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Lisa 🩷 Honest Book Reviews

@anybookanytime

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🩷 I'm basically 99% book
🩵 Book reviews and retro love
💛 Bookish fun since 2021 🚫 No GenAI
💜 Just me & 7000ish books in Brisbane, Aus

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Good Reading Magazine's October issue is out now!

This month’s cover article is an interview with Pip Williams, author of the award-winning books The Dictionary of Lost Words, The Bookbinder of Jericho, and her latest novel The German Ward.

You can also read lots of other articles and bookish news such as:
🩷 Independent reviews of new release books including the ones pictured in this post.*
💚 Five things you might not know about Michael Robotham, whose latest book Tell Me Something True is out now.
🩵 A crime guide for lovers of thrillers and whodunnits.*

Visit @goodreadingmag for links to subscribe, enter competitions, and more.

*Note Something He Did (pictured) is in the Crime Guide and not reviewed in this edition.

📸 Pictured
📖 The German Ward by Pip Williams (Affirm) and her other novels The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho
📖 The Lucky Son by Li Cunxin (Penguin)
📖 Something He Did by SK Lynch (Ultimo)
📖 The Rayburn Affair by Laurie Petrou (Echo)
📖 The Wave by Sarah Armstrong (Hardie Grant)
📖 The Waiting Places by Megan Jacobson (Hachette)

🎁 New release books shown are gifted. My personal reviews are / will be posted here on Insta.

AD-PR @goodreadingmag #bookishnews #bookreviews #newreleases #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 4Oct26 🇦🇺 The October edition of Good Reading Magazine features a photo of author Pip Williams with an inset image of the cover of her new book The German Ward. Next to the magazine is a stack of books mentioned in this edition, positioned with their spines facing up. The titles are listed in the caption of this post. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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9 hours ago

This picture book made me cry — three times! 🥹

The Everywhere Train is about Scout and Pop, who ride the train together every Friday. So when Pop moves into an aged-care facility, they make their own station and tickets to board a train that can take them anywhere – from yesterdays to tomorrows! (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

This story book is so beautiful, but oh it gave me severe emotional damage! It's like the creators wrote words and drew pictures designed specifically to break my heart and put it back together again.

Between the snapshots of past adventures and the scenes within the aged-care home, you can feel the love between Scott and her Pop.

And without being maudlin, it touches on the earlier loss of Nan and the physical limitations that accompany old age — as well as humanising all of the people in residential care by reminding us that they each have precious memories of their own lives.

The artwork is gorgeous. I love the vignettes of Scout and Pop’s days together (many of which mirrored my own memories with my Grandpa) plus there is a stunning fold-out page spread.

If you have an aging family member for whom physical changes or aged care are imminent or already happening, this would be a lovely book to read with young children. It introduces these concepts in a kid-friendly way, and could spark fun conversations about imaginative ways to share past memories and make new ones.

But if you are an adult with fond memories of your own parents or grandparents, you might want to practice reading it first with a big box of tissues handy!

From the creators of The Truck Cat, this is another story that shows how picture books can be emotional and important works of art.

📖 The Everywhere Train by Deborah Frenkel (words) and Danny Snell (art)
🛍️ Hardie Grant Children's - Bright Light / 1 Sep 2026 / AUD$24.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

@debdoeswords @dannydsnell @hardiegrantkids @brightlightpublishing @hardiegrantbooks #hgpartner #earlychildhood #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781761213953 RCVD / READ Sep26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 3Oct26 🇦🇺 The book cover of The Everywhere Train features a girl sitting cross-legged on a train station bench with her grandfather. They each hold a glowing ticket, and a stream train is in the background. The book lies near some vintage train tickets, and a black and white photo of a family. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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a day ago

Give me all your Halloween reading recs 🎃 This series is on my list!

Scion is book two of the Children of Fate trilogy, following on from the award-winning Anomaly which was one of my favourite books of 2024. It's a high-stakes YA series that blends post-apocalyptic dystopia with a speculative sci-fi scenario for a really exciting ride!

Be warned! If you haven't read Anomaly, this review might spoil some of the surprises, but I'll try and keep it vague ☺️

In Scion, Piper’s story continues as the small band of survivors join up with others in the (temporarily) safe community hiding in an alternate universe. Piper learns more about her powers and the history of the wormholes, and the vicious Reapers that travel through them. (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

It was great being back with Piper, Seth, Frankie and the gang! Seeing how all of them coped following the explosive ending of Anomaly, and exploring Seth’s backstory and the origins of the threat to the multiverse was riveting.

