Tag: #bookblog

Book Review: Read This Book. Today.

I have a full review of an AMAZING (adult) book to share with you today!  But first…a bit about what my kids are currently enjoying 🙂

Thanks so much for the love on my last post. 1 year feels like such a big milestone to me and I’ve been feeling great about it all week 🙂  Happy 1st Birthday, Book Coffee Happy!

Bring it on, Year 2!

My daughter brought home this book from her school library and it was AWFUL but watching my kids read it together was adorable (for the record they loved it and so did my husband).

My 1 and only favorite joke in the whole book. This one actually did make me laugh out loud 🙂

She also brought home an “I Spy” book from her school library…I LOVE I SPY BOOKS!  If you haven’t heard of these, they are so fantastic.  When I was a teacher,  my students LOVED these…and I love doing them now with my own kids.  My son was so proud when he found something that both my daughter and I were unable to!

**Amazon affiliate link for you to order I Spy books below**

And now…A Book Review of a FANTASTIC book.  If you haven’t read this, RUN to the library or the bookstore STAT:

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.

Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.

It was everything.

She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

5 Stars

Omg this book. It’s AWESOME. I literally couldn’t put it down. It was intense, spooky, twisted, and PERFECT.

This book was CREEPY. Like…CREEPY. Ruth Ware sure knows how to utilize adjectives in her descriptive writing, lol. I could feel my heart rate speed up as I read! Loved, loved, loved it.  So intense.  So amazing.  YES.

Pro Tip: I read a portion of this book at 3am while an insane thunderstorm was happening. The glows of lightening and the cracks of thunder outside my bedroom window complimented this story perfectly. Check your local weather forecast before starting this book…I highly recommend reading it during a thunderstorm.  Adds to the whole spooky and intense experience.

I had so many predictions while I was reading and I’m happy to report that I was wrong on every single one of them. Every single one!  LOVE. THAT. There’s nothing worse than correctly predicting an intense story such as this one. Literally kept me guessing until the very last page.  And that last page was AWESOME.  Omg I loved this book so much.

Please make this into a movie. Please make this into a movie. Please make this into a movie. And…I don’t even enjoy watching movies but I would totally watch this one.

I also really enjoyed Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 although I enjoyed this one more. I recommend both but I do think this one really stands out!

Bottom Line:

Read this. You’ll love it. Especially during a creepy thunderstorm.  Perfection.

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Click the images below to order the books through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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

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

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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Happy 1st Birthday to Book Coffee Happy!

I have been faithfully reading other people’s blogs every single day since 2007. I absolutely love them and have always wanted one my own…a place to create, share, and have fun. Exactly 1 year ago on September 10, 2018, I decided to take the plunge and officially introduce my blog that I had previously quietly been working on to the world. Its scary to put yourself out there like that and I’m so thankful that I did.

Happy 1st Birthday, Book Coffee Happy!

When I first started blogging, I had a grand total of 6 readers. My husband, my parents, and my 3 best friends. 1 year later and I have 644 blog followers, 1,228 Instagram followers, 663 Facebook followers, and 472 Twitter followers. I also have a YouTube channel with a handful of subscribers 🙂 I’m thankful to each and every person who is following me on all platforms in this blogging journey.

1 year ago today…

It’s the best hobby I’ve ever had. I’ve learned so much…I created a website and actively keep it running for an entire year which is something I never thought I could do! I’m incredibly proud of that and this 1 year anniversary truly feels like a celebration to me.  I’m a big believer in always trying to learn new things and this blog has most definitely been a learning experience for me.

It hasn’t been easy (thank God for Google searches, YouTube how to videos, and WordPress tech supporters) but it’s been so worth it. This space is something I’m so proud of. It’s good for me and has given me such a fun and the creative outlet to share my love of reading alongside bits of my personal life.

