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robinb

robinb

Joined October 2016

LibraryThing member RWBrock

Fiction fan, ❤️ hist. romance/mystery/suspense, fantasy. GR: www.goodreads.com/rwbrock ; Litsy Birthday fairy :)
review
robinb
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Pickpick

This was an intriguing dual timeline mystery (1965 and present day), apparently the first in a new series, that revolves around a wealthy woman, Frances Adams, who beginning as a teenager, spends her entire life trying to escape her foretold death (by an English country fair fortune-teller) only to be murdered at her estate almost 60 years later.
Annie Adams, Frances‘ great-niece, is summoned to the village of Castle Knoll to meet her reclusive 🔻

robinb aunt, only to arrive to find Frances dead. As Frances left a bit of a challenge in her will (if she is murdered, the heir will be the one who successfully interprets the fortune-teller‘s riddle and exposes the killer), Annie begins her search and discovers more about the woman (both good and bad) and regrets never having met her. There are other characters competing for the wealthy estate as well as a whole host of 🔻 3d
robinb villagers/childhood friends who may be hiding something.
I loved this book. As her first adult debut, Perrin has written a wonderfully complex and entertaining murder mystery set around a murder victim that we only get to see through flashbacks in her past…wish I had more of Frances, although Annie brilliantly takes up the helm of strength and determination that her great-aunt first steered. While the entire book was a treat, I especially 🔻
3d
robinb enjoyed the flashbacks which introduced Frances‘ friend group with all their secrets and jealousies. Excellent character development.
Thoroughly enjoyed and will be looking for more from Perrin. 5/5⭐️
3d
See All 7 Comments
Crazeedi Robin-a great review! Makes me want to definitely read!! Adding 3d
Tamra Sounds fun! 3d
robinb @Crazeedi thanks, Diane, I really enjoyed it. 😊 3d
robinb @Tamra Very entertaining! 😊 3d
52 likes2 stack adds7 comments
review
robinb
The Trail of Lost Hearts | Tracey Garvis Graves
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This is my second Graves book, and I must say that I‘m enjoying her writing. Wren Waters, at 34 and living in Dayton, OH, receives back-to-back life-changing blows that she didn‘t see coming and falls into a mind-numbing depression. When her best friend succeeds in getting her out for a hike, she discovers geocaching and re-enters the world. On a trail of a week-long geocaching trip in Oregon, she meets Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist on a 🔻

robinb break who is also recovering from a past tragedy. When Wren encounters a threat along the trail, the two decide for safety's sake to buddy up for the remainder of their trail trips. As Wren begins to trust Marshall more, she opens up about her heartbreaks, but unfortunately, he shuts down about his instead. As the two grow intimately closer, the clock is ticking for them to return to their respective worlds…could 🔻 3d
robinb there be a future in a long-distance relationship when they both have issues to work through?
This was a well-written, insightful look at two struggling people who find a like-soul in the other. Toward the end of the book, there is a twist, and the way it is approached/handled by both Wren and Marshall shows a growth and maturity that this reader had been rooting for all along.
Very well done. 4.25/5⭐️
(edited) 3d
Crazeedi Great summary! 3d
robinb @Crazeedi Thank you! 😘 3d
44 likes4 comments
review
robinb
Expiration Dates | Rebecca Serle
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My first Serle book, it definitely won‘t be my last. It‘s a bit romantic comedy, friend fest, introspective deep dive, all tied up with a paranormal twist…wow, never thought I‘d put those descriptives together.
Daphne Bell, for over 20 years, has been living her romantic life through a series of slips of paper that mysteriously come her way. With each slip comes a first name and a timeframe…the exact period of time they will be together. As 🔻

robinb she‘s grown older, she yearns for the slip with a name…but no time limit. Enter Jake. As Daphne and Jake grow closer and begin to discuss future plans, Daphne wrestles with the dilemma of being both committed to a relationship and also being truthful about the paper slips and parts of her own life.
I really enjoyed this one! It was all over the place with emotions…humorous and light, deeply felt, heart wrenching. But ultimately it struck me 🔻
3d
robinb for its growth arc of Daphne‘s character. She learns some very tough but valuable lessons as she sticks with a long-lasting relationship, and by the denouement, those lessons are fully realized by a wonderfully satisfying ending.
Whole-heartedly recommended. 5/5⭐️
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Julsmarshall Ooh, sounds good. Great review! 3d
robinb @Julsmarshall Thank you! I really loved it. 3d
47 likes4 comments
review
robinb
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Pickpick

My #DoubleBookSpin and a softer pick.
I enjoyed this mystery set in a remote English village during the WWII era but which doesn‘t center around the war per se but more with it serving as a backdrop. It has a bit of a Gothic feel with a mysterious wraith that our heroine, Ruth, a literary student who wants to write the next great novel, feels needs investigating. Ruth finds herself drawn to Malcolm, a wounded soldier, with a wife who has 🔻

robinb suffered a tragic accident that left her with brain damage (she is mute and seemingly unaware of what goes on around her).
I won‘t go into more specifics except to say there are several side stories other than the wraith-plot, and I didn‘t feel all of those were necessary or added much to the book. Otherwise, a decent read. 3.5/5⭐️
(edited) 3d
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3d
42 likes2 comments
review
robinb
Who Cries for the Lost | C. S. Harris
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Eighteenth in the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series finds Sebastian (on the eve of Napoleon‘s second wave of forces) drawn into the murder investigation of a major with a long list of enemies…his mistress, his wife, and their governess, a fellow officer and a list of Napoleon‘s spies that he is transporting to the Regent. This one also adds in the intriguing side interests of old English folklore and the occult.
Lots going on 🔻

