Tag: bookreview

**Children’s Book GIVEAWAY** (3 Winners)! A Bag for Santa {Kendra Esbrook}

Happy Hump Day, Friends!

I hope you are having a great week.  We are slowly still getting back into routine after having almost a week off of school for Thanksgiving Break and an unexpected (but so glorious) snow day!

The snow is slowly starting to melt and it’s making me sad.  I’m already ready for another huge snowstorm!  I just love winter so much.  Everything is so breathtakingly beautiful here right now, I could never live in a place that didn’t get snow!

What I DON’T love is the fact that my town apparently has some new kind of fancy LED stoplights and they don’t melt the snow when they are covered (insert face plant emoji here).  I live in a large town!  In a suburb of CHICAGO!  This is not the first time we’ve had snow in this area…It’s insane. There have been tons of car accidents over the past few days while the fire department is apparently trying to manually clear them off.  How crazy is that?!  It’s been scary to drive around here…but not scary enough that I was prevented from picking up Chinese food for dinner last night.  #priorities #favoritefood

I have such a great giveaway for you today!  But first..Day 2 of the Quotes Challenge:

3 Days 3 Quotes Challenge

Thank you so much Facing the Story for nominating me to take part in the 3 Days, 3 Quotes Challenge! Here are the rules:

RULES:

  • Thank the person who nominated you.
  • Post one quote per day for three days.
  • Nominate three blogs per day to take part in this challenge.

I don’t post every single day but I am taking part in this for 3 consecutive blog posts. You can read my favorite quote of all time that I posted on Day 1 here: SNOW, My Favorite Quote, and a Book Review: Little Fires Everywhere {Celeste Ng}

And for Day 2, here’s my favorite quote that perfectly sums up the relationship between my 3 best friends and I:

“Here’s to the nights that turned into mornings with the friends that turned into family”

There isn’t a better quote to describe us!  I’ve actually been saying this quote to them for years.  Love you, girls (you can read more about our special relationship here: 4 Best Friends, 1 Alma Mater)

I tag:

Mud and Stars

Asha-A Cat, A Book, and a Cup of Tea

Cennins Book Reviews

And now…a GIVEAWAY!!!

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I absolutely LOVE this book.  Like…really love.  The message behind it basically is for kids to leave toys they no longer play with in a bag for Santa.  Santa’s elves can fix them up to be like new again and can give them to other kids so they can have presents on Christmas.  Santa takes the toys but leaves the bag behind so kids can fill it up year after year.

Each book comes with this awesome (large) bag for children to fill with toys that they no longer play with and can leave for Santa:

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This would be a perfect book for any parent, grandparent, or teacher.  As a former teacher myself, I can easily imagine the wonderful class discussion about charity and generosity that could occur after reading this aloud.  My students would have loved this book!

As a fun bonus…check out the adorable way this book and bag were shipped to me!  When I opened my mailbox, I was greeted by the cutest and most festive packaging.  If you win this giveaway, yours will also be shipped from the author in this adorable packaging!  If you don’t have children at your house, this can be shipped to another address where a child can be greeted with this adorable package.  I couldn’t wait to rip it open!

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It’s such a cute book with such an important message.  Teaching children about the importance of charity is a year round lesson but especially during the holiday season.  The illustrations are wonderful, the rhyming is wonderful, everything about this book is wonderful.  I absolutely loved reading it.  The icing on the cake is that a portion of each book sold goes to Toys for Tots.

A Conversation with Kendra Esbrook, in her own words:

Briefly give a description of your book:

Christmas is just around the corner! David and Will are busy making their list for Santa. Suddenly a troublesome thought enters their minds; what if the Elves can’t make all the toys?  The boys have a brilliant idea, one that will help Santa get toys to everyone when the elves are behind.

How did you create the idea for your book?

I’m a stay-at-home mom who wanted a better tradition than Elf on the Shelf. I wanted my kids to understand the joy of giving. So when I saw all the personalized bags from Santa to the kids being sold I asked my friend to make us one from the kids to Santa, and we started leaving old toys for him. I couldn’t believe no one else had written about it yet, so I did!

What audience would be most interested in your book?

Anyone who believes in Christmas magic.

Where can your book be purchased?

Amazing page to come… for now just here:

 

Use 3 adjectives to describe your book:

Heartwarming, merry, inspirational

***GIVEAWAY***

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this adorable story?

I have THREE copies of A Bag for Santa to give away!  THREE!

The autographed books will be mailed directly to the winners (US only for this giveaway).  To be entered, please complete these 2 simple steps:

1. Follow and/or subscribe to my blog

2. Leave a comment below telling me your favorite thing about the holiday season

**You must complete both of these steps to be eligible for the giveaway**

Giveaway will end Friday morning at 6:00 CDT and the 3 winners will be randomly chosen and announced in Friday morning’s blog post.

Make sure you check back on Friday to see if you’ve won (you will have 48 hours from the time I post the winners to email me your mailing address.  If I don’t hear from you, I will pick a new winner).

