It’s my favorite day of the month!!
BOOK REVIEW DAY!!!!!
And it’s long overdue. I’m so glad that we’re finally getting around to talking about last month’s books!
If you’re a reader like me then you’re all like this today…
…woohoooooooooooo!
But unfortunately, if you’re not a reader like me, then you’re all like this today…
…zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
For those of you non-readers, might I suggest one of the television series I binged watched last year? I loved every single one of them:
Gilmore Girls
Downton Abbey
The Good Wife
One Tree Hill
(I watched them in that order and in my opinion, you should too! Somehow I watched them in the order I would rank them. They were all excellent, but that’s my order.)
Okay, now…on to books!
Last month, I read four books and LOVED THEM ALL! How often does that happen? I have a little bit of everything in this month’s lineup…two fictional books (one heavier literature and the other a lighter chick lit), one devotional and one book that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Let’s go…
Well, Beatriz Williams redeemed herself to me. Last fall, I read my first Williams book (A Hundred Summers) and LOVED it so much that I named it one of the top three books that I read in all of 2016. But then…I followed that novel up with another Williams novel (A Certain Age) and was bored out of my mind. So, this month, I tackled another Williams novel, Along the Infinite Sea and could not put it down. It was THRILLING. Now, I tend to read a lot of chick lit…but I really and truly think that those of you who prefer heavier literature will love this as much as those of you who like lighter beach reads. This book is set in two different time periods and based on two different characters and how their lives intertwine over a span of time. Both lead characters are women and I loved each of them. (Side note, one of them is named Pepper and now I totally feel the need to have another daughter and name her Pepper. Isn’t that cute?!). I will say that I thought there was more substance with the Annabelle character and her story line…but I enjoyed Pepper too. Once you start reading this book, you will NOT be able to put it down. I had no clue how it would end…and I loved every second of the journey. Read this one!
I followed up that book with this one…
…The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and friends, it will change your whole world! Now, my mom saw this book in my car and laughed because I AM SO FREAKING TIDY THAT IT’S ANNOYING. Yes, I am. My name is Shay and I’m a very tidy person. Married to an even tidier person. We’re so weird like that. But I’ve been hearing about this book from everyone and so I finally bought it for myself and you know what? I have been tidying wrong this whole time. This author is a professional organizer and her methods are so simple, so obvious and yet, I wasn’t doing any of them. For example, I would clean out one room at a time and she swears that is all wrong. We should clean out one “thing” at a time. Like instead of me cleaning out the play room one day, I should tackle just “books” that day and clean them out all over my house (my room, the kids’ rooms, the play room, etc). So, I tried that and I think it made things easier. This little book is filled with very practical tips to tidying up your space. I really thought I knew how to tidy but after reading it, I felt like such a beginner :). She’s hardcore…but I think her methods are insanely brilliant.
Ahhh! I loved My (not so) Perfect Life! Sophie Kinsella writes great girly novels that are typically a lot of fluff and fun to read (perfect beach reads!) and this one did not disappoint. It has everything you expect from a Kinsella story: a great female heroine that you pity and love at the same time, an English setting, humor, romance, and a lot of quirkiness. I thought this book was very similar to a Bridget Jones’ Diary (my very favorite movie!). If you like Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, I think you’ll like this one even a bit more. Very cute and easy to read!
And the last book I read this month was actually a devotional…so, I read a little bit every day all month long. Remember in September 2015 when I read Bringing Lucy Home? Well the same author (an American adoptive mama living in Australia) just came out with this devotional for parents who are in the process to adopt/have adopted and I loved it! Honestly, I think the devotional would be great for any parent. Every day in 30 Days of Hope, she writes a little personal testimony/shares a story and then follows it up with scripture and some application. If you know anyone who is in the process of adopting, then you should get both of Phillips’ books: Bringing Lucy Home (their amazing story about their adoption journey) and this one too.
So, that’s my February Book Review!
What are you ladies reading right now??? Comment and share! I love, love, love your ideas about what to read :).
And don’t forget, if you missed my January Book Review…
…you can catch it HERE.
Plus, if you missed this…
…you can catch it HERE. It includes the names and reviews of all 62 books I read last year.
