Tag: book blog

**INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY (5 copies)** Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}

*INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY (5 copies)* Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}

Oh I’m SO excited about today’s giveaway! This gorgeous book is so, so special and I have 5 signed copies (and each book will come with a character plushie) to give away!

Goodreads Synopsis of Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}:

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

In a read-aloud picture book for children who love animals, award-winning writer and sheep breeder Marlene M. Bell presents Nattie the lamb’s true story. MIA AND NATTIE is a heartwarming book that teaches readers about problem-solving, teamwork, and love.

On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age.

When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around—one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is. 

My Thoughts on Mia and Nattie: One Great Team {Marlene M. Bell}:

When my husband walked into our kitchen and handed me the package that had come in the mail that day, I eagerly ripped it open and pulled out this beautiful book! BOTH of my kids immediately grabbed it from my hands and asked me to read it with them. I think this book might hold the record for length of time it took me from receiving it to reading it…I legitimately started reading this book within 10 seconds of me opening it’s package 🙂

With each turn of the page, my kids and I fell more and more in love with this beautiful story.

This is a story of friendship, inclusivity, and confidence. This is a story of not giving up on friends, and believing in the power of helpfulness. This is a BEAUTIFUL story. I had tears in my eyes as I was reading this aloud to my kids and it led to a really powerful discussion once we had turned the last page.

Although Nattie wasn’t perfect, she was an important member of this farm with an important job. Mia was able to see right through her flaws and found her the most perfect job of all. Just as Nattie didn’t seem to fit in with the other sheep on the farm, Mia didn’t seem to fit in with the other children of her age. Together they were able to find a way of fitting in and realizing the importance each had and the gifts each possessed. What a powerful life lesson. I truly love this book so much 🙂

The pictures in this book are STUNNING. Look at how adorable and colorful these pictures are! As we were reading, both of my children commented on how cute the pictures were. Here are a few of our favorites:

Here is a trailer of the book straight from the author’s website:

So beautiful, right???

I have corresponded with MANY authors over the years and I must say that Marlene M. Bell is LOVELY. She’s so kind and so generous. I adore her book and knowing what a wonderful person the author is makes me adore her beautiful book even more 🙂 I’m so happy to be able to share this wonderful book with you today.

Each book that I’m giving away today will be signed by Marlene Bell 🙂

A Conversation with Marlene M. Bell, in her own words:

What ages would be the ideal readers for your book?

That will depend upon if the youngster is reading the book alone, or if someone is reading to them out loud. Ages 4 to 8 is the most Ideal for reading Mia and Nattie without an adult to answer questions.

How did you create the idea for your book?

The idea for the picture book came naturally because Natalie used to be our nanny and babysit the bottle lambs we had each lambing season. She fell into the job by accident. Natalie was alone because she was too small to run with the other sheep. Because lambs like to pal around with others, I didn’t worry about the bottle lambs who had lost their mothers being alone outdoors when I couldn’t be there. Natalie (Nattie in the book,) was alone too, so she also liked to stay close to the baby lambs. She acted like their mom when I wasn’t around. It was a good arrangement for everyone!

What life lessons do you hope children (and adults!) will take away from Mia and Nattie?

No matter how small or different we are from each other, we all have our own special gifts and belong together. Love without limits and receive love in return.

Where can your book be purchased?

Mia and Nattie is available in hardbound book as well as eBook on Amazon    https://www.amazon.com/Mia-Nattie-One-Great-Team-ebook/dp/B08KPL6JKB

Signed copies of the hardbound book are also available on the author’s sheep gifts website at: https://www.texassheep.com/index.php/gift-shop/product/mia-and-nattie-one-great-team

A Nattie Character Plushie is also available on the author website page direct:  https://www.marlenembell.com/books/title/mia-and-nattie-one-great-team

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:

In 2022, I’ll be working on the sequel to Mia and Nattie: One Great Team. Nattie will help her Texas friend, Zane the nine-banded armadillo find something he’s lost.

