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SusanLee

SusanLee

Joined May 2016

I love books, crafts and travels. My humble blog https://sholeesphere.blogspot.com
review
SusanLee
Sarong Secrets 2023 | Lee Su Kim
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Pickpick

Interestingly this book consists of 12 short stories about baba nyonya heritage in fiction. I‘ve enjoyed them, slowly reading them though there are a couple I didn‘t get it. I liked the many educational coloured pics of the heritage like sarong, tiffin and more. It is an easy read so give it a try if you like cultural type of books. I‘ve rated it 3/5.

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SusanLee
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Thanks to the author and publisher for this copy! I‘m happy to embark on the continuation of Annaliese‘s and Isabel‘s life journey. It‘s a long and winding path whilst both of them discovering themselves in the midst of all the confusion. I‘ve rated this 3/5. It‘s historical fiction mixed with family saga IMO.

6 likes1 stack add
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

Is it just me? I can‘t see the like button, I can‘t see the rate button but I can blindly click on it so that I can post this and I can‘t even stack books. All the small grey buttons are missing for me 😭 the attached photo is just an example 😭

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SusanLee
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Pickpick

Thanks to the author and LibraryThings for this copy! I hadn't realized this was book 2! It is definitely a well written feel-good love story. From the moment Khara and Riddick met until the end, it was filled with adventure, like a roller coaster ride. It may be predictable (I had guessed the ending to be that), yet it was as emotional and full of surprise at times. With such a lovely and warm ending to boot! My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

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SusanLee
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Pickpick

I am amazed with the many Chinese literature references in this memoir that shaped up this author‘s life. Truly eye-opening and straight to the point, I sympathise with what she has to endure and the harrowing life growing up. I‘m glad she‘s grown to be a strong woman and able to face her demons. My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Thanks to the publisher, LibraryThings and author for this copy 🙏🏻

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SusanLee
Lies and Weddings | Kevin Kwan
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Pickpick

I‘ve totally enjoyed this novel which has many Asian antiques and chaos. The humour in it made it more enjoyable. I find it a mix of Jackie Collins, Sophie Kinsella and Jesse Q Sutanto. This is actually my first read from this author 😅 I didn‘t join the CRA bandwagon previously 🤣 This Novel garnered ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me.

7 likes1 stack add
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

I have so enjoyed this book!!! A compilation of 6 short stories that was entertaining and different yet linked to Grishaverse! The various world built in this was truly unique and worth venturing on. Her fluid prose was a huge plus! I‘ve rated this 4/5 🫰🏻

16 likes1 stack add
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SusanLee
Birth of Resilience | Stefanie Chu
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I've totally enjoyed this book 2, now knowing the past - how they have met - and eventually what happened that led to their fallout. I'm glad to have read this copy, thanks to the author! I can‘t wait to dive in Book 3! My rating 4/5

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SusanLee
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Pickpick

Overall, this novel was easy to grasp even though it is thick with plots and revolved around many characters. I liked that it has been indirectly sectioned and arranged in such a way that I don't get confused. Moreover, this novel is about magical abilities that truly reminds me of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse that I liked! I‘ve rated this 4/5. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book 🫰🏻

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SusanLee
The House of Doors | Tan Twan Eng
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Just finished this lovely book in time for April‘s #bookspin #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks ! I totally loved the way it‘s written, the characters, the plots. I was so engrossed and enveloped by the story. It‘s no wonder that he‘s still one of my favourite authors! I hope I don‘t have to wait another 8 years for the next book 🙏🏻 My rating is 5/5!!!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 8mo
9 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

Nicci French used to be one of my favourite mystery crime authors. I still have a few unread titles on my bookshelf, so I thought to revisit this author. Maybe I have aged, or my palate has changed, as it has turned out to be an average read for me now. Tuesday's Gone is the second book from the Freida Klein's series. I have not read any from this series and it can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel the gap. My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. 👇🏻

SusanLee This is my #bookspin read for April @TheAromaofBooks 8mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 8mo
10 likes2 comments
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

I have recently lost my furkid so reading this was a tad emotional for me. Mitch has written such a beautiful memoir and I can so relate to it, feeling the raw melancholy heart aches 😭 There are no words to sum up this lovely book except LOVE ❤️ Definitely a 5/5!!!

Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 9mo
12 likes1 stack add1 comment
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SusanLee
The Inmate: A Novel | Freida McFadden
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This is truly another awesome read from Freida! I was so into it and didn‘t expect that ending! Such twisted plots and dark storyline, I was truly entertained. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to explore The Inmate 🫰🏻 My rating is 4/5. Dark and filled with mystery, if you like Gone Girl or the likes of it, you can check this out! This is also my #bookspin read @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 9mo
11 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

Overall, it‘s slow paced yet with lots of mystery surrounding the castle. A historical fiction with romance that is quite exuberant and yet melancholy at times. This is book 1 of Rowley Family series about the goings on within Castle Rowley. I‘ve received this from Library Things with much gratitude. My rating is 3/5. Coincidentally this is my pick for #bookspin #bookspinbingo for February @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 10mo
8 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
The Dutch House | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Now I know why this is a highly rated book! The way the narration works, it‘s definitely expressed with clarity. Well written with great historical background like a legacy or memoir though fiction. I just can‘t stand the pace, too slow for my liking. I‘ve rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

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SusanLee
Spirits Abroad | Zen Cho
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There are 10 short stories about local Asian folk lores, some I liked but quite a few I didn‘t. No doubt it‘s well written but the stories do take awhile to set in for me. Perhaps it‘s not my cup of tea, not my kind of genre. Overall I‘ve rated it 3/5. Pick this is you want to explore something new 😅

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SusanLee
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My first 2024 read and it was the right pick! I just loved the way it was told, such an enjoyable one with all the feels! I hoped that the great books will keep on coming after this🫰🏻This is also my pick for #bookspinbingo
It‘s about a girl abandoned by her family and she has to fend for herself in the marsh. A little like Tarzan but with a different premise, I liked that the story is told until she grows old, with closure and a twist! 👇🏻

SusanLee It truly was an engaging read and I‘ve rated this 5/5!!! #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks 11mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 11mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Loved this one 🐚 🧡 11mo
13 likes3 comments
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SusanLee
Piranesi | Susanna Clarke
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Mehso-so

A highly rated book which turned out to be the opposite for me. I honestly thought it‘s Greek mythology but it turned out differently that confused me. In the end, though it was well written, the story is not my cup of tea. My rating is 2/5. This is the last book for the year for me and I hope for a better read in 2024!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

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SusanLee
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The overall premise of the story dwells on Nora's mundane life and suicidal thoughts, how she finally overcame it and wanting to live her life in the end. It sure is enlightening looking from Nora's point of view, as I would never have thought of dying. It was also a well written book, I liked the clarity and easy to understand prose. This is my last pick of the year for #bookspin 🙏🏻 I‘ve rated it 3/5.
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 12mo
15 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Thank you so much @Smarkies I loved it all!!! I can‘t wait to dive into this book 😘 My girl has started with the chocolates without me 😅

Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for organising this wonderful #jolabokaflodswap ❤️

Merry Christmas and happy holidays ya all 🫰🏻

Smarkies Hope it's a book that you were looking forward to! 12mo
SusanLee @Smarkies I am and thank you again 🙏🏻 Happy holidays 12mo
13 likes2 comments
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SusanLee
Untitled | Untitled
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I‘ve posted mine this morning! Hope it reaches you safely 🙏🏻

#jolabokaflodswap
@MaleficentBookDragon

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SusanLee
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My #jolabokaflodswap has arrived! I‘m excited and can‘t wait to open it as it‘s my first time joining! Thank you 🙏🏻

@MaleficentBookDragon

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SusanLee
The Cat Who Saved Books | S?suke Natsukawa
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This is one journey that I have somewhat enjoy and yet felt a little underwhelmed. The adventure is book related focusing on book lovers weaknesses yet not as livelier, maybe due to the translation. It‘s suitable for young adults, similar to John Connolly‘s The Book of Lost Things IMO. I‘ve rated this ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

CatLass007 This is the kind of book in which we get a peek at another culture. I enjoy that aspect of reading translated books, particularly those in Asian countries. 12mo
SusanLee @CatLass007 I understand what you mean! 12mo
10 likes2 comments
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SusanLee
Struck Dead | Andrea Kane
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Thanks to Bonnie Meadow Publishing and Edelweiss for this awesome novel! Awesome as this is my first Forensic Instinct and it can be read as a standalone even though this is no 10! Also I‘ve only read historical romance by Andrea Kane which I‘ve enjoyed thus reading a modern mystery romance is a change from her usual genre and yet it was as good! Kept me on my toes and wondering who‘s the culprit 😅 I‘ve rated this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

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SusanLee
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This novel has given me much thought on humans, religions, choices we make and our future. I may not enjoy some of its context but overall, it was an enlightening and engaging read. So in the end, I‘ve rated this 4/5.

