Tag: book coffee happy

Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Book Club Hotel {Sarah Morgan}

Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Book Club Hotel {Sarah Morgan}

Annual trip through the drive thru holiday light show AKA one of my most FAVORITE holiday traditions!

My first official holiday book of the season! I may or may not have listened to this one back in…October, lol…

Photo Credit: Amazon

Goodreads Synopsis of The Book Club Hotel {Sarah Morgan}:

With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.

But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter?

My Review of The Book Club Hotel {Sarah Morgan}:

The definition of an easy, breezy holiday book. Except…there’s really not much holiday. I wanted there to be more Christmasy elements in this book! There were some, I just wanted MORE.

Also, I wanted more talk of BOOKS! The name of this book is the “Book Club Hotel“…I wanted more BOOKS! And I especially wanted more of the amazing bookstore in the town…it sounded so dreamy yet hardly any of this book took place there.

I’ve said this many times but I don’t enjoy character driven books nearly as much as I enjoy plot driven ones (hence why I’m not a fan of memoirs)! This book was SO heavily character driven…if that’s your thing, you’ll enjoy this one.

I listened to it as an audiobook and it was the perfect thing to have on in the background while I went on walks, straightened up around my house, etc. Was I DYING to listen to it? I was not. Did I enjoy it? I did! I actually enjoyed the first half of the book significantly more than the 2nd half which is rare.

Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:

Light, easy, cheesy, predictable, unrealistic.

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

Blogmas 2023 Posts

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

12/6 Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

12/7 Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

12/8 Blogmas 2023: The Holiday Sign in the Form of a Post It

12/9 Blogmas 2023: READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK

12/10 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: A Lake House Holiday {Megan Squires}

12/11 Blogmas 2023: Disney World Trumps Blogmas!

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: Disney World Trumps Blogmas!

Blogmas 2023: Disney World Trumps Blogmas!

Disney World!!

In what will forever go down as my very best birthday present of all time, my husband surprised me and our kids with a trip to DISNEY WORLD over Christmas! The kids and I have been DYING to get back to Disney World since the day we left back in 2019 and this could not be more exciting for us (to say Jon isn’t a Disney fan is putting it lightly…which makes this gift even more special). We will be spending a few days in Disney and then a few days in Daytona Beach to relax after the hustle and bustle of Disney during the holidays!

New Blogmas Plans

We are leaving bright and early on 12/22 which means Blogmas will now officially end on 12/21! Only a few days short of when it was supposed to end.

Easiest decision: Disney World trumps Blogmas all day every day.

While I won’t be blogging while we are on our trip, I WILL be posting Instastories so make sure you are following Book Coffee Happy on Insta!

Dole Whip!!

New Reading Plans

Other than Blogmas ending a few days early, this trip has also made me switch around my reading plans for December! I finished reading Christmas by the Book a few days ago (review coming asap) and was all set to go straight back to Addison (aka one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE winter/holiday book series)…but once I learned that I’d be on an airplane in just a few short weeks, I could not think of a more perfect way to spend a flight! So I started reading The Twelve Dates of Christmas (you can read how I made that decision to read that particular book HERE) and I’ll be saving my 2 special winter novels to bring with me to Disney. I highly doubt that I will have the time to finish The Twelve Dates of Christmas before we leave (researching and planning a Disney trip is legit a full time job even WITH the amazing help from a Disney travel agent). I’m assuming that book will also be thrown in my carry on bag 🙂 I’ll also pack a few other books as well…titles to be determined!

The last time I went to Disney I brought SO MANY BOOKS with me and literally never opened any of them except for the flights so we shall see how this goes, lol. However, we ARE going to Daytona Beach after Disney this time so I’m thinking I will definitely have some reading time there (especially on the day when my husband takes the kids on a fishing excursion and I want nothing to do with that).

Remember when I came home from Disney in 2019 and made an hour long video with all of the tips and tricks I learned when I was there?? I need to rewatch that video asap!

