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The Unsinkable Greta James
The Unsinkable Greta James: A Novel | Jennifer E. Smith
44 posts | 50 read | 27 to read
An indie musician reeling from tragedy and a public breakdown reconnects with her father on a weeklong cruise in a pitch-perfect story about the ways we recover love in the strangest places (Rebecca Serle, bestselling author of In Five Years) The characters are drawn with a generosity that allows them to be wrong but also right, loving but also prone to missteps, and ultimately deserving of a resolution thats full of hope.Linda Holmes, New York Times bestselling author of Evvie Drake Starts Over Right after the sudden death of her motherher first and most devoted fanand just before the launch of her high-stakes sophomore album, Greta James falls apart on stage. The footage quickly goes viral and she stops playing, her career suddenly in jeopardythe kind of jeopardy her father, Conrad, has always predicted; the kind he warned her about when he urged her to make more practical choices with her life. Months later, Gretastill heartbroken and very much adriftreluctantly agrees to accompany Conrad on the Alaskan cruise her parents had booked to celebrate their fortieth anniversary. It could be their last chance to heal old wounds in the wake of shared loss. But the trip will also prove to be a voyage of discovery for them both, and for Ben Wilder, a charming historian, onboard to lecture about The Call of the Wild, who is struggling with a major upheaval in his own life. As Greta works to build back her confidence and Ben confronts an uncertain future, they find themselves drawn to and relying on each other. Its here in this unlikeliest of placesat sea, far from the packed city venues where she usually plays and surrounded by the stunning scenery of AlaskaGreta will finally confront the choices shes made, the heartbreak shes suffered, and the family hurts that run deep. In the end, shell have to decide what her path forward might look likeand how to find her voice again.
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emmaturi
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Mehso-so

This was an OK story but not one I would think about again. Set mostly on a cruise, Greta is with her father and their friends, as her mother died recently, it is hoped this will patch up the difficult relationship between herself and her father. Greta is a big music star, and footage of her falling apart on stage goes viral. So she decides to on the cruise. It covers grief, family relationships and romance.

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emmaturi
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This is my current read, and it's a good change of genre for me. It's still got some serious bits to it. But what attracted me was the cruise to Alaska.

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Lauriezp
Pickpick

Simple and sweet story. Not earth shattering but enjoyable.

4 likes1 stack add
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peacegypsy
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Mehso-so

Simple and predictable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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peacegypsy
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Trying this on for size.

27 likes2 stack adds
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TrishB
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this one- the father/daughter relationship problems more than the romance issues. Sometimes we speak a different language with our parents.
#nauticalnovel #booked2022

Cinfhen I liked this one too for the same reason 💕 1y
TrishB @Cinfhen it was a good read 👍🏻 1y
82 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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FelinesAndFelonies
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Pickpick

This was a bittersweet book that brought me to tears. I do love a book that makes me cry. Greta takes an Alaskan cruise with her father shortly after the death of her mother. The story is about grief, loss, love, & healing. A refreshing book that spares us an unlikely happy ending. Greta's strained relationship with her father, Conrad, was tender & painful & authentic. A really touching & beautiful novel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

TrishB Planning to read hopefully next week 😁 2y
FelinesAndFelonies @TrishB I thought it was sweet without being sappy. 2y
65 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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GinaKButler
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Hanging out in the “reading corner” at baseball practice. 😂
#bookspinbingo

21 likes1 stack add
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TLuvs
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Almost half way through and I'm really enjoying the writing style of JES. Character's are so relatable and the plot is moving at a great pace. Would recommend 👌

7 likes1 stack add
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Victoriahoperose
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Pickpick

I really liked this story. Not much really happened but I loved that I centered on a father daughter relationship and the loss of a parent and it‘s heart. It says a lot in this book about expectations and being who you want to be and following your dreams. It‘s a nice story to read and it definitely tugs at the heart strings.

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TEArificbooks
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Pickpick

This book is a gem. It is a story about grief so have the tissues ready. But it is a beautiful story that will give you the feels and uplift you in the end.

40 likes1 stack add
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janeycanuck
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Mehso-so

This book, at its heart, is about the relationship between Greta and her father. I didn't really like that part of the story - I found Conrad to be an incredibly toxic character and didn't understand why Greta wanted a relationship with him. I much preferred the book when it was focused on Greta/Ben or her music career. I guess this wasn't the book for me.

