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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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Mix & Match Mama

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October Book Review


October Book Review

This is how I feel right now about it being my October Book Review…

…Pure. Joy.

I just love, love, love when we sit down and review books together!!!  And I especially love it in the fall and winter because, hello?!  It’s the coziest time of the year to READ!

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and read.  I read FIVE books this month and there wasn’t a dud in the bunch. #watchoutnow

Happy Book Day!

I read So Close To Amazing in two sittings.  And loved it.

I have several connections to the author, KariAnne Wood, so even though I’ve never met her, I was thrilled to get to read her book.  First, she’s the sister of one of my friends at church.  One day, he and his wife were over for dinner and he was like, “so my sister blogs” and when I looked her up, I was like, “Whoa!  She has an amazing blog!”.  Then, when her book was being released, I realized she and I both have the same literary agent.  Small world, right?  Finally, she is moving to McKinney, TX.  Bam!  How are we not best friends by now?  Trust me, when you’re done reading her poignant and funny memoir about her life as a mom, a wife, a blogger and a DIY-er, you’ll want to be her BFF too.  I just found this book inspiring, entertaining, charming, humbling and full of the warm fuzzies I love to read.  I thought the book WAS amazing!  Also, I think this is the kind of book that would make a great little gift to another lady in your life.  This is a very “gift-able” little read.  And bonus, sprinkled within the book are actual DIY projects with pics attached.  KariAnne has some great little projects we could all tackle at home.

Holy moly.  The Break Down was a thriller!  Eeeks!

This is written by the same author who gave us Behind Closed Doors earlier this year (or did we read that last year????)…and it’s in the same hide under the covers/don’t read late at night/scare the heck out of you category.  But I loved it 🙂 .

This novel is about a woman who witnesses a break down by the side of the road only to find out the next morning, there had been a murder there.  There are so many twists.  So many unexpected turns.  I did not see the ending coming.  I was nervous the whole time I read it.  This B.A. Paris author knows how to write a fantastic book with lots of unpredictable plot changes.  I liked this one even more than Behind Closed Doors!  For those of you who want something exciting, mysterious and thrilling…read this.  For those of you who like light, happy and funny…read the other reviews today 🙂 .

Okay, I’m conflicted about Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have).

In August, I read my first Mlynowski book (I see London, I see France) and loved it, so I immediately ordered this one…but I don’t know if I can recommend it or not.  This fictional tale was funny, it made me laugh, I read it really quickly…but I don’t know who it’s meant for?  This book is about teenagers that are left to live by themselves, but I wouldn’t want my teen to read this because these teens are NAUGHTY!  The whole time I was reading it, I was in “mom mode” thinking about how I hope my kids would never behave the way these kids are acting…so, I’m not sure who I think would want to read this.  This book isn’t quite rated R, but it’s a strong PG-13.  I don’t know?  I’m torn!  Was it funny?  Yes.  Was it inappropriate?  Yes.  Should you read it?  I don’t think I’m suggesting it.  I hate when I’m indecisive like this.  Go ahead and read the next book instead…

Another Christmas, another Winter book by Elin Hilderbrand 🙂 .

So, you all know she’s my favorite author…and for the last four years, she’s been publishing a book in her Winter series.  This fictional series is about one family and all four books take place around the holidays on Nantucket.  You need to read these books in order {Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storm, Winter Solstice} because they all build on each other.  I love this series.  I love the characters, I love the setting, I love that it isn’t always predictable…I love, love, love them!  Winter Solstice is maybe the final installment of the series (although, I can see how there could be a fifth written), and it wraps up most things concerning this family who lives on Nantucket.  If you like warm and lighthearted with a big family plot, this is your series.  These books always remind me of the Christmas movie, The Family Stone.  I just loved this book.