robinb in this one, turns and twists, and I enjoyed every moment. Harris is a pro at her historical research and at continuing to develop her characters who have never become static or boring during this enduring series. Her books are always auto-buys for me. 4.5/5 #BookSpin (edited) 3d
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3d
Crazeedi Oh my goodness, I'm not sure where I left off on this series, I need to check because it's a great one!! Thanks for thecreminder, I think maybe book 8 or 9? I'm so behind!! 3d
See All 7 Comments
Crazeedi Crap I am at book 7, finished book 6. Got to look for these!! 3d
robinb @Crazeedi 😂😂😂 I‘ve fallen behind before as well. Just look at it this way…lots of great enjoyment catching up. I kind of envy you! 😆😆😆 3d
Crazeedi I just checked and I have the next 2!! 2d
robinb @Crazeedi Enjoy!! 2d
40 likes7 comments
review
robinb
A Cold Day for Murder | Dana Stabenow
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A new author for me, this first in the Kate Shugak series, is centered around Kate, a native Aleut who works as a PI in Alaska. As an expert in her local Alaskan environs, she is asked to search for a park ranger who has been missing for 6 weeks and the FBI investigator who was sent to look for him.
I really enjoyed this book which is high on character development, a tight storyline, a suspense-filled plot, 🔻

robinb a surprise denouement and surprisingly, lots of humor. Kate is a force to be reckoned with…tough, resourceful and strong-willed. Along with her half-wolf, half-husky dog Mutt, there are a colorful array of community and law officials introduced and along for the ride as well. And I‘m happy to join the journey. 4.25/5 #LMPBC 3d
ShelleyBooksie Oh ho - this is my jam! Totally stacked. 3d
robinb @ShelleyBooksie I liked it so much that I immediately went ahead and read the next one 😂. 3d
CarolynM I have a friend who loves this series. I haven‘t tried it yet. Stacking this one as a reminder🙂 3d
robinb @CarolynM 👍👍 Kate is definitely a unique character. 😊 3d
33 likes3 stack adds5 comments
review
robinb
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Second in the Lord Julian mysteries, this builds on a series that I‘m enjoying more and more.
Here Lord Julian is summoned by his ducal brother to the family seat to provide diversionary tactics from a marriage-minded neighbor. While visiting, said neighbor‘s (Lady Clarissa) artist brother goes missing, and he is asked to help locate him.
I really enjoy Lord Julian‘s character. As illegitimate, we see the prejudice and snubbing that he faces 🔽

robinb from Polite Society, but as a refreshing change from most other historicals centered around illegitimate heirs, we also see a very supportive and loving family. He‘s intelligent (and especially good at tracking from his stint during the war), straightforward and humorous, all of which I like in a leading character. I also very much enjoy the co-stars in his stories…his brother, his godmother and his former love interest from before the war. 🔽
3w
robinb Burrowes does an exceptional job with establishing and growing her characters, and I am continually onboard with reading anything she puts out. 4.25/5⭐️ 3w
46 likes2 comments
review
robinb
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Lord Julian finds himself delving deeper into his deceased younger brother‘s life to uncover the truth about a surprise revelation in this third installment of the Lord Julian mystery series. The reader learns even more here about Lord Julian‘s brother, Lord Harry, who was captured and killed by the French during the war. Lord Julian‘s feelings of guilt over his brother‘s death are further explored as he strives to find the truth behind an 🔽

robinb unexpected bombshell that could result in the exploitation of an innocent and an exclusion from the ton.
This was a good look at the relationship between Julian and his brother Arthur, the Duke of Waltham, as they work together to right a circumstance that they were unaware of and bring a bit of closure to their feelings over their younger brother‘s early demise. Another enjoyable addition to the series. 4.25/5⭐️
3w
44 likes1 comment
review
robinb
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Pickpick

4.5/5 stars

I think this 4th one is my favorite (so far) of the Lord Julian mystery series. Lord Julian is summoned to the home of a family friend to discover what happened to (and hopefully find) a prized foxhound. As he learns more about the family and nearby village, he unravels secrets, slander, blackmail and fraud, but how does everything tie into the missing dog? As he makes progress on his investigation, he is asked to disband it as 🔽

robinb his brother Arthur is threatened with exposure of a dangerous secret. But Julian is driven to expose the villain, and as Arthur shares his hidden self, the brothers are drawn even closer in their love and understanding of the other.
Satisfying and entertaining. 4.5/5⭐️
3w
40 likes1 comment
review
robinb
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I really enjoyed this debut historical romance/fantasy with a bit of a steampunk feel and a nice faith-filled atmosphere as well. Taking place in 1860 London, Clara Marie Stanton has always felt responsible for shielding/protecting her lovable but eccentric (some might say insane) family, and she has devoted herself to that end. Her beloved grandfather, a clockmaker and inventor of a flying owl machine, decides to take a flying adventure through🔽

robinb Europe in the hopes of encouraging Clara to step outside of her self-imposed familial duties and search for him via a scavenger hunt. Along with her grandfather‘s new apprentice Theodore and her mother, she sets off on a myriad of adventures and along the way learns more about herself and what she would like out of life. Of course there‘s a villain out to steal the machine to provide some suspense, but the real stars here are the Stanton family 🔽 3w
robinb and their unique and tight-knit love for each other and all their idiosyncrasies.
Clara and Theodore are charming and lovely and the kind of feel-good characters that you just want to hug and hang out with.

