Two years ago, when I started my Monthly Goals and one of the very first ones was to read 2 books a month…well, that was one of THE BEST things I’ve ever done for myself! And bonus…I have looooooved sharing books with YOU! Thank you so much for being a part of this with me!
Okay, first up, December’s books and then I’ll recap my books for the year…all 63 of them!
I wrapped up 2015 by reading Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman. I love these types of books. This book was uplifting and encouraging. If you’re a lady buzzing through life so fast that you feel like you’re missing things, if you live with mom guilt about being too busy, if you just need someone to encourage you to slow down and appreciate the little things…then this book’s for you.
So, that was December!
Now, I wish I could go back and revisit all 63 books from 2015…but, since that would take forever and be the longest blog post in history, I’ll just hit some highlights below…
…I read eight Elin Hilderbrand novels this year and loved them. Her writing is so easy, her characters are so lovable…these are just good, simple reads. The only two books that you need to read in order are Winter Street and then Winter Stroll. The rest of the books are independent and can be read in any order…but Winters Stroll is the sequel to Winter Street, so make sure you read them in that order.
The novel that surprised me the most this year was…
That wraps up my books for 2015! I cannot wait to see what we read together in 2016! As always, thoughts, opinions, book suggestions and recommendations are coveted in the comment section below.
Don’t forget! You can keep up with me on Goodreads here.
Now, to see all of the books I read in 2015, look below. If you click on the month, you will go to the page where I reviewed the books that month. If you click on the book title, you will go to Amazon where you can read some more about the book or purchase it yourself.
March
Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
Watching the English by Kate Fox
Gray Mountain by John Grisham
The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth
The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty
April
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle
French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano
Killing Patton by Bill O’Reilly
The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
May
I Suck at Relationships so You Don’t Have To by Bethenny Frankel
Flash by Rachel Anne Ridge
Beyond Orange County by Lydia McLaughlin
The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand
Let. It. Go. by Karen Ehman
June
Ooh La La! French Women’s Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day by Jamie Callan
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
The Perfect Letter by Chris Harrison
Ever After by Vicki Courtney
Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand
Happily Ali Ever by Ali Wentworth
Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist
July
The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
Groundswell by Katie Lee
Balancing It All by Candace Cameron Bure
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin
August
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Fractured Not Broken by Kelly Schaefer
Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
September
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Bringing Lucy Home by Jennifer Phillips
How to be Chic & Elegant by Marie-Anne Lecoeur
All the Difference by Leah Ferguson
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
October
Charlotte Street by Danny Wallace
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
For the Love by Jen Hatmaker
Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings by Dr. Laura Markham
After You by Jojo Moyes
November
Better by Amy Robach
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong
Troublemaker by Leah Remini
December
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand
Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman
Thanks for reading with me in 2015!
It’s Monday…so, I’m Meal Planning…
…click here to see my Meal Planning Monday.
And one last thing, since my kiddos are off for the next two weeks, I will be blogging a little more sporadically. I’ll be here some, but then on other days, I won’t. Things will be a little inconsistent until the week of January 4…which also happens to be Ashby’s Gotcha Day :). Enjoy your Monday!
xo
Lisa says
Hi Shay, have you ever read a novel by Diane Chamberlain? I read almost 20 so far and I loved each and every one of them! Let me tell you, they are hard to put down! I am sure you will like her writing style too 🙂
Elizabeth says
Thank you for sharing!! Starting to read more is a goal of mine for January-at least read more of non pregnancy/parenting books 😉
Erika Slaughter says
Thos post was perfect timing!! I'll get lots of reading done over the break. Can't wait to share my good reads with you!! I'm adding Bread and Wine to my list of it's your very favorite. 🙂
Narci says
What a great list of books!! You always have the best recommendations! Xoxo
Cathy and Marshall says
I love all your recommendations! Elin Hilderbrand was a new discovery for me this year, and I love her books. I literally just started reading The Rosie Project this morning for my book club and was wondering how I was going to stay hooked…I guess I will stick with it now! Bread and Wine was an absolutely phenomenal book that I will be reading over and over again! Thanks for all your reviews and suggestions!
Susan says
I had the same problem with The Rosie Project. My mom loved it so I kept thinking about picking it up again. Now that I know I wasn't the only one who wasn't into it at first, I'll give it another chance.
Kelly Sites says
Your book posts are my FAVORITES of all time. I love reading so much. I highly highly suggest you read:
The Nightengale (favorite book of 2015) and The Invention of Wings.
Great great books. Also, The Listening Life is a great book on slowing down to hear the voice of Jesus. I'm reading it now, and have never taken so many notes and re-read parts of what I just read just to savor it. Highly suggest it.
