It’s my June Book Review!
Some of you are like…
…and others of you are like…
…woohoo!!
Thanks to a vacation with two lengthy flights, I was able to read six books this month. One I didn’t love and one I loved (by the same author!), one made me trés happy, one was about a quirky bakery, one was very unrealistic but clever and one introduced me to a new author that I now love. They all six would make perfect beach reads this summer. They were all light, easy to read, girly novels (well, one was a memoir of sorts) but the other five were novels. Settle in friends!
Well, I read two Elin Hilderbrand novels this month and this one…wasn’t my favorite. The Castaways is about six friends dealing with the deaths of their two other friends. There are so many main characters that I couldn’t keep them straight most of the time and because there were so many, I really never got to know any of them intimately. I also didn’t love how they all interacted with each other…it just was blah. I read it and was happy to be done with it.
This book, The Year We Turned Forty, has been all over everything lately, so I bought it. Now, I really liked this book even though it falls into a category I don’t typically care for: unrealistic.
I know…I’m weird but I just usually don’t care for unrealistic movies or books and this book is unrealistic because the three main characters go back into time (and last time I checked, that couldn’t happen…). All of that to say, I found this novel very entertaining. These three friends get the opportunity to go back to the year they turned forty (they’re fifty at the time) and they make some changes that they know will change the outcome of their lives. It was very much a story of what-ifs and second guessing…and do you make changes knowing the new result or do you let what is be? I read this one quickly because I was highly entertained and wanted to know how it would all end. Two thumbs up from me!
Bonjour Happiness is my second Jamie Cat Callan book to read and oh it made me smile. You ladies know how I love these French memoir type books and this one did not disappoint. The main theme of the book is how to find your happiness in every day things (which is apparently encouraged by the French) and I loved it. My mama always taught us growing up that happiness comes from little things (candles, music, yummy food, lots of pillows and blankets, a good book) in your every day life and this book, reiterated many of those same principles. This book is just happy. If you need a little happy, get this one!
Well, like I said at the top…one Elin Hilderbrand book I didn’t like and one I loved. Barefoot I loved! This one made me happy and helped me recover from the other one ;). This book is a novel about three ladies who spend the summer on Nantucket each going through their own really hard problems in life (cancer, adultery, loss of job) and how they come through the summer together. I thought each character was delightful to read about, the setting was cozy and inviting, the plot was interesting and there were enough little twists to keep me in suspense just a bit until the end. I believe this is my 13th Hilderbrand novel to read and it might be my favorite (it’s in my top 3 for sure!). If you’ve never read one of her books, start with this one…and if you’ve read some before, make sure you add this one to the list!
Several of you ladies have been suggesting this author and the next one to me for some time now, so I read a book from each. Some Women by Emily Liebert was really good! As you can see at the top, Elin Hilderbrand is quoted, so if you enjoy her books, you’ll enjoy this novel too because it’s similar. I guess I was all about female relationships this month because this is another fictional book about girlfriends. I liked the writing, the setting, the characters…all of it! This is most definitely chick-lit very similar to Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner, so if those authors make you happy, try this author. I will definitely be reading more from Liebert.
And finally, I read Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan. You ladies have been suggesting this author for some time now, and I’m happy you did because I liked her! This novel is kind of Bridget Jones runs a bakery…a fish out of water tale of a girl who moves to small island town off the English coast and starts baking. I believe it’s the first of a series of Little Beach Street Bakery books, so now, I need to read the others. Thank you for suggesting this one friends! It made me happy.
Well there you have it! My June Book Review. What are you ladies reading right now? I need to read something besides chick-lit in July ;). Actually, I’ll go ahead and tell you what I’m reading first this next month…
…Giddy Up, Eunice! This is Sophie Hudson’s newest book and I’m kicking off July with this one. If you’ve never read one of Sophie’s books, go ahead and order all three of them. They’re faith-based books about real life that will encourage you, motivate you and make you laugh out loud. I’ve already read half of it and it’s FANTASTIC! Such an encouraging and uplifting book for women!
Don’t forget, you can follow along with me on Goodreads and you can see my complete list of books for 2016 here. Comment and let me know your thoughts on these books or any others I should be reading soon.
One last thing…
…don’t forget to link up with us on Wednesday! Our bonus question for the month is “What is your favorite July 4th tradition and/or recipe?”.
Happy Tuesday friends!
xo
Megan says
I completely agree about Castaways. My least favorite of her books that I’ve read. I need to pick up the bakery book. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover Love the new blog design!
