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Ajessgirl

Ajessgirl

Joined October 2017

review
Ajessgirl
The Unhoneymooners | Christina Lauren
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Pickpick

3.5 stars. Totally fun "brain candy" reading. It's a rom com, but a little more "open door" than I was expecting, so beware if you are sensitive to that. A perfect beach read or palette cleanser between heavier books.

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Ajessgirl
Mr. Mercedes: A Novel | Stephen King
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Pickpick

I love Bill Hodges as a character, and am excited to read the next installment. I loved his team of misfits, and seeing each of them grow, and their relationship with one another. The perspective of the killer was a bit much for me (too vulgar / disturbing), but I understand it's Stephen King.

vivastory Love this series so much. Just FYI one of the characters is in The Outsider, but I recommend reading Bill Hodges trilogy first 4y
Ajessgirl @vivastory Thanks so much for the tip!! 4y
23 likes2 comments
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Ajessgirl
Dumplin' | Julie Murphy
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📚rec: Dumplin‘ had been in my TBR for awhile, and I only wish I‘d read it sooner! It‘s YA in the very best way - easy to read, engaging characters, and though focused on teenagers, the themes resonate with women of all ages. I absolutely loved it, and it left me with all the warm & fuzzies. Can‘t wait to check out the Netflix adaptation!

29 likes3 stack adds
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Ajessgirl
The Memory House | Rachel Hauck
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I picked this book up on a whim from a B&N buy one, get one 50% table - very successful impulse purchase! I am perpetually on the hunt for well written “women‘s fiction” that‘s engrossing and a quick read, but also touches on deeper themes. “The Memory House” is just that, and is a mix of family, romance, self reflection & mystery.

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Ajessgirl
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I had been eagerly anticipating this book for months, and snagged it as part of B&N‘s #bookhaul sale. It did not disappoint! “Searching for Sylvia Lee” is part mystery & part family saga, and explores the Chinese immigrant experience in both the US & the Netherlands. It‘s multi-viewpoint, which is always a selling point for me. A rare combination of thought provoking & fast paced. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Ajessgirl
Mostly Dead Things | Kristen Arnett
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Panpan

This was way too much for me, on many levels. The story centers on a family in the taxidermy business. While the taxidermy portion could have been quirky and interesting, it instead was incredibly graphic, and it felt like every other page had a graphic description of dissembling an animal. The family dynamics were interesting, but weren‘t really explored beyond a superficial level, and everyone‘s issues were centered almost exclusively on sex.

Megabooks Thank you for saving me time. I had been thinking about reading it, but it sounds exactly like the kind of book I hate. 5y
Ajessgirl @Megabooks You are very welcome! I thought it was going to be more Lauren Groff like, but it went way way over the top. 5y
20 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Ajessgirl
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Pickpick

A lovely read for book lovers. The author did an amazing job weaving in book references, and creating the bookish clues must have taken an eternity! It reminded me a bit of "Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore" in that it's just the right amount of quirky. I loved the mix of family drama and mystery. Definitely recommend!

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Ajessgirl
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Mehso-so

3.5 stars. I appreciate that the author was going for a mix of genres (psychological thriller and courtroom procedural), but it didn‘t quite work for me. The three part narrative was interesting, but dragged on too long.

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Ajessgirl
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Pickpick

Absolutely loved it! This had been in my TBR for awhile, and after reading (and loving) Daisy Jones & the Six, it moved to the top of the list. Just like Daisy Jones, Evelyn Hugo is told in a creative, multi-media format. I loved the way the book was divided by husband, and was utterly entranced the whole way through.

Lovesbooks87 Evelyn!!! 💚💚💚💚 5y
marleed Love me some Evelyn! City of Girls reminds me of Evelyn. 5y
Laughterhp Loved this book!! 5y
See All 9 Comments
GypsyKat Ahhh! I freakin loved this one, too! 💚💚💚 5y
Ajessgirl @marleed Ooooh I just got City of Girls - so happy to hear it has a similar feel! @laughterhp @GypsyKat @Lovesbooks87 If you haven‘t read Daisy Jones yet, definitely put it on your list! 5y
marleed Oh I‘ll watch for your input following your CoG read! 5y
GypsyKat @Ajessgirl I will, thanks! 5y
Lovesbooks87 @Ajessgirl I have read all the authors book and they are amazing! 5y
Ajessgirl @Lovesbooks87 Well done!! I‘m making my through her backlist but don‘t want to go too quickly! The first one I read was One True Loves, which I really enjoyed. 5y
42 likes2 stack adds9 comments
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Ajessgirl
The Stranger Diaries | Elly Griffiths
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I loved this! It's a standalone mystery, and has a great Gothic feel. I loved the shifting viewpoints and integration of books and writing within the story. I also loved the heavy spotlight on Herbert, the family dog. ;)

