tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32442249935346170842024-03-18T05:47:42.645-04:00Confessions of a Book AddictRambling confessions from a book addict and beach bum extraordinaire.Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.comBlogger3085125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-76228936064454894602024-03-15T06:00:00.001-04:002024-03-15T06:00:00.150-04:00Book Review: The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pages: 368<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Genre: Adult Historical Fiction</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pub. Date: March 12, 2024<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Publisher: Ballantine<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Source: Publisher for review</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other Books By Author: <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2022/10/book-review-wedding-dress-sewing-circle.html" target="_blank">The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle</a> <br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTzIQIqqo2yYZCea0g4QmNufNTzVJXu54_BCvSWmMYEjpeUfndFfjkWg8yL3zw1h_kfm_6V5eBIPB3QbtuuqKnn3BkkJzZ6q6L-Sv4IW_CYmAcWepjkmJ_T46eiavEDhB9QKxsD6NOhXuKVQeh9XsuzNlCA-4zlztJPVWcMOz4XW9jxV6Cy9zVcHQ54KP/s1500/177185877.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="987" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTzIQIqqo2yYZCea0g4QmNufNTzVJXu54_BCvSWmMYEjpeUfndFfjkWg8yL3zw1h_kfm_6V5eBIPB3QbtuuqKnn3BkkJzZ6q6L-Sv4IW_CYmAcWepjkmJ_T46eiavEDhB9QKxsD6NOhXuKVQeh9XsuzNlCA-4zlztJPVWcMOz4XW9jxV6Cy9zVcHQ54KP/s320/177185877.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"</i><i><span class="Formatted">When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London
neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save
the community’s beloved library in this heartwarming novel from the
author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir</span><b><span class="Formatted">.<br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></b></i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">When new deputy
librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the
bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life
back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to
the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past
threatens to derail her?</span><br /><span class="Formatted"></span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working
at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to
university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front
line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a
life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.<br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">Sofie
Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service
visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her
abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding
friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who
is still trying to flee occupied Europe.</span><br /><span class="Formatted"></span></i></div><i><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">When a slew of bombs
destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local
Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly,
determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy
after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their
community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own
troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their
neighborhood be lost forever?"</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Formatted"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Three women's lives intertwine at the Bethnal Green Library during World War III in London. First, there's Sophie Baumann, who left Berlin in 1939 and is now a housekeeper, but her boss makes her life extremely difficult. Julie is the librarian at Bethnal Green and works with the librarian assistant, Katie, to plan a book club, which Sofie does frequently. This is a great way to get their mind off the war as Juliet's husband is off fighting, but she gets word he deserted. Katie's is off fighting too, but she recently found out he is listed as missing in action. Katie has a few more secrets as well, but the book club is a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Things change drastically when the Bltiz offers and the library is bombed. The women have to move the library to the Bethnal Green underground where many are sheltering already. Books offer people a chance to escape and prove to be an important endeavor when keep everyone's spirits up. <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593500385" target="_blank">The Underground Library</a></b> by Jennifer Ryan illustrates the power of books during dark times; fans of WWII literature will enjoy this one the most. <br /> <br />One of the most captivating aspects of historical fiction is its ability to offer various perspectives through its characters, and </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593500385" target="_blank">The Underground Library</a></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> is no exception. The novel entwines the lives of three women during the London Blitz, each bringing something unique to the story while dealing with their own personal struggles. Juliet, for instance, finds solace at the library after her husband is branded a deserter and she loses contact with him. She finds structure and purpose at the library and working with Katie, the librarian assistant, she has found friendship, too. Meanwhile, Katie's boyfriend goes missing in action, adding to her already mounting stress. Sofie's story is equally significant, given that she is Jewish, so the consequences of the war often feel more serious for her. One thing is for sure, the power of books, friendship, and the resilience of women will bring these three characters together during a very difficult time in history.<br /> <br />I enjoy Ryan's historical novels and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable WWII novel without being overly stressful and who doesn't love to read about libraries and librarians who go against the odds to bring joy and books to people who need them most. If you enjoy WWII novels but want something with a message of hope, look no further.
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</span><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-28426215682415468972024-03-14T06:00:00.006-04:002024-03-14T06:00:00.135-04:00Book Review: Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pages: 352 <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: February 27, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Berkley</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Publisher for review</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1T4lvj8PlrjCx9RAHmoyo-xamKa1p3CqhHGkGzf6XjjyODfRGp4pB03eUMCo8UfMSFgv28OJBdwoItBEhc3l1zXneoBAzGeadV8RbXXk7V0Scy1qOc-KUZOrhatp22N5wKSYMrRDco7P4V5uIFDf8RjakfCVpLCDEuBFAAcB_m4WyGKctC14zAX5TlDY/s346/165938196.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1T4lvj8PlrjCx9RAHmoyo-xamKa1p3CqhHGkGzf6XjjyODfRGp4pB03eUMCo8UfMSFgv28OJBdwoItBEhc3l1zXneoBAzGeadV8RbXXk7V0Scy1qOc-KUZOrhatp22N5wKSYMrRDco7P4V5uIFDf8RjakfCVpLCDEuBFAAcB_m4WyGKctC14zAX5TlDY/s320/165938196.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of
witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures
the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.<br /><br />When Anne Elliott
broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . .
but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.<br /><br />In her scenic
hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her
successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and
executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as
the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family
members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But
the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the
more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on
by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken
for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of
happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.<br /><br />So when the
nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world
is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear
he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between
the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their
complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t
help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all."</span></i></div></blockquote></div><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Anne Elliott runs the theater company in the idyllic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. She has taken it over after her mother's death and all was going well until the new owners of the winery want to partner with her. This sounds like a great opportunity, but upon further inspection she realizes that the newcomers have appointed Ben Wentworth, their nephew, to broker the deal. Cue the drama! Ben Wentworth is Anne's long-lost college boyfriend, essentially the one who got away. Can Anne get past their misunderstandings and make this professional relationship work or will all the old feelings come back? <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593440797" target="_blank">Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</a></b> by Melodie Edwards is a delightful modern retelling of Jane Austen's <b>Persuasion</b>.</span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Anne Elliott is my favorite of Austen's heroines and Edwards captures her very well without making it feel old-fashioned. Anne has more than the theater to worry about, she also has to deal with her demanding sister and unhinged father, so just like </span><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Persuasion</span></b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span>this retelling<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> also captures themes of family expectation and the pressure that Anne feels to do for others, even over her own needs at times. </span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also thought the romance between Ben and Anne was done very well and if you like a story about the one who got away, you'll appreciate </span><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593440797"><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</span></b></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Also, my absolute favorite part of the novel was the gorgeous Canadian setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Edwards did a wonderful job bringing it to life with all of its autumnal details that made me want to plan a trip there immediately. It reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow in the best way possible as it's also a small town filled with quirky characters. In fact, <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593440797" target="_blank">Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</a></b> felt a lot like a small-town rom-com. </span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you have a fondness for Austen retellings and charming small-town romances, then <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593440797" target="_blank">Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</a></b> is a book that you shouldn't miss. Please share with me in the comments if you have already read it or intend to do so and I am eager to hear if you are a fan of Austen inspired novels.
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<br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-35003403716223150292024-03-13T06:00:00.003-04:002024-03-13T06:00:00.145-04:00Can't Wait Wednesday: A Novel Summer<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by </span><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wishful Endings</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!</span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>A Novel Summer</b> by Jamie Brenner</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pub. Date: July 16, 2024</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFPSPt84HOeIDaQ6cYk0WOyk0YlJR828VltolrzK9fYpHwO34SWWoZIlPZIA-SnsLbCR73sL7BzzKZ4b3cPqo4A7OVDPUJ2oxGqzuVqJSvkDqFEKvjORkOe63LLm3sF-friUBzkULjZWVOLojgz14O0NjBo3EXJSC53opJSxV-esZczyzcYtCXtWVjV7u/s1500/148829930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="997" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFPSPt84HOeIDaQ6cYk0WOyk0YlJR828VltolrzK9fYpHwO34SWWoZIlPZIA-SnsLbCR73sL7BzzKZ4b3cPqo4A7OVDPUJ2oxGqzuVqJSvkDqFEKvjORkOe63LLm3sF-friUBzkULjZWVOLojgz14O0NjBo3EXJSC53opJSxV-esZczyzcYtCXtWVjV7u/w426-h640/148829930.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"></p><blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;">Goodreads says</span>, <i><span style="font-size: medium;">"<span class="Formatted">Author Shelby Archer found inspiration for her
first novel while living on the picturesque shores of Provincetown on
Cape Cod. When she comes to the town to celebrate her new bestseller,
she is expecting a warm homecoming. But instead she is confronted with
the cold shoulders of friends and neighbors who feel exposed and
betrayed.<br /><br />Heartbroken, Shelby tries to move on and focus on her
next novel. But then an unexpected call comes: her dear friend who owns
the beloved Land's End bookshop needs help for the summer. Shelby
reluctantly returns to the Cape to manage the store.<br /><br />Back at the
beach, Shelby sets her focus on the tiny seaside shop, getting lost in
the shelves of steamy romance novels and dusty classics and trying to
right the wrongs of her past. With every page turned and every customer
served, Shelby comes closer to gaining back the trust of those she hurt.
But as her manuscript deadline nears, she is again forced to choose
between her own success and a second chance at love and belonging."</span></span></i></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><span class="Formatted"></span><p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><script data-affiliate-id="82463" data-sku="9780778310846" data-type="book_button" src="https://bookshop.org/widgets.js"></script>
</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Can you feel it? Beach read season is almost here and <b>A Novel Summer</b> is on my radar. Did I mention this book has a beach town bookshop in it? What do you all think? Are you a fan of Jamie Brenner? Will you be adding <b>A Novel Summer</b> to your beach bag this summer? </span><br /></p><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-34925239616815009462024-03-12T06:00:00.029-04:002024-03-12T06:00:00.130-04:00The Best St. Patrick's Day Reading List<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomvXIDIESPRMLK9Yu2og2ygW-RqcClhvfWmmOX1WL9_pNJsw4F1lNZiep_K_zFMX6K9Myu2wkuSw6fsPa7SsnWnNJjmOU2b2FzkrW0AOOZYvMmzpvxJB30SNO6mzs5ftFzDLFSoYbNv7rjcaMXPNxEodaRB5yjAlpqv6U14pL2yElFrHHixda5cUknxOR/s1080/12%20Books%20To%20Read.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomvXIDIESPRMLK9Yu2og2ygW-RqcClhvfWmmOX1WL9_pNJsw4F1lNZiep_K_zFMX6K9Myu2wkuSw6fsPa7SsnWnNJjmOU2b2FzkrW0AOOZYvMmzpvxJB30SNO6mzs5ftFzDLFSoYbNv7rjcaMXPNxEodaRB5yjAlpqv6U14pL2yElFrHHixda5cUknxOR/w400-h400/12%20Books%20To%20Read.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ever since I traveled to Ireland years ago, I have been completely in love with the beauty of Ireland. Whether it's a featured in a good movie or a compelling book, an Irish setting is one of my favorites. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'm sharing my favorite books set in Ireland that will for sure put you in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo2Uj16sO3hJzYyu0WIPqyRDwF9Ya2q3OciGfbt17P4vRaDWxFJNqBy86DcsNuiL_xgrCFGSeLm2JcoiRL8rLWmddTwtB98ATrGKiE9f0cdKbIsl6U3ek9-YMhYGGfEQy3uN4KI5lI2BOdGbnxxK7WFe0o66MLUTUS3iNTuKKxs_6D_uI_xu9xgO4h2Ez/s1200/Best%20Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo2Uj16sO3hJzYyu0WIPqyRDwF9Ya2q3OciGfbt17P4vRaDWxFJNqBy86DcsNuiL_xgrCFGSeLm2JcoiRL8rLWmddTwtB98ATrGKiE9f0cdKbIsl6U3ek9-YMhYGGfEQy3uN4KI5lI2BOdGbnxxK7WFe0o66MLUTUS3iNTuKKxs_6D_uI_xu9xgO4h2Ez/w426-h640/Best%20Reading.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252577.Angela_s_Ashes?from_search=true&search_version=service">Angela's Ashes</a></b> by Frank McCourt</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41977.Circle_of_Friends?from_search=true&search_version=service">Circle of Friends</a></b> by Maeve Binchy (really anything by Binchy!)<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">3. <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2015/12/book-review-brooklyn-by-colm-toibin.html">Brooklyn</a></b> by Colm Toibin <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">4<b>. </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1294231.The_Princes_of_Ireland"><b>The Princes of Ireland</b> </a>by Edward Rutherfurd </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19523599-jewels-of-the-sun">Jewels of the Sun</a></b> by Nora Roberts</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">6. <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2016/12/book-review-girl-in-castle-by-santa.html" target="_blank">The Girl in the Castle</a></b> by Santa Montefiore (the entire <b>Deverill Chronicles</b> series!)</span></p></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaugub4v9CRof-nREepM4-IECDpvbc0IyZ0L4hQk0873jfV4Cms7HJnTf0ZqsN30yEqNUopXdQmT00EaNEZ2ieYDqXD_L5Wqppd91LjVFK0nDlCAwKvVTumMRxEVa5EXi3zmo702OgUHkVoReDFSUCD-c-18KTKOfwLC7VryIfhyfaIV9X9kKe6vXl0fQ/s1200/Best%20Reading%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaugub4v9CRof-nREepM4-IECDpvbc0IyZ0L4hQk0873jfV4Cms7HJnTf0ZqsN30yEqNUopXdQmT00EaNEZ2ieYDqXD_L5Wqppd91LjVFK0nDlCAwKvVTumMRxEVa5EXi3zmo702OgUHkVoReDFSUCD-c-18KTKOfwLC7VryIfhyfaIV9X9kKe6vXl0fQ/w426-h640/Best%20Reading%20copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">7. <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2018/06/book-review-and-giveaway-love-luck-by.html" target="_blank">Love & Luck</a></b> by Jenna Evans Welch</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/366522.P_S_I_Love_You?from_new_nav=true&ac=1">P.S. I Love You</a></b> by Cecelia Ahern</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">9. <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/03/book-review-off-map-by-trish-doller.html" target="_blank">Off the Map</a></b> by Trish Doller</span></p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">10. <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/02/book-review-queen-of-dirt-island-by.html" target="_blank">The Queen of Dirt Island</a></b> by Donal Ryan</span></blockquote> <p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">11. <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2019/03/book-review-castle-on-rise-by-kristy.html" target="_blank">Castle on the Rise</a></b> by Kristy Cambron </span></p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">12. <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2020/07/audio-book-review-cashelmara-by-susan.html" target="_blank"><b>Cashelmara</b></a> by Susan Howatch</span></blockquote> <br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And we can't forget my favorite Irish-American family, the Kennedys. If you enjoy all things Kennedy, check out my <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/search/label/Kennedy" target="_blank">recommendations</a>.</span></p><p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So, do you like to read books about Ireland or set in Ireland as St. Patrick's Day approaches? Let me know your favorites in the comments below.<br /></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-7949468374804574162024-03-11T06:00:00.010-04:002024-03-11T06:00:00.142-04:00Newsletter Announcement and Giveaway<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLio8WyrOLEjJ0IJKzXtLmKfDBtQJSv0pjdoPMJEQ1sT4vRbk5xUgEmraoCwTajiLuIWRw06P5s_85OvGelv-nraCLVnCxkBa4UDqQV8JaniAwMIyPj8AgUln8cWMbb_8aMAlJ4XajJAuw7m_09iaD-K1CTJHHMYop4ec-W2Ezxx5OK1X6nDNztpsJiXjh/s1080/Join%20our%20weekly%20newsletter%20&%20get%20all%20the%20latest%20news!(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLio8WyrOLEjJ0IJKzXtLmKfDBtQJSv0pjdoPMJEQ1sT4vRbk5xUgEmraoCwTajiLuIWRw06P5s_85OvGelv-nraCLVnCxkBa4UDqQV8JaniAwMIyPj8AgUln8cWMbb_8aMAlJ4XajJAuw7m_09iaD-K1CTJHHMYop4ec-W2Ezxx5OK1X6nDNztpsJiXjh/w400-h400/Join%20our%20weekly%20newsletter%20&%20get%20all%20the%20latest%20news!(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I have decided to try something new to freshen things up this year at Confessions of a Book Addict. I've been blogging since the end of 2009, and I realized that I have never had a newsletter, so that was one of my blogging goals this year. I'm happy to inform you all, I'm launching one this week! <br /> <br />In the Confessions of a Book Addict newsletter, I'll be recapping some of the posts you may have missed, sharing bookish news, discussing the books that I am loving, recommending the best beach reads and hosting some giveaways as well. The purpose of the newsletter is for you to take a mid-week break with me, learn about some new books, and take a breather. A good book has always been my escape and a way to prioritize some downtime. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" scrolling="auto" src="https://655c3ce9.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAOL5p2xds2Nm4JvwhEUqpsOM_XY38cK-43fzixqzS2kaVzZgfwDYlazcZNg5P7MzNZdu9nzI52z5Xx1262OYKdyHXNoUAx7L2tEdL-avdDmJuoZsJSIkWqmy0tWZHAyMtPD3bdJ97FS7Q8r6xvqql6dYl-3pES0PwwlEMe7EfS4ACM6D6d-8BpJAG37FSwkq_jPKQMMEXFqC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="540"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To celebrate the launch of the newsletter, I am giving away a book of your choice from Bookshop.org (to a US resident) up to a $25 value. All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter and you can do that in the form above. I'll announce the winner in one week. Please refer to my giveaway <a href="http://confessionsofabookaddict2.blogspot.com/2012/04/giveaways.html" target="_blank">rules</a>. <br /> <br />If you have any requests or recommendations for what you'd like me to cover in the newsletter, let me know. I am very excited to be bringing you even more content just in time for beach read season! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
