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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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May 2018 Book Review


May Book Review
It’s my MAY BOOK REVIEW!
Woohoo!!!!!!!!
Guys, I’m PUMPED about this one!  I have a memoir, the third part in a trilogy, a feel good book, a cute little novel and a book that will scare the pants off of you.  Ha!  I love a fun mix!!
Grab your coffee and open up your Amazon account…there are books on here you will want to buy!
Let’s start with…
I kicked off May with a recommendation from several of you ladies!  The Little Bookshop on the Seine is the first novel in a series of books and I found it absolutely adorable!  This book is about a bookshop owner who switches places with another owner and instead of running her shop in the States, she runs one in Paris.  It is everything you want in a chick-lit book set in Paris.  It’s romantic, full of yummy food references, charming, and just sweet.  I thought the main character was endearing in a Bridget Jones kind of way, and I was really pulling for her throughout the book.  I also thought this one would end differently than it did, so it wasn’t super predictable too (which I love!).    I already bought the next book in the series and hope to read it soon.  Thank you for this rec, friends!  This light little read was exactly what I needed this month.
Oh my word, I laughed my way through Ali Wentworth’s latest book, Go Ask Ali.  Do you all know who Ali is?  She’s an actress, comedian, writer, mom and the wife of George Stephanopoulos.   Her books will literally make you LOL.  She writes memoir-style books about her life and lessons learned and they are FUNNY!  (They’re also a little rated-R, so be aware!)  One time, I was reading her other book, Happily Ali-After, on a flight and was laughing so hard in my seat that I was crying.  I could not stop.  I was alone on my flight dying laughing!  In this book, she talks a lot about hard lessons she’s learned in life…but in that funny, sassy, make you laugh out loud kind of way.  I loved this one so much!!
So, I was at the girls’ dance practice reading another book (featured next) when my friend Kaitlynn came over to me and told me to stop what I was reading and immediately start reading The Marriage Pact…and because Kaitlynn has such good taste in books (especially scary, thriller, creepy ones), I did.  I uploaded this one right then and there at dance practice on my Kindle and started reading (resuming my other book when I was done)…and IT WAS SO GOOD! Okay, here’s what I’ll say without giving too much away.  This novel is about a newly married couple who make an agreement…that ends up being very cult-ish.  This book isn’t about a cult exactly…but what they agree to and the ramifications of them not obliging reminded me so much of how Leah Remini talks about Scientology (another great book and TV series).  You’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.  It will blow your mind in ways you weren’t expecting.  And you’ll love every page.   All of you who love a good thriller, pick this one up!
Okay, so raise your hand if you’ve read Me Before You?  And then the sequel to it, After You?  Well, I read them both, so when this third book, Still Me, came out, I knew I would need to read that one too.  And guess what?  I loved it even more than the first two.  AND BONUS, some of you might disagree with me, but I personally think you can read this one without reading the other two.  Now, of course, you should read all three in order…but I thought this one stood enough on its own that you wouldn’t be lost if you read it solo.  This third installment is another novel about Louisa…but this time, she finds herself living in NYC.  I thought this book moved faster than the other two, I loved the new characters that were introduced and of course, the setting.  Now, that I’ve read so many of these books, my heart just aches for Louisa and I want her to find happiness.  She has always been endearing to me, but this last novel made her even more so.  Read them all 🙂 .
I mean…everyone is talking about Everybody, Always right now.  Erika passed it on to me and friends, it was so encouraging and uplifting!  I’m afraid I’m going to mess up my review…because this book is so simple, yet complex and deep at the same time.  It just gave me all the warm fuzzies while I read it.   Everybody, Always is a faith-based one where Goff shares his own personal stories about loving on people and being loved by people. He’s not a pastor…he’s an attorney and professor and talks about how he and his wife love on their neighbors (and really created a sense of community on their street), how they deal with difficult people, how people have dealt with them while they were being difficult, about their many trips overseas including extensive time in Uganda…it’s just one chapter after another of grace.  I know that I could always use a shot of encouragement in the “show everyone love and grace” department, and this book did that for me.  This is one you’ll read and then pass on to others.  It’s just inspiring.  And practical.  I love when I’m inspired in a very practical, realistic, doable way.
So, five books in one month!  I’m pretty proud of the variety I have here too!!  So tell me, what are you guys reading right now?  I would love to know!!  I am always looking for new recommendations from YOU!!
Last but not least, to see a running list of the books I’m reading this year, click HERE.
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.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2017 (all 62 of them), click here.
Happy Book Day!  I hope you all find some time today to read 🙂 .
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Comments

  2. Lindsey says

    I can’t wait to read that JoJo Moyes book!!! Me before You is a definite favorite! Are you reading all of your books on the kindle now?

