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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

Books, Shay ·

Books, books and more books!


Happy Monday!  Today is all about books, books and more books!
It’s January, it’s cold, it’s the perfect time to stay in by the fire underneath a blanket and read a great book.  Thanks to Christmas break and a three week trip to China, I have read several books this month.  
Several of these books have come at your suggestions.  Thank you so much for always suggesting such great books!  Please continue to comment and let me know what I should be reading next.  I love to read and often the hardest part is deciding what to read…so thanks for making that easy.
Okay, first up…you have to read this guy’s book.  He’s so cute, he’s so sweet, he’s a great Christian man and if he were to ever need a kidney, he would call me…
Yeah, that’s my little brother and he’s releasing his first book on January 27.  You can pre-order it here.  I’ve already read it and I must say, he must have really good parents ;).  If you love Sean (and come on, who doesn’t?), you’ll love reading about his journey over the last 12ish years.  Andrew and I are extremely proud of him and this is my number one book for you to read this month :).
Speaking of people I love, another person I love has a new book out and I loved it too!!  
My sweet friend Sophie (a.k.a. Boo Mama) has her second book out later this month and it is so good.  Sophie has a great way of making you feel like you’re a part of her family as you read.  She’s funny, she’s sincere, she’s lighthearted while being deep at the same time…she’s a phenomenal story teller and I loved every page of her new book.  You can pre-order Sophie’s book here.  Heartwarming, this book is just heartwarming and will feed your soul.

Last month, several of you ladies suggested that I read What Alice Forgot and oh my goodness!  I love, love, loved it!  Such a great little read.  I’ve said this before but if you’re into Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner or Sophie Kinsella, you’ll love Liane Moriarty too.
I took this pic back in December of me reading in the car pool line…and I’m reading one of my new very favorite books of all time.
  My dad always instilled in me the love of travel but my mom instilled in me the love of the French.  As an interior designer, my mom taught me growing up to respect, appreciate and pay attention to how the French live…and this book Forever Chic was perfection in every page.  This is written by an American who has lived in France for almost 30 years and she shares the tips and tricks she has picked up by watching the French women live.  This book is full of tips for beauty, fashion, home entertainment, manners, shopping, preparing food…just about everything!  If you have an affection for the French too, you will LOVE this book!

I also read Courtney DeFeo’s book In This House We Will Giggle this month and oh my goodness!  As a new mom to three kiddos, I needed it.  I really want my kids to remember the happy times…the laughter, the giggles, the fun.  I want them to remember the fun while also keeping the behavior in check and the house in order.  I thought this book had so many great ideas for accomplishing both.  Moms with young kiddos should really read this book.
So there you have it…the books I’ve read so far this month.  I love, love, love to read and there is probably no better season for reading than winter.  Right now, I’m already into the next batch of books you ladies recommended but if you have more suggestions, please leave them below!  
And don’t forget, it’s Monday, so that means I have Meal Planning Monday up on my blog!  Simple, easy and yummy weeknight meals for you to make your family.
I have five yummy (and simple!) suppers like my Chicken Parm Sloppy Joes for you to make this week.  Click here to see.
XOXO

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Comments

  1. Patty says

    I am reading Sophie's book now and I love it. I am looking forward to reading Sean's book. I don't have much time to read in this season of my life but I load them on my Kindle and read when I get a chance. Have a great week!

  2. Jennifer Cannon says

    I went to barnes and noble this weekend and picked up a new book and instantly thought " Shay needs to read this". Its a christian book called " The best yes"

    Its all about how to say "no" to make room for your
    " best yes" . Your best yes, for God. Its really a great, great book.

    Xoxo
    Jen

  4. Angela Ellingson says

    I've already pre-ordered Sean's book and I'm so excited for tomorrow! 🙂 I read Sophie's other book at your suggestion and am looking forward to this one as well! In This House We Will Giggle will go on my must read list, although the others sound fabulous as well. Thanks, Shay!

  6. Dollie says

    Thanks Shay for the book recommendations. They all look grest! I just got "in this hous we will giggle" on Amazon. Looking forward to reading it!

  7. Anonymous says

    Oh my goodness! I was waiting for your review of the American Girl "Grace" book. My daughter is anxious to hear about the book review too! Please fill us in when you can…..we're curious readers here……and BIG American Girl fans! Thanks 🙂

  8. Mom to 4 J's says

    I read What Alice Forgot right after you posted it from China, and I loved it!!! So many deep moments, mixed with laughing out loud. I echo above, The Best Yes is totally for you!!

