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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

Books, Let's Look ·

Let’s Look at OUR FAVORITE READS!


Let's Look!

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s…

Let's Look At...

Once a month, Erika and I host a link up where we “look” at little aspects of our lives.  If you’re a blogger, make sure you blog and link up!

In January, we looked at the coziest spots in our house and today, we’re looking at OUR FAVORITE READS!

Every month, I share with you the books I’m reading and then at the end of the year, I wrap it all up with my favorites.  Here is a quick recap of all of my favorites from over the years…

2014
#1: What Remains by Carol Radziwill
2015
#1: Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist
#2: The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
2016
#1: Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn Dingman
#2: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
#3: A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
2017
#1: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
#2: Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup
#3: The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
2018
#1: My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
#2: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
#3: Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge
Bonus Faves from 2018
#1: Swear on this Life by Renee Carlino
#2: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

So, those are a lot of my favorite recent novel reads, but I do have some other favorite reads starting with…

…my favorite magazines.

Okay, I used to reallllly be a magazine junkie.  I mean, at one point, I think I subscribed to like 25 of them.  Last year, I cut down my subscriptions by a ton (which was harder than you might think because they do not make it easy!), and now, I subscribe to these:
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
SOUTHERN LIVING
FAMILY CIRCLE
TASTE OF HOME
WOMEN’S HEALTH
…then, if I see one at the grocery store that just screams my name, I might buy it, but for the most part, I’m super happy with just these 🙂 .

I also love to read…

…my Bible, Bible study books and commentaries.

I almost always use this Bible right HERE.  I love any study by Beth Moore (but particularly her older ones), and then this commentary…

Okay, anyone besides me like to read good old-fashioned catalogs from the mailbox?  These are my favorites, and I pretty much treat them like magazines…
Athleta (my absolute favorite!!)
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Kids
Williams-Sonoma
Boden

Anyone else?  I kind of get giddy when they arrive!

Okay, I laugh all the time because EVERY.SINGLE.MONTH on my book reviews someone tells me to read…

…Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

I read this one forever ago, but I still remember it so well!  If you haven’t read Redeeming Love, you totally should!  Trust me, it’s everyone’s favorite over on my book reviews 😉 .

Did I miss anything?  I mean, you guys know how much I love to read!!  If you missed this…

January Book Review

…my JANUARY BOOK REVIEW, you should click on over there to see what I’ve been reading so far this year.

Okay, right now, this very minute, shoot me straight.  If you had to name your very favorite book of all-time, what would it be????  This is really hard for me, but I think I would say this one…

…Bridget Jones’s Diary.  It’s my favorite movie too.  This is just one of those books that I can pick up and read over and over again.

Okay, your turn!  What’s your all-time favorite book????  Comment and tell me!

If you blogged, link up below!  Next month, we’re hosting Let’s Look a bit early on MARCH 5TH!!  The topic is Let’s Look at the people in your family!

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Comments

  1. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    My all-time favourite book is probably The Giver! I remember being forced to read it for English Literature in middle school… now I realise why – it’s a really good (and philosophical) book! 🙂
    –
    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    • Carly says

      Oh goodness! I LOVE The Giver! I loved it when I read it in 7th grade, I loved it when I got to teach it to 7th graders, and I was giddy when my 7th grader read it this year for summer reading! It’s just so good!!

  2. LeeAnn says

    These posts are ALWAYS my fave! I can’t tell you how many times I refer to your book lists while I’m at the library. You take out all the guess work!!

  4. Brantlee says

    Hard to choose just one but have you read “Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood”? It is one of my all time favorites

  5. Sheaffer Sims says

    I have something to contribute. You need to get the Ballard Designs catalog. Sign up today.

  7. Caitlin Hedric says

    I have a lot of “favorite” books, but “My Story” by Elizabeth Smart and “Where the Crawdads Sing” have both really stuck with me.

  8. Crissy says

    You have to read Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood! There is a sequel too that is good “Little Altars Everywhere”. And this book is reeeeaaalllly old but still a great one and clean as a whistle: “Christy” by Catherine Marshall. I bet I have read that one a hundred times.

  10. Angel Varney says

    I hardly ever comment but I have to share this today- have you read The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers?! It’s a newer one of hers sonall those people telling you to read redeeming love should be recommending this one soon too:)

  11. Rachel Betts says

    So hard to pick just one, but I would say A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I’ll be coming back to these comments throughout the day to find out everyone else’s favorites…

  15. Kelli says

    Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson….not your typical James Patterson at all!! I am also very nostalgic and LOVE the little house books ❤️

  16. Melinda says

    The Zion Covenant by Bodie Thoene. It’s actually a whole series. I named my oldest daughter after one of the main characters!

