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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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September Book Review


September Book Review

It’s my September Book Review!

And all the readers said AMEN!!

I am super, super, super pumped about this month’s post because I enjoyed all five books that I read.  Sit back, grab yourself some coffee, open up your Amazon app and start ordering you something to read.  This batch does not disappoint!  (And psssst: if you’re not a reader, you should immediately stop here and go watch Ozark on Netflix.  Seriously, it’s such good TV!!!)

First up…

Oh Beatriz Williams, YOU HAVE REDEEMED YOURSELF!  I have been waiting and waiting and waiting to fall in love with another Beatriz Williams book and this month, I did!  I loved The Secret Life of Violet Grant!  If you recall, last year, I read A Hundred Summers and LOVED it!  I even named it one of the top 3 books of 2016.  Then, I read several of her books and they just flopped for me (The Wicked City, Along the Infinite Sea, and A Certain Age).  I just kept waiting to love them as much as I loved A Hundred Summers…but then, you ladies suggested this one, and it was FANTASTIC!  This is a fictional tale of two ladies (one set back during WWI and the other around the 1960s).  Each chapter goes back and forth from one girl to the other, but their stories are intertwined.  What I loved most about this book was that it satisfied so many of things I love in a good novel: great love story, check; suspense, check; an unexpected plot twist, check; great characters that leave me wanting more with each page, check, check CHECK!  I could not put this book down.  This story has more meat to it.  It’s not one of those light chick lit books I adore so much…it’s perfect for those of you who like something heaveir, but I also felt like it satisfied the chick lit lover in me too.  Now, I’m ready to conquer another Williams’ book!

I read the third installment of the Crazy Rich Asians series by Kevin Kwan and loved it just as much as I did the other two.  Rich People Problems was…the perfect ending (Is it the end though???  I don’t know????  I can see a fourth one in his future!) of the story.  If you haven’t read these books yet, you should try the first one, Crazy Rich Asians.  They’re really clever and witty little novels about this huge family in Singapore.  Here’s the best part about reading the third one…I knew who all of the characters were!  Ha!  If you’ve read the first two, then you know what I’m talking about.  There are so many characters in these books and they’re so intertwined, that the author has a family tree at the front of all three books so that you don’t get confused.  I must say, quite proudly, that I only had to refer to it twice reading the third book 😉 .  Go and read the first one and if you love it, keep going.  If you loved the first two (Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend) then I guarantee you will love this one too.  It just wraps up everything quite nicely.

Whoa.  The Dry was GOOD.

You girls suggested this book to me over the summer and for whatever reason, I just now got around to it…and it was such a good read!!  This novel takes place in a small town in Australia and there have been some deaths…and I can’t say much more than that. 😉  This book hooked me on the first page.  I thought it read quickly, I loved all of the characters, I had no idea how it was going to end…and I could not put this one down.  If you like books that are suspenseful, you must read this one.  This was such a fun and unexpected surprise.  As much as I love the chick lit, a good old-fashioned “who done it” makes me happy too.

I’ve been on a Kristan Higgins kick lately because her chick lit books just make me smile.  They read a bit like a Hallmark movie (sweet, lovie dovie and slightly predictable), but they’re always entertaining and a nice little escape.  Well…On Second Thought has been my favorite so far!  I liked the other ones, but I loved this one!!  This book is about two sisters and each chapter is from their perspective (it goes back and forth).  One sister is recently widowed at a young age and the other, is recently dumped by her boyfriend of 11 years.  Both sisters are likable, relatable and I just wanted to be both of their friends.  I read this one quickly and loved every page.  If you are in need of a light little chick lit book, here it is.  It’s just a book of good feelings.

Holy cow.  Don’t read this one late at night in the dark by yourself.  Eeeeks!  I loved The Couple Next Door.  When we were in Mexico last week, all of my girlfriends were passing this one around.  We somehow had two copies and I’m pretty sure almost all of us read it before we left.  This novel is full of mystery and suspense.  I mean…you will be hooked right away.  This story is about a couple and well, something tragic happens to them (I don’t want to say and spoil it) at the beginning of the book and then…you have to read the whole thing to see how it unfolds.  Men and women alike would love this book.  I did not know how it was going to end…but I was dying to find out.  This is a good one that I promise you will be passing around too!!

