@LeahBergen on Litsy

I did a random grab from my shelves and this is what I landed on. I guess I‘m still feeling like staying in the “gothic” vibe after finishing The Shuttle! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Trashcanman Wow what a library! 😍 7d

willaful Viragos! 7d

BiblioLitten That library is such a dream!! 😍 7d

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dabbe W🤩WZA! 7d

Tamra Love the pic! 💙 I recall enjoying the tagged book. 7d

CarolynM I love your shelves😍 So organised 7d

LeahBergen @Trashcanman Thanks, George! 😄 6d

LeahBergen @willaful I can never resist when I see them for a couple of $$s. 😆 6d

LeahBergen @BiblioLitten @dabbe Thanks! The photo is from my “wedged into my corner reading chair” view. 😆😆 6d

LeahBergen @Tamra Oh, good! It seems fun from the bit I‘ve read so far. 6d

LeahBergen @CarolynM Thanks! They‘re kinda/sorta organized to my own random system. 😆 6d

Cathythoughts Gorgeous picture. Book looks good 👍🏻❤️ 6d

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Thanks, Cathy! 😘 6d

Bookbuyingaddict Also have that on my TBR ❤️ 😆 5d

LeahBergen @Bookbuyingaddict Haha! 😆 5d

tpixie Gorgeous cover 💚💚💚 4d

LeahBergen @tpixie It‘s pretty, isn‘t it? 😄 3d

tpixie @LeahBergen so very pretty 🤩 2d

TrishB Gorgeous library ❤️ 2d

Rissreadswithcats Your library! Do you have a book ladder? 🩷 1d

LeahBergen @Rissreadswithcats No, but I‘ve always wanted one 😆 24h

Rissreadswithcats Go on, just do it! Life‘s too short! What fun it would be!!!!!!! 19h

Suet624 My heart exploded when I saw this photo!!! Love, love, love. 8h

LeahBergen @Rissreadswithcats I think I need higher ceilings 😆😆 16m

LeahBergen @Suet624 Aww, thank you! 😘 15m

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LeahBergen

The shuttle | Frances Hodgson Burnett

pick

Well, it seems that I agree with my fellow #PersephoneClub readers … this one was a melodramatic gem! Nasty Nigel is one of the vilest villains I‘ve come across in recent reading memory.

And I‘m very glad that a favourite author of my childhood has held up so well!

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, JenlovesJT47, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, Teresereading, andrew61, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

Tamra 👏🏾👏🏾 I got all the gothic vibes. It was a super fun read. 7d

LeahBergen @Tamra Totally! And it was. Especially the “rescued after lame horse/twisted ankle, take shelter in a remote crumbled cottage” part. 😆😆 So good! 👏👏 7d

LeahBergen @Tamra Have you read her other novel published by Persephone? It‘s also good fun!

The Making of a Marchioness

(edited) 7d

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Tamra @LeahBergen no, but I saw it on the flap and immediately put it on my TBR! 💕 7d

JenlovesJT47 Haven‘t read it yet but starting it soon! 7d

CarolynM It is a gem! The Making of a Marchioness was one of the first Persephones I bought because it‘s mentioned in one of the Nancy Mitfords (can‘t remember if it‘s Linda or Polly reading it) but I haven‘t read it yet. I will be doing so very soon! (edited) 7d

Cathythoughts Great review! ‘ A Melodramatic gem‘……I love it ! I really enjoyed it too. ❤️ yes, definitely getting Marchioness, Thankyou. (edited) 7d

Cathythoughts @CarolynM I‘ll have to get Marchioness. 👍🏻❤️ 7d

LeahBergen @JenlovesJT47 I hope you enjoy it, too! 6d

LeahBergen @Tamra @CarolynM @Cathythoughts I think you all will really enjoy Marchioness if you liked this one! (edited) 6d

rubyslippersreads I just started this, and it‘s making me look forward to the new season of “The Gilded Age.” 4d

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I haven‘t watched that series yet! 🫢 4d

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LeahBergen

Bookish: The Life-Changing Power of Reading | Lucy Mangan

I loved Lucy Mangan‘s first reading memoir, Bookworm, so I just had to order her new one!

Andrea313 Running to order it, too! I also really liked her first and Reading About Reading is one of my all-time favorite genres. Thanks for the rec! 2w

TheLudicReader I love books about books. 2w

Ruthiella Can‘t order from Blackwell‘s anymore. 😭 2w

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LeahBergen @Andrea313 One of my favourite genres, too! 😘 2w

LeahBergen @TheLudicReader Me, too! I always seem to reach for one when I don‘t know what I feel like reading. 2w

LeahBergen @Ruthiella Oh no! Is it a tariffs thing?? 2w

Cathythoughts So lovely Leah ❤️ 2w

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts 😘 2w

Trashcanman 👋👋👋👀 1w

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LeahBergen

Mouse House | Rumer Godden

pick

Thanks to @TheBookHippie and #ChildrensClassicRead2025 for reminding me that I had this sweet (tagged) book waiting on my shelves. And, as others have mentioned, the illustrations are gorgeous!

I always pick up these New York Review Children‘s Collection editions when I spot them in used bookshops.

TheBookHippie I do too!!! I love these little books!! 2w

merelybookish Me too!! I found one a few weeks ago: The Lost Island. 2w

Leftcoastzen Such great little books ! 2w

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rubyslippersreads I ❤️ Charlotte Sometimes, but haven‘t read any of the others. Those are adorable editions. 2w

mrp27 😍😍😍 2w

sarahbarnes Those little ears! ♥️ 2w

LeahBergen @merelybookish Oh, that one sounds like I need it, too! 😆 And it‘s illustrated by Richard Kennedy (apprentice to the Woolfs at Hogarth Press). 2w

LeahBergen @Leftcoastzen They really are! 2w

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads Charlotte Sometimes is a fave! 🥰 2w

LeahBergen @mrp27 😘 2w

LeahBergen @sarahbarnes Right?? 2w

MemoirsForMe Ditto on the beautiful illustrations! 😍 2w

CarolynM What pretty little books! 😍 2w

Cathythoughts Adorable 🥰 2w

RobinMcElveenAuthor Love those covers! 2w

LeahBergen @MemoirsForMe They‘re just so nostalgic! 2w

LeahBergen @CarolynM @Cathythoughts @RobinMcElveenAuthor They really are lovely little editions! 2w

tpixie What a delightful collection! Great covers! 7d

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LeahBergen

Death Comes As the End | Agatha Christie

A couple of vintage finds from my recent little road trip! 💚

Centique Oh theyre both beautiful - in totally different ways! 3w

LeahBergen I thought so, too. I‘d never seen the Christie cover before! @Centique (edited) 2w

TrishB How lovely ♥️ 2w

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Cathythoughts Beautiful ❤️ 2w

youneverarrived Lovely 🥰 2w

LeahBergen @TrishB @Cathythoughts @youneverarrived Thanks, all! 😘 2w

elkeOriginal Love the Christie cover! 2w

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal It‘s so vibrant! 2w

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LeahBergen

The shuttle | Frances Hodgson Burnett

It‘s now April so that means it‘s time for one of our #PersephoneClub reads!

@Cathythoughts ‘ pick for us this month is The Shuttle by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This is a casual buddy read; read and comment on each other‘s posts and reviews as you see them. We usually aim to finish by the middle of the month but that‘s not written in stone. 😉 And anyone is welcome to read along with us, of course!

