Happy August.
Today is one of my favorite posts of the month…my book review! Why does it feel like forever since we’ve had one? #julyislong #hotandlong
If you’re not a reader, then today you’re all like..
The picture I sent to a friend after we were sick on the flight to Nantucket.
But if you are a reader like me, then today you’re all like…
…the picture I sent to a friend after we bought our ferry tickets back to the mainland because there was no way in the world we were getting on that plane again.
So, if you’re a reader, welcome. If you’re not a reader, then you should binge watch The Good Wife because it is oh so GOOD!
Speaking of The Good Wife, when I have a good show to binge watch I seem to read fewer books per month. So this month, I read five books (had I not binge watched Downton Abbey and the first part of The Good Wife, I probably would have read 15 😉 ).
Here we go…
Last month, I told you that my first book of this month would be my friend Sophie’s book Giddy Up, Eunice. READ THIS BOOK. If you’ve read her other two books, then I’m sure you’ve already grabbed up this one too…but if you haven’t, get it. This book is about female friendships but not the typical kinds. It’s about those special and unique friendships that come out of nowhere but bond us with other women in the most life-changing ways. Sophie draws from certain female friendships in the Bible and then correlates it with her own friendships. This book is so encouraging, uplifting and even convicting. I was blessed. Very blessed.
I know what you’re thinking…another French book? But no! Ironically, Longing for Paris is not another one of my French books but instead a memoir about a mom talking about having hopes and dreams in her life that she needed to pursue while also raising young kids (like going to Paris). This faith-based book was really sweet and encouraging. I know that a lot of the times, I feel like because I’m a mom and have young kids, all of my hopes and dreams need to be placed on hold, but she encourages every mom to seize every day and do both: be a mom but a dreamer too. If you feel discouraged in this area, this is your book!
Okay…please don’t get mad, but I did not really enjoy The Nest. (I’m so sorry, I know so many of you recommended it to me!) The funny thing is that halfway through the book, I was telling Narci that I was reading it and she said, “I heard it wasn’t that great” and I was all like “No, I love it! I’m halfway through.”. And then I went home and kept reading and it started going downhill for me. This novel is about a family who is put into a financial situation after one of the brothers makes a big mistake. At first, I thought it was going to be similar to the movie The Family Stone (big family, a little drama, lots of dynamic) but after awhile it just became too much work for me to read. There are a lot of characters (and in my opinion, none of them fully get developed enough), and just when you start to get into one plot line, the story shifts to another character and then like 7 plot lines later, you go back to that character you were starting to care about…but it’s hard to care that many pages away. I don’t know…the first half was delightful, the last half was kind of a drag. It wasn’t my fave.
When in Nantucket, one must read an Elin Hilderbrand book, right? I read her latest book Here’s to Us and I loved it! Now granted, it came at the heels of a book I didn’t enjoy (which always helps), but I do think it was one of her best. This Hilderbrand books is about three ex-wives that come together on Nantucket for their ex-husband’s memorial after his death. This book has a lot of characters (which in the past, the Hilderbrand books I enjoyed the least had a lot of characters), but this time, I felt like each character made sense to the plot and was developed enough for my interest. Always a good read these Hilderbrand books are!
And all the ladies cheered.
Emily Giffin has a new book out.
#girlcrush
#chicklit
#lovelovelove
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dying for Giffin’s newest book, First Comes Love, to arrive on my porch. I just always love her books. Now, I must say Something Borrowed and Something Blue are my forever favorites, but I do always enjoy any book she writes. This novel here is about two sisters who are trying to make their relationship work after the death of their brother. I liked it (and it was really easy and quick to read!), but I thought it needed one more chapter at the end. Maybe a “One Year Later” chapter to wrap everything up. That being said, even without my chapter, I found it oh so Giffin and oh so enjoyable!
That’s my book review for July!
Don’t forget, to see all of my books for the year, just click HERE. There you will find a complete listing plus my reviews. And if you want to be my friend on Goodreads, click HERE.
What are you reading right now? What do you love? What should I be reading in August? Please share, share, share!
See you tomorrow!
Ashley says
What do you do with all the books you purchase? Sell? Share?
Mix and Match Mama says
Share! Between my mom, my grandmother and my friends, we’re all sharing :).
Hannah says
I agree about The Nest! Such a letdown. And, I do love a good Hilderbrand book! Your reading of it looked especially perfect with Nantucket as a backdrop 🙂
Amber says
Reading Life Support by Robert Whitlow! Similar to Grisham but a Christian author! So far I’m loving it!