And then one more for today…

Look at this beautiful children’s book my friend April Graney wrote!!  The Marvelous Mud House is a story she wrote after her and her family returned home from Kenya a few years ago.  It’s loosely based on a family they interacted with while they were there.  We have LOVED reading this book this month!!  I love any story that teaches my kiddos contentment, joy, fulfillment and love.  If you’re looking for a sweet book for your little ones, I highly recommend this one.  It’s such a sweet tale.

Okay, that wraps up my September Book Review!  What did you read this month???  I would love some new suggestions!  Please comment and share!!!

To see a complete list of all of the books I’ve read so far this year plus links to their reviews, click HERE.

Don’t forget, you can catch my 2016 Book Review HERE.  It includes the names and reviews of all 62 books I read last year.

You can also see the complete list of books I read in 2015 (all 63 of them),  here.
And lastly, if you want to view my Goodreads Account, click here.
Happy Thursday, friends!  I hope you find yourself with a few minutes to spend in a good book today. xo
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Comments

  1. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    I just bought The Couple Next Door. It’s sitting right next to me now and will be the next book I get to once I finish my current one. It sounds reeeeal good and dark, perfect for me!
    –
    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  3. Alexis says

    You have to read Lisa Wingate’s book, “Before We Were Yours.” I’d be surprised if it didn’t end up being one of your top reads for 2016. It’s an incredibly good book and pulls at your heartstrings!!

  5. Elspeth Mizner says

    Great review! I may add a few of these to my list. I’m big into biographies/memoirs. What ones have you read in the past and enjoyed?

  8. Shannon says

    I was going to suggest The Secret Life of Violet Grant! Never mind! So good though. Also loved the Asians series. So..I’m of no help on the suggestion front. ?

    • Grace says

      I tried reading the Asian series but am stuck on the first book. I just couldn’t keep the characters straight. I didn’t know there was a family tree in the front – one of the cons I suppose of reading it on a kindle. I will try to find the family tree and print it out. Maybe that will help me finish it and get more into the story.

  9. Laura says

    If you are looking for another good series by the same author check out the author Lawrence Anthony. He wrote “The elephant whisperer”, “Babylons Ark” and “The Last Rhino”. They are true stories about his life in South Africa and overlap with many world events that he ended up becoming involved in. These books left me always wanting more and a few of my good friends have. Become obsessed with them too. Plus I think your kids would appreciate some of the stories in them.

  11. Erika Slaughter says

    The Couple Next Door was so good!! And I’m adding The Dry to my must read list now! These posts make me want to call in sick and do nothing but read. Think Tab would mind missing work so I can read? Hahaha!

  12. Lindsay says

    I’ve read a few great ones this month–
    -“Before We Were Yours,” by Lisa Wingate
    -“One True Loves,” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    -“Who Thought This Was A Good Idea,” by Alyssa Mastromonaco.
    -“The Mountain Between Us,” by Charles Martin *soon to be a movie in theaters!*

    I know you’ve already read “One True Loves” but posting it in case any readers checking out the comments are looking for a good one! Mastromonaco’s book wasn’t my ‘usual’ type of read but I LOVED getting to read about what it’s like to work inside the White House, on campaigns and for a president. It was a quick but great read. Wingate’s book ripped my heart out but was wonderful all at the same time with it’s fiction and non-fiction parts.

    YOU have inspired me to read, read, read! Thanks, Shay!

  13. Brandi says

    Shay you need to read Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams next, its the 2nd book in the series after The Secret Life of Violet Grant. Along the Infinite Sea is the last in the series and I loved that one.

    • Sandra says

      I’ll second that – Tiny Little Things by Beatriz Williams is excellent! Might be my favourite of hers.

  14. Narci says

    I love your book reviews and chatting about/swapping books with you, friend!! I need to read the Dry! It sounds great!!!

