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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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2017 Books in Review!


2017 Book Review
It’s my 2017 Books in Review post!
Eeeeeeks!  This is like Christmas morning to me!!  Today, I’m going to review three books that I read in December and recap all of the books I read this last year.  PLUS, I’m going to name my top 3 books of 2017.
Ready?
Here we go!
First up, here are three books that I read in December along with their reviews…
Please forgive me because I think I’m about to stumble my way through this book review.  I have a lot of emotions about this book…and they may or may not be eloquently stated.  It might be a big old mess 😉 .
I think we would all agree that Wonder is probably the book of 2017, right?  I feel like everyone everywhere is reading it, so it was the first book I started with this last month.  For those of you who don’t know, it’s a fictional story about a boy in 5th grade who starts school for the first time (he’s been home-schooled), and how he deals with the transition as a kiddo with some craniofacial differences.  The book is told from the perspectives of him and other kids in his life (his sister, his friend, etc).  I loved this book, but it was hard for me to read at the same time.  I have fears and anxieties in my heart about my sweet Ashby’s future (based on things the doctors have told me along with conversations I’ve had with adults living with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome), and this book definitely brought many of those to mind.  Obviously, their anomalies are different, but many of the private conversations and fears that Andrew and I have had are expressed in this book.  Where I think a lot of my friends loved this book because it encouraged them/reminded them/helped them have great conversations with their own kids at home…it made me a little anxious and sad.  I had many people say to me “but the book ended great”…and yes, it ends with a little happy moment, but one, it’s fiction and two, it ends with this kiddo in fifth grade…his life/differences/challenges would not have gotten any easier just because he survived fifth grade.  As a mom, I get that fifth grade ended happy for him…but I also know that he will repeat those exact same challenges (and then some!) FOREVER.  I don’t know…I loved it, but I was so happy for it to be over because it just broke my heart.  Is that weird?  Am I the only one who thinks that?  I had a hard time with this one.
Erika gave me Confessions of a Domestic Failure to read and I LOVED it!  Oh my goodness!  This author is one of my new favorite people!  I could not put this book down.  I honestly considered naming it one of my faves this year because it was so laugh out loud funny!  Okay, this fictional story is about a new first-time mom learning how to be a stay at home mom while at the same time in a social media group with this big time, on TV, blogger mom who has it all together.  The juxtaposition of the two is hysterical!  Basically every single bad thing/wrong thing/unfortunate thing that can happen to a new mom happens to this poor girl as she learns the ropes of motherhood.  So many of the misadventures made me grin because I’ve been there too.  Hello, Kensington?! #criedallthetime I thought the story was charming, sweet, funny and encouraging.  All mamas should read this one 🙂 .
I had a sweet reader email me and suggest Christmas in London…and let’s be real, they had me at the title.  This book was very much like all the other chick-lit books I love to read.  It was light, it was entertaining, it just made me HAPPY!  (It also made me want to read more from Anita Hughes!!)  This story starts off in NYC as a baker gets asked at the last minute to fly to London to appear on a baking show. I would say 95% of the book is about the days in London leading up to her TV appearance.  The book is about her plus it’s also about the producer that’s with her…both ladies have love interests and well, it’s just a sweet little story.  I know Christmas has already passed, but this would be a cozy winter read too.  I loved hearing all about London during the holidays.
So, including those three, I read a total of 62 books this year.  Here are the titles and reviews of all of them…
2017 Reads…
(Just click on the month to read my review.)
January
The Mother’s Promise by Sally Hepworth
French Women Don’t Sleep Alone by Jamie Cat Callan
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
The Living Clearly Method by Hilaria Baldwin
Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer
Goop Clean Beauty by the editors at Goop
March
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
All You Need To Be Impossibly French by Helena Frith Powell
Summer Breeze by Nancy Thayer
I Let You Go by Clare Macintosh
Moment Maker by Carlos Enrique Whittaker
The Cozy Life by Pia Edberg
Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup
April
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
31 Days to a Clutter Free Life by Ruth Soukup
The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer
May
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
Every Little Thing by Deidra Riggs
America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
June
Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer
What Happens in the Hamptons by Holly Peterson
The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams
Slammed by Colleen Hoover
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
July
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Paris Street Style by Isabelle Thomas and Frederique Veysset
Delicious by Ruch Reichl
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
Same Beach, Next Year by Dorothea Benton Frank
If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
August
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
I See London, I see France by Sarah Mlynowski
The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer
The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
Class Mom by Laurie Gelman
September
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
The Dry by Jane Harper
On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
October
So Close to Amazing by KariAnne Wood
The Break Down by B.A. Paris
Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mlynowski
Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand
Church of the Small Things by Melanie Shankle
November
Sisters First by Jenna and Barbara Bush
A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer
Merry & Bright by Debbie Macomber
Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews
December
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan
Christmas in London by Anita Hughes
I read some really great books this year (with a few bummers thrown in), but a few stand out as my faves.  I always love sharing my top picks with you girls!  My favorite book of 2014 was What Remains.  In 2015, I named Bread & Wine my favorite book of the year, and then in 2016, Cancel the Wedding.  Every single time I pick up a book, I think “will this one be one of my favorites” and am always amazed at the end of the year which ones were.
Before I get to my top three, here are a few to note from 2017…
This year, I read a series of books that just captured my heart.  I’m giving all three “honorable mention” for 2107.  I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Crazy Rich Asians, but I FELL IN LOVE!
After I read the first book, I quickly picked up and read the second and third installments in the series too.  They are witty, clever, charming, funny and so easy to read.  I absolutely loved all three and couldn’t put them down.  Fingers crossed that we all love the upcoming movie as much as we did the books!  Start with Crazy Rich Asians and then read China Rich Girlfriend followed by Rich People Problems.
I always say this, but my favorite author is Elin Hilderbrand.  You can just always count on her for solid, easy to read, chick lit.  She wrote two new ones this year, and I loved them both…
If you’ve never read a Hilderbrand book, start with The Identicals.  This book is about twin sisters who live on two different islands (Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard).  It’s a quintessential Hilderbrand read 🙂 .  And then she finished off her Christmas series with book number four…
…Winter Solstice.  Go ahead and read all four 🙂 .
All of this being said, when I look back at all of the books I read in 2017, these next three stand out as my faves.  All three stuck with me long after I turned the last page.
Here we go…
My third favorite book of 2017 was…
 The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
Oh Beatriz Williams…you just keep me confused with every book!  Last year, I named another Williams book #3 for the year (A Hundred Summers), but then read about 25 I diskliked in-between (well, maybe not 25…but several).  I have decided that I either LOVE her books or don’t like them at all. I LOVED this book.  Loved it!  I was probably only about two chapters in when I realized this would be a front runner for book of the year.  You can read my full review on this book HERE.  I highly recommend it!
My second favorite book of 2017 was…
Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup
Well, this book just really inspired me.  I not only reviewed it HERE, but I did an entire second post on it HERE. This busy mama writes about de-cluttering your actual house/stuff, de-cluttering your calendar and de-cluttering your relationships.  I was so inspired, convicted, encouraged, and motivated all at once when I was done with this book.  This would be the PERFECT book for you to read this new year.  It really does inspire!  I’m still applying things from it almost a year later.
And finally, my favorite book of 2017 was…
 One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Yeah…it surprised me too.
When I thought back to all the books I read in 2017, this one just kept popping up in my mind.  I loved it when I read it and couldn’t shake it after the fact.  This novel is about a woman who after several years, finds out her husband is not actually dead…but now, she’s engaged.  I don’t know?!  I just found it compelling!  I thought the writing was terrific, the plot pulled at my heartstrings and I kept thinking “what would I do?!”.  This was one of those books that as soon as I was done, I told all my friends and my mom to read it too.  I just wanted to talk to people about this plot!  When it’s all said and done this year, One True Loves was my favorite.
Whew!  So, that wraps up all the books for 2017!  What was your favorite book last year?  I would love to know!!  Please comment and share!!  Who knows?  Maybe it will be my favorite book of 2018? 😉
Happy book day, friends!  I love reading with you guys!!!
To see the complete list of books I read in 2015 (all 63 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2016 (all 62 of them), click here.
If you want to view my Goodreads Account, click here.
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Comments

