Category: kindness


May
2022

Thank you so much!

categories: Amazon, doing what you love, Fauxmance, kindness, Romance, self-publishing, writing, Xpresso Book Tours, YA

Warning: Thankful author post ahead.

This Thursday will be 2 weeks since the release of FAUXMANCE! <3

I can’t believe time’s gone by so fast. I can’t believe people are actually reading Magnolia & Hayden’s story!!! Eep! It’s actually out there, you guys, and readers have been leaving the most wonderful reviews!

Here are some of the awesome things people are saying about FAUXMANCE:

“Fauxmance was absolutely adorable and so much fun! With laugh out loud and sigh worthy moments, this heartwarming story became a quick favorite! And with a fun and flirty vibe, this was YA at its best!” — Jen, Star-Crossed Book Blog

“The happy tears that I shed through reading this book just make me want to start it all over again.” — Kristin, Instagram Review

“Fake dating/ real feelings are prohibited
Sizzling chemistry
love interest snarky/sarcastic musician
stuck in elevator
TOP notch banter

My love for fake dating books is unmatched, it’s literally my favorite trope. When I say I’m obsessed with this book, I’m not kidding it’s probably my favorite fake dating book to date.” — Lindsey, Goodreads Review

“Best fake romance to real romance ever!” — Tara, Amazon Review

“A story that will have you laughing out loud, feeling all warm and fuzzy, and going “damn, that was deep”!” — Carla, Amazon Review

“If I could, I’d give it a 10 star review! “Fauxmance” is my favorite of all the books Cookie has written so far, which is saying alot because I also love many of her other books.” — Mara, Goodreads Review

“If you are a fan of contemporary romances of any age, you need to check out Fauxmance. You will love it.” — Michelle, Book Briefs

“The storyline is fabulous and despite this being the fifth of sixth book I have read like this recently it felt fresh and new. Cookie O’Gorman has really outdone herself.” — Lexy, Goodreads Review

“The thing with Cookie’s writing is that she manages to write characters and pace the story so well that makes you feel as if you’ve known the characters forever. She writes the innocence of romance at its purest and I absolutely love it.” — Ryelle, Goodreads Review

“Cookie O’Gorman is my go-to author for feel-good, purely entertaining novels and this one hit that right out of the park!” — Lauren, SERIESous Book Reviews

“My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I absolutely loved the characters and fell in love with Hayden before I even knew his name 😂. “Fauxmance” is the perfect mixture of sweet, funny, and romantic with such a swoon-worthy love interest.” — Alani, Amazon Review

“I loved the fake-dating trope in this ya romcom, I think it was perfectly done.” — Cristiana Marques, Author of Until You Come Back Home

“Marvelous characters that you love, obstacles to overcome but realistic and heartfelt.  And the slow burn romance?  Beautiful. Loved it.” — Lisa Barry, Author

“I love Cookie’s books. From the first interaction to their final kiss. The relationships feel authentic, the character growth legitimate.” — Meredith, Instagram Review

“This book is so freaking cute.” — Arceli, Amazon Review

“I don’t know how Cookie does it, but everytime I fall a little more for her characters.

❤❤❤❤❤” — Flavia, Goodreads Review

“Fun, “bad boy” love interest, entertaining plot- and I laughed out loud several times. Cookie never disappoints!” — Girl M, Amazon Review

“Oh how I loved this book. Just the right amount of adorable, funny, chemistry.” — Gail, Amazon Review

“I couldn’t help falling in love with Hayden immediately! Cookie has once again wrote an amazing story that pulls the reader in and doesn’t let go.” — Anharvey, Amazon Review

“If you want a quick, fun read with lots of witty banter, swoony kisses, a daring and loveable heroine, a smoldering hot hero and side characters with ALL the charisma and charm you could hope for, this is the book for you!” — Samantha, Amazon Review

*sigh* Reviews help so much in so many different ways. The kind ones are truly a gift. They let readers know why they should take a chance on a book, and they let me know that someone liked my work enough to write a review–which lifts my spirits.

I hope FAUXMANCE does that.

The world can be a difficult place, and I hope Magnolia & Hayden’s story makes someone’s life just a little better <3.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours!

Thank you so much to the FAUXMANCE ARC Team and to everyone who made such beautiful posts during release week!

