It’s my May Book Review PLUS a GIVEAWAY!!! Double the fun on your Wednesday!
If you’re a reader like me, then you’re all like…
And if you’re not a reader, then you’re like this today…
…zzzzzzzzzzz.
BUT, non-readers get a bonus today…because there is an a-mazing giveaway at the bottom of this post…so you don’t want to miss that!
Okay, for all of you that do love a good book…I think I might have found my favorite fiction book of the year. I know! Last year, I named The Royal We my favorite fiction book (and Bread & Wine my overall favorite book)…but as for 2016, I now have my front runner (keep reading to see which one it is!).
Overall, this batch of books for the month was a winner for sure!
The Life Giving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson is such a good read. I have read several Sally Clarkson books before and always love them. She typically writes about motherhood and in this book, her oldest daughter co-writes with her about how they make sure they keep their house a home. She gives suggestions for each month of the year in this book, so it’s full of wonderful, seasonal ideas for making your house more than just a house…but a home.
Clarkson is a woman of faith, so her words are always inspirational and encouraging. I’m telling you, you’re going to want to put the book down, light a candle, turn on your fireplace, snuggle up with your family, play board games, drink hot tea and serve them a delicious dinner when you’re done with this book. It is very inspiring, motivating and doable. Even if your kiddos are older and out of the nest (or you don’t have kids!), she gives ideas about making your house a home for outside guests too. This Clarkson book is for everyone.
Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews was cute. Many of you told me that I would enjoy her fictional books and I did enjoy this one! It was light and easy to read. My only complaint would be that it was a little lengthy for the actual plot and probably could have been a tad shorter. But, that being said, the main character is a floral shop owner and her little tale was sweet and fun to read. (Plus, she has a dog named Poppy!) This is an easy book to toss in your bag for the pool. Just light and fun!
Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn Dingman was SO GOOD! I don’t know if I just wasn’t expecting much or what…but I loved this book! One of my friends always shares her monthly book picks and they all tend to be dark and heavy…but last month, she threw this one in the mix and went on and on abut how much she liked it, so I ordered it on Amazon. As of today, it’s in first place for my favorite fictional book of 2016. I thought the characters were interesting, the plot was unique (and kept me guessing throughout!), the setting was quaint…the whole book was just charming. This book is not quite as light as some of the other “beach reads” I so enjoy but it’s most definitely not heavy either. I really just could not put it down…I had to know the ending. This is Dingman’s first novel and now, I’ll be on the lookout for more books from her. She’s made me a big fan!
Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos was recommended by you ladies and I loved it!!! Vardalos (you know, the lady who wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding) writes about her 9 years of infertility (13 IVF!) and her domestic adoption (they were matched with a three year old girl from the foster care system) and it was DELIGHTFUL! I am so thankful you girls told me to read this one because it really spoke to my heart…and I know that I’ll be recommending it to people all the time.
If you are struggling with infertility, have struggled with it, are considering adoption or have adopted…you will be entertained and your heart warmed. Vardalos has a funny way of talking about the pain…she makes it real but she lightens it up at the same time. Most of all, she’s encouraging! Oh man, she is so encouraging. I’m done with that stage in my life, but I was still encouraged my her words and motivated by her faith, persistence and determination. She is a rock star representative of the adoption community. Loved this book!
The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza was my final book of the month. Amazon told me I should read this and they were right (that Amazon is so smart ;)!). This cute fictional book is very reminiscent of The Devil Wears Prada (which I loved) and I couldn’t put it down. This story is about an editor-and-chief of a Vogue-like magazine who is being replaced by a younger, hipper, more tech-savy girl and the antics that transpire between the two of them. I read it quickly because it was just cute and fun to read. Thank you Amazon for knowing what I like!
So those are my May books! What did you read this month? You know that I love your suggestions (two of today’s books came from YOU!). Comment below and tell me what I should be reading next!
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.
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.
Four years ago, I was reading a blog and the blog author had a giveaway for one of these planners. I didn’t win the giveaway but I was really curious about the planner, so I bought one. And then quickly fell in love. And then proceeded to gush like nobody’s business. And then Erin Condren reached out to me (because someone pointed them to my obnoxious gushing) and we’ve been friends ever since.
And now…for the giveaway portion of today’s post.
It’s time friends.
If you’ve read this blog for at least a year then you know how much I’m swooning right now…
…TODAY IS THE LAUNCH OF THE ERIN CONDREN LIFE PLANNER!
