Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!
Book I’m Currently Reading:
Goodreads Synopsis ofThe Twelve Topsy, Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas{James Patterson}:
Every year at Christmastime, Will and Ella Sullivan, and their father, Henry, come to a family agreement: Christmas is a holiday for other people.
At their brownstone in Harlem, stockings go unstuffed, tinsel unstrewn, gifts unbought, mistletoe unhung, chestnuts unroasted, carols unplayed, cookies uncooked, a tree un-visible, and guests uninvited.
Until guests start arriving anyway. In pairs and sixes, in sevens and tens—they keep coming. And they stay. For twelve long, hard, topsy-turvy, very messy days. That’s when the Sullivans discover that those moments in life that defy hope, expectation, or even imagination, might be the best gifts of all.
Coffee I’m Currently Drinking:
If you follow me on Instagram (which you should because I post on there so much more often than I post anywhere else), you already saw my birthday present from my daughter. LOVE! It’s amazing and makes my heart happy every single time I use it.
I just love being a mom so much 🙂
Currently Making Me Happy:
I’ll be returning to the wonderful town of Addison, Connecticut SOON!
Do you remember the adorable book series that I discovered during last holiday season (you can read alllllll about it HERE)??? I read the first half of the series during last holiday season and saved the other half to read during this holiday season. A smart choice, indeed…I’ve been looking forward to reading these all year!
I read the top 3 during last holiday season and have saved the bottom 3 to read during this holiday season 🙂
After I finish reading The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas, I’m heading straight back to Addison 🙂 I can’t wait to return!
Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
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Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself
Do you remember last year when I took myself on a trip to Barnes and Noble on my birthday and saw so many cute holiday bookish items (you can read about that lovely day HERE)?
The mug. The mug. I should have bought the MUG. I rarely have buyers remorse but I’m not exaggerating when I say that I have been thinking about that mug for a solid YEAR. It was so beautiful and perfect. The books, the tree, the gold handle….why didn’t I buy it that day?! Well as I stated in that post, I thought it was too “Christmasy” (I’m Jewish). BUUUUUUT now a year later I own a Christmas Village (if you follow me on Instagram you know alllll about my little village) so a holiday themed mug just seems fitting. And perfect.
So last month I went BACK to Barnes and Noble in search of my beautiful mug but alas…it was gone. Replaced by some newer holiday items (some amazing!) but none as amazing and special as the beautiful 2021 mug. A manager confirmed it…no more 2021 holiday mugs. Sigh.
When I got back into my car, I tried Amazon. Nope.
And then…
The Barnes and Noble website.
Sure enough, a quick search led me straight to my beautiful 2021 holiday mug! Within 2 minutes, it was purchased (happily paid shipping!) and on it’s way to meeeeeeee!
The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself
A few days later and my beautiful birthday present to myself arrived on my front porch.
She’s heeeeeeere!Oh hello lover. You and I are going to be spending LOTS of quality time together!
If you are looking for an adorable gift for a book lover, HERE is a link to my mug (not an affiliate link)!
I freaking love this mug so much! Totally meant to be mine. Happy Birthday to meeeeeee! Speaking of birthdays, here is a video of me choosing the winner from my birthday Target gift card giveaway:
***EDITED TO ADD*** Ahhhh I’m not sure how this happened but a bunch of names were left off of that giveaway! UGH! I had already sent the gift card to the winner…so I just added the missing names and picked another winner! Here are the TWO videos of me choosing 2 winners. In the spirit of the holiday season (and my mistake), I’m happy to do this to make it fair for everyone who entered. I’m so sorry! Xo!***
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
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My husband brought home the most gorgeous cupcake for me! Thankful for family, thankful for cupcakes…
I have been writing Book Coffee Happy for over 4 years and it has provided me with the creative outlet that I didn’t even know I was missing.
I absolutely love writing this little blog 🙂 The focus of it has always been and will continue to be about books but I do love when bits of my personal life creep their way into it as well.
I’ve always loved to write, I’ve always loved to read, and I’ve always loved discussing books with others. This blog as allowed for me to share my passion with so many and to meet so many wonderful people. I love connecting with authors, publishers, fellow book bloggers, and blog readers! I am grateful and thankful for every one of you.
Thankful for Book Coffee Happy
I have many, many blessings in my life and I’m proud to say that my little book blog is most definitely one of them.
Thank you to all of my readers/followers! Without you, this blog wouldn’t be nearly as much fun to write. Thank you for allowing me to share my passion with all of you!
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for reflection on all of life’s joys and blessings. This blog has given me such joy over these past 4 years. I have so many big plans for Book Coffee Happy’s future…get ready!
Thank you for being along for the ride 🙂
Happiest of Thanksgivings to each one of you! The next time I will be posting a blog post will be on December 1st for BLOGMAS!
**If you don’t already follow Book Coffee Happy on Instagram, I would highly encourage you to do so! I am MUCH more active on Instagram these days than on any other platform (I usually post on Instagram daily in my Instastories with updates on books I’m reading, coffee I’m drinking, book related news/content, and my life in general).**
Xo,
Jenny
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*
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Road Trip Adventures, Best Bookstore EVER, 4 New Books!
Last week, my family and I took an incredible road trip. Here is the explanation that I wrote on Facebook of where we went and why (my husband is a certified BBQ judge and he also competes in competitive BBQ competitions):
If you follow me on Instagram, you were along for the ride as I posted Instastories all throughout our vacation. We had such a wonderful trip filled with so much fun and laughter. There is absolutely nothing I love and cherish more than family time and having my family all to myself for the past week was such a gift. We made INCREDIBLE memories and had the most wonderful time.
Road Trip Adventures
I had 5 goals for this trip:
Do NOT Get Stuck on A Mountain Without Food Like Last Time (Link to that ridiculous story HERE)
Do NOT Come Home With Such a Dramatic Story That it Makes Google’s Homepage Like Last Time (Link to that awesome story HERE)
Eat Cookie Dough From Cookie Dough Monster
Spend Quality Time in My Most Favorite Bookstore (Link to the last GLORIOUS time I visited HERE)
Make AMAZING memories with my family
I am happy report that I accomplished all 5 of my goals!
Somehow within the span of 6 days, my family and I saw an insane amount of sights, did an insane amount of activities, and created an insane amount of memories. WE HAD THE BEST TIME! Here are some snapshots from the first 4 days of our trip:
Most random hotel room toilet in INCreepy mugTerrifyingHotel room viewOur gorgeous cabin in the mountainsView from our porchFanny packs are the UGLIEST but incredibly convenient. Lobster Roll at DollywoodMe as a pumpkinDolly Parton’s old tour bus! Super cool!Queen.COOKIE DOUGH MONSTER!Sugar Cookie Cookie Dough. PERFECTION.Our family played this game throughout our trip and we laughed so hard.Beautiful sunrise over the mountains
Best Bookstore EVER and 4 New Books
And then…
My FAVORITE.
Read THIS POST that I wrote 2 years ago after visiting for the 1st time.
Moon Pie General Store and the Original Book Warehouse, I’m baaaaaaaack!
It was just as massive, just as glorious, and just as wonderful as I remembered it to be. A true book lovers dream come true! If you are ever visiting the area, this wonderful place is a MUST VISIT.
I was so excited to be there that I left my purse sitting in the front seat of the car and didn’t even realize it until we got back INTO the car when we were leaving, lol. As soon as we parked, apparently I FLEW out of the seat with such excitement that I couldn’t even be bothered to grab my purse on the way. I love that so much, lol.
My family went straight for the Moon Pies and I went straight for the books. I never even made it to the Moon Pie side of the store!
So nice to meet you, Michael!Loved meeting you, Hannah!
Moon Pie General Store and Original Book Warehouse Souvenirs:
ABSOLUTELY LOVE.I bought 1 for each of my kids. It doesn’t matter that it says it’s “for boys”…my daughter will also love doing the challenges in this book! Saving this one for a rainy day when we need an indoor activity!A special present for my son…it’s a black bear figurine! We searched for bears throughout our trip but unfortunately saw none. He will love this (they did such a good job wrapping it that I don’t want to open it until I give it to him)Does your husband own a Moon Pie t shirt? Mine now does.Just SOME of the Moon Pies that my husband and children brought home. My kids also brought some home to give to their teachers 🙂
And of course…book souvenirs for ME! Have read either of these books?
Synopsis from Goodreads: The Little Paris Bookshop {Nina George}:
“There are books that are suitable for a million people, others for only a hundred. There are even remedies—I mean books—that were written for one person only…A book is both medic and medicine at once. It makes a diagnosis as well as offering therapy. Putting the right novels to the appropriate ailments: that’s how I sell books.”
Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can’t seem to heal through literature is himself; he’s still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never opened.
After Perdu is finally tempted to read the letter, he hauls anchor and departs on a mission to the south of France, hoping to make peace with his loss and discover the end of the story. Joined by a bestselling but blocked author and a lovelorn Italian chef, Perdu travels along the country’s rivers, dispensing his wisdom and his books, showing that the literary world can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself.
Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people’s lives.
Synopsis from Goodreads: Summer Hours at the Robbers Library {Sue Halpern}
People are drawn to libraries for all kinds of reasons. Most come for the books themselves, of course; some come to borrow companionship. For head librarian Kit, the public library in Riverton, New Hampshire, offers what she craves most: peace. Here, no one expects Kit to talk about the calamitous events that catapulted her out of what she thought was a settled, suburban life. She can simply submerge herself in her beloved books and try to forget her problems.
But that changes when fifteen-year-old, home-schooled Sunny gets arrested for shoplifting a dictionary. The judge throws the book at Sunny—literally—assigning her to do community service at the library for the summer. Bright, curious, and eager to connect with someone other than her off-the-grid hippie parents, Sunny coaxes Kit out of her self-imposed isolation. They’re joined by Rusty, a Wall Street high-flyer suddenly crashed to earth.
In this little library that has become the heart of this small town, Kit, Sunny, and Rusty are drawn to each other, and to a cast of other offbeat regulars. As they come to terms with how their lives have unraveled, they also discover how they might knit them together again and finally reclaim their stories.
After 3 days in Pigeon Forge, TN we were off to Louisville, KY.
WORTH. THE. HYPE.
Nothing is more welcoming after an exhausting five hour car ride then to walk into your hotel room and then be greeted by this:
BOOK. WALLPAPER. Dunkin’ and PenisLobster, crab, and shrimp slidersHotel Room ViewShrimp and GritsWishing I could read in the car without getting a headache.
It was an amazing week with my family! I have a million more pictures but they include my children (which as you know) I keep off of my blog. They had a BLAST! Absolutely nothing better than family time and making memories together. I’m already starting to think about where we can go on our next trip! I hope all of you had a nice week, too 🙂 Thank you for allowing me to share a bit of my personal life with you today. I’ll be back on Monday with a review of a book that I finished reading a few weeks ago…stay tuned…
Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below to order the books through my Amazon affiliate links. When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*
*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*
*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*
*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links. The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*
It took 2.5 years but it finally got me. And man have I been SICK. Throwing up, 102.2 fever, worst headaches, body aches, chills from head to toe, dizzy/lightheaded, so congested, insane cough, complete loss of taste/smell, and probably a million more symptoms that I can’t even think about right now. FREAKING. COVID.
My view. Still have drinking coffee everyday even if I can’t taste it!
Covid. Sucks.
Today is officially Day 11 for me and while so many of my symptoms are better, some most definitely remain (lightheaded, congested, exhausted, ears still closed although not as bad, taste/smell GONE). I have zero energy and everything is exhausting. I think this will just take time! I miss feeling like myself!
Only I would crave a spinach smoothie when I’m sick, lol.
This virus is an absolute BEAST. I am fully vaccinated (and boosted) and I still got this sick! I can’t even begin to imagine how much worst this could have been had I not been vaccinated.
The only coffee I’ve ever had without Splenda. I figured there was no reason for Splenda if I couldn’t taste it! But my sight wasn’t affected… there’s no way in the world I could visually drink black coffee so cream was still added, lol.I’ve been trying to sit in my backyard to get some fresh air. This was a few days ago…even my creepy mug of coffee couldn’t get me to smile!
You know I’ve been sick when I have literally spend the past 11 days laying in bed and have read exactly 0 pages of any book! The only thing my brain has been able to handle is 90 Day Fiance (I’ve watched almost 2 entire seasons over these past 11 days)! The only actual reading I have done has been in the form of these 2 magazines:
So that’s where I’ve been for the past 11 days. In my bed. Watching 90 Day Fiance. Eating bagels and macaroni and cheese and crying because all of this SUCKS.
Oh and did I mention that the day after I tested positive my husband ALSO tested positive? And then the day after THAT my son also tested positive? The 2 of them were also pretty sick, but I definitely had the worst case. Trying to parent a sick child while both Jon and I are sick ourselves has been interesting.
Gooooood times over here. Holy hell.
They are both feeling better! I am slowly getting there, too :).
The last time I posted a blog post was June 18th (whaaaaaat?)! Let’s do a giant rewind to where I was BEFORE Covid…
I took a 2 week blogging break for no reason other than I was just enjoying summer and keeping very busy 🙂
July 4th: Tragedy in Highland Park. I live about 15 minutes from Highland Park and everything about this is horrific and terrifying. I was not at the parade but I so easily could have been. My family and I were in the neighboring town of Deerfield just the night prior watching fireworks. I still cannot believe this happened. Here is a selfie with a Little Free Library that I took on Central Avenue (where the parade was) just 2 weeks before the shooting. I’ve spent lots of time shopping and eating on that very street this summer. My thoughts, my love, and my prayers are with you, Highland Park.
Highland Park 💗
After July 4th, I understandably felt weird blogging when so much sadness was happening around me. So many of my friends were at the parade with their families! Thankfully all are ok (physically) but I can’t imagine what they are going through having been right there.
So I took a few days off of blogging and then…
My daughter left for overnight camp for 1 month. Camp Moms, YOU. GET. IT. Holy hell packing was a full time job and it kept me BUSY. Runs to various stores, lots of Googling and texting my way more experienced camp mom friends, and daily Amazon Prime deliveries were all so overwhelming. My guest bedroom was officially packing central and the amount of stuff she brought with her is insane. Being as organized and as type A as I am, this was my TIME TO SHINE but man it was a lot…even for me!
Snuck these into her duffle before she left 💗
She left for camp on a Sunday. I tested positive on that Tuesday. My husband tested positive on the Wednesday. My son tested positive on that Thursday. I can’t believe the timing of all of this and that she left JUST at the perfect time to avoid this house of germs! And yes, I was in contact with the camp IMMEDIATELY after I tested positive to tell them to test and monitor her for any symptoms because I literally COVERED her in kisses less than 48 hours before I tested positive. She’s ok! She’s happy and healthy and the pictures that the camp has posted have been beautiful. I’m incredibly thankful that she’s having such a wonderful time while the rest of her family…well…I wouldn’t say we are having a “wonderful time” 😉
So that pretty sums up where I’ve been and why I’ve taken such a long and completely unintentional blogging break! Thank you to those who have reached out…I’m still here, just taking a bit of time to heal. As always, I’m so touched that so many of you have been wondering where I’ve been, especially since I don’t know the majority of you in real life. XO!
Here are 3 books I DID read before all of this:
I have a review of Lease on Love and Every Summer After coming soon and a review (and giveaway!) of The Mommy Clique coming soon as well! Stay tuned!
I received this beauty in the mail a few weeks ago…I can’t wait to read it ASAP! A review (and giveaway) of this one coming soon as well 🙂
And then this book, the book I was 100 pages into when Covid struck. It’s ok, I’m not really itching to get back into it which isn’t a great sign :). If you have read it, should I continue reading?
Here are some random photos from the past few weeks before the Vid struck:
Obsessed with these beautiful flowers and vase that my husband and son bought for me the day my daughter left for camp to cheer me up! You can see them in the picture of my nightstand above…I immediately brought them upstairs once I realized I would be quarantining in my bedroom so I could stare at them. How BEAUTIFUL are these???Gorgeous cupcake that I ate a few weeks ago. I wish I could taste it now! My daughter did this to my hair before she left!
Soooooo there you go. That’s where I’ve been. I’m REALLY hoping things start to look up and I can get back to my normal life soon! I am currently sitting outside in my backyard listening to birds chiping as I’m typing this blog post and it feels GREAT to be out here and doing something normal.
Current situation 💗
I hope you are doing well, staying Covid free, and enjoying your summer! I promise I’ll be back soon, I’ve really missed working on my favorite hobby! I just can’t really write a book blog when I’m not currently reading any books, lol.
Xo,
Jenny
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
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I use my book light every. single. day. Early morning reading through late night reading with a sound asleep husband next to me. I would literally die without my book light! It’s the very first thing I put on my packing lists for every vacation we take. Hotel room reading with 3 sound asleep family members? Book light to the rescue!
Finding a good book light has been a JOURNEY for me. Let’s all take a moment of silence for my beloved, always in my heart, beautiful pink book light (read about her HERE). And then let’s NOT take a moment of silence for my stupid, hardly held a charge, bulb would flicker in and out blue book light (read about him in the same post as above HERE).
Apparently, many of you are on a similar journey…it’s hard to find a good book light! I can’t even tell you how many of you have messaged me asking for links to good ones. Well friends, I think I may have found the WINNER. I’ll post a link at the bottom of this post!
I now have…a white book light. And although it’s only been about 2 weeks…I’m IN LOVE.
The Best Book Light:
Oh hello lover.
It’s neck is super bendable (unlike my awkward stupid blue one) and it has 3 settings of brightness. The lowest setting is beautiful warm light PERFECTION.
Lowest setting (what I use)Medium setting (a bit brighter, not as warm as the lowest setting)Brightest setting (could wake the dead)
(And yes, please note the dog eared page in the above photos. I proudly do this to every book I read! Read why HERE).
And the best part? My new book light has a rechargeable battery! No more needing to switch the batteries before vacations or anytime I fear it will run out of battery life. According to the description, I just plug it in, wait, and…CHARGED! Brilliant.
Disclaimer: I have yet to have to do this. Apparently it will allow me to enjoy up to 60 hours of reading time before the battery will run out. Fingers crossed it’s as easy to charge as it seems! I wonder how long it will take for it to completely charge once I plug it in?This may or may not dramatically change my feelings about my new booklight. I will be sure to update you after I do this for the first time!
Do you use a book light?I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the image below to order my book light through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*
*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*
*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*
*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links. The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*
Over the weekend, my husband was getting ready to pull the weeds from our front yard and our backyard. I, having ZERO knowledge of what a massive job this actually was, offered to do it instead (I’m not really an “outside” girl. I’d much rather be inside reading a book). He GLADLY accepted my offer! I told him I predicted it would take me about 20 minutes tops. He told me it would take HOURS.
Spoiler: He was right. 3 hours to be exact.
The first order of business was to find a suitable audiobook to keep me company. I was sitting and searching audiobook selections through the Hoopla app when I received this text from our kitchen:
**The beautiful tiles on our table and our hammock all broke during a windstorm a few weeks ago. Ugh. They will be replaced…but today’s mission was WEEDS!**There was definitely a rather long amount of time where I had no idea that I was wearing the gardening gloves backwards. I flipped them over and things got easier. Apparently this is the proper way. **Follow me for more gardening tips**Jon sent this photo to my dad. Everyone was so proud of me! Including myself. WAY proud of myself.
Other interesting texts between my husband and I as I worked:
3 hours later (3 HOURS) it began to rain and I declared that I was done. Was I actually done pulling weeds? I was not. Was I done “enough” pulling weeds with a now ruined manicure and pedicure and just wanted to take a shower? Absolutely.
Jon was VERY impressed with my work! Apparently I’m a natural and I did a great job!
So what kept me company for most of this project? AUDIOBOOKS for the win! As you know, I have recently discovered such a love for audiobooks for exactly days such as this one. It was a perfect companion as I was out there sore and sweating! Note I said “most of this project”. For about 1/3 of this endeavor my 6 year old son kept me company and we discussed dinosaurs, worms, squishies (if you are parent you know), and swim goggles. Let’s just say that between him and Colleen Hoover, I was never alone…
The Audiobook:
Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Goodreads Synopsis of Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}:
Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble—she’s a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life. But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, the bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin to write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope….
Maybe someday…
I will post my review once I finish listening!
What Color is Your Brain?® Giveaway Winners Video:
My 10 year old daughter’s hand! She picked the winners!
If you won please email me your mailing address within 24 hours of when this post is published. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll pick a new winner…
Have you read Colleen Hoover’s Maybe Someday? Do you garden?
Xo,
Jenny
Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*
*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*
*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*
*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links. The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*
2 Author Events, What I’m Reading, Best Coffee News Ever
On Tuesday night, I went to see my girl, Lisa Barr, speak about her AMAZING book, Woman on Fire, at my local Barnes and Noble. She was adorable as usual and it was so wonderful to listen to her talk all about her book, her research, and everything that went into creating her amazing finished product.
Shout out to my dear friend, Megan, for joining with me!
Love you ❤️
Speaking of Lisa Barr, I had mentioned that I went to her release party last month when Woman on Fire was officially released. It was an AWESOME party. Thank you so much for including me, Lisa! I had the best time and I felt so honored to be included. I adore you and I love being able to celebrate your amazing success!
So nice to see Francie Dickman! Francie was one of the very first authors to send me her book back when I had JUST started writing my blog. You can read my review of her lovely book HERE.
So nice to see you, Francie!Woman on Fire candle and napkin…LOVE!I love authors ❤️Cookies! SO CUTE!
Goodreads Synopsis of Woman on Fire {Lisa Barr}:
From the author of the award-winning Fugitive Colors and The Unbreakables, a gripping tale of a young, ambitious journalist embroiled in an international art art scandal centered around a Nazi-looted masterpiece–forcing the ultimate showdown between passion and possession, lovers and liars, history and truth. NOW A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Actress Sharon Stone set to produce and star in the film adaptation of WOMAN ON FIRE.
After talking her way into a job with Dan Mansfield, the leading investigative reporter in Chicago, rising young journalist Jules Roth is given an unusual–and very secret–assignment. Dan needs her to locate a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier: legendary Expressionist artist Ernst Engel’s most famous work, Woman on Fire. World-renowned shoe designer Ellis Baum wants this portrait of a beautiful, mysterious woman for deeply personal reasons, and has enlisted Dan’s help to find it. But Jules doesn’t have much time; the famous designer is dying.
Meanwhile, in Europe, provocative and powerful Margaux de Laurent also searches for the painting. Heir to her art collector family’s millions, Margaux is a cunning gallerist who gets everything she wants. The only thing standing in her way is Jules. Yet the passionate and determined Jules has unexpected resources of her own, including Adam Baum, Ellis’s grandson. A recovering addict and brilliant artist in his own right, Adam was once in Margaux’s clutches. He knows how ruthless she is, and he’ll do anything to help Jules locate the painting before Margaux gets to it first.
A thrilling tale of secrets, love, and sacrifice that illuminates the destructive cruelty of war and greed and the triumphant power of beauty and love, Woman on Fire tells the story of a remarkable woman and an exquisite work of art that burns bright, moving through hands, hearts, and history.
You can read my full review of another of Lisa’s amazing books, The Unbreakables, HERE.
What I’m Currently Reading:
He Gets That From Me {Jacqueline Friedland}
I quite literally cannot put this book down. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that it has made me THINK…and I find myself thinking about it so often throughout the day when I’m not reading. The ethical and moral dilemmas that this book questions are FASCINATING and as of this point (I have exactly 99 pages left) I’m not sure how it will end and I’m also not sure how I WANT it to end. It’s amazing, I HIGHLY recommend this book. I’ll post a full review once I finish reading but in the meantime…READ IT. It’s awesome.
Goodreads Synopsis of He Gets That From Me:
As a young mother with a toddler and a live-in boyfriend, Maggie Fisher’s job at a checkout counter in downtown Phoenix doesn’t afford her much financial flexibility. She dreams of going to college and becoming a teacher, options she squandered when she fled her family home as a teenager. When Maggie stumbles onto an ad offering thousands of dollars to women who are willing to gestate other people’s babies, she at first finds the concept laughable. Before long, however, she’s been seduced by all the ways the extra money could improve her life. Once she decides to go for it, it’s only a matter of months before she’s chosen as a gestational carrier by Chip and Donovan Rigsdale, a married couple from New York.
After delivering twin babies and proudly handing them off to the Rigsdales, Maggie finally gets her life on a positive trajectory: she earns her degree, lands a great job, and builds a family of her own. She can’t fathom why, ten years after the fact, the fertility clinic is calling to ask for a follow-up DNA test.
Best Coffee News Ever:
As for the best coffee news ever (for me at least)…a brand new and sparkling Dunkin’ WITH A DRIVE THRU has opened within a walkable distance from my house. It’s clean, it’s beautiful, it smells amazing (new construction), the employees are so nice, and the owner told me…and I quote…”Make yourself comfortable. This is your home now.”
Dreams really do come true.
My current view as I’m typing this blog post:
Happy Saturday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below to order the books through my Amazon affiliate links. When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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Warning: This blog post is going to be alllll over the place 😉
Hiiiii ❤️
Oh MAN have I been busy! My family took a 4 day mini vacation over Spring Break, I have been planning a massive PTO fundraiser, and day to day life has just been insane in all of the very best ways. Busy and happy over here 🙂
In book news, I’m still reading this gem and am loving it!
At the waterpark while on our family’s mini vacation!
I’ll post my full review once I finish but in the meantime, I’ll just say to preorder this one STAT (link to preorder HERE)! It officially releases 5/17 and I know it’s going to be HUGE! I adore Rochelle Weinstein (both as a person and as an author) and I absolutely love her books and writing style (you can read my reviews of 2 of her other books HERE and HERE).
Goodreads Synopsis of When We Let Go {Rochelle B. Weinstein}:
When Avery Beckett is proposed to by Jude Masters, a widowed father and the man she loves, it should be a time of great joy. Instead, Avery is on edge. She’s wary of the idea of family, doubtful of happy endings, and too afraid to take the leap. It’s the kind of fear that comes from having secrets.
Before Avery commits to a new life, she must reconcile with the one she left behind.
When Avery returns to her childhood farm in the North Carolina mountains, she’s surprised to be saddled with a companion: Jude’s teenage daughter, Elle, who’s grappling with the loss of her mother and the complicated emotions of first love. On a path of mending wounds and breaking down walls, Avery and Elle form an unexpected alliance. It’s giving them the courage to move forward. And for Avery, everything she needs to confront the past.
An emotional tale of mothers and daughters, loss and acceptance, When We Let Go is about the lessons that come from heartbreak and the healing it takes to embrace the joy of a second chance.
In other book news, I returned these books to the library a few days ago without even cracking open the covers because I wasn’t able to renew them for any longer. I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. Have you read any of these? I think they all sound great!
I’m currently listening to this audiobook which has been on my TBR for years. I’ll post my review once I finish listening!
Photo Credit: Amazon
Goodreads Synopsis of The Flat Share {Beth O’Leary}:
Tiffy and Leon share a flat Tiffy and Leon share a bed Tiffy and Leon have never met…
Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.
But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…
In coffee news, a brand new and beaaaaautiful Dunkin’ opened literally walking distance from my house with a drive thru. It’s an actual dream come true! It officially opened 4 days ago and I’ve already gone twice. Welcome to the neighborhood, new friend 😉
And because this blog post isn’t random enough, here is the 750 calorie Crumbl Cookie that I inhaled last night and the STUNNING candle holder that I recently bought from Bath and Body Works.
#worthitSo, so pretty 💗
I’m currently working on a wonderful giveaway coming soon for SUPER interesting book! Stay tuned…
I told you that this was going to be a VERY random blog post! How are you? What are you currently reading? I hope you are having a lovely weekend!
Xo,
Jenny
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*
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Well that was quite the unintentional break that I took from blogging! Ugh. It’s been…well it’s been a bit stressful for me over here and unfortunately blogging just kind of took a back burner for the past few weeks. I’m so sorry! The catalyst for all of the stress is that I sprained my ankle last month and it’s made me quite sad. I wish I had some big elaborate story of how it happened but alas, I do not. I was walking towards a book (always) and I fell down a stair. In my own house. A stair that has been there since we bought the house 12 years ago. I was so laser focused on the book (again, always) that I simply forgot about the stair. I flew across the room and absolutely nothing about the scenario was graceful or feminine. So for the past 4 weeks, I’ve been elevating and icing my poor ankle 3 times a day. It’s SO much better but still very much healing. I’m totally ok! I’ve still been out and about, working, etc. just trying not to overdo it.
Although I have most definitely been out and about, pretty much anytime I’ve been home I’ve been doing the good ol’ icing and elevating (I’m still doing this 3 times each day). Here are some glamorous scenes from the past month, lol:
**NOTE: The above pictures were all taken within the first two weeks of my injury and I was using frozen peas like a boss. However, I have since ordered an AMAZING little contraption off of Amazon and I highly recommend it! Much better and fancier than the peas! I tried to link it for you but Amazon says it’s now unavailable. Aaaaand now my book blog has turned into a medical device discussion. Lovely.**
If you are new blog reader, you should know that this definitely happens to me more often that it should. Since I have started blogging, I have broken my elbow (story HERE) and broken my toe (story HERE). One miiiiiiiight call me clumsy. That’s not true….EVERYONE calls me clumsy. Lord.
Like I said, I am feeling SO much better and I even wore high heels for the first time since all of this happened! Saturday night was the best night filled with love and support for the beautiful Lisa Barr. I feel so honored that I was invited to her amazing book launch party! I will definately elaborate on this party and all of it’s amazingness in a future blog post but for now, here’s a photo of me from the party (wearing big girl high heels with a bum ankle, lol):
The GOOD news is that being off of my feet has given me PLENTY of time to read! I’ve read 3 books and have listened to 3 audiobooks since I fell! I will work on writing and getting those reviews posted ASAP.
Book I’m Currently Reading:
Goodreads Synopsis of The Paris Apartment {Lucy Foley}:
Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there.
The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.
The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge
Everyone’s a neighbor. Everyone’s a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.
Audiobook I’m Currently Listening To:
Photo Credit: Goodreads
Goodreads Synopsis of The Woman Next Door {Natasha Boydell}:
Sophie is a happily married mum of two who considers herself lucky—until her beautiful and highly successful new neighbour Angie moves in along with her charming husband and four talented children. The two women couldn’t be more different, but after a storm brings them together, an unlikely friendship develops. As their children grow closer, so does their bond.
But the alliance between the families is a wake-up call for both women. Angie’s success makes Sophie consider whether she really is as satisfied as she makes out. And Sophie’s uncomplicated marriage forces Angie to look at her own and accept that it’s not as perfect as it seems. Both women vow to change.
But their decisions may not lead where they expect, in this absorbing novel about risks and relationships by the author of The Missing Husband that explores whether the grass is always greener on the other side of the garden fence . . .
I’ll let you know how both of these books are once I finish reading and listening!
And because this post isn’t all over the place enough, here is a photo of the most delicious candle that is lit next to me as I’m typing. I randomly bought it from Charming Charlie’s in Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue a few months ago but am lighting it for the first time right now! It’s truly divine (see what I did there?!)
Love 💗
Happy Saturday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below to order the books through my Amazon affiliate links. When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support! Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*
*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*
*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*
*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*
*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links. The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*
Book Coffee Happy 