Amy Heinl says
I just finished Jamie Otis’s Wifey 101(you might know her from Bachelor Ben F season and Married at First Sight)…great true story of what she survived from a tramautic abusive childhood…how in her 20s took in her younger siblings and raised them and how her faith and marriage saved her….it is an amazing heartbreaking but trumphiant read
(ps….some of what she shares from Bachelorand Bachelor in Paradise may surprise you
emily @ a little bit of emily says
I am sad to hear that The Nest didn’t live up to the hype – always disappointing when that happens!
Erika Slaughter says
I’m about to start that new Emily Giffin book and can’t wait!! She’s one of my faves!!
Nicole says
The Mingling of Souls by Matt Chandler! It was so good. He goes through the Song of Solomon and the different stages of a relationship. Some weren’t applicable since I am already married but there was a lot of truth behind it. I also enjoyed that it went through the Song of Solomon, there are a lot of places in that book of the Bible that I don’t understand what is being said, but Chandler explains what those mean. I really enjoyed it and passed it on to friends and family to read!
Sarah says
I agree! Such a helpful book.
Kristen Thompson says
I just started “Truly, Madly, Guilty” by Liane Moriarty! I got addicted to her books through your book reviews! Can’t wait to see how the new one is!
Erin says
I’m addicted to Liane Moriarty now, too! My book club is reading her new one next month! Got to pick it up!!
Melanie says
Liane Moriarty is such a good author. Love her books; can’t wait to read Truly Madly Guilty!
I have been on a Mary Kubica kick. The Good Girl and Pretty Baby are so so good.
Just finished 90 Minutes in Heaven last week. Necessary Lies before that. Great books.
Now on All The Light We Cannot See.
Kelli says
I agree about the Nest…when you started to get in invested in one character the plot changed and you were onto someone else. I am looking forward to reading Emily Griffin’s new book and Truly, Madly, Guilty by Laine Moriarty this month. I also can’t wait to add another Elin Hilderbrand book to my list. Thanks for the recommendations.
Rayne says
I didn’t enjoy The Nest either! I listened to it on audible while on vacation road trips and almost didn’t even bother finishing. I have read a few good ones lately though–The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger was great if you like tennis at all. I also enjoyed Hope Heals, The Truth of about the Harry Quebert Affair, The Knockoff, and The Collapse of Parenting to name a few. Happy reading! I love to read in the summer months, something so relaxing about it!
Anna says
Liane Moriarty’s new book just came out last week! I just started it but hopefully it’s as great as her others!
Diane says
I’m sure you’ve already read it but if not, “Redeeming Love” is my all time favorite book! Also I just got finished reading “Raising grateful kids in a entitled world” and thought it was great as well!
Victoria says
I was curious to see what you thought of The Nest. I didn’t really like it too much either, so I’m glad to know I’m not the only one 😉
Dayana Mack says
I absolutely love reading your book review every month! You never give too much information away, but you give just enough that it makes me want to order them all ASAP!
Emily says
Just finished The Obsession, Nora Roberts new book. It was amazing! You should definitely read Me Before You and After you by Jo Jo Myers and It’s Okay to Laugh by Nora McInereny Purmort. Excellent Books! I love your book reviews!
Sarah Lewis says
I think I have been reading your book reviews long enough to put us on the same wave length because I read Here’s To Us (loved it!), currently reading First Comes Loves (love so far), and the Nest to des next. 😉 #greatminds #andamazon
Kacy LaBuda says
Currently reading The Island by Elin Hilderbrand and so far so good but will have to try Emily Griffins book, sounds great!!!
Dana says
Shay/Any Readers,
I’m about to get married and have a honeymoon with lots of travel and relaxation time coming up! I would love some recommendations for some good books to read while on my honeymoon! Any happy marriage/love stories, or marriage advice topics would be great! I’ve just finished reading some of Emily Griffin’s books- loved them, but hoping for another author. Thanks!
Maggie C. says
Nora Roberts has a bridal series of four books that I loved. Super easy reads that would be good for a honeymoon.
Beth M. says
Yes, Nora Roberts bridal quartet would be perfect for your honeymoon! I loved all four books!
Aminda says
http://www.thecouples.guide
Congrats on your wedding!
Ana Luxton says
I felt the same way you did a out The Nest. I struggled to get through it and I think because there was so much buzz surrounding it, I went into it with high expectations and it didn’t live up.
