Natalie
@abookandadog.com
š¤ 1430
š„ 964
š 2561
I love to read and hang out with my dog. I blog about it at
https://abookandadog.com
pinned post!
As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible books I had the pleasure of reading this year. Below, I have compiled a list of my top 10 picks for the best books I read in 2025. šš¾š
#booksky
#happynewyear
#dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
22 days ago
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I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel, and I loved it! Her storytelling talent is incredible. I was immediately drawn into Winter Garden. Itās such a beautiful narrative, even though itās heartbreaking as it delves deeply into grief and the pain of losing cherished loved ones.
#booksky
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Winter Garden (by Kristin Hannah) ā A Book and A Dog
I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel! Iāve been wanting to read her books for a long time, since I consistently see praise for her work. Iāve acquired several of her books over the yearsā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/winter-garden
1 day ago
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Camino Ghosts by John Grisham is a remarkable story. Iām captivated by the idyllic setting of Camino Island and the charming local bookstore. Grishamās ability to craft significant and relevant stories is impressive. His characters are relatable and easy to care about.
#booksky
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Camino Ghosts (by John Grisham) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām participating in a new reading challenge on the Litsy app this year. Itās a popular and flexible monthly reading challenge called Book Spin, hosted by userā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/camino-ghosts
2 days ago
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I reread Kingās The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club, and it was delightful. Itās been so long since I first read it, that it felt like rediscovering it for the first time. It evoked a nostalgic feeling of reconnecting with some very old, dear friends.
#booksky
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The Drawing of the Three (by Stephen King) ā A Book and A Dog
I reread Stephen Kingās The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club meeting. I wasnāt particularly excited about revisiting the Dark Tower series when it wasā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-drawing-of-the-three
3 days ago
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āŖThese books will be keeping me entertained during the winter weather this weekend. āļøā¬
#booksky
#FridayReads
5 days ago
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I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose. Its writing style, suspense, and twists echo the first book in the series. The author seamlessly connected the two books.
#booksky
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The Perfect Divorce (by Jeneva Rose) ā A Book and A Dog
I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose, so I eagerly anticipated reading The Perfect Divorce. Set eleven years later, the book reunites readers with Sarah Morgan, a high-poweredā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-perfect-divorce
6 days ago
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For my birthday, my husband ordered signed first editions from my beloved indie bookstore, The Poisoned Pen. I am thankful for my thoughtful and generous husband. Despite his teasing about my ābook hoarding,ā he stands as a steadfast supporter of my passion for reading and collecting books.
#booksky
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Birthday Books! ā A Book and A Dog
I absolutely adore receiving books, gift cards to bookstores, and book-related gifts. For my birthday, my husband went all out and ordered signed first editions from myā¦
https://abookandadog.com/biblio-boutique/birthday-books-2026
9 days ago
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I abandoned Donāt Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine after 20% because the narrative didnāt captivate me. The teenage daughterās perspective of her girlfriend drama, social media obsession, and vaping issues was uninteresting. Iām not giving up on the authors, though.
#booksky
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Donāt Open Your Eyes (by Liv Constantine) ā A Book and A Dog
I had the pleasure of meeting Lynne Constantine, one of the sister writing duo, Liv Constantine, during The Back Room author event in June 2025. Having previously enjoyed reading The Last Time I Saw ...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/dont-open-your-eyes
10 days ago
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Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment offers Pema Chodronās gentle, humorous, and down-to-earth teachings on meditation and mindfulness. She guides participants to stop battling thoughts, embrace the mindās drama, and cultivate unconditional friendliness towards themselves.
#booksky
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Making Friends with Your Mind (by Pema Chƶdrƶn) ā A Book and A Dog
Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment, recorded from live retreat sessions at The Omega Institute, features Pema Chodronās gentle, humorous, and down-to-earth teachingsā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/making-friends-with-your-mind
11 days ago
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āŖThis weekend Iām heading towards the Dark Tower in The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King. Itās a reread for my in-person Constant Reader book club.ā¬
#booksky
#FridayReads
12 days ago
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Iām captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon OāBrienās memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles her remarkable adventure after college. Her writing style is eloquent and captivating.
