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The Wishing Game
The Wishing Game: A Novel | Meg Shaffer
Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling childrens author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winners life in this absorbing and whimsical novel. Make a wish. . . . Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it's like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teachers aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability. But be careful what you wish for. . . . Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces hes finally written a new book. Even better, hes holding a contest on his private island where four hand-picked readers will compete to win the only copy. At age thirteen, Lucy fled her unhappy home and showed up on Jack Mastersons doorstep, hoping to live with her favorite author. Thirteen years later, a sky-blue envelope arrives with Lucy's name on it, postmarked "Clock Island." For Lucy, a chance to read the first Clock Island book in years is a prize worth fighting for, but the possibility of winning, selling the manuscript, and securing a better future for her and Christopher means everything. But first, Lucy must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, illustrator of the Clock Island books and Jacks only friend. Meanwhile, Jack the Mastermind Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever. . . . You might just get it.
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DebinHawaii
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#IdiomInsight

The phrase fair and square is an idiom that means “honest, impartial, and without any sort of trickery.” It suggests that something was done in a straightforward manner, without any cheating or underhanded tactics.

In this book in my physical TBR pile (a recent #BOTM selection) there‘s a contest to win the only copy of the latest book from a beloved author. One hopes that when the winner is selected, they won #FairAndSquare ♟️◼️

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I have this one! 2w
Eggs I enjoyed this one 👏🏻 2w
47 likes2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
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Pickpick

I'll go with good not great!

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LazyLibrary
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️The Wishing Game did not hit the spot for me. I expected to love it, bc of the reviews & it was recommended by a reading buddy & we normally have same taste. But I found the MC Lucy to be childish & immature, so her drive to win this contest at 26 years old is to adopt a 7 year old child, when she herself behaves like a child & it left me annoyed from the start. I couldn't get over it and thus could not fully vibe with the story.

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Eringogreen
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Mehso-so

I was enjoying this for a while, loving the puzzles, games and riddles. But now that I finished it, it feels sort of frustrating, juvenile and potentially damaging. The main character holds grudges and cuts off important people in her life and characters flippantly throw terms like “mom” and “son” around without a lot of regard for the process of found family.

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Allthebookclubs
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Pickpick

A “look at yourself in the mirror and figure out who you are and what you really want” kind of book. It took me awhile to get into this. I enjoyed the story but I‘m not sure I understand all the hype and why so many people LOVE this book. Book #49 in 2023

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xicanti
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Rocco, my incredibly sweet new buddy, helped me start THE WISHING GAME by Meg Shaffer this afternoon. Shaffer is one of my favourite authors (she‘s also written a ton of stuff as Tiffany Reisz), and the first seventy pages reminded me what a great prose stylist she is. I‘m excited to keep going later this evening.

dabbe Hello, Rocco with the sweetest face ever! 🖤🐾🖤 4w
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Hi Rocco! You are so handsome 🖤🐾 4w
TheSpineView Awwww... adorable!❤️🐶❤️ 4w
See All 6 Comments
xicanti @dabbe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheSpineView he‘s the biggest, sweetest boy. I‘m obsessed with him. 4w
batsy 😍😍 4w
Catsandbooks Yay Rocco! ❤️ 4w
45 likes6 comments
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kaykay521
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So, as I‘ve mentioned a few days ago, I‘m trying to get back into my reading life/ community. I saw the posts for #bookspin and thought I‘d try. I hope I‘m participating correctly. I post a list of books I‘d like to read for September and then @TheAromaofBooks randomly draws 2 and that‘s the two I read? I get overwhelmed and end up not reading anything, so this seemed like a fun way to deal with that.

