Tag: what to read next fiction

Help Me Choose My Next Book!

Which book should I read next?

I’ve got 3 library books here all waiting for me to crack them open…which should I start with??

Hi!

Book Contender #1:

Goodreads Synopsis of The Twelve Dates of Christmas {Jenny Bayliss}:

When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say “Bah, humbug.” The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn’t exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate’s found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt’s neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right?

Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before–and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures–Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it’s least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it’s been right under her nose all along. . . .

Book Contender #2:

Goodreads Synopsis of Christmas by the Book {Anne Marie Ryan}:

Nora and her husband, Simon, have run the beautiful oak-beamed book shop in their small British village for thirty years. But times are tough and the shop is under threat of closure–this Christmas season will really decide their fate. When an elderly man visits the store and buys the one book they’ve never been able to sell, saying it’s the perfect gift for his sick grandson, it gives Nora an idea. She and Simon will send out books to those feeling down this Christmas. Maybe they can’t save their bookstore, but at least they’ll have one final chance to lift people’s spirits through the power of reading.

After gathering nominations online, Nora and Simon quietly deliver books to six residents of the village in need of some festive cheer, including a single dad of twins who is working hard to make ends meet, a teenage boy grieving for his big sister, a local Member of Parliament who is battling depression, and a teacher who’s newly retired and living on her own. As the town prepares for a white Christmas, the books begin to give the recipients hope, one by one. But with the future of the bookshop still up in the air, Nora and Simon will need a Christmas miracle–or perhaps a little help from the people whose lives they’ve touched–to find a happy ending of their own….

Book Contender #3:

Goodreads Synopsis of Blame it on the Mistletoe {Beth Garrod}:

Elle is a social medial star with the #DreamLife…or so it seems. Determined to shake up her content and gain new followers, she’s on a mission: can she find a British fan to swap with for Christmas?

Holly loves everything about Christmas. But after a mortifying mistletoe disaster with her ex, her perfect plans unravel like a bad Christmas sweater. Can Holly save the holidays when she switches places with favorite social media influencer?

Elle gets more than she bargained for when she meets the cute boy from across the street. And Holly wasn’t expecting Elle to have a handsome twin brother. This holiday is full of surprises.

Which book should I read next???

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? If not, which one sounds the best to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below (NO SPOILERS PLEEEEEASE)!

Xo,

Jenny

The Twelve Dates of Christmas:

https://amzn.to/3sxiNtS

Christmas By The Book:

https://amzn.to/3QtFvLe

Blame it on the Mistletoe:

https://amzn.to/3MFb2Jc

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Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

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Book Review: The Writing Retreat {Julia Bartz}

Book Review: The Writing Retreat {Julia Bartz}

I was looking for a super creepy book to read around Halloween and this one had been on my list to read forever! The perfect time of year to read a book like this…

Goodreads Synopsis of The Writing Retreat {Julia Bartz}:

A book deal to die for.

Five attendees are selected for a month-long writing retreat at the remote estate of Roza Vallo, the controversial high priestess of feminist horror. Alex, a struggling writer, is thrilled.

Upon arrival, they discover they must complete an entire novel from scratch, and the best one will receive a seven-figure publishing deal. Alex’s long-extinguished dream now seems within reach.

But then the women begin to die.

Trapped, terrified yet still desperately writing, it is clear there is more than a publishing deal at stake at Blackbriar Estate. Alex must confront her own demons – and finish her novel – to save herself.

My Review of The Writing Retreat {Julia Bartz}:

200 pages in aaaaaand…

Closed the book. Didn’t finish. Moved on.

So it was GOOD but there was a very weird haunted ghostlike vibe going on and I just couldn’t do it. I HATE books about ghosts (I’m looking at you, Sun Down Motel) and that part of the book just threw me so much that I couldn’t do it.

Now let me be very clear…there was no actual ghost storyline that I had encountered buuuuuut I just had a feeling about that being the direction that the book was going in and that was enough for me to call it quits. I HATED, HATED, HATED the dual storyline of the past occupants of the house and all of the weird things that lead to their deaths. I also hated Roza’s character and how much power these people all seemed more than ok giving to her.

What did I like about this book? The details of the writing process! This book is about people writing books and that part of this was interesting to me. And I loved the creepy setting. Buuuuuut that’s pretty much it. This one just wasn’t for me although I did enjoy the writing style??

