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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Giveaways, Shades of Shay, Shay ·

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Summer Reads (with a big Boo Mama giveaway!)


I have been looking forward to this Shade of Shay for months!  
Several months ago, my friend Sophie (a.k.a. Boo Mama) asked me if she could send me an advanced copy of her book to read and review.  Two major things happened in that last sentence: 1. Sophie and I are friends!  I have decided she is one of my favorite people…she is so sweet, so encouraging, so supportive, so funny and has really blessed me in the short time that I’ve gotten to know her.  So, yes!  I would happily read her book.  And the second thing, I got an advanced copy of this fabulous book and loved every sentimental/hysterical/well-written page.  I savored it.  So, without a doubt…this is my number one summer read this season.  
And at the bottom of this post, Pinterest Told Me To, Blue-Eyed Bride and I are giving away 9 copies of the book to some lucky readers…keep reading…

Me on an airplane…I read the entire book front to back on my flight. I couldn’t put it down!
Other than Sophie’s book, what else do I read over the summer?  This is me…
1. I love to read.  Love, love, love it!  But I don’t feel like I have enough hours in my day to read as much as I would like.  So, I tend to read a lot of magazines during the school year since they’re easier to pick and put down…but during the summer, I’m all about the books.
2. I like to read easy stuff.  No brainers.  I like to pick up a book that immediately draws me in, entertains me and gives me a little escape.  Reading to me should be relaxing, not work.  
3. I like books that are uplifting. Why read a book that’s going to depress me?  That doesn’t sound like a fun time!
4. I read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, autobiographical, parenting, how-to, etc.  I like to mix things up.
Here are my suggestions for books to read this summer…books you’ll love to pick up and won’t want to put down.  And you’ll see…I have a wide variety of interests…
1. Pray Big For Your Child by Will Davis Jr.
If you’re looking for a book about raising a faithful kid, this is a great one.  This book gives you a lot of specific ways to pray for your kids, encourage them and encourage you as a parent.
2. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle
I’ve blogged about this book before.  It’s hysterical!  It’s about Melanie’s journey through motherhood but written in the most relatable, hysterical way.  You won’t be able to put it down…and I promise you, you’ll laugh your head off!   
3. Mom, Inc.: The Essential Guide to Running a Successful Business Close to Home 
I have read this book several times.  It’s a great book about running a business from your home. I look back at this book often because of the really helpful tips, tricks and info for working from home moms.  If you do work from home or would like to, you should read this book.
4. Anything by Emily Giffin
She is one of my very favorite “easy read” authors.  Here are a few of her books that I could read over and over again…
I have read all of these and they’re just so fun and simple…perfect for the pool.
5. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic
I read this book last fall and then immediately read it again.  It really gave me some encouragement and perspective about mothering my young kids.  It was funny, easy to read and hopeful. 
6. A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy is another one of my favorite authors.  I love her plots, her storylines, her humor and especially the way she describes the setting.  This was her final book before she passed away last year…it’s definitely on my “to-read” list.
Ok…so a few options for you.  But…now for the big FUN!  I’m joining forces with Blue-Eyed Bride and Pinterest Told Me To to give away 9 copies each of Boo Mama’s new book A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet.  All you need to do is enter below…and there are several easy ways to enter (because honestly, why enter once when you can enter several times?).  You will love this heartwarming book…every single page of it.
One last thing, don’t forget to check out my foodie blog today for your easy dinner recipe!  You’re going to love this recipe…

…baked burritos!  They are delish!

Find me on Twitter here.
Find me on Face Book here.
Find me on Pinterest here.
Find me on Instagram  @mixandmatchmama

And I’ve had questions about upcoming Fifty Two Shades of Shay topics…this summer, stay tuned for Vacation Budgeting, Beachy Hair, Laundry Tips, Wearing Short-Shorts (and lookin’ better than ever!), My Favorite Magazines and so on…we have a lot of ground to cover this summer!