Kerri says
Love your book reviews! Read a few from your last months list! I am currently reading for my book club…Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford. My friend who is a book editor worked on it! Hope it’s good!
Jennifer says
I felt the same way about the Castaways. It made me feel icky.
jamie says
your book reviews are one of my favorite things each month. i saw your goodreads update yesterday and already reserved a few of the books at my library. i just purchased {giddy up eunice}! enjoy your tuesday making memories…
Rebecca says
Our friend is the author of The Loose Ends List that was just released. I recently finished it and it is a great one! Check it out!
SARAH C says
Hey Shay , can you post your summer reading bucket list? You should start like shay book reading club or something. I will like to recommend reading books from David Bell and Kristin Hannah.
Jen Langer says
Great site! I agree with Castaways, I was so disappointed. It was stressful trying to keep track of all of those characters! Will add a few of these to my list.
Sheaffer Sims says
YAY! You know I’m all zzzzzzzzzzzzz about the book recommendations, but I’m just still giddy over how great the site looks!!!!!!!
Tammy says
I always look forward to reading your book reviews !
Narci says
Love your book reviews, friend!! I have never read any of these so I can’t wait to check them out!!
Erika Slaughter says
The Elin Hildebrand one I’m reading now is good!!! It took me a while to become a fan, but I’m there!
Emma Bircher says
Loved Giddy Up, Eunice!!!! My favorite by Sophie, so far!
Side note: Sophie’s mama passed away last night … Please keep her in your prayers!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just saw that on FB. My heart breaks for her. She was so close to her mama.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I posted my June 2016 book review today, too! One of the books that I read that I think you would enjoy (it’s not chick lit since you’re looking for something different) is Room by Emma Donoghue. It was the book I read for my book club this month, so it wasn’t something I would normally gravitate toward but I loved it! Very thought-provoking and it kept my attention the whole novel! It was made into a movie last year so I’m going to watch the movie to see how it compares.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Brooke says
Totally agree about Castaways….I kept having to say “Wait, which person is that?” And almost needed to take notes or something. Love Elin but not my favorite! I recently read Keep Me Posted by Lisa Beasley. It’s about two sisters who live in different countries and decide to keep in touch via snail mail. One sister decided to scan the letters into a private blog to keep them documented and it, of course, doesn’t go as planned. Definitely chick lit but a great story! Happy reading, these are my very favorite posts 🙂
Alaleh says
Just finished reading “Maybe in Another Life” by Taylor Jenkins Reid..so good you should add it to your July list 🙂 She also wrote “After I Do” and “Forever, Interrupted” which I loved!
Allena Gurley says
Yes! Maybe in Another Life was so good!
Kara Smith says
You know I’m not a reader but every month you put books on here I say I’m going to be and fail. But I do have a vacation coming up and need a few books so I’ll be adding some of these to my list!
Ryan Warner says
All 4 of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books are perfect for the summer (they’re super quick and easy reads but definitely make you think). Her latest is One True Loves and I finished it so quickly! Her other three are great too!
Sarah says
I’m so happy you wrote about the book, Some Women by Emily Liebert. In a few weeks I’m actually going to a book signing where she will talk about this book. I’m happy to hear it’s a good one!
Beth says
I am just finishing up The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and loving it. Reminds me a bit of Devil Wears Prada. Highly recommend!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I read it last month! So good! I’m glad you like it too Beth!!
Courtney Wagoner says
If you haven’t read The Nest yet, pick it up. It was a light and just fun to read. The new site looks great!
Mix and Match Mama says
Just bought it yesterday!!
Jenn says
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it! I was going to recommend it be our next read in our teacher book club!
Tanya says
I just got Barefoot from the library, and it grabbed my attention in the first few pages. After your review, I’m looking forward to finishing it. I love the Beach Street Bakery book, and want to find more by that author. She is very popular in the UK, but the books seem harder to find at the library here. Have a happy Tuesday!
Annie says
I have to recommend Mindy Kaling’s newest book, Why Not Me? She is SO funny. I read it and loved it and gave it as a gift to two friends. They loved it!
Susanne says
The Daily Connisseur recommended Snow by Tracy Rees a few blog posts ago. It was just released and I’ve already bought it and finished it. it was so good!