We will be at Epcot on Christmas Day this year!!

Do you have any tips or tricks of your own for Disney World?? Please leave them in the comments below!!

Countdown to Disney is officially on: 11 DAYS!!!

Blogmas 2023 Posts

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

12/6 Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

12/7 Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

12/8 Blogmas 2023: The Holiday Sign in the Form of a Post It

12/9 Blogmas 2023: READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK

12/10 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: A Lake House Holiday {Megan Squires}

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: A Lake House Holiday {Megan Squires}

Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: A Lake House Holiday {Megan Squires}

Goodreads Synopsis of A Lake House Holiday {Megan Squires}:

Jolene Carter lives in Merrylark Lake, a quaint town where neighbors are like family and vacationers become fast friends. With her dream of opening a downtown storefront on hold, Jolene volunteers wherever she can, whether it be at Cat’s Coffee Cart or the town’s annual tree lighting. It is while she’s tending to her neighbor’s vacation rental that Jolene meets Luke, a cowboy with a mustang rescue and a past he’s hoping to leave back at the ranch.

Luke Handley isn’t one to believe in holiday magic. That disappeared when his winter wedding was called off and his honeymoon was canceled. But the more time he spends in Merrylark, the more he’s convinced this magic exists. When Luke’s ex unexpectedly shows up as the other half to the lake house reservation, things get complicated. Luke knows all the magic in the world won’t clear up this misunderstanding. If he’s learned anything from Jolene, though, it’s that helping others is the most effective way to show love. With a surprise up his sleeve and a little help from his new Merrylark friends, Luke hopes he’s able to do just that.

My Review of A Lake House Holiday {Megan Squires}:

This just might be the most unrealistic love story I’ve read, lol. I can’t really say too much without giving away the entire book but truly…what a ridiculous love story this is.

And…the narrator’s voice as a woman (which she is) is lovely but her voice as a man is…NOT. Luke’s “voice” was creepy and weird. I didn’t enjoy any of the voices she did for any of the characters except for Jolene where she used her own voice…but Luke’s voice was on another level AWFUL.

This audiobook was so short (just a little over 7 hours) which led to completely undeveloped characters and storylines.

So what DID I like about this book? Not much, lol…

Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:

Nope.

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

Blogmas 2023 Posts

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

12/6 Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

12/7 Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

12/8 Blogmas 2023: The Holiday Sign in the Form of a Post It

12/8 Blogmas 2023: READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK

Xo,

Jenny

Click here to order A Lake House Holiday

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK

Blogmas 2023: READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK READ THIS BOOK

Oh good. More lipstick on my teeth.

Being that this was my #1 book to read this holiday season that I have been thinking about since LAST holiday season…I obviously had to start with this being the first holiday book that I read in 2023! You can read my post from LAST year all about why I couldn’t wait to read this book THIS year: Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

Worth every second of my year long wait to read it…

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.

READ THIS BOOK

Yes. SO. MUCH. YES. What a special gem of a book.

If you love the holiday season as much as I do, this book is a must read!

My biggest complaint with holiday books is when they don’t really talk about the holiday season…the storylines are just regular storylines that HAPPEN to take place during the holiday season. OR…just a normal book until the very last chapter which happens to be Christmas Day. Those are NOT holiday books.

Once Upon a December is the pure definition of a true holiday book. It emcompasses the joy and magic of the season throughout every page.

So I must address that this book is most definitely a book of fantasy…which is a genre that I usually don’t enjoy. BUT…somehow the holiday magic was just so lovely that I was all in??? It’s a beautifully written story, one that I absolutely loved.

And I talked about this on Instagram…KRINGLE! Who knew this was a thing??? Not this Jew!!! I must get my hands on a kringle this holiday season, they sound so amazing and delicious. If you read this book, you will also find yourself googling “kringle near me” as I did. Stay tuned for my thoughts when I try my first one!

Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:

This book is pure holiday magic and joy.

