Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
As you have probably noticed, I have brought the Weekly Updates over here to Curl up and Read. I like to keep things in a state of flux. LOL.
The week flew by, as usual. One minute, it felt like Monday…and then, suddenly, it was Friday. I did read and review four books this week, and have now read and reviewed 26 books for my Read the Books You Buy Challenge.
I spent some time bingeing on Netflix, with the new series The Ranch. So far, it’s fun. I also added a new show to my queue: American Odyssey.
Midweek, I took a break for lunch with a friend at The Cheesecake Factory…delicious! But it was a late lunch, so I didn’t feel much like having dinner later. But that’s okay, too.
(The cheesecake in the photo above was from The Elephant Bar, the week before. I forgot to photograph mine from this week….but they looked the same).
Let’s revisit the rest of my week…
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Dreaming…Excerpt from “Web of Tyranny”
Sunday Potpourri: A Day of Lazing About
Ignite Your Book Love: Musings
Serendipitous Tuesdays: “Friction”
Curl up and Wait For “It Ends with Us”
Interior Thoughts: Exploring the Past…and Reveling in the Present
Bookish Fridays: “Dream of the Blue Room”
Review: Most Wanted (e-book), by Lisa Scottoline (NetGalley – 4/12)
Review: The Nest (e-book), by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
Review: Domestic Secrets (e-book), by Rosalind Noonan
Review: The Price of Salt (e-book, Carol), by Patricia Highsmith
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INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Two books came in my mailbox from Amazon Vine…and I downloaded three purchased books…plus, I got an Amazon Prime freebie.
Mother Knows Best, by Karen MacInerney (Amazon Vine)
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June, by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore (Amazon Vine)
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Blood Defense (e-book), by Marcia Clark (From Amazon Prime)
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First Frost (e-book), by Sarah Addison Allen (Purchased)
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Lies & Other Acts of Love (e-book), by Kristy Woodson Harvey (Purchased)
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River Road (e-book), by Carol Goodman (Purchased)
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WHAT’S UP NEXT? (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
As usual, I have a few books on my stack that I plan to read…but in what order, or when, well, let’s just say that I’m trying for the whimsical.
North of Here (e-book), by Laurel Saville
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Dream of the Blue Room (e-book), by Michelle Richmond
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A Fatal Grace (e-book, Book 2), by Louise Penny
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That’s my week….what did yours look like? I hope you’ll stop by and leave your links to your posts.
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Great haul! I really want to read First Frost – I read and loved Garden Spells but have yet to read this one. I also like the sound of Lies and Other Acts of Love, I might add that to my wishlist. I hope you enjoy all of your new books and that you have a great week.
Thanks for stopping by my post:
https://rathertoofondofbooks.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/stacking-the-shelves-9-april-2016/
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I have been wanting First Frost for a long time, but knew I had to read Garden Spells first. I loved the characters, so I’m eager to revisit them. I also love the look of Lies and Other Acts of Love. Thanks for stopping by, Hayley. Enjoy your week!
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I wish we had a Cheesecake Factory here. I wouldn’t feel like eating dinner after a meal there either! It always drives my husband crazy when I go out somewhere big for lunch because I have zero interest in cooking dinner and I’m the primary cook! Love the books you got. I read The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen last summer and absolutely loved it. I’ve been meaning to read Garden Spells ever since and I need to get on it so a full year doesn’t go by. First Frost will be next. Have a great week!
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Yes, the downside of eating a late lunch.
I also loved The Peach Keeper and Lost Lake. So glad I finally got around to Garden Spells, so I can now read First Frost. Thanks for stopping by, Katherine…time flies so fast. When I look at the dates on my various purchases, I find it hard to believe that so many books have been waiting so long.
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This week didn’t go by as fast for me, but the weekend is here! 🙂 Netflix is always a good choice lol and Cheesecake looks fun… have never been but they have ’em in Chicago (a few hours away).
The author of June jumped out at me, I remember the name because I was going to red Bittersweet… I never did. Hmm… bummer. North of Here has a nice cover too with the egg shells. Hope your reads are good and have another fantastic week!