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SusanLee
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This novel reminds me of Nicholas Sparks - John Green type of books. Grief. Sickness. Love lost and love found. I do enjoy Leah Omar's version but with each dilly dally, I became a little more anxious to know how it ends! The self-discovery of their own individual fault was very slow indeed, thus added a little depth to the climax of the story. I liked how it ended and glad that it is a HEA one. My rating is 4/5.

SusanLee Thanks to Bronzewood Books and LibraryThing for this reader's copy. I'm glad I have requested for it as The Lives Between Us turns out to be an enlightening and engaging read. 14mo
5 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
Crown of Salt and Bone | Katherine Quinn
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I‘m glad to complete this trilogy and knowing how it ended. It was a chaotic journey with Margrete and Bash, so many hindrance in their way! In the end, it was worth all the effort. It was a nice combination of mortal-nymph-immortal story about revenge, love, empathy and more. My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks to City Owl Press and LibraryThing for this awesome trilogy!

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SusanLee
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Pickpick

The saga continues after the war with Isabel separated from her abusive husband and staying with Annaliese and her hubby. Isabel is doing well as head of music and Annaliese is passionate of her psychiatric practice. A new headmaster and more crooks turned up making the twins very busy. An interesting saga that will continue to vol 4. My rating 3/5. Thanks to Crepuscular Press for this volume!

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SusanLee
The Coworker | Freida McFadden
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Pickpick

My first McFadden and this book is filled with lots of twists and turns! Truly an engaging read right from the start, so intense and kept me turning the pages! The ending was not what I‘ve expected as I thought it would be more blood curdling 😅

Oh well, this is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this early copy!

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SusanLee
The Nightingale | Kristin Hannah
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Now I know why this was a highly rated book. When the ending revealed itself, I was surprised! It wasn‘t who I thought it was! This is by far the best read for me this year! I‘m so glad to finally read it and I‘m having a book withdrawal syndrome 😅 I‘ve rated this 5/5 😘 If you haven‘t yet, go read this now!
My #bookspin read for August! #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

SassyBookworm Love love loved that book! And I love your book cover/sleeve 😍 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love this one 💙 1y
SusanLee @SassyBookworm thanks! It‘s a book sleeve which I‘ve gotten it from a local seller here 1y
SusanLee @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 1y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
12 likes5 comments
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SusanLee
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I had wanted to read a romance book but I also wanted a short one which is why I've requested for this. Fortunately, it was such a breeze reading this novella! Fast paced yet in detail, this author truly knows how to tweak it! Truly was an engaging read until the end and I liked that it was not the typical damsel in distress kinda romance. But yeah… be aware that not many may like the abortion part and it is just a story. 👇🏻

SusanLee The ending was expected but worth my time and effort finishing this novella in 2 seatings! My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks to LibraryThing for this breezy read! 1y
7 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
The Seafarer's Secret | Carol Ann Collins
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I'm glad to have read this novel as I did enjoy the storyline. I liked how the author has paced the story and not going overboard especially for the romance part. It was a straightforward one that does not confuse at all even though this was her first novel. It has a little excerpt at the end of each chapter, from a ''Journal of an unknown woman, early 1700s", that adds on more to the mystery. My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ??

SusanLee With the added mystery of the deaths and the exciting plot towards the end, overall, it was and enjoyable read! If you are looking for a refreshing new author with crime and mystery plot then this is definitely one you can give a go at. Thanks to BookSirens and Beaufort Books for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. 1y
5 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
Sweet Braised Duck | Chew Ngee Tan
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I‘ve enjoyed this simple, straightforward novel about Kuang, from his arrival in Singapore when he was 5 until when he grew up to became a successful braised duck seller. Atypical Asian lit that‘s enlightening for me. I‘ve rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks to Penguin Random House SEA for this awesome book! My #bookspin #bookspinbingo for July @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
8 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Thank you, Ashley! @BookwormAHN
I loved the library card 😘

BookwormAHN 😺😺😺 1y
11 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Thank you, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😘 Came home to this lovely card 😍

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SusanLee
Thank You | Amelia Riedler
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Thank you, my Litsy buddy @Deifio 😍 I was away travelling and returned home to this lovely card 😘