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Comments

  1. Aubrey says

    A book giveaway?! I'm IN, girl!

    I love Maeve Binchy too. Her books are heartwarming escapes, and they immediately transport me to the lovely Emerald Isle. 🙂

  2. Tonya Morris says

    I was planning to buy Boo Mama's book. If I win, I could make one of my friends very happy!!! I hope to pick up some of her your other fiction suggestions too. Thanks:)

  8. Kelly Jo says

    I wish I had more time to read non-school related books! Book giveaways are so fun. They are my favorite "pay it forward"… love to buy a good book for a stranger!

  10. Anonymous says

    Don't get to read as much as I want with a little one but would love to win.
    Allison H

  18. Courntey in FL says

    Glad you included Emily Giffin books, I was going to suggest her to you. I met her earlier this year and she was so sweet and down to earth.

  21. Anonymous says

    This book sounds great. I've been looking for a great summer read. Thanks!

    Annie Cox

  27. Jennifer says

    Loved Melanie's book and can't wait to read Sophie's. You should also check out Shauna Niequist's Bread and Wine. Another great mix of tears and laughter, along with recipes! Easy read.

  30. Julie Connelly says

    I've been trying to read more, so maybe this book will get me going. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  32. Julie H. says

    Love love love reading!! Sitting on the back deck or by the pool and enjoying a good book is so peaceful! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  35. Anonymous says

    I'm a crazy reader. I've read 4 books in a week. (not even kidding)

    You must read The Shoemaker's Wife.

    Great book. Haven't loved a book that much since The Help.

    Kelly S.
    sitesx6@aol.com

  39. mcoop1125 says

    I love new book suggestions…thanks! I look forward to reading your blog each morning. Thanks for introducing me to Sheaffer's blog. You two start my mornings with a smile. Sheaffer has definitely impacted my style…and checkbook…LOL!
    Michelle
    mcoop1125@gmail.com

  40. Leslie Ruth Petree says

    Loved your book suggestions! I've never actually read any of Emily Griffin's books, but I'm thinking this is the summer to start 🙂 Would love to win a cop of Sophie's book, too!

  46. Aubs says

    Like you, I enjoy fun, light, easy reading!! I've never read any of Maeve Binchy's work but I'm going to have to check some of her stuff out!! I have read some of Emily Giffin's books and enjoyed them!! And I've heard several rave reviews of Boo Mama's book!

  52. Anonymous says

    Thanks! I love to find new authors to read! I would recommend anything by Karen Kingsbury, she is awesome!

    Dawn C.

  58. Toby says

    Great suggestions! I just logged into my library and put Sparkly Green Earings on hold!

  60. ncmama says

    I found you by way of BigMama. Your blog is one of my new favorite summer reads! 🙂 I'm in the midst of Sparkly Green Earrings and would love the read BooMama's book too!

    -Kim

  87. Melissa says

    I'm also a huge reader Shay, I have Maeve Binchy's Week of Winter waiting for me on my nightstand. I'm also a huge fan of Emily Giffin, but love love Jodi Picoult. I would love to read Boo Mama's book!

  100. USCEmily says

    I haven't had much time to read anything this summer, with a full-time job and a 7 month old, but I'd LOVE to read this!

  104. Katie Dacus says

    I am a such a bookworm!! I would rather read a book than do most anything else. I love giving a face to the characters and getting in a story. Total book nerd = me!

  105. Katie Dacus says

    I am a such a bookworm!! I would rather read a book than do most anything else. I love giving a face to the characters and getting in a story. Total book nerd = me!

  109. Angela says

    Thanks for the great reading suggestions! I'm an avid reader and in need of some new books to read this summer!

  110. The Dentons says

    I work as a nurse only three days a week so I am reading tons of books this summer by the pool! Excited for a giveaway! Thanks for the other book ideas as well, love all of Emily Griffin's books.

