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Written in Stone ~ Scottish Bookshop #10 (by Paige Shelton)
The Scottish Bookshop series by Paige Shelton has become one of my favorites. Between the delightful Cracked Spine Bookshop, the great cast of characters, the murder mystery, and the Scottish brogue you can hear in your mind as you read the words, you are in for a special treat. Of course Delany must get involved in trying to solve the murder case. I especially enjoyed learning about the Picts, an ancient group who lived in Scotland from 79 to 843 CE. The author does a great

Ms. Ladybug
7 days ago1 min read
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Death on the Shelf ~ The Haunted Library #5 (by Allison Brook)
I have loved the books in The Haunted Library series by Allison Brook. I was thrilled to be back in Clover Ridge, Connecticut with Carrie, Dylan, Angela, and resident ghost, Evelyn. Of course there is a murder and Carrie will be helping to discover who is guilty of the crime. A lot of twists and turns are sprinkled throughout the pages with some complications such as difficult family relationships, jealousy, insurance fraud, etc. I am looking forward to the next book in the s

Ms. Ladybug
7 days ago1 min read
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Fatal First Edition ~ Library Lover's #14 (by Jenn McKinlay)
I have read several books in the Library Lover’s series by Jenn McKinlay. In fact, I enjoyed them so much that I plan to go back and read the rest of them. This is a great mystery with a lot happening to keep you invested in the story. I love the cast of characters and cannot wait to return to Briar Creek and see what adventure awaits them. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more reviews, please visit my b

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 141 min read
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The Story She Left Behind (by Patti Callahan Henry)
This was a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the pages of a book about love, loss, longing, forgiveness, and mystery. I loved getting lost in the world of Bronwyn, Clara, and Wynnie. In fact, eight-year-old Wynnie stole my heart! As the fog covers the streets of London, so does the mystery of Bronwyn’s (Clara's mother) disappearance more than 20 years ago cover the lives of Clara and Wynnie. There is wonder, mystery, make-believe, family connections, and the blossoming o

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 271 min read
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Epilogue to a Christmas Murder ~ Beyond the Page Bookstore #11 (by Lauren Elliott)
I have read five of the previous books in the Beyond the Page Bookstore series. I enjoyed them so much that I could not wait to get lost in the pages of this 11th book in the series. And the fact that this will be the last book in the series because the author passed away unexpectedly in 2025 makes it even sadder. I enjoyed the Christmas theme … always a plus for me. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed Addie’s efforts to solve the murder mystery and prevent her fr

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 221 min read
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The Sisters of Book Row (by Shelley Noble)
I really enjoy historical fiction and especially when it revolves around books. This book took a while to have me invested in the story. I enjoyed reading about the three sisters, Olivia, Daphne, and Celia. Observing them running a bookstore in the early 1900s ... a time when men would have been in that role. Each sister has a focus and it was interesting to explore their lives and the secrets they kept from each other. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 111 min read
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The Bookbinder's Secret (by A. D. Bell)
I love historical fiction books and especially those that are about books. The magical aspect of this particular story flowed well with the historical fiction focus. The characters are well developed and the mystery pulled me in and kept my interest. There is a touch of romance and I really wanted to discover where the relationship between Lillian and Harry would go. This book will take you on a journey into another time and place with mystery and intrigue. Thank you to NetGa

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 101 min read
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The Parisian Chapter (by Janet Skeslien Charles)
I love historical fiction books and especially those that deal with books and libraries. So many magical things can happen in the pages of a wonderful book. So this one caught my attention and I looked forward to time spent with Lily. The history of the American Library in Paris was interesting and I enjoyed getting to know the many characters featured in the book. The shelves of books and the comfort of friendship makes this a story worth exploring. Thank you to NetGalley an

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 101 min read
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All My Bones ~ Old Juniper Bookstore #2 (by P. J. Nelson)
Though the second book in the Old Juniper Bookstore series, it is the first one I have read. I am not sure if that made a difference in my opinion. While there are some positive aspects to the book, there were more negatives that kept me from wanting to actually finish the book. I am sure there are plenty of readers who will not be bothered by the pastor discussing the fact of why she is not having sex ... especially when she is NOT married. I am sorry, but I did not find thi

