Natalie
@abookandadog.com
š¤ 1477
š„ 991
š 3227
I love to read and hang out with my dog. I blog about it at
https://abookandadog.com
pinned post!
Happy Easter weekend! Nikolette and I are delighted to welcome the spring weather. Itās the perfect time to move our reading space outside! š·š£šŖ»šāļø
abookandadog.com
#booksky
#dogsky
3 months ago
2
19
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I reread Stephen Kingās Dreamcatcher for the Constant Reader book club. I enjoyed it initially, but it didnāt hold up well this time. The thread about lifelong friendships was still appreciated, but the alien invasion and corrupt government elements didnāt resonate with me. Review updated.
#booksky
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Dreamcatcher (by Stephen King) ā A Book and A Dog
There are things I really liked about this book and things I didnāt care much for. Iāve been a fan of Stephen King sinceā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/dreamcatcher?rq=dreamcatcher
2 days ago
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14
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How It Happenedās creative structure opens with a suspectās confession, leading readers to believe they know the double murderās details. But was she honest, or merely living up to her reputation as a liar? The FBI agent, an expert at detecting deception, must uncover the truth.
#booksky
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How It Happened (by Michael Koryta) ā A Book and A Dog
Thanks to a reading challenge I decided to participate in this year on the Litsy app, I am reading beloved authors on my bookshelves that I have drifted from. (Sometimes I wonder if myā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/how-it-happened
4 days ago
0
10
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This weekend,Iām happily reading a favorite author: How It Happened by Michael Koryta. Iām also rereading Dreamcatcher for book club. And itās the perfect season to enjoy The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes.
#booksky
5 days ago
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9
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I attended an author event at The Back Room, hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. This month I had the pleasure of āmeetingā Julie Carrick Dalton, Hilary Davidson, Isabel J. Kim, and Jessica Strawser. I documented my experience on my blog, which includes book recommendations.
#booksky
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The Back Room - Superb Summer Reads ā A Book and A Dog
I had such a wonderful time at the June session of The Back Room: Cocktails and Conversations with Your Favorite Authors , hosted by the delightful Hank Phillippi Ryan and Karen Dionne.
https://abookandadog.com/author-events/the-back-room-june-2026
6 days ago
0
8
1
Harlan Coben is a master at crafting suspenseful thrillers, and he doesnāt hold back in Run Away. I loved the way he unfolds the narrative, layering family drama with dark secrets, crime, and moral complexity. The pacing is excellentāI was constantly anticipating the next revelation.
#booksky
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Run Away (by Harlan Coben) ā A Book and A Dog
Run Away by Harlan Coben is a fast-paced thriller that follows the desperate father Simon Greene. When Simon spots his estranged, drug-addicted daughter Paige performing music inā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/run-away
8 days ago
1
9
1
For my June Amazon First Reads selection, I immediately picked The Delivery by Gregg Hurwitz. My second choice was Mary Ellen Taylorās The Sky Beneath Her. I love that itās set at The Outer Banks, NC, one of my favorite vacation spots.
#booksky
8 days ago
1
9
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Jack Kornfield, a beloved teacher with decades of experience as a psychologist, meditation instructor, and Buddhist practitioner, offers a warm and practical collection of teachings for those seeking greater peace, presence, and heart-centered living without retreating from the world.
#booksky
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Bringing Home the Dharma (by Jack Kornfield) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve long been curious about Buddhism and eager to learn more about this rich spiritual tradition. So when Jack Kornfieldās Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are becameā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/bringing-home-the-dharma
9 days ago
0
6
1
I absolutely loved The Quitterās Club by Jessica Strawser. I genuinely loved each of these women and admired the bravery they showed in quitting something significant that was no longer serving them. Their individual journeys were both deeply moving and incredibly challenging.
#booksky
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The Quitterās Club (by Jessica Strawser) ā A Book and A Dog
As a huge fan of Jessica Strawserās novels, I was thrilled when her latest, The Quitterās Club , was available through Amazonās First Reads program for May. It was an obvious pick for meā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-quitters-club
10 days ago
0
7
1
Iāve been a fan of Greg Iles for years and loved the Penn Cage series. Southern Man is good, but far from his best. Itās a politically driven story, which isnāt my preference. It also needs serious editing. Unfortunately, Penn Cage in this book is different from the rest of the series.
