabella's comments about.. the doctor, I think?... were rather suggestive. 3w
See All 7 Comments
IndoorDame I was waiting for the drama! 3w
julieclair Like @willaful , I'm betting it's the doctor. And as for Dinah, she is on my last nerve, always lurking around. I don't trust her 3w
suvata What is up with Dinah, indeed? She definitely is a lurker. 👀 I, too, suspect that Isabella is meeting the good doctor. 3w
janeycanuck Such mystery and intrigue! I am a bit worried about the whole situation blowing up in Cassandra‘s face, though. It doesn‘t feel like she‘ll cope well if confronted. 3w
14 likes7 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.4: Cassie goes to visit Tom‘s family after he‘s back for Christmas break and she‘s basically miserable. They seem like such a subdued bunch and she misses her fun loving family. Tom‘s not the same after his experiences at sea and senses that he might not return when he finally leaves on his journey. 👇

StayCurious Cassie promises him she‘ll never marry another. Even though she was very recently having doubts as to whether their marriage was a good idea…this is not going to end well. Also - Fulwar is an ass. 3w
Librarybelle Fulwar is terrible! 3w
See All 9 Comments
IndoorDame He is terrible! On the whole though, I‘m finding the characters really well drawn so far!!! 3w
KristiAhlers Fulwar is the absolute worst. And kudos to the author who can write a character that makes yoh have such a violent dislike. 3w
julieclair I agree this will not end well. And Fulwar... Ugh. 3w
suvata What a boring household Tom lives in. “She looked around at his property: a Bible, old Latin primers, not even one novel.” And Christmas must be a real hoot with “No music. No games. No reading or good conversation!” 3w
willaful Definitely getting the sense that Cassandra dodged a bullet. 3w
janeycanuck And this is why you don‘t agree to marry someone if you haven‘t spent any length of time with their family……. 3w
13 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.3: poor Cassie - her fiancé (who let‘s face it, doesn‘t seem like the sharpest tool in the shed) is leaving her for at least a year to seek adventure and find his fortune. All Cassie can do is support his decision because he wouldn‘t ask her permission, of course. No, he made this decision without consulting her. Which annoys her and us but was totally par for the course back then.?

StayCurious I just have a horrible feeling that Tom won‘t be back, and if he does return, he won‘t be the same man she agreed to marry. 4w
IndoorDame @StayCurious I think you‘re right 😬(after all we know she doesn‘t end up marrying him, don‘t we…?) 4w
See All 8 Comments
Librarybelle Tom is definitely portrayed as not the sharpest! 😂 4w
BarkingMadRead Aw Tom, such a sweet, brainless guy 4w
Bklover I get the impression that they never did get married. 4w
Crinoline_Laphroaig Tom. Bless his heart. 🙄 4w
janeycanuck Tom is such a bumbling fool. He‘s coming from the best of places but dude, stop and think things through for a minute! 3w
13 likes8 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens Ch.2 - after a bit of guilty snooping, Cassandra thankfully finds the letters - before Mary Austen gets in there. Now she has to read through them to find anything that‘s incriminating to protect Jane‘s reputation. What could be in those letters I wonder? Also, poor pathetic Isabella! I feel bad for her actually. Her father sounds like a peach.

TheBookHippie Got book I‘ll be caught up tomorrow ! 4w
BarkingMadRead Poor Isabella, she doesn‘t know how to think for herself at all! 4w
See All 9 Comments
Bklover @BarkingMadRead She is kind of a mess, isn‘t she! I was glad she found the letters too- all the sneaking around was making me nervous! 4w
IndoorDame @BarkingMadRead I know! I desperately want her to just have an original thought!!! Maybe Cassandra will be a “good” influence… 4w
IndoorDame @Bklover haha, ditto. She‘s the worst spy 😂 4w
Crinoline_Laphroaig I'd forgotten how many great quotes this book had! I think I made graphics when I first read. Will see if I can find them. And as usual Juliet Stevenson narration is perfection! 4w
janeycanuck @Crinoline_Laphroaig I‘m reading the audio, too. The narration is wonderful! I‘ve actually cringed once or twice when Stevenson slips into some of the characters. I love it! 3w
janeycanuck On one hand, I feel terrible for Isabella, being left to all of this work on her own. But on the other, she seems like such a wimp! Just wrap up the dishes!! 3w
15 likes9 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch 1: Awkward! Cassandra Austen, who appears to be an old family friend, arrives practically unannounced at the vicarage and receives a truly lukewarm reception. In a time period where hospitality was so important, they practically show her none. But Cassandra has a reason for being there and she doesn‘t intend to leave until she finds the letters she is looking for - despite the chilly feel to the air of the house.