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I did finally read Bittersweet…I also got that one from Vine. So I am excited about June.
I, too, love the look of North of Here, and enjoyed a memoir by this author.
I spent the afternoon watching Lie to Me and American Odyssey on Netflix; the latter is so good, I had a hard time stopping.
Thanks for visiting, Greg, and I would be very sad if there was no Cheesecake Factory here…LOL. We don’t have a lot going on in this city, but we do have some good restaurants. Thanks for stopping by!
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Looks like you had a great week! I have heard good things about The Ranch, so I need to get to it soon. First Frost looks very interesting, I will have to check it out. Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
My Weekly Wrap-Up
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Thanks, Laura, I loved the characters in Garden Spells, so First Frost is one I’m eager to read…and I love The Ranch. Also discovered and enjoyed American Odyssey on Netflix.
Enjoy your week!
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I like the look of River Road!
I tried to find your post earlier today and tried Serendipity and Rainy Days – and hadn’t checked the others!
That cheesecake looks amazing!
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Sorry about the mix-up on the blogs, Deborah…in trying to change things up, I guess it can be a challenge for readers. The updates will be here for a while.
I love the look of River Road, too, and thanks so much for persisting and finding me today! Enjoy your week.
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Hehe..I like playing find Laurel’s Sunday Post! Omg..I want the cheesecake! I picked up Blood Defense too and really hope its good!
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Thanks, Kimberly, and yes, sorry about the tag game!
I was reminded of Marcia Clark’s books when I saw the OJ miniseries…and then, out of the blue, I got her book from Amazon Prime. I love Prime!
Enjoy your week, and thanks for stopping by. And for hosting!
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It sounds like you had a fun week! Some good-looking books there. Have a great week 🙂
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Thanks, Maree, the week flew by! Fun was had around here, and I hope you enjoy your new week.
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I definitely get what you’re saying. Time really flew by this week. I hate when that happens, makes me feel all weird.
I saw ‘The Ranch’ on my Netflix screen.. haven’t seen it yet though but it sounds interesting.
Have a great week and happy reading 😉
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Thanks, Maureen, and every day when I woke up, I couldn’t believe we were another day closer to the weekend. I didn’t watch The Ranch yesterday after all, as I got caught up in American Odyssey…will probably watch today. It’s raining again! Enjoy your week.
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26 books! Laurel that’s great 🙂 he Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorites place to meet friends for lunch. Love their salad and of course the cheesecakes. The one in your picture looks sinfully good 🙂 Love the header image! Did you change the background too? is it SO PRETTY 🙂
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Thanks, Daniela, I changed the header and background during Bloggiesta. I love makeovers anyway, and any excuse to do them.
I don’t go to The Cheesecake Factory as often as I’d like…it involves a crosstown freeway, and mad parking. But…worth it.
Enjoy your week…and I am pleased at how this one went.
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I love to see the books that pour into your mailbox!
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/04/busy-busy-busy.html
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Thanks, Deb, I love seeing them too! Crazy, right? Enjoy your week!
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Hi, trying to visit those I don’t normally get around tot and I really like your blog. You seem to read some genres I love. 🙂 I know what you mean when it was Monday one moment and then the weekend the next! i had a busy week too.
You got a lot of great looking books to read I hope you enjoy them all. 🙂
Stormi
Week In Review
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Thanks, Stormi, I so love getting new books, even though I know the ongoing challenge of getting to them all in a reasonable amount of time will continue….I’m glad you like this blog…it’s one of my first WP sites (after An Interior Journey and Potpourri!).
Enjoy your week!
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Oh I snagged the Blood Defense book as well! It sounds interesting and I am sure Marsha Clark has seen enough crazy stuff her her days to make a great story!
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Oh, yes, I loved being reminded of her and her books while watching the OJ miniseries….and so pleased that Amazon Prime was giving me a copy. Thanks for visiting, Samantha, and enjoy your new week.