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 min read
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The Boxcar Librarian (by Brianna Labuskes)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books and one that deals with books appeal to me. However, this book was so difficult to get into. The different characters and time periods were confusing. I did enjoy reading about the WPA (Works Progress Administration). A disorganized attempt to share multiple viewpoints and storylines. It just did not work for me. Though I have enjoyed previous books by the author, so I will read future books by her. Thank you to NetGalley and William M

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 141 min read
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The Sandy Page Bookshop (by Hannah McKinnon)
This is a perfect beach read! And it was actually a nice time for me to read it amidst frigid temperatures and an ice storm. I love Cape Cod and spending time there through the pages of the book brought back good memories. Reading books about bookshops is always a positive experience for me. And watching Leah develop self-confidence and grow the bookstore into more than a place to discover your next read warmed my heart. The sense of community was heartwarming. A story of lov

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 min read
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The Atlas of Untold Stories (by Sara Brunsvold)
I love books about books and that include a road trip. So I was excited to get lost in the pages of this one. The fact that the road trip was focused on the classics in literature was a big plus for me. The difficult relationship between the mother and her two adult daughters was difficult to experience. But as you journey through the pages with Edie, Lauren, and Chloe, you will begin to discover the stories that live within us but we may not share with others. This was an em

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 min read
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Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea ~ Micklewick Bay #4 (by Eliza J. Scott)
This is the first book I have read in the Micklewick Bay series. And it was a perfect time to snuggle up under a warm blanket in my recliner and enjoy a cozy Christmas story. I think this worked okay as a standalone. But my reading would probably have been more enjoyable if I had grown to know the characters from the first three books in the series. I did enjoy getting to know Florrie and Ed. Their love for and excitement in running the Happy Hartes Bookshop was sweet to obse

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
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Shot Through the Book ~ Lighthouse Library #12 (by Eva Gates)
What a wonderful series to get lost in. The lighthouse library series is one of my favorites. And as soon as I see that a new book is being released, it is at the top of my to-buy list. The setting of a library in a lighthouse in Nags Head on the Outer Banks of NC is pretty much my idea of the ideal place. Lucy is once again pulled into a murder mystery, though as a suspect this time. I love the family of friends and coworkers who make up the cast of characters. It demonstrat

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
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The Tattered Cover ~ Secret, Book, and Scone Society #8 (by Ellery Adams)
I have read all but three of the earlier books in the Secret, Books, and Scone Society series. And I know I will go back and read them too. The characters are well developed and the setting of a psychic reading in the Miracle Books bookstore has you flipping through the pages to figure out who committed murder. There are a lot of clues and twists and turns that will take you on an emotional journey with The Secret, Book, and Scone Society. The coded messages in the psychic’s

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
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Death and the Librarian ~ Blue Ridge Library #9 (by Victoria Gilbert)
I have really enjoyed the books I have read in the Blue Ridge Library series. The characters are well developed and, while you could read...

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 31, 20251 min read
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The Next Deadly Chapter ~ Mystery Bookshop #10 (by V. M. Burns)
This is the first book I have read in the Mystery Bookshop series by V. M. Burns. But it was such a fun read that I will go back and read...

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 25, 20251 min read
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Crime and Poetry ~ Magical Bookshop #1 (by Amanda Flower)
I have loved the books I have read by author, Amanda Flower. I was excited to get lost in the pages of the first book in the Magical...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 29, 20251 min read
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The Bookseller of Paris ~ The Paris Sisters #2 (by Suzanne Kelman)
I love reading historical fiction books, especially those that are set during WWII. And if the book includes a dual timeline, I am...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 29, 20251 min read
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The Banned Books of Berlin (by Daisy Wood)
I love reading historical fiction books, especially if they are set during WWII. And it is even more appealing when there is a dual...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 29, 20251 min read
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