Close your eyes Think about holding a book in you Close your eyes  Think about holding a book in your hands. Feel the pages and the spine. Visualize the cover. Now tell me, what book did you see? πŸ‘€ Was it one you recommend? πŸ₯°
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The first book that popped into my head when I did this exercise was The Charm Offensive! 🫢🏼 This was a combination of me wanting to reread this adorable book that became an instant fave of mine last year πŸ“– thinking about how often I've seen it recommended lately for #PrideMonth (yay!) πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ and all the pondering I've been doing lately about the fact that I hate reality TV shows but for some reason, love reading books about reality TV shows πŸ˜‚
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Have you read The Charm Offensive or is it on your TBR? πŸŽ₯ 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thecharmoffensive #lgbtqbooks #queerreads #queerbooks
Let’s see how similar our tastes are in books… Let’s see how similar our tastes are in books… πŸ€” Give yourself 5 points for every book you’ve read and an extra 5 points for every book you’ve also LOVED! ⭐️
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Here are my 20 all-time favorites (10 stand-alones and 10 series):
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STAND-ALONES:
🌲 Into the Heartless Wood
✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
πŸ“š The Midnight Library
πŸ‚ The Nature of Witches
πŸ–οΈ People We Meet on Vacation
⏳ Early Departures
🐳 Amelia Unabridged
πŸ“– The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
πŸ™οΈ Paper Towns
🎀 Daisy Jones & The Six
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SERIES:
🦌 Shadow and Bone
❣️ Shades of Magic
πŸŽͺ Caraval
🐺 Echo North
🦁 The Chronicles of Narnia
🩷 Heartstopper
😍 The Friend Zone/Part of Your World
β˜•οΈ Legends & Lattes
⛓️ The Prison Healer
πŸ§šπŸ»β€β™€οΈ Wicked Lovely
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How many points did you get? πŸ† Are any of the ones you *haven’t* read on your TBR? 🫢🏼
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #shadowandbone #grishaverse #leighbardugo #signedbooks
What was the last book you purchased for yourself What was the last book you purchased for yourself or got from the library? πŸ“–
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I've said it before and I'll say it a million more times (πŸ˜…): I don't purchase books unless I've read them first (my few exceptions being sequels for series I love or auto-buy authors) πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ Needless to say, I'm pretty picky about which books I DO spend my money on πŸ’³
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I recently did a bit of a haul from Book Outlet during their mega fiction sale and here's what I snagged:
β˜•οΈ Legends & Lattes
πŸ•°οΈ In Five Years
🌲 Lost in the Never Woods
πŸ₯€ Girl, Serpent, Thorn
🎀 XOXO
πŸ₯§ Crumbs
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Have you read any of these or are any of them on your TBR? πŸ“š
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #bookhaul #bookoutlet #bookoutlethaul
What was the last sequel/companion novel announcem What was the last sequel/companion novel announcement that got you really excited? 🀩
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I was SO thrilled when I saw @kristinaforest's announcement for The Partner Plot, an adult romance that follows Violet (the older sister of Lily from The Neighbor Favor) and her high school sweetheart 🩷 It's coming out in the spring of 2024 and I'm already counting down the days until it's in my hands πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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If you haven't read The Neighbor Favor yet, what are you waiting for? πŸ˜‰ It's absolutely ADORABLE and I was so thrilled to get a copy of it in one of my @litlovebox packages - along with some delicious chocolates and coffee, of course β˜•οΈ Use the code STEPH5 for a discount on your very own box (good til the end of May!) 🎁
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What was the last cute romance book that you loved? πŸ“–
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #theneighborfavor #kristinaforest #cartooncoverromance #romancebooks
What was the last series that you started? πŸ“š
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I've been starting (and completing) a lot of series this year πŸ™ŒπŸΌ Admittedly, half of them are rereads, but they still count, right? πŸ˜…
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Series rereads I've finished this year:
🌊 All the Stars and Teeth
🏹 The Hunger Games
🦌 Shadow and Bone
❣️ Shades of Magic
πŸ¦β€β¬› Six of Crows
πŸ‚ Heartstopper (up to date)
πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ Renegades
 