And last but certainly not least, my friend Melanie Shankle just had her fourth book published and you should RUN not walk to get this one.  I know so many of you read her blog every day and have read her other books {Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room and Nobody’s Cuter Than You}, and this one…might be my favorite.  All of Melanie’s books are memoirs about her life.  Sparkly Green Earrings is a lot about motherhood, The Antelope in the Living Room is a lot about marriage, Nobody’s Cuter Than You is a lot about girlfriends…and Church of the Small Things is about EVERYTHING.  Friends, I was laughing out loud so hard that I had tears in my eyes at one point, and then I was teary eyed and reminiscent of Manda at another point.  Melanie touches on everything…the funny, the sad, the poignant, the obvious, the rare and everything in-between.  This book is perfect for girls of all ages.  I think someone in college would love it and so would my grandmothers.  I read a little bit of this book every morning this month along with Melanie’s newest Bible study based on the ideas covered in the memoir but put into scripture.  You can do them separately, but I loved doing them together.  Either way, you are going to laugh, you are going to relate and you are going to want Melanie to be your BFF.  She is so funny, she is such a good writer and she tells the best stories about life.  I loved this book!!

Okay, so that wraps up my October Book Review!  I am going to try and read one or two more Christmas books in November so that I can review them and you can read them in December.  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.
Okay, one final thing.  Want to know who won our final $600 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway from Friday????
Congratulations Jennifer Walsh!!
I emailed you this morning.  Please email me back ASAP to claim your prize!!
Happy Monday, friends!  I hope you enjoy the start of your Halloween week!  As for me, my big kids don’t have school today, so we’re off to the zoo!!  See you tomorrow 🙂 .
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Comments

  1. Alexis deZayas says

    I shared my book review today too! You should definitely check out The Residence by Kate Brower! It’s all about life in The White House told from the perspectives of the people who have worked there and some first family members. You would love it!

    • GAIL says

      YES!! This is an AMAZING book. It was a page turner if there ever was one and even better because it’s all true!!

  3. Rebecca Rooney says

    I’ve been counting down the days till your latest book review! Can’t wait to read the new B.A. Paris book! I loved Behind Closed Doors even though I was terrified! After reading your reviews I’ve been reading a lot of Kristin Higgins books, I’m on the 3rd of the Blue Heron series, Waiting on You. I’ve also just started The Dry after reading your review. I’m from Australia so very interested to read it!

  4. Karen says

    Shay, I always love your book reviews. I think you should read the newest Jane Harper novel. Her first novel was “The Dry”, which I know you have read and loved. Her latest book is called “Force of Nature” and it is brilliant! Same main character, still a “whodunit”, but a totally different story. Recommend!

  6. Kristine says

    I just finished The Couple Next Door and On Second Thought per your recommendation and loved them both! I recently discovered Brene Brown and am reading I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), and it’s really interesting! I would love to hear your take on one of her books!

  7. Beth says

    I just finished Debbie Macomber’s Christmas book, Merry and Bright, and loved it. She has a way with words that pulls you in and makes you feel warm and happy. I recommend it. Quick read, sweet Hallmark-type story.
    I also just read The Break Down. I can’t say I highly recommend it. I found the middle part of the book repetitive and tedious – I hate it when it feels like an author is adding text to make the book longer and that was my impression. The ending, however, was a surprise and I do like a good twist.
    Lastly, I’m reading Melanie’s new book, The Church of Small Things, and I agree that it may be her best book (although I highly recommend all of her others). I also agree that it’s good for all ages. I’m a grandmother and it’s like a little treasure, reading a little at a time. (I also love her blog, especially Fashion Friday, and the podcast she does with Boo Mama.)
    I’ll add Elin Hildebrand books to my reading list. Thanks for your recommendations. I love finding good books!

  8. Jami Lee says

    Doesn’t Winter Street come before Winter Stroll? I think I love the Winter series more than I love her summer books.

  9. Chelsea Barnhart says

    I just bought Winter Solstice yesterday! I always say it reminds me of The Family Stone too! When I saw the cover on your review, I did a little happy dance that there weren’t any duds this month! Can’t wait to start!

  11. Kristen Walters says

    I so can’t wait to read Winter Solstice!! I too love Elin Hildebrand books- you got me hooked on them? Life lately has been a bit coatic for us and I haven’t had the opportunity or felt like I could read because there is too much to do. We are smack dab in the middle of moving.

