I Got A Job (!!) and a Book Review: The Husbands {Holly Gramazio}
I got a job!! Starting this fall, I will be a school secretary at a middle school :). I’m so excited about this for so many reasons! My commute will be approximately 4 minutes long, my best friend is a teacher there (!!), I already know many of the families and staff because they live in my community, etc. Best of all, the hours/days off so wonderfully align with my own kids’ schedules. Love.
Selfie right after I officially signed and returned all of the paperwork to my new school district office!
Being that I was a teacher for such a long time, I already am more than familiar with the school environment and how important having an amazing secretary truly is. I honestly think this new role is a perfect fit for me and I can’t wait to get started 🙂
I’m going in for a few days of training next week and then will officially start full time in August! Nothing should change with the blog but as always, know that I am WAY more active on Instagram than I am on my actual blog. I post an Instastory pretty much every single day! If you don’t already follow Book Coffee Happy on Instagram, HERE is the link to do so!
Book Review: The Husbands {Holly Gramazio}:
Ok so the first thing I noticed when I picked up this book (other than the weird cover art) was that 2 of my ABSOLUTE favorite authors blurbed this book.
When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There’s only one problem—she’s not married. She’s never seen this man before in her life. But according to her friends, her much-improved decor, and the photos on her phone, they’ve been together for years.
As Lauren tries to puzzle out how she could be married to someone she can’t remember meeting, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb and abruptly disappears. In his place, a new man emerges, and a new, slightly altered life re-forms around her. Realizing that her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, Lauren confronts the question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’ve taken the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and start actually living?
My Thoughts onThe Husbands {Holly Gramizo}:
Eh.
I wasn’t even aware that it was possible for a story to go on for 338 pages without anything actually progressing but turns out…it’s possible! Like, how does that even happen???
Everytime I was staaaaarting to become invested in a storyline…BAM…storyline gone.
The one and ONLY thing that I liked about this book was the fact that this entire book is basically just a series of metaphors for other things. I love that.
Zero character development because the characters came and left too quickly. About 100 characters too many. Storylines were introduced and then just dropped.
All of the reviews that I have read have mentioned the amazing ending…I didn’t like the ending?
Not sure why this book is as popular as it is but so many people are loving it right now. Eh.
Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:
Can someone please explain why everyone loves this book so much?
Have you read this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!
Xo,
Jenny
**Clearly I didn’t love this one but you just might! Click HERE to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo**
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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This gigantic zucchini has absolutely nothing to do with this blog post but it’s insane and deserves a permanent spot on the Internet.
This is my 5th Freida Mcfadden audiobook that I’ve listened to. I went into it assuming it would be like the others…not the BEST psychological thrillers out there…but definitely GOOD. Like, easy to listen to while doing other things, easy to follow the stories, etc. Here are my thoughts on the 4 other Freida Mcfadden audiobooks I’ve listened to:
And now…my 5th Freida Mcfadden book. The one with the most annoying narrator of all time:
Goodreads Synopsis ofThe Locked Door {Freida Mcfadden}:
Some doors are locked for a reason…
While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.
Until the day the police arrived at their front door.
Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.
Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.
Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.
As long as they don’t look in her basement.
Most Annoying Audiobook Voice
I never even got to determine if I liked the story or if it was well written because…THAT. VOICE. It was AWFUL. I can’t even describe it…like an old fashioned detective type voice? Does that even make sense? Like a cartoon? I truly can’t describe that voice….like every word she said had such an intense tone. Terrible.
I talked a bit about this on Instagram saying that there are definitely certain voices (accents, etc.) that I prefer while listening to audiobooks but I’ve NEVER had to stop listening purely due to the voice of the narrator. Until this book. Made it exactly 15% before I was DONE. I could not handle that voice for even 1 second longer.
Have you listened to this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Xo,
Jenny
I’m assuming the book is a significantly better choice than the audiobook. The only narrator will be the lovely voice inside of your own head!
Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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)
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Video AND Written Review! The Summer I Turned Pretty {Jenny Han}
At least twice every summer I decide that I should try iced coffee and at least twice every summer I’m reminded why I don’t drink iced coffee.
So I’m going to write this blog post as usual…NO SPOILERS! However, at the verrrry end of this post I will put a link to a video that I made where I discuss a huge storyline that I thought was going to happen throughout the entire story…and I could not have been more WRONG, lol. I’ll also link the trailer for the Amazon Prime miniseries.