Series I've finished this year (not rereads):
πŸ’š The Green Bone Saga
πŸ₯° Jansen Brothers
🌲 Lovelight Farms
πŸ” Truly Devious (trilogy - still working on the continuations)
πŸ«– The Tea Dragon Society
πŸ§šπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ These Hollow Vows
πŸƒ The Cardplay Duology
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I've also started several more, but I'm most proud of the ones I've completed βœ… There's something so satisfying about finishing a series, don't you think? πŸ˜‚
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Have you read any of these yet? πŸ“–
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #bookseries
CafΓ© reading dates just hit different β˜•οΈπŸ“– CafΓ© reading dates just hit different β˜•οΈπŸ“–

Dress is from @renttherunway and I literally never want to take it off πŸ™ˆ Get 40% off TWO MONTHS of an RTR Membership for their 10, 15, or 20-item plan with code RENT0E33DC πŸ’ƒπŸ»

Woodmark and tote from @theseasonalpages and I’m absolutely obsessed with it πŸ”– Use ESPRESSO15 to get 15% off your next purchase 🫢🏼

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#bookreel #bookreels #bookishreel #bookishreels #bookvideo #booktok #bookrecommendation #booksuggestion #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #lovetoread #bookpost #bookstaexplore #readersofinstagram #igreads #booksofig #booklover #booksaremagic #bookworm #instareads #readmorebooks @rtrambassadors #rtrambassador #thanksitsrtr #coffeeandbooks #cafestagram #coffeeshopvibes
What are your favorite adult fantasy series? βš”οΈ
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A few years ago, I devoured The Daevabad Trilogy and completely fell in love with the absolutely magnificent world-building 😍
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Adult fantasy can be tricky if you're used to the pacing in YA fantasy, but after some time, you might find that you really enjoy the way that the story develops πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Some of my favorite completed adult fantasy series:
πŸ’š The Green Bone Saga (Jade City, Jade War, Jade Legacy)
πŸ§›πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ All Souls (A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, The Book of Life)
🐺 The Wilderwood (For the Wolf, For the Throne)
⏳ Shades of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, A Conjuring of Light)
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Have you read any of these yet? πŸ“š
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #daevabadtrilogy #adultfantasy #adultfantasyseries #fantasyseries #thecityofbrass
What's one book you'd recommend to someone just di What's one book you'd recommend to someone just diving into fiction for the first time? πŸ“–
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I've asked this in the past, but I'm curious how the answers might change since so many books have come out in the last several years that I think would fit this perfectly πŸ‘ŒπŸΌ
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I don't have many IRL friends who enjoy reading, but I have been lucky enough to recommend books to fiction newbies in the past and I usually start with The Midnight Library! πŸ“š I think it's a book everyone should read (but that's because it saved my life, so it's very special to me) and I especially recommend it during May, Mental Health Awareness Month! πŸ’š
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‼️ I’m taking the next week away from social media/blogging for my own mental health. I’ll probably be lurking some but please note that I won’t be updating much of anything til after the 15th 🫢🏼
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Have you read The Midnight Library yet? β˜•οΈ
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthbooks #mentalhealthrep #themidnightlibrary #mentalhealthawareness
Have you reached your quarterly reading goals (if Have you reached your quarterly reading goals (if you set any)? πŸ“Š
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I was tagged by @estherfungreads to do a quarterly reading wrap-up:
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Total books read: 92
Rereads: 28
Favorite genres: fantasy & romance as per usual
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β˜•οΈ Personal favorite reads (not counting rereads):
Begin Again, Legends & Lattes, Happy Place
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β˜•οΈ Favorite new-to-me authors:
Angie Thomas, Maureen Johnson
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β˜•οΈ Favorite authors revisited:
Leigh Bardugo, V.E. Schwab, Marissa Meyer, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry
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β˜•οΈ Books that made me laugh (not counting rereads):
Funny Feelings, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Happy Place 
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β˜•οΈ Books that made me cry:
We Are All So Good at Smiling, The Crossover, Happy Place (yes it fits in both categories)
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β˜•οΈ Currently reading:
If the Shoe Fits, These Twisted Bonds, Crumbs
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β˜•οΈ What's left on my priority TBR:
Babel, A Curse for True Love, Foxglove, This Cursed Light, The Stardust Thief, A Wilderness of Stars, Painted Devils, Bring Me Your Midnight, Someone Just Like You, The Brothers Hawthorne, and several more tbh 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #readingwrapup #readingrecap #beginagainbooks #quarterlywrapup
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Lifestyle · August 5, 2019

Depression and Chronic Illness

Whew that’s a banger of a title to get us going on a Monday, huh? Depression and chronic illness – how do they correlate and affect someone on a daily basis?

