This…
…is how I feel right now.
I am so excited to talk about this month’s books!!!
Who would have thought that a bunch of books would have me screaming like Buddy the Elf??? Yet here I am…absolutely giddy to share.
This month, I read my best batch of books yet…annnnnnnd, even though it’s only June 29…I have my strongest contender for my favorite book of 2015 in this group (my favorite book of 2014 was Carole Radziwill’s What Remains).
Even if you’re not really a reader, I promise you…one of these seven books should be on your bedside table this month. There’s something for everyone.
So, you know how I like to read every little book about French women…well, I found another one and read it first this month. Ooh La La! was a really cute book with tips about how the French women make themselves feel beautiful (inside and out!) every day. I love these little books and can sit down and read them quickly. They’re always light, happy and informative (I always get great tips on skincare, makeup, grocery shopping, folding laundry…you name it!). Looking back over the last year, I think this is my 6th or 7th one to read. If I had to name a favorite, I would say Forever Chic. They’re really all good…and Ooh La La! was no exception!
Well, I think I’ve done it. I think in the last year, I’ve read every single Liane Moriarty book. Please let me know if I’ve missed one…but I’ve scoured Amazon and don’t see a title that I haven’t already read. The Last Anniversary was my last book…and it was a delightful summer read. As always, her characters are lovable, the mood is humorous and the plots always twist just a bit. I have enjoyed each and every Moriarty book and especially The Last Anniversary. I went to Amazon to see every title and rank them for you in order of my faves…but I just couldn’t. I pretty much love them all the same. Moriarty’s books do not go in any particular order, so you can grab any one of them and go.
Y’all…I read Chris Harrison’s new book The Perfect Letter this month pretty much because everyone else was…and girls, it was so good! I don’t know what I was expecting…but it was excellent. The plot, the characters, the suspense, the writing…dare I say, it was very a la Nicholas Sparks (and he ain’t too shabby, right?!). I really couldn’t put this book down. This is the kind of book that turns into a movie…read it!
And just for grins…
xo
Everyone…stop right now and read Ever After by Vicki Courtney. This faith based book on marriage and parenting really hit home. There were so many pages that I turned back and noted, Erika and I discussed this book constantly (she read it too) and I kept it with my Bible, because it was something light yet, something I wanted to reflect on during my quiet time each morning. I think Erika said it best when she told me that this book should be given to every bride before she’s married. Agreed. Courtney has a way of celebrating the beautiful while at the same time, being honest about the hard stuff too. I was uplifted and encouraged while reading this book…loved it.
My plan…to read every one of Elin Hilderbrand’s books by the end of the year. Beautiful Day was my second one and as soon as I finished it, I ordered four more. I’m in love with these books. Last month, I talked about The Matchmaker (which I loved) and I’m happy to say that I think I loved Beautiful Day even more. These books are the ultimate beach read or vacation pick. The stories are happy and light while being rich and captivating at the same time. I love the characters and I really, really love the setting. This is one of those books that you’ll read quickly and then immediately pass off to your girlfriends. I’m reading The Blue Bistro now…and I can already tell you that it’s good :).
And just for grins (again)…
…here I am in Nantucket (the setting of all of Hilderbrand’s books) back when I was 20 :). Before I got married, my family spent a lot of time on Nantucket while I was growing up. I love that the books mention real restaurants, stores, streets and beaches that I remember from my childhood.
I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed so hard when reading a book that I was crying. Happily Ali Ever by Ali Wentworth (a.k.a. Mrs. George Stephanopoulos) is hysterical! I read the entire thing cover to cover on our flight to Mexico. It’s a memoir of sorts…just little antics about this comedian/actress/mother/wife/funny lady’s life…and I was literally crying in my seat on board my flight as I read this one particular part about a guest using her powder bath in her New York apartment. Funny, witty, charming, delightful…I want to be her best friend.
And I know it’s only June 29…and I have six more months of reading to do…but as of today, Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist is my very favorite book of the year.
It’s just spectacular. It’s worth buying the book just for the prologue at the beginning. I don’t even really know how to adequately describe this book…it’s a memoir wrapped up in food. You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy it though…it’s more about the author’s relationship with people…her desire to connect with people in her home that really spoke to me. She talks about marriage, her struggle to get pregnant (she miscarried three babies)…she’s raw and honest and real and at the same time, she breaks bread and pours wine and you want to sit at her table and just listen to her. I know…it sounds kind of bizarre, but if I’m basing my very favorite book of the year off of writing, meaning, depth, and how it just sticks with me for months after putting it down (like Radziwill’s book did), then this is it for me.
