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Sandra Pratt

@whatssandrareading

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"Keep reading. It's one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone
can have." - Lloyd Alexander

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It was this sweet baby’s birthday!! Our girl Sadie is 11 years old today and got to celebrate with her BFF Penelope at The Taubman’s Pop PupMuseum - making art and new friends! Topped off the excursion with a Pup Cup from Starbucks. @princessp2016 @taubmanmuseum @downtownroanokeinc @downtownroanokestarbucks taken in Downtown Roanoke by @whatssandrareading

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13 days ago

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🐈‍⬛🔮 A Time of Witches is a compelling, magical tale of women reclaiming their voices. Set with a dual timeline, Lilith’s and Sybil’s stories intertwine across centuries in a way that feels both mystical and grounded in real history. Lilith’s modern awakening is beautifully crafted, especially as nature responds to her touch. Sybil’s 1645 storyline is powerful and heartbreaking, a sharp reminder of how easily independent women were targeted and silenced. @madelinemmartin
#bookreview #witchvibes #historicalfiction by @whatssandrareading

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24 days ago

I dedicated the month of August, my birthday month, to lifting others quietly and intentionally. I planted gratitude, joy, and connection everywhere I could, offering small acts of service to my people and even a few strangers along the way. And the beautiful part? I was filled with love and gratitude every single day.

My heart is full 🩵. My month was in bloom. 🌱🌺💐🌻 by @whatssandrareading

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a month ago

A whirlwind weekend in DC at the 26th Annual National Book Festival

Surrounded by 85,000 fellow book lovers, I spent the day drifting from room to room, catching beloved favorites and discovering new writers.

I left with a longer TBR and a tote bag full of new reads. Days like this remind me that book people are truly my people. #nationalbookfestival #booklover @librarycongress by @whatssandrareading

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a month ago

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If you love ensemble films like Love Actually, New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day, then this book feels like stepping right into that same If you love ensemble films like Love Actually, New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day, then this book feels like stepping right into that same sparkling, interconnected world. It’s a vacation in a book to the City of Lights following nine people whose lives weave together in unexpected ways.

Some of their stories will break your heart; others will make you believe in happy endings again. But every single thread renews your faith in hope, connection, and the quiet ways love shows up when you least expect it.

One of my favorite lines (and there were many) was:
“… it’s not the things you accomplish in life that matter, or even the art you create. It’s how you love the people you’re fortunate enough to share your time on earth with.” That sentiment captures the heart of this novel.

A beautiful, uplifting story that left me smiling, tearful, and grateful.

#bookreview #cityoflights #meetmeinparis @kristinharmel by @whatssandrareading

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a month ago

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The Calamity Club absolutely lived up to every bit of the hype. At nearly 700 pages (and over 28 hours on audio, which I highly recommend), this is a true time commitment. It delivers a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed out loud more times than I can count, felt my heart crack open (more than once), got genuinely angry, and found myself cheering for these women with my whole heart.

I fell in love with this cast of strong, complicated female characters. Through these women Stockett writes about many difficult, unspoken topics.

This book is big in every sense with big emotions, big stakes, and a big heart. It’s worth every minute!

(Side note: I saw this lovely dress in Lewisburg a few weeks ago when I was deep into this story. All I could see was the beautiful cover. Dress @shopcatandkate) by @whatssandrareading

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a month ago

Birthday weekend at the Dirty Dancing Festival 🍉💃 One of my favorite movies come to life!

We carried a watermelon, learned some dance moves, met cast members, and thoroughly enjoyed our day at Kellerman’s (aka Mountain Lake Lodge). Sharing it all with Hubby and my sister‑ and brother‑in‑law made it even sweeter. Truly… the time of our lives! by @whatssandrareading

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2 months ago

They grow up so fast. 🥹
Here’s to another great school year! #firstdayofschool @wrpratt by @whatssandrareading

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2 months ago

A heart‑full, book‑full weekend in Lewisburg for the 14th Annual Literary Festival — the perfect way to honor National Book Lovers Day (which, let’s be honest, is every day for me).

Immersing myself in authors, workshops, bookstores, and quiet pockets of reading time was heaven ( I was in “almost heaven” West Virginia! ). Even though I’ve been visiting this part of the state my entire life, I’ve never experienced it this way.

The festival opened with captivating storytelling from Stephen Coonts, a new‑to‑me author whose background as a naval aviator in Vietnam gives him endless fuel for his writing.

Saturday was jam‑packed. I discovered Nathan Hill and immediately left with The Nix and Wellness tucked under my arm. I can’t wait to dive in.

Then came Stephen Starring Grant whose book Mailman I adored and read with two different book clubs. He was every bit as witty and sharp as his writing, and meeting him (and some of his family!) was a pleasure.

The day closed with an inspiring conversation with debut author Virginia Evans of The Correspondent. I’ve heard her speak virtually, but seeing her in person was a true highlight. Her humility, despite her success, is deeply moving. Her story of Sybil, who wrote letters faithfully throughout her life, nudged me to connect with a penpal of my own @susannagledhillrecommends.

My heart, my head, and my book tote are full. 💛📚 @lewisburgliteraryfestival @visitlewisburgwv #nationalbookloversday by @whatssandrareading

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2 months ago

August is upon us! It means the end of summer, enjoying that one final vacation, and for some back to school (looking at you @wrpratt). For me, it’s My Birthday Month 🥳! My special month filled with celebratory lunches, special dinners, and maybe a trip or two. I decided last year to use my month to celebrate how grateful I am for all I have and to share with others my blessings. I continue my Grateful and Giving journey in a slightly different way…

A book I recently read flipped a switch for me: instead of waking up thinking about a to-do list and accomplishments, I’m waking up asking “Who can I lift up today?” Most of these moments will be quiet, personal, and unseen… but deeply felt.

August is in full bloom, and so is my gratitude.

☀️🌼💛 Here’s to a month of nurturing others as the way I celebrate myself. #helloaugust #gratefulandgiving #liftingothersup #birthdaymonth by @whatssandrareading

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2 months ago

Ten years of reading, laughing, and learning. The Van Buren Gang celebrated a whole decade together, and my heart is full. What started as a little book club focused on Presidents has grown into something so much richer.

Nine people, all with different backgrounds and beliefs, gathering in fellowship to share ideas, experiences, and good food. That kind of connection is a blessing.

And speaking of food… Mason Cellar & Cure created the most beautiful, thoughtful charcuterie board for our meeting. They blended American favorites with French influences inspired by our book of the evening, and it was an absolute hit!

Here’s to ten more years of stories, friendship, and the magic that happens when people share a love of reading. 💕 📚 by @whatssandrareading

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2 months ago

Happy Pub Day! @rachelbeanland

The Half Life is another beautifully crafted novel from Rachel Beanland, who excels at bringing little‑known history especially the stories of women into vivid focus. I knew nothing about the U.S. nuclear submarine base on La Maddalena, and I loved learning about this hidden moment in time.

Eileen O’Malley is a compelling narrator, caught between loyalty and identity. The political tension of the Cold War blends seamlessly with her personal unraveling. The title’s double meaning — the half‑life of radiation and the half‑life of a woman shrinking herself — is perfect! This story packs an emotional punch that lingers long after the final page.

#bookreview #TheHalfLife #NetGalley #simonandschuster by @whatssandrareading

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3 months ago