Saturday, May 06, 2017

Sunday Post: It is Time For May's TBR Poll & Free Comic Book Day!

New to My Shelves: May's My Lit Box arrived in the mail this past week. May's box is lighter fare compared to the darker themes featured in past selections. I am really excited about reading No One Can Pronounce My Name by Rakesh Satyal. I may end up using the 642 Tiny Things To Write About journal for blog post ideas . . . Or maybe I will just feature a question here each Sunday. I haven't decided.



This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week at my daughter's school. I did not get notice until Monday, and so was not able to prepare something for Mouse's teacher like I would have liked. Oh well. So, although these little goodies did not stay in our house long, I thought I would share them anyway. Mouse and I "taste-read" the books before sending them on to school for her class. (Books: How Rocket Learned to Read and Rocket Writes a Story, both by Tad Hills.) We also got her a tin of See's candy because that's the teacher's favorite kind of chocolate.


We hit up my husband's favorite comic bookstore today for Free Comic Book Day:

 Mouse's selection of free comic books

 Anjin's selection of free comic books

 Anjin's comic book purchases

Mouse's comic book purchases


What I Am Reading: I am in the middle of Louise Erdrich's LaRose. It is one of those books that is best enjoyed when I am able to devote my full attention to it--at least that's what I am finding. My heart aches for both of the main families in the book, and especially the young LaRose who is caught in the middle. It is the story of two families, one whose son is killed in an accidental hunting accident.

What I Am Watching: I was able to fit in a few more episodes of the first season Supernatural. My watching it is slow going and will turn to non-existent once summer hits with Mouse out of school. That can't be helped. It's not a show I am willing to watch in front of her. I am all caught up with Designated Survivor. It reminds me of a cross between West Wing and Scandal.

What's Going On Off the Blog: This week was a mix of good and bad. Work was hell. Things really hit the fan Wednesday, and Thursday was even worse. I was glad to have Friday off, and and am trying hard not to think about work until I have to go back Monday.

We had planned to go hiking in the mountains Saturday afternoon after soccer, but our plans fell through because of the threat of bad weather. While Mouse still was able to play soccer, we decided not to risk the hike with the high prediction of rain. We ended up going to the comic bookstore instead.


This Week In Reading Mews:

Tell me about what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this coming week?



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Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Do you re-arrange and move books around on the shelves or move books off of your bookshelves to another area after a certain amount of time or do you just leave them the way they are? 
Unless I am culling my shelves and making room for new books, my book shelves pretty much stay the same. I am not one who organizes by color or likes to experiment with new shelving systems every few months or so. My hardback and trade paperbacks are all divided by genre and shelved alphabetically by author's surname. My trade paperbacks are just shelved by alphabetically by author's surname. I also have a bookshelf near my bed that is full of random books. It started out as my immediate to be read shelf, but, well, I am not always in the mood to read even what I set aside to read next. My shelves really could use another good organizing . . .

What about you? Do you re-arrange and move your books around often?

My (and my husband's) personal library shelves:





Upstairs shelves (mass market paperbacks are double shelved):



My bedside bookshelf:


My daughter's bedroom bookshelf:



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Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:


My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow. While I will attempt to post my review that same month, I make no promises--it may go up the following month. 



For the next three or so months you might notice a theme in my poll reading choices. These three are grouped together because they are all historical fiction, featuring strong female characters. I cannot wait to see which you all vote for me to read!


White Collar Girl by Renee Rosen ~ It is 1955 in Chicago, and Jordan Walsh is a female journalist in a man's world. Trying to get ahead, she uncovers a secret that could put her in danger.


Mercer Girls by Libbie Hawker ~ It is 1864. Three East Coast women set out for Seattle as mail-order brides. Running from their pasts, their journey is a difficult one, fraught with challenges and hardship.


Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford ~ In 1926 London, Maisie Musgrave takes a job as a secretary at the  British Broadcasting Corporation whose use of radio has taken the nation by storm. A novel of conspiracy and getting out the truth.


