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TLVZ721

TLVZ721

Joined July 2017

review
TLVZ721
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Pickpick

We‘ve all been through a lot during quarantine and the pandemic. One of the things that has suffered is my attention span when reading. The perfect solution to this problem has been short stories and essays, small digestible bits of insight that don‘t take a lot of time yet satisfy the mind. This book compiled by @zibbyowens is the perfect literary meal during these times when we‘re all struggling. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TLVZ721
The Donor: Quick Reads 2020 | Clare Mackintosh
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My evening just got better! A Clare Mackintosh read and a sweet treat! I‘m thoroughly looking forward to both! Book Depository does it again with their super fast shipping. Love that place! (Just in case you‘re wondering, the chocolate wasn‘t included....but if you‘re listening, Book Depository, that might be something to look into! 😉)

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TLVZ721
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Our narrator Beth assures us from page one that this won't be your typical family road trip. With unexpected plot twists, a questionable narrator, and an ending that no one could possibly see coming, Samantha Downing crafts a refreshing, entertaining, and unique domestic mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3069788258?book_show_action=false&from_rev...

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TLVZ721
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Pickpick

PUBLICATION DAY!!!

Style, class, panache, radiance…

Four and a half shining stars and a huge thank you to Book Browse, Kerri Maher, and Berkley Publishing for supplying me with this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.bookbrowse.com/reader_reviews/details/index.cfm/ref/rr45447

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TLVZ721
Dominicana: A Novel | Angie Cruz
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After several false starts, I‘m going to give #AmericanDirt another go. If for no other reason but to form my own opinion. But I do have some #LatinxAuthors on deck for clarity and balance. Always looking for additional recommendations, please. #KnowledgeIsPower

9 likes1 stack add
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TLVZ721
American Dirt | Jeanine Cummins
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After several false starts, I‘m going to give #AmericanDirt another go. If for no other reason but to form my own opinion. But I do have some #LatinxAuthors on deck for clarity and balance. Always looking for recommendations, please. #KnowledgeIsPower

Leftcoastzen Check out my posts, I link to one article that offers some alternatives .I will probably read it as well. 5y
TLVZ721 @Leftcoastzen , thank you for directing me to your post! I‘m definitely adding to my TBR. ❤️📚❤️ 5y
Leftcoastzen You are welcome! 5y
14 likes3 comments
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TLVZ721
You Were There Too | Colleen Oakley
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Five heart-wrenching stars and a huge thank you to BookBrowse, Colleen Oakley, and Berkley Publishing for supplying me with this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. https://www.bookbrowse.com/reader_reviews/details/index.cfm/ref/rr44789

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TLVZ721
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Pickpick

Style, class, panache, radiance…these are just a few words to describe Grace Kelly, who was so aptly named. Four and a half shining stars and a huge thank you to Book Browse, Kerri Maher, and Berkley Publishing for supplying me with this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. See my full review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2991204801?book_show_action=false&from_rev...

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TLVZ721
Someone Knows | Lisa Scottoline
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Our choices, our actions (and even lack thereof) can affect other people in ways we can't fathom. There are times when you can see the trajectory of your decisions and other times when you will never know what the multiple ramifications may be. But someone else may know. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ See my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2712595417?book_show_action=false&from_rev...

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TLVZ721
Keep You Close | Karen Cleveland
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How far would you go to protect your teenage child? So far that you are willing to bend or break legal boundaries and those you‘ve vowed to uphold in your career at the FBI? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Karen Cleveland‘s sophomore thriller. Read my full review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2738204747?type=review#...

8 likes1 stack add
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TLVZ721
The Snowy Day | Ezra Jack Keats
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Good thing I got all of my supplies and necessities for the big snow storm! ❄️💗📚☕️

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TLVZ721
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Pickpick

Things aren‘t as sweet in Sweet Apple as they appear. The residents‘ true agendas run far deeper than you realize at the start. While I had one of the main characters pegged from the beginning, I would have never guessed how everything would conclude. It was easy to become invested in the characters and I anxiously awaited the next plot twists along the way. This was my first Karen White book and it most certainly won‘t be the last. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TLVZ721
On a Cold Dark Sea | Elizabeth Blackwell
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Mehso-so