The Summer I Turned Pretty {Jenny Han}
Audiobook Cover Photo Credit: Amazon
Goodreads Synopsis ofThe Summer I Turned Pretty {Jenny Han}
Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer—they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.
My Review ofThe Summer I Turned Pretty {Jenny Han}
So obviously I might be the last person on the planet to read this one…but I finally did! Well, I listened to it as an audiobook. Shortest audiobook ever–6 hours! I listened over the course of 3 days.
Going into it, my expectations weren’t exactly high as I did NOT love To All the Boys I Loved Before (you can read my thoughts HERE). I definitely liked this book more than that one! However, I still have the same thought as I did with To All the Boys I Loved Before…it’s just so YA. I know, I know, it’s meant for YA readers but as an adult, I love when YA books can also appeal to all ages. Jenny Han’s writing is just…for teens. NOT adults. Does that make sense??
My 4 biggest complaints with The Summer I Turned Pretty:
The back and forth timelines. Holy hell was this annoying. I don’t mind a back and forth if they go in chronological order but this one…Sweet Jesus. “The Summer I was 10 Years Old” to “The Summer I was 15 Years Old” to “The Summer I was 12 Years Old”. Maybe reading this as a physical book to flip back and remind myself what year we were in would have made this more tolerable?
This book reads like a memoir. I hate memoirs.
I had an obvious prediction from the very beginning that I was 1,000 % sure was going to happen and…it didn’t. Would have made a great storyline if it did! It seemed so obvious to me, I wonder if that was the intention? To make the reader think the story was going in a totally different direction? *** Watch my video below where I discuss this but know that I give away some MAJOR spoilers. You’ve been warned. ***
LACK. OF. CHARACTER. DEVELOPMENT. The only character that was properly developed with Susannah. Everyone else just seemed so surface level.
This book did hold my attention and after listening to a few psychological thrillers in a row, it was a nice break. Do I feel invested in these characters enough to read the other 2 books in the trilogy? I do not. Moving on…
Video Where You Can See How My Mind Tried to Turn Something Really Beautiful Into Something Really Scandalous
If you haven’t yet read this book and have plans to in the future, do NOT watch my video as I give away some huge spoilers! If you HAVE read this book or don’t plan on reading it, enjoy this video where you can see how my mind tried to turn something really beautiful into something really scandalous. Somebody please watch this and tell me that your mind also went straight to this…
The Summer I Turned Pretty is now a miniseries on Amazon Prime! I think the casting is super weird. NONE of these characters (especially Belly) look even remotely close to how they looked in my head while reading! Here is the trailer:
Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:
The ending that Jenny Share created in her head would have been a much more interesting ending than Jenny Han created on paper.
Have you read this book? Have you watched the miniseries? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the image below (this link is for the paperback…the audiobook has a different cover) to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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!*
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I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SO. MUCH. (and a vagina cake picture)
While taking this picture of one of the gorgeous roses currently growing on our backyard rose bushes, a rose thorn got me straight in my palm. IT HURT. Blogging in dangerous.
Ok before I begin writing this blog post, I need to give a huge shout out to my girl Dye Girl! When I told her that I was about to start reading Abby Jimenez’s Part of Your World, she informed me that there is an order to Abby Jimenez’s books. Who knew?!? Certainly not me! While I do believe these books can all be read as stand alone novels, reading them in order allows for character cross over between books….which I LOVE. Incredibly glad I listened to her! So that very day, I went straight to the library and checked out books 1-3.
**Side Note: Dye Girl is the creator of my favorite tie dye shirt of all time (and I own LOTS of tie dye shirts). The colors are amazing and it’s so ridiculously soft. If you love tie dye (or ever want to buy me a present), check out her website (linked above)!**
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SO. MUCH.
First up, Book #1: The Friend Zone!
Goodreads Synopsis ofThe Friend Zone {Abby Jimenez}
Kristen Petersen doesn’t do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don’t get her. She’s also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.
Planning her best friend’s wedding is bittersweet for Kristen—especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He’s funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he’d be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it’s harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.
My Review ofBook Review: The Friend Zone {Abby Jimenez}:
I absolutely loved it.
What an adorable book with such lovely characters! Thank goodness this is book #1 in the series because I am most definitely NOT ready to say good-bye to these characters or these storylines.