My friend Katie recommended this book to me because her book club was reading it…and I can totally see why. In the back, there is even a book club discussion section. If you have a book club or a group of ladies that you enjoy reading with…you should all pick up Bread & Wine. I don’t know…it’s hard to explain…I tried telling Erika about it but I think she was under the impression that it’s about the food…when it’s really about life (and food is just a nice theme woven in). This book is going to be hard to beat when I name my favorite at the end of the year.
So, there you have it! A great group of books that I hope you enjoy too!
As always, I covet your suggestions (listen, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have these love affairs with both Liane Moriarty or Elin Hildebrand!). Please comment below and share any new books that should be on my radar and if you’ve read any of these (especially Bread & Wine), I’d love your feedback too. Happy reading!
As always, you can see a complete list of the books I’ve read in 2015 here.
And you can follow me on Goodreads here.
And since it’s Monday…
…you’ll find Meal Planning Monday up on my foodie blog.
xoxo
Lauren McGreevy says
Have you read Gillian Flynn's books? Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and Dark Places. Granted they're a little darker than your typical beach read but they're so good!! Not to mention, Dark Places the movie is coming out soon with Charlize Theron!
Lauren
http://www.postgradinprogress.blogspot.com
Hilary Young says
Love this post<3 thanks for sharing reading your post makes my day
follow for follow?:)
xoxo
http://hilarynirvana.blogspot.com/
Brantlee says
Is Elin's book The Castaways on your list? I picked it up at the library for something to read by the pool and now I'm a huge fan of her writing. Bonus, Elin has an instagram!
Johannah says
I am definitely going to have to pick up one of Elin Hilderbrand's books! As much as you have mentioned them, I think I will do that this week =)
Justine says
Thank you for these awesome book suggestions Shay! I just put Bread and Wine and Beautiful Day on hold at my library!! Can't wait to read them! Hope you have a great day!
Ramona says
I'm off to put Ooh La La and Bread and Wine in my Amazon cart. Thanks so much! I really enjoy your book reviews.
Camille Columbia says
You'd love Garlic and Sapphires…it's a good critics memoir!
Erika Slaughter says
I need to read SO many of these! Can't wait to get my hands on Bread and Wine!!!
Whitney Plunkett says
Now I'm ready to order my books for vaca! Thank you! 🙂
Cathy and Marshall says
I just finished Elin Hilderbrand's The Island. Great story about mothers, daughters, and sisters.
adrienne says
I read Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist after having my first baby and LOVED it! So excited to read Bread and Wine. Thanks for the suggestion:)
Kathy Olson says
I know what you mean about Bread and Wine. It gives you the same feeling reading it as when you are wrapped in a blanket beside a fire on a cold day. It spoke to my heart in such a deep way. It is definitely a must read.
Narci says
So many great recommendations!! I love!! Off to fill my Amazon cart!! 🙂
Lindy says
Have you read any Jen Hatmaker books? You will definitely laugh out loud and you will not be able to stop thinking about them! Her books, 7 & Interrupted, changed my life and my faith big time. She also had a new book you can pre-order that comes out in August called, For The Love. Right now I'm reading Jennie Allen's book, Anything, and doing the bible study that is included in the book and it's my favorite book this year! Every thing Jennie has to say in this book really speaks to my heart and what God is doing in my life, you should check it out, xoxo!
Laurie Willmann says
Read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. WWII in France under Nazi rule….Great book. Putting Bread and Wine on my list!
Anonymous says
Loved that book!
Anonymous says
Finished The Nightengale last night at 2am! I am not a history buff, I can't even act like I like it but I LOVED this book and want to read anything and everything about how women survived their unique roles in the war. It was excellent! It is my favorite for 2015 so far. The Promise of Stardust was my favorite from 2014. And thanks to this blog post I have numerous other titles to add to my list! Thanks!
Katie Bauer says
I'm on the wait list at the library for this. Can't wait!!
L Leonori says
Loved Nightengale, could not put it down.
L Leonori says
Loved Nightengale, didn't get much sleep until I finished it. I'm reading 'The House We Grew Up In' by Lisa Jewel and I'm afraid I'm not going to get much sleep now either.
Sandra Litcher says
I am reading Beautiful Day right now and I am loving it! Can't wait to add some of these books to my list!
Anonymous says
I agree, Castaways is great! That and Summerland are my favorite Elin books.
PS it's sweet how enthusiastic you seem to get about every single book you read! A lot of other bloggers will get more critical but there's nothing but love from you 🙂
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad} says
I'm reading Bittersweet by Shauna right now and loving it. I can't wait to read the others when I'm done.
K says
I recently read Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight and it was very good – I highly recommend it. I'm going to be starting a book called Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder – It gets good reviews and evidently there is a movie based on the book on the Hallmark channel.
Sheri says
My girlfriends and I read Bread and Wine last year – it was amazing – we did exactly that, we all sat around each other's table and discussed it and shared meals, because they are "my people" – favorite book ever.
Lindsay Otis says
You've really encouraged me to start reading more! Love your reviews!
Shelly Sexton says
I love reading your book reviews! I just added these to my goodreads 🙂
Britanie Kostis says
I love Elin Hilderbrand's books! I just finished Summerland and I loved it! I was about 15 pages into The Matchmaker and for some reason couldn't get into it. Maybe I will have to give it another go?
Betsy says
I just finished my first Liane Moriarty per your recommendation and LOVED IT! Can't wait to read your newest suggestions!
Laura P. says
Thank you for introducing me to Liane Moriarty. I have only the Last Anniversary left–love these books! I'm picking up Beautiful Day today:) Love an easy summer read!
Julie @whereitcounts says
These are all my favorite books too-so glad you are enjoying them. But, as I was going down the list my thought was…"She HAS GOT to read Shauna Niequist!!" So I am so glad you got your hands on one of her books. Hands down my favorite book of the year too!!!! I am now reading Cold Tangerines by her and love that one too. She is so honest and a deep thinker but also funny and self depricating-the perfect match! Thanks for your reviews. Happy reading <3
Tracy says
I just finished Set Apart Motherhood by Leslie Ludy, and it was just incredible. Fairly short, easy to read, encouraging yet so challenging at the same time…I think you'd really enjoy it! Esp since she has a little girl adopted from Asia also 🙂
Melissa says
Your book suggestions are some of my all-time favorite posts. I loved What Remains as well (I'm a Kennedy junkie and the story was so poignant) and can't wait to read Ever After and The Last Anniversary from this month's list. If you haven't read Lizzy and Jane by: Katherine Reay put that on your list for upcoming months. It's FANTASTIC!!!
JulieB says
Thank you for all of these suggestions! It's like you've done all the hard work of choosing a book for me! I just found you on GoodReads so I can add more.
Stephanie Jennings says
Can't wait to get some of the books you mentioned. I thought I had read all of Elin Hilderbrand's book, but I missed a few. Blue Bistro should be coming my way soon. Quick question: do you buy all your books? I've gotten most of mine from our public library. Saves me a ton of money. Have a great day. PS: I Love the pic of you and Chris Harrison, and the one of you on Nantucket. Makes me want to visit there since I read all about it 🙂
Kelly @ Familiar Joy says
I can't remember some of the books you've read from months past, but our book club has done Orphan Train this year (so good!) and we are in the middle of What Alice Forgot. Another great read!
Emma @ {from my little pink couch} says
Looooooooved "bread & wine" … Do you have her daily devotional, "savor"? It is so great!
Eileen says
Elin Hilderbrand and Liane Moriarty are two of my favorites. I've read almost all of their books. Last year I read Elin Hildebrand's Winter Street right when it came out in October and I was ready to decorate for Christmas the minute I finished it!
Anonymous says
Do you ever check some of your reads out from the library? Or, do you always buy on Amazon? 🙂 Thanks!
Molly Elliott says
ALL of Shauna Niequist's books were wonderful. Cold tangerines, Bittersweet, and Savor (more of a daily devotional) were all very uplifting reads I enjoyed adding to my daily bible study. She finds a way to discuss life while making the reader truly want to embrace and find joy in every moment. Love reading your book reviews and following your blog. Thanks!
Megan Barbour says
Hi Shay! I love all of Shauna Niequists books! Loved Bread and Wine and Bittersweet but really loved Cold Tangerines. I think you would too!
Laura says
I'm reading Hildebrand's latest, The Rumor, and nearly finished. It's juicy good, too!
Anonymous says
Oh you should read Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist. Those are my favorite books. She is a fantastic author!
Paula says
I LOVE Bread & Wine! Read it last year. It is definitely a favorite. Gave me so much to think about andhow to approach relationships. The perfect time is now. It's not about the everything being perfect, but the time spent in meaningful friendships. LOVE!