I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!




The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. 


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and is a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.

© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

58 comments:

  1. Yay for Free Comic Book Day! I haven't been to a comic store in ages since I got ComiXology, although I miss going to the store... I like browsing and picking out comics or GN's in person. :)

    I just finished up Glitch and Travelers on Netflix, so now I'm on the lookout for the next thing to watch. Love the bookshelf pics! And I voted for Radio Girls!

    Have a super week!

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    1. Greg - My husband can find a comic store wherever he goes--or at least he tries. :-) I haven't been able to get into graphic novels on an e-reader. But then, I don't read them too often either.

      I haven't seen Glitch yet, but I would like to. I need to get back to Orphan Black soon!

      Thank you for voting! I'm really excited about all three of these books. I look forward to seeing which one wins.

      Thanks for visiting, Greg!

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  2. All three of those sound interesting, but I went with Radio Girls. Enjoy!

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    1. Shaunesay - I think they all sound good too. :-) Thank you for voting and visiting today!

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  3. All the books sound great!

    I hope you managed to have a good weekend and that things settle down at work(:

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    1. Eustacia - I think so too. :-) It has been a nice weekend, thank goodness! Hopefully work will be manageable this next week. I dreamt about it last night, unfortunately. Thank you for the good thoughts! And thank you also for stopping by today. :-)

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  4. I hope the situation improves at your work place. It is hard to face Monday when things aren't going well.

    Too bad about the trip being cancelled but a trip to the comic book store on Free Comic Book Day sounds like a fun alternative. I

    I want to read No One Can Pronounce My Name. I have it on my TBR pile and hope to get to it soon. I love the title and can definitely relate. Thankfully my parents gave me an easy first name at least. LaRose sounds really good and I hope to read it with one of my book groups sometime. We read The Round House which was really great for discussion. I also want to read your historical fiction books. They all sound fascinating!

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    1. Christina - Thank you for the good thoughts. I am going into work tomorrow armed with them, and am sure it will help.

      Mouse was disappointed about not going to the mountains, but I think it was for the best. We all have a bit of the sniffles right now and I would hate to make it worse. Being able to enjoy Free Comic Book Day made up for it some. :-)

      I am looking forward to reading No One Can Pronounce My Name. I think LaRose would make a great group discussion book. This is my first Erdrich book, but I definitely am interested in reading more by her.

      Thank you for visiting, Christina!

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  5. That Lit Box is awesome. And No One Can Pronounce My Name looks good. All the historicals look good, especially Radio Girls.
    OMG your shelves are beautiful! I don't rearrange mine either, I have them separated by author mostly because when I enjoy an author I tend to buy most of their books. Then my ARC's and book review books are mainly separated by genre.
    Happy Sunday and I hope work's not too hectic Monday, I can totally relate!

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    1. Naida - Thank you! I have been so pleased with every box I've received through My Lit Box so far. :-)

      I love my bookshelves. When we moved into our current house, it was the one big thing I asked for. It was my husband's idea to separate our books by genre, and I'm glad we did. Although sometimes I have trouble knowing what category to put the books in. :-)

      Thank you for visiting and for the book wishes tomorrow!

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  6. Oh, that was a lot of comics for free awesome.

    I voted for White Collar Girl as it sounded like something I would read. :)

    Have a great week!
    Stormi
    Week in Review

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    1. Stormi - I hadn't realized how many free comics they let a person take! My husband went a bit crazy. LOL My daughter had fun picking out her own too. It was fun.

      Thank you for voting, Stormi! I am still surprised I haven't read White Collar Girl yet, I remember being so excited when it first came out.

      Thanks for visiting!

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  7. Looks like it was a good Lit Box this month! Wow lots of bookshelves. I need more - I have too many books now! I went with White Collar Girl. Have a great week!

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    1. Grace - Yes, this month's lit box does look good. :-) My daughter and I are fighting over the chapstick. LOL

      Thank you for voting, Grace! I hope you have a great week too. Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. I love the Rocket books! How fun that Mouse got her own selection of comics!

