Always With a Book

Book Tour, Giveaway and Review: Tuesday Tells It Slant by Holly Christine (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

Book Tour, Giveaway and Review: Tuesday Tells It Slant by Holly Christine (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

First line: Claudia, Isn’t it funny how we sometimes forget the things we thought we’d never lose? From the back cover: Tuesday Morning has always been a little different. She’s kept a diary since 1989 and while researching for her English Lit thesis in 2003 on Emily Dickinson’s transcendental tendencies, finds a poem that will change her life. Haunted by a past that she considers less than desirable, Tuesday recreates…

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Booking Through Thursday: Discussion (7.8.10)

Booking Through Thursday: Discussion (7.8.10)

Today’s Booking Through Thursday question asks:  Do you have friends and family to share books with? Discuss them with? Does it matter to you?   Yes, sometimes and yes. I am fortunate that I come from a huge family of readers. Between my sisters and sister-in-law, my mom, my dad, my aunts, and my mother-in-law there are lots of books to share. What’s great is that we all have different…

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WWW Wednesdays (7.8.10)

WWW Wednesdays (7.8.10)

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? White Heat by Brenda Novak What did you recently finish reading? Tuesday Tells It Slant by Holly Christine What do you…

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Teaser Tuesdays (7.6.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (7.6.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Book Tour, Giveaway and Review: Sand in My Eyes by Christine Lemmon

Book Tour, Giveaway and Review: Sand in My Eyes by Christine Lemmon

First line: Dear Marjorie, After we talked, I hung up the phone and stayed awake, thinking of you, of all that is stressing you at college. From the back cover: Twenty years ago, Anna Hott thought she could control everything – her crumbling marriage, her demanding children, her hectic life – by quitting her high-paced job in New York City and moving her family to tranquil Sanibel Island, Florida. But…

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Giveaway Winner: Whiter Than Snow

Giveaway Winner: Whiter Than Snow

CONGRATULATIONS to Kritter winner of Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas Random.org selected the winner. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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In My Mailbox (11) 7.4.10

In My Mailbox (11) 7.4.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (1) This One Is Mine by Maria Semple Library (0) Purchased – (3) Private by James Patterson Carolina Girl by Patricia Rice (library booksale) Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (library booksale) Swapped from family Ireland by Frank Delaney Letter to My Daughter by…

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Giveaway Reminders

Giveaway Reminders

Don’t forget to enter the following giveaways: The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen ends June 30th  ENDED Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell ends July 2nd  ENDED Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas ends July 3rd  ENDED

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Giveaway Winner: Pieces of Happily Ever After

Giveaway Winner: Pieces of Happily Ever After

CONGRATULATIONS to Crafty Mama winner of Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell Random.org selected the winner. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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Book Blogger Hop 7.2.10

Book Blogger Hop 7.2.10

  It’s that time again…. time for the weekly Book Blogger Hop!  Brought to you by Jennifer at Crazy For Books, this is a fun way to get to know other book bloggers.   This week Jennifer has added a “twist” to our weekly fun…. now we have to answer her “question of the week”.   This week’s question is:  “Tell us your name and why you started blogging”.    …

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Month in Review: June

Month in Review: June

Here are my reading stats for June! Books read:  11 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) Savor the Moment* by Nora Roberts Fools Rush In* by Kristan Higgins Everything Lovely, Effortless, Safe* by Jenny Hollowell The Opposite of Me* by Sarah Pekkanen Whiter Than Snow* by Sandra Dallas The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo* by Stieg Larsson The 9th Judgment* by James Patterson The Transformation…

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Booking Through Thursday: Disappointment (7.1.10)

Booking Through Thursday: Disappointment (7.1.10)

Today’s Booking Through Thursday question asks:  Name a book or author that you truly wanted to love but left you disappointed. (And, of course, explain why.) One book that I recently read left me quite disappointed, One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Maybe it was the title that left me wanting more from this book, but I felt that something was missing.  To see more of my thoughts, see…

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Giveaway Winner: The Opposite of Me

Giveaway Winner: The Opposite of Me

CONGRATULATIONS to Kristi winner of The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen Random.org selected the winner. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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WWW Wednesdays (6.30.10)

WWW Wednesdays (6.30.10)

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Sand in My Eyes by Christine Lemmon What did you recently finish reading? Honeysuckle Summer by Sherryl Woods What do you…

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Review: The 9th Judgment by James Patterson

Review: The 9th Judgment by James Patterson

First line: Sarah Wells stood on the roof of the carport and snaked her gloved hand through the hole she’d cut in the glass. From the inside cover: A young mother and her infant child are ruthlessly gunned down while returning to their car in the garage of a shopping mall. There are no witnesses, and Detective Lindsay Boxer is left with only one shred of evidence: a cryptic message…

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Reminder: Whiter Than Snow Giveaway

Reminder: Whiter Than Snow Giveaway

Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas Giveaway extended until Saturday, July 3rd, 6:00 PM EST. Click here to enter.

