“Where do you want to be this time next year?”

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens is a great story about love and friendship. This great story is filled with emotion and humor.

New Years is always unlucky for Minnie which is also her birthday. She has always attributed bad luck to her name. The story starts with everything going wrong New Year’s Eve 2019. Minnie meets Quinn Hamilton. Their mothers met in the hospital when they were both in labor. Both women are very different with vastly different lives. Their stories started together but soon diverge. Will they find a way back to each other?

This Time Next Year is Minnie and Quinn’s stories from New Year’s Eve 2019 to New Year’s Eve 2020. There are flashbacks of other New Year’s Eves throughout their lives and including their births.

After their meeting, Minnie and Quinn start running into each other and quickly develop a friendship. Is their relationship more than just friendship? Will they take the risks of being more than friends?

This Time Next Year is a great novel. I loved the storyline and the layout of the book with mixed in flashbacks really added to the story. All of the characters are great. Minnie and Quinn are both great people dealing with personal issues. Quinn is afraid to get close to people. Minnie is afraid to take risks and blames everything on her bad luck.

The friendship between Minnie and Leila added to the story. They have been best friends since they were fifteen years old. They tell each other everything. Leila is dating the love of her life and Minnie is struggling with her love life. They own a struggling pie business together.

I recommend This Time Next Year to anyone looking for a romance with a great story.

Thank you NetGalley, Edelweiss, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Publishing Group for This Time Next Year.

“I’m happy to be me, and I’ve never felt like that.”

This Time Next Year is Sophie Cousens’ debut novel. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a TV producer in London, but we’re so glad she stepped into the writing world because her first novel was an absolute pleasure to read. This Time Next Year follows the story of Minnie Cooper (yes, that’s really her name) and Quinn Hamilton, which were both born at the same hospital on the first day of the year in 1990. Their mothers bonded in the labour ward, as they were excited to see which baby would be the first to be born and who would win the £50,000 prize. Not only did Quinn win, thanks to being born one minute before Minnie, but he also took her name and all her luck too—according to her. Both grew up differently and had different life trajectories.

Minnie has always thought that her life would’ve taken another path if she had been named Quinn, and has always felt jinxed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day; which is why she usually tries to avoid celebrating them. In the present day, she is also the struggling owner of a pie-business —one that she runs with her best friend—and is trying to keep it afloat with only a handful of co-workers. On the other hand, Quinn is a rich and successful businessman, whose life hasn’t been as easy as it may seem—as both the reader and Minnie get to discover throughout the novel. The pair finally meet on their 30th birthday, after Minnie has had a series of mishaps… What follows this encounter is a series of “will-they-won’t they” that will keep the reader invested in the story at all times! But what makes this novel truly a good one is that romance isn’t the sole thing it focuses on. There’s a lot more to this story than that.

Even though at first it seems like the only thing the main couple has in common is the day of their birth, the pair have insane chemistry. Minnie is caught up in the idea of her bad luck, which in the beginning can be a bit wearing, but as time progresses—and inspired by Quinn and his “you make your own luck” approach as well as that of her best friend’s Leila—she starts to change and to believe more in herself and put herself first; which only makes the reader love her more. And Quinn isn’t the spoiled rich guy that Minnie (and the reader) thinks he is in the beginning. He is one of those characters that grow on you as you get to know them and their backstory and once you understand where they’re coming from and why they act the way they act. And together, well, they are wonderful. Their relationship is a great narrative push and is filled with anticipation. They’re two people who have always circled each other, even without them knowing; as it is made evident thanks to the flashback chapters that are weaved in throughout the novel. When they meet for the first time, their conversation just flows and is filled with banter and it continues to be like that until the end. Yes, obviously, not everything is perfect and both characters have their flaws and things to work on but that’s what makes them real.