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, JenlovesJT47, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, Teresereading, andrew61, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

Tamra I‘m so behind! 😅😅 3w

Cathythoughts Thankyou Leah. I felt a bit guilty about the length of it … so I made a little start already… I think it‘s going to be a good one 🤞🏻😬 3w

andrew61 Looking forward to it Leah although not sure when I'll start. Will be interesting as I've been aware of her children's books so like richmael Compton another writer who straddles both adult and children's fiction. 3w

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willaful I hadn't realized it was a long one, I'll get started too. 3w

Bookbuyingaddict Thank you ☺️ can‘t wait for this one ☝️ I ordered it (not Persephone ) and the type is tiny so I‘m sending that back and supporting dear old Persephone , I shall start it after Iv finished the new hunger games book 📕 much love ❤️ reading pals x. Xx 3w

daena I‘ve got my copy, starting real soon! 3w

LeahBergen @Tamra Nah. You keep to your own schedule and enjoy all your reading! 😘 3w

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I wouldn‘t feel guilty! You‘ve inspired me to FINALLY pluck it down off my shelves. I‘ve owned it and wanted to read it for years! 😆😆 3w

LeahBergen @andrew61 And like Noel Streatfeild, too! 3w

LeahBergen @willaful It is pretty long but I bet it‘s a quick read! 3w

LeahBergen @Bookbuyingaddict The Persephone edition has nice big type. I need that, too! 😆 3w

LeahBergen @daena Yay! 👏👏 3w

Tamra @Cathythoughts long is good Cathy! 😁 3w

Tamra @LeahBergen I‘m going to start it tonight and make it a priority. It sounds good! 3w

Gissy I read Family Roundabout really like it.I‘m so behind in my reviews🤦🏽‍♀️I ordered the book so I waiting for my copy😃 3w

CarolynM Looking forward to it 🙂 3w

LeahBergen @Gissy I really enjoyed Family Roundabout! 3w

LeahBergen @CarolynM Me, too! 3w

LeahBergen @LitsyEvents 3w

HardcoverHearts I look forward to seeing your thoughts about this one! 3w

LeahBergen @HardcoverHearts It‘s one I‘ve been looking forward to for ages! 3w

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LeahBergen

Fear Stalks the Village (British Mystery Classic) | Ethel Lina White

An idyllic village full of Tudor cottages and cobblestone streets is turned upside down when its residents are hit with a series of poison pen letters. I‘m a mere 50 pages in but it‘s thoroughly compelling!

rabbitprincess And a great cover on that one! I love the British Library Crime Classics reprints. 3w

LeahBergen @rabbitprincess This really is one of their great covers! 3w

Cathythoughts Sounds great. Stacked ❤️ 3w

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Tamra Oooooh I like the premise! 3w

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts @Tamra So far, so good! 🤞 3w

CarolynM This kind of sounds like the film Wicked Little Letters, although that wasn‘t a crime story. 3w

LeahBergen @CarolynM I thought so, too, when I started it. I enjoyed that film! 3w

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LeahBergen

Illyrian Spring | Ann Bridge

A springtime read from 1935 and I‘m really enjoying it!

Lady Kilmichael, a renowned artist, leaves her remote husband and adult children to go on a painting trip to the Dalmatian coast without telling any of them her whereabouts. While there she ends up taking under her wing an unhappy young man whose family has forbidden him to pursue his art. Methinks love is in the air!

(I‘m also intrigued by this peek at what would later become Croatia).

Leftcoastzen Yay green Virago! 1mo

Tamra 💚 1mo

LeahBergen @Leftcoastzen @Tamra You usually can‘t go wrong with a green Virago and it‘s been a while since I‘ve read one! 1mo

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Cathythoughts Beautiful cover 💚 4w

CarolynM That sounds very good 🙂 4w

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts The old Viragos always have such pretty covers! 4w

LeahBergen @CarolynM It is! I haven‘t read this author before. 4w

MemoirsForMe This story reminds me of Anne Tyler‘s Ladder of Years. Enjoy! 📖 3w

LeahBergen @MemoirsForMe I just read the plot summary and it does seem similar! I‘ll keep an eye out for that one at the bookstore (or big used book sale we have coming up in my city 😆). 3w

MemoirsForMe It‘s a great book, though your protagonist may be luckier in love.🤭Those big used book sales are so much fun. Our annual one here is in Sept. Even if they are detrimental to my shelf space. 🤦🏻‍♀️ 3w

LeahBergen @MemoirsForMe I try to have a bit of a shelf “clear out” before the big sales come up as I usually come home with a box full! 😆 3w

Bookbuyingaddict I‘m going to Croatia 🇭🇷 on 27th I‘m now going to order this I do love ❤️ to read a book set in or about the country I‘m visiting thank you 🙏 🥰😘 5d

LeahBergen @Bookbuyingaddict I really enjoyed it! I guess it‘s popularity and success started a later travel boom in Croatia. 5d

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LeahBergen

A Good House for Children | Kate Collins

How I spent this grey and snowy Sunday afternoon: book, fuzzy blanket and hot chocolate.

This book is getting spooky! 😆

Bklover Sounds cozy! 1mo

Ruthiella Perfect afternoon! 📚☕️😊 1mo

CarolynM That mug of chocolate looks so good 😋 1mo

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TrishB Perfect ❤️ 1mo

ShelleyBooksie Gorgeous mug 1mo

Tamra Nothing better! 😊 1mo

AmyG Sounds like the perfect day. 1mo

Suet624 I‘m ready for the snow to stop. However, we‘re getting a bunch on Wednesday. 1mo

LeahBergen @Bklover @Ruthiella @TrishB @CarolynM @Tamra @AmyG It was pretty great! 😊 1mo

LeahBergen @ShelleyBooksie Thanks! It‘s from a local potter. 1mo

LeahBergen @Suet624 It‘s warming up today but winter isn‘t over by a long shot here, either! 😆 1mo

Cathythoughts Looking very cosy 🥰 I love the mug too. 1mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Thanks, Cathy! It‘s an old fave. 😊 1mo

Cathythoughts Leah I received a package from you. Thank you 🙏 I‘ll wait till the birthday to open it. 🥰😘😘 1mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Oh, good! I was worried that it wouldn‘t make it on time for your birthday! 1mo

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LeahBergen

Birnam Wood | Eleanor Catton

My “currently reading” stack.

I was initially a bit underwhelmed by Birnam Wood (for my IRL book club) but then the plot kicked in and I‘m hooked!

Cathythoughts That‘s great you‘re enjoying Birnam Wood. I have to say I loved it ❤️ 1mo

charl08 I have shelf envy: all those lovely spines. 1mo

Ruthiella Yes, Birnim Wood is sneaky like that! 😆 1mo

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Tamra I‘ve wondered about Birnam Wood - seems I‘d best stack! (edited) 1mo

BarbaraBB I ended up loving it 1mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts @Ruthiella @Tamra @BarbaraBB I‘m about 2/3rds through and really enjoying it! Yes, @Tamra , give it a chance! 1mo

LeahBergen @charl08 Haha, thank you! I have my reading chair and little table set up in front of these shelves as I like them, too. 🥰 1mo

BarbaraBB @Tamra I think you‘ll love it too! 1mo

Suet624 Have you finished Birnam Wood? Curious what you thought about the ending. 8h

LeahBergen @Suet624 It was a bit over the top crazy, wasn‘t it?? Everyone in my IRL bookclub wasn‘t too enthused about how it ended. 😆 16m

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LeahBergen

Not at Home | Doris Langley Moore

pick

Middle-aged spinster, Miss MacFarren, is reduced to taking in a lodger at the end of WWII. Mrs. Bankes comes highly recommended and seems perfect but problems arise on the very first day. To save her beautiful house filled with antiques, Miss MacFarren must find a way to somehow rid herself of this horrible tenant and a course of “domestic warfare” begins. I loved it and think it‘s now my favourite book by this author!

#FurrowedMiddlebrowClub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Jess_Read_This, Kimzey, erzascarletbookgasm, catebutler, CarolynM, LeahBergen, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, batsy, Tamra, bookandbedandtea, Teresereading, Sace, kwmg40, Cathythoughts, Ruthiella, Sparklemn, julieclair, willaful, MrsK

TheBookHippie Oh I love the Stafford dogs! 1mo

ShelleyBooksie Love those bookends!! 1mo

Tamra Cute! 😍 1mo

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Ruthiella I found the start unbearably tense… the damage 😱the poor birds 😱 Mrs. Manders 😱! But, at the 30% mark, relief (and romance) is in the air. I hope (suspect) the comeuppance will be satisfying! 😆 1mo

rubyslippersreads Gog and Magog! 1mo

LeahBergen @TheBookHippie @ShelleyBooksie @Tamra Thanks! 😄 1mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella I was so anxious at the start! 😬😆 1mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads Pretty close! 😆 1mo

CarolynM Lovely review and fantastic photo😍 I‘m about 50 pages in and I agree it feels a bit tense so far @Ruthiella 1mo

MemoirsForMe Stunning bookends! 😍 1mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Thanks! I can‘t wait to hear if it gives you “tchotchke anxiety”, too. 😂 1mo

LeahBergen @MemoirsForMe Thanks!😊 1mo

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LeahBergen

Not at Home | Doris Langley Moore

As someone who collects (odd) antiques myself … this book is giving me anxiety.

Miss MacFarren, please get rid of the “bull in a china shop” lodger. I fear for the safety of your Gallé cats! ??