And if you leave a review: thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hope you are doing well and having a wonderful week!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. FAUXMANCE is also a #1 Hot New Release in several of its categories (even a couple in the UK and Australia) as well as a #1 Best Seller!!! Yay, hooray, huzzah! 😀 I’ve taken waaay too many screenshots lol–but who knows if this will ever happen again? This would not have been possible without YOU, so thank you so much again! <333


Jan
2022

Hello 2022

categories: Adorkable, Cupcake, kindness, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, the pit of despair, Wallflower, writing, YA

It’s a new year, you guys!

We’re almost a week into 2022. Can you believe it? Also, have you actually tried saying the year? What do you say? Twenty-twenty two? Two-thousand twenty-two? Just twenty-two???

Regardless lol, I hope you are having an amazing year so far! 🙂

When I started The Cookie Jar, I promised to tell you about the sweet and bitter times in this writing journey. Honestly, 2021 was challenging. Still, there were good things, and I’d like to take a look back at my goals, see if I achieved them etc. The Hello 2021 post will help with this! Here we go!

Bookish/writing goals achieved last year: I published three books and wrote one half of a co-written story! Book baby #7, my YA romance WALLFLOWER was released in ebook, paperback, and audiobook, yay!!! Book baby #8, my NA sports romance, The Perfect Play, came next–it’s the second Southern U O’Brien Brothers book–which means I have an actual series, woop! Book baby #9, my #OwnVoices YA romance, CUPCAKE was published by Entangled and is now available in bookstores, huzzah! The Boys of King’s Prep Academy, co-written by myself and Michelle Pennington (under our pen name Cookie Michelle), is available now on Kindle Vella, Amazon’s new episodic reading platform! We only have a few more episodes, and our book baby is being read which is wonderful! Earlier in the year, ADORKABLE reached 10,000 ratings on Goodreads (thank you so much for making this happen!). I participated for the first time ever as an author at a conference (thank you RSJ Convention!), was part of an Entangled Teen Live Chat, had a wonderful conversation with Molly E. Lee hosted by Hub City Writers Project, and was part of a virtual YA panel hosted by Little Shop of Stories. I reached out to a few authors, and they agreed to a newsletter swap (thank you Maggie, Jordan, M.F., Sally, and Emma!). Some wonderful readers participated in the CUPCAKE Book Challenge, and even more played Cookie O’Bingo (still can’t believe people have read my books–but I’m SO grateful!!!). I didn’t write as much as I wanted to, but I wrote 2 books that I love (The Perfect Play and a new upcoming YA romance).

Now for the bitter.

I want to mention these things because…well, they happened. But no worries! I’ll be sure to bring it back to the positive!

In July, I got pretty down.

It blindsided me when another author–who I’d kind of thought of as a friend–said some hurtful things about me/my work to other authors. Part of me wishes I’d never found out (I don’t have many friends, hardly none who are writers), but I’m also glad to know. I’m so introverted; it just surprised me that someone would do that. Also, I hope to put my trust in people who would stand up for me, even when I’m not in the room.

Then something else happened. No details, but suffice it to say: social media tried to break me, and it nearly succeeded. I had heightened anxiety, the kind that affects you physically. I cried. A lot. I felt helpless, and unfortunately, that spread to my family. I broke down, wrote a depressing, way-too-real newsletter about my struggles, and sent it to my subscribers. And…I was definitely in the pit of despair. A big part was I never believed people could be so hateful. With how terrible people treat their fellow humans, I should’ve known, right?

But I didn’t.

And that was so disheartening.

Okay, enough of that lol. Let’s get back to the positive bc it far outweighs the negative!

Remember how I mentioned my newsletter?

Well, some of my wonderful readers read it and sent the kindest, most uplifting messages during that awful time. I don’t think they’ll ever know how much their words meant to me. How much light they provided. How their unexpected kindness truly touched my heart. My family was there, too, feeling it all, holding me up, giving me more love than I deserve. All that to say, I’m so very thankful.

I’m thankful for YOU.

Thank you for supporting me and my books.

Thank you for every bit of love and kindness you give to others.

Thank you for making the world a better place.

My goals for 2022 are: Write a book (hopefully 2-3). Write more and consistently. Publish a book. Start doing thankful/gratitude posts. Use the knowledge I’ve gained in writing courses, finally try running ads–but don’t stress. Send newsletter once a month–but don’t stress. Attend a writing conference and/or classes. Figure out how to be more a part of the writing/book community. Show my family that I love and appreciate them. Be thankful always. I hope to put more love in the world–I always hope that, but I want to be more vigilant about it. Try not to let the opinions of others (good or bad) affect me so much. Focus on the good.