Three women, one ill-fated ship ~ I felt that something was lacking that made me invested in these women, something that might make them more personable. Each commits acts that make them realistic, but I wanted to like each of them more than I did. I felt as though it was a bit contrived. It fell a bit flat with me. However, if you are interested in historical fiction based around this event, this may be your next great read on the topic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TLVZ721
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Mehso-so

I would dub this “Eat Pray Love for the Corporate Set”. It‘s interesting to see how one would go about preparing a family for an extended sabbatical and I believe this book definitely will find its intended audience. However, I think it‘s difficult for the common man to empathize with Mr. Feder‘s story. I gave this book three stars. I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Radius Book Group. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TLVZ721
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Pickpick

Witty and hilarious, this is the guidebook to our "middle years" that I'm sure our predecessors wish they had. I would give this as a gift to my friends, for sure. I received this book in a LibraryThing Early Reviewer giveaway and I'm grateful I did! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RebelReader Just put it on hold at my library! 6y
TLVZ721 @RebelReader , let me know what you thought when you get done! 😊 6y
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TLVZ721
Every Time You Go Away | Beth Harbison
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Pickpick

If you are looking for next poignant page-turner, look no further. Add in a smattering of humor, alternative points-of-view, and (especially if you are a lifelong Marylander like me) a good dose of beachside nostalgia and you have a winning combination. Five heart-wrenching stars and a huge thank you to NetGalley, Beth Harbison, and St. Martin‘s Press for supplying be with this uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TLVZ721
Every Time You Go Away | Beth Harbison
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Can I tell you how much I love reading books set in familiar places with mentions of local things I grew up with? Grotto‘s Pizza, Thrasher‘s Fries, and Kohr Brother‘s Ice Cream are delicious memories of my childhood and trips to Ocean City, Maryland, where this book takes place. 💗🍕🍟🍦🏖

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TLVZ721
Our House | Louise Candlish
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Pickpick

I give this book four and a half stars for an inventive storyline unlike anything else I‘ve read recently and realistic characters (some of which you‘ll love, some you will hate, and some will have your feelings turning on a dime!). This would also make a fantastic movie, in my opinion. A huge thank you to BookBrowse, Lousie Candlish, and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a paperback copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

18 likes1 comment
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TLVZ721
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Mehso-so

I appreciated the unexpected revelations for certain secrets and was very satisfied when an unseemly character finally got their much-deserved come-uppance. I give this book three stars for an interesting cast and a storyline full of life-changing secrets. Thank you to Bookouture, Clare Boyd, and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2439212770?book_show_action=false&from_rev...

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TLVZ721
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Funny story: I was listening to this on audio CD in the car. I had about 2 CDs left. And I don‘t drive that much on the weekends that I‘d be able to finish it. So, I left work, drove straight to the library, returned the CDs, and checked out the hardback copy. Because I can‘t possibly wait two days to find out how this ends!

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TLVZ721
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I just started this one tonight. The premise is intriguing: there are no natural coincidences. They are all predetermined and arranged by a group of supernatural beings known as “The Coincidence Makers.” It‘s off to a good start. I‘ll update with a full review once I‘ve finished.

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TLVZ721
The Other Woman | Sandie Jones
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You are about to meet the mother-in-law that makes even the worst look like Mother Teresa! You won‘t want to put down this debut novel by Sandie Jones. The most important three little words in this case aren‘t “I love you”, but #BewareOfPammie ! Read my full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show?id=2365384825 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TLVZ721 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks , you will love it! It had my jaw hanging open for the last four pages! Enjoy! 7y
10 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TLVZ721
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Actually, it was 4:30. Totally worth it. 🇬🇧💍👑💗

Jess This is spot on. Hilarious. 7y
7 likes1 comment
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TLVZ721
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Mehso-so

This book had so much potential to be excellent (and some parts definitely were) but I feel that some parts were bogged down with extemporaneous back stories and lost its focus. Please read my full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2386655210

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TLVZ721
Untitled | Unknown
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Book reviews/book bloggers/avid readers ~

I‘m still new to the ARC reviewing scene. What do you do when you need to review a book you‘ve been given...and it was really disappointing? I definitely had to force myself to finish it. Now, I‘m concerned about how to constructively criticize and point out the very limited good points.