#FurrowedMiddlebrowClub

Leftcoastzen What quirky cats ! 2mo

Ruthiella Those are quite quirky!😹Thanks for the research. I‘m also quite worried about the lodger… It doesn‘t bode well. 🙀 2mo

quietjenn I think the cats are a little worried too 😹 2mo

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Cathythoughts A bull in a china shop lodger …. Oh no 😳😂 2mo

LeahBergen @Leftcoastzen @Ruthiella They are quirky! I had to look them up and couldn‘t believe how “modern” they looked for the era. They are circa 1900 but look almost 1980s. 😆😆 2mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella And yes, the lodger has me biting my fingernails! 2mo

LeahBergen @quietjenn 😂😂 2mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts It‘s seriously making me anxious! She‘s broken all sorts of things, got cigarette burns on others, and now she‘s using the expensive cats as doorstops! 😂😂 (edited) 2mo

CarolynM Those cats give me the creeps🥺 Looking forward to starting the book, though🙂 2mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM I had to look them up after the description of them in the book! 😆 2mo

elkeOriginal Lodger 😬 but cats🥰 3w

Rissreadswithcats I love these cats! Very funky! 🩷💙 1d

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LeahBergen

Thursday's Child | Noel Streatfeild

Book mail of the day!

willaful An old fav of mine... 2mo

kspenmoll I just got Jane recently! 2mo

LeahBergen @willaful I have a lot of Streatfeilds but somehow have never read this one. I‘m looking forward to it! 2mo

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LeahBergen @kspenmoll It looks fascinating! 2mo

Centique Look at that cover - so so sweet 😍 2mo

LeahBergen @Centique It really is! 2mo

Cathythoughts They look lovely Leah 🥰 2mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Thanks, Cathy! 😘 2mo

tpixie Great cover on the left! The Jane book looks interesting! 1mo

LeahBergen I love that cover, too! @tpixie 1mo

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LeahBergen

Convenience Store Woman | Sayaka Murata

I thought I‘d read just a few pages of this book (from my niece) tonight before bed and I‘m finding it totally hard to put down!

Reggie Awwww I loved this book. 2mo

BarbaraBB Such a lovely and sad read. 2mo

LeahBergen @Reggie @BarbaraBB It‘s so good! 2mo

See All 8 Comments

Cathythoughts Oh great ! I loved this and it has stayed with me. ❤️ 2mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I really enjoyed it! 2mo

sarahbarnes This is on my list! 2mo

MemoirsForMe I‘ve had this on my shelf forever. Must get to it! 2mo

LeahBergen @MemoirsForMe @sarahbarnes It was a good, quick read! 2mo

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LeahBergen

Seven Lean Years | Celia Fremlin

It feels like time for a Fremlin! 👏👏

andrew61 Love that shelf. 2mo

Leftcoastzen Carefully curated shelves! 👏😁 2mo

Tamra 👏🏾👏🏾 2mo

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Cathythoughts Enjoy ! I really enjoyed this one. ❤️ I really enjoyed everything of hers I‘ve read. 2mo

LeahBergen @andrew61 @Leftcoastzen Thanks, you two! 😘 2mo

LeahBergen @Tamra @Cathythoughts Good old Fremlin! 2mo

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LeahBergen

Absolutely and Forever: An electrifying new novel for fans of Maggie O�Farrell | Rose Tremain

Look what arrived today, @Cathythoughts ! I‘m absolutely thrilled as I‘ve been wanted to read this since reading your wonderful review.

Thank you so much, my friend! 😘😘

Cathythoughts You are so welcome Leah. I hope you will enjoy it. What a lark 😂 the Christmas tree !!! My granddaughter designed the card. 2mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I was wondering if it was your granddaughter, Sophy, when I read the back but I wasn‘t sure about the surname! 😆 I love it even more now!! 😘😘 2mo

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LeahBergen

Godmersham Park | Gill Hornby

I‘m just starting Godmersham Park after recently watching (and thoroughly enjoying) the new BBC series based on her previous novel, Miss Austen.

I always find myself hauling out, and flipping through, a bunch of my Austen biographies whenever I‘m reading anything about Jane!

rubyslippersreads That cover! 😍 2mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads They‘re so good. I‘m glad that there‘s a third one coming out with this cover style, too! 2mo

Rissreadswithcats That cover is divine! 💚 2mo

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LeahBergen @Rissreadswithcats It really is! 2mo

Bookwomble My eye was drawn to your bookmark 💚 Excellent play! 👨🏻‍🍳👌🏻 2mo

LeahBergen @Bookwomble That‘s high praise coming from the master matcher! 😆😆 2mo

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LeahBergen

Untitled | Anonymous

Happy Birthday, @rubyslippersreads !

I hope you have a ‘royally‘ bookish day (yes, I went there 😆). All the best to you, my friend!

🎂 📚 🎂 📚 🎂 📚

HardcoverHearts Happy birthday, @rubyslippersreads ! I hope it‘s a great one. 2mo

Cathythoughts A very Happy Birthday @rubyslippersreads I hope you have a wonderful day 🥰🎂🎁 2mo

dabbe HB, @rubyslipperreads! 🤩🤩🤩 2mo

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rubyslippersreads What a lovely picture! Thanks so much for the birthday wishes. 😘 2mo

rubyslippersreads @HardcoverHearts @Cathythoughts @dabbe Thanks! 2mo

Ruthiella Happy Birthday @rubyslippersreads ! 🥳🥳🥳 2mo

JessClark78 Happy Birthday! 🎊🎂🎉 2mo

quietjenn Happiest of birthdays to you, @rubyslippersreads 🎉 2mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads There‘s a little gift coming for you in the next couple of days. Tracking shows it to be in your general vicinity. 😆 2mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen How exciting! I‘ll be watching for it. 😃 2mo

rubyslippersreads @Ruthiella @JessClark78 @quietjenn Thank you! 2mo

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LeahBergen

Odd Girl Out | Elizabeth Jane Howard

It‘s time for another Elizabeth Jane Howard (the sixth that @shawnmooney and I have buddy-read together)!

sarahbarnes Fun! I want to read more of her. 😍 🍷 3mo

Cathythoughts Gorgeous golden picture. Sounds good , stacking. 💛 3mo

BarbaraBB Gorgeous photo! 3mo

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LeahBergen @sarahbarnes I‘ve loved everything of hers that I‘ve read! 3mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts @BarbaraBB Thanks! 😘😘 3mo

Bookbuyingaddict I love ❤️ ejh and really enjoyed this one ☝️ she‘s up there in my favs now along with Mary Wesley , what a lovely edition mine was a battered old 60s paperback from a charity shop 🤣 2mo

LeahBergen @Bookbuyingaddict Thanks! She‘s definitely one of my faves, too! 2mo

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LeahBergen

Family Roundabout | Richmal Crompton

It‘s now February so that means it‘s time for one of our #PersephoneClub reads!

@CarolynM ‘s pick for us this month is Family Roundabout by Richmal Crompton. This is a casual buddy read; read and comment on each other‘s posts and reviews as you see them. We usually aim to finish by the middle of the month but that‘s not written in stone. 😉 And anyone is welcome to read along with us, of course!

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, daena, LeahBergen, JenlovesJT47, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, Teresereading, andrew61, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

Teresereading Still waiting for my copy to arrive 📚 3mo

LeahBergen @Teresereading I hope it arrives soon. 😀 3mo

daena Can‘t wait to get started. Waiting on my copy too! 3mo

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Tamra Off the shelf! Thank for your the reminder. 😊 3mo

julieclair Looking forward to it! 3mo

CarolynM Hope it‘s a good one🤞 3mo

Cathythoughts Thanks Leah, my copy was meant to arrive a couple of days ago. So I should have it Monday Looking forward to it ❤️ 3mo

LeahBergen @daena @Tamra @julieclair @CarolynM @Cathythoughts This is one I‘ve already read and really enjoyed. I hope you all like it, too! 3mo

Caryl I started it last night and I'm quite invested in the characters already! Great pick @CarolynM! (edited) 3mo

LeahBergen @Caryl I found that I was, too! 3mo

Teresereading My copy‘s arrived! 2mo

LeahBergen @Teresereading Yay! 👏 2mo

elkeOriginal Real life has really messed up my reading but I am still here and hope to catch up on our group reads (furrowed too) at some point📚 2mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal No worries! My life is a bit that way, too, at the moment. As long as we check in with each other every so often … right? 😄 2mo

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LeahBergen

Darling | India Knight

Look what I‘ve started reading, @CarolynM ! And I‘ve already had a good laugh over the list of things that Uncle Matthew hates.

