This Time Next Year

A Novel

By: Sophie Cousens

Narrated by: Hannah Arterton

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Instant New York Times Best Seller

A Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Their lives began together, but their worlds couldn't be more different. After 30 years of missed connections, they're about to meet again....

Minnie Cooper knows two things with certainty: that her New Year's birthday is unlucky, and that it's all because of Quinn Hamilton, a man she's never met. Their mothers gave birth to them at the same hospital just after midnight on New Year's Day, but Quinn was given the cash prize for being the first baby born in London in 1990 - and the name Minnie 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 30th birthday, she sees only more evidence that fortune has continued to favor him. The gorgeous, charming business owner truly seems to have it all - while Minnie's on the brink of losing her pie-making company and her home. But if Quinn and Minnie are from different worlds, why do they keep bumping into each other? And why is it that each fraught encounter leaves them both wanting more?

A moving, joyful love story, This Time Next Year explores the way fate leads us to the people we least expect - no matter what the odds.

©2020 Sophie Cousens (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"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.”—Josie Silver, author of One Day in December

"[A] cute contemporary romantic comedy...The characters in this page-turning novel are richly drawn and transform substantially, especially Minnie, and all suggest that maybe happy ever after is up to us.”—NPR Books

"If you make time for just one holiday read this year, make it Sophie Cousens's This Time Next Year."—PopSugar

intelligent rom-com

Good Morning America chose “This Time Next Year” as December’s book club pick. Rom-Com is not a genre I gravitate towards, so I am grateful for their pick as it is an intelligent, fun, and sweet story. “Sleepless in Seattle” is referenced in this novel, and it’s perfect because similar to “Sleepless”, this is a novel that is heartwarming and satisfying.

Minnie hates New Years because she believes she is jinxed. She was born on New Year’s day 1990 and was to be named “Quinn”. Her mother chose that name because she felt it’s a lucky name. Minnie’s mother was in labor and in the same room with another woman who was going to have a boy. The woman gave birth to her son firsrt, and SHE named her son Quinn. As a result, Minnie’s parents felt they couldn’t use that name because it was taken, and her father chose “Minnie” as her name.

This was unfortunate because her last name is Cooper. Yes, her name is Minnie Cooper. Her mother, since birth, has told Minnie that she’s unlucky, and Minnie believes it. Unfortunate things seem to happen to her on New Year’s Eve and Day.

The story really begins when she meets her nemesis: The “Quinn” who stole her name (actually it was his mother who did the deed). The story is told in jumping timelines with the chapters dated previous New Year’s and then the current timeline. Minnie learns that Quinn’s life isn’t the charmed life she sees on the surface. And poor Minnie….school children are SO MEAN!!

If you read one Rom-Com this year, take a look at this one. It’s intelligent and very clever. I was giggling throughout the book. I listened to the Audible production narrated by Hannah Arterton who is perfect. Be warned about listening in public: you will breakout in giggles and guffaws and those around you (if they don’t see your earbuds) will deem you as a crazy person.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I laughed and I even teared up as so many scenes brought me back to remembrances of my own life. The narrator was so good…into character for each of them. Loved it!!

Delightful slow burn

A sweet and charming story of family, self-discovery, and true love! This is a terrific story with strong narration. It’s a must-listen!

Surprisingly Delightful

I used "surprisingly " because this genre has more insipid writing then I'd like to admit. This writer knows what she's doing. I was all in, never distracted by uncomfortable writing cliches or lame comic moments. it was a fun book all the way to the end.

cute book, but 2020 wasn't the year

the book was cute, but we all have to use our temporary suspension of disbelief. The author had no idea what 2020 would be. haha. enjoy

Love!

Perfect little love story and a very fun story line for all characters! Loved it!

Life is hard

I need more of these stories Full of witty rapport, real-life relationships and hope for happy endings.

Enjoyable cute listen

I really like the unusual story plots this author comes up with. They are always a slow burn but I will have to admit this one was the slowest. The MC's are only in their 30's so figuring out your self and your future is understandable. Both the MC's are effected by their parents and struggle to find self worth. They are a part of each others life from birth without knowing, the author describes this by going back in time throughout the story. This story is funny but also sad. Also this author does not write steamy scenes. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt. Great narration. "Just Haven't Met you Yet" is still my favorite by this author.

Great book

Entertaining and made me laugh while also having empathy for Minnie and a few other characters.
Makes me want to read another one by the author.

A bit Feminist for a RomCom…

The great part was how the author kept jumping back in time and showing us previous new years with our hero and heroine. Made them super real characters!!

The author kept chasing the “save the planet” and “ women are girl boss”, but then there was yearning to get married but reality is…you kind of have to choose…Neither one is bad!! Just which one do YOU fancy more!