Me right this minute:
1.Listening to The Carpenter’s Christmas Album
2. Wearing pjs and Ugg slippers
3. Drinking coffee
4. Smelling Bath and Body Works ‘Tis the Season candle burning in my office
5. Talking to you about books
So, basically…I could not be happier :).
This month, I read four very different and very good books! Two memoirs, one fiction and one faith based book. I have a big stack that I’m making my way through for next month’s review. Here’s hoping, you find the time to read next month too!
I’ve always been an Amy Robach fan, so this month, I read her new book Better about her journey through breast cancer. Goodness, this book was real. At times, it was uncomfortably real and authentic. She not only chronicles her journey through the disease, but how it affected her relationships with everyone (husband, children, co-workers, etc). I also thought the book was hopeful. If you’re a Robach fan, you will enjoy her raw look on life.
Last month, I read book one in this three book series by Elin Hilderbrand set during Christmas time. Book one was Winter Street, this year she came out with Winter Stroll and then next year, is the final book in the series. You have to read Winter Street first before you read this one…but once you do, you’ll want to read this one too. They’re about a family during the holidays. It’s easy to read, entertaining, and will put you in the holiday spirit.
Girl Meets Change is technically my faith based book for the month, but really, anyone going through a transition in life will relate to this. The author’s husband is in the military and she writes a lot about moving and picking up her life over and over again. She touches on some great points…mainly how let’s face it, change usually sucks and is unwelcomed…but, it’s a necessary part of life and you can make the most of it…even thrive during it.
And holy cow…the most fascinating/couldn’t put it down/best read of my month was Troublemaker by Leah Remini. Wow. Okay, so I’ve always been a Remini fan because I looooove The King of Queens…so, I’ve been watching her lately on all of the big shows (20/20, The View, Good Morning America) talk about leaving Scientology and decided I needed to read her book. Um, it was just so interesting. Everything about it is interesting. I didn’t just read it, I pretty much read it aloud to Andrew because even he was into her story. If you’ve ever been interested in Scientology or let’s say…Tom Cruise, then you won’t be able to put this book down. So. Good.
That’s my November book review! What did you read this month? Comment below and tell me!
Don’t forget, you can find all of the books I’ve read so far in 2015 here and keep up with me on Goodreads here.
And tomorrow is What’s Up Wednesday! If you’re linking up, don’t forget to answer these questions…
Our bonus question for the month is what is your favorite Christmas tradition?
And on my foodie blog today…
Yes.
You need to make this,
You’ll love it.
I promise.
xoxo
Tanya says
Thanks for the reading recommendations. I get so many great ideas from your blog! Happy Thanksgiving!
Julie Connelly says
Oh my gosh…I have been watching Leah Remini on everything too…for ALL the same reasons!!!! We really should be real life friends 😉 HAHAHAHA!!!! I better get on reading her book, too!!!!! Thank you for your book reviews…I am intrigued by every one of these this month!!!!
Love on the Lake says
I finished Winter Stroll last night! I cannot WAIT for the third one. They are such cliff hangers.
Narci says
Well, now I'm going to have to read Leah Remini's book!! Great recommendations!!!
A Gal Named Al says
Have you watched the documentary Going Clear? They were talking about it on Andy Cohen one night, so I watched it- very interesting to learn about Scientology.
Sarah Kuykendall says
Thanks for the reviews! I have six days off work for Thanksgiving so I better get reading 🙂 I have been reading Savor.
Mary Parker says
Have you read The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes yet?
Seunghye Huggins says
Thanks for the suggestions, just finished Winter Street and loved it. Couldn't wait to read Winter Stroll and so that is what I am reading now for our book club. I love your book reviews! Have a great Thanksgiving!
Cherrisse Sabillon says
I love that you mentioned Tom Cruise.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Once again, I've got nothin'.
😉
Vesti says
Once again, I'm right there with ya. I do not read for pleasure. Ever. Perhaps it has something to do with being an SLP? 😉
Erika Slaughter says
I can't wait to read Troublemaker. After that 20/20 interview, I'm hooked!!
Elizabeth says
Thanks to the reviews!! I read the article about Leah Remini in people a couple of weeks ago and decided I wanted to get her book…now I just need to go get it while I'm out one day!
Debra says
I literally just finished Winter Street yesterday, and was thinking, surely Elin wouldn't leave us readers hanging with all those "events" happening with each and every one of her characters. I was so hopeful for a sequel, and you just made my day by informing us that it's a trilogy! Happy dance!!
Polka Dot Blossom says
Just finished The Blue Bistro (my absolute favorite so far!) and The Castaways by Hilderbrand. Just started The Hour I First Believed by Lamb and about to start I'm Happy For You…Sort of Not Really by Wyma about comparing your life to others in the midst of all our social media. I'll keep you posted next month if they're any good! And now I want to read Troublemaker…and the change book! Thanks…love book reviews!
