Eeeeeeeeks! I am so excited! It’s my January Book Review!
If you’re a reader out there like me, I know you’re all like this right now…
…yipppppppppeeeeeee!
You’re so pumped that we’re going to talk books today!! Now, if you’re not a reader out there, I know you’re all like…
…zzzzzzzzzzz. You’re thinking “another boring book review”. So, for those non-readers, please go watch One Tree Hill so that we can discuss how it’s possible for someone to get hit by a car/kidnapped/almost drown and then be totally fine the very next episode. #becausethatkeepshappeningononetreehill
Okay, the last time we talked books was right after Christmas. If you missed my 2016 Book Review…
…you can catch it HERE. It includes the names and reviews of all 62 books I read last year.
Leslie Z. says
EEEEEK! I was super excited to read your book review this month! So many of the books that I read, are recommended by you! Side note: thank you for recommending Elin Hilderbrand, because I’m borderline obsessed with her books now. If you liked A Woman in Cabin 10 (which I happened to read this month too), you need to pick up a copy of Ruth Ware’s In a Dark, Dark Wood! Both are amazing and keep you guessing until the end. I also posted my January book review today-be sure to see if there’s any on my list that you haven’t read! 🙂 Happy Monday!
Leslie Z. says
http://withlovefromgablog.blogspot.com
Alexis says
I almost want to beg you to read these three books because I’m that positive that you’ll love them both. November 9th by Colleen Hoover was amazing. I just read Night Road by Kristin Hannah (author of The Nightingale) and if it isn’t one of my top books for 2017, I don’t know what will be. I sent pics of it to my friends last night telling them to read it because it’s THAT good!! I read Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult at the end of December and it almost surpassed It Ends With Us for my book of 2016. Powerful, impossible to put down, and one you won’t forget.
I promise you will love these!!! 🙂
Tracy Kistler says
Great recommendations! These are all five star reads for me! Colleen Hoover is my favorite & I definitely think Small Great Things was Picoult’s best so far! Take note Shay!!! ?
Greta says
Yes, the Night Road is that good! It is a book that everyone should read!
Amber says
YES, YES, & YES! LOVED Night Road by Kristin Hannah! One of the best books I’ve ever read!!!! Also, just finished reading Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us-I’m still in mourning that the book is over, that’s how much I loved it! So good! I will have to check out November 9th by her.
Stephanie Smith says
Night Road and Firefly Lane are two of my favorite books. Also Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult was amazing!!!!!!
Megan says
I’m currently reading Lauren Graham’s novel Someday, Someday, Maybe. So far so good. If you haven’t read it you should check it out!
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Erika Slaughter says
I’m never reading another book until I finish Gossip Girl-it’s sucking up all my extra time!! And then I’m taking a big break from Netflix!!! Hahahaha!
Amylynn says
Your comment made me laughbat loud. I know that feeling all too well!! I had only watched SOME Gossip Girl back when it was running, but I binge watched it a few years ago annnd I wanted nothing to do with anything else. Could not get enough!!
Amylynn says
Laugh out loud*
ELizabeth says
So many great options – linking up a few book favorites over on S&S too!
XO
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Linda says
An Invisible Thread….if you think one person can’t make a difference, this heart warming book will change your mind. And Fractured if you loved Gone Girl. Read it in one day!
Eileen says
My book club just picked An Invisible Thread as our next book. Can’t wait to read it!
Katie says
If you liked the Woman in Cabin 10, definitely read her first book, “In a dark, dark wood” and you should also check out Karin Slaughter (she’s a bit darker but great suspense), or if you want to stick with British authors (who doesn’t) read The Widow by Fiona Barton!
Tanya says
Yes to Dark, Dark Wood and The Widow…loved them!
Holly Sharp says
I felt the exact same way about A Spool of Blue Thread. It had so much potential and just went nowhere with no great resolution. Ugh!
Thanks as always for the book review…I’m going to go look some of these up!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Have you read Killing Kennedy? I can’t remember if I’ve read one of your reviews on that. I know you’ve read a few O’Reilly books. I just started this one and can’t put it down! Also, I teach 7th grade English and I am reading The Devil’s Arithmetic with my students and I highly recommend that book to anyone–regardless of age! It’ll take you maybe an hour to read but it’s about the Holocaust. My kids are learning a lot.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
I have! Killing Kennedy was one of my favorites!
Nikki says
My son is starting Devil’s Arithmetic this week. I just downloaded it on Audible so we can talk about it.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
You will enjoy it!
Keisha M Dawson says
Thanks so much for this recommendation! My son is reading this at school. I will read it next so we can discuss it.
Tanya says
I loved Killing Kennedy and just finished Killing Reagan. It was really good, too!
Genevieve Perryman says
Love these choices… and going on vacation next month so looking for some good reads! I have been looking at The Woman in Cabin 10 and will be priming that one today! Thanks!
http://www.thefamilytablewithgenevieve.com
Kristen L. says
Just finished small great things by Jodi Picoult and it’s a must read!
Betsy says
I agree!
Cindy says
So, I totally had the same feeling about A Spool of Blue Thread! I finished it, because I just can’t abandon a book. However, I’m sorry you had to struggle through it too…but I’m glad someone else did as well!
