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  • Category: Advance Excitement

    • Advance Excitement at a Glance XVI

      Posted at 5:30 am by Laura, on June 30, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      Last month I began my summer reading plans, which included cutting back on ARCs. July’s ARC requests were quite minimal, and so this is all I have on my list! It feels so liberating.

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      Model Misfit by Holly Smale
      (HarperTeen, July 21)

      Harriet knows that modelling won’t transform you. She knows that being as uniquely odd as a polar bear isn’t necessarily a bad thing (even in a rainforest). And that the average person eats a ton of food a year, though her pregnant stepmother is doing her best to beat this. What Harriet doesn’t know is where she’s going to fit in once the new baby arrives.

      Modelling in Japan seems the perfect chance to get as far away from home as possible. But nothing can prepare Harriet for the craziness of Tokyo, her competitive model flatmates and her errant grandmother’s ‘chaperoning’. Or seeing gorgeous Nick everywhere she goes. Because, this time, Harriet knows what a broken heart feels like.

      YES! The sequel to the hilarious Geek Girl. Gimme gimme gimme!

      Some other books I’m excited about and hope to read soon: Rebel Mechanics by Shawna Swendson (July 14) and The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth (July 7).

      What books are you looking forward to in July?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, advance reading copy, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance XV

      Posted at 8:15 am by Laura, on May 25, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      Last week I talked about my summer reading plans (instigating a book-buying ban, being more selective about the ARCs I read, tackling my TBR shelves). So it seems a little odd to keep up with the AE@aG posts — didn’t I just say I wasn’t going to read that many ARCs?

      Yes, I did. I severely cut down the list. While I’m looking forward to the success and reception of Hotel Moscow (June 2), The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly (June 9), Every Last Word (June 16), and Between the Notes (June 16), I’m a bit more excited about the following books in particular (and maybe I’ll read a third or fourth — it all depends!).

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      The Tide Watchers by Lisa Chaplin
      (William Morrow, June 9)

      In the tradition of Jennifer Robson, comes this compelling debut that weaves the fascinating story of a young woman who must risk her life as a spy to help stop Napoleon’s invasion of Great Britain in the winter of 1803.

      Believe me, there’s a much longer blurb about this, and it just sounds so good! I’m not as familiar with this part of history, so I’m looking forward to the characters, plot, and setting with this one.

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      Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway
      (HarperTeen, June 23)

      Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

      This book is getting a lot of buzz — has for months — but before I even realized it was a buzz book I knew I had to get my hands on it. Kidnapped? Time lapse? Perfect for Sarah Dessen fans? Give it to me, already.

      I’m hoping to also read Between Us and the Moon for that light summer romance craving we all love and adore, and The Book of Speculation because I’m deeply curious to see how Night Circus fans (and book fanatics) will receive it.

      See how this could’ve turned into another April Hot Mess? This would’ve been a June Hot Mess. It’ll already be hot enough this summer — no need to boil me alive.

      What books are you looking forward to in June?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 2 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, advance reading copy, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance XIV

      Posted at 5:55 am by Laura, on April 29, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      Last month I was tasked to read 9 ARCs for April publication. I only hit 7 of them (only, haha), and now I’m feeling very drained. I want to get back to reading published books and manuscripts — the bookends of ARCs — but there are a couple books I’m excited about for May publication. Some May books include Jenny Han’s PS I Still Love You, SJ Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Patricia Park’s Re Jane (a nod to Jane Eyre!). Hopefully I can read and review these ARCs for you! Until then, here are two ARCs I’m incredibly excited about, and hope to shove everything aside and make room for on the blog.

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      Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
      (Viking, May 5)

      Peyton, Sydney’s charismatic older brother, receives the lion’s share of their parents’ attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton’s reckless behavior culminates in an accident, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

      Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

      I will read anything Sarah Dessen writes. Gimme. She’s my YA automatic buy, my go-to author for new YA readers. I love her.

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      Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey
      (Thomas Dunne Books, May 26)

      Having fled from her abusive boyfriend on a late February evening and with nowhere to go, Jess stumbles onto a forgotten lane in London where a small, crumbling old house offers her best chance of shelter for the night. The next morning, a mysterious letter arrives and when she can’t help but open it, she finds herself drawn into the story of two lovers from another time.

      In London 1942, Stella meets Dan, a US airman, quite by accident. There is no denying the impossible, unstoppable love that draws them together. Dan is a B-17 pilot flying his bomber into Europe from a British airbase; his odds of survival at one in five. The one thing they hold onto is the letters they write to each other. Fate is unkind and they are separated by decades and continents. In the present, Jess becomes determined to find out what happened to them.