Eh moving on.

Book Coffee Happy Epilogue:

I don’t do ghosts. Or books that make me think that are they going to eventually be about ghosts.

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

Xo,

Jenny

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

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Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

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

Never Ending Book, Exciting New Book Mail, Ugly Book Giveaway Winners

Never Ending Book, Exciting New Book Mail, Ugly Book Giveaway Winners

Newest addition to my laptop courtesy of my 11 year old daughter. She traded gibbetz (IYKYK) to one of her friends just to get this sticker for ME! Love, love, love her 🙂

Never Ending Book

Hiiiii Book Friends!

I am still slowly chipping away at this almost 600 page book but admittingly it’s taking me significantly longer than necessary to finish it!

I just need a day with zero distractions where I can hunker down and READ! Who’s with me??? Add in coffee, delicious food, and a beach. Soooo a vacation. Turns out what I need is a vacation…

Exciting New Book Mail

Look at this beauty that I received in the mail last week! I can’t wait to read it, it sounds so amazing.

Goodreads Synopsis of Typecast {Andrea J. Stein}:

Callie Dressler thought she had put her past where it belonged—behind her. But when she learns her ex-boyfriend is bringing their breakup to the big screen, she must face the fact that their history has been looming over her all along.

At thirty-two, Callie Dressler is finally comfortable in her own skin. She loves her job as a preschool teacher, and although living in her vacant childhood home isn’t necessarily what dreams are made of, the space is something she never could have afforded if she’d stayed in New York City. She knows her well-ordered life will be upended when her type A, pregnant sister, Nina; adorable four-year-old niece; and workaholic brother-in-law move in, but how could she say no when they needed a place to crash during their remodel? As Nina pointed out, it is still their parents’ house, even though their mom and dad have relocated.

As if adjusting to this new living situation isn’t enough, the universe sends Callie another wrinkle: her college boyfriend, Ethan—who Callie dumped ten years earlier for reasons known only to her—has a film coming out, and the screenplay is based on their real-life breakup. While the movie consumes her thoughts, Callie can’t help wondering if Nina and her friends are right that she hasn’t moved on. When a complication with Nina’s pregnancy brings Callie in close contact with Nina’s smart and funny architect, Callie realizes she had better figure out whether she wants to open the door to the past—or she’ll risk missing out on her future.

Sounds so good, right?? I will post my full review (and host a giveaway!!) once I finish reading….stay tuned 🙂

Ugly Book Giveaway Winners Video

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a signed copy of Kelly Vincent’s gorgeous book, Ugly (book synopsis and my full review HERE) ! I know you will love it as much as I did. Here is a video of me choosing the winners:

Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!

Xo,

Jenny

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

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Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

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

I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. TO. READ. THIS. BOOK.

I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. TO. READ. THIS. BOOK.

#obvi

Back in October, my family and I took such a lovely vacation down south (you can read all about our awesome trip HERE). While we were there, I read the most beautiful book: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (you can read about my decision to buy that book HERE and my glooooowing review of that lovely book HERE).

I have been not so patiently waiting for it’s sequel (Things We Hide From The Light) to be released and this was the week! FINALLY! This is one book that I knew I wanted to own so I happily bought myself a copy. Released on Tuesday, purchased on Friday. EXCITED!

Goodreads Synopsis of Things We Hide From the Light {Lucy Score}:

Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.

Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.

Hoping for Sex Scenes

As I mentioned in my review of Things We Never Got Over, the sex scenes were surprisingly HOT and I am crossing alllll of my fingers that the sequel will also deliver the goods. I loved Things We Never Got Over for so many reasons and those awesome sex scenes were such a FUN and unexpected bonus 😉

Bring on the sex!

Just like Things We Never Got Over, Things We Hide From the Light is THICK. Very, very think. Almost 600 pages (589 pages to be exact) thick.

A 3rd Book in The Knockemout Series Will Be Coming in September!

I can’t wait!

As always I’ll share my full review once I finish reading!

Have you read either of these books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Xo,

Jenny

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

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

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

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Click HERE for the 13 best books I read in 2022

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

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Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Instamom {Chantel Guertin}

Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Instamom {Chantel Guertin}

Goodreads Synopsis of Instamom {Chantel Guertin}:

It’s the influencer’s golden rule: know your niche. Kit Kidding has found hers on Instagram, where she gets paid to promote brands and share expertly curated posts about her fun, fabulous, child-free life. Kit likes kids just fine, but she passionately believes that women who choose not to become mothers shouldn’t have to face guilt. Or judgement. Or really hot chefs who turn out to be single dads.