  15. Sally Hepworth says

    My favourite post of the month! I loved The Dry and not just because the author, Jane Harper, is a friend of mine. Her new book Force of Nature is out this week and it is just as good. I also just read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate recently and it was a great read. Reminded me a lot of Orphan Train. I’m starting on Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng now. Happy reading ? ?

    • Kristin Oldham says

      Wait!!!! Are you THE Sally Hepworth? Of “The Things We Keep”????? Because I loved that book and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it!!!!!!!!!

  16. Shannon Foltz says

    Excited to read The Couple Next Door. If you liked Behind Closed Doors that author also wrote The Break Down and it was SO good…maybe even a little better for me than the first book. Another one that I could not put down was The Marriage Lie.

  17. Holly says

    Loved The Dry and The Couple Next Door!!! Soooo good, right? Currently reading “All the Missing Girls” by Megan Miranda. Love your book reviews!

  18. Laura Fredlund says

    Just finished reading A Look Into Love by Sarah Jio and liked it.. the first thalf if the book isn’t as good the the second half.. but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Next I’m on to “the Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper” by Phaedra Patrick.

  19. Lora LaRosa says

    Shari Lapena’s second book “A Stranger in the House” is just as good as her first book. It is a little easier to figure out what is going to happen after reading her first book. It was hard to put it down because I wanted to see what was going to happen.

  20. Tabitha says

    I didn’t realize it was a series, but definitely read Tiny Little Thing. I loved it. I read them all out of order. I read infinite sea, tiny little thing, now I need to read Violet Grant. Always look forward to your book reviews! ?

  24. Hannah says

    If you are looking for another good Beatriz Williams book you should try ‘Tiny Little Things’. Her books are hit or miss for me too but i really enjoyed that one!

  25. martha caputo says

    Have you read “the identicals” by ElIn Hildebrand?? I know you have mentioned you like her books – me too – this one was my FAVORITE so far. Definitely worth reading! Always love reading your book reviews!!

  26. Stephanie Shin says

    I highly recommend 10% Happier by Dan Harris (ABC news correspondent) and When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Both memoirs – the first is clever, funny, thoughtful… Second is poignant and moving. 🙂

  27. Kristine says

    All of these are available at the library! Eek! So excited! Just need to finish Truly, Madly, Guilty first! Just curious if you ever read nonfiction?

      • Dianna says

        Ah, wishful thinking I guess! It won’t stop me, I still believe one day she will read a book and LIKE IT 🙂 and I’m still reading the creepy book for Halloween reasons.

  29. Taylor says

    I picked up The Dry from the library last week so I’m excited to start that one! Last month I read The Breakdown by B.A Paris and really enjoyed it. In my opinion it wasn’t as good as Behind Closed Doors, this book was a little more on the lighter side, but was still a good read!

  30. Katy A says

    I loved the Kevin Kwan trilogy of books. I read Crazy Rich Asians overnight one night because I just couldn’t stop! I thought Rich People Problrms wrapped it all up nicely but I kind of want more, too. 🙂

      • Sara Wolf says

        I just started watching Ozark because I would watch Jason Bateman read the phone book – I just love him. Seems pretty dark so far but I like it. Loved Breaking Bad too.

  32. Abbie Duvall says

    Small Great Things- by Jodi Picoult . SOOOO good!!
    All The Missing Girls- Megan Miranda . Amazing!!

    I can’t wait to read some of the books you read this month! They sound great especially the couple next door.

  35. Elysa DeLoach says

    You have to read “Tiny Little Thing” then “Along the Infinite Sea” by Beatriz next, in that order. It follows the sisters and gives each of their stories! You’ll love it.

  36. Angelique at Four Points Mom says

    I just love when you give me a long list of books to add to my “to-read” list. Yay! I don’t think you’ve read The Doll House yet. I just finished it and I highly recommend it! It is another book that goes back and forth between two women in different eras, but the first timeframe is the 1960s in NYC. Such a cool book!

    http://www.fourpointsmom.com

  37. Kara says

    Ozark is awesome!! I can’t wait for the second season.