Do you have any goals this year?

I hope you’re doing well, my wonderful readers!

Stay safe, keep reading, and I hope you have an amazing 2022!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Jul
2021

Thank you so much!

categories: kindness, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, Xpresso Book Tours

Hi you guys!

The Perfect Play was released last Thursday, hooray!!!

Team ChaCha is doing well so far! Readers have been reading, and they’ve said some of the kindest things! I just wanted to share some of the awesome early reviews with you!

Absolutely amazing!  Cookie O’Gorman has done it again. This book drew me in and wouldn’t let go until the very end.–Nikki, Goodreads Review

The most delicious mix of sugary sweet & extra hot heat.–KristaReadsRomance, Goodreads Review

I always love it in a romance when the guy falls a little harder for the girl first and Chase is a book boyfriend coming to life.–Lauren at SERIESous Reviews

OMG! This is such a Great read! I love the O’Brien family!!–Cathleen, Goodreads Review

I’ve loved all of Cookie’s heroes and heroines, but I think these two might be my favorites.–Annie, Goodreads Review

Oh. My. I could not love this book more. Chase is so swoony. And Charlie…she’s my soul sister.–Talk Swoony To Me Blog, Goodreads Review

Thank you for another great book Cookie O’ Gorman. I just loved this book. It was just full of love and support from both the family and friends.– Alejandra, Goodreads Review

With my girl Cookie it’s a guarantee that the hero will be amazing and the heroine will be lovely. Yames Bond, Goodreads Review

Chase is my favorite O’Brien. I AM 100% MARRYING HIM. I swear, he’s such a sweetheart, but he also knows what he wants and goes for it, which I LOVE.–Clarissa, Goodreads Review

I loved loved loved this book so much!!!! Team ChaCha!!–Kiana, Goodreads Review

Ah, I’m so glad to know people are actually enjoying Charlie & Chase’s story! <3

I can’t tell you how much it means to see these wonderful reviews. It’s such an important thing–not only because they lift my spirits (which they absolutely do!), but they also let other readers know why they should give the book a chance! As an indie author and introvert, it’s kind of difficult to get the word out sometimes. I truly appreciate every review, and I just have to say: Thank you SO much to anyone who leaves one! You are awesome!!!

Also, thank you so much to Xpresso Book tours and to everyone who participated in The Perfect Play Book Blitz! You rock!

I’ve been working on the website a bit. I’ve also been taking a ton of screenshots of The Perfect Play lol! 😀 That’s basically what I do whenever a book comes out. I also had something not-so-awesome happen last week. I said I’d talk about all the bitter times as well as the sweet, so I may do a post about that. But if I do, I’ll definitely try to keep it positive!

I hope you’re all doing well and having a wonderful week so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. I really am thankful for the kind reviews The Perfect Play is receiving–and that people are reading! It’s out there, you guys! Team ChaCha is actually out there! 🙂 Hope you are doing well!


Apr
2021

Thankful

categories: Amazon, doing what you love, kindness, Romance, self-publishing, Wallflower, WIP, writing, Xpresso Book Tours, YA, YA Bound Book Tours

Hi everyone!

I wanted to check in with some bookish updates!

WALLFLOWER will have been out for 2 weeks on Thursday! The time has flown by. Honestly, I can’t believe how well it’s doing–and I’m so thankful.

Readers have been saying the kindest things about Viola & Dare’s story, and I’m just super grateful <3. Here’s a small sample of the wonderful reviews:

“All I kept thinking as I read this book was how much I loved it!”-Lisa, Lisa Loves Literature

“I think this book is my favorite contemporary YA romance that I have read in 2021 so far. It made me so happy, and I honestly just want to go back and re-read it again because I loved Viola and Dare so much.”-Michelle, Book Briefs

“Wallflower was impossible not to devour in one sitting! This story swept me away and the pages were filled with charm, humor and romance.“-Jen, Star-Crossed Book Blog

“One of the best parts of this story is the genuine friendships.”-Amy, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews

“I recommend this fun, charming, and clean YA romance with delightful characters and LOL moments. I couldn’t put this book down.”-Sharon, The Eclectic Review