Very well done, and I‘m looking forward to more from this author. 4.5/5⭐️
3w
julesG Happy Book Birthday! This goes onto #MountTBR right away. 3w
robinb @julesG Oh good! I loved it. 3w
43 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
robinb
Rumor Game | Thomas Mullen
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This thriller set in WW2 Boston centers around Reporter Anne Lemire and FBI special agent Devon Mulvey as they are brought together to investigate murder, organized crime, espionage and domestic fascism. While the story‘s plot and writing were fine, and there were twists and turns, I just wasn‘t bowled over. I wanted to connect more with the characters, and I actually had some issues with Devon‘s character. Also a bit of an abrupt ending. 🔽

robinb I‘ll give it a soft pick. 3.75/5⭐️ 3w
42 likes1 comment
blurb
robinb
The Spinster Book | MYRTLE REED
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Here‘s my #BookSpin / #DoubleSpin list for March.

One of these days I‘m going to scrap this list (which I‘ve recycled forever!), and surprise everyone (including myself! 😂🙄) with a completely new line-up.

Goals…🤔

Thanks, Sarah!

TheAromaofBooks Someday you'll actually get to read The Cliff's Edge 😂 3w
robinb @TheAromaofBooks I know, right??! I think some of these series already have several more additions since they were originally added. 😉😉 I‘m still holding out hope for Cliff‘s Edge. 😂 3w
44 likes2 comments
blurb
robinb
A Surprise in the Mail! | Amye Rosenberg
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She‘s on her way home to you, @Jerdencon , with arrival by next Wednesday (2/28). 🤞🏼

Forgot to mark it as #LMPBC…🤭

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I just finished Celine yesterday, so I'll hopefully get it in the mail next week!! @bookandbedandtea 4w
Jerdencon Mine was put in the mail today @TheAromaofBooks 4w
bookandbedandtea @TheAromaofBooks Cool! I can't wait to read everyone's comments! @robinb I *think* I'll be able to get yours sent out tomorrow. 🤞🏻 @Jerdencon 4w
robinb @bookandbedandtea Paula, my book arrived today. 😊 Thank you! 👍 3w
31 likes5 comments
blurb
robinb
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March is coming fast, folks, and we have a wonderful line-up of friends celebrating their BIG DAYS next month. 😊🥳🥳🥳

If you‘d like to be included on the Litsy birthday calendar and receive some extra special #birthdaylove from the #birthdayfairies and your Litsy family, please send your Litsy handle and birthdate to litsybirthdays@gmail.com.

Looking forward to the celebrations!

🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

booklover3258 @Megabooks we share a birthday!! 4w
Megabooks @booklover3258 awesome!! 🎉🎉😁😁 4w
34 likes2 comments
blurb
robinb
Book Clubbed | Lorna Barrett
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Hey all! Three of these are “leftovers” from this round, three are new. Do any of these catch your eye? 👀😊

I‘m including page counts FYI. I think all have decent reviews.

robinb 416 (I have this as an ARC) (edited) 4w
robinb 320 (edited) 4w
See All 17 Comments
robinb 336 (edited) 4w
bookandbedandtea @robinb Dangerous Duet, Recovery Agent, and Death Below Stairs all sound great to me. 4w
robinb @bookandbedandtea 😊👍👍👍 4w
TheAromaofBooks I'm good with any of these. I think I'd give an edge to Recovery Agent and Wrong Place, Wrong Time. 4w
Jerdencon All sound good - my favorites would be a dangerous duet and blind justice. 4w
robinb OK, these two seem to be most popular. It really doesn‘t matter to me so cast your vote. 🎉😊 @TheAromaofBooks @bookandbedandtea @Jerdencon 4w
Jerdencon I‘ll vote for dangerous duet but the other one is fine too 4w
TheAromaofBooks I'll vote for Recovery Agent and let @bookandbedandtea cast the deciding vote 😂 I'm fine with Dangerous Duet as well. I don't usually read historical mysteries, but maybe that would make this one a good change of pace haha 4w
robinb OK, @bookandbedandtea looks like you‘re the deciding vote…no pressure! 😂😂😂 4w
bookandbedandtea @robinb @Jerdencon @TheAromaofBooks Y'all are giving me anxiety! Since Sarah isn't fond of historical, and I'm going the Evanovich will be funny, I'll vote for Recovery Agent. 😬 4w
robinb @bookandbedandtea Evanovich it is! And yes, I assume some humor is on the horizon with her. 😉😉 4w
TheAromaofBooks @bookandbedandtea - you did great under pressure! 😂 I'll post a few options for my pick this weekend!! 4w
37 likes17 comments
review
robinb
In the Orbit of You | Ashley Schumacher
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This author never disappoints me. This is her 4th book, and I‘ve loved each one in different ways and for different reasons. This Teen/YA novel centers around high schoolers Nova and Sam who serendipitously meet back up 12 years after being neighbors and best friends as 5-year-olds. They have never forgotten each other as they each served a purpose in the other‘s childhood…Nova gave Sam a safe place and friendship as he struggled with abuse and 🔻

robinb Sam was a safe stabilizer in Nova‘s constantly changing world (her mom moved repeatedly for jobs). As they begin to reconnect, there are still challenges and unknowns to face. Nova will be moving again in 2 months and feels lost and unsure about who she is and what she wants for her future, and Sam doesn‘t want to face conflict and change in his current relationships/future plans. This was such a sweet story about friendship, family and fate. 🔻 4w
robinb I did get a bit peeved with Sam on his handling of one relationship, but he grew and gained courage/confidence to figure it out. The ending was the cutest…loved it. It would appear that Schumacher is now an auto-buy for me now. 4.5/5⭐️ 4w
41 likes2 comments
review
robinb
Murder, I Spy | Morrison
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Mehso-so

