Wed, February 13, 2013
Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
Note from Anna: Today on the blog, Jennifer E. Smith (one of my favorite authors!) is sharing her Top 5 Literary Love Stories in honor of Valentine’s Day week, of course, and the upcoming release of her new romance, This Is What Happy Looks Like. My review for that will be coming closer to the release date, but, spoiler alert: IT IS SO ENJOYABLE. See for yourself with the giveaway below! xoxo, A.
Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
1. Pride and Prejudice: I know this is an obvious one, but any list on this topic wouldn’t be complete without Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. Theirs is the quintessential love story: remarkably timeless and wonderfully romantic.
2. Much Ado About Nothing: I know most people would go with Romeo and Juliet here, but I’m a much bigger fan of the witty banter and undeniable chemistry between Beatrice and Benedick. (Plus there’s a much happier ending!)
3. These Happy Golden Years: There’s nothing sweeter than Almanzo Wilder showing up in his buggy to take Laura Ingalls home from her first teaching job, and then getting to watch as their relationship blooms from there.
4. The Fault in Our Stars: If the power of a love story can be measured in tears alone, then this one would win without question. I fell completely in love with Hazel and Augustus, and it was – to borrow a line from John Green – a privilege to have my heart broken by them.
5. The History of Love: The story of Leo Gursky’s lost love is heart wrenching and beautiful and completely unforgettable. I’ve read this book so many times, and somehow, it never fails to astound me.
About the Book:
This Is What Happy Looks Like
By Jennifer E. Smith
Publication date: April 2, 2013
Poppy, 416 pages
Source: Publisher
If fate sent you an email, would you answer?
When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O’Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.
Then Graham finds out that Ellie’s Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media’s spotlight at all costs?
— Goodreads.com description
Giveaway Info
Thanks to Poppy, five — yes, FIVE — lucky winners will receive a prize pack of a Statistical Probability of Love paperback, a galley of This Is What Happy Looks Like and some happy prizes. Crazy, right? Thanks, Poppy!
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below and leave a comment about what makes you happy. (For me, it’s KISSIN BOOKS!) Click here to read my review of Statistical Probability, and here to preorder Happy from Amazon. Good luck!
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About Me
I read. A lot. Mostly whatever YA novels the library has on hold for me that week. Sometimes grown-up books if my book club makes me.
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Jessica Darling's It List #1: The (Totally Not) Guaranteed Guide to Popularity, Prettiness & PerfectionBy Megan McCafferty
OMGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon @ The Book Barbies said:
Hooray for the Beatrice/Benedick love! They are my absolute favorite Shakespearean couple.
Oh, Almanzo. ♥ He was probably my first literary crush, from when my mom used to read aloud for the entire family. That scene where he comes to pick her up despite the crazy freezing weather? Oh, it makes my heart go pitter-patter.
Both of these things make me incredibly happy.
Sharon @ The Book Barbies recently posted..A Week of Romance: Favorite Romances
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 7:12 am
Beatrice and Benedick — so much love for them!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Cee said:
Much Ado About Nothing is such a great Shakespeare novel. The banter between Beatrice/Benedict = A++++.
Books and my friends make me happy!
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 7:12 am
I love few things more than banter…
Anna recently posted..Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Alicia said:
I loved Statistical Probability and This is What Happy Looks Like was my latest WoW post haha! Thank you for the chance to win these fantabulous books, Jennifer’s way of handling a budding love story just makes me smile every time
Alicia recently posted..WVRAT Challenge: Cover Lover
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Christina Booktasty said:
Ohhh Darcy and Elizabeth are the best!! I wonder if Jane Austen had any clue that her books would still be so loved today and that P&P would be one of the classic romances?
Christina Booktasty recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: This is What Happy Looks Like
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Christina Booktasty said:
Oh and what makes me happy is my husband singing and playin his guitar. I especially love it when I come home and he hasn’t heard me bc he’s strumming away! I get to stop and listen without him knowing and I love it
Christina Booktasty recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: This is What Happy Looks Like
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 7:13 am
How cute is that???
Anna recently posted..Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
kelly said:
books make me happy
well not sad one lol…
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Anya said:
I so want to read Statistical Probability of Love at First sight, it’s been on my list forever!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Billie @ Books, Owl and Tea said:
Books, owls and tea make me happy
Great giveaway, i really want to read the statistical probability of love at first sight 
Thank you for the chance 
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Meg @ A Bookish Affair said:
There are so many things that make me happy. The top portion of my list is filled by my husband, books, family, chocolate, friends, etc.
I love that Ms. Smith picked These Happy Golden Years. I love all of the Little House books so much!
Meg @ A Bookish Affair recently posted..HF Virtual Tour Review and Giveaway: The Sign of the Weeping Virgin by Alana J. White
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Danielle Nguyen said:
Pride & Prejudice will always be the classic love story, I think. Especially with all the fun ways people are adapting it. The Little House books were some of my favorites growing up too.
Can’t wait for This Is What Happy Looks Like!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
elena said:
Kissing books makes me happy! Music and good conversations too. I loved what Jennifer said about The Fault In Our Stars, such a teary book.
elena recently posted..happy galentine’s day 2013!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Ellice said:
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight was one of my favorite reads from 2012. Books like that make me happy! Can’t wait to read This is What Happy Looks Like.
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 11:23 am
Trust me, it will bring the happy!
Anna recently posted..Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
jen said:
YOU. you make me happy.
jen recently posted..Carla’s Thoughts: The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 11:22 am
XOXOXOXOXOX
Anna recently posted..Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Angiegirl said:
Much Ado About Nothing definitely makes me happy. I cannot wait for Joss Whedon’s adaptation of it to come out. B&B are a strong, well-suited couple and I love their insecurities and attraction to each other.
Angiegirl recently posted..The Dream Thieves Cover
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Mary QP said:
My husband makes me happy! He can always make me laugh
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Jessica BS said:
So many things makes me happy, but the thing that makes me HAPPIEST would be hearing my husband genuinely laugh, especially if I’m the one that made him do it. I think my hubs is the funniest guy on the planet, and I feel remarkable when he thinks I’m funny too.
Jessica BS recently posted..My LBD Feels Are Stars I Cannot Fathom Into Constellations.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
fishgirl182 said:
things that make me happy: brownie sundaes, puppies, a quiet afternoon to read, and family.
fishgirl182 recently posted..Author Event – Breathless Reads at Mrs. Nelson’s
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Justine said:
Things that make me happy: green juice, down comforters, getting picutres from my husband while he’s leash training the kitten (hilarious!), reading a realllly good book or series.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
sadie said:
books and lazy afternoons make me happy!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Molly Jo said:
I named my dog Mr. Darcy, so I think the world knows who one of my top lit couples is! Except when people ask me why I gave him a girly name. Then my soul weeps.
Molly Jo recently posted..The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Illustrations by Patricia Castelao
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Molly Jo Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
Crap, I commented and then started the Rafflecopter. Good banter and boys in skinny jeans (LEGAL boys, let’s not have any confusion) make me pretty happy.
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
HAHAHA nice answer!
Anna recently posted..Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Kamie said:
Fun list! Cloudy, cold, rainy days make me happy. Weird, I know. I should seriously live in Seattle or Portland, not the middle of the desert.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Alison said:
things that make me happy: chocolate, playing with cats, having books I’ve placed on hold come in at the library.
Also, I totally agree about Hazel and Augustus-I fell hard for them.
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Anna Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Um, I LOVE this list!
Anna recently posted..Jennifer E. Smith’s Top 5 Literary Love Stories
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Kelly.R said:
The color green, rediscovering the library, carbs, and the weather in Austin today!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Sarah said:
My curious, energetic cat always puts a smile on my face! (Even if she tries to prevent me from reading by sitting on my book.)
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Rebecca said:
Getting some new clothes, the rain, and, of course, books.
Rebecca recently posted..Uses For Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Ashlee said:
A box from Amazon.com leaning against my door when I come home. That makes me happy. I know I have the next couple days set for reading material.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Sarah J said:
Books, chocolate, food, friends, family, boys, color guard, and music are what make me happy and they complete me.
Sarah J recently posted..Follow!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Nikki said:
Things that make me happy: reading until the last page, the sunset, rhinos, my fairy goddaughter, new episodes of The Vampire Diaries, red wine, my family and my faith.
Nikki recently posted..Reading Grams
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Kim M said:
Your Blog makes me happy, and chocolate and wine and cute boys and kissing and hugs from my kids and …..
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Lisa said:
Ugh, I’m so excited for This is What Happy Looks Like. dksjbfdghn
Lisa recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (2): Being Henry David
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Noel said:
Hanging out with friends makes me happy.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Alyssa C. said:
John Green books make me happy, especially The Fault in Our Stars. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Bernice said:
Finding a great book makes me happy. And cupcakes!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
mindy said:
The New Heist Society book, Disneyland and a sunny sky put a smile on my face:)
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
mindy s said:
The New Heist Society book, Disneyland and a sunny sky put a smile on my face.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Lacey T said:
Books and chocolate make me happy!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
jennrenee said:
Can’t wait for her new book. Books in general make me happy but the ones I enjoy the most are the ones that take me on an emotional roller coaster, I made a new best friend, and I close the book smiling at the end.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
HollyB said:
When my 4.5 year old boy (sweetest child in the world, I swear!!) wakes me up by climbing in bed with me for his “morning ‘nuggle” (as he calls it) and his daddy brings me coffee!! Being able to snuggle down in bed or on my couch and read a great book. Spending time outside with my husband and son on one of the many gorgeous days we have in NC. And so much more! [I love this question by the way
] Happy Valentine’s Day!!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Kelsie said:
Easy one. Reading with sunshine streaming through the windows and my cat curled up beside me. Love.
Kelsie recently posted..The Imposter Bride
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Haley Moody said:
Anna, all of your blog posts just make me gush. I don’t consider myself to like love stories, but I must admit, I do. Much Ado About Nothing is so much better than Romeo and Juliet, I’m glad you’ve brought that to the rest of the worlds attention!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Clementine Bojangles said:
Long weekends make me happy. I can’t wait to read Smith’s new book!
Clementine Bojangles recently posted..Movie Review: Hello I Must Be Going (2012)
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Ally said:
Books make me happy. Of course. And the ocean.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Rebekah said:
A lot of things make me happy, but the ones that top the list? My husband and my sweet little 14-month-old.
Rebekah recently posted..Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Linda Z said:
I love to see my children smile
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
JennyC said:
Being with my friends.
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
April Books & Wine said:
Obvi, I’m just dropping by to comment on post, not enter, but just wanted to sayyy YAY GOOD TASTE Jennifer E. Smith with The History Of Love. I read that pre-blogging and it is SO SO good. Actually, I think I read that on Jamie’s recommendation.
April Books & Wine recently posted..The Holders Julianna Scott Book Review
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Natalie said:
I have been dying to read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, so I thank you for the chance to win it in the giveaway! Now, what makes me happy? That’s an easy one: books – of course – and playing the piano and guitar
and a good cup of coffee <3
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Naiche Parker said:
New releases from my favorite authors. Like so. ^ Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Naiche Parker recently posted..Follow Friday (14)
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Elizabeth @ TatteredSpines said:
What makes me happy?
Rain. I love rain and thunderstorms (at least when I’m at home warm and indoors).
A book that draws me in so deeply I lose track of myself and become the character.
Writing. Though I don’t do enough of it according to my thesis director.
My son. Because he’s totally awesome and that’s not just me thinking so
And lastly, I love my unhealthy TV addiction because it gives me a way to lose myself when I don’t have the focus to read.
Elizabeth @ TatteredSpines recently posted..Black Dawn by Rachel Caine
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Trish said:
So happy that you included ‘These Happy Golden Years’, you have reminded me how much I love that book and a reread is well overdue. Off now to rectify that!
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Andy said:
Reading and my family make me happy! oh and A’s on tests dont hurt either in college!
Andy recently posted..In My Mailbox 2
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Alexandra said:
Dancing in the rain makes me happy. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved the rain. Also, when a drawing or a poem or a scene turns out exactly right. Yay for creativity!
Alexandra recently posted..Blogspiration (47) – Defined
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
gaby said:
I agree, Pride and Prejudice might be my favorite love story of all times.
gaby recently posted..the aftermath
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013
Alexa Y. said:
This post just makes me so undeniably happy. I think I’m just giddy over her choices since I’ve read all of them, except A History of Love…
Alexa Y. recently posted..Going Too Far – Jennifer Echols (Review)
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Posted on: Wed, February 13, 2013