Nancy M says
Thank goodness it isn’t just me! I’m reading A Spool of Blue Thread at the moment and am having trouble getting through it. It’s just kind of blah. Need to finish it, though, as U can’t wait to startThe Woman in Cabin 10!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I really gotta try The Women in Cabin 10! It sounds just like my cup of tea!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sheaffer Sims says
I made need to put on my big girl panties and read Lauren Graham’s book. 😉
Angela Ellingson says
Sheaffer! Listen to it on Audible, especially since reading is not your favorite! I finally gave Audible a try and this was the perfect book for it because Lauren reads it herself and she is just hilarious!
Sanna says
Great suggestion, I don’t like reading either, but this may be much better for me also!
Allie says
Thank you for your suggestions! Love your book reviews. Wondering what kind of devotions you do with your kids, in particular your younger ones. Would love to hear what your nightly devotions with them look like.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ll write that down as a future post to do!!
Rachel says
We are 100% in LOVE with the Jesus Storybook Bible. ONE HUNDRED. PER CENT.
Every story points to Jesus as the Rescuer. My husband and I about cried every time we read a new one! (Like the Crucifixion story: it says it wasn’t the Roman soldiers that kept Jesus on the cross, but Jesus’ love for us.)
Our pastor, who has a PhD in theology, says it’s one of the best hermeneutical texts he’s ever read.
Amanda Franks says
I loved loved the last book I read more than any in a long time (even better than Cancel the Wedding 🙂 ). It was Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin. Thanks for all the great book recommendations! My current read is With Love from the Inside…so far so good!
Sharon says
Loved “Small Great things” as many others have… highly recommend
Cara says
Lauren Graham’s Someday, Someday Maybe is a fun read. A surprisingly intriguing and mysterious book is Beth Moore’s The Undoing of Saint Silvanus. It wasn’t at all what I thought and I was so riveted and pleasantly surprised. I usually can “solve” a mystery book very early on (which kinda ruins the rest) but this one had me guessing until the end. Loved it!
Deborah O says
I’m right there with you on A Spool Of Blue Thread! I managed to get through it but felt like I was waiting for something to happen that never did. Thanks for some great suggestions to add to my reading list!
Kelly says
I agree with you that you MAKE TIME to read. I read about 65 books a year and it’s a priority in my life to read great books. I suggest I Let You Go….a great book. Also, I loved The Residence- a fun and easy read about behind the scenes White House life from staffers who work there. SO GOOD.
Abigail Endebrock says
I Let You Go is one of my all time favorite books. Holy cow – talk about some good twists! I could not stop talking about it once I finished it. My fiancé was like ok, I get it, you liked it. I was all “but you don’t understand!!!!!!!”
Katie Hayes says
I second this recommendation! I just finished The Residence and loved it! Great book with so much interesting history. I read it super fast. 🙂
Malorie says
The Girl Without a Name and Still Mine (Stuart) are great, can’t put them down books. I just read 3/4 of Colleen Hoover’s November 9 yesterday and have loved it!
Whitney says
Jennie Allen’s book “Nothing to Prove” comes out this week! She’s the founder of IF: … Not sure if you’ve heard of her but she’s an amazing Christian speaker and author 🙂
Michelle says
The Circle by Dave Eggers was a book that my daughter had for required reading at the University of North Carolina. Since she is a journalism major, I figured this would be a great read. This was unlike any book I had ever read. I could not put it down. In April the movie will be released starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks.
Tanya says
Thanks for the tip on The Circle. I’ve been wanting to read it since it is going to be a movie.
NancyS says
I was at the movies last night and saw the trailer for this movie. Didn’t look like the other Dave Eggers books I’ve read but will have to give it a go!
Narci says
You know it’s my favorite day of the month! Love your book reviews, and I can’t wait to add some of these to my list. 🙂
Taylor Hall says
I recently read November 9 & Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover & they were both amazing. Also, if you’re looking for another thriller, Behind Closed Doors was sooo good. I couldn’t put it down.
Karah Stracener says
I second Behind Closed Doors. I just finished it and it was so good! A little dark but good!!
Aja says
I read that one in 2 days. It was like a train wreck- painful to see at times but fascinating.
Claire says
I’m a fan of mystery (but not really dark ones)…I loved The Forgotten Room by Karen White and The Lake House by Kate Morton – couldn’t put them down.
angie g says
Read Beth Moore’s The Undoing of St. Silvanus. Great read, out of my typical box, but hoping there’s a sequel coming!!
Marie Claas says
Please Enjoy Your Happiness by the Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Paul Brinkley-Rogers. Beautiful, and beautifully written. There is so much here to think about, so much to savor. This book deserves attention, it’s not something to rush through.
Marie Claas says
P.S. I adored The Hidden Summer, and I’m so glad you suggested it!
Marie Claas says
Ugh! I meant A Hundred Summers! Not The Hidden Summer! Sorry about that! 🙂
Kathryn says
A Spool of Blue Thread was terrible! I borrowed it from the library (because it kept coming up as one of the most popular ebooks) but when my 21 day loan was over…I did not renew it. I couldn’t figure out the point of the book!