Dana Powell says
I have always wondered how in the world your house is so clean! Does it drive you crazy having so many kids? I feel like al I ever do is clean and then they undo it all day long. Do you think the book is helpful for life with kids as well? Also, it’s so nice to have you back and blogging again. You were definitely missed!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ha! Our house is clean because it’s full of a bunch of type-A people! I thought the book was crazy brilliant. She makes things sound so obvious and yet…I was doing it all wrong. I’ve put many of her ideas into play over the last month and think they’ve made a world of difference. It’s a fascinating take on being tidy.
Erika Slaughter says
I think I need to borrow that tidying up book. ?? And I have Sophie Kinsella’s book on my night stand! For the record, I’m like the first pic of Madeley on these days…a big ole grin!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I haven’t read a Sophie Kinsella book for years! Although I found her Shopaholic series quite annoying (that main character, ugh), I actually enjoyed her other standalone chick lit novels. I remember one made me laugh out loud. My (not so) Perfect Life sounds like a perfect light read for my upcoming trip to Vietnam!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I saw Along the Infinite Sea at the library the other day and almost picked it up! I will have to the next time I go!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Heather Bramlett says
I keep hearing about ‘the life changing magic of tidying up’ as well. I may just have to break down and buy it!
emily @ a little bit of emily says
You should check out Spark Joy, too. It goes a little more in depth on some of the tips in The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I am in the middle of it right now!
Sheaffer Sims says
I totally need to start watching The Good Wife!
Eileen says
I LOVE book review days!!!! I read so many of the books you recommend (we have very similar tastes in books). Thanks for the new titles to check out.
Brooke Richardson says
I need to borrow the tidying up book. Pleeeeeaaaassssse!!!!!
Laura Dille says
YAY book review! And if you had a daughter named Pepper, that would mess up your British theme (except I guess the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper?). Instead, I think after POPPY you should get a dog named Pepper 🙂
Amy Heinl says
I just finished Cancel the Wedding ByCarolyn Dingman…it was such a great book, easy read, and funny and emotional at same time with great storyline and characters. Next up Family Tree by Susan Wiggs…she is a great author
Sally Hepworth says
I have the tidying book but I’m too scared to read it in case I have to start tidying up …
Lauren says
Just finished your book The Mother’s Promise and I loved it as much as I loved The Things We Keep. So glad Shay introduced me to your writing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sally is BRILLIANT!
Sally Hepworth says
Thank you Shay. You are brilliant too xo
Sally Hepworth says
Thank you Lauren xo
Narci Dreffs says
Yay!! I love Book review days! You always have the best suggestions!!!
Katrina Goodman says
Along the Infinite Sea is my favorite. I cried while finishing it up around 11 pm. Upon waking, I retold the whole story to my husband like it was a true story! I am reading A Gentleman in Moscow right now (Ashley Spivey recommended it on Instagram). It is well written, but I have not gotten into it yet. She said it is great, but a slow start.
Sarah says
I’ve been wanting to read the life-changing magic of tidying up but also figured I knew it all LOL!! My secret to being organized/clean is we don’t own a lot of stuff. Our house is big, but it’s simple. Makes it easy to keep clean!! Though, the book sounds amazing and I definitely need to check it out! Thanks for the recommendations!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Jessica says
My book club read Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. It’s a bit heavy as it deals with forbidden love in 1930s Kentucky, but we all LOVED it!
Aparna says
Hi Jessica, just wanted to thank you! I saw your recommendation for Calling me home here and I read it! What a book! I couldn’t put it down till the end! Loved it! 🙂
ELizabeth says
The magic of tidying up is a favorite of mine!
Xo, Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Heather Forcey says
I just finished My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry. I liked it. A great story about a quirky grandmother, the residents living in their complex, and love you have for family and friends. I’d recommend it.
Sharon says
I just finished reading ” They left us everything” and loved it. Right now, I am reading ‘born a crime’ by Trevor Noah and I know that this will be one of my favourite books of 2017….
Megan says
I shared my February books today as well. I’ve already read that Sophie Kinsella this month so I will be sharing my thought soon with my March reads (I loved it!). I will be purchasing 30 Days of Hope Today. It sounds perfect for my adoptive mama soul and my current study finished up this week. Perfect timing!