I truly can’t remember I stayed up way too late reading a book because I very literally couldn’t put it down. This was that book for me. Amazing.
Hair Salon + Book + Dunkin’ = JOY.
This book was such an easy read…I could have flown through it in 1 day. If you have an upcoming vacation, this would be such a perfect vacay book to bring with you! Just make sure you also bring the rest of the series along…there’s no way you won’t want to continue reading once you finish.
WHY DID I NOT READ THIS BOOK YEARS AGO WHEN IT WAS FIRST RELEASED?!
Most Random Side Note (Vagina Cake Picture):
While researching this author, I came across a super fun fact. She once created a cake that was supposed to look like a geode and the photo went viral because it looked so much like a vagina. Now you can order a “Vagode” cake and have it shipped anywhere in the country! Aaaaaaand now I love her and her books even more..
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:
Read this series. Start with this book. Order a “Vagode” cake.
Have you read this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below (NO SPOILERS FOR THIS BOOK OR ANY BOOK IN THE SERIES)!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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)
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Book I’m Currently Reading (Amazing), Coffee I’m Currently Drinking (Perfection), 1 Thing Currently Making Me HAPPY!
Ahhh I used to do these posts all the time and I haven’t done one in forever!
Book I’m Currently Reading:
The Happy Ever After Playlist {Abby Jimenez}:
I cannot include the synopsis of this book because it’s actually book #2 of a series and the synopsis gives away a MAJOR spoiler from book #1!
Here is book #1 (I’ll have a review posted on here soon buuuuuuut since I’m currently reading book #2 you can safely assume that I LOVED IT):
Synopsis of The Friend Zone {Abby Jimenez}:
Kristen Petersen doesn’t do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don’t get her. She’s also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.
Planning her best friend’s wedding is bittersweet for Kristen—especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He’s funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he’d be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it’s harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.
Coffee I’m Currently Drinking:
As part of my Mother’s Day gift, my in laws gave me a very generous Dunkin’ gift card. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING! It has brought me such joy over these past few weeks….
Currently Making Me Happy:
Charging my Book Light
My amazing book light just got even more amazing! If you missed it, HERE is the post where I talk allll about it and it’s awesome features. I love it so much!
I bought it and I use it ALL THE TIME. In all of this time (I bought it exactly TO THE WEEK one year ago), I’ve never had to charge it even once! Until this week…
I was so pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to charge…just plugged it in like my phone! I’m not sure what I was expecting (I tend to get intimidated with anything that has wires and/or buttons) but this was a total breeze.
I didn’t think it was possible to love this book light even more than I already did but I now do! BUY THIS BOOK LIGHT (there is a link to it in the post above).
Operation Mom Signed Copy Book Giveaway Winner:
Thank you to everyone who entered! Here is a video of me randomly choosing the winner:
What are you currently reading?
What coffee are you currently enjoying?
What is 1 thing currently making you HAPPY?
Happy Friday, Book Friends 🙂 I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below to order the books through my Amazon affiliate links. When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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*
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The right wick on my new candle doesn’t burn as highly as the wick on the left. For someone as Type A as I am, this is making me insane. It’s also a perfect comparison for the 2 books I am discussing on my blog today. Book #1 burns BRIGHTLY and Book #2 does…not.
UGH. That’s all I can say. I’m so disappointed. I was SO excited to read this book. It sucked.
The Big Book Disappointment of 2023
Let’s start from the beginning…
Book #1: Things We Never Got Over
I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this adorable book. A charming town, colorful characters, spicy sex scenes…this book had it all. Cheesy? Oh lord yes but somehow it all just worked. I smiled, I cried, I LOVED it. If you haven’t yet read Things We Never Got Over, it’s a must read for me. HERE is my full review (including the book synopsis).
So naturally when Lucy Score announced that a sequel was in the works, I was ALL IN. I was actually counting down until it’s release (February 21, 2023). I went to Barnes and Noble that week because I couldn’t even wait for a copy to come in at my library…I needed to own this beautiful book STAT. I couldn’t wait to dive right back into the little town with it’s interesting residents. HERE is the post where I was so excited to buy this book (how happy was I??). Reading that post now just makes me sad.