One of the hardest parts of blogging is the fact that I’m such a perfectionist and this is all so new to me.  I’m learning while publicly publishing posts which aren’t always 100 percent perfect.  But that’s life, right?  This blog is a reflection of me…and I am most definitely NOT 100 percent perfect 🙂  I’ve given myself the grace to make mistakes over this past year which is definitely NOT something that has been easy for me.  I’ve also learned that presenting something with mistakes is better than not presenting anything at all. And this applies to so much more than just blogging 🙂

Over the past year, this blog has opened up so many doors for me and has given me some truly amazing experiences:

I have been sent a total of 19 Books to read, review, and host giveaways for on my blog:

(Full blog review and giveaway of The Unbreakables By Lisa Barr coming soon!)

I attended Lit Fest 2019

I attended the Midwest Writers Association Meeting

I was offered a job leading storytime at Whimsy Play Cafe in Buffalo Grove twice a week (the cafe owner was a blog reader!) Here’s a (very blurry) link to see what I do there:

I loved the interaction from other bloggers/vloggers on THIS POST  and on THIS POST. I found so many new blogs/vlogs to love!  If you are a blogger or a vlogger, feel free to add your link to each of those posts.

I enjoyed rounding up some favorite books to include on my Spring Break 2019 Book Recommendation List and also on my Pregnancy/New Parents/Baby Shower Gifts Recommendation List.

You can read my very post blog post HERE!  It’s super impersonal, lol.

At this time last year I had no idea how to use Instagram or Twitter. 1 year later and I’m LOVING Instagram! I post a new Instagram story at least once a day (usually multiple times throughout the day) and it’s FUN. It’s a fun place for me to actually talk about day to day life in videos as opposed to written words.  Love it!  As for Twitter, I’m still over here trying to figure it all out, lol…work in progress 🙂

Aaaaaaand along with the amazing experiences this year also came some not so amazing experiences.  My broken elbow, my food poisioning which turned out to be a horrific stomach flu, and my car accident all top that unfortunate list.  Ugh.

For every person who has commented on a blog post, clicked the “like” button, commented, or shared on a Facebook post, mentioned me in an Instagram story, retweeted my tweets on Twitter, or interacted with me in any other way on social media…thank you. All of these things will help my hobby to GROW and I’m incredibly thankful to you.

For every author who has reached out and has so graciously offered to send me a copy of their book to review and share with my readers…thank you!

For every person who has purchased something through my Amazon affiliate links…thank you.

And most importantly, for every person who has recommended my blog to a fellow book lover…thank you.

I have met some lovely people and have made some lovely new friends as a result of this blog!  I’ve even had people come up to me in public and introduce themselves as blog readers!  I LOVE THAT!  Just 3 days ago, a lady came up to me at a local park and introduced herself because she recognized me from my Disney video 🙂

To my very first blog readers: Jon, Mom, Dad, Amy, Barbara, and Beth…I love you all so much!

Jon, you were the very first person I told that I wanted to do this and I said, “Want to hear a crazy idea?  I think I want to start writing a blog!” and you said, “I don’t think that’s crazy at all, I think you should and I think you’d be great!” Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me. Thank you for working so hard and providing for our family which in turn then allows me the opportunity to write this blog.  I love you so much 🙂

And lastly…my children. I have never shown their faces or said their names on here which has been HARD. I am literally obsessed with my kids and I’m a Stay at Home Mom so writing this blog without including them feels like I’m sharing myself but without sharing my heart. Maybe one day I will introduce you to them but for now, thank you for respecting their privacy. Spoiler: They are the 2 most gorgeous kids on Earth.

 

 

 

My favorite posts are hands down the ones about my personal life:

My (Now Ruined) Favorite Library

My Birthday

Walt Disney World Vacation

My 3 Best Friends and My Amazing College Experience

Reading at the Ronald McDonald House

Michigan Getaway with Jon

I’ve blogged about some amazing books over the past year, made some lovely new friends over the past year, and have successfully accomplished something that has always been such a dream for me.

I have so many ideas, plans, and goals for this space moving forward. I can’t wait to make them happen.

Happy 1st Birthday, Book Coffee Happy!

And because…well, life…

I was so excited to eat my perfect looking blog birthday cupcake but was struggling with how to eat it with my son sound asleep on me. I took this selfie and literally 1 second later…

The blog birthday cupcake toppled off the plate and landed frosting side down directly on top of both of us. My husband (who was sitting next to us) immediately jumped up, saved the cupcake, cleaned everything up, got me a fork, and told me that maybe this should tell me to stop taking so many selfies.

