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Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel: A Story of Sleepy Hollow
Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel: A Story of Sleepy Hollow | Alyssa Palombo
41 posts | 29 read | 61 to read
"Marrying forbidden love, devoted friendship, and the supernatural with Palombo's signature passion for music, storytelling, and heartbreaking choices, The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel enchants with a concoction of love, longing, and loss plucked from the bones of one of our most enduring and haunting legends." - Erin Lindsay McCabe, USA Today bestselling author of I Shall Be Near to YouWhen Ichabod Crane arrives in the spooky little village of Sleepy Hollow as the new schoolmaster, Katrina Van Tassel is instantly drawn to him. Through their shared love of books and music, they form a friendship that quickly develops into romance. Ichabod knows that as an itinerant schoolteacher of little social standing, he has nothing to offer the wealthy Katrina - unlike her childhood friend-turned-enemy, Brom Van Brunt, who is the suitor Katrina's father favors. But when romance gives way to passion, Ichabod and Katrina embark on a secret love affair, sneaking away into the woods after dark to be together - all while praying they do not catch sight of Sleepy Hollow's legendary Headless Horseman. That is, until All Hallows's Eve, when Ichabod suddenly disappears, leaving Katrina alone and in a perilous position.Enlisting the help of her friend - and rumored witch - Charlotte Jansen, Katrina seeks the truth of Ichabod Crane's disappearance, investigating the forest around Sleepy Hollow using unconventional - often magical - means. What they find forces Katrina to question everything she once knew, and to wonder if the Headless Horseman is perhaps more than just a story after all. In Alyssa Palombo's The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel nothing is as it seems, and love is a thing even death won't erase.
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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I know the broad outlines of the Sleepy Hollow story but don‘t know it well, which I think actually served me well for this retelling. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I largely enjoyed listening to it and thought the story was good. On the other hand, there‘s too much sex on the page for my taste and a few too many eye roll moments. Since I enjoyed the story, I‘ll give it a low pick.

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MrsReads1
Pickpick

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went into it thinking it was going to be spooky, was down for the ride when it became a story of forbidden love, and was especially into it's eventual transformation into a tale of revenge. This was a great new take on a classic story and I recommend this to anyone looking for a bit of witchy folklore in their lives.

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Butterfinger
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Pickpick

I liked the gothic atmosphere with the supernatural being explored with the tarot cards, visions, and ghost stories.

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Librarybelle
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Mehso-so

I had hoped to like this one way more than I did! Palombo takes the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and reconstructs it from the perspective of Katrina Van Tassel. I did not really like Katrina as a character - the “feminist” twist to the story left me feeling more like Katrina was a whiny character than anything. Yet, the spooky factor did have my heart pound a bit, and I did tear up at the end as the story came to a close. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Librarybelle #Zeke is a reluctant book model. #catsoflitsy 3y
MallenNC @Librarybelle Maybe Zeke prefers to model with books that are “Picks”. 3y
Librarybelle @MallenNC So true! 😂 3y
LeahBergen Happy Birthday! ❤️📚❤️📚 3y
Librarybelle Thank you so much @LeahBergen ! ❤️❤️❤️ 3y
74 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
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7. Anything else you wish to discuss? What are your overall impressions of the book? I know there are mixed reviews on this one! #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Take a look for the other six questions posted under the spoiler tag!