  3. Sheaffer Sims says

    So…..I think I might read. I know, I know. Can I borrow Everybody Always?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You may!!! I will resist the urge to say something sarcastic here 😉 .

  5. Laura says

    YAY book review day! Just finished The Secret Life of Violet Grant per your recommendation and I’m telling everyone I know to read it!

  6. Erika Slaughter says

    Once again, this book post makes me wanna pause adulting for a day-just to read!!!

  9. Eileen McCullough says

    Book day is my favorite! Still Me was my favorite of the trilogy as well. Loved it! So far this year, The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah was my favorite. I read it back in March and I still think about it.

  10. Kelly says

    Loved Still Me!! Also. There are so many great books coming out this summer! I can’t wait to read Elin’s new book!

  11. Christy says

    Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. It’s a gripping historical fiction that goes back and forth between 1939 and present day.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes! I read that one last month!!! (Or March??? I can’t remember.)

  12. Taylor says

    If you’re looking for another great memoir you should read The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner. It’s about Ruth’s childhood growing up in a polygamous family. By the end of the book I had non-stop tears coming down my face.
    Also, Shay I have to tell you about the book I read this month called The Idea of You. It left me with a huge book hangover. I feel the way I felt after reading It Ends With Us last year. It is one of my favorite books at this moment and I can’t stop thinking about it. I think you would love it but I do have to say it is majorly rated R. Some of the parts of the book had me cringing but I still couldn’t put this book down. Anyways, that’s my book rant for the day. Just had to share ?

  13. Lori says

    This month I’ve read the Nightingale and now almost done with the Great Alone. It’s going to be very hard choosing a book after these two winners!

  14. Claire says

    Definitely putting the Little Bookshop and Eveybody Always on my summer list! I just finished Homegoing and have been recommending it to everyone I know. Stunning, heartbreaking, and beautiful; seriously one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!!

  15. Rebecca says

    Love!!! If you loved Bob Goff, have you read The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell? ??

  16. Narci Dreffs says

    Eeek!! Book Review Day is always my favorite!! So fun!! Adding these to my list now!!

  17. Kristine G. says

    I love reading a variety of different books! I’ll be checking out Everybody Always…sounds like a book I could use right now. 🙂 I just read When Breath Becomes Air. It’s about a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at 36. Highly recommend it! I couldn’t put it down. I’m also reading a suspense novel, I Let Go…so far I’m loving it!

  18. Alexis deZayas says

    I shared a book review today too! I read Lilac Girls and it was SO good. It’s set during WWII. You would love it!!

  19. Jamie Dixon says

    A goal for my teacher summer break is to read more. I have a brand new library card and literally walk up and down the aisles of books with your book review lists pulled up on my phone! Thank you! My first book was Here’s to Us by Elin Hilderbrand. Sooooo good! Now I’m moving on to Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I’m usually like the picture of one of your cute kiddos sleeping when your book review comes out, but now I’m like the picture of one your cuties cannon balling into the pool! Ha! ?

  20. Brooke says

    I just finished The Last Mrs. Parrish (which was amazing!!) and am now reading Then she was gone which is starting out really good!!!

    I love your reviews it gives me so many good ideas! Plus my hubby got me a Paperwhite for my birthday and I LOVE IT!!!

  22. Tammy Calhoun says

    Jojo Moyes never disappoints! I loved the third book too! I want to be friends with Louisa☺️ Thanks for the suggestions. I always love your book reviews since I’m also a crazy reader! So many good books, never enough time!

  23. Sally Hepworth says

    Yay yay yay … book review day. I have just started The Favourite Sister by Jessica Knoll. Have you read The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjailian yet??? And have you read The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve? Love that you are spreading the reading vibe to your followers. P.S. Next year I’m coming f to Texas, let’s make a date 😉

    • Kim Hays says

      The Pilot’s Wife….oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of my most favorite books I have EVER read!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSS

    • Sara says

      I just finished The Flight Attendant and thought it was really good. Reminded me a bit of The Girl on the Train.

