One of my all time favorite book series is The Winter Series by Joanne Demaio. I look forward to reading them every year! HERE is a blog post I wrote 2 years ago all about the first 3 books in the series. I’ll write a post during Blogmas all about where I’m at in the series, my thoughts, etc.
She announced last year that a new Winter book was going to be released THIS FALL (Book #7 in the series)! I have been not so patiently waiting for it’s release and ran to Barnes and Noble a few days after it’s release.
From Instagram:
Spoiler: They didn’t have it.
Aaaaand just a few hours later, LOOK WHAT HAPPENED! Joanne Demaio saw my Instastory and offered to send me a copy of her newest book!
From Instagram:
The Most Perfect Book Mail
And then just 3 days later, look what came in the mail:
Perfection. That book cover, omg. STUNNING.
Ahhhh I can’t WAIT to read this one! I usually start reading holiday books at the beginning of November but I’m thinking I may need to start even a little earlier this year. I don’t want to write the synopsis here because while these ARE stand alone novels, it’s definitely best to read them in order (crossover characters, places, etc.)
Thank you so much for your kindness, Joanne. This book series is so special to me and you just made it even MORE special 🙂
My beautiful collection of all of the books in this series (in order!)
Seriously…how GORGEOUS are these covers?!
Have you read any of these adorable books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Xo,
Jenny
Click the images below (books are listed in order of the series!) 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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1 Abby Jimenez Book That I Loved and 1 Abby Jimenez Book That I Did NOT Love
We have a season pass to the Six Flags amusement park here in IL which is verrrrrry conveniently located right by a Dunkin’ drive thru. That drive thru has somehow become part of our visit on our way home each time! Being outside in the heat riding roller coasters all day calls for an iced coffee…I simply can’t handle hot coffee on these HOT roller coaster days!
***These are reviews of books #2 and #3 in The Friend Zone series! Definitely start by reading book #1 before reading either of these books. You can read all about book #1 (including the book synopsis, my review, and a picture of a cake shaped like a vagina) HERE.***
The Friend Zone Book #2: The Happily After Playlist {Abby Jimenez}
Goodreads Synopsis of The Happily Ever After Playlist {Abby Jimenez}
Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.
Well, Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
My Review of The Happily Ever After Playlist {Abby Jimenez}
Loved it! It’s adorable. The characters, the storylines, all of it…adorable. Totally held my interest enough to breeze right through it just so I could continue on with the series. I wasn’t surprised that I loved it considering how much I loved the first one in this series! Abby Jimenez has a great writing style, I’m a big fan.
So alllll of that being said….
Man, did I NOT enjoy book #3….
The Friend Zone Book #2: Life’s Too Short {Abby Jimenez}
Even reading this book during a beautiful vacation wasn’t enough to make me enjoy it.
Goodreads Synopsis ofLife’s Too Short {Abby Jimenez}:
A brilliant and touching romantic comedy about two polar opposites, one adorable dog, and living each day to its fullest.
When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn’t expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn’t just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn’t want to take anything for granted.
But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, life goes from “daily adventure” to “next-level bad” (now with bonus baby vomit in hair). The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she’d be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.
Now she’s feeling things she’s vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.
My Review ofLife’s Too Short {Abby Jimenez}:
Aaaaaand I didn’t finish it. I read 200 pages and then…I was OUT. And those 200 pages took my significantly longer to read than they should have.
It wasn’t bad, not at all! It was just…completely character driven (which I hate, give me a plot driven book anyday over character driven). So many thoughts, so many feelings, so much drama, so much backstory, just so, so much…eh.
Was it peppered with adorable banter? Yes. Was it sprinkled with adorable situations? Absolutely. Was it enough to keep me reading? Nope.
I loved the first 2 books in this series but this one was a miss for me. I will most likely read the next 2: Part of Your World and Truly Yours…I just need a bit of a breather first. I’ve heard both are wonderful!
Not sure what’s worse…this book or my manicure?
Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:
Book #1: LOVED Book #2: LOVED Book #3: Did NOT Love!!!
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3
Have you read 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 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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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…
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Back in October, my family and I took such a lovely vacation down south (you can read all about our awesome trip HERE). While we were there, I read the most beautiful book: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (you can read about my decision to buy that book HERE and my glooooowing review of that lovely book HERE).
I have been not so patiently waiting for it’s sequel (Things We Hide From The Light) to be released and this was the week! FINALLY! This is one book that I knew I wanted to own so I happily bought myself a copy. Released on Tuesday, purchased on Friday. EXCITED!
Goodreads Synopsis of Things We Hide From the Light {Lucy Score}:
Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.
Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.
Hoping for Sex Scenes
As I mentioned in my review of Things We Never Got Over, the sex scenes were surprisingly HOT and I am crossing alllll of my fingers that the sequel will also deliver the goods. I loved Things We Never Got Over for so many reasons and those awesome sex scenes were such a FUN and unexpected bonus 😉
Bring on the sex!
Just like Things We Never Got Over, Things We Hide From the Light is THICK. Very, very think. Almost 600 pages (589 pages to be exact) thick.
A 3rd Book in The Knockemout Series Will Be Coming in September!
I can’t wait!
As always I’ll share my full review once I finish reading!