Hoooooow is this book in the same book series as the first book??? It’s so completely different than Book #1. I think a big part of it is the perspective from which it’s told. Book #1 is from the perspective of someone who isn’t from this town and is learning all of the town’s intricacies, meeting all of it’s residents, etc. It focused so much more on the town and the residents. Book #1 really only had 1 storyline that I didn’t enjoy…aaaaaand THAT storyline is the entire premise of Book #2. It makes sense….Book #1 was really introducing everything and now Book #2 dives deeper into the story but the one particular story that it dives deeply into was my absolute LEAST favorite thing about Book #1.
The main characters that I fell in love with all make such tiny appearances in Book #2 and the other, more minor characters that Book #2 focuses on are ANNOYING.
I really can’t say too much about this book without giving away spoilers from both books so I’ll just say this: everything about Book #2 is different than Book #1.
The one constant between the books is the adorable banter between the characters. Lucy Score has such a lovely way of writing dialogue! I just wish the dialogue had been between different characters and talking about different things, lol.
One more thing to note: Book #1 ends with not only 1 epilogue but also a BONUS epilogue. Book #2 ignores both epilogues and just continues the story right where it left off before them. Ummm HUH?? So now we know what happens in the future AND in the farther off future but now we are back in time to reading before any of that actually happens?? I feel like a book series should be in completely chronological order. Obviously Lucy Score shouldn’t have included either epilogue in Book #1 if she was thinking a book series might follow but she did….and now I feel like Book #2 should start right where Book #1 left off.
Basically this book is all a bit of a mess.
One thing I will say is that the covers of the books in the Knockemout series are STUNNING. Book #3 is going to be purple!
I stopped reading at page 270 out of 574 pages. I just couldn’t do it for another 300 pages and even getting to page 270 TOOK FOREVER. I should have been able to read this 600 page book fairly quickly but I was just too bored to ever want to pick it up.
I’m heartbroken, I can’t believe this second book was so terrible when the first was so wonderful. I appreciate that sequels are rarely AS good as the first but this wasn’t even in the same category.
According to reviews online, many many many others hated this book as well. More than one review I read referenced how this book “should be hidden from the light”, lol.
Moving on….but sadly not to the 3rd book in the Knockemout series, Things We Left Behind, which is expected to be released 9/5/23.
Have you read either of these books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate links (obviously I would recommend Book #1 MUCH more than I would recommend Book #2 lol). When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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)*
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Book Giveaway (3 signed copies): Ugly {Kelly Vincent}
As soon as I read the synopsis of Kelly Vincent’s Ugly, I immediately knew this was a book that I wanted to read and review on Book Coffee Happy. I was so excited when I received my print copy in the mail. I love the interesting cover!
Goodreads Synopsis of Ugly {Kelly Vincent}:
Sophomore Nic Summers tries to ignore the taunts of “ugly lesbian.”
Because she’s not sure they’re entirely wrong. But she also has bigger concerns for now, including prepping for the school’s art contest. And while she isn’t certain of her sexuality, she does know her life is on the verge of falling apart when her best and only friend, Sam, drops the bomb that her family’s moving to Scotland. Together, to soften the blow and distract themselves from the inevitable, they start Operation Social Interaction for Nic—or OSIN for short—to try to find her some new friends.
But it’s an uphill battle for the introverted teen artist.
As Sam’s last day nears, Nic’s self-confidence wavers even more, and she starts questioning everything. If lesbian doesn’t feel quite right, maybe she’s transgender? It isn’t until she stumbles across the label “gender nonconforming” that things start to make a little more sense, and fall into place. But finding the right label doesn’t really tell her what to do next, and before she knows it, Sam is gone.
Mustering all her resources, Nic realizes she needs to find her own path and live her own truth.
My Thoughts on Ugly {Kelly Vincent}:
Oh this book.
I absolutely loved it. What a beautifully written story with wonderfully descriptive characters. I felt all of Nic’s emotions as well as their emotional struggles as the story went on. My heart went from smiling to breaking as I read about how people treated and reacted to Nic. This book allows the reader to feel these emotions through such a personal perspective.
The biggest emotion that I felt while reading? I just wanted to hug Nic.
I had such a hard time saying good-bye to these characters (especially Nic) when I finished reading. You know the books where you close the cover and mentally just can’t move on? That was this book for me. I’m so happy to know that Kelly Vincent is busy working on a sequel! Uglier comes out in July and I love it already.
Every teenager (and adult!) should read this book. I truly can’t recommend it enough. You will smile, you will cry, you will LEARN. This is such an important book and absolutely one of the very best I’ve read in a very long time.