You may not be surprised to find that these two get a kick out of ganging up on people. To be honest, they’ve been beating me up quite a bit lately. MyΒ gastroparesis has been taking the lead, bringing on some of the most challenging flare-ups I’ve experienced in a long time. At a certain point, being in extreme pain, curled up in bed for days at a time, with waves of nausea just washing over me incessantly, depression decides to step in.

I don’t use the term “depression” lightly, at all. Not only has it been something I’ve battled with for years, but it’s sadly genetic and I see family members suffer on a daily basis. My struggle with this monster is how it likes to tell me that I’m worthless because I’m unable to live a “normal” life. It tells me that everyone hates me because I’m so much work to take care of, and the pain will never stop, and I will never be able to work as hard as I should to succeed. Depression is – for lack of a better word – vile.

Depression and chronic illness share friendship bracelets, I swear.

When one rears its ugly head, the other is quick to follow. Lately, I’ve found myself taking painfully hot showers at 3pm on a Monday just to distract myself with sensory overload. I sometimes stare at my laptop for a couple of hours, willing myself to get work done, only to shut it and go lay in bed because I can’t focus on anything other than my discomfort. Recently, I even wrote down what depression feels like – on the absolute worst day I’ve experienced in years. I broke down and laid on the floor of my hallway, sobbing to myself, unable to cope with anything – and my stomach pain worsening with each tear that fell.

Sometimes life is scary with a chronic illness. It’s even scarier when depression gets all up in your business. Honestly, I wish I could give some sort of positive, uplifting quote here that would make it all seem like it’s fine. Shouldn’t I, as a blogger, find a way to twist this situation into something helpful for someone else? Well, this isn’t that kind of post. Today I’m admitting that life has beenΒ really rough lately, and I’m a human with human challenges, trying to work through them, not always succeeding, but doing her best.

I feel obligated, in a way, to share this reality with you, as my readers and friends. While social media may sometimes make it seem that everything is great, life is easy, money is flowing, work is fantastic, etc. That is definitely not the case. Every once in a while, I just need you all to see the behind-the-scenes and understand that I’ll always be as real with you as possible. There is a reason why I don’t post every day, and half of my stories are filmed from my bed. Thank you for standing by me while I continue to fight through this season.


Related Posts
Confessions of a Gastroparesis-Sufferer //Β How to Be Intentional With Your Self-Care Routine //Β The Ultimate Guide to Combatting a Bad Day

Sending all of you big hugs, especially if you’re dealing with – or have dealt with – depression or chronic illness at any point in your life. You’re a warrior. Don’t forget that.

In: Lifestyle · Tagged: chronic disease, chronic illness, depression, depression and chronic illness, gastroparesis, real life

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86 Comments
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Rachel
3 years ago

Stephanie – This post is amazing. Oftentimes, people don’t realize that chronic illness and depression go hand in hand and this post can help them understand. I hope your flare-ups get better soon!

Rachel

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Yolanda
3 years ago

I completely understand where you are coming from as I struggle with this battle too. The bad days are bad, but one thing I try to do is focus on the good days and cherish those as much as possible. Big hugs to you and hers to kicking depression in the butt! xox

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Katie Buller
3 years ago

It’s so lovely that you’ve chosen to share this post. What a brilliant and inspiring topic to write about.

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Adriana Renee
3 years ago

Thanks for sharing and sending you all the love! It’s so hard to understand what’s happening sometimes and it’s always important to share.

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Hillary Conheady
3 years ago

I love how open you are in this blog post! Thank you so much for sharing and sending love your way!