If you already follow and/or subscribe to my blog, you are still eligible…just leave a comment below to be entered 🙂

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

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

SNOW, My Favorite Quote, and a Book Review: Little Fires Everywhere {Celeste Ng}

There is a ridiculously amazingly awesome amount of snow here! I. LOVE. WINTER. My children are home from school, my husband is home from work, and my heart is so very happy. We are safe, we are warm, and my father is coming over this afternoon for the annual “Snow Picnic” that my kids wait all year for. It’s going to be a good day.  A very good day indeed.

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3 Days 3 Quotes Challenge

Thank you so much Facing the Story for nominating me to take part in the 3 Days, 3 Quotes Challenge! I gladly accept 🙂 Here are the rules:

RULES:

  • Thank the person who nominated you.
  • Post one quote per day for three days.
  • Nominate three blogs per day to take part in this challenge.

I don’t post every single day but I will take part in this for 3 consecutive blog posts. For Day 1, I’ll leave my absolute favorite quote of all time:

“I always knew I’d look back on the times I had cried and laugh but I never knew I’d look back on the times I had laughed and cry.”

That quote was written in my senior yearbook from high school as my favorite quote and over 20 years later it’s still my favorite. Since becoming a mother, it has taken on an entirely new meaning! I love it so much and I think of it often.

I tag:

Jennifer Tar Heel Reader 

Flowers In The Brain

Dirty Sci Fi Buddha

I’m looking forward to reading your favorite quotes!

And now..a book review:

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

Everyone in Shaker Heights was talking about it that summer: how Isabelle, the last of the Richardson children, had finally gone around the bend and burned the house down.

In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is meticulously planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the colours of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules.

Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother – who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the alluring mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past, and a disregard for the rules that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community.

When the Richardsons’ friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town and puts Mia and Mrs. Richardson on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Mrs. Richardson becomes determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs to her own family – and Mia’s.

Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of long-held secrets and the ferocious pull of motherhood-and the danger of believing that planning and following the rules can avert disaster, or heartbreak.

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)

4 Stars

When this book was first released last year, it was literally FLYING off of the shelves.  I was #32 on the library wait list and painfully checked the library website every single day to see how many readers were in front of me (does anyone else do this??)  My family and I were on a vacation in Mexico during the painful wait list time.  I was reading (and not enjoying) this book (click the link to read my review): A Stranger in the House {Shari Lapena} while the lady next to me at the pool was casually lounging and reading Little Fires Everywhere (affiliate)! I was so jealous!  I kept glaring at her and she obviously had no idea why, lol (although some of that could have been that she was spending more time talking to her husband than actually reading the book and clearly didn’t realize how lucky she was to be holding it but I digress).

We came home from our glorious Mexican vacation and a few weeks later…I got THE call!  The book was waiting for me!  I drove straight to the library that day, I couldn’t WAIT to dig into this book.

My thoughts in a nutshell?

This book was great…but…I don’t think it quite deserves all of the hype that it has received.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved it.  Like everyone does.  The story lines as well as the characters were complex, detailed, and interesting, Ng did a brilliant job of intertwining all of the characters and it made for a very interesting and intriguing read.  However, with all of the hype surrounding this book, I was just expecting MORE.  If the book weren’t so hyped it to begin with, I truly think I would have found it even more enjoyable.  I spent the entire book just waiting to be blown away so when I wasn’t…it was a tiny bit of a let down.

Bottom Line:

Great book but not nearly as great as everyone says it is.

Did you read this book?  What did you think?

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

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

Thanksgiving Thankfulness, Social Media, Giveaway Winners, and a Book Review: The Couple Next Door {Shari Lapena}

If you celebrated yesterday, I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for.  My family, my health, my friends, my house, and the fact that my husband works so hard which allows me the opportunity to stay home with my children.  This is something that I never, EVER take for granted and am thankful for every single day of the year.  Next week, I get to go into my son’s preschool class to help bake cookies and last week I was able to help with the book fair at my daughter’s school.  Priceless.  I love you, Jon.

I am so thankful for the most fun hobby I have ever had, Book Coffee Happy.  It has allowed me some amazing experiences and opportunities and it’s only been 2.5 months.  I’m SO thankful for all of YOU!  I love “meeting” you and interacting with you.  Thank you for your support.  If you haven’t already followed/subscribed to the blog, I would be so thankful if you would.

My Thanksgiving yesterday was perfect.  The morning began with my favorite Thanksgiving tradition of watching the Macy’s parade on TV with my family and ended last night with a delicious feast at my parents’ house.  My mom made the most delicious dinner and her table was stunning as always.  Tiny pumpkins with twinkle lights, candles, leaves, and glitter branches.  My favorite part of dinner was the stuffing.  She makes the absolute best stuffing!

A special thank you shout out to my cousin, Jessica, who after dinner taught me how to use Instagram stories!  I joined Instagram earlier in the month and I’m slowly learning all of it’s features.  Jessica and I made my very first “story” about my favorite book of all time from when I was in high school!  Go check it out, the video of me talking is still up there.  If you don’t already follow me, I would so love if you did @bookcoffeehappy.  I had posted this picture earlier in the day:

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Love.

