Review – This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

As we head towards the end of this strange year, many of us are looking forward to a New Year and new beginnings. This book may be the perfect read for those looking ahead to better days in 2021.

Minnie Cooper,(yes her name was the subject of many jokes), was born on New Year’s Day 1990. While most people love to celebrate ringing in the new year, Minnie has always found that disaster has struck her as the clock strikes midnight. Her thirtieth birthday is no exception. Locked in a bathroom while at a New Year’s Eve party for hours is just one example of bad luck on her birthday. It was, however, a stroke of luck when she is rescued (after several hours have you) by Quinn Hamilton. The same Quinn whose mother Tara stole the name Quinn which had already chosen for Minnie by her mother Connie. Tara and Connie had both been in labour that New Year’s eve in 1989 which resulted in Quinn being born one minute before Minnie, winning the title of the first New Year’s baby of the decade and substantial prize money along the way. Connie was devastated by this fact and has always carried this disappointment with her – instilling and perpetuating in Minnie the belief that Minnie’s birthday was always filled with bad luck.

When Quinn and Minnie meet that fateful New Year’s Day in 1990, they soon realize who each other is based on the stories told by their mothers. The stories are told very differently from the perspective of their mothers. The two develop a friendship over time, bumping into each other from time to time, but it is clear that the two have led completely different lives influenced by living in very different families. When their lives intercept in more ways than one, they begin to see that perhaps they have more in common than what they originally believed.

I really enjoyed this book which has many romantic comedy moments. I adored the banter between Minnie and Quinn. Not only does Minnie’s “bad luck” get her into all kinds of humourous situations, but she has a group of friends/coworkers that are absolutely hilarious. One of my favourite moments in the book is the highly orchestrated marriage proposal between two of Minnie’s friends. The characters are very likeable, and well developed. I loved how both Minnie and Quinn evolve over the years.  Mental health issues are discussed with sensitivity and compassion. I appreciated the supportive relationship between Connie and Tara. The book is highly engaging and one I had a hard time putting down.

I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Hannah Arterton. I thoroughly enjoyed her voice which I found to be pleasing to listen to and easy to understand. I listened to the book at 1.15x ( a little slower than my usual 1.25x). I would not hesitate to choose this version of the book for those that enjoy audiobooks.

My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.

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