  112. Ashley Lightner says

    I would love to have BooMamas book! 🙂
    Summer is a wonderful time to get those great books read!!
    Thanks!

    Ashley L.

  114. Sarah says

    Thanks for the great reading suggestions! I wish I had more time to read, if I won though I would definitely make it a point to read it!

  117. Cindy says

    I absolutely Love Emily Giffin books too! I have read all of the ones on your blog but just found out there is a 6th one out there, "Where We Belong". I'm going to have to check it out. Thanks for the list. I have been looking for a new book to start!

  119. Cindy says

    I absolutely Love Emily Giffin books too! I have read all of the ones on your blog but just found out there is a 6th one out there, "Where We Belong". I'm going to have to check it out. Thanks for the list. I have been looking for a new book to start!

  127. Colleen Sullivan says

    I'd love to read Sophie's book! I'm going to either way, but it would be so cool to get a copy for free 🙂

    I like the same sort of books you do! I love an uplifting chick book!

  129. jennifer says

    Rachel jankovic jut came out with second one: fit to burst. Just as great as loving the little years! Get it! 🙂 love love those books.

  145. Jayne K says

    Every since I seen your Instagram pic posing with Boo Mama's book, I've been dying to read it!

  146. Jennifer Hill says

    I love Emily Giffin! If you're looking for other "easy reads" I would recommend checking out Sophie Kinsella and Janet Evanovich. Happy reading!

  147. Heather says

    I love reading too… just wish I had more time for it. I love anything by Sophia Kinsella, especially the Shopaholic series!

  151. Anonymous says

    Love emily griffin books – so easy and entertaining (especially after a hard day at work)!

    Jen Weber

  152. Amie says

    I have read all of the Emily Giffin books and loved them! Now I'm on to the Nicholas Sparks books, they are great too! I enjoy easy to read books that keep my attention. I would love to a copy of this book as well 🙂 Thanks!

  153. Bo & Yvonne says

    So I've been wanting to read Sparkly Green Earrings and Boomama's book but the Pray Big for your Child and Loving the Little Years are going on my "must read" list also! Another great book I'm reading is Priscilla Shirer's "One in a Million". Love it!!!

  155. Ashley Anderson says

    This was great! I have been wanting to hear about good books about parenting!!! Some people think they don't need help parenting but I believe we need all the help you can get!! Why not? We are rearing little kids so that they become productive and Godly citizens when they are older- now that is not easy!!

  156. Anonymous says

    Sophie is the best! I went to her book signing (she used to live here) and as a matter of fact, the book signing was done at the clothing store she mentions in the book! Her husband is a friend of mine from high school and they are dear sweet fun people! Everyone needs this book! It is just so neat to read a book about people you actually know and from your hometown, lol. But seriously, she really is an awesome writer and wonderful daughter of Christ!
    Missy

  163. Anonymous says

    Just got done with a "not so good" school year as a teacher(some years are like that), graduation for my son, graduation party planning, and state track meet! I don't just NEED a new book, I am DESPERATE! Thanks Shay for sharing others. Kim Fleming

  165. Joy says

    I love reading. Right now I am currently reading The PRetty Little Liars books. They are easy and fast reads. And take me back to high school. I have heard great things about the Sparkly Green earrings book too!

  169. Ansleighsmom says

    I love the summer reading list and I needed just that! I love reading your blog I am a new follower and you have given me great advice on several products so far! thanks and have a great week!

  181. Brittany Bladow says

    I adore reading! It is by far my favorite thing to do on a rainy day, a sunny beach or lake day, or any day really.

  182. Brittany Bladow says

    I love reading! It is my favorite thing to do whenever I have free time. Fingers crossed!!!

  187. Mackenzie says

    I cannot wait to read BooMama's book! It looks so sweet and every review that says, "I couldn't put it down," only makes me want to read it more! I love reading in the summer, too, and cannot wait to read more reviews from you!