Side Note: I’ll never stop taking selfies.

The deconstructed version of the perfect blog birthday cupcake was delicious and my son stayed asleep throughout the whole ordeal.

Next year’s newest blog goal: to eat Book Coffee Happy’s 2nd birthday cupcake whole and without having to use a fork 🙂

Happy 1st Birthday, Book Coffee Happy!

Birthdays include gifts. The gift I would love would be to hear the title of a book you have read and loved which you discovered because of my blog! Please comment here on this blog post, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter…wherever!  I can’t wait to see which books I have introduced you to! My heart will be so happy to know that I’ve done that for you 🙂

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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

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

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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Books That I’ll {Probably} Never Read Tag

A big thank you to Never Not Reading for tagging me in this fun book tag!  I love participating in these!  This was a fun one to fill out 🙂

I obviously don’t have a desire to read any of the following books…but maybe you do!  If so, click the images of each book below to order them through my Amazon affiliate links.  When you order through these links, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

A really hyped book that you’re not interested in reading:

People LOVE this book and yet I have ZERO desire to read it.  This Facebook post that I wrote back in April pretty much sums up my feelings on this one.  I just don’t get the hype and honestly I’m not willing to read it to find out why everyone loves it so much.  I’ll probably get a lot of backlash on this…have you read it???  I truly don’t think I ever will.

A series you won’t start/won’t be finishing:

I started reading this series for the same reason everyone started reading this series, lol. #taboosex (now there’s a hashtag I haven’t used before, lol). The writing was awful but honestly…was anybody REALLY expecting the writing to be award winning???  I read the first 2 books but by the 3rd, it was more about their love than about their sex life.  And if I want to read a good love story, there are so many better ones out there.  Never even opened the 3rd and then this happened…

LOVE.  I hope the residents are enjoying them 😉

A classic you’re not interested in:

Nope.  Nope.  Nope.

A book on your shelf you’ll probably never actually read:

I’m never reading this book.  My husband plans to but I have no desire.  If Olivia Pope couldn’t keep me interested in political drama, I highly doubt James Patterson will be able to.  I officially gave up on Scandal after 4 seasons and I’m officially giving up on this book before I even open to page 1.  Not for me.

What books will you (probably) never read?  

I tag:

Bookmark Your Thoughts

Amanda’s Book Review

Bookapotamus

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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

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

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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Don’t Ever Judge a Book By It’s Cover…Except for This One.

Being in a book rut is the worst.  Although I didn’t love this book, at least I enjoyed it enough to finish and review it!  Overall, it was just eh…not great, not horrible.

Before I get into my feelings on this book, I just want to thank all of you SO MUCH for your responses to my last post.  That day truly was such a beautiful experience and it ended in such an awful way.  I still don’t have my SUV back…apparently the damages to it were quite involved.  Ugh.  I’ve said it a million times since this happened and I’ll say it once more:  This could have all been SO MUCH worse!  I’m extraordinarily thankful that it wasn’t.  Your comments and messages were absolutely lovely and I am thankful for each and every one of them, thank you all so much!

And now…on to my review of a very mediocre book, lol:

(Above book image is an affiliate link)

Synopsis from Goodreads:

THE WIFE: For Alice, life has never been better. With her second husband, she has a successful business, two children, and a beautiful house.

HER HUSBAND: Alice knows that life could have been different if her first husband had lived, but Nathan’s arrival into her life gave her back the happiness she craved.

HER BEST FRIEND: Through the ups and downs of life, from celebratory nights out to comforting each other through loss, Alice knows that with her best friend Beth by her side, they can survive anything together. So when Nathan starts acting strangely, Alice turns to Beth for help. But soon, Alice begins to wonder whether her trust has been misplaced . . .

The first mistake could be her last.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

3 Stars

Eh.

I like going into a book with at least a BIT of understanding of what the book will be about.  The above synopsis is exactly what is written on the back of the book…and it’s so vague!  Even before I started reading, I was confused about what this book was going to be about.  Turns out, my feelings were valid.