“Definitely recommend if you want a sweet short read!”-Ceci, Goodreads Review

“I personally would trade all the other men I read about this week for Dare in a second and he was one of seven. #LetsKeepDare”-Ali Crean, Have Coffee Need Books

“I loved loved this book!!!!”-Kiana, Goodreads Review

“I think many bookworms and hopeless romantics will find part of themselves in Viola. Her growth and character evolution from start to finish was great.”- Lauren, SERIESous Book Reviews

“Overall, there was so much to love about this book and you’d be crazy not to read it if YA romances are your jam. I’m so glad I was able to revisit old characters while continuing on with new ones. This book was truly a delight!“-Ariel, The Book View

“It’s an opposites-attract (popular guy/ unpopular girl), friends to lovers and fake dating romance that will make you remember your first crush and first love.”-Kristee, Goodreads Review

“This is cheesy, cute and soooo romantic. I’ve been smiling wide enough for my jaw to hurt and have definitely leaked a few tears.

✓High school
✓Fake Dating
✓Coach’s daughter
✓Clean romance
✓Animal lovers”-Navya, Goodreads Review

“I could not keep from smiling the entire time I read this book.“-Gabrielle, Goodreads Review

“I really enjoyed reading Wallflower!! The banter between Viola and Dare was such a vibe!”-Amazon Review

“Love all her books. She is top of my one-click. Couldn’t wait for this and it didn’t disappoint.”-Amazon Review

You guys, seriously, bloggers are awesome, and readers rock! And the romance writing community rocks as well! Special thanks to YA Bound Book Tours & Xpresso Book Tours!!! I can’t say thank you enough, so again…to every person who has helped spread the word about WALLFLOWER, for every review/post/share/encouraging message/comment: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

WALLFLOWER is just a little YA romance. I’m pretty helpless when it comes to marketing. And yet, the book is doing well, and that’s all thanks to you!

Last week was Book Birthday Week, and I’m holding a giveaway here! There are still a couple days to enter if you haven’t already. Good luck, you guys!

I also finally hit 20k on my current WIP, hooray! It feels like it’s taken me forever ha. But I think that’s because I keep switching POVs–and just general writer’s block blech. But I finally hit 20k words woop! So thankful for that!

And I was able to get the COVID vaccine. Not going to lie. My thoughts were tinged with sadness. I couldn’t help but think about all of the people who were lost to the disease, how very grateful they would’ve been to receive a vaccine or to have their families in the hospital room while they fought it. How much those families would’ve given to be with their loved ones for their last moments.

Anyway, I am very thankful to have gotten my shot. I’m hopeful that these crazy, sad times will one day come to an end. And I pray good health, strength and healing is with you my lovely readers.

Hope you are well and that you had a wonderful Easter!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Here are a few of the screenshots I took for WALLFLOWER. <3 It’s been a #1 hot new release for several of its categories (in the U.S. & Australia), a #1 bestseller two of them in the U.S. and even hit #1 in Germany!

So many pictures lol, but who knows if this will ever happen again! Thank you so much for giving WALLFLOWER such a wonderful start!!!


Dec
2020

December

categories: December, kindness, the pit of despair, Uncategorized, writing

Hi everyone!

I’ve been struggling with what to post (struggling in general really lol, but who isn’t?). Anyway, yesterday was a day, you guys. Long story short, our pups went to the vet for an unexpected visit, and it was stressful. Thankfully, they are back home and okay *sigh*.

Seriously, thank goodness for that.

We love those babies and are so grateful they’re well.

In other news, I’m writing on a deadline for basically the first time which is different. My inner-critic is so much…louder ha. She just will not shut up. And I’ve been struggling to hear my character’s voice–which usually is one of my main strengths imo. I love this book, and I’m working through the doubts, trying to focus and just write the story I would want to read. If you’re feeling extra generous, please send good vibes and cross your fingers for me.

How have you all been doing?

Oh, I so hope you’re well!

Several readers have left the kindest messages/comments/reviews, and I’m so grateful to all of you for the encouragement <3.

And here we go… It’s December. If you’ve followed my publishing journey, you probably know this time of year is very difficult for my family and me. Christmas hasn’t been the same in a while. The holidays aren’t as bright as they used to be. We lost someone very special a few years ago, and…

It’s just…hard.

It’s so, so hard.

