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I am reading an Advance Copy of West of Santalline by Book Allen about Julia Hancock, the first wife of William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame). This is an era I'm not that familiar with (early 1800s) but the level of research done by the author brings it all to life. The novel releases March 8, so keep your eyes open for it if you enjoy true historical fiction.

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As always great stuff to keep my Friday on track

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Thank you for the kind words.

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I never knew there was a day for Pooh and his creator. I’ve been a fan since my mother first read me A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh when I was little. I think I had my first belly laugh over the Heffalump and a developed deep empathy for poor Eeyore. I was too old for the Disney movies, and my son had no interest. Thanks for the memories, Gayla!

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Last weekend, I read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I’m still thinking about the story - the beautiful verses, the well-developed characters and plot, the vivid scenery! It’s a must-read for snowy weather. Happy reading! ❄️

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Jan 19Liked by Gayla Gray

A.A. Milne also wrote exactly one cosy mystery novel, The Red House Mystery!

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I loved The Snow Child! I just read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Waiting for ice to melt here too!

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Jan 19Liked by Gayla Gray

Some highly recommended KidLit (and CanLit) on Pooh Day - Finding Winnie: the true story of the world’s most famous bear, by Lindsay Mattick. I’ve even received notes from parents - I’m a school librarian - declaring this one as a winner!

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I'm currently enjoying The Untethered Soul by Michael Sington, about how to develop a higher level of consciousness. By learning to live in the present moment (instead of the past or future) we're better able to let go of painful thoughts and memories that prevent us from achieving true happiness. Also, visiting family in Florida for a long weekend, which is a nice break from the frigid temps of the northeast!

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Great article and love A.A. Milne. I think I am going to read some Winnie the Pooh this weekend to celebrate this wonderful writer. Thank you Gayla!

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I loved The Snow Child. I hope you really enjoy it, too. Right now I'm reading memoir by older women: Abigail Thomas' two latest books are wonderful. Happy reading!

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Another fabulous set of links, Gayla!

Happy birthday for the 18th, A A Milne! I grew up - and indeed still live - a few miles from Ashdown Forest, the 'Hundred Acre Wood' of Milne's books where Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Tigger and Christopher Robin all lived and played. We often went for walks 'on the forest' when I was little, and it's still a lovely place for a walk - and indeed to get lost in, which I do all too frequently. I prefer the books to the Disneyfied version of Pooh, and reading the final lines of 'The House at Pooh Corner' will always make me cry. 🙂

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So many great links! Saving this post and going through the articles bit by bit! I’m reading “Blood and Sugar” by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - an historical thriller set in 18th century London about the slave trade. The book isn’t commonly available here in the US but her latest book “The Square of Sevens” a twisty novel about fortune telling set in the 18th century is here. Highly recommend both!

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I currently have a new author of interest, a Sci-Fi writer Liu Cixin. He wrote the three body problem. It was EXCELLENT and will soon be converted to the screen for Netfflix. I have added some of his other writing to my hold list at the library. I resolved to engage new genres this year and Sci-Fi is a good start for me.

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Hello from Australia. I really enjoyed reading your post. I have a bookish blog on another platform, so am very interested in books and reading. I'm also a Kristin Hannah fan and am waiting very impatiently for The Women to be released.

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Looking forward to reading Cup of Joe and NY city guide to bookstores--thank you!

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