As with book one, the scary bits are super-scary, the romantic yearning (YA appropriate) is swoony, and the moments of humour are perfection. Frankie’s sass lit up the page, and new characters like the enigmatic Lucy were fantastic.

My absolute favourite part of this book is the spectacular descriptions of the Reaper wormholes. I've read lots of sci-fi over the years, and I've never felt such a powerful sense of *reality* about a made-up story element. It's so detailed and so viscerally affecting, I’m starting to suspect the author has seen some things!

Between the quality of the writing and the excitement of the story, plus the emotional highs and lows, this was a truly worthy follow up to Anomaly.

I can't wait for book three!

Grab them both for some excellent spooky season reading.

📖 Scion by Emma Lord
🛍️ Affirm Press / 29 September 2026 / AUD$22.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

@emmalordwrites @affirmpress @simonschusterau #youngadultbooks #loveozya #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781923419452 RCVD Aug26 READ Sep26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed, IbisPaint 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 2Oct26 taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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2 days ago

🎉 Happy publication day to these books, all out Tuesday 29 September in Australia!

🙏 And thank you to the tagged companies for review copies.

👇 Learn about each title below and swipe to see the covers. (I've finished five of them, so book reviews are coming!)

📖 Game of Pets: The Boy Who Knew Too Much by Aaron Blabey (Macmillan)
😼 Book one of a new kids series about an intergalactic game show, suspicious pets, a talking axolotl, and the boy who's going to save the world!

📖 Scion (Children of Fate 2) by Emma Lord (Affirm)
🌀 After the events of Anomaly, Piper learns more about her powers and how the battle with the monsters began.

📖 Spent Light by Lara Pawson (Text)
💣 A blend of fiction, memoir and essay follows the narrator as she considers domestic objects and the troubling memories and issues they evoke.

📖 The Cruise by Naïma Brown (Allen and Unwin)
🪢 A revenge fantasy novel following Bailey and her loyal friends as they plot to punish the man who hurt her ten years ago.

📖 The Wild Zone by Rick Riordan and Annabelle Oh (Penguin Kids)
🔱 Follow Katie’s adventures at Camp Half-Blood in this new series set in the world of Percy Jackson.

📖 The German Ward by Pip Williams (Simon and Schuster)
🪖 A tender tale of love between enemies behind the lines of WW1, and the Australian artist who captures their secret.

📖 Something He Did by SK Lynch (Ultimo)
💔 A moment of road rage changes the fates of a desperate mother, a teenage girl, her secretive father, and the detective drawn into their story.

📖 The Lost Spectacular by Zoe Duhaime (New Dawn)
🎪 Journey through beloved books and fantastical locations as childhood friends-come-rivals battle over the fate of a magical festival of lost treasures.

📖 The Paris Prize by Tania Blanchard (HarperCollins)
🧶 A sweeping histfic following Maddy, an Australian grazier who dreams of producing the finest Merino wool in the world.

📸 Note some pics include digital images of books if my ARC cover differs significantly from the final version.

AD-PR gifted #bookstack #newreleasebooks #anybookanytime

🔍 METADATA: RCVD 2026 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed, IbisPaint 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 28Sep26 A stack of nine new release books sits on a gold placemat, in front of several full bookshelves. A grey toy mouse sits on top of the stack. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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6 days ago

The Lucky Son is out in October!

One of the highlights of my day at QBD’s 150 years Festival of Reading was hearing Li Cunxin speak about his life and his new book (swipe for a pic!).

Li Cunxin’s 2003 memoir Mao’s Last Dancer covered his journey from his childhood in a small Chinese village to internationally acclaimed ballet dancer.

In The Lucky Son, he shares what happened next with his life in Australia, his family and his work, plus the lessons he learned along the way. (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

Mao’s Last Dancer is one of those books I've always meant to read. Being gifted an ARC of The Lucky Son at QBD’s event in June was the nudge I needed to finally buy a copy. Now both books are in my to-be-read stack!

Thank you QBD & event sponsor Penguin Books Australia for expanding my reading horizons!

📖 The Lucky Son by Li Cunxin
🛍️ Penguin / 6 October 2026 / AUD$36.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. Review to come.