Speaking of social media, I posted this on Facebook yesterday:

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If you don’t already “like” my Facebook page (Book Coffee Happy), please do!  There have been some awesome book discussions on there, thank you to those of you who have contributed.

I’m also on Twitter (@bookcoffeehappy) and would love if you followed me on there as well!  I try to post different content on the various 3 platforms and have been loving watching all 3 grow!

Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the **GIVEAWAY (1 International and 1 US)** In Search of Mr. Anonymous {JB Glazer}.  The US winner of the hard copy is Jenchaos76 and the international winner (from Australia) of the ebook is ihavenoshelfcontrol!  Ladies, please email me at bookcoffeehappy@gmail.com and we will arrange all of the details!  Congratulations 🙂

If you didn’t win this one, no worries…I have a few AWESOME giveaways coming your way over the next few weeks!  Stay tuned 🙂

And now…a book review!

A few weeks ago, I reviewed Shari Lapena’s newest book, An Unwanted Guest {Shari Lapena}.  That book was great but this book was OUTSTANDING!  I absolutely love this author and am waiting on pins and needles for her to write more psychological thrillers.  If you haven’t read either of her books, I would recommend starting with this one…and clear your schedule for the next few days because you won’t want to do anything but read.

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

It all started at a dinner party. . .

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors–a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . .

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all–a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family–a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

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

YES.  YES.  YES.  This book is FANTASTIC.  It twists and turns in ways that I never saw coming.  I couldn’t put it down, I loved every second.  So clever, so well written, so amazing.  There is nothing I love more than a book that simply will not allow me to put it down, and this was a perfect example.  I carried this book around with me and read whenever I found a few minutes.  I read it over 3 days but could EASILY have read it in one sitting.

This book is fast paced and easy to read.  The chapters are quick and the story runs deep. And those twists…those TWISTS.  Yessssssssss.

And the thing is, EVERYONE I know who has read this book has also loved it!  In fact, I have yet to have someone tell me that they didn’t love it.  It’s SO good.  So, so good.  You’ll love it.

Bottom Line:

This. Book. Is. AWESOME.

Have you read this book?  What did you think?  How was your Thanksgiving?  What are you thankful for?

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

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

**GIVEAWAY (1 International and 1 US)** In Search of Mr. Anonymous {JB Glazer}

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Sex.  This book has sex.  Hot, steamy, mind blowing, amazingly delicious sex.  Aaaaand if that doesn’t make you want to keep reading this post, I’m not sure what will, lol…

Full disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to read and review for my blog.  All opinions are my own. 

Giveaway details will be given at the bottom of this post!

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One bet. One passionate weekend with a mysterious stranger. Endless heart break. Cynical event planner Lucy doesn’t have time for love. She’s focused on her career and planning the hottest wedding in Chicago. A wedding she never thought her firm, Dreams DLC, would win. She was so confident, in fact, that she agreed to a rather unorthodox bet with her friend, Trish. If Dreams won the pitch, Lucy would have a one-night stand with the man of Trish’s choosing. Now it’s time to pay up. Lucy doesn’t do one-night stands. Period. But she’s loyal to the core, so she can’t help but honor her commitment. Trish scouts out the perfect man who’s sure to bring Lucy out of her shell. He agrees to the deal, so Lucy makes a term of her own: no names, no personal details. Her handsome stranger agrees, and what was supposed to be one-night turns into a weekend of passion that tests Lucy’s boundaries. Lucy falls hard only to never hear from him again. She searches for answers, but it’s difficult to find someone who’s anonymous. Lucy struggles with moving on until she meets James. James is her perfect match: kind, funny, patient, and giving. His only flaw is that he isn’t him–Mr. Anonymous. Lucy realizes she must stop chasing the ghosts of her past if she wants a future with James. But that’s the thing about ghosts. You never know when they’ll come back to haunt you.

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)

Loved it.  Couldn’t put it down.  Immediately drew me in from page 1.

I absolutely adore when a book keeps me guessing the entire time with how everything will turn out in the end.  There were so many story lines and I think she did a great job with how they all turned out.  So many different themes were discussed in this book—love, friendship, loyalty, abandonment, honesty, family, etc.  The characters were interesting and the story lines were well developed.  I found the chapters to be a perfect length which held my interest and made me want to read further.

And the sex.  OHHH the sex.  There were some very detailed and descriptive scenes in this book.  If you don’t mind some heat, you’ll love reading this book.  I know I sure did 😉

Insider scoop:  JB Glazer just finished writing the SEQUEL to this book!  As I told her when she shared this information with me…COUNT.  ME.  IN.  I can’t wait to continue the journey with these characters and see how their stories will continue to unfold.  Fingers crossed for more steamy sex scenes…

Bottom Line:

Ladies, you will love this sexy book.

A conversation with JB Glazer, in her own words:

Briefly give a description of your book:
Cynical event planner Lucy shares a passionate weekend with a handsome stranger as
a result of losing a bet. It’s so out of character that she wants to keep their names
anonymous. She falls hard only to never hear from him again. Lucy struggles with
moving on and finally meets an incredible guy who is perfect for her. But can she let go
of her “Mr. Anonymous?” And is she in love with a ghost because it’s easier than facing
the possibility of having the real thing? Along Lucy’s search for love her loyalty will be
put to the ultimate test. In Search of Mr. Anonymous tackles topics such as love and
loyalty, and how even the best of intentions can lead to devastating consequences.

