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sblbooks

sblbooks

Joined December 2018

Historical Fiction, Non-fiction, Psychological Thrillers, Suspense & Classics are my favorite reads.
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The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
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#Appalachianstrong #foreshadowing
This book was written before the hurricane that destroyed many parts of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Thank you to the author for donating all proceeds of this book to Hurricane Helene relief!

I now have power and water.🙌 internet service is still down. This is week 3 I have been unable to work. ( I work from home)

Thank you to everyone who has donated, prayed or volunteered to help in any way.

Scochrane26 I‘ve been worried about WNC Littens. Glad you‘re ok & able to check in. I love the Asheville area & have been keeping up through a few acquaintances. 1mo
Mollyanna Thanks for posting how you are doing and about the book. I‘ll definitely be making a purchase. Best to you and all as you continue to recover from the devastation of Helene. 1mo
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
See All 7 Comments
Bookwormjillk Thank you for posting about this- ordering now. (The author must feel weird about the subject!) I hope your internet comes back soon. (edited) 1mo
megnews I‘ve been thinking of you and hoping you‘re ok. I have family in Old Fort and Marion going thru it too. It‘s devastating. Sending prayers your way. 1mo
sblbooks @megnews it's so good to hear from you! I hope your family didn't have too many damages from the storm. It's the worst natural disaster I've seen in my lifetime. Spectrum is saying we might have internet back Monday, we'll see. Thanks for the prayers! 1mo
32 likes1 stack add7 comments
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5🌟
I know a lot of people are tired of World War II fiction, but not me. I always tend to find ones from a different perspective that I haven't read before. I loved this one with 4 POVs set on the British home front. It has reconciliation and a little romance as well.

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I've been offline since Thursday so I have to catch up on all my reviews. ( see my previous post)

#BookedInTime 1970s South Africa September 2024
@cuilin @dabbe

This was a compelling story that I really enjoyed and was very well done. The only reason I took off a star was I just didn't like Robin. Even though she did redeem herself a little at the end.

Cuilin ✅🎉 👍 2mo
dabbe On the spreadsheet! 🤩 2mo
24 likes2 comments
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sblbooks
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4🌟
When I read this book last week, I had no idea that my hometown was going to face the ravages of a hurricane. Please remember Western North Carolina in your prayers as so many have lost loved ones, their homes, businesses, and cars. Many are still without power, water, internet or cell service ( myself included, I'm currently tethered to my mom's iPad) due to catastrophic flooding. I thank God my family and I are safe.

willaful I\'m so sorry, but thank goodness you\'re safe. Take care! 2mo
MaureenMc 💗🙏💗 2mo
ShelleyBooksie So glad to hear that you and your family are safe. Thinking of all those who have been affected - awful! 2mo
21 likes3 comments
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Bailedbailed

@julieclair #seasonalcozies September 2024

As you can see, I didn't get very far before I bailed on this one. I felt the author was trying too hard to be Southern, plus the main character talks like she was speaking to a 3-year-old.
In Western North Carolina, Appalachian: is pronounced Appa-LATCH-un. Sorry, but the northern pronunciation of this word was driving me crazy.

peanutnine I've had to train myself to say Appalachian correctly now that I live in NC. My partner gave me grief about it 😅 2mo
julieclair Great review. I can tell this series would get on my nerves. I‘m crossing it off my list of potentials. 👍 2mo
37 likes3 comments
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Return to Sender | Julia Alvarez
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#MiddleGradeMonday
 @Karisimo.
I read this one 3 years ago for middle grade March: Award Winners Edition.

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@Karisimo #MiddleGradeMonday
4🌟 While this is technically not a middle grade, I would recommend it for that age group as well. It's a good introduction to the events of the day.

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Bridge to Terabithia | Katherine Paterson
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A classic I love that had me in tears! #MiddlegradeMonday featuring a new kid in town. @Karisimo

Karisimo Great pick! Thanks for sharing! (edited) 3mo
36 likes1 comment
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A Little Princess | Frances Hodgson Burnett
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@Karisimo somehow I missed this yesterday. I had to choose one of my favorite children's classics.
#MiddleGradeMonday a book set at a boarding school.