28 likes1 stack add
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Ajessgirl
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I read this when it first came out and loved it. I recently got into audiobooks, and was curious about memoirs / first person books that are narrated by the author. I love Mindy Kahling, so it's no surprise that I loved listening to her narrate her book. It felt like hanging out with with my most hilarious friend.

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I'm am listening to this as well and it is my first ever audio book. I'm finding the audio version of this book much better that the print one. I guess I'm sold on audio books. 😊 5y
Ajessgirl @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I‘m also a recent audio book convert! I am definitely mindful of which books work well on audio (complex plots are best in print form for me) - memoirs and thrillers work well for me. I also like books that are told from different narrators‘ perspectives because there are usually different audiobook narrators for each character. 5y
22 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Ajessgirl
Field Notes on Love | Jennifer E. Smith
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An adorable story of teenage love. I listened to the audio book, and really enjoyed the narrators. They did a nice job bringing Hugo and Mae's voices to life. I loved the train setting, and really appreciated how the author wove in themes of race and non-traditional family structure without being too heavy-handed. A feel good book that's just the right side of light and sweet.

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Ajessgirl
The Swans of Fifth Avenue | Melanie Benjamin
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3.5 stars. One of the review blurbs described this as "Gossip Girl in the 1950s," which is a perfect description. It was such a fun, dishy read. I initially found the descriptions of the designer brands and jewels off-putting and too over the top, but once I got into the feel of the book, they didn't bother me. If you're in the mood for over the top opulence and gossipy fun with a bit of mystery, this will be a great summer read for you.

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Ajessgirl
Lethal White | Robert Galbraith
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Pickpick

I read about 2/3 of this when it came out, but then "over savored" and couldn't remember the plot details enough to get back into it, so I started anew on audio book. The latest installment of the series did not disappoint, and I appreciated that it didn't have the too over the top gore / shock value of some of the previous installments. I loved being reunited with Strike and Robin!

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Ajessgirl
Tallgrass | Sandra Dallas
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Listened to this on audio, and really enjoyed it. An interesting perspective on the era of Japanese internment camps. It had a similar feel to books like "Queen Sugar" and "The Secret Life of Bees" in that it looks through historical events through the lens of a small town.

24 likes1 stack add
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Ajessgirl
Bellman & Black: A Novel | Diane Setterfield
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Such a fun Litsy Postal Book Club package from @Laughterhp ! Today is perfect tea weather & anytime is a good time for Reese‘s! Love the adorable bookmarks and fun notebook & can‘t wait to dive into Bellman & Black. @DebBates101 your package will be en route tomorrow!

Laughterhp Glad it made it there safely! 5y
29 likes1 comment
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Ajessgirl
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I‘d been feeling meh on Book of the Month lately, but I‘m so excited about the new BFF perks! A free tote and 2 books?!? 🙌🙌🙌

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Ajessgirl
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Pickpick

I loved this book! It reminded me a lot of "An American Marriage," but I enjoyed it much more. I really liked the multiple viewpoints, and seeing the effects of crime/imprisonment on multiple generations and people with vastly different relationships to the couple. This book dealt with a lot of really hard issues, but in a very accessible manner. It left me thinking but not horribly depressed, which is a tough accomplishment.

29 likes2 stack adds
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Ajessgirl
PS, I Love You | Cecelia Ahern
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I‘ve been in the mood for light girly books, and this one did the trick (though the underlying premise is sad). Cute, though a tad too long. Will check out the movie next!

marleed Did you know the sequel is coming this summer - 15 years later!! 5y
23 likes1 comment
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Ajessgirl
I Owe You One | Sophie Kinsella
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Pickpick

Such a light, fun read. I hadn't read a Sophie Kinsella book in years, but was pleased to discover that I remain a fan. Her books are fun and beachy, but still well-written and internally consistent, which can be difficult to find. I also appreciate the character development of not only the main character, but also supporting characters. If you're looking for a fun escape (with the bonus of being set in England), this one's for you.