      WWII? Check. Epistolary? Check. Across-the-pond romance? Check. “Perfect for fans of Kate Morton”? GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY.

      What books are you looking forward to in May?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 2 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance XIII

      Posted at 8:00 am by Laura, on March 29, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      April is going to be jam-packed with ARC reviews. There are several I’m hoping to read and review for you, including Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke (Anne Blankman, April 21) and The Wonderous and the Wicked (Page Morgan, April 21). Think I can read nine ARCs this month? We’ll see. Cheer me on.

      In the meantime, take a look at two books I’ll review on the blog this month!

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      Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins
      (Putnam, April 7)

      Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion, best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance, and now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life. Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her or connect her to David for life.

      HI HEY WHOA I love this trilogy. It’s fun, it’s Buffy meets Southern culture, and it’s just so gosh-darn unique I can’t help but devour it. Looking forward to entering Harper’s Paladin mind once more!

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      The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston
      (Thomas Dunne Books, April 21)

      A year after her husband’s sudden death, Tilda Fordwells moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. The lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her – a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she’s near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boatful of ancient people approaching her across the water.

      On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own.

      When Tilda explores the lake’s ancient magic she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren’s prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster are not to shatter her life once more.

      If it involves Wales and Paula Brackston, I’m down to read it. I really loved Winter Witch, and this seems very similar to that book. Can’t wait to fall in love with her lush writing again!

      Which books are you looking forward to in April?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 2 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, ARC, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance XII

      Posted at 8:00 am by Laura, on February 23, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      March reviews are coming up fast, and I received so many ARCs I couldn’t keep up with it all! A few I had to pass up — Lauren Oliver’s Vanishing Girls (March 10), Nova Ren Suma’s The Walls Around Us (March 24) — but I’ve read some wonderful reviews of those. For now, here’s a sneak peek at a few of the ones I was able to get to for the blog!

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      The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski
      (Farrar Straus Giroux, March 3)

      The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. 

      This ARC in particular is why I’m posting early for March — the full review for this book, as well as the first in the Winner’s trilogy, The Winner’s Curse, will appear in just a couple days! I’m ashamed I waited so long to read Rutkoski.

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      The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
      (Bloomsbury / Walker, March 31)

      It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. But when Max moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. 

      You’ve already read a snippet of my thoughts on this book. I can’t wait to share the full review with you!

      Which books are you looking forward to in March? 

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 4 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, ARC, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance XI

      Posted at 2:45 am by Laura, on January 28, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      February looks like another huge month for publishing, and I’m really excited about The Price of Blood by Patricia Bracewell. Even though I received an ARC, I wanted to set that aside and read the published book instead — really immerse myself back into Emma’s life. Hopefully a review will come soon for that!

      Until then, take a peek at these featured books I’ll review on the blog this month!

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      I Remember You by Cathleen Davitt Bell
      (Knopf Books for Young Readers, February 10)

      Lucas and Juliet couldn’t be more different from each other. But from the moment Lucas sees Juliet, he swears he remembers their first kiss. Their first dance. Their first fight. He even knows what’s going to happen between them—not because he can predict the future, but because he claims to have already lived it.

      Intriguing. Seeing the future, but not exactly predicting it. Curious to see where this one goes!

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      A Touch of Stardust by Kate Alcott
      (Doubleday, February 17)

      Although tensions run high on the set, Julie finds she can step onto the back lot, take in the smell of smoky gunpowder and the soft rustle of hoop skirts, and feel the magical world of Gone with the Wind come to life. Julie’s access to real-life magic comes when Carole Lombard hires her as an assistant and invites her into the glamorous world Carole shares with Clark Gable—who is about to move into movie history as the dashing Rhett Butler.

      I’m a Kate Alcott fan. I’ll read just about anything she puts out there. What really entices me about this book is that this doesn’t appear to be focused on fashion. Her other two books were — fashion and fabrics mixed with court rulings — and this one is about a girl’s journey in Hollywood during the filming of Gone with the Wind. How amazing would that be?

      Which books are you looking forward to in February?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 3 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, ARC, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance X

      Posted at 10:15 am by Laura, on January 3, 2015

      advanceexcitement2015

      A monthly meme to keep up with the latest publications, featuring at least two advance copy reviews to look forward to reading.