</p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-74515554270189047582024-03-08T06:00:00.008-05:002024-03-08T06:00:00.148-05:00Blog Tour: Kilt Trip<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-cxPbIHb0SuG9Txp-2aTTNYbrtaxvPjp8Is0HA25H5iZ-Oiw5innFasCNWH57T61FjMp-rLUrf5Myk7RyU1UOpm0LE1D3HsuQThho5qgOA_mhQr-wMTHjpaIfeE9Vx-bam3OIAg3u0i12sWYu40Ef2mYZWRTLltTLke1ekdr48Q6-ilYdDXQB1SqsusK/s1600/690-HTP-Banner---Winter-2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-cxPbIHb0SuG9Txp-2aTTNYbrtaxvPjp8Is0HA25H5iZ-Oiw5innFasCNWH57T61FjMp-rLUrf5Myk7RyU1UOpm0LE1D3HsuQThho5qgOA_mhQr-wMTHjpaIfeE9Vx-bam3OIAg3u0i12sWYu40Ef2mYZWRTLltTLke1ekdr48Q6-ilYdDXQB1SqsusK/w640-h160/690-HTP-Banner---Winter-2024.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I absolutely love books set in Ireland and Scotland. It's one of my favorite settings, so when I heard about <b>Kilt Trip</b> by Alexandra Kiley, I knew I had to read it. <b>Kilt</b> <b>Trip</b> just came out on March 5th, and thanks to Harlequin, I am sharing an official excerpt from the novel today. I heard this novel is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and will make readers want to plan a trip to the Scottish Highlands immediately. </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Learn More About the Book:</span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Kilt Trip </b>by Alexandra Kiley </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: March 5, 2024</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuOtuq5MipOGhD7EyLlyY_SS8C-OjEsCeqdxwrvQj9Qv1N4375pRRC0hMMpbVIeb7u_CruTAu7R1sqaWFHJefMezUBkAe03TQTdV7aSNlKpA_rbOiIHya7ZBWSdWFKSnMj1dfQQPYYe5S2jxt8jZpTEjcJrtP54dhcfQCu6g5Ja_ZywUH41nZ8tRee8w2/s3200/Cover%20Kilt%20Trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuOtuq5MipOGhD7EyLlyY_SS8C-OjEsCeqdxwrvQj9Qv1N4375pRRC0hMMpbVIeb7u_CruTAu7R1sqaWFHJefMezUBkAe03TQTdV7aSNlKpA_rbOiIHya7ZBWSdWFKSnMj1dfQQPYYe5S2jxt8jZpTEjcJrtP54dhcfQCu6g5Ja_ZywUH41nZ8tRee8w2/w426-h640/Cover%20Kilt%20Trip.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">About the Book:</span> <i>"<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For fans of Emily Henry and Sarah Morgenthaler comes a brand-new Scotland-set romantic comedy. In this enemies-to-lovers romance, one woman discovers more than the just the magic of the heartland's lochs and landscapes—but not before clashing with the proud Scotsman she's forced to work with.</span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Addie Macrae has always followed her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she turns struggling businesses into world-class tour groups. Her job comes with the perk of jetsetting around the globe, which means never being in one place for too long—just the way she likes it. Since her mom passed away ten years ago and her father never stopped grieving, no place has felt like home anyway. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a family-run tour group in Scotland—the one place she swore she’d </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">never</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> go—Addie has to shed her emotional baggage and turn on the professional charm.</span></i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Logan Sutherland’s family business is operating just fine, thank you very much. The Heart of the Highlands was never meant to make the family rich, rather to teach sightseers to appreciate the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems, which are more captivating than any tourist trap. The last thing Logan wants is some American "expert" pushing </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outlander</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-themed tours and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster. And for a travel consultant, Addie oddly doesn’t seem interested in learning about the land Logan loves. Equally put off by each other, the new colleagues clash on every company decision.</span></i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then Logan discovers Addie does have a personal connection to Scotland—it was her late mother’s favorite place, one that now lives on in a handful of faded Polaroids Addie kept from her parents’ Honeymoon. She wants to seek out the places in the pictures, but is worried that she's too late to capture the wonder of following in her mother's footsteps. Logan is convinced he can help Addie get some closure, and the two realize, when they agree, they actually work pretty well together. </span></i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But Addie’s contract with The Heart is almost up, and the business is still losing money. They can’t afford distractions, but there’s no denying the intense chemistry between Addie and Logan. Besides, how can Addie do her job properly if she hasn’t explored </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scotland has to offer?"</span></i></span></p></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can purchase your own copy of <b>Kilt</b> <b>Trip</b> at <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/kilt-trip-original-alexandra-kiley/20099582?ean=9781335009296" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kilt-trip-alexandra-kiley/1143441391?ean=9781335009296" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Kilt-Trip/Alexandra-Kiley/9781335009296?id=8875782594791" target="_blank">Books A Million</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kilt-Trip-Alexandra-Kiley/dp/1335009299/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can learn more about Alexandra Kiley at her <a href="https://www.alexandrakiley.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/akileybooks/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/akileybooks" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read an Excerpt From the Novel:</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>One </b><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"> Addie Macrae’s internal compass was irreparably damaged. For all the traveling she did, and the relative ease of navigating a city with English street signs, Edinburgh’s jigsaw puzzle of gray-toned buildings and twisting streets left her head spinning. <br /> Under different circumstances she might’ve been swept away by the city’s lantern-topped street lights and cobblestone roads, but not while the architecture and charm conspired against her. She’d missed a full thirty minutes of her newest client’s city tour, the last one before their meeting tomorrow. <br /> If she was going to turn The Heart of the Highlands around, revamp their tours, and pull them from the brink of financial ruin, she needed to know what she was walking into. The thrumming in her chest slipped into the realm of heart palpitations, one tier below racing for a connecting flight. <br /> Which she’d already done today. <br /> Striding along another street lined with red and teal storefronts, she tugged at her collar, letting the chilled air slice through the humidity inside her plasticky yellow raincoat. Nothing in sight resembled a staircase at the bottom of Calton Hill—the starting point mentioned on the website.<br /> Gigi, the irritatingly sunny voice of Google Maps, shouted, “Turn left.” She was hopelessly laggy, sending Addie in one direction, then two minutes later changing her mind. <br /> Addie followed another skinny tunnel between buildings constructed long before the invention of motor vehicles. It deposited her into an unmarked courtyard, paths fanning out in all directions. <br /> “Rerouting.” <br /> Grinding her teeth, Addie restarted Gigi, tripped over a cobblestone, and cursed.<br /> Side-eyeing the red battery icon on her phone, she checked the time again. Dammit. At this rate, she’d miss the entire itinerary. <br /> Cars rumbled by on the wrong side of the road as she wound through the bustling downtown and crossed the construction zone that was the North Bridge. A light drizzle began to fall, dripping from her hood and curling the end of her blond braid. Great. <br /> A low brick wall to her left did nothing to contain the oldgrowth trees threatening to hop the street. She walked right past a staircase tucked between the disheveled, leafless forest before backing up. <br /> Begging to be missed, a miniature blue sign attached to a lamppost pointed up the stairs to Calton Hill. Addie shook her head. How were tourists expected to find this? <br /> Her annoyance drowned out any relief at finding the tour. <br /> As she headed toward the steps, her phone rang. Boss Babe lit up the screen. Devika filled all the roles in Addie’s life: best friend, coworker, mother hen. <br /> They were kindred spirits—always stayed late, snuck champagne and slippers into the office to work through the holidays, and sent each other postcards from airports around the world. Every time one of them got to a new destination, they checked in. Like the lone-women-travelers’ buddy system. In the haze of lost luggage and misdirection, Addie had forgotten. She answered, “Sorry. I’m here safely, although sans suitcase.” Her green hardside—scuffed, covered in stickers, and affectionately referred to as Frank—had taken an impromptu side trip without her permission. <br /> “That blows. Do they know when it’ll be back?” <br /> Addie started up the stairs, dragging her fingers over the sculpted lion’s head at the base of the shiny black handrail. A tower in the shape of an old-fashioned spyglass rose out of the knotted trees above her. “Hopefully tonight, or I’ll be wearing my airport-acquired rain gear to my meeting.” <br /> Devika laughed. “What’s on the books for today?”<br /> The answer to their running joke was, of course, always, work. Six months ago, her mentor, Marc, started a new agency—Dawsey Travel Consulting—and took Devika and Addie with him. It could hardly be called poaching when she would follow them to the ends of the earth. Addie wanted to be them when she grew up. <br /> Devika was a powerhouse karaoke song. She brought people to their feet with her magnetic presence and got shit done like a boss. <br /> Marc was quieter, more serious, but in an industry full of power-hungry men, he always listened, remembered vegetarian and gluten-free options, and cut off interrupters with a stern <br /> “Addie wasn’t done talking.” He was the one person who’d taken a chance on her when she’d been at her lowest, who’d taught her how to keep moving when she wanted to give up. <br /> They were in a million different time zones right now, hustling to build a name for themselves in the competitive world of travel consulting. With ironclad non-competes from their old firm, their client roster currently consisted of Marc’s friends and whatever referrals their favorite clients could muster. <br /> Every project had to go perfectly to make their new business turn a profit. The future of their venture depended on it. And as the junior partner—the first one to be cut if things went sideways—Addie’s job did, too. <br /> She scanned the spider web of paths at the top of the hill. <br /> A random cannon sat in the median. This had to be the right spot. “Research,” Addie said. “I’m already docking them three points for starting the tour in an obscure location.” <br /> There. A group of ten or so people carrying colorful umbrellas huddled around a man in a kilt. Bingo. <br />“Are you spying?” <br /> Her stomach clenched at the censure in Devika’s voice. “I’ve got this.” Maybe it was the jet lag making her a bit desperate, or the fear of what would happen if she failed, but she’d take whatever edge she could get. “Besides, gathering intel isn’t illegal,” Addie defended, even though Devika was right to worry. <br /> Rebuilding trust with the client took time she didn’t have, but this was a calculated risk. As a rule, executives didn’t take kindly to corporate espionage in any form. However, executives were also rarely objective about their own tours. They chalked lagging sales up to uninspired marketing or internet algorithms, never to generic itineraries, up-charging for headphones on an audio tour, or rambling guides.<br /> Metrics on destination costs and ticket prices were important, but the way people responded to their guides told an indisputable story. One day trip could show her more about a company’s weak spots than five board meetings combined.<br /> “You better hope you blend in.” <br /> Addie bit her lip as she looked down at her attire. Between the yellow raincoat and poppy-splashed wellies, she looked about as unobtrusive as a knockoff Paddington Bear waving a sign that read I’m crashing your tour. But it was fine, she could totally pass as a tourist. “You’re not helping at all. I have to go be sneaky.” <br /> Devika laughed and made the word bye last for three syllables. <br /> Addie moved to the back of the group where two people speaking Japanese, having clearly forgotten their raincoats, wore see-through Heart of the Highlands–branded ponchos. <br /> <i> Practical and effective swag, 1 point. </i><br /> Gigi shouted, “Keep right at the fork!”<br /> All eyes swung to Addie and heat flooded her cheeks as she struggled to turn off the speaker. “Is this the Hidden Gems tour?” she asked the approaching guide. “I got lost…” Addie looked up into crinkling gray eyes. <br /> Whoa. <br /> Curls fell over his forehead, a wavy sea of honey and bronze. On anyone else, she’d have said he was in dire need of a haircut, but it worked for him—matched the close-trimmed beard and the power of his shoulders. <br /> He would be intimidatingly rugged if he wasn’t draped in clear plastic.<br /> “Aye. Welcome. Are you Heather Munro?” <br /> Her gaze slipped down to his navy blue and forest green kilt… Damn. <br /> She’d never considered herself one to swoon over a kilt, but his work boots and rounded calves were doing something to her stomach she couldn’t feasibly attribute to her bumpy flight. The navy cable-knit sweater, too—much better than the frilly pirate shirt that usually accompanied this getup. <br /> Although, it did little to set their guides apart. <br /> <i>Gimmicky uniform, minus 2 points…on anyone else. </i><br /> The last words he said filtered back to her, and heat crept up her neck. Shit. <br /> “Oh, yes. Hi. That’s me.” Addie was more accustomed to sleeping on planes than in her own bed, but she was clearly more jet-lagged than she’d realized if she couldn’t remember her own fake name. <br /> The guide’s lips curved into an amused smile. “I’m Logan.” <br /> She could tell a lot from a handshake. <br /> Crushing: domineering and a pain in the ass to work with.<br /> Limp: kind but required vast emotional resources to make decisions. <br /> Wet-fish: well…that was never a good sign. <br /> But Logan’s firm handshake was warm. It said: I know what I want. I’m not afraid to ask for help or entertain new ideas. <br /> Not that it mattered. She’d be working with the owner and his son, not the guides.<br /> His grin sent tingles whispering over her skin as he dropped her hand and turned back to the group. “This way to the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars.” Logan gestured to the Parthenon-style structure missing two and a half sides of pillars. “Or, as it’s affectionately called, Scotland’s Shame. As you can see, funding ran out rather quickly.” A few snickers and an abundance of smiles followed his remarks.<br /> “Edinburgh is nicknamed the Athens of the North, and these buildings celebrate our architectural feats and enlightenment. But long before the monuments were constructed, Calton Hill was a site for many pagan rituals. My favorite is Beltane, the Celtic festival hailing the reappearance of summer and the fertility of the land. Fire represents the return of the light, and revelers celebrate in its glow.”<br /> Logan could have described the architecture, the historical figures, or the politics at the time of construction. Addie had been on that kind of tour in the real Athens and knew firsthand how hard it was to keep guests’ interest with dry facts. Instead, Logan’s tales of rejoicing and fire, spirits and drums, enthralled the tourists. The group huddled around him, his voice low and soothing like it’d wrapped around everyone and pulled them in. <br /> If all the guides were this good, Addie wouldn’t need to bring in a story-crafting coach; Logan would make a dishwasher manual sound interesting. <br /> <i> Engaging the guests, 3 points. </i></span></blockquote><i></i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>Excerpted from Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley. Copyright © 2024 by Alexandra Kiley. Published by Canary Street Press. </b><br /><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"></span></p><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, what do you of the excerpt? Is <b>Kilt</b> <b>Trip</b> on your TBR list? I hope to dive into this novel very soon and can't wait to be swept away to dreamy Scotland. Let me know what you think in the comments below. </span></span><br /><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-7985529064187484652024-03-07T06:01:00.003-05:002024-03-07T06:01:00.130-05:00Blog Tour and Giveaway: Cattitude<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrqj4Agup0t3hppzCcMidMslmaMnIQS4GTAEfoBvDFQhvdxeUB77D7IID3ALTenxLKREDIbljOeJMqfb24mVFE9n4VNo4gLynKSEnVnKV-AXdlmXAy6u6-vH9kqw9SQ54R0pA83TDsq3_UW4GVn8pvZFl-4Bo3biQiqPeFwfccu41C7jD76IVQVxGOP6e/s1200/Cattitude%20Tour%20Header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrqj4Agup0t3hppzCcMidMslmaMnIQS4GTAEfoBvDFQhvdxeUB77D7IID3ALTenxLKREDIbljOeJMqfb24mVFE9n4VNo4gLynKSEnVnKV-AXdlmXAy6u6-vH9kqw9SQ54R0pA83TDsq3_UW4GVn8pvZFl-4Bo3biQiqPeFwfccu41C7jD76IVQVxGOP6e/w640-h360/Cattitude%20Tour%20Header.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's nothing like unconditional love from a pet and in my house, we are big-time animal lovers. We always appreciate a book that includes a friendly feline or an adorable puppy. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Today I'm happy to share with you all, </span><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Cattitude</span></b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, a new picture book by my fellow book lover, Bianca Schulze. This new book comes out on March 12th and I'm part of the blog tour today celebrating <b>Cattitude</b></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which features a cat you are sure to love as well as a giveaway you don't want to miss!<br /></span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Learn More About the Book:</span></h2><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cattitude </span></b></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Written by</span><a href="https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/dont-wake-the-dragon-by-bianca-schulze-book-review/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bianca Schulze</span></a></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Illustrated by</span><a href="https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/who-loves-the-dragon-by-bianca-schulze-book-review/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Samara Hardy</span></a></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ages 3+ | 32 Pages</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Publisher: Clever Publishing (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781954738362</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg9ZncGYPh2QRFkVGa9-Lt9fiBkMaegMjv_nXg5k1BjxzCCL_pPSIr4A6NWrGJD5Ux6wG8dQ6uJnvjCuzamynU6F1CmG-fn9AW5UNiie6s-st0zWJPwOnVzhCzzh9dyK1kMxr6NN-EykmmUflSmEiAwILQ0PWiU-2emvIwl3iwPnEQLMvjz0JVK7i1CZN/s1080/Cattitude%20by%20Bianca%20Schulze.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg9ZncGYPh2QRFkVGa9-Lt9fiBkMaegMjv_nXg5k1BjxzCCL_pPSIr4A6NWrGJD5Ux6wG8dQ6uJnvjCuzamynU6F1CmG-fn9AW5UNiie6s-st0zWJPwOnVzhCzzh9dyK1kMxr6NN-EykmmUflSmEiAwILQ0PWiU-2emvIwl3iwPnEQLMvjz0JVK7i1CZN/w400-h400/Cattitude%20by%20Bianca%20Schulze.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><blockquote><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Publisher’s Book Summary: <i>"Meet Cleo, a cat with an attitude—and she’s not afraid to show it! Cleo is a misunderstood feline with a penchant for mischief and a heart of gold. Her quirks and antics reveal a cat who marches to the beat of her own drum. From hiding behind bookshelves to getting stuck in tight spots, Cleo’s adventures teach her family valuable lessons about love, patience, and the true meaning of companionship. Get ready for a heartwarming tale of feline charm and the power of unconditional love. Cleo proves that behind every mischievous whisker lies a world of affection and loyalty."</i></span></span></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can pre-order your own copy of <b>Cattitude</b> at <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cattitude-bianca-schulze/1143742949?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&st=AFF&SID=www.barnesandnoble.com&2sid=The+Children%27s+Book+Review_9085367_NA&sourceId=AFFThe+Children%27s+Book+Review&cjevent=270872e9d78311ee83f7c2e70a1cb825&dpid=tekz25v83" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/cattitude-clever-publishing/20231671?ean=9781954738362" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cattitude-Clever-Storytime-Bianca-Schulze/dp/1954738366?&linkCode=sl1&tag=thechisboorev-20&linkId=21fe1e4f50033aa0162874801b95d1ad&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can learn more about Bianca Schulze by visiting her <a href="https://www.biancaschulze.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or at <a href="https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/" target="_blank">The Children's Book Review</a>. You can also connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/book_mommy" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/biancaschulzewriter/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Also, you can learn more about Samara Hardy, the illustrator, by visiting her <a href="https://samarahardy.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Giveaway:</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3ERM8lxB3TPS22joQNHcWJJTmZbn0BHT525YYvYzpmIN8uhJMd_fKEcPjBTouQkv5GdXhGU9FicFXsPGx1Umxg24e7EzBuNDrrdHpkJutHhhQhqPf4eO78TDRNOq7nMB4Ziu08fsCDizuJslLvs2k1jwWnZtUU4x5lgDrF8Drm1vWJM00Q0xXv-Lrv7U/s1080/Dragon%20Book%20Giveaway%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3ERM8lxB3TPS22joQNHcWJJTmZbn0BHT525YYvYzpmIN8uhJMd_fKEcPjBTouQkv5GdXhGU9FicFXsPGx1Umxg24e7EzBuNDrrdHpkJutHhhQhqPf4eO78TDRNOq7nMB4Ziu08fsCDizuJslLvs2k1jwWnZtUU4x5lgDrF8Drm1vWJM00Q0xXv-Lrv7U/w640-h640/Dragon%20Book%20Giveaway%202.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I've partnered with The Children's Book Review to host a fun giveaway today to celebrate the upcoming publication of <b>Cattitude</b>. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a four book set of Schulze and Hardy's internationally bestselling <b>Dragon</b> series, including <b>Don't Wake the Dragon</b>, and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card. Good luck!
