Blog Tour, Review, Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway: The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff [GIVEAWAY CLOSED]

The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff Harlequin MIRA January 2013 Format: ARC Paperback, 336 pages First line: The sun has dropped low beneath the crumbling arches of Lehrter Bahnhof as I make my way across the station. From the back cover: Paris, 1919.The world’s leaders have gathered to rebuild from the ashes of the Great War. But for one woman, the City of Light harbors dark secrets and dangerous liaisons,…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (2.11.13)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs.   We were in the path of Nemo this past weekend and ended up with…

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Stacking the Shelves (33) 2.10.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:  For Review: Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown     This is the first in Duffy Brown’s Consignment Shop Mystery series and I am looking forward to reading this.  Beautiful Bastard by Christine Lauren   This looks like an interesting read…I guess we will see!       Purchased: The Good Daughter…

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February Monthly Giveaway (CLOSED)

Here are this month’s giveaway selections: Vets in Love By: Cathy Woodman Format: Paperback My review   Fools Rush In By: Kristan Higgins Format: Paperback My review A Stitch in Crime By: Betty Hechtman Format: Paperback My review Hidden Summit By: Robyn Carr Format: Paperback My review     How to enter:  This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only. The deadline for entry is midnight, February 25th.…

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Book Beginnings Friday: The Ambassador’s Daughter

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.  Please remember to include the title of the book and the author.  I’m reading The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff: The sun has dropped low beneath the crumbling arches of Lehrter Bahnhof…

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Review: Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich (audio)

Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich Read by Lorelei King Audio Renaissance 2002 Length: 3 hours From the back of the audio case: It’s five days before Christmas and things are not looking merry for fugitive apprehension agent Stephanie Plum. She hasn’t got a tree. She hasn’t bought any presents. There’s not a twinkle light to be seen anywhere in her apartment. And there’s a strange man named Diesel…

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Review: The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb

The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb Hyperion Books February 2013 Format: ARC paperback, 352 pages First line: People were gathering at Alban House for the family’s annual summer solstice party – a happy occasion. From the back cover: Grace Alban has spent more than twenty years avoiding her childhood home, the stately mansion situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Alban House is enchanting, certainly; it is…

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Review: I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre

I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre Oak Press LLC February 2012 Format: e-book, 261 pages First line: Sophie Sullivan surveyed the final wedding preparations with satisfaction. Book description: Sophie Sullivan, a librarian in San Francisco, was five years old when she fell head over heels in love with Jake McCann. Twenty years later, she’s convinced the notorious bad boy still sees her as the “nice” Sullivan twin.…

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Review: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre

Can’t Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre Bella Andre December 2011 Format: e-book, 200 pages First line: Gabe Sullivan was helping an elderly couple down the stairs of an old San Francisco apartment building and out onto the sidewalk when the air was rocked with an explosion of flames and smoke out a second-story window. Book description: Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San…

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January Giveaway Winners

Here are the January winners: Love Anthony By: Lisa Genova Winner: Margie   Better Than Chocolate By: Sheila Roberts Winner: Mary The Diva Digs Up the Dirt By: Krista Davis Winner: Paula First Lady By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips   Winner: Renee Grandinetti     Thanks to all who entered and don’t forget to stop by later this week to see a new set of books up for grabs!

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (2.4.13)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs.   Yeah for the mini-Bloggiesta this past weekend!!! I got a ton done, but because it…

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Mini-Bloggiesta: Wrap Up

This weekend I participated in the first mini-Bloggiesta! I got a ton done and felt that it was very low-key and relaxed. I didn’t even keep track of how much time I spent on my to-do list as I usually do, but still managed to get it all done!  I want to say a big THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle…

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Stacking the Shelves (32) 2.3.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:  For Review: The Best Man by Kristan Higgins     This is Kristan Higgins’ newest book and I just love her stories. I was lucky to get an early copy of this one and can’t wait to start reading it!     Purchased: Henry VIII Wives: History in an Hour by…

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Mini-Bloggiesta…My To-Do List

This weekend I will be participating in the first mini-Bloggiesta!  This is a great weekend blogging marathon being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book.   The premise of the bloggiesta, for those that haven’t participated before, is to spend the entire weekend working, updating, improving your blog. From minor things such as writing up posts, to reaching out for guests posts and reorganizing…

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Month in Review: January 2013

The first month of the new year has flown by!!! Besides reading, I am in the homestretch for my training for the 3-day, 50 mile walk I am doing the first weekend in March for MS. After a minor set-back in December (spraining my ankle), I am back on track with the trainings, even getting a long walk in outside this week. I’ve also been doing a fair amount of…

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Book Beginnings Friday: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.  Please remember to include the title of the book and the author.  I’m reading Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini: On Election Day, Elizabeth Keckley hurried home from a midafternoon dress fitting…

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Review: Summer House by Nancy Thayer (audio)