  1. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    Thank you for the reviews! I’ve had Crazy Rich Asians in my Amazon cart for the longest time but still haven’t clicked purchase yet. It sounds really good! 😀
    –
    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  2. Rebecca L Brittain says

    Wow!!! You read a lot and I can’t imagine how you have the time. I feel like I read a lot and it’s nothing compared to your list. Impressive! I love Kristin Hannah, Nancy Thayer (hello easy Christmas reads) and Emily Giffin books. I’ll be curious to add some of your picks to my line up. I tend to read a lot of relationship self help books because I love studying that topic!
    Xo
    Rebecca @ EveryPieceFits.com

  3. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    Christmas in London sounds right up my alley too! Thank you for sharing your top picks, I’m already adding Beatriz’s book and Ruth’s to my current list! My favorite book this year had to be When Breathe Becomes Air. It stuck with me all year. I even sat next to a girl on a train to NYC last month who was reading it and had a great conversation with her because of it.
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

    • Michelle says

      That is an incredible read!! wow. I heard his wife interviewed, and immediately went out and purchased the book. Just wow!

  4. Jaren says

    I LOVED One True Loves! I gave it to all my girlfriends to read on our beach trip last summer too! Everyone was a fan!
    Unstuffed is sitting on my nightstand, so I need to get on that and read it!
    I teach 6th grade now, and in ELA class, they read Wonder. The kids are completely enthralled by it. They gain so much compassion and lessons in life through this book. We even took a field trip to the movies!! I definitely think it pulls at every momma’s heart. Before the movie, I watched a wonderful 20/20 special (on abc.com) called Wonder Boy (I think). These parents explain how they felt having a child with a similar syndrome to Auggie, and how in reading the book, they were shocked at so many similarities in their own experience. It might be something you are interested in watching.

  6. emily @ a little bit of emily says

    One True Loves was one of my favorites for the year, too! And I absolutely LOVED Christmas in London. She also has a book, Christmas in Paris, which was great, too, if you haven’t read it already!

  7. Kristen Thompson says

    I always LOVE your book reviews!! I recently got into Sarah Jio…I started with her book, Always, which was really good but I think you’d really like The Bungalow which takes place during world war 2 in Tahiti! Her books are both light and a little intense and there is usually a good mystery that keeps you hooked through the very end! You also got me addicted to Kristan Higgins and I’m enjoying her newest book Now That You Mention It, right now!! Thanks for always having such great suggestions!!

    • Susanne says

      I absolutely love Sarah Jio! The Bungalow was one of my favorites! I also loved Goodnight June, Always & Morning Glory. She is such a good writer.

