Happy first day of fall, ya‘ll! 🎃🍂 a quiet, cool morning allowed me to FINALLY finish the last few pages of this one. What a ride it has been with El, Orion and the Scholomance crew. This one had some unexpected twists and turns and overall, I think it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Giraffes are my favorite animal, so I couldn‘t WAIT to read this book. Look how pretty it is underneath the cover! What a great story; strong-willed, damaged characters coming together to triumph over a 3,200 mile journey. This was a fascinating piece of historical fiction.

Finishing this reminded me that I haven‘t posted my #bookspin list for the month. Whoops! My co-worker recommended this as a potential book to use with our 5th graders. Beautifully written, fantastic characters and development. Amongst all that a lot of deeper rooted concepts to unpack. Fantastic imagery, fantastic story.

Should I be doing many other things, yes. Do I care more about reading all I can before the start of school, also yes. Beautiful, tragic, nostalgic. I loved the characters, hated them in some moments. Emotional rollercoaster of a story, situations that I could never fathom. Powerful story filled with family, love, misunderstanding, growth, strength. From plot to characters there is extreme depth in this novel.

This book was beautiful. I loved the characters, all of their depths, secrets and feelings. Adams did a great job capturing who they were, all of their emotions, struggles and journeys. This adventure couldn‘t be more relatable. I loved everything about this book. Plus, I hadn‘t read all the books on the list, so I added them to my TBR. This book is proof that books can have a profound impact on your life.

This is definitely not your typical James book. Winged children. Modifying genetics. Inexplicable past murders. It wasn‘t a slow read, but it just wasn‘t a WOW read for me; maybe if I read Max‘s story first I would‘ve been more into it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Finished this gem while pool floating this morning..ahhh, vacation. I LOVE Hannah and Fox. Talk about character development. Who I am as a person made me resonate a lot with Hannah. Watching them become who they are trying to be while navigating any relationship was a fun ride. This was definitely a good one.

I did it, I made it through. That was my goal before I left on vacation. The concept is CREEPY; the fact that psychologists can manipulate the mind and take control. Parts of this bad boy DRAGGED for me and near the end I found myself skimming the big chunks to get to main points.

I really wanted to hate Piper. At one point, I definitely did. Overall, good for her; talk about character development. I fell in love with Westport as a location. All the characters were well developed and added to the heartfelt rom-com. I was sad to see it end, I want the final pieces of Piper/Brendan/Hannah/Fox‘s stories. I can‘t wait to journey with them in book 2. Cute, fun read with some definite 🌶️ thrown in.

I was enjoying following Scarpetta and her comrades. Now, it feels like I‘m getting too much detail about processing evidence and less about the actual crime. Patricia repeated herself a LOT in this one and I can honestly say I have NO IDEA when the main perp from other books, came into play. He all of a sudden was just included, leaving me quite confused. Hopefully the series gets more interesting again!

Ooo this month is FULL of vacations and I planned my mostly fluff/romance reads accordingly. Not as many #Roll100 books this month but I have 23 down; need to kick that in high gear. Looking forward to a successful reading month ahead. #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo

My son may have soccer tournament I have to get him to an 1 1/2 away buuuut, this was priority.
I don‘t have words for how absolutely beautiful this was, start to finish. The characters, the writing, the story. Chef‘s kiss. Read it. 💕🐙

Have I mentioned I love long weekends?! Another book finished. This book reads easy and fast. It definitely makes you wonder and keeps you guessing. The element of flashing back from present day to a few days prior added to the “what is even happening” presenting a twist I didn‘t see coming. Looking forward to more of his thrilling work.

Waking up unexpectedly very early on a Sunday had its perks; I got to finish this book. From the moment I started Bridgerton (and watched the first season) I have loved Eloise. Her fierce independence in a regal world, making sure her voice and opinions were heard even though it wasn‘t always welcomed and making sure she fulfilled her goals before the journey into married life. I love this character, I loved that they stayed true to her.

This book was the perfect remedy for getting out of the slump. A steamy rom-com; friends to lovers in unexpectedly expected way. I enjoyed the main characters, their stories and their development. Hibbert does a great job showing what true overthinking, anxiety and the stress of marriage to your job can look and feel like. The first few pages in my body gave a sigh; it felt like the perfect stress relief and it didn‘t disappoint.

I‘ve been so busy, I got stuck in a book slump. Gave myself some lighter, cutesy TBR‘s to wrap up my last days of school and get me hyped for summer reading! ☀️#bookspin #doublespin #Roll100

Written in poetic form, this book is beautifully heartbreaking. A teen girls journey through fat shaming and learning to stand up for, and love herself. Although rooted in fiction, you know that it happens in todays society. People are cruel and hateful. I‘m so glad Eliana found her voice, but man did I want to bop a lot of characters upside the head for treating fellow humans/family (especially young, impressionable ones) so poorly.