  189. Sara says

    I LOVE to read and am always looking for great books! Are you on Goodreads? It is a great way to remember what you've read and to see what others are reading.

    Would love to win this! Thanks!

  191. Jen {Whimsy at Heart} says

    This is my favorite post that you've done so far! I love, love to read! You're list of what you like to read is perfect. I agree, why read something depressing? I'd love to read Boo Mama's new book!

  196. Angela says

    I loveee reading during the summer… magazines, books, you name it. Have you read Bread & Wine. It's a great read with delicious recipes too! It's the last book I read and really loved.

  197. jannybelle says

    WOW! Thanks for sharing your summer reading list…I don't think I will run out of something good to read for awhile! I found you through BooMama and I needed another good blog to follow (so many of mine have fallen by the wayside and no longer blog or their posts are few and far between)Thank you for your great giveaway!

  198. Bren S says

    With all of the wonderful reviews I've read about this book, I can't wait to read it!

  203. Lacey Salmon says

    I'd love to read her book! My must read list just grew by leaps and bounds 😉

  204. Lacey Salmon says

    I'd love to read her book! My must read list just grew by leaps and bounds 😉

  205. Lacey Salmon says

    Love to read her book! My must read list has grown by leaps and bounds after I read your post this morning!

  206. Dena says

    I love to read just before bed. However, by doing this it definitely takes me a lot longer to get through a book. I also love to read books that don't take much thought.

  218. Gerbrandt Family says

    You had a couple of books I haven't heard of. Thanks for the suggestions! I will be finishing up my book by Jennifer Weiner and then a few of your books are on my list.

  219. Gerbrandt Family says

    You had a few books I haven't heard of. Thanks for the suggestions! I will be finishing up my book by Jennifer Weiner and then a few of your books are on my list.

  220. Gerbrandt Family says

    You had a couple of books I haven't heard of. Thanks for the suggestions! I will be finishing up my book by Jennifer Weiner and then a few of your books are on my list.

  224. Blondie says

    I love reading books in the summer too and have heard great things about this one!

    I LOVED Sparkly Green Earrings … wound up crying and laughing till my sides hurt, a lot of times on the same page! Melanie is a gifted writer.

  225. Blondie says

    I love reading books in the summer too and I've heard great things about your giveaway so I really hope I win a copy! (I'll totally buy one if I don't though)

    Sparkly Green Earrings is a GREAT one! Bought two – one for my mama and one for me. Laughed and cried on nearly every page. Melanie is a very talented writer and I love her blog too.

  232. Dawn says

    Loved Sparkly Green Earrings and A Little Salty! Adding some of your suggestions to my list! 🙂

  234. Amanda says

    I have been waiting on this book ever since you posted a picture on Instagram! Reading is somehow so much easier in the summer and I've already knocked out a few books.
    I would love a new FREE read for this summer and pool days with my daughter!

  235. Amanda says

    I have been waiting on this book ever since you posted a picture on Instagram! Reading is somehow so much easier in the summer and I've already knocked out a few books.
    I would love a new FREE read for this summer and pool days with my daughter!

  236. Awn says

    So looking forward to more Fifty Shades of Shay. So much fun! The book sounds great!! Thanks for sharing!

  239. Stephanie Gonzalez says

    Thank you for this book list, I'm always looking for something new to read!

  245. Nicki says

    Thanks for the great list of books- can't wait to pick some of those up! And would love to win Boo Mamas!! 🙂

  247. Anonymous says

    This book sounds perfect for our upcoming Colorado get-a-way!!
    Hope I win!
    Lisa Rodgers
    McKinney, TX

  253. Rachel Brown says

    Thanks for the book giveaway! I love your summer reading recommendations. I'm almost through reading Sparkly Green Earrings and am loving it!!

  262. Mrs. B says

    Thanks for all of the wonderful book ideas for the summer! I love to read as well and I cannot wait to read some of these!