I‘ve had this one on my Kindle for a year now and decided to give it a go. I did enjoy the female protagonist Dora as a strong, intelligent and independent undercover spy, but I wasn‘t really fond of her partner Rex or their relationship. And unfortunately, since I‘m very much a character-driven reader, it just didn‘t entertain me like I was hoping for. Probably won‘t continue on with the series. 3/5⭐️

review
robinb
One Wrong Move | Dani Pettrey
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Mehso-so

First in the Jeopardy Falls Christian romance thriller series finds Christian O'Brady, a security specialist and private investigator teaming up with Andi Forester, a former FBI forensic analyst, now an insurance investigator, to solve a string of art heists.
The story involves some violent and relentless villains including a man from Christian's checkered past seeking revenge. There's also another investigation, handled by ⬇

robinb Christian's brother and Andi's best friend, into why and how Andi was framed for botching murder evidence which ruined her FBI career. Obviously, a lot going on here.
This book was just average for me. While I liked the characters, I did feel that Christian was a bit too protective of Andi at times. And while the suspense was there in spots, there were some slow bits as well. As far as the romance side, I felt it was a bit rushed, and I didn't ⬇
(edited) 1mo
robinb really get the warm fuzzies between the two. However, I did like how the characters' faith was written about and handled. 3.25/5 stars
1mo
Crazeedi Happy Valentine's day dear friend 1mo
See All 6 Comments
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Happy Valentine‘s Day 🩷 1mo
robinb @Crazeedi Thank you, Diane, and to you as well! I got your sweet ❤️ card…thanks for thinking of me. 🤗 1mo
robinb @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you, Misty! Happy Hearts Day to you as well. Hope you‘re doing well. 🤗 1mo
41 likes6 comments
review
robinb
Murder by Lamplight | Patrice McDonough
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As the first in the Dr. Julia Lewis mystery series, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one and how much I‘m looking forward to more.
Set in 1866 London, after studying in America, Julia Lewis is one of Britain‘s first female physicians and finds herself having to prove herself in a man‘s realm. As a stand-in for her ailing grandfather, she is called to the scene of a grisly murder and finds herself working with the skeptical🔻

robinb Scotland Yard Inspector Richard Tennant. As the bodies mount up and taunting messages for Tennant are left at each scene, they must work together, each with their own expertise, to uncover the murderer.
Julia shines here as a strong heroine, determined and tenacious to be accepted and respected as a physician. The plot is well constructed, the suspense building until the surprise villain is unmasked. 🔻
1mo
robinb An entertaining, satisfying and suspenseful beginning for Dr. Lewis. 4.25/5⭐️ 1mo
Librarybelle Stacking! 1mo
CoffeeK8 Oh this looks good! 1mo
robinb @Librarybelle 👍😊 @CoffeeK8 it‘s always nice to be pleasantly surprised by a book. 😊 1mo
54 likes5 stack adds5 comments
review
robinb
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This is a favorite series author‘s first foray into writing a stand-alone novel. It is based on the true story of the Fortune sisters, three young women, who along with their parents and younger brother, set sail on the maiden voyage of the Titanic as the finale of a Grand Tour of Europe.
We are treated to life viewpoints from each sister: Flora, the dutiful and oldest, who is somewhat ambivalently returning home to a fiancé of whom her ?

robinb parents heartily approve; Alice, also engaged but chafing at the bounds of society as she yearns to travel and break free of her cossetted world; and Mabel, the youngest sister, headstrong and spirited, who is determined to explore ideas of suffrage and reform and seeks education rather than conventional marriage and family.
I really loved this story. While based on a true story, I felt Huber did a wonderful job of filling in the gaps of 🔻
1mo
robinb who these women were and what they came to discover about themselves over the course of this ill-fated journey. Each woman felt fully fleshed out to me, and I felt their personalities as distinct and interesting individuals as well as a member of their family unit. While there were a lot of supporting characters to keep track of, through reading previous Huber books (from both her Verity Kent and Lady Darby series), a standout of her 🔻 1mo
robinb planning/writing process is a marked detail to research. I always feel submerged in the time period and the perspectives of the characters at that particular moment in history. Huber is so very good at doing her history homework.
I found this wonderfully engaging and highly recommend it. 4.5/5⭐️
1mo
LeahBergen Great review! This sounds good. 👍 1mo
robinb @LeahBergen thanks, Leah! I really liked it. I hope you are doing well. 😊 1mo
49 likes4 stack adds5 comments
review
robinb
One Moment | Becky Hunter
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This one had all the feels…dealing with a debilitating illness, grief, forgiveness, resilience and finally finding joy and determination to live again and to the fullest.
Scarlett and Evie have been best friends since the age of seven…more like sisters and have grown up championing each other‘s goals and dreams. After a devastating accident, Evie is left alone to deal with not only crippling grief but also a crippling disease that has caused her🔻

robinb to give up her dream and retreat from the world around her.
Nate, a travel journalist, is dealing with his own pain over the accident and the lasting effects of his brother‘s suicide when Nate was just 15.
Evie and Nate are drawn together as they learn to forgive and slowly move forward with their lives. This book is a tearjerker but also a revelatory story for all three mains, Scarlett, who is caught in limbo as she watches and 🔻
1mo
robinb cheers on Evie (as well as seeing herself in new lights), Evie, as she begins to see herself living without the sister of her heart and Nate, as he faces insights into why he has always felt the need to move rather than stay.
It‘s a very well-done story of friendship, growth and ultimately joy. Recommended. 4.5/5⭐️
1mo
42 likes2 comments
review
robinb
After Annie: A Novel | Anna Quindlen
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A very real gut-punch of a book of a family dealing with the loss of the one who held them together.
Annie is a 30-something wife and mother of four, who dies suddenly of an aneurysm in front of her husband and children (ages 6-13) while cooking dinner.
This story is told from three perspectives: Bill, Annie‘s husband; Ali, Annie‘s oldest and only daughter; and Annemarie, Annie‘s life-long best friend. Each perspective contains bittersweet 🔻