    I like the review at the end of the children’s book…maybe you could start including that each month? I always like getting suggestions for a good children’s book. Thanks!

  38. Alexandra C says

    I haven’t read it yet, but the 4th Winter book, Winter Solstice, from Elin Hilderbrand will be on my doorstep on Tuesday and I’m super excited for it!

    • Heidi Shaker Luna says

      I didn’t even know a 4th is coming out! I’m just about to start the third this week…I love that series!

  40. Erica Burns says

    I read “Her Every Fear” by Peter Swanson, and “The Kind Worth Killing” also by Peter Swanson, very good! Now I am reading, “What She Knew” by Gilly Macmillan

    • Kelly says

      “The Kind Worth Killing” was my favorite book of the year for 2016 (although I read it into 2017, so maybe it should count for this year instead…). SO good! And I loved “What She Knew”!

  43. Lindsey Starr says

    You should check out The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase. It is similar to a Kristan Higgins novel. It reads like a romantic comedy, but with more depth and even some poignant moments dealing with loss. I absolutely loved it!!!

  44. Heidi Shaker Luna says

    I’ve been hooked on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books! I read Forever Interrupted and One True Loves in one week and enjoyed them both! Island Girls by Nancy Thayer is also good! Have you read Jen Hatmaker’s newest, Of Mess and Moxie? My Cooking Club is reading that this month, and she is such a hoot!

  45. heidi says

    Ooh I love book review days!
    I read ‘ what she knew’.. I loved it !!!!
    I’m gonna go order some more. . Thanks shay!

  46. Elizabeth says

    If you liked “Water for Elephants”, I’d recommend Night Circus by Erica Morgenstern or The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman. Both were phenomenal

  47. Taylor says

    I haven’t been reading as much as I normally do this last month, but I just started Jane Austen’s England and I’m excited to see how it goes! I’m still recommending I’m a Stranger Here Myself for you… 🙂 Different genre than a lot of these books, but I think being so familiar with England, you will find it hilarious. Have a great Thursday!

  48. Lauren says

    definitely read Tiny Little Thing by Williams – it’s connected to Violet Grant!! I’ve got The Dry and Couple Next Door on my list, i’ve already read the other three – and loved!

  49. Jennifer says

    You need to add Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan to your list. I know you will absolutely adore it! It is about a lady who moves to Cornwall to get away from a breakup. It has bread baking, a pet puffin and good clean romance. It’s part of a series too, which I always love!

  50. Nikki says

    Try Charles Martin – his books are amazing! When crickets cry, Water from my heart, A life intercepted, Wrapped in Rain… He has a bunch and I am loving working my way through them!

    • Mary Jane McNeill says

      I LOVE anything by Charles Martin!! “The Mountain Between Us” is one of the 10 BEST Books I’ve ever read! I can’t wait to see the movie!! (They’d better not ruin it)

  51. Tanya Carr says

    Hello Shay!
    If you want a easy, super fast, light-hearted, murder mystery AND so funny and cute….you have to read the Jana Deleon Swamp series. Start with the 1st one Louisiana Longshot. I promise you will fall in love with the main characters and this series will make your heart smile 😉

  53. Brice says

    Love Does by Bob Goff 🙂 light hearted, funny yet incredibly inspirational. You will look at life differently after reading this book!

  54. Briana says

    I love, love, love all of Kevin Kwan’s books! I just read “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reed and thought it was so good. May be one you like!

    Briana | youngsophisticate.com

  55. Julie says

    I also loved ‘The Couple Next Door.’ I dread flying, and boy did this book keep me occupied on my summer flights. (Even on the smaller planes-eeeek!). I just read and enjoyed ‘Before We Were Yours.’ It’s sad but moving and a great read. Based on a true story, it tells about Georgia Tann…a woman in the South who ran an “adoption agency” in the 40s. What she really did, was “kidnap” children from poverty stricken homes, and give them up for adoption to the rich and famous. It tugs at your heart, because it really happened! but it’s a great read. I also loved ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.’ My favorite read of the summer. Just a great story with tons of Hollywood glamour! Lastly, do you read Elizabeth Berg? I had an advance copy of her newest due out in Nov ‘The Story of Arthur Truluv.’ Just a sweet novel about the deep friendship between an elderly widow and a young (kind of lost) teenager who meet at a cemetery while mourning their beloved. Sounds dark, but it’s very cheerful an uplifting. Thanks for your reviews-always enjoy!