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Teaser Tuesdays (6.29.10)

Teaser Tuesdays (6.29.10)

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Great Beach Bag Giveaway

Great Beach Bag Giveaway

I just found out about a giveaway by author Christine Lemmon, whose new book Sand in My Eyes will be released July 1.  I am looking very forward to reading this book and participating in her blog tour. (Come back here for a review of Sand in My Eyes on July 5th and a guest post by Christine on July 12th.) 2 days ’til Sand in my Eyes: Great Beach…

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Review: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Review: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

First line: It happened every year, was almost a ritual. From the back cover: Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo combines murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue into a complex and atmospheric novel. Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden’s wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a…

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Review: The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson

Review: The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson

First line: Light from April’s full moon swept over the Museum’s facade and down the building’s marble veneer. From the inside cover: Bartholomew Fortuno, the World’s Thinnest Man, believes that his unusual body is a gift. Hired by none other than P.T. Barnum to work at his spectacular American Museum – a modern marvel of macabre displays and live performances by Barnum’s cast of freaks and oddities – Fortuno has…

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Musing Mondays (6.28.10)

Musing Mondays (6.28.10)

This week’s musing asks: What do you think of books that receive a lot of hype? (think of the “Twilight” saga, or “Harry Potter”, or “The Da Vinci Code”). Do you read them? Why, or why not? PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks. **MUSING MONDAYS is hosted…

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Reminder: The Opposite of Me Giveaway…

Reminder: The Opposite of Me Giveaway…

  The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen Giveaway extended until Wednesday, June 30th, 6:00 PM EST. Click here to enter.

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In My Mailbox (10) 6.27.10

In My Mailbox (10) 6.27.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (3) The Somebody Who by Katie Gates Sand in My Eyes by Christine Lemmon Tuesday Tells It Slant by Holly Christine Library (0) Purchased – (0) Won (0) What’s in your mailbox?

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Teaser Tuesday 6.22.10

Teaser Tuesday 6.22.10

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Reading Challenge

Julie over at My Book Retreat is hosting the Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is to pick books you would like to read this summer and then keep a record of how you do. The challenge runs from June 21 to September 21. If you’d like to join, head over here to sign up. Here’s my list as of now: Sand in My Eyes by Christine Lemmon This Must Be…

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Musing Mondays (6.21.10)

Musing Mondays (6.21.10)

This week’s musing asks: Name your top 2-3 favorite genres (the ones you read most from). PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks. **MUSING MONDAYS is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading My top three genres would be women’s fiction, cozy mysteries and historical fiction. I…

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In My Mailbox (9) 6.20.10

In My Mailbox (9) 6.20.10

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (0) Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook Library (0) Purchased – (0) Won (0) What’s in your mailbox?

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The Friday 56 (6.18.10)

The Friday 56 (6.18.10)

Here’s a fun meme from Storytime with Tonya and Friends  called The Friday 56. Rules: * Grab the book nearest you. Right now. * Turn to page 56. * Find the fifth sentence. * Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog. *Post a…

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The Book Blogger Hop 6.18.10

The Book Blogger Hop 6.18.10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, this weekly BOOK PARTY is a place where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs to read, make…

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Booking Through Thursday: Now or Then

Booking Through Thursday: Now or Then

Today’s Booking Through Thursday question asks:  Do you prefer reading current books? Or older ones? Or outright old ones? (As in, yes, there’s a difference between a book from 10 years ago and, say, Charles Dickens or Plato.) I tend to gravitate towards current books.  That’s not to say that I won’t read older books, but there are so many ‘new’ books out there that I haven’t read. In high…

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Author Interview and Giveaway: Irene Zutell

Author Interview and Giveaway: Irene Zutell

Back in March, I posted a review of Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell. If you missed the review of this book, you can find it here. Today, Irene has agreed to answer a few questions. About the author: Irene Zutell began her career as a journalist. She has written for People, Us Weekly, The New York Times, the New York Daily News, Newsday, USA Today, and others.…

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WWW Wednesdays 6.16.10

WWW Wednesdays 6.16.10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson What did you recently finish reading? Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas…

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Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Musing Mondays

Musing Mondays

Who in your family (both immediate & extended) are readers, and who are not? PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks. **MUSING MONDAYS is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading I come from a huge family of readers. Both my parents are avid readers and reading…

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Bloggiesta – Update #3 & Wrap Up

Bloggiesta – Update #3 & Wrap Up

  I am so glad I participated in Bloggiesta! I got so many things done on my blog that I’ve been wanting to do.  I also got to visit many wonderful blogs and see what everyone was working on. Of course, this lead to me constantly finding other things that I wanted to do on my blog – oh well, there’s always next time! Here’s what I have accomplished on…

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In My Mailbox (8)

In My Mailbox (8)

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review (7) With Friends Like These by Sally Koslow Library (0) Purchased – (0) Won (1) A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve (from Bookin’ With Bingo) What’s in your mailbox?