How did you create the idea for your book?
I’ve always found it interesting how Millennials are more open to sharing information
about themselves online. My last novel, I Should Have Said Yes, touched on this idea
because I think people find it’s easier to express themselves when they can hide behind
the anonymity of a screen. I started to wonder would the same philosophy apply in real
life. Is it easier to give into temptation and do or say things you normally wouldn’t
knowing you may never see someone again? I explored this concept by having Lucy
agree to a one-night stand as long as they kept their names anonymous.

What audience would be most interested in your book?
Women ages 18+ who like a bit of sizzle, a dash of drama, and lots of heart.

Where can your book be purchased?
My book can be purchased at most major retailers including Amazon, iBooks, Kobo,
Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and more. For about the cost of a cup of coffee, you can
indulge in something steamy, spicy, and hot!

Use 3 adjectives to describe your book:
Heart-warming, heart-breaking, thought-provoking

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your
book:
In Search of Mr. Anonymous follows Lucy on her journey to finding love and herself in
the process. While I hope the ending will satisfy readers, the story is far from over. This book is part 1 of a 2 part series. The sequel, Finding Forgiveness, will be available in early 2019.

As for me, I believe in writing books with relatable characters, dramatic happy endings, and that a daily dose of chocolate is one of life’s necessities. ☺

***GIVEAWAY***

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this HOT story?

I have TWO copies of In Search of Mr. Anonymous to give away!

The US autographed book will be mailed directly to the winner and the international ebook will be emailed directly to the winner.  To be entered, please complete these 3 simple steps:

1. Follow and/or subscribe to my blog

2. Leave a comment below telling me 1 sexy quality you look for in a partner

3. Please mention if you are in the US or are internationally located in your comment

**You must complete all 3 of these steps to be eligible for the giveaway**

Giveaway will end Friday morning at 6:00 CDT and winner will be randomly chosen and announced in Friday morning’s blog post.  Make sure you check back on Friday to see if you’ve won!  If you already follow and/or subscribe to my blog, you are still eligible…just leave a comment below to be entered 🙂

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!  (PS…I love TALL men even though I’m only 5’1.  My husband is 6’3)!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

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

The Ultimate Throwback to my 20’s and Early 30’s Book Series

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When I was a bit younger, these books were EVERYTHING.  I absolutely adored them and literally DEVOURED them as soon as each one was released.  There are 8 total books in the Shopaholic series (not including a short story which Kinsella wrote midway through the books).  The synopsis below is for the first book in the series to give an idea of what the series is about.

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London’s trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season’s must-haves. The only trouble is, she can’t actually afford it—not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Saving magazine not only bores her to tears, it doesn’t pay much at all. And lately Becky’s been chased by dismal letters from the bank—letters with large red sums she can’t bear to read. She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeeds. Her only consolation is to buy herself something . . . just a little something.

Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life—and the lives of those around her—forever.

My Thoughts:

4 Stars

If I were to choose a fictional best friend to be my real life bestie, my answer will always and forever be Becky Bloomwood.  She’s absolutely hilarious, extraordinarily spontaneous, adorably flighty, and completely lovable.  In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that Becky Bloomwood is quite possibly the most likable and adorable book character ever created.

These books were absolute staples for me when I was in my 20’s and early 30’s.  Becky and I went though all of life’s milestones together–the serious relationship, the wedding, the home ownership, the babies, etc.  I savored each book and read them as soon as they were released.  Some books were definitely better than others but overall they combine to create an adorable collection.

DISCLAIMER: I do have to wonder if I would appreciate them in the same way if I read them for the first time now that I’m in my 40’s?

I actually read many of these twice in anticipation of the movie release in 2009.  The movie itself proved to be a big disappointment but the books were just as wonderful to read for the 2nd time as they were the 1st.

I always loved the relationship that Becky had with her best friend Sus and I always loved the characters of Becky’s parents!  Reading about day to day life in England (where the majority of this series takes place) always fascinated me.

I read Shopaholic to the Stars: A Novel (affiliate) when it came out roughly 4 years ago and it was like reuniting with an old friend!  I was instantly brought back into the lives of the characters that I had said good-bye to so many years earlier.  Loved it.

These books are NOT award winning in any way.  The writing is simple and the story lines can get a bit ridiculous.  However, the characters are boldly colorful and extremely likable.  Very quick and easy reads which will forever hold a special place in my heart!

And on a side note…Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I have a definite obsession with wearing scarves. I truly think that Becky Bloomwood and her beloved green scarf might just be where all of that started.