Out of town for a wedding and realized I didn‘t have my #bookspin, #doublespin #bookspinbingo list! I‘ll have to make it pretty once I‘m home 🤣 starting with the tagged book, and hoping to hit some more #roll100s this month. My bookshelf is starting to see the smallest pockets of “holes”. Progress, progress!

I‘ve been in a reading rut and my #Roll100 board has noticed. I decided to help “clean off” my shelf this month and conveniently hoards of them were also on my #Roll100 list! Hoping to really do some damage with #bookspin #doublespin and #Roll100 this month to get back on track!

This book was jam PACKED. Heartache, family turmoil, drama, suspense, horror, thriller, WHO DID IT? Just, whoa. A level of loyalty I could never stand by, and plot twist I wasn‘t expecting and couldn‘t fathom doing as a mother..no matter how desperate. The ending seemed rushed in a way and I was left thinking we could‘ve been given more in terms of the endings of the main characters. It‘s not enough to deeply effect the overall book.

What a mind warp. First of all, this is a great depiction of sensory processing and I love that. Second, a true depiction of how those that are not deemed neurotypical get manipulated and made to feel not good enough. Disgusting. Great character development; has you thinking people are evil, that aren‘t. Just whoa. First Sally book, not my last.

Finished this over coffee this morning. I will say I was quite excited for Colin and Penelope‘s story, so I was a bit disappointed when it felt so slow. Maybe I just expected their friend‘s to lovers ah-ha moment to be bigger than it was. Still an enjoyable read. I‘m loving getting to know some of the younger Bridgerton siblings personalities.

I loved everything about this book. I absorbed it and read it so fast. Character development was great, it catches you by surprise, it can be relatable. It‘s hilarious, it‘s heartbreaking and throw in dysfunction..it‘s really the whole package.

First week back at work has me all out of sorts with the reading schedule I got so accustomed to! Hoping to continue a steady pace while coming into my busy season advising 3 after school extracurriculars! Fingers crossed 🤞🏼📚 #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo #roll100

I love that James Patterson has short, page turning chapters that keep you wanting more. The title fit the first half of the book but it really bothers me it didn‘t fit the entire book. I kept finding myself thinking about that. 🤣 not his best work in my opinion, some of the character links seemed too far fetched and made me question how we got where we did the second half. Ending seemed abrupt, but overall still an enjoyable murder mystery.

This was a good YA Murder mystery/thriller. Although the killer seemed obvious to me, most teen readers wouldn‘t pick up on it. The modern day meme to murder makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up..especially as a mom. Although other YA books having a writing style that feels more “adult” in comparison, this is a fast paced, enjoyable and easy read.

Another day, another #AuldLangSpine book checked off the list. This was more fantasy than I‘m used to, which me go into it with zero expectations. A lot more plot twists and turns than I could‘ve imagined. Thanks @BarkingMadRead for another good one!

Another rock solid #AuldLangSpine suggestion from @BarkingMadRead

Beautiful piece of contemporary fiction. I can‘t even describe what a journey this book was. You feel it in your core on so many levels. It is a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, heartfelt, roller coaster of a novel that is beautifully written.

One good thing to surgery recovery…reading! 8th book finished just in time for February. One of my dearest other mothers used to love Debbie books. I feel the nostalgia of reading by her while on lifeguard breaks when I pick one up. I always forget how she intertwined all the Cedar Grove stories into one giant one so it took a minute to adjust. Easy read, fall in love with the town and people, plus an unexpected plot twist or two! Cute.

Second #AuldLangSpine book this month! At first, I really thought I was going to hate Reggie. Annoyingly stubborn and naive in the beginning, she came off as obnoxious to me. It made more sense once you learned her story and upon meeting Ben. What a great enemies to lovers troupe. It was engaging, heartfelt and funny. Some of the ways the “spicy” lines were written had me laughing out loud. This was enjoyably fun, thanks @BarkingMadRead

Historical fiction is in fact not a favorite genre of mine. One book club I‘m in, thoroughly enjoys them, so it forces me out of my comfort zone. I am always fascinated by what I learn and just how much history goes unnoticed. This happened 33 years ago and the totalitarian dictatorship carried on post the uprising. It is crazy to think how not long ago it was..I was just born! A heartbreaking, enlightening and moving story.

Little dude is really into Curious George, giving me time to finish this #AuldLangSpine read. What a glorious gem of a book. It has a charm to it. It‘s tender in ways you wouldn‘t imagine, it‘s written lighthearted even though there are moments of heavy grief. It‘s about love, passion, finding your way through dark. The characters, the story, everything about this I loved entirely. Thank you @BarkingMadRead ❤️
Bonus: this is a #Roll100 for Feb!

