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Elizabeth2

Elizabeth2

Joined May 2016

Wife, Mama to 4 (plus two dogs), sister, friend, RE Operations Manager. Trying to get in as much reading as I can in this crazy life!
review
Elizabeth2
Ready or Not | Cara Bastone
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Pickpick

This book is a cozy hug! Eve‘s journey through a surprise pregnancy, discovering herself & friends-to-lovers romance is predictable but perfect. The warmth, charm and heartfelt moments shine. There‘s also a found family vibe here. The audiobook was fantastic, bringing these lovable characters to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
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Mehso-so

Karen has a car accident that erases her memory of the hours before. Her husband is worried, her neighbor supportive, and everyone is keeping secrets. The plot has potential but the execution misses the mark. The writing is repetitive, lacks subtlety and there is too much 'tell' and not enough ‘show'. Still, the idea behind the plot is decent. If you pick this one up, I recommend going in blind to let the suspense unfold. ⭐️⭐️💫 2.5/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

This was my book club‘s most recent pick, and while the others struggled to dive in, I was completely captivated! This National Book Award finalist reads more like a memoir than a science text. Through chapters dedicated to the different octopuses she meets, Montgomery explores her admiration and curiosity for these creatures. This book leaves you feeling hopeful and in awe of the wonders of marine life. Great on audio! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars ❤️📚

AvidReader25 I loved this one too! 3w
36 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Elizabeth2
Funny Story | Emily Henry
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Emily Henry does it again! After Daphne‘s fiancé calls off their wedding—because he's fallen for Miles's girlfriend—she ends up as roommates with Miles, and the two begin to heal together. This book gave me all the feels, and I related so much to Daphne. Her trauma and mine are different, but the effects feel so familiar. Likable, relatable characters and so much heart, Funny Story is a must-read if you like romance with depth. ? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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Elizabeth2
The Runner | Peter May
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The Runner is book 5 in Peter May‘s China Thrillers series. It‘s another fast-paced thriller that kept me turning the pages! Li Yan and Margaret Campbell are back in China, investigating the suspicious deaths of several top athletes. I enjoyed the mystery, but the resolution felt a little too neatly packaged. Despite that, if you‘re a fan of a good, suspenseful mystery, in an international setting, it‘s worth picking up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/ 5 (3.5/5) ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
Readathon: Occasional List : Geleentheidslys | Gauteng (South Africa). Education Media Service
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Last weekend was the #deweys24hourreadathon. My plan was to focus on these two books. It was a gorgeous day, and I had a good start, but my son was going through something and needed his Mama to listen. I‘m so grateful that he wanted to talk and that I could help him get some feelings out. I only got 10 hours of reading in, instead of my normal 12-14, so I didn‘t quite finish either book. Being there for my kid was worth it. ❤️📚 #deweysreadathon

TheBookHippie The mug!!😍 1mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘m in LOVE with your mug!! 1mo
39 likes3 comments
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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

This book introduces Inspector Gamache and the residents of Three Pines, a small town in Canada. The mystery kicks off when a beloved resident turns up dead under mysterious circumstances. The quirky cast of characters and cozy setting are what really sell this series. The audiobook format wasn‘t ideal for an intro to so many characters though. I‘ll stick with reading this series in print for now and look forward to more Three Pines. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

This novel centers on a true crime podcast host as she records her next season focusing on a controversial rape trial. She begins receiving notes from a girl who believes her sister was murdered years ago. The story alternates between the two mysteries. It‘s a compelling, plot-driven story, but it‘s also brutal and highlights sexual assault (if this kind of content is triggering, be mindful.) Great on audio! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Snakehead | Peter May
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The 4th in the China Thrillers begins with a gripping premise - a virus infecting Chinese immigrants that could spark a pandemic. The strongest element is its prescient story nearly 20 years after publication. There is also a heart-stopping conclusion that leaves readers eager for the next book. But the setting in the US doesn't work as well as the other books in the series. An engaging addition, though not the strongest of the series. 3.5/5 ⭐️