Any tips from seasoned reviewers?

Thanks in advance! ❤️📚

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TLVZ721
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Pickpick

Ready to meet your newest bibliophile heroine? She‘s Loveday Cardew in Stephanie Butland‘s most recent novel that you won‘t be able to put down! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Read my review of The Lost For Words Bookshop here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2375037534

11 likes3 stack adds
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TLVZ721
The Distant Marvels | Chantel Acevedo
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ She was a daughter, a mother, a revolutionary, a storyteller. Maria is evacuated from her home during Hurricane Flora‘s ravage upon Cuba in 1963. While sheltered in the governor‘s mansion, the women share stories to alleviate their fear. Maria tells her life story in heart-breaking detail, not only in an act of contrition but also in hopes that she will not be forgotten. Deeply moving, folk story like prose. Simply fantastic.

Penny_LiteraryHoarders Added! I need a fantastic read. 7y
TLVZ721 @Penny_LiteraryHoarders , might I also suggest Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton? It‘s truly the best book I‘ve read this year and the reason I even found Distant Marvels, as I was looking for more like it! 7y
9 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TLVZ721
Summer Wives | Beatriz Williams
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Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from the phenomenal Beatriz Williams! Upper class families who “summer” on a New England island co-exist with the Portuguese fishermen and domestic workers who live and work there year-round. It‘s a story of different classes, morals or lack thereof, forbidden love, and ultimately murder. Read my review here https://www.bookbrowse.com/reader_reviews/details/index.cfm/ref/rr41973 It‘s your summer must-read! #BeatrizBinge

Reviewsbylola I‘m loving the setting of the upper crust families summering in the 50s. So perfect. 7y
TLVZ721 @Reviewsbylola , exactly! I was picturing Nantucket or The Hamptons, in Kennedy style! 7y
10 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TLVZ721
Lost for Words | Stephanie Butland
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I am currently reading this, courtesy of NetGalley, and thoroughly enjoying it. It‘s like having a conversation with a witty, slightly snarky, bookish friend.

SilversReviews I have this in my TBR....so glad to hear it is good. THANKS. 7y
TLVZ721 @SilversReviews , I definitely think you‘ll like this one! Let me know when you get to it. We‘ll compare notes! 7y
SilversReviews @TLVZ721 It won‘t be until a few more books,, but I will let you know. Just starting it...will keep you posted. (edited) 7y
TLVZ721 Thanks, @SilversReviews And thanks for the advice you gave me (on Instagram private message). I appreciate it! 7y
SilversReviews @TLVZ721 You are welcome. 7y
11 likes5 comments
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TLVZ721
Not That I Could Tell | Jessica Strawser
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I scoffed when I first heard the word. But I now realize that it‘s an essential part of bibliophile vocabulary: “unputdownable”

SilversReviews LOL...I like that word. A reader's vocabulary understood by all. 😍 7y
TLVZ721 @SilversReviews , you always speak my language! 😁 Have you read this one yet? I am loving it so far! 7y
SilversReviews @TLVZ721 😍 On my speaking your language. Yes. It was good. ENJOY!! 7y
14 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TLVZ721
Untitled | Unknown
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This is my most recent #LibraryHaul! So, I leave the decision in the capable hands of you lovely Litsies! What should I read next? I‘d love to hear your opinions on anything in this stack.

k.reads.5 Wow, amazing haul! Unfortunately, I haven't read any of these, but I've heard good things about As Bright as Heaven and Sunburn and they're both on my TBR! 7y
Bostonmomx2 Ive only read as bright as heaven and it was so good. 7y
AmyG I am teading As Bright As Heaven and I really like it. 7y
TLVZ721 Thank you, everyone! I think As Bright As Heaven is on deck! You all are awesome. I should put you all in charge of all my life decisions. 😉 7y
11 likes4 comments
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TLVZ721
Next Year in Havana | Chanel Cleeton
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“To be Cuban is to be proud — it is both our greatest gift and our biggest curse. We serve no kings, bow no heads, bear our troubles on our backs as though they are nothing at all. There is an art to this, you see. An art to appearing as though everything is effortless, that your world is a gilded one, when the reality is that your knees beneath your silk gown buckle from the weight of it all. We are silk and lace, and beneath them we are steel.”

