Romance
This Time Next Year
Early Release
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Quick take
He was born with a silver spoon—she with a chip on her shoulder. And fate just won't stop bringing them together.
Good to know
Light read
Nonlinear timeline
Quirky
Female friendships
Synopsis
Down-to-earth baker Minnie Cooper knows two things with great certainty: that her New Year’s birthday has always been unlucky, and that it’s all because of Quinn Hamilton, a man she’s never met. Minnie and Quinn were born at the same hospital just after midnight on New Year’s Day thirty years before, and not only did he edge her out by mere minutes to win the cash prize for being the first baby born in London in 1990, but he stole the name she was meant to have, as well. With luck like that, it’s no wonder each of her birthdays has been more of a disaster than the one before.
When Minnie unexpectedly runs into Quinn at a New Year’s party on their mutual thirtieth birthday, she sees only more evidence that fortune has continued to favor him. The handsome, charming business owner truly seems to have it all—including the perfect girlfriend. 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 leave them both hoping for more?
Free sample
Get an early look from the first pages of This Time Next Year.
This Time Next Year
New Year's Eve 2019
The Night Jam was rammed. Pounding music pulsed through the club and the walls felt sticky with sweat, alcohol, and likely worse. Minnie held tightly to Greg’s hand as they jostled through the crowd near the door.
“We’re never going to get to the bar,” Greg shouted back to her.
“What?” Minnie yelled back, her ears adjusting to the heavy bass.
“We won’t be able to get a drink before midnight. I don’t even know where Lucy’s party is,” said Greg.
He pointed upward, indicating they should try to push their way upstairs to the terrace on the mezzanine above. Minnie looked at her watch—it was ten to midnight. So far, this whole evening was only validating her hatred of New Year’s Eve. Why hadn’t she stayed at home and gone to bed early? Then she remembered that her heating had been cut off—she’d come out to keep warm. And Greg had been determined to go to his work friend’s party; she would have felt like a bad girlfriend if she’d made him go alone.
Minnie let herself be dragged through the throng of pulsating bodies. Finally, they emerged from the crush, stepping out into the cool night air where the thumping bass from the club settled to a more manageable decibel.
“Watch it!” Greg said, pushing a drunk guy out of his way. Greg glared at the man, trying to make him notice he’d spilled his beer on someone, but the man was too far gone to care.
Why I love it
Josie Silver
Author, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird
I’m a huge love story fan—and if you throw in a festive theme, I’ll always be first in line! I went into This Time Next Year hoping to feel that wonderful spark of holiday joy, and I’m happy to report it delivers by the sleigh-load.
The book has one of those classic rom-com chance encounter beginnings: At a New Year’s Eve party, two strangers from entirely disparate worlds meet, only to discover they were born in the exact same hospital at the exact same time. Minnie is a warm, relatable girl-next-door character who is battling to get her business off the ground making pies for people in need. Quinn, the man who shares her birthday and stole her name (long story), leads a fabulous life of wealth and glamour. On paper they have little in common, which of course sets the scene perfectly for romantic fireworks as they bump into each other again and again.
Unfolding from a cute set-up into a funny, pull-at-your-heartstrings read, this is the perfect companion for curling up with hot chocolate and a blanket. Unashamedly romantic and packed full of holiday sparkle, it’s a hug in book form. I’m sure you’ll adore it just as much as I did.
Member ratings (24,705)
Donna M.
Wood-Ridge, NJ
This reminded me a lot of Josie Silver’s writing style which I absolutely love. This was a perfect example of “the grass isn’t always greener.” Feel-good ending after a story with quite a lot of depth
Emilia J.
Shady Side, MD
I read this book so fast, it was so good. I have been in a bit of a reading slump, but I finished this in 1 day! Didn’t give off overly “Hallmark” vibes (which is good)but still a happy romance novel.
Jessica H.
Attica, IN
I love that this love story is about more than your typical “love”. It’s about learning to love ourselves, best love our family and friends, and following our hearts. The perfect love story for 2020.
Sabrina W.
Hudson, NH
Some times you just need a feel good rom-com style book in your life. This Time Next Year 100% fits the bill. Internally screamed several times “Why can’t they see they are perfect for each other?!”
Chrystin S.
Owosso, MI
Super cute. Has all the set up for a rom-com. However, I cant point out “the moment”. The turning point in the book where they fell in love. Quin’s character lacked depth. I was not in love with him.