Eeks!
Someone hold me.
Four years ago, I was reading a blog and the blog author had a giveaway for one of these planners. I didn’t win the giveaway but I was really curious about the planner, so I bought one. And then quickly fell in love. And then proceeded to gush like nobody’s business. And then Erin Condren reached out to me (because someone pointed them to my obnoxious gushing) and we’ve been friends ever since.
If you know Erin Condren, then you’re not even reading this any more, you’ve already gone to the site to order your 2016-2017 planner (they run July 2016 until December 2017)…and if you’re new, let me show you mine (or you can just look at them on their site too!).
Here are my four Erin Condren planners lined up. My newest one doesn’t have a collage cover (yet), but I’m about to order one. One cool thing about the planners is that the covers are interchangeable.
So, here’s the deal…I found these planners because another blogger was gushing…and then I became one of their favorite customers because I buy their stuff all year long and gush too (labels, notepads, notebooks, stickers, return address labels…I buy it all throughout the year). In fact, all of my travel agency stationary, business cards, etc came straight from their site…and I pay for it! They did supply me with my planner this year but friends, that’s it. I love this stuff so much that I gush without compensation or perks… I sincerely just love it :).
Here are a few more things before I tell you about our giveaway…
The planner is filled with happiness and inspiration like this. This just makes me smile.
I went ahead and took a pic of their new sheet. The planners come in neutral or colorful (mine is colorful), with three different layouts (I always select vertical), and in four different color options (I picked gold).
This year, they have all sorts of stickers and sticky notes to add to your planner to make it more useful and a little more special too. And…
…there is a new dry erase board that pops in and out, so you can write down notes and such for the week you’re on. Easy!
There is even more to learn about these planners, how they work, how you can use them to make your life more organized and you can see all of the other new add-ons on their site. See it all here.
So…Erin Condren asked me if I wanted to do an Instagram giveaway where one of my readers could win a new life planner for herself and two friends. #heckyeah
All you do is follow both Erin Condren and me on Instagram and then on my picture today…this one…
…tag two friends to win planners with you. One comment and the two friends she tags will each win a planner. The winner will be selected on Saturday!
Whew! That’s a lot of goodness for one day!
Here are the four things you need to do:
1. Read my book reviews and find you a good summer read.
2. Check out Erin Condren’s new life planners that launch TODAY!
3. Go to Instagram and enter to win our giveaway.
4. Make this for dinner tonight…
Even carnivores in your house will devour these. Simple, hearty, delicious and…meat-free.
Happy June 1st!
Let’s do this summer ;)!
Lauren Darrell says
I read two of the books from last month's book review and loved them both!! I love these book posts 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
I can't wait to read these books! They all sound great and Erin Condren planners?? Yes ma'am!
Elizabeth says
Thank you for the book reviews!! I'm about to take a road trip and then two plane trips so this was perfect timing! And oh am I excited about this giveaway! I love me some Erin Condren!
Jill says
The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans
From B&N:
In the wake of personal tragedy, two people meet on a humanitarian mission in Peru. Christine is a shy, unadventurous woman whose fiancé broke off the engagement only a week before the wedding, and Paul is a former emergency room doctor whose glamorous lifestyle, stellar reputation, and beautiful fiancée are cruelly snatched from him one fateful, snowy Christmas Eve. Deep in the Amazon jungle, against a backdrop of poverty and heartbreak, they must confront their deepest fears and, together, learn to trust and love again.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
That little pop out erase board thingy is FLAT OUT GENIUS. What a cool addition to the already amazing planners!
lindsays says
Hi Shay, what color nail polish are you wearing in the picture holding "the knockoff"? Such a pretty summer color!
Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
OPI I Eat Mainely Lobster 🙂
The Cold Coffee Blog says
I wish I was more of a reader than I am! It takes me months to finish a book… but maybe if I win that planner I can get my life organized and have more time to read! Hey hey!
Lamar & Marcia says
Miracle on Voodoo Mountain is my all time favorite inspirational read. Written by Megan Boudreaux, it's her story of being a young woman and going to Haiti with only God guiding her into the unknown. Miracles were performed and mountains moved as God blessed her faith while serving Him. She continues to serve there.
I Like Ike says
EC Planners are my JAM! I've been using them for 4 years also.. I am a serious note taker so I buy the notebook and then add the calendar and it doesn't leave my side all year long! I love her covers and quotes! ?
Baby Page's Mommy says
I'm excited to read The Life Giving Home…this mama needs some encouraging with five little ones at home! I also could truly use this life planner!!
The Corney's says
Do you purchase all of your books through Amazon? I'm curious because all that reading can get pricey, especially because you finish books in a few days like I do. Do you ever resell them or just collect?
Mix and Match Mama says
I buy and trade! Between my friends, my mom and my grandmother, we trade books. Out of this batch, I bought four (and have already traded them with other books from friends/family) and then borrowed the Mary Kay Andrews one from Erika. It's good to know readers :).
Megan Sipiorski says
Loved your Liane Moriarty recommendations! Two new books you would likely enjoy are Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight and The Year We Turned Forty by Liz Fenton
Alison says
Any chance to win if I'm not on instagram? I'd love an Erin Condren planner (and so would my sister!!) Let me know. Thanks!!
Spencer Cox says
I agree! Taking a break from Instagram but would love to be able to enter this contest 🙂
K says
Two books I read last month that I really enjoyed were She's Not There by Joy Fielding and Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica. I'm currently reading Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld and so far, it's good. It's supposed to be like a modern version of Pride & Prejudice.
Taylor and Robin says
I just finished Eligible and though it was a quick read for me, I was disappointed in how sleazy she made Liz (Elizabeth Bennet)! 🙁
Ashlee says
I just read Where the Light Gets In by Kimberly Williams Paisley and would highly recommend it! I read it in a day!
Amy Madill says
I always LOVE to read your book reviews! I am currently on summer break from university so I am stocking up on good reads to last me the entire summer. My favourites so far have been Lake House by Kate Morton and Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain. I have taken many of your recommendations in the past!! 🙂 I usually fly through books pretty fast so I only borrow them from the library… but I'm starting to consider buying my favourites so I can read them over and over (and have my own special copy!). Keep the book reviews coming, I so look forward to them! 🙂
Susanne says
I loved Lake House too! (Kate Morton is my favorite author right now.)
Courtney Wagoner says
I just finished The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. It is a fin beach read! 🙂
Jill B says
I'm glad you liked Instant Mom. I was laughing out loud when she to wrote about the stray "dog" they took in from the neighborhood!
Jen Fisher says
I just read Erika's blog post for today. Are you wearing the black Leith racerback dress? I'm wanting to order it but was afraid it was a little too short for me. The one you are wearing looks like a good length. Can you share the details.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! That's the one! I'm wearing an XS!
Jen Fisher says
Awesome. Thanks.
SingleGirlsAnonymous says
Thanks for the book suggestions, adding them to my list now!
Meredith Moorer says
Have you read the Call the Midwife trilogy by Jennifer Worth? I just finished the 3rd one. These 3 books are based in the East End of London in the 1950s during the baby boom. They can be dark at times but very interesting reads and inspirational! They have already been made into a series on PBS. 🙂
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
I love book reviews..and I double adore EC life planners ☺
Erin C says
This last month I have read 5 books! Me Before you and After You (insert ugly girl cry), It's Not Okay by Andi Dorfman (even though I am happily married, I liked her strong girl attitude about getting over relationships, plus I loved the juicy stuff she shared about her and Josh), Come to the Edge by Christina Haag and The Good Girl by Mary Kubica (LOVED THIS). I am nearly finished with the Royal We (which I heard is going to be a movie!!!).
AndreaBreece says
What if we don't insta?? I know cray but I committed to no FB or Instagram a couple years ago and have stayed strong with a few hiccups along the way. Though I do check yours as well as some other inspirational public sites often. Is there a way to get in the drawing if we don't have Instagram??? Please please please!! Love your blog/blogs and I'm still gushing over your closet and Hunter boot collection 😉
Jessa Lebens says
You should read Me Before You!!!!!!!! Such a good book!!!!!!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did last year!! I LOVED it!
Libba says
Thank you so much for your book reviews…this month I read several books and you inspire me to read more. I read two off of your reading list – Necessary Lies and Looking for Lovely! Both were amazing reads. Again thank you…you make me was to start over and be a mom to young children again…not going to happen but I wish I could turn back the clock!
Aubrey says
Love that you're reading so much! My Tulsa book club read The Knockoff a few months ago to mixed reviews. Super excited about our selection for June: Queen of the Tearling. (Which is being made into a movie starring Emma Watson!) We've never read fantasy for book club before, so it's going to be a new experience.
P.S. If I was on IG I would totally enter this giveaway. I'm like the tech un-savvy oldie in The Knockoff. 🙂
broadwaybetty says
"A Man Called Ove" is my favorite read of the year. It takes awhile to warm up to Ove. I did not like him at all in the beginning. I have friends that felt the same way. As the story progressed I LOVED this character. Very well written story. Laughed and cried, a lot!! It is a translation from Swedish. The author is Fredrik Backman.
Madelyn Parks says
Excited to start reading this — my coworker just passed it onto me!
I also have My Grandmother Told Me… and looking at getting Britt Marie at some point.
broadwaybetty says
It was a book our entire book club loved! A friend loved My Grandmother Told Me……I listened to Ove and have purchased Grandmother…. And Britt-Marie from Audible. Hope you enjoy Ove!
Seri Roth says
Excited for the giveaway and loved the book reviews! I look forward to your book post every month. I came across a book that I really think you would love. It's called "Lunch in Paris". It's a love story with amazing recipes throughout the book! A love story with french recipes– totally a Shay book!
– Seri
http://www.Serisblog.com
Kristen Gerdel says
Putting Cancel the Wedding on my list right now. Love your book reviews!
Kathryn Matteson says
You should read the Robert Galbraith series with Cormoran Strike. The first is "The Cuckoo's Calling", then "The Silkworm", then "Career of Evil". These books are SO GOOD! Cormoran Strike is a private detective who solves murders…and I do not like murder mystery books because I get scared easily but these were wonderful. Not scary, just very very well thought out, planned, and intelligent! Not surprising when you know Robert Galbraith is the penname for JK Rowling 🙂
Mary Leigh says
I've added some of these to my own list; thank you for sharing!
Spencer Cox says
Two books I read this month were "What She Knew" & "I Woke Up Dead At The Mall"…
What She Knew was definitely dark, but very good – it was about a young boy who was abducted in the woods when his mom let him run ahead of her. It goes through the eyes of both the detective and the mom as they search for the young boy & interview all of the people who may have been close to him.
I Woke Up Dead at The Mall was a much lighter & quick read (even with that title!) – it was about a young girl who got murdered and wakes up dead at the mall & it follows her journey from there. It ended up being a cute little book despite the essence of the plot 🙂
Love to follow you on Good Reads – I noticed you were adding some to your shelves yesterday when I was on & so I ordered them! It made your post even more exciting today, because I already have a few on their way in the mail…thank you Amazon Prime!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kelly Kost says
I just finished Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson. Such a good mama read!!
Emily at 'a little bit of Emily' says
Mary Kay Andrews is one of my favorite authors – you should check out some of her older books, too. I think I like them almost more than her recent releases!
Lauren Honeycutt says
You just gave me so many ideas for my TBR list! And I'm in love with this planner!
Morgan Eckert says
You must read Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline since you love Liane Moriarty and Elin Hilderbrand!!
Katie says
I just finished Me Before You and it was the best book I've read in a really long time! Can't wait for the movie!
Elizabeth Carey says
I read it a few years ago, but I loved The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I am currently reading her second book, We Never Asked For Wings, which I am also enjoying so far. Garden Spells and The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen are both magical reads. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, was haunting, but well written.
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
Love these posts, Shay! I'm heading over to add a couple of these to my Amazon wishlist now!
Unknown says
This has nothing to do with books but the book Instant Mom reminded me of a message my pastor at Lifechurch did a few weeks ago. It was called Orphans Embraced and talked about the Fostercare system and adopting. It was a super sweet message! Here is a link to it if you were interested. http://www.life.church/watch/how-to-neighbor/
amby80 says
Bare Bones: I'm not lonely if you're reading this book by Bobby Bones. Bobby Bones is a radio DJ – and its an autobiography of his life. You will both laugh and cry and realize how much he has been through and he never gave up. Highly Recommend it. (even if you don't listen to his radio show – but you should because he is AWESOME!)
Kristin says
I highly recommend "Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World" by Kristen Welch!
Megan says
I like to pull up your posts while I'm at the library!!!! Thanks girl!
Erica Kriscenski says
Forever interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid!!!!!!!!! Fun and sad cute and quirky! I love this book!!
Amy Heinl says
I am reading Low Country Wedding by Mary Alice Monroe…I love her books and it's the 4th and final book of this series. Great reads… I couldn't put them down
Kim says
I love love love your book reviews. I have become an avid reader because of you. I typically don't re read books but there is one I have read a few times and I love it so much. It's called dancing on broken glass by ka Hancock….. We read it for book club and all 15 girls loved it. It's my go to book I give as gifts to book reading friends. Check it out.
Angela Ellingson says
Hi Shay! Have you ever considered making your book review a link up? I would love that!
Sarah McDowell says
You should check out the book Praying Circles Around your Children. It's a really short and easy read. And I think you would like it;)
Carolyn Dingman says
Oh my gosh…wait, what!? I was completely shocked, in a good way, when I saw your post! I'm so glad you liked my book! I plan to print out your review and tape it up where I can always see it. Thank you for the love, Shay!! xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
I simply could not put it down. Loved every single page! Can't wait to read what's next from you!!
Carolyn Dingman says
Thank you. I'm currently in a, "raising teenage girls takes every minute of your time," mode but I'm slowly getting out some words. And P.S. my 14yo is obsessed with her EC planner. Good call. It never fit into her backpack but it was so pretty she didn't care.
Liz Winter says
Ordering this today!!
The Boutelle Family says
I just finished Cancel The Wedding! I picked it up last week after reading your review, Shay. It was SO GOOD! I read it in one day – I had to know what happened! Such a great book!! Thank you Shay for sharing it! And thank you Carolyn for writing it!
Jayvee says
Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave!
Debbie says
What a great giveaway!
Amy Rae says
I'm a huge Erin Condren fan. I've been using her life planners and products for almost 8 years and I'm obsessed. I made my purchase last night and I can't wait for it to arrive. 🙂
Also, I always love your book review posts! <3
I hope you and your family have a great weekend!
Amy @ http://befilledwithj0y.blogspot.com/
Millie Thomas says
I loved Carolyn Dingman's, Cancel the Wedding, too! Carolyn's a friend of mine and thought she'd love to see your post so I forwarded. Have loved your blog for over a year, and now Carolyn will as well!
Melanie Backus says
Thank you for sharing, Shay! Nothing like a good book!
Bfg78 says
Have you ever read any Karen Kingsbury books? She has several series that connect as well as stand alone titles and children's books! They're Christian fiction/inspirational but easy reads! What are some of your/your kids favorite children's books?
Cathalina Kung says
Francis Chan's you and me forever is a great book to give new perspective on your marriage in the light of eternity. They have great online resources too
Sara Fehrenbacher says
I'm surprised you still use Erin Condren so much since Catherine has stationary out now! I would love to read a guest post from Catherine sometime about all of her new ventures! 🙂 Definitely checking out Instant Mom, as I am currently talking IVF plans with my doctor.
Sara @ http://www.saraleeblog.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness! Catherine is an EC junkie too! She always orders the neutral themed planners (I believe she likes the rose gold binding). She loves their stuff too! Both lines are great but totally different!
Megan Posey says
I love your book reviews. You got me hooked on Elin Hilderbrand and I have read almost all of her books. I purchased Cancel the Wedding yesterday evening and have not been able to put it down! Thanks for the recommendation!
Missy says
I am so excited the 2017 planners are here! I loved Cancel the Wedding as well, such a good debut book. I will have to check the others out!
Liz Winter says
LOVE your book reviews and anticipate this post each month! PLEASE if you haven't yet read Jojo Moyes' "The Girl You Left Behind", put it on your list. You'll never forget it!!!
Tracie Cooper says
I am looking forward to reading The Life Giving Home due to your recommendation. I am also planning to catch up with my favorite author, Debbie Macomber and read some of her Blossom Street series. My instagram is @traciemichelle05 and my email is traciemichelle0515@gmail.com
Autumn says
I love your book reviews. I am currently reading For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards by Jen Hatmaker and Wild and Free: A Hope-Filled Anthem for the Woman Who Feels She is Both Too Much and Never Enough by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan. I suggest trying Karen Kingsbury if you haven't read any of her books she is one of my favorite authors.
Farryn says
Absolutely love my Erin Condren planner . Thanks for the suggestion long ago. Couldn't live without it!
Carrie says
I just read the "Girl Who Was Saturday Night" by Heather O'Neill. It was a unique story set in 1990s Montreal. A little racy at times, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Sarah Lewis says
I HIGHLY recommend Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. Such a good book! I also just finished Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers if you haven't read it yet…it's really good! I agree with you on the plot of Save the Date…I have read several of her books and refer Spring Fever & the Fixer Upper!