Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
Today’s feature is The Girl He Used to Know, by Tracey Garvis Graves, the compelling, hopelessly romantic novel of unconditional love.
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Beginning: (Annika, Chicago, August 2001)
I run into him at Dominick’s, of all places. I’m poking around in the freezer case, searching for the strawberries I put in my morning smoothie, when a man’s voice somewhere off to my right says, “Annika?” He sounds unsure.
From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of his face. It’s been ten years since we’ve seen each other and though I often struggle to recognize people out of context, there’s no need for me to question whether or not it’s him. I know it’s him.
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Friday 56: Around us, people play Frisbee on the grass, many of them barefoot. A bee buzzes around Annika’s lemonade, and I swat it away. When we’re done eating I open the board and we set it up.
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Synopsis: Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.
Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game—and his heart—to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.
Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.
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I am eager to jump right into this one. What do you think?
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Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. So, this looks like a book I would like. I hope you enjoy it once you get to it. 🙂
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Thanks, Breana, I am looking forward to it. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Lots of potential here–a reunion of exes and a librarian protagonist…
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Thanks, Catherine, I do like a book with lots of delightful elements. Enjoy your pick for today.
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I really enjoyed this one!
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Thanks, Mary, I’m glad you did…I am looking forward to it.
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This sounds really good. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Ashley, I’m enjoying it so far.
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The cover looks like something which was published in the 1970s. Am I right? Sounds like a lovely sotry. Enjoy. My Friday Quotes are here
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Thanks for visiting, Anne, and the cover does remind me of the 70s, but the story is set in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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This does sound good. I hope you enjoy it. This week I am spotlighting Pit Perfect Murder by Renee George which is a mashup of a lot of my favorite genres. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I’m enjoying it.
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Sounds good…thanks for sharing, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I’m loving it so far.
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Both snippets are beautifully written. 🙂 I added you to the Linky, sorry I was late. Happy weekend!
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Thanks , Freda, I wondered where you were!
I’m enjoying this book.
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For some reason now I have the title stuck in my mind as a song refrain. Sounds like a sweet book.
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Thanks, Roberta, now I can hear the song, too!
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This one sounds good! I’ve seen some great reviews for it and I love the excerpts you shared!
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Thanks, Katherine, I’m really enjoying this one.
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Happy Reading. Hope you’ll have fun with it.
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I’m enjoying it so far, Nicki. Thanks for visiting.
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This sounds like a good one. Great teasers. I hope you enjoy this book.
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Thanks, Yvonne, I do love how the story is gradually showing us the past, alongside the present, and not revealing what tore them apart yet. The suspense builds…
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Wonder what the tragedy is that pulls them apart. Hope you enjoy this read!
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Thanks, Alicia, I am eagerly awaiting that piece of news, too, and I’m halfway finished!
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This sounds awesome!!! I hope you enjoy it.
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Thanks, Mayu, I did.
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I definitely want to know more after those snippets. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thanks, Lauren, I really loved this book.
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I agree, the title sounds like a song. I hope you’re enjoying the story!
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Thanks, Bea, I really enjoyed it.
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