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Panpan

This story is set in a robot-ruled future, full of humor, imagination, found family and love in all its forms. The characters were mostly likable, but I didn‘t connect with the story, especially the second half. While it wraps back into its emotional heart by the end, the journey felt tedious. I had such high expectations after absolutely loving The House in the Cerulean Sea, but this one just didn‘t hit the mark for me. ⭐️⭐️💫/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
Beautyland: A Novel | Marie-Helene Bertino
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Beautyland blends light sci-fi with literary fiction. A sweet coming of age story, charming and emotionally rich offering a perspective on the human experience through the eyes of an outsider. For 80%, I found it charming and compelling, but the story lost steam toward the end. Still, it‘s a unique take on human nature. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
Up Country | Nelson DeMille
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Nelson DeMille has died. He was one of my Dad's favorites, and everything of his that I read I really enjoyed. I have a couple of my Dad's Nelson DeMille books because he was a favorite.

With each change in the landscape of what used to be known to my Dad, I feel like I lose another piece of him. I am grateful that I have those Nelson DeMille books on my shelf. ❤️

https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/18/nelson-demille-author-dead-81-long-island...

kspenmoll So sorry about your dad, but books are the best fir the memories they hold for us. He is with you on every page. 2mo
Elizabeth2 @kspenmoll ❤️ Thank you! I will certainly treasure those books even more now. 2mo
27 likes2 comments
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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

This charming novel tells the story of three strong, independent women divided by money and dreams. With humor, heartache, and insights into the male-dominated beer industry, it's a touching family saga filled with Midwestern spirit. If you love stories about family, ambition, and resilience, this one‘s for you. This book gave me all the feels! Audiobook is superb! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Last Call at the Local | Sarah Grunder Ruiz
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The 3rd in Sarah Grunder Ruiz‘s series “Love, Lists & Fancy Ships”. It follows Raine, a free-spirited singer-songwriter with ADHD and Jack, a local pub owner whose OCD keeps him from making the changes he's dreamed of for his business. It was refreshing to avoid the usual romance tropes—no unnecessary breakups over miscommunication! Feel-good romance, endearing characters and a fun setting. Works fine as a stand alone. ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5/5) ❤️📚

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The Teacher | Freida McFadden
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This popcorn thriller was just what I needed, and I‘m so glad I went into it completely blind—no back cover reading, just a recommendation from a bookish bestie. The short chapters and multiple perspectives made this a lightning-fast read; I could barely keep up with how quickly I was flipping pages. Go into this one blind and just let yourself enjoy the ride. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 for pure entertainment value! ❤️📚

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Beautyland: A Novel | Marie-Helene Bertino
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Gorgeous morning! ☀️Enjoying this book! It‘s charming. ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
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Mehso-so

This novel mixes mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction with a touch of cozy. My book club chose this during a very quick book store visit. However, unpopular opinion here- this slow-paced tale didn‘t quite resonate with me, despite its unique premise. Ultimately, this book didn‘t hit the mark for me and I just didn‘t connect with the characters. Many readers have loved it, including all of the other members of my book club. ⭐⭐⭐/5 stars. ❤️📚

lil1inblue I share your unpopular opinion. I couldn't connect with this book. I wanted to love it, but it just didn't do it for me. 3mo
Elizabeth2 @lil1inblue same! My book club all loved it. 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
Agentfalco I agree - I was bored and didn‘t understand the enthusiasm for it. 🤔 5d
31 likes3 comments
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Elizabeth2
Goodnight Beautiful | Aimee Molloy
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Going into this one blind is the way to go, so I‘ll keep this vague and short. Molloy takes you on a wild ride, flipping the story on its head just when you think you know what‘s happening. It‘s twisty and fast-paced, part mystery, part love story, and part psychological thriller. I listened to the audiobook, and it added so much to the experience with multiple narrators and entertaining performances. ❤️📚 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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The Teacher | Freida McFadden
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Popcorn thriller, fast paced with super short chapters, perfect follow up to my last read which was slower paced. Plus, it‘s Labor Day weekend, just before the start of school here, which makes the timing of this read pretty perfect.