  12. Kristen Hardison says

    Oh happy day! I love your Book Reviews! I can’t wait to read Winter Solstice! I loved all the others in that series, too! If you want more Christmas books, maybe check out some Debbie Macomber ones! Some of hers have turned into Hallmark Christmas movies. One I remember loving was Mrs. Miracle and it starred James VanDerbeek (the guy from Dawson’s Creek). I think there are more books in that series, too. If you look on Amazon she has probably 10 Christmas books! Have so much fun at the Zoo! I wish we were out on Wednesday! The day after Halloween is not my favorite day as a kindergarten teacher ?

  13. Erika Slaughter says

    I just finished Winter Solstice. All of her winter books are so good. I think they’re my favorites!

  15. Eileen says

    Love book review day! I just finished reading Winter Solstice and loved it as much as I loved the others in the series. You have to read Wonder by R.J. Palacio. The movie is coming out next month. I recommend you read it yourself first, and then read it with Kensington and see the movie together.

  16. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    I read Winter Solstice, too, this month and I’m dying of her to give us a 5th book! And have you read The Ape House yet by Sara Gruen? She’s the same author of Water for Elephants. I just finished it last night and LOVED it!
    MeetTheShaneyfelts

  17. Paige Sullivan says

    You just made my day!! Somehow it got by me that Elin Hildebrand was not done with that series and there was a new one for this winter! woohoo! Can’t wait to read it!! Perfect start to the Holiday season!!

  21. Kristi says

    Awesome reviews! Can’t wait to check them out! And have a great day at the zoo!! In a situation like this, do you skip the gym? Do you work out at home instead? Always love hearing how flexible you are balancing it all! Thanks!

  22. Angela Ellingson says

    So Close to Amazing, Winter Solstace and Church of the Small Things have all been added to my list. Why did I think the Winter Street series was a trilogy?! This is so exciting!

  23. Taylor says

    I am reading The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle and it’s sooo good! I’m not finished yet but I can already tell this will be one of my favorite thrillers that I read this year.

  25. Jessica Doyle says

    I just finished all of the books in the Blue Heron Series by Kristin Higgins. I think you read the first one, all of them are amazing!! great easy reads!

  27. Lora Calo says

    I just met Elin Hilderbrand at her book signing for this book in my hometown. I am a lover of her novels as well and was sooooo excited she was coming. She read the first chapter out loud and I forced myself to hold off another month to finish the series so it is closer to the holiday. She said that this book is somehow a tie in to The Rumor as well. And mentioned meeting with execs that week about a possible tv series for The Rumor!! So much good inside info that she gave and thought I’d share with another Hilderbrand lover.

  28. Shannon Voss says

    I’ve read 7 books this month, and my favorite of those was Castle of Water. A great read!

    • Natalie Alvarado says

      I loved Castle of Water! I recommended in the comments last month. You would love it Shay!

    • Sara Wolf says

      I loved Castle if Water! Someone recommended it to Shay in one of her previous book review posts and so I read it. My husband read it when I finished it & he loved it too! I just recommended it to my mom & sister.

  32. Kim says

    I love all the Elin Hilderbrand books too! You should read Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander.

  33. Erin says

    I read The Break Down this month too and LOVED it! I’ll be adding some of the ones you reviewed today to my list. A few other good ones I read this month- Organized Simplicity (Tsh Oxenreider), The Dry (Jane Harper), and In a Dark, Dark Wood (Ruth Ware)…all so good! Happy Reading 🙂 XO

  34. Cat Benoit says

    How on earth do you find so much time to read? I am lucky to get a good quiet time in most mornings! I love your blog!

  36. Sandra Reynolds says

    Good morning Shay. I’m always excited when I see your book review post in my email. Am waiting ‘til a quiet moment in the day when I can enjoy a coffee and saviour it. Thanks for brightening my day! ?