Will MacGregor is aggravating, sexy, persistent, averse to social media, and definitely a bad idea. As soon as Kit learns his parenting status, she vows to put their scorching one-night stand behind her and move on. But Will and Kit are thrown together on an Instagram campaign, and the more time she spends with him—and his whip-smart, eight-year-old daughter, Addie—the more difficult it is to stay away, much less sustain what Will so cleverly calls her “Resting Beach Face.” Kit’s picture-perfect career path is suddenly clashing with the possibility of a different future—messy, complicated, and real. Which life does she truly want? Will she have to re-invent herself? And will love still be waiting by the time she figures it out?

My Review of Instamom {Chantel Guertin}:

It was…good. Not great but good!

As someone who LOVES Instagram and follows tons of influencers, I loved the premise of this story and a behind the scenes look at how these people live their lives. Definately my favorite parts of the book were the parts where Kit would discuss her influencer status and all that it entails to be successful.

That being said, I didn’t enjoy the relationship between Kit and Will. In fact, it was so forgettable that I just had to pick up the book to even remember Will’s name, lol. I found their relationship completely unbelievable and I never felt whatever spark they claimed that they had. Eh.

The overall message of the book was a good one although I disliked so many of the characters that the delivery just wasn’t there for me. I found myself struggling to finish the book and never wanting to pick it up although it was an easy read!

Eh…if you’re looking for a light, easy book this one is ok although honestly, I’d probably just skip it.

Bottom Line:

Eh.

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

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

12/13 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

12/14 Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

12/15 Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

12/16 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}

12/17 Blogmas 2022: The 13 Best Books I Read in 2022

12/18 Blogmas 2022: Review of the Christmas Book With One of the Prettiest Book Covers I Have Ever Seen

12/19 Blogmas 2022: Smash or Pass Book Tag

12/20 Blogmas 2022: My Favorite Book Coffee Happy Posts of 2022

12/21 Blogmas 2022: 11 Non Book Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

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!*

*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)*

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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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Blogmas 2022: The 13 Best Books I Read in 2022

Blogmas 2022: The 13 Best Books I Read in 2022

For the past 2 years on this post I have used a picture of the year’s number all lit up in beautiful lights from an annual drive thru light show. This year they had the lights set up in a weird place and I couldn’t get my annual blog picture! Soooo….random selfie it is, lol.

It’s heeeeeere….the post I wait all year to write! This post is always so much fun for me because it allows me the opportunity to think about and reflect on alllllll of the books I’ve read this year (and I’ve read A LOT of books this year). It’s also always one of my most visited posts due to the fact that I include it in my blog signature at the very bottom of each post that I write.

If you are a regular blog reader, you know that I always include my “bottom line” on the bottom of my reviews which is a quick way for me to recap my feelings. Just like I have done in past years, I thought it would be fun to list these books only by the bottom line that I gave to them in my reviews. Click these bottom lines to take you directly to my review of each book (which also includes the synopsis for each book).

Here are links to my favorite books from past years:

The Best Books I Read in 2019

The Best Books I Read in 2020

The Best Books I Read in 2021

And….drumroll please….I now proudly present to you….in absolutely no particular order…

The 13 Best Books I Read in 2022:

Book #1’s Bottom Line:

If you love libraries, you will LOVE this special book.

Book #2’s Bottom Line:

Read this. Today.

Book #3’s Bottom Line:

Read this. And be ready to develop a sudden fascination with the entire Kennedy Family.

Book #4’s Bottom Line:

Sweet, innocent, cheesy words of a really beautiful story and suddenly…BAM…dirty sex scene. Loved this book so much!

Book #5’s Bottom Line:

This book is FASCINATING.

Book #6’s Bottom Line:

I never wanted this book to end.

Book #7’s Bottom Line:

It’s haunting, it’s disturbing, it’s insane. It’s awesome. I LOVED it.

Book #8’s Bottom Line:

Perfect little holiday read!

Book #9’s Bottom Line:

I can already confidently say that this will be one of my favorite books of the year…and it’s only January 🙂

Book #10’s Bottom Line:

Absolutely loved it.