For a book titled Ugly, every single thing about this book is truly beautiful.
I absolutely loved it.
A Conversation With Kelly Vincent, in Her Own Words:
What was the hardest aspect of writing Nic’s story?
This was a very personal story and revisiting things that happened in my childhood stirred up a lot of feelings I’d sort of buried. But this actually helped me write the story, because I was able to still remember how those experiences felt so I could accurately convey how Nic felt when she experienced them. So even though it was hard and got me thinking about long-buried things, it was worth it.
Without giving away spoilers, what are some takeaway messages that you hope readers will gain from reading Ugly?
You can’t always change the world and people around you, but you do have the power to change some things in your life. Sometimes it’s just a matter of thinking outside the box or being patient. As a teenager it can be hard to be patient–I remember that well–but things can change as you get more autonomy when you get older.
Where can your book be purchased?
Ugly is available at all major book retailers, including in paperback through Amazon and Barnes and Noble and in ebook for Kindle, Nook, Apple, Google Play, and Kobo. It can also possibly be ordered through your local bookstore, depending on their policies.
Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:
I am getting ready to send the sequel to Ugly, currently called Uglier, out to beta readers. I plan to release it in July. I absolutely love where Nic’s story has gone–it completely surprised me. If you are interested in being a beta reader for Uglier or future books, you can contact me at kelly@kellyvincent.net. (Uglier should work as a standalone if you are interested but haven’t read Ugly.)
Book Giveaway (3 Signed Copies):
***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***
Would you like to win a signed copy of Ugly? I have 3 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 (4/20/22) at 6:00 pm CDT and the 2 winners will be randomly chosen and announced here on my blog on Friday (4/21/22).
I will post a video here on Friday of me choosing the winners!
Good luck! Can’t wait to read your comments!
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)*
*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.*
A nice change from the plethora of audiobook reviews I’ve been posting recently, right?? I recently returned 7 library books before I had a chance to read them (well, I did read a bit of 1 of them…I’ll get to that in a minute).
I think all 7 of these books sound GREAT and I can’t wait to read them eventually!
**Please make sure to take note of the beautiful, artful, and professional photography throughout this blog post. I decided to write this post as I was looking at the pile of these books sitting next to me on the passenger seat of my car as I was filming an Instastory. All of these photos have the lovely background of my dirty car = crumbs and all. And some even include my chipped nail polish. So pretty. Enjoy!**
Book #1 I’m NOT Reading: The Bookshop on the Corner {Jenny Colgan}
Goodreads Synopsis of The Bookshop on the Corner {Jenny Colgan}:
Nina Redmond is a literary matchmaker. Pairing a reader with that perfect book is her passion… and also her job. Or at least it was. Until yesterday, she was a librarian in the hectic city. But now the job she loved is no more.
Determined to make a new life for herself, Nina moves to a sleepy village many miles away. There she buys a van and transforms it into a bookmobile—a mobile bookshop that she drives from neighborhood to neighborhood, changing one life after another with the power of storytelling.
From helping her grumpy landlord deliver a lamb, to sharing picnics with a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry, Nina discovers there’s plenty of adventure, magic, and soul in a place that’s beginning to feel like home… a place where she just might be able to write her own happy ending.
Book #2 I’m NOT Reading: Mika in Real Life {Emiko Jean}
Goodreads Synopsis of Mika in Real Life {Emiko Jean}:
One phone call changes everything.
At thirty-five, Mika Suzuki’s life is a mess. Her last relationship ended in flames. Her roommate-slash-best friend might be a hoarder. She’s a perpetual disappointment to her traditional Japanese parents. And, most recently, she’s been fired from her latest dead-end job.
Mika is at her lowest point when she receives a phone call from Penny—the daughter she placed for adoption sixteen years ago. Penny is determined to forge a relationship with her birth mother, and in turn, Mika longs to be someone Penny is proud of. Faced with her own inadequacies, Mika embellishes a fact about her life. What starts as a tiny white lie slowly snowballs into a fully-fledged fake life, one where Mika is mature, put-together, successful in love and her career.
