It’s DOUBLE THE FUN day around here!
First up, it’s DAY TWO of mine and Sheaffer’s…
…FIVE DAYS OF FABULOUS!!!
If you missed it yesterday, we kicked off our week with…
…one winner receives a blardigan or Bose wireless speaker for themselves plus 9 other people!
WHOA!!!!!
Ready to find out who won?
Congratulations Kristin S!
You and NINE of your friends get to pick between either a blardiagan or Bose wireless speaker!!!! We emailed you this morning! You need to email us back ASAP to claim your prize! If you’re a Kristin S, check your email!!!
Ready for DAY TWO?!
That’s right! You and FOUR friends each get a cozy fringe blanket AND Uggs!!!
You get BOTH!!!
HOLY COZINESS!
This was me on Sunday afternoon…blardigan, blanket and Ugg slippers while I watched a Hallmark movie with K. It was the ultimate in cozy moments. If you’ve never checked out these blankets before, they make FANTASTIC gifts! First, they come in a gazillion colors and second, they’re priced so well! You should buy yourself one and several to gift! And then you also get UGGS!! You can pick either the tall, the short or the slippers! I love my Uggs. Like looooooooove them!! AND BONUS, right now, THEY ARE BOTH ON SALE! If you’re going to gift either this holiday season, you better grab them now!
Enter below for your chance to win today!! One winner gets a blanket and Uggs for herself and FOUR friends!
Alright, ready for my FAVORITE POST OF THE MONTH?!
It’s my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW!!!!
That’s how I feel right now!!
In 2017, I started reading only Christmas books in November that way, I could discuss them with you at the end of the month and you can read them in December. Well, Erika knew I was doing that again, so she called and asked if we should read the same ones so that we could discuss them together. I was like TOTALLY!! So, she and I read four books each (three of the same) and then at the end of the month, we talked about them. Disclaimer: we laughed while chatting about them because…let’s be honest, they all kind of ran together since they’re all feel good/happy/Hallmark-y Christmas books. We loved them…but they’re a wee bit predictable.
Here are the four Christmas books I read this month. I honestly think you would enjoy any of them. They’re all light, easy to read and HAPPY starting with…
Well, I kicked off my month with An Island Christmas by Nancy Thayer. Insert ALL THE HAPPY FEELS RIGHT HERE!!
I love Nancy Thayer books and I love Christmas, so when you combine the two, you get one very happy Shay!
This novel takes place on Nantucket during Christmas time (more happy feels!) and is about a family who comes together for one of the daughter’s holiday wedding. There’s a little romance, a little drama, a lot of Nantucket fun and a book filled with lots of happiness. Out of all four books this month, I would probably recommend this one the most. In my opinion, it was the least predictable and most substantial of the four holiday books. I read this on a flight home from cover to cover. Light, happy and easy to read…just what I’m looking for this time of year!
Well, I love me a Debbie Macomber novel too! That being said, I would probably rate this one my least fave of the four. I hate saying that, but if you only have time to read one or two, I would probably skip Alaskan Holiday. This novel is about a woman who finds herself stuck in Alaska over the holiday season. This book has all the charm of a Macomber novel (cozy setting, sweet characters, yummy food references and a sweet relationship), but it might have been a little too predictable for me. It was cute and easy to read, but just not that engrossing. You won’t dislike it…but if you only have time for one or two, skip this one.
Now, I was really pleased with book #3 this month! Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe is a novel about a girl coming home for the first time in 8 years during the holiday season only to fall in love with someone very unexpected. She’s now a big city girl who feels a little out of touch with her small hometown. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her parents and hasn’t really kept up with friends either. I really liked the main characters in this book and enjoyed the little twists and turns throughout. This one was cute! It was also probably the most “Christmas-y” one of the bunch!
Whoa! I wrapped up my holiday reads with Fern Michaels’ Holly and Ivy. I was totally not expecting this one!
