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Margaret Holt's avatar

I would add two other books to your list that I have read recently. One is Maura Casey's "Saving Ellen", and the other is Martha Jean Johnson's, "The Queen's Musician" (especially for those who love historical fiction).

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Great suggestions and both are on my To-Be-Read list for this summer's pleasure reading. SAVING ELLEN is coming-of-age memoir of a girl whose sister has a terminal illness. THE QUEEN'S MUSICIAN is historical fiction about Queen Anne Boleyn and her lover who confessed and was executed by the Tudor court. Thanks for the recommendations.

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Diane Burley's avatar

Thank you for pulling this together and how “novel” of you to include books that are actually findable!!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Your public library is likely to have copies, too.

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Diane Burley's avatar

I’m attempting audible, too. I’m not sure I can gain as much listening to a book.

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Jill Swenson's avatar

For me, it's always about the story. The story is what keeps me reading or listening.

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gerald fish's avatar

I eyes fall a sleep after reading for fifteen minutes history is my favorite. Sharpes rifles was a series of several books. Learned a lot about survivial and Gurboo with rolled oats, samon one day beef the next and chicken the next. It was a treat for salors during the nepolianic wars. On google earth I visted his final prison on an island Ithe museun a waterloo is a jiant skeleton of bones on the battle feild

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Great practice to read before bed! It is relaxing.

I haven't read the Bernard Cornwell series, Sharp's Rifles. And I see there was a TV adaptation made. Historical fiction always interests me, too.

Rolled oats. Breakfast, lunch or dinner; depending on circumstances.

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Kaycianne Russell's avatar

I'm in the mood for a little fiction reading and those first two are intriguing!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

I am certain you will love THE BERRY PICKERS! You won't be able to put it down.

There is nothing finer than enjoying a summer afternoon lost inside a novel.

Enjoy.

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Ann Marie Ackermann's avatar

I read "The Berry Pickers" on your recommendation and it was really good! Thanks!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Amanda Peters is a gifted writer.

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Debby Waldman-What To Believe's avatar

Love these lists! Thanks, Jill!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Human-authored.

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Elaine Mansfield's avatar

Thank you, Jill. The only one of these I've read is the book by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I ordered many Saskatoon Serviceberry plants for me and my friends--but Fedco was out of stock fairly early in the season. Kimmerer did a good sales job without meaning to. I'll order again next spring.

And now I have a full reading list for summer. 'Saving Ellen' sounds intriguing.

With appreciation from your rural NY friend as she enjoys a season of thriving bluebirds.

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Jill Swenson's avatar

I'm glad to hear the bluebirds are nesting in your boxes in the Finger Lakes. Kimmerer gifted her advance on royalties to land back efforts.

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Constance Ford's avatar

Thanks so much for these!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

You’re welcome. Promoting pleasure reading is a joy.

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Kathy Magnusson's avatar

I highly recommend The Serviceberry! I love the book and it’s an easy read. I already have several of these books in my TBR list and I will add the others.

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Sometimes the best gifts come in small packages and I think that is so true of Robin Wall Kimmerer's book.

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Susan J Tweit's avatar

Thanks for the reading list (of actual books). I've put The Berry Pickers and Chris LaTray's memoir on my to-read list. I've already read Robin Wall Kimmerer's The Serviceberry, but I might read it again. Happy summer reading!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

The Serviceberry is a book that feels like a gift to readers when you hold it in your hands. It is a delight! Reading outdoors is a favorite activity of mine.

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Rachel Shenk's avatar

Glad to have this list. Thank you!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

Thanks for being a reader.

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gerald fish's avatar

thanks for the invite

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Jill Swenson's avatar

thanks for reading

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