Larkken Correct! @TheAromaofBooks will also draw up a bingo board each month that incorporates all the books on your list by number and adds 5 freebie spaces if you‘re into that sort of thing. Many littens are now hopelessly addicted to bingo boards ( me included) and its fun seeing what everyone is excited to maybe read in the month ahead! 😊 (edited) 4w
TheAromaofBooks Yes!!! Your list looks great!! I do draw out two numbers on the 2nd (BookSpin & DoubleSpin) and those are your target books for the month. Like @Larkken said, if you're interested in reading more books from your list, you are welcome to also participate in the Bingo part as well!! I have more details (and pictures haha) on my blog if you're interested - https://thearomaofbooks.wordpress.com/bookspin-bookspinbingo-litsy-challenge 4w
TheAromaofBooks Also, I added you to the tag list, so you'll get a notification when I post the numbers on Saturday!! 😁 4w
24 likes3 comments
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Kshakal
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Pickpick

This book is a love letter to those who love books and the power they have, no matter how old you are. Beautifully crafted I dove headfirst into the story and didn‘t want to surface!

37 likes4 stack adds
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Kshakal
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Cat mom dilemma… I want to read but to do so would disturb my pretty girl!

kspenmoll Typical cat -no books! My Em & Poe do this frequently 4w
wanderinglynn Aw, so sweet! ❤️🐱 And that is a #catdilemma for sure! 🐱📚🐱📚 4w
IndoorDame She‘s beautiful 😻 and mine play that trick too 😸 4w
dabbe “Books are for sleeping on, Mom, not for reading!“ 🖤🐾🖤 4w
40 likes4 comments
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mom_of_4
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Pickpick

This book was very good.

38 likes2 stack adds
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thea-block
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Pickpick

If you mixed A Wrinkle in Time, Ready Player One, and Matilda together, you would get this book! A little dark and sad, yet hopeful and magical, it was different than I expected. It felt like the author could have fleshed things out a little more, bringing the story more depth and staying power. But I love the magical feel, the authentic characters, and the focuses on hope and found family (I cried a few times!)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

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candc320
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Pickpick

This book hit me in all the right places! The attention given to that spectacular magic we can only get from reading books as children, mixed with the very realistic and often terrifying world so many live in, was so touching. And while there‘s a romantic element of sorts it isn‘t over done or too sappy. This is a bittersweet/sweet and somewhat sappy story and it was exactly what I needed even though I didn‘t know it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

mom_of_4 Im reading this now. 1mo
candc320 @mom_of_4 how‘re you liking it so far? 1mo
mom_of_4 @candc320 im in the beginning but im loving it. I dont want to put it down. 1mo
candc320 @mom_of_4 yay!! I hope you love it as much as I did! 1mo
22 likes1 stack add4 comments
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mom_of_4
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The school bell rang at two-thirty, and the usual stampede of little feet followed. #FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

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mom_of_4
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Enjoying some tea while reading a book. What better way to enjoy a after noon. #tealover

37 likes2 comments
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mom_of_4
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Currently reading

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nitalibrarian
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Pickpick

A low pick. It was just on the verge of being too sappy for me. But I liked the characters and really was invested in seeing how the game played out.

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SW-T
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Mehso-so

Maybe it was the audio, but Lucy just seemed really, really whiny and she annoyed me. Seemed to have unrealistic expectations regarding the adoption process and made promises to Christopher that she wasn‘t in a position to keep at the time she made them. The whole thing seemed unrealistic. Wasn‘t nuts about Hugo either. Christopher and Jack were okay. Okay, but not a feel-good read for me.

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nitalibrarian
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It's the weekend! I'm starting this #botm.

Bette I thought it was a fun read. (+ riddles!) 😊👍 2mo
32 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Rissa1
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Pickpick

Finished this while my husband drove through Nashville.
This book was incredible! I laughed, I cried, I loved it!!!

Reggie Are you in the states? 2mo
Reggie Have fun! 2mo
Rissa1 @Reggie, yes, in the States. 2mo
23 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Rissa1
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I should be packing for our family vacation, but this book has sucked me in.