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Verity
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Pickpick

Ok so I absolutely loved this. It‘s got romance and family problems and grief and also how much work it is to be good at something. I really enjoyed it.

30 likes1 stack add
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booksaremyfavorite
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Pickpick

Read all in one day...family, relationships, grief, healing, life.

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Verity
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Bedtime book!

22 likes1 stack add
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Cathyloves2read
Pickpick

This book is about the a beginning and an end. It‘s about starting over after a tragic loss. It made me cry a few times, which rarely happens when I read. A couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary spent 2 years planning an Alaskan cruise. They weren‘t able to sail together due to death. This hits home as I am considering an Alaskan cruise for our 40th, which is 2 short years away……At any rate, I recommend this book. It was a quick read.

8 likes1 stack add
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Maria514626
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I didn‘t think I was going to like this. I gave it a little time and now it‘s tough to shut it off and get back to work. 🤦‍♀️ 😆

19 likes1 stack add
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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

In this bittersweet novel, Greta, an Indie rockstar goes on an Alaskan cruise with her father, in the wake of her mother‘s death. There are so many emotions in this novel - anger and hurt, sorrow and grief, but also joy and hope - that the narrative can feel raw at times. Pro tip: have a tissue ready for this.

The audio is fantastic; Mae Whitman does wonderfully!

I really liked this one. #NauticalNovel #Booked2022

Cinfhen This was my #NauticalNovel too!!! And I agree, audio was fabulous and definitely had come tearing up🥲 2y
Librarybelle @Cinfhen I saw you used this for that prompt and decided I could too! 😂 I‘m not much of a reader for nautical adventures, so I was glad to check it off the list 2y
rachelm I‘m also listening to this! 2y
Librarybelle @rachelm Yay! 😁 2y
86 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

I actually enjoyed this book. It‘s sweet and sappy but somehow it gave me the good feels. A carefree musician embarks on a seven day cruise to Alaska with her dad after her mom‘s sudden death. Hoping to mend old wounds with her father and find some closure, Greta discovers more than she expected. There‘s an onboard romance that I found charming and I was pleased with how the author chose to end the book. This was my #NauticalNovel #Booked2022

Cinfhen It‘s a #USKindleDailyDeal today but I went with the audio and it was really good 😊 2y
squirrelbrain Hmm, I may try this, although I have this on my physical TBR shelf for this prompt. 2y
Cinfhen It was quick and just pleasant @squirrelbrain great for summertime 💛🌼 2y
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Megabooks I just got a little caught up in the fact that I don‘t think she spent enough time with her dad to mend the relationship because she spent so much time pining over and sleeping with that dude. I feel like it was more about her and hot guy than about her and dad. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ at least hot guy cared about his family!! 2y
Cinfhen Truth, I can see that @Megabooks 2y
Mel Just finished this one too and really enjoyed it more than I thought I would! 2y
Cinfhen It was the right book for my mood @mel it‘s great choice for a summer read/ listen 🎧 I‘m glad you liked it as well 💞💞💞 2y
74 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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Cinfhen
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Taking an #AudioWalk as I‘m off to volunteer at the charity bookshop 😄I‘m really enjoying this sweet romance between bookish Ben and grungy Greta set on the seven seas.

BarbaraBB Lovely walk! 2y
Cathythoughts Looks lovely, enjoy ❤️ 2y
Cinfhen Thanks @BarbaraBB @Cathythoughts it was actually VERY HUMID!!! I was a #SweatyBetty by the time I got to the shop 🥵 2y
BarbaraBB I love that kind of weather 😍 2y
78 likes4 comments
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Cinfhen
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Found my #NauticalNovel replacement @Kdgordon88 My final prompt for second quarter #Booked2022 🛳🪝🛟

Deblovestoread That one is on my shelf. I am using The Exiles for the nautical prompt. Yours should be more fun than mine 😂 2y
Cinfhen It‘s definitely summer lite @Kdgordon88 🛳☺️ 2y
Megabooks I was not a fan, but I‘m interested in your review! 2y
Cinfhen I‘m liking it @Megabooks it‘s overly predictable but I like the sweet romance and father/daughter relationship - audio is really good 😊 2y
72 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Kar2b
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Pickpick

This was a very satisfying read for me. I liked that Greta was unapologetic about choosing her passion, guitar and music, over a conventional lifestyle. I felt bad for her and her dad because they were both hurting so much, but the was the story unfolded was lovely. I enjoyed Jennifer‘s ya novels, and her debut in adult fiction did not disappoint.