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SusanLee
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1. Breaking the Silence by Diane Chamberlain
2. Absolution by Anna Tan
3. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
4. The American Boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow
5. Ikigai by Ken Mogi
6. Shower of Luck by Nadia Ayesha
7. Hanna Alkaf
8. Lily Adler
9. The Weight of our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
10. Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney
11. Babel by RF Kuang
12. The Seafarer‘s Secret by Carol Ann Collins
Thanks for the tag @Eggs
@Klou #midyearbookfreakout

Eggs ❤️❤️ 1y
Klou So many books I haven't heard of before. Need to check them out. 1y
SusanLee @Klou it‘s mostly Asian lit! Lately I have the desire to read more from this genre 😅 1y
19 likes3 comments
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SusanLee
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Eggs ❤️🇺🇸💙 1y
11 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
Flowers | Gail Gibbons
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#summersun is when my garden is blooming non-stop! There are more but I‘m not good with photo collages so this will have to do 😅 #summerspecial @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Beautiful 🌸🌼🌺 1y
12 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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I‘ve recently started playing this game and it‘s quite addictive 🎉 There‘s a #boat in it! The game is called June‘s Journey. #summerspecial
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs 🛳️ 💦🚤 1y
14 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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I‘ve been busy so I‘ve stopped posting for awhile but I‘m back now. Hopefully I can continue it diligently. So here‘s my first for July‘s #summerspecial #canadaday
I picked this rainbow which is so beautiful.
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Great photo! 💗🇨🇦🌈 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 1y
18 likes2 comments
review
SusanLee
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Mehso-so

Not sure if it‘s just me or the translation, this book is rather dry and uninteresting. I could have skipped it all and just read the conclusion which was good enough. Anyway I was flipping it a lot hence the speed in finishing it fast or else I would have glazed over. Unfortunately not my cup of tea. ⭐️⭐️

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SusanLee
Rock Bottom | Fern Michaels
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Pickpick

This is my first-time reading Fern Michaels and I have been reminded of Diva Channel's drama TV series LOL! The way it was written definitely can be turned into TV or movie anytime! It was easily understood, and I could imagine the plots, the scheme of things and all the excitement that it brought along. Though this is book 35, it was well explained and informed that I didn't get lost or confused. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this!

SusanLee So many things happened in a short time which made it the more engaging and exciting. It sure felt like Charlie's Angels but with a different spin. My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1y
9 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

This is definitely an engaging read! I‘ve enjoyed it so much and it kept me guessing the outcome! I actually guessed it wrong, that was an unexpected ending for sure! I‘ve rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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SusanLee
Silver Lady | Mary Jo Putney
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Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this feel good read! I‘ve thoroughly enjoyed the story, romance and thrills of it all! The author did take the time to intro the characters together into the story nicely. I love everything magic, so being gifted is truly an awesome experience that I wished I had 😅 My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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SusanLee
For All Time | Jude Deveraux
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I've been having slumps of all kinds except for traveling LOL! So, back to my comfort genre, romance. Overall, it has the standard romance formula that when it ended happily ever after, I felt satisfied with it and I could continue to read another book LOL! If you are looking for a light and feel-good romance read, you can never go wrong with Jude Deveraux. My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ My pick for May #bookspin #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Sometimes you just need something relaxing!! 2y
8 likes2 comments
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SusanLee
For All Time | Jude Deveraux
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My current read #tbrtarot #may
A book with picture on its spine!
@CBee

CBee Hooray!! 2y
13 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

I‘ve rated this ⭐️⭐️⭐️ as overall it‘s written too finely and not as local as it should be. It also includes thoughts of racism and related to the darkest time during Malaysian history. I‘ve read another book of the same era which was better, IMO. Both premise differed and the story here did panned out nicely so I did stay rooted till the end. Thanks to Penguin Random House SEA for this novel.

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SusanLee
The Flower from the Garbage | G. Edward Martin
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This sure is an inspiring novel that softly motivates and guides us to think it through. As I had gone through a miscarriage previously, this totally struck a chord with me. I am so moved by the stories shared and the everyday life problems are indeed relatable. There are 2 different sets of stories going on where the main one is about Joe whereas the secondary one is from Frank's collection which has been incorporated into this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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SusanLee
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I have been busy cleaning and pruning my garden lately hence the #litsycrafters prompt for April is timely! Sharing this image from a video, this Robin always come over when hubby waters the garden. It‘ll then suck some honey from my devil‘s backbone flower. A nature‘s view which I love and enjoy, making the back breaking chore worthwhile! @Catsandbooks

Catsandbooks Aww that's so great! 💕 2y
12 likes1 comment