#booksky
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Southern Man (by Greg Iles) ā A Book and A Dog
I have been a fan of Greg Iles for years and have loved all of his novels, especially the Penn Cage series. I was deeply saddened when I learned of his passing in 2025. I've had the pleasureā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/southern-man
11 days ago
1
8
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Starting the weekend with Harlan Cobenās Run Away. š¤
#booksky
#FridayReads
12 days ago
2
10
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I loved The Foursomeāit exceeded my expectations. Kline, related to the Yates sisters, crafted a creative story based on research and interviews, with thoughtful fictional liberties. It offers a human perspective on the unique challenges of this family.
#booksky
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The Foursome (by Christina Baker Kline) ā A Book and A Dog
Ages ago, I read Christina Baker Klineās A Piece of the World and absolutely loved it. As someone who adores both art and historical fiction, that novel has stayed with me for years.
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-foursome
15 days ago
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7
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I wanted to enjoy The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester, but it disappointed me. I struggled to connect with the story and the MC. I was confused from the start and hoped the plot and character would clarify, but they didnāt. The non-linear timeline made it harder to follow.
#booksky
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The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre (by Natasha Lester) ā A Book and A Dog
In 2023, I had the pleasure of attending an author event featuring Natasha Lester in conversation with Marie Benedict. I was already familiar with Benedictās work but new to Lesterās. Since her...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-three-lives-of-alix-st-pierre
17 days ago
0
10
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Kate Quinnās The Astral Library presents an incredibly creative concept. However, it wasnāt a great introduction to her work. Iām not giving up on her, but I need to give up on fantasy. This genre has been consistently disappointing me lately.
#booksky
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The Astral Library (by Kate Quinn) ā A Book and A Dog
Other than the short story Smoke Signal (co-written with Marie Benedict), I hadnāt read any of Kate Quinnās work before. Sheās an author Iāve long wanted to try after hearing so many glowing...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-astral-library
18 days ago
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14
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Natasha Lester will be at a local indie next week to promote her new book, The Chateau on Sunset. Iāve been wanting to read The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre for a while now, so I thought I should read it before attending the event to ensure that I enjoy her writing style.
#booksky
#FridayReads
19 days ago
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14
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I preordered a signed copy of Freida McFaddenās The Divorce from The Poisoned Pen bookstore. I knew some book swag was included, but I had no idea what to expect. The package arrived with a fantastic assortment of stickers that had me laughing out loud.
#booksky
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The Divorce (by Freida McFadden) ā A Book and A Dog
I love it when two of my favorite things come togetherāespecially when it involves books and a little bit of bookish magic.
https://abookandadog.com/biblio-boutique/the-divorce-signed
20 days ago
1
8
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I really enjoyed Softly, as I Leave You by Priscilla Presley. She reflects on her relationships, various business ventures, acting career, time on Dancing with the Stars, and work as an animal advocate. She is transparent about her relationships with her children, Lisa Marie and Navarone.
#booksky
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Softly, as I Leave You (by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley) ā A Book and A Dog
Growing up with a mom who loved Elvis, Iāve long been fascinated by the Presley family. I thoroughly enjoyed Priscillaās first memoir, Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Betweenā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/softly-as-i-leave-you
21 days ago
0
8
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The Anxious Generation is an important book for everyone. Itās insightful, well-researched, and offers both diagnosis and hope for change. I just wish the author didnāt maintain Facebook and Instagram accounts. By doing so, heās supporting the companies that profit from harming kids.
#booksky
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The Anxious Generation (by Jonathan Haidt) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve seen an enormous amount of praise for The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt, and my curiosity finallyā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-anxious-generation
24 days ago
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11
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I adore a geriatric protagonist, and Samantha Downingās Too Old For This delivers a clever, calculated, strategic, and utterly charming protagonist. This story is so wildly creative and unique that it somehow had me rooting for a retired serial killer to stay one step ahead.
#booksky
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Too Old For This (by Samantha Downing) ā A Book and A Dog
I discovered Samantha Downing through her novella Sleeping Dogs Lie on Audible and instantly fell in love with her sharp, darkly funny style. So when two different authors recommendedā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/too-old-for-this
25 days ago
0
8
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I attended an author event at The Back Room, hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. The event featured engaging conversations with Terah Shelton Harris, Gillian McAllister, Brenda Novak, and Tracy Sierra. I documented my experience on my blog, which includes book recommendations.