Karisimo Perfection! 3mo
tpixie Oh! 🩷 An absolute favorite of mine!!! 3mo
tpixie As well as her 3mo
sblbooks @tpixie I love that one as well. 3mo
tpixie @sblbooks 🌺 3mo
37 likes5 comments
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sblbooks
Independence | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
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#BookedInTime 1946/7 India's Independence August 2024

@cuilin @dabbe

4🌟
The historical aspect of this book was super interesting. It was an emotional read. I was not thrilled with the ending, am I the only one?

dabbe Got your pick on the spreadsheet! 🤩 3mo
Cuilin I didn‘t care for the ending either. 3mo
IndianBookworm Agree with you on the ending thing! 1mo
33 likes3 comments
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sblbooks
Lifeboat 12 | Susan Hood
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#MiddleGradeMonday Share a middle grade read about boat or ocean life. @Karisimo
I read these two for booked in time, last year. One nonfiction and one fiction, about the sinking of the children's ship in World War II.

Karisimo Sad, but perfectly fits the prompt! Thanks for sharing! 3mo
29 likes1 comment
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sblbooks
Unyielding Hope (When Hope Calls Book #1) | Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan
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I watched season 1 of When Hope Calls about a year and a half ago. I'm glad I found this companion novel. The stories were not exactly the same but in a way that makes it more interesting.
I've always enjoyed Oke's novels, since the first time I read the Love Comes Softly series, many years ago.

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3.5🌟 #seasonalcozies @julieclair August 2024
The title and the cover art made me think of back to school and all the books.
Great characters, but I was disappointed in the setting. I just didn't feel enough of the Scottish vibes.

julieclair Helpful review. I‘ve been wanting to try this series, especially FOR the Scottish vibes! Have you read any of the others? 4mo
sblbooks @julieclair I haven't, this was the first one in the series. I will probably continue the series sometime. 4mo
julieclair I will probably try it at some point, too. Stacking it. 🙂 4mo
31 likes1 stack add3 comments
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The Girl Behind the Wall | Mandy Robotham
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#staycationintime #staycationintimeswap #SITS
@Chrissyreadit @DinoMom thanks for hosting.
@Avanders thank you so much for my trip to Germany! I love everything, especially the historical fiction novels! It feels like a #foodandlit theme! Even the candle is food themed. @Catsandbooks and @Texreader check it out.

Catsandbooks Wow so perfect! Love this! ❤️ 4mo
DinoMom Fun package 📦 4mo
Chrissyreadit 😍😍😍😍😍 4mo
Avanders Yay!! I‘m so glad you liked! I had fun picking out all those foods 😁☺️ 4mo
Texreader Awww! This is wonderful!! 4mo
44 likes5 comments
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sblbooks
Come Tomorrow | Tess Thompson
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4.5🎄
#ChristmasinJuly
My favorite Christmas book this month. My theme of sad books continues... however this had a happy ending.

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4🎄 #ChristmasinJuly
Why do I keep picking sad Christmas books this month? It's part of the Elm Creek quilt series. However, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone.

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Song for a Whale | Lynne Kelly
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#MiddleGradeMonday Featuring a character with disability.
#disability @Karisimo
I highly recommend this one. It was a Schneider Family book award winner and the audiobook also won an award, as well.

Karisimo Stacked! Thanks for sharing! 4mo
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Christmas at the Cat Caf | Jessica Redland
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4🎄
#ChristmasinJuly I loved the friends to lover's trope. I wasn't expecting so many sad parts in this book. I guess, I shouldn't be surprised, it seems that animal stories always go this route. That's the main reason I knocked off a star.

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4🌟
#Seasonalcozies July 2024 @julieclair
This one is definitely set in the summer, I wasn't sure before I started reading it. It's the second book in the Lighthouse Library series. The author does a great job with the setting. I'm really enjoying this series.

Bookwormjillk I like that series. Makes me feel like I‘m on vacation. 4mo
julieclair Gorgeous graphic! 4mo
29 likes3 comments
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#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo
This emotional novel was the first thing I thought of. Definitely one not to be missed. #roadtrip

Karisimo Such a memorable one! Thanks for sharing! 4mo
TheBookHippie I love this book. 4mo
38 likes2 comments
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#ChristmasinJuly Book1
4🎄
A cute Christmas romance with a time loop element that I enjoyed. I also liked the side characters in this novel.

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@kelli7990
I found the email from Audible. Thanks!