Summer House by Nancy Thayer Read by Emily Durante Tantor Media 2011 Length: 11 hours, 34 minutes Description:  From Nancy Thayer, the New York Times bestselling author of Moon Shell Beach, comes a luminous novel that brings together three generations of strong-willed women on the island of Nantucket, each wrestling with life-changing decisions. After years of wandering from whim to whim, thirty-year-old Charlotte Wheelwright seems to have at last found…

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Review and Giveaway: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee (CLOSED)

The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee Gallery Books January 2013 Format: Paperback, 384 pages First line: Typewriter girls, they oughtn’t think too much. From the back cover: All Betsey Dobson has ever asked is the chance to be viewed on her own merits, but in a man’s world, that is the unforgivable sin. When Betsey disembarks from the London train in the seaside resort of Idensea, all she owns is…

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2013 1st in a Series Reading Challenge

  The 2013 1st in a Series Reading Challenge is hosted by Darlene’s Book Nook, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love reading series and love finding new ones to read! I’ll be joining at the Series Lover level, which means that I have to start 10 series. I’ll keep track of them here. I’ll also link my reviews to the list.  Here are…

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Review and Giveaway: The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society by Darien Gee (CLOSED)

The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society by Darien Gee Ballantine Books January 2013 Format: e-book ARC, 448 pages First line: The goat was Connie’s idea. Summary from Goodreads: Welcome to Avalon, Illinois, Pop. 4,243 At Madeline’s Tea Salon, the cozy hub of the Avalon community, local residents scrapbook their memories and make new ones. But across town, other Avalonians are struggling to free themselves of the past: Isabel Kidd is fixing…

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan (CLOSED)

The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan Kensington Publishing January 2013 Format: Paperback ARC, 384 pages First line: It began with smoke. Synopsis:  From her earliest days, Margaret Tudor knows she will not have the luxury of choosing a husband. Her duty is to gain alliances for England. Barely out of girlhood, Margaret is married by proxy to James IV and travels to Edinburgh to become Queen of Scotland. Despite her…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (1.28.13)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. I am so excited that the mini-Bloggiesta is this coming weekend. I definitely have quite…

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Stacking the Shelves (31) 1.27.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:  For Review: Sweet Tea Revenge  by Laura Childs     This is the latest in Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series.     From the Library:   Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich This is part of the Stephanie Plum series – a between-the-numbers short story.     Purchased: Private…

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Book Beginnings Friday: The Typewriter Girl

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.  Please remember to include the title of the book and the author.  I’m reading The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee: Type-writer girls, they oughtn’t think too much. I’m reading this book for…

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Review: Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich (audio)

Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich Read by CJ Critt Recorded Books 2002 Length: 10 hours From the back of the audiocase: The zany and hilarious Stephanie Plum mysteries from #1 New York Times best-selling author Janet Evanovich are smash hits with fans and critics alike. In this wildly entertaining tale, Evanovich’s bold heroine pursues an unusual case for a bounty hunter while maintaining her steadfast devotion to Tastykakes. Although she’s…

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Review: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller

Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller Harlequin HQN December 2012 Format: Paperback, 368 pages First line: Sheriff Boone Taylor, enjoying a rare off-duty day, drew back his battered fishing rod and cast the flyhook far out over the rushing, sun-spangled waters of Big Sky River. From the back cover: The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, brings you to Parable, Montana-where…

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Review: Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips

Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips Berkley December 2012 Format: Paperback, 304 pages First line: Perfection was overrated, Mike Marsden thought, as he approached his childhood home. From the back cover: In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s…

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Review: The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak

The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak Bantam Books October 2012 Format: Paperback,  First line: The spies you learn about are either those who get exposed or those who reveal themselves. From the back cover: Her name is Barbara—in Russian, Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, she’s allowed into the employ of the Empress Elizabeth, amid the glitter and cruelty of the world’s most eminent court. Under the tutelage of Count Bestuzhev, Chancellor…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (1.21.13)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Last week was a rough week – I ended up getting that nasty stomach bug…

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Review: Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald

Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald It Books April 2011 Format: Paperback, 240 pages First line: It happens to all of us. From the back cover: To her millions of fans, Molly Ringwald will forever be sixteen–having defined teenage angst, love, and heartbreak as the endearing star of the John Hughes classics Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. Facing a completely new, angst-inducing time in her…

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Stacking the Shelves (30) 1.20.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:  For Review:     The Wanderer (e-book) by Robyn Carr     This is the first in Robyn Carr’s new series, Thunder Point and I am looking forward to reading it. It appears she will be taking a break from the Virgin River series…hopefully not permanently! In the meantime, this series…

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Review: Seven Up by Janet Evanovich (audio)