Natalie says
I guess I might have been tyding up all wrong too.. I will need to purchase that book.. I like things in order too…love the Gilmore Girls watched it last night…thanks for the great book review this month Shay.. glad you are back.. Hope you will put up a post of spring break trip..have a great day…
Katie says
Along the Infinite Sea is the final book in the Schuyler sister’s trilogy. It starts with The Secret Life of Violet Grant, followed by Tiny Things and ends with Along the Infinite Sea! All three were wonderful and look at each sister’s life story. Check them out!
Marie Claas says
I just finished THE RED NOTEBOOK by Antoine Laurain, and it was just beautifully written and beautifully thought out. It’s not very long, but he does so much in a short space. I know you love France and the French, and Paris. I think you would love this one!!!
Erin says
Oooohhhhh, I LOVE Sophie Kinsella and haven’t read that one yet. Thanks for the suggestion! This month I’ve gone back and read some of Liane Moriarty’s older novels…Three Wishes and The Last Anniversary. They were AWESOME! I highly recommend them, especially if you are a Moriarty fan!
Melissa Gartner says
I am currently obsessed with everything by Kristin Hannah. You should give her a try if you never have!
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
I just added the Sophie Kinsella book to my TBR list! I looks like so much fun!
heidi says
I loved the secret of tidying up. .for sure a little quirky in places but some great tips!
I’m just reading ‘ I let you go’ .. eek 3 chapters in and is gonna be heart wrenching I can tell !
Sara Wolf says
My sister just recommended “I let you go” so I checked it out from the library 2 nights ago. Glad you’re liking it so far.
Rebecca says
Highly recommend Colleen Hoover’s books! I remember you reviewed ‘It ends with us’ and really enjoyed it – well I have since read ‘Hopeless’ which was AMAZING (and now I am onto ‘Losing Hope’). Highly highly recommend!!
Amanda says
I loved My Not So Perfect Life too! Will definitely need to check out the tidying up book. I just can’t understand where all this STUFF comes from!! ???
Kate says
Successful Moms of the Bible is short sweet and GOOD!!!
Mandi Moore says
I loved My Not So a perfect Life too! I actually just shared it in my February book review yesterday! Right now I’m on a Colleen Hoover kick and I just finished Hopeless. It was such a GOOD READ! It’s about a high school romance filled with so many twists and turns and a riviting confession. It’ll be in my March review!
Mary says
Thanks for reviewing the life-changing magic of tidying up. I am also a neat freak and thought this book would be useless to me, but good to hear you learned a lot from it. I have watched a few youtube videos from the author and could tell she is definitely a master of her trade 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
She’s brilliant! Her ideas are so simple and yet, I wasn’t doing any of them.
Megan Butler says
These are my favorite posts!!! It’s so helpful when I go to the library!! I make a list and just look for your suggestions. Thanks for making my life easy friend!!!
Kristi says
I love your suggestions and have read many of your top picks! Letters from Paris by Juliet Blackwell was really good, and I am reading another one of her books next.
Amy says
I cannot wait to read that Beatriz Williams book! Here are my recommendations for you. I think you would love November 9 by Hoover…could not put it down. The Residence is another one I really enjoyed. It is about all of the people that work in the Residence of the White House and their interactions with various presidents and their wives. Small Great Things by Piccoult was really good….powerful. I am glad you are back from your break. I missed you!
Eryn says
November 9 was excellent. Finished it over the weekend!
Kelly says
I’ve not read any of Beatriz Williams books, need to fix that asap:). I recently finished Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner. It takes place in WWII England, mostly London and the Cotswold’s . Really enjoyed it.
Christy Badaracco says
Great suggestions, thank you ! My niece is named Pepper- fits her perfectly !
Lisa D says
I just finished A Hundred Summers and loved it. I also read Where The Light Gets In — Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again by Kimberly Williams Paisley. It’s an autobiography about her mother who has dementia, a vey good and thoughtful book although it’s a ‘heavy’ topic. I’ve must started reading Michele Cushatt’s new book, I Am — A 60-Day Journey To Knowing Who You Are Because Of Who He Is. Each day is new reading about who we are in Christ. She is so insightful!