    I don't rearrange my shelves either - it's too much work!

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    1. Kathy - I really like the Rocket books too. :-) Especially the one about learning to read. My husband has been getting Mouse into comics--she especially loves the Strawberry Shortcake ones (she didn't get any of those this weekend though).

      Thanks for visiting, Kathy!

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  9. Wow! I love the idea of Free Comic Book Day! So many bookshelves, so many books :) April was a huge reading month for me, but so far, May has been pretty quiet. I've started a bunch of NetGalley books that have not worked for me and have been binge watching Korean Drama instead!

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    1. Jenclair - I guess every 1st Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day. We don't always get to go, but I think this is the first year we came out with so many. I am sorry your current NetGalley books haven't been better for you. I've been easily distracted from my reading lately myself.

      Thanks for visiting, Jenclair!

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  10. I totally missed Comic book day! :( Not even sure if we have comic books stores close to us. I might need to check that out!

    I am voting on White Collar Girl! Love your theme this month!

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    1. Michelle - We usually miss out on Comic Book Day, but this year I'm glad we didn't. :-)

      Thank you for voting, Michelle, and for stopping by!

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  11. Enjoy whatever you pick-they all sound interesting! Bummer that work has been so hectic for you. I hate the feeling of dreading Monday. It is such a horrible feeling and it kind of puts a damper on Sundays! Hopefully this week is better.
    The Book Disciple

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    1. Samantha - Thank you! I think they all sound interesting too. :-) I'm trying hard not to think about tomorrow today, but it's hard. I dreamt about work last night and have a feeling that's about how tonight will go too. :-( Thank you for the good thoughts! Thank you too for stopping by!

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  12. My oldest two boys were comic book collectors, and at one point, had all the Spider Man comics, even No. 1.

    We never had trouble deciding what to buy them. LOL.

    Your shelves are fabulous! So organized, they look like a library. Enjoy!

    I considered watching Designated Survivor, having loved West Wing and Scandal. But I haven't yet. Maybe when it ends up on Netflix, if it does?

    Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

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    1. Laurel-Rain - My husband has really cut back on his comic book reading, but I know he had quite a collection when he was growing up. He's been excited about introducing Mouse to comics. She even knows just where to go in the comic bookstore to find "her" comics. LOL Of course, she knows just where to go in the bookstore to find "her" books too. :-)

      Thanks for visiting, Laurel-Rain!

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  13. Free comic book day is cool. It was nice you sent books and chocolates. I remember doing something similar for Teacher Appreciation week. Hope you get to sneak in a little more Supernatural before things get crazy.

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    1. Kim - I don't remember Teacher Appreciation week when I was growing up at all. Did they have it back then? I already have something for the teacher for the end of the year. I hope she'll like it.

      I may have to resort to watching Supernatural on my tablet now and then just to get it in. Where there's a will, there's a way. Haha

      Thank you for visiting, Kim! Have a great week.

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  14. Awww man...I really wanted to go to free comic book day! And your bookshelves look so lovely!


    Here’s my Sunday Post!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!

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    1. Ronyell - Thank you! Maybe you can make it next year to free Comic Book Day. :-)

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  15. Oh my, your poll options are all awesome! Was pretty hard to choose. Also, free comic books :0 wow, awesome. Wish that was a thing here :D
    Have a great week!

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    1. Evelina - I couldn't decide between them either. My daughter pointed to which cover she liked best. I don't think I'll cast a vote for her, but it'll be interesting to see if her choice wins.:-) Thanks for voting and for visiting today, Evelina!

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  16. Radio Girls makes me think of the Spanish Netflix show Cable Girls, which I really enjoyed! I hope you'll enjoy all the books you got! Happy reading!

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    1. Lynn - Thank you! I need to slow down on my book acquisitions. :-) Thanks for visiting!