Even the cover of this book is confusing, lol.  I have an ARC (advanced reader copy) so the final version doesn’t look like this…but this version?  Super weird.  I get that they are trying to market this is a creative way but unfortunately it’s just so random.  The front is all creepy with this random removable 2 sided card. Check this out:

So then you take out the card, flip it over, and you are able to learn the title and the author of the book you’re holding.

So then you open the cover and…Ta Da!  The actual book cover…???

Weird.  My daughter was all, “Are you reading a book all about roses?”  I wasn’t even sure how to answer her because I’M not even sure what this book was truly about, lol.

This book had WAY too many characters, storylines (especially insignificant ones), and timelines.  It was confusing at times!  A few of the twists I figured out before I was supposed to, a few I didn’t.  None of them were completely shocking.  Not nearly as much character development for certain characters as there were for others.  Overall just kind of eh.

The ending was abrupt, unrealistic, and unsatisfying.  Kind of like the rest of the book 🙂  Also, there were parts of the ending which absolutely INFURIATED me.

HOWEVER, this random covered book held my interest enough for me to keep reading until the very end.  This is more than I can say for the last 2 books I’ve read so at least there’s that!

I posted this on Facebook 2 days ago:

I will say this: I didn’t love this book but I DID love the kind gesture of my friend Melissa (from Chick Lit Central) sharing it with me!  If you haven’t yet visited Chick Lit Central, you are in for such a treat, it’s wonderful 🙂  XO Melissa!!!  Thank you for your kindness and for your friendship:)

Bottom Line:

If you are looking to read a Sandie Jones book, I would definitely recommend reading this one instead.

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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

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

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

Obviously I didn’t love it…but you might!  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

Reading at the Ronald McDonald House and My Car Accident

A few months ago, I was contacted by a wonderful company called Balloons asking if I would like to participate in a Back to School event which they were hosting at the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago. I immediately said yes and that I would love to hold a storytime for the kids staying there and also for their families.  For those who don’t know, I was an elementary school teacher for 14 years and I currently lead a storytime twice a week at a local play cafe.  Aaaaand obviously I have a passion for reading 😉

If you aren’t familiar with the Ronald McDonald House and all that it offers for families, here is a brief description from their website:

We exist so families can get better together. Helping a sick child fight their illness takes a huge emotional toll on a family. Adding a financial strain can make it all almost too much to bear. We help address those problems, whether it involves providing housing near a hospitalized child, furnishing a place to rest within the hospital, or bringing free healthcare to children in under-served areas of Chicago.                                                                                    

I was prepared to have a nice experience at this event.  I was NOT prepared to have a magical experience at this event.  Magic is the only word I can use to describe the beauty of that night.

On Saturday August 17th, I headed downtown and was honored to participate alongside face painters, a magician, live music, arts and crafts, etc. for the children and their families who were staying at the Ronald McDonald House.  The event itself was amazing, the families were amazing, and the entire experience for everyone involved was amazing.

I was absolutely blown away by the beauty inside of that building from the incredibly kind staff, the wonderful amenities, and the beautiful families.

My puppets (Shelley and Manu Manu) came with me:

I brought TONS of books with me to read:

It’s hard to express exactly how much doing that storytime meant to me.  I met amazing children, some of whom were able to participate using words and some who weren’t.  Some who seemed to be the picture of health and some who moaned from being in pain. I read them stories about dinosaurs, pigs, and dancing dogs.  I brought a mermaid puppet, a dragon puppet, and lots of stickers.  I sang songs.  I hugged parents who were crying and listened to their stories about their children and what led them there.  I watched as not only the littlest people in the room but also their whole families were momentarily taken away from whatever pain they having while enjoying magical stories that I was able to provide.

Books have a magical way of allowing the reader the briefest escape from reality, even just for a few moments.