By the end of the very first chapter, I was stunned, shocked, surprised and totally intrigued. I don’t want to say too much or give anything away, but this is a novel about a woman in her 30s and her relationship with an 11 year old and that child’s father. I will say that this book really covers loss which I know might be healing for some to read this holiday season or hard…so, just know, this one covers the deaths of loved ones, so I don’t know if you’re up for that or not. I really had no idea where this one was going when I started it, so I was sucked in right away. This book was great! It covers both the joys and the sorrows of the holiday season.
So, that’s my November Book Review!! Next month, I recap my December reads along with name my favorite books of 2018!!!
Can you believe it?! The year is almost over!! Everyone please comment and let me know what you’re reading right now and if I should read it in December or January. This is just my very favorite time of the year to sit by the fire, drink something hot and read. I hope you find some time to do that this week.
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.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love that you’ve switched to Christmas-themed novels! Thank you for the reviews. I’ll definitely be tucking into a few of these this season! 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taylor says
I’m reading an Island Christmas right now! This month I read A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult and it’s going down in my top 5 favorite books this year. The subject matter is VERY heavy but wow, this book challenged me in many ways. I read it in 48 hours because I was so engrossed with every character in the book & I had to find out how it ended.
Erika Slaughter says
Eeeekkkkk!!!!! Me too and thanks to that Kindle Paperwhite it’s so darn easy! My favorite was Pride and Predjudice and Mistletoe. Glad we “read together” this month. 🙂
Jen says
I just watched “Pride and Prejuduce and Mistletoe” on Hallmark Friday night! It wasn’t my favorite, but was filmed in a dear friend’s hometown in Canada! I will try the book instead!
Kristen Hardison says
I agree with Taylor! I also read “A Spark of Light” this month by Jodi Picoult. I LOVE Jodi’s books and this one was no different. She is amazing at sharing both sides of a hot topic. I also read “Where the Light Gets In” by Kimberly Williams-Paisley about her mom’s journey with dementia. It was super sad but helped me understand some friends I know who are going through this with their mother. I just now finished “The Royal We.” Oh. My. Stars. I was up SO late finishing this the other night! SO good! SO glad I finally read it based on your recommendations! Next up for me is “The Hate You Give” by Angie Thomas and then a light Christmas one I found at Target called “Christmas Camp” by Karen Schaler. I had never heard of it but it looked cute and super Hallmark-y! Have a great day Shay! 🙂
Shannon says
“Where the Crawdads Sing”… whoah! Must read! Probably my favorite book in a long, long time.
Lori says
Yes! I finished this book a few weeks ago and it is one of my favorites.
Celina says
Yes, me too!! Loved it so much!
Jessica Lowery says
Yes this was a great one Shay!!!!!
Sara says
I enjoyed that book too! I talked my husband into reading it too.
Elspeth Mizner says
Thanks for the suggestions! I started reading/listening to My Oxford Year which you recommended earlier in the year and I’m loving it! Thanks for the giveaways too
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Love all things cozy this time of year especially with a Christmas book! I really want to read An Island Christmas now because I think Nancy Thayer’s books always create such a vivid world on Nantucket. Thanks for the recommendations and giveaway!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Narci says
What a fun month! All Christmas books sound pretty much perfect to me. Can’t wait to add these to my list!
Sheaffer says
I mean. Blah, Blah, Blah. Words, books, reading. The book covers are really pretty this month.
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahahahaha! I’ll summarize them for you in person. Maybe act them out. 😉
Holly says
Definitely add Where the Crawdads Sing to your January list. Its in the running for the list of best books I’ve EVER read. Also, Before We Were Yours. I read it last summer and STILL think about it regularly. So good!
Kaitlyn Walsh says
“Pride and Prejuduce and Mistletoe” on Hallmark was filmed in my small town of Pembroke in Ontario, Canada- so exciting to see it all come together! I’ll have to read the book now too ?
