The final chapter of Book Bonanza ended with a huge surprise: all attendees, volunteers, authors, vendors, etc were invited to a SURPRISE early screening of It Ends With Us.

For those of you who have been living under a rock (or just do a better job at managing your social media time than I do), the movie stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, and is adapted from the best selling novel by Colleen Hoover.

(I have to stop to humble brag for a second. I knew about the surprise for several weeks before it was announced. Do you know how hard of a secret it was to keep???? I'm so proud I didn't blow it.)

Because of the nature of the book, there is a lot of division about it on social media. Some people say it is one of the best books they've ever read. Some say it has saved their lives. Still others claim the book romanticizes abuse.

In my humble opinion, the people who claim that either haven't read the book or completely missed the point of it. For context, the story is loosely inspired by Colleen Hoover's mother's story, and the decision she made to leave her husband when her girls were little.

While that is public knowledge, there still is a lot of curiosity about the movie and if it, in fact, romanticizes abuse.

Now that I have seen an advanced screening, I can confirm that this claim is NOT TRUE.

It Ends With Us is a realistic portrayal of how someone ends up in a relationship riddled with domestic violence. It shows why it's so hard to leave. And it gives an understanding that makes it so much easier to help our loved ones.

There is no doubt in my mind that this movie is going to save lives on a larger scale than the book did. It's also going to save families. It is going to do so much good for this world and I am proud I got to experience it early.

Blake Lively took so much care with her portrayal of Lily. She is absolute perfection. And Jenny Slate, while not who I envisioned for Alyssa, she is so, so much better than my imagination ever was.

I can't decide for you if you should see this movie. For some, it will undoubtedly be very triggering. But for those of you who don't get triggered easily, I say go. Take your friends. Take your family.

You don't have to like the book. You don't even have to like Colleen Hoover. But let this movie do its work. Let it save our friends. There is no more important goal than that.

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Looking For Some Fun Summer Books?

The Cipher Office series is full of OG SmartyPants Romance books and are just what you're looking for! We are still super proud of them. They are fun, they are funny, they are endearing. If you haven't read them, don't miss out!
Snag Them Here! https://smartypantsromance.com/worlds...

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WE HAVE A NEW WINNER!

ge***r@hotmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS!!
Please DM me so you can claim your prize!

Remember, we have a new winner every month so don't forget to check if you're it!

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What I'm currently reading...

Whether you care for Brittney Griner or not, her books is still a fascinating read about horrors of the Russian "justice" system, and the incredible physical and mental strength it takes to survive.

It's also a good reminder to pack early and carefully before traveling outside your home country. A small mistake can leave a lifetime of scars.
Get it here --> https://amzn.to/3Yl5JoR

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Now Providing...

Whether you need developmental editing, an intense and detailed beta read, or to hash out where your writer's block is, I got you covered!

Now booking into September so reach out soon!

Contact Me Here --> https://www.authormecarter.com/contact

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Anyone else sick of this heat and ready for winter? No? Just me?
💜M.E. Carter