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mabell

mabell

Joined April 2016

Nothing is more delectable than an English country house murder mystery. 👶&🐶mom ❤️: ☕️🍷🧀❄️ https://graymyrtle.com/book-blog
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mabell
Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery
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Thank you for the tag @julieclair !

For this #TLT I thought of a few of my favorite literary representations in the cinema:
1. Megan Follows as Anne
2. William Powell/Myrna Loy as Mr. & Mrs. Charles (again, must be on this list!)
3. Alicia Silverstone as Cher (Emma)
Bonuses - Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Malcom 😍 & Mos Def as Ford Prefect 👍

Would you like to play? @Kimberlone @Aimeesue @Bookwormjillk

dabbe 1. She was delightful as Anne!
2. Nick, Nora, and Asta!
3. Her best role (IMHO).
Thanks for playing! 🧡💜💛
4d
26 likes1 comment
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mabell
Indiscretion: A Novel | Jude Morgan
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As always, I am thoroughly enjoying your selection @TheAromaofBooks ! So much humor! I love the witty exchanges, and like Heyer, Morgan makes rudeness fun 😂

TheAromaofBooks There are so many lines in that book that made me snort-laugh 😂 I sent off the next book to you earlier this week!!! 5d
julieclair @TheAromaofBooks Snort laughing is always a good sign! 😂 5d
mabell @TheAromaofBooks Seriously! All the funnier because they are unexpected 😂 Thanks! I‘ll keep an eye out! 5d
See All 10 Comments
mabell @julieclair Haha, it is! I have to rein myself in from overmarking lines I find hilarious 🤣 5d
TheAromaofBooks @mabell @Julieclair - Another book by this author, the main character is frustrated by someone and talking about how she wants to say something to him and can't etc and describes the feeling as “a sneeze that won't come“ and I still laugh about it haha 4d
mabell @TheAromaofBooks What a great description! 😂 4d
julieclair @TheAromaofBooks Perfect! I think I may start using that line! 🤣 4d
rubyslippersreads @TheAromaofBooks @mabell @julieclair This author sounds right up my alley. 3d
TheAromaofBooks @rubbyslippersreads @mabell @julieclair - I LOVED Indiscretion, and enjoyed An Accomplished Woman and A Little Folly, although not quite as much. I haven't read any of his others because they don't sound as funny haha 2d
mabell @rubyslippersreads @julieclair I loved it too! Caroline is such a great heroine! I trust your judgment on the others @TheAromaofBooks ! 😄 It will be on its way to you soon @Chrissyreadit ! 2d
32 likes10 comments
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mabell
The Slang Dictionary | John Camden Hotten
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Does anyone read the Public Domain Review? There are often fascinating gems.

This one is a dictionary of Victorian slang - written in 1860! The article links to a scan of the book, as well as giving background on the work and author. Scroll down for an A to Z example of entries, such as “Old gown — smuggled tea and Pitch the fork — tell a pitiful tale” 😄

https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/dictionary-of-modern-slang/?utm_source...

Charityann This is so interesting!😄 5d
mabell @Charityann So entertaining 😂 4d
21 likes2 comments
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mabell
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Pickpick

Who knew little league Summerball could be so contentious - and deadly??

Fortunately, Meg is there to straighten things out! She, along with Chief Burke and Mayor Randall Shiffley keep Caerphilly running smoothly. It‘s a little stressful that Meg takes on so much, but so satisfying that she and her notebook-that-tells-her-when-to-breathe can get so much done! In this case, cleaning up the ball field (literally and figuratively!)
#2016 for #192025

Librarybelle Hooray!!! 1w
29 likes1 stack add1 comment
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mabell
The Inimitable Jeeves | P. G. Wodehouse
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Pickpick

I forgot to take a picture of the book before I sent it, but I thought this cover was appropriate with all of Jeeves and Bertie‘s sartorial differences in this one!

So much fun! And as usual poor Bertie lands in the soup multiple times due to the machinations of his nearest and dearest!

It‘s on its way to you @Chrissyreadit ! I‘m so sorry it‘s so late!!!

Chrissyreadit 🎉🎉🎉 2w
Librarybelle Hooray!! 2w
See All 8 Comments
TheAromaofBooks I'm looking forward to this one!! I could always use some Bertie and Jeeves!!! 2w
mabell @TheAromaofBooks Isn‘t that the truth! I listened to it and read it, because I love Jonathan Cecil‘s narration so much! It‘s so cheerful - even when Bertie is in the soup 😀 I forgot to mention, I received your book, too! 2w
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Also, Mary Rose got your amazing box!!! Thank you SO much!!!! 2w
mabell @TheAromaofBooks Oh yay!! ❤️❤️ 2w
julieclair This one will be fun! Love Jeeves! 2w
36 likes8 comments
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mabell
The Thin Man | Dashiell Hammett
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#TLT

3 Favorite Movie/Literary Couples:

1. No question! - Myrna Loy & William Powell
2. Tommy & Tuppence
3. This is a tough - so many choices! I do love Henry Tilney & Catherine Morland 💕

I‘m curious about what you would choose @Gissy @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit !

Bookwomble Aah! I went with Nick and Nora, too 😄 I love them! 1mo
mabell @Bookwomble They‘re perfection! ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
dabbe 1. I'm bummed I didn't think of Nick and Nora! (and Asta, of course!) 😍
2. I've never read these by A. Christie. Thanks for the idea! 🤩
3. One by J. Austen I haven't read, I'm ashamed to say. Also on the list!
Thanks for playing! 🧡💜🧡
1mo
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LeahBergen And Asta! ❤️ 1mo
mabell @LeahBergen True! It really is a trio, not a couple ❤️🐾 1mo
mabell @dabbe Definitely read the T&T Christies! Secret Adversary is so good! And Northanger Abbey is tied for my favorite Austen ❤️ 1mo
Chrissyreadit ok thinking about it… 1mo
dabbe @mabell Good to know! I love Christie and don't know how I missed these! And what is Northanger tied with? 😍 1mo
mabell @dabbe P&P 😊 1mo
dabbe @mabell I thought so!🧡💜🧡 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Thank you for the tag!!! You have fantastic choices!! 😁 1mo
thegirlwiththelibrarybag I love the Tommy & Tuppence books and how we meet them at different seasons in their life. 1mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
mabell @thegirlwiththelibrarybag That is so true! I never thought much about it, but yes! 1mo
19 likes14 comments
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mabell
Emma | Austen Jane
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Pickpick

Oh Emma!

I find her so relatable, yet maddening. 😆 Well meaning, but not as shrewd and sensible as she thinks she is. Believing in her own superior judgment, yet continually putting her foot in it.

I didn‘t have quite the patience and understanding for Emma as I did on previous readings. Mr. Wodehouse wore me to a frazzle this time, also. 🤣 It was enjoyable to compare the story again to Clueless and match similarities/differences.

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mabell
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Bailedbailed

I got about halfway through listening to this and realized I was less and less looking forward to hitting play. It was contemplative about depressing topics - aging, death, criminal psychology, and of course, murder. And not in the cozy sense. I know I read this sometime in the past, but I‘m not making it through it now! It was very freeing to decide not to continue!

Now I‘m going to back to a favorite reread - The Man in the Brown Suit 😄

Annmcoop For Christie books, I prefer Hugh Fraser or Emilia Fox as narrators. Loved The Man in the Brown Suit. 1mo
mabell @Annmcoop I enjoy them also! I‘ve liked Joan Hickson (once I grew accustomed to her voice/style), but this one was just too much of a downer. I‘m so glad you love The Man in the Brown Suit, also! It‘s one you don‘t hear much about, but it‘s such a fun adventure! 1mo
24 likes2 comments
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mabell
Pride and Prejudice | Austen Jane
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Pickpick

A re-re-reread as completely enjoyable as the first time. The elder Bennet sisters are possessed of such sense and propriety, and I am always impressed with Elizabeth‘s restraint and clearheaded diction under severe pressure.
Lydia‘s actions and remarks are excruciating, and though she wants a good slap at times, it is sad to remember she is only 15 as the events begin. A young girl with no parental guidance, ⬇️

mabell … the only steadying influence is two older sisters - and that carries little weight at that age! 1mo
dabbe Beautiful edition! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
mabell @dabbe I love it! It was a gift from @Gissy ❤️ 1mo
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Gissy @mabell I‘m so happy you liked it. I love too those editions😍I still need to read that one 😬 1mo
mabell @Gissy I think you‘ll really enjoy it! 1mo
Annmcoop What edition is this? Such fond memories of making a pilgrimage to Austen‘s house in beautiful Chawton village to see her tiny writing table. 1mo
mabell @Annmcoop It‘s a Vintage Classics edition. https://shop.penguin.co.uk/products/vintage-classics-austen-series I still need to make it to Chawton! My England excursions haven‘t extended beyond London yet. What a great experience to see her home and writing table ❤️ 1mo
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mabell
JEEVES & WOOSTER | P. G. Wodehouse
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I‘ve been looking for the bag that contained these since you posted the quote from Joy in the Morning @TheAromaofBooks !

In my apartment (years and years ago) I had a plain white fridge that became an “art” project - a collage of magnets, notes, postcards, and a Bertie quote! I just love Wodehouse‘s way of phrasing things ❤️😂

TheAromaofBooks That is a FABULOUS quote!!! And honestly way too relatable right now haha 1mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks Isn‘t it?! 😂 I‘m sorry about the relatability! (But I hear you on that!) 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Now when things go wrong, I just tell myself that I won't be stuck in this tureen forever! 😂 1mo
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mabell @TheAromaofBooks I love that!! 😂😂 1mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks A side note - I was wondering if your sister just prefers books on her list for now? Or would she also like a “mixed bag” box of books? I know staying with your parents, she may not have the space or desire for something like that, so understandable if not! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Thank you so much for asking!!!! I am sure she would definitely be down for a mixed bag, especially since you have very similar reading tastes to us 😂 She only owns about 30 books right now, so I can also check and make sure she doesn't have any of the ones you have in mind, as she's been collecting up some Heyer and Agatha Christies to start her library right 😆 She also loves used books, so a mixed bag of gently-loved books is 100% fine. ❤ 1mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks Oh good! I thought it would be fun to send & receive - I love to dig through a box of books myself 😄 Some are books I just picked up because I liked the cover, some are duplicates, and some I‘m realistic I will never get to 😆 Absolutely start with Christie & Heyer!! If anything I send is a duplicate or one she isn‘t interested in, I thought you may like it or share with a LFL. 😊 I‘ll finish putting it together & send it off! 1mo
24 likes7 comments
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mabell
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#bookmail 🎉🎉

This was the most anticipated release of 2023 that I mentioned at your birthday (my unbirthday!) @LibrarianRyan !