BarkingMadRead They were going out of their way to be rude to Cassandra! Ugh! 4w
StayCurious @BarkingMadRead yes but I kept thinking how I would feel if I was in the middle of moving and an old acquaintance dropped by for an extended stay… 4w
See All 13 Comments
KristiAhlers I love these memes. I don't understand why people can be so mean. They worked overtime really to be mean. 4w
suvata I already know I‘m going to like this book. I hate unexpected visitors too, but Cassandra was on a deadline. She couldn‘t dillydally if she wanted to find those letters. Favorite quote from Chapter 1: “A single woman should never outlive her usefulness. It was simple bad manners.” 4w
julieclair I felt so sorry for Cassandra. I also sympathized with Isabella, as I am not fond of last minute house guests either. But she didn't have to be so rude. 4w
julieclair @suvata Yes! Great quote! 4w
willaful I also feel I'm going to like this. The dry wit is very appropriate. I'm really curious about how things turned out this way for Cassandra and if it was the best thing for her. 4w
Crinoline_Laphroaig Was wondering why I had downloaded Miss Austen on my Audible. Forgot about this Chapter a Day. Will catch-up today while running errands. 4w
Crinoline_Laphroaig It's a Reread for me. Remember loving it. 4w
kspenmoll I plan to catch up this weekend. Could‘t start 3/1. 4w
janeycanuck Started on this today - what a great first chapter to really draw you in and get you invested in the story! 3w
19 likes13 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Hurricane | R.J. Prescott
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Post Book Discussion - I can‘t believe February is over already! I loved our February book and am already on book 3 of the series. Tell me what you did or didn‘t like about Em and Con‘s story. Here are a few questions to get us started.

KristiAhlers I LOVED this story. I do believe an instant connection can grown quickly into intense emotions. The fact that they were both broken gave them an odd bit strong foundation to grow from. He was an amazing book boyfriend. 1mo
KristiAhlers I also agree this book was super emotional (which is one of the reasons I loved it so much to be honest) the author tackled hard issues and didn't make them throwaway issues. Nothing was an instant fix. From personal experience regading tough things (not like this though) a bonding with people I went through the hard time with was strong and permanent 1mo
See All 12 Comments
BarkingMadRead I loved this and I‘m ordering book 2 soon! I really liked that it was so real and the ending went necessarily your typical happy ending 1mo
BookwormAHN I also loved this story, and I almost think he had to be that obsessive so she would know that he was serious and that she couldn't easily chase him off. Also the narrator of the audiobook was fantastic 😺 1mo
Julsmarshall So good! 1mo
TheSpineView I enjoyed this one. I hope March's choice is as good. 1mo
MeganAnn I agree with @BookwormAHN that Con had to be overly obsessive or Emily would have quickly pushed him away. His behavior felt especially true to character once we found out more of his past. I really don‘t think these two would have worked out any other way. I also think that instant love type stories are more believable when the characters are younger like these two…. We are more reckless/impulsive at that age including our feelings and emotions. 1mo
MeganAnn And on your third point, this is something that does sometimes annoy me in books. But here it didn‘t bother me quite as much. I think possibly because we did have some nicer female characters (Emily‘s teacher who helped her, her friend from school, etc) to balance that out a little. It will be interesting to see how the author treats her female characters in the rest of the books which I haven‘t gotten to yet to truly examine that topic. 1mo
OriginalCyn620 I really enjoyed this one too! Personally, I don‘t think Con crossed a line with Emily. I think his behavior came from a place of truly wanting to protect her. I think he was pretty swoonworthy! 1mo
OriginalCyn620 I don‘t know if I believe in love at first sight, but I do think you can have an instant connection, if that makes sense. Con and Em were obviously drawn to each other, and the fact that they were both broken but complemented each other just made the story so beautiful! 1mo
OriginalCyn620 The author‘s portrayal of women in this book was realistic, I think. If we‘re just talking about women, then sure, some will be slutty, catty, and/or unlikable. But some women aren‘t like that, which we saw in the best friend and the former teacher. Just like we saw that not all men are monsters like Frank. Danny became a father figure to Emily and filled a void in her life. 1mo
36 likes12 comments
blurb
StayCurious
post image

