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Goodbye, Paris
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
65 posts | 53 read | 52 to read
Jojo Moyes meets Eleanor Oliphant in Goodbye, Paris, an utterly charming novel that proves that sometimes you have to break your heart to make it whole. Grace once had the beginnings of a promising musical career, but she hasnt been able to play her cello publicly since a traumatic event at music college years ago. Since then, shes built a quiet life for herself in her small English village, repairing instruments and nurturing her long- distance affair with David, the man who has helped her rebuild her life even as she puts her dreams of a family on hold until his children are old enough for him to leave his loveless marriage. But when David saves the life of a woman in the Paris Metro, his resulting fame shines a light onto the real state of the relationship(s) in his life. Shattered, Grace hits rock bottom and abandons everything that has been important to her, including her dream of entering and winning the worlds most important violin-making competition. Her closest friendsa charming elderly violinist with a secret love affair of his own, and her store clerk, a gifted but angst-ridden teenage girlstep in to help, but will their friendship be enough to help her pick up the pieces? Filled with lovable, quirky characters, this poignant novel explores the realities of relationships and heartbreak and shows that when it comes to love, theres more than one way to find happiness.
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theokiereader
Goodbye, Paris | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

Full Review: https://southernersreadtoo.com/2022/09/30/let-the-music-sway-your-heart/

This book was magical, lyrical, and adorably sweet. You can‘t help but fall in love with the trio of Grace, angry teenager Nadia, and the eccentric, yet wise, Mr. Williams. If you have ever fallen in love with a stringed instrument, this book will whisper to you. I loved every second of it.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

JamieArc I really loved this one too. 1y
15 likes1 comment
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tokorowilliamwallace
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Here was the joke of a July hopefuls stack I mentioned, @Eggs

Library loan priorities, books I need to finish already, slim pulpy vintage/older books, #foodandlit options (I'd rather read others, but they're longer and less likely to be finished), Australian authors, short story collections, picks in daily reading moods I went over to the library to satisfy, sprinkled with some Cancer sign trait-themed picks not pictured here, &c.

Eggs Wow 😯 Where to begin??? 2y
tokorowilliamwallace @Eggs, you tell me. What do you think? I'm notoriously indecisive and wouldn't mind taking input or ideas. 2y
24 likes2 comments
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tokorowilliamwallace
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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#beginswith Paris, day 29 @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @puzzledbooks
A BOTM add-on pick & Audrey Hepburn, paired with amaretto and creme de cacao.

Guess I should seek out more Parisian settings in my books.

JamieArc I liked Goodbye, Paris. There was an understated quality to it that I enjoy, along with the description of the craft of making string instruments. 2y
Eggs ❤️📚🐶🖤 2y
15 likes2 comments
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BayouGirl85
Goodbye, Paris | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

There was a lot to feel about Grace. For most of the book her naiveness sort of grated me with regards to the affair. When her whole world shatters and she doubts her self-worth, my heart broken for her. I was so happy when she realized she had a support system her loved her no matter what the whole time. I definitely got Jojo Moyes vibes from this one.

August Book 8/25 #LitsyLove #bookspinbingo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💙💙💙 3y
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JenlovesJT47
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Mehso-so

I liked this book but didn‘t love it. I found myself highly frustrated by the main character, Grace, although it does pick up in the last quarter of the book. Musicians/music lovers would probably enjoy this. Overall, not bad but definitely not great. I really wish Goodreads had half stars! 3.5⭐️

#BOTM

SamAnne Yeah, this was a pan for me. It was a book club read. I liked learning about making violins. That was the high point for me. 🥳😂🙄 3y
JenlovesJT47 @SamAnne yeah I was SO annoyed with Grace throughout almost the entire book! She seemed so weak, like she had a martyr complex or something. I did like the ending, though. 3y
57 likes2 comments
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SamAnne
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Panpan

Book club choice. I am not a romance reader so this was a pan for me. I did like 2 of the supporting characters and reading about making cellos. But that was it.

TheBookHippie The cello part sounds good… 3y
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
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TheSpineView
Goodbye, Paris | Anstey Harris
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JamieArc This one surprised me. I liked it a lot. 3y
Eggs 👏🏻🇫🇷📚❤️ 3y
TheSpineView @JamieArc I liked it too!😊 3y
67 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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TheSpineView
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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OriginalCyn620 Cute cover! 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🙌🏻🙌🏻 4y
65 likes3 comments
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JamieArc
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

So happy this was my #Bookspin read! I loved this book! From the melancholy that crescendoed into chaos, and then became utter joy. The sweet relationships that developed. Complex characters. Reading about the craft of making string instruments. And Paris and Italy. I saw this book happening vividly in my mind, and fell in love with it. 5🎻 😊

TheAromaofBooks Glad you enjoyed your pick!! 4y
Joanne1 Sounds perfect! 4y
65 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TheSpineView
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚😊🎶 5y
61 likes2 comments
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Rachbb3
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Bailedbailed

I can't get into this. I keep falling asleep. I guess that means bail. 😴

#BOTM

TheNerdyProfessor Aw man. I remember liking this one. However, I think it's better to move on than to really get stuck in a book you don't like. 5y
65 likes1 comment
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TheSpineView
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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LiteraryinLawrence I really enjoyed this book! 5y
Lidia Me too! @LiteraryinLititz @TheSpineView It was quite charming 5y
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraBB I don‘t know it but I love the cover! 5y
71 likes6 comments
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Purplerosiepage
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

A book about music and friendship. Some parts were not as developed as I might have liked, but the denouement made me cry.