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A great haul of books – I liked the look of First Frost:). Hope the weather behaves and that you have a great reading week… My Weekly Wrap-Up is – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/04/10/weekly-wrap-up-10th-april-2016/
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Thanks, Sarah, and I have been eyeing First Frost for ages…but knew I needed to read Garden Spells first. Enjoy your new week!
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Thank you and I hope you have an equally productive week!
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Too many good books here to comment on 🙂 I’ve either read or want to read every single one! Except the Highsmith one, which I didn’t have on my radar, but was intrigued by the movie commercials. I hope to read The Most Wanted soon and I enjoyed Domestic Secrets but found it a bit like Peyton Place, lol. I also read Dream of the Blue Room and A Fatal Grace so enjoy them.
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Thanks, Rita, and I don’t know why I hadn’t read Dream of the Blue Room sooner…but I’m really enjoying it now. Maybe that’s the way it should be…right?
I actually enjoyed Peyton Place, so there must be a part of me that loves lewd tabloid-style reading…LOL.
I loved the first book in the Gamache series (The Crossing Places), so I’m eager to read more.
Enjoy your week!
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So many lovely new books for you! I see a couple I might have to grab. Yikes! Drooling over the cheesecake. One of favorites but off my radar. Got to get ready for a bathing suit. LOL
My Sunday Post
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Ha…cheesecake can definitely play havoc with the bod. Enjoy your week and your books, and thanks for visiting, Laura.
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Ah, that cheesecake looks divine! 🙂
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Thanks, Tonyalee….and now I want another piece! LOL. Glad you could stop by.
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That cheesecake looks amazing!!! I just read Lies and Other Acts of Love and thought it was great. Hope you enjoy it and your other new books!!! Have a great week!!
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Thanks, Grace, and I am glad you enjoyed Lies and Other Acts of Love…now I want more cheesecake…and I wish they would deliver some here, as it’s raining again and I don’t want to leave my house! LOL.
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Blood Defense seems like a great pick. Happy reading and have a good upcoming week.
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I agree, Brandileigh…thanks for stopping by!
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Oh my gosh, that cheesecake looks SO GOOD!! I haven’t read any of the books that you got this week but I hope you enjoy them all 😀
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Thanks, Christy, and I agree about the cheesecake! Enjoy your week.
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Mother Knows Best sounds like it will be great fun to read and I do want to get around to reading some of Louise Penny’s books too
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Thanks, Cleo, I’ve only read the first book in the Louise Penny series, but I immediately downloaded the second one when I finished. I also love the sound of Mother Knows Best.
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You have so many fantastic books in this post, I can’t even comment on which one I would like to read, there are too many to list. I hope you enjoy reading them!
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Yes, I agree…too many lovely books is how I see most people’s blogs these days! Thanks for stopping by, Sarah, and enjoy your week.
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Well you rocked the book haul this week! So many lovely books… 🙂
Happy Reading!
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Thanks, Dani, enjoy your week and all your books, too.
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I’ve been wanting to read River Road and that pig is so cute. The cheesecake is making me hungry. Great haul and hope you have a good week.
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Thanks, Barb…and if I weren’t so lazy, I would have gone for another piece of cheesecake. LOL. Enjoy your week!
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It sounds like you had a great week! Awesome haul this week too! Happy reading 😀
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
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Thanks, Tracy, I hope you enjoy your week…and I’m glad you could stop by.
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Ah that cheesecake looks very delicious! Some good books coming in – have read two of them. Intrigued by the others, no doubt you will share them in good time!
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Thanks, Kathryn, I am definitely in favor of reading and sharing these books…and the cheesecake was very delicious. Enjoy your week!
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Didn’t know that former prosecutor Marcia Clark wrote thrillers! Fantastic. Hope you love your new books!
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I was pleased to realize that fact, Harvee…I don’t remember when I first knew of it, but this will be my first book of hers to read. Thanks for stopping by!
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This is a cute blog! I’ve had First Frost on my tbr it seems forever so I hope you enjoy it! I love the Cheesecake Factory and the portions are huge so I bet you weren’t hungry lol. I hope you have a great week and enjoy your new books!
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Thanks, Kathy, glad you like the blog….and I’m eager to read First Frost, too, knowing that it contains some Garden Spells characters.