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The War Nurse: A Novel | Tracey Enerson Wood
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4🌟
@Cuilin @dabbe #BookedInTime July 2024
WWI France
Based on true events in the life of Julia Stimson. I enjoyed learning about this pioneering woman in the medical field. It was also interesting reading about the medical practices at the time.

Cuilin ✅🎉 nice review 4mo
dabbe On the spreadsheet! 🤩 4mo
40 likes1 stack add2 comments
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The Staycation | Cressida McLaughlin
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Avanders Yay! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 4mo
29 likes1 comment
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The Bridge Home | Padma Venkatraman
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#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo
I chose two. One I've read, and one on my TBR. I read The Bridge Home several years ago It's about four homeless kids trying to survive in India. I've wanted to read Nowhere Boy, ever since I read The Lost Year during Middle Grade March.

Karisimo This one is on my TBR too! Thanks for sharing! 4mo
34 likes1 comment
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I forgot to take a photograph of the package. @Avanders be on the lookout, it's due to arrive Monday July 15th.
#StaycationInTimeSwap
@Chrissyreadit
@DinoMom

Chrissyreadit 🎉🎉🎉🎉 4mo
DinoMom Yay 4mo
Avanders Ooh yay 🎉👏🏽👏🏽 Thank you!! Yours will be heading out this weekend ☺️ 4mo
sblbooks @Avanders I'll watch for it.📚😊 4mo
31 likes4 comments
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Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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5🌟
I loved this! A perfect read for summer. 🐙 Great characters!

Cupcake12 I read this earlier in the year and loved it too x 4mo
46 likes1 comment
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Echo | Pam Munoz Ryan
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@Karisimo
#MiddleGradeMonday featuring a musical instrument
The harmonica
One of my favorite back list books, I gave this one five stars. World War II historical fiction. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

Karisimo I thought about this one too! 4mo
36 likes1 comment
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@Karisimo #MiddleGradeMonday
Middle grade book with an outdoor adventure.
This Trilogy is a great example of outdoor adventure, storm stories, and other hard-hitting topics.

Karisimo Looks like a fun trilogy! Thanks for sharing! 5mo
32 likes1 comment
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West with Giraffes | Lynda Rutledge
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#BookedInTime 1930s Dust bowl June 2024
@cuilin @dabbe

I love all the different covers I found for this book.
#CoverLove
Based on true events...
1930s road trip with a couple of giraffes, a teenage boy (Woody) and a curmudgeon. (old man) I flew through this one.

Cuilin ✅🎉I wish I had a chosen that book. I DNF‘d mine I may try another. But yeah, definitely. #CoverLove. 5mo
sblbooks @Cuilin you have plenty of time. 5mo
dabbe On the spreadsheet! 🤩 5mo
34 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Recursion | Blake Crouch
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5🌟 My favorite type of Science Fiction: time travel, techno thriller. This was a page turner. I loved the quote about life with a cheat code.

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Adventure Awaits | Karen Kingsbury, Tyler Russell
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#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo
#JuneTBR
In the fourth book in the Baxter children's series, the kids go to camp. I will be reading this by the end of the month.

Karisimo I didn‘t know the Baxter series had a kids spin off! Thanks for sharing! 6mo
sblbooks @Karisimo you're welcome! It's a wholesome, fun series I hope you enjoy it. 6mo
30 likes2 comments
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#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo
I chose a World War II novel set in Pearl Harbor. My grandfather served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was stationed in Hawaii for part of that time.
I have not read this book yet, it was a cover buy. It sounded like an interesting story.

Karisimo It does sound good! I had a great uncle at Pearl Harbor! Thanks for sharing!! 6mo
33 likes1 comment
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James: A Novel | Percival Everett
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@squirrelbrain @Megabooks @BarbaraBB
#CampLitsy24 July

My library hold came in, so I went ahead and listened to the July selection. This was really good. The last half of the book took a dark turn that I wasn't expecting. There's so much to discuss in this one. Looking forward to it.
Now I need to read Huck Finn again. It's been a while.

squirrelbrain Yes, the second half was a lot darker, wasn‘t it? 6mo
Megabooks Yes! It did get a bit dark but appropriately so in my mind. Really looking forward to the discussion and you joining us in July! 6mo
BarbaraBB Can‘t wait to read this one! 6mo
49 likes3 comments
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sblbooks
Color of Sound | Emily Barth Isler
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#MiddlegradeMonday #timetravel
@Daisey @Karisimo
Share a middle grade read with time travel.
This is an anticipated read that has a time slip element. I can't wait to read it because I loved Aftermath, by the same author.

