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JoyBlue

JoyBlue

Joined September 2016

LibraryThing member joyblue

TinyCat library

lifelong bookdragon/photographer/knitter/activist/advocate/library trustee https://debbybrauer.org
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Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
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Murder Road by Simone St. James
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Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan
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Third Eye by Felicia Day
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Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan
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Begin Again by Emma Lord
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Cirque du Slay by Rob Osler
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Good Material by Dolly Alderton
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The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
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Slugfest by Gordon Korman
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The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
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First Lie Wins: A Novel by Ashley Elston
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Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
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The Heiress: A Novel by Rachel Hawkins
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The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
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Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb
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Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
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Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
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Hard Rain: A Novel by Samantha Jayne Allen
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The Burnout: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella
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When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
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Junipers Christmas by Eoin Colfer
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Snap Out of It: A Novel by Maddie Dawson
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The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
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Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
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Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston
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It's a Date (Again) by Jeneva Rose
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Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
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What You Do to Me: A Novel by Rochelle B. Weinstein
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Starter Villain by John Scalzi
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The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
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Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlin
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Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen
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Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers
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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
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The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
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Saving Emma: A Novel by Allen Eskens
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Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur by David Sherrin
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Just My Type by Falon Ballard
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Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
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The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer
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Silence for the Dead by Simone St. James
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Inheritance by Elizabeth Acevedo
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The Breakaway: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner
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Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett
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The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
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The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
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Zero Days by Ruth Ware
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The Second Ending: A Novel by Michelle Hoffman
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The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
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Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
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Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
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The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
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Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert
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One of Us is Back by Karen M. Mcmanus
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Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn
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The Librarianist: A Novel by Patrick DeWitt
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The Devil's Playground by Craig Russell
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To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai
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Crook Manifesto: A Novel by Colson Whitehead
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How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
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The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
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Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen
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The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
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Yellowface by R F Kuang
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The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
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The Night in Question (The Agathas, #2) by Kathleen Glasgow, Liz Lawson
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Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay
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Our Skin: a First Conversation about Race by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli
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The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
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Sea Change by Gina Chung
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Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
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Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan
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Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler
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Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
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Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
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Magic Has No Borders by Sabaa Tahir, Sona Charaipotra, Sangu Mandanna, Tracey Baptiste, Nikita Gill, Samira Ahmed, Tanaz Bhathena, Sayantani DasGupta, Preeti Chhibber, Nafiza Azad, Swati Teerdhala, Olivia Chadha, Naz Kutub, Shreya Ila Anasuya, Tahir Abrar
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Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
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Rogue Justice: A Novel by Stacey Abrams
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Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
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A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrik Backman
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Liar's Beach by Katie Cotugno
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Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby
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Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon
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Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
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To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
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Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
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Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
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Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde
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Black Coral by Andrew Mayne
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Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
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Swamp Team 3 by Jana DeLeon
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Pines by Blake Crouch
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Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel Reyes
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Roll with it by Jamie Sumner
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This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
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Community Board by Tara Conklin
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Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
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Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton
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The Golden Spoon: A Novel by Jessa Maxwell
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Exiles by Jane Harper
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Reclaiming Her Time: The Power of Maxine Waters by R. Eric Thomas, Helena Andrews-Dyer
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Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia, Fracesc Miralles
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Mad About You: A Novel by Mhairi McFarlane
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My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby
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Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
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Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
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Never Far Away by Michael Koryta
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Drunken Fireworks by Stephen King
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Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
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Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz
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Written in the Stars: A Novel by Alexandria Bellefleur
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Small World: A Novel by Laura Zigman
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Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
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Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
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Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
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Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie
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Hokuloa Road by Elizabeth Hand
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Swamp Sniper by Jana DeLeon
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City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita
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High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
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Better than Fiction by Alexa Martin
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The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera
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Demon Copperhead: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
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Ali Cross by James Patterson
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Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
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Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman
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Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson
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Foster by Claire Keegan
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The World Record Book of Racist Stories by Amber Ruffin, Lacey Lamar
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The Cloisters by Katy Hays
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Chef's Kiss: A Novel by TJ Alexander
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Shutter by Ramona Emerson
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Five Survive by Holly Jackson
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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

Xóchitl González‘s sophomore novel stars strong, creative women of color. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#anita-de-monte-laughs-last

Publication is expected March 5.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #AnitadeMonteLaughsLast

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JoyBlue
If You Ask Me | Libby Hubscher
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Mehso-so

It had its moments, but dragged for a good long time. Happy ending. Lots of different types of relationships.