I am going into this one completely blind, except for the recommendation from a bookish bestie who loaned it to me. ❤️📚

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3mo
31 likes1 comment
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Elizabeth2
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Enjoyed reading this one on the beach on vacation. The settings couldn‘t be more different though…. 😆❤️📚🌊❄️

41 likes1 stack add
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Elizabeth2
Luck and Last Resorts | Sarah Grunder Ruiz
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Mehso-so

The second in Ruiz's mega yacht series, this story follows the chief stew and chef. It falls short of the first book. The main character's choices feel forced and situations contrived. However, as a light escape, it succeeds. The setting keeps you engaged, even if attempts at depth miss the mark. It's a quick, entertaining read that serves as a good palate cleanser. Not memorable, but fulfills its purpose as easy entertainment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Iron Flame | Rebecca Yarros
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The second in Yarros' Empyrean series, continues Xaden and Violet's thrilling journey. Seamlessly blending adventure, romance, and intrigue, it's as unputdownable as Fourth Wing. Yarros expands this rich world and deepens character relationships, keeping readers enthralled. While the ending left me wishing for a different choice, it doesn't diminish my excitement for the series. I'm eager for the next installment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros
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Romantasy with dragons! What more can I say? Everyone has already talked about this book and said it all. I didn‘t expect to like it as much as I did. I absolutely loved it! I couldn‘t turn the pages fast enough and dove right into the next book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships | Sarah Grunder Ruiz
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First in a romance series set in the world of private yachts - think "Below Deck" with a dash of rom-com flavor. Our protagonist, a yacht stewardess fresh off charter season, grapples with personal loss while attempting to tick off items on her 30th birthday bucket list. Despite typical romance tropes, character choices that didn't quite ring true and a predictable plot, the story kept me engaged enough to see it through to the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 ❤️?

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Keeping Lucy | T. Greenwood
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A heart-wrenching tale of motherhood, friendship, love, and the strength of women set in the 1970s. The story follows Ginny and Ab, a couple whose seemingly perfect life masks deeper issues. When Ginny gives birth to a daughter with Downs Syndrome, the child is whisked away and placed in an institution. Years later, when Ginny discovers the institution may be unsafe, a fierce maternal instinct drives her to action. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Once Upon a Wardrobe | Patti Callahan
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An unexpected gem! This fast-paced, beautiful story explores imagination, the human experience, and love in all its forms. It follows Megs as she seeks answers about 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' for her sick brother, leading her to C.S. Lewis himself. Her quest becomes a journey of self-discovery, unexpected friendships, and the magic of losing oneself in a good book. It'll remind you why we fall in love with books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ❤️📚

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The Bookshop at Water's End | Patti Callahan Henry
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Deeply moving novel that explores themes of loss, betrayal, family, childhood trauma, friendship, motherhood, coming of age, self-discovery, forgiveness and the healing power of books. Set against the serene backdrop of a sleepy South Carolina town by the water's edge, this book makes for a perfect summer read, seamlessly blending family drama with a gripping missing person mystery. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros
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We are vacationing with two other families this year, and almost all of the readers going have read this and the second book in the series. My BFF, my sis in law, my BFF‘s daughter and my two bonus daughters (my sons‘ GFs). I don‘t want to feel left out! I borrowed my daughter‘s copy - she hasn‘t read it yet. Hoping I can finish both before we go on vacation. Was slow to start for me, but it‘s picking up. ❤️📚

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Keeping Lucy | T. Greenwood
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Started this one on audio a few days ago. Heartbreaking and bringing out fierce Mama vibes. ❤️📚

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Once Upon a Wardrobe | Patti Callahan
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Book club pick! We are meeting Wednesday night. I better get reading!! ❤️📚