</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a class="e-widget no-button generic-loader" href="https://gleam.io/PHkEp/dragon-set-book-giveaway" rel="nofollow">Dragon Set Book Giveaway
</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script></span><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-59820173743731256382024-03-06T06:00:00.001-05:002024-03-06T06:00:00.255-05:00Can't Wait Wednesday: A Happier Life<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by </span><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wishful Endings</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!</span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>A Happier Life</b> by Kristy Woodson Harvey</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: June 25, 2024</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-vQbkTX3NyinWpnWdWfEPjZNPZRhi6ozF7A27T3zjRoo2lA7xLgBA9RR3kWoV-yMBFlDwrw47nKwfWCihIurJSJgkKibt3yBUPZtAkAMqPpSWRyoSguW4CoPNrO7XbxI2FxdTHVXpaMFEsH8MEcxamTW1msaqVZk85_Gj1bAFAw8hQhFKBX2kd4CW9SX/s2762/176443295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2762" data-original-width="1821" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-vQbkTX3NyinWpnWdWfEPjZNPZRhi6ozF7A27T3zjRoo2lA7xLgBA9RR3kWoV-yMBFlDwrw47nKwfWCihIurJSJgkKibt3yBUPZtAkAMqPpSWRyoSguW4CoPNrO7XbxI2FxdTHVXpaMFEsH8MEcxamTW1msaqVZk85_Gj1bAFAw8hQhFKBX2kd4CW9SX/w422-h640/176443295.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><p>Goodreads says, <i><span style="font-size: medium;">"<span class="Formatted">A tender and touching novel about a young woman
who discovers the family she has always longed for when she spends a
life-changing summer in North Carolina.<br /><br />Present Keaton Smith is
desperate for a fresh start. So when her mother needs someone to put her
childhood home in Beaufort, North Carolina, on the market—the home that
Keaton didn’t know existed until now—she jumps at the chance to head
south. Keaton’s grandparents died in a tragic car accident before she
was born, so she’s eager to learn more about the family she never met.
But even though she has help from her charming next-door-neighbor, his
precocious ten-year-old son, and a flock of endearingly feisty town
busybodies, Keaton soon finds that she has more questions than answers.<br /><br />1976:
After meeting her adoring husband Townsend, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James
abandoned the life she knew and never looked back. Forty years later,
she’s made a name for herself as the best hostess North Carolina has
ever seen. Her annual summer suppers have become the stuff of legend,
and locals and out-of-towners alike clamor for an invitation to her
stunning historic home. But she’s struggling behind the façade. Becks
strives to make the lives of those around her as easy as possible, but
this summer she is facing a dilemma that even she can’t solve. And as
the end of the season looms, she is brought to a decision she never
wanted to make.<br /><br />As both Keaton and Becks face new challenges and
chapters, they are connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane,
which has protected the secrets, hopes, and dreams of the women in their
family for generations. For fans of Summer of ‘69 and The Notebook ,
Last Summer on Sunset Lane explores the power of family, the bonds of
friendship, and the boundless nature of love."</span></span></i></p></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You had me at North Carolina and a life-changing summer. I have really enjoyed Harvey's beach reads in the past and can't wait to read this one....hopefully once the weather is nicer! Let me know what you think in the comments below. </span></span><br /></p></div><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-1138672270296402802024-03-05T06:03:00.009-05:002024-03-05T06:03:00.130-05:00Book Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pages: 368</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Genre: YA Fantasy</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pub. Date: April 4, 2023</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Publisher: St. Martin's</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Source: Personal Copy</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Formatted"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlU7c6RIeqNefVGJ1Un4rcbCDY96nX6BvIYh4xs_GuCNGrzTLVKA0FyJXTnxrk6KGQuBEFIsjCTT3JolHyTjtN9ZMcKxoAbGdAI7dliQ20CjS1fWi546a2GOFdRjZJT3GBnybbjCrpkVPxMPXthE3-MUhExGe_27Q7FrYBr-YWRkNTkNSn6D6psQCy04k/s1250/60784546.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlU7c6RIeqNefVGJ1Un4rcbCDY96nX6BvIYh4xs_GuCNGrzTLVKA0FyJXTnxrk6KGQuBEFIsjCTT3JolHyTjtN9ZMcKxoAbGdAI7dliQ20CjS1fWi546a2GOFdRjZJT3GBnybbjCrpkVPxMPXthE3-MUhExGe_27Q7FrYBr-YWRkNTkNSn6D6psQCy04k/s320/60784546.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>Goodreads says,<b> </b><i>"When two young rival journalists find love
through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a
war among gods, to seal their fate forever. After centuries
of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow
just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from
addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet
is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.</i></span><i><br /><span class="Formatted"></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">To combat
her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath
her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her
cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris
back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the
way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind,
and love.<br /><br />Shadow and Bone meets Lore in Rebecca Ross's Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love."</span></i></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Iris Winnow is down on her luck. Her brother has enlisted to fight in the war and she hasn't heard from him as he is missing. Her mother lost her job due to her alcohol dependence, which left Iris to quit school early and venture out to find a job to survive. She is a talented writer so she gets a job at the <i>Oath</i> <i>Gazette</i> and while there she finds herself competing for a job as a regular columnist. It's very hard to separate her home life and work life as her home life is a mess and this spills over into work. She has to compete for the job against Roman Kitt, a wealthy and connected budding journalist who is the polar opposite of Iris. He has family money and his dad loves to interfere in his life by controlling his son and his opportunities. Iris misses her brother greatly and despite not knowing where he is, she writes him a heartfelt letter, and then doesn't drop it in the mail, but rather puts it in her wardrobe. Lo and behold the letter goes missing and a reply is in its place. Iris doesn't know this, but Roman is the one replying and these two form a beautiful correspondence where they share their thoughts and feelings. The letters change Iris's outlook and when she has the opportunity to leave town, she does and heads to the war front to investigate why there are so many missing soldiers as well as her brother's whereabouts. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross/18403358" target="_blank"><b>Divine</b> <b>Rivals</b></a></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> by Rebecca Ross is a strong start to a compelling YA fantasy series and while I had some issues with it; overall, it was a solid read.<br /><br />Iris is a bit of an underdog in </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross/18403358" target="_blank"><b>Divine</b> <b>Rivals</b></a></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. How could you not root for her? Her mother is a mess, her brother is missing at war, and it's up to her to save things. I enjoyed her job at the <i>Oath</i> <i>Gazette</i>; it felt very Lois Lane to me and Roman, although he has good intentions, has so many more opportunities than her given his familial connections and his meddling father. I really enjoyed their rivalry and the ensuing friendship. Roman's life at first glance may seem perfect, but he deals with a lot at home and he is even being pushed into an arranged marriage that he doesn't want. Their letter writing (even if she didn't know it was Roman writing back) only added to their connection and slowly feelings formed.<br /><br />My only issue with </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross/18403358" target="_blank"><b>Divine</b> <b>Rivals</b></a></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> was the setting. I liked the historical feel to the story (there are typewriters, etc), but I didn't quite buy into the Gods piece. It felt a bit more historical than fantasy and not a full fledged fantasy novel. Who are the Gods? Do they mettle in mortal's lives? What time period is it? I didn't quite buy into that aspect of the story and due to that, the setting didn't feel entirely fleshed out to me. I recognize there's magic in the story as well (the wardrobe! the letters!), but it never was a big focus, so I wasn't quite sure if <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross/18403358" target="_blank"><b>Divine</b> <b>Rivals</b></a> knew what kind of book it wanted to be.<br /><br />Nonetheless, Iris and Roman's story sucked me in and the last few chapters of </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross/18403358" target="_blank"><b>Divine</b> <b>Rivals</b></a></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> were captivating to the point that I will definitely have to pick up book two in the<b> Letters of Enchantment</b> series to find out what happens next. <br /><br />Have you read </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross/18403358" target="_blank"><b>Divine</b> <b>Rivals</b></a></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">? Did you pick up the sequel yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><script data-affiliate-id="82463" data-sku="9781250857439" data-type="book" src="https://bookshop.org/widgets.js"></script>
</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-85308522621863410592024-03-01T06:00:00.005-05:002024-03-01T06:00:00.135-05:00What I'm Reading Next: My March TBR List<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh10oAUje9pV5XpoTwaLSu65rCLczBLzcZJEE0XyK56WulaTDtnYIBg9dHBtnMFokCFiYttZq3Pk2t74eWIXnORDEDkFKzLbspz-0zTsUPAhvX6rsmyKxr9vTemNUlTeS0vKDO3bX2Tzvd0AoLfBjPhuvG7ARMWOuOggzGrQv8Pm17Fdl26nJHtqKpW1u/s1080/March%20TBR%20List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh10oAUje9pV5XpoTwaLSu65rCLczBLzcZJEE0XyK56WulaTDtnYIBg9dHBtnMFokCFiYttZq3Pk2t74eWIXnORDEDkFKzLbspz-0zTsUPAhvX6rsmyKxr9vTemNUlTeS0vKDO3bX2Tzvd0AoLfBjPhuvG7ARMWOuOggzGrQv8Pm17Fdl26nJHtqKpW1u/w400-h400/March%20TBR%20List.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's almost the end of winter! Before we know it, we will be cracking open those beach reads. Meanwhile, I have some books to share with that are perfect for the end of winter-early spring. I also hope a very popular book that has been collecting dust on my shelf, which was part of my 2024 reading goal. I am making good progress in that area. Let me know what books you hope to read this month.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">1. <b>Never Been Better</b> by Leanne Toshiko Simpson</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI1n7OflVP2a-W21phNuzHyowMHUt3dVZXqTCWoJm60fWb7Zl3H8hYUMI6sXTFxThY9GUjWvFGrxurWH542tPu_lGhzKXWsNCKAITR1h5trLx5tLBMJJ48JSH0yaBWBM4euwvZXDuOf2Qgco6KhEH8xWvS3RP4Ul1votFPlPAYe6whB8bUdvsqWlyWM51/s400/174136301-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI1n7OflVP2a-W21phNuzHyowMHUt3dVZXqTCWoJm60fWb7Zl3H8hYUMI6sXTFxThY9GUjWvFGrxurWH542tPu_lGhzKXWsNCKAITR1h5trLx5tLBMJJ48JSH0yaBWBM4euwvZXDuOf2Qgco6KhEH8xWvS3RP4Ul1votFPlPAYe6whB8bUdvsqWlyWM51/s320/174136301-1.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is an offbeat comedy about a seaside wedding, struggles with mental health, friendship, and more. <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">2. <b>Kilt Trip</b> by Alexandra Kiley</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8EqRrzzSYzy9DaRGK_brX9wzSctlfZGYNhRu9dO53Egsn1Zs6WbnvJRnURrh_HY_EZdpasW1CyzaiUp5tf2PRINIB8G_7WfyBJwpc9AUfmEtY9blLbylKemUWg6K7dWzmokSmv3NJF55qo_Obg8o-KkoTRqnUMtCTun4BwvbNF7KmYEHmxNwbRHxnR3Y/s3200/150444412-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8EqRrzzSYzy9DaRGK_brX9wzSctlfZGYNhRu9dO53Egsn1Zs6WbnvJRnURrh_HY_EZdpasW1CyzaiUp5tf2PRINIB8G_7WfyBJwpc9AUfmEtY9blLbylKemUWg6K7dWzmokSmv3NJF55qo_Obg8o-KkoTRqnUMtCTun4BwvbNF7KmYEHmxNwbRHxnR3Y/s320/150444412-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You had me at Scotland!<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">3. <b>The Underground Library</b> by Jennifer Ryan</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8Jcgu52NCAhaPpGqR_l6CbTnHEsX_YjGLN8i7bWFNVlO4hkSU3Yd1s2lszkyW7v3TyqTUjw8eep8n6AQAoiVY7f4SbpI8tgTFaVrOuDcmJ9M7T-ah4SSSQN-Iq3Ynbsg2cGAcu1IK4OBKlz6R-TDBsDoAAs1E6B6EZw7OMftJZKh5d9yNKj1c6oMddFv/s2560/177185815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8Jcgu52NCAhaPpGqR_l6CbTnHEsX_YjGLN8i7bWFNVlO4hkSU3Yd1s2lszkyW7v3TyqTUjw8eep8n6AQAoiVY7f4SbpI8tgTFaVrOuDcmJ9M7T-ah4SSSQN-Iq3Ynbsg2cGAcu1IK4OBKlz6R-TDBsDoAAs1E6B6EZw7OMftJZKh5d9yNKj1c6oMddFv/s320/177185815.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I can't say no to a good WWII novel and I enjoyed Ryan's <b>The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle</b>. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">4. <b>The Mystery of Haverford House</b> by Rachel Burton</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk7vfMYbquolP8JzGit-XXfIPgQTpw-VLf0ix3kejCiE0r-WdY83XYz9rvC1WC2xgwXipUDJn6r47N8HqzXJfanSucS0wJgKuUKANSd37RjvSqNvobNpvgutR1Tw9xd1kTUVkWFaEOEG4M1n33O_zBrRV4Q9V9cVLsoK-st2Okf9Uc_ahoHEChXoXbGBx/s2456/201123233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2456" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk7vfMYbquolP8JzGit-XXfIPgQTpw-VLf0ix3kejCiE0r-WdY83XYz9rvC1WC2xgwXipUDJn6r47N8HqzXJfanSucS0wJgKuUKANSd37RjvSqNvobNpvgutR1Tw9xd1kTUVkWFaEOEG4M1n33O_zBrRV4Q9V9cVLsoK-st2Okf9Uc_ahoHEChXoXbGBx/s320/201123233.jpg" width="208" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I love historical novels that span generations and include a sprawling estate. <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">5. <b>Expiration Dates</b> by Rebecca Serle</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRhevsg3CzuumdOcMd5vqXBBrOB4k52CgpgID8YX6CA5he44OYsxytkqcbLnvlmFx314Cl0ojKFj40tLId-EfXuC6t9OmulgimJKYhmesn9p_ObLKyNrvco9potpmpcarNN0sl4JHpK_GfydlqPXmQFCTA6Zd4ZWJyYtG9-Ye5GLIBZAJz5aHD6KQ-ho1/s2146/176443178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2146" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRhevsg3CzuumdOcMd5vqXBBrOB4k52CgpgID8YX6CA5he44OYsxytkqcbLnvlmFx314Cl0ojKFj40tLId-EfXuC6t9OmulgimJKYhmesn9p_ObLKyNrvco9potpmpcarNN0sl4JHpK_GfydlqPXmQFCTA6Zd4ZWJyYtG9-Ye5GLIBZAJz5aHD6KQ-ho1/s320/176443178.jpg" width="209" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rebecca Serle writes beautiful love stories and this one has a touch of magical realism. I heard it's very heartfelt. <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">6. <b> Finding Margaret Fuller </b>by Alison Pataki</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDBzGNZwlbmjBwOEwFz25lAh6nq8Hdajzukz13_lhmx0tfouNdLaQQQ_TyEUI49qSsDQBb_iYTC5fHPxi9ejddSoIBC8BIvECHQIhDK5OgbCYMTgHQE5QEByv0-cQopSD0N2jogQLn-Vey6l64Acz2EYdtmftfaz37Op1Fe6jRjPME8j5jWQQnPdZr8X7/s3800/61415874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3800" data-original-width="2500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDBzGNZwlbmjBwOEwFz25lAh6nq8Hdajzukz13_lhmx0tfouNdLaQQQ_TyEUI49qSsDQBb_iYTC5fHPxi9ejddSoIBC8BIvECHQIhDK5OgbCYMTgHQE5QEByv0-cQopSD0N2jogQLn-Vey6l64Acz2EYdtmftfaz37Op1Fe6jRjPME8j5jWQQnPdZr8X7/s320/61415874.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I meant to start this one last month, but never got around to it. I have heard great things about this book so far and Pataki has a way of bringing people to life in her biographical fiction. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">7. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Heartless Hunter</b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> by Kristin Ciccarelli</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxMka_w8LSow7IHB3bufymN_2XlFImO2tWyK4WLYklFfvkdLOvdaVqAeQ0WWakOLuvhUQhQ0GAUG52lm7aNgHY5POm3SPGmWECCEFtUZ0wv0v0wGFUDrRtknVuDCm9-HI7wDmCklsJtp0jTp_B3f5tLF04i3wwGYGOJ4-XEJBV9Yz0IVsvy6_mt5dM_XJ/s2549/127305713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2549" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxMka_w8LSow7IHB3bufymN_2XlFImO2tWyK4WLYklFfvkdLOvdaVqAeQ0WWakOLuvhUQhQ0GAUG52lm7aNgHY5POm3SPGmWECCEFtUZ0wv0v0wGFUDrRtknVuDCm9-HI7wDmCklsJtp0jTp_B3f5tLF04i3wwGYGOJ4-XEJBV9Yz0IVsvy6_mt5dM_XJ/s320/127305713.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This was my book of the month pick for last month and while YA fantasy has been hit or miss with me lately, I have high hopes for this one.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">8.<b> A Gentleman in Moscow</b> by Amor Towles</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSAtqXs5IBchqEHieBfvxyZxKK6ifQPcor1GvUyLvWpCNQW3kjt7Nf_xhUY47ki7Lmw_0rp9ggMaO3aWMRCB9vSA1e_YzY3dDBc8tQpuG2fAAUbHRDdO5YqwUcm4l8odseql5E1Kbkp0kZl7B128WywwrLl8GBl-MP_yaIDJ9QvC2uxDaorX72aDQo5me/s2531/34066798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSAtqXs5IBchqEHieBfvxyZxKK6ifQPcor1GvUyLvWpCNQW3kjt7Nf_xhUY47ki7Lmw_0rp9ggMaO3aWMRCB9vSA1e_YzY3dDBc8tQpuG2fAAUbHRDdO5YqwUcm4l8odseql5E1Kbkp0kZl7B128WywwrLl8GBl-MP_yaIDJ9QvC2uxDaorX72aDQo5me/s320/34066798.jpg" width="209" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This bestselling novel has been on my shelf for quite awhile now and since the TV show starring Ewan McGregor is coming out this month, I thought it would a great time to finally sit down and read it.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let me know what books you plan to read this month and what you think of my March TBR list. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><br /></p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-46143730893032092622024-02-29T06:00:00.012-05:002024-02-29T08:45:41.819-05:00Mini Reviews: Quirky Debuts<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGCNUB4zLg2zjjyS3zTmw851irkTeP83M6qjInrXH0IO7f8ev06zoGyWM1yzKmB1tyAmRo435l9hfjeKJuq8eyJcGYK-6gQLgfhf4e-1EOXsPbQdcu1WwIYR22tutbW88c-8cguIX_XxRJr-rqNJ8h8ZirI1D0f1xkOGt2fE3ZS9PRb3ZsQmPQdEovqBV/s400/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGCNUB4zLg2zjjyS3zTmw851irkTeP83M6qjInrXH0IO7f8ev06zoGyWM1yzKmB1tyAmRo435l9hfjeKJuq8eyJcGYK-6gQLgfhf4e-1EOXsPbQdcu1WwIYR22tutbW88c-8cguIX_XxRJr-rqNJ8h8ZirI1D0f1xkOGt2fE3ZS9PRb3ZsQmPQdEovqBV/w400-h335/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sometimes a quirky romance is just what you need, right? A novel that will keep you entertained and make you laugh-out-loud is always the perfect escape from the mundane and that is what I require in a good audio book. <b>Mrs. Nash's Ashes</b> and <b>Dial A for Aunties</b> is what these two novels have in common--there's a lot of hijinks, some romance, and funny moments that had me snickering. <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Mrs. Nash's Ashes</b> by Sarah Adler</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Genre: Romance/Audio Book</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pub. Date: May 23, 2023</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Publisher: Penguin Audio</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Source: Library</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH6Qu0V4w5R8rcRErJjCkIZd4OifMc6SeMGfFZTQZ8Qirb4CGau5WHxLWaTvCUn5EMbUwzvnhUu4jI7x4vY1nqr0ktJgv6MrnkECj7U9IpNDukqwcl9K5Wu3v0u12xNcBnZZESg7HYqDuhoIB8M5OelInZolqohF4k2-SE21FUCpQFIyEZx5B-ZdA20g_/s400/62296523.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH6Qu0V4w5R8rcRErJjCkIZd4OifMc6SeMGfFZTQZ8Qirb4CGau5WHxLWaTvCUn5EMbUwzvnhUu4jI7x4vY1nqr0ktJgv6MrnkECj7U9IpNDukqwcl9K5Wu3v0u12xNcBnZZESg7HYqDuhoIB8M5OelInZolqohF4k2-SE21FUCpQFIyEZx5B-ZdA20g_/s320/62296523.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <span style="font-family: georgia;">"<span class="Formatted">A starry-eyed romantic, a cynical writer, and
(the ashes of) an elderly woman take the road trip of a lifetime that
just might upend everything they believe about true love. Millicent
Watts-Cohen is on a mission. When she promised her elderly best friend
that she’d reunite her with the woman she fell in love with nearly
eighty years ago, she never imagined that would mean traveling from D.C.
