Blogmas 2022: Review of the Christmas Book With One of the Prettiest Book Covers I Have Ever Seen

BLOGMAS 2022: Review of the Christmas Book With One of the Prettiest Book Covers I Have Ever Seen

Annual holiday drive thru AKA one of my favorite family holiday traditions! This lit up tunnel was STUNNING!

Ok so WOW. My little book blog BLEW UP with page views yesterday…apparently you guys really liked my list of the 13 best books I read in 2022! I hope you found some good suggestions as obviously every book on that list is coming at you highly, highly recommended. If you missed that post, HERE it is :). It’s filled with the very best books I read this year (and I read many, many, MANY books this year)…

Review of the Christmas Book With One of the Prettiest Book Covers I Have Ever Seen:

The Christmas Bookshop {Jenny Colgan}

I received this book during last year’s holiday season from a wonderfully kind blog reader. I couldn’t get my hands on a copy and I desperately wanted to read it! I’m still not over the generosity of this person. SO AMAZINGLY KIND!!! You can read about that lovely gesture HERE.

So halfway through reading Joanne Demaio’s Winter Novels, I pivoted my reading plans and basically stopped everything to read this book! You can read all about that decision HERE.

Out of the 8 holiday books that I was excited to read, THIS book was the one that I was the MOST excited to read (you can read that post with the other 7 titles HERE).

Can we talk about this GORGEOUS cover??? It’s BEAUTIFUL! The colors are so bold and amazing. Bookshop AND Christmas?! Absolutely love everything about this cover!

Goodreads Synopsis of The Christmas Bookshop {Jenny Colgan}:

When the department store she works in closes for good, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. She doesn’t want to move in with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered Edinburgh life.

Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want Carmen there either. Her sister has always been sarcastic and difficult. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs a retail assistant for his ailing bookshop, so welcoming Carmen might still have some benefits for everyone.

At Sofia’s behest, Carmen is thrown into the daily workings of old Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the streets of the old dark city. Can she use her design skills to revamp the store and bring it back to popularity in time to benefit from Christmas shopping traffic? Can she choose between bad boy literary rock star Blair and quiet Quaker student Oke? And will she heal the rift with the most important people of all: her family?

My Review of The Christmas Bookshop {Jenny Colgan}:

It’s a beautiful story! So descriptive and lovely with wonderful characters and beautiful settings.

In our hotel room last Christmas Day! We took a staycation in downtown Chicago and this book came along for the journey!

My ONLY complaint…so…the bookshop was just 1 of the many storylines in this book. I wanted the bookshop to be the MAIN storyline. I wanted this entire book to revolve around a lovely Christmas bookshop

I think I went into reading this book thinking it was a light, easy read and wasn’t prepared for the depth that it provided. At ANY OTHER TIME during the year, I would have wholeheartedly welcomed that depth but during the holiday season I really just want light, easy, fluffy books.

Trifecta.

I did love that I found myself googling picturesque Edinburgh (and various tree types that were mentioned throughout the story) and seeing pictures of the exact area where the fictitious bookshop is supposed to be. What a stunning backdrop for this story! If you do read this, I highly suggest doing a bit of research on this beautiful area. It helped to have a bit of background knowledge when reading the descriptions of the area.

Side Note: One of the most beautiful book covers I have ever seen.

Bottom Line:

A beautiful book…just don’t expect the majority of it to be about the bookstore, lol.

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

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

12/13 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

12/14 Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

12/15 Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

12/16 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}

12/17 Blogmas 2022: The 13 Best Books I Read in 2022

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)*

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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 ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

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

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Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}

Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}

Obsessed with how this picture turned out…

Goodreads Synopsis of The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}:

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. 

My Review of The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}:

This book is…cute.

I definitely found myself smiling throughout reading. The descriptions in my head of what was happening in each scene were hilarious and delightful. It’s nearly impossible to write this review without giving away so many spoilers so I will just leave it at this: Not what I was expecting (not even close, lol) but a cute little holiday read. Would make a precious movie.

I LOVED the ending.

Such a short book, such an easy read. Chapters were just a few pages each…the best! I WILL say that I was expecting so much MORE from James Patterson which leads me to believe that he had very, very little with the actual writing of this book, lol.

Bottom Line:

Would I recommend it? Eh…it’s cute…but there are WAY better holiday books out there.

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

The Mommy Clique Giveaway Winner Video:

Thank you to everyone who entered! If you missed it, HERE is the giveaway post with the awesome book synopsis and my review.

The video of me choosing the winners:

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

12/13 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

12/14 Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

12/15 Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is 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!*

*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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

Loving this scent! Obvi not nearly as much as my beloved Winter Candy Apple but it’s a good one…

Here are 2 screenshots of the exchange I had with a blog reader last week:

I mean, that’s QUITE the positive book recommendation! I don’t know this blog reader in real life but I DO know that she has been reading my blog for quite some time and she knows my taste in books. This message exchange made me want to read this holiday book NOW! I put it on hold at my library but sadly, it’s still not in…and I’ve got other holiday books that I’m not so patiently waiting to read (I’m looking at you, Winter Novels)! Considering that I’m always DONE and so over reading holiday books by January, I will need to put this one to the side for now.