  56. Lauren M says

    YAYYY for a new Beatriz Williams that is good!!! Cant wait to pick it up. A hundred summers was AMAZING!

  57. I Shal C says

    Yay! 3 new ones for my To Read list! Loved Rich People Problems and the ending too. Here’s my list of Sept reads and recommendations: ishalc611.blogspot.com

  58. Summer says

    I read “The Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline (it’s amazing!), “Wonder” by RJ Palacio (must read!) and “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi. All 3 were amazing! And, if you’re looking for a show to binge watch, try “This is Us.” It’s only had one season so far and season 2 just started. It’s my fav!

  60. LeAnn says

    I love this post each month! One of your readers posted about Silent Child by Sarah Denzil above and it is only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle today 🙂

  61. Beth Glidden says

    My favorite Beatriz Williams book is “Overseas”. I’ve read it a few times and it is so good!

  62. kim says

    I can’t remember if Shay read the Winter series!!! I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read the first two. Absolutely loved them!!! Going to read the next two – but trying to wait until at least November. hahahahaha Elin had a quiz on her website that everyone could take to see which character they are like. It’s cute!

  63. Tracy Millar says

    I read One True Loves based on your recommendations and it was amazing! It is making the rounds now with my friends and so far everyone gives it two thumbs up!

  64. Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says

    The Break Down. But I’ve already told you that one. Definitely a little lighter than Behind Closed Doors but still full of mystery and suspense. And ohhhhh the plot twists!! I’m almost finished with The Couple Next Door and might have to go with The Dry next. I’m on a thriller/suspense kick right now! Happy reading, friend!!

    That Inspired Chick

  65. Chrissy says

    My favorite book I’ve read so far this year it ‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies.” I belong to Book of the Month Club, and this was the book I picked for August. It was LONG but I could not put it down! It follows the life of a man born in Ireland in the ’40s–every chapter is another 7 years gone by. It’s meaningful, relevant, and heartbreaking. I think you’d love it!

  66. Becky Carl says

    You will love Andy Andrews’ books! Start with The Traveler’s Gift and you will be hooked!
    Becky

  67. Amanda says

    I wonder if you would ever consider giving little disclaimers about books that are a bit racy? I know that is subjective. I started the Violet Grant book (at the suggestion of another blogger who is a believer) and I had to put it down early on in the story after the main character hopped into bed with a virtual stranger. I might have to give up on all contemporary literature if I want to avoid this stuff but I know there are books out there that are not so soul-polluting. I sound like an absolute fuddy duddy but in reality I am a prolific reader desperate for good books without all the sex!

  68. Savannah says

    Have you ever read The Time Traveler’s Wife? It’s a MUST! It’s the only fiction novel I’ve ever read twice… and I just finished it for a third time. I also read Nicholas Sparks’ True Believer and its sequel, At First Sight. Both were good, though I think True Believer was better. Anything I’ve ever read by Sparks is good– have you read his stuff?

  69. Allison says

    I just read Little Fires Everywhere and Before We Were Yours. Absolutely LOVED them both!! Now starting A Hundred Summers thanks to your awesome reviews!!

  70. Linda Henderson says

    Thank you for your book recommendations. I have finished the first two Kevin Kwan novels and will definitely read the third. You have probably read Wonder by R.J. Palacio but if you have not, it is terrific. A friend told me in no uncertain terms to “Read it” and I am so glad she did. Soon to be a new movie with Julia Roberts.

  71. Jessica says

    I am currently reading Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight and think you would totally love it! I can’t put it down!

