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thathappyreader's reviews
834 reviews
Surfside Sisters by Nancy Thayer
4.0
Keely and Isabelle are best friends growing up in Nantucket. All their lives they have loved books and both desire to become published authors. Isabelle’s family has money, while Keely’s parents have barely enough to get by.
Throughout the course of the book the friends begin to live separate lives and have different responsibilities and priorities. Indeed, they become estranged for many years until a set of circumstances and the yearn of Nantucket bring them both home.
I enjoyed the book and appreciated how the author brought up the subject of depression and loss of identity following retirement. The book is charming, engaging and an easy read.
Throughout the course of the book the friends begin to live separate lives and have different responsibilities and priorities. Indeed, they become estranged for many years until a set of circumstances and the yearn of Nantucket bring them both home.
I enjoyed the book and appreciated how the author brought up the subject of depression and loss of identity following retirement. The book is charming, engaging and an easy read.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
5.0
Olive has had a lot of bad luck in her life, including the recent loss of her job. Her twin sister Ami, on the other hand, has always been extremely lucky. In fact, Ami has won enough contests to almost completely pay for her wedding and honeymoon. When Ami and her new husband contract a severe case of food poisoning at their wedding reception making them unable to travel, Olive is encouraged to take the honeymoon trip to Maui along with the groom’s brother Ethan, who just happens to be her nemesis. On top of that, Olive hates being untruthful. According to the honeymoon contest rules, the trip is non-transferable and so she must assume Ami’s identity.
I loved this book!! I found myself LOL frequently and I loved the awkwardness of a new relationship under very intimate conditions. I appreciated the family dynamics in the story and the challenges of not wanting to see the truth under difficult circumstances.
I highly recommend this book and rate it 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to the Netgalley , Simon & Schuster Canada and Gallery Books for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of The Unhoneymooners. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
I loved this book!! I found myself LOL frequently and I loved the awkwardness of a new relationship under very intimate conditions. I appreciated the family dynamics in the story and the challenges of not wanting to see the truth under difficult circumstances.
I highly recommend this book and rate it 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to the Netgalley , Simon & Schuster Canada and Gallery Books for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of The Unhoneymooners. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey
4.0
Annie Cassidy is obsessed with romantic comedy movies . She dreams of a man, like Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle or You’ve Got Mail, which will come into her life and sweep her off her feet following the plot lines she is so familiar with. Her big chance comes when a movie is being filmed in her hometown and she is hired as a Personal Assistant to one of the stars. But like any good rom-com, falling in love isn’t without mishaps.
The story is cute and is definitely geared towards those of us who love rom-com books and movies. The story is sweet, but felt a little long at times. Annie’s character strikes me as being much younger than her 27 years - a little school-girlish at times with her idea of love. I loved the antics of Annie, however, and this kept me engaged to the book.
I would recommend this book to any fans of rom-com, particularly those in their twenties. I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is cute and is definitely geared towards those of us who love rom-com books and movies. The story is sweet, but felt a little long at times. Annie’s character strikes me as being much younger than her 27 years - a little school-girlish at times with her idea of love. I loved the antics of Annie, however, and this kept me engaged to the book.
I would recommend this book to any fans of rom-com, particularly those in their twenties. I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
4.0
Maddie and Theo have had a dislike for one another for quite some time. But when an engagement party is thrown for their mutual friend Alexa, they soon find that perhaps they were a little too judgmental in their original feelings for one another. There is definitely mutual sexual attraction between the two - and a desire to pursue a “friends with benefits” type of relationship. The relationship soon blooms into something more substantial.
The Wedding Party is the third instalment in the Wedding Date series, but can easily be read as a standalone book. It is an easy read with a somewhat predictable storyline, but entertaining nonetheless. I was a little distracted, and somewhat confused, with the fact that this couple eats pizza almost exclusively (I swear almost every chapter) and have no idea why the author didn’t change up their delivery food choices. On a more serious note, I appreciate the fact that the author shows the benevolence of her characters and the impact that their work has on others.
I enjoyed the book and rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
The Wedding Party is the third instalment in the Wedding Date series, but can easily be read as a standalone book. It is an easy read with a somewhat predictable storyline, but entertaining nonetheless. I was a little distracted, and somewhat confused, with the fact that this couple eats pizza almost exclusively (I swear almost every chapter) and have no idea why the author didn’t change up their delivery food choices. On a more serious note, I appreciate the fact that the author shows the benevolence of her characters and the impact that their work has on others.
I enjoyed the book and rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
5.0
In the third of Elizabeth Berg’s Mason series, female friends meet to eat, drink and discuss past mistakes, indiscretions and other secrets that they have never divulged to others. At the end of this confession, the women provide the confessor with non-judgmental acceptance and absolution.
