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The Someday Jar

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Fans of Sophie Kinsella and the Shopaholic series will fall in love with Lanie Howard—young, fabulous, and desperate to transform her life—in this funny, quirky, and endearing story about finding perfect happiness in life’s most imperfect moments.
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMON-DROP MARTINIS...
Real-estate broker Lanie Howard figures she has the perfect man, the perfect job, and the perfect life. Then she stumbles across her old Someday Jar, the forgotten glass relic where she stashed all the childhood wishes—no matter how crazy—that her father encouraged her to write down on the backs of Chinese restaurant fortunes. She used to be fun once! What happened to her?

DON'T CHOKE ON THE RIND.
Although Lanie is wary of uncorking her past, when an attractive stranger saves her from a life-or-death encounter with a lemon peel at the bottom of a martini glass, she realizes that life is way too short for regrets. Now, jar in hand, Lanie decides to throw caution to the wind, and carry out everything she had once hoped to do, even if it means leaving her perfectly “perfect” life behind…

343 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2015

50 people are currently reading
2281 people want to read

About the author

Allison Morgan

18 books189 followers
Allison lives in sunny Arizona with her family. She loves anything smothered with cheese, Bailey's in her coffee, the messed up morning hair of her kids, and cheering on the Arizona Cardinals. Follow her on Instagram - allisonmorganbooks

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5 stars
518 (34%)
4 stars
577 (37%)
3 stars
331 (21%)
2 stars
73 (4%)
1 star
23 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
28 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2016
I found this to be an easy read that had me laughing out loud, sharing quotes with friends, rooting for the good guy, hating the Ass-hat, wiping some tears, and laughing some more. This book also came with an inspiring life message that has me wanting to go find the nearest craft store and making my own Someday Jar as well as one for each of my kiddos. Was it a little predictable? Yes, maybe. But sometimes you just need a feel good book that leaves you wanting to go after your own dreams in life. I highly recommend this read. Go get yourself a copy and then make yourself a Someday Jar of your own! You likely won't regret it!
Profile Image for DeB.
1,045 reviews277 followers
June 12, 2016
I received The Someday Jar by Allison Morgan as a Goodreads Giveaway book. I am delighted to have been chosen to read this surprisingly multifaceted story, in the "Chick Lit" genre. Lanie Howard is an appealing main character, caught in the whirlwind of emotions which buffet her unexpectedly, three months before her wedding to partner realtor Evan. The heartfelt wishes of her younger self, written and sealed in her suddenly found Someday Jar evoke memories of those past promises to herself. The "responsible adult by any account" who chooses to ..."never litter. Never chew with my mouth open. ...Lift heavy things with my legs, not my back." decides that she MUST carry out the goals she had. Egged on by her best friend Kit, flummoxed by Evan's interfering architect and torn in every direction she, with some hilarity, does what she wrote. Old feelings emerge too, and the Someday Jar's contents result in a range of change, a mystery solved and more surprises. This is a very smart novel, unique unto itself but touched with the tartness of Mary Kay Andrews, the mature comedy of a grown-up Sophie Kinsella, and the thoughtfulness of Emily Giffen. The Someday Jar will keep you..."Busier than a tooth fairy in a crack house.", and you will enjoy every minute.
Profile Image for Prabhjot Kaur.
1,136 reviews216 followers
February 10, 2021
An amazing story that made me nostalgic about my own someday wish list. Yep I need to find that and see how many things are pending in that. But first things first, I'd like to acknowledge the brilliant writing from Allison Morgan and to give us this sweet, funny and a teachable story that made me happy.

Lanie Howard is a very sweet, intelligent, funny and a pretty next door girl whom I loved instantly. She works with or rather for her fiancé and she is also gearing up to get married. There are wedding preparations but suddenly she finds her someday jar and attempts to get everything done in that before she's married.

Normally I don't like many characters in the chick-lit category but surprisingly I liked all the characters in this. Weston is our main man obviously and I liked him more than all the Kinsella's men put together. I'm not trying to bash anyone here but I loved this book way way more than I have ever loved anything by Kinsella, that's why I was a bit sceptical to pick this up as it mentions that people who love Kinsella's work will love this too. Kinsella's books mostly miss the mark for me but I'm so glad that I did pick this up.

Now about the teachable part: Follow your dreams and don't do anything that doesn't make you happy no matter what and to start doing things that I have been putting off for a long time.

4 stars
541 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2015
Love the premise of this story - how cool to open a jar of "bucket list" items that you created as a kid and want to do them as an adult. I found much of the storyline predictable, and yet enjoyed reading it. It was a quick read and there were a few moments when I laughed at some of the comments and funny situations with the characters. It has inspired me to create my own "Someday Jar"!
Profile Image for Amber.
115 reviews11 followers
November 10, 2015
What a fun book!

It's about Lanie Howard. She finds a jar she made with her Dad as a teenager called the someday jar where she put her childhood wishes. She's eager to do the wishes but her fiance Even is like, "Don't bother." Evan is kind of a jerk. However Wes, a family friend of Evan's who is also helping him out on a project, comes to town and he's supportive. He also saved Lanie's life when she began to choke on a garnish in her booze.

Some reviews have said this book is predictable. But hello, aren't most romantic comedy movies? I could tell you twenty minutes into Sleepless In Seattle what would happen at the end but I enjoyed the ride enough to want to stay and watch. This is how I was with this book. I liked Lanie. She was amusing. I liked Wes. He saved Lanie's life. I did NOT like Evan--he needed to pull the stick from his arse.

If you want some laughs and a few "awws" pick up this book. But beware: it might make you want a lemon drop martini. They are mentioned several times.
Profile Image for Jamie.
229 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2015
Amazing book about going after your dreams and not settling no matter the situation. The story flowed wonderfully and was one of those books you can't put down. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sishpa R.
95 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2015
Cute story! This book was a refreshing read, especially when so many books are filled with filth these days. If you were an 80s girl and loved Pretty in Pink, Can't Buy Me Love, etc, you will enjoy this book. I love the idea of the jar and the impact it made on her adult life. The characters were believable and likeable, especially Hollis.
Profile Image for Anne Martin.
706 reviews14 followers
October 29, 2015
this book is delicious. If I had anything to say against it, it would be it is too cute and thus, not believable. But who cares? no, it could not be rue, but it is a funny story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Lanie, the heroine, is engaged to Evan. He is a broker, solid, reliable, decided to make his life a success. Lanie's mom loves him, because he will be the perfect son in law. He will take care of her daughter and never let her down the way her husband, Lanie's father, has.
From the first pages, you can feel how wrong Evan and Lanie are together She is sweet, lightly irresponsible but fun to be with, he is born with the certitude he does everything better. How can they be together? It seems most of their time together is spent discussing business... No love there.
When he asks her to pick up his friend Wes at the airport, Lanie agrees, of course. She always agrees, anyway. But the plane from LAS is delayed and Lanie, fan of football waits at the sports bar in the airport. The bar won't let her sit there if she does not have a drink, then two or three or more. That's how she ends up talking to the guy on the next seat... gets drunk, misses Wes and learns the next day that LAS is for Las Vegas and not Los Angeles.
When her fiance invites her for dinner and she finally meets Wes, she recognizes the man she talked to at the airport.
Yes, easy to predict the following, no big surprises but somehow, you want to go on and learn about her future.
A great book for anybody, to laugh and have fun.
Profile Image for Jill.
2,301 reviews97 followers
August 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this even though it is very similar in tone to books by Sophie Kinsella. In fact, the plot of this story is remarkably close to that of Kinsella’s I’ve Got Your Number. But no matter; it had enough differences to be entertaining, if, of course, quite predictable. And the differences add a lot of fun to the plot; it is set in the U.S. for one thing, and in Arizona, with the protagonist, Lanie Howard, being a rabid fan of the Arizona Cardinals. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald even gets a cameo role, and it involves a hilarious episode with Lanie. But on the whole, it’s almost a “retelling” of I’ve Got Your Number.

Lanie, 27, is a realtor, and about to get married to an “ideal” man, her boss, Evan Carter. That is, she thinks he’s ideal, but we readers (and Lanie’s friends) all know he is far from it. Into the picture enters Wes Campbell, who is an architect and friend of Evan’s parents. Immediately we can see Wes would be a more simpatico mate for Lanie. We only have to wait for the story to play out to see if and when she will realize it as well.

There is the usual supportive BFF and in this case the complication of the “Someday Jar,” a jar Lanie started long ago containing folded up slips of papers with a “bucket list” of things to do before she got married.

It’s a cute story, even if I felt I knew its parameters well. It has a number of laugh-out-loud moments, and is the perfect read for an interlude between heavier books.

Rating: 3.5/5
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,416 followers
October 21, 2015
A refreshing, charming, fun, witty, romantic comedy that is a great reminder to live each day like it's going to being your last!!! The Someday Jar by Allison Morgan is a book that needs to be read today, not someday because trust me this book will make you see that life is full of imperfections and within those blemishes, we just need to embrace and love it because if not, our someday might just pass us by.

The Someday Jar was the perfect blend of humor, inspiration, motivation and romance!!!! In today's society, we sometimes get lost in our busy life and let it just pass us by. Our happiness, goals and dreams that we once had as child might take the backseat in our monotonous life. And in this fantastic debut book, Ms. Morgan allows her readers to get lost with Lanie Howard as she rediscovers her dreams, hopes, goals, happiness and what matters most in her life. I adored this quick, invigorating, fun and inspiring read!!!! The writing is fresh, modern and speaks to all those young women out there to take charge of your life and not live a single day in regret!!! This book is a great reminder that we all need to make our someday into a TODAY!!!! Lastly, Allison Morgan you have me wanting to make own Someday Jar and I can't wait for your next book, Can I See you Again?!!!!!
Profile Image for Billie.
Author 1 book32 followers
August 20, 2015
This is such a “feel good” book. I loved and truly had the best time from beginning up to the end.

I love how “easy-breezy” it was written. It was the kind of book you’d like to pick if you want to relax.

I loved the characters , specially Lanie and her big heart of gold. She is the kind of person we’d be lucky to have as our bestfriend and the girl we want to be. So, when she decided to complete that “someday” jar ( which is a very cool idea! ) , I am 100 percent full support!
Completing the “someday jar” was such fun . I giggled and laugh during Lanie’s little adventures , with a few mishaps and a lot of realization along the way. I think everything’s that’s found inside that jar represents Lanie’s heart’s desire and I’m really glad she did it.

I love how everything’s like connected, how each person , event, circumstances led one unto another and at the end, everything was perfectly in Lanie’s favor. It’s such an inspiration how we should go and seek our own adventures and not be contented to the “mundane-ness” we are in. This book tells us, that if we can, we can do it! Breathe , loosen up and truly live the life we once dream to have!

Overall, love ..love.. love!
Profile Image for Cristina Hutchinson.
341 reviews12 followers
January 10, 2018
This was a refreshing chick lit, rom com read.

Lanie was a spirited and strong willed leading lady, which doesn't always happen in these types of books. The story was predictable, as tends to happen in contemporary romance. It wouldn't be a good book if there wasn't a happily ever after. The premise behind the Someday Jar is inspiring and brings a new perspective to a main character finding herself.

This book has some actual laugh out loud moments and also some times when you wish you could punch characters in the face.

Highly recommend as a quick and enjoyable read. This book would make a fantastic movie!
Profile Image for Nana Lee.
541 reviews25 followers
August 6, 2015
I've read a lot of chicklits already and there was a time in my reading life that I almost gave up on them. Cliched plots, stupid heroines and a lot of trying-hard-to-be-funny situations made me almost do it. I was a bit hesitant to read this at first but I found the synopsis interesting.

Well honestly, the plot of this one is a bit cliched too but I must say it was properly executed. After reading the first chapter, I already knew how the story would end but I don't know how events will turn out before it ends and that kept me reading until my eyes hurt. I'm very satisfied with this and I look forward to the author's other books.
2 reviews
July 21, 2015
Hilarious. An easy and playful read. I agree with another review I read, that's this book is lovely not only because of the characters, but it's positive and charming. A nice change of pace from the filth that's popular lately.
Profile Image for Margie Senechal.
127 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2015
This was a fun, enjoyable read. I think the comparisons to Sophie Kinsella were spot-on and I was really pleased to find it. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Morgan.
514 reviews95 followers
October 23, 2015
Such an endearing book. Had me laughing out loud. A cute story that brings hope to forgotten dreams.
Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,454 reviews569 followers
August 19, 2017
A cute and fun summer read!
The Someday Jar is a reminder to live everyday to the fullest, to take chances, to go out of your comfort zone, to love deeply and to be the best person you can be.
1,133 reviews
November 13, 2015
When she was younger, Lanie's father encouraged her to fill a jar with the goals she hoped to achieve someday, however, shortly after she turned fifteen, her dad abandoned her, and Lanie abandoned her Someday Jar. Now twenty-seven, Lanie, on the verge of marriage, rediscovers the jar, and her brave, fun-loving self she lost along the way.

Lanie tends to land in some funny, and occasionally humiliating situations, but she has this great ability to laugh at herself that makes her both endearing and inspiring.

I thought the author did a solid job of maintaining the comedic tone of the novel while adding a sprinkle of serious every now and then, though I was a bit disappointed towards the end that rather than witness an important emotional phone call start to finish, instead it was briefly summed up for the reader.

The Someday Jar is a bit predictable at times, but it's a romantic comedy not a thriller or mystery, so guessing what would happen didn't feel like a big problem to me, sensing the outcome doesn't really matter when it was told in an interesting, humorous way, never boring.

With Wes such a dreamy ideal, a lovely little Big Sister arc, and a heroine beyond enthusiastic for her favorite sports team (a passion I share), I really enjoyed this novel, whatever small quibbles I may have had were easily overridden by its positivity and genuine warmth, I'd definitely read more from this author.

I received this ARC through a Goodreads giveaway.
22 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2015
NOTE: I was fortunate enough to win this book through the giveaways!

This book was one of the most emotion-evoking that I have read in a while. Essentially, the book follows Lanie, a do-good real estate agent who's engaged to her broker boss, Evan. Lanie must deal with many obstacles, including working her way up the corporate ladder and scoring the deal of her dreams, all while battling weird feelings for the new stranger in her life, her husband-to-be's friend Wes. But the Someday Jar, her jar of wishes and dreams, is what sets Lanie onto a path that awakens her eyes and fills her heart.

Lanie is such a relatable character. She is good at heart and she's quite naive in some ways; however, she is headstrong and learns so much through this book. Reading the Someday Jar, I felt every emotion with her: anger, confusion, exhilaration, wanderlust, love. This book is a great read (I finished it in 3 hours)! I highly recommend this book to fans of Something Borrowed!

This is a MUST-READ! A very good book that leaves you satisfied!

Thank you again to the author and to Goodreads for allowing me to experience this book!
2 reviews
August 31, 2015
This was a very easy breezy read, but never the less, I enjoyed it completely. The Someday Jar is a mix of romance, (lots of) comedy, but it is mostly a book of finding yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. I won't write too much to spoil the book, but enough to peek your interest, and that being said, the main character has this perfect life, but the problem is that she isn't living her life. Some might say there is nothing wrong with coasting all your life, but others find themselves incomplete, and so they do something to get out of their comfort zone. This is also known as the midlife crisis. Anyway, this women decides to get out of her perfect life and along the way she learns some new things about her family, and gains confidence all because of this someday jar. I love this book because although it's predictable, it's cute, sweet, hilariously funny, and quirky.
Take a gander at this book, and I believe this is an adult book, but could also be for teenagers (though, they might not enjoy it as much as I did).
Happy reading!!
625 reviews11 followers
September 11, 2015
When I picked up the book off of the store counter, I was intrigued by the cover. I glanced at a page or two and saw “maroon ASU cap” and I was sold. Its predictable, but there is a charming spin on all of the mis-adventures Laine gets into on her journey to emptying her Someday Jar which makes it light, fluffy and a quintessential chick-lit book.