to Key West with three tablespoons of Mrs. Nash’s remains in her
backpack. But Millie’s determined to give her friend a symbolic
happily-ever-after, before it’s (really) too late—and hopefully reassure
herself of love’s lasting power in the process. She just didn’t expect to have a living travel companion.<br /><br />After
a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride
with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex’s MFA
program. Hollis certainly does not believe in
happily-ever-afters—symbolic or otherwise—and makes it quite clear that
he can’t fathom Millie’s plan ending well for anyone.<br /><br />But as they
contend with peculiar bed-and-breakfasts, unusual small-town festivals,
and deer with a death wish, Millie begins to suspect that her reluctant
travel partner might enjoy her company more than he lets on. Because
for someone who supposedly doesn’t share her views on romance, Hollis
sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And the
closer they get to their destination, the more Millie has to admit that
maybe this trip isn’t just about Mrs. Nash’s love story after all—maybe
it’s also about her own."</span></span></i></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Millie Watts-Cohen was a childhood star and one of her closest friends was her elderly landlady, Rose. After Rose's death, she promised to reunite her remains with her long-lost love, Elsie. Elsie is on hospice in Florida, so Millie's time is limited. She needs to take Rose's remains to Elsie before it's too late. While en route to Florida, there's a mishap at the airport and flights are canceled. While there, she runs into Hollis, her ex-boyfriend's friend, who also was supposed to go to Florida. After some discussion and plans that don't pan out, they both agree to drive to Florida together. A road trip between grouchy Hollis and sunny Millie....what could go wrong? <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593547793" target="_blank">Mrs. Nash's Ashes</a></b> by Sarah Adler is a delightful rom-com debut filled with laugh-out-loud moments, a lot of tropes, and some major spice.<br /><br />I love a good road trip book, so </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593547793" target="_blank">Mrs. Nash's Ashes</a></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> was a nice escape. Adler relies heavily on many tropes: opposites attract, forced proximity, one-bed, and more, but it was fun. I can't say the romance knocked my socks off, but it was a nice way to pass a few afternoons. It was filled with quirky road trip moments (there's a religious bed and breakfast, small town parades, etc) and a budding romance. I did think Hollis's grouchy behavior was grating after a while as I didn't think he was broody, but rather rude. To enhance the story, there were flashbacks to Rose and Elsie's relationship during WWII, which brought more seriousness to the romance. Overall, it's a romance filled with a lot of spice and road trip fun.
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</span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></h2></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Dial A for Aunties</b> by Jesse Q. Sutanto</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Genre: Adult Fiction/Audio Book</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pub. Date: April 27, 2021</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Publisher: Penguin Audio</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Source: Library<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other Books By Author: <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/03/book-review-vera-wongs-unsolicited.html" target="_blank"><b>Vera Wong's Unsolicited </b></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/03/book-review-vera-wongs-unsolicited.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Advice for Murderers</b></span></span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0JYAvQPQ3kSjtbuBMg-4qpB3f9y_nFjleOOZk7WfqN80Jj0m3-6HW8HcPXByVbXcDuk-Qx8wULOwXZxNz4wLKcm5X61S4wLNgunRhe9Eu1FH9Q7sxZrkpYddXTWs7LJ13GsyGH0qog00k7-xCJqcJLmgzzkkoBnQKNbRYnn4joAdPX9v7vKSVbZlIRgs/s500/53310061.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0JYAvQPQ3kSjtbuBMg-4qpB3f9y_nFjleOOZk7WfqN80Jj0m3-6HW8HcPXByVbXcDuk-Qx8wULOwXZxNz4wLKcm5X61S4wLNgunRhe9Eu1FH9Q7sxZrkpYddXTWs7LJ13GsyGH0qog00k7-xCJqcJLmgzzkkoBnQKNbRYnn4joAdPX9v7vKSVbZlIRgs/s320/53310061.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Goodreads says,<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> "</i></span><span class="Formatted"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">What happens when you mix 1 (accidental)
murder with 2 thousand wedding guests, and then toss in a possible curse
on 3 generations of an immigrant Chinese-Indonesian family? You get 4 meddling Asian aunties coming to the rescue! When
Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her
meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get
rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more
challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it
is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top
billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working at an island
resort on the California coastline. It's the biggest job yet for the
family wedding business—"Don't leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!"—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie's perfect buttercream flowers.</span><br /></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">But
things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy's great
college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the
wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex
back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend?"</span></i></span></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Meddy Chan fell for her college boyfriend, Nathan, but her overbearing Chinese-Indonesian family convinced her to dump him and work for their wedding catering business as a photographer. So years later, Meddy is now living near her family, working for her family, and listening to her meddling aunts as well as her mother, who sets her up on a date with Jake. Jake, while seems like a put-together businessman, is a real jerk and assaults Meddy on her date. In turn, she tases him, and he doesn't wake up. Cue the drama! Who does she call? Her aunts! Who, naturally, then put Jake's body in a cooler till they can figure out what to do. As luck would have it, the cooler gets mistakingly sent to their next catering event, a wedding at a big hotel, that is owned by none other than Nathan, Meddy's ex-boyfriend. Cue even more drama! They must keep this body hidden as they can't mess up this big event...what could go wrong? </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593333037" target="_blank">Dial A for Aunties</a></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> by Jesse Q. Sutanto is her debut novel that is filled with hijinks, slapstick comedy, and laugh-out-loud meddling aunts. <br /><br /><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593333037" target="_blank">Dial A for Aunties</a></b> is filled with some unbelievable moments, but that's what makes it fun. It's absolute mayhem that's quirky and hilarious. More often than not, I was laughing out loud while listening to this story, especially the auntie's dialogue, which was the best part as they are the true stars of the novel. Do I believe any of this would actually happen? No. Was it fun? Yes. If you like dark comedy with some romance mixed in, look no further.
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</span><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Have you read </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593547793" target="_blank">Mrs. Nash's Ashes</a></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> or </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593333037" target="_blank">Dial A for Aunties</a></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><br /></p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-71564152112285610822024-02-28T06:00:00.002-05:002024-02-28T06:00:00.130-05:00Book Review: Mercury by Amy Jo Burns<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pages: 336<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Fiction</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: January 2, 2024<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Celadon<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Library</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGsguSOjcl7KlnVBus3VzyIGlJwotXDTSNNJbC86zkkf3H1wBhcmqusgBO1E8ml3p2-XPrDHb6F6Prx5FNonxQDHkUBh2YqAxyoIOVfO0zi0UkFugh_tBFATu5jOi9aXagB_NySQVmAZYXa5dMWaZdl-L394spZNY1Qtj-fkCpaDL2olfftEbr3XTAKc9/s1142/127305817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGsguSOjcl7KlnVBus3VzyIGlJwotXDTSNNJbC86zkkf3H1wBhcmqusgBO1E8ml3p2-XPrDHb6F6Prx5FNonxQDHkUBh2YqAxyoIOVfO0zi0UkFugh_tBFATu5jOi9aXagB_NySQVmAZYXa5dMWaZdl-L394spZNY1Qtj-fkCpaDL2olfftEbr3XTAKc9/s320/127305817.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"A roofing family's bonds of loyalty are tested when they uncover a
long-hidden secret at the heart of their blue-collar town--from Amy Jo
Burns, author of the critically acclaimed novel Shiner. It's
1990 and seventeen-year-old Marley West is blazing into the river
valley town of Mercury, Pennsylvania. A perpetual loner, she seeks a
place at someone's table and a family of her own. The first thing she
sees when she arrives in town is three men standing on a rooftop. Their
silhouettes blot out the sun. The Joseph brothers become Marley's
whole world before she can blink. Soon, she is young wife to one, The
One Who Got Away to another, and adopted mother to them all. As their
own mother fades away and their roofing business crumbles under the
weight of their unwieldy father's inflated ego, Marley steps in to
shepherd these unruly men. Years later, an eerie discovery in the church
attic causes old wounds to resurface and suddenly the family's survival
hangs in the balance. With Marley as their light, the Joseph brothers
must decide whether they can save the family they've always known--or
whether together they can build something stronger in its place."
</i></blockquote><p> </p></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's the 1990s and Marley and her mother move into Mercury, Pennsylvania, a small blue-collar town. While getting accustomed to the town, Marley runs into the Joseph brothers during a baseball game. Baylor, the older athletic brother, has his eyes set on Marley and starts to date her. Before she knows it, she is invited to the Joseph family dinners, which Elsie, their mother, puts together every day. Baylor has a younger brother, Waylon, who is responsible and is often looked at as the favorite, and the there is also the youngest son, Shay. All three boys will inevitably work with their father, Mick, at the family roofing company, whether they have other dreams for themselves or not. Marley is enamored by the Joseph family as it's the complete opposite of her house. As time goes by, Baylor dumps Marley and she moves onto Waylon, as he is more sensitive and a better match for her. Fast forward many years, Marley and Waylon are married young and have a child. Marley tries to help Waylon with the family business and while she does make it more successful, she finds out there are a lot of secrets in the Joseph family. Elsie, while always put together and a pillar of the community, is hiding many secrets and has made many sacrifices of her own for the family. Mick, a Vietnam veteran, isn't always a nice guy and doesn't always have his sons' best interests at heart. Not to mention there's a literal skeleton in the closet in the town of Mercury. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250908568" target="_blank"><b>Mercury</b></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> by Amy Jo Burns is a compelling family drama with great character development and a realistic small-town setting that's perfect for fans of Lange's <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2021/09/book-review-we-are-brennans-by-tracey.html" target="_blank">We Are the Brennans</a></b>.<br /><br />At first I didn't really like Marley in </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250908568" target="_blank"><b>Mercury</b></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">. She seemed to be the kind of weak character that needed a man to complete her life. She sort of drifted around not really sure of what she wanted, but that may be because she lacked a reliable home life. Her mother is a nurse and often isn't around and when she is, she feeds her popcorn, not the home-cooked meals the Joseph family has. She seems to orbit around the Josephs, and not just for Baylor and Waylon, but also Elsie, too. She desperately wanted her love and approval, which oftentimes did not come. Once Marley really inserts herself into the Joseph family, Elsie comes to lean on her in a crisis and that's when their relationship truly changes; plus, Marley sees the Joseph family for what they are.<br /><br />Burns does a phenomenal job with character development in <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250908568" target="_blank"><b>Mercury</b></a>. Each character is grappling with their own issues and I thought not only was it realistic, it was memorable. I kept guessing as to who was the family villain, but once more information was shared with readers, I questioned my assumptions. Also, the small blue-collar town of Mercury, Pennsylvania was done very well and felt like a character in and of itself. <br /><br />If you love stories featuring interesting family dynamics and filled to the brim with secrets, check out </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250908568" target="_blank"><b>Mercury</b></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> this winter. I loved </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2021/09/book-review-we-are-brennans-by-tracey.html" target="_blank">We Are the Brennans</a></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">, and </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250908568" target="_blank"><b>Mercury</b></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> had a similar vibe. Have you read </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250908568" target="_blank"><b>Mercury</b></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">? Is it on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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</span><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-36931381907471327052024-02-27T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-27T06:00:00.363-05:00Blog Tour: Once Persuaded, Twice Shy<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I love all things Jane Austen and my favorite of her novels is <b>Persuasion</b>, so when I heard that Melodie Edwards was writing a modern retelling, I knew I had to read it. Today I'm part of Berkley's blog tour featuring <b>Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</b>, which comes out today and like <b>Persuasion</b>, it features a <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">young woman’s whose "carefully crafted life unravels the moment an old flame comes back home." </span></span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Learn More About the Novel:</span></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m7RsGt0sLyHQPY1cCZQEdjzDbrTg5y-wx3zbaMf9ZKBpuofnPxCTLnehu7zcYvatXoztuveuyi84547MbDdFlBn-A_JlWUFw88OO2z_0kv3b7KXTId5v5S76ZHbo2xnpEqKE6UAgb6nsCIRtrLKFs178v3Y88AUcMp6pUVPswrSnB5-FjYHqNxPOki8m/s770/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="499" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m7RsGt0sLyHQPY1cCZQEdjzDbrTg5y-wx3zbaMf9ZKBpuofnPxCTLnehu7zcYvatXoztuveuyi84547MbDdFlBn-A_JlWUFw88OO2z_0kv3b7KXTId5v5S76ZHbo2xnpEqKE6UAgb6nsCIRtrLKFs178v3Y88AUcMp6pUVPswrSnB5-FjYHqNxPOki8m/w414-h640/image001.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Goodreads says,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i> "</i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span><span style="background: white; color: black;">When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.</span></span></span></i></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span><span style="color: black;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white;">In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful career: filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her. </span><span style="background: white; color: black;">So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all."</span></span></blockquote><p> </p></span></span></span></i></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span><span style="color: black;"><p> </p></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You can learn more about Melodie Edwards by visiting her <a href="https://melodieedwards.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and connecting with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melodiewritesedwards/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/melodie_edward" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. You can also purchase your own copy of <b>Once Persuaded, Twice Shy </b>at <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-persuaded-twice-shy-melodie-edwards/1143564063?ean=9780593440797&st=AFF&2sid=Random%20House%20Inc_8373827_NA&sourceId=AFFRandom%20House%20Inc" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/once-persuaded-twice-shy-a-modern-reimagining-of-persuasion-melodie-edwards/20116032?ean=9780593440797" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Once-Persuaded-Twice-Shy-Reimagining/dp/059344079X/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=efsSR&content-id=amzn1.sym.225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95&pf_rd_r=935S7RPS35XRKJGZ1Y48&pd_rd_wg=Ifykq&pd_rd_r=76518e97-70f7-4b82-9e93-af4d8e26e111&pd_rd_i=059344079X" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><i><span><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Is <b>Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</b> on your winter TBR list? Are you a fan of Austen re-tellings? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"> </i></p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-82827930041677860222024-02-23T06:00:00.004-05:002024-02-23T06:00:00.162-05:00Mini Reviews: Non-Fiction Audio Books<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD80svNDxdcgx2gNLHK1Cz4Vx7VN1KGO117CzyJ-RmC268SK6qT01jXYf2aYJyhQXGWWV97QLj00GjQ6YmSquOxYTzaqs3k1l_kbinCn0OVcp2j4KWQFcjHlJdEbSP_PfGbLUFSL08BvVYhJmUOZ6TsCbZfy0j7T9832BW4LiBUf3huuO1BXg5PBHQDTa0/s400/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD80svNDxdcgx2gNLHK1Cz4Vx7VN1KGO117CzyJ-RmC268SK6qT01jXYf2aYJyhQXGWWV97QLj00GjQ6YmSquOxYTzaqs3k1l_kbinCn0OVcp2j4KWQFcjHlJdEbSP_PfGbLUFSL08BvVYhJmUOZ6TsCbZfy0j7T9832BW4LiBUf3huuO1BXg5PBHQDTa0/w400-h335/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You all know I love fictional audio books and getting immersed in the world the author creates, but sometimes I need to switch it up with some non-fiction. Sometimes I find myself really engaged with an non-fiction memoir more than I expected and I get sucked in. Today I'm sharing two non-fiction audio books that I thought were really engrossing, each in their own way. </span></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty </b>by Neal Thompson</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Biography/Audio Book</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: February 2, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Harper Audio<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Library</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP9M6mKXVYuNvhHTEOHpemN7x1r7-buh1GsNtDQiW7C_J80eKJYLHdCWRSDkC3_7SwvlbfIWE0Ym30AVqXW_EWfncUiAPwDKGlmZWJaBpRR59EigCMdzw8scztMeAv3y4TPluhZ0h1cbUwtvqJygbCqvxzp-Bx-WhLkUGOHVLyH1IjVSUKQIxaYY7tWKB/s499/55959465.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP9M6mKXVYuNvhHTEOHpemN7x1r7-buh1GsNtDQiW7C_J80eKJYLHdCWRSDkC3_7SwvlbfIWE0Ym30AVqXW_EWfncUiAPwDKGlmZWJaBpRR59EigCMdzw8scztMeAv3y4TPluhZ0h1cbUwtvqJygbCqvxzp-Bx-WhLkUGOHVLyH1IjVSUKQIxaYY7tWKB/s320/55959465.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">Based on genealogical breakthroughs and
previously unreleased records, this is the first book to explore the
inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine,
created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and
Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America.<br /></span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i><span class="Formatted">Their
Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys’ initial political
profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with
blue-collar voters. Today, we remember this iconic American family as
the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants
of poor immigrants. Here at last, we meet the first American Kennedys,
Patrick and Bridget, who arrived as many thousands of others did
following the Great Famine—penniless and hungry. Less than a decade
after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to
raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop
owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family
intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner
and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy
elected to public office—the first of many.<br /></span></i></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first-ever access to P.J. Kennedy’s private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention: an American story."</span></i></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Most people when they think of the famous Kennedy family think of Joe Kennedy, JFK, RFK, and other influential male Kennedys. However, this book peels back the layers of the Kennedy family. It brings us to Ireland in the 1800s and a woman named Bridget Murphy, JFK's great-grandmother. It starts there with the struggle in Ireland during the Great Famine and their escape to Boston. But while in Boston things weren't easy for any of the Irish immigrants. Bridget married Patrick Kennedy and had many children, but then Patrick died of consumption, like many others, in 1858. She had no choice, but to provide for her family and return to work as a servant with a family member watching her brood. She went from a servant to a hairdresser, to working at a fancy hotel, to becoming a female entrepreneur by opening her grocery store. She ended up being so successful, that she bought the building and surrounding real estate. This is unheard of in the 1800s for a female widow to not only thrive after her husband's death but to become a successful businesswoman. Thompson credits the Kennedy family's success to Bridget's, which is fascinating as most biographies don't even mention her. Bridget's son, PJ, thanks to her success and money, opened his saloon after struggling for a bit. He then became a liquor importer and involved in local politics, which led him to become a Democratic party boss. He ended up being one of the most influential men in Boston and he also paved the way for the Kennedy family. </span><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780358437697" target="_blank">The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty</a></span></b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Neal Thompson is a fascinating look into the Kennedy family as well as all Irish immigrants in the 19th century.</span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I was completely glued to </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780358437697" target="_blank">The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty</a></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and blown away by Bridget's grit and determination. What I also really appreciated was Thompson's ability to explain the Kennedy's situation in Boston as an Irish Catholic immigrant, but also relate it to all Irish immigrants during the time. Thompson really highlighted the immigrant experience and while I was aware of a few things, I found all the details about the hardships that they had to endure to be eye-opening. If you have family that also immigrated from Ireland during this time, this is a must-read as it will explain the experience. If you love books about the famed Kennedy family or about the American Dream, look no further.