  24. Jen says

    Not sure if you have already read but the Great Alone by Kristin Hannah was so so good!

  25. Shelley Holden says

    I wait for this post each month!!! It is my favorite because I love to read and we like similar things. Can’t wait to read these! Amazon Cart Full! I want you to read some books of Mary Kay Andrews. Just met her at a book signing recently and her new book is really good- I think she is similar to my very favorite- Elin Hildebrand. Her new book is the High Tide Club. I think you will love it. Also discovered a great series- there are only 2 books so far but I have read them both this week- Slightly South of Simple and the Secret of Southern Charm by Kristin Woodson Harvey. I think you would adore them too. I couldn’t put them down!

  26. Elz says

    “We Were the Lucky Ones” and “The Alice Network” are two I’ve read recently that stand out as being just downright amazing. The first is a true story of a Jewish family in Nazi Poland and…you have to read it.

    • Sara says

      We Were the Lucky Ones was absolutely amazing! I loved it so much I made my husband read it too. And I spent HOURS on the internet afterwards looking at her blog.

  27. Shelley Holden says

    I wait for this post each month! I love your book reviews and always find things I love on them. Amazon Cart Full!
    I want you to try some of Mary Kay Andrews’ books. I love these beach reads and they remind me of Elin Hildebrand. Just met Ms Andrews recently at a book signing in my town and she is adorable and her new book The High Tide Club is awesome! I think you would love it. I also loved the Weekenders last year too. Found another author this week and could not put her books down- read both in last few days- Kristin Woodson Harvey. She wrote Slightly South of Simple and the Secret to Southern Charm. Such great beach read books about 3 sisters and their family.

  28. Holly says

    Just finished Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. Such a great book, highly recommend!!!

  29. Morgan Dykes says

    Loved these! Everybody Always is on my To Read list and now I am adding The Marriage Pact to it as well – sounds so good! I’m currently reading I’ll Be Gone In The Dark about Michelle McNamara’s search for the Golden State Killer! So good! I can’t remember if you’ve read that or not.

  30. Stacie Cagney says

    I looked on your past list to see if you have read A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole. I didn’t see it, so add it to your list. It is a heart tug read for sure!

  31. Donna Edlee says

    Aack!!!! I was at the library last night and pulled up your blog and saw the May book list all queued up!! I grabbed Still Me and a couple others from previous months. Now I’m ready for some serious pool time! Finishing up The Church of the Small Things now. Love, love, love your reviews!!!

  32. Kelly Sites says

    You MUST read Educated. So so so good. I read it in 24 hours. I can’t wait to read The Marriage Pact. I’ve been on a marriage-thriller binge lately. There are so many good ones. The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberland is so good. And I loved Sweet Maria Goff’s book, Love Lives Here as a follow up to Everybody Always. Happy reading!

  34. Stacy says

    Yay! Leaving for the beach while kids are at camp (all the praise hands!!) and my amazon cart is FULL! Thanks for the great suggestions.
    PS- Bob Goff’s first book, LOVE DOES, is also amazing–can’t recommend it enough.

  35. Leslie Ann says

    Yay for book review day! I read Sally Hepworth’s new book The Family Next Door this month and loved it! I also read The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner and I think you would LOVE it! Have you ever read anything by her? She has a new one out called The Husband Hour. They are great beach reads. I posted about the nine books I read in May if you want to check them out. 🙂

    http://www.lalalifeblog.com/2018/05/may-book-reviews.html

  36. Laura @ Fantastically Four says

    I need to get my hands on all of these books! Love Does was amazing and I don’t know how I haven’t picked up Everybody Always yet!

  37. Rebecca Jo says

    I was the same way about Louisa… I am just so hooked on wanting this fictional character to be happy 🙂
    Heading right now to add The Marriage Pact to my list

  38. Jillian says

    I am not sure if you have read this or not, but I remember you talking about Southern Charm on here before. (I’m so obsessed with that show) BUT I wanted to let you know that I read and I really enjoyed The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul! I got it for Christmas and it was one of the first books I read this year, and I absolutely loved it! She is very interesting.

  39. Sarah says

    Forever is the Worst Long Time is one that sticks with you long after. It’s an emotional one, but I think you would love it! This month I read Between Shades of Gray. It’s a WWII novel about displaced Lithuanians. It’s such a great book about a side of the war I wasn’t aware of. I also read One True Loves and The Secret Life of Violet Grant. Absolutely loved them both! Thank you for your reviews. I’ve read so many great books because of them.