  9. paris8 says

    Thanks for the suggestions! I LOVED what Alice forgot & since you loved that one you should read "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova, this book was AMAZING and is now out as a movie starring Julianne Moore. Going to go check to see if "in this house we giggle" is available in Canada!! Have a great week & happy reading! xo

  10. paris8 says

    Thanks for the suggestions! I LOVED what Alice forgot & since you loved that one you should read "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova, this book was AMAZING and is now out as a movie starring Julianne Moore. Going to go check to see if "in this house we giggle" is available in Canada!! Have a great week & happy reading! xo

  12. Anonymous says

    Must reads:
    The Shoekeeper's Wife
    The Secret Keeper (!!!!)
    Still Alice
    Left Neglected
    The Book Thief
    Defending Jacob

    Kelly

  13. Deena says

    I just finished "dancing on broken glass" by ka Hancock. Tear jerker but so good! And Bond girl was easy and funny by Erin Duffy. Everyone has said to read what Alice forgot so I have to get that one!

  14. Anonymous says

    Hi Shay,
    I'm also going to recommend Left Neglected
    the husband's secret
    Before I go to sleep
    And, although it's been out awhile, me before you

    Jillian-Brittney

  15. Megan says

    I love to read!! At times its like a weird obsession..I forget about life and get sucked into a book!! I can not wait to read some on your list!! Thanks so for sharing!

  17. Anonymous says

    Thanks for the book recommendations! I have one to pass along to you. Sarah's Key is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Different friends recommended it and I finally got around to reading it this weekend. This book is so compelling. If you haven't read it, definitely check it out. 🙂

  19. Becky says

    One of the best books I have read recently is 'When I lay My Isaac Down' by Carol Kent. I am going to place a hold on a couple recommended here!

  20. Laurie S says

    Happy Monday. Thanks for your book recommendations. I wish I had more time to read. Maybe if I gave up sleep?!

    Can't wait to read Sean's book!

  21. Bethany says

    Shay- I know I've recommended this before to you (we'll just say my comment got lost 😉 ) Listen, you have, have, have to read the Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury! OMGosh they are so wonderful, and I promise you will love them and probably declare them your favorite books of all time. 😉 If I don't see them on your list of next read books, I'm going to send it to you!!! 😉 XO

  23. Dawn McCormick says

    I second many of the books already mentiond, Sarah's Key, Me Before You, and American Wife. Two "older" books that shouldn't be missed are Redeeming Love and Same Kind of Different as Me.

  25. Spencer Cox says

    Have you read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty yet? If you are already a fan I'm sure you have it on your list – but I have to say I couldn't believe how good it was! So funny, mysterious, heartfelt.. I read it in a day! 🙂 Some others I would recommend (not sure if you have read them or not yet) are After I Do and The Orphans of Race Point. SO good!! Thanks for your recommendations!

  27. Robin G. says

    Also must reads, Big Little Lies and The Husband's Secret by Lianne Moriarty. Love her writing and these two are GREAT !

  28. Anonymous says

    Definitely making a trip to the bookstore tomorrow to pick up Sean's book! Can't wait to read it!

  29. Brianna says

    Shay, you have to read "The Girl on the Train." I started it on thursday and finished yesterday morning! It's similar to Gone Girl, very thrilling. I couldn't put it down!!

  32. Amy M. says

    You have to, have to, HAVE TO read The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. It was so loved by all who read it the author made a Trilogy out of it. Tatiana & Alexander was next, followed by The Summer Garden. You will be ENTHRALLED.

  33. Ashley Hall says

    I LOVE Sophie Kinsella, Emily Giffin, etc. so I totally recommend Stephanie Evanovich's "Big Girl Panties" and Mary Kay Andrews "Ladies Night". Also, if you have not read it already, Sophie Kinsella's "Remember Me" is great! It is a similar situation as that in "What Alice Forgot". Thank you for another great post!