(Photo Credit: Balloons)

(Photo Credit: ZShare Photovisions)

(Photo Credit: ZShare Photovisions)

Other Event Highlights included Balloons keychains for each child:

Backpacks filled with school supplies for each child:

(Photo Credit: Balloons)

(Photo Credit: Balloons)

Click the following link to watch a 1 minute video from the event (Video Credit: ZShare Photovisions, Rabble Dabble, Balloons,)

View this post on Instagram

08/17/2019; @rmhccni X @balloons.us ———————————————— 66 Families, 15 Volunteers, Magicians, Story-Tellers, Face-painters, Arts & Crafts, Live Music & more. The ultimate back to school party✊🏼 • It means the world to us, to have had the opportunity to bring smiles to these families’ faces this past Saturday. Thank you @rmhccni for letting us come hangout! ———————————————— For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, they focus on helping sick children fight serious illness by providing housing near the child’s treatment center. They also take the emotional & financial strain away from these families by providing proper health care, free of charge. 🎥@zshare_photovisions 🎥@rabbledabble

A post shared by BALLOONS® (@balloons.us) on

After the event was over, we were given a tour of the amazing and beautiful facility.  Admittingly I was seeing most of it through the tears in my eyes.  What a special place this is and I had absolutely no idea all that this amazing organization provides.  If you are looking for a meaningful way to volunteer your time, I would HIGHLY encourage you to reach out.  What a beautiful place this is in every single way.

Stunning Meditation Room:

When a child comes to the Ronald McDonald house, they are able to choose a toy from their incredible toy closet:

I left with tears in my eyes and gratitude in my heart.

 

While driving home, I was so caught up in my thoughts and reflections on the incredible night that I had just been a part of and suddenly this happened…

Ugh.

I’m ok and so was the person in the other car.  I was sore, emotionally shaken, and a bit lightheaded for a few days afterward.  I still have a scab across my chest from where my seatbelt dug into my skin.

It could have been SO MUCH WORSE.  I’m extremely thankful.

My SUV is still being repaired and as of today, they estimate I will have it back in about 10 more days. It is pretty messed up.

Most importantly, my kids weren’t in the car.  When the police officer at the scene noticed that I had 2 car seats in my backseat, he asked if my children were in the car at the time of the accident.  I started sobbing out of gratitude when I said that they were peacefully sleeping at home with my husband.

I refuse to allow the awful ending to be the event which outshadows the beautiful beginning of that night.  It really was such a special and meaningful night…

To say that I was emotionally drained from EVERYTHING last Saturday night once I got home would be a gigantic understatement. My husband came outside and met me in our driveway to hug me as I sobbed.

A huge thank you to Balloons for hosting and inviting me to participate in such a meaningful and beautiful evening.  I was so incredibly honored to be a part of it.

Count me in for next year…although I just may have someone else drive 😉

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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

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

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

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*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

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Book Rut, Bachelorette, Laundry Basket Reading, New Food Find, I’m Terrified

Well.  Being in a book rut has allowed me the special opportunity to do something I truly didn’t think was ever going to happen. Over the past few weeks, I have watched TEN episodes of The Bachelorette and officially finished the finale this morning!  I had pretty much written it off thinking there was no way I could catch up…and then I started reading books that I hated and…BAM…I suddenly had tons of free time to spend watching Hannah B.!

Side note: I am usually WEEKS (sometimes months) behind on all shows because any free time I have is usually devoted to books!

I promise not to give anything away but I WILL say that I think Hannah might be my least favorite bachelorette of all time and she continuously sent home all of the wrong people throughout the season.  I’m now on pins and needles waiting to see who the next Bachelor will be!  Come on, ABC!  Announce it already!  I’ll write who I’m hoping for in the comments below.  There are 2 men I would so LOVE to see as the Bachelor!

I have zero pictures of me reading since I clearly haven’t been…but I DO have a picture of my children reading together in a laundry basket so here you go, lol.  At least some people in this house have been reading!

As for what I’m going to read next, I’m still deciding.  Thank you all so much for sending me your book suggestions!  As much as I would love to take a trip to the library, I really should read the books I have here so I can get them out of my house!

