In a twist of fate – particularly after last month’s Book of the Month post – this past weekend was warm. Like, unseasonably warm for November. This was excellent for our tour program at work (since we’re somewhat reliant on outdoor tours in these COVID days). But still, completely unexpected.
That didn’t stop me from choosing a book for my November Book of the Month that the judge reviewed as being “a hug in book form”. And if you follow me on Instagram you already know which book that is.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens was every inch the “hug in book form” that it was declared. The beginning of the book certainly has you thinking that there is no way that any of this set up could possibly work. One of the main characters is self protective and somewhat judge-y at the outset. But as any feel good romance tends to do, they find their way by the end.
Yes – I know – actually reading the book before writing my top of the month “here’s what I picked” post! Not something I usually do. But the book arrived on the day after Election Day, and then I was knocked out with a migraine for most of Thursday. Between the stress of the election and an inability to look at a screen of any kind, this book was the perfect remedy. Which also means I flew through it in less than a day.
The one thing I will say about this book is that while the premise is interesting, there is one thing I wasn’t quite expecting.
The development of their relationship happens throughout the year 2020. But it’s a fantasy version of 2020 where coronavirus never happened. I’m okay with this. However, I did have a few moments where I found myself outside the story because it was just so weird. This is completely a biproduct of how weird this year has been in general, that we’ve become accustomed to mask wearing and social distancing. That any reference to 2020 found anywhere must have some viral association or it must be a fantasy world.
In any event – if you are looking for a good book that is quite literally “a hug in book form” and you like romance novels, this is definitely one to pick up. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens, out December 1st! Enjoy!