@licunxin @penguinbooksaus @qbdbooks #qbdfestivalofreading #aussiebooks #memoirs #anybookanytime

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781761352607 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 27Sep26 🇦🇺 The dark blue cover of The Lucky Son features a portrait of the author Li Cunxin wearing a white shirt and red jacket. The book overlaps with a copy of his first memoir, Mao’s Last Dancer. Both books lie on top of a white tote bag with QBD branding and a green pamphlet about the QBD 150 Festival of Reading. Nearby is an orange Penguin Books branded bookmark and a red QBD membership card. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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7 days ago

Favourite flower? I love Irises and all the yellow flowers!

Eddie and Moo and the Garden of Presents follows Eddie and Moo’s adventures when they discover it's their friend’s birthday. Before they have a party, they need to find the gift she asked for. But what is a ‘garden of presents’? (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

This is such a sweet picture book with gorgeous messages about friendship, joy, and what's important in life.

Eddie and Moo find interesting things during their hike by taking the time to look around. From rocks to pinecones and beautiful flowers, their observations will appeal to kids who love collecting stuff.

As the search for the elusive ‘garden of presents’ continues, friend Ollie Sue helps them search. The page where they reach their goal is my absolute favourite in the book 🥹 (swipe for peek!)

The illustrations are bright and cheerful, and some pages have lovely little details that would make a great seek and find activity (like Ollie Sue’s tree with things hidden in the branches).

I especially like how the artwork is really engaging and kid friendly. Little ones will want to have a go at drawing or painting dinosaurs and flowers after reading this.

And it was so nice to read a story about dinosaurs that are friendly and fun. Big Princess Dinosaur is the best name ever, plus she has a blossom pendant and a birthday balloon!

This is an adorable book showing how great days and happy memories are made with the people who care about you.

📖 Eddie and Moo and the Garden of Presents by Jane Godwin (words) and Anna Walker (art)
🛍️ Penguin Children's / 1 Sep 2026 / AUD$24.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

@janiegodwin @_annawalker_ @penguinkidsaustralia #birthdaystories #raisingreaders #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781761359743 RCVD / READ Aug26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 24Sep26 🇦🇺 The white and green book cover of Eddie and Moo and the Garden of Presents features artwork of two dinosaurs surrounded by greenery: a dark green one with a backpack; and an olive green one carrying a yellow umbrella. The book lies near some flowers and a birthday party invitation matching the book. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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10 days ago

Favourite sea creature? I love dugongs, crabs, sea horses, jellyfish - everything!

Shim Jung Takes the Dive tells the story of Jung, who lives alone with her father after her mother went missing while swimming. When Jung falls into the ocean during a storm, she finds herself imprisoned in an underwater kingdom. (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

I really, really enjoyed this!

Inspired by a Korean folktale, it works as a fun standalone middle grade fantasy adventure while also addressing more serious issues.

Since her Umma’s disappearance, Jung has been managing her pain and hiding her fear by being the ‘good kid’ — she's very academically focused and never breaks the rules!

When Jung is trapped in the Dragon Queen’s empire, she realises she needs to plot her escape to save her home from the Queen’s plans, while also trying to finally learn what happened to her mother. Along the way, Jung learns important lessons about herself and how to move on with her life in a positive way.

Her adventures with Prince Jae (who agrees to help her) are exciting and entertaining, with dragons, ghosts, and magic. Their journey also spotlights other big topics around historical grudges, resource management, and environmental / climate concerns.

There are also lovely touches of humour — Jung’s internal voice is clever and funny — plus lots of beautiful representation of Korean culture and language.

This would be a wonderful read for any child who struggles with anxiety or seeks solace from trauma through rigid coping mechanisms.

But anyone can enjoy Jung’s journey and the friendships and courage she finds along the way. Especially if they've developed a taste for Korean mythology after KPop Demon Hunters!

📖 Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew
🖌️ Cover illustrations by Alessa Trunfio
🛍️ HarperCollins / 1 September 2026 / AUD$17.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

@juliariew @alessia.trunfio @harperkidsau @HarperCollinsaustralia #comingofage #koreanmythology #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9780008826789 RCVD Aug26 READ Sep26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 23Sep26 🇦🇺 The book cover of Shim Jung Takes the Dive features a young girl riding a large turtle underwater, surrounded by pink jellyfish. The book lies near shells, a turtle ornament, and a large shell pendant. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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11 days ago

Have you ever put a lovers’ lock on a public fence or bridge? I've never done it!