Emily Giffen is always such a fun, enjoyable read. I had my copy signed by her in Chicago this Spring and she is so, so lovely!! Total girl crush!
Since you seem to love Emily Giffen, you should try reading If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins. So good!
Happy Monday!
Beth M. says
We’re definitely on the same page with our books! I read Emily Giffin’s, am currently reading Sophie’s and Hilderbrand’s newest is ready and waiting! Have you read Rachel Hollis’s three books? They are fast, light reads that are great! You would enjoy Sweet Girl since it’s about a bakery, but you need to read them all and in order! Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World was a book that changed my views on parenting. It’s faith-based, and I couldn’t put it down and underlined everything!!
Kacy LaBuda says
Currently reading The Island by Elin Hilderbrand but will have to try Emily Griffins book, sounds great!
Narci says
About halfway through First Comes Love, and I need to order Giddy Up, Eunice! I love talking books with you, girl!!
Maggie says
I just finished “Water from the Heart” by Charles Martin. It’s a MUST read! Such a beautiful, well written book! I highly recommend!
Rayne says
I agree, one of the best!
Sheaffer says
Yes. I shall start watching The Good Wife.
Lindsey says
I loved First Comes Love but feel the same way…there needs to be a follow up of all that happened. I also just asked Narci on her book review if she ever read Nicholas Sparks, I always love his books ????
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I just bought Elin’s newest book and am just a few chapters in–I’ve read two other books of her and so far my favorite is The Island! I’m posting my July book review Wednesday and one book that I really enjoyed was Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. I randomly picked it up at Target and after reading about 1/3 of it, I couldn’t put it down!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Melissa Parsons says
A book I was so surprised by but couldn’t put down was Andre Agassi’s memoir, Open. It’s so good, abs everyone I know who has read it has loved it!
Deanna says
I completely agree about The Nest. Super disappointing after all the hype. Emily Giffin made up for it though with her newest! Have a great day!
Julie G says
Reading the lastest Hilderbrand book as well-summer is not the same without a book of hers to relax with!! Have you also seen Liane Moriarty has a brand new novel out???? That is for sure my next read!!!!
Melissa says
I am currently reading The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton and it is pretty good. Intriguing and interesting. I definitely want to know what is coming next. I am also anxiously waiting for my Harry Potter and the Cursed Child copy to arrive from Amazon today :).
Amanda says
I couldn’t get past the first few pages of the The Nest. I had bought it on my kindle one night and had returned it the next morning. It seemed like it was going to be too trashy and depressing. No thanks!!
Elizabeth Kruczek says
I felt thlike EXACT SAME about the ending of Forst Comes Love!! I needed a little closure. Since she weaves all her characters throughout her books maybe we’ll get a little glimps of how things turned out in the next one! (Like with Ellen and Andy from Love the One You’re With).
Sarah says
I can’t wait to start reading First Comes Love! And I really can’t help myself when it comes to Elin Hilderbrand either!
Regan says
“Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers!
Natalie Clark says
I love your book reviews! I haven’t read any of these and keep telling myself I need to read the Emily Giffin books. These book reviews always make me realize that I need to sit down and relax more! I am currently reading Sarah’s Key and love love love it. I will definitely need a good book to follow it up!
francyface says
You should definitely read some Dorothea Benton Frank books! Kind of in the same vein as Hilderbrand, but set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina instead of in Nantucket. My favorites are probably the first 2 – Plantation and Sullivan’s Island, but I have enjoyed all that I have read. Warning – her books will make you want to move to Sullivan’s Island or somewhere in the Lowcountry! …Or maybe that’s just me. I may be a little biased since I’m from South Carolina and love recognizing some of the places she references, but I just LOVE her books!
Melissa says
Just finished “Call the Midwife”- they are books too- 3 of them in fact, I hear! Its amazing what mothers/midwifes went through back then!
Alexa B says
I read Save the Date this month per your recommendation. So good! I had previously read The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews and enjoyed that as well. I really liked The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. It was a little long, but worth the time! Thanks for adding more books to my list! 🙂
Megan says
I love that you read Here’s to Us while in Nantucket!!! I bet it made you feel like you were right there. Perfect setting!!
Jessica says
Right now I’m reading Gone With The Wind. It is so good and way more in depth than the movie. I am not a Civil War history buff by any stretch, but the entire story is so interesting and j find myself googling different Civil War topics that are in the book.
No doubt it’s a looooooong book, but it’s been such a great read this summer!!