#booksky
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Stray (Shannon OāBrien) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon OāBrienās memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles herā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/stray
13 days ago
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Januaryās Amazon First Reads offers two free books! I selected The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams and Blade by Wendy Walker. š
#booksky
17 days ago
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Lisa Jewellās suspenseful psychological thriller, Donāt Let Him In, unfolds through shifting timelines and perspectives, exploring the devastating consequences of entanglement with a charming yet dangerous man. The relentless suspense builds as the web of lies unravels, keeping me on edge.
#booksky
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Donāt Let Him In (by Lisa Jewell) ā A Book and A Dog
Lisa Jewellās novels, spanning from early romance dramas to psychological thrillers, have always entertained me. As soon as I had a free spot on my library hold shelf, I placed a hold onā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/dont-let-him-in
17 days ago
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Iām enjoying The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose this weekend. An intriguing sequel to The Perfect Marriage.
#BookSky
#FridayReads
19 days ago
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As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible books I had the pleasure of reading this year. Below, I have compiled a list of my top 10 picks for the best books I read in 2025. šš¾š
#booksky
#happynewyear
#dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
22 days ago
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The Asheville Christmas Cabin is the last holiday-themed book Iāll read this season. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, from its captivating cover to its enchanting Christmas-themed narrative. Each of the main characters was endearing and easily relatable.
#booksky
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The Asheville Christmas Cabin (by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott) ā A Book and A Dog
The Asheville Christmas Cabin , the last holiday-themed book Iāll read this season, caught my attention through the countless book-related emails I receive daily. When my husband and I livedā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-asheville-christmas-cabin
25 days ago
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In Laurie Gilmoreās The Christmas Tree Farm, I enjoyed the story, the main characters, and the festive setting. The narrative maintained a balance of suspense through the appropriate amount of conflict. I appreciate how the charactersā experiences were mostly handled maturely. š
#booksky
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The Christmas Tree Farm (by Laurie Gilmore) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām thrilled that Iāve completed my library holds, allowing me to dive back into the enchanting world of Christmas-themed books before the holiday season fades away. After a few beautifulā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-christmas-tree-farm
28 days ago
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reposted by
Natalie
Jessica Strawser
29 days ago
Of all the things I've written, this
@nytimes.com
Modern Love essay is the only one framed on my wall. 11 yrs ago, it changed my life. Every December, someone reminds me to repost it, but it seems especially needed this year, when the news feels so heavy. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/f...
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An Extra Angel on Top of the Tree (Published 2014)
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/fashion/modern-love-an-extra-angel-on-top-of-the-tree.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9k8.VB65.uzB_W3CZyDef&smid=url-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawO3r0tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFidGlybWgxUWpONTNsa0F2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrUnzw-WDYbhblwkOflFYdj-516rnXhx7jsfl71XnnMHV1cJPirugqhkUCQn_aem_F1ogFmFpCKSVuJftBYpnhA
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While My Next Breath mainly focuses on the incident, Jeremy Renner incorporates details about his family, childhood, and the pivotal moment that led him to acting. He expresses gratitude for his life, family, friends, and those who saved his life. I love that he narrates the audiobook.
#booksky
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My Next Breath (Jeremy Renner) ā A Book and A Dog
I was introduced to Jeremy Renner through the movie, The Hurt Locker, which was fantastic. Since then, Iāve noticed his roles in other movies that Iāve also enjoyed. In 2020, I watched himā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/my-next-breath
29 days ago
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Unfortunately, I found myself abandoning Happy Place after listening to the audiobook for two hours. I felt bored with the narrative, and the premise lacked any compelling elements. I didnāt connect with the characters. They seemed ordinary and lacking unique qualities to draw me in.
#booksky
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Happy Place (by Emily Henry) ā A Book and A Dog
I recently read Emily Henryās book, Book Lovers , and was thoroughly impressed. Despite being a newcomer to romance novels, I instantly became impressed by her writing. Since then, Iāveā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/happy-place
30 days ago
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I had high hopes for Isola by Allegra Goodmanāa literary novel of strength, defiance, and a fight for life. I enjoyed it, but I didnāt love it. The beginning was slow, and it took forever for Marguerite to be marooned. This story failed to evoke the emotional response I had anticipated.