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

Blogmas 2023 Posts

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

12/6 Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

12/7 Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

12/8 Blogmas 2023: The Holiday Sign in the Form of a Post It

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: The Holiday Sign in the Form of a Post It

The Holiday Sign in the Form of a Post It

The salon I go to had latkes out on a table today for customers to celebrate Hanukkah (along with applesauce and sour cream)! Absolutely LOVE! And they were super delicious :). Happy Hanukkah!

I’m a HUGE believer in signs (ummm hello I saw the movie Serendipity 10 times when it was playing in the theaters). A few days ago, I was sitting on our bed and debating which of these 2 holiday books I should read next (you can read the synopsis of each in THIS POST).

I couldn’t decide which should be next up for me. Both about the same length. Synopsis of each sounded great. Both holiday themed.

So I decided to read the first page of each one to see if either jumped out at me. I opened the cover of Blame it on the Mistletoe and…first page read nicely.

Then I opened the cover of The Twelve Dates of Christmas and…

SIGN.

Who’s K?? Clearly I have no idea who K is (could it be one of you??) but being such a firm believer in signs and fate, this was so obviously the choice for my next read. Done.

I’ll let you know what I think! Thank you, K, for making this choice for me! Fingers crossed that you and I enjoy the same books, lol…

Blogmas 2023 Posts

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

12/6 Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

12/7 Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

Xo,

Jenny

Order a copy of Blame it on the Mistletoe

Order a copy of The Twelve Dates of Christmas

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

Blogmas 2023: Random Bookish Things

3 things that I should have bought on Black Friday at Barnes and Noble but didn’t:

Love.
Zoom in: It’s Barnes and Noble!!!
Drink coasters shaped like books!

The 2 library holiday books that I still have not read (although I’m hopefully starting one of them tonight after I finish reading the last 20 pages of Christmas by the Book…my Blogmas post tomorrow will tell you which one I’m starting and the special reason why I chose it…or should I say…it chose me…)

Gorgeous tote bag at Paper Source (not book related but so gorgeous):

My son asked me for a pencil while in my car last week. After I searched my entire glove compartment (no pencil), I DID find a ridiculous amount of pens, a ridiculous amount of tampons, a ridiculous amount of Splenda packets, and…a working book light. I totally forgot that I had put this in here months ago for when I want to read in my car and it’s too dark outside! I’ve been bringing my book light that I keep in my nightstand with me in these situations…no more!

Happy 1st Night of Hanukkah to all who celebrate!!!

Blogmas 2023 Posts:

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

12/6 Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

Blogmas 2023: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

I know that holiday content isn’t everyone’s thing so I always like to toss in some non holiday content during Blogmas! However, if holiday content IS your thing and you missed yesterday’s post..forget about this post and go focus on that one instead!!!

Cutest shirt that I saw while out shopping last week! I should have bought it!

Ahhh Freida McFadden. Always my go to when I need a good psychological thriller audiobook as background noise while I’m driving, straightening my hair, folding laundry, cooking, etc. In fact, this is my 7th Freida McFadden audiobook I’ve listened to this year!

Here are my reviews of the other 6 books of hers that I have read in 2023 (listened to…all audiobooks):

The Surrogate Mother

The Inmate

Do Not Disturb

Want to Know a Secret?

The Locked Door (AKA The Most ANNOYING Audiobook Voice)

The Wife Upstairs

And now for the most recent Freida McFadden audiobook that I’ve listened to:

Photo Credit: Amazon

Goodreads Synopsis of The Coworker {Freida McFadden}:

Two women. An office filled with secrets. One terrible crime that can’t be taken back.

Dawn Schiff is strange. At least, everyone thinks so at Vixed, the nutritional supplement company where Dawn works as an accountant. She never says the right thing. She has no friends. And she is always at her desk at precisely 8:45 a.m.