#LLWBS #LitsyLoveWinterBluesSwap @Deblovestoread @Bookgoil @BookNAround Kristen, this picture doesn‘t really do your amazing package justice but I didn‘t have much time to stage it as my toddler was trying to help. Thank you so much I love everything and am so grateful! I can‘t wait to dive into the books while snuggling under the cozy blanket. You really outdid yourself!

BookNAround I‘m glad you like it. I have several of those blankets scattered around the house and use them all the time. In fact, I think I‘ve gifted them to everyone in the family since they are a perfect reading blanket. 😁 1mo
Bookgoil What a cute package!!! 1mo
Deblovestoread Great box of goodies 💜 1mo
49 likes3 comments
review
StayCurious
Aftermath | R J Prescott
post image
Pickpick

This was a good continuation to our last #LittensLoveRomance read The Hurricane. It continues the story and resolves a few things from the first book as well as letting us get to know the cast of characters even better. I can‘t wait to continue with Kier‘s story in book 3.

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 1mo
StayCurious #LitsyLoveReadathon @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks - this hasn‘t been on my TBR for quite 5 years but it‘s been awhile 1mo
See All 6 Comments
MoonWitch94 Kier‘s book 🤩♥️ (edited) 1mo
TheSpineView I liked the first book and want to read this one too. 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤📚💙 1mo
55 likes2 stack adds6 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Readathon storybook: Oshindonga & English | Dorian Haarhoff, Linekela Shipindo Moshindonga, Sarie Maritz
post image

Don‘t forget our readathon starts today!! Set your own goals, but choose one book that has been on your tbr for 5 years! Don‘t forget to tag #LitsyLove and @LitsyLove ❤️📚🎈🎊💌📝📬

It has been a fun month celebrating with all of you and we got several new members!!

TheSpineView Sounds good! I'm in. I need to work some more on Space. It has been on my TBR list the longest. Over 10 years 😱 1mo
Bookwormjillk Oh I missed this. Yay! 1mo
40 likes2 comments
blurb
StayCurious
The Prize | Julie Garwood
post image

#LittensLoveRomance March Medieval Romance - our winner by a very slim margin was this classic from one of the great names in historical romance - Julie Garwood. I‘ll be honest and say this one made my little high school heart beat faster and I‘m interested to see if it holds up. Please remember it was written a couple of decades ago so might be outdated. Let me know if you want to be tagged in my daily posts!

See All 21 Comments
BarkingMadRead Can‘t wait!! 1mo
TheSpineView Looking forward to it! 1mo
Kshakal Looking forward to it! 1mo
Clwojick Yay! Just found the audiobook on Scribd 1mo
peanutnine Waiting on a library hold but will try to read once it comes in 1mo
Laughterhp This one‘s available at my library, so I‘m in! 1mo
OriginalCyn620 Oh man, I totally forgot to vote! 🤦🏻‍♀️ But I‘m in! 1mo
MeganAnn I‘m so in! 🎉 1mo
Read4life I‘m in! 🤓 1mo
BethM Hold placed! I couldn‘t get a copy of feb‘s book :/ 1mo
TheAromaofBooks I have a soft spot for arranged marriage stories - count me in!! 1mo
Gissy 🙋🏽‍♀️ 1mo
CoverToCoverGirl YES, please! She is right up there with Lisa Kleypas for me, along with a few others. I recently re-read The Bride and The Wedding by her and they didn‘t feel dated to me. I‘m so hoping this one won‘t feel dated either. I haven‘t read The Guardian in a very long time. Looking forward to revisiting it. (edited) 1mo
Vansa Never read her, would love to, from all the comments! Please count me in! 1mo
Kerrbearlib I‘d like to be tagged! 1mo
BookwormAHN I'm in. I have a soft spot for historical romance. 1mo
Crinoline_Laphroaig I think this was one of my first Julie Garwoods. Remember reading at my mother in laws and being excited that she had a book that wasn't a Harlequin. Tag me please! 1mo
tdrosebud I was able to get this on Libby. Tag me please. 1mo
55 likes21 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Miss Austen | Gill Hornby
post image

#Pemberlittens our next #JaneAdjacent read has been selected! Please let me know if you want to be added to the daily tag list for the read-along. As always I can be reached here or at pemberlittens@gmail.com with any book suggestions or comments.