Thanks for your recommendations.
Courtney says
I look forward to your book reviews every month! So many books you’ve recommended, I have fell in love with. I just read The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright and could not put it down. I’m usually a chick lit kinda girl, and this book sucked me right in! Had to share!
Valerie Cox says
Loved My (not so) Perfect Life! Such a cute and fun read! One of my favorite Sophie Kinsella books by far!
Tara @ Mommy in a Nutshell says
I shared my book reviews today as well! I LOVED LOVED LOVED A Hundred Summers. I definitely will check out Along the Infinite Sea. Thanks for the rec.
Kristine says
I loved The Life changing magic of tidying up! Still need to put her tips to use though! 😉 I’m on vacation right now and reading It Ends With Us per your recommendation. Such a great beach read! I recently read A Monster Calls and highly recommend it. It was an easy read. I balled my eyes out, but it was so good. There’s a movie coming out too soon!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
So happy you are back! I can’t wait to read some of your recommendations! I have been reading Everything is Perfect When You’re A Liar by Kelly Oxford who is a producer in LA for children’s stage productions. She is pretty funny and has a lot of commentary on parent life 🙂
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Anna says
Violets of March by Sarah Jio is such a great book! It’s another novel that is about different people during different time periods and it pulls you in right away!
Kristen says
Yes, I 2nd Violets of March!
Ashley Clark says
Great recommendations! Thank you! I just finished Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Very heavy subject matter, but an excellent book with strong female characters. Also suggest Victoria by Daisy Goodwin about the early life of Queen Victoria. Very interesting, and she also wrote the screenplay for the show Victoria on PBS which I’m going to watch now that I’ve finished the book.
Briana says
I’ve recently started reading Lisa See’s novels which are all centered around Chinese culture. Actually, I immediately thought they might be of interest to you. They’re beautifully written and entertaining yet allow you to learn a lot about traditional Chinese culture. I’m currently in the middle of “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” which is about two young girls in 19th century China who are bound together as lifelong friends as part of a tradition called “lao tong”. Next, I’m going to read “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” which is about a Chinese woman and her daughter who has been adopted by an American family.
Briana
http://www.youngsophisticate.com
Melissa D. says
I loved all of her books too! Great recommendations!
Alexis deZayas says
Have you read Where We Belong by Emily Giffin? If not, I think you would like it!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have! A good one!!
Eryn says
Colleen Hoover has completely sucked me in with her books. I get book hangovers on every single one. I’ve read It Ends with Us per your suggestion….phenomenal. I’ve since read Ugly Love (rated R) and November 9. Both were excellent. Currently trying to get over my hangover from November 9…just finished it over the weekend. Her books give me all the feels.
Courtney says
In February I read six books. I highly recommend all of them. I read three Colleen Hoover books: “Confess”, “Hopeless”, and “Losing Hope”. All three were so great. I read “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne and that is my favorite book of the year so far. I also read “She Reads Truth”. Amazing read. And finally, “The woman in cabin 10”. Such a great month for reads.
Regina says
The Hating Game is my favorite too!! I cannot wait for her next book.
Christina says
Along The Infinite Sea is one of my favorites! I’d recommend reading the other two in that series… The Secret Life of Violet Grant and Tiny Little Thing. Both of those books follow Peppers sisters (one book for each) and they are really good! Plus you get more background info on Peppers story.
Lindy says
It says that Along the Infinite Sea is part of a series. Have you read the first 2? Wondering if they’re good!
Lauren says
Just finished Behind Closed Doors, by B.A. Paris…suspense story that keeps you interested right up to the last page! If you liked Woman in Cabin 10, you’ll enjoy this read.
Stephanie says
I love your book reviews!! I have “Along the Infinite Sea” on hold at the library! Two books I’ve recently read that I thouroughly enjoyed were ” The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman, and “To the Farthest Shores” by Elizabeth Camden. Both were wonderful! I wondered if you could give a rating like PG, PG13, etc. when you review? Happy Reading!!
Jenny says
Okay, I’m headed over to Amazon right now. I love hearing what you’ve read, since I’m always looking for something to read. Also, have you read, It Ends With Us? If you haven’t… do! The ratings are unbelievably high… for very good reason. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I named it the second best book of 2016!!! I absolutely loved that book!