Bottom Line

These are simple, adorable books which will forever hold a special place in my heart.  Writing this review is making me want to read all of them again from the beginning.  I adore you and miss you, Becky Bloomwood!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

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




My Favorite Books for Pregnancy/New Parents/Baby Shower Gifts

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The following 6 books were invaluable to my husband and I as we was entering the world of parenthood.  As a book lover, I naturally turned to literature to help navigate us through this exciting time.  In fact, Barnes and Noble was one of the very first stops we made after we found out that we were pregnant with my daughter 🙂 The following books helped and guided us in so many ways.  I highly, highly recommend these either for yourself or as wonderful gifts for new parents or parents to be!

*Amazon Affiliate links for each book are all at the very end of this post.  A few of these books get reprinted every few years with the most up to date information…make sure you are ordering the most updated version (I tried to make sure that I posted the current versions)! *

Pregnancy Journal: A Day to Day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

Since its publication in 1996, this definitive journal for expectant families has sold over a million copies. Author A. Christine Harris brings a revised and thoroughly updated edition to todays parents-to-be. Still featuring daily entries, a personalized timeline, and pregnancy glossary, the revised edition provides a clearer picture of the baby’s in-utero development and the latest advice about giving a growing baby every advantage prior to birth.

My Thoughts:

This book is AWESOME.  I never used the “journal” portion but the facts each day were unbelievably fascinating to read.  Most pregnancy books will break down the development of the baby into weeks and tell you what is happening during that particular week.  This book breaks it down by the DAY.  So, so cool.  My husband and I would lay in bed and read together each night what was going to occur the following day.  The whole next day, I would be thinking things such as, “She’s developing her eyelids RIGHT NOW!”  These bits of knowledge really helped my husband and I both connect to our babies throughout both of my pregnancies.  Highly, highly recommend this book for any expecting parents.

Bottom Line:

There is nothing more amazing than knowing you are growing a human…this book connects you to all of the astonishing details throughout the journey.

Baby Bargains

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

America’s best-selling and best-loved guide to baby gear is back with an updated and revised edition! Yes, a baby book that actually answers the big question about having a baby: How am I going to afford all this?

With the average cost of a baby topping $7400 for just the first year alone, new parents need creative solutions and innovative ideas to navigate the consumer maze that confronts all parents-to-be. Baby Bargains is the answer!

Inside, you’ll discover:

– BEST BET PICKS for cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, diapers and more! – CHEAT SHEETS for your baby registry–create a baby registry in minutes with our good, better, best ideas.

– SEVEN THINGS no one tells you about baby gear, from nursery furniture to feeding baby.

– THE TRUTH ABOUT STROLLERS–and which brands work best in the real world.

– Dozens of SAFETY TIPS to keep baby safe and affordably baby proof your home.

– DETAILED CHARTS that compare brands of cribs, high chairs, car seats and more.

This new 12th edition adds the latest tips and advice on getting bargains on baby gear, including:
Streamlined recommendations by parenting lifestyle, from a crib for space-challenged urban parents to an affordable car seat for Grandma’s car. New recommendations for baby feeding, from baby food processors to storage ideas for home-made baby food. BUDGET-FRIENDLY picks for dozens of items, from high chairs to infant car seats. Expanded coverage of the price war on diapers–who’s got the best deals now?

My Thoughts:

This book saved us time and money!  It lays everything that you need out in a simplistic, helpful way.  This book gives the best tips on what you need, the best (and cheapest) way to get all of it, and also what you don’t need! My husband and I also did a ton of our own research on what we needed but this book was so helpful to us in so many areas.

Tip: Bring this book with you when you go into the store to register.  We did that and I remember seeing the couple standing next to us also referencing their copy of this same  book as they were looking at products!

Bottom Line:

This book will save you time and money while narrowing down the options of what you really do need (and really don’t need!) for your baby.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

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Synopsis From Goodreads:

A completely revised and updated edition of America’s pregnancy bible, the longest-running New York Times bestseller ever.

With 18.5 million copies in print, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book and was named one of the “Most Influential Books of the Last 25 Years” by USA Today.

This cover-to-cover (including the cover!) new edition is filled with must-have information, advice, insight, and tips for a new generation of moms and dads. With What to Expect’s trademark warmth, empathy, and humor, it answers every conceivable question expecting parents could have, including dozens of new ones based on the ever-changing pregnancy and birthing practices and choices they face. Advice for dads is fully integrated throughout the book. All medical coverage is completely updated, including the latest on Zika virus, prenatal screening, and the safety of medications during pregnancy, as well as a brand-new section on postpartum birth control. Current lifestyle trends are incorporated, too: juice bars, raw diets, e-cigarettes, push presents, baby bump posting, the lowdown on omega-3 fatty acids, grass-fed and organic, health food fads, and GMOs. Plus expanded coverage of IVF pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, breastfeeding while pregnant, water and home births, and cesarean trends (including VBACs and “gentle cesareans”).

My Thoughts:

I refer to this as the “bible” for any pregnant woman.  There is absolutely nothing that this book doesn’t cover (from the most basic to the most personal).  I kept this on my nightstand throughout both of my pregnancies and referenced it about a million times on a daily basis.  I also loved What to Expect the First Year and What to Expect the Second Year (all links below) as my kids grew.

Bottom Line:

There is a reason this book has been around, trusted, and updated since it was first published in 1969.  A true classic!

