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StackedWithStories

@stackedwithstories

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Enchanting to meet you ✨
Welcome to my library📚
All things bookish, crafty and cozy 🍂

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Hello bookish friends! 👋 It’s time to put a face to this account. I’m a 32-year-old mom to a wonderful boy, juggling a full-time job and my own small business. Like many new parents, finding time to read after having my son felt impossible, and I truly missed getting lost in stories. But I’m so happy to be finding my way back to the pages again!
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While my heart belongs to the feel and smell of physical books, my trusty Kindle is my constant companion for those precious reading moments on my commute. And lately, audiobooks have become a delightful way to immerse myself in narratives too. You won’t find towering TBR piles here, as I don’t tend to hoard physical copies. For me, reading isn’t a race to finish as many books as possible; it’s about savoring the journey and finding comfort within the words.
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Now for a little unexpected confession: I have a secret love affair with formal gowns! I’ve amassed a collection of over 50 stunning dresses, with nowhere to wear them. But honestly, slipping into one makes me feel like a princess straight out of my favorite books! ✨
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When I’m not reading, you’ll likely find me with yarn and a crochet hook or a needle and thread. Crafting is my ultimate form of relaxation after a busy day, even if my enthusiasm for trying every single craft I see online is a tad overambitious.
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My reading tastes lean towards the thrilling and the chilling – I’m a sucker for a good thriller or horror novel. Romance and fantasy are uncharted territories for me, but a dear friend is on a mission to convert me, and I’m surprisingly open to the adventure!
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Ultimately, I’m here because I love creating content and connecting with fellow bookworms. So, if any of this resonates with you – the joys of rediscovering reading amidst a busy life, a love for crafting, or even a curiosity about venturing into new book genres – I’d absolutely love for you to join me on this reading journey! Let’s share our love for stories together. ❤️
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#bookstagram #booklover #hiitsme #reading #bookcommunity ##bookish #bookishlife #boymom #kindlereader #audiobooklover #comfortreads #craftlove by @stackedwithstories

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a year ago

POV: You’re justifying your dress shopping addiction via historical architecture.

There was a time when taking day trips to castles in my favorite dresses was a regular weekend activity. It wasn’t just about the photo—it was about that feeling of being the heroine in my very own fantasy novel. Exploring hidden corners, feeling the breeze, and romanticizing every single moment.

And let’s talk Girl Math: the more castle trips I took, the more “justified” buying new pretty dresses became. It’s basically an investment in the plot, right?

It feels so good to be back in this headspace. And maybe I could start doing this again but take my son to my next “storybook” adventure?
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#castle #photography #adventure #storybookmoment #maincharacter by @stackedwithstories

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5 months ago

Proof that “no plan” is the best plan.

I took the train into the city yesterday after work with nothing on the agenda but catching up with a friend. I got to read a few pages in the sun (finally, spring!), and then we just... walked.

From overpriced cookies and bubble tea to finding the most beautiful restaurant with outdoor seating and fairy lights, every bit of it was magic. Berlin feels different when you aren’t in a rush to get somewhere.

I’m definitely feeling it today, but those unplanned memories were worth every mile walked!
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#berlin #girlsnightout #bookishpost #friendship #longweekend by @stackedwithstories

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6 months ago

Book Review: The Butterfly Garden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Haunting and Beautifully Written Nightmare
Oh my, what a wild ride. I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning.
The story is centered on a secluded estate where a man known only as “The Gardener” maintains a beautiful garden. But this isn’t a normal garden; his “butterflies” are young women he has kidnapped, tattooed with intricate wings, and kept captive in his twisted paradise.
I have to say, this book comes with major trigger warnings. It is twisted, disturbing and dark, and I completely understand why it isn’t for everyone. But as someone who loves a “messed-up” story and generally avoids the “happily ever after” trope, this really delivered for me. So many books try to wrap a traumatic plot in a bow at the end, but this one felt realistic. It’s as happy an ending as you can get for people who have survived the unthinkable, without trying to paint over the trauma in lovely colors.
What truly stood out to me was the writing. The subject matter is hard to stomach, yet the author somehow “cushions” the blow with her prose. It was incredibly well-written and I was utterly invested. The author is somehow able to shine the light on the good things that come with trauma as well - like love and friendship.
This would have been an easy five-star read for me if not for the ending. The conclusion felt rushed, and I wasn’t a fan of the final “plot twist.” The book was perfectly fine without it, and it felt like the author threw in that last bit of information just because every thriller “needs” a twist these days. It was unnecessary and didn’t quite make sense for the story we had been following.
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#thebutterflygarden #bookreview #bookrecommendations #booklover by @stackedwithstories

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6 months ago

Current status: Finished a book today and… well, “underwhelmed” is putting it lightly. 🫠 (Review coming soon, but let’s just say it wasn’t the one!)