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a signed copy of Mia and Nattie: One Great Team? I have 5 signed copies (AND each book will come with a character plushie) OR electronic copies to give away (your choice)!  This giveaway is open to US as well as international readers 🙂

To be entered, just leave a comment below (on this blog post)!  Your comment can be about anything!

**You must comment below to be eligible for the giveaway and you must comment here on this blog post (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)**

Giveaway will close tomorrow (2/8/22) at 6:00 pm CDT and the 5 winners will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Wednesday (2/9/22).

I will post a video here on Wednesday of me choosing the winners!

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!

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:

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

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Book Review: My Darling Husband {Kimberly Belle}

Book Review: My Darling Husband {Kimberly Belle}

When I was choosing my first audiobook (more about that HERE), so many from my TBR came to mind. However, when I saw that I could listen to My Darling Husband over a MONTH before it’s book release date…DONE.

Image: Audible.com

Goodreads Synopsis of My Darling Husband {Kimberly Belle}:

Jade and Cam Lasky are by all accounts a happily married couple with two adorable kids, a spacious home and a rapidly growing restaurant business. But their world is tipped upside down when Jade is confronted by a masked home invader. As Cam scrambles to gather the ransom money, Jade starts to wonder if they’re as financially secure as their lifestyle suggests, and what other secrets her husband is keeping from her.

Cam may be a good father, a celebrity chef and a darling husband, but there’s another side he’s kept hidden from Jade that has put their family in danger. Unbeknownst to Cam and Jade, the home invader has been watching them and is about to turn their family secrets into a public scandal.

My Review of My Darling Husband {Kimberly Belle}:

I. LOVED. IT.

I was allllll in and couldn’t get enough of this awesome plot.

So I only have 2 things that I DIDN’T like about this book (audiobook):

1. I figured out almost all of the major plot twists very early on and I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. I kept thinking that I had to be wrong because so many of them seemed so obvious….but nope. Right on the money. UGH.

2. The son’s actions and way of speaking made him seem significantly younger than he was. This bothered me throughout the entire book.

Aside from these 2 imperfections, this book (audiobook) was GREAT! It takes place over the course of 1 day so this made it a PERFECT first audiobook listen for me. It was so easy to pick up again after leaving off knowing it was still the same day. I would have to assume listening to an audiobook that takes place over a larger span of time wouldn’t be as easy to follow…am I wrong?

I really loved this one and listened whenever I got the chance. One of the most surprising places I found myself listening was very late in bed one night! I knew I only had about 20 minutes left in the audiobook so I put in my earbuds, closed my eyes, and let someone read me a bedtime story! It was great…but…the ending of this book was so intense that I couldn’t fall asleep for HOURS after I finished listening. Not so much a peaceful bedtime story. Oops.

Clearly I don’t have anything to compare it to but I really loved the voices on the audiobook, especially Jade’s. Her voice was perfect 🙂

If you have never listened to an audiobook, I highly suggest starting with this one for the pure fact that the entire book takes place over the course of 1 single day. So easy to follow while listening.

Bottom Line:

Absolutely LOVED it.

Have you read this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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:

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My First Audiobook!

My First Audiobook!

When the jar of peanut butter has about 1 tbsp left, eat your oatmeal directly out of the jar. It’s the BEST and I’ve been doing this for years. You’re welcome. (My favorite: vanilla nonfat greek yogurt, steel cut oats, chia seeds, blueberries, banana, and obviously peanut butter).

I finally did it…I LISTENED to my first ever book!

I have never understood the appeal of an audiobook. I love the feel of a book in my hands! I love turning pages! I love the smell of books (it’s a thing). I love everything about books…why in the world would someone ever want to LISTEN to a book?!?

YEARS ago I wrote a blog post about this very topic. You can read that post HERE.

My First Audiobook

But then a few weeks ago, I went to take a walk. And none of the podcasts that I usually listen to while walking sounded interesting. And I thought, “MAN I wish I could read a book while taking a walk” and then BAM. I realized that perhaps I COULD?!?

I immediately downloaded Audible to my phone and about 5 seconds later I had my pick of what felt like millions of books. That I could LISTEN to while on a walk. Holy crap.