Milk Memos: How Real Moms Learned to Mix Business with Babies—And How You Can, Too

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Synopsis From Goodreads:

This one-of-a-kind guide to balancing motherhood and work is based on actual journals kept by a group of IBM women during their visits to the company’s employee lactation room.

It all began when IBM manager Cate Colburn-Smith sat down in the company’s employee lactation room, shed a few silent tears, and wrote the following on a paper towel: I’m a new mom and today is my first day back at work. Is anyone else using this room?

Right away women responded, and the paper towel was eventually replaced by a series of notebooks, in which women offered one another advice and support on juggling work and a newborn. Based on the original notebooks, The Milk Memos is a heartwarming, encouraging (and often hilarious!) guide to working motherhood.

It’s one of the most existential moments any woman will face: sitting in a small room tucked away in the bowels of your company, pumping breast milk for a child so close to your heart-yet, at that moment, so far away. The Milk Memos records the voices of mothers who, while struggling with the difficulties of blending their two lives, prove that women don’t have to choose between work and family. Their thoughts on how it can be done will inspire women everywhere. This invaluable book weaves the actual Milk Memos journal entries with information-packed sections on such topics of great concern to working moms as:

– finding a private place to pump breast milk at work and establishing a routine that you can maintain despite your busy workday;
– establishing the right daycare solution;
– getting a decent night’s sleep with a new baby so that you can shine (or at least glimmer!) during business hours; and
– negotiating flextime, part-time, or a job share with an employer.

The ultimate gift for any new mom who will soon return to work, The Milk Memos is destined to become a classic on the parenting shelf.

My Thoughts:

Breastfeeding my children was one of the most beautiful experiences of my entire life.  I nursed my daughter until she was 2.5 and my son until he was 2.  I contribute many things to my extended nursing success and this book is definitely one of them.  This book SAVED me when I went back to work after having my daughter.  I read it about a week before returning to work (perfect time frame to read this book) and it made pumping at work feel like the most normal thing in the world.  Pumping at work was already making me feel nervous and this book put those nerves immediately to rest!  It truly made me feel like I was part of a nursing community, it immediately normalized pumping in the workplace, and it made me feel PROUD of my decision to pump at work.  Every working, pumping mom needs to read this book.  STAT.  Aside from comfort, this book is a wealth of knowledge about everything that has to do with nursing…and other tips on parenting as well.  I kept this book as a reference once I finished reading it and found myself going back often (with both of my children) to reference information.  I can’t recommend this book enough.  Nursing my babies (and also this beautiful, helpful book) will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Bottom Line:

I wish I could hug the authors of this book for all that they have done for me and for my children.

Did you read any of these 6 books?  What did you think?  Any other books that you found to be helpful while navigating the new world of parenthood?  Comment below with your thoughts!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

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

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

 

 

***GIVEAWAY (2 Winners!)*** Chuckerman Makes A Movie {Francie Arenson Dickman}

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As I mentioned in My Life: Our Perfect Getaway this is the book that I brought with me to read while in Michigan.  It was the perfect book to read while on my vacation!  Such a cute book in so many ways.  Absolutely loved it.  I’m so excited to share this gem with you!

Full disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to read and review for my blog.  All opinions are my own. 

Giveaway details will be given at the bottom of this post!

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The words of thirty-five-year-old David Melman’s Jewish grandmother still haunt him. He’s scared to settle down. Instead, he dates twenty-something pop stars that he meets through his celebrity-branding business. But when his niece and nephew inform him that he’s hit “rock bottom” with his latest inappropriate relationship, David realizes that change might be in order-so when his sister Marcy, with her own ulterior motive, pushes him to take a film-writing class taught by her friend Laurel, he agrees.

Will writing a movie about a childhood visit to his grandparents in Florida, an unforgettable driving lesson, and a 1977 Cadillac bring David love? Luck? Or both?

Alternating between David’s present-day life and his past through his movie script, Chuckerman Makes a Movie is a romantic comedy blended with a comedic coming-of-age.

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)

This book is ADORABLE.  Francie Arenson Dickman told this story and tied the characters together in such unique ways!  I’ve never seen an author use such a variety of means to tell a story and I absolutely loved how she did it.  Brilliant.

The characters were extremely colorful and I was equally invested in the “flashback” story as well as the “current” story.  This rarely happens for me, usually I prefer one story over the other but this was not the case with this book!  I felt myself smiling many times throughout the story and actually did laugh out loud at times as well.

This was such an easy, quick read that anyone (male or female) would enjoy.  Lighthearted, funny, adorable, hilarious, heartwarming…I could go on and on.  You’ll love it!

I truly enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to read whatever Francie writes next!

Bottom Line:

This book could not be more adorable.