Because that’s one of the things Cousens' did best in This Time Next Year, creating characters that feel real. This is a very character-driven book, and whilst the story is great, what makes you really love the book is the characters themselves. All of them were different but equally loveable and relatable. They are a fun set of characters: some are quirky, some are colourful, and some are more uptight and selfish… But this is life, this is how people are. On top of being a likeable set of characters, their dialogue felt natural and never dragged; it had the perfect mix of seriousness and banter.

The narration shifts from the main storyline to chapters focused on past NYE celebrations, which show that they’ve always gravitated towards each other, even if they weren’t aware of it. The main storyline takes place throughout the course of a year, which allows the reader to fully get to know more about the characters and their lives as well as to see how much they evolve! Because there are serious character developments in this book, which is wonderful to see. However, at first, these time jumps may seem a bit disjointed and may lead one to believe that they interfere with the pace of the story. But that only lasts a few chapters, because there’s a point when the reader will start connecting the dots and seeing how relevant these little intermissions actually are, both to understand the main story and the backstory of the characters.

This Time Next Year is much more than a romance novel. It is also a book about friendship, family, fate, and finding your own life-path and loving yourself. All of these subplots were equally interesting to read as the main plot, and Cousens did a wonderful job of balancing all of them in this sweet story. One of the subplots that stands out the most is the one about mental health, which is something that’s rarely discussed in romance novels and it definitely added another layer of depth to the book. It not only focuses on the persons who deal with it first-hand but also on how it affects those around them. And how helpful it can be to trust somebody else with your struggles, that it does not make you weak, and that it is okay to focus on yourself and your needs. So, we must congratulate Sophie Cousens' writing and storytelling because both were beautiful. Definitely, an author you should be looking out for in the future!!

Overall, This Time Next Year is a heartwarming, funny, and uplifting story. The sort of feel-good romantic read to forget the rest of the world for a little while. It offers the perfect dose of escapism, which is something we all need right now.

Just waiting for this to be turned into my dream rom-com movie! :) As an avid reader of the chick-lit/romance/women's fiction genre, this book was an absolute pleasure to read. And what a refreshing plot, something I haven't stumbled upon before. I loved all of the characters, from its leading stars Minnie Cooper (what a fantastic name!) and Quinn, to the supporting cast of quirky friends and family. Not to mention, it was just well-written. And that ending--I could actually visualize it playing out. I particularly loved the humor interjected into the scenes and dialogue and even found myself captivated by Quinn's charm. Maybe it's the crazy times we're living in, or that I simply needed an escape from, well, everything; but This Time Next Year gave me that feel-good feeling I've been craving. Can't wait to read more from Sophie Cousens!

This romantic comedy was absolutely adorable with the perfect combination of humor, quirky characters, romance, and depth. I particular enjoy romantic comedies that manage to maintain a light tone even while peppering the book with serious issues and sadness. This book managed it very well. Toss in offbeat and loveable secondary characters, a grand gesture (or two) and it's a recipe for one of my favorite romantic comedies of the year.

This rom-com has depth and heart. Cousens artfully intertwines the stories of Minnie and Quinn without relying on stereotypes. Her characters, main and secondary, are genuine and human, and completely loveable. The handling of mental health was kind, not tragic, and the ending was perfectly palatable.
A perfect contemporary romance/women's lit read. Reminded me of Katherine Center's books in a way.
lovely.

Sophie Cousen's This Time Next Year is a fun meet-cute which makes you wonder, "Are some people born lucky? And are other born unlucky?" Quinn Hamilton and Minnie Cooper share a New Year's birthday and that special day defines their outlook on life. A chance meeting shows the contrast in their lives and how not everything is as it seems. The characters in this novel are so colorful and endearing. This story takes place in an alternate 2020 timeline where COVID-19 and lockdowns do not exist. This book has all my (current) favorite elements: non linear timelines, English setting, alternating narrators, and all the Rom-Com elements that tug at your heartstrings. It's a perfect read to get you excited about the New Year!