So I picked a book that has been on my list to read for a while (I’ll reveal the title in my next post!) and literally 5 seconds later….it popped up on my phone ready for me to listen.

Daaaaamn that was EASY.

Still skeptical, I started my walk and focused on the story being told to me. And exactly 15 days later I finished listening to the “book”.

Pros

CONVENIENT. I listened to bits and pieces of this book whenever I had a few minutes to spare. Driving in my car, folding laundry, out on a walk, making a meatloaf, walking on the track at the gym, etc.

If you have a long commute or a road trip…this would pass the time in such a great way!

The Audible app is SO EASY to use and makes it so easy to listen to pieces here and there.

Cons

While reading a physical book, I often go back to passages earlier in the book to help me remember a character, a conversation, etc. Can’t do that with an audiobook!

The narrators disgusing their voices to sound like other characters is cheesy and often times annoying. The man talking like a child, the lady talking like the man, etc. Just when I would start to get used to it, the voice would change! The lady imitating the man’s voice suddenly switched to a male narrator whose voice was completely diffrerent.

When there was a converstaion written like a script, the narrator would say the person’s name first and it was ANNOYING. Here’s an example:

Jenny: I like that shirt.

Amy: Thank you! It was a present!

Jenny: Who gave it to you?

Amy: Beth and Barbara!

Now read that converstaion aloud but actually SAY the names of each person talking first. HOW ANNOYING IS THAT?!? Imagine listening to this conversation for 20 minutes at a time throughout the book. Couldn’t the narrator just have switched voices or something? I hated that.

So here’s the million dollar question and the one that ALL book bloggers disagree on. Does listening to an audiobook count as reading? My answer (although not a popular one…don’t come at me) has always been and continues to be NO. Did I LISTEN to a book? Absolutely. Did I READ a book? I did not. If someone listens to a book and claims they have read it…I mean…that’s not the same thing.

So my final conclusion?

Give me a physical book over an audiobook ANY DAY.

HOWEVER, I kind of loved it.

I suddenly have so much more time in my day for “reading” while doing other things! It’s extremely convenient and I have already started listening to my 2nd audiobook. (Please note that I called it exactly what it is…an AUDIObook. Not a book. Books are entirely different).

This makes me wonder…now that I have ventured into the world of nontraditional book formats, should I mayyyyyyyyyyyybe try reading an ebook???

If you listen to audiobooks, any tips for me? Is Audible the best app for this or is there a better way?

Do you think listening to an audiobook counts as “reading”?

Should I now try finally reading my first ebook?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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:

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

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It’s a Beautiful Weekend to Read a Good Book

It’s a Beautiful Weekend to Read a Good Book

Unbeknownst to me, there was a car waiting for me to finish taking this selfie because I was standing in the very middle of the road. Oops. I hope the man was entertained watching me do this although I’m pretty sure he was not. Also, I took this picture a few days ago and it makes me happy that my local Dunkin’ is still using holiday cups.

Hello!

I’m currently reading an advance reader’s copy of this gem:

It’s official publishing date is set for March but I was luckily enough to have been sent an early copy! I’ve been reading this book nonstop for the past few days. I’ll post my full review once I finish reading but for now I’ll just say this: PREORDER YOURSELF A COPY TODAY (preorder link at the bottom of this post).

How is the weather where you are? Here in Chicago it is COLD, snowy, and beautiful :). A perfect weekend to curl up with a good book while enjoying the freezing temperatures from INSIDE. This candle has been burning strong all weekend over here and my house smells so amazing:

It’s DELICIOUS. Highly recommend! I posted this on Instagram yesterday:

I spy Woman on Fire AND the Strawberry Pound Cake candle, lol!

After I finish reading Woman on Fire, I’ll be starting one of these 2 books. I can’t decide which! If you have read either of these books (or even if you haven’t!), please let me know which you think I should read next (NO SPOILERS)!

Book #1: Tweet Cute {Emma Lord}:

Goodreads Synopsis of Tweet Cute {Emma Lord}:

Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming ― mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account.

Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time.