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Tanvi Rastogi
3 years ago

The sad thing about mental illness IS that it is connected and our whole body starts to react when we are not mentally healthy. I appreciate you shedding light on this matter. I hope you feel better soon. Xx

β₯ tanvii.com

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Maria
3 years ago

I so appreciate you sharing your story, the more we share, the more we increase understanding and help reduce stigma. Keep up the good work!

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Cathy
3 years ago

It’s so true, it’s easy to fall into depression when struggling with a cronic illness. It’s so good that you are aware of this and helping spread awareness. You’re an amazing person and you can overcome all of it! You got this!

XOXO
Cathy

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Donna
3 years ago

You are one of the toughest people I know; fighting pain and demons at the same time. I’m glad that your toolbox is full and you have the weapons that you need for each battle. I’m proud of you for honestly sharing openly with others. There is strength in numbers and that can only happen as the stigma for those with depression and chronic illness is obliterated. You go girl!

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Indya | The Small Adventurer
3 years ago

Oh, how my heart goes out to you. I just read your post about gastroparesis and that was super eye-opening as I hadn’t heard of it before. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people living with chronic illnesses, but I also love that the internet is teaching us all about the different kinds and just how tough it is to live with them. I have a much lesser known kind of epilepsy that only two people out of EVERYONE I KNOW actually seems to believe is epilepsy, even though I’ve had many scans and tests and been diagnosed 😅 But because it doesn’t sound like the kind everyone else knows, people get confused, and that can be very depressing. Illnesses are very isolating, because even your loved ones don’t truly know what you’re going through, but I just try to remind myself that even if they don’t understand, they try their hardest to look after me, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. Wishing you all the best.

Reply
Indya | The Small Adventurer
3 years ago

Oh, how my heart goes out to you. I just read your post about gastroparesis and that was super eye-opening as I hadn’t heard of it before. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people living with chronic illnesses, but I also love that the internet is teaching us all about the different kinds and just how tough it is to live with them. I have a much lesser known kind of epilepsy that only two people out of EVERYONE I KNOW actually seems to believe is epilepsy, even though I’ve had many scans and tests and been diagnosed πŸ˜… But because it doesn’t sound like the kind everyone else knows, people get confused, and that can be very depressing. Illnesses are very isolating, because even your loved ones don’t truly know what you’re going through, but I just try to remind myself that even if they don’t understand, they try their hardest to look after me, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. Wishing you all the best.

Reply
Morgan
3 years ago

So sorry you’re having to walk through this!! The correlation of the illness’s is all to real and I’m praying for you!

-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

Reply
Oh to Be a Muse
3 years ago

Thank you so much for being so vulnerable and honest. You did not need to open up about this, but in doing so, I’m sure you’ve helped out someone who might also be suffering from either a chronic illness, depression or both. Lots of love.

Reply
Lauryn Hock
3 years ago

I love you so much!!!! Thank you for sharing this. Mental illness runs in my family as well. I feel lucky that, even though I deal with anxiety and depression, they have understood and supported me my entire life. It’s not an easy journey, and it’s even worse if you’re doing it alone. You’re not alone, though. Keep sharing so that you can help others feel strength in numbers!

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Anna
3 years ago

What an amazing and inspiring post for those going through the same thing. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

Reply
Rach
3 years ago

I can definitely relate. Life is for sure scary with a chronic illness. Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, it definitely messed with my mind on my perception of life and how I want it to be. I am so sorry you are going through this. You are not a lone. What has helped me is that I have a psycho-oncologist and it has been beneficial. Hopefully your provider will have something like that too!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com

Reply
Morgan
3 years ago

So sorry you’re having to walk through this!! The correlation of the illness’s is all to real and I’m praying for you!

-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

Reply
Candace
3 years ago

Thank you so much for being vulnerable and opening up to all of us. Life as an influencer isn’t as easy as the pretty pictures we post on Instagram might make it seem. There’s always more going on behind the scenes. I love that you choose to share your struggles with your audience. It allows people to connect with you on a deeper level.

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Laura S
3 years ago

What a great post. Depression is something that not enough people truly understand and it’s super important to share. Thank you for being so open about something that a lot of people deal with but don’t talk about. You’re a warrior, girl!