Ruth says
I’m reading Longing For Paris right now – I’m not a mom, but I feel her outlook can be applied to other areas as there are times I feel circumstances (nothing serious) in my life have me on standby. I just bought Jenny Colgan’s Little Beach Street Bakery based on your review last month and I can’t wait to read it.
Aubrey says
We can still be friends even though I don’t do chick lit and you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, yes? Because what I’m reading now is Cursed Child!!!!!!!!!!! (There aren’t enough exclamation points in all the world.) And also Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love because mama needs a recharge.
Julie says
I just started Liane Moriarty’s new book (Truly, Madly, Guilty) and already I can’t WAIT to find out what’s going on! I love her books and this one (as usual) draws you right in. Haven’t finished reading but always highly recommend her books.
heidi says
Now you have to tell us how you find the time to read 5 books and binge watch. ..I can’t seem to find 5 minutes to do either someday and weeks !
I just finished ‘ the choices we make ‘ by karma brown it’s about 2 best friends, one is going through infertility struggles.. I might hsve ugly cried … loved it!!!!
Carly Blogs Here says
Giddy Up, Eunice sounds so good! I have the best on my iPad right now from the library but haven’t started it yet and am a little nervous because I keep hearing mixed reviews.
Alison Colgate says
Read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart! It’s a short, fun summer thriller! One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
Jenn says
Since reading your blog and book reviews monthly… I have become a reader haha anyway, I think you would really enjoy the book “The Mountain Story” by Lori Lansens. Its not a normal light hearted chicklit book but its amazing!
Emily says
Hi, Shay-
Have you read any books by Taylor Jenkins Reid? They are all awesome! Easy to read and hard to put down, yet they make you think…whenever I finish one, it is on my mind for days. Check her out!
Lisa says
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart was an excellent summer read. It’s a short, intriguing thriller that I read in one sitting. The twist at the end will haunt you!
Leah Claire Hall says
I was up late last night finishing Giddy Up, Eunice because I just couldn’t put it down! I loved it and it reminded me of my one of my high school teachers who was a mentor. I used to bring her Chick fil a and talk life. She is now one of my best friends as I am a teacher and learning to mentor young girls. Thanks for the suggestion!
Shelley Holden says
Was so glad to hear that you felt the same way about the Nest! I really did not like it very much and had heard so much about it. I thought the characters and the storylines were not developed like you said and I wanted something more from the story. Love all of Elin Hildebrand’s book except the Love Season and I decided skip the other one you didn’t like. Loved Here’s to Us! Can’t wait to read Sophie’s new book. I loved her other ones…..and Emily Giffin went to my alma mater, Wake Forest, so I always love reading her books!!!! Just started this new one. Your book reviews are my favorite!
Stacey Walden says
I just finished Here’s to Us and it’s also one of my favorite Hilderbrand books. I think so far, my favorite of hers is The Blue Bistro, but this was close.
Denise Panetta says
I bought the book The Nest for my mom and she felt the same way about it. I think I’ll skip reading it myself and continue with my James Patterson books … love the mysteries he provides with the Alex Cross and Michael Bennett series.
Sarah Neas says
I recommend The Glass Kitchen by Linda Francis Lee. It was definitely my favorite book of the summer!
Tara says
I just read “The Singles Game” by Lauren Weisberger and it was great! Super fun, quick read.
Crystal says
Since you love fall, as I do, then when September rolls around you MUST read “Big Stone Gap” by Adrianna Trigiani (if you haven’t already).
Kim says
I just read The Vacationers by Emma Straub while at the beach. It just came out in paperback. I had been looking at it for awhile. It’s pretty and blue. People magazine said it was a must read for summer! Finally broke down and bought at Target! Absolutely LOVED it. One day – I was laughing OUT LOUD in my beach chair. I never do that. Haha. It was an easy read. (Maybe had one teeny bad part in it!) Also loved the Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls! LOVED IT!I have read all the Giffin books and most of the HIldebrand books. On my bedside to read is After You by JoJo and- and See Me by Nicholas Sparks – and First Comes Love by Giffin and The Island by Hildebrand. Hopefully when school starts next week – I can do more reading!!! 🙂
Patty Reynolds says
My favorites: The Eagle Tree a great read about an autistic boy. The Bette Davis Club, funny, lighthearted, good read. I Know This Much Is True. All The Light We Cannot See. Last Train to Istanbul. The Goldfinch. The Execution of Noa P. Singleton. Gargoyle (great love story). The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day.