Since I’ve been away from Bookstagram for a bit, I feel like I’ve missed out on all the gems. I am officially in the market for a new read and I need YOUR help!

I’m craving something fun, lighthearted, and full of those “sunshine and longer days” vibes. ☀️ What are you reading right now?
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#bookstagram #currentread #tbr #bookrecommendations #helpagirlout by @stackedwithstories

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6 months ago

Book Review: The Windsor Knot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Royal Mystery That Felt a Little Too Formal
I have to start by saying that I am a huge fan of everything British and everything cozy mystery, so The Windsor Knot should have been a five-star read for me.
The premise is charming: Queen Elizabeth II as a secret amateur sleuth, solving a murder that happens right under her nose at Windsor Castle. I wasn’t expecting realism; I was expecting something whimsical and fun. Unfortunately, the execution left me feeling quite underwhelmed.
The book was surprisingly difficult to get into. I struggled through the first few pages and considered DNF-ing it several times, knowing that if I put it down, I’d never pick it back up. It did finally start to pick up for me around page 80, but by then, the reading experience had already been soured by the writing style. One of my biggest hurdles was the perspective; the POV changes mid-paragraph, which made it incredibly hard to follow. I constantly found myself rereading sections just to figure out who was actually speaking.
I also found the “vibe” of the book to be much more stiff than cozy. Instead of a lighthearted mystery, the first half was heavily focused on politics and aristocratic protocol, which isn’t really what I look for in a cozy read. While I understand that the Queen of England can’t exactly be “warm and fuzzy” with everyone, the lack of connection between the characters made the story feel kind of cold. I would have much preferred a fun, imaginative twist on the monarchy over the rigid accuracy that was presented here.
While the storyline was decent and the conclusion made sense, the journey there was just too political and dry for my taste. I really, really wanted to fall in love with this series, but given how much I had to push myself to finish this one, I don’t think I’ll be returning for book number two.
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#thewindsorknot #sjbennett #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover by @stackedwithstories

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6 months ago

Book Review: The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Laugh-Out-Loud Funny, but a Little Light on the Landing
I really wanted to be obsessed with this book! After hearing so many glowing reviews (and thanks to my sister), I decided to step outside my comfort zone—since I’m typically neither a “romance girly” nor a “fantasy girly”.
The story drops you right into the thick of things, following two rival protagonists who are forced into close quarters. The plot is refreshingly simple: it’s a classic “enemies-to-lovers” setup where the bickering is high-stakes and the tension is even higher. One of my favorite parts was the small cast; there aren’t too many side characters to keep track of, which was perfect for me since I usually struggle with remembering a million names.
The beginning was incredibly strong. The characters are hilarious, and there were several moments where the humor was genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. If you appreciate dark, slightly filthy wit, the first half of this book is a goldmine. However, as the story progressed, I found my interest starting to wane. That straightforward storyline began to feel a bit too simple, and even the edgy humor started to lose its spark after a while.
The biggest letdown for me was the ending. I found myself looking for more chapters, only to realize the book was just... over. The ending felt rushed, leaving me with that “is that it?” feeling. While the start was brilliant and the comedy was top-tier initially, the semi-convincing finish left me feeling like something vital was missing. It’s a fun read if you want t a laugh, but for me, it didn’t quite have the staying power to make me a total convert to the genre!
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#theirresistibleurgetofallforyourenemy #brigitteknightley #bookreview #review #bookish by @stackedwithstories

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6 months ago

It’s been a little quiet over here. Okay… *a lot* quiet.
When I started this page, it was all about finding “me” again after becoming a mom. I loved the creativity, but I’ll be honest: I hit a wall. Between chasing the algorithm, feeling the pressure to read the “trendiest” new releases, and posting daily, my cozy little happy place started feeling like a chore.
So, I took a step back to remember why I’m here. I’ve been prioritizing physical books, getting outside, and leaning back into my love for crafts.
The real reason for the silence? Life took a bit of a turn. I’ve been quite sick for the start of the year, including a hospital stay that finally gave my body the reset it was demanding. In a fit of “simplifying,” I even canceled Kindle Unlimited to focus on my physical TBR… only to resubscribe a week later because I missed my audiobooks too much!
But the biggest update of all? **A new little book club member is joining us soon!**
I know life is about to get even busier, but I’m so excited for this next chapter. I’m back to reading what I love, at my own pace, and I’m so happy to be sharing it with you all again.
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#lifeupdate #bookstagram #readingfortwo #bookishmom #motherhood #pregnancy #pregnancyannoucement #kindleunlimited #motherhoodandbooks #readingjourney #helloagain #welcomeback #booklover #readingjournal by @stackedwithstories

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6 months ago

In a year that sometimes felt a little too loud, getting lost in stories helped me find my center again. Looking back, I am so incredibly grateful for how I found my way back to reading.