Mollie L. says
Oh my goodness! I have been trying to read The Castaways for awhile now and I feel the exact same way! I can’t get into it and can’t keep up with the couples either! I feel like I need to write each pair in the margin so I know who is who’s spouse. Ha! I think I will quit trying to get into it and just start Silver Girl. =)
Brooke Entrekin says
I ALWAYS love your book reviews! I’ll pick up he bakery one 🙂 I just finished Elin Hildebrand’s latest Here’s to Us.
Natasha Combs says
Love the new website!!!
Lana says
Joshlyn Jackson would be a great author to pick up–her books are incredibly well-written, some are very funny, and all will keep you hooked until the end. I’d start with “gods in Alabama” or “Between, Georgia”, but I love her stuff! I’m just about to read her newest one. Also, I just finished Jojo Moyes “The Girl You Left Behind”, and it was soo good! (Plus, there’s a French connection, and who doesn’t love a good French connection?) 🙂
Kelli says
I’ve read two Elin H books and have liked them – The Matchmaker and I just finished The Rumor. I’ve read them because of your reviews so it’s good to know that about The Castaways!
Meredith says
I just finished the book Necessary Lies that you recommended a while back. It’s not the type of book I would pick out for muself, but I loved it! The characters and plot really pulled me in. I would recommend the book When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. It’s a memoir about a neurosurgeon who goes from doctor to patient and has to grapple with his changing life after a devastating diagnosis. I hope you’ll read it!
Erin says
I always love reading your reviews! My reading list grows a couple books afterwards 🙂 This month I read the Royal We, A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy (definitely not a light read, but very good), The Light Between Oceans and The Vegas Diaries. I just started Before I go to Sleep which is a thriller, and I love it! Have you read or heard of The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George? I have it on my list but haven’t heard if it was good or not.
Allena Gurley says
I have read a bunch of those too! The Royal We (so cute), A Mother’s Reckoning (so painful but so necessary as a mother to read – I picked it for our book club and we had some really great conversations – one of our members doesn’t have kids but is a psychologist – it was very interesting hearing her perspective), The Light Between Oceans (another book club book – so hard to read, not sure I can handle the movie), and Before I Go to Sleep (another book club book, ha – AMAZING – but the author’s second book I HATED).
Meliisa says
Thanks for the recs! Still Alice, by Lisa Genova is a very good book; I only caution if you have a history with Alzheimer’s, as not to be insensitive. I also recently read Think Big: Overcoming Obstacles with Optimism by Bill Klein and Jennifer Arnold (TLC’s The Little Couple) and loved it! Also, since you like the Sound of Music, The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook is great (you may have already read). It was written by the kid actors and includes a DVD of behind the scenes clips and fun anecdotes from the set.
Laura says
Love your new site!! Looks so great and so glad you’ve combined the two 😉 Wanted to let you know that yesterday I had a lot of glitches with it but it’s already doing a lot better today!! Woohoo! I saw someone recommended Mindy Kaling’s “Why Not Me?” and I would echo that! I think a lot of what I read is NOT your style (ha!) but we might find common ground on that one! Also, have you read “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty?! It’s a MUST-READ!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I love Liane Moriarty! I already pre-ordered her newest one!! Love her so much!
Erin says
I just found Liane Moriarty and LOVE her, too! I finished What Alice Forgot today. LOVED it.
Katie says
I have Barefoot…I have to read it! It’ll be my first Elin Hilderbrand! I’ll also be looking into the Happy book!!
Eileen McCullough says
Your monthly book reviews are my favorite! We have the same taste in books and love the same authors. I get so many great suggestions from you. Thanks!
Genevieve Graham says
What do you do with all of these books when you are done!?? 🙂 Just curious… you must have a serious library with the speed that you gobble up books! have a great day! gg
Mix and Match Mama says
Share with friends and family! And vice versa!!
Aren Cameron says
I’m almost done with Barefoot now, and I’m loving it! I read the blurb on Castaways and decided I would put that one off. You got me started on Elin Hilderbrand and my husband are actually on a trip now that we planned because of the books. Headed to NY today from DC, and then we’re going up to Boston and Nantucket! (We’re from the DFW area.) We can’t wait to see some basball in both Boston and NY and get a little Nantucket sand between our toes! 🙂
Rebecca W. says
Love the new site! I just finished The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin and it was good. It’s a historical fiction and kinda like Pride and Prejudice.
Jen K says
I’m currently reading The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult and I’m absolutely loving it!!! Probably one of my favorites of hers. I also really love Liane Moriarty books.