Book #11’s Bottom Line:

I officially now declare this to be one of my all time favorite books.

Book #12’s Bottom Line:

One of my favorite reads of the year!

Book #13’s Bottom Line:

If you are married, read this book. And then go and hug your spouse.

What are some of the best books that you have read this year? Have you read any of my 2022 favorites? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Blogmas 2022 Posts:

12/1 Welcome to Blogmas 2022 {Video)!!

12/2 BLOGMAS 2022: Happy Birthday to ME {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

12/3 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Holiday Swap {Maggie Knox}

12/4 Blogmas 2022: The Bookish Gift I Bought For Myself

12/5 Blogmas 2022: Winter Wonderland Book Tag

12/6 Blogmas 2022: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2023

12/7 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Kiss Her Once For Me {Alison Cochrun}

12/8 Blogmas 2022: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, 1 Thing Making Me HAPPY!

12/9 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Audiobook Review: Maybe Someday {Colleen Hoover}

12/10 Blogmas 2022: The Christmas Book I Started Reading and Didn’t Finish

12/11 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}

12/12 Blogmas 2022: 2 Books For Upcoming Blog Giveaways

12/13 Blogmas 2022: Non Holiday Book Review: Skinny {Donna Cooner}

12/14 Blogmas 2022: INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Signed Copies): The Mommy Clique {Barbara Altamirano}

12/15 Blogmas 2022: The Holiday Book I’m Most Excited to Read NEXT Holiday Season

12/16 Blogmas 2022: Book Review: The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas {James Patterson, Tad Safran}

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!*

*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*

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

*Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page*

The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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Reminders of Him and Ugly Love {Colleen Hoover}

Reminders of Him and Ugly Love {Colleen Hoover}

I am either a HUGE Colleen Hoover (or as diehard booklovers all know her: CoHo) fan or…I’m lukewarm 😉

I’m not entirely sure why (maybe because this one is such a recent release?) but for some reason Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is extremely popular right now…everyone is reading it! I read that book many, many years ago and I loved it. I still think about it! If you haven’t yet read that one, make sure you do. It’s so, so wonderful.

That being said, I wasn’t a huge fan of November 9. I read it years ago (possibly once I finished It Ends With Us?) and I was just so underwhelmed. Eh.

I’m dying to read Verity! I’ve heard it’s amazing. I’ve been on my library waitlist for the audiobook for awhile now and I’m not so patiently waiting.

When her newest book was released this past January, I was so cautiously optimistic about it as I had read some GREAT reviews. Hoping that I would love it as much as I loved It Ends With Us, I downloaded the audiobook of Reminders of Him and started listening…

{One of the biggest issues of listneing to books as audiobooks is that I can’t take pretty pictures of them for my blog!}

Photo Credit: Target.com

Goodreads Synopsis of Reminders of Him {Colleen Hoover}:

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing. 

My Review of Reminders of Him {Colleen Hoover}

Ahhhh I loved this book so much! It’s a BEAUTIFULLY written story with deep, meaningful characters and an intricately woven plot. I listened to this one literally whenever I had an extra minute in my day because I couldn’t get enough. I never wanted it to end! Definitely read (or listen to) this book, it’s so amazing. Such a beautiful story.

Once I finished listening to Reminders of Him, I was NOT ready to move on to another author/genre. I wanted MORE! More CoHo, more love story. I downloaded Ugly Love about 20 minutes after I finished listening to Reminders of Him.

Photo Credit: Target.com

Bottom Line:

I never wanted this book to end.

Goodreads Synopsis of Ugly Love {Colleen Hoover}:

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.


They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly. 

My Review of Ugly Love {Colleen Hoover}:

I really, really liked it. I wouldn’t say that I LOVED it but I would say that it was very good. A bit cringy (is that a word?) at times with the way that Tate allowed for herself to be treated.

The story was good, the characters were…unlikable. All of them. Eh.

A few points to note:

The backstory of Miles was way more intriguing than the book’s present day story.

The audiobook’s male narrator was creepy and the way he pronounced the name “Rachel” made it sound like a stalker was describing her. Every. Single. Time.

I had a very strong prediction that turned out to be completely wrong. I must say…I think my ending would have been better.