LibrarianRyan Yeahhhh 1mo
20 likes1 comment
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mabell
Pyramids | Terry Pratchett
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Pickpick

Began in Belize last year and finished on Hilton Head Island 🏝️ Pratchett‘s books are my favorites to take on vacation!

This one got a little too geometrically metaphysical for me. However, still overall enjoyable. My favorite parts - You, B- the camel 🐪, Teppic‘s time in the Assassin‘s Guild school 🔪, and his ancestors. (Why is there no emoji for mummies??)
#1989 for #192025

LeahBergen What a lovely view! 1mo
Librarybelle Such a pretty setting! 1mo
mabell @LeahBergen @Librarybelle It was! And it‘s funny how getting up to see the sunrise is something I would never do at home, but it somehow makes sense on vacation 😆 1mo
34 likes3 comments
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mabell
Pyramids | Terry Pratchett
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I started this 1.2 years ago as my “vacation book” maybe this vacation I can finish it 🤣

dabbe What a sweet photo! 🤩🤩🤩 2mo
AmyG How sweet ❤️ 2mo
CarolynM Adorable🥰 Enjoy the camels🤣 2mo
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mabell @dabbe @AmyG Passed out to the ocean sounds 😄❤️ 2mo
mabell @CarolynM ❤️❤️ The camel is definitely the star 🤣 “They tied him a little to close to an olive tree that was now getting a terminal pruning” 😂 2mo
Gissy Awww! So cute lovely photo! 💖💖💖Beautiful 🥰 2mo
mabell @Gissy ❤️❤️❤️ First visit to the beach! 2mo
42 likes7 comments
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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Pickpick

“You are a very fine person, Mr. Baggins, and I am very fond of you; but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!"

Bilbo is a fine person, and he should be quite proud of his bravery and resourcefulness! He went through quite terrifying adventures, yet never deserted his friends, and all without a pocket handkerchief!

Thank you so much @Daisey and @JazzFeathers for hosting the #LotRChapterADay readalong!

Daisey Another great image and quote to finish out the book! 2mo
mabell @Daisey ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
JazzFeathers Thank you for taking part! It's been a fantastic reread with all your images and comments. I read elsewhere you won't be able to go on with the readalong, but I hope to read your comments on the way 😁 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Thank you so much! ❤️ I‘ll read along vicariously 😄 2mo
35 likes4 comments
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mabell
A Sick Day for Amos McGee | Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead
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Pickpick

We love this one! It feels like a classic - the illustrations are soft and pleasant, and the story completely charming. A feel-good story of friendship between zookeeper, Amos, and the animals. When Amos isn‘t able to go and do his regular activities with his zoo friends, they come to him!

DivineDiana Adorable! ❤️ 2mo
mabell @DivineDiana She‘s the sweetest 🥰 2mo
MaureenMc She‘s a beauty! 🥰 2mo
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mabell Thank you @MaureenMc ! She‘s our treasure ❤️ 2mo
Gissy Adorable, @mabell 💖💖💖💞 2mo
mabell @Gissy She‘s already enjoying books with me! ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
Gissy @mabell Awww! That‘s beautiful! Take pictures and that first book needs to be in her memorabilia trunk 💖 2mo
mabell @Gissy Such a good idea to have a memorabilia trunk! And including our favorite books is perfect! 2mo
Gissy @mabell I have watched videos from youtubers showing their childhood favorite books and I wished I had saved some of favorite at those ages. I guess you are going to save one book per year because Sophie is going to grew up around books☺️There will be too many books in her life. 2mo
mabell @Gissy So true! I‘ll find it difficult to narrow it down to 1 a year! 😂 2mo
BennettBookworm I love this book so much!! 2mo
mabell @BennettBookworm It‘s just the sweetest! It makes me so happy to read it 😊 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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I love how Thorin went from:

"You are not making a very splendid figure as King under the Mountain,'” said Gandalf.
"But things may change yet."

To:

Out leapt the King under the Mountain, and his companions followed him. … In the gloom the great dwarf gleamed like gold in a dying fire. … "To me! To me! Elves and Men! To me! O my kinsfolk!" he cried, and his voice shook like a horn in the valley.

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey It is quite a transition, and all it took was finding a common enemy. 2mo
JazzFeathers I love Thorin's character arc so much. He's such a complex character. But then, my fellow #FellowshipOfTolkien companions know my soft spot for Dwarves 😂 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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Chapter XVI - A Thief in the Night

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey I really love that Gandalf acknowledges this action. Bilbo will definitely need that support soon! (edited) 2mo
Cathythoughts ❤️ 2mo
mabell @Daisey 😬😬 2mo
mabell @Cathythoughts Such a great moment! 2mo
29 likes4 comments
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mabell
Black Moth | Georgette Heyer
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A few choices for this round, Happy Group!