  18. Nora says

    Firefly Lane is my favorite book of all time!! First book that I was in tears at the end. Shortly after it was The nightingale. I wanted to hug my best friend and recommended this book to everyone as knew.

  22. Narci says

    Such a fun link up today! I can read Pride and Prejudice over and over again and never get tired of it! Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett are just pure gold! 🙂

    • Liz Thorson says

      I absolutely adored this book. It is beautifully written and heartbreaking but so incredible. I really need to think about my favorite book. I’m 68 and have read so many wonderful books in my lifetime and have belonged to a book club for 21 years, too!

    • Laura says

      Yes! Gone with the Wind is my very favorite, too. Also, The Prince of Tides, Where the Crawdads Sing and Roses by Leila Meacham. Can you tell I’m from the South?

  26. Hollie M says

    The Great Gatsby will be my favorite forever but I also really loved the Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom.

  27. Samantha Harris says

    Just wanted to say your blog is a bright spot in my day! I have had a crummy week with 2 sick kids and a death in the family. Pulling up your blog and seeing you were talking about BOOKS (my favorite) put a big smile on my face! Happy Wednesday!

  28. Kristin says

    Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I read it years ago when it was named an Oprah favorite. It’s amazing!

  30. Anna Potter says

    In Order to Live by yeonmi Park. It’s about a girls journey to escape North Korea. It will change you forever!

    • Kelley Ross says

      The Girl with Seven Names is also about a girl who escapes North Korea. I need to pick up In Order to Live.

  33. Kristen Thompson says

    This sounds crazy but since I was 8 years old I’ve read “Otherwise Known as Shelia the Great” by Judy Blume every year! Haha it was my favorite as a kid and it just brings me back to the silly summer days of childhood!

  35. Katie Compton says

    So many favorites but like I posted above “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” is one fave. Also “The Help”. That one stuck with me for so long! I also have recently loved “The Great Alone” and “Where the Crawdads Sing”. Thank you for all your wonderful recommendations!! I add them to my Amazon shopping list each month!

  36. Alicia says

    Currently my favorite is Where the Crawdads Sing. Gosh, I loved that book! I also love One True Loves. You always pick good ones! Thank you!!

  37. Lynn says

    Tie between The Great Alone and The Nightengale! Guess I really like Kristin Hannah! Working my way through your list now! Your monthly book post is one of my fav!!

  38. Misty says

    Anne of Green Gables b/c of the memories created while reading it to my 2 oldest daughters (9 & 5). Stalking these comments ;). Your book posts are my favorite!

  39. Betsy says

    Shay…you totally need to read The Divine Secrets Of The YaYa Sisterhood! I agree with a few of your other readers that you would love it! ❤️

  41. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    It’s so hard to pick! I have to say Harry Potter since I just LOVED them when I was younger and still do. Another one I could read over and over is My Year with Eleanor or The Alchemist!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  46. Erika Slaughter says

    I’m laughing because I had Redeeming Love in my post too and deleted it. That book was SO good! It sounds like I need to try some of her others. And Sheaffer’s comment made me laugh out loud!

  47. Kristin says

    I love The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy. Read it in high school and have recommended it ever since.

    Other favorites are ones that I can’t stop thinking about when I put the book down….The Nightingale, The Glass Castle, and most recently Michelle Obama’s Becoming.

  48. Gardner Story says

    The Cottage is a great magazine– so delightful. 🙂 My all time favorite books are Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables, and Surprised by Oxford. SO good.

  50. Susan Crivella says

    Could never pick one
    All the Light We Cannot See
    Nightengale
    Where the Crawdads Sing
    The Great Alone
    Swear on This Life
    (When you wrote about Crawdads and Swear on this Life I sent the titles to my husband and he got them for me for Christmas!)

  52. Abbie says

    Probably Gone Girl, it’s one that sticks out for me because I never wanted to set it down.
    Also another one of my favorites is Between Shades of Gray- by Ruta Sepetys She writes historical fiction and they are sooo good! Reminds me a lot of The Nightingale. You should read all of her novels! Love them all.

  53. nancyt says

    The Poison Wood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite books – I recommend it to everyone! I wanted to read every book in the bibliography.

  54. Judy Pfretzschner says

    The Baker’s Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan is one of my favorites. I love your favorites and always write them down so I won’t forget to get them for Kindle from the library. Usually I’m on a wait list but they are worth it!