Merry Christmas.
Kelly
Ramona says
I can't wait for Christmas break so I can devour the stash of books on my bedside table. Thanks for turning me onto Elin Hilderbrand. I have Winter Street and Winter Stroll up next. 🙂
Seunghye Huggins says
Thanks for the book list. One of my goals in 2016 is to just read at least one book a month for our book club and we have a great start with your selections. And I completely agree that Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors as well. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
Melissa says
Your book lists are some of my favorite posts! I love that your lists range from deep historical titles to chic lit and parenting tips. Just like mine ; ) Please keep sharing in the new year!
Catherine Turner says
If you had a hard time getting through the Rosie Project, it will be even harder for the Rosie Effect. I didn't even finish it, which is something I never do.
My book club just read The Good Girl. I suggest it to anyone who like Gone Girl! So good!
Ryan Warner says
Agreed! The RosieEffect wasn't near as good and The Good Girl was great!
Katie says
I agree about the sequel. It was a huge disappointment!
Aileen says
I agree as well. I loved The Rosie Project but could not finish The Rosie Effect and I always finish books.
Megan Sollenberger says
Oh man, I need to start doing this to gain a little 'me' time! Thanks for sharing your list!
Linsley Schneider says
Elin is one of my faves!! Right up there with Emily Giffin 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I need to come up with a polite comment that I can copy and paste every month onto your book review posts. I really do wish I loved to read. I'm going to blame my mother. hahaha 🙂
Ranisa says
I love your book reviews. I also love how vastly different opinions can be. After your reviews I started reading many of them. Liking and loving most. It took me a minute to recall what Bread and Wine was about. It was just forgettable for me. Keep up the wondering introduction to new books. Also I just ordered your brothers book and the one by Chris Harrison. Can't wait for them!
Katie Bishop says
Your book reviews are my favorite! Just finished Winter Street and started Winter Stroll after your recommendation.
Angela Ellingson says
Love this so much!!! Can't wait to get going on several of these. 🙂
tracy says
Hi Shay, Dear Carolina by Kristie Woodson Harvey is a great read. I think you would enjoy it. Happy Holidays!!
GypsyAccountant says
I highly recommend BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert (the author of eat pray love). I am in the middle of it right now and loving it!
kelly says
Wow! You read a lot of books!! Good for you! Thanks for the recaps – they're great. #lovereading
Megan says
Love this post!!!! 1- I know it was a ton of work to put together. 2-do you feel so accomplished when you look at it??? You were a reading machine!!! Go girl!!!
Cassie Sugarplum says
Perfect timing on this post!! I want to step away from the computer for the winter breaks and actually pick up a book!!! Already added several of these to my cart, thank you!!
Sarah Tharp says
Thank you for this post… always looking for new books to read! Love Elin Hilderbrand as well. A few recommendations for you: Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, The Good Girl by Mary Kubica, and Wonder by RJ Palacio (can read this one with the kids too, so great!).
Lora G says
I definitely agree about Rosie Project, I wanted to love it, but I just didn't. Liane Moriarty was another stand out author for me this year. Love your recommendations 🙂
Chelsea says
I love your book reviews! It inspired me to start doing my own, which is so fun. I felt the same way about The Rosie Project, but have to admit I still was not totally in love with it after I finished. I also read the sequel and ended up skimming it. I'll love to hear what you think!
Queen In Between says
I loved the Rumor! Hoping to read Winter Street over Christmas. Love all your reads and how diverse your taste is.
Diana says
I'm on my 7th Elin Hilderbrand book, thanks to your recommendation! I am happily addicted to her writing!! Currently reading The Rumor.
Calley Fornia says
I loved Rosie Project but Rosie Effect was the one I struggled with…so you may not want to read Effect, but it's totally up to you 🙂
I did really enjoy The Stories Life of A.J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline so I would recommend both of those! Happy reading and Happy Holidays!
Cathy Prell says
I started reading Elin Hilderbrand on your recommendation and love her books! I love your book reviews! Merry Christmas, Shay!
Jana Hampton says
I read The Rosie Project with sole purpose that I was going to recommend it when I had to pick the book for Book Club. However, it wasn't LOVE for me. I really did end up liking it, but I just went with a gamble when it came to making a book suggestion for my pick. I think part of what carried me through it was the fact that Jennifer Lawrence is signed up (or rumored to be signed up) for the movie version of this book. And we all know, J-Law can do NO WRONG! 😉 I just finished reading Colleen Hoover's new book, "November 9." It's the first book in a LONG time that I read cover to cover in a day's time. That's quite the feat with a 19-month old.