What I loved: She mentioned my 2nd favorite college bar (The Vine – karaoke on Thursday nights, anyone?) within the first chapter and has her heroine as an Arizona State alum. What’s not to love?

What I didn’t love: Evan’s a weenie. You can tell in the first chapter and its frustrating that it take Laine so long to see it for herself. Oh, and it made me cry. I hate it when a book does that.

What I learned: Everyone needs a Someday Jar filled with at least one goal..

Overall Grade: B+
1,579 reviews30 followers
October 9, 2015
I found this to be a really sweet book - with a lovely message. GO FOR IT! Embrace life! And yet filled with human foibles. I especially liked the "secondary" character of Hollis and his love story with his Bevy. I loved the friendship between Lacie and Kit - true BFFs. There was just so much down-to-earth realism throughout. I really enjoyed this debut novel by Allison Morgan. I look forward to her next book. In the meantime, I'm thinking of starting my own Someday Jar! A kickboxing class sounds like a great place to start. Thank you, Ms. Morgan, for a lovely book.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,241 reviews80 followers
June 11, 2016
Oh my goodness. This book was AMAZING! Definitely shades of Sophie Kinsella. I laughed out loud countless times. This book has so much humor and so much heart! I literally fell in love with Wes! And can I say I love how they never crossed the line while she was engaged? (Though that jerk named Evan would have deserved it) the ending was GLORIOUS and so satisfying. This book would make a GREAT movie. I highly recommend this book! It came out last year but it's my new favorite book I've read in 2016 (so far) I can't wait to read this author's 2nd book out in August. Hurry up, August!!
5 reviews
July 17, 2015
I loved this book from beginning to end. What a great storyline & fantastic characters. The story is full of great moments & funny quotes. I really enjoyed the author & can't wait to read more from her. This is definitely a book I will recommend to friends & family. I loved the idea of having a someday jar for myself & my children. So enjoyed this wonderful book. Thanks so much Goodreads First-Reads giveaway!
Profile Image for Deborah Carden.
12 reviews
August 4, 2015
Great characters and laugh out loud funny!

It was a little predictable, but still totally worth it. The characters were lovable and believable. I could have crossed out the "laughed so hard I cried" goal off my someday jar two or three times in most of the chapters. I would especially recommend it to anyone who has spent too long in a loveless relationship because they thought it was the sensible thing to do. Great book!
Profile Image for Louise Anne .
76 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2015
Color outside the lines. Once Zoey reaches 7, I'll make her write all her goals in life and all the things she wants to do. Fearless is the word, I guess. We'll put it in her Someday Jar. And together, we'll wait until she is old enough to uncap the jar, unfurl the rolled paper with dreams, and do it one by one. Structured life seems to be stable; but, on the other hand, I think it is pretty boring. We only live once. So yeah! Cheers to a colorful life.
19 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was a fast read that hooked me in right at the start. I'm at a place in my life where I feel that time is running out and I need to first create, and then tackle, my own bucket list, or "Someday Jar". There are things that I still need to do and places where I need to go, and Lanie Howard has inspired me to get started on my "Someday Jar" now .
Profile Image for Violeta.
28 reviews17 followers
September 23, 2015
This book is amazing!!!!
The story, the characters. Everything!!

Not your typically cliché story, we have a badass character, an amazing, caring love interest, and awesome supporting characters.

This book reminded of my childhood. And all the things I wanted to acomplished. Maybe it is not too late for new goals. Why wait? Definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews

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