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Jolynne
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

A cute cheating/adultery story.

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echalpan
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Mehso-so

The ending was sweet, pushing the rating from a “pan” to a “so-so” for me. I thought often about bailing on this book (many parts were very slow), but I stuck with it, and I guess I‘m glad I did.

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Purrsistently
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

This was a bloody triumph of a book. It was not AT ALL what I expected but was so, so good. 5/5 from me.

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bookandcat
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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My bookstagram top 9 for the year! Wish Litsy had a similar feature. It's been a very bookish year! Can't wait til I do my Goodreads wrap-up, I'm over 370 books right now!

#top9of2018 #top9
( www.instagram.com/bookandcat_ig )

BarbaraBB 370 books read in a year?!?! 5y
bookandcat @BarbaraBB yep! And counting! 5y
BarbaraBB That‘s amazing! That‘s more than one a day! And I even see chunksters like It. 👍😲 5y
See All 6 Comments
JennyM Yey...such an awesome achievement. 5y
LauraBeth Wow! That‘s a lot of reading! 🙌 5y
Lindy Amazing year of reading! 5y
60 likes6 comments
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sb3626
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Finals are over and I finally have gotten the chance to start my August #BOTM. I‘m really enjoying the writing so far and love how weird of a character Grace is. I am excited to read more but sadly have to go to sleep

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Ajessgirl
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book! I was expecting fluffy chick lit, but it turned out to be so much more. A well rounded, endearing cast of characters, with drama, mystery & travelogue. I loved learning about the world of musical instrument creation, and more about classical music generally. 100% recommend!

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Lidia
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

I really liked this book. I raced through the last third today and it just made me want to go to beautiful Cremona in Italy to the Museo del Violino 🎻

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Lidia
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Happy National coffee day littens! Coffee is better with a good book 😊

JanuarieTimewalker13 Right back atcha...I‘m chillin with a cup of Early Bird blend...even though I‘m so NOT an early bird! 5y
Reviewsbylola Your nails look gorgeous! 5y
42 likes2 comments
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Insightsintobooks
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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LiteratiCafe
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

This is a lovely story. A coming of age story, only the heroine is 40. It is a tale of friendship and of music. It is a book to recommend.

4 likes1 stack add
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TheHispanicBookworm
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Currently reading Goodbye, Paris. What are some of your favorite contemporary fiction novels?

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LiteraryinLawrence
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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#2x2giveaway @DivaDiane I recommend this new release about a master instrument maker and her complicated relationships with those around her. It‘s really lovely!

DivaDiane I love the description of that novel! Thank you for entering!! 6y
46 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Rosewinter
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Mehso-so

Truthfully I have a love hate relationship with this book. I loved the 'trio' of characters and where they ended up, their interaction with each other and others. Grace has really low self-esteem. She builds as the novel progresses. I hated how many times she took it in the chin from her man. The rating for the book this time is hard at times it pans, it has so so moments, and has pick moments.

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wanderingmilesandpages
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Mehso-so

One of my August #botm picks was just okay. It was a cute story, but it kind of dragged. I loved Grace‘s group of friends and the strong person Grace becomes.

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KatieDid927
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

I dug this one. It‘s a good examination of our perceptions of others and ourselves and how it doesn‘t always match up with reality. The musical aspect of the story was also great.

9 likes1 stack add
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Lovesbooks87
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Mehso-so

I wasn't a fan of this book at all. I didn't really like the main character, but I liked the music aspect of the book. It was a quick read. #botm

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kalinichta
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Panpan

Unpopular Opinion Theater presents: Goodbye, Paris

By the time I was finished with this book, I was more than ready to say goodbye to Paris. I found almost everything about it tedious - from the writing (internally, I was screaming, "SHOW, DON'T TELL" through the entire book), to the MC's situation, to her naivety and lack of self-awareness. I held on hoping for a big payoff in the end, but it just fizzled out for me.

But, hey, pretty cover.

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crazyspine
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

I was not expecting to like this. The description did not appeal to me, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised. I became emotionally attached to Grace, Nadia, and especially Mr. Williams. I disagree with the comparisons to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely fine as I don't view Goodbye, Paris as a comedy, but I definitly recommend to anyone looking for a feel good read.