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julieclair Sounds very fun! 😀 6mo
29 likes1 comment
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Land of Silence | Tessa Afshar
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#BookedInTime Biblical fiction May 2024
@cuilin @dabbe
4🌟

I enjoyed the author's take on the passage from the Bible about the woman with the issue of blood. (See above) It's a heart-wrenching story of faith and redemption. Characters and plot are well developed. I would definitely recommend it.

dabbe On the spreadsheet! 🤩 6mo
Cuilin Wonderful ✅🎉 6mo
28 likes2 comments
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sblbooks
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#weeklyforecast
I thought I would share a readathon I heard about on booktube. It looks like fun, and the bingo board is adorable. I'm currently reading the tagged book; it would work for several prompts.
Bless your heart
Hot as blue blazes
All the fixings
Howdy partner
It's extremely emotional, has a hot setting, could be considered multiple genres, and also has friendship and family.

BookmarkTavern That‘s freaking adorable! 💖 7mo
26 likes1 comment
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Three Strike Summer | Skyler Schrempp
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#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo @Daisey

Gloria's family lose their Farm in Oklahoma, and have to move to California to survive. There are lots of tough topics in this one. Great for a book club!

Daisey This sounds like one I need to look up! 7mo
Karisimo This does sounds like a good one!! 7mo
31 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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#BookReport
#YAApril
I decided to read quite a few #YA this month. I'm happy with my selections, all of these were four and five stars.

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julesG The banter is 👩🏻‍🍳😘 7mo
Allylu I liked this one, too. 7mo
35 likes2 comments
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I've seen this one all over booktube. Hopefully, I'll get to it soon. @Karisimo #middlegradeMonday

Karisimo @sblbooks this was my favorite middle grade book for 2023! (edited) 7mo
37 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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#WondrousWednesday @Eggs
🌟 Little Women 👌🚺❤
🌟🌟 The Secret Book of Flora Lea (tagged)
🌟🌟🌟 Amy Harmon

Eggs Thanks for playing 🙌🏻🙏🏻 7mo
26 likes1 comment
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Lost in the Sun | Lisa Graff
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#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo
One from my TBR. My brother took this picture of the eclipse from his house in South Carolina.

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 7mo
Karisimo Awesome! I haven‘t read this one yet! 7mo
37 likes2 comments
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Out of My Mind | Sharon M. Draper
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#middlegradeMonday @Karisimo
I don't know how I've never seen this tag before. The above is from my review, when I read this 5 years ago.

mrp27 I‘ve never seeing this tag before either! 8mo
34 likes1 stack add1 comment
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When My Name Was Keoko | Linda Sue Park
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#BookReport I finished up five for #middlegradeMarch Thanks to all those who participated! One seasonal cozy, one time travel and one suspense.

rubyslippersreads This is adorable! 🐑 8mo
34 likes1 comment
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julieclair I want to read this just based on the cover! Adding to my stack. But thanks for the heads up about the audio. I‘ll look for a print version. 8mo
39 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Town with No Mirrors | Christina Collins
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#BookReport #MiddleGradeMarch #dontjudgeabookbyitscover All of my books this week were 4 and 4.5 Stars. It was difficult to choose a favorite. I decided on The Town With No Mirrors; a middle grade dystopian about of the importance of body image. It was quite unique.

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Comfort | Joyce Moyer Hostetter
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#MiddleGradeMarch #BookReport
I'm fortunate that I can listen to audiobooks while I work. It makes the day so much more enjoyable. Comfort is the second in a series, and my only five star this week. The Tale of Despereaux is a three star read All the rest are four stars.

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#BookedInTime ancient Ireland March 2024
@cuilin @dabbe
I enjoyed some traditional Irish fairy tales for this month's pick. #kidlit

#MiddlegradeMarch
My favorite book of the week is The Lost Year. I wonder if I can find anything to top it by the end of the month.

#BookReport

dabbe On the spreadsheet! 🤩 9mo
Cuilin Sweet book 💚✔️🎉 9mo
38 likes2 comments