Kelly says
One of my favorite suspense books from last year was Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. It’s a must read!
kanah says
Hi Shay, I’m wondering what you do with all of these paperback/hardback books when you’re done. Do you keep them on bookshelves in your house, donate or give them away, or do you read most on a Kindle? I thought you typically read hard copies, but maybe I’m wrong. Personally, I’m running out of bookshelf space but know I’ll want to re-read great books again in the future and don’t want to part with them. Help!
Mix and Match Mama says
I swap them out with friends all the time. Two of the books I read this month were handed to me by friends :).
Stephanie says
A Spool of Blue Thread was one of the most painful books to get through EVER! I was bored out of my mind! I sped through the end just to be done!! Cute cover though! Your monthly book review is my favorite !
Jamie Needham says
I read your monthly review and have pulled numerous books off your list – one that i’m almost finished with that I think would spark your intrigue is Chip & JoAnna Gaines – The Magnolia Story. It is all about their life, faith and business. It’s been a quick read but very uplifting! Also a question for you, as i’ve built my book collection up i’m starting to try and figure out how to store and organize it! Any tips/suggestions?! I really enjoy your blog 🙂 Thank you for bringing it to us always! In Him!
Melissa Gartner says
This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper sounds like a better version of A Spool of Blue Thread, if you haven’t read that yet. Have you read Wonder by RJ Palacio? It is technically a children’s chapter book but is such a good story about love and acceptance that will stay with you forever! Also Chip and Joanna Gaines’ book is a quick easy read.
Happy Reading 🙂
Staci says
I can’t remember how I accidentally discovered Nancy Thayer but I read 3 of her books in a row and that somehow led me to Elin Hilderbrand. I just recently found your blog and I love that you love both of those authors. I have been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick non-stop since I started following you in November and have read 7 more of hers since then! I’m so excited to have a new Nancy Thayer book as well. I’m also really excited about The Girl In Cabin 10! Thank you for doing this each month. I look forward to it so much!
Jeannie says
I just read “Falling” by Julie Cohen and LOVED it. A great chick lit/beach read! Another good one that I just re-read on vacation is “600 Hours of Edward” by Craig Lancaster. I read it a few years ago but dug it out to re-read as I loved it that much! If you are looking for a short Young Adult book that will make you cry, try “Orbiting Jupiter” by Gary Schmidt. I read it because my 7th grader had to read it for school (literally finished it in 2 hours).
KimW says
I felt sort of the same about Spool of Blue Thread – it bugged me that you found out important details in such a casual manner, little details dropped here and there and I had a hard time finishing it but did make it to the end. My office mate and I read it at the same time so it was interesting to talk about the individual characters – especially how we didn’t really agree with Abby’s parenting style at times…
I do have a book recommendation for you, though….. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys!! It is so good!!!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
I just recently found out Lauren Graham wrote a book! I think that one is going to be next for me
Katie S. says
A Spool of Blue Thread was miserable for me. I basically gave it the exact same review to my sister last week. I just kept waiting for something to happen, or something to tie everything together for me. You are not alone, friend! ?
Erin says
This isn’t book related but I noticed you’ve made it so Feedly readers have to click through to read the entire post. That’s a deal breaker for me. I use Feedly for a reason so having to click out of that is an automatic no-go for me. Huge bummer since I love reading your blog. I hope you’ll consider switching it back.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s weird because I wouldn’t know how to change Feedly if my life depended on it! I have no clue why it’s doing that???
Kathleen says
Bloglovin..same thing. We now have to click a link to read your entire post
Tanya says
I’m not sure if your blog is still hosted through blogger. But if so, under settings you can click “Other” and there is a section that says “Allow Blog Feed.” You can select Full, Short, etc.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s not hosted by Blogger, but thank you for the tip! I’ll look into it further!
Stephanie says
I’m about 3/4 of the way through A SPOOL OF BLUE THREAD for my book club and I can’t remember a book that has had me so totally uninterested and uninvested in the characters. While the author is quite talented, I’m finding that the very detailed chapters don’t develop the characters or story enough. And after reading others’ comments, looks like I can bail right now without missing much! Thank you for your other recommendations ?
Natalie Hoover says
Love your book ideas.. I’m glad you answered how you have time to read all these books.. When do you clean your house? Cause your so busy… that would be a great blog one day as you don’t ever talk about cleaning.
Kara B says
Where did you get your dry brush? I’ve been looking for one randomly when I’m out and about, but I’ve yet to find one. I picked up the Cabin book, so I’m anxious to start that. Please tell me that Elin’s Barefoot book picks up with some excitement. I’m struggling to get into it and I think I’m almost done part 1.
Sanna says
I used to sell dry brushes along with Clarisonics. Dry brushes are sold in any health food store such as Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, or Wild Oats. Amazon sells them online. Also, Ulta, and The Body Shop sells them.
Maria D Schweighofer says
I think you’d love Sarah Jio’s books! My favorite book of her’s is The Violets of March, but all of them are lovely! Her new book is released in a week or so!
Blake G says
I love “book review day!” So many great ideas! 🙂
My recommendation is “The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.” I found this book fascinating and so enjoyable. Maybe you’ve read it? Have a great day!
Lori says
I love love love your book reviews and always write down a couple I’m interested in. Thank you! I have a request- could you maybe give us a PG-13 or R rating when warranted? I am always on the look out for good books for my older teen and young adult daughters, but I want to be careful about what I am recommending. Thank you!