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julieclair Ooohhh.... great choices! Any would be fine , but I think I have a slight preference for either Inimitable Jeeves or Three Men in a Boat. 2mo
Chrissyreadit any are fine with me!! 2mo
TheAromaofBooks These are all fine with me!! I've read a few of them, but loved all the ones I've read so I am 100% down for a reread. So I think you can take your pick!! 2mo
mabell @julieclair @Chrissyreadit @TheAromaofBooks Sounds good! Let‘s go with Inimitable Jeeves this time 😄 2mo
Chrissyreadit @mabell @TheAromaofBooks @julieclair i have to order a feel good happy book I think- so i will search the internet and choose a few to see what sounds good. Also part of this is due to the fact that i‘m still waiting for my bookshelves to be delivered (since April) and my books are in disarray🤣 2mo
Chrissyreadit @mabell @TheAromaofBooks @julieclair i have to order a feel good happy book I think- so i will search the internet and choose a few to see what sounds good. Also part of this is due to the fact that i‘m still waiting for my bookshelves to be delivered (since April) and my books are in disarray🤣 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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"Up the Bowman, and down with Moneybags!”

The Master was in a tight spot! Fortunately for his job security, he came through as a true politician. ?

Another great chapter!

JazzFeathers This chapter is so very different in tone from all the rest of the book, and still, it totally fits in 😜 2mo
Daisey The Master is absolutely a cunning politician! 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers @Daisey It reminded me just a bit of Pratchett 😄 (edited) 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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“As Thorin carefully explained, Mr. Baggins was still officially their expert burglar and investigator. If he liked to risk a light, that was his affair.”

Thorin again 😂

However, I‘m very concerned about the Lake-Men 😬
#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

JazzFeathers Thorin in this part of the story turns into such an interesting character, even if he remains true to himself. 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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“He was trembling with fear, but his little face was set and grim. Already he was a very different hobbit from the one that had run out without a pocket handkerchief from Bag-End long ago.

He had not had a pocket-handkerchief for ages.” 😄

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

BethM Great quote 😂 2mo
mabell @BethM There are so many good ones! I am so enjoying the wit in this 😄 2mo
Daisey There are so many great quotes; I noted a few just in this chapter. 2mo
JazzFeathers So true. So many great quotes. And l love how Tolkien can say something when meaning something else far more profound. 2mo
mabell @Daisey @JazzFeathers A lot of clever lines are slipped in - much more humor than I was expecting! 2mo
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mabell
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Pickpick

An emu round-up with the irascible wildlife conservationist Dr. Blake! And Meg‘s family tree grows ❤️ More new characters to love and a sprinkling of characters you love to hate 😄

#192025 #2014

Librarybelle Yay! I seriously need to read this series! 2mo
mabell @Librarybelle I think you‘d like it! Donna Andrews is such an intelligent writer, with plenty of wackiness and wit. 😄 I tend to get stressed by a lot of cozies with so much drama and nasty characters, these have a little of both, but overall they are positive and relaxing. 2mo
mabell @Librarybelle It is a series that I think is best read somewhat in order. But, breaking my own recommendation, I‘m switching the next two to read Die Like an Eagle next since it‘s baseball/summer and Lord of the Wings is Halloween. 😂 2mo
Librarybelle Haha! I have the first few in the series, so it‘ll be easy for me to start with the first. I am totally one who needs to read in series order. 2mo
mabell @Librarybelle I hope you enjoy them! 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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A bleak and dismal chapter - more poignant than any so far

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

JazzFeathers The final part of the book has such a different mood from the earlier part, doesn't it? 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Yes it does, and the sadness of the dwarves returning to the devastation. Especially for Thorin. 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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“The elf-road through the wood which the dwarves had followed on the advice of Beorn now came to a doubtful and little used end at the eastern edge of the forest; only the river offered any longer a safe way from the skirts of Mirkwood in the North to the mountain-shadowed plains beyond, and the river was guarded by the Wood-elves' king

So you see Bilbo had come in the end by the only road that was any good”

I love that! Is this mentioned again?

IndoorDame What a gorgeous illustration!!! 2mo
mabell @IndoorDame Isn‘t it striking? There are so many lovely illustrations! I would frame them! 2mo
JazzFeathers Mirkwood is an incredible place. Such a pity that Tolkien only told about it in The Hobbit. 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Such an elaborate world! 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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🤣🤣

Chapter VIII. Flies and Spiders 😳

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

JazzFeathers Isn't Thorin so very considerate? 😏😂 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Exactly! 😂 There we‘re so many good lines in this chapter! 2mo
33 likes2 comments
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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Beorn‘s Honey Cakes that my brother made a couple of years ago - very yummy!