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JoyBlue
Good Luck Charm | Helena Hunting
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Panpan

I really should have bailed. One good twist toward the end doesn‘t make up for an overall whiny, angsty book.

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JoyBlue
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Bailedbailed

I really tried—bailed at 41%, in Chapter 9. I found it so tedious and unpleasant. The saddest part is that it's been hogging an Overdrive hold spot since September [now it's mid-February]. I hate when that happens!

Crazeedi Too many books to continue one that you don't like! 1mo
JoyBlue @Crazeedi Exactly! 4w
28 likes2 comments
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JoyBlue
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Mehso-so

It took my library so very long to add this to the Overdrive collection after I suggested it to them that I have no recollection whatsoever as to why I wanted it. It's very basic. The best thing about reading it with my ears is that the author has a lovely, reassuring British accent.

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JoyBlue
Shades of Grey | Jasper Fforde
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Pickpick

Read a third time in preparation for the long-awaited sequel, which I will crack open soon. My lobster bought me a signed edition of this for my birthday. 💙

Deblovestoread I didn‘t know there was a sequel. I will need to reread, too. 💜 (edited) 1mo
JoyBlue @Deblovestoread Yes! Tagged book was published February 6 in UK (I preordered both signed and unsigned hardcovers). I just couldn't wait a minute longer. 😉 [15 years is a very long time to wait for a highly anticipated book!]

It is expected to publish in the US May 7, 2024, apparently.

Apparently, there's even a third book planned. It's got some ratings, but no reviews or expected publication date or details of any sort. . . .
(edited) 1mo
Deblovestoread Thanks for this info! 😀 1mo
40 likes4 comments
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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

The fourth Finlay Donovan is every bit as fun as the books before it. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#finlay-donovan-rolls-the-dice-4

Publication is expected March 5.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #FinlayDonovanRollstheDice

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JoyBlue
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Bailedbailed

This is very possibly the least thrilling “thriller” I‘ve ever read! When is something going to happen? I‘m done. [bailed @ 30%]

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

The audio edition includes a long author interview with her 100-year-old inspiration.

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

I picked this up solely because it was written by Dave Eggers. I didn't so much as glance at the publisher's blurb. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered quickly that it is a totally transparent satire of the Trump administration and the horrible damage he/it did to our country and the world. Dare I hope that anyone might rethink their allegiance to MAGA politics by reading this “The Emperor's New Clothes“-style tale?

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JoyBlue
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Panpan

I should have bailed. [between so-so & pan]

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JoyBlue
Royal Game | Linda Keir
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Mehso-so

This reads like a thinly veiled Princess Diana rip-off, with William (the first-born/the heir) & Harry (the one who marries an American celebrity) smushed into one character. It apparently wants to be both romance and mystery—it falls more heavily to mystery, I suppose. It was OK, but didn't wow me. I would have preferred something more original.

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JoyBlue
Wade in the Water | Nyani Nkrumah
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Mehso-so

Content warnings include child sexual abuse, assault, and rape; racism, including physical violence; and emotional abuse. These are not the only reasons for my rating, but they definitely contributed to my lack of enjoyment in the book.

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JoyBlue
New Teeth: Stories | Simon Rich
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Mehso-so

“Learning the Ropes“ (the pirate story) and “The Big Nap“ were quite amusing. The rest? Not so much.