Jill Koch says
I love that you do all Christmas themed books for this review! Gives good ideas to further get us all in the Christmas Spirit. I’m currently reading Debbie Macomber’s Merry and Bright from your suggestion last year but will try these next!
https://jillcomesclean.com/
Melissa Terry says
I am so excited to read Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe!!! Thanks for all of the cozy suggestions xo
Waynette says
Where the Crawdads Sing-one is the best books I’ve read this year. I can’t stop thinking about the main character! It’s a must read!
Hollie says
Thank you for the warning about the last book. I lost my sister last year so I don’t think I can read that one.
Brittany S says
I’m reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan! It was a Melanie Shankle recommendation and I think you would love it! Most of it is set in England. Can’t wait to read a Christmasy book this month! 🙂
Abbie says
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Amazing!!! I also just finished All Your Perfects and really liked it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! That’s a great one!!
Kim says
I clicked on your link for Island Christmas and was happy to see that it was only $1.99 for the Kindle edition, so I ordered it right away….thanks as always for the reading suggestions.
Gentry Adams says
So glad you called this out! I just ordered it too! What a steal for $1.99! 🙂 Thank you!
Kim Hays says
yay! thank you!
Ralinn says
I love a good book. You have some good choice listed. I have slim Uggs in black and I love them. I’m on my second pair of slippers. They are so toasty and cozy. I wear my slippers all the time! Thank you for the chance to win.
Kathy Lang says
I love to read, and your monthly book reviews are definitely a favorite. Thank you for the awesome giveaways this week too. 🙂 I’m going to download Fern Michaels book Holly and Ivy to my kindle today. We lost our youngest daughter on December 26, 2009, so the Christmas season has definitely been very difficult and different over the past 9 years. While the birth of Jesus is a time of celebration, it will always be clouded with the loss of our daughter. So thankful that God continues to bring joy into our lives with our two granddaughters, and the hope of heaven one day.
Paula says
I love Christmas Hallmark movies. My daughters are 8 and starting to watch with me which I love!
Julie says
I am having the best time reading “Limelight” by Amy Poeppel. I think you enjoyed “Admissions,” her other book, but this one is even better so far. It’s about a woman with three teenagers who moves from Dallas to NYC, and all her trials and tribulations. It is SO funny and you just love the main character right away. Highly recommend.
Jen says
Is anyone else getting “Aw, shucks. We didn’t get your entry. Plz try again.” on the rafflecopter? I’ve never had a problem using them before…not sure what I am doing wrong! Thanks!
Jenna says
I just watched the Pride, Predjuidice and Mistletoe! I need to get my hands on some of these books! Thanks for sharing!
Karen Guest says
Is there a trick to entering the raffle? I visit the pages etc but it says aww shucks didnt get my entry. Every time!
Mix and Match Mama says
For some reason, they’re down today. Urg! I just contacted them and hopefully, it will be up and running soon!
Martha says
Did “An Island Christmas” mention Nantucket Stroll? I am here in Nantucket with my sister and ten girlfriends for Stroll, and wy love of Nantucket I think you all need to do this one year. I hope you do!
Charlotte Place says
I’ve just read The Great Alone and Educated back-to-back. Difficult to read but impossible to put down! So good, but I’m ready for something light-hearted. Thanks for the Christmas recommendations!
Peg says
If you haven’t read “Educated” by Tara Westover, it’s a must. I also really liked “A Time to Stand” by Robert Whitlow.
I read all the time and like your book reviews. Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Susy says
Unfortunately rafflecopter allows me to log in but won’t register my entries. And on such a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think we broke the internet! I emailed Rafflecopter, but it says it’s down right now. Check back soon!!
Tiffany Litchfield says
Thanks for a fun review.
Stacy Tsoukatos says
I just finished Christmas Camp which one of you McKinney bloggers recommended 🙂 So darn cute and it is a Hallmark movie/book if ever there was one. If you can squeeze in a little more Christmas, I highly suggest it!
