The story was really important and I'm glad I read it for that reason, but as a whole I felt like something was missing. I wanted a bit more depth froThe story was really important and I'm glad I read it for that reason, but as a whole I felt like something was missing. I wanted a bit more depth from the characters, and the ending felt rushed. It was like the whole book was moving at a steady pace, and then suddenly fastfastfast, BAM, over. Not everything was wrapped up, and the epilogue didn't help much, but I don't regret reading (technically, listening to) this....more
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's sWhen I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
I was hoping I'd get to finish this yesterday, as one of my last June books, but it's okay, sapphic books are fun year rTime! Travelling! Sapphics!!!
I was hoping I'd get to finish this yesterday, as one of my last June books, but it's okay, sapphic books are fun year round, not just during pride month.
Anyway, the audiobook was lovely, the narrators both did such a great job and I had lots of fun listening to it.
As someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, sometimes I mind the inaccuracies, but not here. This was more of a "go with the flow" type of read, where all the characters were pretty chill about the time travelling once the initial shock wore off.
The romance was really cute with lots of pining and some moments that made me tear up. I was a bit surprised though, at how many potential male love interests there were, considering this was a sapphic read. All the guys were pretty cool and I'd like to follow them in their own stories (maybe, possibly), but still, I think some time was wasted on them when it could've been used to further the girls' relationship.
And overall there was something I can't pinpoint that stops this from being a five star read, but I really did enjoy it and would read more by this author in the future. Preferably more time travel, but I'm not that picky....more
Historical fiction set in China written by someone who is actually Chinese? Sign me up. I didn't even read the blurb, I just went right in.
I was planHistorical fiction set in China written by someone who is actually Chinese? Sign me up. I didn't even read the blurb, I just went right in.
I was planning on starting with the sequel actually, not knowing they were connected, but luckily I somehow clicked on this first so here we are.
I also wasn't going to read the whole book in one go, but...well...I first said I'll do 30%, then 50%, then 70% and at that point I knew I had to finish it because I really wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters, if they'd all make it out okay, if they'd find happiness and God etc. They did, for the most part. But that's what book two is for!!
The time period is interesting to read about, but it's also difficult to get through some scenes. The author doesn't shy away from showing some of the worst things that occurred, based on stories from people who lived it.
It's different from a lot of Christian novels for that reason, I can see where the Francine Rivers comparison comes in. I wish more Christian fiction was like this, tackling difficult topics without shame. I wouldn't say it's that graphic either, but I also read pretty much everything, so for some readers it might be.
There's a lot of faith content, so if you're not a Christian this might bug you.
I really like the writing style, because the Chinese comes through. As in, it sounds like a lot of translated novels I've read, the way of speaking and such. And obviously the story was engaging from beginning to end.
I'll be jumping into Detour to Agape next, and then the rest of R. F. Whong's books, everyone wish me luck!!...more
This romance on the high seas had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time, May and Elias were SO adorable. That scene where he was taking care This romance on the high seas had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time, May and Elias were SO adorable. That scene where he was taking care of her hair? My life was forever changed.
Across the Star-Kissed Sea is a sequel to Georgana's Secret, and if you haven't read that, you're missing out!! You could read it after this though, because it works as a standalone as well.
It was great seeing some old faces, and meeting new ones too. The storyline was gripping as always, and had me perking my ears up at certain moments that were just so juicy (read: drama-filled), I couldn't stop listening. Speaking of, I think the narrators we got were excellent and my faves out of all the books I listened to so far.
I was gonna say the research is superb, the battle scenes exiting, the writing magical etc, but you already know all of that, it's an Arlem Hawks book, of course everything is perfect.
I'm really obsessed with this world, so Arlem Hawks, I'm going to need you to keep writing sequel after sequel featuring all of your characters, and never stop, okay? Deal. ...more
"Can I keep you forever? Even if everything falls apart, and all we have is each other?"
YES YOU CAN GRAHAM!!! AHEM, I MEAN...what a great book y'all. "Can I keep you forever? Even if everything falls apart, and all we have is each other?"
YES YOU CAN GRAHAM!!! AHEM, I MEAN...what a great book y'all. Yes.
Brighton is my favourite city in the UK that I've been to, so you can imagine how much I loved the setting of this book, and of course the romance. The narrators beautifully brought it to life, I loved the dual PoV.
It took me a hot minute to warm up to Anna, but I liked Graham from the get-go, he was just wonderful *swoons*. I so enjoyed their banter with each other, and both of their relationships with Graham's family.