    • Katie Compton says

      I was always writing them down too… until I discovered I could click on Shay’s links and then add them to my Shopping List in Amazon!! You can access your list from your Kindle or Amazon and purchase from there. Just a tip! I love that I always have a great list ready to go!

  55. Shawna says

    I love when you talk books! (And really everything else too ?) One of my favorites is Special Topics in Calamity Physics (it is not a textbook-it’s fiction). This was probably 10 years ago but it was the first book I read that broke me out of my reading rut (books by only authors I knew-James Patterson, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwall). I realized there was so much more in the reading world out there. ? I should read it again and see if I still like it!

  56. Tiffany says

    “The Power of One”, “The Book Thief”, and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” are my all time faves!

    PS- I love your monthly book reviews.

  57. Marissa says

    My 2 favorite books are The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom about her time in a Nazi Concentration Camp for hiding Jews and To Kill A Mockingbird.

  59. Lacey Nix says

    So hard for me to pick an all-time favorite
    because they all take me to a different place which is just what I need at that time! Anything Kristin Hannah has been my go to lately…I did recently read “It Ends With Us” Colleen Hoover per your recommendation and Oh. My. Goodness. So good!

  62. Brandy says

    11/22/63 by Stephen King is my all time fave! It’s definitely not his typical book but it has a lot of mystery, some romance, and some historical fiction. I’ve read it 3x!

  64. Rachel says

    Any posts about books just make me happy! Books are such a great escape from the real world 🙂 Where the Crawdads Sing has really stuck with me! I think it may be bc I love the marshes of FL (where I’m from) so much and feel at peace in nature so this book really hit home for me. I still need to read Redeeming Love!

  67. Gentry says

    All time favorite is either Gone with the Wind or anything by Emily Giffin! I can read those over and over! And “It ends with Us” is a new all time favorite!!

  68. Sarah says

    I LOVE your book posts so much Shay! My all time favorites are Memoirs of a Geisha and House of Sand and Fog! Recently -All the Light We Cannot See and Lily and the Octopus was so good too!

  74. Jenna Lathrop says

    I love this list of favorites. I am always trying to squeeze in reading throughout my day. I have never read Bridget Jones Diaries…I need to get on that!

  76. Kristen Pasco says

    I know youve mentioned these on your blog in the past but can you please remind me of your favorite book on adoption as well as your favorite book on all the French-y stuff? Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Ahhh!! Yes!!! I should have included that too!! Duh!! Okay, Forever Mom by Mary Ostyn and I love all of those French books by so many others…um, Jamie Cat Callan is one of my faves!

  77. Lisa Foley says

    “The Great Gatsby”! I literally read it once a year and am sad once I have finished it (again)~

  78. Angie G says

    Me Before You.

    One of the hardest books I’ve ever read, but has made me think so often that my opinion or advice into other’s struggles is never needed, only my support and asking how I can help. You really never know what it’s like to be in their shoes.

  80. KayLynn Stone says

    I’ve had readers block so bad for the past year or so. Between going through a rough time and then just mindless scrolling on social media I simply just can’t focus.

    I think my all time favorite book is God Save the Sweet Potato Queens by Jill Connor Browne – Funny southern humor at it best.

  81. Sandy says

    Do you watch the Beth Moore videos that accompany the James Bible study? They are so informative and available to rent or buy from Lifeway. She shares info that is not in the book.

  82. Brandye says

    The TWO I can and do read over and over are The Great Gatsby and Gone With the Wind. I’ve did a lit review of Gatsby in high school, then again in college…and every now and then I just pick it up again. So. Many. Levels. (like parfait….name that movie). GWTW is also a favorite b/c my Mother’s family is from Georgia, going back to that period and beyond. It connects me to them, in good ways and bad. Plus, I love me some historical fiction.

  83. Wendy says

    Just finished Where the Crawdads Sing based on your list and oh my word!!!! LOVED IT!!!! On to the next book.

  84. Christy says

    As cliché as it is, the book I could read over and over again is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it!

  85. Melissa says

    You MUST read The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser…so, so, so good! I also loved The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield. Love your book posts!

    • Deborah Spivey says

      Elizabeth Musser is married to my first cousin Paul. They are missionaries in France. I have read every single one of her books. They are all amazing!

  88. Jacqui German says

    I’m about to turn 30 and I have read To Kill A Mockingbird every single summer since I was 12 (and it was required summer reading) and I swear I get something different out of it each and every time. I have my same old copy – which is dog eared, highlighted, and has been soaked by an ocean wave more than once – and I absolutely love cracking it open each year 🙂

    In no other particular order: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, The Help, Night Road (the best Kristin Hannah, with Great Alone as a close second) The Art of Racing in the Rain, The Giver (and companion books) Me Before You, and East of Eden.