Domestic Engineer says
Thank you for sharing your book suggestions. I was suprised to fins I linked here from Jennifer Scott's blog, but I already follow your food blog and Schaeffer's PTMT blog. Sorry to sound stalkerish, I swear I am nice and not a weirdo, but this just ticked me how my blog reading materials have come full circle. Im in Houston, that other Texas city, so ya'll have a Merry Christmas!
The Nelson Happenings says
I always love your book selection !!!
Jill says
Elin Hilderbrand was also a new author for me this year. Love her! Her style reminds me so much of Emily Giffin's (who is my go-to easy read/fun author). I also get so many book suggestions from reading the blog comments on book review days!
Elaine Welte says
I almost picked up the Arlin Hilderbramd books at Target the other day. I need some reading materials while we are at our bowl game this weekend! Heading back to Target to pick them up!
Unknown says
Just a heads up that a lot of Elin Hilderbrand's books are $4.99 – $7.99 for the Kindle versions today on Amazon. They may have been before, but this post spurred me to add some and it's the first time I've looked in a month or so.
Merry Christmas!
Ann Marie says
I need to read Bread and Wine! 🙂 It seems like it may be perfect for this walk through life right now….
Leah Hall says
Always love your book reviews. I don't know if you have ever heard of the Whistlin Dixie in a Nor'easter series by Lisa Patton. There are 3 books in the series and they will make you laugh, cry, frustrated, and every emotion in between. It has Southern charm with Northern quirks mixed all into one series.
Cassie says
I'll have to try Hildrebrand and The Royal We!
Steph says
Hi Shay, I appreciate your book posts each month and use them to get ideas for my own Goodreads queue. One small request though- would you mind adding a bit more detail around your reviews? It seems like many women here use your review posts like I do, to get ideas, and sometimes it's hard to know how to interpret "I didn't like this book" or "it was a fast read." Even just something like "I didn't like this book because it started out too slow and the main character wasn't likeable" or something similar would help me determine if the book goes on my must-buy or library request list. Since reading time comes at a premium for me, I want to make sure I'm making the most of my time, know what I mean? 😉
Sally Hepworth says
Wow, what a list of books! Thank you for including The Secrets of Midwives in your list. I'll admit, I didn't love The Rosie Effect as much as The Rosie Project (which also took me a bit to get into but then I LOVED). Someone above recommended Diane Chamberlain and I second that. Her books tend to be a bit darker than Elin Hilderbrand, but always involve a great family saga x
Vicky says
I've tried to read the Rosie Project twice now, and couldn't get into it. But I'll try again based on your review 🙂 Happy holidays!
Saz says
I love getting new recs for books! I've just added you on Goodreads & now I'm off to browse the synopsis for all the ones you've recommended.. thanks!
Emily H. says
I read a couple books by Elin Hilderbrand and I must say that she's not my favorite. I don't like how she constantly name drops (I swear luxury companies must give her money for product placement) and one of her characters is always cheating on a spouse and it's treated so lightly. Anyway, I have come to really like Alice Hoffman. Her books are a little deeper, characters are more complex, and she writes historical fiction, which I love. I also am reading the book Saving CeeCee Honeycutt right now and I am loving it.
Lisa Longoria says
Loved Bread and Wine as well. Now I'm in her book, Bittersweet.
Morgan Eckert says
Shay, these are my very favorite posts of the month! If you love Elin Hilderbrand and Liane Moriarty you HAVE to try Lisa Scottoline. Love her so much! I would recommend starting with Keep Quiet but I've read 5 of hers and have loved them all.
Dara O'Driscoll says
Great lists – thanks a million for sharing x
Holly Atkinson says
Thanks for sharing! Great collection of books – definitely will be adding them to my list of 'must read' for 2016!
– Holly x
http://iblogthefashion.blogspot.co.uk
Ashley says
Great post! How do you read your books (Kindle/hard copy)? I'm always looking for new books so I will definitely refer to your posts for inspiration!
Aubrey says
Read, read, read! It's a great way to grow! The more you read, the more you know. 🙂
Nikkikellylehman says
Have you read redeeming love by Francine rivers? (Sorry if you've posted that you have and I didn't see it)
That's my all time favorite! Based off the prophet Hosea
Nikkikellylehman says
Have you ever read redeeming love by Francine rivers? It's based off the prophet Hosea. Amazing read
Caitlin says
I suggest the book A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini! Amazing read about fictional women living in Afghanistan, isn’t an unrealistic book! Extremely moving!