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<br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing</b> by Matthew Perry</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Genre: Biography/Audio Book</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pub. Date: November 1, 2022</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Publisher: Macmillan Audio<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Source: Library <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGC7UFlOuyv5yE4XcZykrD0RZw-7Yz5YsWDesMyLwbT7IgdgBZ0nKGSwZsKoQq7hq75wXpee-IvNcVzlJ08Y_taUookmS_HVEnSqX5YMCu8Ghw0IU01Do6n8vVQh9R2kR9x7GzpYo1c6OpANygSBUXmGWK_dH6bYIcDMVVtoCpM6gLVVFBrI4S-5ayATy/s1368/59641216.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGC7UFlOuyv5yE4XcZykrD0RZw-7Yz5YsWDesMyLwbT7IgdgBZ0nKGSwZsKoQq7hq75wXpee-IvNcVzlJ08Y_taUookmS_HVEnSqX5YMCu8Ghw0IU01Do6n8vVQh9R2kR9x7GzpYo1c6OpANygSBUXmGWK_dH6bYIcDMVVtoCpM6gLVVFBrI4S-5ayATy/s320/59641216.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.” So
begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us
along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and
recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the
frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old
Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between
his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally
ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a
coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then
called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.<br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">In an
extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt,
hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry
lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his
own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and
the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams
coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and
how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about
his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware,
and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle
with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.<br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Formatted"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Formatted"><i>Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as
well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book
fans have been waiting for."</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Everyone knows Matthew Perry from </span><i style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Friends</span></i><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, but do people know the real Matty? I certainly did not. This memoir was eye-opening. It takes readers through Matthew's childhood, which at times was tumultuous and seems to be something he can't get over. It takes readers to his first drink of alcohol and his breakthrough in Hollywood, the women, the success, and the parties. At first, he was just partying like the rest of the celebrities, but then it became something more and he got hooked on opioids. He certainly tried for years to get clean with many stints in rehab, but he could never seem to completely break away. He had many surgeries, which broke my heart, and after each one, he was offered opioids to help with the pain, which only furthered his addiction cycle. But not all of his stories were sad, as many of the details surrounding </span><i style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Friends</span></i><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and various movie sets were honest and fun. Matthew Perry's memoir </span><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250866455" target="_blank">Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing</a></span></b><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is heartfelt, self-deprecating, funny, and honest. I am glad I read it and anyone who has an addict in their lives should read it, too.</span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></span></p><p style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">He had such success but was so unlucky at times and my heart felt for him as he fell into his problems again and again. What was so heartbreaking is that he tried for years to break away from drugs. He spent millions on rehabs that didn't completely work. Also, I had no idea that during a few seasons of </span><i style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Friends</span></i><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, he was on the amount of drugs he was on. This was eye-opening and explained addiction to me and how people can function and hide it. I will say </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250866455" target="_blank">Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing</a></span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> hits differently as you listen to his voice narrate the audiobook now that he has passed away. It makes it that much more heartbreaking and haunting because by the end of the memoir, readers think he had it figured out. He was always searching for something to fill that void and it broke my heart that he never found it.
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<br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Have you read either biography? I am glad I listened to these two as they really lent themselves to the format of an audio book. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-20121287964996452332024-02-22T06:00:00.065-05:002024-02-22T06:00:00.135-05:00Book Review: The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pages: 384<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Historical Fiction</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: February 13, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: William Morrow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Publisher for review</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Other Books By Author: <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2017/09/book-review-alice-network-by-kate-quinn.html" target="_blank">The Alice Network</a>,</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and<b> <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2021/03/book-review-rose-code-by-kate-quinn.html" target="_blank">The Rose Code </a></b><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0CT9WikTOPPMxoLWu4SIMUXSWXcK9B6d2QxwCPypPmYZnuCCGj7NCPILWnCccTdq_1iGZnePzOeIrd1O-aqmyQS95HA9AKrmZvJgHFaXMppd6HvQbBpl7dpEtBz2FThM8j0O28FTfcIRvCoZUIHa8GJrZfkR2kcIF01LkfAHZGo8kRcWlHd_iOde7zZ1/s500/64417401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0CT9WikTOPPMxoLWu4SIMUXSWXcK9B6d2QxwCPypPmYZnuCCGj7NCPILWnCccTdq_1iGZnePzOeIrd1O-aqmyQS95HA9AKrmZvJgHFaXMppd6HvQbBpl7dpEtBz2FThM8j0O28FTfcIRvCoZUIHa8GJrZfkR2kcIF01LkfAHZGo8kRcWlHd_iOde7zZ1/s320/64417401.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Goodreads says, "<i><span class="Formatted">From bestselling authors Janie Chang and Kate
Quinn, a thrilling and unforgettable narrative about the intertwined
lives of two wronged women, spanning from the chaos of the San Francisco
earthquake to the glittering palaces of Versailles. San
Francisco, 1906. In a city bustling with newly minted millionaires and
scheming upstarts, two very different women hope to change their
fortunes: Gemma, a golden-haired, silver-voiced soprano whose career
desperately needs rekindling, and Suling, a petite and resolute
Chinatown embroideress who is determined to escape an arranged marriage.
Their paths cross when they are drawn into the orbit of Henry Thornton,
a charming railroad magnate whose extraordinary collection of Chinese
antiques includes the fabled Phoenix Crown, a legendary relic of
Beijing’s fallen Summer Palace. His patronage offers Gemma and
Suling the chance of a lifetime, but their lives are thrown into turmoil
when a devastating earthquake rips San Francisco apart and Thornton
disappears, leaving behind a mystery reaching further than anyone could
have imagined . . . until the Phoenix Crown reappears five years later
at a sumptuous Paris costume ball, drawing Gemma and Suling together in
one last desperate quest for justice."</span></i></div></blockquote><p> </p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Gemma Garland is an opera singer at the Metropolitan Opera and is traveling with them to San Francisco to sing a special performance with Enrico Caruso. This is just the thing that Gemma hopes will revitalize her stagnant career. While there in this bustling city in 1906, Gemma meets Henry Thornton, a railroad magnate, who mixes and mingles in high society. Gemma finds herself thrust into this world and even singing at their parties. Henry seems like a perfect gentleman until she discovers his darker side. He dabbles in Chinese antiques and even has items from Bejing's fallen palace. Gemma's friend, Suling Feng, a Chinese embroiderer, makes Gemma question Henry's character. Suling has been hired by Henry to fix a few items from the Bejing palace, which leads her to question him. To make matters worse, Suling hints at Henry's even darker side as she blames him for her boyfriend's disappearance. The two women band together to challenge Henry, but before they know it, the infamous San Francisco earthquake is upon them. Kate Quinn and Janie Chang's <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780063304734" target="_blank">The Phoenix Crown</a></b> is a solid historical novel filled with strong female leads and a very atmospheric setting.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />I enjoyed Gemma from the start of <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780063304734" target="_blank">The Phoenix Crown</a></b>, but I am not very interested in opera, so this portion of the story dragged a bit for me. What I liked the most was going along for Gemma's ride in old San Francisco. Quinn and Chang developed the setting so well and brought it to life. Their descriptions of Chinatown were also very detailed; I felt like I was there. I didn't know about the darker side of it all, so that was especially enlightening, which the authors really explain in the detailed author's notes. I also enjoyed Suling's story and Chang did a really solid job of highlighting what life was like for Chinese immigrants living in San Francisco during the time. I truly learned a lot. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Who doesn't enjoy a historical novel where two strong women team up to take down a powerful (but bad!) man? That was also one of my favorite aspects of </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780063304734" target="_blank">The Phoenix Crown</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">. My only complaint is that since two authors wrote the novel, it felt a little disjointed at times, and didn't flow as well as I was hoping. It may be because I am used to Quinn's writing style, so this felt different to me. However, it was a solid historical novel overall, and many of Quinn and Chang's fans will enjoy it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Have you read Kate Quinn or Janie Chang? Is </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780063304734" target="_blank">The Phoenix Crown</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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</span></span></div><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-9053707639356355792024-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-21T06:00:00.141-05:00Can't Wait Wednesday: Just for the Summer<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by </span><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wishful Endings</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!</span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><b><span><span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Just for the Summer</b> by Abby Jimenez</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: April 2, 2024</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqXxzWROimxvT7ijJVIPkx19WrenNsQ_3FV7PVoT_YSdxKe6DsNqqHS6Km9uD9U_zhA8FyMfeVtAj3URq1pO5GgtqYl5BTJd4KtCnyQwnLYFeVguppMjEKEBIfqHq7AYVt01WCrIC-YYMhOkDoIf_DvGyJnyqzezhEmSX4u_-r1HwQHb-KxZe2KN04REX/s841/195820807.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="554" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqXxzWROimxvT7ijJVIPkx19WrenNsQ_3FV7PVoT_YSdxKe6DsNqqHS6Km9uD9U_zhA8FyMfeVtAj3URq1pO5GgtqYl5BTJd4KtCnyQwnLYFeVguppMjEKEBIfqHq7AYVt01WCrIC-YYMhOkDoIf_DvGyJnyqzezhEmSX4u_-r1HwQHb-KxZe2KN04REX/w422-h640/195820807.png" width="422" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit
thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to
find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into
his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date
each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and
they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea…
and it just might work. <br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">Emma hadn't planned that her next
assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her
best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to
pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a
private island on Lake Minnetonka.<br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Formatted">It's supposed to be a quick
fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and
Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're
suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected–including catching
real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually
brought the perfect pair together?"</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="Formatted"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Formatted" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't wait for this new romance from Abby Jimenez. I have an early copy, but I just can't bring myself to read it until the weather warms up a bit. Is <b>Just for the Summer</b> on your TBR list? Believe it or not, it comes out soon! Let me know what you think in the comments below. </span></span> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-12200428263344520482024-02-15T06:01:00.007-05:002024-02-15T06:01:00.378-05:00Mini Reviews: More Romances<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6r1O0Qdxt2rYjEHW9NYXfVGqp5al3mQbkWBIq88M-ZVbtX2sBjvZ4wQ0e8OJC9uhc5g2JzpmLP-6Ah5Lnj7To-2-GlPe36M7j83S6LYXePc0l-aZxVB0GQ1oO87uKS2ZnZ_VfXBBnmYccXCux8zUebr15MJ7VTntJx4ai7vQ-V0kWKvLr7XBBTA2NSz2/s400/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6r1O0Qdxt2rYjEHW9NYXfVGqp5al3mQbkWBIq88M-ZVbtX2sBjvZ4wQ0e8OJC9uhc5g2JzpmLP-6Ah5Lnj7To-2-GlPe36M7j83S6LYXePc0l-aZxVB0GQ1oO87uKS2ZnZ_VfXBBnmYccXCux8zUebr15MJ7VTntJx4ai7vQ-V0kWKvLr7XBBTA2NSz2/w400-h335/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">'Tis the season to curl up with a romance. Winter is not over yet! I am sharing my thoughts on a new release from the queen of romance, Ali Ha</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">zelwood. This is a departure from her usual STEM romances and while it wasn't entirely my thing, I am glad I read it. I also am sharing my thoughts on a sweet audio book that tugged on my heartstrings. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> <br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Bride</b> by Ali Hazelwood</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pages: 416</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Paranormal Romance</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: February 6, 2024 <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Berkley</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Publisher for review</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Other Books By Author: <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/01/book-review-loathe-to-love-you-by-ali.html" target="_blank"><b>Loathe to Love You</b></a>,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2022/09/audio-book-review-love-hypothesis-by.html" target="_blank">The Love Hypothesis</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2022/08/blog-tour-and-review-love-on-brain-by.html" target="_blank">Love on the Brain</a></b>, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/07/mini-reviews-summer-fun-edition.html" target="_blank">Love, Theoretically<br /></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDCnQQNYz6SpflsDEm3oie4l_foXJE75tLLCIj2BpNNu-7r9Mne-4HNAR8jy_FYNmaRIlonTSwrM-kow3WikxAsQXaff242ArSch_gQauTZbviDYQbCzsCSdJ9afvH6EqIn8VSKqVR_CT0zcmNoKxg7M22mniVtyq5yR9Z1hKQBBRYRc8rZQgWw4uvEod/s466/181344829.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDCnQQNYz6SpflsDEm3oie4l_foXJE75tLLCIj2BpNNu-7r9Mne-4HNAR8jy_FYNmaRIlonTSwrM-kow3WikxAsQXaff242ArSch_gQauTZbviDYQbCzsCSdJ9afvH6EqIn8VSKqVR_CT0zcmNoKxg7M22mniVtyq5yR9Z1hKQBBRYRc8rZQgWw4uvEod/s320/181344829.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and
an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in
this new paranormal romance. Misery Lark, the only daughter of
the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an
outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are
over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping
alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and
she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again... Weres
are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no
exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without
justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s
clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t
trust her. If only he knew how right he was…. Because Misery has
her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that
have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with
the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do
whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone
in Were territory…alone with the wolf."</span></i></div></blockquote><p> </p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Misery Lark (yes, that's her name) is the daughter of a big wig in the Vampyre world. She has gone through most of her life being used as a chess piece in various alliances with the Werewolf community. This time her father has arranged her marriage to Alpha Werewolf, Lowe Moreland. At first, Misery gives this whole opportunity a hard pass until she realizes that Lowe may be the key to finding out what happened to her best friend who disappeared in Were territory never to be heard of again. So, Misery enters this marriage of convenience with that mission in mind, but as time goes on, she realizes that there may be something between Misery and Lowe, even though they are vastly different. Also, she is surrounded by enemies, so things start to get difficult for her. <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593550403" target="_blank"><b>Bride</b></a> by Ali Hazelwood is her first paranormal romance that had me laughing out loud; it was a lot of fun!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Everything that readers have come to expect from Hazelwood can be found in <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593550403" target="_blank"><b>Bride</b></a>. There's a spicy romance that is a slow burn, witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and fantastic writing. My only issue was the world-building; I felt readers might have benefited from more setting in order to buy into the "fantasy" world a bit better. I also think I didn't love this book as much as the average romance reader because I am not sure paranormal romances are a genre I still enjoy. I really liked the genre in my twenties, but I think it didn't translate to this point in my life. I prefer Hazelwood's STEM romances, but keep this in mind--if you love paranormal romances, you will love </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593550403" target="_blank"><b>Bride.