All’s fair in love and cheese ― that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life ― on an anonymous chat app Jack built.

As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate ― people on the internet are shipping them?? ― their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected.

Book #2: Instamom {Chantel Guertin}:

Goodreads Synopsis of Instamom {Chantel Guertin}:

In this #funny, #wise, #emotionally compelling look at modern love and finding your true path, a proudly kid-free influencer meets the ultimate #dealbreaker . . .

It’s the influencer’s golden rule: know your niche. Kit Kidding has found hers on Instagram, where she gets paid to promote brands and share expertly curated posts about her fun, fabulous, child-free life. Kit likes kids just fine, but she passionately believes that women who choose not to become mothers shouldn’t have to face guilt. Or judgement. Or really hot chefs who turn out to be single dads.

Will MacGregor is aggravating, sexy, persistent, averse to social media, and definitely a bad idea. As soon as Kit learns his parenting status, she vows to put their scorching one-night stand behind her and move on. But Will and Kit are thrown together on an Instagram campaign, and the more time she spends with him—and his whip-smart, eight-year-old daughter, Addie—the more difficult it is to stay away, much less sustain what Will so cleverly calls her “Resting Beach Face.” Kit’s picture-perfect career path is suddenly clashing with the possibility of a different future—messy, complicated, and real. Which life does she truly want? Will she have to re-invent herself? And will love still be waiting by the time she figures it out?

Don’t both of these books sound so cute? Which one should I read next????? Hellllllllp!

What are you currently reading? What do you think you will read next?

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend filled with love and BOOKS!

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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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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Guest Blogging and a Giveaway of an AWESOME Book!

Guest Blogging and a Giveaway of an AWESOME Book!

I’m so excited to be a guest blogger over at Chick Lit Central today! I’m over there reviewing Alison Cochrun’s The Charm Offensive alongside Melissa Amster (spoiler alert: I’m completely and utterly OBSESSED with this amazing book).

I truly loved, loved, LOVED this beautiful book and I’m so excited to be able to share it with you today!

Head over there (click HERE) to read my full review, Melissa’s full review, AND you can enter for a chance to win a copy for yourself! If you aren’t a Chick Lit Central reader, you are truly missing out. It’s such a wonderful book blog and I have been reading for YEARS….loooooong before I started writing my own blog. Thanks for having me as a guest blogger today, Melissa! As always, it was fun working with you and I so LOVED the book that we chose to review together!

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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*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.*

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SO. MUCH.

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SO. MUCH.

My daughter bought the most delicious smelling candle and it’s burning as I type up this post! It smells amaaaazing in here!

When I checked this book out of the library, I had never heard of it. I’m SO GLAD I randomly stumbled upon this gem on a shelf! I love this book so, SO very much and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. You’ll love it, too 🙂

Goodreads Synopsis of The Last Chance Library {Freya Sampson}:

June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.

Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

My Review of The Last Chance Library {Freya Sampson}:

As you are well aware, I am a HUGE fan of libraries. A book all about saving a library? Ummm yes please!

I loved every single word of this book. What a BEAUTIFULLY written story! If you are a book lover (which if you are reading this blog one would assume that you are) this book is a MUST READ.

The characters were delightful….the whole book was delightful! I smiled, I laughed, I cried. I absolutely loved it. Such a beautiful story. I finished reading yesterday and I have not stopped thinking about this book since. I simply cannot recommend this one highly enough. It’s perfect.

Bottom Line:

If you love libraries, you will LOVE this special book.

Have you read this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

*”Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

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*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.*

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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Book I’m Currently Reading (Amazing), Book I Recently Read (Perfection), Book I’m Reading Next (SO EXCITED)

Book I’m Currently Reading (Amazing), Book I Recently Read (Perfection), Book I’m Reading Next (SO EXCITED)

This was on the cover of a recent issue of Jewish Chicago (JUF Magazine). How gorgeous is this?!

I love when Book Coffee Happy can participate in WWW! The Three Ws: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

Thanks so much to Sam from Taking on a World of Words for hosting this fun weekly post!

What Are You Currently Reading?

I’ll post my review once I finish reading!

Goodreads Synopsis of The Last Chance Library {Freya Sampson}:

June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.

Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

What Did You Recently Finish Reading?

Do you remember when I bought this book from the most adorable little independent bookstore in Door County, WI? I recently finished reading this GEM and I can’t wait to share all of my thoughts with you! I’ll be guest blogging on Chick Lit Central at the end of the month where Melissa Amster and I will be sharing our thoughts on this one AND we will also be hosting a giveaway for it as well! Stay tuned for details…

Goodreads Synopsis of The Charm Offensive {Alison Cochrun}:

Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it’s no wonder then that he’s spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. As the most successful producer in the franchise’s history, Dev always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants, even as his own love life crashes and burns. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star.

Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming Ever After expects. He doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he’s a stiff, anxious mess with no idea how to date twenty women on national television. Behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off.

As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.

Ahhhh I’ve had my advanced reader’s copy of Lisa Barr’s newest book for MONTHS! I’ve been saving it to read and review closer to it’s publication date and seeing as that date is 3/1…the time for me to read this one is NOW! I’m so excited, I absolutely loved The Unbreakables (you can read my review of that amazing book HERE). I can’t wait to dig into her newest ASAP!

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.

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.

Have you read any of these 3 books? What did you think (no spoilers)? What are you currently reading? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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:

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3 Books I’m NOT Reading

3 Books I’m NOT Reading

I bought this little guy from a grocery store in Tennessee a little over a year ago. He makes me happy!

As you are very well aware by now, I hardly actually buy books. I am a minimalist at heart! While the thought of a gorgeous bookshelf filled with books does appeal to me, the clutter of those books that I probably will read one time and never again does not. However, I DO end up buying (or somehow acquiring) books sometimes and often I find them mounting and mounting without actually being read. I’m starting a new series called “Books I’m Not Reading” and this is the first installment! From time to time, I will select books from my shelf and show you the books I’m NOT reading, as opposed to my usual routine of showing you the books that I am 😉

These are 3 of books on my shelf that currently haunt me. They stare at me day after day and ESPECIALLY when I bring home new books. Ugh.

Here are just a few of the books from my shelf that I’m NOT reading.

Book I’m NOT Reading #1:

The Last Mrs. Parrish {Liv Constantine}

I’m honestly not sure why I’m not reading this one. Everyone loves it! I’ve heard it’s great! So…why aren’t I reading it??? Eh.

Goodreads Synopsis of The Last Mrs. Parrish {Liv Constantine}:

Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted.

To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale.

Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces. 

With shocking turns and dark secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fresh, juicy, and utterly addictive thriller from a diabolically imaginative talent. 

Book I’m NOT Reading #2:

Lost and Found {Carolyn Parkhurst}

Ok I’ll be honest. I started reading this one about a year ago and after the first chapter, I just wasn’t hooked. However, I felt like I didn’t want to give up entirely so I put it right back from where I took it…my own shelf! I keep saying I’ll try again but then I never do. Have any of you read it? Should I?

Goodreads Synopsis of Lost and Found {Carolyn Parkhurst}:

A gentle satire on reality TV, as a mother and daughter face numerous challenges both on and off the show. As the game escalates, tensions mount, temptations beckon, and the bonds between teammates begin to fray. The question is not only who will capture the final prize, but at what cost?

What do a suburban mom and her troubled daughter, two recently divorced brothers, a pair of former child stars, born-again Christian newlyweds, and a couple of young millionaires have in common? They have all been selected to compete on Lost and Found, a daring new reality TV show. In teams of two, they will race across the globe – from Egypt to Japan, from Sweden to England – to battle for a million-dollar prize. They must decipher encrypted clues, recover mysterious artifacts, and outwit their opponents to stay in play.

What starts as a lark turns deadly serious as the number of players is whittled down, temptations beckon, and the bonds between partners strain and unravel. Before long the question is not only who will capture the final prize, but at what cost. 

Book I’m NOT Reading #3:

Arranged Marriage {Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni}

I bought this book at the Printer’s Row Lit Fest before the world shut down waaaaaay back in 2019 (you can read all about that magical day HERE). I had SO MUCH FUN that day and promised myself to make it an annual tradition. Well, enter Covid….aaaaaaaaand I haven’t been back since. It was canceled in 2020 and although it did happen in 2021, I wasn’t quite ready for a crowded festival. FINGERS CROSSED I CAN GET BACK THERE IN 2022!!! For more information on the Printer’s Row Lit Fest, you can visit their website HERE. It’s an awesome event!

Goodreads Synopsis of Arranged Marriage {Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni}:

Although Chitra Divakaruni’s poetry has won praise and awards for many years, it is her prose that is quickly making her one of the brightest rising stars in the changing face of American literature. Arranged Marriage, her first collection of stories, spent five weeks on the San Francisco Chronicle bestseller list and garnered critical acclaim that would have been extraordinary for even a more established author.For the young girls and women brought to life in these stories, the possibility of change, of starting anew, is both as terrifying and filled with promise as the ocean that separates them from their homes in India. From the story of a young bride whose fairy-tale vision of California is shattered when her husband is murdered and she must face the future on her own, to a proud middle-aged divorced woman determined to succeed in San Francisco, Divakaruni’s award-winning poetry fuses here with prose for the first time to create eleven devastating portraits of women on the verge of an unforgettable transformation.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

What books are currently on your bookshelf that you aren’t reading?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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:

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

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Best First Line of a Book Ever!

How beautiful is this bookmark that one of my preschool students gave to me for the holidays? The little flower in the crystal ball is my favorite part. 🌸

I started reading a new book last night and to say that I absolutely LOVE the first line would be a serious understatement.

How incredibly TRUE is that?!?

That beauty of a first line belongs to this book:

Synopsis of The Last Chance Library {Freya Sampson}:

June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.

Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

I’ll post my review once I finish reading!

Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!

What is the first line of the book you are currently reading? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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:

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Book Review: Nanny Needed {Georgina Cross}

Book Review: Nanny Needed {Georgina Cross}

Goodreads Synopsis of Nanny Needed {Georgina Cross}:

Nanny needed. Discretion is of the utmost importance. Special conditions apply.

When Sarah Larsen finds the notice, posted on creamy card stock in her building’s lobby, one glance at the exclusive address tells her she’s found her ticket out of a dead-end job–and life.

At the interview, the job seems like a dream come true: a glamorous penthouse apartment on the Upper West Side of NYC; a salary that adds several zeroes to her current income; the beautiful, worldly mother of her charge, who feels more like a friend than a potential boss. She’s overjoyed when they offer her the position and signs the NDA without a second thought.

In retrospect, the notice in her lobby was less an engraved invitation than a waving red flag. For there is something very strange about the Bird family. Why does the beautiful Mrs. Bird never leave the apartment alone? And what happened to the nanny before her? It soon becomes clear that the Birds’ odd behaviors are more than the eccentricities of the wealthy.

But by then it’s too late for Sarah to seek help. After all, discretion is of the utmost importance. 

My Review of Nanny Needed {Georgina Cross}:

I loved it.

The chapters were short, the writing was great, the story was CREEPY. It held my interest from page 1 and I had absolutely no idea how it was all going to end. This is most definitely the type of book that you could read all in 1 sitting.

I finished reading this one this afternoon and I know that I will be thinking about it for days to come (most likely longer)! These characters! This crazy story!

Some twists I predicted, some I did not, and few loose ends weren’t explained BUT overall, I would recommend this book.

The psychological thriller genre has been one of my very favorites for years and it has been WAY too long since I’ve read one. Basically for all of November and December I read holiday books and then kicked off January by reading Alison Cochrun’s The Charm Offensive (review AND GIVEAWAY coming ASAP! I’ll actually be guest blogging over on Chick Lit Central for this…stay tuned). I was MORE than ready to read a good psychological thriller and Nanny Needed did not disappoint! I love this genre so much!

Bottom Line:

A quick, easy to read CREEPY thriller.

Have you read this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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)*

*If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine*

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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