SilversReviews This was a good book.. 7y
TLVZ721 @SilversReviews , I just finished this today...and immediately wanted to start it all over again! My favorite of 2018 so far! You were so right! I can‘t wait for the book about Beatriz! Now onto As Bright As Heaven. Keep those wonderful reviews coming. My TBR is depending on it! 😊 7y
SilversReviews @TLVZ721 ♥️😎😎😎😎 ♥️ You have me smiling with your sweet, wonderful comments. Thank you very much. ENJOY As Bright As Heaven. ♥️♥️ 7y
11 likes3 comments
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TLVZ721
The Wife: A Novel | Alafair Burke
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I love a book where you think...no, you KNOW...you‘ve got it all figured out. Until the last pages. When all is revealed and your hindsight kicks in and shows you all of the clues you skimmed passed while you were reading. This title receives five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars from me. After reading two books by this author, I can solidly mark her in my “favorites” column. I can‘t wait to read more by Burke.

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Complete Sherlock Holmes | Arthur Conan Doyle
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What on earth took me so long to read this?! It‘s fantastic and I can‘t put it down.

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I am absolutely devouring this one right now! It has the sharp wit and quick dialogue that has caused me to compare the conversations to my beloved Gilmore Girls. I‘ve already added Beatrix Williams‘ bibliography to my TBR. 😊

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New Orleans | DK Publishing
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New Orleans is one of my favorite places on the planet. I‘ve only been once (this year, in fact, for a surprise 40th bday trip) but I was in love with all things NOLA long before. In honor of Mardi Gras weekend, do you have any Louisiana-centric book suggestions for me? I‘d love to hear them. Laissez les bons temps rouler! 💜⚜️💛⚜️💚

k.reads.5 The only NOLA book I know of is Out of the East by Ruta Sepetys, but I actually haven't read it myself! 7y
TLVZ721 Thank you, @pl.2886 ! I‘ve never heard of that one but I‘ll certainly check it out! 😊 7y
Bookish.SAM New Orleans is the greatest!! I‘ve been 3 times. We do a trip down every other year for Jazz Fest. On my first trip down to get in the mood I read 7y
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BookwormAHN Ends in New Orleans as does a lot of Poppy Brite' s books. 7y
TLVZ721 @Bookish.SAM , I would love to go to JazzFest one year! As a NOLA-lover, I think Confederacy of Dunces is required-reading! I‘ll definitely put it on my list. 7y
TLVZ721 @BookwormAHN , those are great suggestions! I checked out The Awakening once but never got a chance to read it. And I‘d never heard of Poppy Brite. Thanks! 7y
8 likes10 comments
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Next Year in Havana | Chanel Cleeton
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My most anticipated reads in my #LibraryHaul today!

SilversReviews Wow, Wow, Wow...THREE fantastic reads. ENJOY!! 7y
TLVZ721 Thank you, @SilversReviews ! We are supposed to get snow overnight here so my fingers are crossed that I can stay home and read all day! 😉 7y
SilversReviews Are you a teacher? I was a teacher and liked delays better than snow days. :) 7y
TLVZ721 I am not a teacher but I work in the office of the adult education department at a local community college! Delays are fantastic too! 7y
7 likes4 comments
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TLVZ721
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Super excited about my #LibraryHaul today! Anyone have any thoughts on these particular titles?

SilversReviews AWESome stack of books!! 7y
TLVZ721 @SilversReviews , I owe much credit to you and your fantastic reviews! You always help my #TBR grow! 7y
SilversReviews Oh...you are so sweet to say that. I‘m happy I can help. So gladyou check out my reviews. I never know if anyone clicks on the links. Let me know what you think. 7y
TLVZ721 Oh, @SilversReviews , you are one of my most trusted reviewers on Goodreads! I can‘t wait to compare notes with you on these! (edited) 7y
8 likes4 comments
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TLVZ721
The Child | Fiona Barton
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This book held my interest from Word One to the last punctuation. The premise is, there is a decades-old skeleton of a baby found in a neighborhood that is under construction. The secrets that swaddle the long-lost baby unfurl from there, with unimaginable twists throughout. I absolutely give this five stars and have already started on my next Fiona Barton masterpiece. Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Need to Know | Karen Cleveland
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I never read in the morning before work. There‘s just no time. Can I just tell you, I got my stuff done in record time today, just so I could read a little bit more. It‘s rare that a book hooks me from the first few pages. I hope this keeps up the pace. Love it so far!