BarkingMadRead Count me in! 1mo
IndoorDame I‘m in!!! 1mo
See All 27 Comments
AllDebooks Count me in 😊 1mo
TheBookHippie Yes! 1mo
Daisey You can take me off the tag list for this book. Thanks! 1mo
suvata Yes!!!! I‘m in. 1mo
peanutnine Yay I wanted to read this one! Count me in ☺️ 1mo
LeahBergen I‘ve read this one but I‘ll enjoy following everyone‘s comments! 1mo
KristiAhlers Totally in 1mo
Librarybelle Hooray! I‘m in 1mo
rubyslippersreads Please tag me. 😊 1mo
willaful In! 1mo
Bklover Oh I have this one! Please add me! 1mo
julieclair I‘m in! 1mo
PageShifter I might have to skip this one, I didn't find it but you can tag me! 1mo
erzascarletbookgasm I‘ll sit out on this one. Please tag me for future reads. 💛 1mo
kspenmoll I am in if I can get book from library 1mo
Crinoline_Laphroaig Loved this one! I lost my copy in the fire. Will see if I can get Library copy. 1mo
TheAromaofBooks I'm in as long as this one comes in from the library in time!! 1mo
kspenmoll I have a copy! Please add me to your list! 1mo
JenlovesJT47 Hey I‘ve been AWOL from Litsy for awhile but now I‘m back and ready to join in some buddy reads. I‘ve really missed this place! I saw you were the new PemberLittens host — thank you for still doing this and could you please tag me in any future PemberLittens stuff? I‘d really appreciate it. (Along with any other good buddy reads going on that you‘d recommend). Thank you!! 🤗❤️ (edited) 4w
StayCurious @JenlovesJT47 hey welcome back! I‘ll add you to the master list 😊 4w
janeycanuck Oh, I missed this - can you add me to the list? 3w
63 likes27 comments
review
StayCurious
Sonny | Cee Bowerman
post image
Pickpick

#Loveathon #SeriesLove2023 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView @Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks This is book 2 in the Texas Kings series, but book 4 in the Knights and Kings world. It‘s a great second chance romance about a guy who went to prison for 6 years and the girl who pined for him. When he gets out they try to rekindle their romance but an outside force threatens to derail their love once again. Using this for “cursive font” & “embrace” on my #ISpyBingo.

TheSpineView Great job 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
50 likes2 comments
blurb
StayCurious
post image

#LittensLoveRomance Our next read will be a Medieval romance and I‘ve picked some oldies and what I hope are goodies. Please let me know if you want to be removed from the main tag list and as always you can send comments and suggestions to littensloveromance@gmail.com. https://forms.gle/gyHZ156q72rFbBej8

See All 21 Comments
Read4life Voted. Thank you 🤓 1mo
tdrosebud Voted 1mo
TheSpineView Voted 1mo
Kerrbearlib Voted 🗳️ ✅ 1mo
CoverToCoverGirl Voted! 1mo
Gissy Voted👌 1mo
CrowCAH OMG, I didn‘t even know this readalong was a thing! I LOVE reading romance! Is there a way I could be tagged for the next selection? I won‘t be able to join for March, as I‘ll be reading a different romance novel. 1mo
MeganAnn Voted! Love the idea of reading a medieval romance. Not sure I‘ve read one before 🤔 1mo
StayCurious @CrowCAH absolutely! 1mo
dylanisreading Medieval sounds fun. Voted! 1mo
CrowCAH @StayCurious thanks very much 😁 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh my goodness, you have added so many books to my TBR today 😂 1mo
julesG Voted! 1mo
Julsmarshall Great options! And I haven‘t read a single one! 1mo
CarolynM I probably won‘t get to this one, but please keep me on the main tag list and I‘ll try to join in next time. 1mo
PageShifter Voted! 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I probably won‘t be joining this one ❤️ 1mo
Catsandbooks I'm gonna sit this one out but please keep me on the main tag list 💕 1mo
59 likes21 comments
blurb
StayCurious
Voting Day | Clare O'Dea
post image

