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Jess861

Jess861

Joined June 2019

Mom-Wife-Dog Lover-Slow Reader-Cold Tea and Coffee Drinks...little time to read but sneak it in where I can.
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On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham
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Jess861
Untitled | Untitled
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Just signed up and excited for #JolabokaflodSwap !! We always let our kids unwrap a new book on Christmas Eve so excited to have one to unwrap and enjoy myself!!

I'll send out my package a bit earlier than normal....yay for Canada Post 😆

Thank you for hosting @MaleficentBookDragon

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Jess861
On Isabella Street | Genevieve Graham
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A dangerous game to be drinking a dragonfruit tea at this hour!! But I'm wide awake now to get through a chunk of this book. I really enjoyed part one (although I did find one of the characters dialogue slightly annoying). Hoping part two is just as good.

If I'm posting a review at 2 AM you know what happened 🤣 . Work will be full of regrets tomorrow!

mcctrish 😂😂 3d
Suet624 Oh no! 2d
43 likes2 comments
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Jess861
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The #OhCanada November/December read has kicked off and feel free to read any book from the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny. I will be reading book #1 (Still Life) as I haven't read any of these books before. Discussion will be high level with no spoilers since there will likely be multiple books read.

Anyone is welcome to join - easy going group read where we explore Canadian authors. We will be continuing in 2026 too.

Jess861 @Suet624 Thank you for the link! I had not heard - interesting read! A reading in an Opera House will be neat for those able to attend but it's too bad she cancelled her American tour (although understandable to me anyways). 5d
See All 9 Comments
willaful Oh, you are in for a treat. (Probably. I suppose somebody doesn't like Still Life. ;-) )

I'm on book 10, The Long Way Home.
(edited) 5d
Jess861 @willaful I hope so - I've never really gotten into cozy mysteries (only because I don't have time to read a ton) but I did read Murder at Fenway Park a few years back and enjoyed it. So hoping the same with this one! 5d
LapReader Starting Grey Wolf on the train this morning. Found in my building‘s library so I was pretty happy about that. 4d
Jess861 @LapReader Always nice to get a library find! 3d
kwmg40 My library hold on the newest, The Black Wolf, should be available in a couple of weeks, so that's the one I'll be reading. 3d
Jess861 @kwmg40 Awesome!! 3d
34 likes9 comments
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Jess861
Three Day Road (Revised) | Joseph Boyden
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Thoughts on the book? Thoughts on the themes? Thoughts on the author? Just thoughts in general?

Will you read more by this author?

Sorry for such a quick little post for the discussion at the end but I'm battling the flu and a cold right now and this is about as much thought as my head can put into anything right now 😆!

#OhCanada #Canada #CanadianAuthors #BookClub #BuddyRead #Discussion

mcctrish I am so glad you kicked my butt to finally read this - I will totally read more JB. It should be required reading imo. The glimpse into what life was like for indigenous people, women especially, and the trauma of war 6d
Jess861 @mcctrish This turned into The Bird Family trilogy if you liked it. Through Black Spruce is the second book in the trilogy. 6d
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Ruthiella I‘m glad to finally read Boyden. I don‘t think I will continue with the trilogy, however. There‘s something about the writing style that doesn‘t grab me. But I appreciate this portrayal of the indigenous Canadian experience of WWI. Hope you feel better soon! ❤️ (edited) 6d
Jess861 @Ruthiella Sometimes writing styles are just hard to get into! Glad you didn't mind the book! Thanks so much...I look forward to not feeling like a bag of bricks has hit my head 😆 6d
lauraisntwilder I hope you're on the mend soon! This was a good one. 6d
Jess861 @lauraisntwilder Thanks so much! It's what happens with young kids - always sick, lol 6d
Blueberry I'm still reading. I realized I had already read the third on the series. Now I'll have to read the second. I do like his writing. 5d
Jess861 @Blueberry Glad you're enjoying it! It is definitely a solid book to get through even though it's not a huge page count (I found so anyways) 4d
kwmg40 I hope you are recovering. I started this book but got bogged down in the trench scenes and decided to put it aside for a while. I'll probably get back to it eventually. I've not read Boyden's other books but I've seen the movie adaptation of Through Black Spruce. I thought it was good, though it had gotten mixed reviews. 3d
Jess861 @kwmg40 Totally get it - I think that's what I meant about a solid book up above. Sometimes it's good to put a read aside for a bit! 3d
9 likes11 comments
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Jess861
On Isabella Street | Genevieve Graham
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An absolutely gorgeous day here, even if it's only 10 degrees. It's a bit cloudy but so bright and crisp out - I love this weather!! Going to start the tagged book with my Ice Cap. I believe this book looks at the mental health side of Veterans through a fictional story - so I'm hoping to learn a bit from this book.

#SweaterWeather #IceCap #Autumn #AutumnReading #LibraryBook

TheBookHippie This weather is perfection. 2w
Jess861 @TheBookHippie Right?! Couldn't ask for better!! 2w
55 likes2 comments
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Jess861
The Ghosts Go Haunting | Helen Ketteman
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Love our local library and the amazing kids section it has! Kids picked up some Halloween books and a few others while we were there too. A trip to the library is always fine!