This was a low pick for me. I enjoy Dan‘s work but this one made me feel unintelligent sometimes. The consistent NASA level science and political jargon felt cumbersome at times. Amounts of it were very interesting and enjoyable to read/learn but other times I was willing it to be over. I love his short chapters and ability to leave you on a cliffhanger. The thrilling part moved fast and was engaging, it just wasn‘t a fav. #Roll100 for Jan!

Important things for me started spiraling out of control today, when it got too cumbersome, I turned to the book. Interestingly enough, Anna and Quan‘s life was very much in the same spiral. I used their confidence and growth to remain positive and face tasks one at a time. This book is wonderful. It sheds a great light on autism and I love that it is that of a grown woman and her discovery of her true self. This book was everything I needed.

I‘ve seen mixed reviews about this book but me, I loved every second of it. Life is tough, anxiety is real, communication is hard but putting YOURSELF first is sometimes hardest. I loved this journey. I laughed, I cried, I related to both sisters. Plus, it had Gilmore Girl vibes to me and that‘s a guilty pleasure. If you love rom-com, its worth a try. I know it‘s not everyone‘s cup of tea, but it certainly was mine.

Had to finish before bed! A gem from the Queen of “whodunnit”. Quick and easy to read, with short chapters. Clues perfectly layered throughout the novel to keep you guessing with a final plot twist to complete the puzzle. Great way to start 2023‘s year of reading!

What a ride this was. It had everything for me: well developed characters that made you feel all sorts of ways, creepy spook and whodunit to keep you guessing. This was my first by Simone, but won‘t be my last. This was a great finish to 2022!

Here it is, folks. 2023‘s fresh month of #bookspin and #bookspinbingo! List is made up of #AuldLangSpine and #Roll100 books. 2023 is the year of actually tackling the TBR bookshelf, an 80 book goal (I hit my 70 this year!) and making sure I read a little every day for my mental clarity and stress relief. Looking forward to a great year litsy fam! 📚💕

Really can‘t even tell you why this is a so-so and not a complete pan. I enjoyed the brief blurbs of Italian history when they came up, took me back to when I went and had me longing for another trip. He described the games with some angst and fervor, you couldn‘t help but want to know how it ends for the Parma Panthers. Ultimately, not riveting nor a stellar plot. Alas, I have read worse. Definitely not a WOW.

I won‘t be surprised if I read more because @BarkingMadRead has some amazing picks, but here is what I am committing to for SURE. Thank you for such a phenomenal #AuldLangSpine list, I am looking forward to diving in!

In holiday chaos I forgot to post my #jolabokaflodswap! Thank you @Catsandbooks you nailed the assignment! I wish my family caught my reaction because I was over the top excited. Thank you so very much💕🎄

Okay, this was freaking cute. Just the right kind of Christmas, feel good and holly jolly vibes one needs. Just enough “groundhog‘s day” where you aren‘t over the restart, family and relatable life drama with romance, naturally.

I have this problem..no matter how bad a book is, I‘ve committed so I finish. Ugh, I hated that trait about myself for this one. I was WISHING this book would end. The “plot” was barely existent, the prose too descriptive/mundane for me and I couldn‘t even connect to a character because they weren‘t really developed in their own personalities too much. It sounded cute, but just fell off in my opinion. It completed a #bookspinbingo row though!

Come ONNNN Naomi with your cliffhangers! This one would have pockets of drag for me, but it didn‘t take away from the story, just made for inconsistent pacing. She does a great job making your body have the perfect reactions to what is occurring and since you have bonded with the characters, it makes it that much better. Still recouping from the heart pounding rush. Looking forward to the final book!

My #jolabokflodswap package came on today. Mystery sender, mystery package. Hopefully k#it all unravels Christmas Eve! 🎄

Anddddd it‘s off! Pardon the misspell on #Jolabokaflodswap..I had my husband bring it to work (he‘s a mail carrier) with him and my note got copied. Oh well, I was thankful for the help and it‘s more about what‘s inside that counts! Let the count down to opening begin! 📚

I definitely preferred the others in the series. I think all the drama helped move the story along. They did a great job wrapping up all of the characters stories though. I will say that even though you suspect it coming, the end is still a tear jerker.

Naturally, being so invested, I had to keep going. This one was equally as fast paced drama. What I liked most about this one was that it presented more healing, recovery and self discovery. The drama has depth. Can‘t wait to see how the series wraps up.

The drama in this story keeps you invested. But, it‘s not just because it is drama, it‘s relatable. It is real life scenarios that happen to people every day. So whether you relate or just understand, it adds to the story. I just needed to know, so the drama whisked me away at a fast pace.

My desk may be a mess, but I NEEDED to finalize my #bookspin board! I can‘t wait for winter reads and crushing the last bit of my yearly reading goal! #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo