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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 ·

April Book Review


It’s my April Book Review!
If you’re a reader like me, then today you’re all like…
If you’re not a reader, then today you’re all like…
…zzzzzzz.
For all of you readers, I read six books this month.  One biography, two very different pieces of fiction, one book about prayer, and two memoirs.  My books went from light to heavy really fast…so, there’s a variety for everyone.
Don’t forget that if you missed my 2015 book review (where I recapped all of the books I read last year), you can see them all right here.
If you want to follow me/be friends with me on Goodreads, click here.

And you can keep track all year long by clicking 2016 Books at the top of my blog.  I keep a running list of books right there for you along with my reviews.
Let’s dive in to my April books…
  So, Amazon recommended this book to me, so I bought it.  The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo is actually a biography about Chanel more than anything else.  I thought the life lessons mentioned in the subtitle would be about you know…handbags and lipstick, but instead they were about things like keeping your business afloat amidst World War II.  I sat down thinking I would be reading about one thing and ended up reading about another.  Overall, it was nothing like I expected but at the same time, I found it interesting.  If you ever wanted to know about Chanel’s background (she grew up in an orphanage), how she became successful and how she retired but then came out of retirement in her 70s…then this book’s for you.  
Wait for it.
As you guys know, I pretty much read a Hilderbrand book every month.  I think this is my 11th or 12th in the last year.  And…drum roll please…Silver Girl …was my favorite so far!  I really, really, really enjoyed this book!  Disclaimer, this book was longer than her other ones, so I had been putting it off because it appeared daunting.  However, I read the whole thing on the way to NYC this month and loved every page.  Great story!  If you’re a Hilderbrand junkie like me, read it.  If you need a good summer read, buy it.  So good!

I have been telling you guys this month about The Battle Plan for Prayer because I’ve enjoyed it so much!  This book can be read at one time or broken up by chapter (which the author recommends) and read a little daily with your quiet time.  I broke it up and read it a little every day and not only did I enjoy it, I was moved by it.  There are so many fantastic ways to improve your prayer life, make your prayer life more focused and really help you make that time more meaningful in your day.  My grandpa recommended this book to me and I’m so glad he did because this book is really life changing.  If you take the ideas and principles and really apply them to your spiritual life, you will be changed.

Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain was book #4 this month for me.  Erika gave me this book once we go to NYC and then I read it on the flight home.  I read every single page quickly because it just sucks you in!  If you liked The Help (which I loved!), then you will like this book too.  It’s based on true events and every page has you wanting more.  I was quickly consumed by this book.  It is fascinating to say the least (especially when you learn it’s based real life events) and the writing is impeccable.  Loved it!
  
Well, my friend Annie Downs’ new book, Looking for Lovely came out this month and I kept texting her as I read through the whole thing.  There were so many moments when I wanted her to know that she wasn’t alone, she was loved and that her writing was speaking volumes into not only me but several of my friends too.  This book surprised me because it is kind of about how we as women can get trapped in that whole self-loathing frame of mind.  You know how we can just pick ourselves apart, limit ourselves, and really not allow God to use us to the fullest?  Annie (who also wrote Let’s All Be Brave) was brave in sharing this story.  If you, a friend of yours, your daughter…any woman you know, needs a little reminder that we’re all lovely, God has lovely things in store for us, life is precious and should not be taken for granted, then this book is for you.  This was one of those books that I quoted the most this month to Andrew and my friends.  It is really meaningful…and lovely.
Last month, one of you sweet readers recommended that I read The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts and the timing was impeccable because Erika had just given it to me.  For reasons many of you know, this book hit close to home.  The author wrote this book as she battled stage IV cancer and her perspective and words tore at my heart.  As a mama, you don’t want to think about leaving your family behind, but oh my goodness, she put such a raw and peace-filled perspective on it, that it spoke to my core.  One of my closest friends in the world is going through this now…and let me tell you, this book was hard to read. but I’m sure glad I did.  I’m praying for so many of you out there that are experiencing the same thing.  I know you’re out there because you email me.  I love you.  I’m praying for you.  I’m sorry.  This book is hard to read (because the pain is real), but you will turn the last page and feel the author’s peace, hope and joy that can really only come through having  a relationship with Jesus.  
So, that’s what I read this month.  Side note: I already started my first book for May and since my last two books this month were heavy, I picked a completely frivolous book to kick off next month ;).
Also, don’t forget to link up with us for What’s Up Wednesday is Wednesday!  Our bonus question for the month is…What’s your favorite mother’s day gift to give or receive?
And on my foodie blog today, don’t forget about Meal Planning Monday!

Five simple suppers for your busy week!  See them all here.  I’m serious…it will make your life easier this week :).

See you tomorrow friends!
xo

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Comments

  3. Kelly G. Brown says

    Thank you for more great book suggestions! I'm a huge Elin Hilderbrand fan myself. I read Silver Girl about 2 years ago. Loved it!! Have you read Barefoot by her??? If not, then I highly recommend that one. I also recommend The Sweet By And By by Todd Johnson. That is an awesome book. It was so good that I read it twice.
    Kelly

  4. Happylife40 says

    Even though I haven't read it, your last book review tore me up. I just want to say to anyone out there who is going through a serious illness to please don't give up hope, or prayer. My friend's young teenage daughter is going through this battle right now. It is so heartbreaking. My thoughts are also with your friend, Manda. Please God, watch over her, as well as over everyone going through this.

  5. Unknown says

    I read two great book during my spring vacation: See Me by Nicholas Sparks (totally different from his "normal" books because of the suspense… I ended up passing it onto my mom and she finished it in two days, it's that good) and The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll. Definitely worth reading both if you haven't already 🙂

  6. Lisa says

    I'm so glad you liked Diane Chamberlain! I highly recommend her other books too, they are all great! I would also recommend "Room" by Emma Donoghue – such an intense read!

  9. Love on the Lake says

    Hi Shay – I just read the Island and I think that may be my favorite Elin book so far. That and Beautiful Day. I love weddings though so that probably helped on both accounts. I love your book reviews but can you start including one to two sentences more about what the books are about please? It's hard to follow the review without knowing the subject matter. (Especially when not obvious like the fiction ones here – Silver Girl, Necessary Lies) Thanks!
    ~ LOTL
    LoveOnTheBlog.blogspot.com

  11. Aubrey says

    So tempted to read Necessary Lies, but I have to read 20 (TWENTY!) YA books in the next two months for class. So if you need me I'll be here in Oklahoma with my nose stuck in a book for teenagers. 🙁

  12. Laura P. says

    I love your book reviews and have gotten so many good recommendations from you! And I just totally fan-girled out b/c Sally Hepworth commented on your post! Just finished the Things We Keep–so good. Love her books and got Secrets of Midwives b/c of your blog:)

  13. KB says

    Just finished Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson. It is for mommas that are just trying to make it through the day and how God gives us grace to raise our children. So good, highly recommend it!

  14. Katelyn Magerko says

    You must add Keep Me Posted by Lisa Beazley to your list! It's about 2 sisters who have been doing a horrible job of keeping in touch and decide to write each other letters like how it was done before technology was our go to communication. Sooooo good!!

  15. Kathy Olson says

    Thank you for those book recommendations. I ordered two for my Kindle and there is one book at the library waiting for me. I appreciate it!

  16. Tara Smith says

    You are the fastest reader ever! My goodness you can get through so many books quickly! I sit down to read and I can manage 10 pages before I need a nap 🙂

  19. Tracy says

    My 17-year-old daughter LOVES Annie Downs' books – so cool that you're friends with her! She's currently reading this new one. Can't wait to get my hands on it! 🙂

  22. Kim Taylor says

    I love your book recommendations but I want to remind people that your local library is a great place to get books! I use your recommendations and then search my Overdrive app (to download library books to my Kindle) or search my local library! It doesn't cost anything to use your local library and if you are like me, and Shay, you can really spend a lot of money for a book you read one time. Just something to think about! Have a great day!

  23. Angie says

    I just put The Battle Plan for Prayer on hold at my library! I love your book reviews, I get so many good ideas for books to read!

  25. JoAnne Turnipseed says

    Remember to support your local library. These books are available in hard cover and electronically. Books are fun to own, but sometimes tough to purchase on some budgets. Love all the suggestions, and encouraging your followers to read!

  26. Scavenger Hunt Blog says

    I look forward to this post every month. I just read Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World. It is amazing!! Like read reread and read again book. I just bought Necessary Lies. Cannot wait to read it and Looking For Lovely is in my Amazon cart ready to be bought!
    Have a great week!
    Lesley McFarland
    http://www.kltfamily.blogspot.com

  27. Jenny says

    6 books in one month… nice work! 🙂 Kara was an amazing lady! I still go back and check out her blog from time to time, to see how her family is doing. They are always on my heart.

  29. Shelby says

    Hi Shay! Ok so I am totally inspired by your love for reading! I feel like you get asked all the time, & I know you typically read in your quiet time or during those many moments we find ourselves "waiting" for this or that during the day, but my question is are you a speed reader!? I still am so amazed how much you read!! If not, I guess I just need to make more time in my day for reading books lol! As always, I love love love reading your blog & especially the book review days! Xo!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well, traveling to NYC helped me out a lot this month because I read one on the way there and one on the way back (3.5 hour flights each way). I do think I'm probably a fast reader but not freakishly fast :). I like to read at night after my kids are asleep and before I go to bed. Plus, like today for example, I'll read during K's entire jazz practice which is an hour of reading. The minutes just add up!

    • Shelby says

      Those tips really help & make sense! I think I could spend less time scrolling on my phone & more time reading lol! And I love the idea about reading during dance practices and before bed– both great ways to sneak reading in! ~and "the minutes add up!" ~now that's a good blog post right there! 😉 ~so so true!

  30. Vicki Watt says

    The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain is excellent- can't put it down type of book! Love your book reviews. You've made me an Elin Hilderbrand junkie too!!

  33. Amber says

    I love your book reviews! I'm always looking for different types of books to read so your reviews are so helpful. I read Dear Carolina by Kristy Woodson Harvey last month and it was so good.

  34. danielle says

    This is a bit of an odd question: what would you say is the "rating" on most of the book that you recommend (PG, PG-13, R in terms of sexual content) I love a good story with romance involved, but as a single Christian Woman I try and keep them in the PG-13 rating.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh goodness, I would say they were mostly all PG…maybe with an occasional PG-13 thrown in. This month's picks were all PG (although the subject matter for Necessary Lies would be PG-13 but not for sexual conduct).

    • danielle says

      Awesome! I kind of figured that was the case – but you never know and its hard to tell from the amazon reviews just racy a book is. I've started my new wishlist on Amazon called "Shay Recommends"!

  36. Laure says

    You need to add 'Cancel the Wedding" by Carol Dingman to your list! It was SOOOO good!! Amazon said it was similar in writing styles to Emily Giffin (who I LOVE) and it did not disappoint!! There was a bit of mystery involved but once I got started I could NOT put this book down!! Totally worth it for a great story!!!

  39. Jeanie says

    You must be a speed reader. Reading a whole book on a flight to NYC? Wow! I can't imagine reading six books a month, and I'm not nearly as busy as you are. If I read two, I feel like I've done well.

  40. Aimee says

    Love, love, love your book reviews! I always end up reading at least one or two of them each month. I can't wait to read the last book above, as I'm a young(ish) mother, fighting my own battle now. Books help me get out of my head for a while, and I love it. I've just finished After I Do and Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a new-to-me author. I think you would really enjoy her books, too!

  43. Melody says

    I just went to my Goodreads to add Necessary Lies to my 'to read' list and it looks like there is also a "prequel" to it called "The First Lie" – description says it gives readers an early glimpse into the life of 13 yr old Ivy Hart in 1958 in rural North Carolina where Ivy lives with her grandmother and sister on a tobacco farm…

  44. Janet says

    Thanks for sharing a great list of books. I am aware of your friend that is battling cancer from some of your previous posts. I was wondering if she has a blog, FB page, or Caring Bridge so that we can stay informed of her battle. I pray for her, but, always feel more connected to them and know specific requests if able to read one of these updates.

    Thanks!

  46. Shal C says

    Love book review day and use it to pick my next few books to read. You've inspired me to read 4-5 a month and your advice to "throw a book in your bag" has been the best. The minutes definitely add up and I love finding time to read – which is more than I guessed I would have. Silver Girl up next as you've made me a huge Hildebrand fan and I've read 8 of her books so far thanks to you.

  47. Stephanie says

    I made that chicken quinoa enchilada soup a couple of weeks ago. Oh.My.Word. It was so good and definitely a new favorite at our house!

  49. campdallas says

    Silver Girl is my favorite, too!! I had it as an audiobook to listen to on my commute, and I'd find myself not wanting to get out of the car! So, I got the actual book and then would read that in the evenings in addition. Yep, I pretty much couldn't put it down or turn it off! Glad you enjoyed!

  50. Marika Scotton says

    I seriously love your book reviews. As an avid reader myself I am so happy to have suggestions for what to read next. I just read a book called Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. She's the same author who wrote The Nightingale. If you ever have time to read it I highly suggest it 🙂

  52. Lisa Dunham says

    Love your book reviews, I think I have read every Elin Hildebrand, also love hearing everyone's suggestions, my to-read list is full! Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom is outstanding, sequel to The Kitchen House.

  54. Katie Baird says

    I think you would really like Kristen Hannah's "The Nightingale". Based in France during WWII. Mix of history, war and love all into one, very good book!

  55. Yoli says

    Why don't you read "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi? It is a wonderful book. I think you would appreciate it. I don't usually comment just look at your recepies.

  56. teammkh says

    The great influenza, by John Barry! One part history, one part medicine. An interesting read. 🙂

  57. Sarah Hartig says

    Shay, have you seen the movie War Room? I just watched this weekend and would highly recommend it. Based on your description of The Battle Plan for Prayer, the movie has a very similar message!

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