@ErinSueMreads they're here!!!! Thank you for the lovely card, all three of these recipes look incredible! I'll pick one to try this weekend 😁

PS, I'm loving your idea of a witchy recipe swap! There's so much to play with there, herbal blends or spooky snacks for non-practicing folks who'd want to join in! Maybe this is something we can squeeze in between the various Wheel of the Year swaps?? #recipeswap #witchesoflitsy @BennettBookworm

I am OVER THE MOON (no pun intended) with my #recipeswap surprise from @ErinSueMreads 😊 Beautiful book selection, it's just what I needed. Plus, I have not one, but THREE new Tarot cloths that I can use in my practice! This was such a generous addition to the swap 💜

I'll let you know when my card gets here! My local post office has been pretty short-staffed, so it may be a bit...I can't wait to see what recipes you picked! @BennettBookworm

@Wonderwoman89 wanted to make sure you got your #recipeswap package! The tracking said it was delivered yesterday so just checking to see that it got there safely 😊

Apparently Book 2 is slated for a December release! Love these characters, love this world.... especially after a bunch of "meh" reads lately. Can't wait to see how this duology unfolds ?

My #recipeswap package will be in the mail tomorrow! @BennettBookworm I'll send you the tracking info when I have it 😁

I know for other Litsy swaps I've participated in lately, we haven't been writing down specifics re: what's in the package to prevent porch thefts from snooping. I put our opening date on my package instead, I hope that's ok!

I already have the Nina LaCour pre-ordered but was happy to see it as a pick ☺️

I feel like this month was super Fantasy-heavy, but overall this was def one of the better set of selections for 2022 👌 though I'm really surprised the new Emily Henry and Casey McQuiston books weren't at least included as add-ons given BOTM's history 🤔 #botm

A solid pick, but in my opinion this didn't even come close to the masterpiece that I found in Migrations.

I felt this was written for a more mainstream audience? I was hoping it would replicate the "meandering" feel of its predecessor but instead seemed much more plot-driven. But even with some elements I didn't love (make sure to research the TWs in this) I still enjoyed it overall and am already looking forward to her next book ? #botm

Us artsy/crafty people get into slumps just like readers do ? but I can always count on a good Sunday-night #audiocrafting session to get me out of a "blah" mood! @Catsandbooks #LitsyCrafters

FINALLY!!! Some good news for Ninth House fans! 😊

Not my favorite month, but my Aunt is a huge Trigiani fan so I was happy to "share the wealth" and snag this up for her ? Kaikeyi has gotten great reviews but retellings are a hit-or-miss for me, so I think I'll hold off for now.

Seems like alot of people weren't too thrilled with the selections, but I know Spring can be a slower publishing season when it comes to new releases! #botm

Was actually a little disappointed in this one. This was almost like The Secret History meets National Treasure, and it had sooo much potential. I really didn't care for the author's writing style (SO, many, commas, 😅). More spoiler-ish thoughts in comments.... #botm

There is so much springtime goodness in my #springequinoxswap package from @MittenGirlPeach 😊 between the three books and all the lovely goodies(and the tea you picked happens to be my favorite...😍), I'm thrilled to start off the new season with so much love and light! This made my day!

Thanks @sprainedbrain and @Chrissyreadit for hosting yet another successful witchy swap! Blessed Ostra to all 💜🐰⚘️

Day 4 of #TarotTakeover ?

With The Hierophant, there are often associations with tradition, religion, and dogma. For some, this could signify spiritual familiarity and comfort--but for others, it can be traumatizing. The tagged book asks so many questions regarding women within traditional narratives, and whether "tradition" and "dogma" directly relates to erasure of marginalized voices in history. This one's a favorite!

@ErinSueMreads

Day 3 of #TarotTakeover and still going strong!

Five of Wands deals with conflict, both with others and with oneself. This makes me think of the tagged (a recent quick read) in which the narrator recalls his struggle to accept his son, which resulted in their fragmented relationship. Check it out! @ErinSueMreads

#TarotTakeover Day 2! My take on Two of Cups reversed is one that involves obsession, unhealthy relationships (romantic or platonic), and warped emotions that distort our reality.

IMO, the tagged book shows this dynamic perfectly. We slowly see the demise of each character as their "relationships" with each other, their professor, and their collective interests take total control. It's a chunk of a book, but so worth it!

@ErinSueMreads ?