robinb flashbacks of Annie, who the reader never really gets to know, but by the end of the story, we have a fully recognized character…her strengths, her faults, her loves, her life.
Obviously, each character‘s view of Annie and what she meant in their lives is unique, but also unique to each is how to begin to fill the hole from her death in not only themselves but in their family as well. The process of grieving is seen through: Ali as the 🔻
(edited) 1mo
robinb oldest, trying to step up as the caregiver while also having to navigate her own adolescence on her own; through Bill, who began as a somewhat bemused and reluctant husband/father but grew into those roles through Annie‘s own embracement and joy of her own wife/mother roles; and through Annemarie, who has to learn to navigate her mess of a life without her mentor, guiding light and soul sister. My favorite characters here were 🔻 1mo
robinb Ali and Philomena Cruz, a warm-hearted counselor, but each cast member tugged at my heart in different ways.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it. 4.5/5⭐️
(edited) 1mo
kspenmoll After your review, I must read this! 1mo
robinb @kspenmoll I‘d love to hear what your thoughts are. 😊 This was my first Quindlen, but I‘d like to read more. (edited) 1mo
47 likes3 stack adds5 comments
review
robinb
A Feather So Black | Lyra Selene
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Book One of the Fair Folk series, this romantic fantasy is set in a kingdom that has lost its magic and the Fair Folk Kingdom, bitter enemies and rivals. Fia is a changeling left by the Fair Folk in place of the queen‘s daughter who they stole during a war between the realms and carried to their kingdom ten years before. She has been raised as the queen‘s surrogate daughter and trained as a warrior and wielder of her unique magic. She is tasked 🔻

robinb with entering the fae world to retrieve the kidnapped Eala who has been cursed to become a swan by day, human by night. She journeys with Eala‘s childhood betrothed, Prince Rogan, who is also Fia‘s most cherished childhood friend, and the two spend their nights in the fae realm devising a plan to rescue Eala from the dark fae Lord Irian who is holding her captive. As Fia begins to realize that some of what she‘s been told of the fae kingdom 🔻 1mo
robinb is untrue, she also recognizes that her manipulative “sister” Eala may be hiding ulterior motives from her. Can she truly trust those that she‘s loved as family, or are their plans more nefarious than a simple rescue?
I enjoyed this story especially the almost lyrical quality of the writing which went along well with the fae premise. But I did feel at almost 500 pages that it was a bit long and could have been tightened up a bit in certain 🔻
1mo
robinb places. I will look forward to reading more of the Fair Folk series. 4.25/5⭐️ #coverlove 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Great review and this cover is amazing 🖤🤍 1mo
robinb @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks, Misty. And that cover is beautiful and goes along with the story so well. 1mo
41 likes5 comments
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robinb
The Sadness | Benjamin Rybeck
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Someone please remind me in future NOT to read three back-to-back books centered around grief/death/dying…OH MAN. 😩

Texreader Oh gosh!!! I try to keep a good mix going but sometimes this happens to me too! It‘s so hard. 1mo
robinb @Texreader I know, right?! I try to do that as well. But I had 3 arcs that I needed to read right away, and that‘s how it ended up unfortunately. 1mo
TheBookHippie 😵‍💫 Oy…. 1mo
See All 11 Comments
willaful I hear you! I'm reading Still Missing for #PersephoneClub and it's excruciating! I'm gonna need a nice fluffy romance before I get back to System Collapse. 😂 1mo
Smrloomis Jump into First Time for Everything or something similar quick! 1mo
robinb @Smrloomis Oh, that sounds wonderful!! 💙 Thanks for the rec! 1mo
robinb @willaful I‘m currently reading a nice romantic thriller. 🤣👍 1mo
willaful @Smrloomis Requested! 1mo
squirrelbrain I just thought exactly that when I read your reviews -they all sounds very sad. 😞 1mo
robinb @squirrelbrain Yes, I‘m going to stick to less emotional ones for awhile. 1mo
Smrloomis My pleasure 🤩 @willaful YES!! 👏🏽 1mo
52 likes11 comments
blurb
robinb
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I love my detectives! 🤣🧐 Only three is tough!

Sebastian St. Cyr
Kiera Darby
Veronica Speedwell

Thanks for the tag @Crazeedi ! 🤗

#ThreeListThursday
#TLT

dabbe Never heard of these, but they're now on my TBR! Thanks for playing! ❤️💜🩷 1mo
robinb @dabbe Thanks for the post…I‘m adding a few to my list too. 👍😊 1mo
Crazeedi I don't know Kiera Darby! But I definitely like the other 2!! 1mo
robinb @Crazeedi Diane, Lady Darby is from Anna Lee Huber‘s Lady Darby series (there are currently 11 books with the 12th out in June). I really enjoy and recommend them. 1mo
Crazeedi @robinb oh I have heard of that series, I maybe read one? Not sure! 1mo
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robinb
After Annie: A Novel | Anna Quindlen
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😔😔😔

** Subject to change upon publication.

review
robinb
Love, Unscripted | Denise Hunter
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Pickpick