BookwormAHN Okay, so am I the only one who thought that when the school house was haunted by Ichabod that maybe he had been kidnapped and was being held in a basement of the school. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I would say that I only really enjoyed the book at about the 80% mark. I thought it would be more haunting and not so much about lust. 3y
CoverToCoverGirl @CarolineLovesToRead I absolutely wasn‘t expecting the lust part either...it almost could have been labeled “Classic Erotica”. I read lots of romance so the lust or sexual parts don‘t offend me, I was just taken off guard by it . 🤭 (edited) 3y
CarolineLovesToRead @CoverToCoverGirl I had the audio version because I couldn't find an actual copy to be delivered to me in time and had to make sure I was listening to it with my headphones after listening to a few of the “romantic“ sessions on speaker. 😋 3y
CoffeeNBooks I liked it. I think it's an interesting story, whether or not you already know The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 3y
12 likes5 comments
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Librarybelle
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6. What role does grief play in the novel and how does it consume Katrina? Adapted from the discussion questions in the back of the paperback version. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I felt like grief was the main theme of the novel and Katrina used it as motivation for a lot of her decisions. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead Grief is the most part of the book. I find that Katrina copes with her grief by writing her stories. 3y
CoverToCoverGirl @BookwormAHN my thoughts exactly. 3y
10 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
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5. How do you feel about Brom Van Brunt over the course of the novel? Adapted from the discussion questions in the back of the paperback version. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I liked him, okay so he killed Ichabad, but he didn't seem to want to be the bad guy. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I didn't like him too much for most of the book but when he became a father, I liked him a bit more. I felt a bit sorry for him. He did love Katrina (probably since they were children) and to see another man come into the picture and steal her away was obviously too difficult for him. 3y
CoverToCoverGirl I thought he was mean and selfish. He thought he was entitled to Katrina. That entitlement turned ugly to the point of murder. 3y
CoffeeNBooks @CoverToCoverGirl I agree. And I think those few times when he seemed to care were just an act. 3y
8 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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4. If Ichabod hadn‘t disappeared, what do you think might have happened to Katrina, Ichabod, and their unborn child? From discussion questions in the back of the paperback version. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I suspect they would of had to elope. Or her father would have shot Icabad. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead They would have to run away together. I don't think they would have much choice. I'm not sure if Katrina's father would allow her to marry him but if he knew she was pregnant, he might have changed his mind 3y
CoverToCoverGirl I think they would have run away and eloped because I do not think her father would have relented. 3y
CoffeeNBooks I think they would have had to run away- I don't think Katrina's dad would have changed his mind. 3y
7 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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3. Do you think Charlotte made the right choice not telling Katrina what happened to Ichabod when Charlotte first discovered the truth? Adapted from discussion questions in the back of the paperback version. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I think since she was pregnant that it was for the best. Katrina was extremely dramatic there's no telling what she would of done if she would have found out earlier. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I would not have told her either. Katrina needed to healthy and calm for the baby and was already married. No good would have come out of Charlotte telling Katrina 3y
CoffeeNBooks I think Charlotte did what she thought was right, sheltering Katrina from the truth. 3y
7 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
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2. In many ways Katrina and Charlotte‘s friendship is the true focal point of the story. Discuss how their friendship changes the course of the story and both of their lives. Adapted from discussion questions in the back of the paperback version. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I enjoyed how protective they were of each other but it does seem like Charlotte spends a lot more time looking after Katrina. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead Charlotte does seem to take care of Katrina a lot and shows how much she loves her dear friend. Katrina is a true friend...always defending Charlotte. They need each other to get through their struggles. 3y
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Librarybelle
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1. How familiar are you with Washington Irving‘s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?” If you are familiar with it, has this book added to the story? If you are not familiar with the story, after reading this book, do you want to know more about the legend? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BookwormAHN I've read it but it's been awhile and I've seen the Johnny Depp version so much that I had almost forgotten the original. 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I never read Irving's version. Perhaps wish I could have read it before to be able to compare. I'd like to know more about the original and hope it is scarier than Katrina van Tassel's version. 3y
CoverToCoverGirl I had heard of the Headless Horseman, Sleepy Hollow and Crane but that was about the extent of my knowledge, recognizable names. This retelling wasn‘t great, for me, so no I won‘t do any further reading about it. 3y
CoffeeNBooks I'd never read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, so I read it partway through this book. It helped make a little more sense of this story. 3y
7 likes4 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, from the perspective of Katrina VanTassel. #LiteraryCrew @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Yay! Glad you liked it! 3y
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BookwormAHN
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Mehso-so

This was a retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It was pretty good but I think this was one occasion where I should have just read the book. The narrator was terrible and there were other parts that seemed a little preachy. I've never thought much of Brom Bones but he was my favorite character in this one, Katrina was really melodramatic. I also really liked Charlotte. I'm looking forward to the discussion. #LiteraryCrew @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Thanks for joining this month! I‘m still reading but agree with you about Katrina! 3y
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CoffeeNBooks
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? The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel, The Haunting of Maddy Clare, The Sewing Machine, The House in the Cerulean Sea

✒ "...outside of books nothing delights me so much as music." - The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel

????? spending time outside reading by my pool

@rachelsbrittain

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CoffeeNBooks
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Saturday morning #coffeeandabook ☕📚
I'm really enjoying this one so far! #LiteraryCrew