  73. Kristen says

    Hi!! I’m not sure if you have read The Break Down by B.A Paris, but it is incredible! I loved her book Behind Closed Doors, which I think I saw you read in one of your reviews! Read the Break Down if you haven’t, major page turner!!

  74. B.Y.S. says

    I don’t order a whole lot of books. I go back and forth between free Kindle books and books we already have laying around here at the house.

    Amy

  75. Christine says

    Allie & Bea needs to be one of your next reads! It’s engaging, funny, sad, scary & heartwarming all in one and I LOVED it!

  77. Andrea Breece says

    Love your book reviews!!! I should have mine done in a few days. Trying to finish up “believe me” by Yolanda Hadid. As a fellow chronic Lyme suffer I have LOVED it!!! I’ll post my blog in case someone wants to check back later for my book review.
    Andreabreece.wordpress.com

  78. Stephanie says

    Books with a Fall flavor : The Sparrow Sister
    Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore
    Must Reads: Dreamland Burning
    Small Great Things

    Happy Reading!!

  80. Stacy G says

    Thank you! I am traveling to Nashville next week and next a couple of new books. I write this every month and won’t stop posting it until you read it [wink wink]: I suggest you read ‘Necessary Lies’ by Diane Chamberlain

  81. Stacy G says

    Ugh and of course, I had a typo … meant I NEED a couple of new books. Much love to you and your family. I read your blog first thing every morning!!

  82. Amy says

    Shay! We are so on the same page (haha see what I did there?) I read the Couple Next Door last month, just picked up Violet Grant and I finished watching Ozark this week. Adding the others to my Goodreads list. Thanks for another great review! What show are you watching now??

  83. Drew says

    At the Corner of Bitter and Sweet!! Incredible, quick read. Ties in a good love story, history, and some pieces you just don’t know where they’ll go! The characters were engaging!

  84. Sara McQ says

    If you’re looking for something with a little more depth, check out Sara Hagerty’s “Every Bitter Thing is Sweet.” She’s a faith based author, and the Story sort of reminds me of what you’ve shared over the years with infertility/pregnancy/adoption. She’ll make you feel all the things, for sure! I read it before I was even married and it WRECKED me.

  85. Maggie Z says

    You need to read “On Fire” by John O’Leary. It’s a true story about a boy who gets burned badly as a kid & his journey through it all. It’s extremely inspiring!

  86. Abigail Carter says

    Love your book reviews! A Stranger In The House (by same author as The Couple Next Door) is a good one too! I also liked Lost & Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis. I am reading a fun marriage book/devotional also right now called The Love Dare…Each day for 40 days you have a dare you have to make for your spouse! Today’s dare was to call him at work and ask if I could do anything for him today that would make his day go better. I love it so far!

  87. Linda Z says

    I am currently enjoying Nina George’s – The Lititle French Bistro. Her descriptive writing style is quite beautiful.

    Have you read “Our Souls at Night?” The author is Kent Haruf. It’s unique. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford are going to star in a Netflix movie version that is to be released on Friday.

  88. Lindsay says

    Ok, this may sound strange since we don’t actually know each other but I just finished reading a book today and thought, “I wonder when Shay’s next book review will be because I definitely want to recommend this book!” It’s called Unbroken and it’s the true story of WWII survivor, Louis Zamperini. I love lighthearted chick lit, but this was one of those books that helps you remember things you’ve learned about the war all while making it so much more real because it’s a true story! As always, thanks for your book reviews, I look forward to them every month!

  90. Rachel says

    I just finished “You’re the One that I Want” by Giovanna Fletcher and thought it was good! Cute story and I couldn’t really guess the ending. She has several other books that look really cute too!

  91. Jennibell says

    So you think you’ll continue on and read Tiny Little Thing? I think it might make you re-look at Along the Infinate Sea. I know you said you had a hard time following it….I listened to it on audio while I was painting my kitchen….maybe that made a difference?

  92. Shauna G says

    Knew I should have waited for this before ordering my books, can’t wait to read some of these!
    Have you reviewed One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid? Pretty sure you have- but if you haven’t you’ll love it!
    Also Tony Parsons; Man and boy and later instalment Man and Wife is incredible. Just finished the second this month, didn’t love it as much as the first but they’re both great reads.