#Library #LibraryBooks #KidsBooks #HalloweenBooks

Ruthiella I love and appreciate my public library! 👏👏👏 2w
dabbe 🧡💜💛 2w
51 likes3 comments
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Jess861
Our Woman in Moscow | Beatriz Williams
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Mehso-so

This book was ok for me. I enjoyed digging into the Cold War but didn't find this to be much a spy story. It was an easy read but the characters didn't develop much. More a story about two sisters and the ones husband and how much he likes to drink. The ending also seemed a little too unrealistic for me. I did enjoy the Cold War historical aspects of the book and hope to read more Cold War historical fiction in the future.

51 likes2 comments
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Jess861
Our Woman in Moscow | Beatriz Williams
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Hoping to finish this book in the next few days as I'm about two thirds through now. It's a gloomy, rainy day here so I'll likely spend the evening reading. Wish I could curl up now but it's Monday.

The book has picked up and I'm enjoying it so far. The writing makes it an easy read but still enjoyable. Excited to find out how it plays out for the characters.

uncommonlycozies this cover instantly reminded me of the cover of A Gentleman in Moscow. I‘m curious to know if there‘s any similarities now 🧐 3w
Jess861 @uncommonlycozies It really does! I've had that one sitting on my bookcase for quite some time now - I should read it soon and compare! 3w
46 likes2 comments
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Jess861
Our Woman in Moscow | Beatriz Williams
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Continuing to read the tagged book with a side of cheese for #JustOneMoreChapter #readathon. Enjoying the book so far but I do hope the story starts to move along soon. Hoping to get more than a few chapters in outside this evening but it looks like it might rain...not that we don't need it as can be seen by the grass in this photo!

This is my #BookedInTimeOctober pick.

Sparklemn Nothing like a side of cheese! 😊 4w
Jess861 @Sparklemn Completely agree - I could live off cheese!! 3w
51 likes2 comments
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Jess861
Our Woman in Moscow | Beatriz Williams
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Going to start the tagged book and enjoy #FridayHappyReadingHour this evening with a dark beer. Brought some snacks along for the read too. Been a long week at work so I'm so ready for some down time!! Great kick off to the #JustOneMoreChapter #Readathon

@mcctrish

Ruthiella Looks like a perfect start to your weekend! 🍻 4w
58 likes1 comment
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Jess861
Readathon: Occasional List : Geleentheidslys | Gauteng (South Africa). Education Media Service
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I feel exactly the same as @TheAromaofBooks - life is finally starting to settle down and I'm feeling like picking up books again. It seems like a great weekend to participate in the #JustOneMoreChapter #Readathon .

I'm either going to try to put a dent in Mistborn: The Well of Ascension or I'll get started on Our Woman in Moscow. I'll see which book I feel like curling up to tomorrow after work.

Thanks so much for hosting @TheAromaofBooks !

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Enjoy!! 1mo
38 likes1 comment
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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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The #OhCanada book club is going to head to Three Pines for the last read of 2025. Read any of the Louise Penny books depending where you are in the series or a book you maybe want to reread. There will likely be a few different books read so discussion question(s) will still be posted at the end but will be high level as to spoil any of the books.

All are welcome to join this low key bi-monthly read of Canadian authors. We will continue in 2026.

Tamra Such a fun series! Who doesn‘t want to live in Three Pines? Only someone who might fall victim to murder. 🥹 1mo
Jess861 @Tamra 😂 😂 😂 1mo
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willaful Please tag me. I may not read another one but I did just finish one. 1mo
Jess861 @willaful Added you to the tag list 😊 1mo
CarolynM Lovely. I need a kick along to read the latest one😆 1mo
42 likes6 comments
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Jess861
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Too nice of a day to spend my lunch hour working inside. Ran to the chip truck to grab a poutine and going to do a bit of reading on my lunch.

It's slow progress but I'm chugging through the book. I'm into the mist storyline way more than the other storyline in this book so far. It has been building into a better book for me so hopefully it keeps building!

rabbitprincess Mmmmmm nothing beats a chip truck poutine! 😋 1mo
Lin3han My husband and I are listening to Well of Ascension and OMG IT IS SO GOOD!! 1mo
Jess861 @rabbitprincess Completely agree - chip truck poutine is the absolute best!! 1mo
Jess861 @Lin3han I know!! I have to say I enjoyed the first book a bit more than this one but I'm not too far in yet so I'm hoping it keeps getting better! 1mo
41 likes4 comments
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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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Just a reminder that there is about a month left in the September/October #OhCanada read for those who are interested in this book.

Also wondering what the interest is in continuing in 2026. I've enjoyed hosting so I'm happy to keep it going if there is still interest. The bi-monthly cadence works well for me, does it work well for you? Also, if you are interested do you have any authors you would like to read? Types of books you enjoy?