Meghan says
All four of those books look amazing! & can't wait to link-up for WUW tomorrow!
Laci Murray says
Right there with you, I was hooked after the 20/20 special!! I've got this book on my Christmas list! Can't wait.
Beth says
"In a dark, dark wood" was suspenseful and surprising! I listened to the audio book in two days!
Tracy says
I can't wait to read Leah's book! The others sound good too. I was a reading slacker this month and only read one — One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. Liked it!
Casey Wilson says
not a fan by Kyle Idleman! Add it to your list! And for a quick read, what Alice forgot by liane moriarity!
TorontoSAM says
I literally just bought Winter Street an hour ago at the drug store. Can't wait to read it!
LeeAnn says
Your book reviews are my most favorite posts! Such great recommendations. Keep 'em coming!! 🙂
Britanie Kostis says
I don't know about you but I hope there is another book after Winter Stroll because I still have so many questions !!!!
Megan says
Now I want to read troublemaker!!! You make it sound so interesting!! And I may have to wait till the third Hilderbrand book comes out. I hate waiting on books!!
I Like Ike says
My cousin moved to Hollywood and works on Leah's reality show. He has nothing but the highest praise for her. I need to read that book.
Little Bits of Joy Blog says
I've been waiting for someone to read and talk about Leah Remini's book!!! Now it's going on my must-read list! I'm linking up for WUW Wednesday for the first time tomorrow.. I'm excited! Do I need to be a subscriber to Linky to be able to link up?
Megan says
Was just thinking I needed to get a book to read for my Thanksgiving flight today…thanks for the recommendations!
Erin C says
I read Leah Remini's book as well and O.M.Gosh! Craziness all around! She is unbelievably strong to leave Scientology, I can't even believe the amount of power that group has. Anyways, I just started Dear Carey – Dyan Canons book on being with Cary Grant. Pretty good so far!
Tiffany Bagalini says
I just finished For the Love (and LOVED it!) and want to start on those Arlin Hilderbrand you mentioned, but I too love, love, love Leah Remini sooooo it's going to be hard.
Emily H. says
I just read The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman. It's set in NYC in 1911 and I absolutely loved it.
The Nelson Happenings says
Great book selection ! I'm a huge Amy Roach fan too. Her struggle with cancer and a second marriage is a lot for anyone to handle. She is a true inspiration !!!
Jill says
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger & Still Alice by Lisa Genova…both AWESOME!!!
Allison says
Hey Shay! First time commenter here. I love your book reviews. Whenever my husband and I go on vacay, your blog is my go-to to find a good book for our trip! So thank you!
Ok I have a book for ya! In fact put it at the top of your list. It's called 'Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus' by nabeel qureshi. My husband and I traveled to Israel a few years ago and coming back we had this hunger to learn more about what is going on in our world with other radical religions. This book is life changing, eye-opening, cannot put it down, tell everyone you know to read it type of book. In the wake of The attack on Paris, this book would be good for everyone to read. It's a Muslims journey to prove allah to his peers and how he found Jesus along the way. You'll be glad you read it!!
Happy Thanksgiving! ❤️
Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says
I am going to have to check out Leah Remini's book – that sounds fascinating to me!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I've been reading a lot of the articles about Leah Remini and her new book and I really just might have to buy it because I've always wondered how people could believe in something as weird as Scientology! It's crazy!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Ashley Hogeland says
Really want to read Leah Remini's book! 2 good ones I recommend are The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and Stalin's Daughter by Rosemary Sullivan. 🙂
Christine Doran says
We are reading Winter Street for our Book Club book this month after seeing your suggestion on last months post! Any good discussion questions you can think of?!
Jennifer Danielle says
first of all, your description of what you're doing sounds like me earlier today. Christmas music, comfy Christmas Jammies, B&BW evergreen candle! How is the Tis the season candle compared to the evergreen one? I was worried it would smell as "christmasy".
Also, Troublemaker…I have so many books that I need to read so I hate to buy another book & just add that to my growing list..but I loooove Leah & am watching The King of Queens right now haha! But I'm thinking I just may have to get it anyway!
HungryCatCreator says
Have you read The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline ? It's wonderful!
Kelly says
Leah Remini's book is next on my list after reading, "Beyond Belief", by Jenna Miscavige (the niece of Scientology's leader!). It's a page turner as well, if you are interested. 🙂
Rachel says
Troublemaker sounds so intriguing… I think I'll be adding that to my cart on amazon 🙂 Cant wait to read by the fire with some hot chocolate! #ChristmasSeason
-Rachel at http://www.thefashionistahousewife.blogspot.com
Debbie Lang says
Absolutely love your book recommendations. I look forward to them each month. Because of you I am now a Elin Hilderbrand fan! Merry Christmas!
Libba says
I read Me Before You… Boy did I cry. Will try to get A Red Bird Christmas by Fannie Flagg read before my book club in a week… :-0