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leggings // large-collar button up // cardigan c/o
If 2020 has taught me anything it’s that life is too short to not read a happy ending. I think I’ve finally turned into my grandmother where I will only read books that are upbeat and about romance. Never say never with mysteries or thrillers, but I wanted an escape and books are the best way to forget about the world around you. And if I am going to escape real life, I better be in a fantasy world where people fall in love, dreams come true, and the gossip is juicy. Here is part one of what books I read this past fall.
Issy Randall loves to bake. She grew up spending every waking moment in her grandfather’s bakery and learned the ins and out of creating sweets. When Issy is at her desk job in a prominent development firm in London, she always wins people over with her cupcakes. When Issy’s life is turned upside down and her relationship is crumbling, Issy takes a leap of faith and opens up her own cupcake café– with the help of a very cute banker and quirky friends of course. Meet Me at the Cupcake Café is a sweet story about believing in yourself, your abilities, and knowing your worth. Whether it is through career, romance, or friendship, Issy’s story is relatable on many levels.
Review
I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t a turn pager for me. It took me a while to get into it. Once the story started to pick up with her starting the cafe and possible romance, I got into the book. I enjoyed Issy’s upbeat outlook on life and admire her for not listening to people who doubted her. She turned a charming little corner of London into a place where people spend their afternoons. Looking back on the book after finishing it, I realized I enjoyed it a lot more than I originally thought. It’s rooting for the underdog to win. You see yourself in Issy, and the book leaves you believing you can do whatever it is you set your mind to.
Minnie Cooper has the worst luck the world, starting from birth. She was the second baby born on New Year’s Day in 1990. The unfortunate string of events that have happened in her life, especially the curse of her birthday, can all be blamed on Quinn Hamilton. Quinn Hamilton, the boy who was born first on New Year’s Day before Minnie. The one who stole what would have been Minnie’s name and cash prize. The thing is, Minnie has never met Quinn before…. or so she thought. When Minnie finally meets Quinn on the eve of their 30th birthday, she comes to realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Fate has brought these two together time after time, even without their knowledge. This Time Next Year is about destiny, appreciating the life you have, and not apologizing for who you are.
Review
I throughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I am a sucker for Godwinks aka coincidental encounters with people, even when you do not know it. It’s the invisible string that ties you to someone or something, only when you finally have that thing or person in your life do you realize that God was leading you there all along. I have to say that this book eco’s Cupcake Café a little– quicker girl starts her own bakery business, feels less than, lives in London, etc. But I think the two stories have completely different takeaways. Cupcake Café being more about knowing your worth, while This Time Next Year is about our destiny. Anyway, I enjoyed how Quinn and Minnie formed an unusually friendship and that the bond between them grew within a year.
The sequel to American Royals, Majesty is the continuation of the beloved fictional Washington family- America’s royal family **Spoilers if you have not read the first one**. After the death of the King, her father, Princess Beatrice finds herself the newly reigned Queen of America. She doesn’t feel ready. It feels rushed; the title, the responsibilities, her marriage to Teddy. Princess Samantha is dealing with the pending nuptials by doing what she does best, living up to her name as the party princess. Only Samantha doesn’t want to be that anymore. Nina, Sam’s best friend and Prince Jeffrey’s ex, is enjoying her life unattached to the royal family, while her nemesis Daphne plans to win Jeff back.
Review
I absolutely loved the sequel and it honestly left me wanting more. I hope there is a 3rd book, but it does feel as though the story tied up nicely. I think Katharine McGee does an excellent job at keeping each story juicy and leaving you wanting more. Like the first book, I couldn’t put this one down. I had to know what was going to happen. Also like the first book, I enjoyed the historical details; tying actually historical events that happened in America into the story. I love playing with the idea of America having a royal family like England. How different America would be– especially with current events happening in our country. This was an enjoyable read…. now lets make it into a Netflix movie!