Tessa Ernst says
As usual, I love your book review. As a Elin Hilderbrand fanatic, I read two Nancy Thayer books over Christmas. I had finished the Elin Hilderbrand Christmas trio so I read A Nantucket Christmas and An Island Christmas, both by Thayer. Add them to your list for next December! Very good, easy reads. I will now probably start some of her summer books. As my obsession with Nantucket grows, I convinced my husband that I want to take our 10 year anniversary trip to Nantucket. I re-read your trip recap last night and will probably reference it a lot while we plan. Thanks for all you do!
Madison says
I just finished reading a really OLD book called The Inheritance by Judith Michael. Seriously the copyright is like 1988 but it is SO good. One of my older patients lent it to me to read and I’m so glad she did because otherwise I would have never known about it. It is LONG but so worth it. We have similar tastes in books so I think you would like it. It’s got just a little bit of everything in it.
Kerri says
Love these posts! I actually just finished “It Ends with Us” that you recommended in your final review and I love your book reviews, you inspired me to read 4 books last month!
Kay says
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk….excellent book
LisaD says
I just finished (yesterday) The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth and loved it. Another good book that recently came out that my Book Club will be reading for our pick next month is Wreck My Life by Mo Isom. She was a huge soccer star at LSU and is now a speaker, author, wife and mother. It’s a fast read, I recommend it! And the other book my husband and I recently read was A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley which was made into the movie Lion. We also saw the movie so it was fun to compare the book and movie. Thanks M&M Mama for your recommendations!! I read your blog daily and enjoy following your family life….. your kids are so precious!
Erin says
Loved The Woman in Cabin 10! Thought of you and your trip to the fjords when I read it (minus the murder). Have you read Orphan Train? Read that for my book club this month and it was really good!
Andrea Oster says
You should read “The StoryTeller” by Jodi Picoult! Amazing! All of her books are so so good. But this one just left me speechless. She does research on every one of her books so this one is about The Holocaust, baking, and lost time!
Shanery says
Hi I have 2 audible credits and was wondering which top two all time favorites you’d recommend?
Shelley Holden says
Your book reviews are truly my favorite post of the month because we have similar taste in reading.
Wanted to recommend a parenting book to you ( not that I think you need it) but my girls’ school is doing a parents book club right now and we are reading “How to Raise an Adult” by Julie Lythcott- Haims. It has been the best/ most interesting book and I have enjoyed it so much for a parenting book. Thought of you just the other day when I was reading it and wanted to pass along since you are such an avid reader too. Love your blog so much every day!
Corey says
Just read small great things by Jodi Picoult. Loved it. Also read My grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry. Different, but good.
Elizabeth says
I’m on team “how do you have time for all this reading and binge tv watching?!?” I’m good if I read a book or two a month and I also have four kids! Have you read the kind worth killing? That’s another gasp out loud book! So good! And when you get to season 8 of OTH, my triplets played Lydia (OTH was filmed in my town!)
Mix and Match Mama says
Shut up?! No way!!!!! I started OTH in October and just now got to season 9…so, I binge watch sloooooowly! That’s how I do it :). I never sit down and actually watch an episode, I just have it on while I’m working, folding laundry, brushing my teeth, etc. That is so cool about your daughters!!
Elizabeth says
It was actually my boys that played Lydia ? We were told that OTH needed twin boys and the day we showed up for filming they had dresses in their trailer. We were so confused! (I think we were originally booked for Brooke’s twins but they were behind in filming so we just went with it). They are six now and have no idea.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
That is so funny! I’m a huge fan of OTH and worked one day on the show in season 9. I love that you shared this about your boys!! They were adorable 🙂
Donna says
I’m going to have to get the Sally Hepworth book NOW. I’m obsessed with her books. I can’t wait to get it in my hands!
http://awundafullife.blogspot.com/
Megan Butler says
Love your reviews. I use them as my guide for The library!!!! And I read a hundred summers this weekend!!! Sooooo good!!!
Heather Cooper says
Seriously I might need help…..I talk about you WAY too much! Anyways, I read Cancel The Wedding on my way back from Arizona….BEST BOOK EVER. My copy is making it’s way through the hands of many friends! Not to mention at our grade level meetings (I am a teacher) we discuss which of your menu items we are making for the week from your various posts and cookbooks. You are SAVING lives my friend! So, I have a question for you (kind of a dumb one but I am curious)….I think you have mentioned that you only read books instead of reading them on an electronic device of sorts. I am the same way, I just can’t do it, I love the feel of the pages. So….what do you do with all of the books you read? Do you keep your favorites or do you donate them/pass them around? My shelves are busting at the seams….
Katie Bauer says
A Spool of Blue Thread was the worst! I felt the same way, I kept reading, thinking it had to get better, and I was so mad at myself at the end for wasting my time. On another note, I loved the Woman in Cabin 10, and you should read Before the Fall- another mystery type! I had mixed feelings about the end, but it was overall a great book!
Lauren C. says
I just finished I Let You Go last night and it was great! There are definitely some gasp-worthy moments in it, too! I think you would enjoy it!!
Laci says
I am currently halfway through It Ends With Us and I am seriously contemplating reading a book at my desk at work! GULP….No, but really I can’t wait to see how it ends. What is a dry brush??
Sanna says
A dry brush is a body brush with a long handle to easily get to hard to reach places, like your back. It is a brush with typically hard bristles (best ones are cactus or vegetable-derived). The idea is to move the brush in long upward strokes from your feet up, and from the hands to the armpits. You don’t put too much pressure, since the bristles are hard, they will do the work for you.
It stimulates lymph fluids to flow into the lymph nodes and remove toxins. It also exfoliates your skin. The direction you brush in is important and also the type of brush is important. Health food stores sell them from $10 and up. Ulta sells them too and the Body Shop also. Amazon sells them online.
It is done before you shower.
Mandee says
1. This is my favorite day of the month? 2. I’m a broken record, but you MUST read something by Charles Martin. I loved When Crickets Cry, Where the River Ends, and Chasing Fireflies. Do it!! 🙂
Luann says
I agree Mandee! I just discovered him and just left her a really long comment about him and his books! My favorites so far have been Water From My Heart, A Life Intercepted, Unwritten and A Mountain Between Us, although I have read all your favorites and they were really good too! Did you know A Mountain Between Us is being made into a movie starring Kate Winslet? ?
Keisha M Dawson says
This is always one of my favorite posts! Thank you so much for the recommendations!
Eileen McCullough says
Book review days are my favorite! I always get the best recommendations from you and in the comments of your post. Thank you! Loved Lauren Grahams book as well – felt like I was hanging out with Lorelei Gilmore ? I have Sally Helworth’s new book on reserve at the library. Can’t wait.
Linda E says
Thanks for some great suggestions! I am adding them to my TBR list. I just finished Small Great Things. It wasn’t my favorite Jodi Picoult book–that honor will forever be held by The Storyteller–but it was engrossing and very topical. My favorite book from 2016 was I Let You Go so I can’t wait for Clare McIntosh’s new book, which is due out in February. Another great read from last year was a non-fiction book I read for book club called Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra. It’s the story of one family’s heartbreaking struggle through the foster care system. The violence is pretty graphic so it is not for the faint of heart.
Aminda says
Love your book reviews!
They are older, but a couple recommendations are Pearl of China and the Paris Wife. Some more ideas here:
https://joshandaminda.wordpress.com/2017/01/28/5-books-that-inspire-travel-adventure/
Jessica Collins says
I always enjoy your book reviews! I read a book this last month and oh. My. Goodness. If anyone only reads one book this year, it must be this book. It is impossibly lovely, hopeful, gut-wrenching, raw and exuberant! (It also has a lot of travel in it which I’m sure you’ll love!) It follows the story of a young couple who lose their unborn baby in a car accident, and set off on a journey around the world to fix their broken hearts. You will sob tears and laugh out loud. Please read it because I cannot wait to read your review on it!
Come Away with Me by Karma Brown.
Kelly says
Yes, totally agree about Come Away with Me by Karma Brown – soooo good! I would recommend not reading any reviews (other than the blurb on the book itself) so as not to potentially spoil anything. And definitely keep tissues handy towards the end. I rarely cry when reading, and this one left me sobbing. One of my top 3 reads of 2016!
Madeline says
Do you read hard copies of books, or are you a kindle type of girl? I love to hold a physical copy of the book but hate having to store physical books once I’m done.
Mix and Match Mama says
I like to actually hold a book in my hand :).
Lauren says
I just finished Cancel The Wedding based on last month’s review & I LOVED it!! I didn’t want it to end!
Briana says
Definitely have to read Hilaria Baldwin’s book as well as the one from Goop! Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve finally gotten around to starting “Sweetbitter” which everyone has raved about.
Briana
http://www.youngsophisticate.com
Angela Ellingson says
I linked up with Narci for her Carpool Book Club, so here are my books for the month: http://angelaellingson.blogspot.com . I’m wondering if you ever use Audible to “read?”
Angela Ellingson says
Whoops! Didn’t give you the full link… http://angelaellingson.blogspot.com/2017/01/carpool-book-club.html
Amanda says
Small Great Things has been my favorite book so far for 2017. Highly recommend it!!
Bekah Bruce says
Love all these book suggestions. I need to make more time to read because it truly is one of my favorite things to do! Thanks!
Lisa Richardson says
Sounds like we are on the same season of OTH!!! 😉
Kim says
What would be your first pick to suggest if recommending elin hilderbrand??
Mix and Match Mama says
The Blue Bistro is a good one! Silver Girl is too. They’re all good :).
Tina says
I read The Woman in Cabin 10, while ON a cruise. While I did enjoy it, I thought the main character was whiny, which annoyed me a bit. I highly recommend Behind Closed Doors and November 9. Both had twist that shocked me. So good! BTW I took your recommendation and read It Ends With Us….oh my gosh! I literally cuoldn’t put it down. It was my top book of 2016.
R says
Allie and mix and match mama go to jw.org look under children section.
Andrea says
I couldn’t agree more about A Spool of Blue Thread! So boring! I actually stopped reading when I was about 3/4 of the way through it because it was clear it was not going to get any better, and there are too many great books out there to waste time on the bad ones!
Sally Hepworth says
Well aren’t you lovely? I’m so glad you enjoyed The Mother’s Promise. I think I’ll need to come over to Texas on a book tour one of these days so we can catch up face to face! P.S. Agree about Spool of Blue Thread. Shame, because it was so well written. And I’m also starting The Woman in Cabin 10 as we speak. So far, so good!!
Kayla B says
I followed lots of new people on Insta because of this post 😉 If you like historical fiction, I would highly recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. I read it on a trip last year and couldn’t put it down! Very sweet but thought provoking story.
Robin says
Yes! I just finished it and loved it! Kayla, I’d recommend 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff – its is similar in that it uses the same style as The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
I also stayed up reading The Nightingale this weekend (was a little late to that party), and it was SO GOOD. Can’t wait to read the other one by Kristin Hannah that’s been recommended a lot on this thread!!
heather says
I just finished The Girl FROM the Train by Irma Joubert last night! This book is amazing! I’m sure you hear that a lot. Check out some of the reviews. I loved it. The story is so complex but captivating!
Ashleigh says
I absolutely adored Lauren Graham’s book and am glad to see that you did too! I just finished a book that I think you would love. It’s called Me WIthout You by Kelly Rimmer. Since you liked Me Before You, I know you’ll love this one just as much. Make sure to have tissues nearby 🙂
Julie says
After reading your review on Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain, I decided to add it to my list. I read it and loved it! After that, I read another one of her books, The Silent Sister. I loved it as well. Definitely worth a look.
Melissa Titensor says
The miracle morning by Hal Elrod and Denise Hunter has some really fun light reads like the runaway bride. She has probably 15 books out.
Emily says
Now… I am a reader (super into historical stuff right now thanks to Hamilton) BUT…
YOU MUST WATCH HOMELAND WHEN YOU’RE DONE WITH ONE TREE HILL. It is SO good. Best show I’ve ever watched… and if you turn subtitles on, can’t that sort of count as reading? no? lol
KayVonne says
November 9th by Colleen Hoover was a really good book.
Thank you for the monthly book reviews! I get such great suggestions from you & your readers.
Charity says
I got Kristi Ann Hunter’s An Uncommon Courtship as a book to review and it was SO. GOOD! So good that I immediately found the other books she had written and requested them at my library! She is a Christian Author and her Hawthorne series is set in the early 1800’s in London. (Which you would love!!) I can’t say enough good things about her books! They are so well written, her characters are real, flawed people. And they are funny!! I just love her books!!!
Priscilla says
Small Great Things! A tough read, some language, but you will NOT be able to read it fast enough, or put it down once you start. Just a warning ?
Kelly Davis says
Love these suggestions! I am curious which dry brush you are using? I went to amazon (LOVE Amazon) and there are so many options.
Sanna says
Make sure the bristles are hard and cactus- or vegetable- derived, or else they won’t work as well. I used to sell them and had classes on the process of how to use them etc.
Stacey says
Hi! I would love to recommend The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts, especially in light of the first book you shared and the situation going on with your friend. I read this book after my pastor’s young daughter passed away from cancer and it brought a lot of comfort to read Kara’s story. Praying for your friend and always encouraged by your posts.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I read that one :).
Caroline says
I’m just about to start a book I ordered on Amazon, Tell it well: how to share your story and tell it well by Jennifer Spoelma! Looks great and like something you might enjoy ?
Lisa says
I second your opinion on A Spool of Blue Thread. I wanted more of one or 2 characters, instead of just a little bit about most of them, if that makes sense. I never felt invested in any of the characters and therefore, didn’t really care. It was a disappointment.
Melissa D. says
If you liked The Woman In Cabin 10, you will like The Couple Next Door! Everyone I’ve recommended it to has liked it! A couple of my favorites are, “Life After Life,” by Kate Atkinson and “What Was Mine,” by Helen Klein Ross. Also any books by Lisa See are incredible. Check out her genre on Amazon and see what you think! Thanks for another great review!
Laura Dille says
If you haven’t read Lauren Graham’s fiction, “Someday someday maybe,” you have got to!!!
Bethany says
The Bookshop on the Corner and The Undoing of Saint Silvanus are my favorites so far this year. Both really great.
Bernadine says
With your next review, please share a photo of your bookshelf full of your books? I am always getting the best recommendations from these posts!
Misty says
You must read All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. It was recommended to me by a girlfriend and I read it in one night(very, very unusual for me).
Gail says
I really enjoy your site and especially the Book Reviews. I recently read Linda Thompson’s new memoir, A Little Thing Callled Life: On Loving Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner and Songs in Between. It was really good. I think you and your readers will be intrigued by her amazing life.
Ann Marie Ory says
I think you may enjoy Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach. It is a romance book, but also has history of the Dutch tulip mania era. It also is going to be a movie coming out in February!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
I have Talking As Fast As I Can sitting on my nightstand, but I am currently only on season 3 of Gilmore Girls and I’m afraid that reading the book might spoil some of the series for me. I want to read it SO BAD, though! Parenthood was, hands down, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, so I’m looking forward to the snippets about that. Now Netflix just needs to do a Parenthood revival!!