📷 Snowy Paris this past March

LiteraryinLawrence Great review. I read it last week and I concur! 6y
85 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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erank58
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

Once again #botm has done it again with their pleasant surprises!! As a pianist, I absolutely adored the musical backdrop--but you don't need to study music to enjoy this beautiful homage to rebirth and new beginnings 🎻🎹 #goodbyeparis

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Callemarie
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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And another #botm selection begins. I‘m trying to dwindle down my #botm pile some since I have a bajillion of them and only read 13 of them

Thousand-Lives I‘m working toward the same goal! 6y
25 likes1 comment
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LiteraryinLawrence
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

Beautifully written. I found myself rereading passages just to hear the language again in my head. The main character is a respected instrument maker in a long term relationship with a married man. I don‘t want to really give anything else away, except to say that both the story and its telling exceeded my expectations. It felt fresh.

Kempii Cool photo! 6y
127 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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Apinlibraryland
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Keeping a good pace...

13 likes2 stack adds
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TheSpineView
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

#botmbacklog @bookandcat

I finished my third and final book in the BOTM backlog challenge last night. Glad to see a dent, however small, in my backlog. The book was good even though I cringed at some of the decisions Grace made. I felt like saying to her, "Did you really expect a different outcome?" Just the right length and style to make a good beach read. 4⭐

bookandcat 🎉🎉🎉yay! Congratulations on making a dent in your backlog. Way to go - so proud of you! This one was a great summer read (but yes, wanted to shake Grace by the shoulders from time to time 😂). Thank you for joining in!! 6y
56 likes2 comments
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bookandcat
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

#botmbacklog Book 5 - and I LOVED it. Grace is a string instrument maker who can't seem to make her own music - literally and metaphorically - she no longer plays her cello, and her long time boyfriend David is still married to his wife in France. Then one day, everything changes...
This book was moving, heartfelt, enchanting. Harris's prose is appropriately musical and Grace's journey will pull at your heartstrings. 4/5 🌟
#botm #bookofthemonth

Thousand-Lives Great review. I‘ve been eyeing this one! 6y
bookandcat @Thousand-Lives thanks! I quite enjoyed it! 6y
Reviewsbylola Love this picture and your ikea cart! 6y
bookandcat @Reviewsbylola thanks! This one was a craft cart from Michael's and I'm in love with it! 6y
76 likes1 stack add4 comments
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TheSpineView
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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#12INTWO @Samplergal

I logged just over 6 hours read time yesterday. This challenge has motivated me to tackle my TBR pile. 📚

Samplergal Great job! 6y
TheSpineView @Samplergal Thanks! 😊 6y
Andrew65 Well done, right on track to do he 12 hours. 6y
TheSpineView @Andrew65 🤞Fingers crossed! 6y
60 likes4 comments
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LiteraryHedgehog
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Current read

19 likes1 stack add
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Victoriahoperose
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Mehso-so

I‘m just in the middle on this one. I love the musical theme throughout the book and really felt like the writing was very good. But, I really just didn‘t like the characters and found myself not quite feeling too engaged in the story. It was unique and I definitely found it thought provoking in some ways, but I didn‘t love this one. #botm

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CrinolineDream
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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This no frills subscription box is fast becoming my favorite, I‘ve enjoyed every book I‘ve read so far! #botm #romantsy #bookmail

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Bookish_B
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this! There was an ease to the writing that pulled me right in and kept me reading until I finished (much quicker than I intended). Sure, I wanted to smack Grace here and there for some really frustratingly bad choices but we've all been there, right? Perfect summer read ❤️😊

55 likes1 stack add
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kate_reads
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Happy #BookLoversDay everyone! 😊

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Lisas.Library
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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My BOTM #1
Goodbye, Paris
By: Anstey Harris

Reviewsbylola I love this cover! 6y
Lisas.Library @Reviewsbylola ~ Me too. It‘s so pretty. 6y
90 likes1 stack add2 comments
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wanderingmilesandpages
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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My August Book of the Month picks! #botm #bookofthemonth

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Live_to_read
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Pickpick

Just got my BOMC choices and stayed up late reading this one. Really enjoyed the settings in Paris and Italy. I learned a bit about luthiers. Recommend it for an enjoyable, light read. And now to bed!😴

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erista
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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#botm arrived today! I love all of these covers.

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kalinichta
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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When you have the shot, then you miss the shot, then you have to wait for the shot to recreate itself.

#BOTM #catsoflitsy #petsoflitsy #neverworkwithanimalsorchildren

tammysue 😻😻😻 6y
emilyhaldi So cute 🤗🤗 6y
mrozzz 😍😍😍 6y
EH2018 Adorable!!! 6y
37 likes4 comments
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erank58
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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Better dented than never!!!! Right? 😂 #botm #goodbyeparis

tammysue Oh no 🙈 6y
mrozzz Wow! Are the books ok? 6y
erank58 @whatshesreadingnow could have been worse!! 6y
erank58 @mrozzz book is alive! Maybe someone at the post office was having a bad day..."ugh let me smash this disgustingly cheery blue box in protest" ?? but all is well! 6y
20 likes4 comments