I'm a fan of Ms. Hunter's stories, and this one didn't disappoint as usual.
A story of two souls who have trust issues from childhood, this one centers around a famous movie star (Liam) and a newly published, successful fiction writer (Chloe).
I really liked both characters, probably (surprisingly to me) the movie star, Liam, a little more for his unexpectedly sweet and caring nature. As a member of the "fake relationship" trope, I felt this ?

robinb one explored the characters' pasts and personal insecurities a bit more than the average which gave it a breath-of-fresh-air depth. And as an added bonus, the denouement and ending were especially satisfying. 4.25/5⭐️ 1mo
47 likes1 comment
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robinb
The Underground Library | Jennifer Ryan
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this interesting tale based on true events during the London Blitz of WW2.
Told from several womens' perspectives, the book centers around the Bethnal Green Library and its importance to morale and kinship during a bleak and frightening time for Londoners.
The women were diverse in their backgrounds and their current circumstances, and I found that engaging and entertaining and the sense of sisterhood and support was heartwarming 🔻

robinb and staunch. While each woman was strong and resilient in their own way, I found their bond the glue for the story.
Yes, it was a bit formulaic in its outcomes, but I still enjoyed the getting to those outcomes. 4/5⭐️
1mo
LoverOfLearning I'm reading the Nightingale now. Love me a good historical fiction. 1mo
robinb @LoverOfLearning That‘s one I‘m always meaning to get to. I may be the only person on Earth who hasn‘t read it yet…but I‘ll get there! 😊 Happy reading! 1mo
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robinb
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Pickpick

This was a very insightful and honest treatise on a favorite author's own experience with grief. I connected (and think that many will) with her pain and loss and found that her 18 assurances of light at the end of the tunnel were both enlightening and well-chosen. As she is revisiting her own 18 years of bereavement, while giving compassionate and first-hand knowledge, she is also emphasizing that no two persons will travel the exact same 🔻

robinb journey while battling through the stages of grief and loss...but there are similarities in their experiences.
As a caregiver for elderly parents, I found this a moving reading experience and appreciate and value Ms. Mackintosh's caring and sharing of her own very personal journey.
I'm glad to have come across this straightforward, helpful and compassionate book. 4.5/5⭐️
1mo
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robinb
The Spinster Book | MYRTLE REED
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Here it ‘tis…thanks, Sarah! 😊

#BookSpin
#DoubleSpin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo
41 likes1 comment
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robinb
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Such a lovely group of friends celebrating their birthdays in February! ♥️ The #birthdayfairies look forward to spreading some extra #birthdaylove to each and every one. 🥳🥳🥳

If you‘d like to be included on the Litsy birthday calendar and receive some extra 🎉🎉🎉 on your special day, please send your Litsy handle and birthdate to litsybirthdays@gmail.com.

💙🎈💙🎈💙🎈💙🎈💙🎈💙🎈💙🎈

squirrelbrain ❤️🎉❤️🎉 2mo
Crazeedi February already?!!! Whohoo!💗 2mo
39 likes2 comments
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robinb
Let Me Lie | Clare Mackintosh
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All packed up and ready to go! I‘ll get it out to you tomorrow, Denise!

#LMPBC

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! I mailed Vanishing Edge to @bookandbedandtea today as well!! @Jerdencon 2mo
robinb @TheAromaofBooks I‘ll just be happy to be outside my house tomorrow…cabin fever! ❄️ But of course I think we‘re going to have rain. ☔️ 2mo
bookandbedandtea @TheAromaofBooks -Woohoo! @robinb -I have not had enough reading time the last week or more. I'm hoping to finish my book this weekend and send it to you early next week. @Jerdencon 2mo
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robinb @bookandbedandtea No rush at all! 👍😊 2mo
Jerdencon @TheAromaofBooks Celine should be in the mail by the beginning of next week. 2mo
TheAromaofBooks @Jerdencon - Sounds good. No rush... I am not running out reading material any time soon 😂 2mo
27 likes6 comments
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robinb
The Tainted Cup | Robert Jackson Bennett
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Pickpick

This is the first in a detective mystery/fantasy billed as having a Holmes/Watson feel. While I was not bowled over, it was a decent read for me. I was a bit overwhelmed getting into the world-building and keeping some of the terms straight, and there were definitely some slow spots, but I enjoyed the dynamic between the young investigator Kol and his seasoned but eccentric boss Ana. Lots of dry and tongue-in-cheek humor, but I could have 🔽

robinb done without the gratuitous bad language…why??! 3.5/5⭐️ 2mo
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robinb
Let Me Lie | Clare Mackintosh
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This was my #LMPBC for the month, and I enjoyed it! No details here to spoil for @Jerdencon . 😊 I have read this author before and actually have a series of hers in line to read soon. Happy to have had this chosen for this round @TheAromaofBooks . It‘s kind of nice to know in advance that you‘ll probably like the book from previous examples.