My #springequinoxswap package made it here safe and sound! Can't wait for opening day 🙌 thanks so much @MittenGirlPeach 😊 @sprainedbrain @Chrissyreadit

#TarotTakeover Day 1! @ErinSueMreads

There are so many layers to peel back with Nine of Swords. Fear, anxiety, grief, and anguish that start in our dreams and unconscious reality, and then "stalk" us into our day-to-day state of being.

Conor has the daily challenge of dealing with the monster that haunts him at night. Like him, we can either keep running away, or confront it--and maybe, find something to learn from it along the way ?

#springequinoxswap going in the mail tomorrow! It doesn't have far to go, so I'm hoping my match gets their box fairly quickly 🤗 @sprainedbrain @Chrissyreadit

A beautiful early March day has me eager to get back into gardening season...hoping this year's rose blooms will be just as pretty as last year's (as seen above) ❤️

And on that note, I have one more errand to make before I can pack up my #springequinoxswap package to send to my match!! 😊 @sprainedbrain @Chrissyreadit

Just one this month, and it looks fun 🤗 I'm doing so well on cracking my current TBR, I don't want to get too bogged down. I already have the Foley and St James lined up in my audiobook list for March #botm

Currently thanking God/the universe (and VE Schwab, of course) for diverse and authentic rep of the bi+ experience in today's books 📚 #botm

Apparently A River Enchanted is going to be a series, so I may try it from the library before I commit. Excited for my picks this month! What did everyone else get? #botm

New Stephen King just announced, and I could NOT be more excited after reading the description (and just look at that cover 😀😍). Didn't get a pub date as of yet. Ugh, now I'll have to catch up on my SK backlog! #constantreader

Saturday night #audiocrafting success! Added two new 14-inchers to my stash, hoping they find their hopes at some point this year! Though it's always bittersweet going from season to season... I think it's time to put my holly and pinecones away 😁

Not sure how I feel about this one yet...it's a slow burn, but at 60% in I still feel that nothing's really happening 🤷 hopefully it keeps me guessing! #litsycrafters @Catsandbooks

For 2022, I've set a goal to read at least one non-fiction book per quarter. I'm not a huge non-fic reader, but have always sucker for anthropology books!

Even though I'm enjoying this, I can already tell it's going to be very naval-gaze-ish 😑 Does anyone have any good anthropology books by non-white authors, or such books written by a member of that specific culture? (For example, a book about Machu Piccu written by a Peruvian author, etc)

Machado's writing is art. Every single story had something to offer, and something to relate to. The author hits the whole spectrum of consequential female existence, specifically through the lense of queer women.

It's a rather short collection, but I took my time to savor and ponder every word. I've added In the Dream House to my TBR, and I really hope we get another collection soon.

Yet another 5⭐️ read for 2022 💜

The Sunday Scaries are so much worse after a nice week-long vacation from work 🙃 but at least I ended my time off with a good read! This took me completely by surprise. I loved the writing and though I guessed the ending, there were plenty of other twists along the way. Can't wait for this author's next one... Solid #botm thriller!

This was actually more of a pan for me, but giving it a bump because I normally love this author's stuff. The mystery and story was interesting, but honestly I hated all the characters except for one. Everyone felt so "juvenile", and I found myself literally rolling my eyes as we learned more about everyone's individual motivations. Not McManus best!

With her first adult novel, I can now happily say that Shea Ernshaw has officially become a favorite author of mine. This started out a bit slow, and then left me breathless when it all came together.

Writing style and atmosphere aside, this is probably one of the best cult novels I've ever read, too. Lots of Midsommer vibes, but with a dark beauty that shines with hope. I'm so happy to end the year with a new favorite 💙

Not sure about this month's picks yet ? I'm not a "romance" reader, but pretty cool that there's some nonbinary rep!

Thinking about skipping and seeing reviews for Black Cake, Fiona and Jane, and The Magnolia Place. I think January will be a "backlog" month for me instead! #botm

OK. I knew this was going to be sad and was spot on with the ultimate ending--I like emotional romances and normally love these types of stories. This started out so strong... But Dear God, the in-berween??? Between the coincidences, missed understandings, and insta love with no development, this is officially on my "Worst of the Year" list!

On a side note--Merry Christmas to those who observe!!

Love my #jolabokaflodswap selection!!! This was one that was recommended to me by a Litsy user after I DNF'ed Gods of Jade and Shadow...I'm super excited to dig in! Thank you @Hazel2019 😊 ps--the chocolate is already gone! Thanks to @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting!