The writing was lovely too, the plot was good, the characters were interesting, an all-around good read.
I will absolutely be reading more from this author, her other books are already on my tbr!!...more
After reading To Love the Brooding Baron, I decided to check out Games in a Ballroom to see where it all started. It was a fun read (how can it not beAfter reading To Love the Brooding Baron, I decided to check out Games in a Ballroom to see where it all started. It was a fun read (how can it not be, with "games" in the title?), though a bit slower paced than I would've liked.
The romance was sweet, but could've used a bit more tension. I think I prefer Arabella and Northcott's story to this one, and it was lovely seeing them again here (and Bradbury).
The audiobook narrator is, I'm pretty sure, the same one who narrates Arlem Hawks' books? I kept waiting for her to break out the French accent, hah.
All in all, I'm exited to see more of these characters in book three....more
I had no idea this was connected to the author's other book since I'm new to her work, but I'll have to go back and read Games in a Ballroom now, I weI had no idea this was connected to the author's other book since I'm new to her work, but I'll have to go back and read Games in a Ballroom now, I went and put the audiobook on hold while this story is still fresh in my mind.
You don't have to do that if you start here though, I'm just someone who prefers to read everything from the beginning if possible, this stands on its own just fine.
So, To Love a Brooding Baron was an interesting read, one that tackles mental health, asylums and women wrongfully being imprisoned in them. There's also a sweet romance in between all of that.
It's a bit unusual for a regency romance to be based around those themes, but it works. There's an abundance of Shakespeare references to keep your heart content as well. If you like a bit of bromance...guess what? This has that too!
I'm overall very pleased with this read, I'll have to keep an eye on this author so I know when the next book will be out....more
That Night in Tallinn was an interesting novel and a very fast read (only 130 something pages). It follows a Finnish cleaner who gets into the smuggliThat Night in Tallinn was an interesting novel and a very fast read (only 130 something pages). It follows a Finnish cleaner who gets into the smuggling business to provide a better life for herself and her daughter, but as time goes on, it gets more and more dangerous.
Now, I wouldn't say Kaisa was completely sensible in continuing to smuggle things after it was clear she was being followed, but I can *kind of* understand. Like a one last hurrah type of thing. She's not exactly likable, but I had fun following her on this journey.
As an Eastern European, I understand the core of the story very well, I feel like most of us know what our relatives had to go through to get simple things people in Western countries took for granted. This is just one of those stories.
I'm so curious what other books this author wrote, what her other pen names are etc, because I'd love to read more from her. Extra bonus points for writing this story, and setting it in a place that's rarely written about in historical fiction....more
I'm gonna confess something...The Lion King isn't my fav Disney movie, nor is it in my top 10 Disney movies, which doesn't mean I don't like it, just I'm gonna confess something...The Lion King isn't my fav Disney movie, nor is it in my top 10 Disney movies, which doesn't mean I don't like it, just that I never get the urge to rewatch it. However, I've always loved Scar, so reading a retelling of sorts where he's the main love interest scratched a specific itch in my brain.
So, at first I thought this would be a five star read like Hooked, but now that I've finished, I'm thinking it's more of a four. There's nothing wrong with it, I just connected to the characters more in that other book.
But the storyline was great, even if it didn't exactly feel like a historical read (it's set in 1910, I believe, do correct me if I'm wrong), the characters didn't talk like it, so I decided to shelve this as both contemporary, and historical.
The forbidden aspect of the romance made it more fun, as did the slow burn. There were some exciting twists inside, which I feel like I can now expect in all of Emily McIntire's books.
The references were on point, as far as I could tell. Maybe I could even be persuaded to go watch the movies again, to refresh my memory.
The audiobook was wonderful, of course, I'm sure the rest of the series will be too....more
Ohhhh, this book would be such a good movie!! The descriptions were so vivid, I could see, hear and smell everything. And the writing style? Lyrical, Ohhhh, this book would be such a good movie!! The descriptions were so vivid, I could see, hear and smell everything. And the writing style? Lyrical, almost like a song. Which is actually perfect, considering how much of this book revolves around music.
It's a multi-generational story, set in several countries, with some romance and mystery sprinkled in. I was actually expecting to have more of the latter two, but I don't mind what we got instead.
We got to know each family member on a deeper level, while jumping through the timeline. At first I thought it would be a bit confusing, but it actually wasn't, I had no trouble following what was going on.