      • Kelly says

        Yes, I second (or third!) Sarah Jio! I loved Goodnight June, Morning Glory, Blackberry Winter, and The Bungalow. I think Morning Glory was my favorite.

  9. Rachel says

    Really glad you liked Wonder. You said it was the best book of 2017, however it came out in 2012.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I know it didn’t come out this year, but because of the movie, I think it’s probably the most popular book this year. Right? Or at least at the end of of the year. I felt like it was everywhere.

  10. Melissa D. says

    Thanks for a recap and top favorites! I LOVE favorite book posts! My two favorites this year were We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (I adore historical fiction) as well as Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. A YA novel I read that I only gave 4.5 starts but that I think should’ve been 5 was Swear on This Life by Renée Carlino. It was so good! Just finished another YA on New Year’s Day called When Dimple Met Rishi. It was absolutely adorable with wonderful characters. Have you seen the NPR Book Concierge 2017? It lets you filter through books based on your likes and preferences! Happy New Year to you and your family!

  11. Emily says

    I was hoping you’d pick One True Loves! I really loved that little book. It was my favorite of the year until last week when I read It Ends With Us in ONE DAY. I can’t stop thinking about it. And I just cracked the spine of Cancel the Wedding so I think I’m in for another treat. Thanks for all your suggestions, Shay!

  12. Diane VandenPlas * Snowflakes & Coffeecakes says

    Shay, as usual, you’ve created a wonderful reading list for the year! I’d like to share a 2018 Book Bucket List Challenge with you that someone just shared with me:

    2018 BOOK BUCKET LIST CHALLENGE:
    Read a book that you can finish in a day.
    Read a book that’s new this year.
    Read a book recommended by a friend.
    Read a book based on a true story.
    Read a book series.
    Read a book that makes you laugh.
    Read a book as a family.
    Read a book you already own, but haven’t read.
    Read a book by an author you’ve never heard of.
    Read a book that turned into a movie.

    Of course, I’d add “Read a new Cookbook” and try one of the recipes from it!
    Happy New Year to you and your family!
    Mama V

  13. Alyssa says

    Based on your love for Uncluttered, I think you might like Emily Ley’s new book A Simplified Life. The title had me because after all, who doesn’t want simplilfication in these busy days!

  15. Amber says

    I love your #1 pick! That was one of my favorite books from last year and I recommended it to everyone! Such a great reading year! I’ve been looking forward to this post for weeks! Can’t wait to see what makes the list for 2018!

  16. Amy Rae says

    I absolutely loved Wonder. It reminded me a lot of my childhood in a way. I have Asperger’s which is on the Autism Spectrum and because I was different, I was made fun of and picked on mercilessly especially in middle school and 9th and 10th grades. The part when he said to his mom “but you’re my mom you have to say that”, was another situation that I related to. My mom is and always will be my best friend. Most of my childhood, I didn’t have true friends and my mom was always there for me. I hope and pray that sweet Ashby doesn’t experience any of that hurt and pain. I loved Wonder and it was my favorite book of the year but it did also make me cry because of how relatable it was. Have you seen the movie, yet?

    I loved Christmas In London. She has another book called Christmas In Paris! I haven’t read that one yet.

    Besides Wonder, my other favorite book of the year was The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney. Have you read that one?

  17. Laura says

    I’m reading The Secret Life of Violet Grant now, but I believe A Hundred Summers will still be my favorite by Beatriz Williams.

  18. Melinda says

    I haven’t read Wonder because of the same reasons! I have a 15 year old autistic son. All the people who I know who have read it, do not have a special needs child. I think it changes your perspective on topics like that when you’re in the trenches yourself. I already know I will NOT see the movie! Do you ever read Karen Kingsbury?? I always love all of her books and stay up way too late reading them!

    • Katie says

      Both of you nailed how I’ve been thinking and feeling about Wonder. My son has a clef lip/palate and is 5 years old. Its the stage when people start looking and sometimes asking about it, and it makes him very uncomfortable. He covers his face anytime a clip from the movie comes on or if we even pass the book in a store. He does not want to see the boy, and certainly did not want to see the movie (none if us really did). Shay, you nailed it when you said ‘yes, it ends with a little happy moment, but one, it’s fiction and two, it ends with this kiddo in fifth grade…his life/differences/challenges would not have gotten any easier just because he survived fifth grade. ” And melinda, I was thinking the same thing about people reading it who do not have special needs and deem it as a “must read.” All that said, I think it’s ok to have these feelings towards the book., and I am grateful to have read my feelings in other’s words. I read all the comments looking to see if anyone else felt the same, so thank you for your honesty. It made an impact on me this morning. Thank you!

  19. Carly M says

    One of my favorite posts that I wait for all year! I recommended a book for you on Good Reads, “Always the Baker” series- has fun recipes in it too. Thank you for always sharing, looking forward to even more books for 2018. Happy Friday!

  20. Alexis deZayas says

    The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower (all about life in the White House from the people who ran it) was one of my top 3 this year!! You would love it!

  21. Kelly Kellendonk says

    I love your book reviews and feel like we have the same taste in books. I get most of my book suggestions from you! I recommend Station Eleven – my favourite book of 2017. SO GOOD. Please read and let us all know what you think!

  22. Kristen says

    The best books I read this year are Little Fires Everywhere and The Last Mrs. Parish…soo good. Reese Witherspoon book club recommendations ( she has the best ones!)

  23. Chelsea B says

    Yes, YES, YAASS!! I picked up One True Loves after you reviewed it, and since have gifted, lent, and begged my friends to read this just so I could talk about it! LOVED it. I also read The Light We Lost after your review and laughed because I felt the same way. It was an interesting, page turning, fun read but I still don’t know how I felt about it! I kind of hate it but wish there was a sequel ?

  24. Rebecca says

    If you haven’t read any books by Leila Meacham, I highly suggest you give them a try. She predominately writes books that are set in Texas. My favorite is her historical fiction book, Roses. It is a multi-generational book about the trials and romances of three prominent families. It is an easy read that you will have a hard time putting down.

  25. Lindsey Sadler says

    So glad you enjoyed Christmas in London. It made me think of you as soon as I started it. I also love One True Loves and have to say it had the same lasting impression for me. Can’t wait to see what books the new year brings!

  26. Angelique says

    After seeing your Featured Photo, I was super excited to hear what you thought about Class Mom because I read it this month. But, you didn’t mention it! Ahhh! Is it on next month’s list? I hope so! 🙂

    http://www.FOURPOINTSMOM.com

  27. Kara says

    I’m so glad I found Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books because of you. I read ALL of her books this year! One of my fav authors now 🙂

  28. Erin says

    Oh I will have to add some of these to my list! A few of my favorites this year were The Breakdown (B.A Paris), Organized Simplicity (Tsh Oxenreider) and Upstairs at the White House (J.B. West)!

  29. Jen Cole says

    Great picks – I have added so many “want to read” books to my Goodreads account, based on the books you have read. My favorite author of the past year was Liane Moriarty – I’m making my way through all her books – they’re all great!!

  30. Angie Buster says

    I loved One True Loves! I would say it would be in the running for my top favorite book this year too.

    I just finished reading the Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. It’s a historical fiction based upon a true story from WW2. It reminded me a lot of The Nightengale…one of my all time favorite books.

    I also just read The Selection Series by Kiera Cass. It’s like The Bachelor meets Hunger Games. The prince has 35 girls move into the castle so he can find his new wife. It’s really good (well, books 1,2 and 3 are and then she moves onto a different main character and it’s not the same). But the first three are easy to read and they grab your attention the whole time!

    • Alexis says

      YES!!! The Selection Series are like The Bachelor meets Hunger Games but without the bloodshed and violence. Ha! One of my favorite series of all time. I was halfway through the first one when I went out and bought the whole series. They’re that good! Shay, you’d LOVE them!

    • Laura says

      I LOVED The Selection Series too! So good! I’m always surprised Shay hasn’t read them!

  31. Laura @ Fantastically Four says

    I love this Shay! We read a lot of the same books last year. Looking forward to following your book reviews again in 2018! ?

  32. Jena says

    Love the book reviews! Two that I loved this year:
    The Light We Lost by Jill Santopollo and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid..BOTH sooo good!

  33. Tina says

    My top three for 2017
    3.Behind Closed Doors
    2.The Kind Worth Killing
    1.Still House Lake

    It was the year of the “Thrillers” for me. Off your list my faves include November 9 and Class Mom,oh, and Winter Solstice (love all E. Hilderbrand books, except the Identicals, that one was just so-so for me)

  34. Mary Beth says

    I have been looking forward to this post!! In June of last year I decided I wanted to read more and watch tv less after I realized I had only read ONE BOOK in the first 5 months of 2017. Well, I ended the year with 22 read and my goal for 2018 is to read 52!

    My three favorite books of 2017 were: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, When Breath becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, and the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I know you have read the Nightingale, but if you have not read the other two, you need to! When Breath becomes Air is a sad but beautiful memoir of a neurosergeon who gets diagnosed with lung cancer. I love Shonda Rhimes’ tv shows (aka I’ve never missed an episode of Grey’s Anatomy) and her book is an easy, encouraging read, about her stepping out of fear and saying yes to things she would normally say no to. I hope you add one (if not both!) of these to your reading list!

  35. Courtney says

    I think you would love Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I’ve read several of her books, including One True Loves and Evelyn Hugo is my favorite. I’m currently 1/3 of the way through One-in-a-Million Boy, about a boy’s friendship with a 104-year-old woman and it’s fantastic so far.

  36. Melissa says

    I loved your number one choice! Have you read the Last Mrs. Parrish? Loved it! I think a few of your friends have mentioned it on their blogs.

  38. Abby says

    I just pulled One True Loves out of my car glovebox, meant to read it on a road trip and forgot. Perfect timing! Can’t wait.

  39. Brianna says

    I was hoping you’d pick One True Loves! My friends and I read it for our book club last summer and everyone loved it! Definitely my favorite book of the year too. I highly recommend Maybe in Another Life by the same author, I couldn’t put it down, and after I finished I couldn’t get it out of my head!

  40. Kim Campbell says

    I’d love for you to read/review two books I have written, The Calm Before the Storm and The Eye of the Storm, the first two books in my Triple Crown Trilogy (by Kimberly Campbell). The third book, The Height of the Storm, is schedule to be out later this year. The books are historical fiction, following my fictional horse Genuine Storm and his team as he attempts to capture the most prized award in all of Thoroughbred racing, the Triple Crown. Each book centers around each of the races, The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes. Hope you love them and thanks for reading.

  41. Tish Ferry says

    I LOVE Book Review days! It seriously does make it feel like Christmas morning when I see your Book Review graphic! I added several new ones to my list to read this morning. Happy New Year to you and your sweet family!

  43. Alexis says

    Before We Were Yours
    Lilac Girls
    Night Road
    The Hate U Give
    Small Great Things

    My faves from the year!!! The last two are ones that are so important and almost beg to be read…and I absolutely loved the other three, too!

  44. Maria says

    Please read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate! It was so good! It’s based on the true story of children taken in the Deep South and sold to wealthy families.
    Also, The Lilac Girls was great also! It is about three different women during WWII.

  46. Annagrace Small says

    If you haven’t read Love Does by Bob Goff and Love Lives Here by Maria Goff they are also books that change your way of thinking.

  47. Kristen Walters says

    I have been looking forward to this post? I would say my favorite book from last year, one that really struck a cord and stuck with me long after I read it was Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult- I mean WOW! That book had so many emotions, and I couldn’t put it down!
    Thanks to you for introducing me to Elin Hilderbrand Books I too LOVE her books and look forward to each one. But I have to say I was disappointed in Winter Solstice. I can’t put my finger on why exactly I didn’t like it other than I felt the ending was kind of abrupt and left loose ends.
    You also introduced me to The Crazy Rich Asian series and I too LOVE LOVE those books!!!! They are light fun reads?
    I tried and tried The Secret Life of Violet Grant and just could not get into? I too LOVED her other book A Hundred Summers, so I was excited to read another one of her books.
    I took LOVED your top book for 2017, I shared my copy with several friends and family and they too enjoyed the book!!
    I Love John Grisham’s early works, there for a while I felt like he was churning out too many books and they weren’t as good. I just finished Camino Island at the end of the year and it was a good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    Looking forward to more of your book reviews this year ?

  48. Ashley says

    I read 66 books this year. My favorite of the year was Hum If You Don’t Know The Words!
    I also loved:
    The Hate You Give
    Killing Jesus
    Kisses From Katie
    A Wrinkle In Time

  50. Celina says

    My favorite day!! Love your reviews and also loved One True Loves.:) Two books I loved and don’t think you read is a historical fiction called Before We Were Yours and my favorite of the year, a thriller, The Last Mrs. Parrish! You know the kind of book you can’t put down and then you’re sad it’s over, that is this one. Read it, you’ll be happy you did!:)

  51. Laurel says

    I really liked Orphan Train, Truly Madly Guilty and The Good Girl this year! I have Unstuffed but haven’t read it yet, I will have to make it my next book 🙂

  52. Brooke Richardson says

    I loved Wonder but cried the whole way through it. So I can kind of relate with you there. I’m not sure it’s a movie I could watch over an over as with our family, there will be some similar challenges shared. But I did love the awareness it brought and the little boy totally captured my heart.

  53. Amy Heinl says

    I love your book reviews and look forward to them. I read 30 books in 2017..many of them were ones you also read..hell Elin Hildebrand,, but my favorite was the one I got for my birthday in December…it was Before They were yours by Lisa Wingate…oh you need to read this one. It’s a complex heart moving story about two families across two different generations based on the scandal of the Tennessee Childrens home (orphanage) . This will so Speak to your heart…I hope you will read it. For 2018 I am eagerly awaiting the new release by Kristin Hannah..The Great Divide…its her first release since The Nightengale..which by the way is being made this year I to major motion picture with 2019 release

    • Shalimar says

      Nightingale is being made into a movie? That was my favorite book of 2016 – maybe my all time favorite book ever, so far!! You just made my day!

  54. Kerri says

    So i must say first that you have completely inspired me this year!! In sooo many ways! Reading being one of them. I have always loved a good book but could never figure out how to find the time to read. I started keeping up with your book reviews in September and ended up ordering “The couple next door”, “The secret life of violet Grant”, “The mother’s promise” and “Church of small things”. I read them all and loved them so much. Couldn’t put them down! I also read “There’s someone in your house” it was a book my 13 year old picked up and wanted to r as so I decided to check it out first to see what it was all about. A little gory since it was a murder mystery but it was pretty good. I ended my year with “year of yes” by Shonda Rhimes. Super inspirational! I would highly recommend it.
    Happy New Year!

  55. MJ says

    Oh man i totally get your thoughts about Wonder! I saw the movie with my son’s school class who read the book. I’m not much of a crier but i bawled through the entire movie because it hit WAY too close too home. My son has pretty significant ADHD which causes him to have abnormal behavior at times. He is a huge target at school and in sports, and everywhere actually, because his behavior is so misunderstood. And his older sister is somewhat traumatized from all the years of the turmoil and attention given to helping his condition. The whole movie just broke my heart from every person’s perspective, especially the mama who carries the weight of everybody on her shoulders!

  56. MICHELLE O says

    I read “Unstuffed” on your recommendation and I loved it. I am in the process of reading it again. I have moved since I first read it and “Unstuffed” my stuff, now I want to read again for my personal “unstuffing” and get myself back on track. I bought “The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude” and started that on 1/1. You have really inspired me to learn how to love life again and reminded me that family is #1. I have moved 1000 miles to get back to my family and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! Thank you for inspiring me! Happy New Year and bless you and your beautiful family!

  57. Anne says

    As a fellow Housewives fan, you should read Yolanda Hadid’s book Believe Me. And ditto on Swear on This Life. I read it in a day! Also, Molly’s Game by Molly Bloom (the new movie with Jessica Chastain is based on this) was so fascinating.