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Ajessgirl
The House at Sea's End | Elly Griffiths
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I really enjoyed this installment! It had been awhile since I last read the series, and it was fun to get back into Norfolk and the characters. I found this mystery particularly engaging, and enjoyed the range of characters. The proportion of mystery and Ruth's personal storyline was just right.

23 likes1 stack add
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Ajessgirl
How to Stop Time | Matt Haig
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Panpan

I loved the idea of this book, and thought it had so much potential, but just didn't deliver. The characters weren't fully developed, and the most interesting characters were given such short shrift, while the less compelling characters got too much focus. The encounters with historical figures felt like superficial name drops, and just tried too hard.

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Ajessgirl
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I loved it! Such a perfect mix of family, friendship, romance, and personal growth. It takes a lot for a non-thriller to be a "page turner" for me, but "Mambo in Chinatown" was just that. I loved the story and was fully enveloped in Charlie's world, and was so sad when I had to leave.

34 likes3 stack adds
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Ajessgirl
IQ | Joe Ide
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Bailedbailed

I‘ve heard rave reviews from multiple places, and I really tried to get into it, but this just wasn‘t for me. Way too much crass language, and I couldn‘t deal with the dog fighting / cruelty.

Laughterhp Good to know about the dog fighting! I‘ve had this book on my TBR list for a year and don‘t remember why! 5y
Ajessgirl @Laughterhp If you‘re sensitive to animal stuff, definitely skip it! A key plot point focuses on animal abuse. :( 5y
23 likes2 comments
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Ajessgirl
Nine Perfect Strangers | Liane Moriarty
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Loved it! It‘s definitely a bit of a departure from Liane Moriarty‘s typical style, but in just the right amount. It‘s told from multiple perspectives like her other books, but there are more narrators than usual, who span a wide spectrum of ages and backgrounds. It was the perfect blend of connecting the characters in the shared experience of the health retreat, and also telling each character‘s individual backstory.

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Ajessgirl
The Silent Patient | Alex Michaelides
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3.75 stars. A solid psychological thriller that was a perfect plane read. I enjoyed the shifting settings (psychiatric facility and homes), time & character viewpoints.

38 likes1 stack add
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Ajessgirl
Heft: A Novel | Liz Moore
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For the first time in a very long time, I actually got through most of the books I brought on vacation! (Naturally I was worried I‘d run out on the flight back so bought 2 more just in case.)
Under the Harrow - 3.5 stars
The Clocks - 4 stars
Heft - 4 stars

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Ajessgirl
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Mehso-so

This was a much anticipated book for me, and I was sadly disappointed. It just didn't hook me, and I actually put it down for a few weeks, which is a bad sign for a thriller. Once I got back into it, the last 1/3 or so had my attention, but I found the majority of the book to be too slow and uninteresting. As another reviewer noted, the major plot points of Ms. Ware's novels seem to be bleeding into each other.

SilversReviews I hear good and bad about it. I haven‘t read it yet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 5y
32 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Ajessgirl
Lethal White | Robert Galbraith
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Starting Thanksgiving off with a long anticipated read and ☕️. Happy Thanksgiving, Littens!

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Ajessgirl
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Weekend reading 💕💕💕

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Ajessgirl
Young Jane Young | Gabrielle Zevin
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Pickpick

I was attracted to this book because I absolutely loved "The Storied Life of AJ Fikry." This is a very different feel. It‘s a fun read, and goes very quickly. It reminded me of "Where'd you go Bernadette?" - it involves mothers and daughters, is funny and quirky, and is told in shifting perspectives and formats. I was looking for something light, but not too light, and this fit the bill perfectly.

Ashley85 I‘m enjoying this one as well! And I loved A.J. Fikry! 5y
Laughterhp I‘m about halfway through this book right now and am loving it! I definitely feel like I‘m going through it quickly! 5y
Ajessgirl @Laughterhp Glad you‘re enjoying it too! 5y
34 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Ajessgirl
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Pickpick

A great pick by @DebBates101 for our postal book club! @Laughterhp , this will (finally) be on its way to you tomorrow.