Fun read with enjoyable storyline of strong friendship and finding love. Lots of “almosts” in the story that keep you rooting for finding true love!

A light hearted romcom that will appeal to fans of Helen Fielding and Sophie Kinsella.

Londoner Mininie Cooper feels perpetually down on her luck. Born shortly after midnight on January 1, 1990 her family missed out on a big prize being awarded to the first baby born in the decade because another baby was born just minutes before her. That baby, Quinn Hamilton, and his family got the prize money and the name Minnie’s mom had hoped to give her. So family lore has lead Minnie to believe that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are cursed. When she crosses paths with Quinn on their 30th birthday, she considers his charmed life further proof that she was simply born unlucky.

There are certainly cliched or formulaic moments to be had in This Time Next Year, but it’s the sort of novel that feels perfect for the holiday season. The secondary characters, especially Minnie’s best friend and their employees, are quirky and entertaining. Readers who enjoy missed connection stories will probably delight in mapping out Minnie and Quinn’s misadventures.

NetGalley ARC | This December 2020 book release will warm up your soul just in time for the holidays and is an enemies-to-lovers romance.

Although I did not appreciate the abundance of cheesy coincidences, I can get behind the entrepreneurial spirit and Minnie's lovable gaggle of friends. This is an easy and light read perfect for the season.

See our full review on The Uncorked Librarian along with more December 2020 book releases here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/december-2020-book-releases/

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing TUL with a free and advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Cute romcom! Minnie would rather sleep through New Years because bad things tend to happen to her on that day, which is also her birthday. She’s a bit quirky and anxious yet likable. I couldn’t help but feel for her when things started to go downhill. I liked that the story flashes back to Minnie’s past New Years’ experiences and also Quinn’s. It’s funny how Minnie and Quinn have several missed connections. I wished these were revealed and tied up at the end though. Quinn has his own insecurities, and I would have liked to get into his head a bit more to understand him better. The supporting characters are a hoot and there was one particular scene at 65% of the book that literally had me full-belly laughing. This was an enjoyable read.

For fans of Pride and Prejudice, Sophie Kinsella, and romantic films featuring Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan, This Time Next Year is the perfect feel-good love story to snuggle up with this December. I laughed, aww’ed, and smiled gushingly to myself more times than I could count while reading this book, and I hated having to put it down while I dealt with reality (I am a full-on escapist when it comes to my reading habits). It’s been hours since I finished This Time Next Year and I’m still wishing there had been one more chapter, one more glance into Minnie and Quinn’s intermingled lives. Is it wishful thinking to hope for an epilogue at some point in the very near future?

A delightful rom com, this one had me smiling from start to finish! It was the perfect pick-me-up after a couple of heavy reads.

Pie baker Minnie Cooper’s life has been jinxed from the very moment of her birth 30 years ago on New Year’s Day. Having been robbed of her title as the first baby of the new 1990’s decade, as well as of the name she was to be given, the only kind of luck Minnie seems to have is bad luck.

When she meets Quinn Hamilton, the boy who beat her out as baby new year, and the name Quinn, Minnie cannot believe her bad luck once again. But there’s more to Quinn than first appears.

A joyful tale of mishaps and misunderstandings, This Time Next Year is sure to put you in a feel-good mood.

A big thank you to Sophie Cousens, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.

This Time Next Year is releasing December 1, 2020 in paperback, audiobook, and for Kindle. Please consider purchasing from Bookshop.org, the online bookstore that donates 75% of the book’s profit margin to support independent bookstores. (Note that Desiree does receive a small commission if you purchase through this link, however, she shares it out of her enduring love for those corner, indie bookstores everywhere.)

#ThisTimeNextYear
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Yes I judged this book by its cover!!! What a beautiful cover image and also tag line. Great meet cute, good story line, easy to follow and a happy escape. Loved.