AkashaVampie Love ur mug!! 3y
curiouserandcurioser @CoffeeNBooks i love your mug:) 3y
CoffeeNBooks @AkashaVampie @curiouserandcurioser Robin Hood is one of my favorite Disney Movies! 3y
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AkashaVampie @CoffeeNBooks it is a good movie 3y
Tattooedteacher Got my copy yesterday! 3y
MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Your mug makes me giddy with nostalgia! 😍🥰 3y
Palimpsest I love Disney‘s Robin Hood! Such a cool mug! ☺️ 3y
78 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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Librarybelle
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Check in time for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ...if you have started the book, what are your thoughts?

It makes me want to read the Legend of Sleepy Hollow!

CarolineLovesToRead I‘ve never read legend of sleepy hollow but am liking the book so far. I did however see parts of the movie and can‘t stop seeing Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. This is a perfect hallowe‘en story or a campfire book read. 3y
Librarybelle @CarolineLovesToRead Oh! I forgot about the movie! 3y
CoffeeNBooks I'm really enjoying this one so far! I've never read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but I definitely want to now. 3y
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Jerdencon This is another book I wasn‘t able to get from the library 😟 so sitting this month out and will join next month! 3y
Librarybelle @CoffeeNBooks Glad you‘re enjoying it! 3y
Librarybelle @Jerdencon So sorry to hear! 😔 I‘ll definitely tag you for next month, which I‘ll be posting within the next couple of days. 3y
45 likes6 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Finally starting this one! #LiteraryCrew

Librarybelle Yay!! 3y
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Librarybelle
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May‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead takes on a slightly spooky turn. I‘m so excited about this one!

Tagging those who expressed interest, but please comment below if you would like to join! I‘ll post periodic check ins. The above schedule is just a suggestion; read at your own pace. Discussion at the end of the month!

BookwormAHN I just downloaded it from Audible 😺 3y
Tattooedteacher This looks so good. Please count me in! 3y
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jb72 Yay! I‘m looking forward to it. 3y
Librarybelle Hooray, @jb72 ! 3y
CarolineLovesToRead I‘m in for sure. Can‘t wait to get started 3y
CoverToCoverGirl Add me please! 3y
Librarybelle Of course, @CoverToCoverGirl ! 😁❤️ 3y
catebutler Read this one two years ago, excited to see what everyone thinks! 3y
47 likes12 comments
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Librarybelle
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Better late than never - posting the May #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead selection, as voted by the crew! We‘re getting a little spooky and mysterious in May and all things Sleepy Hollow.

Tagging those who are participating in April. All are welcome! We‘re a low key buddy read. Use the weekly schedule as a suggested guideline - read at your own pace. Comment below if you plan to join in May, and I‘ll tag you in periodic check in posts!

MoonWitch94 It‘s a good read! Enjoy! 3y
CoffeeNBooks I'm really looking forward to reading this one! 3y
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BookwormAHN I'd like to join in. 3y
Jerdencon Sounds good! 3y
jimfields3 Sounds interesting! I‘m in. 3y
jb72 Can I join in too? My hoopla has this book and it looks interesting. 3y
Librarybelle @jb72 Of course! Welcome! I think it looks very interesting too! 3y
54 likes11 comments
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MoonWitch94
Pickpick

This feminist-voiced retelling of the classic legend was very enjoyable. It was a bit anti-climatic, however, I really enjoyed the way this author weaves her storytelling with historically accurate information and details. Her descriptions of this sleepy hamlet and it‘s Dutch immigrant town brought the community to life. If you love the old legend, you will no doubt love this new spin on it.

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MoonWitch94
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So I thought I had finished this during October for the #scarathlon & #teamslaughter, but apparently I didn‘t because there was still a bookmark inside! Now I must finish this one! #sleepyhollow #katrinavantassel

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CoffeeLitNFit
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this retelling of the classic. The Legend of Sleepy Hallow has been a long time favorite. This was a fun twist!