Tamra Thank you for the reminder! 1mo
Ruthiella I‘d love to continue. I‘d personally like to read some classic Can Lit. Like maybe Mordecai Richler or Margaret Lawrence. 1mo
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Jess861 @Tamra No worries! I felt like I was bogging you guys down with posts so I wasn't always doing the reminder - but I think it might be good because it's bi-monthly. Will keep up with the reminders 😊 1mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella Sounds great! Definitely happy to add some classics into the mix! 1mo
mcctrish Thank you for the reminder, I need to dig this out of my death tower and yes please to more Can Lit 1mo
Jess861 @mcctrish Sounds good! 1mo
kwmg40 I‘m happy to continue and also good with more classics. I love Robertson Davies‘s works and would also be happy to see some French Canadian authors such as Gabrielle Roy. 1mo
Jess861 @kwmg40 Thanks so much for the input - noted 😊 1mo
Blueberry I'm good to continue into the new year. 1mo
Jess861 @Blueberry Sounds good! 1mo
Kitta Happy to continue! I‘m moving end of October but finished three day road already. The two month cadence is good for me because I‘m part of a bunch of other book clubs 😆 1mo
lauraisntwilder I'd like to keep going! 😊 1mo
PurpleyPumpkin I‘ve enjoyed digging into the work of our talented Canadian authors! Would love to continue. 👍🏽 1mo
Jess861 @Kitta @lauraisntwilder @PurpleyPumpkin - Thanks! I'll definitely be continuing in 2026 since most seem to be enjoying it! 1mo
Singout I have just discovered it, but might be interested in 2026! 2w
Jess861 @Singout Absolutely - I'll add you to the tag list! Very easy going - participate whenever you feel like it 🙂 2w
41 likes17 comments
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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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Thought it would be fun to go with a bit of a different genre for the next book.

1. Still Life - Book 1 of a well loved Canadian mystery series. Book 20 comes out this year so plenty more to read if you enjoy the series.
2. Pattern Recognition - Book 1 of a science fiction series. There are 3 books in this series.

Full disclosure - I mainly read fiction so I haven't read either of these - but would love to discover a new author with you all!

Jess861 I ran out of space but I'd also like to note that William Gibson (Pattern Recognition) is Canadian but was born/raised in America and has lived in Canada for most of his adult life. This does not bother me as many Canadian authors not solely Canadian. Just wanted to note it though. (edited) 1mo
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Ruthiella My vote goes to Pattern Recognition, even though I didn‘t love Neuromancer. I read Still Life a few years ago. I‘m not a Three Pines fan, unfortunately. 😂 But I could try it again. 1mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella Noted - I'm sure if we go the mystery route you could read the second book or another in the series if you wanted too instead of the first one again, lol. 1mo
mcctrish I love Louise Penny and 🌲🌲🌲 but if we go with the science fiction I bet my husband would love it (edited) 1mo
Tamra I am overbooked and feeling the pressure.😅 I will sit this one out, but I do love the Penny series. 🌲🌲🌲 (edited) 1mo
CarolynM I‘m a Three Pines fan and very much NOT a sci-fi fan. I‘ll read the most recent Penny if you go that way, or hold my nose and try the Gibson 😆 1mo
kwmg40 I‘ve read both of these so I don‘t have a preference, but I‘ll be happy to join in the discussion of whichever book is chosen. 1mo
lauraisntwilder Penny gets my vote. I've always meant to read her. 1mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella - Vote noted! From what I've read, Pattern Recognition is less science fiction and a bit more thriller then Neuromancer. 1mo
Jess861 @Tamra Totally fair 🙂 - such a busy time of year. If we do go with the Penny series you're more than welcome to join the discussions even if you don't read one when we're reading. 1mo
Jess861 @mcctrish Good to know! 1mo
Jess861 @CarolynM Thanks - vote noted! 1mo
Jess861 @kwmg40 Sounds good! Feel free to read along with any Louise Penny book if you want if we go that route. I think I'll open it up to any Louise Penny book and just leave the discussion more about the author and general things about the series (if we do go that route). Seems like alot of people have already read some of Louise Penny 1mo
Jess861 @lauraisntwilder Thanks! Vote noted. 1mo
PurpleyPumpkin I just read Still Life earlier this year! So, I‘ll vote for Pattern Recognition for this round. 1mo
Jess861 @PurpleyPumpkin Thanks! Noted. 1mo
Kitta Happy with either! I wasn‘t a huge fan of Neuromancer but Pattern recognition sounds more up my alley than Still life. But on the other hand I don‘t think I‘ve read a cosy mystery before so maybe I‘ll be pleasantly surprised! 1mo
Jess861 @Kitta Thanks! Noted. 1mo
Blueberry I will read the next of the Louise Penny series. 1mo
Jess861 @Blueberry Thanks for your vote! 1mo
35 likes22 comments
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Jess861
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I finally started the second book in the Mistborn series.....7 months after the group read of the Mistborn series I attempted to participate in 🤣🤣!!

I finished part one but this is going to take some time for me to read. I usually read 300 page books not 750 page books, lol. Been in a huge reading slump for no particular reason so hopeful I can kick out of it and actually finish this book! Enjoying it but liked book 1 better so far!