The details of Mika’s life might be an illusion, but everything she shares with curious, headstrong Penny is real: her hopes, dreams, flaws, and Japanese heritage. The harder-won heart belongs to Thomas Calvin, Penny’s adoptive widower father. What starts as a rocky, contentious relationship slowly blossoms into a friendship and, over time, something more. But can Mika really have it all—love, her daughter, the life she’s always wanted? Or will Mika’s deceptions ultimately catch up to her? In the end, Mika must face the truth—about herself, her family, and her past—and answer the question, just who is Mika in real life?
Book #3 I’m NOT Reading: The Babysitter {Sheryl Browne}
I actually DID start reading this book and read to page 83 before I called it quits. It was ok…and if I hadn’t bought THIS BOOK that I was so excited to start, I probably would have continued reading The Babysitter…
Goodreads Synopsis of The Babysitter {Sheryl Browne}:
You trust her with your family. Would you trust her with your life?
Mark and Melissa Cain are thrilled to have found Jade, a babysitter who is brilliant with their young children. Having seen her own house burn to the ground, Jade needs them as much as they need her. Moving Jade into the family home can only be a good thing, can’t it?
As Mark works long hours as a police officer and Melissa struggles with running a business, the family become ever more reliant on their babysitter, who is only too happy to help. And as Melissa begins to slip into depression, it’s Jade who is left picking up the pieces.
But Mark soon notices things aren’t quite as they seem. Things at home feel wrong, and as Mark begins to investigate their seemingly perfect sitter, what he discovers shocks him to his core. He’s met Jade before. And now he suspects he might know what she wants …
Mark is in a race against time to protect his family. But what will he find as he goes back to his family home?
Book #4 I’m NOT Reading: The Second Wife {Sheryl Browne}
Goodreads Synopsis of The Second Wife {Sheryl Browne}:
She made her bed. You’ll lie in it.
Rebecca and Nicole swore to be best friends forever. But three years after they last met up, Rebecca receives a phone call from Nicole’s devoted husband, Richard. Nicole is dead, a tragic suicide. Drowned in a river close to her family home, Richard was the one who pulled her body from the water. Now he can’t even speak about what happened.
While Rebecca reels from the news, she reads her friend’s last letters to her and begins to wonder if she knew Nicole at all. What secrets was she keeping from all the people who knew and loved her?
As Rebecca gets closer and closer to Richard, things go too far and she begins to slip into Nicole’s old life – staying in her home, sleeping in her bed… But if she’s going to become the wife Nicole never was, can she keep herself safe?
Book #5 I’m NOT Reading: The Book Haters Book Club {Gretchen Anthony}
Goodreads Synopsis of The Book Haters’ Book Club {Gretchen Anthony}:
All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…
That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookstore, Elliott’s passion and gift was recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookstore into high-rise condos.
But others won’t give up the bookstore without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookstore, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.
Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters’ Book Club is the ideal feel-good read. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to the everyday heroes who run bookstores.
Book #6 I’m NOT Reading: Eden’s Children {V.C. Andrews}
Goodreads Synopsis of Eden’s Children {V.C. Andrews}:
Mother doesn’t always know best in this atmospheric and twisty novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Flowers in the Attic series and Landry series—now popular Lifetime movies.
When former teacher Paula Eden adopts Faith and Trevor, she is astounded by their natural intelligence and decides to homeschool them to nurture their brilliance. But as the years go on, Faith and Trevor itch for more independence.
When Faith sets her sights on a handsome young man visiting from out of town, Paula grows increasingly desperate to preserve her small family and her plans for the children to carry on her legacy. Luckily, she has a cohort in loyal Trevor, who will do anything to please his mother, even at the risk of hurting his sister and potentially changing their lives forever.
Book #7 I’m NOT Reading: Faking Reality {Sara Fujimura}
Goodreads Synopsis of Faking Reality {Sara Fujimura}:
Dakota McDonald swore after “The Great Homecoming Disaster” that she’d never allow her romantic life to be a plot line in her parents’ HGTV show again. But when the restaurant run by the family of her best friend (and secret crush), Leo, is on the line, Dakota might end up eating her own words.
Leo Matsuda dreams of escaping his small town Arizona life and the suffocating demands of working in his family’s restaurant, but the closer he gets to his goal—thanks to the help of his best friend (and secret crush) Dakota—the more reasons there are for him to stay.