Let me start by saying I think this book has a lot of potential. It starts off so well, and I love the backstory as well as the puzzle pieces of missed connections along the way. My only gripe is the last part of the book falls flat to me. I wanted to love the ending, and it was only lackluster. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

Sophie Cousens' debut novel was a delight that brought tears and belly laughs. I can't wait for her next novel.

An enjoyable and fun read, the story introduces us to Minnie Cooper. Minnie’s mother was in labor at the same time as another mother, competing for a money prize for the first baby of the new year. The other mother had a son, Quinn, using the name Minnie’s mother hoped to use. As a result, Minnie was teased all her life about her name, contributing not just to her insecurity, but her sense of being jinxed, especially on New Year’s Eve. Minnie meets Quinn after getting locked into a bathroom at a New Year’s Eve party. The chapters go back and forth from the present to various times when Quinn and Minnie were in the same place without realizing it. The characters were likable, including Minnie’s beat friend, Leila, plus a supporting cast of quirky characters. The story moved quickly, and I was really invested in Minnie’s attempt to move past her fears. I recommend this book for lovers of rom coms and thank NetGalley for the ARC.

This Time Next Year is a charming contemporary romance that explores the profound impact two families and two people have on each other’s lives over a span of a few decades. The story focuses on Minnie Cooper (yes, really) and Quinn Hamilton, a man and a woman who were born at the same hospital on New Year’s Day. Not only was Quinn born before Minnie, but he also stole the name she was supposed to have. Thirty years later, they meet by chance and can’t deny the connection between them. Do these chance encounters have the potential to lead to more, or will past grudges and new obstacles prove to be too complicated?

Minnie is a great protagonist! She is kind, compassionate, a really good friend, and a bit of a mess. I love her ambitious desire to share her love of food and cooking while helping those in need. She knows what she is passionate about and strives to achieve her goals. She also learns some humility, especially in regards to Quinn, who she grossly misjudges. Sometimes it takes losing everything to realize what you really want, and I think Minnie does just that.

I love the slow-building romance between Minnie and Quinn and wholly rooted for their happily ever after. They have many swoon-worthy moments, as well as some humorous mishaps. I also love the flashbacks to different parts of Minnie and Quinn’s lives when their paths cross, unbeknownst to them. However, this isn’t solely a love story. It’s a story about families and growing, learning and adapting, understanding others and yourself, and letting go of the past while embracing the future.

There are many wonderful characters, messages, and plotlines, and I particularly like Minnie’s quirky friends and co-workers. They are comical and sweet, and they always have her back. I also love Minnie and Quinn’s mother’s stories. Both recall the same experience of giving birth together on New Year’s Eve. However, they leave with such different feelings all because of miscommunication. It was interesting to see how their stories evolved and came around full circle.

Quinn and Minnie have relationship and family issues, though their problems are very different. I like how the author tackles family issues as well as mental health concerns. Anxiety, agoraphobia, commitment issues, and more affect the characters’ lives, and the author doesn’t shy away from these realistic situations. Minnie and Quinn put a lot of pressure on themselves, especially when it comes to family, which I found really realistic and understandable.

I enjoyed the book and think it will appeal to readers who like contemporary romance with great characters, witty banter, and a lot of heart. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Putnam Books, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

A cute, light, romantic story of good luck vs awful luck.
How is it that every birthday brings a stroke of horror for Minnie Cooper?
She carries a huge chip on her shoulder which creates negativity to follow her everywhere in her life!
That is until # 30!
She meets her nursery mate on their birthday. He was born the same day and actually only a wee bit before Minnie.
Can he help Minnie to drop the adversity in her life? Can life start to "go right" for Minnie?

Stay tuned and read this book! You will totally enjoy these people!

Very sweet book! I love a missed chances books so I jumped to read this. Most of this book is a win for me, a little bit of the dialogue fell flat for me, like a bit too much filler.

This is a charming story with likeable characters and an interesting premise -- all the elements of the best contemporary romances.