Reecaspieces Such a fantastic read! I loved the dollhouse too! 5y
Laughterhp Oh great! I was wondering if you had sent it yet! 😊 5y
Ajessgirl @Laughterhp It will be there on Friday! So sorry for the delay. 😬 5y
See All 8 Comments
Ajessgirl @Reecaspieces I‘ll add The Dollhouse to my list! 5y
Reecaspieces @Ajessgirl 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y
DebBates101 @Ajessgirl Im glad you liked it! I cant wait to read ur comments in the book. Definitely read the Dollhouse and The Address, about the Dakota, is good, too. 5y
DebBates101 @Reecaspieces did you read The Address too? I am curious to hear if you liked one more than the others. 5y
Reecaspieces @DebBates101 I enjoyed them all. I think I liked the Masterpiece the best. But really, all are good reads! 5y
30 likes8 comments
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Ajessgirl
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Mehso-so

I liked the premise and the story line, but in practice, it was a little too gritty for me. It was just a stylistic preference - I can definitely see readers with different preferences enjoying it more.

Cinfhen I agree there‘s something about his writing that leaves me cold or feeling indifferent. Great review 5y
Ajessgirl Thank you, @Cinfhen ! Hoping my next read is more engaging. 5y
21 likes2 comments
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Ajessgirl
Norwegian by Night | Derek B. Miller
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Such an amazing #LTLPBC package from @DebBates101 ! I LOVE macarons & macaroons, and the packaging is so pretty. Can‘t wait to get into the spooky spirit with the Victorian ghost stories while enjoying the naughty vicar (😂😂😂). Thank you so much!!

DebBates101 @Ajessgirl Tell the Ghostly Tales book was too cute to pass up, but i should have bought one for me lol! The pastries are from an amazing bakery in St Louis. The Tea is from a tea room founded by an English expats. They host traditional high tea and run a standard cafe with the most delicious English goodies. The Naughty Vicar Tea is my favorite! If you ever come to STL I will take you to high tea 😊🥐☕️🥧 @Laughterhp 5y
28 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Ajessgirl
The Postman: A Novel | Antonio Skrmeta
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The absolute cutest package from @DebBates101 ! The stickers make me SO happy. Saving for tonight to open. :) @Laughterhp , your package will be on its way later this week!

erzascarletbookgasm Psst..block off the addresses! 5y
Ajessgirl @erzascarletbookgasm Thank you so much for the reminder!! Total brain fart. 5y
21 likes2 comments
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Ajessgirl
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Settled in with a cup of tea and @DebBates101 ‘s #LMPBC pick!

DebBates101 I hope ur enjoying! I could not log in to litsy until just now 😡 Ur delivery is going in the mail tmrw 5y
29 likes1 comment
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Ajessgirl
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Mehso-so

Overall, a fun, lovely story. The first half really dragged for me, and I took a couple week hiatus because of the pace. The second half really picked up, and held my attention. A warning that the title is not an exaggeration - there are a LOT of the ladies‘ “stories” featured throughout the book. It may have been the audiobook format, but I thought there were too many - I could have certainly done with fewer descriptions of “members.” 😬

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Ajessgirl
Goodbye, Paris: A Novel | Anstey Harris
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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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Ajessgirl
Absent in the Spring | Agatha Christie
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The most wonderful #achristieswapisannounced package from @rubyslippersreads !! I cannot wait to read all the books and also display the gorgeous edition of Miss Marple Stories. Love the tea, bookmark, and pin (“I do not approve of murder”), and the card is 👌. Thank you, thank you! My first order of business after this post is making a cup of Agatha ChrisTea and choosing which book to read first! 👇

Ajessgirl @rubyslippersreads LOVE that we got each other the same Dorothy Sayers! 5y
erzascarletbookgasm Great gifts, luck girl! 💖😊 5y
LeahBergen I received this tea in the swap, too, from @DGRachel ! 😍 The Folio Society Miss Marple is a really lovely edition (I own it and love it). Great gifts! 5y
See All 7 Comments
Sophoclessweetheart The folio and tea are perfect! 5y
rubyslippersreads So happy you liked everything. I had fun picking it all out. 5y
mabell Great pin! And love the card! 5y
31 likes7 comments
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Ajessgirl
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26 likes1 comment
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Ajessgirl
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Such an amazing #fallingforfallswap from @AmyG !! I absolutely love the scarf (and knew it was an infinity scarf 😂), bookmark and page stickies. I am such a to do list person, so the notepad is perfect for me! I can‘t wait to read the books, and I love the variety! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity!