And since I really have nothing to say about books and this post is so completely random…here is my newest food obsession from Trader Joe’s:

Have you tried this?!?  Boil for 6 minutes, toss with a little bit of olive oil, and dinner is  served.  DELICIOUS.  My husband hates the smell, my daughter hates the taste, and my son won’t even look at it.  I’m OBSESSED.  It’s so good (and beautiful)!

And finally (again nothing to do with books), I posted this on my personal Facebook account a few days ago and it’s too amazing not to share.  My sweet, beautiful, loving  2nd grade daughter brought this home from school…

What.  The.  HELL?!?

I’m going to find something around here to read and crack it open tonight…send prayers that my book rut will officially end asap!!!

This is truly the most random post I’ve written since I started blogging 🙂  Thanks for sticking around…fingers crossed I’ll have some literary reflections for you soon!

Did you watch The Bachelorette?  What were your thoughts?  Who do you want to be the next Bachelor?

Xo,

Jenny

This blog is my favorite hobby and I would so love your support!  Here are ways you can help my blog to GROW:

*Please share this page with your book and blog loving friends!*

*Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)*

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

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

*Follow me on Instagram*

*Follow me on Twitter*

*Subscribe to my YouTube channel*

*Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.*

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

I Hate This Book.

Hate is a strong word.  It’s more like…I just don’t care about this book.  The characters, the mystery, the back stories.  Sometimes in life you just need to take your own advice and close the cover.  Put the book down.  Move on.

I tried. I did. I made it to page 69…and then officially called it quits.

I just couldn’t get into it. It was dark, it was weird, it was boring…it was just not for me.

People on Bookstagram (Instagram for book lovers) have been RAVING about this book.  Maybe if I had stuck with it a bit longer?  However, my theory remains that there are too many good books out there for me to have to “stick” with any of them.  I usually try to at least read 100 pages but this time?  Eh.

Perhaps if the library due date wasn’t here (without an option to renew) I may have a different opinion.  But knowing that I would have to PAY to keep reading???  Nope.

My son and I have lots of errands to run this afternoon and a quick stop by the library return drop box will most definitely be included in them.

I was SO excited to read this!  I’ve been waiting for months and I’m super disappointed!  I absolutely hate when this happens.

Peace out, The Silent Patient

Ugh.

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

8 Ways You Can Help Support Book Coffee Happy:

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Obviously I don’t recommend this book…but if you do buy it, I would love if you would do it through my Amazon link, lol!

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

What Are YOU Currently Reading?

Hi Friends!

Over the past 9 months I have shared alllllll of my feelings on books.  I have updated you on what I’ve been currently reading, books I have read in the past, and books that I can’t wait to read in the future.

Today it’s your turn 🙂

I want to hear from YOU!  In the comments below, tell me what YOU are currently reading!  I love posts like these because people feed off each other and learn about some great books.  I will often host discussions like this on my Facebook page but I’ve never done one on my blog…today is the day!

Please comment down below with the book title that you are currently reading.  Feel free to share your thoughts on it but absolutely NO SPOILERS!  Don’t be that person who ruins books for other people (aka my enemies)…

Have fun with this!  The more people who comment the more book ideas we can all get.  Absolutely feel free to reply to other comments as well!

I’ll leave the first comment…although the jury is still out on whether or not I will end up recommending this book once I finish.  IF I finish…Ugh.

Xo,

Jenny

What I Read, What I’m Reading, The Book I Can’t WAIT to Read, and 3 Giveaway Winners!

Happy Friday!

If you follow my Instagram Stories, you already know that yesterday morning I finished reading this book:

LOVED. IT. One of the best books I’ve read in 2019! There will be a full review and giveaway coming soon…stay tuned 🙂

I started reading this one which has been on my list for months:

Have you read either of these? I would love to hear your (spoiler free) thoughts in the comments!

As for the book that I can’t WAIT to read…I’m still waiting.  And I’m annoyed.  I’ve been waiting for this book to finally be released and now that it has…I’m still waiting.  I WANT TO READ THIS ONE SO BADLY!  Ugh.  From my Instagram stories:

Hidden Treasure Giveaway Winners:

Thank you to everyone who entered the Hidden Treasure Giveaway! Congratulations to:

Jackie (I have found lots of goodies to use in my classroom at garage sales.)