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JoyBlue
Soldiers of Fortune | Jana DeLeon
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Pickpick

Sixth in a long series, this installment has all the things that makes the series fun, including good friends, incompetent bad guys, outrageous adventures, Southern sass, and more.

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JoyBlue
Not Quite a Ghost | Anne Ursu
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Mehso-so

The whole book was unpleasant. Throughout, there is the middle-grade version of Mean Girls. Then, in the last roughly twenty percent, there is the ghost story/horror aspect. I didn't find any compelling redeeming features.

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JoyBlue
Julian Is a Mermaid | Jessica Love
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Pickpick

Wow—Julián, like his creator's illustrations, is fabulous!

TheBookHippie I love this whole series!!! 2mo
TheBookHippie 👋🏼 friend! 2mo
mariaku21 I loved this one! The different illustrations of the different adults and body shapes was just beautiful to see! 2mo
See All 7 Comments
JoyBlue @TheBookHippie I'll definitely have to tuck these in to my TBR occasionally. 2mo
JoyBlue @mariaku21 I agree completely! 💙 2mo
39 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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JoyBlue
Family Family: A Novel | Laurie Frankel
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Pickpick

Frankel‘s new family dramedy lived up to my high expectations for it. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#family-family

Publication is expected January 23.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #FamilyFamily

AmyG I was hoping to hear good things. 2mo
LiteraryinLawrence I‘m so glad you liked it! I‘ve been really looking forward to this one. 2mo
marleed This was added mid-month as a BOTM add-on so I‘m hoping to pick it up in my February box! 2mo
See All 6 Comments
JoyBlue @AmyG 💙 2mo
JoyBlue @LiteraryinLawrence I hope your expectations are met (or exceeded), too! 😍 2mo
JoyBlue @marleed Keep me posted! 🌞 2mo
51 likes3 stack adds6 comments
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JoyBlue
The Getaway List | Emma Lord
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Pickpick

Emma Lord‘s latest is sweet and engaging. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-getaway-list

Publication is expected January 23.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #TheGetawayList

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JoyBlue
Deadly to the Core | Joyce Tremel
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Mehso-so

It's a fine cozy mystery. I'm not mad I read it, but I wouldn't want a steady diet of it.

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JoyBlue
Hippos Remain Calm | Sandra Boynton
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Pickpick

I've been working on preserving my calm, so I've been looking forward to this long-awaited sequel. Fun!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💛💛💛 2mo
33 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JoyBlue
Love, Naturally: A Novel | Sophie Sullivan
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Pickpick

This mild romance between opposites was a welcome cozy read. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#love-naturally

Publication is expected January 16.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #LoveNaturally

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JoyBlue
Artifacts of An Ex | Jennifer Chen
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Pickpick

Low pick for me, but might be a high pick for you. Try if you like YA romance and can tolerate the immaturity. Good things: mostly POC characters; several LGBTQ characters; strong sense of family; artists (multimedia); female main character into planning.

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JoyBlue
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Mehso-so

I don't remember how I came to the book. Some of the nuggets (one or a few to a page) were good, but the actual narrative text was a bit basic.

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JoyBlue
The Marvellers | Dhonielle Clayton
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Mehso-so

It's too similar to the Harry Potter series in general framework (and some specific details).

Karisimo Agreed 2mo
31 likes1 comment
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JoyBlue
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Mehso-so

I'm glad to have been able to borrow (vs. buy) this conversational bio/memoir.

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

I‘m a late joiner to this cozy mystery series starring a British expat who owns a Sherlock Holmes–themed bookstore on Cape Cod. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-sign-of-four-spirits-sherlock-ho...

Publication is expected January 9.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #TheSignofFourSpirits

emz711 I'll give that a try! 2mo
JoyBlue @emz711 Enjoy! 2mo
33 likes2 comments
review
JoyBlue
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Pickpick

This debut cozy mystery goes above and beyond a typical cozy in its entertainment value. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#the-expectant-detectives

Publication is expected January 9.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #MinotaurBooks #TheExpectantDetectives

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

My mouth is watering, big-time! [further comments forthcoming]

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JoyBlue
Station Eternity | Mur Lafferty
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Pickpick

This could have been better by being leaner. That being said, I definitely enjoyed this sci-fi/mystery mash-up. [More-complete review may come.]