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey That sounds delicious! I am going to have to go through my Tolkien cookbook again soon and come up with some things to make as we read! 2mo
Chrys Looks amazing, I may have to try making some honey cakes this weekend 2mo
mabell @Daisey That would be fun! Looking forward to seeing what you make! I don‘t know which Tolkien cookbooks my brother has, but I did give him this one for Christmas 😊 2mo
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mabell @Chrys A perfect weekend project! I might have to too! 2mo
JazzFeathers @Chrys @Daisey l bakes some Beorn's cake sometimes back. Found the recipes online and it was delicious. Now you ladies are making me want to bake them again 😂 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers What recipe did you use? They would be fun to try! 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Oh cool! Thanks! 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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"Very well then, we must just tighten our belts and trudge on or we shall be made into supper, and that will be much worse than having none ourselves."

Quite so!

#LofRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey ❤️ these images you‘re sharing! 2mo
mabell @Daisey Thank you! They show up so well in the e-book! I think it‘s the same version as my physical copy 😄 2mo
JazzFeathers Love the illustrations too 😍 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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Chapter V Riddles in the Dark

Lost in the cave, alone, well unfortunately not alone - there is a Gollum …

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey This chapter is quite a turning point. Looking forward to it a bit later today. 2mo
JazzFeathers It's so easy to see that Tolkien revised this chapter after writing The Lord of the Rings. It's totally different in time, even from the dark chapters at the end. 2mo
mabell @Daisey Yes, definitely! 2mo
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mabell @JazzFeathers Oh that‘s interesting! This is the revised version? 2mo
JazzFeathers @mabell Yes. In the first version, the ring was merely a magic ring. The One Ring didn't existed yet. 2mo
Daisey If you want to see just how different Gollum is in the early drafts, The History of The Hobbit is a fascinating read. Here‘s a post from our #HobbitHistory readalong: https://litsy.com/p/WFByQWFabzlC 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers @Daisey I didn‘t realize how much had changed - I assumed it was a fixed work. I have a lot of research to do! 😄 2mo
Daisey I forgot to tag yesterday, but if you want more, definitely read 2mo
30 likes8 comments
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mabell
Cotillion | Georgette Heyer
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If Miss Prism had more of a literary, romantic turn, she would be a dead ringer for how I picture Miss Fishguard!

CaramelLunacy She did write a 3 volume novel, after all! 2mo
mabell @CaramelLunacy “But the good end happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” 🤣 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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“All was well, until one day they met a thunderstorm—more than a thunderstorm, a thunder-battle.”

A great way to describe a spectacular storm!

First that, and then Goblins 😬

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey I enjoy the description of the thunder battle very time! 2mo
mabell @Daisey Yes! Something I would enjoy - while safe and dry (And not in a cave!) 2mo
JazzFeathers @mabell 😂 Only a few sentences, and yet, there's so much mystery and fascination in the giants' 'play'. 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Quite atmospheric! 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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Query - what do elves smell like? 🧐

“Valleys have ears, and some elves have over merry tongues! Good night!” - Loose lips sink ships, elves!

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

JazzFeathers 😂😂😂 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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A wizard, dwarves, a hobbit, and … Trolls

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipofTolkien

JazzFeathers Aren't the trolls fun?.😂 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers Ha, yes! 😂 2mo
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mabell
The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien
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I‘ve not read this since high school! I don‘t know if I will be able to keep up, but I‘m enjoying it so much thus far.
Chapter 1 - An Unexpected Party

#FellowshipofTolkien

Daisey Glad to have you joining us! I‘ll add you to the tag list as well. 2mo
JazzFeathers Yay @mabell 💪 l read The Ho bit the first time in high school. The second time, 10 years later... And it felt a different book..l loved it so much more. 2mo
mabell @Daisey Thank you! 2mo
mabell @JazzFeathers I remember very little of it, but I‘m enjoying the humor this time around! 😄 2mo
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mabell
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Pickpick

I‘ve gotten so behind in this series, but that means I have lots of fabulous books waiting for me! Every installment is so well-written, with unique additions, and just makes me happy 😊

This one is takes place at the Un-Fair, Caerphilly‘s state/county fair alternative, organized by Meg, naturally. Heritage breed chicken theft, llama showings, county rivalry, and a murder of a philandering husband all combine to make up the goofy plot. 😄

Librarybelle I need to read this series! I have the first few but just have not gotten around to it. And, I think the latest one comes out soon. 3mo
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CarolynM Love those titles! 🤣🤣 3mo
mabell @CarolynM Oh they are all great! Like “We‘ll Always Have Parrots” or “No Nest For The Wicket” (which features Extreme Croquet 🤣) 3mo
CarolynM 🤣🤣 3mo
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mabell
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Bailedbailed

Friends, I‘m afraid I didn‘t finish this one either. You all gave it such glowing reviews that I was sorry not to complete it. However, I found the beginning so sad that it just wasn‘t making me happy to continue reading. The end of life reflections too troublingly poignant right now. 😕

Looking forward to our next round, though, group! Fortunately, I have a couple of months to work on pulling a few options. 😂

Chrissyreadit I agree it seemed sad at first but it ended up being very satisfying. if you ever want to try it again you know where to find it. 😘 3mo
julieclair Different books for different life seasons. This just wasn‘t the right book for you right now. 💙 3mo
TheAromaofBooks I definitely found this one to be bittersweet, so I can understand deciding to give it a miss for now. ❤ 3mo
mabell @Chrissyreadit @TheAromaofBooks Thanks for understanding, friends! I‘m definitely experiencing the different books for different seasons situation @julieclair ! ❤️ 3mo
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mabell
Cotillion | Georgette Heyer
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Re-listening to this, and I am reminded of why it is my favorite Heyer romance! So engaging, quite a lot of activity, intertwined characters and subplots (it is a small world, after all), and I absolutely love Freddie. Lord Ledgerwood is also terrific.