Reply
Oh to Be a Muse
3 years ago

Thank you so much for being so vulnerable and honest. You did not need to open up about this, but in doing so, I’m sure you’ve helped out someone who might also be suffering from either a chronic illness, depression or both. Lots of love.

Reply
Megan
3 years ago

Great post this week! I think it’s important to talk about issues like depression and chronic illness. It’s not talked about enough and many people struggle with it.

Reply
Lauryn Hock
3 years ago

I love you so much!!!! Thank you for sharing this. Mental illness runs in my family as well. I feel lucky that, even though I deal with anxiety and depression, they have understood and supported me my entire life. It’s not an easy journey, and it’s even worse if you’re doing it alone. You’re not alone, though. Keep sharing so that you can help others feel strength in numbers!

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Rach
3 years ago

I can definitely relate. Life is for sure scary with a chronic illness. Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, it definitely messed with my mind on my perception of life and how I want it to be. I am so sorry you are going through this. You are not a lone. What has helped me is that I have a psycho-oncologist and it has been beneficial. Hopefully your provider will have something like that too!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com

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Helena Marz
3 years ago

I can totally relate to this post because l suffer from Lupus especially extreme fatigue which leads me feeling depressed. It’s not a nice feeling at all and it is very difficult for anyone who has chronic illness especially when people don’t understand at all. The best thing to do is when you are having good days, take advantage of it and enjoy it! Keep fighting and don’t worry what others think! ❤️

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Candace
3 years ago

Thank you so much for being vulnerable and opening up to all of us. Life as an influencer isn’t as easy as the pretty pictures we post on Instagram might make it seem. There’s always more going on behind the scenes. I love that you choose to share your struggles with your audience. It allows people to connect with you on a deeper level.

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Laura S
3 years ago

What a great post. Depression is something that not enough people truly understand and it’s super important to share. Thank you for being so open about something that a lot of people deal with but don’t talk about. You’re a warrior, girl!

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Megan
3 years ago

Great post this week! I think it’s important to talk about issues like depression and chronic illness. It’s not talked about enough and many people struggle with it.

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Carolyn
3 years ago

I am so sorry girl. I don’t have a chronic illness, so I can’t relate to your pain at all, but I’m sending you lots of hugs. Thank you for sharing your struggle and keep fighting! We’re right here with you!

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Monica
3 years ago

Sending warm thoughts and good vibes your way. Depression can be such a monster and often times we don’t acknowledge it publicly enough. I can definitely relate to taking scolding hot showers in hopes to dull the sensory overloud and quiet the thoughts. You are not alone girl, and know that your post has touched many who are experiencing similar things. <3

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Lydia
3 years ago

Thank you so much for sharing and being honest, and not feeling like you have to wrap everything up in a pretty bow to share it. So many of us struggle with depression and it can become very difficult to separate ourselves from our illnesses.
Chic on the Cheap

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Erin
3 years ago

This is such an important topic. I’m a therapist and have dedicated my entire working life combatting stigmas and helping others. I love that people are speaking out. Thank you for sharing. You are right though chronic illness does absolutely go together. I’m here for you girl.

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Helena Marz
3 years ago

I can totally relate to this post because l suffer from Lupus especially extreme fatigue which leads me feeling depressed. It’s not a nice feeling at all and it is very difficult for anyone who has chronic illness especially when people don’t understand at all. The best thing to do is when you are having good days, take advantage of it and enjoy it! Keep fighting and don’t worry what others think! ❀️

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Greta
3 years ago

I’m so sorry you’re having to go through all this. It sounds absolutely awful! Thanks for opening up and sharing your journey with us.

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Lily
3 years ago

Oh sweet friend, I’m so sorry you are going thru this. As someone who worked in the medical field for years, I can totally see how chronic illness and depression go hand in hand. Sending you so much love and hugs!

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Carolyn
3 years ago

I am so sorry girl. I don’t have a chronic illness, so I can’t relate to your pain at all, but I’m sending you lots of hugs. Thank you for sharing your struggle and keep fighting! We’re right here with you!

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Monica
3 years ago

Sending warm thoughts and good vibes your way. Depression can be such a monster and often times we don’t acknowledge it publicly enough. I can definitely relate to taking scolding hot showers in hopes to dull the sensory overloud and quiet the thoughts. You are not alone girl, and know that your post has touched many who are experiencing similar things. <3

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Lydia
3 years ago

Thank you so much for sharing and being honest, and not feeling like you have to wrap everything up in a pretty bow to share it. So many of us struggle with depression and it can become very difficult to separate ourselves from our illnesses.
Chic on the Cheap

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Erin
3 years ago

This is such an important topic. I’m a therapist and have dedicated my entire working life combatting stigmas and helping others. I love that people are speaking out. Thank you for sharing. You are right though chronic illness does absolutely go together. I’m here for you girl.

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Greta
3 years ago

I’m so sorry you’re having to go through all this. It sounds absolutely awful! Thanks for opening up and sharing your journey with us.

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Lily
3 years ago

Oh sweet friend, I’m so sorry you are going thru this. As someone who worked in the medical field for years, I can totally see how chronic illness and depression go hand in hand. Sending you so much love and hugs!

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Becky
3 years ago

I think it’s so important to talk about these things, so kudos to you for posting about it. I wrote on my blog about a week ago the bad period of depression/anxiety I’m going through, and I’m still fighting that – so you are not alone.Thank you for being brave enough to speak up and I hope your journey gets easier.

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Lauren
3 years ago

There are not enough words to describe how much I appreciate this post. Depression can be really hard, and chronic illness definitely adds another element to it. As a future doctor, that’s definitely something I want to keep in mind and be aware of with my patients.

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Becky
3 years ago

I think it’s so important to talk about these things, so kudos to you for posting about it. I wrote on my blog about a week ago the bad period of depression/anxiety I’m going through, and I’m still fighting that – so you are not alone.Thank you for being brave enough to speak up and I hope your journey gets easier.

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Tonya Morris
3 years ago

Sending you so much love! I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of this but know you have an amazing support system wishing you well and cheering you on!

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Jamaria Johnson
3 years ago

Thank you so much for your transparency. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this! Sending you hugs! xo

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Tonya Morris
3 years ago

Sending you so much love! I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of this but know you have an amazing support system wishing you well and cheering you on!

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Jamaria Johnson
3 years ago

Thank you so much for your transparency. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this! Sending you hugs! xo

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Kileen
3 years ago

I’m so sorry you are going through this!! You are amazing and worthy of this life, don’t let that toxic voice tell you otherwise!!

Kileen
cute & little

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Kristina
3 years ago

Thanks for sharing this real and vulnerable post- not everything is picture perfect and we all struggle with things in our real lives and it’s okay to take time to focus on yourself and your health!

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Kristen
3 years ago

Thank you for sharing your story and expressing what so many going thru your same experience are feeling. I hope that things are able to be focused on the positive and you are able to overcome what is able to.

Reply
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Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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Close your eyes Think about holding a book in you Close your eyes  Think about holding a book in your hands. Feel the pages and the spine. Visualize the cover. Now tell me, what book did you see? πŸ‘€ Was it one you recommend? πŸ₯°
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The first book that popped into my head when I did this exercise was The Charm Offensive! 🫢🏼 This was a combination of me wanting to reread this adorable book that became an instant fave of mine last year πŸ“– thinking about how often I've seen it recommended lately for #PrideMonth (yay!) πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ and all the pondering I've been doing lately about the fact that I hate reality TV shows but for some reason, love reading books about reality TV shows πŸ˜‚
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Have you read The Charm Offensive or is it on your TBR? πŸŽ₯ 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #thecharmoffensive #lgbtqbooks #queerreads #queerbooks
Let’s see how similar our tastes are in books… Let’s see how similar our tastes are in books… πŸ€” Give yourself 5 points for every book you’ve read and an extra 5 points for every book you’ve also LOVED! ⭐️
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Here are my 20 all-time favorites (10 stand-alones and 10 series):
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STAND-ALONES:
🌲 Into the Heartless Wood
✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
πŸ“š The Midnight Library
πŸ‚ The Nature of Witches
πŸ–οΈ People We Meet on Vacation
⏳ Early Departures
🐳 Amelia Unabridged
πŸ“– The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
πŸ™οΈ Paper Towns
🎀 Daisy Jones & The Six
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SERIES:
🦌 Shadow and Bone
❣️ Shades of Magic
πŸŽͺ Caraval
🐺 Echo North
🦁 The Chronicles of Narnia
🩷 Heartstopper
😍 The Friend Zone/Part of Your World
β˜•οΈ Legends & Lattes
⛓️ The Prison Healer
πŸ§šπŸ»β€β™€οΈ Wicked Lovely
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How many points did you get? πŸ† Are any of the ones you *haven’t* read on your TBR? 🫢🏼
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #shadowandbone #grishaverse #leighbardugo #signedbooks
What was the last book you purchased for yourself What was the last book you purchased for yourself or got from the library? πŸ“–
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I've said it before and I'll say it a million more times (πŸ˜…): I don't purchase books unless I've read them first (my few exceptions being sequels for series I love or auto-buy authors) πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ Needless to say, I'm pretty picky about which books I DO spend my money on πŸ’³
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I recently did a bit of a haul from Book Outlet during their mega fiction sale and here's what I snagged:
β˜•οΈ Legends & Lattes
πŸ•°οΈ In Five Years
🌲 Lost in the Never Woods
πŸ₯€ Girl, Serpent, Thorn
🎀 XOXO
πŸ₯§ Crumbs
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Have you read any of these or are any of them on your TBR? πŸ“š
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #bookhaul #bookoutlet #bookoutlethaul
What was the last sequel/companion novel announcem What was the last sequel/companion novel announcement that got you really excited? 🀩
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I was SO thrilled when I saw @kristinaforest's announcement for The Partner Plot, an adult romance that follows Violet (the older sister of Lily from The Neighbor Favor) and her high school sweetheart 🩷 It's coming out in the spring of 2024 and I'm already counting down the days until it's in my hands πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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If you haven't read The Neighbor Favor yet, what are you waiting for? πŸ˜‰ It's absolutely ADORABLE and I was so thrilled to get a copy of it in one of my @litlovebox packages - along with some delicious chocolates and coffee, of course β˜•οΈ Use the code STEPH5 for a discount on your very own box (good til the end of May!) 🎁
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What was the last cute romance book that you loved? πŸ“–
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #theneighborfavor #kristinaforest #cartooncoverromance #romancebooks
What was the last series that you started? πŸ“š
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I've been starting (and completing) a lot of series this year πŸ™ŒπŸΌ Admittedly, half of them are rereads, but they still count, right? πŸ˜…
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Series rereads I've finished this year:
🌊 All the Stars and Teeth
🏹 The Hunger Games
🦌 Shadow and Bone
❣️ Shades of Magic
πŸ¦β€β¬› Six of Crows
πŸ‚ Heartstopper (up to date)
πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ Renegades
 
Series I've finished this year (not rereads):
πŸ’š The Green Bone Saga
πŸ₯° Jansen Brothers
🌲 Lovelight Farms
πŸ” Truly Devious (trilogy - still working on the continuations)
πŸ«– The Tea Dragon Society
πŸ§šπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ These Hollow Vows
πŸƒ The Cardplay Duology
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I've also started several more, but I'm most proud of the ones I've completed βœ… There's something so satisfying about finishing a series, don't you think? πŸ˜‚
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Have you read any of these yet? πŸ“–
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #bookseries
CafΓ© reading dates just hit different β˜•οΈπŸ“– CafΓ© reading dates just hit different β˜•οΈπŸ“–

Dress is from @renttherunway and I literally never want to take it off πŸ™ˆ Get 40% off TWO MONTHS of an RTR Membership for their 10, 15, or 20-item plan with code RENT0E33DC πŸ’ƒπŸ»

Woodmark and tote from @theseasonalpages and I’m absolutely obsessed with it πŸ”– Use ESPRESSO15 to get 15% off your next purchase 🫢🏼