  40. Sara says

    Slightly South of Simple by Kristy W Harvey!!!!! It is SO good! Reads just like an Elin Hilderbrand – maybe even better than a couple of hers. It will NOT disappoint you, I promise! Such a happy, feel-good, summer story!!!

  41. Heather O says

    I agree with you on Still Me, you could definitely read it as a standalone book! Thanks for the recommendations!

  43. Angie G says

    Updating my library wait list with a couple of these and a couple from the comments! 🙂 Still Me….ahhhh, loved that book!!! Me Before You is still my fav in the series, but After You was such a let down! However, I feel like it was a necessary stage in Louisa’s life. And, Still Me redeemed it all!! I think she left it open for a 4th, you???

  44. Stacy Beach says

    Yay! Book review day! I always love your reviews and all the comments that follow! Last month, in addition to a few of your recommendations, I also read “The Woman in the Window” and “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake”. Both really great books.

  45. Becca says

    You need to read the Bronze Horseman series by Paullina Simons!! Or Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

  46. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    I loved Me Before You so much and then hated Me After You! I’m glad you liked the third one the most because that gives me a reason to want to read it!!
    MeetTheShaneyfelts

    • Natashajk says

      I feel the same way. After You just left me feeling blah but Still Me really redeems it. You should give it a try 🙂

  47. Holly Allen says

    I was so hoping for this post today as I am out of books! I just finished a book I know you’d love; Behind Closed Doors. It was so good I could not put it down! Happy reading!

  48. Alexis says

    Just read How To Walk Away by Katherine Center and it will be in my top three for the year no doubt! Already hit the NYT bestseller list and it just came out a couple of weeks ago. Perfect summer read but also has a lot of depth…reminds me a lot of Emily Giffin. I’ve already read one of her books before that and am reading yet another one now. She’s that good!!! I think you’d love her! If you love Giffin, Higgins, and Hilderbrand (which I know you do!), she’ll be a new favorite of yours for sure!

  49. Bailey says

    I’ve been on a dark and twisty kick lately (now you know who coined that term ?) and I just finished The Perfect Mother; it didn’t disappoint! I also think you should give Colleen Hoover another shot—Confess & Hopeless were pretty great!

  50. Amanda says

    By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank is really good! I am halfway through Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren and absolutely adoring it! Looking forward to Lauren Weisberger’s new book that comes out next Tuesday- When Life Gives You Lululemons. She wrote The Devil Wears Prada.

  51. Tracy says

    Everybody Always is on my summer reading list. Adding a few of your others now.

    P.S. You forgot the excited/not excited pics of your kiddos that usually accompany these posts! LOL! 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I totally did! What is the matter with me? I’m going to blame it on “end of school year” brain! Hahaha!

  54. Lisa D says

    I just finished The Year of Less by Cait Flanders and found it interesting and thought provoking. The author spend a year not shopping (she could of course buy food and necessities but nothing much else) and she gave away/disposed of 70% of her belongings…..and changed her life. She also has a blog but the book goes into a lot more details of her “year of less”. It’s a quick read. Definitely read this book!

  55. Tina says

    Have you read Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult? Such a timely topic. The many points of view really make you think and perhaps reevaluate your mindset. I added The Marriage Pact to my list. Thanks, as always, for your book reviews, they always steer me in new directions. I would never have tried Elin Hilderbrand if not for you…the covers and descriptions do nothing for the actual story lines. They all seem like fluff based on that but once I dove in…they are so much more. Here’s my current book review if you are interested…
    https://simplehomegatherings.com/book-review/

  56. Annie Delgado says

    Have you read Louise Penny? She writes murder/mysteries and is such a terrific writer! Great books to be read in order. You don’t have to but to follow Inspector Gamache and the other characters (Canadian) of Three Pines, it makes you that much more involved. Still Life is the first of 14 (so far) and is so good!

  57. Renee from SK, Canada says

    Book reviews I usually never read.. but I must confess, I’ve now read one good book from your blog (Girl, wash your face) and now I’m hooked.
    I do not have a Kindle and I am curious what it cost to buy a book on there? Can somebody help this gal out?

    Have a fabulous summer Shay and all the readers! ?