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Erynecki
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Pickpick

A 36 year old indie rockstar falls apart on stage after the sudden death of her mother. Weeks before the release of her sophomore album, everyone wonders if her career is in jeopardy. So of course she goes on a cruise to Alaska with her Dad and some family friends. It‘s sweet - sometimes a little too rom-com for me, but it captures the messiness of family, love, and life. A quick read.

19 likes1 stack add
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Kitta
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Pickpick

Finished this! I thought the story was cute and light. Sort of just what I needed. Maybe a 3.5 but rounding it up to 4 for Goodreads.

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Kitta
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Getting really into this one now. Dedicating some time to hopefully finish it today.

Reading out on my apartment terrace, the hostas are just starting to come up! 🌱

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Kitta
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Just starting this. A bit behind on my #BOTM reading!

14 likes1 stack add
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AmyK1
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Pickpick

This was a quick, sweet and somewhat predictable story about Greta and her dad, who are trying to figure out life after the sudden death of Greta‘s mom. It was enjoyable and I liked the ending.

AmyG I enjoyed this, too. 2y
41 likes1 comment
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marleed
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Pickpick

I‘m a hard core fan of Daisy Jones so tread softly into other music industry fiction fearing the story won‘t compare to DJATS. But this one is a very different type of story where music was the backstory, and I liked it. It was a bit predictable but sometimes that‘s okay. I thought the ending was fun.

74 likes1 stack add
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RenePenn
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Mehso-so

Not exactly what I expected but the audiobook was enjoyable.

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WanderingBookaneer
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KristiAhlers Is it really that good? I‘ve picked it up and put it down so many times! I really should commit I guess. Everyone seems to love it. 2y
48 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JoyBlue
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Mehso-so

Another female rocker saga; another mild disappointment for me. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-unsinkable-greta-james

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Reecaspieces
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Pickpick
AmyG I had gotten an ebook arc....and thought this book was just lovely. 2y
Reecaspieces @AmyG I have to agree! I loved it! 2y
Deblovestoread My dad just asked about this book yesterday and I hadn‘t a clue. I‘ll let him know it‘s a pick. 😊 stacked @AmyG 2y
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AmyG @Kdgordon88 I don‘t picture this as a “Dad” book but I hope he enjoys it! 2y
Deblovestoread @AmyG I think he was interested because of the father/daughter relationship but I wondered if it might be too romancy for him. 2y
Reecaspieces @Kdgordon88 has a lot of father -daughter stuff in it. And the setting of Alaska is pretty cool. So he might enjoy it. But it is a bit girly 2y
AmyG Yes, has very good father-daughter stuff but it‘s mostly about Greta 2y
49 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Thank you so much for this surprise package Amy!! You are so kind and thoughtful my sweet friend! 💗 I just sent you a letter today. 💌 @AmyG

AmyG Hope you are doing well. You are so very welcome. 😘 2y
74 likes1 comment
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Kboltz
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Pickpick

A cute read. Greta has lost her mom so she departs on an Alaskan cruise with her father. A little romance mixed with remembrance and regrets. Read in a day and enjoyed it.

10 likes1 stack add
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swishandflick
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Mehso-so

A bit disappointing, unfortunately. I wish more time had been spent actually showing Greta and her dad heal their relationship. For a book about a woman that goes on a cruise with her dad after her mother's passing, they spend a shockingly little amount of time together. I'd say borrowing this was definitely the right call, I'm glad I didn't end up adding it to my #BOTM box. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

(It did, however, make me nostalgic for cruising 🛳)

Megabooks 💯💯💯 agree with your review! 2y
swishandflick @Megabooks it just seemed so odd to me that her time wasn't better split between her dad and the love interest! Didn't seem to jive with the whole point of the trip. (edited) 2y
Megabooks Right? It‘s like she spent 90% of the trip with hot writer and suddenly at the end, “Wow, Dad. I‘m glad things are great between us now!” 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
89 likes3 comments
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Megabooks
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Mehso-so

Like an apple with your lunch, this book is enjoyable while reading but ultimately forgettable.

While I liked the romantic storyline, I couldn‘t believe that her relationship with her father healed when she spent less time with him than in bed with the hot writer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I get the feeling this will be an #UnpopularOpinion though. 🤔

BarbaraBB That‘s a pity. The title is so good! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB it is. It was very close between a pick and so-so. Idk. Maybe I should‘ve rounded up, but ultimately, it was just okay. 2y
Cinfhen Sounds like it had potential but just didn‘t fully deliver 2y
Megabooks @Cinfhen right on! 2y
99 likes5 comments
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Megabooks
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It‘s not the morning after my birthday without leftover homemade frosting on graham crackers for breakfast. 🥳😋

I just finished the book. Really unsure if it‘s a pick or a so-so. I listened to some of the #audiobook and the narrator sounded like a petulant teenager rather than an adult rock star. Ick! Glad I had the #botm copy!

Lreads Happy Birthday! 🎉📚 2y
TrishB Happy belated birthday 🎉🎉 sorry missed yesterday! 2y
JenReadsAlot Yum! 2y
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RaeLovesToRead Mmmm frosting 💕 Happy Birthday!! 2y
marleed I like your breakfast. Happy Birthday! 2y
ShelleyBooksie Happy Belated Birthdayy 2y
Megabooks @QuietlyLaura @TrishB @JenReadsAlot @RaeLovesToRead @marleed @ShelleyBooksie thanks for the birthday wishes! The good thing about a Friday birthday is that you have an excuse to celebrate all weekend! 😁🥳💜 (edited) 2y
Cinfhen Yay for the frosting….and graham crackers 😁 2y
BarbaraBB Looking good! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen it was a very good breakfast!! 2y
Cathythoughts Sounds like very nice ‘morning after my birthday‘ tradition 👍😁 2y
ValerieAndBooks Yum! Happy belated birthday 💖 2y
Megabooks @Cathythoughts I love our homemade frosting, so it was a very good breakfast! 2y
Megabooks @ValerieAndBooks thanks!! 😀 2y
121 likes1 stack add14 comments
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Lauren.Archer
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Pickpick

This is a story of self-healing, reconciling with the people we love. Getting back on that proverbial horse, when all you think is you might fall off again. Of course, there is that wonderful romance element that Smith sprinkles in throughout.

71 likes1 stack add
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angieinwonderland
Pickpick

I had been unsuccessfully avoiding books where the protagonist loses their mom so soon after losing mine. Then this one matched me with the distanced father dynamic but instead of running away, I let the story envelop me like a comfortable blanket. I was all in.

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Kitta
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Two of my friends ordered the books I was thinking of (Tell me everything and the cartographers) and we‘re going to trade! So I‘m getting my third choice 😂 plus My Dark Vanessa.

So many good options this month! #BOTM

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AmyK1
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Only one from #botm for me this time.

Megabooks I was so tempted by this one! 2y
48 likes1 stack add1 comment
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robinb
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Mehso-so

I really wanted to like this one more than I did. Greta (36) is a bit of an indie rock star who writes her own songs and loves playing guitar. She is heartbroken when her mother (her biggest fan) suddenly dies before she can make it home from tour. Her brother suggests she take the Alaskan cruise with her dad that her mom had planned for their anniversary. Even though she and her dad have a contentious relationship, she reluctantly agrees. 🔻

robinb While parts of this were bittersweet and poignant, my big issue was in that I really didn‘t connect with the characters or even like most of them very much. Both Greta and her shipboard romance Ben were too immature in their actions/mindsets. And unfortunately I‘m all about the characters. 3/5⭐️ 2y
61 likes1 stack add1 comment
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erinreads
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I finally won a giveaway on Goodreads and the book showed up in a week! It told me it‘d probably take 8-10 weeks to arrive so it was a nice surprise. Also, the cover colors are so gorgeous! 😍

58 likes1 stack add