#booksky
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The Back Room - All-Star Storytellers ā A Book and A Dog
I just love spending a Sunday evening at The Back Room: Cocktails and Conversations with Your Favorite Authors, hosted by the wonderful Hank Phillippi Ryan and Karen Dionne. This Mayā¦
https://abookandadog.com/author-events/the-back-room-may-2026
26 days ago
1
10
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āŖThis weekend Iām listening to The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidtāa very important read. Also loving Jessica Strawserās new book, The Quitterās Club. Itās available on Amazon First Reads and out 6/1.
#booksky
#FridayReads
26 days ago
1
8
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I was cautiously optimistic about One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware. The premise features reality TV, which isnāt my thing. Thankfully, Ware created a smart, relatable protagonist who shares my skepticism. The story then unfolds into a tense, locked-room mystery Ware excels at.
#booksky
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One Perfect Couple (by Ruth Ware) ā A Book and A Dog
Itās always a treat to return to Ruth Wareās worldāsheās one of my favorite authors. Iām especially grateful to the Goodreads reading challenges for finally pushing me to pick upā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/one-perfect-couple
27 days ago
2
11
1
Marlene M. Bellās Lies to Forever is an engaging read with a sympathetic heroine and a snowy Tennessee atmosphere that adds to the moody feel. While it didnāt quite reach the level of some of my favorite thrillers, it offers a solid mix of emotional stakes and suspense.
#booksky
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Lies to Forever (by Marlene M. Bell) ā A Book and A Dog
One of the great pleasures of running a book blog is receiving submissions from authors and diving into their stories. Most often these arrive as digital ARCs, but every once in a while Iāmā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/lies-to-forever
28 days ago
0
6
1
As our niece graduates high school, we wanted to give her a meaningful book. After some searching, I chose The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It explores themes of destiny, intuition, perseverance, and the mysterious ways the universe supports those brave enough to follow their hearts.
#booksky
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The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho) ā A Book and A Dog
As our niece prepares to graduate high school and step into the exciting, uncertain world of college, we wanted to give her a meaningful bookāone that would inspire independenceā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-alchemist
30 days ago
1
9
1
Catherine Newmanās Wreck landed as just okay for meānoticeably underwhelming compared to the first book. Iām not sure exactly what I was hoping for, but while it wasnāt a train wreck, it didnāt quite hit the same heights. I still appreciated the humorous dialogue and witty sarcasm.
#booksky
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Wreck (by Catherine Newman) ā A Book and A Dog
After thoroughly enjoying Sandwich, I was eager to return to Catherine Newmanās world with its sequel, Wreck. Readers are reunited with Rocky as she navigates the beautiful chaos of midlifeā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/wreck
about 1 month ago
0
10
1
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King is our May pick for the Constant Reader in-person book club. When it was selected, Iāll admit I wasnāt excited. It was ājust okayā the first time. Fantasy has never been my favorite genre, so I knew this one would be an uphill battle for me.
#booksky
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The Eyes of the Dragon (by Stephen King) ā A Book and A Dog
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King was our May pick for the Constant Reader in-person book club. When it was selected, Iāll admit I wasnāt particularly excited. I first read the bookā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-eyes-of-the-dragon
about 1 month ago
1
10
1
Iām grateful for the Goodreads challenge that inspired me to revisit a favorite author. This weekend, Iām engrossed in Ruth Wareās One Perfect Couple. Itās an intense locked-room mystery set on a remote island, and Iām thoroughly enjoying it.
#booksky
#FridayReads
about 1 month ago
1
12
0
In One Golden Summer, Carley Fortune created genuine, relatable characters. I love how she weaves in strong family relationships and multi-generational stories. She excels at creating an irresistible setting. Her vivid writing made it easy to picture myself in a cozy lakeside cabin.
#booksky
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One Golden Summer (by Carley Fortune) ā A Book and A Dog
I donāt read much romance, but Carley Fortune has become a delightful exception. One Golden Summer is the follow-up to her bestselling Every Summer After , set once again in the charmingā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/one-golden-summer
about 1 month ago
0
12
1
George Saunderās Vigil may very well be a brilliant book for the right reader. It just wasnāt the right match for me. Iām still open to trying Saunders again someday, perhaps with one of his earlier, more celebrated works. But for this one, Iām moving on.
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/vigil
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Vigil (by George Saunders) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām probably one of the few readers who has never picked up a George Saunders book. Despite the overwhelming praise and his reputation as one of Americaās most inventive writers, his work has never qu...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/vigil
about 1 month ago
0
7
1
I loved The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Itās warm, insightful, and beautifully written. The audiobook narration is outstanding, especially Sybilās voice, which feels perfectly authentic. The large cast of narrators brought every character to life so vividly.