AmyG I am so happy you liked everything. I had fun stalking you and shopping. And now that I live in Colorado...I had to send along Celestial Seasonings-made in Boulder! Happy Fall! 5y
BethM What does morning thunder have in it? 5y
Avanders ❤️🧡💛🎃🍁🍂😍 and mmm Morning Thunder tea... must find... 😁 5y
See All 7 Comments
Ajessgirl @BethM - “Savory, earthy flavor comes from a blend of rich black tea and roasted mate” 😋😋😋 5y
BethM Omg that sounds great! 5y
monalyisha OMG YUM. I want basically all of this. 😅 Looks like we have similar taste! 5y
Zelma Underground Airlines is really good! 👍 5y
48 likes7 comments
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Ajessgirl
The Postman: A Novel | Antonio Skrmeta
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It‘s opening time!!! Thank you so much, @AmyG ! Your candy and tea selections are 👌!

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Ajessgirl
Whiskey in a Teacup | Reese Witherspoon
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A belated post from seeing Reese! She is just the sweetest, and is such an amazing champion of women. 💕💕💕

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Ajessgirl
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The coolest gift, made (!!!) by @DebBates101 . My own secret garden! Also included is a close-up of the gorgeous card. Thank you, thank you!

DebBates101 @Ajessgirl I hope u like it! I wanted to tell u what is in the garden. Everything was grown in my yard or my parents yard. There is a tiny mushroom, moss, lily-of-the-valley, and ferns. It took me so long because I was originally going to try something different and it was turning out as good as I wanted soI went back to my tried-but-true technique but it takes a long time to make a pendant. 6y
Ajessgirl @DebBates101 That is so thoughtful - I love that everything came from your garden or your parents‘ garden! I‘ve never seen anything like it. Absolutely love it! 6y
29 likes3 comments
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Ajessgirl
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Oh my goodness @DebBates101 , you have spoiled me so much!! The teas smell AMAZING, and I can‘t wait to try them! The fudges are to die for, and I can‘t get over the adorable packaging. I gasped when I saw two books in the package - I‘ve heard so much buzz about Sweet Little Lies, so perfect pick. The card may be the most beautiful card I‘ve seen! The gift you made will get its own post, coming shortly.

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Ajessgirl
What Alice Forgot | Liane Moriarty
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Mehso-so

This wasn't my favorite Liane Moriarty novel. The plot centers around Alice, who loses her memory after an accident and has forgotten the last 10 years of her life. The book follows her attempts to understand what has happened during the “lost” time. An interesting concept, but I just didn't buy that someone in her life wouldn't just tell her all this information. I did enjoy the supporting characters and their relationships to Alice.

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Ajessgirl
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Pickpick

A fun new-to-me mystery series. The protagonist is an archaeology professor in Norfolk, and it seems like it's going to be the kind of series where she stumbles upon murders. It's set in the UK, which I always love for a cozy series. Light and easy to read, well-written, and a relatable protagonist - what else can you ask for?

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Ajessgirl
The Mailman | Bentley Little
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#fallingforfallswap and #achristieswapisannounced packages heading out tomorrow!

Avanders 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💛🧡🎃🍁🍂🎃🧡💛 6y
39 likes2 comments
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Ajessgirl
Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn
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Yeeeeees! 😱😱😱

Caroline2 YES!!!! 👏🏻🥂🎉💗😃 6y
Bookzombie Yay!!!!!! 🎉💃🏼🎈🍰 6y
26 likes2 comments
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Ajessgirl
Windfall | Diksha Basu
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Loved reading @4thhouseontheleft and @riversong153 ‘s comments on my #LMPBC pick! Thank you for the fun goodies, @riversong153 - I love inspirational quotes!! @4thhouseontheleft , I promise Sister of my Heart will be on its way to you this weekend!

alisiakae 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 6y
riversong153 Yay!!! 6y
35 likes2 comments