  58. Meredith Malone says

    I LOVED Christmas in London! Anita Hughes is an amazing writer! I’ve also read Island in the Sea, Christmas in Paris and Rome in Love by her and all were amazing! I’m reading her book French Coast right now! The 4 Elin Hilderbrand Winter books are on my list to read in the next few weeks!

  59. Jamie says

    I completely agree with your #1 pick. I’ve told so many people to read it. I read it in May, and I’m still thinking about it! I haven’t read your number 3 pic—need to add it to the list. Thanks for sharing.

  60. Nicole says

    Holy smokes I loved One True loves! You need to read Confess by Colleen Hoover (if you haven’t) might’ve been my favorite last year!! Ahhh sooo good

  61. Jennifer Williams says

    I love your book reviews! I am currently reading
    “ A Hundred Summers”. Also, I read “Cancel The Wedding” last week and LOVED it ?. Crazy Rich Asians just captivated me too ! Keep them coming ?

  62. Becky says

    Shay, always enjoy your book reviews; thanks for sharing. I just finished Lisa See’s newest, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. I love all of her books; this one started out slow for me but I’m glad I didn’t give up on it in the early chapters. You may find this book especially interesting as it deals with Chinese girls, women, tea and adoption.

  63. Shauna G says

    One true loves was hands down one of my faves this year as well! I was hooked from the moment I read your review on it haha. We were liars was a very close second!

    I just finished Take this bread by Sara Biles. It’s a memoir written by a past atheist who was saved in her 40’s. Not my usual read but can definitely recommend this one!

    Looking forward to another year of your book reviews!!!

  64. Bailey Bryant says

    I feel like you need more Colleen Hoover in 2018! I loved Confess & Hopeless. I just finished Without Merit and it wasn’t my favorite—I probably unfairly compared it to her others!

    • Shalimar says

      I feel the exact same way about all these CoHo books you mention. Confess and Hopeless definitely my favorites, and then It Ends With Us. And Without Merit was just eh.

  65. Meredith Harper says

    I loved “Saving my assasin” its a true story of a woman in communist Romania who becomes a Christian and the oppression she faces- she lives in Plano now- it’s a wonderful story of strength and faith without being a “religious” book.
    I am currently reading “ A gentleman in Moscow” a historic fiction that is wonderful.

  66. Vicki Leuck says

    I too liked Christmas in London. Now we need to read Christmas in Paris by the same author!

  67. Cherise Procter says

    One True Loves and Crazy Rich Asians are at the top of my list. I screen shot all the books you review and take it with me to the library. Love your reviews!!! I just finished “Without Merit” by Colleen Hoover. It was an amazing read. Happy New Year to you and your precious family!

  68. Narci Dreffs says

    I love you and precious Ashby. Our crew will be right beside you supporting and loving your family and that sweet girl until we are all old and grey. XO Also, I can’t wait to pick up some of these books! They look so good!

  69. Kary says

    I have been waiting for this! I was gifted an older iPad for Christmas and now use it as an Ereader! I was so against it for the longest as I love the feel and smell of real books. I am hooked now. I love that I can still borrow books from the library and get the deals on books through Amazon! I’ve been wondering how the E Reader has been going for you?

  70. Kristin says

    I just finished a book called The Orphan’s Tale, and it was so good. Historical fiction set in Germany, but I finished it days ago and can’t get it out of my head. Not the type of book I usually read, but so glad I picked it up!

  71. Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says

    So somehow, I have yet to read One True Loves!! It’s on my list but I just keep skipping over it for newer books! I need to make this my next book apparently. And Confessions of a Domestic Failure was hilarious. I follow the author on FB. She’s hysterical! That Inspired Chick

  73. Jennifer Stillwel says

    Have you ever the GoldFinch. I loved this book!!! The development of the characters and their story is great. This is a huge book, but it took me 3 days to read it because it was sooooo good!

  74. Sarah says

    Love your book reviews! I just finished The Forgotten Room that’s written by Beatriz Williams and two other ladies. It was SO GOOD. I didn’t want it to end although it did take me a couple chapters to get into it. Now I’m on to Cocoa Beach (also by Williams) which I’m enjoying so far! I’ve had a similar reaction to Williams’ books where I either love them or feel meh about them. Anyway, if you haven’t read The Forgotten Room yet you should check it out!

  75. Anna Henderson says

    One of my 2018 goals is to read more books and this list is like the holy grail of suggestions!! Thank you for putting them all together for me – can’t wait to get started!! If you haven’t read it already, ROOM (the book the movie is based on) is SO good. It’s a really quick read from the little boy’s point of view. I couldn’t put it down!

  76. Kelsey says

    I’m reading Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado & I love it so far! A good January/ New Year tone-setting book! ?

  77. Deanna Zehr says

    I blogged last week and named One True Loves my favorite book of 2017 also! Since we both picked it, it must be true! 😉

  78. jamie says

    every one of my weekdays starts with your blog {i really need to do devotions first} and every single book review is my favorite. also did you know there is a children’s book version of {wonder}? i bought it for my granddaughter for christmas. thank you for being such a beautiful part of my 2017. i’m excited for all the ways you will touch my heart and inspire me in 2018.

  79. Rachel says

    Have you read The Language of Flowers or Before We Were Yours? They were mentioned in the comment sections of some of your previous book review posts. I loved both!

  80. Becky says

    I am a 5th grade teacher and have read Wonder as my first read aloud of the year. My kids LOVE it every year. So many great themes that are touched on, they can relate to the characters, and we make book comparisons to it throughout the year. We even took a field trip to see it in a theater this November. It was interesting to hear your thoughts from a parent perspective! I always thought of through my lens as a teacher.