#booksky
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The Correspondent (by Virginia Evans) ā A Book and A Dog
The first time I saw the cover of The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, I was instantly drawn to it. As someone who loves watching birds in nature, the charming design immediately caught my...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-correspondent
about 1 month ago
0
11
1
In Patrick Ryanās Buckeye, I loved every character and felt privileged to witness their lives unfold. The final hours of the audiobook hit with surprising emotional weight, leaving me teary-eyed and reflective. I looked forward to every chance I could listen.
#booksky
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Buckeye (by Patrick Ryan) ā A Book and A Dog
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan is one of those rare novels that seems to quietly captivate everyone who picks it up. Its beautiful cover has been calling to me from bookstore displays, newsletters...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/buckeye
about 1 month ago
0
9
1
It was so much fun catching up with Joe and his deeply twisted approach to relationships in You Love Me by Caroline Kepnes. Her signature dark humor shines through, along with her nostalgic nods to music, movies, books, and pop culture.
#booksky
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You Love Me (by Caroline Kepnes) ā A Book and A Dog
I have no idea how this series slipped away from me. I absolutely loved the first book, You, and instantly became a Caroline Kepnes fan. I devoured the second installment, Hidden Bodies, and...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/you-love-me
about 1 month ago
0
7
1
Not a huge fan of romance novels, but I like how Carley Fortuneās books are about the genuine relationships between people. I sure hope my heart doesnāt get broken by the end of āŖOne Golden Summer. š
#booksky
#FridayReads
about 1 month ago
0
9
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Itās rare for me to bail on two books in a row, and I definitely struggled with the decision. I wrote a blog post about my experience with Wendy Walkerās The Room Next Doorāand continuing to give myself permission to DNF books Iām not loving.
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/the-room-next-door
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The Room Next Door (by Wendy Walker) ā A Book and A Dog
This isnāt a traditional book review. Itās about my experience with Wendy Walkerās The Room Next Door āand continuing to give myself permission to DNF books Iām not loving.
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-room-next-door
about 1 month ago
2
9
0
I wrote a blog post that isnāt really a book review. Itās about my experience trying (and ultimately not finishing) People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henryāand what that decision says about my relationship with reading.
#booksky
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People We Meet On Vacation (by Emily Henry) ā A Book and A Dog
This post isnāt really a book review. Itās about my experience trying (and ultimately not finishing) People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henryāand what that decision says about myā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/people-we-meet-on-vacation
about 1 month ago
2
9
1
Gilly Macmillan has been a reliable author for gripping, intelligent thrillers, so I went into The Burning Library with high expectations. Unfortunately, while the novel was engaging enough to finish, it ultimately fell short of the standard her previous books have set for me.
#booksky
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The Burning Library (by Gilly Macmillan) ā A Book and A Dog
Gilly Macmillanās previous books had entertained me, so I excitedly placed a library hold on her latest novel, The Burning Library . This dark thriller unfolds at a university in St. Andrews, Scotlan...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-burning-library
about 1 month ago
1
10
1
For my May Amazon First Reads selection, I couldnāt resist choosing Jessica Strawserās new book, The Quitters Club. Iām also grateful for the bonus short read, The Replacement, by Liv Constantine.
#booksky
about 1 month ago
1
8
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W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton had an extremely slow start for me. The beginning felt weighed down by banal details that struggled to hold my attention. Once the plot picked up momentum, though, it was like a switch flippedāthe story quickly became engaging and hard to put down.
#booksky
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W is for Wasted (by Sue Grafton) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve surprised myself by reading two Sue Grafton books this month. While Iām genuinely enjoying the Alphabet series, Iāll admit Iām looking forward to its conclusion. Iāve alwaysā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/w-is-for-wasted
about 2 months ago
1
7
1
I love that cactus bloom. Thatās probably my favorite thing about my husbandās growing cacti collection. This Moon Cactus is gorgeous. šµš±
#gardening
#bloomscrolling
about 2 months ago
1
39
1
I celebrated Independent Bookstore Day at The Kentucky Bookstore. The store hosted a signing with Kim Michele Richardson for her new novel, The Mountains We Call Home, the third book in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. I wrote about my experience on my blog.