Catherine says
it’s not a new book, but if you haven’t read it already, you ought to read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It is quite far from light chick-lit but very educational I found, on many levels. Some of us humans have made the world a devastating place, but others can never betray their kind nature and humanity, and those rays of hope that shine through are what makes this story so special.
And congratulations on your new blog design!
Sheila says
Ok I am glad I am not the only one who didn’t enjoy The Castaways. I read it upon your recommendation of the author and was disappointed so I didn’t read anymore of her books. (I think I did read one more, just can’t remember which one). So maybe I just picked the wrong ones. I have been reading David Baldacci. He is one of my favorites.
Angela Pino says
I read “Barefoot” this month, too, and loved it! I was in tears by the end! I’ll have to look up “Little Beach Street Bakery,” it sounds super cute. I love love love your book review posts!
Regan says
“Bridge to Haven” by Francine Rivers was excellent!
Mira says
If you haven’t yet read “eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld – do! It’s a great read. A modern interpretation of pride and prejudice, a la Bridget Jones.
Michelle says
If you haven’t yet read “eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld – do! It’s a great read. A modern interpretation of pride and prejudice, a la Bridget Jones.
Jen says
I would suggest the following…
The Nest, I liked it a lot. About a family and is in NYC.
The Assistants, this was a fun read and quick. A new spin on The Devil Wears Prada
The Ramblers, I loved this one. It was about two friends but not chic lit at all. Lots of depth and really enjoyable.
Enjoy!
Nadia says
You should definitely read On Beauty by Zadie Smith! It’s about 2 families who live in a suburb just outside of Boston. Great read!!
Nina Fullerton says
I’m currently reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the founder and CEO of Nike. It is amazing! It’s a memoir about the creation and mastermind behind the Nike brand. Highly recommend especially because you are so athletic!
Megan Butler says
You always have the best recommendations!! Adding them to my list now!!
Jamie Stuart says
If you haven’t read Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova, I recommend it! It’s about a family living in Boston dealing with Huntington’s disease. The main character is a huge Red Sox fan. The story is extremely informative but uplifting at the same time!
Abby Endebrock says
I just finished “The Two-Family House” by Lynda Cohen Loigman and it was SO good. Finished it in 2 days because I was so interested the whole time. Although you soon figure out what happened by context clues, it will still hold your interest in knowing how the families end up.
Kati Matthews says
Ummm will you teach me to read as quickly as you do? Shay, holy smokes. Way to go girl! I’ve read the first chapter of like 37 books and I’m pretty pumped about that… because I’m reading. LOVE, love, love the new look friend!
Gina says
My favorite book right now is You’re Going to Be Okay by Holley Gerth
It speaks to your soul.
My beach read that I just started is A Summer Affair by Erin Hilderbrand.
You have made me a forever Erin Hilderbrand fan! I can’t get enough of her books. Emily Giffin books are a close second though!
Jeanie says
This is a very far cry from the chick lit books you read, but I’m reading The Murderer’s Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman. I’m almost finished reading it and highly recommend it. I’ve read pretty much all of his books, and I can’t think of one I didn’t like.
Sarah says
Love Elin Hilderbrand as well! Thanks for the heads up on Castaways! Have you ready anything by Mary Kubica? She has a new one out but her first book, The Good Girl, was super good! Highly recommend! I think you would also love The Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It’s being made into a movie and will be out next spring I believe. Such an awesome and inspiring story!
Shanna Johnson says
Loved these recommendations! I’m looking forward to reading several of them!
http://www.flipflopshanna.com
Kristi Thetford says
I can’t believe I am just now finding you on Goodreads!
Check out Authors Shelley Noble and Nancy Thayer – I know you said you wanted more than Chick Lit – those are Chick Lit authors, they have some good beach reads though.
I too am an avid Elin Hilderbrand fan! I love The Rumor and The Blue Bistro!!!!! Wish they would make some movies 🙂
Aubrey says
I know I’m late to this party (I’ve been up to my eyeballs lately!) but I love the sleek new blog look! And the books. Obviously I love the books. Anything that has to do with books. 🙂
Andrea Breece says
You are gonna love love love Giddy up Eunice!!! I just finished it and really it’s so good. Thanks for your books reviews. I look forward to them every month.
Sara Mayo says
Shay you are so adorable in all you do.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, makes us feel we are not alone. I love your love for Our Lord Jesus Christ!!
