Linda

Thank you, thank you!!! Since reading The Midnight Library, I have searched for similar titles. While they are out there, no one writes quite like Matt Haig. I'm not sure how to best describe it but his books just speak to me in a way others don't. They are a rarity, a true gift for any reader. I feel like there are few people in the world that don't think about the “what ifs.” I am definitely one of those people so I understood and felt for Wilbur throughout the story and his many regrets in life. I wanted the best for not only him, but the people in his life who cared for him. I was rooting for him throughout the novel and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read his story. I will take the lessons learned in the novel and apply them. Thank you Netgalley, and the publisher for this beautiful ARC!

There are no words for this one. Kim Michele Richardson has written a book that will stay with readers for a lifetime. It is so rare for this reader to cry during novels but this one got me more than once, and I mean that in a good way. As a fellow Appalachian who has read many books centered around Appalachian history and the people who have lived and survived the difficulties of growing up in our area, this one spoke to me on so many levels. I cried for Cussy and I cried for the people she fought for and loved. The abuse these women suffered at the hands of the men in their lives rings all too familiar for women in my own family. Yet like the women I know, their strength and perseverance withstood the worst life threw at them. As a librarian, I am in awe of Cussy and the real life Packhorse Librarians for never giving up and always finding a way to get books into the hands of people they knew needed them most. What a beautiful novel centered around real life people and their determination to survive. I loved every single page.

I thought I was ready for this one. I lost my best friend, the best dog a girl could ever have last June. I did find comfort in reading this book about other best dogs. It also brought back many fond memories and some tears of my pup (Ace, aka Acer, Acer the Racer, Puppers, Bubba)

THANK YOU Melanie for writing this book. Thank you for starting this movement. Thank you for making me laugh so many times this week while listening to this on audio! Thank you so much for reassuring me I'm not alone. This book was so amazing, I will be purchasing a copy to reflect on often. I can't even narrow down my favorite parts because I enjoyed every minute! But my biggest realization is that I worry too much about what others think. I never wear sleeveless shirts either! As soon as it gets warm enough, I will be doing just that!! And wearing all the other clothes I've felt too self conscious in. God bless you for this inspiring story and thank you for sharing it with the rest of us!! And the next time someone tells me I'm too young for perimenopause, I'll be ready

I saw Ruta Sepetys at a library conference and after hearing her speak about her books and her life, I knew I would want to read her books. I purchased two while I was there, but I haven't read them yet. When I saw an opportunity to read her newest novel, I jumped at the chance! I was very intrigued by her writing style, the characters in this novel and the historical elements she incorporates from the 1920s. It was a slower pace than what I am used to and some of the things in the story made me cringe, but I would imagine that was life during this time, sadly. I found the main character, Marjorie, adorable. I found the apartment for gifted artists interesting, and of course the romance between her and Mr. Bonafante was also cute. It read between a cross of historical fiction and cozy for me given the pace and the content. All in all, a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction. I can't wait to read the other titles I purchased to compare! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title.