😆😆

CarolynM Oh, so did I, especially at the things I hate too😆 3mo

Cathythoughts Gorgeous pic ❤️ 3mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Thanks, Cathy! 😘 3mo

See All 15 Comments

LeahBergen @CarolynM Oh, God … the dinner party with “Twats” parents! 🤣 3mo

CarolynM The Kroesigs didn‘t need a lot of updating😆 3mo

kwmg40 I love the Penguin Books mug! 3mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Nope 😆 3mo

LeahBergen @kwmg40 Thanks! I have a few of them and they‘re always a favourite. 3mo

kwmg40 @LeahBergen I have a couple too and I'd love to collect more, though there's no more room in our kitchen for additional mugs. 😄 3mo

LeahBergen @kwmg40 That‘s my problem, too. 😆 3mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Just finished and loved it! I did approach the ending with increasing dread though because… you know. 😭 3mo

CarolynM Yes, I do know, and I was a bit apprehensive too. I thought the whole Fabrice episode didn‘t work so well without the war, but the very end she pulled off quite well. I was also a bit disappointed she didn‘t tackle Jassy running away. As a whole, though, it was great fun. I‘ve just started watching the recent TV version - it‘s good, but Linda and Fanny are both miscast. Andrew Scott as Merlin is fab. 3mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Yes, a hotelier doesn‘t seem quite in the war hero category, does it? 😆 And Fanny‘s character (like Jassy‘s) is given a bit of short shrift. I was just looking up that recent TV version last night and adding it to my list. 3mo

CarolynM Let me know what you think of the TV version if you watch it. Some of it I thought was very good (Dominic West is a wonderful Uncle Matthew, for example) but I was a bit annoyed by it too. I don‘t want to say more in case you watch it. 3mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM I‘ll definitely let you know when I watch it! 3mo

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LeahBergen

The Ministry of Time: A Novel | Kaliane Bradley

I‘m halfway through this for my IRL bookclub and still not sure if I‘m liking it. 😆

Suet624 Uh oh. 3mo

Leftcoastzen I have it and have seen mixed reviews 3mo

ferskner This is my favorite book of last year but I know a lot of people who didn't like it! The last paragraph wrecked me. 3mo

See All 13 Comments

Hooked_on_books I had mixed feelings about it. I really liked the idea and thought some bits were done well, but it didn‘t really work on the whole for me. 3mo

mcctrish I have this to read soon 3mo

Cathythoughts Bookclub books can be challenging 😘 3mo

Centique I had mixed feelings too. I love a time travel book so its in my wheelhouse definitely and some parts were really good but something about the pacing and the plot made it feel higgledy piggledy 3mo

LeahBergen @Suet624 Indeed. 😆 3mo

LeahBergen @Leftcoastzen I‘ve finished now and I was underwhelmed. 😬 3mo

LeahBergen @ferskner For some reason it didn‘t really work for me. I will always find it fascinating how books “click” differently with different readers! 3mo

LeahBergen @Hooked_on_books @Centique I‘ve just finished and my feelings are mixed, too! I always enjoy a good time travel story but found this to be a bit all over the place. I kept thinking I should be loving the two main characters more. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3mo

LeahBergen @mcctrish I hope it works for you! 🤞 3mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Yep! 😆 3mo

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LeahBergen

The Snowstorm | Beryl Netherclift

Three children visiting a kooky old aunt at their ancestral Tudor manor discover a snow globe that connects them with the children who used to live at the house in the past.

I‘m LOVING it. 🧡🩵

(US title: The Snow Ghosts).

Ruthiella Nice coordination of the teapot to the cover! 😍 3mo

TheBookHippie Love the teapot!! 3mo

curiouserandcurioser Your teapot is beautiful:) this book sounds good! 3mo

See All 26 Comments

thegirlwiththelibrarybag This sounds amazing! Love the cover too. 3mo

rubyslippersreads This is the second book by this author I covet. (The other one is Greensleeves.) 3mo

wordslinger42 That sounds like such a good story! I‘ll have to try and find a copy. 3mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 🫖 🧡 3mo

Tamra What an entertaining premise! 3mo

Cathythoughts Sounds like a lovely story 🥰 🥰❄️ 3mo

Cathythoughts Loving the teapot/orange colours. 3mo

DimeryRene How did you even find this book? It looks so old! 3mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella Thank you for noticing. 😉😆 3mo

LeahBergen @TheBookHippie Thank you! It‘s one of those little “tea for one” sets. 3mo

LeahBergen @curiouserandcurioser Thanks! And I‘m thoroughly enjoying the book. 3mo

LeahBergen @thegirlwiththelibrarybag It‘s really good! 3mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I want that one, too! It‘s stories, I believe? 3mo

LeahBergen @wordslinger42 I think it‘s easier to find under the US title. 🤞 3mo

LeahBergen @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you! 😘 3mo

LeahBergen @Tamra I can‘t resist vintage children‘s time slip novels. 😆 3mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Thanks, Cathy! The teapot was a gift from my brother and sis-in-law quite a few Christmases ago. 😄 3mo

LeahBergen @DimeryRene 😆 I had heard about it for years and eventually found an edition online that I liked enough to buy! 3mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen I think so. Alas, at the prices I see, I don‘t think I‘ll be adding it to my shelves anytime soon. ☹️ 3mo

sarahbarnes This sounds just lovely. 3mo

DimeryRene @LeahBergen I love it! Now I want to look for one. 3mo

kspenmoll This sounds wonderful! 3mo

Centique That looks like a beauty! 3mo

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LeahBergen

The Serpent King | Jeff Zentner

Look what arrived today, @TheLudicReader ! I always look forward to reading your list of yearly favourites. Thank you for the cute card and stickers, too. 😘😘

The tagged book (from your list) is one that‘s definitely piqued my interest now!

TheLudicReader I made one stupid error, misnaming Midnight is the Darkest Hour. 😬 Glad it finally arrived! 3mo

LeahBergen @TheLudicReader Only one error is pretty impressive in my books! 😄 3mo

ShelleyBooksie Agree @LeahBergen - I always look forward to the list as well ♡ 3mo

Cathythoughts ❤️ 3mo

70 likes4 comments

LeahBergen

Women's Weird 2: More Strange Stories by Women, 1891-1937 | Melissa Edmundson

Happy Birthday, Lynn! I hope your day is filled with all your very favourite things! 📚🎂📚🎂📚

#49bdaygiveaway

wanderinglynn

wanderinglynn Thanks for entering! 🥳 3mo

48 likes1 comment

LeahBergen

Miss Granby's Secret: Or, The Bastard of Pinsk | Eleanor Farjeon

pick

It might just be my mood right now but I found this to be an absolutely charming and touching read. I even enjoyed the silliness of the novel-within-a-novel written by 16-year-old (recently thwarted in love) Miss Granby although, as others mentioned, it does perhaps go on a bit too long. A frothy confection as sweet and old-fashioned as a china patchbox full of lilac cachoux. 😉

#FurrowedMiddlebrowClub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Jess_Read_This, Kimzey, erzascarletbookgasm, catebutler, CarolynM, LeahBergen, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, elkeOriginal, Aimeesue, batsy, Tamra, bookandbedandtea, Teresereading, Cathythoughts, Ruthiella, julieclair, willaful, MrsK

Ruthiella I‘m glad you liked it! It was touching, but somehow I also felt a little sad about the unrequited love aspect of it. 3mo

Tamra Terrific review! Of course as a 16 year old nothing resembling love is silly! I couldn‘t be paid any amount of money to go back. 😅 (edited) 3mo

willaful @Tamra You remind me of this scene from Gaudy Night:

“Would you have your youth back if you could, Harriet?”

“Not for the world.”

“Nor I. Not for anything you could give me.