  34. Karen S. says

    I have really enjoyed the two Madame Chic books by Jennifer L. Scott ~ she talks about her lessons learned while living in Paris. She is The Daily Connoisseur on YT and IG. I cannot wait to get my hands on Sean's book…… 🙂

  35. ProudAuntKaren says

    Shay, I love this list!! I am even pre-ordering Sean's book… I don't really even watch the Bachelor, but a friend got me to watch Emily's season – and of course, we had to watch Sean's after that! I think it's been an awesome way for God to be glorified in such a mainstream platform! So glad for your other recommendations as well, and to see how you accomplish your goals…
    One of my goals was to start writing creatively (just for fun) after you encouraged us to set goals too… I'm writing a blog (mainly just for me), but I have it here, and you really inspired me… Thanks, Shay! Karen I.
    http://splashofcreative.blogspot.com/

  36. Bianca says

    Hi, new reader of your website! Thanks for the book recommendations! Not sure if you've read The Help but if you like those kind of books you will love The Invention of Wings & The Kitchen House. Amazing reads!

  37. Anonymous says

    I loved how you introduced your brothers new book, "For The Right Reasons." It made me smile and almost spit out my coffee at the same time! Referring to the Kidney thing. Lol Anyway, I purchased Sean's book and so enjoyed reading it. It was entertaining, sincere, heartfelt, and I couldn't put it down!! It's a great read and advised everyone to read it. Sean is a good story teller, I kid you not! So glad and happy he founded Catherine. 🙂 Was rooting for them … since the very beginning and Gods hand was definitely in it! Please support and buy this book, you won't be disappointed!!! I wasn't!
    Cindy

  40. V @ X-tremely V says

    I must check out We will giggle! We or at least I need it with a litte guy! Of course Sean's book too!
    I am not a big book person, but I have loved reading the books from the Robertson Family (Duck Dynasty). They are funny, talk about their faith, business and family. Love them!

  43. Ryan Warner says

    I love love love to read! I love hearing personal recommendations! Are you on Goodreads? It's social media for book lovers! I love getting recommendations and keeping track of the books I read on that website.

    I loved Beautiful Ruins, The Language of Flowers, The Rosie Project, The Light Between Oceans, Me Before You (or anything by Jojo Moyes), and even though they're kinda long…The Secret Keeper or The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I just finished The Breathing Series (3 books) in less than a week!

  45. Jeanie says

    I also nominate Still Alice. Excellent, but heart-wrenching book. I also enjoyed the Orphan Train, anything by Jodi Picoult (My Sister's Keeper is my favorite), and James Patterson. I'm currently reading Patterson's Unlucky 13.

  46. Susie Harrold says

    Shay – I HIGHLY recommend
    "Me Before You," by JoJo Moyes. It is one of my top 5 of all fiction books – an incredibly unexpected love story that will stay with you. I love Kinsella, Moriarty, and Weiner, too. Check this one out – it is one that can never be duplicated. 🙂

  48. sarah mcclanahan says

    I should be better at reading books like you! But lately I have hardly any free time! I am suggesting " before I go to sleep" I'm prettyy sure that's the name. It was really good! I'm going to try your suggestions!

  50. Tracy says

    I love seeing what others are reading. Your readers might like to know that Sophie's first book is free on Kindle right now. 🙂

  51. Leapfrog and Ladybugs says

    Fabulous pics! I, too, loved In This House We Giggle by Courtney DeFeo. If you don't already have them, I bet you'd like her ABC Scripture Cards, too. Though not a book, they are wonderful to use in so many different ways with kids. We love ours! Also. Courtney has a wonderful list of ways to get kids involved in giving back – Light 'em
    Up Impacts that I think you'd love, too!

  52. Jennifer Haag says

    Looking forward to reading your brothers book! I'm currently reading the Left Behind series. I really liked the first few, but I'm slowing down now that I'm on book 8.

  53. Ramona says

    I too am a Francophile so I'll most definitely be picking up a copy of Forever Chic. I am almost done with When I Found You by Cathryn Ryan Hyde. I highly recommend it.

  54. Jesslyn says

    You have got to read "God Never Blinks" by Regina Brett.
    I could read it over and over again!

    -Jesslyn

  56. Courtney DeFeo says

    THNAK YOU SO MUCH for featuring In This House, We Will Giggle. More than that – hearing you liked it and it was helpful is just awesome. You are a great mom. I know there is much laughter in your loving home. Thanks again. Courtney

  57. Anonymous says

    Sean's book looks great! Congratulations to him and Catherine on their anniversary! Did you get them anything for it?

  59. Amanda M says

    Shay, do you read books simultaneously? or once you finish one you start another? Just curious, some people are able to get more reading done that way.

  60. Audra says

    Kisses from Katie- an amazing true story about Katie following her heart and God's calling to care for orphans. A great inspiration and challenge to follow The Lord, open your heart, and serve selflessly- much like you and Andrew have done!