  37. KariAnne Wood says

    Shay,

    Thank you SO MUCH! What a joy to get up this morning and see this in my inbox. Love all your reviews and Melanie Shankle is one of my favorites, too! You are the BEST! I seriously cannot even thank you enough. 🙂
    I hope you have a day as amazing as you are. 🙂

    karianne

  38. Chrissy says

    So if you want to give Sarah Mylnowski one more chance..when you said you ordered one more of hers, I tried to guess and ended up reading Me vs Me. It was a fun, quick read! Once you give in to the impossibility of it all..it’s great. I’m sure many can relate to the what if’s in love.

  39. Ashley says

    This month I was disappointed by Colleen Hoover’s latest book, Without Merit. I loved Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado. And I may have found my favorite book for 2017…Hum if You Don’t Know the Words by Bianca Marais!!!
    November TBR list includes:
    Lincoln in the Bardo
    Turtles All The Way Down
    Out of My Mind
    The Lifegiving Table
    Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

  40. Paula Romer says

    Shay, Thanks for the awesome book review. So… To clarify… You said you are friends with Karianne’s brother and family at church??? Is that Karianne’s brother … The “son of a whale” blogger who is an amazing woodworker and also has adopted??? If so,.. That is a crazy coincidence. I love Karianne and have read her blog for years. You say they are moving to McKinney??? And leaving Thistlewood Farms behind??? I’m sure they will be on another great adventure in finding another amazing home and property. Thanks for sharing the connection. What a small world!

  41. Anna Ford says

    Hi Shay! I think you should try a book by Dorothea Benton Frank. She reminds me a lot of Elin Hilderbrand, and all of her books are set in Charleston, SC. Maybe start with The Hurricane Sisters? I’m reading Same Beach, Next Year right now.

  42. Kasey Eldred says

    Another good mystery book to read is “The Good Girl” by Mary Kubica. I just read it and it was so good! Had a very unexpected ending and I read half the book in one day!

  43. Marcela Klassen says

    I remember your last book blog several people suggested the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio, so I got it. It is AMAZING. I don’t really want to give any spoilers but you will cry, laugh and fall in love with the main character. It would be an absolute great book to read to your kiddos as well. The movie comes out in November and I can’t wait to see it!

  44. Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says

    Yay! Someone else who thinks The Breakdown was better than Behind Closed Doors! I felt all alone in that! Can’t wait to read Winter Solstice!! I’ve been on a binge-watching kick all month so it’s time to get back to books! Excited for a Christmas story!! I loved all the other ones in the series. Elin Hilderbrand has never written a book I didn’t love though! That girl is solid. 🙂 That Inspired Chick

  45. Carrie says

    Your book reviews are the best! Our book club often looks at your reviews and picks our next book! Have you read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate? The adoption storyline is one I think you will find fascinating!

  46. Brianna says

    I’m reading Winter Solstice right now! I just recently read The Rumor, so I’m liking that tie in for this book, it was definitely unexpected. As for recommendations, two Christmas books that are on my list this year are A Very Vintage Christmas and Christmas at Mistletoe Cove. I haven’t read them yet, so I can’t exactly recommend them, but that’s what I’ll be reading!

  47. Emily says

    I just read 3 books in a week…
    Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng
    On the Island, Tracey Graves
    The Awkward Age, Francesca Segal

    I also recently read and enjoyed:
    The Fitness Junkie, Lucy Sykes
    My Not So Perfect Life, Sophie Kinsella

    Not sure if any of these are duplicates from your posts but hopefully not. Downloading Winter Solstice now! Didn’t realize there was another one coming out. Need to refresh my memory on what happened in last year’s book.

  49. Sheila DeSpirito says

    I agree wholeheartedly with Eileen, read Wonder by R.J. Palacio LOVE LOVE LOVE it! A good read for you and Kensington. And see the movie next month.

  52. Brittany S says

    I am halfway though Sisters First by Jenna and Barbara Bush. You should definitely read it if you’re into that kind of thing! I’m so excited about Winter Solstice! I love that series!!

  54. Johnni says

    Do you read multiple books at once, or one at a time? I just read the Broken trilogy by J.L. Drake and LOVED them!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I read a little bit of Melanie’s book every day along with whatever novel I was reading. I typically don’t, but since her book corresponded with my Bible study, I did.