    LOVE this post!!!!

  89. Debbie Schultz says

    Still and forever “Gone With the Wind”, and it’s being released in theaters for it’s 80th anniversary in March!!! I have my ticket already! Four glorious hours…… 🙂

  90. Nicole says

    Please put the Ya-Ya series on your to read list. They are all so good. Honestly, I was surprised you hadn’t read them yet! Have a great day!

  91. Erica E says

    I really liked the series Chronicles of the Kings by Lynn Austin. The first book is Gods and Kings (free on kindle unlimited too). Its a great “fiction” story that really helped me keep track of what happened historically in the old testament.

  93. Kathy Floyd says

    Anything by Sandra Brown. My favorite is Play Dirty. All her books take place in the surrounding areas and New Orleans. She’s a local author in Arlington.

  94. Pat says

    Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is wonderful. In fact, Lisa See is one of my favorite authors. She is a very interesting person to visit at book signings, literary festivals and Skype for book clubs. I do enjoy reading Mix and Match Mama. Blessings

  96. Dana says

    Favorite/most memorable books: Atlas Shrugged, Cutting for Stone, Boys in the Boat

    Currently reading/listening to: Pillars of Earth (terrific!), My Story, Winter of the World

    On the “to-read” list: Crawdads and Power of One

  97. Keisha Dawson says

    I just love any time you write about books! Picking a favorite is so hard, but I think Redemption by Karen Kingsbury is the one that has stuck with me for many, many years! I loved the entire Baxter family series, but this one met me in a rough time in my life, and it was just what I needed.

  98. Tamra says

    I read Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher every December. It’s like visiting an old friend over the holidays. I have so many favorites it really hard to choose just one. I love your book posts. Thank you Shay!

  99. Lacy Byrd says

    I recently read The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers and it sparked my love for reading again! I loved it.

  100. Cody says

    Gone with the Wind and the sequel, Scarlett are my all time favorites. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah follows close behind!

  101. Tracey Shepherd says

    Bible studies by Jen Wilkin (an author/teacher in Dallas area). My 2 favorites of hers are:
    God of Creation (verse-by-verse study on Genesis 1-11)
    Sermon on the Mount

  102. Jenny Cole says

    You should read The Kiss Quotient. It is rated R but the story line is so so good. I was so sad to see it end!

  103. Anna says

    My favorite book of all time is Necessary Lies. So good. It’s by Diane Chamberlin. And is historical fiction about a social worker that fought against sterilization in poverty populations

  104. Amy P says

    Ok, I definitely second “Pride & Prejudice” and the Ya-Ya’s! Some of my all-time faves. Trying to pick Just One though, is like trying to pick a favorite child ?
    But! Mine would have to be “Outlander”, Diana Gabaldon. ??????????

  105. Karen says

    Hard to pick just one, but… Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier and the Lord of the Rings series by Tolkien.

    • Carly says

      Rebecca was the first book I’d ever read that made me realize I could be reading a book wrong the entire time! When I got to Chapter 19, it rocked my world (I was a senior in HS)! It is SO, SO good and it changed my reading life forever!

  106. Chrissy says

    HARRY POTTER is hands down my favorite of all time. I’ve been reading the series since I was in elementary school when the first book came out. I’ve read them through at least 10 times. If Kensington and Smith haven’t started them, they totally should!!

  108. Addison says

    It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite book! My favorite author is definitely Jodi Picoult; I recently read Small Great Things by her and it was amazing. I read 6 of her books in 2018. My most recent read was The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and I LOVED it!

  109. Alissa I Bayuk says

    My all time favorite was P.S. I love you by Cecilia Ahern – that and Love, Rosie (also by Cecilia Ahern) were two of my favorites! (I haven’t really liked any of her other ones but those two are still my favorite!

  110. Janelle says

    I love your blog! And your book posts are my favorite!! My all time favorite is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin (we even named our first daughter Darcy!). My current favorite is Where the crawdads song. Per your recommendation!?

    • Susanne says

      I love Sarah Jio! I think there’s a lot of historical fiction in there too. I think The Bungalow was my very favorite! But I loved Goodnight June & Morning Glory too!

  113. Susy says

    Magazines: Afar; Travel and Leisure; Conde Nast Traveler; National Geographic Traveler
    Love some travel inspiration on the newest and the unknown! I only subscribe on T&L but I read the others on Flip!