#booksky
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Isola (Allegra Goodman) ā A Book and A Dog
I had no intention of reading Isola by Allegra Goodman when it was first released. However, I noticed a lot of praise for the book and decided to give it a try. Inspired by the true story of 16th-ce...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/isola
about 1 month ago
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Joe Hill is one of my favorite authors. Iāve been eagerly anticipating the release of King Sorrow, and it was worth the wait! I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this story and its characters. The dragon character was a fascinating component to a story about the theft of rare books.
#booksky
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King Sorrow (by Joe Hill) ā A Book and A Dog
Joe Hill is easily one of my favorite authors. Iāve been a fan of his since he published Heart-Shaped Box. Iāll never forget the way that book caught my eye in the bookstoreāI had to buy it.
https://abookandadog.com/blog/king-sorrow
about 1 month ago
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Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman is filled with action and tension as a plane crash causes structural damage to the nuclear power plant, compelling the town of Waketa to take immediate action. Her suspenseful thrillers are a must-read for me!
#booksky
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Worst Case Scenario (by T.J. Newman) ā A Book and A Dog
About six months ago, I read TJ Newmanās debut novel, Falling , and was so engrossed that I immediately went on to read Drowning . Now, Iāve finished Worst Case Scenario , and I must sayā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/worst-case-scenario
about 1 month ago
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Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman is filled with action and tension as a plane crash causes structural damage to the nuclear power plant, compelling the town of Waketa to take immediate action. Her suspenseful thrillers are a must-read for me!
#booksky
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Worst Case Scenario (by T.J. Newman) ā A Book and A Dog
About six months ago, I read TJ Newmanās debut novel, Falling , and was so engrossed that I immediately went on to read Drowning . Now, Iāve finished Worst Case Scenario , and I must sayā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/worst-case-scenario
about 1 month ago
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Starting My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner this weekend. Wow! So far, itās really good. āļø
#booksky
#FridayReads
about 1 month ago
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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Andrew Child, Tracy Clark, Hannah Mary McKinnon, and Ryan Steck engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and itās loaded with book recommendations.
#booksky
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The Back Room - Outstanding Winter Reads ā A Book and A Dog
An evening at The Back Room: Cocktails and Conversations with Your Favorite Authors, hosted by authors Hank Phillippi Ryan and Karen Dionne, was a delightful way to conclude the 2025ā¦.
https://abookandadog.com/author-events/the-back-room-december-2025
about 1 month ago
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The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole exceeded my expectations and is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas-themed books Iāve ever read. A heartwarming novel follows fashion-focused Meg Julliard as she returns to manage her late fatherās apartment building in her hometown.
#booksky
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The Christmas Dress (by Courtney Cole) ā A Book and A Dog
This holiday season, I yearned for a beautiful and heartwarming Christmas-themed book to immerse myself in. After exploring various library apps, I found nothing that truly resonated withā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-christmas-dress
about 1 month ago
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Over several months, my husband and I meticulously assembled the Lego of Endurance, the magnificent ship of Ernest Shackleton. My book review of Endurance by Alfred Lansing has been updated with photos and info.
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/endurance?rq=endurance
about 1 month ago
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So excited for this! š¤
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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The Gunslinger is the December pick for the in-person Constant Reader book club I attend. Itās a reread for me, and itās been a while since I last read it. I struggled through it again. Iām hoping that the book club discussion will help me understand this installment better.
#booksky
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The Gunslinger (by Stephen King) ā A Book and A Dog
The Gunslinger by Stephen King is the December selection for the in-person Constant Reader book club I attend. Itās a reread for me and itās been a while since I last read it. Unfortunately, I ā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-gunslinger
about 1 month ago
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Iām thrilled that Lisa Unger has written another holiday short story! I loved this story! Itās an absolute gem of a suspenseful thriller set during the Christmas season. A professional hitwoman discovers the presence of the targetās young daughter, compelling her to confront her conscience.