Also, throughout the entire book I kept forgetting that Tate was a girl and not a boy because of her name. So there’s that.

Bottom Line

Very good. Not CoHo’s best but very good.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? Do you enjoy Colleen Hoover books? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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!*

*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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The 13 best books I read in 2021 can be found HERE

Book Coffee Happy’s 12 most viewed posts of 2021 can be found HERE

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BLOGMAS: The 13 Best Books I Read in 2021

Blogmas: The 13 Best Books I Read in 2021

It was raining and we were driving BUT…how beautiful is this light display???

If you follow Book Coffee Happy on Instagram, you got an insider view in my stories yesterday that this post was coming up today 😉

Oh I really love writing these posts! It’s such a fun time for me to look back and reflect on the books that I read over this past year.

Here are links to the best books that I read in 2019 and 2020:

The 12 Best Books I Read in 2019

The 12 Best Books I Read in 2020

2021 was an especially special year for me in terms of reading because this is the year that I read the very BEST book I’ve EVER read (see below)!

If you are a regular blog reader, you know that I always include my “bottom line” on the bottom of my reviews which is a quick way for me to recap my feelings. Just like I did last year, I thought it would be fun to list these books only by the bottom line that I gave to them in my reviews. Click these bottom lines to take you directly to my review of each book (including the synopsis for each book).

In no particular order, I present to you my absolute favorite books that I’ve read in 2021 (and I have read A LOT of books this year):

The 13 Best Books I Read in 2021:

Book #1’s Bottom Line:

Absolutely loved it.

Book #2’s Bottom Line:

Absolutely loved every second of reading this lovely book. Highly recommend!

Book #3’s Bottom Line:

If you can make it past the first 100ish pages…this story is truly incredible.

Book #4’s Bottom Line:

This wonderful book and it’s important message gave me SO MUCH to think about…

Book #5’s Bottom Line:

Such a special book.

Book #6’s Bottom Line:

READ. THIS. BOOK.

Book #7’s Bottom Line:

This is the best book I have ever read. And I have read A LOT of books.

Book #8’s Bottom Line:

Read this. And if you have children of any age middle school and up…please encourage them to read this as well.

Book #9’s Bottom Line:

READ THIS. READ THIS. READ THIS.

Book #10’s Bottom Line:

Buying this book was such a SMART decision, so happy that I did!

Book #11’s Bottom Line:

One of my favorite reads of 2021 thus far!

Book #12’s Bottom Line:

Read this. But on land only.

Book #13’s Bottom Line:

So I haven’t finished reading this book series yet but I can already tell you that I am LOVING each of these books so much. I’m currently exactly halfway through the series and they are LOVELY! They MUST be included on this list, even if I haven’t written my “bottom line” for them quite yet. HERE is a link where I discuss this delightful book series in more detail. Highly recommend (so far)!

What were the best books you read in 2021? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Blogmas 2021 Posts:

12/1: Welcome to Blogmas 2021 {Video}!

12:2: BLOGMAS: Birthday Giveaway {Amazon Gift Card}!

12/3: BLOGMAS Book Review: One Day in December {Josie Silver}

12/4: BLOGMAS: My Birthday Visit to Barnes and Noble!

12/5: BLOGMAS: 3 Library Books I Recently Returned Without Reading

12/6: BLOGMAS Book Review: The Christmas Wedding {James Patterson}

12/7: BLOGMAS: (Non Holiday) Book Review: Other People’s Children {R.J. Hoffmann}

12/8: BLOGMAS: I Bought 5 New Books!

12/9: BLOGMAS: 8 Holiday Books I Want To Read

12/10: BLOGMAS: Must Have Book Accessory #4

12/11: BLOGMAS: The Holiday Drinks Book Tag

12/12: BLOGMAS: Book Review (Non Holiday): The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend {Katrina Bivald}

12/13: BLOGMAS: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, I Thing Currently Making me HAPPY!

12/14: BLOGMAS: (Non Holiday) Book Review: The Photographer {Mary Dixie Carter}

12/15: BLOGMAS: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2022

12/16: BLOGMAS: GIVEAWAY {Amazon Gift Card}! Book Coffee Happy Readers Are The KINDEST!

12/17: BLOGMAS: A Change In My December Reading Plans!