My husband let me know that my #jolabokaflodswap package arrived today! He didn't mention who it was from, I'll look on the box for the username when I get home tomorrow. But wanted to report that it was safe and sound 😊 @MaleficentBookDragon

Out the door for a Friday delivery! #jolabokaflodswap @MaleficentBookDragon

Fabulous audiobook narration, likeable protagonists, and an eerily realistic portrayal of how subtle emotional abuse in relationships can play out (with some heavy TWs; btw). Overall I enjoyed listening to this.

BUT, there is a but--and it's a big one for me (see comments that I've marked as spoiler, though maybe it isn't really spoiler-ish). Enough that I can't give this a pick, just a so-so.

My #wintersolsticeswap package was just delivered!! Thank you, @KatieDid927 😊 can't wait til opening day!!

1. After almost three weeks down a cell phone...finally back into Litsy action ? 2. After a long year of huge reading disappointments...this was such a breath of fresh air ?

This has solidified McQuiston as a must-buy for me. I loved how a whole spectrum of queerness was touched on throughout this beautifully diverse cast of characters. The "fantastical" element was just enough to make this sparkle without being gimmicky. Love, love, love ❤️

Alright, guys...my #wintersolsticeswap package is out the door for Sat delivery!

Sadly, I don't have a photo to share. My wallet with my phone and ID got misplaced with someone else's stuff at a work conference last week...it's hard to upload photos with no phone! PS, for anyone in the US wondering what it's like to navigate both the Atlanta and Philly airports with neither of these items...no, it's not fun!!

It's finally opening day!! Thank you @Marmie7 for my #basicwitchswap package! The wrapping was so cute, I tried to save the ribbon (of course we all know that's always a lost cause 😂) Hope you like everything in your box, too!!!

Thank you @sprainedbrain and @mklong for hosting--this was the first swap I've ever participated in, and i had a blast! Can't wait for the next one 🧙‍♀️

Happy Halloween, and Blessed Samhain to all my fellow Witchy Littens!

#BOTM was kinda blah this month ☹ it doesn't help that I'm in such a reading funk right now, and usually spooky season is my favorite for reading. I wasn't even excited to check the picks today, ugh do I hate slumps!!!

Between finishing my 2 books, 1 audiobook, and a few spooky shows/movies, I've got 40 points for #teamhendrix this past week! This is a lot for me, and I'm hoping I can keep it going strong! #scarathlon2021 @StayCurious

Got my package today @Marmie7 🤗 I can't wait to open it up!!! The suspense is gonna kill me..... so excited for the end of the month! @sprainedbrain #basicwitchswap

This had so much potential...here is one of the few instances where the book needed to be longer. If it had more details and character development, this light read could have been a great slow-burn small-town mystery. The story was interesting, but it could have been much more captivating. Not the best #botm pick for me personally, but I'd recommend this author for those who don't like dark thrillers but want something "edgier" than a cozy!

I may be a bit behind in my reading....but we just finished our 3-day binge of Midnight Mass, and I just remembered this counts towards #scarathlon2021 😊 this will be 35 points for #teamhendrix counting all 7 episodes...yay! @StayCurious

Thank God for some GREAT picks this month. I was getting worried about the possibility that #botm was deliberately making the highly-anticipated reads add-ons instesd of main picks to generate more $$...though with The Ex Hex and Harlem Shuffle, I'm so glad I was proved wrong. So excited for this month's box!!!

May not be the most impressive TBR in terms of quantity, but my goal is to get in at least 1 a week during #scarathlon2021 😊 #teamhendrix

I also may take a trip to the library to see what other creepy reads I can add. I'm a mood reader, so we'll see how closely I stick to to this plan! @StayCurious

3.5⭐

I enjoyed this, though maybe not as much as I anticipated. I was hoping there would be more magical elements to the story, but regardless the plot/mystery was intriguing. Overall this was really impressive for a debut, and I would read more books by this author! #botm

And with that, my first ever Litsy Swap package is in the mail! Hope my match loves their box as much as I loved prepping it 🤗 Mailed this super early because I'm getting married Saturday, and wanted to make sure this didn't fall off my radar!

This was fun, can't wait to participate in other swaps! #basicwitchswap @sprainedbrain @mklong

Ugh, what a letdown...this is the first time in a while I had no interest in any of the #botm picks. With all the huge releases coming out this month (the new Colson Whitehead, Anthony Doerr, and Liane Moriarty) I was really surprised that I didn't recognize any of these titles. I'll wait for some reviews and see what others think of these...