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TLVZ721
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Suggested to me by my local librarian, this was an anxiously anticipated read for me. I found myself at work, counting down until I could get home and read it. The very infinitesimal reason I give it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that I found a few areas in the book, for example: certain character interactions, to have no bearing on the story. But that‘s a speck of dissent in a sea of enjoyment. I may have guessed parts, but not the ending.

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Uh...guys? This isn‘t conducive to my reading! (But they are too cute to shoo away!) Ruger 🐶 and Oliver 🐱, my best distractions. ❤️🐾🐾❤️. [The book is fantastic, by the way.]

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Lies She Told | Cate Holahan
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Happy New Year! | Greg Roza
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Happy 2018, Litsy friends!

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My mom met the author at an event recently held at Nora Robert‘s bookstore, Turning The Page (we live not too far from Nora Robert‘s hometown). Mom scored a signed copy and gave it to me for Christmas. Bonus: The Christmas Cottage airs tomorrow on the Hallmark Channel. 💗📚🎄

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A dear childhood friend made me this lovely bookmark. There is nothing better than a thoughtful, handmade, bookish gift! 💗

TLVZ721 @Read.Em.And.Eat , thought you might like to see a pic of it! 😊 7y
Read.Em.And.Eat Oh I LOVE IT!! 7y
9 likes2 comments
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Merry Christmas Eve, my book loving friends! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and I can‘t wait to see all of your new book gifts tomorrow! ❤️📚🎄🎁

AmyG Merry Christmas! 7y
TLVZ721 Merry Christmas, @AmyG ! 😊 7y
11 likes2 comments
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Question for my Litsy friends: Do you consider audio books in your count of books read for the year? I do but it almost feels as though I‘m cheating or padding the number. But I run through quite a few on my commute to work and I enjoy them nearly as much as the printed word. Your thoughts?

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I am old school and I have never listened to one!!!! But I would say that they should count!! 👍🏻 7y
TLVZ721 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks , I was the same way for a long time and it took a few well-narrated books to change my mind. My favorite are the ones that have multiple narrators. It makes it more interesting! 😊 But nothing beats the real thing! ❤️📚 7y
ReadingSusan Listening to an audiobook is certainly not cheating! A book isn‘t only read if you physically read it with your eyes. It‘s just someone else reading to you. In fact it can take me twice as long to listen to a book than read it so definitely not cheating. 7y
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TLVZ721 @ReadingSusan , I can‘t listen to a narrator whose voice it too relaxing...I fall asleep every time! (Not while driving, of course! Lol) 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TLVZ721 I need to try one!!! 7y
AmyG I count them as read. So YES (edited) 7y
Megabooks Definitely count! 7y
RebelReader Absolutely they must be counted! 7y
BookwormAHN Absolutely they count 😸 7y
TLVZ721 @AmyG @Booksandcooks @RebelReader @BookwormAHN , Thank you! Agreed. We‘re gonna count them! 😊 7y
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As I read this, I have easily cast Martin Freeman as the character of Bomber, the delightful publisher. I can see him saying the following in response to his mother‘s query that he is purposely dragging his feet, avoiding publishing his wretched sister‘s terrible manuscript: “The first point is undoubtedly true. Portia has written something that she calls a book...the second point is a wicked falsehood, which I deny with every fiber of my being.”

ericarobynreads YES YES YES!!! 7y
TLVZ721 @ericarobynreads I KNEW I wasn‘t the only one! If they did a movie, wouldn‘t he be perfect??? 😊 7y
ericarobynreads @TLVZ721 absolutely! That would be so amazing! 7y
9 likes3 comments
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TLVZ721
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Feeling the need to cleanse my palate after all of the gritty noir I‘ve consumed lately, I‘ve chosen this positively reviewed novel for my next read. I‘m enjoying meeting the lovable characters and the cover is just so darn pretty. Just the literary balm my brain needs! I‘ll report back when I‘m through!