📷: Farmer‘s market wildflower bouquet chosen by my mom ❤️

mabell Jack is really a skunk from the beginning! Often the “shocking rake” turns out to be the hero, (his character is just misunderstood 😄) but in this one the scandalous flirt continues to sink in our estimation, in tandem with Freddie‘s rise. So perfect. ❤️ 3mo
Tamra Gorgeous! 3mo
deirdrebeecher This is one of my favourite Georgette Heyer books. There is so much humour in it. I especially like Freddie's relationship with his father. 3mo
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mabell @Tamra I loved it! Such an artful, but casual arrangement 3mo
mabell @deirdrebeecher I agree! I am enjoying their exchanges so much! I didn‘t remember them from previous listens, but his father‘s dry wit, especially as to Freddie‘s capabilities 😄, is perfect! 3mo
CarolynM Oooh, if this is your favourite I‘ll have to bump it up my Heyer TBR 🙂 I‘ve just finished The Black Moth and I have this one next (edited) 3mo
rubyslippersreads I ❤️ this one too. 3mo
mabell @rubyslippersreads It‘s been years since I listened to it, so while I remembered the plot, the details were fresh - such a good time! 3mo
mabell @CarolynM Oh yes, definitely bump it up! I can‘t wait to hear what you think! I must say I have so many romances still to read - including both of the ones you mentioned! How was The Black Moth? 3mo
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mabell
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I‘m sorry to say I‘m not finishing this one, friends. 😬 It was quite an experience for Patrick growing up & Mame was a truly unique woman (Sophie‘s giving her Girl Power pose), but I just wasn‘t enjoying the story. However, I‘m so glad this was chosen for our group because I‘ve wanted to get to it for years! But I don‘t think I‘ll get to Auntie Mame Abroad 🤪 If anyone would like it, I‘d be happy to mail it!

Has anyone watched the Mame films?

rubyslippersreads The original film with Rosalind Russell is wonderful. The musical with Lucille Ball is absolutely awful. The only bright spot is Robert Preston. (Also, some of the lyrics have not aged well.) (edited) 4mo
Chrissyreadit all i can see is that beautiful baby!!!! 4mo
julieclair I'm sure that spending time with beautiful Sophie is way more enjoyable than reading any book! And especially such an awful book. 😝😂 4mo
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TheAromaofBooks That one was a bit of a struggle for me as well 😂 They can't all be winners. That one sounded so fun, though!!! Also, are you all interested in going for another round? I am totally interested, but also understand if anyone/everyone needs a break!! Let me know what you think!! @Chrissyreadit @julieclair 4mo
Chrissyreadit @TheAromaofBooks i‘m happy to continue as long as you all aren‘t too frustrated with my delays. 4mo
TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit - I think we all have our share of delays 😂 We seem to get there in the end, though!! 4mo
mabell @rubyslippersreads That seemed to be the consensus I saw on the movie ratings! I will say a lot of the book (that I got through) hasn‘t aged well either… 4mo
mabell @Chrissyreadit ❤️❤️❤️ 4mo
mabell @julieclair She is a distraction 🤣 4mo
mabell @Chrissyreadit @TheAromaofBooks @julieclair I would like to do another round - our group is so much fun! Would you be up for a summer break? Maybe sending the next book by the end of August? Not that I will ever be caught up 😂 4mo
julieclair @Chrissyreadit @TheAromaofBooks I‘m definitely up for another round. I love our group! Taking a summer break would be fine. 🌞 4mo
Chrissyreadit @mabell starting new round at end of august sounds good to me- especially since i‘m a month behind. 4mo
TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @julieclair @mabell - That sounds great, as I will be going out of town in July!! So let's touch base in early August and pick books?? 4mo
Gissy 💖😍 4mo
julieclair Sounds good. Happy summer, friends! 4mo
mabell @Gissy ❤️❤️❤️ 4mo
BiblioLitten Awwwieee the girl power pose 🥰🥰 3mo
mabell @BiblioLitten I think she‘s perfected it! 😄❤️🥰 3mo
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mabell
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Pickpick

“I love you all the way up to my toes” ❤️

monalyisha What a precious babe! 4mo
Gissy Adorable!💖How are you feeling? 4mo
MaureenMc 🥰🥰🥰 4mo
mabell @monalyisha @MaureenMc She is a sweetie! ❤️ 4mo
mabell @Gissy Tired! 😴🫠 She is wonderful and exhausting 🤣 I read your post about swimming training! How is your own triathlon training going? Do you have another event planned? 4mo
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mabell
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Next up! Thanks, Sarah!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on this one. Mine were mixed! 4mo
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mabell
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Pickpick

Such a fun tale! As an ardent reader of Heyer Regency romances, this was a perfect fit! It is quite a tangled tale with duels, impersonators, and a complex family tree. 😄 Oh, and lovely friends!