Angela Ellingson says
Hi Shay! I listen to a few podcasts, but my favorite is The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. I actually tweeted her awhile back asking her to have you on as a guest. I would LOVE that! Anyway, she had Shauna Niequist on recently talking about Bread & Wine. Sounds like you would enjoy listening to it. It's podcast #40. 🙂
McKinley Haskin says
One of my very favorite authors (this is a read-every-book-she-writes kind of author!) is Jennifer McMahon. If you liked Gone Girl, Girl on a Train, Etc., you will love her books! I recommend starting with Dismantled 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
You ALMOST made me want to read a book! That's impressive!!!!!!!! 🙂
Jennifer says
I read Shauna Niequis's book Bittersweet a few months ago and loved it. I have Bread and Wine and her new devotional on my wish list already.
Jean Newfield says
Bread and Wine is my favorite book. I read it right after my son was born and it just spoke truth into my soul. I love how she encourages readers to not worry about all the little details in hospitality. But embracing the community & fellowship around the table. Her other books: Bittersweet, Cold Tangerines, & Savor are all excellent as well!
Bianca Catalano says
I love your suggestions! Liane Moriarty and Elin Hilderbrand are two of my fav authors. I am reading the Nightingale, story of love and war, set in France.
Becky @ Little Loud Life says
Oooh…..you NEED to get Shauna's daily devotional, Savor. It is perfect. You can totally add it to your quiet time without having to take something away b/c each reading is very brief, but lingers with you. So meaningful. AND, she tucks recipes into the book here and there. What could be better? 🙂
Danielle Kleiner says
Bread & Wine is my FAVORITE book! So beautifully written. You should check out her devotional called Savor – it is also a wonderful book!
Mary Elizabeth says
Hi Shay! We've been married one year and almost three months and still feel like newlyweds! I just added Ever After to my cart on Amazon! I can't wait to dig into it. I <3 your book reviews! 🙂
Kimberly says
You MUST also read Cold Tangerines!
Alana H says
Mitch Albom writes nice and easy reads, however most are tear jerkers ha ha. He wrote Tuesday's with Morrie, which was made into a TV movie. They are the pick-up-and-read-the-entire-book-in-one-sitting kind of books.
Leah B. says
Hi Shay! I love your book reviews 🙂 I have had Ever After on my book list for a while. Question – did you and Erika read the actual book or do the bible study? I can't decide which to do. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We read the actual book! It was so good!!
Anonymous says
Don't go by Lisa scottline is a MUST read. Could not put it down!!
Morgan Eckert says
I second this!
StaceyWalden says
Hi Shay! I always love your book reviews! You have inspired me to make more time for reading, and I even have gotten hooked on Audiobooks for my long drives to work. While I was looking up Liane Moriarty's books to read, I found out that her sister Nicola Moriarty is also an author. Have you ever read any of Nicola's books? They seem to be the same type of style and I've been wanting to read some.
Lora G says
You've inspired me to start back reading, and I'm never without a book in hand and at least one on the nightstand, many of them your suggestions! One of your commenters suggested the debut novel by Lauren Graham (the actress): Someday, Someday, Maybe, which I'm reading now and I think it would be right up your alley! Also, Jojo Moyes, Me Before You and One Plus One. Yay for reading!!! Have a great day 🙂
Queen In Between says
Sooo excited to add new books to my list!
Anonymous says
Although I do enjoy your blog, I would really like you to review a few books with a little more depth. I enjoy the occasional light hearted read, but prefer something a bit deeper. Only my opinion! Have a great day (:
Anonymous says
I've read 6 Elin Hilderbrand books since you posted The Matchmaker, and The Island is definitely my favorite! Read it asap!
Ashleigh Denissen says
Any of Jodi Picoult's books – especially The Pact!
Carrie says
I've never commented on your blog before, but when I saw that you'd read Bread & Wine, I absolutely had to! Shauna is my all-time favorite author, and I simply devour every book she writes. Her first two books (Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines) are phenomenal and I can read them again and again without getting tired of them! She just recently released a devotional called Savor which is a devotional with recipes (!!!) and all sorts of the goodness you expect from Shauna. It's a beautiful book and I have so enjoyed reading a bit every day! Check it out!
Anonymous says
I love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon!! It is the perfect book to just escape to a time and place that Diana has created and to fall in love with and root for her characters.
Sallie says
Started Beautiful Day this week, and am loving it ! Thanks for the tip.
Anonymous says
I think you'd love Jodi Picoult if you haven't read her already! My favorite is My Sister's Keeper – so so good.