One thing I have discovered about The Cheesecake Factory: they do have a page in the menu of smaller portions…but even those are too large. Enjoy your week!
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Luvd that strawberry cheesecake sauce ! Lovely treat for you midway all the reading/reviewing.
And I noticed your Louise Penny as I’m just listening to #9 at the moment.
I am amazed at the number of blogs you maintain – well done!
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I am so far behind on the Louise Penny books, but that means there are so many to look forward to! Thanks for stopping by, Sharon, and the cheesecake was a nice midway break. Enjoy your week!
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I watched a couple episodes of The Ranch and it’s pretty funny. Gotta love Sam Elliot. IOhhhh I love the Cheesecake Factory. Yum! Have a great week!
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Thanks, Christy, there is something very appealing about Sam Elliott…I saw him in a fairly recent movie (last year?) with Blythe Danner (I’ll See You In My Dreams).
Yay for The Cheesecake Factory. Enjoy your week….
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You’ve got some really good books here! enjoy them all.
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Thanks, Mystica, I agree about my books!! Looking forward to them all…enjoy your week!
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Ah, cheesecake two weeks in a row – super jealous. First time I’ve come across June, sounds really interesting – enjoy!
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Thanks, Jo, but I should be more careful, right? And yes, June was one I noticed on a blog and loved the blurb…and I enjoyed something else by the author. Have a great week!
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Oh! I’ve only read one book by Sarah Addison Allen but I LOVED it. I really need to read more of her beautiful words, and I’ve always thought that cover is striking.
Happy reading week to you! 🙂
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I’ve only read three of her books now, Kay, but have loved them. Thanks for stopping by, and I agree about that cover. Enjoy your week!
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What a great list this week! So many good books. I have June and the Louise Penny high on my TBR list. Always enjoy your blog!
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Good for you, Heather! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week, too. I’m looking forward to June and the Louise Penny.
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Last week did go by really fast and I have a feeling this week will as well.
I loved First Frost though I thought Garden Spells was better. I really enjoy her writing style. I will have to check out the other books on your list. Dream of the Blue Room sounds pretty good.
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Thanks, Christina T…I don’t want this week to fly by…so many things to do! I am almost finished with Dream of the Blue Room…and it’s…dreamy. Lots of “mind travels” into the past. Enjoy your week!
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I just started watching The Ranch, too!
Thank you for stopping by my blog! Have a great week!
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Thanks for visiting, Stacy Renee….and I didn’t get to The Ranch this weekend…I was too caught up in the intense thriller American Odyssey. Hope to return to The Ranch soon! Enjoy your week.
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It sounds like you’ve had a great reading week – and doing so good on the task of reading the books you’ve bought. All your incoming books for the week look interesting. I’ve had my eye on First Frost for a while now. I hope this new week is just as successful!
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Thanks, Jade, I hope so too, but one never knows, right? Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
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The fact that you live close to a Cheesecake Factory to eat at often makes me really jealous!! I love that place – I got to eat there a few weeks ago and it was amazing. The lemon raspberry cheesecake is to die for!
I’m excited to read Lies and other Acts of Love – I hope it’s good!
Enjoy your week!
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Yes, it is pretty amazing…even though it’s not in my neighborhood, but a freeway drive away, it is still a good thing. Probably better that I have to stop and think before going….LOL.
Thanks for stopping by, Brandie, and I can’t wait to read Lies and Other Acts of Love. Enjoy your week!
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Lunch or dinner at the Cheesecake Factory sounds wonderful! You have an amazing set of books here. I will look forward to your reviews. I like the cover of North of Here too. I hope you enjoy all of your books!
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Thanks, Pat, I look forward to them, too. I am reading North of Here now. Enjoy your week!
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Love the cheesecake….yummy!!
Lots of reviews done.
Nice books too….ENJOY!!!
Louise Penny is always a good read.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I love cheesecake….but I shouldn’t have it so often…LOL. Louise Penny’s first book in this series is one I loved. Enjoy your week!
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Cheesecake looks heavenly! And the cover to First Frost looks pretty awesome 🙂 Have a good week!