  81. Becky says

    **first read aloud for the last five years.
    **thought of it through my lens as a teacher.
    Correcting my typos!

  82. Kathleen says

    I read Crazy Rich Asians, Unstuffed, and One True Loves based on your recommendation and loved them all!

    Are you participating in the 2018 popsugar reading challenge?

  83. Linda Henderson says

    May I suggest you look at reading “The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper of Phaedra Patrick? It is delightful. Thank you for sharing your list.

  85. Lauren says

    I have been following your book reviews since I discovered you have also read and loved It Ends With Us! After discovering that book I read almost every other Hoover novel and I can say that none of them are as good as It Ends With Us, but Confess was so close. It was definitely worth the read and I finished it in one day! I just finished Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker and loved it too. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but ended up loving it. The Lying Game by Ruth Ware is also really good, but has a huge plot twist. Isn’t really a lighthearted and happy read, which I prefer, but I still loved it! Lastly, I’ve seen a few people suggest The Selection Series, which is YA, but it’s so good. I procrastinated on reading the first one after I bought it and quickly regretted the decision once I started. Thanks for such great book reviews! I keep finding that I buy books and read them then see you reviewing them the next month! Hoping to get into the Nantucket-set books soon 🙂

  86. Shanna Corn says

    Love your book reviews, thank you for sharing! Mary Alice Monroe has great books if you’re looking for a new author to try. One of her books is being made into a Hallmark Movie due out in May!

  87. Keryn says

    Even though I don’t really know you, when I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo I actually thought “Shay would really love this book”. I also think you’d like The Book of Polly.

  88. Hayley says

    I feel you about the Wonder book. I’ve been wanting to read it, but I know I would have the same fears/anxieties/sadness that you experienced reading a book like that. My daughter has a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 which could result in severe deformities, hardships, etc. She’s young and nothing has shown itself yet, but the fear is always there.

  89. Kelli Bates says

    Like many others I have been anxiously awaiting your picks for 2017! Thanks to you my reading this year has been much improved.
    On the topic of Wonder… I am a teacher and a parent of a child with disabilities, and I can’t bring myself to read it. Your review confirms this, and I thank you for being honest. I understand what all of the teacher commenters are saying, but my mama heart just can’t handle it. Again, thanks for being a voracious reader and inspiring my reading list!

  90. Danielle | The Pineapple Porch says

    Oh my goodness this was a great post! I cannot wait tos reading your recs!

  91. Angela Ellingson says

    I always love your book reviews!! Just starting Winter Solstice. Also reading Hello Mornings by Kat Lee and Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker. ?

  92. Kelly says

    I read 64 books this year. My very favorite book of the year was the first one I read, “The Kind Worth Killing” by Peter Swanson. Such a good book (would make an excellent movie). And my 2nd favorite was the last book I read, “Until I Met Her” by Natalie Barelli. I loved it, and could NOT put it down. In fact, I loved it so much that halfway through, I ordered the 2nd book (it’s a series of just 2 books), “After He Killed Me”, and I never pay full price for books. It arrived a couple days later, and I read it in just over a day. Couldn’t put it down, and highly recommend!

  93. Shayna says

    I am determined to read some good books this year! I will definitely be reading your top 3! 🙂 When do you find time to read with your littles?!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The older I get, the less TV I’m watching. I read in the morning a little, a lot at night and then any time I have a minute or two (waiting for my kids at lessons/speech/etc). It just all adds up. The funny thing is that I keep reading the same number of books every year. I read a lot on trips too!

  94. Rebecca says

    You are super mom! How do you have time to read and do all you do!?

    I highly recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, also by Taylor Jenkins Reid soooo good!!

  95. Jennifer says

    Love your book review!!! I always can’t wait to see what you have read! I am in a book club, and we read a book called The Bridge, by Jill Cox. She is a local writer from Dallas. I live in Dallas, and she came to our book club meeting to discuss it with us! So fun! This is her first book, and I loved it. It is about a girl who moves to Paris to study abroad, with some love in there too. It made me feel like I was a young again. Not that I am too old, just young, in college, no worries!!! It is such a sweet, fun read! I think you would love this book!

  96. Kristin says

    Thank you Shay! I love this!
    You should read Before We Were Yours. My favorite book I read this year!
    Also, my all time favorite book is I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb.
    Happy New Year.

  97. Karla Seyb-Stockton says

    Thanks for your reading list… I love this post.
    My favorite book this year was The Tears of Dark Water by Corban Addison. It is two stories in one: the story of a father and son who decide to sail around the world as a healing quest and the story of the Somali pirates they encounter. I won’t give a spoiler, but this is an absolutely fabulous read covering the serious subjects of love and loyalty, of family pain, and of piracy in the modern world.

  98. Megan says

    Some of my favorites this year were The Alice Network, The Last Mrs Parrish, and The Lying Game.
    I just finished The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane and think you’d enjoy that one.
    One True Loves is on my TBR list for 2018! And I’m currently halfway through Crazy Rich Asians… very good!

  99. Peg says

    I also read a lot and many of your favorite authors are mine too. Elin Hilderbrand is the best!! I am reading Titans by Leila Meacham that I cannot put down. I’ve read Roses by her and loved it too. Her books make you feel a part of the families she writes about. If you haven’t read Titans I highly recommend it!