    • Ella says

      I’d say the average price for a book on Kindle is $10. But through Amazon and Goodreads, you can sign up for their daily deals and get books for $1-3 each! I’ve gotten tons of books that way!

    • Ashlee says

      Renee – I check almost all of my books out from the library on my kindle! Otherwise the price is usually pretty close to a typical book. Sometimes for more popular books there is a wait at the library, my list is so long I usually just place a hold and pick something else.

    • Allena says

      If you have an iPhone there is a Kindle app (that is free) or you can find great deals on Kindles on Amazon – my mom got 5 of the Kindle Fires for $30 each for Christmas last year for the grandkids, so there are definitely affordable options. The books (if you buy) cost the same as ‘real’ books, but if you have Amazon Prime, you have access to their Library as part of your Prime Membership. And most public libraries have eBook sections as well – I check out books on my phone through the Overdrive app (free) and then can checkout books using my library card. I rarely pay for books, but I read probably 8 books a months, so that could get expensive (but shows how great the eBook catalog is at the library)!

  58. Samantha says

    Check out Carve the Mark. I don’t remember reading your reviews of YA books, and this one is super good.

    • Holly says

      I am reading Small Great Things now and it is nothing like what I usually read (I’m a suspense/thriller book lover). But Small Great Things is amazing so far! I read half of the book yesterday bc I couldn’t put it down!

  60. Jennifer Vitali says

    Love book review day! I just finished the Language of Flowers and it was a wonderful, heart-wrenching book about a child in the foster system, her life, and how she learns to love. I think you would love it!

  61. Bri Bliss says

    I just love your book reviews! I finished the Crazy Rich Asians series this month & just finished an Elin Hildebrand book. I’m also very anxiously awaiting the arrival of When Life Gives You Lululemons, which is the new Lauren Weisberger book (Devil Wears Prada). I love her other books and you might like them too!

  62. Rhonda says

    I read The Marriage Pact this month too! It kept me on the edge of my seat! Another nail biter this month was The Perfect Mother by Aimee Malloy. Very twisty and I couldn’t put it down. I just finished How to Walk Away by Katherine Center and loved it! I have enjoyed all of her books, but this was by far my very favorite. I didn’t want it to end and already miss the characters. Aren’t those the very best kind of books? You would love it, Shay. I’ve read the Me Before You trilogy too as well. Another great book this month was My Year in Oxford by Julia Whelan. It was lovely!

  63. Briana says

    Bob Goff is such an inspiration. Happy that you included his new book on your list 🙂

    briana | youngsophisticate.com

  64. Kimberly Waller says

    I love your book reviews and all the comments other readers leave. I have read so many books that you have recommend. I read The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton and it was good and am now reading Summer Girls by Mary Alice Monroe..I love her books! If you haven’t read Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler, I think you would like it.

    • Robin says

      The Secret Keeper is my favorite Kate Morton book – so good!!!! I just finished The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan which was pretty good – loved the Scottish setting.

  65. Taylor says

    I am loving “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom, which you may have read already. So. Amazing. I also recently read “Daring to Hope” by Katie Davis Majors. Incredibly sweet and touching.

    Thank you for your book reviews! It is my favorite post of the month as well <3

  66. Lauren D says

    I’m telling you, you have to read this book called “Every Day.” It’s about a person who wakes up in a different body every day, and what happens when, in the body of a high school boy, they fall in love with the boy’s girlfriend. It’s a book for YA that’s also interesting to adults. I read it in a day. There is also a movie that came out a few ml this ago which I’ll watch one of these days!

  67. Susy says

    Before we travel each year I read a book or two that sets the historical/cultural setting of the country/countries, hoping to expand my own understandings of the people, their challenges/joys and daily ways of life before we arrive. In a few months we head for Eastern Europe. Running Away to Home: Our Family’s Journey to Croatia in Search of Who We Are, Where We Came from and What Really Matters by Jennifer Wilson was an eye-opening read about giving their children a sense of their roots in a realistic, more than surface-level way. For the same reason, we read Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time (so engaging–history made easy.) Now I’m starting Times New Romanian: Voices and Narrative from Romania by Nigel Shakespear hoping it will give me the insights I need for October for a less-written about country. Anyone have a good one for Budapest?

    • Mary Jane McNeill says

      Susy, my bff gave me “Strangers in Budapest” for Christmas because we had a European girlfriend trip a few years ago, and that was one of our destinations. It is fiction, and it looks like you choose NF before you go. It will still give you a taste of the city while describing some of its historical sites.