  93. Sara Wolf says

    Have you read Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge? I just finished it and loved it. I told my husband about it & he read & enjoyed it as well. One of the characters in the story is French & she made me think of you. So that’s the book I’m recommending!

  94. Kimberly Waller says

    I love your book reviews! I enjoyed The Dry also. Have you read Light Between Oceans…I am currently reading it and it is really good! I also read Night Road and A Mother’s Promise…both were good!

  96. Kelsey Reinhard says

    A little different from what you normally read, but have you ever read Switch on Your Brain? It’s about changing our thinking patterns. Or You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado? Both vary from your normal reads, but if you’re looking for something a little different, you might try these!

  97. Elizabeth Stiles says

    Yay! So glad you read the Secret Life of Violet Grant. And I love the Crazy Rich Asian series too! Have you read any Renee Carlino books? I have read one after another and can’t stop! They are all good!

  98. Amber says

    They might be a little out of your usual reading style but Dragon Teeth by Micheal Crichton and The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff are great books. They’re both historical fiction, one about finding dinosaur bones in the late 1800s and the other about a circus in WWII. I couldn’t put either one down.

  100. Liz Thorson says

    Loved Before We were Yours, Orphan Train, Unbroken, all mentioned by others. Just finished Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog, and wow, what a compelling memoir whether you are an athlete or not!

  101. Luann says

    I see someone else already recommended Charles Martin and I highly agree with that recommendation! Anything & everything by him! I just discovered him last year and have devoured everything he has written. A Mountain Between Us would be a good start since the movie version of that book is coming out in October. I would love to hear one of your reviews of one of his books. So so so good!

  102. Rebecca Rooney says

    I just finished The Olive Tree by Lucinda Riley, it was fantastic. It’s about a woman whose godfather leaves her a house in Greece after he dies and she returns for the summer with family.

  103. Catherine says

    What are your favorite children’s books? I would love to see a post about about books for kids.

  104. Vicki Leuck says

    Book Lovers Unite! If you liked Behind Clsed Doors…. you will like The Safest Lies. Check it out!!! Thanks for the awesome book review!

  106. Rebecca Rooney says

    I started Behind Closed Doors today, after reading one of your previous reviews. I’m half way through and…. I am terrified!!!!!!! It is sooooo intense!!!!!!!

  107. Sheena Carpenter says

    I’m gonna have to read em all. I love reading any kind of book really. And my lil ones and I are always needing bed time material. I highly recommend Lisa Jakson books. I’ve liked the books I’ve read so far. And Gillian Flynn books.

  108. Sheena Carpenter says

    I will have to read them all. I love reading any kind of book really and my lil ones are always looking for bed time stories. Lisa Jakson and Gillian Flynn are amazing authors.

  109. Jessica says

    I just finished Rich People Problems, I loved all 3 books, they are so fun! Did you hear that they are making Crazy Rich Asians into a movie? I also enjoyed The Dry and The Couple Next Door. I’m starting Little Fires Everywhere now. 🙂

  110. Julie says

    I LOVE your blog and have been following through your two adoptions. I adore the stories of these precious children — and all your stories, but the adoption aspect touches my heart in the BIGGEST way.

    Now, the editor/proofreader in me has to do this — just a little edit for something that drives me crazy when I see it.
    You wrote: “The Marvelous Mud House is a story she wrote after her and her family returned home from Kenya a few years ago.” That should read, “….a story she wrote after SHE and her family…..” (Forgive me! I had to.)

    Love and best wishes for you and your family!

  111. Ana Luxton says

    I read The Couple Next Door and the Higgins and there both so so good! If you like psychological suspsense, I recommend Best Dave Ever by Kaira Rouda. The story takes place over 24 hours and it’s about a couple who leave the kids with the babysitter to go on a romantic getaway but as the story unfolds, you realize the husband actually has more sinister intentions. It’s narrated from his point of view and super creepy! I love your book review posts so please keep them coming!!!

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