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Kristy_K
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Bailedbailed

DNF at 15%

I couldn‘t get over Lucy promising a little boy she‘d adopt him when it wasn‘t a sure thing. Or why she wouldn‘t get a second, part-time job to help get more money. I didn‘t get far enough in to tell if I‘d like Hugo, but thus far he wasn‘t anything special. On to the next.

Lissa00 I felt the same way and dnf‘d for the same reason! I came on here to look at reviews because all I‘ve seen is praise for this book and I thought maybe I was missing something. 2mo
Kristy_K @Lissa00 Glad I‘m not the only one! I definitely felt in the minority on this one. 2mo
64 likes2 comments
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TheSpineView
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Pickpick

This is a retelling of sorts of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I say of sorts because not all follows the original. Instead of kids you have adults playing a game with an author and the prize is his latest children's book. It is the only copy in existence and is worth millions to the right buyer. Outstanding prose and an MC that will steal your heart. 4.5⭐️

#LitsyLoveReads @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

82 likes4 stack adds
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TheSpineView
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#FirstLineFriday @ShyBookOwl

"Every night, Hugo went for a walk on the Five O'clock Beach, but tonight was the first time in five years his wandering feet spelled out an SOS in the sand."

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Cathyloves2read
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Pickpick

I loved everything about this book, from the cover, to the acknowledgement. I loved the parallels to Willie Wonka, one of my favorite stories ever! How I‘d love to visit Clock Island someday, and read all of the Clock Island books to my grandkids. This author has an amazing imagination. The biggest compliment I can give a book is to call it magical. I love magic.

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BookMaven9
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I devoured this book! absolutely loved it! Yes you‘ll know right away that this is a bit like Charlie and the chocolate factory and yes you may figure some things out along the way, but it‘s such a wonderful journey you can‘t help but feel good all over and fall in love with it.

I thought the dialogue and writing style was wonderful. Gave me all the feels. Sometimes you have to just read something that makes you smile 😊 📚📖📙👍🏼

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SerenaCrawford
Pickpick

4/5 stars.

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megnews
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Pickpick

This is the type of story that will remind you of when you were a kid and first fell in love with reading. I can‘t give a book higher praise than that.

SilversReviews So enjoyed this book. ❤️ 2mo
59 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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Gryffleclaw95
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The Wishing Game” was a cozy and heartwarming read that I absolutely loved. I adored the characters, the plot was incredibly satisfying, and the story made me want to be there with them on Clock Island. My biggest and only complaint with this book was that it was over too soon!

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nitalibrarian
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My #botm are here!

CoverToCoverGirl Beautiful!🤩 3mo
SilversReviews I enjoyed THE WISHING GAME and DARK CORNERS. 3mo
32 likes2 comments
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Eggs
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Happy Wednesday! Happy July! Everyone is invited to play #wondrouswednesday @Eggs !

1. #bookspin, #doublespin, #bookspinbingo, #pantone, #serieslove, and some readathons

2. Tagged! It was one-of-a-kind, full of heart, clever, emotional 🩷

3. The Women in Black 😕

TheSpineView Thanks for the tag!🥰 3mo
wanderinglynn Thanks for the tag! 3mo
dabbe Thanks for the tag; will do soon! 🤩😍🤗 3mo
See All 7 Comments
Librarybelle Thanks for the tag! 3mo
Leftcoastzen Thanks for the tag! 3mo
Eggs @Leftcoastzen Welcome 🙏🏻 3mo
45 likes7 comments
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Laughterhp
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So behind on reviews! But the tagged was my favorite read of June! It was SO good! I loved it!

However, the 2 king killer chronicle books were up against each other and I liked the 2nd book more than the first in the series. I think because he got out more and explored instead of just being in school.