Kristen Walters says
I LOVED A Hundred Summers and was sooooo looking forward to The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams. I couldn’t even finish the book, and it takes a lot for me to not finish a book. So with that said I will give Along the Infinite Sea a chance since you said it was so good 😉 I love your book reviews, I look forward to them because I read quite a lot of them that you review. Right now I’m reading When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards- about two woman who grew up in the foster care system together. Loving the book!!!
Kimberly Waller says
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler is great! Loved that book. I just finished reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah and loved it also. Two great books.
Amanda says
I loved My Not So Perfect Life. It was a cute and funny book. Beatriz Williams has a new book coming out in July- Cocoa Beach. Looking forward to that!
Lauren says
Beatriz Williams books! Love! Along the infinite sea is one of THREE about the Schulyer sisters. I loved Tiny Little Thing, am finishing The Secret Life of Violet Grant – I’ve got to read Infinite Sea. And i just LOVE Hundred Summers. She’s definitely a new favorite
gail w. says
Such great reads – going to start with the Sophie Kinsella book! I just finished reading ‘The Residence’ by Kate Andersen Brower. I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t read a complete book in at least a year, but last week, I spent an entire sunny San Diego weekend on the patio and read it cover to cover. Very detailed oriented, and no particular political leanings; it’s absolutely fascinating for anyone who’s a history buff.
Robin says
I still think you need to read Kate Morton’s books (all but “The Distant Hours”)! I just finished Marisa de los Santos’ “Precious One” and I loved it!!
Lisa Richardson says
Sadly I’m more like the second picture of precious Madeley when it comes to books…BUT I can get all over some binge watching. You should try The Crown. (but pace yourself) There’s only been one season and the next one is due out until I think November (insert all the crying emojis here). I tried Downton Abby and just couldn’t get into it, but The Crown does have a little similar feeling to me.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m in the middle of watching it!! Love, love, love it!
Natalie Clark says
Can’t wait to order more books to read after this review! My amazon card always gets some good action after these posts! Since I’m on a cleaning out kick while preparing for baby #2, I might even have to try The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up!
Corbie says
LOVE LOVE LOVE (in a sing song voice) the monthly book reviews posts!!! I have these all queued up in the kindle. Now… lets talk about the tidy up book. I may have to revisit that one. I remember sampling it and it gave me a weird feeling inside similar to what the the word “budget” makes me feel like. lol. If you are swearing by it then I will try again and see if I can feel excited about tidying up and actually do it. I am a tidy person too but I bet I am doing it all wrong too. I “putter”. I putter from room to room and sweep clean. Thanks again for the great post Shay!
Angela Ellingson says
I listened to The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up on Audible earlier this month and completely agree! I loved it and it’s been so helpful! 🙂 I also listened to The Magnolia Story by Joanna & Chip Gaines – LOVE! I’m reading Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist right now and I have mixed feelings about it. Next on my list is Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst because she’s coming to speak at a local ladies’s night in a few weeks. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I was so disappointed in Present Over Perfect. It seemed repetitive and forced. Read her book Bread & Wine. I named it the best book of 2015.
Jenn says
Have you watched the good fight? The good wife’s spin-off? Just curious if its worth watching!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s next on my list!!
jamie says
HA! just commented asking if you’ve started watching “the good fight”…
Ashley says
I had the tidying book on my nightstand for months trying to read it, and then my dog ate it!! I think he likes me being messy because there’s always interesting things around that he can take and hoard in his crate lol I need to get another copy though!
Erin Port says
I am off to order those two adoption books and a big ol’ box of tissues because I will need them I know! Thanks for sharing your book reviews. One of my all time favorites besides Redeeming Love (class of its own) is The Royal We, which you suggested! xoxo ERIN
Sara Beth Floyd says
my favorite book of 2016 was, hands down, Hillbilly Elegy! I loved it. I read a lot of different genres, too. I just finished up America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray (about Thomas Jefferson’s family) and really loved it. I’m reading Shoe Dog (founder of Nike) now and it’s great, too. I list and opine about every book I read under the hashtag #sbfreads (on instagram) if anyone is interested in some suggestions (or warnings! Ha!)