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 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)
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BLOGMAS Book Series Review: The Winter Novels 1-3 {Joanne Demaio}
Books 1-3 in the Winter Novels Series
As I mentioned in THIS POST, I took Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer (Book #2) from a Free Little Library last spring. It’s been sitting on my shelf for exactly 8 months just waiting for this holiday season so I could finally read it!
When I reached out to Joanne Demaio, she told me that each of these books are stand alone novels and they don’t need to be read in order. While I agree that you don’t NEED to read them in order, you really SHOULD read them all in order! I absolutely loved how characters would appear from book to book and I loved learning more about their stories as the books progressed. Start with book #1 and read these books in the order in which they were written! You’ll be so happy that you did. I started with Book #2 and although it was ok to then read book #1, I would HIGHLY recommend reading them in order. Just adds to the overall character and story development.
How STUNNING are these book covers??? Each one is more beautiful than the next!
Winter Novels Book Order:
Book #1 Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes
Book #2 Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer
Book #3 Cardinal Cabin
Book #4 First Flurries
Book #5 Eighteen Winters
Book #6 Winter House
So I started with Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer (Book #2) and absolutely loved it. It didn’t take long for me to order the rest of the series on Amazon! HERE is the post where I discuss how I came to purchase the rest of the series.
And here’s a super weird thing. My copy of book #2 (the one that I got at the Free Little Library) smells AWESOME. I don’t know who owned this book before me or what she did to make it smell so beautiful but it’s wonderful and totally added to my enjoyment while reading. Perfume? Body spray? Air freshener? Whatever it is, it smells heavenly…8 months after I brought it home! Thank you random stranger who donated to a Little Free Library! Xo!
This book series is EXACTLY what I needed for them to be. Light, fun, and so perfectly “Christmasy” (is that a word)? It’s like Hallmark movies in book form. Adorable town, adorable residents, adorable EVERYTHING.
During the calendar year I love to read all kinds of books…some light, some heavy, some dramatic, thrillers, mysteries, YA, psychological thrillers, etc. During the holiday season, I ONLY want to read light, adorable, holiday books! This series is PERFECTION.
I am 100 percent, completely in love with the fictional town of Addison, Connecticut. Omg what a DARLING town! I want to live there!
As much as I HATE that I stopped reading after Book #3, I made the decision to do so and to save the other 3 books to read during NEXT year’s holiday season! HERE is the post where I explain why.
Stay tuned: Book Coffee Happy Blogmas 2022 already has 3 books waiting to be reviewed…and I can tell you that I love them already without even cracking open the covers.
Will keep these 3 beautiful books safely in my “To Read Stack” until the 2022 holiday season!
Can’t read to return to Addison next Christmas!
Bottom Line:
Absolutely loving this series. Perfect books to read during the holiday season!
Have you read these books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Click the images below to order these books through my Amazon affiliate links. When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo
Book #1:
Book #2:
Book #3:
Book #4:
Book #5:
Book #6:
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Do you remember from THIS POST when I said that I hadn’t bought myself a birthday present yet this year? Well, I now have and I think it’s a lovely present indeed. 5 new books!
I discussed this story before but I’ll quickly summarize the backstory in fragments: Last spring, Little Free Library, found book, took book, researched book, discovered it was #2 in a series, emailed author, was told although it’s a series each book can be read as a standalone novel, waited until holiday season to start reading, read book.
Ok now that you are all caught up, let’s move on.
So I read Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer, absolutely LOVED it (review coming soon), and immediately decided I needed book #1. My library didn’t have it so I made a quick Amazon order and my new book arrived within 48 hours.
Halfway through reading Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes (book #1), I decided that I definitely wanted to read the rest of this series! I’m just loving it so much! At this point I was also in search of a birthday present for myself and suddenly I knew just what to do.
A few clicks later and the other 5 books had been ordered. I’m loving this adorable town in this series so much and I’m just not ready to leave the wonderful little town of Addison, Connecticut!
If you are looking for a super light, small town, Christmas, feel good, heartwarming, Hallmark movie type book series….this series is GREAT so far. I’m currently reading book #3 (Cardinal Cabin). I am absolutely loving this small town and it’s adorably lovable residents so much. This series is WONDERFUL and makes my heart so happy.
Side Note: These are some of the most beautiful book covers I’ve ever seen. How absolutely gorgeous are these books???
Thank you SO MUCH to whoever put Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer in that Little Free Library last spring! Because of you, I’ve had the most lovely few weeks getting to know the residents of this adorable little town. Absolutely perfect books to read this time of year to fill my heart with holiday spirit!
It’s definitely taken a few years but I have FINALLY found another worthy holiday series to read during the holiday season after reading THIS SERIES (which I LOVED) years ago.
***NOTE***
While I agree that each of these books can be read as stand alone novels, I do recommend reading them in order. Some characters/storylines make appearances in each book and reading them in the proper order just adds to the overall storyline development.
Here is the order of the books in this series (The title of this series is The Winter Novels):
Book 1:Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes
Book 2:Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer
Book 3:Cardinal Cabin
Book 4:First Flurries
Book 5:Eighteen Winters
Book 6:Winter House
I can’t wait to share my thoughts on each of these individual books with you soon!
Have any of you read any of these books? I’d love to hear your thoughts! I had never heard of them until I found book #2 in that Little Free Library! Hands down my most favorite Little Free Library find EVER.
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:
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Book Coffee Happy 