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</b></a></span></span><br /><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;"> </h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Last Love Note</b> by Emma Grey</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Romance/Audio Book<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: November 28, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Zibby</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Library</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbL_SNyI9DVTbci1kLdgsG6iMNh6t_kLuiicw7Rk750P9AC7X4GzI20w7WnWVqg835exwA3_LPyxJ7IM0rfod9jc2GRB90sEi0GgvtEBdnDswPMT0YeXR9sbXVDClRYr5Db0buHrPEGBN3Tx2F1NV7uiJanep5rqGmtdYBbG1qLqnAv4ZtHClWI5T3RH4/s400/123087802.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbL_SNyI9DVTbci1kLdgsG6iMNh6t_kLuiicw7Rk750P9AC7X4GzI20w7WnWVqg835exwA3_LPyxJ7IM0rfod9jc2GRB90sEi0GgvtEBdnDswPMT0YeXR9sbXVDClRYr5Db0buHrPEGBN3Tx2F1NV7uiJanep5rqGmtdYBbG1qLqnAv4ZtHClWI5T3RH4/s320/123087802.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">You may never stop loving the one you lost. But you can still find love again<b>.</b> Kate
is a bit of a mess. Two years after losing her young husband Cameron,
she’s grieving, solo parenting, working like mad at her university
fundraising job, always dropping the ball—and yet clinging to her sense
of humor. Lurching from one comedic crisis to the next, she also
navigates an overbearing mom and a Tinder-obsessed best friend who's
determined to matchmake Kate with her hot new neighbor. When an
in-flight problem leaves Kate and her boss, Hugh, stranded for a weekend
on the east coast of Australia, she finally has a chance, away from her
son, to really process her grief and see what’s right in front of her.
Can she let go of the love of her life and risk her heart a second time? When
it becomes clear that Hugh is hiding a secret, Kate turns to the trail
of scribbled notes she once used to hold her life together. The first
note captured her heart. Will the last note set it free? The Last Love Note will make listeners laugh, cry, and renew their faith in the resilience of the human heart—and in love itself."</span></i></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kate and Cam are soulmates. Their romance is adorable and is told through flashbacks. Things are a little more difficult as they get older though. Kate is re-entering the workforce after having their son and things aren't going smoothly. It's one thing after another. However, their world is turned upside down when Cam receives a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. How could her brilliant professor husband have this horrible disease? As time passes, and Cam slips from her slowly, Kate receives a lot of support from her boss, Hugh. He is understanding and a great support for not only her but also Cam as they become good friends. The story also follows Kate after Cam's death and how she rebuilds her life as a single mother. Two years after Cam's death, Kate finds herself on a work trip with Hugh and not only does she finally see what is right in front of her, but she also realizes he may be withholding an important secret. Emma Grey's </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781958506288" target="_blank">The Last Love Note</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">, her adult debut, is a sweet audiobook that broke my heart and then pieced it back together slowly. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781958506288" target="_blank">The Last Love Note</a></b> is a romance with a lot of substance. It is heartbreaking and raw, but I am glad I listened to it. The narration was outstanding (loved the Australian accent!) and the flashbacks were done well in that they developed the backstory which only further broke my heart. I applaud Grey for highlighting such a horrible and heartbreaking disease as every bit of awareness can help. I could also tell that Grey has experienced a lot of heartbreak in her own life because she writes so passionately and in a way that only someone who has experienced it firsthand could write like that. But have no fear, many moments in </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781958506288" target="_blank">The Last Love Note</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> were beautiful and hopeful. If you love romances with a lot of heart, look no further.
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<br /></span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, have you read </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593550403" target="_blank"><b>Bride</b></a></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> or </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781958506288" target="_blank">The Last Love Note</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span></span><br /></p></div><i><span class="Formatted"></span></i> </div></div><p><i> </i></p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-54212336248076337142024-02-14T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-14T06:00:00.296-05:00Can't Wait Wednesday: Swan Song<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by </span><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wishful Endings</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!</span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Swan Song</b> by Elin Hilderbrand</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: June 11, 2024</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvr8CvcbhHWZeP26BLAoCmaGSG9pv-ke0LXVsH5EMpzY4STM5_59juOl2-j2bGzyvQV_uoEV5SyAy22mXeGjyScwTyMnzcd4dBTc-vKYYTY4fiLtaL_jnlZRAJhcfXnXhsvU9BGHzCyxe4veS-3QgE52Jp7MSBAN0rnIQwcfNUXlnZhGi-kOdtjDI1nXN/s522/200484931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="337" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvr8CvcbhHWZeP26BLAoCmaGSG9pv-ke0LXVsH5EMpzY4STM5_59juOl2-j2bGzyvQV_uoEV5SyAy22mXeGjyScwTyMnzcd4dBTc-vKYYTY4fiLtaL_jnlZRAJhcfXnXhsvU9BGHzCyxe4veS-3QgE52Jp7MSBAN0rnIQwcfNUXlnZhGi-kOdtjDI1nXN/w414-h640/200484931.jpg" width="414" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><blockquote>Goodreads says, <i><span style="font-size: medium;">"<span class="Formatted">In the grand finale of "queen of the beach
read" Elin Hilderbrand's beloved Nantucket novels, there's a new couple
in town... and they instantly shake things up. Amid the extravagant
parties on land and sea, there's trouble on the island, forcing Chief of
Police Ed Kapanesh to postpone his retirement and changing the fabric
of life on the picturesque island forever... After
thirty-five years serving as the Chief of Police on the island of
Nantucket, Ed Kapenash's heart can no longer take the stress. But his
plans to retire are thwarted when, with only three days left to serve,
he receives a phone call. A 22-million-dollar summer home, recently
purchased by the flashy new couple in town, the Richardsons, has burned
to the ground. The Richardsons are far from hurt—in fact, they're out on
the water, throwing a lavish party on their yacht—but when news of the
fire reaches them, they discover that their personal assistant has
vanished. The Chief is well-acquainted with the Richardsons, and his
daughter is best friends with the now-missing girl, leaving him no
choice but to postpone his retirement and take on the double case. On
a small island like Nantucket, the Richardsons shook things up from the
second they stepped on to the scene, throwing luxurious parties and
doing whatever they could to gain admittance to the coveted lunches at
the Field & Oar Club (with increasing desperation). They instantly
captured the attention of local real estate agent Fast Eddie, and the
town gossip Blond Sharon, both dealing with their own personal dramas.
Blond Sharon is going through a divorce, and in order to avoid becoming a
cliché, she's enrolled in a creative writing class, putting her natural
affinity for scandal towards a more noble purpose. To solve the case of
the fire and track down his daughter's best friend, the Chief will have
to string together the pieces of the lives of all of these characters
and more, rallying his strength for his final act of service to the
tight-knit community he knows and loves. The last of Elin Hilderbrand's bestselling Nantucket novels, Swan Song
is a propulsive medley of glittering gatherings, sun-soaked drama,
wisdom and heart, featuring the return of some of her most beloved
characters, including, most importantly, the beautiful and timeless
island of Nantucket itself."</span></span></i></blockquote><span class="Formatted"></span><p></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I can't quite believe that Elin Hilderbrand will be retiring from writing beach reads. Can you? I heard she has teamed up with her daughter to write a novel, but <b>Swan</b> <b>Song</b> will (supposedly!) be the last of her beach reads. It's the end of an era! I hope to get caught up on some of her backlist beach reads this coming summer. So, are you a fan of Elin Hilderbrand? Is <b>Swan Song</b> on your TBR list?</span></p><p> <br /></p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-88585970114374533672024-02-09T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-09T06:00:00.141-05:00My Favorite Picture Books for Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r7BgM_J2Srp3vlDSsR3sgS15iw_YxZRwkyFo2Dn7deaVCYESa9mXBu7LXabanH7BQceWEF1-8XGTNdqEB4ie0ID0Q27b2REY7LfEaUxnu_XoZvuJ3XXZBxxhNQmlAujFeqxSSLA8MftJQWPBu0ZdbtZD8YUpsNYhCF6opcAINa4RN3-Wy-5JfgMgOYsQ/s1080/valentine's%20day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r7BgM_J2Srp3vlDSsR3sgS15iw_YxZRwkyFo2Dn7deaVCYESa9mXBu7LXabanH7BQceWEF1-8XGTNdqEB4ie0ID0Q27b2REY7LfEaUxnu_XoZvuJ3XXZBxxhNQmlAujFeqxSSLA8MftJQWPBu0ZdbtZD8YUpsNYhCF6opcAINa4RN3-Wy-5JfgMgOYsQ/w400-h400/valentine's%20day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are some of my favorite children's books to share with little ones on<span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Valentine's Day.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Valentine's Day is truly the perfect day to share the LOVE of reading with a child.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OzGn07-X6s/WntaJbdZ1-I/AAAAAAAASHY/FtwaD9ZVQ2sbjTH5W3OQPOrs2fe-7fDnACLcBGAs/s1600/6407321.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7OzGn07-X6s/WntaJbdZ1-I/AAAAAAAASHY/FtwaD9ZVQ2sbjTH5W3OQPOrs2fe-7fDnACLcBGAs/s200/6407321.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="188" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXAOM-nRt3E/WntaJbmauGI/AAAAAAAASHk/ut2fL5bOE_kf-XyPJdQwfrydZQHd6MTPACLcBGAs/s1600/799855.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="318" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXAOM-nRt3E/WntaJbmauGI/AAAAAAAASHk/ut2fL5bOE_kf-XyPJdQwfrydZQHd6MTPACLcBGAs/s200/799855.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /></span></span><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Laura Numeroff</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Very Special Valentine</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Maggie Kneen</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ns3bUjUPL8/WntaHd2xMkI/AAAAAAAASHA/amCVsSHl7hMSD_maRUPZpdebQC4r8D1DgCEwYBhgL/s1600/17986452.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ns3bUjUPL8/WntaHd2xMkI/AAAAAAAASHA/amCVsSHl7hMSD_maRUPZpdebQC4r8D1DgCEwYBhgL/s200/17986452.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="188" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEcUURHwlRk/WntaJMskDYI/AAAAAAAASHU/Q1H4mA1ga08xHPHd0BWRg_lkzKJmmbXZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/301736.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="318" height="171" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEcUURHwlRk/WntaJMskDYI/AAAAAAAASHU/Q1H4mA1ga08xHPHd0BWRg_lkzKJmmbXZgCEwYBhgL/s200/301736.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Baby Penguins Love Their Mama!</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Melissa Guion</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Guess How Much I Love You</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Sam McBratney</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MiT14mNxmnk/WntaGt3d5qI/AAAAAAAASG8/0MW3EtlH2noUlrm8Yp-wNV7sXQyqUB_VQCEwYBhgL/s1600/16248079.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MiT14mNxmnk/WntaGt3d5qI/AAAAAAAASG8/0MW3EtlH2noUlrm8Yp-wNV7sXQyqUB_VQCEwYBhgL/s200/16248079.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Au6ux97Qxcc/WntaJWdsIoI/AAAAAAAASHc/ELdwaq4sJwM8Ip93jQpNqX_tMzJDt98QgCEwYBhgL/s1600/6962115.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Au6ux97Qxcc/WntaJWdsIoI/AAAAAAAASHc/ELdwaq4sJwM8Ip93jQpNqX_tMzJDt98QgCEwYBhgL/s200/6962115.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="168" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Dad! </b>by Jan Berenstain</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Baby, I Love You</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Karma Wilson</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlaQzVTwJOo/WntaIJPJvDI/AAAAAAAASHI/e5e4VeNWMIQydrd7BRfupROG5uO3B33GQCEwYBhgL/s1600/22522078.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlaQzVTwJOo/WntaIJPJvDI/AAAAAAAASHI/e5e4VeNWMIQydrd7BRfupROG5uO3B33GQCEwYBhgL/s200/22522078.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfB-rawMkMI/WntaFs0fUjI/AAAAAAAASGs/gida5oAioJg43QcYJHrDeHt7stmi8RisgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1189029.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="318" height="154" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfB-rawMkMI/WntaFs0fUjI/AAAAAAAASGs/gida5oAioJg43QcYJHrDeHt7stmi8RisgCEwYBhgL/s200/1189029.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Llama Llama I Love You<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>by Anna Dewdney</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mama Loves You</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Caroline Stetson</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjT-1ZgXbRg/WntaI6_mCpI/AAAAAAAASHM/HxmU1klPOEE81WwP2hv7HB8rA473B49FgCEwYBhgL/s1600/29358489.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjT-1ZgXbRg/WntaI6_mCpI/AAAAAAAASHM/HxmU1klPOEE81WwP2hv7HB8rA473B49FgCEwYBhgL/s200/29358489.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="168" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rV_espI-zHc/WntaJhJ7iiI/AAAAAAAASHo/ssBuINeZltwr9Cnim43_RBqg6MUqPU8hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/868262.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rV_espI-zHc/WntaJhJ7iiI/AAAAAAAASHo/ssBuINeZltwr9Cnim43_RBqg6MUqPU8hgCEwYBhgL/s200/868262.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="163" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span><b>Plenty of Love to Go Around</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Emma Chichester Clark</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b>I Love You Because You're You</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Liza Baker</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1s5HO7Tmjw/WntaIalVarI/AAAAAAAASHQ/x1OCETIyPHM5Sfv35DfA_ae6b3pUoKHpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/232958.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1s5HO7Tmjw/WntaIalVarI/AAAAAAAASHQ/x1OCETIyPHM5Sfv35DfA_ae6b3pUoKHpQCEwYBhgL/s200/232958.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="170" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMAJfpIzwXA/WntaF8gT7pI/AAAAAAAASG0/YNYe08H02pQTo1_UrIYpyy9H5XhCGFkQACEwYBhgL/s1600/139656.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="318" height="157" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMAJfpIzwXA/WntaF8gT7pI/AAAAAAAASG0/YNYe08H02pQTo1_UrIYpyy9H5XhCGFkQACEwYBhgL/s200/139656.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b> I Love You Through and Through</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Bernadette Shustak-Rosetti</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>I Love You, Stinky Face</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Lisa McCourt</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhwW4xomW-4/WntaFqevCNI/AAAAAAAASGo/kROvRRhPMZs_rFd7JY08pE2oez858bs4gCEwYBhgL/s1600/130878.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhwW4xomW-4/WntaFqevCNI/AAAAAAAASGo/kROvRRhPMZs_rFd7JY08pE2oez858bs4gCEwYBhgL/s200/130878.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="158" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdCTqy3-v6w/WntaJf1lSwI/AAAAAAAASHg/X3NOcuJvlXs7ADcxOEJnIwsrR11LN1GLACEwYBhgL/s1600/760166.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdCTqy3-v6w/WntaJf1lSwI/AAAAAAAASHg/X3NOcuJvlXs7ADcxOEJnIwsrR11LN1GLACEwYBhgL/s200/760166.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="199" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Diane deGroat</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Happy Valentine's Day, Little Critter!</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Mercer Mayer</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llALq2Ok03o/WntaFu2EBqI/AAAAAAAASGw/6M5PiRgauLYpKtzy5I_Dzeib_JxAZlUDACEwYBhgL/s1600/10201943.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="318" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llALq2Ok03o/WntaFu2EBqI/AAAAAAAASGw/6M5PiRgauLYpKtzy5I_Dzeib_JxAZlUDACEwYBhgL/s200/10201943.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5CIqOW9jZ8/WntaGSO7XdI/AAAAAAAASG4/Oax0lxaZylUJHUew8igC9BfmWGXbY2A0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/1553960.jpg" style="color: #8cbeaa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5CIqOW9jZ8/WntaGSO7XdI/AAAAAAAASG4/Oax0lxaZylUJHUew8igC9BfmWGXbY2A0QCEwYBhgL/s200/1553960.