Shay, did you read The Royal We? Surely you have with your love of all things British. If not, you should put it on your list. It’s great.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love, love, love The Royal We!!!!!
Emily says
I used to be so envious on Book Review days because I was a college student who couldnt seem to find time to read for fun. Now that I am in the “real world” I live for these reviews because I’m always looking for something good to read. I recently read “A Hundred Summers” and “It Ends With Us’ per your recommendation and I could not put them down. Thanks for all of your suggestions!
Summer says
i just read ‘Wonder’ by RJ Palacio. It’s a young adult book [my 3rd grade son is reading it now]. I really think it’s a “must read” for adults and kids too!
LeAnn says
I just want you to know that your monthly book reviews changed me into a reader again! I used to love to read in High School, etc but after becoming a mom and working full-time I just didn’t feel like I had time to read. But you have such great recommendations that I’ve been reading non-stop for awhile now! And funny story, right before you took your 2 week blogging break I started reading your brothers book about his time on the Bachelor and it was such a wonderful book! So thank you for doing this; I used to be Madeley’s 2nd picture, but now I’m her 1st 😉
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
SOPHIE KINSELLA IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS… HOW DID I MISS THAT SHE HAS A NEW BOOK?! Thank you so much for letting me know!
Leslie W. says
Must read – “Seven Women and the Secret of their Greatness” by Eric Metaxas. (Also, wrote “Seven Men and the Secret of their Greatness” which I’m finishing now.) Mini biographies of great role models that we are in such need of in this world today. These people led fascinating lives, had laser focus on God’s purpose for their lives, and demonstrated what can happen if we let turn our lives over to Him!
Brooke says
Oh I love book review month!! I literally open your blog page and amazon at the same time! and then just go on down the list and add those ’em to my cart! I’ve always loved your book reviews 🙂 I just finished “What she knew” if you are looking for a mild & easy to follow “mystery/thriller” it was good!
Looking forward to some great reads this month!
Anne says
Okay, leaving on spring break in a few weeks… which would you recommend if I haven’t read either: hundred summers or along the infinite sea?! Some reviewers of infinite sea said you needed to read the other books first. What do you think? We will be on our first Disney cruise! Can’t wait! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
A Hundred Summers 🙂
Anne says
Thank you!
Kelli says
Now I want to run out and buy that devotional! Thanks for the recommendation. Speaking of foster/adopt books, I just started reading Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty and I’m loving it! If you haven’t read it, you should add it to your list. She adopted from Africa and I recently heard her speak at the Refresh Conference.
Lauren Solarsh says
Shay, thank you for another round of great books. I always count on your reads! I was recently traveling and finished “It Ends with Us” in the airport so went to find another read and found “The Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly. It is a MUST read. Follows three women through the same journey during World War 2. I hope you are hanging in there with everything that has been thrown your way lately! I am rooting for you! xoxo Lauren
Sunny says
Just wanted to recommend a couple books: Counted With the Stars and Shadow of the Storm by Cannily Cossette (book 3 coming soon). I don’t normally read Biblical Fiction, but I couldn’t put these down. I think you’d like them! 🙂
Sunny says
oops…darn auto correct. That is Connilyn Cossette.
Jennifer Phillips says
Shay! Thank you so much for including my 30 Days of Hope for Adoptive Parents book in your review/recommendations! So honored that you not only took time to read it, but want others to read it too. You’re awesome!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was fantastic!! I loved Bringing Home Lucy, so I’m so glad I read this one too!
Sarah Park says
Have you ever read books by Kristin Harmel? I LOVED “The Life Intended” and randomly spotted “When We Meet Again” this week at the library. I started reading it and it immediately sucked me in!! Such interesting and likable characters! Plus some old school references for people born in the early 80s like me ?
Gina says
Have you watched Brothers & Sisters. I watched it when it originally aired. I’m rewatching and it is soooo good. I can’t stop!
Jeanie says
I am always in the process of reading a book, but get most of mine at a thrift store; therefore, I seldom read anything too awfully new. I did read tidying up when it first came out. Maybe I’m the only person who disagrees, but I thought the author was — how shall we say — off her rocker. Sorry. Also, tidy is one of the last words anyone would use to describe me. That brings to mind one year when I received my annual performance rating at work. The big boss wrote that the only thing I needed to improve was the tidiness of my desk.