#booksky
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Kim Michele Richardson ā A Book and A Dog
I celebrated Independent Bookstore Day at The Kentucky Bookstore in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The store hosted a signing with Kim Michele Richardson for her new novel, The Mountains We Call Homeā¦
https://abookandadog.com/author-events/kim-michele-richardson-2026
about 2 months ago
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9
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āŖThis weekend Iām struggling to find the right audiobook. On the bright side, it gives me something to write about on my blog. In the meantime, Iām enjoying this murder mysteryāLies to Forever by Marlene M. Bellā¬.
#booksky
#FridayReads
about 2 months ago
1
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Without Your Father by Jessica Lynne Henkle is a memoir that offers a portrayal of grief experienced in the year following the authorās fatherās sudden death. The book delves into the peculiar blend of absurdity, humor, and profound emptiness that accompanies the loss of a parent.
#booksky
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Without Your Father (by Jessica Lynne Henkle) ā A Book and A Dog
When I received an email inviting me to read and review Jessica Lynne Henkleās grief memoir, Without Your Father , I was immediately intrigued. This poignant memoir, presented through 112 short vigne...
https://abookandadog.com/blog/without-your-father
about 2 months ago
1
10
1
The Dark Corners of the Night, the third book in the UNSUB series by Meg Gardiner, is an exceptional thriller that kept me hooked from the very beginning to the end. Sharp insights, tense team dynamics, and that chilling cat-and-mouse game between the investigators and the killer.
#booksky
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The Dark Corners of the Night (by Meg Gardiner) ā A Book and A Dog
Iāve been feeling motivated to make progress on some of the book series Iāve been slowly reading. Of course, there are several of them, so weāll see how well I stick to my planā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-dark-corners-of-the-night
2 months ago
0
6
2
Bearded irises šš§”šš±
#gardening
#bloomscrolling
2 months ago
1
43
5
Iām feeling motivated to wrap up some series Iāve been reading for a while, so Iām reading W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton. Iām also finishing a lovely grief memoir, Without Your Father, by Jessica Lynne Henkle.
#booksky
#FridayReads
2 months ago
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15
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The Intern is #3.5 in the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz, and despite its short duration of less than 30 minutes, itās incredibly intense! It delivers suspense and pulse-pounding tension that Iāve come to expect from The Nowhere Man.
#booksky
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The Intern (by Gregg Hurwitz) ā A Book and A Dog
Iām still relatively new to the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz, but the journey is thrilling. Iām thoroughly enjoying the short stories that accompany each installment. The Intern is the third andā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-intern-orphan-x
2 months ago
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8
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Since this is Andrew Childās second Jack Reacher book, Iāve noticed differences in his writing compared to Leeās. Better Off Dead maintains its signature blend of action, problem-solving, and momentum, but Reacherās personality seems different.
#booksky
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Better Off Dead - Jack Reacher #26 (by Lee Child and Andrew Child) ā A Book and A Dog
Itās hard to believe Iāve read the 26th installment of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child and Andrew Child. Better Off Dead is a fast-paced thriller where Reacher, the wandering ex-militaryā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/better-off-dead
2 months ago
1
8
1
Cactus blooms šµš©·š±
#gardening
#bloomscrolling
2 months ago
2
29
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While some of the pieces in Matthew McConaugheyās Poems and Prayers resonated with me, I found the overall book to be less impactful than Greenlights. His poetry style is commendable, but the content simply didnāt align with my preferences. His humor didnāt always resonate with me.
#booksky
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Poems and Prayers (by Matthew McConaughey) ā A Book and A Dog
Matthew McConaugheyās book, Greenlights , left me deeply moved and entertained. I listened to the audiobook version and was thoroughly satisfied by his narration. When his latest bookā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/poems-and-prayers
2 months ago
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10
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I genuinely enjoyed Charlotte Bronteās Jane Eyre and am grateful for that. I was captivated by Janeās character and her coming-of-age journey. Watching her evolve felt authentic and earned. The story was filled with emotion as Bronte vividly portrayed society of that era.
#booksky
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Jane Eyre (by Charlotte BrontĆ«) ā A Book and A Dog
My grandma played a pivotal role in introducing me to books, libraries, and the joy of storytelling. She read books to me from a young age. During the summer months, we wouldā¦
https://abookandadog.com/blog/jane-eyre
2 months ago
2
9
1
Ice cream tulips š·š¦š±
#gardening
#bloomscrolling
2 months ago
0
39
2
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