Gaudy Night

3mo

See All 21 Comments

Tamra @willaful 😂 I just stacked it - perfect! 👍🏾 3mo

Cathythoughts Gorgeous review Leah ❤️ 3mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella It seemed unrequited but then it also seemed like they carried on this idealized version of youthful love purely for the nostalgia of it (and carried on with their best lives). Alicia was the one most invested in their love affair (sending S the poems to send to A each year) and I think that‘s why Adeline sent the Venus and Adonis statue to her at the old age home. You think? 3mo

LeahBergen @Tamra @willaful Oh, how DEEPLY I felt my love as a 16 year old. 😆😆 3mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Thanks, Cathy! 😘 3mo

Ruthiella Interesting perspective! Yes, I can see that and it makes me feel better. Thanks! 😊 3mo

Tamra @LeahBergen 💔💔 3mo

Tamra @LeahBergen yes, nice description! Preserving that pure adoration & devotion of a first love. Adeline cashed in on it in fact with her writing career. Yay Adeline! 😆 3mo

elkeOriginal THOSE BOOKSHELVES OF YOURS ARE RIDICULOUS. le sigh 📚💕😻 3mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella It still makes me feel a little wistful, though 😆 3mo

LeahBergen @Tamra I love that she cashed in on it so well! 😆 3mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal Haha! Thank you! 😘 3mo

rubyslippersreads A charming and touching read is exactly what I need right now. 3mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads Are you affected by the fires at all?? Are they close to where you live?? 😬 3mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen My area is okay, but I have a friend staying with me because she had to evacuate. But we‘re safe, so that‘s the main thing. 3mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads How awfully stressful! Sending you love! ❤️ 3mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen 😘 3mo

julieclair Can‘t wait to start this! 3mo

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LeahBergen

The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou | Eleni Kyriacou

Thank you so much, @TheKidUpstairs , for these wonderful #LittleChristmasSwap gifts! I‘m so glad you picked this book for me as I‘ve been dying to read it after seeing all the rave Litsy reviews. And Dairy Milk is THE BEST. ❤️❤️

And a big ‘thank you‘ to our host, @bookish_wookish ! ❤️❤️

#LCS

bookish_wookish 🎄🎄 4mo

squirrelbrain It‘s such a good book! I have the ARC of her new one to read - it doesn‘t come out until early May. 4mo

Cathythoughts I really enjoyed that book ! My favorite chocolate too 🥰 4mo

See All 10 Comments

Cathythoughts @squirrelbrain A new one ! Yay ! 4mo

TheKidUpstairs I was so excited to see it on your TBR, I read it last year (probably because of @squirrelbrain review!) and really liked it. I hope you do too! 4mo

LeahBergen @squirrelbrain Ooo, I‘ll have to check that one out! 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts You just can‘t beat a good old Dairy Milk! 4mo

LeahBergen @TheKidUpstairs I saw that you had reviewed it, too, and I‘m so happy you chose it! Thanks again! 😘 4mo

squirrelbrain I know @Cathythoughts - I‘m excited to read it. Although I have many more ARCs to get to before that one. 4mo

squirrelbrain It was a real surprise to me when I loved it so much @TheKidUpstairs - it was quite ‘under the radar‘ - I hope you love it just as much Leah! 4mo

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LeahBergen

Anne of the Library on the Hill | Catherine Little

@rubyslippersreads , we certainly DID have a common theme this Christmas, didn‘t we? 😂

Thank you so much for these lovely books and chocs. The tagged picture book is gorgeous and the Anne stories look like they might be a bit wacky but fun. We‘ll definitely have to compare notes!

Merry Christmas to you and the kitties, my friend! 😘😘

rubyslippersreads I think some of the stories will be quirky. It will be fun to compare notes. Merry Christmas to you, and I hope Johnny Bergen found his stocking full of doggie treats! 🐶 4mo

rubyslippersreads Your Elf on the (Book)Shelf has his eyes on your candy. 🤣 4mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads He‘s a greedy little thing. 😆 4mo

Cathythoughts Gorgeous and delicious gifts ❤️ 4mo

Cathythoughts Yes 😂 beware of that Elf 4mo

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LeahBergen

Tatting | Faith Compton Mackenzie

@ReadingRachael , thank you so much for my wonderful #JolabokaflodSwap gifts!

I‘m so happy that you chose this book for me as the publisher (Handheld Press) is shutting down and it will soon be out of print again. I love the pretty bookmark and the chocolates are perfect! Merry Christmas to you! 😘

And a big thank you to @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting, as always! 😘

#JolabokaflodSwap24 #JS2024

Cathythoughts Lovely 🥰 4mo

Tamra I love the sound of the novel! Merry Christmas Leah! 🎄 (edited) 4mo

ReadingRachael I am so glad you like it! The book sounded so interesting and unique. I am curious to hear what you think of it. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday ❤️ (edited) 4mo

See All 12 Comments

sisilia This is awesome! Merry Christmas! 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts It is! 🥰 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra And Merry Christmas to you, too, my friend! 😘😘 4mo

LeahBergen @ReadingRachael I absolutely love it! Thank you so much! 4mo

LeahBergen @sisilia Merry Christmas to you, too! 😘😘 (edited) 4mo

Centique 😍 Ghiardelli is the BEST chocolate IMO. We dont have it here so it is always something we buy a big bag of in the US. Enjoy! 4mo

erzascarletbookgasm I really like the book cover. Merry Christmas Leah! 🌟❤️ 4mo

tpixie Sad about the publisher… the book looks great! Merry Christmas 🎁📘🎄 4mo

MaleficentBookDragon Happy Jólabókaflóð! That is a very pretty bookmark. 4mo

75 likes12 comments

LeahBergen

The Christmas Book | Enid Blyton

And look at those endpapers!

The children learn about the lore and traditions of Christmas, from the pre-Christian era (top left) to the “modern day” (lower right). Well, sort of modern day … the book was published in 1944. Look at the plane overhead. 😬

kspenmoll The illustrations are wonderful! 4mo

elkeOriginal Delightful! 4mo

Tamra Gorgeous! 4mo

Cathythoughts So lovely 🥰 4mo

MemoirsForMe 😍😍😍 4mo

56 likes5 comments

LeahBergen

The Christmas Book | Enid Blyton

This is such a sweet book!

Two children return from boarding school and excitedly join their family in celebrating a traditional Christmas. In the process (and after all their questioning) they learn the history of how this season came to be celebrated.

DebinHawaii Beautiful! ❄️💙❄️ 4mo

Leftcoastzen Wonderful cover ! 4mo

Cathythoughts Gorgeous ❤️ 4mo

Centique What a treasure! 4mo

63 likes4 comments

LeahBergen

Sylvia Plath's Tomato Soup Cake: A Compendium of Classic Authors' Favourite Recipes - 'I couldn't possibly love this book more!' (Nigella Lawson) | Various

Today‘s read is this pretty little book (although some of the recipes are making me feel a tad bilious after one too many rum punches at last night‘s Christmas party 😆).

TheBookHippie Omg NEED!!! 4mo

Tamra How fun - love it! And I am with you on the tad bit too much on the Xmas cheer last night. 😂 (edited) 4mo

sarahbarnes That rum punch really sneaks up on you! 4mo

See All 11 Comments

LeahBergen @TheBookHippie It‘s a fun one! 👍 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra @sarahbarnes And I was warned about that punch, too, but it was very tasty 😆 4mo

CarolynM Sounds like a quiet day‘s reading is in order😆 4mo

tpixie @LeahBergen too tempting!! 🍹 Fun book 📕 4mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Indeed. 😆 4mo

LeahBergen @tpixie It was such a pretty punch 😆 4mo

tpixie @LeahBergen 😝 4mo

Centique Rum punch! I feel like ive missed a trick by not having rum punch at Christmas. (Im not sure ive ever had it, though ive had fruit punch with vodka 👍) 4mo

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LeahBergen

Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop | Otto Penzler

Here are a couple of more, recently purchased, Christmassy books.

(And now I just need to find the time to read them!)

BookishMadHatter I really wanted The Dead of Winter too, but with the Canada Post strike didn't bother to order anything at all lately. I hope you find/steal some reading time 4mo

rubyslippersreads Great covers! 🎄 4mo

sarahbarnes 🌲🌲🌲 4mo

See All 6 Comments

mabell Those look fun! 4mo

LeahBergen @BookishMadHatter I know! That strike really cut into my book buying. 😆 4mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads @sarahbarnes @mabell 😘😘😘 4mo

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LeahBergen

A Book for Christmas | Selma Lagerlof

“But what shall I do on Christmas night if nobody has given me a book?…”

What, indeed?? That quote is from the title story of this little collection I just bought. Selma Lagerlöf was the (first female) winner of the Nobel Prize in 1909.

Ruthiella Sounds perfect!!🤩 4mo

Tamra That does sound perfect! 👌🏾 4mo

merelybookish Sweet cover! 4mo

See All 7 Comments

BarbaraBB Lovely! And I loved her

G�sta Berling's Saga

4mo

Cathythoughts What lovely book 🥰 4mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella @Tamra @merelybookish @Cathythoughts It‘s a pretty little thing! 4mo

LeahBergen @BarbaraBB I‘ll look that one up! 4mo

59 likes7 comments

LeahBergen

Untitled | Anonymous

@TheKidUpstairs , my #LittleChristmasSwap arrived safely! Thank you so much. 😘😘

@bookish_wookish
#LCS

bookish_wookish 🎄🎄 4mo

TheKidUpstairs Yay! So glad it came 4mo

47 likes2 comments

LeahBergen

The Godwits Fly | Robin Hyde

Amazingly enough, my IRL bookclub has picked a Persephone book for our current read (after 27 years together). And no, it WASN‘T my pick. 😆

I was going to ask you, @Centique , if you‘d read this classic New Zealand coming-of-age novel but I see you are the only other person to post about it on here! I‘m really enjoying it.