So Blogmas 2023….the first official holiday book that I will be reading will be…Once Upon a December!

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Goodreads Synopsis of Once Upon a December {Amy E. Reichert}:

With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn’t just a seasonal specialty–it’s a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra’s yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.

For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He’s never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he’s been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.

After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they’re feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa. 

Sounds so cute, right?? Have any of you read it?? I’d love to hear your thoughts…BUT ABSOLUTELY NO SPOILERS!

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

12/13 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

12/14 Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

I have such an amazing giveaway for you today! I’m so excited to share Barbara Altamirano’s fantastic book, The Mommy Clique. I absolutely loved this book and I found these women FASCINATING…

Goodreads Synopsis of The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}:

Life in suburbia is typical and ordinary-just the same old same old. Only, not in this neighborhood. Here, the impressively large homes and pure green lawns hide a much darker reality that is far from mundane.

When Beth moves back to her hometown in Connecticut to care for her ailing mother, she is forced to confront not only the ghosts of her youth but the other mothers on her street. There is Elise, the queen bee, who determines the fate of everyone and is all-controlling. There is Kelly, Elise’s sidekick and most sycophantic supporter, who secretly longs to have a voice and power of her own. There’s Ronnie, the informer, who, with her intelligence and investigative skill, digs up dirt on the others in service to the queen. And then there’s Gail, the wannabe, who is constantly striving to feel as important and valued as the others.

Looking for some mom friends, Beth seeks a place for herself within this mommy clique. Turns out they do have an available role for her: it’s called the target. 

My Thoughts on The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}:

These women are HORRIBLE. Every single one of them! It was fascinating to see how each of them stayed “friends” with the others despite knowing how completely toxic their relationships were. I couldn’t believe that not one of them had the strength to simply walk away…I would have been out the door so fast that nobody would even have had time to try to stop me, lol 😉

What I found the most interesting about this book is how often I found myself rooting for certain characters just to change my mind a chapter later.

As a mother who has seen many, MANY “Mommy Cliques” and who has been a member of “Mommy Cliques” myself (thankfully NOTHING like the clique in this book, omg), I found everything about this book simply fascinating. Any mother would be able to relate to at least one of these characters at some point while reading this book.

Moms, read this book.

This is one of those books where you read it…and then go and hug your friends tightly. It doesn’t matter what your friends are like because ANY friends in real life have GOT to be better than the “friends” in this book!

The Mommy Clique was such a quick read…you could easily devour this one in 1 or 2 days.

A Conversation With Barbara Altamirano, in Her Own Words:

What would you say are the biggest differences between the “Mommy Clique” in this book and real life “Mommy Cliques?”

Thankfully, I think real life “Mommy Cliques” are nowhere near as intense and conniving as the characters in this book. One of the first editorial reviews I received referred to the book as a suburban satire. This seems a good way to describe it since the vices of the mothers are exaggerated so that they are much worse than in real life.

Which Mommy in this book would you say you most relate to and how?

I would say I relate the most to Beth, since her personality is the closest to mine. However, I would not have continued to try to be a part of this group once I saw what they were like. I’m pretty sure I would have run the other way as fast as I could!

Where can your book be purchased?

The book can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at my website, barbaraaltamiranoauthor.com

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

Would you like to win a signed copy of The Mommy Clique? I have 2 signed copies to give away!  If you are a US resident, your signed book will be mailed directly to you. If you are an international follower, an ebook will be emailed to you.

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 (12/15/22) at 6:00 pm CDT and the 2 winners will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Friday (12/16/22).

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

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

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

12/13 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

Do you remember back in August when I told you that I read this book but was saving my review to publish during Blogmas???

Goodreads Synopsis of Skinny {Donna Cooner}:

Hopeless. Freak. Elephant. Pitiful. These are the words of Skinny, the vicious voice that lives inside fifteen-year-old Ever Davies’s head. Skinny tells Ever all the dark thoughts her classmates have about her. Ever knows she weighs over three hundred pounds, knows she’ll probably never be loved, and Skinny makes sure she never forgets it.

But there is another voice: Ever’s singing voice, which is beautiful but has been silenced by Skinny. Partly in the hopes of trying out for the school musical—and partly to try and save her own life—Ever decides to undergo a risky surgery that may help her lose weight and start over.

With the support of her best friend, Ever begins the uphill battle toward change. But demons, she finds, are not so easy to shake, not even as she sheds pounds. Because Skinny is still around. And Ever will have to confront that voice before she can truly find her own. 

My Review of Skinny {Donna Cooner}:

I randomly saw this book on a shelf and it’s synopsis immediately drew me in. I thought it sounded so interesting. Having never heard of Skinny or of Donna Cooner, I was excited to buy it!

What a beautiful book in every way. I fell in love with these characters and had a hard time saying good-bye to them once I finished reading. Donna Cooner told this story from the perspective of someone who has had gastric bypass surgery. Having had this surgery herself (she talks about it in her acknowledgements), the depth of knowledge and understanding into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the main character were so incredibly thought out and well written. It’s a beautiful story, and one that made me smile, cry, and feel all the feelings.