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The Killing Room | Peter May
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Outstanding addition to the China Thrillers series, and my favorite so far. A dark, gripping mystery that intertwines dramatic personal conflicts with the intensity of a chilling investigation. Lead detective, Li Yan, is called to Shanghai to assist in the investigation of a mass grave filled with dismembered bodies. He teams up again with American pathologist Margaret Campbell to discover who is behind the killings. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
The Love of My Life | Rosie Walsh
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This novel merges the intensity of a thriller with the emotional resonance of a love story, delivering a reading experience that is compelling and emotionally rich. The fast pace and propulsive writing create tension. The slow burn on the reveals adds layers of intrigue and suspense without sacrificing emotional depth and an underlying sense of hopefulness. Walsh has created a story that is both suspenseful and moving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Pickpick

A gripping, dark psychological thriller with morally ambiguous characters. Swanson's writing is propulsive & easily readable. The plot has just enough twists & surprise reveals without feeling over-the-top. I didn't realize until after that it‘s part of a series (noted as book # 1). I was satisfied with the ending and not sure how to feel about it being part of a broader story arc. Regardless, the book works well on its own. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
The Killing Room | Peter May
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Currently reading - Peter May is so good at suspenseful police procedural thrillers! Forever grateful to @Crazeedi and @EadieB for the introduction to him! ❤️📚

I need to update my Litsy account with reviews! I‘ve gotten behind. So busy with house projects and my visiting MIL, I haven‘t had much time to read, let alone write reviews. She‘s going to be with us through the end of the year, so I‘m hoping to settle into more of a routine soon. 💕

EadieB @Elizabeth2 I‘m glad you are enjoying the book! 6mo
Crazeedi They're very good books! Hope you get to relax a bit! 6mo
33 likes2 comments
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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

Cara is in midlife and has been laid off. As a requirement of her unemployment benefits, she attends sessions with an employment counselor. This is the account of those visits, interspersed with the paperwork she completes. Cara is a good human to her soul. She loves fiercely, takes care of everyone around her to her own detriment. She doesn‘t always make the best decisions, but her heart is what matters. Excellent on audio. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 ❤️📚

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Foster | Claire Keegan
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I listened to this on audio while I was painting doors. (We are in the midst of some renovations.) It‘s a novella set in rural Ireland about a little girl sent to live with another family for a summer. She doesn‘t know when she‘ll return home, but finds that this home is full of love, much different from the house she came from. I didn‘t want the story to end, much like the little girl felt at the end of her summer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Pickpick

Exploring themes of grief, starting over, finding oneself & family, this novel follows a woman rebuilding her life by running a family bookstore after a loss. It‘s a sweet, tender story with likable characters, but fell flat for me. Reading in short spurts contributed to a sense of detachment. The mystery of a family treasure felt underdeveloped & the story resolved too conveniently. Overall, a charming tale & an enjoyable read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5 ❤️📚

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Advika and the Hollywood Wives | Kirthana Ramisetti
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Mehso-so

This novel follows Advika, an aspiring screenwriter, and her whirlwind romance with Julian Zelding, an "A-list" producer. Their relationship takes a turn when Advika discovers that Julian is concealing his past and has a hidden agenda. An intriguing premise, but it fails to deliver on its potential because the novel lacks depth. This story could have been much more compelling. ⭐️⭐️.5/5 ❤️?

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Elizabeth2
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Up next! ❤️📚 A friend passed this on after she finished it. Looking for a bit of a cozy read after the emotional toll of my last read.