Sometimes I get down around this time, and I wonder: What the heck is wrong with me? But I already know the answer. I miss my best friend. Desperately. I feel her loss every day. We all do.

So yes, Christmas is hard.

If you’re in that boat as well, I pray you can find the happiness, wonder and magic of the season. Spend time with the ones you love (whether it’s in person, virtual, on the phone or through exchanging cards). Hang in there. Keep trying to find the good. And if you’re suffering through this pandemic, struggling financially, if you, your family members or friends are sick, oh I pray for you. Sending you all so much love, strength and prayers for healing and happiness.

Please stay safe, my awesome readers! I hope December has been treating you well so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Oct
2020

5 Things: I wish…

categories: 5 Things, kindness, Romance, The Kissing Challenge, WIP, YA

Hi everyone!

Can you believe it’s already the end of October??? Goodness, where did the time go lol?

I wanted to see how everyone is doing and check in :). Not gonna lie, I’ve been a bit down (which may be reflected in this post ha), but I’ll try and keep it positive!

So for today’s post, I’m doing 5 Things: I wish…

  1. I wish everyone had a dog. Or more than one. They are so lovely, so often better than people, and they really make life better <3.
  2. I wish my readers knew how much I appreciate them! THE KISSING CHALLENGE is doing awesome! That is thanks to all of you bookish peeps, and I am so very grateful! I truly didn’t know if anyone would read let alone enjoy my little YA romance novella—or any of my books for that matter! Thank you SO much for reading!
  3. I wish I didn’t pay attention to reviews. Actually, no. I wish I didn’t let them impact me as much as they sometimes do. *sigh* Recently, there have been some good and some bad. Guess which ones get in my head and won’t leave? Blah :/.
  4. I wish everyone would wear a mask. Because it protects others. Because we are all a part of this world and want to save each other from this virus. Because as Dan Levy (David from Schitt’s Creek) said, it is basically the kindest thing we can do.
  5. I wish everyone was healthy, happy and hopeful <3.

Okay, so those are my 5 Things! 🙂 I really and truly meant that last one. The times have been so dark and desolate for so many, and I just wish it would get better. I so hope it will <3.

Hope you are all well everyone! Stay safe out there! Have a very Happy Halloween! And maybe treat yourself to some peanut M&Ms and an awesome book!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. I have also been writing :). It’s been slow-going, but the other day I hit 20k on my brand new WIP! Yayyy! I’m really enjoying this story, you guys, and hope you will, too! I’m also about to start a collaboration with another wonderful author, my first ever, and oh, I’m so excited and hope it goes well! Very much looking forward to it! For my other book—the one I completed just before my novella? If you’re confused that’s okay lol!—I think I’ve found an awesome cover image. Hooray!!! Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I’m still writing, pushing through the bad times and trying to stay productive. Good vibes and positive karma to all of you, my awesome readers!


May
2020

LOL Love!

categories: Adorkable, Fan Art, Kamuzasok Kavarasok, kindness, LOL-Konyvek, nice surprise, Nindzsalany, Ninja Girl, Piszkos tanc, Romance, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, YA

Hi everyone!

A lot of you probably know this, but three of my books are now published in Hungary! ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad! Yay!!! <3

In March of this year, Piszkos tánc (aka the Hungarian version of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad) was released!

Sidenote: Piszkos tánc literally means Dirty Dance…which makes me think of Dirty Dancing…which is awesome bc I looove that movie!

What’s even more awesome? The LOL readers seriously rock!!! They are just so lovely and kind!

They send wonderful book pics like the ones below *__*.

They also do amazing collages! Truly, these brought tears to my eyes; they are so perfect for Sadie & Colton’s book! <333

Also, they made me realize the Sprouse twins, Dylan & Cole, could totally play Colton & Kyle in the movie version of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad!!! 😀

P.S. There’s actually no movie, but maybe someday. *sigh*

P.P.S. If there ever is a movie for any of my books, you’ll be the first to know :).

Also, there was this!!!!! Some awesome person had to do a newspaper book report for school, and they chose Piszkos tánc! Oh my heart! <333

The LOL readers have shown me a lot of love, and I just wanted to share some of that love with you!

I’ll also be doing a live event on the LOL Facebook page Wednesday at 12:00 AM EST/11:00 AM CST/6:00 PM in Hungary. We’ll be talking about my books and writing and tbh I just hope I don’t mess it all up ugh. So so nervous lol. Cross your fingers for me, would you? I’m pretty awkward, so I welcome and appreciate all the good karma/vibes you can send.