Anonymous says
We read a lot of the same books. I just happened upon a wonderful true story called The Waiting by Cathy LeGrow. It's the true story of an adopted daughter and birth mother reunited after 77 years. It is a beautiful story.
Anonymous says
ALL of Shauna's books are incredible. Bittersweet is my favorite. I'm a twenty-something going through the normal transitions a twenty-something goes through (new jobs, friends moving away, break-ups, relationships, etc) and it really teaches you about perspective. Cold Tangerines is amazing too. I definitely suggest adding them to your reading list!
Anonymous says
You would love Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet by Shauna as well. She also just released a devotional, Savor, a few months ago, and it is also excellent!
Susan says
I love your book reviews! thank you so much, I have enjoyed reading several you have recommended!
Susan
Keisha Dawson says
I've added the ones I haven't read to my "Want to Read" list. I read The Last Anniversary several months ago, and I loved it, but I have loved all of her books. I also read The Matchmaker last week. I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to pick up another one of her books!
Anonymous says
hi Shay! im wondering what you think of sophie kinsellas confessions of a shopaholic? if you read it? did you read any of the other sequals too? thanks!!
Melissa says
I second the suggestion about reading Orphan Train. I was going to suggest it last month but forgot! It's historical fiction based upon early 1900's United States, but given your adoption experience with Ashby, I think you'd really enjoy it. Definitely a book that stayed with me after the fact.
I also love thrillers and would recommend Iron House by John Hart, Gone for Good or Tell No One by Harlan Coben, and any of Lisa Unger's books (I started with Fragile.) Lisa Unger and John Hart in particular are pretty great with their character development.
For more "chick-lit" type reads, I really have enjoyed many of Joshilyn Jackson's books. All are based in the South and tackle some pretty big subjects, but are good, quick reads.
Finally, if you're looking for something with a little more meat to it, and because I've noticed you read presidential and historical biographies, I would recommend Candice Millard's River of Doubt. It is the true account of Teddy Roosevelt, one of his sons and a team of others exploring an undocumented tributary of the Amazon River (sounds boring but if you love history it is not.) It is an incredibly dense read, but WELL worth it. Once I got down who was whom in the book, it was a much faster read, and one that has remained a favorite, years after I finished it.
Dawn says
Eeekkk!! So much book goodness- Bread and Wine is one of my all time favorites!! I am going to have to check out some of these other books! 🙂
The Nelson Happenings says
Thanks for sharing your book selection ! I'm in need of a good book. And the pizza burger looks amazing, I must try it !
Anonymous says
Love reading your suggestions! Have you read any books by Mary Kay Andrews? I have read Ladies' Night and Save the Date. Both are great beach reads!
The Boutelle Family says
I just love your book reviews! I was just wondering what I should read next & now I have almost all of these in my library hold queue! Thank you so much!
maureen says
I have not read Bread & Wine yet, but definitely putting it on my list of must reads! I wanted to recommend Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard. I really loved this and gave it to my Mother to read, we love Paris…and eating….and Love!
Mama Of Boys says
Am I the only person in the world who has no clue who you're standing next to in that photo?? You're in white, he's in a tux, I'm assuming he's famous, maybe the author??
We don't get much news over this side of the pond!!
Thanks for the book recs, am off to amazon.co.uk xx
Sarah Kuykendall says
That's Chris Harrison, host of The Bachelor, who wrote the book she mentioned above.
Amy DeVito says
I love Liane Moriarty. She is one of my favorite authors.
Here are a few recommendations for you:
Lulu's Cafe -T.I. Lowe
Family Pictures -Jane Green
Lacy Eye -Jessica Treadway (if you like mysteries)
Luckiest Girl Alive (if you like mysteries)
The Beach House -Jane Green
Amy @ http://befilledwithj0y.blogspot.com/
Paige Viollt says
Bread and Wine is my very favorite book!! If you haven't already you should read Shauna's other two books: Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet – just as good! Her writing is so real and you can relate to all of her stories!
Jenna says
Wow I'm not a reader but I am buying 2 of these books upon your recommendation? also does Chris Harrison really write these books? I didn't know he's a writer! THE Chris Harrison from the Bachelor? Who knew???
S LaCoss says
Ditto on Shanua's other books! I read Cold Tangerines first, then Bittersweet. Definately great reads that you want to pass onto girlfriends!