Let‘s see what the rest of the year brings! #2023ReadingBracket

Meshell1313 Totally agree!!! 3mo
TheSpineView Love this series! Just wish Rothfuss would finish the up the last book. We have been waiting over ten years now! I have said this before, he will die and Brandon Sanderson will finish it as he did will the Wheel of Time series. 3mo
Laughterhp @TheSpineView I can‘t even imagine having to wait 10 years!! Hopefully he writes it soon and it‘s not another 10 years! 3mo
55 likes3 comments
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staci.reads
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Pickpick

This book 😍! It was such an unexpected winner for me. It was not great literature by any means, and it read a little like young adult even though it had adult characters. But oh my goodness, it was lovely! And charming, and fun, and heartfelt. I adored it!

74 likes3 stack adds
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marleed
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Pickpick

It‘s seems every summer I fall into a feel-good story that makes me think about all my childhood insecurities and how fortunate I was to discover mentors, love, and confidence (and books) too help forge a path to adulting. This year, this is that book and I loved the story. …However, huge TW for those from families with a sibling given the lion share of parents‘ attention.

Leftcoastzen That TW makes me shudder , not in my family but my best friends family , turned him into a not very nice person! 3mo
86 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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LaraReads
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Pickpick

I LOVED this book! 📚🕰️🏝️ After starting & setting it aside a few weeks ago, I picked it back up today & didn‘t want to put it down! As a sort of re-telling of one of my husband‘s favorite book/movie (Charlie/Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) it was just magical & full of young-at-heart glee. Loved the characters & totally teared up multiple times! 💕

40 likes1 stack add
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BirdLaVie
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Pickpick

I‘m always so impressed when an author is able to vividly imagine an enchanting story within a story, especially along with captivating riddles and whimsical world building. This book is full of inspiration and intrigue (as well as all of the warm feels!) I wanted to pick up a sketch book after I was done reading this love letter to creativity and the power of human kindness. Great beach read! Thank you for letting me borrow it @ICantImReading 🩵

ICantImReading @BirdLaVie I‘m so glad you liked it!! This beautiful bookish beach scene with family is the epitome of peace and joy! And this is is a beautiful review, as always! 🩵🌊✨ (edited) 3mo
12 likes1 comment
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SerenaCrawford
Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars

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bridge12
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Pickpick

I absolutely ADORED this book. Maybe my favorite book of the year so far, I‘ve already let my mom borrow it to read.

Very sweet, quick read. Run, do not walk, to this book if you want a light summer read 4.5 ⭐️ #botm

I‘m very clearly trying to get through my BOTM backlog, yet still getting more books

BookmarkTavern What a cute cover! 💖 3mo
14 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Laughterhp
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Pickpick

Loved this book! I read it in a day. Such a lovely story. I did have some questions, but for the most part it‘s put together very nicely. It did make me emotional in some spots. I also love that the author spoke a bit about the foster system and statistics. My husband was in the foster system as a kid and definitely has PTSD from his upbringing.

I really wish the clock Island books were real, I would read all of them! “Only” 65 books in series 🤣

58 likes1 stack add1 comment
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erank58
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Mehso-so

#unpopularopinion time! I honestly don't see the hype here... I loved the premise of this, but I felt it needed more world-building to bring the setting to life. Also, for some reason I was really uncomfortable with the "God complex" others in the story seemingly gave to Jack, I feel like I needed a bit more substance to make his characterization work for me. But overall this was a light read that's perfect for summer! #botm

erank58 Also, was anyone else put off by the main character's "I want this" attitude with respect to Christopher? I feel like the obstacles Lucy encountered in trying to foster him were actually valid issues.. 3mo
52 likes1 comment
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Laughterhp
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Finally a break in the rain. Trying to enjoy some possibly summer weather (it‘s so humid) this afternoon. 🍷📚

Started this one today and am about 75 pages into.

#botm Happy Saturday!