We see the return of many of our favourite characters introduced in the first two books in the series including Maddie who returns to Mason after living in New York. We also see the introduction of new characters including John, a Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD and homeless, who walks into Mason and makes a home out of a dilapidated building. This character is beautifully written and brings to the forefront the importance of not judging others, especially without knowing their story.
This book is absolutely lovely and a joy to read. It speaks of friendship, kindness, acceptance and community - we need more of these values in our world. I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
We see the return of many of our favourite characters introduced in the first two books in the series including Maddie who returns to Mason after living in New York. We also see the introduction of new characters including John, a Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD and homeless, who walks into Mason and makes a home out of a dilapidated building. This character is beautifully written and brings to the forefront the importance of not judging others, especially without knowing their story.
This book is absolutely lovely and a joy to read. It speaks of friendship, kindness, acceptance and community - we need more of these values in our world. I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
4.0
Evie Summers has always wanted to be a screenwriter, but for the past seven years she has been the assistant to the owner of a TV and film agency. The agency’s Oscar-winning screenwriting client, Ezra, has had writer’s block for the past three years. He’s agreed to write a romantic comedy but is past the initial deadline and now needs Evie to assist him. Evie is told she will receive a promotion if she is successful in getting Ezra’s script complete by the new three month deadline. If she fails to do so, the company will fold and she will be out of job.
Ezra needs Evie to go on a series of meet-cutes and provide him with detailed dialogue on what transpired in order for him to have material needed for his screenplay. In fact he will not write without this information. Evie reluctantly agrees and these meet-cutes create a series of laughing out loud scenarios just waiting for the big screen.
One of Evie’s favourite writing places is the local coffee shop where she meets Ben Williams and his charming daughter. She develops a friendship with the pair who are witness to one of Evie’s planned meet-cutes (let’s just say it doesn’t go well).
The book is charming and full of fun. I enjoyed the description of the setting, script-like, at the beginning of each chapter which added the perfect touch. I thoroughy enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of romantic comedies.
Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Ezra needs Evie to go on a series of meet-cutes and provide him with detailed dialogue on what transpired in order for him to have material needed for his screenplay. In fact he will not write without this information. Evie reluctantly agrees and these meet-cutes create a series of laughing out loud scenarios just waiting for the big screen.
One of Evie’s favourite writing places is the local coffee shop where she meets Ben Williams and his charming daughter. She develops a friendship with the pair who are witness to one of Evie’s planned meet-cutes (let’s just say it doesn’t go well).
The book is charming and full of fun. I enjoyed the description of the setting, script-like, at the beginning of each chapter which added the perfect touch. I thoroughy enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of romantic comedies.
Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
4.0
The Scottish Highlands are the setting for this Sarah Morgan read that speaks of love, healing and forgiveness.
Suzanne wishes desperately for her family to come together across the continents for Christmas. Hannah is a successful woman in the business world but doesn’t know when to stop working. Beth is a young mother who has lost part of her identity. Posy is an adventurer who wants to explore the world but doesn’t want to worry her family. The sisters have lost some of their family closeness over the years and have experienced profound tragedy- will this be a Christmas that brings them closer together?
I enjoyed the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Mandy Weston who managed both American and Scottish accents quite well - a skill I quite admire. While not my favourite Sarah Morgan book, I appreciated the fact that the story highlights many issues surrounding women.
I’d recommend this book to fans of Women’s fiction and/or Holiday books.
Suzanne wishes desperately for her family to come together across the continents for Christmas. Hannah is a successful woman in the business world but doesn’t know when to stop working. Beth is a young mother who has lost part of her identity. Posy is an adventurer who wants to explore the world but doesn’t want to worry her family. The sisters have lost some of their family closeness over the years and have experienced profound tragedy- will this be a Christmas that brings them closer together?
I enjoyed the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Mandy Weston who managed both American and Scottish accents quite well - a skill I quite admire. While not my favourite Sarah Morgan book, I appreciated the fact that the story highlights many issues surrounding women.
I’d recommend this book to fans of Women’s fiction and/or Holiday books.
Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne
4.0
This is the third and final installment in the Central Park Pact series. Having read and enjoyed the first two books in the series, it was time to find out about Audrey’s romance. The book was not available at my local library so I chose the audiobook version of the book using my Audible subscription.
This was a light, quick read - exactly what I wished for with the chaos of the Covid-19 virus happening around me. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it is the story of three women who meet at the funeral of one of the women’s husband. After speaking to one another, they realize that the deceased was also have an affair with both the other women.