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahaha! No, she’s eccentric to say the least! I can agree with you!
Robin Osborne says
Hi, I have absolutely nothing in common with you. I am middle aged, never married, no children (Although I did recently retire after teaching little kiddos for 28 years.). However I very much enjoy reading your blog. You mentioned Downton Abbey as a binge watch, may I suggest that you might enjoy Call the Midwife? It is a BBC series set in the early 60s in London’s east end. It is funny, sweet and will also make you cry. The new season (the 6th, I think) on PBS starts in April. but previous seasons can be downloaded with itunes. Another PBS favorite of mine has been Mercy Street, an american production set during the civil war. The actor who portrayed Ted on How I Met Your Mother is almost unrecognizable as one of the male leads. Anyway, thanks for sharing pieces of your life!
jamie says
your book reviews are my FAVORITE. have you started watching “the good fight”? it’s the spin off of “the good wife”…
Elizabeth says
I’ve only completed the 1st part of the book on clothes but definitely plan to keep learning to tidy. ALso – going to check out that Sophie Kinsella book! 😉
Liz Hentges says
Okay, I just put all of these in my Amazon cart except for the adoption one. Can’t wait to read! Thank you for always doing such a good book review and giving me such good ideas. So inspiring! Thanks, Shay!
Alexis says
Okay. You’ve got to read November 9th by Colleen Hoover and Night Road by Kristin Hannah. I just read Night Road and I have no doubt it’ll be in my top faves for this year. So hard to put down and such a good story!! I also LOVED Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. I’ve read all of hers and this was my favorite.
Just finished Necessary Lies (looked back through some of your recs and found that one). WOW! What an incredible book. And I’m about to finish My (not so) Perfect Life and am loving it. Reminds me of her earlier books like The Undomestic Goddess. Love her books!
Olivia says
Did you see that HBO has a tv show based on the book Big Little Lies you read a year or so back?! It’s quite good!
Shaily says
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See touches directly on adoption from China, from both the birth mother’s and adopted girl’s points of view
jamie says
http://dailydoseofpepper.com/
a food blog. her daughter’s name is pepper…
ishalc says
Love your Book Reviews! I was one of the readers who suggested Life Change Magic of Tidying Up in a past comment. That book has still kept me tidy, it’s a lifestyle change that I love and am so grateful for.
Colleen Hoover sucked me in instantly with It Ends With Us, so I went on to read 4 more after that and Confess was my favorite of them all (even more than It Ends with Us)! I definitely recommend that one.
Jordyn G. says
I just finished See Me by Nicholas Sparks while on vacation and LOVED. IT. I could not put it down. I highly recommend it!!
Lynn says
Hi Shay sorry to bother you but just a wee book I know you will LOVE!! Have you read Kisses from Kate by Katie Davis? Read the reviews its the perfect book for you…so so inspiring x
Morgan Eckert says
Still waiting for you to try one by Lisa Scottoline ? Keep Quiet is a good one!
Lauren says
I’m currently reading Behind Closed Doors, and I can’t put it down!
Katherine says
I’m just getting started on Along the Infinite Sea and I’m curious if it’s a sequel to A Hundred Summers because the character mentioned on the first page is Nick Greenwald who was one of the main characters in A Hundred Summers! Let me know… thanks! Also I read A Mother’s Promise this month and loved it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Several of her characters cross over into other books, but they’re not sequels.
Katherine says
What?! I don’t think I’ve ever come across that before! That’s kind of fun!
Dana says
So I know you’ve enjoyed some Colleen Hoover books before, and I just finished reading Hopeless by her and it was so good! I could not put it down! I think some of it is a little “out there” since it is based on two kids that are seniors in high school, but regardless the whole book was full of suspense and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. You should definitely add it to your “to read” list. 🙂
Aparna says
Shay I love your blog, love reading about your daily life with your sweet little ones and especially look forward to your monthly reviews….I read The woman in cabin 10 last month based on your review and loved it! Thank you so much and keep it rolling!