Kristin says
Bright Side by Kim Holden was recommended to me by one of my best friends and it has easily become my favorite book! I’m reading the sequel, Gus, right now and I can’t get enough!
Caroline Burke says
I only read two books. The Kommandants Girl by Pam jenoff who is my fave when it comes to historical fiction.and It Ends with Us. Thank you thank you for that recommendation. It was fantastic!! I tried to read the girl in cabin 10 before and couldn’t get hooked. Maybe I’ll try again.
Jessica says
I did not care for A Spool of Blue Thread either. One of my favorite books is The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.
Donna Cheatham says
These is my words by Nancy Turner is great read!
To any of Dallas based book clubs, invite book reviewer Gayle Brink for a real treat! Our book club has her at least once a year.
What Elin Hilderbrand book would you suggest I start with?
Thanks
Taylor says
I am so curious about what you do with all of your books after you read them??? I LOVE an actual book in my hands, so I have no desire to read on a kindle or the like, but I also don’t have a ton of storage to keep them all. So…..what do you do with them after reading?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Pass them on to friends and family :).
Bethany says
I’m reading The Kitchen House now. Have you read it?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I read that one in 2015 (I think?). It is really good!!!
Lauren says
For everyone wondering what to do with all the books after you’ve read them, you can always donate to charity.
Kendall says
You should read “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake”! It is a sweet little story with a “You’ve Got Mail” twist!
Hillary says
I also read The Woman in Cabin 10 this month and LOVED it. It scared me to death, but I couldn’t put it down! And I had the same feelings as you did about A Spool of Blue Thread – I found it so boring.
My recommendations from recently – Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon and Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.
Lauren Priddle says
Hi! So I bought “The Armor of God” study this past weekend that you recommended a while back and can’t wait to get started! I have a question though, I see at the bottom of some of the pages, it says that there are video sessions online that go along with it. Do you do the video sessions? I’m just curious to know if I don’t watch the video sessions, am I missing out on some great content or can the study be done without the videos?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have some friends doing the videos and some not. Right now, I am not doing the videos and feel like the study is just as effective for me. I think you can go both ways!
Laura says
Love your choices, none of which I’ve read! Talking as Fast as I Can, French Women Don’t Sleep Alone, and The Woman in Cabin 10 are going on my list for sure. This past month I read Killing Reagan and liked it, thanks for recommending those too…Have you ever checked out the Happiness Project or Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin? I’m reading Happier at Home and really enjoying it. 🙂
Jocie says
Shay-
Have you ever tried to watch Nashville? I loved One Tree Hill and this is definitely my new obsession! I feel like you might enjoy it! It definitely keeps me guessing 🙂
Tricia says
was there a change in the email subscriptions where we can’t read your posts in our email anymore and have to click through to the WWW to read your posts? wondered if it was just my email service or change that happened site-wide? loved reading your posts in my emails. had them served to me daily as the priority read right there in my email in-box.
love the blog. love your family. love your heart.
thanks for all the wonderful posts.
Jody says
Love your book reviews! Might I suggest I Let You Go by Claire Mackintosh and No One Knows by JT Ellison? Both were great suspense reads and a nice break from some of the chick lit fluff I like to read.
sarah altman says
Ok since you are dry-brushing now, you need to try doing it with essential oils, it really ups the benefits! I remember you saying a while back that you were trying oils, so if what you are using is Young Living, go get some of their Cel-Lite Oil right now. It helps smooth skin, and it also helps support your lymphatic system! Made my post-baby belly look brand new! altman.srg@gmail.com
Southern & Style says
Okay, I had no idea that Lauren Graham had a book…but now I know what I want my husband to get me for Valentine’s Day!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Kelly says
There’s definitely a few in this book review that I’ll be reading!! Thank you! I’m so curious about the “dry brushing” . It’d be great to hear more about that and if you see it as being beneficial.
Luann says
Just recently someone recommended Charles Martin to me as an author. The first book I read was Water From My Heart. It was without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I have been devouring every book he has written since reading that first one. His books are the type you finish but dwell on for several days. They are thought provoking and you will need a Kleenex but they are full of hope. One of his books, “The Mountain Between Us”, is being made into a movie and Kate Winslet is going to star in it. His books are that good. His endings are always so so good. He is a very clean author so his books can be recommended to all readers. I personally feel convicted when reading books with lots of bad language and sex in them, so I am always thrilled when I find an author that doesn’t go there. So far all of the books I have read take place in the south so thought you would enjoy that about them. He himself is from Florida. Try him. He won’t disappoint. My personal favorites so far have been “Water From my Heart”, A Life Intercepted, Unwritten and The Mountain Between Us, although every single book I have read of his has been good. I have several left to read. Hope to see a review soon on one of his books in your book review! Enjoy!
Courtney says
I was really looking forward to your January book review – I can’t wait to read The Living Clearly Method! Do you prefer to purchase the books, or do you check them out from the library? My issue is most of the books I want to read our library doesn’t have, so I always have to wait a month or so (if they have it somewhere else nearby). Also, do you find it beneficial to read a book all the way through even if you don’t care for it? I always find myself putting it down and moving on!
I hope Ashby is recovering well – Happy Monday, Shay!
Courtney
Eileen Prentice says
I recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer.