Karen says
I stopped watching the Good Wife about 3 seasons ago…..ha our DVR only taped 2 shows at a time back then and no On Demand, so it got sent to the wayside by other shows…..I think I’ll go back and catch up ;-). I’m just getting ready to start the Little Beach Street bakery series by Jenny Colgan ~ hoping I like them…
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
Yep, I read everything that Emily Giffin writes… I just love her!
And NOOOO about The Nest! I just bought that one and it’s on my list next. I hate to hear that you didn’t like it.
Emily K says
I am a huge fan of both Elin Hilderbrand and Emily Giffin and I hate to admit I wasn’t in love with their newest books. I did just finish The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger and am almost done with Falling by Jane Green and I highly recommend both. Next up is Liane Moriaty’s latest.
Have you ever read Nancy Thayer? She is similar to Elin and her books are set on Nantucket. Try her out sometime.
A FFer LT's Wifey says
I have never left a reply before on any blog but have to share. I have given away this book to many, it never disappoints & lives up to becoming everyone’s BEST BOOK always!! I replace mine after I give it away b/c I’ve reread it many many times!! You will LOVE the book, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers!!!!!! It is her best tho others are GREAT! I wait for another to be written & get them all!! As I tell everybody, the beginning is dark but it has to be to get to the story that makes it a wonderful love story/book…showing THE LOVE JESUS has for us ALL!!! Please try it, get it to read or email me info & I’ll send my copy & buy me another~it is worth every.bit.of.time.you’ve.ever.sat.reading plus more!! PLEASE TRY IT!
Andrea M Worley says
Giddy Up Eunice was my fave read this month as well. And I can’t wait to read First Comes love!
Ashley Cook says
I really agree with you on “The Nest”…the first half was like, “Whoa, this is great.” But by the end, it was just meh. I also read Liane Moriarty’s newest that was released last week. It was good. It wasn’t my favorite. I regularly want to re-read “What Alice Forgot” and “Big Little Lies”….this one didn’t have that draw. I think you might like “Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld. It’s a modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and while it isn’t anywhere near as good as the original, it’s a fun, quick read…and has a plotline that involves a tv show that is basically The Bachelor. It was super cheap on Kindle yesterday, so I downloaded it and read it in an afternoon 🙂
Julie says
They are making an HBO series out of “Big Little Lies” starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman-I can’t wait! I agree with you, I could read that book over and over!
Rebecca says
Thanks for another great book review! Our class at church is just starting Fervent and I am loving it.
Eileen McAllister says
Didn’t care for The Nest at all. Agreed with everything you said about it but, unlike you, I couldn’t even finish it! Just read the new Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty and unfortunately it wasn’t nearly as good as her others. I was beginning to think I’d never find a good book to read and then I read The Two Family House — I LOVED it and highly recommend it. It’s just a good old fashioned family story about two babies born on the same day in Brooklyn to two sisters.
Andrea says
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is a fun, easy read. It’s a love story that centers a lot around food which is right up your alley!
Lauren says
I think it’s fantastic that you’re encouraging busy, stressed Mums to take time for themselves and make reading a priority. I have three kids (aged 3, 4 and 5) and reading is something I want them to see me doing ALL THE TIME. There are many gifts we can give our children, but a love for reading (any types of books!) is one of the best. Well done Shay.
Jennifer F says
If you enjoy historical fiction, Circling the Sun and The Paris Wife both by Patricia McLain are really good! I loved The Paris Wife (about Ernest Hemingway’s firstwife.
Jeanie says
Well, I’ve never had that happen before. I got a message that I was posting comments too quickly and to slow down. I can’t even. Anyway, I said I adored A Man Called Ove. Also good were The Murderer’s Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman and What was Mine by Helen Klein Ross.
Melanie says
I would love it if you would post a “rating” for each book that you read…Like rated G, PG, PG13, R, etc. Or some kind of rating system. I’ve found that sometimes I get recommendations for books and once I get to reading them, they really make me blush and feel uncomfortable! Just so we know what we’re getting into. Maybe I’m a bit of a prude, but at least it helps me know if I’ll appreciate a book or not! Just a thought!
Alison says
Could you do a post explaining why you didnt like college? You’re amazing, Shay! xoxo
Emily Olson says
I just finished The Secrets of Midwives. The characters were really like able and it had just enough suspense to make me want to pick it back up (which I need with a 2 yr old, 1 yr old, and another on the way!).
Mary Odrobina says
All of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books are great,(read them all and loved them) I also like Sarah Pekkanen
Kristen Spear says
Wow…so many people love Redeeming love and I have to admit, I haven’t ever figured out the hype. We just went through a major trial in our life, so I started reading ‘When God doesn’t fix it’ which is a meaningful, easy read. Highly recommend! I also really enjoyed ‘The Nazi Officers Wife’ for a bit of history and a page turner. I appreciate your taste in books-thanks for sharing!
Hilary phillips says
I know this may seem silly, but have you read Harry Potter? I know many adults who really cherish the books as much as their children. It is one that people all over the world love, and I think it will stay that way for a long, long, time. The first one is a pretty quick read too so if you hate it, you don’t have to read the longer ones 🙂
Betsy says
Have you read Kimbery Williams Paisley’s book “Where the Light Gets In”? It’s a must read true story that I finished in less than 24 hours because it was that good!
Katherine says
Mary Kay Andrews has a new one out that’s really cute-The Weekenders!
Michele says
The Nest. No, just no. I stopped reading it last night. Like you, I enjoyed the first few chapters but couldn’t hang till the end.
Brooke Entrekin says
oh my I love all your book recommendations! it makes it so easy for me! I don’t have to choose- I just go right to amazon and order!
I need a good thriller/mystery to break up all my chickflick novels… Any on your horizon?? 🙂
FFer LT Wifey says
The “hype” on Redeeming Love is it a beautiful Fiction Love Story written with following the Bible Story of Hosea & Gomer, an amazing testament of God’s Love for EVERYONE, no matter what they’ve done or will do or could do or haven’t done, God LOVES us ALL! Her fiction story of this man loving a women as God tells a husband to love his wife & it’s redemption is stunning! If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, My Father/Daddy….then you will can’t not love the story of God’s love & showing how a man should love his wife as Jesus first loved us! Try it, it will give you a boost of showing you again in your heart how much the Lord Jesus loves you!!!
Kristin S says
And, off to remove The Nest from my latest BOTM order. I trust you!
Totally agree about Hilderbrand books. When there are a massive amount of characters, I just can’t keep them straight and I give up. I’m halfway through this one and really like it.
Didi says
Reading Elin’s book now and sad to say I don’t love it as much as her other books. I am a huge huge fan of hers and have been for over 10 years – I am one of these readers who pre-order her books and know exactly when a new release is coming, and I am just not feeling this one.
Rachel Tapscott says
Hi Shay! Could you please recommend (or anyone else reading this) a good devotional book for everyday use? I’ve struggled with my relationship with God, and gotten off track, but I am ready and trying hard to get back to having a full relationship with God, not just praying when I need something and going to church “when I feel like it”. I know I’m a Christian, and I honestly believe that once you’re saved and your name is written in the Book of Life, that you are always saved, but I do think the relationship can be strained and have to be re-built. My email is rachel.tapscott@gmail.com if you would rather email. Thank you to anyone who is still reading this.
Donna Wisdom says
Hey Rachel,
One of my favorite devotionals is “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. There’s a reading for each day of the year (Very encouraging for the beginning of each day). Another is “Come Away My Beloved” by Frances J. Roberts (challenges me to a deeper level of commitment each time I read it). I hope these suggestions are helpful. God Bless You!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Just ordered half of these to be delivered to me at the beach next week!!!
Danika says
Shay! Your book reviews have been my guide to summer reading 2016. Currently on my 14th book of the summer!! I loved Cancel the Wedding and The Knockout so thank you for those suggestions. I just bought Liane Moriarty’s new book and can’t wait to start it. Happy reading!
Kristen says
I just read the best book this weekend ..one of my favs this yr! Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld..you will love it!!
Erica says
Just found your site a few weeks ago and am loving your posts. I read your August book review and then found this one. I am currently reading The Nest and just had to say, “Thank you!!!”, to you and your commentors!! I am feeling the same way about this darn book! I’m about halfway through and HATE to give up on a book, but I think I’m going to based on how much I don’t like it and it sounds like it’s not going to get any better. I’m not a quitter, but I’m moving on! 🙂 Too many great books out there to waste time on disappointing ones. I had requested Before the Fall from the library a few weeks ago, and just picked it up today. Sounds like it might be a worthwhile read.
Thanks a bunch for your awesome site! 🙂
Kate says
I highly recommend Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult. I had a flight home from San Francisco to DC and I read the entire 5 hours and couldn’t put it down!