I‘ll have this in the mail to you @Jerdencon sometime this next week. 😊

#LMPBC

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I just finished Vanishing Edge this week and hopefully will have it out Monday or Tuesday!! @bookandbedandtea @Jerdencon 2mo
Jerdencon I‘m about 1/2 way done with Celine… should be done by next week. 2mo
robinb FOLLOW-UP REVIEW: This is my third Mackintosh book, and I must say I‘m happy to have found her books.
This one‘s a thriller/mystery revolving around the suicides of both a husband and wife, and their daughter‘s need to understand the circumstances around these tragic events. I enjoyed the suspense buildup and the daughter‘s character, 🔻
3d
robinb but while the ending denouement was exciting it was also a bit confusing/open-ended…which was a bit frustrating for me.
But still a good book, and I look forward to more from this author. 4/5⭐️
(edited) 3d
40 likes4 comments
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robinb
Something in the Heir | Jane Hedwig
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Panpan

This book was a bit of an odd duck for me. I felt as if I was thrown into the middle of a story and not sure that I ever caught up. An American heiress, pregnant by her low-on-funds aristocratic husband (who she alternately loves/hates), must navigate her snobbish in-laws (as well as the rest of the British upper crust) and avoid suspicion as murder victims begin to accumulate around her. To be honest, I did not relate to any characters 🔻

robinb or even like them very much. And I felt there was a lack of depth both to them and the story itself. Just not as good as I had hoped for. Not one I‘m planning to continue with. 2/5⭐️ 2mo
41 likes1 comment
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robinb
A Treacherous Trade | Kerrigan Byrne
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Pickpick

Second in this dark, graphic series centered around an independent and courageous young woman who works as a “sanitation specialist” (which involves cleaning up after gruesome deaths) while also searching for Jack the Ripper who murdered her cousin/best friend. Here, she goes undercover to investigate prostitute deaths in a brothel. Is it Jack or someone even closer by? Great suspense and colorful and engaging characters. More, please.😉4.5/5⭐️

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robinb
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Pickpick

This is 2nd in this historical mystery series, and I‘m continuing to be a big fan. This one finds Violet, who has taken over her eccentric aunt‘s Dear Hermione column, and her younger sister Sephora bored following the excitement of their previous case. So they end up investigating a friend‘s disappearance into a cult with danger and deceit around every turn. This series is hilarious, has wonderfully quirky characters and is definitely a new 🔻

robinb favorite. 4.5/5⭐️ Here‘s the first for anyone interested. (edited) 2mo
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robinb
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Pickpick

I have simply fallen in ♥️ with this author‘s books. She writes beautiful novels of faith that are relatable, at times gut-wrenching and always heartwarming. This one is about the conviction to adopt (something Deese has experience with), and an excruciating decision that has to be made through faith by the heroine before she can move forward to realize her dreams. Deese is definitely a go-to for me now. 4.5/5⭐️ #bookspin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I will have to check her out. Which one is your favorite? 2mo
robinb @TheAromaofBooks In looking back I just realized I‘ve only read 2 of hers. 😂 I think she has about a dozen books and a few are from series (this one is a standalone). I‘ve read the tagged one below (the first in a new series, the second is due 4/24) and have purchased All That Really Matters (first of a duology) to read next. (edited) 2mo
TheAromaofBooks I will be on the lookout for her books!!! I stacked The Words We Lost!! 2mo
43 likes3 comments
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robinb
The Business of Blood | Kerrigan Byrne
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Pickpick

This is quite a switch from this author‘s normal historical romances. It‘s a very dark and graphic mystery centering around a young woman, Fiona Mahoney, who becomes London‘s first Post-Mortem Sanitation Specialist (as she dubs herself) who cleans up after gruesome crimes. She‘s a flawed character who I couldn‘t help rooting for. Her personal mission is to track down Jack the Ripper who murdered her best friend/cousin. Also involved in her story🔻

robinb are a police inspector, an underworld crime boss, and a Native American assassin. This was so well done. I‘ve always enjoyed Byrne‘s romances, but I‘m hoping this foray into dark mystery will continue as I was pulled into the unsavory, dangerous slums right along with these characters and am totally invested to see where this crusade ends up. Very well done. 4.5/5⭐️ #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo
CoffeeK8 I love this one! I hope she writes a sequel sometime! 2mo
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robinb @CoffeeK8 There are actually two with a third coming in April. Here‘s the second one. 2mo
CoffeeK8 @robinb you have made my day! 💕 2mo
robinb @CoffeeK8 Oh good! I love it when someone does that for me. 🤗 2mo
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robinb
The King and Vi | Shana Galen
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Pickpick

This was a soft pick. The premise was OK with a supernatural twist to it (and a bit of a cliffhanger for the next books). I liked the heroine…a tough, independent tavern owner raising her two stepbrothers in a dangerous part of London. The hero began as an unlikeable entitled aristocratic snob but evolved into a decent human being. My favorite thing about this book were the sweet stepbrothers. All-in-all a “meh” for me. 3.75/5⭐️

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robinb
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Mehso-so

I really wanted to like this one more, but there was no connection to any of the characters and the premise a bit over-the-top. Remote, ultra-expensive addiction facility in Pacific Northwest where the death of a celebrity leads to an undercover stay by her sister (also with her own issues). Writing was fine, just not what I had hoped for. 3/5⭐️

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robinb
The Diamond of London | Andrea Penrose
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this “loose“ partial biography of Lady Hester Stanhope (1776-1839) spanning roughly the first 35 years in an astonishing and unique life for a woman of her era.
Lady Hester was a remarkable woman who turned her hand to a large variety of interests...serving as her uncle's (Prime Minister William Pitt, the Younger) private secretary and hostess/lady of the house for various residences, world explorer, and antiquarian/archaeologist among🔻