Ruthiella You have strong Persephone vibes! Your IRL book club has sensed them. Use your powers for good, Leah! 😜 4mo

Tamra You lucky book clubber! 😃 4mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella 😆😆 4mo

See All 11 Comments

LeahBergen @Tamra I am! But I hope the rest of the club actually likes it or it may be our last. 😆 4mo

Tamra @LeahBergen bahahaha Why do I doubt that? 🤔 4mo

Cathythoughts 27 years! That‘s one strong bookclub ❤️ book sounds good ! 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts It‘s a great bookclub with a mix of women and men! 4mo

Centique Im so glad youre enjoying it. She was an incredible woman. I recall it being quite a long read and - being so close to her real life - a bit messy and complicated - but so beautifully written 😍 4mo

LeahBergen @Centique It really rambles along quite beautifully, if that makes sense! 4mo

CarolynM Ooh, interesting, she says, immediately adding it to her pending #PersephoneClub order 😆 4mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM 😆😆 I‘m working on my order, too! 4mo

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LeahBergen

Blue Sapphire | D E Stevenson

Look at my wonderful #StuffedStockingSwap from @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego !

Two ‘much-wanted‘ books from my Litsy TBR, those cute bookish socks, the pretty tin of chocolates, cookies I‘ve never seen before (!), and that Olaf bookmark. The Christmassy book sleeve is SO sweet. Thank you so much; I love it all! ❤️

And a big thank you to our organizer, @Avanders ! 😘
#SSS

Amiable Those socks! 😍 4mo

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego H💚 H❤️ H💚 4mo

Avanders Ooh love those socks! ♥️🎄 4mo

See All 11 Comments

Tamra Those socks! 😍 4mo

TrishB Very cool ♥️ 4mo

elkeOriginal Blue Sapphire looks good! 4mo

LeahBergen @Amiable @Avanders @Tamra They‘re awesome! (edited) 4mo

LeahBergen @TrishB Yes! ❤️ 4mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal It sounds good from the back blurb, too 👍 4mo

Cathythoughts Lovely 🥰🎁 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts It is! 😘 4mo

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LeahBergen

Family Roundabout | Richmal Crompton

Our voting has trickled off so it‘s time to announce what we‘re reading next year … TA-DAH! 🎉

Anyone is welcome to read along with us at any time, of course.

#PersephoneClub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, andrew61, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

Cathythoughts Good job Leah ! Thankyou and I‘m loving the choices ❤️ 4mo

CarolynM Thanks Leah. Some good books to look forward to🙂 4mo

Bookbuyingaddict All books 📚 mentioned were worthy I think so hard to whittle it down , thank you 🙏 so much Leah look forward to reading along with you and a merry happy 😃 Christmas to you all 🥰🥰😘x x. X x x x 4mo

See All 23 Comments

Teresereading I‘d like to join you 4mo

BarbaraBB I have only read the tagged one and am looking forward to be inspired by all of your reviews. Just ordered Emmeline by the way - thanks to you 😀

The blank wall: a novel of suspense

4mo

Liz_M @LitsyEvents 4mo

Tamra Thank you, Leah! 😘 4mo

quietjenn Woohoo! Here's to another great year of reading together! 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts @CarolynM @Bookbuyingaddict @Tamra @quietjenn We‘re going to have fun!! 👏👏 4mo

LeahBergen @Teresereading Please do! Would you like me to add you to the tag list? 4mo

LeahBergen @BarbaraBB I can‘t wait to hear what you think of it! 4mo

LeahBergen @Liz_M Thank you! 4mo

julieclair Yay! Lots of fun reading ahead. Thanks so much for organizing us, Leah. 💙 4mo

elkeOriginal Excited! Love this list 📚 4mo

elkeOriginal (and orders have been placed in midst of excitement🤦🏼‍♀️) 4mo

LeahBergen @julieclair It‘s going to be great! 👏 4mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal 😆😆 Of course they have! 4mo

Caryl What a wonderful list of titles. Thank you for organizing! I'm hoping to participate more. 4mo

LeahBergen @Caryl That would be wonderful! 😊 4mo

daena These look great, fabulous assortment! 4mo

LeahBergen @daena I think so, too! 😊 4mo

JenlovesJT47 I‘d like to join! 🙋🏻‍♀️ 4mo

LeahBergen You‘re more than welcome!! I‘ll try to remember to tag you when we start reading in February 😆 4mo

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LeahBergen

The Secret of Helmersbruck Manor | Eva Frantz

Twelve-year-old Flora and her mother go to the seaside village of Helmersbruk to spend their Christmas holiday in a cottage on the grounds of a beautiful, but rundown, old mansion. Well, that‘s about all I needed to know to buy it. 😆

I may wait until next year to read it as it‘s formatted with an illustrated chapter for each day of Advent.

(Translated from Swedish).

thegirlwiththelibrarybag How gorgeous! 4mo

CarolynM Love the idea of a book as an advent calendar! Maybe I should get one for next year too🤔 4mo

Tamra How fun!! 4mo

See All 15 Comments

Cathythoughts Sounds great! I love the cover ❤️ 4mo

MaureenMc Awesome! The cover is 🤩 4mo

LeahBergen @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Tamra @Cathythoughts @MaureenMc Pushkin publishes some very nice children‘s books! 4mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM I think you should 😆 4mo

Centique That is beautiful 😍 4mo

LeahBergen @Centique Isn‘t it? 😄 4mo

tpixie Oh! An advent read! Fun!! I put it in my calendar for next year. Thanks ☺️ (edited) 4mo

LeahBergen @tpixie Chapter one is December 1st! 😄 4mo

tpixie Ok!!! Thx 😊 4mo

elkeOriginal This looks & sounds amazing! 4mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal I was definitely intrigued! 4mo

kspenmoll Sounds lovely! 4mo

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LeahBergen

Emmeline | Judith Rossner

pick

Oh, Emmeline. 😬

I can‘t say much else right now but I can hardly wait to discuss this with you all!

#PersephoneClub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, andrew61, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

Tamra I have to get started! I‘ve been preoccupied by Belle Greene. 😬 It‘s up next! 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra Oh, good. I need to discuss it with someone! 😂😂 4mo

elkeOriginal Your shelves kill me every time 😵😉 4mo

See All 42 Comments

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal I may have a problem 😆 4mo

Suet624 This photo is so abundant. 4mo

elkeOriginal A beautiful problem 💕 4mo

Cathythoughts I need to get going with Emmeline, I should have time this weekend ❤️ 4mo

LeahBergen @Suet624 I like that word choice! 😊 4mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal 😘 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Yay! 👏 4mo

CarolynM Hoping to get started soon. 4mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Good. I really need some input. 😂 4mo

andrew61 Exactly half way through Leah after a very disturbing chapter. All I can say, head in hands, is dear oh dear oh dear. 4mo

LeahBergen @andrew61 Right?? 4mo

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Just finished it Leah , I did see that ending coming 😳.. It was that first moment of meeting when she looked into his eyes, I thought she recognised something. Then his age , his boyishness, , I got suspicious… great book 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I suspected, too, and thought, “Noooo, it is NOT going there…” Haha!! 4mo

Tamra I did not see the end coming! 🥹 I went down the rabbit hole and found the circa 1970s documentary. Based on the maker‘s description, it appears he brought the story & Nettie Mitchell to Rossner‘s attention. Applause to Nettie for illuminating the shame of shunning. @Cathythoughts 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra @Cathythoughts I read another article by someone who did a deep dive into the genealogy and the dates and ages of her husbands don‘t match up. It seems like the whole story has had a bit of “local folklore” added to it over the years. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4mo

Tamra @LeahBergen I got the same impression from the film, i.e. folklore. (edited) 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra Interesting! I‘m definitely going to watch it (you know… after my wrapping, baking, etc 😂). 4mo

Tamra @LeahBergen 😅 Indeed! We could always use an extra week. 4mo

Cathythoughts @Tamra @LeahBergen I read it as fiction , only after finding out it was true. It seemed a little far fetched , but truth is stranger than fiction. I took from it the danger and sadness of secrets , so many secrets ( shame ) buried over time wounded and festering. I wondered about the mother too , what happened to her and her relationship with Emmeline over the years. I liked the first half where Em‘s character had time to be explored. 4mo

Cathythoughts I must look up the film 👍🏻 @LeahBergen @Tamra 4mo

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen @Tamra Stop ! There‘s some work in Christmas 😂 I‘m feeling like super woman 😂 so much to get done. 4mo