#booksky
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The Kill Clause (by Lisa Unger) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām thrilled that Lisa Unger has written another holiday short story, The Kill Clause! Paige, a professional hitwoman, receives a contract to eliminate a target in a grand mansion. Howeverā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-kill-clause
about 1 month ago
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Iāve been neglecting my unread Dean Koontz books, so it was a delight to read The Bone Farm, a prequel novella in the Jane Hawk series. Jane, a sharp FBI agent, races against time to stop a sadistic serial killer who abducts and tortures young women before murdering them.
#booksky
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The Bone Farm (by Dean Koontz) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve been neglecting my unread Dean Koontz books, so it was a delight to read The Bone Farm, a prequel novella in the Jane Hawk series. Jane, a sharp FBI agent, races against time to stop aā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-bone-farm-koontz
about 1 month ago
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What makes The Gift by Freida McFadden stand out is how relentlessly dark it gets for a story thatās literally wrapped in Christmas paper. She fully embraces the bleakness, resentment, and betrayal that can lurk even within the āperfectā festive season.
#booksky
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The Gift (by Freida McFadden) ā A Book and A Dog
Freida McFaddenās The Gift, a short and quick read that clocks in at just an hour, served as a great introduction to my holiday reading in the thriller genre.
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-gift
about 1 month ago
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āŖThis weekend Iām starting Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman. āļø Additionally, Iām joining Shannon OāBrien on her travel journey in her memoir, Stray. š§³ā¬
#BookSky
about 1 month ago
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Prince Harryās memoir, Spare is excellent! Itās moving and emotional. The book addresses Prince Harryās father and brother, who claim to not understand why he and his family left Britain. It begins with the ādisappearanceā of his mother, and itās heartbreaking to hear his perspective.
#booksky
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Spare (Prince Harry) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve never been a follower of the Royal family; however, I grew up loving Princess Diana and will always remember her kindness, beauty, and compassionateā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/spare
about 1 month ago
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Darcy Coatesās gothic horror novella, The Haunting of Gillespie House, begins as a typical housesitter encountering the eerie occurrences of an old mansion. However, as the narrative unfolds, it delves into the mansionās history, transforming into a genuinely spine-chilling tale.
#booksky
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The Haunting of Gillespie House (by Darcy Coates) ā A Book and A Dog
Darcy Coatesās gothic horror novella, The Haunting of Gillespie House, immerses readers in the eerie ambiance of a beautiful Victorian mansion. When young house-sitter Elle Schafer accepts aā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-haunting-of-gillespie-house
about 1 month ago
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Decemberās Amazon First Reads offers a complimentary bonus short read, titled āThe Last Father-Daughter Danceā by Lisa Wingate, along with a new book of your choosing. I opted for āThe Water Liesā by Amy Meyerson.
#booksky
about 1 month ago
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Embracing the Unknown, featuring Pema Chƶdrƶn, explores how awareness of death can lead to a fuller, more courageous present. It covers topics like the bardo, rebirth as a continuous process, and practical ways to manage fear, grief, and uncertainty.
#booksky
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Embracing the Unknown (by Pema Chƶdrƶn) ā A Book and A Dog
Buddhism has always been an easy practice for me to connect with because its teachings make perfect sense in a practical and logical way. Pema Chƶdrƶn, an American Buddhist nunā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/embracing-the-unknown
about 1 month ago
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Nikolette and I are wishing you cozy nights with hot chocolate, a stack of great books, and the people (and pets) you love most. šāļøš«šš š¾ Merry Christmas!
abookandadog.com
about 1 month ago
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Indie publisher Bad Hand Books and author Benjamin Percy are collaborating with Stephen King to publish a monthly newspaper called The End Times. A post-apocalyptic newspaper set during the time of The Stand. I loved the first issue. Details on my blog.
#booksky
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The End Times (by Benjamin Percy and Stephen King) ā A Book and A Dog
The facilitator of my Constant Reader book club shared exciting news with the group. Independent publisher Bad Hand Books and author Benjamin Percy are collaborating withā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-end-times
about 2 months ago
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This weekend Iām enjoying some holiday short stories by a couple of beloved authors.šThe Kill Clause by Lisa Unger and The Gift by Freida McFadden. š
#booksky
#FridayReads
about 2 months ago
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Clear by Carys Davies was just okay for me. I love stories that immerse me in nature, gradually explore the development of relationships, and leave me feeling warm and fulfilled. This story had those elements, but the hurried pace left me with little emotional impact by the end.