Shelly says
Beth moores first ever novel, The Undoing of Saint Silvanus. It’s a big novel, but good so far!!, I’m on page 100
Christie Hardin says
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is one of my all time favs. Start with the Chicago Stars series. You won’t regret it.
Leslie Ann says
I just posted my January Reading Wrap Up if you want to check it out. Have you ever read Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale? I was blown away with how good it was. It’s about a girl who is about to marry her childhood sweetheart until he goes on a business trip fishing in Mexico and disappears. He is presumed dead, but she doesn’t believe it so she goes searching for him. I could not put it down! Super quick read that you will love!
http://www.lalalifeblog.com/2017/01/january-reading-wrap-up.html
Katie says
I just finished The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay, by Kelly Harms. I loved it so much, definitely one of my favorites so far this year!
Melody Peters says
I recommend Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly – a WW II story following 3 different women.
Also I think you’ve said in the past you liked Downton Abbey? If so, add the show Call the Midwife to your Netflix watch list. It’s based on a series of memoirs and takes place in 1950s London. Loving it!!
Lesley McFarland says
I absolutely love this post each month. Girl in Cabin 10 is in my Amazon cart!! I never have to worry about what to read next because I always have several of your reads ready to go when I am.
Heather Bramlett says
Talking as fast as I can is next on my list!!
Can’t wait!! I just started watching Gilmore Girls this year!! #wherehaveibeenhiding #underarock
Deanna Zehr says
I stumbled upon Sally Hepworth this month by reading “The Things We Keep”. So good! I also love Lauren Graham’s book. We share sililar reading tastes for sure! Like you, I’m a busy momma, but reading is always something I find time for. ?
Holly Hopkins says
Just finished The Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery and really enjoyed it reminded me of Elin Hilderbrands books. I am so happy you read Lauren Grahams book and Cabin 10 Ive picked up these books several times and put them back. Now Im definately buying and reading! Love your book reviews!!!
Bailey says
Do you buy physical books and carry them in your purse with you or do you read on your tablet? I loooove having the physical book. I’m not sure I can break away from that!
Mix and Match Mama says
I carry a physical book with me :). I love holding a book!
Jenn says
Thank you so much for this book review! My goal this year is to put down the phone and read as many books as possible – but it appears that first I better go binge watch Gilmore Girls. Priorities!! 😉 This month I read Liane Moriarty’s Truly, Madly, Guilty and also Shannan Martin’s Falling Free. Both really good.
Jenny says
I love book reviews. I’m actually posting mine tomorrow, as well as linking up to a book link up. My favorite books lately, are, ‘The Captive Heart’ by Michelle Griep. Loved this one!!! She owes someone money and he buys her as his wife. It’s better than it sounds with all sorts of awkward humor. And then if you like Earls, Ladies, and such, I really liked ‘To Suit a Suitor’ by Paula Kremser. Both fun and easy reads that are also clean.
Aubrey says
I love Anne Tyler novels for so many reasons, but her books are never quick, easy, gossipy, and/or suspenseful reads. I loved Gone Girl and hated Girl on the Train, but think I might read Woman in Cabin 10 just to see which way it leans. But let’s be honest, you had me at fjords. 🙂 AND I read Me Before You this month and ordered my first ever Laine Moriarty book this weekend. So look at me! All the chick lit! Fingers crossed I like Big Little Lies better than Me Before You. The Britain connection was strong, but everything else was an epic fail for me.
Tanya says
I am putting all of Sally Hepworth’s books on library reserve list! Thanks for always giving such great reviews…I’ve always enjoyed the books you recommend!
Leah says
Dark Matter is a good one!
Tammy Calhoun says
Just finished reading The Woman in Cabin 10, sooooo good!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sheila DeSpirito says
A good ,good book to read is…My Sweet Vidalia by Deborah Mantella. Just finished it several weeks ago.
Sarah B says
The Boys in the Boat is such a great book! It’s nonfiction that reads like fiction. Lots of fun history throughout! It’s not one I would have normally picked up off the shelf but I borrowed someone’s copy and fell in love with it! I just finished Deadline by Sandra Brown. It was the first of her books I had read. If you like suspense, it is a great read.
Alaina says
I LOVED The Boys in the Boat! I can’t recommend it enough to friends and family. It is one of my all-time favorite books!
Jade says
What do you do with all the books after you read them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Share with friends and family :).
Detroit Duchess says
I’m dying to read Lauren Graham’s book! It is definitely on my list! I recently finished 10% Happier by Dan Harris, which I loved and now I am reading Mankiller by Wilma Mankiller, the autobiography of the former Chief of the Cherokee Nation for my book club.
Kimberly Waller says
Have you read Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler? A great book!
Alaina says
Thanks for the recommendation for The Woman in Cabin 10! It was hard to put down. I love your book reviews! I usually pick up at least a few recommendations from your post! I’m currently reading Lilac Girls and thought I’d recommend it to you. It’s heavy, but oh so good! Happy reading!
Missie Swayze says
Do you follow Reese Witherspoon on instagram? Every once in a while, she’ll post a book she’s reading. She recommended The Dry by Jane Harper. SO GOOD. Not normal chick-lit, and a little bit of a slower read than recommendations I see listed above, but worth the read!