Have you read any of these books? Which look interesting to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below to order the books through my Amazon affiliate links. When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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Where I’ve Been, An Audiobook Review, What I’m Reading
I saw this painted on a bathroom wall yesterday…love it 🙂
Where I’ve Been
CONSUMED WITH MY FIVE WIVES. That’s it. Not some big dramatic story…just absolutely enamoured by this 9 year old reality show that only lasted 2 seasons and I’ve devoured every single episode over the past 3 weeks, lol. It’s wonderful and a million times better than Sister Wives (which I also watch). These wives are better, the husband is a TRILLION times better in every single way, and their relationships are all so beautiful. 5 wives, 1 husband, 24 children. While I still don’t understand why anyone would choose this lifestyle, I CAN appreciate the beauty of the relationships between the wives (personally I would choose finding some wonderful BFFs and knowing that they AREN’T sleeping with my husband…??) If you have no idea what this show is, here’s a preview:
Watch this show. You’re welcome.
An Audiobook Review
I have listened to a few audiobooks recently including this one by Kierseten Modglin!
Note: This book is not to be confused with The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth! Same title, totally different book. You can read my (GLOWING) review of Sally Hepworth’s book HERE!
Photo Credit: Amazon
Goodreads Synopsis of The Mother In Law {Kiersten Modglin}
There’s something strange about Loren’s new mother-in-law…
When Loren meets Jack, she’s sure he’s the man she’s been waiting for—a perfect husband and a father for her young daughter. Shortly after their wedding, their plans to start a life together are put on hold when the couple receives word that Jack’s father has died.
In an effort to appease her new husband, Loren invites her mother-in-law, Coralee, to stay with them while she grieves. When strange things begin to occur just after her arrival, Loren questions how much she knows about the woman she invited into her home.
One calculated move after the next, Coralee attempts to drive a wedge between Loren and her new husband. Jack believes his mother’s strange behavior is just further proof she needs their help, but Loren isn’t so sure. As Coralee’s actions become increasingly sinister, Loren is pushed to her breaking point and she realizes she must do whatever it takes to get rid of her mother-in-law for good.
What she doesn’t know about her new family could kill her…
My Review of The Mother In Law{Kiersten Modglin}:
Eh.
It was boring. Not much else to say. I hated all of the characters, I found the storyline way too far fetched, and I will never for the life of me understand allllll of the actions of the main character.
It held my interest enough to finish listening which is more than I can say for a bunch of other books/audiobooks I’ve started reading/listening to recently.
And…something happened that has NEVER happened to me EVER in the history of ANY book I have EVER read. Are you ready? There was a big twist at the end that I…didn’t understand. Like, the wording was so strange and I just didn’t understand what happened. Ummm huh??? I tried googling the ending but to no avail. If you have read this one (and understand the ending), please message me so we can discuss! I have a big question!
Still reading this beauty! Just not as quickly as I would like…#myfivewives. I’ll post my full review once I finish reading!
Have you watched My 5 Wives???
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
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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Long Time No Blog and a Book Review: The Maid {Nita Prose}
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I took a break from blogging, posting, etc. to be with my family following the death of my husband’s wonderful grandmother. It’s been a horrible time and for the first time ever, I found myself using a book at night to completely escape from what was going on in my life. I’ve never done that before! I’m very fortunate that I live a life that I never want or need an escape from but these past few weeks have weighed so heavily on my heart.
I turned to this book each night over the past 2 weeks for a little bit of peace. I allowed myself to completely get lost in the story after some really long and heartbreaking days in my real life. This book has received some pretty major HYPE and I was curious to find out if it’s worthy…
I had asked on Instagram back at the beginning of the month if you have read this one and if so, what you thought.
Goodreads Synopsis of The Maid {Nita Prose}:
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.
But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
My Review of The Maid {Nita Prose}:
Eh.
So the parts of this book that I like the most had absolutely nothing to do with the mystery. I loved learning about the different characters and the relationships that they formed with each other. In fact, the parts of this book that I liked the LEAST were the parts about the mystery!
I don’t think straight up mysteries are for me. I LOVE psychological thrillers but “who done it” mysteries? Eh. At times I was bored. Obviously psychological thrillers have an element of mystery to them, but it’s the THRILLER element that keeps me intrigued. Without that thriller component, this one just didn’t keep me as entertained. I could easily put this one down in between reading sessions. A good psychological thriller literally CANNOT be put down!
Would I recommend this book? Oh absolutely…if mysteries are your thing.
Loved the characters and loved the relationships between them…but I didn’t love the mystery.
Have you read this book? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link. When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
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)
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