I will definitely look for more Joan Aikens! Any recommendations for particular titles?

TheAromaofBooks Aiken is a weirdly hit or miss author for me. For instance, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is one of my all-time favorite books - but the rest of the series got progressively weirder and creepier. She wrote several Austen sequels that I have enjoyed but not loved, as well. 4mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks What a crazy coincidence! I just saw the Wolves of Willoughyb Chase secondhand yesterday! I saw the author and thought Ooohh, great timing! Then I read the summary, and I thought it seemed too dark for me. 😬 I should have just picked it up in case! 4mo
TheAromaofBooks It is a little dark for a children's book, but SO good. But I probably wouldn't chose it for one of our “lighthearted“ reads 😂 4mo
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mabell
House Without a Key | Earl Derr Biggers
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Also, I wanted to highlight how beautifully you wrapped the gifts! Your creative folding and tucking in the bookmarks was fabulous! You aren‘t allowed to deprecate your wrapping skills anymore! 🤣🤣

Gissy I watched some videos to do this, something different and not too complicated 😄 5mo
mabell @Gissy It looks fabulous! Watching videos is such a great idea! I‘ll have to look up some! 5mo
Gissy @mabell That one is very easy🤗 5mo
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mabell
Thursday Murder Club | Richard Osman
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Gisela, what a sweet and thoughtful package! Your gifts for Sophie were so cute! Such a pretty outfit, and she‘ll love being wrapped in the cozy robe after bath time! The envelope you made was so pretty, and I loved how you personalized it! I‘m saving it for her baby book! The fuzzy socks and mug set are perfect gifts for mama, as are the great bookmarks! I am so excited for all the books!! ⬇️

mabell I have wanted to join all the cool kids who read and loved the Thursday Murder Club, and I have always been curious to read one of the Charlie Chan books. I can‘t believe you found it! Thank you so much for everything, I love it all! 5mo
Gissy I‘m glad you liked it. Books were intended to be your birthday gift😳😱but then I had some situations with some books. Maybe because BookDepository was facing problems already? Who knows! What it is important is that the gifts arrived, a combination of birthday and celebration of Sophie arrival 💖 I need to send some cookies to say congratulations to the papa, Chris, congratulations to him too😄I‘m so happy for both of you. A big hug my friend❤️🥰 5mo
mabell @Gissy It‘s perfect! Celebrates her birthday and mine! ❤️🎂🥳 Chris says thank you for the congratulations! He is a proud papa 😄 Thank you so much for everything 🥰🥰 (edited) 5mo
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mabell
Toll-Gate | Georgette Heyer
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Such a fun adventure, just as fun on rereading! Quite a different set of characters and situation than you usually find in a Heyer. I hope you all enjoy it! I‘ll get it on its way to you, Chrissy!

julieclair I'm chuckling at the cover. Seems like almost every book I've been reading has a horse involved. Wonder if it's some sort of sign, lol. 🐎 6mo
mabell @julieclair Ha that‘s funny! A sign the Kentucky Derby is coming up? 😆 6mo
julieclair @mabell Maybe it's a sign I should place a bet on the Derby. If there's a horse named Toll Gate, or Heyer, I'll know it's a sure winner! 😂 6mo
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mabell @julieclair If there is, let me know! I‘m definitely putting money on it too! 🤣 6mo
CarolynM Stacking because I need to keep expanding my Heyer reading🙂 6mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I'm excited about this one!! 6mo
mabell @CarolynM It‘s a bit different type of storyline, but quite fun and filled with classic Heyer wit! 6mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks I can‘t wait to see what you think! (In 2-3 months 😂) 6mo
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mabell
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They‘ve arrived! Thanks, Sarah!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 6mo
Aimeesue Aiken AND Delafield! What a treat! 6mo
mabell @Aimeesue Aiken is completely new to me! I‘m looking forward to diving in! 😄 6mo
Aimeesue @mabell I‘ve not read any of her adult books, but her children‘s books are fabulous. I sill have my original copy of Arabel‘s Raven from my childhood. 🥰 6mo
mabell @Aimeesue Oh that sounds like fun! I‘ll have to keep an eye out for her children‘s books! 6mo
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mabell
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Pickpick

I read this in one day! (A few weeks ago, I‘m pokey on my review 🙃)
I loved the beginning half, and enjoyed the whole book! The Marquis as a fatherly figure stole my heart ❤️ I loved Frederica, too, though I got rather put out with her in the latter portion with her uncomprehending treatment of Charis.