  269. Kristin W says

    Taking a trip to Hawaii with the fam in a few weeks and could definitely use a good book to read on the beach!

  272. Amanda Hain says

    Thanks for the all the book recommendations! I wish I had more time to read, maybe this summer 🙂 That book sounds great, I would love to win a copy! Also, LOVE your blog!!!

  273. Jennifer S says

    This book looks great! Would love to win a copy to read during my beach vacation!

  274. Anna H. says

    I would love a copy of this book! I saw her at dotMom in B'ham last year, and she is AWESOME!!!

  276. Tish/maddbzmommy says

    Fun summer reading material. I get sucked into the easy reads of the free kindle romance books (gasp!)
    Love Emily Giffin also. Hopeful romances are always fun 🙂

  281. Deanna says

    Thanks for the list. I LOVE reading too, but enjoy some of the heavier stuff to discuss with a good book club. However summer = fluff. Love your suggestions.

  286. Sarah Rollinson says

    I love Maeve Binchy too! Rosamunde Pilcher is another author who takes you away to the British Isles in a relaxing, engaging way. Thanks, Shay, for the suggested reads!

  291. Grace Hoosier says

    Reading is my favorite thing to do, I still make time even after 4 little ones!

  293. Kimberly says

    I agree – I read Sparkly Green Earrings a couple weeks ago and absolutely loved it!

  295. jarleonard says

    I'm so happy you did some book recommendations! I'm going to get Pray Big right away and the Maeve Binchy also…I just asked my best friend last night for some book recommendations and she gave me some great ones too so now I'm set for summer reading! 🙂 Thanks for your post! love it!

  302. Jessa says

    with a vacation to Lake Michigan in a few weeks, these book recommendations are awesome! thanks for the give-a-way – I'm a northeast girl with a love for all things southern!

  310. Trisha Buck says

    I almost bought this book just yesterday! I'd love to win it! 🙂 reading Sparkly Green Earrings now!

  311. Jenessa Lawson says

    If I'm not one of the lucky winners I'm going to buy it anyway! It sounds great!

  320. Anne G. says

    Since I have already downloaded and read this great book, I m hoping to win a copy for a friend who has been watering my plants while I am out of town.

  325. Rebekah says

    Loving the Little Years is a huge favorite of mine! I have read it several times and look to it for encouragement during some of the harder days. Love your blog!

  333. Mary Clark says

    Extremely generous offer – can't wait to read this book, saw a preview in this month's Southern Lady mag.

  335. Anonymous says

    Any chance you'd be willing to share what God is teaching you or where you have needed to learn to really God on a certain topic? Your day to day thoughts are great but I would love to see God shine through your beautiful self because nobody is as perfect as Jesus!

  336. laura joy says

    Thanks for the giveaway Shay!

    I'm currently reading "the Reason for God" by Timothy Keller and also a novel by Anita Shreve

  342. Anonymous says

    I encourage people to read the following authors also. Erynn Mangum, Lori Copeland, Rene Gutteridge, Gary Chapmans-Season series, Al Lacys' Civil War series. And John Grishams Theodore Boone series. I also enjoyed Gilbert Morris' Cat series

  343. Monica McHugh says

    God works in amazing ways! I'm 13 weeks pregnant and I was reading my prayer book today- praying through your pregnancy. I thought I hope I can find a book like this for when my child is born and growing up. I just read this post and BAM- your #1 book is exactly what I will need! Thanks for the list!

  349. Courtney Sloane says

    Oh how fun! I love to read, and I've got a great big stack of books to read after the bar exam at the end of July. I'd love to put Sophie's book on the top!

  355. Mel Comley says

    Entered the contest, thank you.

    I love reading in the summer too. I've just picked up Donna Fasano's boxed set of romances and Linda Prather's mystery set. Can't wait to get stuck into them on my hols.