I truly hope you’re well, everyone! Staying safe, reading awesome books and spending time with your loved ones (whether in person or virtually :))!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

*Note to self: Figure out how to share other people’s posts on Instagram. That’s where I first saw those collages *swoons*. Hope you all have an awesome day!*


Mar
2020

Hello, My Name Is Cookie O’Gorman

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, fun, kindness, nice surprise, Romance, Target, writing, YA

If you read the title, and immediately thought of The Princess Bride, awesome! We are part of the same dorky/geek-ish tribe lol.

Bonus points if you heard Mandy Patinkin AKA Inigo Montoya saying the iconic lines ;).

Anyway, hello, everyone! I wanted to share some cool things with you guys.

I went to an author event almost 2 weeks ago, and it was a lot of fun—despite my awkward.

Yes, that’s me LOL! The name tag was given to us courtesy of the bookstore (which I love!) that hosted the event. The freaked out/hilarious expression? Well, that’s all me ha!

This is what happens when you put an introvert in a room full of authors (who mostly already know each other argh) and expect them to just talk to people/have fun/mingle. Le sigh.

My mom, who was my wingman for the night, pointed out this book because she’s 1) a smart aleck and 2) hilarious!

She also told me, in all seriousness, that I did a great job and am actually good at talking to talking to people (gah, I love her and her pretty lies lol!).

Oh and did you notice her sleeve? We accidentally twinned that day—which my mom claimed we were not doing…but which was of course pointed out by the lady at Starbucks, who right when we walked in asked if we’d “matched on purpose.” *mental headslap*

No, Starbucks lady. No we did not match on purpose. We just both really like plaid/gingham LOL!

Pre-event, we went to dinner, and our lovely server brought us complimentary champagne to celebrate my first book being in the bookstore <3. I don’t drink, but it was such a nice, kind and unexpected surprise!

Another awesome surprise was actually seeing ADORKABLE on the shelves!!!! <333 Yay!

We also got to see ADORKABLE on the shelves at Target for the first time ever, and that was just too much amazingness for one day!!!

Recently, I’ve been trying to outline my new book, yay, and emailing my cover designer about what will hopefully be my next release, hooray!

I’ll post more about that soon; there’s a lot to say lol, and I’m so excited (and nervous) to share! 🙂

I’ve also received some awesome messages from readers, and I just have to say: Thank you so much!!!! I absolutely love hearing from you! You have no idea how much your kind words and support means to me! It really lifts my spirits and pushes me to keep writing, so again: Thank you!!!

I hope you’re all well, bookworms, and have an awesome weekend!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman


Mar
2019

Finding the Good

categories: Adorkable, kindness, nice surprise, Ninja Girl, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Unbelievable Inconceivable Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, YA

My awesome Aunt Colleen made me these glasses (one for each of my books!), and I wanted to share them with you guys <3.

It’s such a thoughtful gift, and I absolutely love them!

Since I don’t drink, though, I told her I’d just use them for water or Ginger Ale lol :).

Some not-so-wonderful things have happened in the past weeks, and my mind has been on some tough decisions. But these glasses really brighten my days. My mom and my Aunt Colleen really brighten my days.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them, how all the big and little things really matter.

My books (ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder and my upcoming release The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad) are meant to be pick-me-ups. I hope they make people’s days better. I hope I can give that bit of happiness to someone through my writing.

The first ARC copies of The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad have gone out. Eep! I can’t tell you how much I hope readers enjoy Sadie’s book. Not even going to lie: I really love this one. It’s a bit scary, putting something you care about into the hands of others, hoping it will bring them joy, laughter, love and all the feels–hoping, hoping, hoping… Ahh, can you tell I’m nervous lol?

Anyway, I’m sure this post rambled a bit. To ramble further and get even more off topic, at least two of my students cried in class the other day. Not because of me, thank goodness, but in one case because she was stressed, and I felt SO much empathy for her, totally could relate.

So, I just wanted to say: I hope you have a wonderful weekend, readers. No matter how small it may be, I hope you can find the good. Focus on the positive, and don’t let the negative drag you down. Don’t let stress bring you down either. I hope you find that bright spot and bask in it–hopefully with a great book in hand :).

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman