50 Comments

That section break isn't enough. I was all "WTH did Beatrice come from? Weren't Anastasia and Francesca alone?" I'd like to see more of Francesca's reaction to Anastasia's announcement before we segue to the group scene. (I do realize this is a romance, so straight women are going to act weird in the name of "love," but that's no reason to throw plot and character out the window!)

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It is awful writing

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Could you explain why you think so?

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Vivid description of butterflies.

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I, too was planning an early night Stacey. But, the heat in New England is stifling, so, I sat down to read the latest installment. It may be cold in Anatasia's world, but, things sure heated up quickly. I must admit to being surprised at how flustered our girl is. My image (and, formed by a vivid imagination) was that of a confident, worldly woman ( with a secret past).. Now, I may have to rethink my musings! Congratulations, Dear Author! You have stymied me again! PS. I have ordered more lavender, E.Jean, and , I have been Box breathing for years!!

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My image (and, also formed by a vivid imagination) of Anastasia is still along the lines of Megan Fox, Gal Gadot, even throw in a younger version of Gillian Anderson (love those X-Files!!!). The flustering does not mesh on my end; I envision an action adventure heroine all the way. (But that's just me, in my own sleep-deprived mind, while distraction-reading in my spare time.) 😜

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I was going to try to get some sleep tonight but strangely enough found myself taking a detour and researched Prada items first. For those interested: Prada offers Crossbody Bags that Anastasia could easily fit Principessa inside (you know, in case they both need to make a dash for it)...

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Where is Georgia Meschini? I need your Italian input! 😂

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Oh my goodness! They talk about wearing Prada on a date with a guy who's best friend is a cute cow!

I love it!

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I'm glad it wasn't totally about just how you dress for a first date. That go shopping thing is highly overrated (not that I don't love to look good in my clothes). Thanks for that!!!

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Get a grip! A perfectly female response and to have them all respond to her was heart warming.

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Gail, I can appreciate your perspective. However, one person's "perfectly female response" may not be the same as another person's "perfectly female response". (And this is coming from a FEMALE that has spent years PERSONALLY driving her girlfriend to shop for clothing and shoes in the past.) I'm on the verge of repeatedly hitting my head against the wall...

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I’m so Happy to have these tidbits surprise me and take me to world I enjoy vicariously. Thank you 🙏🏼.

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I think my favorite part was "...getting started on my choice of dress (it had the potential to be a very late night)..."

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So relatable and yet not so much, ha ha!

P.S. Spotted the rare typo: She explained what it box breathing was and, after we hung up, I rearranged my pillows and sat up straight.

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I caught that as well - thought at first it was me but nope 🤦‍♀️ but you are right VERY RARE!

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This is what we authors call crowd sourcing proofreaders. It's part of the beta reader portion of a book writing process and we really appreciate any help finding those sneaky typos!

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I spotted that as well.

And was it just me or did Anastasia arrive at Francesca's, who was alone?

Francesca gets Anastasia settled after Anastasia had walked there in he cold, gets the scoop about Matteo, and then all of a sudden both Isabella and Beatrice are there? I had to go back and reread to see if I somehow missed the other gals were there the whole time.

Anyway, I love that Anastasia is curfuffled and her friends are there to support her. Not sure Prada is needed as Matteo is pretty down to Earth, but am enjoying the excitement they are all having living this first date vicariously through Anastasia. 😊

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Curfuffled -- great word, haven't heard in years! Elegant.

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I thought I somehow I had missed them coming in.....I need to read this none again.

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Geez fumble fingers today - not NONE but ONE!

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There's an edit button on your comments!

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I don't have one. All I see is Hide, Delete, or Share as options.

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Oh really? To the right of LIKE and REPLY, if you click the ... you don't see EDIT?

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Mine rarely is there as either - sometimes there’s edit, sometimes there’s delete 😂 like it takes you right to the comment sometimes & sometimes it takes you to Page 1 first comment

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🤣 WONDERFUL!!!! Such an absolute Female thing to do! They will all be frantic and wired and then.. POOF the date will be so sweet and relaxed .... or frantic and wired and HOT and umm frantic and slow and easy and ...... oops I got a little carried away!! ☺️ Brava Mary!!

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Like a musical composition, fast, slow, rest and staccato!

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Truth be told .... I’m pretty sure I was in the majority, feeling at least a bit wibbly-wobbly before a first date ... but it certainly was NOT a male thing to seek out friends to co-regulate!!

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A refreshing perspective, Randolph.

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Love the breathing techniques- they do work wonders. It’s all about the breath!❤️

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The installments are too short!

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