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  17. Nice Lit Box, Wendy! Well, I think most, if not all, of the Lit Boxes you've received so far have interesting books and other goodies in them! I really like that journal! I think your idea of using it for blog post ideas is quite original! GO FOR IT!!

    You know, "Teacher Appreciation Week" is also celebrated at my school. Since we have adult students, though, things are a bit different. Individual teachers don't get honored by their own class groups. In fact, this special week was not mentioned at all on the school's PA system. (Remember, I work part-time, in the evenings.) I don't know how things went for day school teachers, but I do think the day school system gives this week more "publicity". However, the night school principal did hold a special dinner last Thursday, in the school library. The librarian and her assistants decorated the place with a Hawaiian theme. She herself also welcomed the teachers and office staff at the door. She said "Aloha!" to each person, and then put a lei over each person's neck. Each lei had a small sign attached that read: "I'm a teacher. What's your superpower?" I thought that was really cute!

    The family comic book purchases look GREAT! Gosh, it's been ages since I read a comic book.... That was certainly a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon, especially if there was rain on the horizon. You guys did the right thing, not taking the risk of getting drenched on the hike! Plus, of course, the trail would have gotten muddy. Yep, the comic book store was a GREAT substitute!

    You certainly are more organized than me, regarding your bookshelves! Heck, I'm not organized at all, lol. I do admire you organized folks, though. I sometimes can't even find a particular book I'm looking for!

    LOVE the pics of all of your shelves! You guys are SO lucky, having an entire house to spread your books around.... Can you see how green my face is right now? :)

    I picked "White Collar Girl" for your poll. I actually thought of getting a Journalism major in college at one time, so the plot definitely sounds very interesting. Plus, the cover is pretty. I was torn though, between this book and "Radio Girls". I like that cover a lot, too. It has a very prominent Art Deco influence. And I like the plots of both books! So I wouldn't be unhappy if "Radio Girls" won the poll! Lol.

    Thanks for sharing all of your news, on and off the blog!! Hope you and your family have a WONDERFUL week ahead!! Thanks as well for the lovely comment on my own BBH post!! HUGS TO YOU & MOUSE!!! <3 <3 :) :)

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    1. Maria - Sorry for the delayed response. It has been busy and then I got sick and haven't been on the computer much. I am beyond trying to catch up at this point, I'm afraid. :-(

      I've been so happy with the My Lit Box subscription. It's worth every penny, I think. My problem though is keeping up with the books! I'm just not able to do it. I do want to read them all though, so at least there is that. :-)

      The special dinner for Teacher's Appreciation week at your school sounded lovely, Maria. I do think teaching is a superpower, myself. :-)

      Missing the hike means finding a way to earn that particular journey on our own, but I think it was for the best. She's going to miss another meeting tonight, I'm afraid. This time because of illness.

      Thank you! I love that we were able to move into a house where my books would fit. :-) Of course, this after giving up so many of them as it was. Still, I try to make sure books are going out if they are coming in. Except for the very obvious loop hole. E-books. I started reading more on my e-reader about the time we had to move and so have amassed an extensive invisible library now too.

      I was interested in journalism for a time too. And so I tend to find myself drawn to books featuring journalists. I am well into Radio Girls at the moment and am enjoying it. I do want to read White Collar Girl as well, of course. It sounds like another really good one.

      I hope you are well, Maria! Thank you for your great comment.

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  18. I didn't even think about free comic book day yesterday. It looks like you guys did great with it. Sorry that you had a rough week at work. I hope next week is calm for you. I love getting a peek at your bookshelves. I don't really move mine around much either. Have a great week!

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    1. Carole - Usually I completely miss Free Comic Book Day. I'm not sure why I remembered it this year. Even my husband had forgotten about it until I mentioned it. I hope you are doing well!

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  19. I went for Radio Girls as it looks a fascinating read. Sorry to hear that work is so grim - it really pulls things down. I do hope things get resolved on Monday. At least you had a fun week-end - the visit to the comic store looked great fun:). I'm so impressed with all your bookshelves and how organised you are - here it's chaotic with our books crammed all over the place. Here's hoping this week turns out a lot better - take care, Wendy:).