Love Unlocked follows staunchly single Melody, who investigates a wave of breakups after all of the lovers’ padlocks are removed from a Dublin bridge! Meanwhile, Al (who approved the clean up) grapples with the emotional fallout of his wife’s betrayal with his best friend! (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

Cecelia Ahern’s stories have been my happy catnip for years, and this was no different!

I love how her books have a gorgeous balance of romance, heartache, and self discovery — plus a little bit of magical realism — and always leave me glowing.

Mel and Al’s past and present are told through alternating chapters as their paths weave in and out of each other's lives.

Mel’s character was really interesting, with real independence and strength that belies her deeper fears of commitment.

And Al is the most wonderful teddy bear of a character I've read for ages, wearing his emotions on his sleeve for his friends and partners to see. The pages outlining his sneaky revenge acts on his former best friend are hilarious (so if you're looking for ideas… ☺️)

There were a range of really engaging secondary characters too that honestly could each warrant their own novel. Al’s office assistant Natasha is a stand-out. (So great to see a woman boxer!)

I also enjoyed the excerpts of genuine love letters scattered through the book. They're from Joseph Plunkett to Grace Gifford, an historically significant Irish couple separated in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising.

This is a lovely story with a grown-up romance, healthy representation of both male and female emotional growth, and some great exploration of coping with grief and loss.

I loved it!

📖 Love Unlocked by Cecelia Ahern
🛍️ HarperCollins / 25 August 2026 / AUD$19.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

@official_ceceliaahern @HarperCollinsaustralia #contemporaryromance #irishauthors #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9780008608156 RCVD / READ Aug26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed, IbisPaint 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 21Sep26 🇦🇺 The final book cover of Love Unlocked features a heart-shaped padlock and other locks shown against a golden light. The book lies near some hearts and an unlocked padlock. Note the final cover image has been added digitally over an original picture of the proof copy. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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13 days ago

USE THE PRETTY NOTEBOOKS!

I love the cute Hello Kitty notebooks Hardie Grant sent me!

They're so gorgeous, just using them makes me smile.

My pink pocket notebook is the right size for notes on the go, and the sturdy spiral option holds up to all my scribbles and lists.

The All Wrapped Up range also includes Hello Kitty gift cards and wrapping paper, plus they’ll be releasing more sweet stationery with Peter Rabbit, Miffy, and Peanuts in the works!

What's your favourite Sanrio character? I've got a Gudetama collection too!

📚 All Wrapped Up: Hello Kitty and Friends:
🩷 Stitched Paperback Notebook / 96 pages / AUD$12.99
❤️ Spiral Hardback Notebook / 160 pages / AUD$26.99
🛍️ Hardie Grant / 28 July 2026
🎁 AD-PR gifted.

@hardiegrantbooks @hardiegrantkids @hellokitty @sanrio #hellokittylovers #hellokittylove #prettynotebook #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 RCVD Aug26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed, Youcut 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 19Sep26 🇦🇺 taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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15 days ago

A rare miss for me in the Claris series.😔

Claris: Return to the Ritz follows Claris and Monsieur as they venture inside the Paris Ritz to try and return a dropped tip to a bellboy. (Swipe or see comments for more details.)

Anyone who has followed me for any length of time knows that I adore the Claris books. They have positive messages, sweet storylines, iconic locations, and beautiful fashion, all presented with gorgeous artwork.

I was excited to read this tenth book in the series, particularly because of its focus on the Ritz, which sounded wonderful.

However I did not realise that this book also included glowing commentary on Coco Chanel as a person in the last few pages, and the repeated question of “what would Coco do?” throughout the story.

As someone who is interested in fashion history, I recognise Chanel’s innovative styling and significant influence on women's clothing and accessories.

But I'm also interested in social and military history, so revelations about her personal beliefs, political views, and activities around World War 2 have reduced my tolerance for laudatory narrative about her as an individual.

So eulogizing Chanel as a “hero” who stayed true to her values does not sit well with me, especially in books built around a message of compassion.

The question of morality and legacy is one that arises when discussing many famous names, like Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and Rudyard Kipling.

Acknowledging such complexities may be beyond the intent and capacity of a children's picture book. But I think it is still possible to spotlight historically significant creators and their creations without venerating the artist.