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LadyCait84
Panpan

I‘m so disappointed this book wasn‘t better. The premise of a Legend of Sleepy Hollow retelling/story expansion, focusing on the side female character of Katrina Van Tassel, was compelling and (in theory) the perfect set up for a great seasonal read. But it just didn‘t deliver.

wildwoodreads I dnfed this last year. I so wanted to love it. 4y
35 likes1 comment
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MoonWitch94
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This book is pretty good, thus far (100 pages in). I‘m a sucker for a spooky retelling, especially if it involves #witches. Special thanks to @JamieLou for this one! #ScaryScavengerHunt #readabookwithawitchinit #TeamSlaughter #Scarathlon

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Chili
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BeansPage 🧟‍♀️ 4y
21 likes1 comment
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MoonWitch94
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The veil is thinning, Magic is the boldest & brightest during this time. Spells more powerful. 🖤🔮🧡📖🍂🕯 #ChillingPhotoChallenge #Spell #Scarathlon #TeamSlaughter

hermyknee Can I participate in the photo challenge even if I‘m not participating in the screamathon (I can‘t do horror 😅😭) @Clwojick 4y
Clwojick @hermyknee you absolutely can! But I‘m not big on horror either, which is why #TeamSlaughter is more mystery, thriller, cozy sleuth, psychological susupense. If you want to join I can pop you on my team? 4y
Clwojick @hermyknee but if you just want to do this challenge you certainly can. 😉 4y
hermyknee @Clwojick oh thank you for the offer but I don‘t think I‘ll be able to keep up (this month is sooo busy for me!) but I‘d like to try the photo challenge if I can! 4y
23 likes4 comments
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MoonWitch94
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@JamieLou I cannot thank you enough!!! This box was above & beyond!!! I love everything you picked. It was just so special. You made me a very happy #GryffinClaw 🦁🦅 Thank you, so so much! ❤️📚 #Fahs #fallathogwartsswap Special thanks to @Endowarrior21 for organizing this very fun swap!

JamieLou Glad you enjoyed it!! :) 5y
32 likes1 comment
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litenthusiast
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Pickpick

I always enjoy retellings of classic stories. I really enjoyed the retelling of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" from Katrina's perspective. I liked the historic context the author brought into the story as well.

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IndyHannaJones
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Sunday snoozles. Not sure yet how to feel about this one. There is a lot of dialogue and not much atmosphere or description.

britt_brooke So sweet! 💚🐾 5y
BethM So adorable! 5y
IndyHannaJones She's my favourite. 5y
KrystleTheBookSlayer So precious! 😍🐕 5y
27 likes4 comments
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Jbailey
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This seemed fitting for October.

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IndyHannaJones

Holy moly I want to read this like wow.

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CGeorge
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Pickpick

This is the feminist retelling of Sleepy Hollow I didn‘t know I needed.

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kyraleseberg
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Panpan

This book was much more romance than creepy Halloween legend. I loved that it was told from Katrina's perspective but it was focused more on her love affair with Ichabod than investigating his disappearance. The Headless Horseman is mentioned several times in the story but there's never any suspense or spookiness. So bummed!
Thanks to St. Martin's and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

ABookGeek I‘m currently reading and having an issue with all the romance- not what I was expecting from the description. 🤨 6y
kyraleseberg @ABookGeek I was so disappointed! It was definitely not advertised as a romance so I was expecting a spooky read and a whole lot more of the Headless Horseman! 5y
31 likes2 comments
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kyraleseberg
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Starting this #ARC today to get me in the Halloween spirit 🎃🍂👻

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thereadingowlvina
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Mehso-so

I love reading retellings but this book did not work for me ...

❌ Heavily-ladened with romance. Overwhelming for me
❌ No significant difference from the original tale
❌ Characters are under developed and flat

but

✔ Atmospheric writing

Rating: 3🌟

For full review please visit https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2503371760

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #historicalfiction #historicalromance

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theladygreer
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Pickpick

Fun Q&Q&Q&A interview today for #womenshistoryreads: come for Alyssa Palombo's thoughts on Madame C.J. Walker, stay for my rant about Eve, Mata Hari & Yoko Ono. Greermacallister.com/blog

Chrissyreadit @theladygreer I fell into your litsy page, then started reading your blog! My mile high TBR was already going to topple. I may just have to start a second one with your books and recommendations! 6y
theladygreer @Chrissyreadit So glad you're enjoying the #womenshistoryreads series! Good news/ bad news: I ended up with so many interviews, they'll keep running well into April... 6y
Chrissyreadit All good news! 6y
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