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Layout

Layout

Please bear with me as I am playing around with different templates/layouts. Things might be a little out of whack/messy for a little while. Thanks!

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Book Trailer: Wind Warrier by Cynthia Roberts

Book Trailer: Wind Warrier by Cynthia Roberts

Last month I gave you a guest post by author Cynthia Roberts.  Well, the release date for Wind Warrior is almost here (June 15th) and Cynthia sent me the book trailer to share with you.  I hope you enjoy it. Wind Warrior ~ The Iroquois Series ~ Book One ~ Releases June 15th ~ Available at Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Nobel For more information about Cynthia Roberts, visit the following:…

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Review and Giveaway: Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas

Review and Giveaway: Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas

First line: No one knew what triggered the Swandyke avalanche that began at exactly 4:10 PM on April 20, 1920. From the inside cover: On a Spring afternoon in 1920, Swandyke – a small town near Colorado’s Tenmile Range – is changed forever. Just moments after four o’clock, a large split of snow separates from Jubilee Mountain high above the tiny hamlet and hurtles down the rocky slope, enveloping everything…

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Bloggiesta Update #2

Bloggiesta Update #2

    I am having so much fun participating in Bloggiesta! It’s been so helpful and informative as I am still a relatively new blogger.   I didn’t get much done yesterday, as I was busy with errands and cleaning and then had to work for a few hours. Today, I have been lucky to monopolize the computer all day – the World Cup USA vs. England game is on…

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Review: Fools Rush In by Kristan Higginsr

Review: Fools Rush In by Kristan Higginsr

First line: I’m a stalker. From the back cover: Millie Barnes is this close to finally achieving her perfect life … Rewarding job as a local doctor on Cape Cod? Check. Cute cottage of her very own? Check. Adorable puppy suitable for walks past attractive locals? Check. All she needs is for golden boy and former crush Joe Carpenter to notice her, and Millie will be set. But perfection isn’t…

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Book Tour, Giveaway, & Review: The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

Book Tour, Giveaway, & Review: The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

First line: As I pulled open the heavy glass door of Richards, Dunne, & Krantz and walked down the long hallway toward the executive offices, I noticed a light was on up ahead.  From the back cover: Twenty-nine-year-old Lindsey Rose has, for as long as she can remember, lived in the shadow of her devastatingly beautiful fraternal twin sister, Alex. Determined to get noticed, Lindsey is finally on the cusp…

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Bloggiesta Update #1

Bloggiesta Update #1

  This weekend I will be participating in my very first Bloggiesta! This is a great weekend blogging marathon set up by Natasha at Maw Books, and this weekend will be the third installment.  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…

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The Book Blog Hop 6.11.10

The Book Blog Hop 6.11.10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, this weekly BOOK PARTY is a place where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs to read, make…

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Booking Through Thursday: Signature (6.10.10)

Booking Through Thursday: Signature (6.10.10)

Today’s Booking Through Thursday question asks:  Do signed copies excite you? Tempt you? Delight you? Or does it not matter to you?  While I enjoy getting signed copies, I do not go out of my way to get them. If I  happen to be at an author’s event, I will try to get a book signed, especially if it’s an author I love. I do keep all the books that…

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Review: Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Review: Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

First line: As the clock ticked down on her senior year in high school, Laurel McBane learned on indisputable fact. From the inside cover: Laurel McBane has always relied on her hands for support, especially when her dream of attending culinary school was almost ruined by her parents’ financial problems. Now Laurel is repaying the kindness of her friends by creating extravagantly luscious tiers of cakes and other confectionary delights…

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WWW Wednesdays 6.9.10

WWW Wednesdays 6.9.10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen What did you recently finish reading? Everything Lovely, Effortless, Safe by Jenny Hollowell What…

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Review: Everything Lovely, Effortless, Safe by Jenny Hollowell

Review: Everything Lovely, Effortless, Safe by Jenny Hollowell

First line: Ask Birdie how she got here and she’ll pretend she doesn’t remember. From the back cover: Birdie Baker has always dreamed of becoming someone else. At twenty-two, she leaves behind her small-town, small-time life – walking out on her pastor husband and deeply evangelical parents – and boards a bus to Los Angeles. Seven years later. Birdie’s life in Hollywood is far from golden. Stalled at the margins…

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Teaser Tuesday 6.8.10

Teaser Tuesday 6.8.10

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Musing Mondays 6.7.10

Musing Mondays 6.7.10

Where is your most often used (favorite) reading spot? Do you have more than one? What makes your favorite spot just that? Share pictures if you have them! PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks. **MUSING MONDAYS is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading I have…

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