      January is a huge month for new publications, and I can’t wait to share all the reviews coming this month! But I’ll only tease you with two right now: one YA that was hugely successful in the UK, and one adult historical fiction publishers are calling the next Water for Elephants meets The Night Circus.

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      Geek Girl by Holly Smale
      (HarperTeen, January 27)

      Geek + runway = a hilarious runaway hit! This bestselling UK debut is full of humor and high-fashion hijinks—and now it’s coming to America. With all the humor and fabulous shenanigans of Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson and Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, Geek Girl is about to become an international superstar.

      Um, LOVE. I was hooked the moment I read Stacey @ PrettyBooks‘s review (feels like ages ago!). So excited to see it was coming to America — and you should be, too!

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      The Magician’s Lie by Greeg Macallister
      (Sourcebooks Landmark, January 13)

      Water for Elephants meets The Night Circus in The Magician’s Lie, a debut novel in which the country’s most notorious female illusionist stands accused of her husband’s murder –and she has only one night to convince a small-town policeman of her innocence.

      What an intriguing premise. Not only will the policeman have to guess if she’s telling the truth, but so will the reader! Suspenseful, quiet yet dramatic, and a train show. Yes yes yes.

      Remember, on January 6th, Jennifer Niven’s debut All the Bright Places will hit stores! Be sure to nab yourself a copy, especially if you love The Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor & Park! Completely worth it. Several other amazing books come out in January, including Megan Shepherd’s A Cold Legacy and Patricia Bracewell’s The Price of Blood.

      Which books are you looking forward to in January?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 2 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, ARC, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance IX + September Book Haul

      Posted at 1:14 pm by Laura, on September 25, 2014

      arc posts

      This year, in an effort to blog more, to become more involved with the blogging community, and to keep up with the latest publications, I thought I’d create a monthly post about the ARCs I’ve received. These ARCs will be read and reviewed a month prior to the publishing date. The Advance Excitement at a Glance posts will feature one or two (or more!) books to look forward to.

      Last month I previewed four ARCs I’d hoped to get to, but was only able to read and review one, The Caller. Lark Rising, though, is now available in stores, and I highly suggest you dash after it, especially if you’re a Juliet Marillier fan.

      October is another big publishing month, and I was once again overwhelmed with the number of fantastic ARCs. I can assure you you’ll see far more reviews this upcoming month, so be on the lookout! Here are two of the billions I’m really excited to share with you.

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      My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins and written by
      all your favorite YA authors ever 

      (October 14, St. Martin’s Press)

      A collection of holiday/winter-themed short stories for your enjoyment. Rumor has it there are twelve illustrations inside as well, one for each story! Just looking at the cover makes me think of the Rainbow Rowell cover art trend (surely there’s a more formal name for it, but her covers are so iconic now), which I’m a huge fan of. I’m usually not much of a collection/anthology reader — I prefer my stories long — but this seems so perfect, like little bits of peppermint candies.

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      Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch 
      (October 14, Balzer + Bray)

      Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

      Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior, she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. When scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

      Meira, orphaned as an infant, has only ever heard stories of the beautiful, frozen Kingdom of Winter. She’s heard so many that sometimes she feels these stories are her own memories. But when she goes on a mission to recapture the lost locket, a conduit for the royalty’s magic, she accidentally sets in a motion a future she never thought possible.

      If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m a huge Balzer + Bray fan. I’ll read just about any YA they publish. Gimme gimme. Apart from that, I really like the idea of a set of kingdoms based on the seasons. Throw in a girl who can fight, who’s playful and funny and passionate, who fights for a cause she doesn’t fully understand but feels should be part of her blood, and I’m ready to read.

      Which ARCs did you receive for October? What books are you looking forward to reading?

      ~

      September Book Haul

      Because this month’s spending was way out of control and totally violated Resolution #4.

      septbookhaul

      If you’re following me on instagram, you would’ve noticed several things: 1) I’m obsessing over Outlander, and 2) there’ve been more book purchases than book reviews this month. And I’m blaming it on Outlander. I’d owned the book for months, watched the first episode when it aired, and then devoured the book. Which then prompted the intense desire to purchase Dragonfly in Amber…and Voyager and Drums of Autumn. All of Gabaldon’s books are massive, which means if I have wandering attention I end up turning back to the ARCs that need to be read or the books that look so gosh darn pretty and I want to read right now but can’t because Gabaldon’s taken my soul. So that prompted The Caller (already read and reviewed!), This is What Happy Looks Like, Winterkill, Summer & Bird, The Swallow, Jackaby, and The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place. I can’t explain myself. I just can’t. I’m ashamed and at the same time I just don’t care — breaking resolutions for books is acceptable in this community, right? Right.