Amber says
Shay, bread and wine is one of my favorites as well!! Have you read Shauna neiquists other books as well!? If not you have to read them! Bittersweet and cold tangerines are both phenomenal books on friendship, her struggles with infertility/miscarriages, and her walk with God! Truly phenomenal books! My girlfriends and I cannot stop referencing back to her books! Especially her concept of "home team" that she develops in bittersweet! She also has a devotional that she just came out with this year that is really good!
Amber says
Hahaha just glanced above at the comments and it looks like you have A TON of recommendations for Shaunas other books 🙂
Leslie Seror says
Thanks for these. Always look forward to your recommendations.
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
just ordered bread & wine… I love a good book recommendation.
one that I think you would lI've is ' me before you' by jojo Moynes. it's set in England and I loved every character.. I laughed and bawled… !
Emily Collins says
Check out Jamie Ivey's Happy Hour podcast for a great interview with Shauna!
Cybill C says
Hi Shay — I'm currently reading through 'A Place Called Blessing: Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins' by John Trent and I think you'd really enjoy it. You can check it out on Amazon here, http://www.amazon.com/Place-Called-Blessing-Hurting-Begins/dp/0849946182. 🙂
I hope you have a great day!
Cybill
Dawn McCormick says
Just FYI…Bread & Wine for your kindle is on sale today for $2.99. It is a fantastic read!
Kylee Edwards says
Hi Shay! 🙂 Have you heard of Outlander? My cousin reccomended it to me…there are 8 books I believe and she said she can't stop reading them (My mother-n-law is in the same boat) Also, she is binge watching the first season on OnDemand as well 🙂 Thought you may be interested if you haven't already heard of that!
Kayla Ann Koury Bruce says
I study food memoirs as my main focus in my Ph.D., and I am always on the lookout for new ones. Thanks so much for posting about Bread and Wine because now I will have to get it! If you like the genre of food memoirs, which I am guessing you do, then I would also recommend Kate Christensen's Blue Plate Special and Molly Wizenberg's A Homemade Life. What you said about Bread and Wine SO captures what I love about food memoirs and why I love to study them and write about them. They are about food, but they are also about SO much more. Happy reading!
MC says
That is SUCH AN AWESOME FOCUS for a PhD! Have you read anything Barbara O'Neal? Or how about The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister? Those are some of my favorite books ever! They are not memoirs (they are fiction), but if you like food, I think you would enjoy them.
Bethany says
Hi Shay! Seems you don't need any more suggestions but if you do you should definitely pick up Leila Meacham roses and tumbleweed.
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
Thank you for sharing all of these books! I'm going to pick up Chris Harrison's book this week and read it! I love those kind of Nicholas Sparks books as well. XO
Sarah says
Ever After is back-ordered on Amazon and I'm blaming/crediting you! I ordered one for a bride and one for myself, which we'll both get directly when it's back in stock!
Raashi Agarwal says
I am finally caving and ordering Forever Chic and Ooh La La, obsessed with all things french, so I'm very excited!!! 🙂
Betsy Maddox says
I read Bread & Wine last year and absolutely LOVED it. Then I read Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet and loved them too. Shauna Niequist juat has the best writing style…so honest and relatable. Now I am a huge fan of her blog. I can totally see why you would choose this book as one of your favorites this year!
Samantha Soto says
My prayers are with your family and sweet Ashby! Also for the medical team that will give her the very best treatment. My brother and his teenage son are both recovering from recent brain surgery. Please pray for strength during their recovery process, my brother's treatment at MD Anderson, and our family during this difficult time. The power of prayer is truly incredible. Thank you for opening your heart, Shay. You are so appreciated! Much love to your beautiful family.
Darbi says
A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison was amazing if you haven't read it!!!
Anonymous says
Marie Force's "Fatal" series….not to be missed!!!!
Anonymous says
I agree 100% about Bread and Wine! My friend Katie let me borrow it awhile back. At first, I struggled getting into it. I'm now half way thru and it has truly touched me. I read a chapter a day, and usually am in tears by the end of it. It is fitting perfectly with this season of my life right now, and I think God had that planned all along. 🙂
Kpod says
Reading Bread & Wine right now per this recommendation. Have you read Cold Tangerines by the same author? I have heard wonderful things about it as well.
MC says
The Blue Bistro is my FAVORITE Elin Hilderbrand book. I have read it multiple times and loved every one! I would like to recommend you check out Barbara O'Neal's books. They are awesome as well…I think they would fit right into your reading interests!
Tiffany Bagalini says
Love these suggestions! I added A Beautiful Day to my vacation reading list!