robinb other diversions. The book covers some of her childhood difficulties (she and her half-brothers grew up with a tyrannical, eccentric father), her first tastes of freedom and forays into romance and how she worked within her stalwart creed to live life by her terms, not by those of the men of the time who were granted dominance and dominion over women. She would definitely have been considered an “original“ during that time period, and quite 🔻 (edited) 2mo
robinb arguably any time period.
It was interesting to see her strengths, her flaws, her ups and downs and her unstinting belief and confidence in herself and her abilities. Well written and well researched with an afterword from the author which provided additional clarity and information on both Hester and the author's own thoughts and process.
Thoroughly enjoyable, and since I was not previously familiar with Lady Hester, this book led me to find 🔻
(edited) 2mo
Crazeedi Sounds interesting, I do love historical works, I think my fave, when there's so much I don't know and love learning! 2mo
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robinb out more about her amazing life. 4.25/5 stars 2mo
robinb @Crazeedi I think you would like it, Diane! :) 2mo
Crazeedi @robinb we do have similar tastes!! 2mo
robinb @Crazeedi 👍👍🤗 I hope you are doing well! 2mo
Crazeedi Working on making cards to send!! You're on my list,but I'm not very fast anymore, lol. Hope all is well with you Robin 2mo
robinb @Crazeedi Good for you! Glad to hear you‘re recovering well. I‘m happy to be on your list. 😉 2mo
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robinb
It Takes a Rake | Anna Bennett
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Pickpick

This was third and final in the Rogues to Lovers series. Taking place in the seaside town of Bellehaven Bay, Kitty and Leo grew up rivals as architect apprentices. Leo left for London but is back 4 years later and is determined to win Kitty‘s heart who he has always secretly loved. They both enter an architectural contest and exchange favors…he gives her help with technical details and she turns him into a rake (what all the ladies want) to win🔻

robinb the heart of the unknown woman that he loves (Kitty herself). As she gives lessons in rakish behavior to the honorable and gentlemanly Leo, humor and hijinks ensue. I enjoyed this, especially Leo‘s character, who in my opinion had the patience of a saint where Kitty‘s insecurities and neediness were concerned. Cute interactions, steamy moments and sweet declarations. 4/5⭐️ 2mo
44 likes1 comment
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robinb
Diva: A Novel | Daisy Goodwin
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Bailedbailed

I almost never do this (and I am sure that many will enjoy it), but I bailed at 30% on this ARC. From all the hype I‘ve been getting on it I felt sure I would love it and was looking forward to it. It is a “loose” biography spanning roughly 20 years of the famed opera singer Maria Callas‘ life. We have small excerpts of her childhood with a domineering, scheming mother, her amazing career and her obsessive and ultimately heartbreaking 9-year 🔻

robinb affair with Aristotle Onassis. While I did make it to their first couple of meetings, I did not get to the actual affair. So yeah, there‘s a lot I missed, and I‘m not ruling out going back to it at some point. I won‘t go into detail here for those planning to read and won‘t give a rating because of my DNF. I might mention a little more on GR just to keep up with the “whens” and “whys”. I‘ll be interested to see what you all think of this one. 2mo
Librarybelle I struggled with her book about Victoria, though I know others who loved it. Her writing style may not be for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2mo
robinb @Librarybelle That‘s actually a big thing for me with this, too. I haven‘t read her before so didn‘t really know what to expect. It wasn‘t my whole issue, but definitely one. I‘m actually a little relieved to see that some on GR had the same takeaway as I did. Thanks for sharing! 😊 (edited) 2mo
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robinb
Deadly Obsession | Carla Simpson
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These were my three 5⭐️ books for December. While I really enjoyed delving deeper into the Marsons Kim Stone series (it just keeps getting better and better!), it would be hard to choose between these two.

The Simpson book is 6th in a mystery series that I‘m also really loving, and this one in particular moves things along nicely. I‘ll give DO my top spot.

#12BooksOf2023

Thanks for hosting, Andrew! This was fun. 😊

Andrew65 Love the Kim Stone Series.
Thanks for playing long, a great way to review 2023. See you for #12Booksof2024 on Christmas Day.
2mo
34 likes1 comment
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robinb
Circle of Shadows | Imogen Robertson
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My 3 5⭐️s for November were all from historical mystery series that I love. None are recent releases, and one (WTRS) is the final book.

This was a hard pick because they are all favorite series with engaging characters and storylines. But I‘m going to give the edge to COS for its intriguing change of location and fleshing out of some secondary characters.

#12BooksOf2023

Andrew65 These all look good. 2mo
36 likes1 comment
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robinb
The Mystery Guest | Nita Prose
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I had three 5⭐️ books in October. All wonderful for different reasons, but I think Molly (from TMG) edged out the other two by just being herself. 😊☀️ Loved getting to know her a little bit better and think I actually enjoyed this one more than its predecessor.

#12BooksOf2023

Andrew65 Need to read this. 2mo
robinb @Andrew65 you really do. 😉😊 2mo
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robinb
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I had two 5⭐️ books for September, but this was my first place. BTW, runner up was from the Lane Winslow series (A Deceptive Devotion).

I love Young‘s books for their magical atmospheres, their unique beauty in writing and the empathy I feel for the characters. She‘s an automatic buy for me.

#12BooksOf2023

Andrew65 This looks an excellent choice. 3mo
46 likes1 comment
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robinb
The Storyteller by the Sea | Phyllida Shrimpton
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These two 5⭐️ books from August were hard to choose between because they were very different and loved for different reasons.

The Shrimpton comes out slightly ahead for its beautiful writing, excellent character development and heart tugging moments. HOWEVER, the Enoch pick is hilarious, sweet and simply fun and delightful. 🩵🩵

#12BooksOf2023

Andrew65 I like the look of The Storyteller. 3mo
robinb @Andrew65 Loved it. Emotional and satisfying. 3mo
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robinb
The Spinster Book | MYRTLE REED
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Almost forgot to post my first #BookSpin / #DoubleSpin list for 2024. 😳😱😊

Thank you for hosting another year @TheAromaofBooks . 💙

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3mo
36 likes1 comment