BookHoarder32 How is it? 3mo
Laughterhp @BookHoarder32 I loved it! It was fun and so sweet. Almost had me tearing up at some spots. And I wish the clock island books were real! 3mo
BookHoarder32 Awesome! I keep looking at picking this one up, so that‘s good to know. 3mo
70 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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Tera0707
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book. It was fun, it was a emotional (I had tears, y‘all), and it was hopeful. As I was reading, I was thinking of some series that I‘ve been emotionally invested in throughout my life. Highly recommend 🖤

Bette Seconded. So good. ❤️👍 3mo
SilversReviews Loved this book!! 3mo
36 likes2 comments
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Eggs
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#AtLastEttaJames #VolumesAndVocals

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Lucy Hart has wished so hard for the chance to be at Jack Masterson‘s Clock Island, and at last her wish has come true. What she doesn‘t know is how the rest of her life will be transformed by the experience…

Ahw06 How was it?? It‘s on my TBR 3mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Still in my botm box!! 3mo
Eggs It‘s magical @Ahw06 3mo
See All 6 Comments
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Hope you read it and enjoy 🩷 3mo
Ahw06 @Eggs thank you for letting me know! 3mo
Eggs @Ahw06 You‘re most welcome 🤗 3mo
76 likes6 comments
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Zbayardo
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Pickpick

This is a GEM of a read that captivated me from the very first page! There‘s whimsy, mystery, adventure, and was UNPUTDOWNABLE!
This reminded me a Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory but for adults and with books with an underlying message of hope and the enduring power of literature. It reminds us that books have the ability to heal, connect, and transform lives!

Purpleness What an amazing cover! 3mo
Zbayardo It‘s gorgeous and fun! 3mo
14 likes2 comments
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ICantImReading
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the kind of book that is magical without any actual magic. It felt deeply nostalgic while also being brilliantly new. It made me want to hug my daughter and my own inner child while believing in the power of wishes and bravery and love. I adored every minute! #BOTM

68 likes1 stack add
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jdiehr
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Pickpick

I loved this short book about the power of books read in childhood and the power that comes from facing your fears.

Four people are competing to win the final book in a beloved series. I expected that to be mostly what the book was about, but was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the back stories.

Good stuff!

AmyG FYI I got the “resend” of your letter. This happens a few times a year-no rhyme or reason. I‘m sorry. 3mo
45 likes1 comment
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Reecaspieces
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Pickpick
emz711 Sounds fun. Is it like 3mo
Reecaspieces @emz711 I have not read that one. But I did love this one. 3mo
50 likes2 comments
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Tera0707
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#botm I love this bookmark, and I can‘t wait to dive into these!

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Eggs
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Pickpick

This was surprisingly great! Read it in 1 sitting. Clever story about the reclusive eccentric Jack Masterson, who authored a best-selling children‘s series about Clock Island many years back. Stories within stories, and characters who are rich and credible and that you want to know more about. BOTM June

#Pantone2023 @Clwojick
#JoyOfJuneReadathon Day 1 @Andrew65

Andrew65 Excellebt 👏👏👏 3mo
TheSpineView This was one of my picks this month. I want to getbto it this month. 3mo
Eggs @Andrew65 ❤️❤️ 3mo
Eggs @TheSpineView I hope You enjoy It 💛💛 3mo
79 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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jdiehr
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I'm having my gallbladder removed on Thursday. Perfect excuse for rest, reading, and cuddles 😴 📚 😻

LiteraryinLawrence I really hope the surgery goes well! And of course happy reading! 3mo
TheSpineView You poor thing. Hope it all goes well and the recovery is easy and short. 3mo
Ruthiella Wishing you a speedy recovery! ❤️ 3mo
Crazeedi I pray all goes well and you heal quickly! I had mine out several years ago, and its rough for a few days, but recovery is smooth. You just cant drive for a while!! 3mo
39 likes4 comments
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LaraReads
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Taking a break in the shade to start this one! It really seems like I‘m going to love it! Also bird & butterfly watching as usual. I really want to catalogue all the butterflies I see in the yard this year. I know most of the birds by heart by now. This book has a wonderfully nostalgic dedication, so I‘ll go with that prompt: “To Charlie and to all of us who are still looking for our golden tickets.” #52bookclub23 #abookwithadedication

50 likes3 comments