Sheri (I found a great glittery silver shirt in college that became my “going out” shirt.)

Valerie (Thanks for helping me learn about this book series – it sounds wonderful! I’ve found so many beautiful books at thrift stores, but one of my favorite recent finds was a 14-DVD set of a treasured British tv show (Larkrise to Candleford). It retails on Amazon for $70 and I paid $2.99!!)

Ladies, email me your mailing address if you are located in the US or your email address if you are located internationally (bookcoffeehappy@gmail.com) and you will receive your signed copies asap!  Enjoy 🙂

I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of laughter, love…and books!

Xo,

Jenny

8 Ways You Can Help Support Book Coffee Happy:

1. 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)

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

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

4. Follow me on Instagram

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Subscribe to my YouTube channel

7. 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.

8. Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page

Click each image below to read the synopsis and 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


Book Series Review: Slightly Series {Wendy Markham}

Wendy Markham’s Slightly Series is an adorable book series.  I have my review below but first…

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?

Ours was filled with family time, pool time, and friends time.  AKA: perfection!  As I posted on Instagram, I baked these cupcakes for my besties and their families over the weekend and they were a hit!

I love baking 🙂

As I was thinking of a book to review for you today, I remembered this adorable book series that I LOVED reading many years ago.  Have you heard of this series?

There are 5 total books in Wendy Markham’s Slightly Series:

Book 1: Slightly Single

Book 2: Slightly Settled

Book 3: Slightly Engaged

Book 4: Slightly Married

Book 5: Slightly Suburban

Synopsis from Goodreads:

(This is the synopsis from Book #1: Slightly Single)

A heat wave in Manhattan is enough to drive a girl crazy, and for Tracey Spadolini, a 24-year old New York transplant who’s been “left behind” for the summer, there’s even more to sweat about. Her Slightly Significant Other, Will, will be returning from summer stock in September, to pick up where they left off. (Or will he?)

But, in the days after Will’s departure, Tracey decides it’s time for a reality check. Her un-air-conditioned East Village apartment is a dump, her entry-level ad job sucks, her thighs don’t seem to be getting any thinner, and Will seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. So, Tracey, with the help of her friends and one very attentive guy, decides to spend her summer reinventing herself . . . and taking a chance on liking the new woman she becomes.

A refreshingly honest account of universal female dilemmas, Slightly Single is an engaging story of one young woman’s search for happiness.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

I read this entire series over the course of a few weeks riiiiiiiight around the time I got engaged, planning my wedding, and was house hunting in suburbia while trying to sell my “single girl” condo in the city.  It was the PERFECT time to read these books and I loved going through all of the major life milestones right alongside the main character (not a spoiler…see book titles above).

My personal life was an amazing whirlwind between 2009 and 2010.  I got engaged, planned my wedding, sold my condo in Chicago, moved back home with my parents in the suburbs for 3 months, got married, went on our honeymoon, closed on our house 3 days after we returned, moved in with Jon in his apartment in Chicago, and finally…we left the city together and moved into our suburban home.  All while working full time.  It was such a crazy, stressful, exhausting, and AMAZING chapter in my life!

I LOVED reading this book series throughout that time!  I bought the first 3 books all at once knowing I was going to love them…and I so did.  The bookstore didn’t have the other 2 books in stock and so I immediately ordered them online (Fun Fact: I believe this to be my very first ever online purchase (it was 2009), lol).

Much like with this series, I do have to wonder if I would love these books as much today now that I’m in my (very early) 40’s as much as I did when I was in my (very early) 30’s???  I don’t remember specific details of these books but I believe a major part of the appeal was that the characters were experiencing all of life’s major milestones right along side me.

Bottom Line:

Light, cute, easy reads…especially if you are in the middle of these major life milestones.

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Check back here on Wednesday….I have an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY that I’ll be hosting for an adorable book!  Can’t wait!

Xo,

Jenny

8 Ways You Can Help Support Book Coffee Happy:

1. 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)

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

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

4. Follow me on Instagram

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Subscribe to my YouTube channel

7. 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.

8. Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page

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