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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

How does John Boyne make you laugh, rage and feel like crying all on the same page? This character driven novel follows the life of Cyril Avery. Cyril is funny, smart, and lovable. He‘s flawed, but not as much as the world in which he lives. This book is heartbreaking yet hopeful, and showcases a point in history of both Ireland and the US that is not very favorable. Cyril will stay with me for a long time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 ❤️📚

AmyG Loved this book…my favorite of his. (edited) 8mo
Leftcoastzen I love this book so much ! 8mo
43 likes2 comments
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Elizabeth2
Advika and the Hollywood Wives | Kirthana Ramisetti
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My next audiobook. This one gets mixed reviews. So far, I‘m enjoying it. ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
The Rachel Incident: A novel | Caroline O'Donoghue
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Panpan

This one wasn‘t for me. Told in a meandering way between the present and the past, when a person from her past is brought up in conversation, Rachel remembers her formative years in her early 20s. I found Rachel to be insufferable. The decisions she made, the lack of any personal responsibility for her own situation, her deception…it was all too over the top. I kept listening to see how it would all end, and that was unsatisfying, too. ⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
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Fantastic read! This was my book club‘s choice and my #bookspin for March. Told in a dual timeline between current day and the late 1700s, with three narrators (one present and two past), this story has twists and turns and a puzzle to solve. Caroline discovers a vial that takes her on a historical journey to uncover an apothecary‘s secrets. Strong female characters, self discovery and mystery, woven together into a fast paced novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Cupcake12 This has been on my TBR list for a long time x 9mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 9mo
27 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Elizabeth2
The Rachel Incident: A novel | Caroline O'Donoghue
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Started this on audio today. Not sure how I feel about it yet. I‘m about 30% in, and I don‘t really like any of the characters. 🤷‍♀️ I am going to keep going because I don‘t hate it, but I already know this one won‘t be a 4⭐️ or 5⭐️ read. ❤️📚

BkClubCare I loved it! But it does have split opinions. I was all aboard, as they say. (I also did via audiobook) (edited) 9mo
39 likes1 comment
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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

What a fun romp this was! High fantasy meets cozy, with a little romance. Viv is an Orc who is done with the bounty life and is looking to settle down. She wants to open a coffee shop - the first one in the city of Thune. She meets a quirky, lovable cast of characters along the way. Funny, hopeful, sweet. This is fantastic on audio - Travis Baldree is a voice talent turned author and voices his own book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
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#freebiefriday #litsylove

Favorite chunkster….I love a good chunkster! Favorites include the Outlander series, Paradise…probably my most recent favorite chunkster read was Johnathan Strange & Mr. Norrel. It was about 1,000 pages, a book club pick, and I didn‘t expect to like it. I ended up loving it! ❤️📚

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Read4life @TieDyeDude

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I am so intimidated by chunksters!! 9mo
Read4life I‘ve read the first 4 in the Outlander series and enjoyed them. 💙 9mo
30 likes2 comments
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Elizabeth2
Sugar Queen | Sarah Addison Allen
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#freebiefriday #litsylove

It is hard to choose just one, but my favorite female author might be Sarah Addison Allen. I‘ve read almost every one of her books and have loved all of them. Tagging my favorite. ❤️📚

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TieDyeDude @Read4life

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love her! 💫 9mo
Read4life Great choice! Thanks for sharing. You‘re entered. 💙 9mo
peaKnit SAA is my favorite too and I re-read The Sugar Queen every winter. 🩷 🍭 9mo
29 likes3 comments
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Elizabeth2
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I started this one on audio a couple of days ago. I got attached to the characters in the prequel, so I‘m hoping I didn‘t ruin my experience with this book by reading that one first. This one takes place several decades later. It‘s fun so far and the narration is excellent. The author is a voice talent and lends his voice to his own work with these books. ❤️📚🎧

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Started this one tonight. It is my Book Club‘s current pick. It hooked me right away, and seems like it will be a fast read. ❤️📚

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Elizabeth2
Until I Find You | John Irving
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Bailedbailed

This one is not for me. I gave it 20% - 173 pages and I just can‘t. On to the rest of my mountainous TBR. This one is headed for my friend‘s Little Free Library. ❤️📚 #hailthebail

dabbe #hailthebail!!! 🤩🤩🤩 9mo
35 likes1 comment