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#bookreel #bookreels #bookishreel #bookishreels #bookvideo #booktok #bookrecommendation #booksuggestion #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #lovetoread #bookpost #bookstaexplore #readersofinstagram #igreads #booksofig #booklover #booksaremagic #bookworm #instareads #readmorebooks @rtrambassadors #rtrambassador #thanksitsrtr #coffeeandbooks #cafestagram #coffeeshopvibes
What are your favorite adult fantasy series? βš”οΈ
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A few years ago, I devoured The Daevabad Trilogy and completely fell in love with the absolutely magnificent world-building 😍
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Adult fantasy can be tricky if you're used to the pacing in YA fantasy, but after some time, you might find that you really enjoy the way that the story develops πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Some of my favorite completed adult fantasy series:
πŸ’š The Green Bone Saga (Jade City, Jade War, Jade Legacy)
πŸ§›πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ All Souls (A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, The Book of Life)
🐺 The Wilderwood (For the Wolf, For the Throne)
⏳ Shades of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, A Conjuring of Light)
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Have you read any of these yet? πŸ“š
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #daevabadtrilogy #adultfantasy #adultfantasyseries #fantasyseries #thecityofbrass
What's one book you'd recommend to someone just di What's one book you'd recommend to someone just diving into fiction for the first time? πŸ“–
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I've asked this in the past, but I'm curious how the answers might change since so many books have come out in the last several years that I think would fit this perfectly πŸ‘ŒπŸΌ
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I don't have many IRL friends who enjoy reading, but I have been lucky enough to recommend books to fiction newbies in the past and I usually start with The Midnight Library! πŸ“š I think it's a book everyone should read (but that's because it saved my life, so it's very special to me) and I especially recommend it during May, Mental Health Awareness Month! πŸ’š
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‼️ I’m taking the next week away from social media/blogging for my own mental health. I’ll probably be lurking some but please note that I won’t be updating much of anything til after the 15th 🫢🏼
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Have you read The Midnight Library yet? β˜•οΈ
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthbooks #mentalhealthrep #themidnightlibrary #mentalhealthawareness
Have you reached your quarterly reading goals (if Have you reached your quarterly reading goals (if you set any)? πŸ“Š
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I was tagged by @estherfungreads to do a quarterly reading wrap-up:
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Total books read: 92
Rereads: 28
Favorite genres: fantasy & romance as per usual
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β˜•οΈ Personal favorite reads (not counting rereads):
Begin Again, Legends & Lattes, Happy Place
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β˜•οΈ Favorite new-to-me authors:
Angie Thomas, Maureen Johnson
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β˜•οΈ Favorite authors revisited:
Leigh Bardugo, V.E. Schwab, Marissa Meyer, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry
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β˜•οΈ Books that made me laugh (not counting rereads):
Funny Feelings, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Happy Place 
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β˜•οΈ Books that made me cry:
We Are All So Good at Smiling, The Crossover, Happy Place (yes it fits in both categories)
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β˜•οΈ Currently reading:
If the Shoe Fits, These Twisted Bonds, Crumbs
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β˜•οΈ What's left on my priority TBR:
Babel, A Curse for True Love, Foxglove, This Cursed Light, The Stardust Thief, A Wilderness of Stars, Painted Devils, Bring Me Your Midnight, Someone Just Like You, The Brothers Hawthorne, and several more tbh 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #readingwrapup #readingrecap #beginagainbooks #quarterlywrapup
Did you love any of your April reads so much that Did you love any of your April reads so much that you wanted to immediately turn around and read them again? 🀎
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I certainly felt that about a few of the books I read this past month, but especially:
πŸ«– The Tea Dragon Society - this entire MG graphic novel trilogy just warmed my heart so much. It's precious and wonderful and if you haven't read it, please do because you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face.
πŸ” Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers - within the first couple of chapters, I was belly-laughing so hard I was crying. This was hilarious and adorable and I didn't want it to end. I immediately began recommending it to everyone. 
⛱️ Happy Place - because of course! I mean, this book did make me sob my eyes out multiple times, but it also made me belly laugh more than once as well. It was perfect in every way and very quickly became my second fave of Emily's books (just after PWMOV)!
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Thank goodness I'm a big fan of rereading because I know I'll be revisiting all of these books again in the future πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
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Have you read any of my April favorites? πŸ“š
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #theteadragonsociety #happyplace #verawongsunsolicitedadviceformurderers #aprilreads

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