  56. B.Y.S. says

    I have read an assortment of books this month, a lot of Christian prophecy books and whatever I have downloaded to my computer and tablet.

    Amy

  57. Lauren says

    Book Review Day is my favorite day each month on your blog! I read an amazing book this month, Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things. It was fantastic and so gripping. My other two favorites this year so far have been Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson. I highly recommend all three. Happy Reading!

  59. Keisha M Dawson says

    I have Melanie’s book and bible study on my night stand, and I can’t wait to dig into them. I’ve loved everything else she as written, and I’m pumped that you loved this one so much!

  60. Kellie says

    I recently read The Fifth Letter, Little Fires Everywhere (I read Reece Witherspoon is turning that into a Big, Little Lies type series), and Fire Season. I read 2-3 books a week so I love reading all of these suggestions!

  61. Erin Port says

    I found myself laughing out loud at Melanie’s words on the very first page with the mom of the boy who brought his two loaves of bread. She is so relatable, I love her podcast and now I need to read the rest of her books. She is a great writer! I can’t wait to read the other book by the blogger you recommended. I know I will love it 🙂 xoxo ERIN

  62. Julie Harris says

    Just finished “Ten Things We Did and Shouldn’t Have” while on vacation. Quick read, and I mostly agree with your review. It was juvenile and as a mother I wanted to ground them for life, but at the same time I enjoyed reading it and was anxious to get back to the story.

  63. Maura says

    Sisters First- Barbara and Jenna Bush! Political views aside, it’s a great book about sisterhood and what it was like to bs daughters of a president! Sweet knowing you have 3 girls to share sisterhood with too 🙂

  66. Shanna says

    I’ve just happened on Carolyn Brown. The PMS Club and The Ladies’ Room. Oh my gosh, they had me laughing nonstop! She has written several book, but I’m not sure if the others are just as good. These two are very quick reads. As soon as I finish Rich People Probs, I’m picking up another one of her books. Have a great week!

  67. Shelley Holden says

    Always love the book reviews! Just finished “Sisters First” by the Bush twins last night. You would love it. Great book and with your girls, you will relate to so much. Highly recommend!

  68. Melissa @ Finding My Mojo says

    You’re book review is totally on point this month! I can’t decide which of these to read first, although I think I can wait on “Ten Things We Did”! I really love Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter books, I’ve read the other 3 and can’t wait for this 4th book!

  69. Maria says

    Have you ever read the Bailey Wiggins mysteries by Kate White? Years ago, when Oprah started her book club, Kelly Ripa began one too – on her show with Regis. Well, her first book was “If Looks Could Kill” by Kate White. The seventh book in the series comes out tomorrow, “Even if it Kills You”. It’s a great series! You would love it! Fashion, NYC, gossip, spa, etc… total girls-girl books with a mystery. Check it out!

  70. Shannon Atherton says

    I think you will LOVE The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn. Oh. My. Word. It is about modern day leaders and politics in America and how the Bible basically prophecied what is happening in America now and in the last election. It is biblical and so fascinating! It’s like Dateline, politics and astounding prophetic scripture wrapped into one! Soooooo good!

  72. Shiho says

    I get giddy when I see that I read the same book(s) as you! I read The Break Down this month as well and thought it was really good (definitely didn’t expect the ending!) Can’t wait for your next book review!

  74. Laura Fredlund says

    Edenbrooke!!! The best book i’ve read in a while. If you haven’t already read this book you should!:)

  75. Kelly says

    I am reading Church of the Small Things right now, a chapter each morning along with my bible reading. Love it! I love to read Christmas book in November and December, can’t wait to see what your picks are:).

  76. Carly says

    I read London, France and loved it and I just finished Gimme a Call by her also, and it was so cute!! Easy, breezy, interesting concept and so fun to read! It is also clean and I would let even a High Schooler read it (which I can’t say about London, France ?.) I think you’d like it!!

  78. Bethany says

    I wrote a book review on The Selection series! Not quite like anything I see you reading, but I really enjoyed it!
    Love the book reviews and the recommendations from the comments as well!