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

This collection of humorous literary comics is an absolute delight! Read my mini review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#revenge-of-the-librarians

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

What a blessing for the family to have such a powerful final year's journey for/with their mom.

32 likes1 stack add
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JoyBlue
Gator Bait | Jana DeLeon
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Pickpick

This installment (#5) was better than the previous two—back to the level of the first two installments. It was a fun, sure thing—just what I needed!

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JoyBlue
Purrfect Murder | Nic Saint
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Panpan

The only reason I didn't bail is that I was too tired to pick another book to read.

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JoyBlue
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Bailedbailed

I only read the first five stories, which amounts to 29% of the 500-page collection. A couple of the stories were better than the others, but none of them really wowed me. So, I'm moving on in my pipeline.

I'm not generally a fan of short stories, which may have contributed to my meh feeling. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the offerings thoroughly.

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JoyBlue
Snowed In | Catherine Walsh
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Pickpick

“I feel like you're not in the festive spirit.“ —Megan

“I feel like you need to eat a bag of spinach.“ —Christian

😂

julesG Loved this. 3mo
JoyBlue @julesG 😍 3mo
34 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JoyBlue
#CrimeTime | Jeneva Rose
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Mehso-so

set in Chicago

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

book equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas movie

TheBookHippie Happy Holidays 🙃 3mo
JoyBlue @TheBookHippie Back atcha, my friend! 💙 3mo
31 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

I may have read some of these essays previously. If I did, they bore rereading.

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

So much fun!

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JoyBlue
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Panpan

I should have bailed.

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JoyBlue
I Must Be Dreaming | Roz Chast
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Pickpick

something different . . . on the weird side

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JoyBlue
Resting Scrooge Face | Meghan Quinn
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Mehso-so

quick Christmas read

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JoyBlue
Schooled | Ted Fox
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Pickpick

Schooled is a funny treatment of real issues, including equity and access, outdated societal gender roles, family dynamics, and social isolation. There is nice friendship development.

Content warnings include infidelity and gaslighting.

28 likes1 stack add
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JoyBlue
The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel | Lee Child, Andrew Child
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Pickpick

As is customary for the Reacher series, the level of violence is high. There are a couple of fairly satisfying twists.

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JoyBlue
Thieves' Gambit | Kayvion Lewis
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Pickpick

This is twisty heist action for the teen set. I don't appreciate—but completely understand—the cliffhanger ending. Rights were sold for two books, though the second doesn't seem to have a title or publication date yet.

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JoyBlue
Coconut Drop Dead | Olivia Matthews
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Mehso-so

Looking for some post-Christmas cozy reading? Family bakery co-owner Lyndsay is back to breaking cases before the cops can in this third Spice Isle Bakery mystery. Read my review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#coconut-drop-dead-spice-isle-bakery-...

Publication is expected December 26.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #CoconutDropDead

BookmarkTavern I just started reading this! ❤️ 3mo
JoyBlue @BookmarkTavern Have fun! 💙 3mo
35 likes2 comments
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JoyBlue
Death Valley | Melissa Broder
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Mehso-so

This is trippy and dryly/darkly funny.

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JoyBlue
The Better Half | Alli Frank, Asha Youmans
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Pickpick

I liked Nina in her work persona, along with supporting characters of Nina's father, best friend(s), and baby-daddy. [soft pick]

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JoyBlue
Finding My Elf | David Valdes
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Pickpick

Just what I expected: mostly lighthearted/fun, despite understandable teen angst.

Kerrbearlib Just started the audiobook! 3mo
JoyBlue @Kerrbearlib Yay—enjoy! 3mo
36 likes1 stack add2 comments