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    1. Sarah - Thank you for voting, Sarah! I am half way through Radio Girls now and am enjoying it. I have spots where books are just crammed in too--in fact, that's often how my daughter's shelves look. I don't even try to organize her books anymore. I just stick them wherever.

      I hope you are well, Sarah!

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  20. Free comic book day. What a great idea. My son and I both would have loved that. I hope next week at work is better.
    Your house is like mine. Books in every room!

    My Sunday Post

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    1. Laura - I hadn't expected they would let us walk out with so many comics at once! I guess it's a thing though. The free comics are specifically printed for the day, country wide (I'm not sure if it's world wide). People come early to get as many as they can--we weren't aiming for that and went at mid-day ourselves. There was one person in costume, but evidently some stores go all out. We didn't get there in time for the cake cutting (and eating). My daughter was disappointed. I didn't even know they would have cake . . .

      Thank you for visiting, Laura!

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  21. Always love looking at other booklovers' shelves. :) I don't rearrange my books unless I'm weeding them. And weeding is a hard thing to do too aside from the rearranging. Not only the work but the sentiments too; there are times I wished I haven't gave away some books but oh well.

    Hope you've a great week, Wendy!

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    1. Melody - Me too. :-) I have too many books to rearrange regularly, although I probably should do so soon to fit in new books and maybe weed out others. It's time. I feel the same way! I sometimes wish I hadn't given away certain books. :-(

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  22. I LOVE Supernatural and funny you should mention The West Wing as I have nearly finished season 6. I am loving it. Designated Survivor is on my to watch list.

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    1. Cai - I'm on the fourth season of Supernatural now. I was so excited when Castiel made his appearance for the first time. I am glad you are enjoying West Wing. It's a great show--such good writing.

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  23. Well, you have come the closest to Belle's library of any blogger I have seen, yet! I organize by author, too. We live in a small city apartment so I don't have enough physical books (not in storage) to separate by genre, but I probably would if I had more books. Free comics day was a goid rainy day choice. 2Have a fabulous week. :)

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    1. La La - I just need taller shelves and a ladder. :-) I've always wanted my own personal library, and I sort of turned out living room into one. It's always funny to see people react when they see all the books when they walk in the front door. LOL

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  24. Sorry your work sucks! I hope it gets better soon. And I'm like you... I organize my books by genre and by author...NOT by size or color. :)

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    1. Lark - I hope so too. I used to like work more. But I guess there's always ups and downs with everything. My daughter's books I sometimes organize by size because it's easier. I can't keep her shelves organized regardless to save my life!

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  25. Love the look at your bookshelves! Last week we spent an hour or so rearranging and culling Gage's books and it was fun. I'm hoping that his love for books, even though he continues to struggle with reading, will follow him into adulthood. What a comic book haul!

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    1. stacy - Thank you! We put them together ourselves. :-) I tried culling Mouse's shelves this past winter and had such a hard time of it. I barely parted with any books. Oh well. I think it will be easier when she is better at reading. I won't feel the need to keep some of the younger books around to help her with her words. That's what I tell myself anyway. :-)

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  26. Ohh I love your book self's I am thinking to getting another book shelf, but my mom is set against it. Because if I get another book shelf I will buy more books and than my apartment would really look like an library. lol life of a book nerd is never easy for me ha ;) Thank you so much for stopping by my blog hop my friend.

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    1. Katiria - I wouldn't mind living in a library, would you? LOL I think that is how my husband feels sometimes. He has told me no more bookshelves, but I think I'm good for the time being. :-)

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  27. I voted for Mercer Girls as it sounds really good. I have read a few books with the mail-order bride trope and so far I think I like it. You shelves look awesome and that penguin stuffed animal is adorable!

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    1. Lola - I really like the sound of Mercer Girls. I haven't read too many books with mail order brides, but I think I'll like it. I couldn't help but leave the penguin in the photo. :-)

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