Tamra @Cathythoughts I suspect it has essences of truth in it. I agree with you, the point is secrecy, shaming, social norms, poverty, patriarchy, etc. So interesting Mrs. Bass had her own similar secret, who better to be suspicious & judgmental, even though she did give warning? But how could it not be lost on a barely teen? 4mo

Tamra @Cathythoughts🦸‍♀️ 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra @Cathythoughts I definitely think there must be a bit of truth to it somewhere, just as you say. And I was wondering about the apathy of the mother, too. A fascinating read! 4mo

Tamra @LeahBergen @cathythoughts the documentary highlights how desperate impoverished families were. I‘m thinking some of the apathy would stem from that; a woman/mother in those circumstances had to be dog tired and perhaps felt hopeless & helpless. However later in the story I got the impression the mother suffered from mental illness or dementia? (edited) 4mo

LeahBergen @Tamra That‘s true. It‘s like she gave up and just couldn‘t handle or face anything more in her life. And yes, I think she definitely had some sort of mental illness/dementia going on at the end. And wasn‘t that sister a nasty piece of work? 😆 4mo

Tamra @LeahBergen good lord yes! I wanted to slap her. 😜 4mo

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen @Tamra Yes , I agree that the mother had some form of mental illness, she seemed to shut down. 4mo

CarolynM @Cathythoughts @Tamra I‘ve just finished & I‘m so glad I can talk to you about it, now that I‘ve recovered the power of speech. There is so much to be outraged about, not least the “morality” that kept poor Emmeline so ignorant she was completely vulnerable to a predator & had no hope of understanding the “warnings”. And the victim blaming from start to finish! It is horrible to think that any of it could be true, but we know that it could. 😭😤🤬 (edited) 4mo

Tamra @CarolynM @Cathythoughts @LeahBergen agreed - so much fault to go around! I find the shunning without regard to the truths of the matter particularly disturbing (to the degree it occurred to the real Em). Reminds me of The Scarlet Letter as well. Humanity seems to have a penchant for shunning/ghosting/shaming/canceling, which is so effective in coercing conformity to norms since we‘re a social co-dependent species. 4mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM @Tamra @Cathythoughts Right?? I was waiting impatiently for others to finish it!! 😆 It was just infuriating. All of her “sins” were completely unintentional and yet her family treated her as if she was evil to the core and out to specifically humiliate them. Gah!! 4mo

rubyslippersreads @Cathythoughts @LeahBergen The description of Matthew as “tall and broad-shouldered” without her being able to see his face, somehow made me think of Mr. Maguire. 4mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen @CarolynM @Tamra @Cathythoughts it seemed as though anyone who should have protected her preyed on her instead. 4mo

Tamra @rubyslippersreads so true. There were no safeguards. 😞 4mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads Oh, my God. Right??? And did you figure out if you‘d read this one before? 😆 4mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen If I did, I don‘t remember anything about it. (It‘s hard to imagine I‘d forget the “twist.”) 4mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I know! But I also know I read this book in the ‘80s. How did I forget that, too?? 4mo

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen It was so horrific , we blocked it out. 😏 4mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I think so! 😆 4mo

54 likes42 comments

LeahBergen

Untitled | Anonymous

@ReadingRachael , all three #JolabokaflodSwap packages have arrived safely! Thanks so much! ❤️

#JolabokaflodSwap24 #JS2024

MaleficentBookDragon

ReadingRachael Yay!!! 4mo

49 likes1 comment

LeahBergen

Saplings | Noel Streatfeild

Okay, #PersephoneClub … I‘ve adjusted our order a bit so here are my two (randomly grabbed from my shelves) suggestions for August. Vote away!

@quietjenn will now choose our October suggestions and @rubyslippersreads will choose for December. You two can post as soon as you‘re ready!

Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, andrew61, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

LeahBergen

Hetty Dorval

4mo

Tamra Hooked me with “enigmatic idol is also a treacherous opponent.” 👀

Hetty Dorval

4mo

CarolynM I‘m going with

Hetty Dorval

4mo

See All 21 Comments

elkeOriginal Tough one as Saplings is on my tbr but Hetty Dorval sounds like a gal I want to meet!

Hetty Dorval

4mo

elkeOriginal p.s. I love your non-grey Saplings cover 😉 4mo

julieclair I, too, vote for

Hetty Dorval

4mo

quietjenn Since I already own it, I'm going with

Saplings

4mo

elkeOriginal @quietjenn fights the tide 🙌🏻 4mo

andrew61 Thanks Leah, I'll try and work out some options this week. 4mo

Cathythoughts I want both ! But I‘ll go for

Hetty Dorval

4mo

LeahBergen @andrew61 Oops, you won‘t be nominating books this upcoming year (as per our rotation) but rather at the beginning of the next year. But please do vote on each of the options (like this one)! We have voting posts open for February, April, June, and August so far. 😊 4mo

andrew61 Gives me time to ponder the catalogue over a mince pie . 4mo

rubyslippersreads I‘m really torn, but since I own it,

Saplings

4mo

Cathythoughts Do we get to vote on our own choices? I will if I can X 4mo

Cathythoughts @andrew61 Just had a mince pie with cream… one of my favourite things about Christmas 👍🏻 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts We usually don‘t vote on our own choices because we save your vote to be a tiebreaker in the event of a tie. Aren‘t we scientific? 😆 4mo

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Well that‘s good to know. Very scientific 😂 4mo

quietjenn @elkeOriginal probably I'll be making another purchase 😂 4mo

elkeOriginal @quietjenn This group is sneaky that way! Causing purchases 🤦🏼‍♀️😆📚 4mo

Tamra @elkeOriginal 😂 truth! 4mo

LeahBergen And the winner is Hetty Dorval! 4mo

45 likes21 comments

LeahBergen

Untitled | Anonymous

And they‘re all sent!

#StuffedStockingSwap #SSS @Avanders
#JolabokaflodSwap #JolabokaflodSwap24 #JS2024 @MaleficentBookDragon
#LittleChristmasSwap #LCS @bookish_wookish

bookish_wookish Yay! 🎄 5mo

Avanders 👏🏼👏🏼🎄☃️❤️ 5mo

51 likes2 comments

LeahBergen

Emmeline | Judith Rossner

I‘m really enjoying the beginning of this book, #PersephoneClub people!

I Googled some images to see what Lowell looked like as a mill town and look … a little doffer. So young! 💔

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, andrew61, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

Tamra She is cute, but the pic makes me thankful for child labor laws, in as much as they are passed and enforced. 🫤 5mo

Leftcoastzen Oh my gosh , what a photo. 😳 5mo

elkeOriginal 🥺 5mo

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LeahBergen @Tamra Exactly. 😞 5mo

LeahBergen @Leftcoastzen @elkeOriginal Right? 😢 5mo

Cathythoughts Yes, so young, the poor girl. My copy arrived from Persephone yesterday, I‘ve just read the first few pages , very engaging. 5mo

LeahBergen It is engaging, isn‘t it? I must‘ve been in the mood for some historical fiction as I liked it right away. @Cathythoughts 5mo

rubyslippersreads I may have read this before (in which case I look forward to a reread), but I could also be confusing it with another novel about the Lowell Mills,

Call the Darkness Light

5mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I KNOW I‘ve read it before (in the 1980s) as I recognize the cover on the mass market paperback. I don‘t remember a thing, of course 😆😆 5mo

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads I also recognize the cover of Call the Darkness Light but I don‘t THINK I‘ve read that one 5mo

Cathythoughts Hi Leah , I just went to post you something for Christmas and the lady said , no post to Canada as there is a strike. I‘ll keep an eye on the situation and send it when the strike is over. ❤️🌲 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Oh, how thoughtful you are! Thank you, Cathy. 😘 Yes, this stupid strike has been going on too long! 4mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Oh, and I sent you a little book directly from Blackwell‘s. 😘 4mo

Cathythoughts Thankyou Leah ❤️ that‘s very kind. As soon as the strike is over, I‘ll send on my gift… 👍🏻😁 4mo

58 likes14 comments

LeahBergen

Emmeline | Judith Rossner

It‘s now December so that means it‘s time for one of our #PersephoneClub reads!

@andrew61 ‘s pick for us this month is Emmeline by Judith Rossner. This is a casual buddy read; read and comment on each other‘s posts and reviews as you see them. We usually aim to finish by the middle of the month but that‘s not written in stone. 😉 And anyone is welcome to read along with us, of course!