You have been blessed with three amazing children. As a mother of four with one adopted from china, I feel so incredibly blessed!! Love Miss Ashby!!! Question?? Where do you buy your books from? bookstore or amazon??
Thanks for all your encouragement xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah! Thank you Sarah!! That means so much to me! Okay, I typically buy them from Amazon!
Jan says
Just discovered your book reviews which is handy because I too do the majority of my back to back reading while traveling long distances. In July I will be traveling. You ask my favorite 4th of July memories. Mine is of our neighborhood block parties during the time our children were young enough to enjoy water games etc. while the Adults were talking away. A good fireworks display always makes me choke up with patriotism.
Gardner says
Hi Shay, I love your blog! It’s actually the only one I have ever consistently read- I look forward to it every day! Have you read “French Women Don’t Get Fat” By Mireille Guiliano? Based off your review, it sounds like something you may enjoy. I sure do!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I have!! It’s so insightful, right?!
Gardner says
Yes I just loved it! So happy and fun. Okay, I have another suggestion… Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. It’s a memoir and it is long but you won’t regret it. It’s the type of book I wish I could re-read for the first time again because it was just so delightful.
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Okay…I just finished Elin’s Blue Bistro, and really loved it. I just started Castaways and it’s yet to hook me!! I’ve already found myself skipping a few pages trying to get to the ‘meat’ I thought Elin had her first dud, but your review gives me hope…I’ll press on!! xo
Amy says
You should check out Jodi Picoult’s books. I read The Storyteller last summer and absolutely loved it and then I just finished Leaving Time last week and loved it even more than the last! I can already tell she’s the type of author I can count on to have incredible books every time. I have a feeling that each new book of hers that I finish will be my new favourite!
Morgan Eckert says
You have got to try Lisa Scottoline. Her’s are so good. My favorite that I’ve read so far by her is Keep Quiet. I know you love Liane Moriarty and Scottoline reminds me so much of her so you must try her!!
Nicole Powell says
Oh my gosh. I second Lisa Scottoline!!!!!
Jessica Berry says
I just finished A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable and loved it. I loved loved loved The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George also. I love the new blog design:)
Natalie says
You need to read The Blue Bistro by Hildenbrand. One of my favorites by her!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have!! It is one of my favorites from Hilderbrand!!
Brittney says
I love your book reviews! Thank you for sharing each month! I am currently reading One Summer by David Baldacci, it is REALLY good!
Jen says
The Liar by Nora Roberts is a pretty fun, easy read. I’m not always a huge fan of hers but my sister lent me this one and it was great.
I’ve gotten lots of suggestions from you so thanks!!
Happy 4th of July:)
Amy says
I love your book reviews – thanks! I just finished When Friendship Followed Me Home and it was wonderful.
Lindsay says
I am reading The Nest and am loving it! Definitely recommend it, I can’t put it down!
Christine Vacca says
Hi Shay,
I love you book reviews!! They are so helpful when Im choosing a book to read. I recently read The Art of Racing in the Rain. I highly reccomend this book to everyone that loves dogs and wants to read a tear jerker.
Elizabeth says
Love, love, love your book reviews! I have found some great new books from them (the Royal We!!!). I would highly recommend Before the Falll by Noah Hawley. Great story! And, just finished Cancel the Wedding – could not put it down! Thank you!!!
Ruth says
Jenny colgan’s meet me at the cupcake cafe was really good, too. And Bonus! It has recipes. It is the only book I’ve read of hers so I dont know if her other books have them. 🙂
Leiah says
I just bought Bonjoir Happiness! I love reading French books too so I can’t wait for it to arrive! Did you know Liane Moriarty has a new book coming out soon?? I’ve read all of hers and have high hopes for this one!
Jess says
First off, I love your blog! Second, I just read The Nightingale (I don’t know if you’ve already read it) but if not it’s a great book!! One of my very favorites ever! HIGHLY recommend!
Meagan Ruse says
Ok so I read Barefoot in like two days! I loved it! This was my first Elin Hilderbrand book and it was perfect. Always love your suggestions!!
Laure says
you HAVE to read ‘Cancel the Wedding’ by Carolyn Dingman…its SO good!! Sucks you in!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness! I named that the best book I’ve read so far this year in my May Book Review! So good!!
Sam says
Hi Shay!
If you had to suggest one Elin Hilderbrand book to read what would it be? I’ve never read anything by her and there are so many that I don’t know where to begin!
Thanks!