I've seen a few reviews saying they were confused because of the audio, so reading this in print or ebook would probably be better. I'm so curious about the audiobook now though, perhaps I'll check it out whenever I decide to reread this.
Now for the romance, I love how Bonnie never gave up on finding Mansour, but I do wish that got resolved earlier in the book. Still, their moments together were so sweet, I could feel their love for one another through the pages.
They Dream in Gold also covers some heavier topics, so please be aware of that going in.
The story was highly engaging, though it was definitely the writing style that was propelling me forward, I can't praise it enough. Character wise, my favourite was Bonnie, but if you asked me to pick a second favourite, I couldn't, because they're all so well-written.
Overall, this was a great debut, and I'm excited to see what this author comes up with next. And, if you're a fan of Caleb Azumah Nelson or Donna Hill, I feel like you'll love Mai Sennaar too.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
KC I HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU!! How dare you off some of my favourite characters??? I love everyone equally, so I'd be sad to see anyone go, but oKC I HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU!! How dare you off some of my favourite characters??? I love everyone equally, so I'd be sad to see anyone go, but one of these in particular is so unfair because of "what could've been". You'll understand that when you get to it.
The whole book (really, the whole series), I was waiting for this person to join the Merry Men, and while their ending was kinda perfect (I highlighted the whole thing, duh), I'm still sad. So so sad.
And the other deaths...I understand, but I don't like it. Okay? Okay.
Now, the most surprising thing here is Maid Marian's redemption arc, sort of, not exactly, but kinda? She's a complicated character, and I can't say I like her, but maybe I don't hate her anymore. She did do something right.
Queen of Sherwood had a bit less action than the first two books, but it was no less entertaining. As a whole, I feel like it was more focused on character growth, especially with the new recruits. But don't worry, Sheriff George also got what was coming to him.
There were twists I didn't see coming, all the way up to the end. And what an ending it was! I wouldn't mind 10 more books in this series, there's plenty of material! I'm just saying.
I'm also happy to report that, finally, after three books, I don't see Friar Tuck as a badger anymore. He's a human now, hurray!! Although he's still last in my ranking, which apparently hasn't changed much since book one...sorry Tuck, I love you.
Alan and Little John are both fighting for second place, and *I think* Little John might be winning, which leaves Alan third. He's so fun though, and that speech he gave to the two girls...MY HEART.
As for Little John, I didn't forget what happened, but it was still hard relieving it with him as he shared his story with everyone. I'm glad he did, so he can truly heal.
Will remains my ultimate fav, I actually think he got saner this time around? Or more mature, if you will. He might become a good influence someday.
Finally, Robin, the girl, the myth, the legend. She had a little darkness crisis at the start, and it's undeniable she was forever changed by being with the Merry Men, but I will always support my girl no matter what.
She became the leader she was destined to be. I'm so proud of her for everything she's accomplished, through all the trials and schemes, she really DID THAT.
I am, of course, excited for whatever KC puts out next, I know I'll love it.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
Another great story in this series, maybe even a bit better than the first book. I love the themes explored and I hated Prima!! Every time her PoV camAnother great story in this series, maybe even a bit better than the first book. I love the themes explored and I hated Prima!! Every time her PoV came around I'd go "oh no, what's she gonna do this time?", she was so awful & jealous, but a well-written character all the same.
In contrast, Mariana was very sweet, and I felt so bad for her because of all she went through on account of her sister. She didn't deserve any of it, my poor baby.
The arc I enjoyed most though, was probably Marcus and Mariana's developing relationship, they were well-suited from the beginning.
The narration was excellent, much like in the previous book. It really helped me to get into the story. I also wish that audiobooks included authors' notes more frequently, because from what I'm seeing, the note in this book is important and answers some questions, but audiobook listeners didn't get to hear it.
Either way, I'm looking forward to the last book in the series. I'm curious how Angel Hunt will tie it all together. You can read the first two books as standalones if you want, by the way....more
KC...you can expect my therapy bills in the mail. I survived chapter 29 (barely), I survived chapter 44 (somehow), but then you had to go and break myKC...you can expect my therapy bills in the mail. I survived chapter 29 (barely), I survived chapter 44 (somehow), but then you had to go and break my heart in chapter 47...HOW COULD YOU???? I'm just a shell of a person nobody talk to me.
Huntress of Sherwood is darker than the first installment, so heed the warnings going into this!!! Mainly those 2/3 chapters I mentioned, the third one is more attachment based, so if you like or love a certain character you won't be okay when you're reading that chapter. But don't worry, I got you, we can cry together.
I'm not done with the sad, but let's talk about something else for a sec, so this starts off with Robin & the Merry Men looking for Little John, and let me tell you, they searched high and low and even though I hated to see him suffer, I like that it wasn't easily resolved.
There are inter-group issues, Robin dealing with being the leader, some of the Merry Men thinking she's not fit for the role, especially with her taking the band in a different direction (with some new recruits), figuring out the great Robert mystery, bonding with her men and last but by no means least, discovering a very nefarious plot that I was not ready for.
I'm not at all surprised that something like that was afoot, but reading about it...anyway, it's a very busy book! There's so much plot to go around, and some extremely tense moments that, I'm pretty sure, gave me even more white hairs. That last third was just PURE STRESS. I survived though, unlike SOMEBODY. Cue sobbing.
PLEASE I MISS THAT CHARACTER ALREADY IT'S NOT FAIRRRRRRR. AAAAH.
While I try to pick myself up from the floor, can we focus on Alan's nickname for Will? Little badger is a) adorable and b) I mentioned I saw Friar Tuck as a badger because of the cartoon, this is a good way to distract me from that. Now I see two badgers!!! Kidding kidding, Tuck is now morphed into a human-ish creature, there's hope yet.
I liked that Alan & Will bonded also, maybe it's "just physical" for now, but I trust they'll love each other by the end of the series. Mhm.
Little John...tears 2.0. I'm so glad he's back, but what he endured will forever stick with me. Safe to say I do NOT like the Sheriff of Nottingham whatsoever, really I hate him. I need him to suffer in the next book so bad.
Marian...YOU ARE NOT A GIRLS GIRL, I HATE YOU TOO!!! Fingers crossed I can say good riddance next time.
And poor Robin, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she still somehow manages to save the day. That's my girl. A GIRLS girl. Take that Marian, hmph. I kinda wanna see some Merry Women action, now that there's more of them in the group. I loooooved how the girls got their justice at the end.
If you thought I was gonna end this without mentioning Guy of Gisborne you were wrong. Because...okay, he did do wrong in this one, I'll admit. And yet...he's still hot. I'm sorry. And he's not all bad either, you'll see, you'll join me on the dark side. He's my problematic fave.
Ok ok now the actual ending of this review, written with ink made from my tears ahem ahem, I am so excited for book three, less excited to part with these characters I've grown to love so much. But I really need to know what's going to happen next. Hopefully my heart won't get stomped on again.
*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*...more
First book I've read by this author, and I'll definitely be reading more. Though I'm not completely sure how I feel about this one. I liked it, I smilFirst book I've read by this author, and I'll definitely be reading more. Though I'm not completely sure how I feel about this one. I liked it, I smiled, I teared up, but something was missing.
I mainly picked it up because of the topics covered, since Christian romances tend to shy away from brothels & former prostitutes for the most part so I was curious what Kim Vogel Sawyer would do with it.
And it was probably the most tame description of those events that I've ever read. This is good I feel, because you can still see the pain when the girls talk about it, even if it's in a vague way, and a reader who is more sensitive won't have to put the book down because there's nothing obscene being described.
The romance isn't a huge part of the book, it's more in the background and (view spoiler)[doesn't develop until the very end, literally last chapter they finally confess their feelings and then bam epilogue!!! aaaaaaaaaaa (hide spoiler)]. This didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, I like little romance crumbs here and there as much as I do full romances, though I do wish it developed a bit earlier.
The main focus was faith, redemption, family, finding your place in the world after surviving awful things and learning to find joy again. It's worth reading just for that. If you're not religious though, there's a lot of faith content, like A LOT. So be prepared for that going in.
I liked both Birdie and Ephraim as characters, but Ephraim's narrator wasn't my favourite. I don't think his voice matched the character. So I'm glad he (seemingly) had a bit less page time than Birdie and Ophelia.
Birdie was sooo sweet and I loved how she interacted with everyone, especially little Ellie. I hope we can get her story later too.
The title drew me to this book, I simply had to give it a read. The audiobook is only 4ish hours long so I finished it all in one go. It was really inThe title drew me to this book, I simply had to give it a read. The audiobook is only 4ish hours long so I finished it all in one go. It was really interesting, and surprisingly funny. Both of the narrators did an amazing job, but the one that was doing the "narrator" or author's voice put so much effort into it, that it felt like Therese Oneill was telling me all this herself.
I enjoyed learning about all of these women, some familiar to me, some not, and in such a creative way too. I wish the book was longer so even more lesser known women could be covered. It was also very diverse which is always a plus.
Also, I had no idea this was the same author who wrote this and her other books, I'll absolutely be reading them now....more
“I realized that it wasn’t you who scared me the most,” he whispered finally against my lips, looking at me through his lashes. “What scared me is wha“I realized that it wasn’t you who scared me the most,” he whispered finally against my lips, looking at me through his lashes. “What scared me is what would happen to me without you.”
Always seated for a congregation of Slavic characters!! We have Alina, Jacek (we don't even meet him, but listen, the name counts), Viktor, Boris, Nikolai aaaaand Luka. I wasn't actually expecting to get that many, even though I knew the main character's name from before I started reading, but I'm really happy.
So, I really enjoyed this book, but my God..THAT ENDING!!! I feel as if my whole soul has been ripped out of my body.
At the start the author tells us that basically these characters are not good, and to not expect them to be, but not gonna lie, I was still shocked when that really turned out to be the case. I was just vibing until those final few chapters and then I was like oh...OH.
There was a scene that was harder to read, and I'm sure there's a reason why it was included, so make sure to check the TWs at the start!! For me though it wasn't just that scene, but how a certain characters reacted to it, or rather their lack of reaction.
There better be some serious grovelling on their part in the next book because as is I'm not forgiving them, nope nope nope.
Other than that, it was pretty smooth sailing.
The story was interesting and reminded me a bit of The Lost Apothecary at the start, but better and darker. I loved seeing Alina mixing potions and testing them on unsuspecting evil men, AS SHE SHOULD!!!
We got both her PoV and that of Silas, I couldn't really tell you which one I liked better because they were both well written and funny too. Though I think Silas had the best/funniest lines overall, most of my highlights are just him being hilarious.
I loved how easily he got attached to Alina...like a leech (HA!), or a lost puppy. He just would not leave her alone and it was very endearing. I lived for his appearances and missed him when he wasn't there.
Their romance wasn't very healthy, but healthy is not what I was looking for when I picked this up so!! Romantic though, it sure was. I loved them together.
I also liked the side characters, and the proper gothic vibes. I even liked the (actual) ending, despite the cliffhanger. I think that was the best possible outcome and I'm excited to see where the story will go from here.
For a debut, this was great. I have no doubts that book two will hit 5 stars. Now if only it was already out. Cryyyyyy.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Everyone should read this book. Or listen to it, as I did. The narrator did such a fantastic job bringing the story to life, I adored her narration. IEveryone should read this book. Or listen to it, as I did. The narrator did such a fantastic job bringing the story to life, I adored her narration. I know she's also in Wandering Stars which is one of my next listens and another few books on my tbr. I can't wait to hear more from her.
In Whiskey Tender we follow Deborah, as she grows up, not really sure where she belongs. We get to know her, her family, her tribal traditions and even learn some history along the way.
I was already familiar with the history, but I love that it was included. Especially in such a skillful way where it compliments the story instead of being a "random" block of historical text in the middle of storytelling.
What I never really thought about, is that a tribe may not have many traditions or know about them, and how that might feel for members of said tribe. Taffa tackles that in the book very well.
Also, seeing how she was treated for not being a part of the dominant tribe in the area, or being native in general was very eye opening.
Agreeing with everyone who said this should be in school (and all) libraries. It's simply a must read....more
We are back with another banger book by Mary Connealy!!
This one follows Seb and Kat on their own journey away from the canyon, and we get a marriage We are back with another banger book by Mary Connealy!!
This one follows Seb and Kat on their own journey away from the canyon, and we get a marriage of convenience as the cherry on top. They can't travel unmarried, it would be improper, so they absolutely must get married, yes yes. I will always support this logic in historicals.
We get to know both of them better, and see them fall in love. If you ask me though, they already were before they got married. Like, their little interactions in book one and here just proved it.
Compared to book one, the romance develops faster, but I'd also suggest reading that one first so you can not only see where these two started, but so you can follow the story that stretches throughout the series.
Relating to that, the other characters aren't forgotten, we see plenty of them too, and meet some tiny new ones (babies!!).
Toward the Dawn was just as action filled as Chasing the Horizon, I always like how adventurous Connealy's books are and I can't wait for the next book, which will follow Ginny. I hope that isn't the last one, because I don't want to part with these characters. Sniff sniff. I guess we'll see in October. ...more