Camille says
I read the Winter series because of your suggestions and loved them! can’t wait to read some of these by twinkle lights 🙂
Also do you use any special sprays on your uggs to weather protect them further or clean them?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not. I used to use the special Ugg spray, but I don’t really see any difference, so now, I don’t.
Sara Kachelmeyer says
I don’t know if you saw my recommendation that I posted before, so I’m doing it one more time. “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See is amazing. Our book club read it for the November meeting and it would be wonderful read for you. Yes, the story of tea in China can be wonderful. It is historical fiction, but reading it you feel that it could be true. It will truly resonate with you.
Keisha Dawson says
I always love your book reviews, and I’m excited to read some of these as we go into the Christmas season! Sadly, I’m getting an error message every time I try to enter. I just adore you and Sheaffer, and the giveaways you do every December are so fun!
Kelly Lane Nation says
I just watched Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe on Hallmark! I can’t resist any version of pride and prejudice!!
Shelly Jo Janac says
I use to love Fern Michaels and haven’t read her for years! If you have never read the Texas Rich series you so should…I seriously named one of my boys after two characters in the book. 🙂 I’m grabbing that one.
Katarina says
I recommend Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan! It’s an untold true story of a young boy during WW2. So good!!!!!
Tori says
I also recommend Where the Crawdads Sing!! Fabulous, draws you in, unpredictable.
Leanne Gilchrist says
Oh, so it’s not just me, and I can’t enter? I’ve tried several times, but it always says, “aww, shucks”? Oh, well, I LOVE your blog anyway! I have to say, Madeley in that picture! She’s the MOST! Can I tell you that I’ve only watched two Hallmark movies? We don’t have cable, so I’d have to watch online somehow, any tips on how to do that would be appreciated! I mean, watching a Hallmark show with my girls, all bundled up in blankets? That sounds great! I’ve never read any of these authors, but I think I’m going to read the Nancy Thayer book! Thanks for the tips, tricks and treats, plus the amazing suggestions and most of all, the joy of the Lord and sharing your family!
Barb Applegate says
The Rafflecopter is not working, HELP!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Their site was down, but now, it’s back up and running. Good luck!
Monica B says
Boo, I’m having problems with Rafflecopter too. Love your blog, book reviews and this givewaway!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s up and working now!!
Melissa says
I have been loving Diane Chamberlain lately. The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and Necessary Lies are both very good!
Shannon says
Her new one is great!
Kristen Smith says
When I first saw Kristin S. I started frantically searching my email – oops IN not EN. Oh well!! Congrats to the other Kristin! I am looking forward to reading some of these novels!
Faith Heimbrodt says
Your posts have been getting me in the holiday mood! Can’t wait to pick a book from your list.
Dena says
Currently reading The Dinner List. Really good book that makes me think about the 5 people (alive or not) that I’d like to have dinner with.
Tanya says
I’m planning to read lots of Christmas cozy books this month. Thanks for the reviews. Here are my November reads:
Tanya – The Other Side of the Road
Eileen McCullough says
Last year I read Coming Home for Christmas by Jenny Hale. It was one of the 2017 Hallmark movies. I really liked it. She has a bunch of Christmas books. I’ve also read Nancy Thayer’s A Nantucket Christmas. Nancy Thayer is always a favorite of mine!
Monica Gordon says
I can’t find the rules for your giveaways, but is this open to Canadians too?? Pretty please ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh boo! I’m sorry, Monica, but it’s not. One of these days, I’m going to host a giveaway just for my Canadian friends!!!
Meg says
Where the Crawdads Sing = SO good!
Martha says
Shay, I just had to share that Pride, Prejudice & Mistletoe was one of the Hallmark movies this year. I’m sure you’re already very well aware of that – however, what you probably don’t know is that portions of it were filmed in my very small town of Pembroke, Ontario! The house used in the movie is one of the historical homes in town built in 1911 and is now run as a bed and breakfast. Here is a small piece our local radio station did about the movie – it was very big news for this small town of 15,000!
https://www.facebook.com/star96fm/videos/pride-prejudice-mistletoe-filming-in-pembroke/1629345067165329/
Amanda says
Hi Shay! I love your posts. What is the exact type of Kindle that you have? I’m thinking of finally taking the plunge and ordering one!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a paperwhite! I love it!!!