The story is cute, but somewhat predictable. Long-term friends with no romantic history create a fictional engagement for mutual benefit. They have no desire to actually go through with a wedding. But as they portray the couple in love to the outside world, they redefine their relationship.
A fun conclusion to the series. I recommend this book to fans of romance.
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).
This was a light, quick read - exactly what I wished for with the chaos of the Covid-19 virus happening around me. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it is the story of three women who meet at the funeral of one of the women’s husband. After speaking to one another, they realize that the deceased was also have an affair with both the other women.
The story is cute, but somewhat predictable. Long-term friends with no romantic history create a fictional engagement for mutual benefit. They have no desire to actually go through with a wedding. But as they portray the couple in love to the outside world, they redefine their relationship.
A fun conclusion to the series. I recommend this book to fans of romance.
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).
All I Ask by Corinne Michaels
4.0
Teagan is a thirty something single mother who lives in the same small town she was raised in. As a high school student, cheerleader Teagan only wanted to hang around with the popular students, often shunning those who were not as popular. Keith, now a professional football player, was her boyfriend and the father of her now 13 year old daughter. Teagan’s best friend in school, however, was Derek who wasn’t in the popular crowd. But he was her rock - that is, until the day Derek’s wife Meghan had found his journal which proclaimed his love for Teagan during their high school days. Meghan, who also went to school with Teagan, became unnerved and instructed Derek never to talk to or see Teagan again. That was until Meghan’s death six months ago, and his decision to return to his hometown to assist with his father’s veterinary practice. Will Teagan forgive him for cutting him out of his life?
All I Ask is a story about learning from, and accepting, the decisions we make in life. It’s also about holding onto your dreams and continuing to strive to ensure you have what you need in life.
I enjoyed the book, but found it to be a little slow in places. The story is told in the dual perspective of both Teagan and Derek, and in dual time frames of “then” and “now”. I purchased the audiobook through Audible and enjoyed the performances of Savannah Beachwood and Teddy Hamilton. There are a few light steamy scenes which I mention only to warn more sensitive readers. I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance.
All I Ask is a story about learning from, and accepting, the decisions we make in life. It’s also about holding onto your dreams and continuing to strive to ensure you have what you need in life.
I enjoyed the book, but found it to be a little slow in places. The story is told in the dual perspective of both Teagan and Derek, and in dual time frames of “then” and “now”. I purchased the audiobook through Audible and enjoyed the performances of Savannah Beachwood and Teddy Hamilton. There are a few light steamy scenes which I mention only to warn more sensitive readers. I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
5.0
I love a romantic comedy - especially with so much happening in our world. The Happy Ever After Playlist is simply one of the best I have ever read.
The story starts two years after the author’s debut novel “The Friend Zone” ends. Although this book may not be considered a sequel, it was nice to have the back story. Sloan is trying to move on with her life when, literally, a dog jumps into her car. She tries desperately to contact the owner - Jason, who happens to be a musician currently in Australia recording a soundtrack. When he finally receives a cell signal he returns her texts and starts the beginning of the type of flirtatious banter so reminiscent of great rom-coms. By the time Jason flies back to L.A., the two cannot wait to to meet up. The story continues with the couple trying to make a relationship work when one partner is a musician.
Where this book really excels to me is the wide-ranging emotions to be experienced by the reader. There are many moments of humour, but also times when I felt grief, anger, and sadness. It is important to me to feel this connection to a book. The characters are memorable and demonstrate respect for others.
I purchased the audiobook version of this book through my Audible subscription. Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber narrated this book and brought another dimension to the characters - the performance by this duo is exceptional.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves romantic comedy or in need of some lighter fiction. You won’t be disappointed.
The story starts two years after the author’s debut novel “The Friend Zone” ends. Although this book may not be considered a sequel, it was nice to have the back story. Sloan is trying to move on with her life when, literally, a dog jumps into her car. She tries desperately to contact the owner - Jason, who happens to be a musician currently in Australia recording a soundtrack. When he finally receives a cell signal he returns her texts and starts the beginning of the type of flirtatious banter so reminiscent of great rom-coms. By the time Jason flies back to L.A., the two cannot wait to to meet up. The story continues with the couple trying to make a relationship work when one partner is a musician.
Where this book really excels to me is the wide-ranging emotions to be experienced by the reader. There are many moments of humour, but also times when I felt grief, anger, and sadness. It is important to me to feel this connection to a book. The characters are memorable and demonstrate respect for others.
I purchased the audiobook version of this book through my Audible subscription. Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber narrated this book and brought another dimension to the characters - the performance by this duo is exceptional.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves romantic comedy or in need of some lighter fiction. You won’t be disappointed.