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Winner

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the giveaway and for all of your kind comments on THIS POST. I shared a bit of my heart in that post and I loved reading all of your responses. Thank you so much! Here is a video of my daughter choosing a winner:

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!*

*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*

The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

The 12 best books I read in 2020 can be found HERE

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BLOGMAS: A Change In My December Reading Plans!

BLOGMAS: A Change In My December Reading Plans!

Do you remember a few weeks ago when I showed you my neighbor’s gorgeous holiday display? It’s even more beautiful at night! They have lights shining on it to make it twinkle and I’m absolutely obsessed.

I have been spending all of this holiday season in the ADORABLE town of Addison, Connecticut. Well, in reality I have been spending all of this holiday season in the nice (I wouldn’t say adorable but definitely nice) suburb of Chicago where I live, lol. The book series that I am currently reading takes place in the most adorable little town and I want to move there! Or at least visit. Indefinitely.

I have been LOVING this book series (link to the books is above). The characters are adorable, the town is adorable, and it’s the most PERFECT series to read during the holiday season. A wonderful choice, indeed.

I am currently on book #3 (out of 6 total):

A Change In My December Reading Plans

My plans were to finish reading this series during this holiday season….and then….I checked my mail 2 days ago. If you didn’t read yesterday’s post, HERE is a link to it so you can see the amazing package that arrived in my mailbox)!

The Christmas Bookshop!!!

The 1 book I have been wanting to read all season! Amazon was sold out (although I just checked…it’s finally back in stock! I will include the link below), Barnes and Noble was sold out, and I have been on the library waitlist FOREVER.

And now I own it 🙂

Hell yeah!!!

Goodreads Synopsis of The Christmas Bookshop {Jenny Colgan}:

When the department store she works in closes for good, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. She doesn’t want to move in with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered Edinburgh life.

Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want Carmen there either. Her sister has always been sarcastic and difficult. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs a retail assistant for his ailing bookshop, so welcoming Carmen might still have some benefits for everyone.

At Sofia’s behest, Carmen is thrown into the daily workings of old Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the streets of the old dark city. Can she use her design skills to revamp the store and bring it back to popularity in time to benefit from Christmas shopping traffic? Can she choose between bad boy literary rock star Blair and quiet Quaker student Oke? And will she heal the rift with the most important people of all: her family? 

What to do? What to do? I originally planned on reading this book but when I couldn’t get my hands on a copy, I pivoted and found the adorable Winter Novels! And I’m loving them! But now I have The Christmas Bookshop. AND 3 more Winter Novels books. Decisions, decisions…

I should be done with Cardinal Cabin in the next day or so and then I HAVE to read The Christmas Bookshop! I’ve been DYING to read it! So as much as I will hate to leave Addison, I must say good-bye. For now.

If I must stop reading them, It actually seems like a good stopping point for the Winter Novels. Halfway. And now I have 3 brand new wonderful books to read NEXT holiday season (because I’m WAY too Type A to read holiday books at any other time of year other than the holiday season). Blogmas 2022: I’m apparently starting to plan for you!

Until next winter, Addison. I’ll keep you 3 beauties tucked away on my bookshelf until then! Xo!

If I finish The Christmas Bookshop in a timely matter, I do have this book that I checked out of the library before the holiday season even started. I’ve heard it’s wonderful!

Goodreads Synopsis of Christmas in Winter Hill {Melody Carlson}:

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn’t always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, “Where’s the snow?” Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista’s Christmas spirit before the big day?

So that’s my plan. Cardinal Cabin, The Christmas Bookshop, Christmas in Winter Hill. And then comes January and I have a whole SLEW of non books on my list to read!

I’ll miss you, Addison! I can’t wait to return next year :). I’ll have my review of the first 3 books in the Winter Novel Series posted on here ASAP although I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you that it will be a very positive review 😉

What are you currently reading? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

Happy Friday! I hope your weekend is filled with love and BOOKS!

Have you entered the Amazon Gift Card Giveaway? There’s still time! All entries must be received by 6:00 CDT tonight! See THIS POST for details!

Blogmas 2021 Posts:

12/1: Welcome to Blogmas 2021 {Video}!

12:2: BLOGMAS: Birthday Giveaway {Amazon Gift Card}!

12/3: BLOGMAS Book Review: One Day in December {Josie Silver}

12/4: BLOGMAS: My Birthday Visit to Barnes and Noble!