At the beginning of 2025 I set a goal for 50 books and somehow ended up at 66, thanks to a new obsession with audiobooks and the joy of being a NetGalley member!

But more than the numbers, I’ve learned that the count doesn’t actually matter. Whether you read one book or one hundred, this should never be a chore; it’s a gift.
My personal highlight this year was building my bookshelf and filling it with books and bookish knickknacks, getting crafty again, and remembering that reading is a hobby, not a race.

Thankful for every page, every narrator, and every quiet moment to myself. How was your reading year?
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#recap #2025 #readingrecap #myyearinbooks #newyear #booklover #bookish #bookishlife #reading #bookstagram #readersgonnaread #readingchallenge by @stackedwithstories

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10 months ago

✨ Let’s make the CUTEST, easiest, no-waste Christmas trees from old books!

I love easy crafts, and when it’s Christmas decorations, it’s even better! I found these old softcover books next to a dumpster a while ago and knew they deserved a new life. These book-folding trees are the perfect quick, easy, reusable, and no-waste holiday project!

How to make these quick DIY trees:
📖 Prep: Take an old softcover book and rip off the cover. You don’t need the whole book—I ripped mine into four equal parts, which means four trees from one book!
📖 Fold 1: Take the top right corner and fold it inwards (as shown in the video!).
📖 Fold 2: Take the entire right side and fold it inwards again (see the video for a better understanding).
📖 Repeat: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for every single page!

Make sure to fold close to the edges to make the tree as smooth as possible. Add a little star, pearls, or glitter—get creative!

Have fun, and let me know if you ever make them!
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#bookcraft #upcycling #crafts #diychristmasdecor #christmastree #papercrafts #booklover #bookish #cozycrafts #cozyseason #wintercrafts #bookishcrafts #bookdecor by @stackedwithstories

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a year ago

Happy release day 🍂

I Took Her First by Samantha Hayes pulled me in right away. The premise is genuinely chilling and immediately hooks you: A mother fails to pick up her daughter from school, so her teacher takes her home. The little girl then vanishes from the teacher’s kitchen. Seriously, what could have happened to her? The plot thickens when the teacher’s own daughter disappears soon after.

The book is an absolute whirlwind of emotions. Hayes doesn’t shy away from heavy, complex themes—we get deep dives into grief, infertility, divorce, and guilt. This emotional depth is what kept me invested and made it a really fast-paced read. It started out incredibly strong and was truly entertaining throughout the middle section.

But, I have to be honest, the ending is where it lost me. It completely threw me off because the whole thing got way too convoluted. The author does make sure the pieces technically fit together, but the result felt like they belonged to different puzzles she tried to force into one box. I don’t want to give anything away, but it was just too much for me personally.

The Verdict: This is my first ever ARC read and therefore this has been very special to me. Even though it’s a three star read for me, I’d still recommend this book because it’s a gripping and interesting read for most of the story. If you can handle a slightly messy, over-the-top conclusion, you’ll probably enjoy the ride. Just know that in the end, it wasn’t the best book for me.

*** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher. ***
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#itookherfirst #samanthahayes #releaseday #happyreleaseday #arc #arcread #arcreader #netgalley #newrelease #bookrecommendations #bookreview #booklover #bookworm #thriller by @stackedwithstories

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a year ago

Sarah Pinborough’s We Live Here Now is a deeply atmospheric and expertly crafted haunted house novel that promises to be a contender for Book of the Year—and for much of the ride, it absolutely is. This is a story that manages to take a classic horror premise and make it feel profoundly new; it genuinely “hits different” compared to its genre peers.

From the first page, the book throws you straight into its dark, compelling world. Pinborough’s writing is exceptionally well-written and completely immersive, making every minute spent with the book a joy. What truly elevates this novel is its emotional depth. It’s an absolute emotional rollercoaster, and I found myself utterly gripped by the suspense. There were several moments where the tension ratcheted up so high that I had to physically stop reading, my mouth flying open in shock as I desperately resisted the urge to sneak a peek at the next lines. This is the kind of book that consumes you, convincing you that it’s destined to be a flawless 5-star favorite.

However, where my feelings became a little torn is in the final stretch. Unfortunately, the ending felt a touch flat for me. While it doesn’t diminish the overall quality of the novel or the excellence of the journey, it sadly lacked that climactic emotional “high” that a truly great conclusion delivers.

Final Verdict: We Live Here Now is a thrilling, masterfully written, and highly emotional horror story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a great book, full of brilliant twists and intense moments, even if the final part didn’t quite stick the landing. If you love haunted house stories, this one is an absolute must-read.
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#weliveherenow #sarahpinborough #horror #spooky #spookyseason #bookrecommendations #booklover #bookworm #autumnreads #creepy #hauntedhouse #ghost by @stackedwithstories

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a year ago