  68. Paula says

    All great suggestions!
    Don’t you just love your Kindle? While Anazon Prime is certainly nice, now you can just download is second, like you did at dance. I always keep your suggestions on sample until I am ready.
    I am currently reading Nancy Thayer Secrets in Summer. I haven’t made it through all those fun summer reads yet. Nantucket sounds lovely…?

  69. Meg says

    I just finished the Great Alone by Kristin Hannah and it was AMAZING! Currently tied with Beneath a Scarlet Sky for my favorite read of the year. Besides those two, I’d also highly recommend The Alice Network. It’s about the female spy network (real thing!) during WWI and WWII. Really good!

  71. Keisha Dawson says

    I know I say this every month, but I just can’t get enough of these posts! My absolute favorite! I just finished Not a Sparrow Falls, and it was a fabulous book!

  72. Kayla Bruce says

    This could not have been more perfect timing! I’m leaving on my flight to Thailand tonight, and I’m just about to download some books onto my Kindle. The Bob Goff book was one I was debating. But I’m getting it now!

  73. Ella says

    Your book review posts are my favorite posts every month!

    The Marriage Pact sounds really intriguing, and I want to pick it up because I’ve been looking for another good thriller, but I saw that you only gave it 3 stars on Goodreads. Would you still recommend it then? (And is there a happy ending, lol?)

    Second, if you liked Leah Remini’s book on scientology, have you heard of the show The Arrangement? It’s a little known show on E! that airs 10 episodes every year and is basically about a fictional version of Scientology called “Institute of the Higher Mind,” and some say the main relationship of the show is based on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. It’s SO good and addicting, I highly recommend it! You won’t be able to stop watching!

  74. Darcy says

    I love Bob Goff! (Be sure to follow him on Facebook too – such great posts that will make you want to be a better person.) Love Does is fabulous – I can’t wait to read this one.

  75. Kate says

    I know I’ve recommended it before, but I want to send a copy of Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan to every one that I know! It will make you think, smile, and cry, a lot. Kelly’s writing is SO refreshing.

  76. GAIL says

    Ali Wentworth is the best!! I saw her about a month ago on The Late Show promoting her book…and I forgot to order it; thanks for the reminder!! She is one of my favorite entertainers and I’m certain, if she knew me, her and I would be best pals!! 🙂

  77. Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says

    Yesssss!!! Definitely adding all of these to my reading list!! I’ve been looking for a funny memoir but couldn’t decide on one and I have no idea who Ali Wentworth is but I will check her books out for sure!
    That Inspired Chick

  78. Erin says

    Have you read My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach? It’s a beautiful memoir that I read in 2 days. You must read it!

  79. Ashlee says

    Book Review days are the only days I read all the comments! I get so many good ideas from your post but also from your followers!

    • Natashajk says

      Me too 🙂 I love reading all the suggestions in the comments, especially when I see the same book recommended over and over!

  81. Beth says

    I just finished Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren and it was amazing! Definitely recommend!

  82. Allena says

    I saw several amazing books recommended above, so I’ll vote for Educated by Tara Westover (a memoir about growing up ‘off the grid’ – CRAZY and CRAZY GOOD) and Lilac Girls by Martha Kelly (WW2 book in a similar vein as The Nightingale).

  83. Abigail Carter says

    Love your book reviews! I just finished two thrillers by Mary Kubica…Don’t You Cry & Pretty Baby. OH my! They are edge of your seat/afraid to turn the page kind of books! Super fast reads! I also read Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiana…I found her name on the cover of The Arrangement. Anyone- I loved her writing and Lucia, Lucia is a beautiful story! I also can’t WAIT for Elin Hilderbrand’s new one this summer & the 3rd Outliers book! They are going to be movies too!

  84. Shelly says

    I need to read Still Me now….I have read the other two but was kind of putting it off thinking it might be disappointing. Definitely putting this thriller on my list!

  85. Summer says

    My favorites from the past 6 months are: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, and The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls! I couldn’t stop thinking about any of them after I finished. After you finish watching all of the Grey’s Anatomy series, consider watching “This is Us– It’s so, so good. Only 2 seasons available so far… It has all the feels 🙂

  86. Taylor says

    Hi Shay! Have you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (same author as One True Loves)? I just finished it yesterday and I LOVED it!!