AND… are we ready to choose our 2025 reads? See below: 👇

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Caryl, sisilia, CarolynM, daena, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, Cathythoughts, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful

LeahBergen Our next book “suggesters” are: February: @CarolynM , April: @Cathythoughts , June: @elkeOriginal , August: @Gissy , October: @LeahBergen , December: @quietjenn (edited) 5mo

LeahBergen Let‘s start with @CarolynM and @Cathythoughts … please make a post with two suggestions for us all to vote on. 👏👏 (edited) 5mo

Cathythoughts Thanks Leah. Emmeline is in the post for me from Persephone 🥰 I‘ll have a look now and get a post up in the next 24 hours. ❤️❤️❤️ 5mo

See All 24 Comments

Tamra Thanks for the reminder Leah! 😄 5mo

Liz_M @LitsyEvents 5mo

elkeOriginal Oo! Checking the shelf for ideas! 5mo

CarolynM Thanks Leah. I'm looking forward to Emmeline. I'll try to post my suggestions later today. 5mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I read the first chapter and I‘m really liking the feel of it! 5mo

LeahBergen @Tamra No prob!😘 5mo

LeahBergen @Liz_M Thank you! 5mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal Isn‘t it exciting? 👏 5mo

LeahBergen @CarolynM Thanks, Caroline! And I‘m liking the first chapter of Emmeline. 👍 5mo

daena I‘ve gotten behind this past year, but looking forward to getting back in the swing this coming year. 5mo

LeahBergen @daena Good to hear! 😘 5mo

LeahBergen Okay, @elkeOriginal, you can post your picks for June! @Gissy , you can post your picks for us for August now. 😄 5mo

Bookbuyingaddict Hello 👋 everyone hope your well Iv just ordered mine today 😀il keep you posted , it won‘t arrive until 12th December - happy 😃 reading and happy 😃 pre Christmas 🎄 madness x x x x x 😘 5mo

LeahBergen @Bookbuyingaddict Happy reading to you, too! It‘s starting out well, so far! 5mo

elkeOriginal How are we doing on our choices? I keep obsessively checking in hoping to vote on things 🤦🏼‍♀️😆 4mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal Haha! I‘m just holding off until @Gissy comes back on and reads my message. She is the next one up to suggest two books for us. If she doesn‘t answer (or doesn‘t want to do it), I‘ll adjust our list! I think I‘ll give her the rest of the weekend to respond? 4mo

elkeOriginal 👍🏻 Just excited to see more choices! 4mo

LeahBergen @elkeOriginal Me, too. I love the voting. 😆 4mo

LeahBergen Okay, I‘ll adjust our list of people suggesting books to vote on as we haven‘t heard from @Gissy yet … I‘ll move up into the August spot and @quietjenn can suggest our October reads. @rubyslippersreads , you now have December. Is that okay? 4mo

quietjenn Sounds like a plan! I'll try to post mine in the next day or so. 4mo

LeahBergen @quietjenn Great! Thank you. 😘 4mo

49 likes24 comments

LeahBergen

Silent Nights: A British Library Crime Classic | Martin Edwards

Friday night at my house!

willaful Oh my goodness, I am so jealous of that Kitty Barne book! 5mo

dabbe #silentnightperfectnight 🧡🤎💛 5mo

CarolynM @willaful Me too, it looks fab! 5mo

See All 10 Comments

BarbaraBB Perfection 🥰 5mo

LeahBergen @willaful @CarolynM It‘s my first by this author and so good! A group of pre WW2 children are sent to a rented holiday house over Christmas with their “young and happening” aunt and decide to put on a play. 5mo

LeahBergen @dabbe @BarbaraBB I‘m enjoying myself immensely 😆 5mo

Cathythoughts Looks nice there Leah ! 🥂 5mo

TrishB Lovely ❤️ 5mo

Tamra Beautiful seasonal reading! 5mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts @TrishB @Tamra 😘😘😘 5mo

60 likes10 comments

LeahBergen

Untitled | Anonymous

@StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego dropped off my #StuffedStockingSwap today (we live in the same city and Canada Post is on strike) and included the SWEETEST care package!

I‘ve had some sort of stomach virus and warned her (via @Avanders ) that she might not want to be in close proximity to me for the next few days. I hope you didn‘t see my goblin-like form when I opened the front door (I thought it was a parcel I was expecting from The Bay). 😂 ⬇️

LeahBergen Thank you SO MUCH for your thoughtfulness, @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego ! I haven‘t been dressed in days. 😂 5mo

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Hope you feel better soon. 5mo

LeahBergen @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego The ginger ale and chicken noodle soup will definitely help! 😘 5mo

See All 25 Comments

Avanders Awwww 😍🤗 @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Hope you feel better soon, Leah! ❤️ (edited) 5mo

rabbitprincess Get well soon! ❤️ 5mo

Bookwormjillk That‘s so sweet! Litsy friends are the best. 5mo

CarolynM Hope you‘re feeling better soon, Leah💐💕 5mo

Suet624 I hope you feel better soon. 💕 5mo

Tamra 😔 Feel better! 5mo

quietjenn Hope you're on the mend. 💜 5mo

bthegood Get well soon 💗 5mo

Bookwomble I hope you're soon feeling more comfortable, Leah ❤️‍🩹 5mo

Cathythoughts I hope you feel better soon Leah ❤️ 5mo

LeahBergen @Avanders @rabbitprincess @CarolynM @Suet624 @Tamra @quietjenn @bthegood @Bookwomble @Cathythoughts Thanks, everyone! I‘m almost back to normal! 😘😘 5mo

LeahBergen @Bookwormjillk so true! 🥰 5mo

TheLudicReader Hope you‘re feeling better. 5mo

LeahBergen @TheLudicReader I am! Thank you! 😘 5mo

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego So apparently I forgot to include one of your gifts. Oopsy. I have an Amazon package arriving at your place tomorrow. 5mo

LeahBergen @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego It looks like there is already plenty in there, but thank you! Yes, I peeked before hiding it away. 😄 5mo

Jess861 That's so awesome!! Fellow Canadina here and I was looking at Purolator costs to send mine out but they are kind of outrageous (in my opinion)....I'm at a bit of a loss lol 5mo

LeahBergen @Jess861 I was so excited! I‘m thinking of trying UPS to send mine out but I haven‘t checking the price yet. 😬 5mo

Jess861 @LeahBergen I just went and checked UPS for myself - still pretty pricey, lol....I guess I might not have a choice though. 5mo

LeahBergen @Jess861 I know! I had already purchased everything! 5mo

LeahBergen @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Oops! I forgot to let you know that the Amazon package arrived. Thank you! 😘 5mo

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego ❤️💚 5mo

57 likes25 comments

LeahBergen

Miss Granby's Secret: Or, The Bastard of Pinsk | Eleanor Farjeon

Here it is: our 2025 #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub reading schedule!

Thanks for all the nominations and speedy votes. It looks like we‘ll be having another enjoyable year together! 👏

And, as always, anyone is welcome to join in at any time to read along with us and discuss, of course.

LeahBergen @Aimeesue @batsy @CarolynM @catebutler @Cathythoughts @elkeOriginal @erzascarletbookgasm @Jess_Read_This @julieclair @Kimzey @LeahBergen @Lizpixie @MrsK @quietjenn @rubyslippersreads @Ruthiella @Tamra @Teresereading @willaful @kwmg40 5mo

LeahBergen @LitsyEvents 5mo

Ruthiella Awesome. Thank you @LeahBergen for organizing us. Looking forward to another fun year of reading together! 5mo

See All 19 Comments

kwmg40 Thank you! The list looks great. 5mo

Tamra Thank you! 😍😘 5mo

quietjenn Thanks for keeping us in order! Should be fun. 5mo

CarolynM Thanks Leah 😘 Looks like we‘re set for another great year of FMB reading😍 5mo

Kimzey Thank you! Can‘t wait! 5mo

Cathythoughts Lovely Leah ❤️ 5mo

LeahBergen @Ruthiella @kwmg40 @Tamra @quietjenn @CarolynM @Kimzey We‘re gonna have fun! 😄 5mo

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I hope you can pop in for a couple, Cathy! 😘 5mo

julieclair What a great list! Looking forward to another fun year. 😀 5mo

LeahBergen @julieclair Me, too! 😘 5mo

Ruthiella @bookandbedandtea This is the 2025 schedule. Only one book every other month to keep it manageable. 😃 4mo

bookandbedandtea Sounds fun! Thanks for adding me! 4mo

LeahBergen @bookandbedandtea Welcome aboard! 😁 4mo

bookandbedandtea @LeahBergen Thank you! 💜 4mo

LeahBergen Here‘s our schedule for this year, @JenlovesJT47 ! 4mo

JenlovesJT47 Thanks!! 🤗🧡 4mo

51 likes19 comments

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Joined May 2016