I'm happy to rave about the craft and the fashion.

But not about the person.

📖 Claris: Return to the Ritz by Megan Hess
🛍️ Hardie Grant Children's / 1 Sep 2026 / AUD$26.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

#anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781761215209 RCVD / READ Sep26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 17Sep26 🇦🇺 The white book cover of Claris: Return to the Ritz features Claris the Mouse in a lacy black dress and pearls. The book lies near an open novel and some greenery. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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17 days ago

Flying wolf, cat-bird, dragon, or five tailed fox — which one would you pick if you could?

Protector of Beyond follows twelve-year-old Elder as she is forced to travel to the mysterious world of Beyond, where children who literally spark with powers train to enter an Academy and become Protectors. (See comments for more details.)

This was so much fun! Mystical creatures, magical powers, plus battles, bullies, and secrets. And there's a map in the book too!

Stories about a chosen one will always be popular. From the adopted child who discovers they're royalty to the bullied student who outstrips everyone else's talents — these tales have lasting power.

What makes each new entry to this genre stand or fall is its delivery. And I think Protector of Beyond delivers everything with quality and imagination.

The worldbuilding is full of really interesting concepts, but just like Elder there are gaps in our knowledge that raise lots of important questions. (Remember, these aren't plot holes - they're mysteries 😁)

There are strong found family vibes, and the young baddies are suitably boo-able. The magic system is fun too, but also high stakes enough to cause real injury. And the creatures range from huge and scary to absolutely adorable. (Looking at you, Brite! 🐺)

Plus there is wonderful exploration of issues around family, tradition, fate, and loyalty, that elevate the story above simple action adventure.

I loved the conclusion of this book, which gave us some fantastic resolutions but raised even more questions for book two.

If you enjoy books like Skandar and Nevermoor, definitely add this to your TBR pile!

📖 Protector of Beyond by Shara Curlett
🛍️ Penguin Children's / 1 September 2026 / AUD$18.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. This is my honest book review.

@sharacurlett @penguinkidsaustralia #nzauthors #childtensfantasy #mgbooks #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781761357329 COPY publisher gifted RCVD Jun26 READ Aug26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed, IbisPaint 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 17Sep26 🇦🇺 The book cover of Protector of Beyond is mostly red and features an illustration of a girl riding a wolf with wings as lightning-like sparks fly around them. The book lies near two Ty Beanie Boos of a dragon and a cat. Note the final cover image has been digitally added to the original photo of the proof copy. taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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17 days ago

Open bookmail with me! 📦

🙏 Thank you HarperCollins Australia for this surprise parcel of The Paris Prize.

Australian farming, haute couture and Merino Wool: this sounds wonderful!

The Paris Prize is out 29 September.

BOOK SYNOPSIS
From dust to Dior - a rousing story of passion, obsession and the Australian spirit.
*
From the shearing sheds of the Great Dividing Range to weaving circles in the Scottish Highlands and the glittering catwalks of Paris, Australian grazier Maddy Rainforth breathes one dream: producing the finest Merino wool the world has ever seen.
But farming in Australia is punishing - Maddy must battle and adapt to devastating drought, bushfires, dust storms and the attitudes of a growing industry ruled by the old ways. Fortunes can be made and lost all on the turn of a season, and Maddy gambles everything she holds dear in pursuit of her greatest passion.
Out of the ashes of the catastrophic years of World War Two, haute couture rises in popularity and European ateliers search the world over for quality fleece and fabric. Soon the prestigious Paris Wool Prize comes knocking, asking for more than Maddy can give. Can she compete on the global stage when the odds are stacked against her?
For fans of The Dressmaker, The Paris Seamstress and The Woolgrowers Companion, this is a sweeping story of love, legacy and obsession from one of Australia's best-loved authors.

📖 The Paris Prize by Tania Blanchard
🛍️ HarperCollins / 29 September2026 / AUD$34.99
🎁 AD-PR gifted. Book review to come.

@taniablanchardauthor @HarperCollinsAustralia #aussiebooks #histfic #unboxwithme #anybookanytime Bookstagram

🔍 METADATA ISBN 9781460767948 RCVD Sep26 PICS anybookanytime EDITS Snapseed, Youcut 🚫 NO GenAI POSTED 15Sep26 🇦🇺 taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia by @anybookanytime

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19 days ago