A New Year's romance to put you in the holiday mood

     Picked as a November 2020 Book of the Month option, This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens is all about fate and waiting for the right moment. This December 1st release shows just how the world works in mysterious ways, especially during the holidays.
     When Minnie meets Quinn at a New Year’s Eve party, it’s clear that they’ve got nothing in common – except for the strange fact of their being born in the same place at the same time on New Year’s Eve. A crazy coincidence, but not a reason to pursue a friendship, and definitely not an excuse for Quinn to hope for something more. He is a privileged party boy who believes the world is his for the taking. She is a hard-working realist, whose lack of confidence tends to hold her back. Opposites don’t really attract…it’s not like this is a rom-com, right? The clock strikes midnight, their moment passes, and another year begins. But if Quinn and Minnie are from different worlds, why do they keep bumping into each other? And why is it that each frustrating interaction somehow seems to push their lives in the right direction? Could it be that instead of clashing, their different outlooks might complement each other? Perhaps now is the time for them to finally come together…
     This book reminded me of a Katherine Center novel: romantic, sweet, and inspiring! This was a really quick read that really put me in the holiday mood! I can't recall ever reading a story set around New Year’s Eve so this was a super fun and unique book for me!
     The chapters alternating between 2020 and New Year’s past was a fun way to connect the dots and see how Minnie and Quinn ended up where they are currently. Each chapter connects the two closer and closer together which will have readers itching for the moment when they finally connect.
     While there’s not much steam in this novel, the way Minnie and Quinn try to make sense of their issues and how their pasts have caused them to be insecure, anxious, and scared of change is inspiring to see. Both of them resolve to better themselves before diving into a relationship and it’s refreshing to see.
​     Overall, if you're looking for a sweet, fluffy, holiday read that also handles some tough issues, this is definitely one to add to your TBR! I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book Cousens may write!

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