  88. Rebecca says

    The marriage pact was one of my favorite reads this year, it was so good! I just finished still me as well , loved it & totally agree with you about it! Also, per your reviews, I asked for & received a kindle paperwhite for mother’s day & LOVE IT!!! I wasn’t sure if I’d like it bc I love books, but it’s amazing & I’m really looking forward to taking it on trips & the ease it will provide while traveling, so thanks so much! I look forward to your book reviews bc I read the same types of books as you do, & I find a lot of good books in the comments section too! So keep it up & thanks to the great reader suggestions!
    Happy Summer reading ya’ll!

  89. Mrs B says

    “One Beautiful Dream” . . . I haven’t read it, but I have heard it is great.

  90. Laura says

    Have you read, “The Hate You Give”? Your friend, Andrea, recommended it and it’s so interesting!!

  91. Jocie says

    I am pretty sure you have probably read Emily Giffin books but I just read the “something borrowed” series and was honestly obsessed! Time to read the rest of hers!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I read a lot at night. This time of year, I read by the pool as well…and then I always read when my kids are at speech, dance, doctors appointments, etc.

  93. Deej says

    I had no idea there was a third installment to Louisa’s story! I cannot wait to read this 🙂 Thanks Shay!

  94. brooke entrekin says

    I not only love Book Review days for your books, but I always get sooooo many great recs from all your fellow readers!!! yes! yes! yessssss!

  95. Jill Peterson says

    So…..what would you say is your favorite book of all time??? That’ll get ya thinkin’!! Love your posts!!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Of all time? That’s so hard!! My first thought was Shauna Niequist’s Bread & Wine…but there are so many others I love too!

  96. Brooke says

    What do you do with your books when you’re finished? I have shelves full, but not sure what to do with them.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Share! Now, I’m using my Kindle almost exclusively, but between my family and friends, we pass and share books like crazy.

  97. Abbey says

    Ok – I raced to the library and scored Go Ask Ali – I rolled with laughter all weekend! Great suggestion!

  99. Amy says

    Just finished not that I could tell. So good. Group of neighborhood friends has a bond fire one night. Then the next day one of them is missing. And no one knows what happened or where she went. And a great twist!! Next up for me is the broken girls.

  100. Katrina says

    I just finished The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon and I immediately thought that I have to suggest it to you! If you haven’t read it already then you should really add it to your list, I highly reccomend it!

  101. jamie says

    just picked up {the marriage pact} from my library earlier today. hopped in bed and just finished the very short chapter one. just texted my daughter a photo of the book and said {a shay shull recommendation. i’m so confused and hooked after chapter one that was two pages}….what even?!!? that was my way of telling her to get the book stat!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hahahaha! Right? You don’t understand, but can’t put it down!

  102. Lynn says

    Have you read “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” (by Gail Honeymoon)? I usually only get my book recommendations from you, but I get the feeling this was one I picked up on recommendation elsewhere. It’s one that has really stuck with me. I couldn’t put it down. I was sad when it ended. And I cannot stop thinking about that character!

  103. Lindsey says

    I just read “We Were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter and it is definitely a book that will stay with me for a long time. It is based on true events of the Kurc Family in Nazi Poland. It is a must read for sure! Another one of my favorites that I still think about to this day is “The Bronze Horseman”. This is a trilogy and so worth the read. I will have to add The Marriage Pact to my list to read. I love your book reviews!

  104. Erin Jackson says

    You must read “Capital Gaines” by Chip Gaines! It’s a great inspirational read!

  105. DetroitDuchess says

    I’m so excited Still Me is out! I love that series and loved the second book!

  106. Julie Anne says

    about “Everybody, Always”

    This is literally the best book I have ever read regarding loving people like Jesus does and faith. I think it should be a required read for every walk of life! I believe many Christians, God fearing and religious people have it all wrong. Bob has nailed it, without a doubt, on loving others no matter what. Everybody, Always! I’m going to get a bucket immediately and start carrying it around with me.

    Julie Anne Peters,
    https://www.julieannepeters.com/

  107. Kristy says

    I love reading your book reviews and reference them a lot when picking books for my self or my book club. I have a suggestion for you…. Landline by Rainbow Rowell. It didn’t come up in a search on your blog so I’m assuming you have not read it yet 🙂 I listened to it as an audio book, but I think it would be a quick read!

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