  100. Kristie W. says

    Great list of books! I also loved The Identicals! I need to read Winter Solstice soon. Elin is always an auto buy for me.

  101. Erin B. says

    I just love reading your book reviews (and blog). I rarely comment, but just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for sharing with all of us! I don’t really read blogs anymore, except for a select few, and yours just continues to be someplace where I can find fun and inspiring posts (from faith to books to recipes to mama encouragement to clothes and everything in between) Wishing you and your family a really wonderful 2018.

  102. Cassidy says

    After reading Wonder, I highly recommend to watch the episode 20/20 called Wonder Boy. It gives you more hope. It aired back in November, but you could watch it on demand. The episode follows the true story of a boy named Nathaniel with Treacher Collins. He is truly an inspiration.

  103. Lauren Mynarcik says

    I’m just dying to know…how do you have time to read 60+ books?? I’m so envious…says the girl with over 100 to-read books on her bookshelf and only managing to read 30-40 a year. Seriously what’s your secret?? When do you read the most?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You’ll notice that the months when I read the most books are the months I travel. For instance, I read four just this last week in Colorado. I can read a whole book at the airport/on the plane. On a month when I don’t travel, I read a lot at night. I also try to read in the morning and any time I’m waiting (I always keep my book in my bag).

  104. Sara says

    Just read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Maybe in another Life” in two days! You should read it!

  105. Debra says

    Just finished Cocoa Beach by Beatriz Williams. Loved it except I was a bit confused with the ending. I’m impressed with the quantity of books you manage to read with four kiddos, a business and a blog!

  106. Nancy G. says

    Just picked up One True Loves and so excited to read it! Have you read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers? It’s old, but I don’t remember it ever being on one of your book reviews (very possible I missed it!), but if you haven’t read it you simply MUST!

  107. Kaitlyn M. says

    I love reading your book reviews. Thanks for all of your suggestions! A book that I read recently that I really enjoyed was Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave. It’s a perfect chick-lit book! I liked The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews, as well. It’s chick-lit mixed with mystery. Thanks again for all of the suggestions! I added some suggestions to my Amazon cart for my upcoming vacation!

  108. Audra says

    I’m an expat in London and am going to buy that book for all my girlfriends here next Christmas. And I’ve got plenty of your suggestions to read until then- I’ve stocked up for my goal of a book a week in 2018!

  109. Gina says

    Half of those books are my favorites and I was excited about that until I realized that I use your recommendations for my Book Shopping. ha! ha!

    Thanks for taking the time to do this. I may do one on my blog this week as well. We are reading Wonder in our house and I”m praying that we don’t miss the movie. New readers in the hose. Do you think it will ruin the book if we watch half way in?

    **P.S. I messaged you about a charity event we are doing in Lakeway. We want to honor Manda!
    https://thoughtsofamamaandwife.blogspot.com

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Kensington is reading it too!! I kind of think they should finish the book before seeing the movie. Right? I think if they see the movie, they might lose interest in finishing the book.

  110. Alison says

    Hi from England, Shay! If you fancy a book from over the pond then I can’t recommend ‘Just a Boy Standing in front of a Girl’ by Lucy-Anne Holmes highly enough. It is fab. Funny, witty, sad, real – it is unpredictable but a real page turner. I feel gutted that the book has finished! Give it a try Shay, you won’t be disappointed! ?

    • Alison says

      Ps my son recently loaned me his Apple Watch so I have been wearing it for the last week. Now I get why you are so excited by it! I am too ?

  111. Lauren says

    I read 59 books in 2017, many of which you recommended. Thank you for your wonderful monthly posts. I love them and look forward to them. 🙂
    My top 3 books from 2017:
    1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and Cathleen McCarron
    2. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
    3. The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

  112. Heidi says

    OMG Shay… I just finished reading I Found You by Lisa Jewell, and I think you will love it! It reminds me a lot of I Let You Go. The story focuses on several different characters and alternates from past to present. I started the book this morning, and I only stopped a few times all day (Why do my kids insist on being fed??? ?). My favorite nonfiction book this year is The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower. It was fascinating! Happy Reading! I can’t wait til next month’s review!

  113. Ashley says

    Thanks so much for this list! I read so many of your recommendations. Just started Hello, Sunshine last night. It’s a page turner- you should read it!

  114. Tricia says

    Shay,
    I always look forward to your book reviews and have read several of the books you recommend. I just finished reading “A Stranger in the House” by Shari Lapena (same author as “The Couple Next Door”) and I was not able to put it down!!!! Such a great book with so many twists!

  116. Kristy says

    Shay, I love all your recommendations! As a busy mom, how and when do you find the time to read??? I used to read so much before children and now it seems like I haven’t finished a book in 5 years. Any tips or suggestions!?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The more I read, the less TV I watch. I read a lot at night, plus, I always keep a book in my bag, so that any pocket of time I have, I can read.

  117. Kate says

    I just read the rich Asians trilogy and loved them!! My question is..did you really read the first in April, second in May, and third in September?? I read all 3 within 10 days because I just had to know how it would all end! That’s some crazy self control if you really spaced them out that much! ?

  119. Jodie Kingsbury says

    HI, Love reading your blog. You are so down to earth. I Read Confessions of a domestic failure and One True Loves this past weekend and absolutely loved them both. Two of the best books I’ve read in awhile.

  120. Mackenzie says

    I also recommend American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (author of Eligible). It’s a fiction book but the main character is based loosely on Laura Bush. It’s one of my absolute favorites!

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