Jill says
I am currently reading “All We Ever Wanted” by Emily Giffin…..I know it wasn’t your favorite, so I’m waiting to be disappointed in the end… 😉 … but for now I am liking it! I would highly recommend “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult if you haven’t read that one. One of my top books for this year!
brinkley brown says
And, Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe is a hallmark Christmas movie this season!!! I think it premiered this past weekend! I LOVE my hallmark movies, so glad to know this is a book, I will download immediately!
Celina S says
Where the Crawdads Sing is amazing!
Susan Crivella says
I read the new Jodi Pecoult as well and actually didn’t like it. Too much of an agenda I almost didn’t finish it and I usually like hers. (Didn’t like her elephant one either)
I also read the new Elin “Christmas” one, it was ok. But Educated was amazing!
Katie Williams says
I loved The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes and I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella!
Kellie Carrara says
Oh wow! I would love a pair of UGGs for my daughter and me!! Thanks Shay and Shaffer!
Oh boy… the elves! Ours arrive Dec 1.
Sometimes they leave notes, gilifts or do something silly. They’ve been seen drinking maple syrup out of the little Cracker Barrel syrup bottles, having “snowball “ fights with cotton balls, and TPing the Christmas tree.
Lisa says
Just finished Seven Days of Us. Loved it! Just like The Family Stone. Couldn’t put it down!
Sarah says
I see a lot of others recommending it too, but Where the Crawdads Sing really is a fantastic book! It definitely lives up to the hype!
Debi Jacobs says
I love your monthly book recs! Thank you, thank you!
Laura says
I agree Alaskan Holiday was predictable and not my favorite this month either. I read One Day in December which I really enjoyed. I also would recommend Where the Crawdads Sing for next month. It’s a really well written book that stays with you for a bit after you’re done reading.
Sarah says
Hi Shay! How do I know if my entry worked yesterday?
Mix and Match Mama says
You got an error message yesterday when it was down. It told you!
Susan says
If you want to sneak in another Christmas book…I’m reading Seven Days of Us now…so good!
Mother of 3 says
I’m trying to finish up a 52 week reading challenge so right now I’m reading a historical memoir and re-reading to kill a mockingbird… but I’d rather be reading any single book on this list! Hopping over to my library’s sight to request the Nancy Thayer one. I did read Winter in Paradise last month and LOVED it!
Elizabeth says
An Island Christmas is only $1.99 for Kindle right now! Can’t wait to get started! XO
Jenny says
I’ve been following your blog for several years now but have never posted. I look forward to your book reviews! You have inspired me to read more! It’s like having a girlfriend with similar taste in books giving me suggestions:) I’ve read twice as many books this year as I read last year and many of them were your recommendations that I just had to read! My January recommendation for you is The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Bell. The very last sentence made me gasp…and then giggle. If you liked One True Loves, you will like this one!
Lex says
I just finished what I feel is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s called Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. Check out the GoodReads reviews on this one–4.42 stars with over 125,500 ratings. It’s based on a true story and is actually a combo of historical fiction and a biography of the main character’s life. The author spent close to 10 years researching this man’s unbelievably inspiring life. It takes place in Italy during WWII. Given the subject matter, there are some difficult parts, but they are all true. Incredible book! I heard someone bought the movie rights to this, as well. <3
Melissa Day says
Just finished One Day in December by Josie Silver. So, so good!
Kristine Alexander says
I borrow a lot of my books digitally from the McKinney library. On Saturday, I realized The Perfect Couple was going to expire that night so I sat down to read it. A few hours later, I went to dinner with my family and when I got home, the book had expired! I guess I need to hit Target or Barnes and Noble to read the last chapter!!