So when Dawn doesn’t show up to the office one morning, her coworker Natalie Farrell—beautiful, popular, top sales rep five years running—is surprised. Then she receives an unsettling, anonymous phone call that changes everything…

It turns out Dawn wasn’t just an awkward outsider—she was being targeted by someone close. And now Natalie is irrevocably tied to Dawn as she finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse that leaves her wondering: who’s the real victim?

But one thing is incredibly clear: somebody hated Dawn Schiff. Enough to kill.

My Review of The Coworker {Freida McFadden}

I liked it! I didn’t love it but I definitely liked it. The 2nd half was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the 1st half. I found the first half boring and a bit confusing…but things came together in the 2nd half and my feelings turned around!

A few twists I didn’t see coming which was nice. Overall, a good book as background noise as you are doing other things. Not my favorite psychological thriller but it’s ok!

Will I forget these characters and storylines in about 3 days? Yes, yes I will. Was it good enough to listen to at the time? Yes!

Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:

This book was good! Not great…but good!

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

Blogmas 2023 Posts:

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

12/5 Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE

Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

Blogmas 2023: The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio} Check In

Michigan Avenue is STUNNING during this time of year!

**Video of me choosing the winner of the Sephora gift card is at the bottom of this post!**

One of my favorite holiday book series EVER is one that I have been slowly working (savouring?) my way through since December 2021. The Winter Series by Joanne Demaio is everything a holiday book series should be…light, endearing, adorable, and set in the most CHARMING small town. Basically Hallmark movies meets book series and I’m so here for it.

The Winter Series {Joanne Demaio}

HERE is the post explaining all about this book series and my thoughts after reading books 1-3 back in 2021.

Last December I read books #4 and #5 and loved them so much. It felt so wonderful to be back in the town of Addison! I have absolutely fallen in love with this adorable town and it’s adorable residents.

**I’m not including the synopsis from any of these books here because I would never spoil anything for you…just trust me, they are ADORABLE!**

Book #4
Getting my hair done during last holiday season while reading book #4
Book #5 came with me on an overnight staycation with my family on Christmas Eve 2022
Gorgeous view of a frozen lake from our hotel room on Christmas Eve 2022

As hard as it was, I somehow managed to save book #6 to read during THIS holiday season! I did this knowing that the next book in this series was to be published this fall so I knew that if I could hold off reading book #6, I would have 2 books to read during this holiday season.

I am so happy that I did! I have waited allllll year to read these 2 books!

Book #6:

While I think that all of the covers in this series are gorgeous, this one is my absolute favorite. How STUNNING is this book cover???

Book #7 (which might be the most special one because Joanne Demaio herself sent it to me when she heard how much I wanted to read it! You can read more about how that happened HERE).

I can’t wait to return to Addison :). I’ve got 1 more (unrelated) book to read first and then…Addison over Christmas!! Perfect!!

Have you read any of these books? If not, I HIGHLY recommend them during this time of year!

Sephora Gift Card Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered my annual birthday giveaway! Here is a video of me randomly choosing the winner:

Blogmas 2023 Posts:

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

Click HERE to order book #1 in this adorable book series (Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes) through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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.*

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Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

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Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

Blogmas 2023: Audiobook Review: The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}

Today is the last day to enter the Sephora gift card giveaway! Click HERE to enter if you haven’t yet done so!

Today I have another holiday book review for you! Unfortunately the thing I liked best about this book was it’s ADORABLE cover (which I didn’t even get to appreciate in person because I listened to this one as an audiobook, lol).

Look how cute:

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Goodreads Synopsis of The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}:

Rachel Meadows has her dream job, a new lease on life after beating cancer last year, and extensive plans to make this the most merry, bright, and wonderful time of the year for her six-year-old son since she missed so much of it last Christmas. But all her carefully crafted plans fly off faster than a reindeer-pulled sleigh when her coworkers challenge her to a bet—say yes to every holly jolly and not-so-holly jolly thing that comes her way. Except there’s one thing she never expected to say yes to—meeting Nick.