A Conversation with Francie Arenson Dickman, in her own words:

Briefly give a description of your book:

Chuckerman Makes a Movie tells the story of David Melman (aka “Chuckerman”), a mid-30s fragrance king who, by all accounts, needs some help in the relationship department. When his sister Marcy suggests a screenwriting class taught by her friend Laurel (aka “the Mormon Rodeo”), David tentatively agrees. Laurel urges Melman to write about his heirloom 1977 Cadillac. The project soon conjures recollections from a pivotal family vacation when he was ten, visiting his grandparents’ Miami Beach condominium building. As romance ensues in the present day and classmates wager on Melman’s relationship with the instructor, his script progresses in a parallel fashion. Ultimately, Melman’s coming-of-age bildungsroman screenplay is the catalyst he needs to move forward in his own life.

How did you create the idea for your book?

Chuckerman has a dual plot line, so it has dual inspiration: David Melman was inspired by my brother and a friend in New York who were both single for a very long time; David’s movie was inspired by the decades-worth of Christmas vacations I spent in my grandparents’ Miami Beach condominium building.

What audience would be most interested in your book?

Readers who are drawn to fast-paced, funny stories about family. Chuckerman is both romantic comedy and a comedic coming-of-age, but at it’s heart it’s a family story.

Use 3 adjectives to describe your book:

Funny, endearing, and entertaining.

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:

Called one of the ten best New Books to Take on Your Next Adventure by Parade Magazine and one of the Must-Read Books for Fall by Our Favorite Female Authors by Ms. Career Girl.

***GIVEAWAY***

Would you like a chance to win an autographed copy of this adorable story?

I have TWO autographed copies of Chuckerman Makes a Movie: A Novel (affiliate) to give away!

The autographed books will be mailed directly to the winners from the author (US only for this giveaway).

To be entered, please complete these 2 simple steps:

1. Follow and/or subscribe to my blog

2. Leave a comment below telling me your favorite snack to eat while watching movies

**You must complete both of these steps to be eligible for the giveaway**

Giveaway will end Friday morning (11/9) at 6:00 am CDT and winner will be randomly chosen and announced in Friday morning’s blog post.  Make sure you check back on Friday to see if you’ve won!  If you already follow and/or subscribe to my blog, you are still eligible…just leave a comment below to be entered 🙂

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!  (PS…I always bring grapes to the movies and my husband always makes fun of me for it).

Please follow/subscribe to my blog, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy), follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram @bookcoffeehappy!

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

Book Reviews: Winter Series (Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, Winter Solstice) {Elin Hilderbrand}

Thank you all so much for your kind words on yesterday’s post, 4 Best Friends, 1 Alma Mater. That post came straight from my heart and it makes me so happy that many of you reached out to tell me how much you enjoyed reading it.  I loved writing it. 🙂

I’m excited to share today’s reviews with you!  I love this book series so much and it doesn’t get nearly enough of the recognition that it deserves.

There are 4 total books in the Winter Street series (need to be read in order).  Book #1: Winter Street: A Novel Book #2: Winter Stroll (Winter Street) Book #3: Winter Storms (Winter Street) Book #4: Winter Solstice (Winter Street Book 4) (affliliates).

My blog review is about the series as a whole (no spoilers given!) but the Goodreads synopsis is strictly summarizing book #1 to give you an idea of what this series is about.

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Synopsis from Goodreads (Book #1: Winter Street):

In bestseller Elin Hilderbrand’s first Christmas novel, a family gathers on Nantucket for a holiday filled with surprises.

Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn and the proud father of four, all of them grown and living in varying states of disarray. Patrick, the eldest, is a hedge fund manager with a guilty conscience. Kevin, a bartender, is secretly sleeping with a French housekeeper named Isabelle. Ava, a school teacher, is finally dating the perfect guy but can’t get him to commit. And Bart, the youngest and only child of Kelley’s second marriage to Mitzi, has recently shocked everyone by joining the Marines.

As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time at the inn. But when he walks in on Mitzi kissing Santa Claus (or the guy who’s playing Santa at the inn’s annual party), utter chaos descends. With the three older children each reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley’s ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn.

Before the mulled cider is gone, the delightfully dysfunctional Quinn family will survive a love triangle, an unplanned pregnancy, a federal crime, a small house fire, many shots of whiskey, and endless rounds of Christmas caroling, in this heart-warming novel about coming home for the holidays.

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)

4 Stars

This is going to be a strange holiday season for me without a visit with my favorite fictional family, the Quinns.  For the past 4 years, I have enjoyed the next installment of this lovely series during the month of December.  I LOVE the holiday season, and these books have become a holiday staple for me!  I waited to read each of them during December and I believe they were even more special because of it.

These books are very short, the writing is absolutely nothing award winning, there truly is zero depth into anything…BUT there is something so special about these characters and this charming little inn that had me waiting all year to return to Winter Street.

These are quick yet lovely reads and the further I read into the series, the more connected to the characters I became.  A fun surprise was a visit from a character from another of Hilderbrand’s novels which I had previously read and loved (The Rumor) in the last book of this series (Winter Solstice)!  I love when authors do that and are able to connect characters and story lines from their different works together!

When I finished the last book of this series, I felt an immediate emptiness…I was already missing spending time with the Quinns. Whether you start reading these now and finish by the holidays or whether you wait and read 1 each year during December as I did, you will absolutely fall in love with this family.

Bottom Line

Quick, easy, and delightful holiday season reads

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy),  follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy, and follow me on Instagram (@bookcoffeehappy)!  