#Pemberlittens it‘s time to vote once more - this time we‘re selecting our March #JaneAdjacent read. Please let me know if you want to be taken off the main tag list. All comments and book suggestions can be sent to pemberlittens@gmail.com. https://forms.gle/rqbXqcdLgJWUQeYf8

See All 24 Comments
MoonWitch94 Voted! 1mo
IndoorDame Voted! (And added 3 more titles to my TBR 😅 thanks for the suggestions!!!) 1mo
Cuilin May I be included in the list again? I already voted. I hope that‘s okay. 1mo
AllDebooks Voted 😊 1mo
StayCurious @Cuilin absolutely! 1mo
Cuilin @StayCurious thank you 🙏 1mo
Librarybelle Voted! 1mo
BarkingMadRead Voted!! 1mo
Ann_Reads I'm going to skip voting this time, as I recently read one book on the list and the others aren't readily available through my local library. 1mo
kspenmoll Voted! 1mo
TheBookHippie Voted! 1mo
CrowCAH Voted 🗳️ 1mo
Ruthiella I‘m going to sit this one out. Thanks! ☺️ 1mo
LeahBergen Voted! ✅ 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh wow, this one was a tough choice!! 1mo
wordslinger42 I would like to be added to the tag list 😊 1mo
julieclair Voted! But honestly, no matter which one wins, I'll be happy. They all sound good! 1mo
StayCurious @wordslinger42 absolutely! 1mo
willaful Not voting because I don't know anything about any of them, so please pick a good one for me. 😁 1mo
PageShifter Voted! 1mo
46 likes24 comments
review
StayCurious
post image
Pickpick

#Pemberlittens - Entertainment was a fitting way to end and I found the chapter lived up to its name. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It wasn‘t overly long winded, the pacing was good, the research was well done, and the separation of the classes to learn about everyone was easy to follow. My ebook did have pictures at the end but I feel they could have served better placed within the material. But I do know a lot more about Jane‘s time than before.

inthegreensandblues Entertainment was definitely ending on a high note! I really enjoyed this book too. Now I want to listen to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. 😄 I've never thought of it as late Regency music before. 1mo
inthegreensandblues Thank you for hosting the read-along, Renee! 1mo
See All 13 Comments
IndoorDame @inthegreensandblues I also want to listen to the 9th symphony after reading this chapter! 1mo
IndoorDame Thanks for hosting Renee! I loved how readable this was for a history. I especially appreciated learning about the politics in more detail because that‘s always been sort of muddled in my mind. 1mo
CoffeeNBooks I enjoyed reading about the entertainment as well. Thanks so much for hosting! 1mo
Ann_Reads I'm behind in my reading but do plan to finish soon. A really interesting historical analysis of the Regency period so far. Thank you Renee for hosting and all the fun posts. 1mo
Ruthiella I enjoyed this chapter a lot. Thanks for hosting! It‘s been awesome 👏👏👏 1mo
Bklover Thanks for hosting, Renee! I learned an awful lot- was fascinating stuff! 1mo
Bklover @Ann_Reads I‘m a bit behind as well, but it‘s definitely been fascinating! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks I really loved the way he used the entertainment chapter to remind us of how some aspects of the human experience are timeless and connect us all through all the generations. I found this book to be so friendly and accessible - I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for hosting!! 1mo
suvata I really enjoyed this book. And the last chapter was very uplifting and fun. It was definitely a lot of information to absorb, but I think it was fascinating to know how the Austen‘s lived and how her circumstances probably greatly affected her writing. So good. I‘m tempted to read a few more of his books. He definitely knows his stuff. Thank you for hosting this lively discussion. 1mo
Bluebird Thanks for hosting! This was a fun. 1mo
49 likes2 stack adds13 comments