#booksky
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Clear (Carys Davies) ā A Book and A Dog
Clear by Carys Davies has been on my list of books to read, and the Goodreads Community Challenge abruptly moved it to the top of my list. A short historical novel set in 1843 during theā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/clear
about 2 months ago
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I enjoyed reading The Cinnamon Bun Book Store. It shares similarities with the first book as it focuses on a specific couple and their dating journey. The narrative revolves around the āwill they or wonāt theyā theme, but it also stands out for its heavier emphasis on romance.
#booksky
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The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (by Laurie Gilmore) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve returned to the Dream Harbor series already thanks to the Goodreads Community Challenge. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore is a qualifying book for the Heartwarmersā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-cinnamon-bun-book-store
about 2 months ago
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While visiting The Poisoned Pen bookstore in Scottsdale, Az., I stumbled upon a copy of Itās the End of the World as We Know It signed by Meg Gardiner. I was also able to get signatures from Richard Chizmar and Joe R. Lansdale. I wrote about this experience on my blog.
#booksky
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Itās the End of the World As We Know It (Anthology) ā A Book and A Dog
In September, my husband and I embarked on a vacation to Arizona and had the delightful opportunity to visit my beloved independent bookstore, The Poisoned Penā¦
https://abookandadog.com/biblio-boutique/its-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-signed
about 2 months ago
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Such a pleasure to see evidence of the deer that share my walking trail. āļøš¦
#winter
#nature
about 2 months ago
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Sandwich by Catherine Newman is a delightful novel that explores the complexities of family life with humor. The perspective of a newly menopausal mother adds depth to the narrative. Humor is a valuable tool for exploring middle age and family dynamics.
#booksky
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Sandwich (by Catherine Newman) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve been observing the overwhelming praise for Catherine Newmanās novel, āSandwich,ā and initially had no intention of reading it. I didnāt think it was for me. However, after seeing endlessā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/sandwich
about 2 months ago
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Iām a huge fan of Fiona Davis and have read all her books. I genuinely wanted to enjoy her novella, The Gimlet Slip, co-written with her partner Greg Wands, but it just didnāt quite capture my attention. I canāt pinpoint a specific reason; I just didnāt feel fully immersed in the story.
#booksky
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The Gimlet Slip (by Fiona Davis and Greg Wands) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām a huge fan of Fiona Davis and have read all her books. I was eagerly anticipating reading her novella, āThe Gimlet Slip,ā co-written with her partner Greg Wands.
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-gimlet-slip
about 2 months ago
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Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is an incredibly beautiful and profoundly moving novel. Itās an excellent read for nature enthusiasts, offering beautiful prose and a gripping narrative. Itās a book that has the power to tear your heart out, but I couldnāt help but love it.
#booksky
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Wild Dark Shore (by Charlotte McConaghy) ā A Book and A Dog
I first encountered āWild Dark Shoreā by Charlotte McConaghy on a bookstore shelf, and the gorgeous cover instantly captured my attention. The intriguing description piqued my interestā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/wild-dark-shore
about 2 months ago
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āŖThis weekend Iām continuing the Dream Harbor series with The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore for the Goodreads Heart Warmers community challenge. šš„®šā¬
#booksky
#FridayReads
about 2 months ago
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Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have some time to enjoy reading while savoring your favorite foods. š¦š½ļøš
#booksky
#Thanksgiving
about 2 months ago
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In The Sun Down Motel, Simone St. James skillfully weaves an eerie ghost-story atmosphere with suspense, crafting a haunting narrative about secrets, vengeance, and women who refuse to remain silent, even after death. The motel itself becomes a character.
#booksky
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The Sun Down Motel (by Simone St. James) ā A Book and A Dog
During the recent Halloween spooky reading season, I read a book set in a haunted motel that left me feeling underwhelmed. A fellow reader had recommended Simone St. Jamesā āThe Sunā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-sun-down-motel
about 2 months ago
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