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

Book Review: The Wife Between Us {Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen}

I feel like the theme on my blog over the past 2 weeks has been “unpopular opinions”.  It started with Let’s Chat: When Your Opinion Is The Unpopular One and then continued with Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine {Gail Honeyman}

Ladies and Gentleman, may I present to you my unintentional 3rd installment over the past 2 weeks revolving around this same theme (insert eye roll emoji here):

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage – and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

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)

2 Stars

This book is POPULAR.  Everyone is reading it.  It’s even currently nominated for the Goodreads Best Book of 2018 Award!

I just don’t get it.

I wanted to love it, I really did.  I waited for MONTHS for it to finally be released and once it was, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy fast enough.  It sounded AMAZING, I was so intrigued from just reading the synopsis.

It.  Was.  So.  Boring.

The major twist was interesting, I didn’t see it coming AT ALL which I love in a book.  Hence my 2 stars.  2 stars for the twist, 0 stars for the rest.  I’m bored even writing this review.

Completely forgettable characters, completely forgettable story lines.  Completely forgettable book.

The biggest, most burning question that I have about this book:  It took TWO people to write this boring story?!?

Bottom Line:

This might just be my most disappointing book of 2018.  I was SO excited to read it…and then I was SO excited for it to finally be over once I finished.

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy), and follow me on Twitter@bookcoffeehappy!  

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

October Reflections

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October was a great month!  I have now had my blog for a little less than 2 months and have been having such fun with it.  There is so much to learn about having a blog and I’m having the best time expanding my knowledge through such a creative outlet.  Thank you all so much for your support!

Let’s reflect on October…

My favorite (and most controversial) post: Let’s Chat: When Did This Happen? More Importantly…WHY Did This Happen?

Man, do you all have opinions on this topic!  I also posted this in a few Facebook groups that I belong to and people had all sorts of things to say.  Some agreed with me, some did NOT, but everyone was respectful.  I absolutely love the discussions that this post started.  So many different views, so many different perspectives.  Without a doubt, this is also my favorite post that I wrote this month (actually that I’ve ever written on this blog)!  I loved writing this because I truly spoke from my heart about a topic which was so close to me and had tears in my eyes as I wrote.  Writing those words brought back so many special and cherished memories.

Best Book I Reviewed This Month: This one is a tie between Book Review: Wonder {R.J. Palacio} and The Hate U Give {Angie Thomas}

These books changed my outlook on so many things.  Both YA.  Both beautifully written.  Highly, highly recommend.

Worst Book I Reviewed This Month: Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine {Gail Honeyman}

I hated this book.  So much.

Giveaways I hosted: ****GIVEAWAY**** Maddie’s Miracles {Scott Kramer} and ***GIVEAWAY*** I’m Going to Gramma’s In My Pajamas! {Barbara Berg Mies}

I had such fun hosting 2 giveaways on the blog this month plus more giveaways exclusively on my Facebook/Twitter pages. If you aren’t yet following me on those platforms, I would be so thankful if you did (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy, @bookcoffeehappy) as I’m regularly posting content (and exclusive giveaways!) on those platforms.  I loved working with these kind and generous authors and sharing their lovely books. Both books were fantastic in their own ways and it was my honor to be able to share them with all of you.  Spoiler Alert: I have some AWESOME blog giveaways already scheduled for November…

Favorite Blogging Experience: As many of you saw on Facebook/Twitter, this happened last week:

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This was such an amazing opportunity and experience for me. I met some very interesting people and learned a great deal. Just being surrounded by so many passionate authors was so wonderfully inspirational. I loved being included in their thought provoking discussion.

Favorite Personal Experience: My Life: Our Perfect Getaway

Take me baaaaaack.

Total Combined Number of Book Coffee Happy Facebook, Twitter, and Blog Subscribers/Followers: 720

Not bad for less than 2 months of blogging!  I’m so thankful for every single subscribe, follow, like, share, and comment.  I am overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity of the book blogging community and how many people have helped my blog to GROW!  To the many of you that I do not know in real life, I’m so looking forward to getting to know you though my blog.  I love sharing pieces of my life and thoughts with all of you and I have some upcoming blog posts which I am really passionate about.

One thing that would really help me would be to please subscribe/follow on my actual blog. There is a place to do this right at the top of this page where you can enter your email address (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page if you are on an a mobile device). If you have already done this, THANK YOU so much!

I would also love if you would follow me on Facebook and Twitter (www.fb.com/bookcoffeehappy, @bookcoffeehappy).

I have discovered some AWESOME blogs over the past few weeks…and I love that so many new people have discovered mine.  If you are new here…welcome!  I’m so happy that you’re here 🙂

Happy Halloween!  I am dressing up today as the Evil Queen and my daughter will be Evie (Descendants).  My husband will be Willy Wonka and my son will be an Oompa Loompa (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).  Fingers crossed for no rain!

How was your month? I would love to hear some highlights in the comments! Bloggers, feel free to link your most memorable October posts for others to check out in the comments as well 🙂

Xo,

Jenny