Nick Stewart just moved to the small town of Mountain Springs, Colorado, hoping for some stockings, snow, and faces all aglow—but mostly a fresh start for him and his six-year-old daughter after losing his wife the year before. His late wife didn’t want him to wait long before remarrying, but he loved her with all his heart and isn’t sure he’s ready to jingle all the way to the world of dating again.

When Rachel’s son begs for help with his school Christmas program and Nick’s daughter asks for the same, both parents say yes. Neither of the two little first-grade enemies ever guessed that their begging would lead to their parents meeting—or that their competitiveness would turn into cooperation for what has become Operation: Christmas Matchmaker. Six-year-old style, of course.

My Review of The Christmas Bet {Meg Easton}:

Oh lord I read this not knowing it was book #2 in the series! THERE. IS. NOTHING. MORE. ANNOYING. THAN. THAT.

Ok so as a standalone, I thought it was…rushed. Like, this book should have been 200 pages longer (which is so opposite of more common thoughts of books being too long??). Every single thing about this book just felt so RUSHED and therefore just too unrealistic. Falling so deeply in love in what felt like no time at all ESPECIALLY considering all of the other life factors these 2 had going on…not buying it. The lack of character development coupled with a pretty basic (boring) story just made this one not my favorite holiday book.

Was some of this a result of me reading this book before the 1st in the series? I really don’t think so! From reading the synopsis of the first book, it’s mostly about other characters! These other characters do make crossover appearances in this book so for that reason, I would probably suggest reading them in order. Maybe this book will feel more “complete” and not so rushed with a more solid foundation from reading the books in order? I really don’t think so but someone…prove me wrong!

This was the shortest audiobook ever…5 hours! Totally easy background for you while doing other things. The story moved so quickly (too quickly…my biggest complaint with this one).

Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:

Eh. MUCH 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!

Blogmas 2023 Posts:

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

12/3 Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

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Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

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Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

Blogmas 2023: Book Review: All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}

Thank you for all of the lovely birthday wishes yesterday! There is still time to enter the Sephora gift card giveaway if you haven’t already done so 🙂

I actually read this adorable book and wrote this review LAST holiday season and have been waiting until THIS holiday season to share it with you!

Picture taken during the 2022 holiday season!

Goodreads Synopsis of All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}:

When Sadie and Max are selected as contestants on the famed reality singing show Starmaker, each thinks they’ve finally gotten their big Nashville break. But then they’re paired up for duet week and stun the world with their romantic onstage chemistry. With fans going wild for #Saxie the network demands that they remain a duo on and offstage, or exit the competition. Faking a relationship until their final performance in the Starmaker holiday special shouldn’t be too hard, except for one small problem–Sadie and Max can’t stand each other.

But with their dreams just within reach, they agree to the ruse. Will their fake relationship be exposed before they can win? Or will an unexpected trip to Banff spark real feelings by the Christmas finale?

My Review of All I Want for Christmas {Maggie Knox}:

Oh I absolutely loved this book!

It was adorable, a perfect light holiday book. I loved the writing, I loved the characters, I loved the different settings (especially Banff), I loved the story. Absolutely one of the better holiday books I’ve read (although I do kind of feel like it wasn’t actually a holiday book per se…just a really cute story that happened to take place during the holiday season).

Aaaaaand as a big American Idol fan myself (anyone else?), I loved the television singing competition!

I really enjoyed this book much more than The Holiday Swap (you can read my review of that one HERE).

Epilogue:

Loved it.

Blogmas 2023 Posts:

12/1 Blogmas 2023: Welcome to Blogmas {VIDEO}!

12/2 Blogmas 2023: Happy Birthday to ME {Sephora Gift Card Giveaway}!

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

Xo,

Jenny

Thank you so much for reading Book Coffee Happy! I would be so thankful if you could do the following to support my favorite hobby…

*Follow me on Instagram* (I am VERY active on Instagram and usually update my Instastories daily)

*Please share this site 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 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*

Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

Book Coffee Happy’s most viewed posts of 2022 can be found HERE