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Thanks, Annika, I love that cover, too…and the cheesecake! Enjoy your week.
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I love the cover of First Frost. Need to head over to read the review of The Price of Salt, which sounds really good. Have a good week!
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I started ogling that cover a long time ago, and wanted to get the book…but first I had to read Garden Spells. Thanks for stopping by, Emma…and I enjoyed The Price of Salt.
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So…again…that’s a ton of books…I can’t wait to read June…soon…but I can’t wait to read tons of books! Are we obsessed?
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Oh, yes, so many books! You have me beat on that front, though, Patty…you literally do have a LOT of books. Enjoy!
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Ahh… I love the graphics on this site. You got some great book this week. I love Sarah Addison Allen, and I am currently devouring River Road, so good. It is a page turner.
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Thanks, Heidi, I find them at Pinterest…I enjoy them, too. And I love SAA. River Road looks like one I can’t wait to read as well. Enjoy your week!
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Like your new books and that delicious cheesecake.
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Thanks, Mary Ann…I love them, too!
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I love the Cheesecake Factory! I don’t eat there often, but there was a time when my husband and I went there just about every other week (before kiddo). I’ve tried just about all their cheesecakes (although maybe I shouldn’t admit to that). Someone else was recently telling me about The Ranch. I’ll have to check it out.
I couldn’t resist the Marcia Clark book through the Amazon First program either. 🙂 I have June to read for an upcoming book tour and Mother Knows Best is on my to read pile. Hopefully we like them all. 🙂
I hope you have a great week, Laurel-Rain!
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Thanks, Wendy, I hope we like them all, too…and there are many aspects to the Amazon Prime program that I really enjoy. It’s almost time to renew, and I definitely will.
I don’t go to The Cheesecake Factory as often as I once did, although lately, I’ve gone a couple of times.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting!
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I love your blog layout/graphics! 😀 Also, cheesecake hehe. We’ve recently moved across the country and are near a Cheesecake Factory for the first time ever and ohhhh I go there way too often lol!
Great book haul, I haven’t heard of most of them so I’m going to check them out now…because my TBR shelf could totally do with a few more on there 😉 Happy reading!
http://natalieslife.com/2016/04/the-library-project-favourite-childhood-book
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Thanks, Natalie, I’m glad you enjoy it here…I love creating and redesigning my blog looks; part of the fun of blogging. LOL.
Enjoy your week and the books you add to those shelves…we all have way too many books there, don’t we?
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Hi there, Laurel. I should join the Read the Books You Buy challenge – I have bookshelves and bookshelves of books I bought that I haven’t read yet! I did set myself the challenge of reading 40 (or so books) that I already own before I turn 50. Let’s see if I make some headway with that one.
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Good luck, Myra….I always buy way more books than I can read in a reasonable amount of time, so curbing that impulse is probably the first step to controlling the TBR. And reading review copies of books I would otherwise buy…instead of weird review books from unknown authors that I don’t even like, once I get them. Enjoy your week.
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The Marcia Clark book looks really interesting. And that cheesecake looks amazing! Have a great week!
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I agree about the Marcia Clark book…and the cheesecake! LOL. Enjoy your week, too, Denise.
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Yummy . . . cheese cake!
I was thinking of getting the Marcia Clark book as my Prime pick this month too.
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I love that Prime pick deal, Leslie. Thanks for stopping by.
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How scrumptious going to the Cheese Cake Factory! Where is your martini?! I just signed up for Amazon prime so now how do I get the freebie? hmm. I will have to investigate. You got a lot of good books for the week. Enjoy!
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They send me e-mails to announce when the picks are ready. You can also go to your Prime account on Amazon, and they show a few things there. Good luck and enjoy, Susan.
I forgot to take a photo of my martini this time!
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Looks like you had another enjoyable week. I hope this one is just as good if not better!
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Oh, it was, Yvonne! Thanks for stopping by.
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Enjoy the books and that cheesecake looks delish!!
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Thanks, Naida, what could be better than books and cheesecake? Enjoy your week.
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