#LMPBC #GroupH

AlaMich Fun cover! 6mo
TheAromaofBooks I loved this one!! 6mo
mabell @AlaMich They came out with a few of these, and they are all so pretty! 6mo
mabell @TheAromaofBooks Another great one! Such a fun family ❤️ 6mo
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mabell
Delicious Monsters | Liselle Sambury
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I‘m sorry it has taken me so long to post this @LibrarianRyan ! Another unbirthday gift has arrived - and it has a very striking cover!!
Thank you so much for your generous birthday-sharing! ❤️

LibrarianRyan yeahhh. See I am not any better at responding. I hope you like it. I can not wait to read it.! 6mo
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mabell
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Chrissy, I love the surprise package for Baby! How fun! I know Sophie will enjoy splashing the pages of her bath book and will love reading (and gumming) her new books! Those are so cool! Thank you so much! ❤️

Chrissyreadit So glad they look like fine! And so excited for you! 6mo
Chrissyreadit Love her name ❤️❤️❤️ 6mo
mabell @Chrissyreadit Thank you! We spent all 9 months deciding 🤣 6mo
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mabell
Hello Baby! | Mem Fox
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This sweet little peanut arrived early! Needless to say, we are blissful, exhausted, bewildered, and completely smitten 🥰🥰

SheReadsAndWrites Congratulations! 💖 6mo
mabell @SheReadsAndWrites Thank you! ❤️ 6mo
Chrissyreadit ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 6mo
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Texreader Oh my goodness—what a cutie! Beyond words. Congratulations and many hugs all around. 6mo
Clwojick Congrats! 6mo
ju.ca.no Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈 🥰 6mo
LeahBergen Oooohhh, she‘s beautiful!! Congratulations! ❤️❤️❤️ 6mo
batsy Congratulations! 😍❤️ 6mo
Bookwormjillk Congratulations ❤️ 6mo
Librarybelle Congratulations! 6mo
CarolynM So adorable🥰 Congratulations ❤️ 6mo
Itchyfeetreader Many many congrats ! 6mo
SamAnne Congratulations! 6mo
MaureenMc Congratulations! She‘s beautiful! ❤️ 6mo
Tamra So cute! Congrats! 6mo
BookwormM Congratulations 🥳 6mo
Aimeesue Yay! New babies are the best! Congrats! ❤️ 6mo
Gissy Congratulations! I didn‘t know you were expecting a baby😳🤦🏽‍♀️ but never is too late! Adorable! 💖😍🥰 6mo
staci.reads What a beauty! Congratulations! ❤️👶🍼 6mo
mabell @BookwormM @Aimeesue @staci.reads Thank you so much! ❤️ 6mo
mabell @Gissy Surprise! 😆 I was fairly quiet about expecting! Then, all of a sudden she‘s here! 😂🥰❤️ 6mo
Gissy @mabell Adorable! So welcome to the world Sophie 💖 6mo
Bookzombie Congratulations! She is beautiful! 6mo
mabell @Gissy She says thank you! My mom has been telling me it‘s a wonderful world full of books 😄❤️📚 6mo
mabell @Bookzombie Thank you so much! 😊💕 6mo
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mabell
Bachelors Anonymous | P G Wodehouse
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Sorry for the delay, friends! Here are a few ideas for our next round of happy books!

I‘ve read Toll-Gate, but I thought it would be fun to see what everyone else thought about it (especially all the slang!)

Provincial Lady in London wasn‘t like the first book, but her experiences/thoughts on America may be entertaining 😄

See All 9 Comments
Chrissyreadit My choices are Bachelors Anonymous and The Toll Gate 7mo
julieclair These all sound good, but my top two choices are The Toll Gate and Bachelors Anonymous. 7mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh these all sound fantastic!! I'm good with any of them!! 7mo
mabell @Chrissyreadit @julieclair @TheAromaofBooks Great! I‘ll go with The Toll Gate, then. I‘m excited to see what you all think! 7mo
TheAromaofBooks That may actually be one of the few Heyer books I haven't read yet!! 7mo
julieclair Yay! Looking forward to reading it. 😃 7mo
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mabell
Catt Out of the Bag | Clifford Witting
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Pickpick

I almost saved this one for next Christmas - the plot being the disappearance of one of group of charity carolers - but I‘m glad I went ahead and read it now.

I loved the English country setting and the tongue-in-cheek humor. The mystery waned a bit for me. I was drawn more the by author‘s prose and the characters, and I would absolutely like to read another by this author. Did I mention he was quite funny?

#1939 for #192025

Librarybelle Stacking! 7mo
tpixie @Sills you love Christmas-Themed books! 7mo
Tamra Stacked! 7mo
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LeahBergen I love this cover! 😍 7mo
batsy Great cover! Another to add to the list 😁 7mo
mabell @tpixie @Librarybelle @Tamra @LeahBergen @batsy It‘s always fun to pick up an unknown golden age mystery and enjoy it - especially if it has such a striking cover! 😄 7mo
mabell @Gissy I forgot to mention - thank you so much for sending this one to me! ❤️ 7mo
tpixie @mabell @Gissy the cover is gorgeous! (edited) 7mo
Gissy @mabell I forgot but I‘m glad this was a winner😆We never know what is going to be our last impression with books. Well, this is now in my wish list🤗I think I will be in this world forever because I continue adding books to that list😳😂😂😂 7mo
mabell @Gissy With books, it‘s the more the merrier! 🤣😄 7mo
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