Suet624 Good luck!! 1mo
rabbitprincess Heck yeah!! Tag us if you want to chat about it! 1mo
Jess861 @rabbitprincess Thanks so much! 1mo
45 likes3 comments
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Jess861
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WOW - thank you soooo much for this most amazing #FallingForFallSwap pacakge! You can't really see it but there is also a doormat under all these wonderful items!! I love, love, loved that you got one of your kiddos to pick out a book and can't wait to read it! I can't thank you enough for this wonderful #fffs package! You are too generous @DinoMom

@Avanders @Chrissyreadit

Amiable Oh, the Ozeki book is magical—so good! 😍 2mo
Avanders 😍🍂🍁♥️ 2mo
Chrissyreadit 💛🤎🧡🤎💛 2mo
DinoMom So glad you liked it. Happy fall and happy reading 🍁🍂 2mo
54 likes4 comments
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Jess861
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I dropped off my package at the post office today! Well my husband dropped it off because he was off work today - so apologies as there won't be any writing on the outside of the box, lol. But everything is wrapped on the inside so no big deal if the box is opened....also sorry about the horrendous wrapping job - can't say it's something I excel at 😄

#fffs #fallingforfallswap @Chrissyreadit @Avanders

Avanders 🍂🍁🧡 2mo
Chrissyreadit 💛🤎🧡🤎💛 2mo
Jess861 @Avanders @Chrissyreadit - I have my fingers crossed every which way that my package will make it on time. But it has been sitting a couple provinces over from where it was shipped from for a few days now and is showing an October 2nd delivery date. I've never had a package take longer than a week before! 2mo
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Avanders Oh no! You know, mail is just weird sometimes - I had a package I shipped that was supposed to arrive in 4 days take closer to 8 recently. For no reason. It just sat somewhere. 🙁 Hope it gets addressed in time, but if not, we‘ll be sure to touch base w your recipient and I‘d be happy to send an e-book to tide them over ☺️ 2mo
Jess861 @Avanders It's only one province over from where it needs to be so I feel like I'm just going to open the tracking one day and it's going to be there! I'll be shocked if it's actually October 2nd but I'm getting nervous about the 22nd! I'll post an update this weekend and let you know if it's moved or not! 2mo
Avanders Well that wound certainly be awesome if it happened that way! 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Ok sounds good - thanks for touching base! 🧡 2mo
Jess861 @Avanders - well good news - Notice was left at the house to pick up the package so it got there just in time! 2mo
Avanders Yay!!! 🎉🍁🍁🍁 2mo
46 likes8 comments
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Jess861
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What did you think of Helen Knott as a storyteller? Are there any others areas of her life that you'd enjoy reading about if she were to write another book? Would you like to see her diversify outside of memoirs if she chose too? General thoughts on the author?

Jess861 Such a magnificent storyteller and so brave to be able to tell her story. I will read all books by her - she has a gift! 2mo
Ruthiella I think she could write a novel if she wanted to. I know some people (on Goodreads) had an issue with how she structured the memoir so only pieces of her story are doled out at a time, but I thought that was well done. 2mo
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Kitta I forgot to read this one. Whoops! 2mo
Jess861 @Kitta No worries - hope you get a chance to read it one day - it's a good one! 2mo
kwmg40 Knotts is a very good storyteller and I think she could succeed with a novel. I did read her newer book, Becoming a Matriarch, before I'd read this one, and in hindsight, it would have been better to read the books in the order in which they had been written. I found that, recalling Becoming a Matriarch, it seems to pale somewhat in comparison to In My Own Moccasins. 2mo
6 likes6 comments
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Jess861
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Our first memoir for the #OhCanada read and to me this book is such a powerful and impactful read. So many tough topics and to know that this isn't a work of fiction but a memoir. General thoughts on the book and anything you would like to discuss about the book? Did you enjoy it?

Jess861 To me, one of the many things I gained from this book - is a reminder that even when someone can seem like they have it all together they could still be struggling. Be kind! 2mo
Ruthiella I really appreciated Knott‘s honesty and courage. It was tough to read at times, but I am glad I did. And you are so right about people hiding their struggles. (edited) 2mo
kwmg40 This was a very tough read but the author's honesty and sincerity really came through. 2mo
8 likes4 comments
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Jess861
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My #FallingForFallSwap package arrived!! It may have arrived a while ago but I'm terrible at checking my mail 😆!! Thank you so much @DinoMom I can't wait to open them (especially the bonus picked by your kid - such a neat idea!!)

@Avanders @Chrissyreadit

BkClubCare Wow - very pretty 🍂 2mo
Jess861 @BkClubCare I know - my package is going to look so sad compared to this 😆 2mo
Avanders Beeautiful!! 2mo
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KadaGul W?W, the package ? screams "Fall ? and says, "Open ? me Now, not later." 2mo
DinoMom So happy it arrived and not all mangled. I was worried it would all get smashed up as I had to puzzle it all to together to get it on the box 😂😂😂. I love wrapping but alway forget it‘s not always practical when trying to fit in something 🍂🍁 (edited) 2mo
Jess861 @KadaGul I know - it's going to be soooo hard to wait! But I've put it back in the box it came in and put items on top of the box so the packages are hard to get to 😆 2mo
Jess861 @DinoMom You did such an amazing job on the wrapping - I don't have anywhere near that skill - I absolutely love it! I'll be sad to ruin it when open date comes, lol! The box came in great condition! 2mo
34 likes7 comments
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Jess861
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I needed a bit of a break from adult reading and decided to pick up an old favourite. I'll probably just reread here and there on nights I want a break from whatever book I'm reading at the time. It's such an old copy that it is called Philosopher's Stone and has 1 wand printed twice in the school list. I've read this series so many times it's ridiculous but here I am about to reread again 😆

37 likes1 stack add
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Jess861
Three Day Road (Revised) | Joseph Boyden
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The #OhCanada book pick for our September/October read. All are welcome to join this bi-monthly read where we explore different Canadian authors and discuss at the end of the read.