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(251, 176, 75); padding: 4px;" width="184" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Happy Valentine's Day, Curious George! </b>by H.A. Rey</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Biggest Valentine Ever</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Steven Kroll</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCXgX2nJOnSwKCNv7qROY1V50h1Kd2xRMOTCGtFRrKAAXl-EGfS7I0k16jM59AKYhOKRNIkYaZQCP9xw9yGWAJ_zN1OmI2M2lH_jZ2jPsh8zACy7rGodLixPAoC8TlApKcF83Fx7dmLQ5Uqo5HmUMmiyZn0jplHDMC4ECADYEEy4NqJifZAeeIXhkV3A=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="302" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCXgX2nJOnSwKCNv7qROY1V50h1Kd2xRMOTCGtFRrKAAXl-EGfS7I0k16jM59AKYhOKRNIkYaZQCP9xw9yGWAJ_zN1OmI2M2lH_jZ2jPsh8zACy7rGodLixPAoC8TlApKcF83Fx7dmLQ5Uqo5HmUMmiyZn0jplHDMC4ECADYEEy4NqJifZAeeIXhkV3A=w151-h200" width="151" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="318" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSVpvw6ZJxUt0QrhibJwP6YKh-gm8c0j7Y13cip9J0K1_4Y-1DELIlLXe-QlKv2Xc6YuJIvXkONEZ2S_JAmn6X60rBJk-gBhpq-d94F0uBV3C-Zu67EK1eo__TWfOpekh6_FYOM_YVpDxOr3r0EL_Xn-qWAwO4pyQ_VN24kNVU6lmolNqAb8WC4t0l1A=w200-h197" width="200" /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSVpvw6ZJxUt0QrhibJwP6YKh-gm8c0j7Y13cip9J0K1_4Y-1DELIlLXe-QlKv2Xc6YuJIvXkONEZ2S_JAmn6X60rBJk-gBhpq-d94F0uBV3C-Zu67EK1eo__TWfOpekh6_FYOM_YVpDxOr3r0EL_Xn-qWAwO4pyQ_VN24kNVU6lmolNqAb8WC4t0l1A=s318" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><b> A </b></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Crankenstein Valentine</b> by Samantha Berger <br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Biscuit's Valentine's Day</b> by Alyssa Satin Capucilli</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="318" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmva2XwXQwT9pwYZZ0JGTxrIEPssZx1yzs5cVbRCgS_ZFsSVTNSuvpNGoLgtBna78qjbhqvklg9hBZ7bR0wsubW7tK2Q0yrGNjho_2hHYEuYMiV5T1skq17XlMDHNX6lgpwude_0NHbYFQl2ZnqPqZrl2_MVjaGewCNfUq3VsYb9E3J6IzuuuFCzZUw=w200-h187" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqB4hC3LBxIcb8CukLNnPV4M6gXusZMktTGTkFbHXCKTWUOwF_Ix90JHTx9KJfySgvPV5KzNAIgF9Bz1yFi4-eaZA9JA-OHIFd4pwZjsLi4p5LDkxPhNp-3rPjTgnQDhpZKTbZ3RKcx0Ulm_t1pvlS0MLGEHALZDIcd0udxXx4jwY06IldsqHSnQ9NmA=s367" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqB4hC3LBxIcb8CukLNnPV4M6gXusZMktTGTkFbHXCKTWUOwF_Ix90JHTx9KJfySgvPV5KzNAIgF9Bz1yFi4-eaZA9JA-OHIFd4pwZjsLi4p5LDkxPhNp-3rPjTgnQDhpZKTbZ3RKcx0Ulm_t1pvlS0MLGEHALZDIcd0udxXx4jwY06IldsqHSnQ9NmA=w173-h200" width="173" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmva2XwXQwT9pwYZZ0JGTxrIEPssZx1yzs5cVbRCgS_ZFsSVTNSuvpNGoLgtBna78qjbhqvklg9hBZ7bR0wsubW7tK2Q0yrGNjho_2hHYEuYMiV5T1skq17XlMDHNX6lgpwude_0NHbYFQl2ZnqPqZrl2_MVjaGewCNfUq3VsYb9E3J6IzuuuFCzZUw=s318" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Valentine's Day</b> by Miriam Nerlove <br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Love</b> by Matt de la Pena</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKdkXjS6laLyPSe0DCtBCL-WKBnlI5jbHNDxUEHctwafJ3a7lqF2Cfy58NujVIaa7r0XqHwBqRl9svUo-5nWV2d14Fj2QDqcdpswOEtLhNq2-lA8pOTqZRim9ooTCyTBHbNEd8zmDwGA-2Jym70Qgi8kjUzga8obHvLCJSp__Vd7RTJ_FepwdPzuKk4w=w200-h200" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVTYXIq8k6cjlUtxc3paaLnxgOYW6VsEx3ZZoT8hJABrGvNKImd_Iya0SGJCOYFuM6WkEK6EImyaUhavfhfKKrzzlWxzphsZvqZT5jhYfPsMP8EfQGGJ13P-K-EAXgGP0GI5wicZ9kYfsJFqE82aDTMzAexd6N2_6qme0cDrkjKOSKMq5qB8KAVC41RQ=s338" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVTYXIq8k6cjlUtxc3paaLnxgOYW6VsEx3ZZoT8hJABrGvNKImd_Iya0SGJCOYFuM6WkEK6EImyaUhavfhfKKrzzlWxzphsZvqZT5jhYfPsMP8EfQGGJ13P-K-EAXgGP0GI5wicZ9kYfsJFqE82aDTMzAexd6N2_6qme0cDrkjKOSKMq5qB8KAVC41RQ=w188-h200" width="188" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKdkXjS6laLyPSe0DCtBCL-WKBnlI5jbHNDxUEHctwafJ3a7lqF2Cfy58NujVIaa7r0XqHwBqRl9svUo-5nWV2d14Fj2QDqcdpswOEtLhNq2-lA8pOTqZRim9ooTCyTBHbNEd8zmDwGA-2Jym70Qgi8kjUzga8obHvLCJSp__Vd7RTJ_FepwdPzuKk4w=s300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <br /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dragons Love Tacos</b> by Adam Rubin</span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Snuggle Puppy</b> by Sandra Boynton <br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtvU6IUU1SqyHrd6kv43xdaEd3ZeYpguQLm6MYKvN3tKofj-Z4emM0ToQJorSYHvgoZQxyb6nUOt4xe6SRzhHhma_kaYOkvZC2rK7bzJSnLMc8mD5W25p7qRZX1kxcYfBDeZNzi5VUsuqmP95LsykDQDOCsHvrGqouHHr9ZryJZQlbePqUDCKcmHLM3w=s371" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZyW3X0cxodaCzZ66mHMmvDO9JlogOhD_BIKITyi9xfigw0_9fw9ZnInAPtSXuUkqLLI2yVV4LvsOIlvVx8QDye4L1YYEPAkDHm_kYGwtlI5HjDoqYRUcMXkEZbi9biOmd2IrScSpkIGtkm55R6FCADLyMY2BFiUF5lFAGmENDss3qT7aY7M_sbL_uJQ=w148-h200" width="148" /><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtvU6IUU1SqyHrd6kv43xdaEd3ZeYpguQLm6MYKvN3tKofj-Z4emM0ToQJorSYHvgoZQxyb6nUOt4xe6SRzhHhma_kaYOkvZC2rK7bzJSnLMc8mD5W25p7qRZX1kxcYfBDeZNzi5VUsuqmP95LsykDQDOCsHvrGqouHHr9ZryJZQlbePqUDCKcmHLM3w=w171-h200" width="171" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZyW3X0cxodaCzZ66mHMmvDO9JlogOhD_BIKITyi9xfigw0_9fw9ZnInAPtSXuUkqLLI2yVV4LvsOIlvVx8QDye4L1YYEPAkDHm_kYGwtlI5HjDoqYRUcMXkEZbi9biOmd2IrScSpkIGtkm55R6FCADLyMY2BFiUF5lFAGmENDss3qT7aY7M_sbL_uJQ=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <br /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Kissing Hand</b> by Audrey Penn</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><span><b>Hug Machine</b> by Scott Campbell</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv3C-2gUKJ5jQ3SFzSPXdeDKuK9rNvaNGGRQjkt59lj0O1DgzKOhlKYLb-aUSWgzJabuRDeABUxsw7rfb-1okC2oDqvevhqsF7PCUUcL8f-Ym3-qTP3hi0HtOFLCkRkY8d8oIC-aLuMMnRfXzrwaEm2itYc49KAd7mgt95gj1RgXeIqwWsIhe3zCF7PCR/w200-h200/60621137.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OQcC-E1wBecOdxtqpl4R74sXNUzZ3UJvzh11lpCArMterWQVG5HW9sAKSLwj1ZUAdP_GAxgoHSC_1YMH26ls29QgOxEV1_c9G0tgfRHHOiCBQ35y8zI9N41Bz4zHLUuWRznynh6LG6QjtxyUWJCLdDVgS65oRvTLQnBzSrpDOMbfqSUhPLQ1NbL2rPnr/s500/44778746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="413" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OQcC-E1wBecOdxtqpl4R74sXNUzZ3UJvzh11lpCArMterWQVG5HW9sAKSLwj1ZUAdP_GAxgoHSC_1YMH26ls29QgOxEV1_c9G0tgfRHHOiCBQ35y8zI9N41Bz4zHLUuWRznynh6LG6QjtxyUWJCLdDVgS65oRvTLQnBzSrpDOMbfqSUhPLQ1NbL2rPnr/w165-h200/44778746.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv3C-2gUKJ5jQ3SFzSPXdeDKuK9rNvaNGGRQjkt59lj0O1DgzKOhlKYLb-aUSWgzJabuRDeABUxsw7rfb-1okC2oDqvevhqsF7PCUUcL8f-Ym3-qTP3hi0HtOFLCkRkY8d8oIC-aLuMMnRfXzrwaEm2itYc49KAd7mgt95gj1RgXeIqwWsIhe3zCF7PCR/s2560/60621137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></a></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Grumpy Monkey: Valentine Gross-Out</b> by Suzanne Lang</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Love from the Crayons</b> by Drew Daywalt<br /></span></div><p> </p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Are
any of these children books on your favorite list, too? Let me know
which ones are your favorite to share on Valentine's Day in the comments
below. </span></span><p></p><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-46643700973794286482024-02-08T06:00:00.008-05:002024-02-08T08:47:12.357-05:00Mini Reviews: Thriller Edition<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78zmoM8MbFAFt_XDs1E8EE0DSGRjWaqBGzLdMcmlzDRE4oGFzJFTkEiCrQ7ey08rcPuMCZ_XNbfmF3COn-NjvDm2C75cSvRLpxEsjKA5gIN1LF6hYmP4p-eHUvc3MW-6W1i9-PV3ThWY2uECUZrntvk3cjDczqNgj1sNfBJ8INt62addHWN1T7Bc5jVZk/s400/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78zmoM8MbFAFt_XDs1E8EE0DSGRjWaqBGzLdMcmlzDRE4oGFzJFTkEiCrQ7ey08rcPuMCZ_XNbfmF3COn-NjvDm2C75cSvRLpxEsjKA5gIN1LF6hYmP4p-eHUvc3MW-6W1i9-PV3ThWY2uECUZrntvk3cjDczqNgj1sNfBJ8INt62addHWN1T7Bc5jVZk/w400-h335/Mini%20Reviews.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I love audio books as they make everyday mundane tasks and car rides that much more entertaining. To me, there is nothing better than a suspenseful audio book that will make you keep listening. Today I'm sharing two thrillers that kept me coming back for more.</span></span></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>First Lie Wins</b> by Ashley Elston</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Fiction/Audio Book <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: January 2, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Penguin Audio</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Personal Copy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Other Books By Author: <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2019/11/book-review-10-blind-dates-by-ashley.html">10 Blind Dates<br /></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><br /></div><p></p><blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BCFlfCq5D5Z_7j96nyD75Rpu1MwzsqVofY1D5BkxMljAXwzNnKSjWS418g-xCcfzOHLA59SRz2jjq3UmbTDUqxMOwP-XsCHIMQLfOw4nJD5FAAtCqL5Du0Bg1qYhnm2Z8y1s0yR_R5-V9ak9hjPYLP4ji-N4X35OdEr2oMpdPu6JHZIj_4DZL4bB-FbA/s2775/164444179.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1837" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BCFlfCq5D5Z_7j96nyD75Rpu1MwzsqVofY1D5BkxMljAXwzNnKSjWS418g-xCcfzOHLA59SRz2jjq3UmbTDUqxMOwP-XsCHIMQLfOw4nJD5FAAtCqL5Du0Bg1qYhnm2Z8y1s0yR_R5-V9ak9hjPYLP4ji-N4X35OdEr2oMpdPu6JHZIj_4DZL4bB-FbA/s320/164444179.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Goodreads says,"<span class="Formatted"><i>Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern
girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white
picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch:
Evie Porter doesn’t exist. The identity comes first: Evie
Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr.
Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the
people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle
is the job. Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but
she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin,
and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But
Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time. Because
the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one
identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right
into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while
making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't
be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge..."</i></span><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Evie Porter (that isn't her real name!) is on assignment. Her mark is Ryan Sumner and he has fallen in love with her. Her job isn't done though as her employer, Mr. Smith, has explicit instructions for her and the pressure is mounting. When she meets some of Ryan's friends, she is introduced to Lucca Marino, a girlfriend of one of Ryan's friends. This is all well and good except Lucca Marino is Evie's actual name! Mr. Smith is testing her on this job as she botched up the last one and there's a lot at stake here. Things get even more messed up when Lucca dies in a car crash and upon the investigation, Evie's name pops up with a warrant. It shouldn't as it's been cleared before this job, so something is going wrong. Readers will be kept on their toes with all the twists and turns in <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593492918" target="_blank">First Lie Wins</a></b> by Ashley Elston.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As I mentioned, there are a lot of twists and turns in </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593492918" target="_blank">First Lie Wins</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">, so many that I was getting confused at times, and not entirely every twist is 100% believable. The novel wasn't my favorite of thrillers (some readers are raving about this book!), but I really enjoyed being caught up in this cat-and-mouse chase between Evie and Mr. Smith. There's also the fact that Ryan is caught up in some shady business dealings of his own, so this complicates things further. Elston also provides readers with flashbacks to Evie's start in this "career" with Mr.
Smith and her former jobs that will keep readers entertained. All the while readers are wondering if Evie can trust Ryan. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593492918" target="_blank">First Lie Wins</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> is Elston's adult debut and I will be keeping my eye out for her novels in the future.
<script data-affiliate-id="82463" data-sku="9780593492918" data-type="book" src="https://bookshop.org/widgets.js"></script>
</span></span><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Senator's Wife</b> by Liv Constantine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Fiction/Audio Book</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Random House</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: May 23, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Publisher for review <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Other Books By Author: <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023/03/mini-reviews-best-seller-edition.html" target="_blank">The Last Mrs. Parrish<br /></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvmcNci72uQF_q-4-f2kpqT9y7pXnqXwtjCv9W9-2AV60PqGR2CsTqwIzw1bVV4LRka1CQEFEMnfizAhosRXaG-YZsQrZMIbosHvooDFk0bAomaZU3xqdmGMd7omwVJ_iTeTytVd0S5DixEcb2NsNM5JhEhoEZfXGrp1kdHe4mcdF2fBT7dyrREOySF-4/s2560/62312250.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvmcNci72uQF_q-4-f2kpqT9y7pXnqXwtjCv9W9-2AV60PqGR2CsTqwIzw1bVV4LRka1CQEFEMnfizAhosRXaG-YZsQrZMIbosHvooDFk0bAomaZU3xqdmGMd7omwVJ_iTeTytVd0S5DixEcb2NsNM5JhEhoEZfXGrp1kdHe4mcdF2fBT7dyrREOySF-4/s320/62312250.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">A D.C. philanthropist suspects that her
seemingly perfect employee is secretly plotting to steal her husband,
her reputation—even her life—in this seductive novel of psychological
suspense from the internationally bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish. In this town, anyone is replaceable. . . . After
a tragic chain of events led to the deaths of their spouses two years
ago, D.C. philanthropist Sloane Chase and Senator Whit Montgomery are
finally starting to move on. The horrifying ordeal drew them together,
and now they're ready to settle down again—with each other. As
Sloane returns to the world of White House dinners and political small
talk, this time with her new husband, she's also preparing for an
upcoming hip replacement—the latest reminder of the lupus diagnosis
she's managed since her twenties. With both of their hectic schedules,
they decide that hiring a home health aide will give Sloane the support
and independence she needs post-surgery. And they find the perfect fit
in Athena Karras. Seemingly a godsend, Athena tends to Sloane,
and even helps her run her charitable foundation. But Sloane slowly
begins to deteriorate—a complication, Athena explains, of Sloane's
lupus. As weeks go by, Sloane becomes sicker, and her uncertainty
quickly turns to paranoia as she begins to suspect the worst. Why is
Athena asking her so many probing questions about her foundation—about
her past? And could Sloane be imagining the sultry looks between Athena
and her new husband? Riveting, fast-paced, and full of unbelievable twists, The Senator's Wife
is a psychological thriller that upends the private homes of those who
walk the halls of power. Because when you have it all, you have
everything to lose."</span></i></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Senator Robert Chase and his wife Sloane are hosting Senator Whit Montgomery and his wife for a relaxing weekend getaway. Things are anything but relaxing as Whit and his wife, Peg, have an all-out screaming match about Whit's possible infidelity. Cue the drama! Fast forward to weeks later and after a scuffle while Robert is trying to help Peg, who is his cousin, there is a gun drawn and Peg shoots Robert, on accident, and then takes her life all while Whit is watching. Fast forward yet again, and Whit and Sloane, brought together by the accident, are now married. Things are hunky-dory until Sloane has a lupus flare-up. She has also been suffering from a bad hip, due to lupus, and gets a hip replacement as per her doctor's orders. This surgery should ensure she no longer has pain daily. They hire a nurse, Athena, to help Sloane at home as she recovers, but she is proving to be a problem. Not only does Athena snoop around, she isn't who she says she is. Meanwhile, Robert's mother can't let go of the fact that her son was killed and blames Whit. She doesn't trust him and does some digging of her own. <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593599891" target="_blank">The Senator's Wife</a></b>, another compelling domestic thriller by Liv Constantine, will prove to entertain readers and the twists left me surprised. <br /><br />I really enjoyed the setting of Washington D.C. and all the drama that comes from that. The setting only added to the thrilling aspects of </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9780593599891" target="_blank">The Senator's Wife</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">. While I felt compared to some of the other thrillers that this one wasn't entirely believable, I still enjoyed the wild ride. Constantine always promises some good twists and this novel had some. If you can overlook some minor issues, readers will be sure to have fun as they piece together the truth surrounding Sloane and her situation; it left my heart pounding.