I’m surprised (and sad) that this book isn’t more popular (it was published 10 years ago). It deserves to be.

Another book with a similar topic (although quite different from Skinny) that I also LOVED is Starfish {Lisa Fipps}. You can read my review of Starfish HERE.

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!

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

Being a book blogger, I’m extraordinarily fortunate that authors and publishers graciously offer to send me books every single day. Although I would say I turn down probably 85% of them at this point, I’m always thankful for the offer. I pride myself on only accepting books that are books I am genuinely excited to read and books that I would have chosen on my own had they not been offered to me to read.

I have recently received 2 books in the mail and I think both sound GREAT. I will be reading these in the new year and will post my full review once I finish. I’ll also be hosting giveaways for both of these in the new year so be on the lookout!

Book #1

Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mom a Life… and a Man {Reenita M. Hora}

Book #2

Ugly {Kelly Vincent}

Don’t both of these sound wonderful??

Which of these 2 books would you be the most interested in reading?

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

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)*

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

Oh I have such a little GEM of a holiday book for you today!

This book was one of the 8 holiday books that I was excited to read during last holiday season (you can read that post HERE)…and boy did I discover such a lovely little holiday book when I read this one.

Goodreads Synopsis of Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}:

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn’t always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, “Where’s the snow?” Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista’s Christmas spirit before the big day?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you’ll never forget–and never want to leave.

Beautiful cover art

My Review of Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}:

This book was exactly what I was hoping it would be…light, easy, and heartwarming. in other words, exactly the type of book I like to read during this time of year!

I read this book during LAST year’s holiday season over 2 days which is NOT something that I do often anymore (#kids). I loved how short this book was, it made me read even quicker knowing I would be able to finish it ASAP.

I’ve already looked up Melody Carlson’s other books and have a bunch on TBR. I love her easy to read writing style!

Looking for a super quick, heartwarming, holiday read? Here you go, it’s such a lovely book 🙂

Bottom Line:

Perfect little holiday read!

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

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

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

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*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

Cutie 🙂

I took this book from a Little Free Library 3 YEARS ago! HERE is the post (omg how amazing does that salad in that post look?? And also…who knew that my local library was actually bracing for CORONAVIRUS at that time and I posted on my blog telling people to stay home, lol?! So weird…)

**When I took this book, it was called A Gift From Tiffany’s. Apparently the name of it’s movie (and now the book) have changed to Something from Tiffany’s. The original title is no longer available…I apparently have myself a RELIC, lol. It’s a shame because the old cover is SO MUCH better than the newer, updated version.**

Goodreads Synopsis of Something From Tiffany’s {Melissa Hill}:

When Ethan Greene lost his wife to cancer, he never thought he would be able to replace her… until one woman stepped in and showed him how to be happy again. Now, on a romantic Christmas trip to New York City, he has a plan to show Vanessa just how important she is to him, and maybe even give his daughter, Daisy, a complete family again. He’s going to propose with a perfect ring from Tiffany’s.

Gary Knowles and his girlfriend Rachel are on the trip-of-a-lifetime in New York, at the most magical time of year. The only thing missing is Gary’s gift for Rachel. On a last-minute Christmas Eve visit to Tiffany’s, he quickly picks out a charm bracelet for her, and heads back to their hotel. But, in a moment, one small mistake changes everything. 

The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish:

So I think the problem here was that I started reading this 400 page book on December 28th. I THOUGHT I was still feeling Christmas spirit but turns out…Christmas was over.

I will say that I did NOT give this book a fair chance. At all. And then on December 30th, I stopped reading at page 60. I just wasn’t feeling it!

The story was interesting, just not interesting enough to make me want to keep reading…

This book has been turned into a movie! It’s title is Something From Tiffany’s and you can watch it on Amazon Prime (it just released 12/9 and I think it looks ADORABLE)!  Here is the movie trailer:

If you watch the movie (or read the book), I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

Pretty wall at Nordstrom 💗

I listened to Maybe Someday as an audiobook and here are my thoughts!

Photo credit to Amazon because I listened to this one as an audiobook!

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…

My Review of Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}:

Oh my did I HATE this book.

Where to begin? With the main character’s stupid name (Ledger)? With the unrealistic storylines?

This is actually a really hard (impossible) review to write without giving away some pretty major spoilers (which I would NEVER, EVER do). You’re going to just have to trust me on this one.

And along those same lines, there are some pretty big reasons this particular book should NOT be listened to as an audiobook…buuuut…again, I can’t tell you why without ruining pretty much this entire book.

So basically I hate this book. I also hate this half ass review where I can’t even tell you my reasoning behind so many of my thoughts.

Coho, what happened here? HERE and HERE are 2 other Colleen Hoover books that I definitely would recommend reading over this one.

Bottom Line:

SKIP. IT.

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

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is 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!*

*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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

Book I’m Currently Reading:

Goodreads Synopsis of The 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!

Next up for me…First Flurries!

What are you currently reading?

What coffee are you currently enjoying?

What is 1 thing currently making you HAPPY?

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

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*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

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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