Sorry for just a small post on this - August has been quite busy here.

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Jess861
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Beautiful day for some outside reading in the backyard. It is almost sweater weather today and probably will be this evening. Starting the reread of the #OhCanada book. Will post a discussion post on August 31st.

Tamra I am really not ready for sweater weather. I am always in a state of denial until I just can‘t be anymore. 😫 I actually turned on the furnace in the camper this week one morning. 3mo
Jess861 @Tamra I'm so ready for some cooler weather! It's been such a scorching hot summer so far here! I'm sure we have more insanely hot days ahead of us. Not sure if I'm ready to be turning on the furnace though, lol! (edited) 3mo
38 likes2 comments
review
Jess861
Fisherman's Gift | Julia R Kelly
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Pickpick

A slower paced book set in a Scottish village about a woman who lost a son and has to deal with those emotions when a young boy washes up in a storm years later. While it was a slower paced book it still held a good pace to it and was an enjoyable read. The book makes you feel like you are in a 1900 coastal village. It is character driven and the main character became a bit annoying but after reading the ending it all comes together beautifully.

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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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Sorry for the late post on the vote for the next book! Two different types of books by two authors. Please let me know which book you would prefer to read for the September/October read of #OhCanada . Moon of the Crusted Snow is the first of two books (so far) and Three Day Road is the first in a trilogy.

Anyone welcome to join in this easy going book club where we explore different Canadian authors every two months.

#BookClub #BuddyRead #Canada

mcctrish I‘d love to read Three Day Road, I‘ve had it on my death tower for years (edited) 3mo
Kitta Both sound really good! I‘d be happy with either but I‘m leaning towards (edited) 3mo
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Tamra My vote is for Three Day Road. I read the other, it was great! 3mo
TheKidUpstairs Both are great books, but if you are choosing from these as a way of reading Indigenous authors, please be aware of the controversies surrounding Boyden's ancestry claims: Author Joseph Boyden and his shape-shifting Indigenous identity https://share.google/mBFXjSnGW5xh4dGJd 3mo
Jess861 @TheKidUpstairs - Thank you for letting us know about the controversies. These books weren't picked because of the authors ancestry. Just looking to explore well written books by Canadian authors. 3mo
Jess861 @mcctrish @Kitta @Tamra - thanks for the votes - noted :) 3mo
Tamra @mcctrish “death tower” 😂 3mo
PurpleyPumpkin As I haven‘t read it yet, I‘ll vote for Three Day Road. 🗳️ 3mo
Jess861 @PurpleyPumpkin Thanks for the vote - noted 😊 3mo
Ruthiella Both are available at my libraries 👍 I think I am more curious to start with Boyden, since I have long heard about him as an author but not read anything yet. 3mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella Thanks for the vote - it is noted 😊 3mo
CarolynM I‘m a bit over committed at the moment. I probably won‘t get to the current book, or the next one. Sorry. Hopefully I‘ll be able to join you for November/ December. 3mo
Blueberry I've read Moon of the Crusted Snow. So I will vote for Three Day Road. I'm always up for reading a canoe trip through the northern wilderness. 😄 3mo
Jess861 @CarolynM No worries - such a busy time of year!! 3mo
Jess861 @Blueberry Thanks - noted 😊 3mo
lauraisntwilder I'm voting for Moon of the Crusted Snow, but they both sound good. 3mo
Jess861 @lauraisntwilder Thanks for the vote - noted 😊 3mo
kwmg40 I‘ll vote for Three Day Road, as I‘ve read Moon of the Crusted Snow. 3mo
42 likes19 comments
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Jess861
The Fisherman's Gift | Julia R Kelly
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#FridayNightReadingHour with my favourite snack - baguette, cheese and green olives. Also borrowing my kids Jurassic blanket for this reading session. My drink is on the nightstand 🤦‍♀️.

Hoping to finish this book soon...I've enjoyed it so far just haven't had much time for reading.

@mcctrish

mcctrish This snack is goals! I might make a version when I finally get home 3mo
TheBookHippie Oooooo looks good! 3mo
Jess861 @mcctrish I could live off this snack, lol! 3mo
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Jess861 @TheBookHippie Thank you! It's Beechwood Cheddar - sooo good! 3mo
lil1inblue Excellent snack choice. 😋 3mo
56 likes6 comments
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Jess861
The Fisherman's Gift | Julia R Kelly
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Our eldest is at his last day of summer camp and our youngest decided that she'd like to spend the morning at the park before we go swimming this afternoon. So we picked up a lemonade for her and a dragonfruit drink for myself. Going to start the tagged book that I picked up from the library. Another book I know nothing about...I've read some great books this year by picking books I know nothing about so hopefully this is a good book too!

uncommonlycozies Love random library gems! I picked up Anima Rising randomly & now I have a few of Christopher Moore‘s books stacked. 📚 what‘s been your favorite library find this year? 3mo
Jess861 @uncommonlycozies That is a hard question - there have been a few! I'll probably have to go with The Island of Missing Trees though. Advocate and West with Giraffes are a close second though! 3mo
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review
Jess861
Weyward: A Novel | Emilia Hart
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Pickpick

Lots of trigger warnings in this book but I enjoyed it. Three generations of women from the same family and their stories. I enjoyed all three story lines equally. All three characters are strong and brave women. Just enough magical realism for me - maybe a bit too much in a certain part but in general it was a good mix of witch and real. It was a bit predictable but still good. Beautiful descriptive writing and I'll read more by this author.

IMASLOWREADER loooved this book 1mo
Jess861 @IMASLOWREADER I know - sooo good! 1mo
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Jess861
Weyward: A Novel | Emilia Hart
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It's raining on our last evening at the cottage so we are indoors for the night. Chicken and corn salad with baked potatoe and I'll be starting Weyward next. Couldn't decide what to read next so had our boy pick based on the covers. It'll be indoor smores and introducing the kids to The Sandlot tonight since it's supposed to rain all evening. I'm excited to read this book as I've had it on my shelf for a while.

mcctrish One rainy night at the cottage is always good and so is Weyward 4mo
Jess861 @mcctrish Agreed - prefer the rainy day/night in the middle...and I wish it was a storm and not just rain. Nothing like a storm on a lake! 4mo
mcctrish A storm coming across the lake is always amazing 4mo
49 likes3 comments
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Jess861
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Pickpick

A book I wish I read in the autumn with all the hearty food descriptions. A slow, descriptive story about a family of four - mom, dad and their twins. They navigate a year in their lives in this book. I enjoyed but needed to be in the mood for this type of story. The twist wasn't surprising to me and I'm not sure the ending fits the book. The book is character driven and the writing is pretty. I liked certain characters and couldn't stand others.

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Jess861
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After a day spent in the water with the kiddos we have one tired girl who fell asleep on the couch and the boy is drawing and writing his comic book about Super Pig. Time to start another book and I went with another library book. Another book I just picked off the shelf knowing nothing about it. Sitting on the dock, with my feet in the water - and I can't wait to dive into this read.

TheBookHippie I enjoyed this book I hope you do as well. 4mo
wildwoodreads That‘s the best way to spend an afternoon! 4mo
Jess861 @wildwoodreads I know - wish I could do it all summer long!! Just putting that thought out there in the universe in case it wants to respond 😉 4mo
Jess861 @TheBookHippie Thanks! Enjoying it so far. 4mo
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Jess861
Advocate | Darren Greer
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Pickpick

Such a good book. The majority of the book is spent with the main character and his family when he is a pre-teen and his uncle is sick. The events of that time deeply shape the main character. Based during the 80s in a small Canadian town that is full of hate of the unknown when it comes to HIV. It is a fairly quick read with good writing. The character all have their flaws which makes them relatable. The ending is perfect for the story.

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Jess861
Advocate | Darren Greer
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Foggy morning on the lake. Book and iced coffee to wake up while the kids try their hand at fishing off the end of the dock. I picked up this book while browsing the shelves of the library and it's a new author to me. Main character returns to a small Canadian town where, in the 80s, he watched the prejudice and fear of HIV take over the town when he was younger. Looking forward to getting to read a bit of it before the day starts.

tpixie Fun! We both had fog by the water today. And family got some fishing in! 4mo
Jess861 @tpixie Neat! Hopefully they caught something. Our boy got close but he was just happy to see the fish swimming around! 4mo
tpixie @Jess861 I‘m glad he had a fun time!! The first day we fished we didn‘t catch anything but today we‘ve had some luck!🍀 4mo
42 likes3 comments
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Jess861
Radio Girls | Sarah-Jane Stratford
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Pickpick

Good book about the BBC in the 1920s and the start of radio. Also a bit of an espionage book but I enjoyed learning about early BBC and the radio the most. To think the radio was scary for some is interesting to think about when looking at the technology we have today. This book had more dialog in it than I'm used to - but it suited the book well. Seems like it is slow moving but the years are passing by in the story. Overall I enjoyed the book.

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Jess861
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The week at a cottage that I look forward to each year! I couldn't decide what I was in the mood for so I brought a few library books and a few off my shelves. I'll probably only have time to read one or two but at least I have options. I'll be finishing Radio Girls first.

#Cottage #Vacation

PurpleyPumpkin Looks like a lovely reading spot. 😍 Enjoy!📚 4mo
Leftcoastzen I love to have more choices too ! Moods can change . 4mo
Aims42 Fellow Mood Reader checking in 🙋‍♀️ Great options!! I really enjoyed ‘Radio Girls‘ 📻 4mo
Jess861 @PurpleyPumpkin Thanks! Nothing quite like reading by a lake! 4mo
Jess861 @Leftcoastzen @Aims42 - Too many different kinds of books to read to not be a mood reader. I never know what I'm going to feel like reading! 4mo
57 likes5 comments
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Jess861
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Now that we are in July, the next #OhCanada read has started - In My Own Moccasins by Helen Knott. The first time we are exploring a memoir. This is a bi-monthly read so it will go until end of August. A few discussion points will be posted at the end for those who wish to participate. All are welcome to join in this easy going buddy read where we discover Canadian authors.

@litsyevents #BookClub #BuddyRead #Canada

44 likes4 comments
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Jess861
Radio Girls | Sarah-Jane Stratford
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We were supposed to be doing a Lilo and Stich movie night but our youngest decided she wasn't in the mood for a movie. So now our eldest and dad are watching one of the Jurassic Park movies, our youngest is playing with her paw patrol toys in her room and I get to sneak in some backyard reading with this book! Hoping I get to learn a bit about the history of BBC and the radio.

Texreader Bonus time!! 4mo
Jess861 @Texreader It'll probably last 5 minutes 🤣 4mo
47 likes2 comments
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Jess861
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Pickpick

Loved this book! The writing is beautiful and transports you right into a beautiful story. I fell in love with many of the characters. I enjoyed the time the book spent in Cyprus the most and the book definitely spends more time in Cyprus at the back end. A quarter of the book or so is told from a Fig Tree's point of view and I loved it. It is true - the history that trees have seen, heard and sensed is everything. A top pick for me.

charl08 I read this a while back and generally have a terrible memory, but the tree going into the ground to protect it from the winter: for some reason has stuck in my head. 4mo
Jess861 @charl08 I'm the same way. Always interesting when something so specific sticks with you. I think the Happy Fig will stick with me though. 4mo
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Jess861
The Forgotten Home Child | Genevieve Graham
This post contains spoilers
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I don't think many read this book or that it was super popular with those who did - so just going to post one general discussion question for this #OhCanada book. Just general thoughts on the book and if you'd read this author again? Or whatever you want to discuss when it comes to this book :).

JenlovesJT47 This has been on my TBR for awhile but I still haven‘t gotten to it. ☹️ But will definitely be reading the next one! Already downloaded it. ♥️ 4mo
Jess861 @JenlovesJT47 - Of course - it's so hard to get to all the books!! Glad you'll be able to join us for the next one 🙂!! 4mo
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mcctrish I read this 5 years ago and I gave it 4 stars. While reading it I learned my friends grandpa was a home child and we had some good conversations. I have been meaning to read more by this author ( and I might even have some in my death tower aka TBR pile) 4mo
Jess861 @mcctrish I enjoyed it as well - a lot of horrible things happen in the book but sadly it is in line with what many of these kids experienced. I bet many of us have ties to home children through friends and family and don't even know it.

The author has a few other books out that I'd like to read at some point.
4mo
Ruthiella I am glad to know about the topic and the Canadian connection, I just didn‘t particularly like the writing style. Children are so vulnerable and it was heartbreaking in parts. 4mo
CarolynM I did know about this stuff. Barnardos was a thing in Australia too. There was quite a bit of media coverage about it several years ago when the scale of the terrible abuse came to light. I just couldn‘t keep reading when I felt like the author wanted to cover every horrible thing that ever happened to a Barnardos child. 4mo
Blueberry I started then stopped because it felt like it was going sad places which I didn't want to read at the time. 4mo
Kitta @Ruthiella I agree, I didn‘t like the style so probably won‘t read more by the author, but I was glad to have read it and to learn about this aspect of Canadian history that I‘d never heard of before! I can‘t believe it has never come up in school or in general in life. As a Canadian, I feel uninformed about my own country. 4mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella @Kitta - It's hard to get into the book with the writing style just isn't connecting with you! Glad you were able to give it a try and learn a bit of Canadian history even if it's a sad part of Canadian history.

It definitely never came up when I was in school and this book was my first introduction to Barnardo children.
4mo
Jess861 @CarolynM @Blueberry - If you aren't in a particular mood to stomach that kind of sadness it is impossible to read a book about it. Totally understand! It was very sad but there was some good near the end of the end of the book which was nice. 4mo
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Jess861
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Continuing the tagged book while the kids play at the playground. Quite a hot day here so may not stay that long and get much reading in. Really enjoying this book so far!

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Jess861
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Grabbed the tagged book from the library and started it. I'm really enjoying it so far. The writing is beautiful and I love how alive the Fig Tree is. I truly believe plants and trees are more intelligent than humans give them credit for! Still in the beginnings of the story so not exactly sure where it's heading but it's a good start.

#LibraryBook #FigTree #CoverLove

LeeRHarry I loved this one - enjoy! 😊 4mo
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Jess861
Brooklyn | Colm Toibin
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Mehso-so

Didn't love it but didn't hate it. It was the writing style that didn't connect with me - it didn't bring me into the story. The story was ok but rather mundane. Not much exciting happens throughout the book although there was potential to follow some storylines that would have brought more excitement into the book. It was ok - it was nice at times to be reading a slower story about a girl coming of age. The ending was fitting.

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Jess861
Brooklyn | Colm Toibin
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I don't usually take lunch when working from home but it is such a gorgeous day today that I'm going to take some outdoor reading time with a poutine today! The rain last night cut the humidity and there is a wonderful breeze. Nothing like reading to the sound of trees swaying!

I hope to finish this book this weekend.

#LunchTimeReading #OutdoorReading #Poutine #Wind

Ruthiella I have never had poutine and I really want to try it! 😋 5mo
TheKidUpstairs That looks like top notch poutine! Now I'm craving it! 5mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella Oh you absolutely have too!! Make sure it is made with cheese curds though - the only way to go!! 5mo
Jess861 @TheKidUpstairs This chip wagon makes the best poutine I've ever had, hands down! 5mo
TheKidUpstairs @Jess861 chip trucks are always the best! 5mo
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Jess861
Brooklyn | Colm Toibin
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More reading time with the boy. Not sure how many times one can re-read the Dogman series but he loves them!

I've started reading Brooklyn. I don't love it so far but also don't hate it. I think it's the writing that isn't leaving me a huge fan as I'm enjoying the story so far. Still lots to read though so we'll see how the rest of the book goes.

AmyG Dogman….my guess to your question is….infinity. 5mo
Jess861 @AmyG 😂 - I believe you are correct in your statement! 5mo
IriDas 🥰 Dogman!!!!! 5mo
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Jess861
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In My Own Moccasins by Helen Knott was picked in the vote as the #OhCanada July/August read. All are welcome in this bi-monthly read where we explore Canadian authors. Discussion questions are posted at the end of the second month for those who wish to participate.

Ruthiella Yahoo! 👍 5mo
JenlovesJT47 Yay, looking forward to this one! 5mo
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Kitta Oh my library here has it! 5mo
Jess861 @Kitta Awesome! I'm trying hard to pick books that are easily accessible for all! Although it's kind of hard to know as they are usually easier to find in Canada, lol. 5mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella @JenlovesJT47 - Awesome, glad you are looking forward to this pick!! 5mo
JenlovesJT47 I downloaded it right after finishing her other book, which I really enjoyed. If anybody has a hard time finding it you can download it here for free (of course only if you‘re comfortable doing that): https://annas-archive.org/md5/cdb96fce08ec2a1847e27331a46256fa 5mo
KathyWheeler I started this book once before but got distracted and didn‘t finish it. I‘m looking forward to finishing it this time! 5mo
CarolynM Sounds good. 5mo
Jess861 @JenlovesJT47 Thanks for the link! 5mo
Jess861 @KathyWheeler Glad you get to pick it back up! 5mo
mcctrish My library has this and I can get it so I‘d love to join 5mo
Jess861 @mcctrish Would love to have you join along 😊 5mo
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Jess861
The Forgotten Home Child | Genevieve Graham
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I finished re-reading The Forgotten Home Child just like I started - with a Dragonfruit drink. It is a beautiful day for some backyard reading.

Just about two weeks until some discussion points are posted about the book for #OhCanada. I do hope those who get the chance to read it are enjoying the book while learning a bit about Canada's history (that even as a Canadian I knew nothing about until this book). I will post discussions on July 1st.

kwmg40 I'm still waiting for this book at the library, so I will likely not be joining in the discussions immediately, but I hope to get to reading it eventually. 5mo
Jess861 @kwmg40 Hope you're able to get your hands on a copy eventually. 5mo
kwmg40 @Jess861 I expect I will before too long. I've not read anything by this author and would like to try one her books. 5mo
47 likes4 comments
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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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Helen Knott does not have as many books as some of the other Canadian authors we have explored but she does have these two memoirs. Either memoir will be a good but a hard read. Please let me know which book you would prefer to read for the July/August read of #OhCanada .

Anyone welcome to join in this easy going book club where we explore different Canadian authors every two months.

Ruthiella I like the idea of mixing in memoir! I vote for (edited) 5mo
PurpleyPumpkin Oof these both sound like heavy but important reads. Hard to choose just one! So, I‘ll go with her first book. But I‘m happy to read either. 5mo
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JenlovesJT47 I read Becoming A Matriarch and I loved it. It‘s a quick read. I downloaded the other one but haven‘t read it yet. Either is a good choice! 5mo
kwmg40 Becoming a Matriarch is currently on my TBR list, so I‘ll vote for that one. 5mo
JenlovesJT47 We read Becoming A Matriarch for #shesaid and everyone had a hard time finding a copy that wasn‘t super expensive. I do know a place where you can download them for free if you feel comfortable doing that. 5mo
CarolynM I‘m behind with my #OhCanada reading, but I hope to join you for this one, whichever you choose 🙂 5mo
JuniperWilde Let me know which one you chose. 5mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella @PurpleyPumpkin @kwmg40 - thanks for your votes - noted 😊 5mo
Jess861 @JenlovesJT47 - good to know - they are so easily available where I live in Canada. I didn't realize they were a bit harder to find in other countries. 5mo
Jess861 @CarolynM - sounds good! 5mo
Jess861 @JuniperWilde - Will do - I'll have another post with the book that is voted for. Going to give it a few more days in case people want to vote and weren't on during the week. 5mo
35 likes12 comments
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Jess861
The Forgotten Home Child | Genevieve Graham
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For some reason I always seem to hit a reading slump in the Spring and it was no different this year. Going to put Bewilderment down for a bit (I'm sure I'll try reading it again at some point) and reread the tagged book for #OhCanada . First dragonfruit drink of the summer...even though it's another gloomy, chilly day.

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Jess861
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Another rainy Saturday so we went to the bookstore and grabbed some new books and then treated ourselves to lunch. Three books for mom, three books for the boy and five books for the girl.

#RaisingReaders #ComicBooks #KidsBooks #EarlyReaders #BookHaul