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<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, are you a fan of domestic thrillers? Have you read these? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-52625313835815157582024-02-07T06:02:00.002-05:002024-02-07T06:02:00.133-05:00Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pages: 480</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Historical Fiction</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: February 6, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: St. Martin's</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Publisher for review</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Other Books By Author: <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2021/02/book-review-four-winds-by-kristin-hannah.html" target="_blank"><b>The Four Winds</b></a>,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2015/03/book-review-nightingale-by-kristin.html" target="_blank">The Nightingale</a></b>, <a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2018/03/book-review-great-alone-by-kristin.html" target="_blank"><b>The Great Alone</b></a>, and <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2014/06/book-review-fly-away-by-kristin-hannah.html" target="_blank">Fly Away</a></b> <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqh5LGF5AYITrQPzDdPWStOxKyE7DefBZePTGR6DcurIEvxMrR2aHikGM8QMd-UOamiH2RLLA72OizVOvhShrSSeSi59poAdbpta6iWrWaPgl_CVy5XHaeRcuPh10bt3_eO3Sc-pHxhkFALJt6LXZ7I4JmAyuXMQFFq5RSuwsP5feCU0kNQEMPJcpN6NAI/s2560/127305853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqh5LGF5AYITrQPzDdPWStOxKyE7DefBZePTGR6DcurIEvxMrR2aHikGM8QMd-UOamiH2RLLA72OizVOvhShrSSeSi59poAdbpta6iWrWaPgl_CVy5XHaeRcuPh10bt3_eO3Sc-pHxhkFALJt6LXZ7I4JmAyuXMQFFq5RSuwsP5feCU0kNQEMPJcpN6NAI/s320/127305853.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women—at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided. Women
can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie”
McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the
sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her
conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right
thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to
imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to
serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. As
green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is
over- whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble
of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be
shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky,
the brave, the broken, and the lost. But war is just the
beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in
coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and
to a country that wants to forget Vietnam. The Women is
the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women
who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to
their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep
friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.</span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Frankie McGrath lives a sheltered life in California until her beloved brother, Finley, enlists in the Vietnam War. Her family finds out he was killed in action, and this inspires Frankie to join the Army as a nurse as she went to school for nursing. Even though she is extremely unqualified as a combat nurse, the Army takes her on as they need volunteers and she joins basic training in 1966. Her world is turned upside down. Once she gets to Vietnam, things are pretty dire and definitely not what she is used to, but she is determined to help. After some time getting acclimated to the filthy conditions, the upsetting injuries, the constant threat of combat, and life in Vietnam, she befriends Ethel and Barb, who are also nurses. Frankie starts to prove herself and eventually gets transferred to Pleiku, which is where the heavy combat is. Frankie learns even more about what it's like to be a surgical nurse and then she runs into Rye Walsh, her brother's friend. Sparks fly between them, but can a wartime romance translate to something real if they make it back home? <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b> by Kristin Hannah is a tough historical novel to read as the war was so upsetting, but it's an important story that highlights women's roles during the war, which is oftentimes forgotten.<br /><br />Frankie is a likable character in <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b> and I found myself rooting for her from the start. She enters Vietnam extremely sheltered and by the time she is done, she is a different person. Unfortunately, the war broke her in ways that I'm sure many veterans can relate to. She tried to get acclimated to civilian life, but really struggled with her PTSD, not to mention her upsetting reception once she returned home. After WWII, servicemen were revered, but that wasn't the case after Vietnam. People were protesting the war, they treated her poorly upon her return, and even her parents were cold as they never recovered from Finley's death. The worst part was many people would say to her that women didn't go to Vietnam, even though she told them they did as nurses and she saw upsetting things. Frankie, like many women who served during the Vietnam War, deserves respect and deserves to have their stories told. Even though <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b> was hard to read at times, I am glad I did as it's important to remember what many soldiers, including female nurses, sacrificed. <br /><br />Hannah did such a good job bringing Vietnam to life in <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b>. I can't say I've ever read a book that takes place at Vietnam during the war and while I am familiar with the basics of the war, she honed in on all the important parts which in turn made such a memorable tale. More often than not, I had to put the book down to take a break, because it's very heavy at times. Poor Frankie couldn't catch a break and on top of it, Vietnam is a literal nightmare. It made me sad that veterans, especially women, didn't have the support that they needed after the war, and that is another aspect of the story that Hannah did a great job highlighting. My only issue with <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b> was the character development. I wish it was a little less surface level and I wish Hannah dug a little deeper for some of the characters; however, I still enjoyed it.<br /><br />So, are you a fan of Kristin Hannah? Is <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b> on your TBR list? Which of Hannah's novels is your favorite? Mine is still <b><a href="http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2015/03/book-review-nightingale-by-kristin.html" target="_blank">The Nightingale</a></b>; however, <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250178633" target="_blank">The Women</a></b> and Frankie's story will stay with me for quite some time. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" /></div>Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-39397413409255603812024-02-06T06:03:00.001-05:002024-02-06T08:32:19.783-05:00Blog Tour: Bride by Ali Hazelwood<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's always exciting when Ali Hazelwood writes a new romance, especially when it comes out around Valentine's Day. Well, she has another romance coming our way, but it's not your typical rom-com. <b>Bride</b> is her first paranormal romance and it features a marriage of convenience between a Vampyre and a Were. I heard <b>Bride</b> has everything readers have come to love from Hazelwood - an enemies to lover romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and memorable characters. <b>Bride</b> comes out today, so be sure to add it to your winter TBR list!</span></span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Learn More About the Book:</span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Bride</b> by Ali Hazelwood</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: February 6, 2024</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXErFOrjRyoPXEWnaUkUuV7zLBNAqwTRQ2K75eg4pg3UHpYFM1jmT53uJ5HvSsujE7UL4mOmgz-RHBTSYFgwcWJ5m1TQeeVboWEEp1Na5OFwWgirQaFIHuGPTUD-FWGqn7_VzCodOnERon7X0SME26hNTPiuYEJGiVBtZHKRTDASzTLyDD2HhZ8DAROqp/s770/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="513" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXErFOrjRyoPXEWnaUkUuV7zLBNAqwTRQ2K75eg4pg3UHpYFM1jmT53uJ5HvSsujE7UL4mOmgz-RHBTSYFgwcWJ5m1TQeeVboWEEp1Na5OFwWgirQaFIHuGPTUD-FWGqn7_VzCodOnERon7X0SME26hNTPiuYEJGiVBtZHKRTDASzTLyDD2HhZ8DAROqp/w426-h640/image001.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">Goodreads says, <i>"A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha
Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new
paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis. Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman
of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity
among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic
peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies,
the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the
exchange—again… Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their
Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute
authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not
without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every
movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was…."</i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can purchase your own copy of <b>Bride</b> at <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bride-ali-hazelwood/1143707591?ean=9780593641033&st=AFF&2sid=Random%20House%20Inc_8373827_NA&sourceId=AFFRandom%20House%20Inc" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593641035?tag=randohouseinc7986-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/bride-ali-hazelwood/20222737?ean=9780593641033" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>, and <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9780593641033?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&AID=10747236&PID=8373827&SID=PRHEFFDF5A7F1--9780593641033&cjevent=c69175a1c42c11ee80e32aa60a82b82c" target="_blank">Books-A-Million</a>. You can learn more about Ali Hazelwood by visiting her <a href="https://alihazelwood.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and connecting with her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alihazelwood" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alihazelwood/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. <br /> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Let me know in the comments below if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood and if <b>Bride</b> is on your TBR list.</span><br /></p><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-73123909286933527422024-02-02T06:00:00.009-05:002024-02-02T06:00:00.143-05:00Book Review: The Fury by Alex Michaelides<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pages: 298<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Genre: Adult Fiction</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: January 16, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Publisher: Celadon <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Source: Personal Copy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcRVgdrH_-JvvyKqhoXKCmSzOpetLWuOjs4aos_mgV4wUqVNNxNFlmvyiBWBr1OnXjc0_wuC6mTtV0O2FQI_wa55q1nZIQK_5-APdy1yWaZ99ksJGSa5_v-3GKjKaK1Pn5sQ1WI-2ggugk65oWWfPXB03jbeNYhYxvtG2IPNEbAwGHLLiKJqqPqPf8Bk5/s2860/123206645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2860" data-original-width="1949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcRVgdrH_-JvvyKqhoXKCmSzOpetLWuOjs4aos_mgV4wUqVNNxNFlmvyiBWBr1OnXjc0_wuC6mTtV0O2FQI_wa55q1nZIQK_5-APdy1yWaZ99ksJGSa5_v-3GKjKaK1Pn5sQ1WI-2ggugk65oWWfPXB03jbeNYhYxvtG2IPNEbAwGHLLiKJqqPqPf8Bk5/s320/123206645.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">A masterfully paced thriller about a
reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to
a private Greek island is upended by a murder ― from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient. This is a tale of murder. Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it? Lana
Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in
the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the
English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island. I
tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably
read about it at the time ― it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if
you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press a
celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder. We
found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed
hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and
mouse ― a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an
unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of
us was found murdered. But who am I? My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard."</span></i></div></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lana Farrar, a famous retired movie star, has invited her closest friends to her private Greek island for some rest and relaxation. Her husband, Jason, is there along with his various guns as shooting is his favorite pastime, much to Lana's son's dismay. Leo, Lana's son with her first husband, is a teenager but has hopes to be a movie star like his mom, but this disappoints Lana to no end. Then there's Lana's best friend, Kate, a theater actress, whose career is struggling a bit at the moment, and her longtime friend, Elliot. The story is narrated by Elliot, but readers can't help but question his perspective as he seems to be an unreliable narrator. While isolated on this island, many things float to the surface regarding secrets between friends as well as a murder. <b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250758989" target="_blank">The Fury</a></b> by Alex Michaelides kept me flipping the pages and while it wasn't an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but more of a character-driven novel with some suspenseful moments.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250758989" target="_blank">The Fury</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> includes a lot of unlikable characters and for most of them, you are questioning their perspective or what secrets they are hiding. Lana's husband, Jason, was particularly annoying and the fact that there was some suspicion regarding his faithfulness to Lana only made him that much worse, not to mention her self-absorbed best friend, Kate. It was hard to stomach a cast of characters that were so unlikable, but it made for a twisty ride as </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250758989" target="_blank">The Fury</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> reminded me of an Agatha Christie locked room mystery as there was no getting off the island when the weather was bad. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />What impressed me the most about </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250758989" target="_blank">The Fury</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> was Michaelides's writing style. It was so well done and I really liked his use of metanarrative, unreliable narrator, and throwbacks to Christie and even Poe! I've read a lot of novels with unreliable narrators that can be a bit too much, but I thought this was just right. Also, </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250758989" target="_blank">The Fury</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> was steeping with atmosphere. The island became a character on its own and it was filled to the brim with details of the weather, the island, the unrelenting winds--it made for a good location for a murder mystery.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />I am definitely impressed by Michaelides and hope to read more of his novels in the future. Is </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/82463/9781250758989" target="_blank">The Fury</a></b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> on your TBR list? Have you read it? Let me know in the comments below.
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</span></span></p><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-86739501379314855592024-02-01T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-01T06:00:00.158-05:00What I'm Reading Next: My February TBR List<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwYv2qSORNHM3ZCtfe7CqRHYPL85FcTZW9UGAB2yUZbKUEh6_LZ7tkBJJoAKhXVGTzyH06Wg_llypjzINhFFcP5vx4Y8BoqjFwsFdk8EH19YakFLsOMxWLV12op9IsoQ77VgBU7lnK-lKweQZ1RtxBpE7DTSV8EqRm70vzp4ObzemesKcLuad34bnPixK/s1080/What%20I%E2%80%99m%20Reading%20Next.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwYv2qSORNHM3ZCtfe7CqRHYPL85FcTZW9UGAB2yUZbKUEh6_LZ7tkBJJoAKhXVGTzyH06Wg_llypjzINhFFcP5vx4Y8BoqjFwsFdk8EH19YakFLsOMxWLV12op9IsoQ77VgBU7lnK-lKweQZ1RtxBpE7DTSV8EqRm70vzp4ObzemesKcLuad34bnPixK/w400-h400/What%20I%E2%80%99m%20Reading%20Next.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">February, we meet again. I wish I could say I am looking forward to this month, but historically it's been a tough month for me. Maybe this year it will be different? I hope to just power through it and hibernate a bit more with a good book. Spring is almost here, right?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My February TBR List:</span></span></h2><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">1. <b>The Women</b> by Kristin Hannah</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__JmNBH7vIKdfstmRAU7i6kuyEPA4WKXSnzq8gIlCic7Q02miTvvzOht7Tp1KlX7daM5OG51TtqCP3C70OKXNro-m9ghBx0Ho3jGbsDUJ2OSrGpfPtegzDaA3mYhix5Ps33iny8U9veOd15u5vZXjQAG7ZVgUPbG_ltzIuV5_18qlAYgqD8XI1jNrh3ku/s2560/127305853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__JmNBH7vIKdfstmRAU7i6kuyEPA4WKXSnzq8gIlCic7Q02miTvvzOht7Tp1KlX7daM5OG51TtqCP3C70OKXNro-m9ghBx0Ho3jGbsDUJ2OSrGpfPtegzDaA3mYhix5Ps33iny8U9veOd15u5vZXjQAG7ZVgUPbG_ltzIuV5_18qlAYgqD8XI1jNrh3ku/s320/127305853.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will read anything she writes and this one is spectacular! I highly recommend it.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2. <b>Bride</b> by Ali Hazelwood</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_M1anW6aVHEl2gu_5NzRjTM6LeqNSfqu-S79fep4Ux7gNEZE7khic6nrDdaTGGFFi7Z5yNCR1zFMONr0-y05B6yoKhAPqsLhGGhdrN4vZnmZqJz30V4EwJ34Z7C0OTsmEKrL3oiuZarmqBTm0zcr38ObvEvavwwMFEVT4rLfWW1P8o751DAhps15n8OJ2/s500/181344829-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_M1anW6aVHEl2gu_5NzRjTM6LeqNSfqu-S79fep4Ux7gNEZE7khic6nrDdaTGGFFi7Z5yNCR1zFMONr0-y05B6yoKhAPqsLhGGhdrN4vZnmZqJz30V4EwJ34Z7C0OTsmEKrL3oiuZarmqBTm0zcr38ObvEvavwwMFEVT4rLfWW1P8o751DAhps15n8OJ2/s320/181344829-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This is Hazelwood's first paranormal romance and I am here for it. Nothing says Valentine's Day like a romance between a vampire and a werewolf, right? I am very curious about this!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">3. <b>Once Persuaded, Twice Shy</b> by Melodie Edwards</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHi-GCJUZ8vSggW91coehqSjMFPAm67mWbxHFZIJP75Y369IPdu_3eKjiWpEfOv_e73Uc44Onco-TMRBnMYvVRwln53BLlMN5YIyVYIGSEdsli3J4PShJwNl7vMEg33r_sMHDxdRMsL16VUFAYml8l41_d0d7JdpjOReRxfQ68MGrtSPEhDHd4gwAvdaY/s346/165938196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHi-GCJUZ8vSggW91coehqSjMFPAm67mWbxHFZIJP75Y369IPdu_3eKjiWpEfOv_e73Uc44Onco-TMRBnMYvVRwln53BLlMN5YIyVYIGSEdsli3J4PShJwNl7vMEg33r_sMHDxdRMsL16VUFAYml8l41_d0d7JdpjOReRxfQ68MGrtSPEhDHd4gwAvdaY/s320/165938196.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's a re-imagining of Jane Austen's <b>Persuasion</b>, which is my favorite of her novels. This book seems perfect for Valentine's Day. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">4. <b>The Phoenix Crown</b> by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fM51zg38-xAK24TPVIpwTK0wOubcmnP8oAPgb52aUQM6QS0_bVxDovk-_MOBkLhUBA8-plWB0OobzKpQGka0nlSKnOvG3HWot0hysMdjzgh9zn9uD-dsHpbZcDRt9jpZulAnxFYiVPM7hY1ROUryEoTtRhQ6I_DbkpU1hFq6-AKANe8_O-PLwVqB90Vi/s500/64417401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fM51zg38-xAK24TPVIpwTK0wOubcmnP8oAPgb52aUQM6QS0_bVxDovk-_MOBkLhUBA8-plWB0OobzKpQGka0nlSKnOvG3HWot0hysMdjzgh9zn9uD-dsHpbZcDRt9jpZulAnxFYiVPM7hY1ROUryEoTtRhQ6I_DbkpU1hFq6-AKANe8_O-PLwVqB90Vi/s320/64417401.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Historical fiction fans will like this one about two wronged women "spanning from the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake to the glittering palaces of Versailles."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">5. <b>Divine Rivals</b> by Rebecca Ross</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PABSn1G2JKXJp-U_szH14wL8bk5HTYnHADsK68xD1nI36p8pEgHLgXZQvS2GEgr4mx2H7iI5Aood8bs0c98skbHn7p1SGpyTEF3BRHhM5pFr7KpZ165b_0lb1Cs-PEmldtjFNLN5gIRVcqtMtyLVh7ik1V2O2SxyVh0sJpcZj6OmTey53IOOsM1OcHyL/s1250/60784546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PABSn1G2JKXJp-U_szH14wL8bk5HTYnHADsK68xD1nI36p8pEgHLgXZQvS2GEgr4mx2H7iI5Aood8bs0c98skbHn7p1SGpyTEF3BRHhM5pFr7KpZ165b_0lb1Cs-PEmldtjFNLN5gIRVcqtMtyLVh7ik1V2O2SxyVh0sJpcZj6OmTey53IOOsM1OcHyL/s320/60784546.jpg" width="209" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I've been hearing a lot of good things about this YA fantasy and I think it's time I open my copy.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">6. <b>Finding Margaret Fuller</b> by Allison Pataki</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRJ7cgAgEDdhCMAGUri5gwfnpTJRJXNkOTNmkPe8cQO1fN0w0SjXYmW1BTfcoYEpIT9hScpAlZwp4o6jhIrAAniJTr7itnS6qmbADYwROHsWbfCpHLv27FE8M61hgHwecr3xKw1ZR_aLRuUbXcUTLZDQt4Y7FCGuVBpaUfh4kCsMBjYZb6fqTCRBp-HgW/s3800/61415874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3800" data-original-width="2500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRJ7cgAgEDdhCMAGUri5gwfnpTJRJXNkOTNmkPe8cQO1fN0w0SjXYmW1BTfcoYEpIT9hScpAlZwp4o6jhIrAAniJTr7itnS6qmbADYwROHsWbfCpHLv27FE8M61hgHwecr3xKw1ZR_aLRuUbXcUTLZDQt4Y7FCGuVBpaUfh4kCsMBjYZb6fqTCRBp-HgW/s320/61415874.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I really enjoy Pataki's historical novels and this one is a re-imagining of Margaret Fuller's life as she was an inspiring trailblazer. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I do hope to read some of the books that are collecting dust on my shelves, but I am such a mood reader regarding them that I can't really plan out what I'll start. We shall see! So, what books do you hope to read this month? Let me know in the comemets below. </span><br /></p><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244224993534617084.post-24121877029165844642024-01-31T06:01:00.001-05:002024-01-31T06:01:00.135-05:00Can't Wait Wednesday: The Paradise Problem <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b style="-moz-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by </span><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Wishful Endings</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!</span></span></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><b><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><b><span><b><span><b><span><span><span><span><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Paradise Problem</b> by Christina Lauren</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pub. Date: May 14, 2024</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoJplkY6_SLHXrgIvRbPdEGCkc8KMTSywD07-WaTb97Zaec_v8ko6MmKp0iCG_cxC8UhYDOSLZ-KMNVvq2nrcDPcMUGKBk4scFs0ZkkKRclPQGpc_kSQHiij1zJiOn_Pb6W4b-yo0Z3OkbsUrZmz4wKM8eygw5n2oonQc5YvpE8ci8GQ32rjUCK5K0kxc/s522/199797582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="348" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoJplkY6_SLHXrgIvRbPdEGCkc8KMTSywD07-WaTb97Zaec_v8ko6MmKp0iCG_cxC8UhYDOSLZ-KMNVvq2nrcDPcMUGKBk4scFs0ZkkKRclPQGpc_kSQHiij1zJiOn_Pb6W4b-yo0Z3OkbsUrZmz4wKM8eygw5n2oonQc5YvpE8ci8GQ32rjUCK5K0kxc/w426-h640/199797582.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><p>Goodreads says, <i>"<span class="Formatted">Christina Lauren, returns with a delicious new
romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his
free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to
receive a massive inheritance. Anna Green thought she was
marrying Liam “West” Weston for access to subsidized family housing
while at UCLA. She also thought she’d signed divorce papers when the
graduation caps were tossed, and they both went on their merry ways. Three
years later, Anna is a starving artist living paycheck to paycheck
while West is a Stanford professor. He may be one of four heirs to the
Weston Foods conglomerate, but he has little interest in working for the
heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. He is
interested, however, in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance.
There’s just one catch. Due to an antiquated clause in his
grandfather’s will, Liam won’t see a penny until he’s been happily
married for five years. Just when Liam thinks he’s in the home stretch,
pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he
has no choice but to turn to the one person he’s afraid to introduce to
his one-percenter parents—his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife. But in
the presence of his family, Liam’s fears quickly shift from whether the
feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part to whether
the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his
surprisingly grounded and loyal wife. Liam will have to ask himself if
the price tag on his flimsy cover story is worth losing true love that
sprouted from a lie."</span></i></p></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Doesn't this new book from Christina Lauren scream take me on vacation? What do you guys think? </span></span><br /></p></div><p> </p><img align="left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8eE9xwAYs/Vi5GJq51CKI/AAAAAAAAMyg/wwcOrBpYRSQ/s1600/signature2.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Christina / Book Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661826027260861430noreply@blogger.com6