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books, Update Post | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, advance reading copy, ARC, book haul, book hoarding, books, personal
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance VIII

      Posted at 9:08 pm by Laura, on August 27, 2014

      arc posts

       

      This year, in an effort to blog more, to become more involved with the blogging community, and to keep up with the latest publications, I thought I’d create a monthly post about the ARCs I’ve received. These ARCs will be read and reviewed a month prior to the publishing date. The Advance Excitement at a Glance posts will feature one or two (or more, depending on what happens this year) books to look forward to, and it will motivate me to keep my to-read list on track.

      Last month I previewed two ARCs that were published fairly recently, Deliverance (the conclusion to my favorite dystopian trilogy) and The Secret Place (the next installment by one of my favorite authors). I also shared Isla and the Happily Ever After (so so so perfect) and Secrets of the Lighthouse (a completely new author to me and enjoyed it). September and October are going to be big publishing months — and I can already tell I can’t get to all the ARCs I’ve received!

      Because of that, here are four books to hunt for in the stores or watch out for in my reviews. Let’s hope I get to most of these so that I can share my thoughts with you!

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      The Jewel by Amy Ewing (September 2, HarperTeen) appears to be similar to The Selection series. There’s a lot of hype building around this book, and I’m curious to see why.

      The Caller by Juliet Marillier (September 9, Knopf Books for Young Readers) is the final installment to the Shadowfell trilogy, a quiet but powerful YA fantasy.

      Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White (September 9, HarperTeen) is a Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare YA fantasy, and it was highly recommended by Stephanie Perkins. So soon! So excited!

      Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh (September 23, Random House Books for Young Readers) is another great fantasy, recommended by Juliet Marillier. Sounds like if you enjoy folklore (and Shadowfell!) you’ll enjoy this!

       

      Which ARCs did you receive for September? What books are you looking forward to reading?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, ARC, books
    • Advance Excitement at a Glance VII

      Posted at 1:18 pm by Laura, on July 6, 2014

      This year, in an effort to blog more, to become more involved with the blogging community, and to keep up with the latest publications, I thought I’d create a monthly post about the ARCs I’ve received. These ARCs will be read and reviewed a month prior to the publishing date. The Advance Excitement at a Glance posts will feature one or two (or more, depending on what happens this year) books to look forward to, and it will motivate me to keep my to-read list on track.

      Last month I shared two YA books out for publication in July. August is filled with ARCs (and I have no idea how I’ll get to all of them!), but I’ll share two in particular that I’m deeply excited about.

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      Deliverance by C.J. Redwine 
      (August 26, Balzer + Bray)

      Everything hangs in the balance, and nothing is certain: Rachel has been kidnapped by enemy forces and is being taken to Rowansmark while Logan, imprisoned and awaiting trial, is unable to leave Lankenshire. Separated from each other and their Baalboden comrades, each must find a way to achieve what they desperately want: to rid their world once and for all of the Commander and the tech that controls the deadly Cursed One.

      I can’t do my own summary for this one. In fact, I don’t even care what this book’s summary contains — I just want the book SO BAD. *grabby hands* I love CJ Redwine. (Defiance and Deception reviews!)

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      The Secret Place by Tana French
      (August 26 [possibly September 2], Viking Adult)

      Detective Stephen Moran has been waiting for his chance to get a foot in the door of Dublin’s Murder Squad—and one morning, sixteen-year-old Holly Mackey brings him this photo. The Secret Place, a board where the girls at St. Kilda’s School can pin up their secrets anonymously, is normally a mishmash of gossip and covert cruelty, but today someone has used it to reignite the stalled investigation into the murder of handsome, popular Chris Harper. Stephen joins forces with the abrasive Detective Antoinette Conway to find out who and why.
      But everything they discover leads them back to Holly’s close-knit group of friends and their fierce enemies, a rival clique—and to the tangled web of relationships that bound all the girls to Chris Harper.

      Once again, I can’t even do my own summary. Tana French is another author whose books I’ll read simply because her name is plastered on the cover. She’s such an excellent writer, and this Dublin Murder Squad series is so psychologically mind-bending I can’t help but flail.

      Which ARCs did you receive for August? What books are you looking forward to reading?

      Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, ARC, books
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    • Hello, I’m Laura!

      I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to knit, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm obsessed with popcorn. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!
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