Seven Up by Janet Evanovich Read by Lorelei King Audio Renaissance 2001 Length: 8.5 hours From the back of the audio case:  BLOWN UP  All New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has to do is bring in semi-retired bail jumper Eddie DeChooch. For an old man he’s still got a knack for slipping out of sight–and raising hell. How else can Stephanie explain the bullet-riddled corpse in Eddie’s garden? Who…

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Whirlwind Tour & Review: From This Moment On by Bella Andre (with great giveaways to enter)

From This Moment On by Bella Andre Bella Andre August 2011 Format: e-book, 176 pages First line: Marcus Sullivan was a man on a mission.  Book description: For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he’s planned for himself turns out to be nothing…

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Review: The Diary by Eileen Goudge

The Diary by Eileen Goudge Vanguard Press April 2009 Format: Paperback, 224 pages First line: The diary was bound in maroon leather dulled with age, its gilt tooling worn away in spots. From the back cover: From New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge comes an unforgettable tale that you’ll want to pass on to someone you love. When two grown daughters discover their mother’s diary in her attic, they…

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Whirlwind Tour & Review: The Look of Love by Bella Andre (with great giveaways to enter)

The Look of Love by Bella Andre Bella Andre June 2011 Format: e-book, 201 pages First line: It was good to get out on the open road. Book description: Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even…

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Bout of Books 6.0: Wrap Up Post

I participated in the Bout of Books 6.0 last week and while I got a lot done, I didn’t get quite as much as I was hoping. Here is some info about the read-a-thon from the founders: “The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (1.14.13)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Books Completed last week: The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak (mine) The Look of Love…

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Stacking the Shelves (29) 1.13.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:  ***Be prepared – this was a busy week…I received 10 review books and also got 3 library books…it might be the best week ever for new books!!! For Review: As part of Fall in Love with the Sullivans whirlwind tour with Novel Publicity, I received all 7 e-books in Bella Andre’s…

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Review: My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr

My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr Mira October 2012 Format: Paperback, 320 pages First line: “I think a little vacation in Virgin River is exactly what Angie needs,” Sam Sheridan announced as he looked around the table at his family, all gathered at his home for Thanksgiving dinner. From the back cover: Patrick Riordan always thought that nothing could match the adrenaline rush he gets from his job. But…

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Book Beginnings Friday: From this Moment On

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.  Please remember to include the title of the book and the author.  I’m reading From this Moment On by Bella Andre: Marcus Sullivan was a man on a mission. I’m participating in…

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Blog Tour & Guest Post: Bella Andre

Please enjoy this guest post by Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards! Why I Love Family-Based Romance Series A guest post by…

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January Monthly Giveaway

The monthly giveaway is back. This month there are 4 selections: Love Anthony By: Lisa Genova Format: Audiobook Cds My review   Better Than Chocolate By: Sheila Roberts Format: ARC Paperback My review The Diva Digs Up the Dirt By: Krista Davis Format: Paperback My review First Lady By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips Format: Paperback My review     How to enter:  This contest is open to entries from the U.S.…

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Review: Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr

Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr Mira April 2012 Format: Paperback, 378 pages First line: There was a small note on the bulletin board at the Virgin River Presbyterian Church. From the back cover: Tom Cavanaugh may think he wants a traditional woman, but in Virgin River, the greatest tradition is falling in love unexpectedly.  Former marine Tom Cavanaugh has come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family’s…

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Bout of Books 6.0: Updates

This time around, I’ve decided I will put all my updates for the read-a-thon in one post.  For more information visit the Bout of Books site. My goals for Bout of Books 6.0 can be found here. Monday Books read:      *The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak – 60 pages, 1 + 1/2 hours Audio Progress:      *Summer House by Nancy Thayer – 1 hour      *Seven…

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Review: Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr

Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr Mira February 2012 Format: Paperback, 377 pages First line: Katie Malone quit her job and packed up her little Vermont house. From the back cover: In Virgin River, you never know what you might find around the bend in the road… Former actor Dylan Childress left the L.A. scene behind years ago for a quiet life running an aviation company in Montana. But with business…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (1.7.13)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Well, the first week of the new year has come and gone and I didn’t get…

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Bout of Books 6.0: Goals

Last August I participated in the Bout of Books read-a-thon for the first time and loved it. So, I thought I would do it again. Here is some info about the read-a-thon from the founders: “The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through…

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Stacking the Shelves (28) 1.6.13

  Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:        For Review: Children of Liberty by Paullina Simons This looks to be a good historical fiction book. From what I understand, it’s actually a prequel to Paullina Simons’ The Bronze Horsemen series, which I have not read.      From Library: Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips This…

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Review: Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See Random House May 2011 Format: Hardcover, 354 pages First line: The wail of a police siren in the distance tears through my body. From the inside cover: In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, and, most recently, Shanghai Girls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the potent bonds of mother love, romantic love, and love of…

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Book Beginnings Friday: The Winter Palace

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.  Please remember to include the title of the book and the author.  I’m reading The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak: The spies you learn about are either those who get exposed or…

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