12/5: BLOGMAS: 3 Library Books I Recently Returned Without Reading

12/6: BLOGMAS Book Review: The Christmas Wedding {James Patterson}

12/7: BLOGMAS: (Non Holiday) Book Review: Other People’s Children {R.J. Hoffmann}

12/8: BLOGMAS: I Bought 5 New Books!

12/9: BLOGMAS: 8 Holiday Books I Want To Read

12/10: BLOGMAS: Must Have Book Accessory #4

12/11: BLOGMAS: The Holiday Drinks Book Tag

12/12: BLOGMAS: Book Review (Non Holiday): The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend {Katrina Bivald}

12/13: BLOGMAS: Book I’m Currently Reading, Coffee I’m Currently Drinking, I Thing Currently Making me HAPPY!

12/14: BLOGMAS: (Non Holiday) Book Review: The Photographer {Mary Dixie Carter}

12/15: BLOGMAS: 6 Books I Want To Read in 2022

12/16: BLOGMAS: GIVEAWAY {Amazon Gift Card}! Book Coffee Happy Readers Are The KINDEST!

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!*

*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*

The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

The 12 best books I read in 2020 can be found HERE

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What I’m Reading (It’s WONDERFUL), What I Recently Read (It Was Good), What I Think I’ll Read Next (Looks Amazing)

I love when Book Coffee Happy can participate in WWW! And this week I’m doing it actually ON a WEDNESDAY, lol! Amazing! The Three Ws: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

Thanks so much to Sam from Taking on a World of Words for hosting this fun weekly post!

Absolutely. Love. Her.

Before I dive into the wonderful book that I’m currently reading, I would like to thank you all for you kind words and condolences on my last post. She sure was a beauty. I’m currently working through my grief and trying to figure out how to move on 😉

What Are You Currently Reading?

I’ll post my full review once I finish reading but so far it’s wonderful and BEAUTIFULLY written.

Goodreads Synopsis of The Reading List {Sara Nisha Adams}:

Widower Mukesh lives a quiet life in the London Borough of Ealing after losing his beloved wife. He shops every Wednesday, goes to Temple, and worries about his granddaughter, Priya, who hides in her room reading while he spends his evenings watching nature documentaries.

Aleisha is a bright but anxious teenager working at the local library for the summer when she discovers a crumpled-up piece of paper in the back of To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s a list of novels that she’s never heard of before. Intrigued, and a little bored with her slow job at the checkout desk, she impulsively decides to read every book on the list, one after the other. As each story gives up its magic, the books transport Aleisha from the painful realities she’s facing at home.

When Mukesh arrives at the library, desperate to forge a connection with his bookworm granddaughter, Aleisha passes along the reading list…hoping that it will be a lifeline for him too. Slowly, the shared books create a connection between two lonely souls, as fiction helps them escape their grief and everyday troubles and find joy again.  

What Did You Recently Finish Reading?

Goodreads Synopsis of Firsts {Laurie Elizabeth Flynn}:

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself.

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed.

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. 

Read my review of this one HERE.

What Do You Think You’ll Read Next?

It seems EVERYONE is reading this book right now and I’ve heard it’s AWESOME. I can’t wait to get started! If you are someone looking to read the latest book that EVERYONE will be reading and talking about…here you go 🙂

Goodreads Synopsis of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife {Ashley Winstead}:

Ten years after graduation, Jessica Miller has planned her triumphant return to southern, elite Duquette University, down to the envious whispers that are sure to follow in her wake. Everyone is going to see the girl she wants them to see—confident, beautiful, indifferent—not the girl she was when she left campus, back when Heather’s murder fractured everything, including the tight bond linking the six friends she’d been closest to since freshman year. Ten years ago, everything fell apart, including the dreams she worked for her whole life—and her relationship with the one person she wasn’t supposed to love.

But not everyone is ready to move on. Not everyone left Duquette ten years ago, and not everyone can let Heather’s murder go unsolved. Someone is determined to trap the real killer, to make the guilty pay. When the six friends are reunited, they will be forced to confront what happened that night—and the years’ worth of secrets each of them would do anything to keep hidden.

Have you read any of these 3 books? What did you think (no spoilers)? What are you currently reading? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

Xo,

Jenny

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

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

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

*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*

The ultimate list of my top book suggestions can be found HERE

The 12 best books I read in 2020 can be found HERE

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