  114. Becky says

    It is hard to pick a favorite, but for mine I agree with Kelli’s comment above. I loved “Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas” by James Patterson. So sweet and it made me cry in public when I was finishing it.

    But Shay, I can’t believe you didn’t have “For the Right Reasons” by Sean Lowe in your list of faves.
    ?

  117. Rebecca LeFave says

    I honestly do not understand why everyone loves Redeeming Love. It just made me feel sad and icky all over. I get it that it is about the book of Hosea, but entertainment value…not a favorite.

  118. Rachel says

    Classic favorite is Anne of Green Gables. More recent favorite is The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    • Susanne says

      Winter Garden is my favorite book too! I personally think it’s better than The Nightingale. I always recommend it and buy multiple copies to loan out!

      • Rachel says

        They are both such excellent books. I find that I really enjoy Kristin Hannah books. But i have personal ties to some of the settings in Winter Garden, and the fairy tale aspect of the book seems to set it apart from other historical fiction books for me.

  119. Celeste Clark says

    Have you read Left to Tell: by Ilibagiza-Immaculee? This is the book that I think about the most and the message of hope and forgiveness changed the way that I deal with situations and people in my life.

  121. Allena says

    Gone With the Wind, The Lonesome Dove series, Harry Potter series, Outlander series, and The Power of One are my top 5. And yes, I consider an entire series as only taking 1 spot ha.

  123. Kris says

    I don’t know that I could pick a favorite book- there are just too many to pick only one. Are you aware of the Texture app? It charges a low monthly fee but gives you access to a bunch of magazines digitally. You might even be able to read them on your Kindle. It does take a little getting used to not “paging” through the physical magazine but you can read any they offer and you can access back issues too. Plus, no clutter!

  124. Mary says

    A favorite for me is the entire Mitford series by Jan Karon. Just so good and leaves you with a full heart.

    • Ann says

      I agree! It was hard to put down and I had to look into the historical details as I was reading. Compelling.

  126. Jill says

    Another Redeeming Love fan over here! Tied for first place is also One True Loves. I read that in one sitting and recommend it all the time. You and I seem to have very similar book styles, so I love these posts!

  127. Jessica says

    Beneath a marble sky… a novel about the building of the taj mahal. One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I read it so long ago, I think I’m going to go read it again!

  128. Caroline Klobas says

    Favorite non-fictions: “Columbine” by Dave Cullen (super heavy subject matter, one of the most well written pieces of work in existence) and “Flyboys” by James Bradley

    Favorite fictions: “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein and “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah (kind of historical fiction but not really)

    Favorite historical fictions: “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom and “Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly (prequel is out in April!)

    I could talk books all day long!

    • Heidi says

      I second your recommendation of Columbine by Dave Cullen! I have been a high school teacher for 25 years, so that book hits especially hard with me. But I have NEVER read anything like it, and it’s the kind of book that just STAYS with you forever.

  129. Lauren Barnett says

    My all time favorite is “Redeeming Love,” but right now I’m reading “The Last Mrs. Parrish” and “My Oxford Year” and loving both! OH I also loved “The Antelope in the Living Room” by Melanie Shankle!

  130. Julie says

    My one book recommendation is for any parents that have an introverted child. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain is a must read. I wish my parents could have read this book when I was a child. They would have had such a better understanding of me not just as a child but throughout my life. And if you are an introverted adult, you should read it to learn more about yourself. It explains not just personality traits but physical traits as well. I was unaware that the way I reacted to things physically was related to being an introvert, but after reading this, it makes perfect sense. I understand myself and my reactions so much better now.

  131. Kim says

    So very hard to pick a favorite since reading is one of my favorite things. One that I wish people would read is How Now Shall We Live by Charles Colton. Like you, I had way too many magazine subscriptions. It was hard to keep up. I found out that I could get many of the ones I like digitally for free through my library account. It may be worth checking out 🙂

  132. Sandi says

    I’m currently reading it’s not supposed to be this way by Lysa Terkeurst….What a beautiful study and my favorite magazine right now is Magnolia by Joanna Gaines love the photography and the articles

  133. Julie Harris says

    Favorite book from my childhood: Where the Red Fern Grows. I am afraid to read it again because it is just so sad.
    Favorite book from adulthood: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. Tough subject matter and terribly sad, but SO VERY GOOD. It stuck with me for weeks afterward, and when people ask me for a book recommendation, it’s the very first one I recommend time and time again.

  135. Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says

    My top five are probably:
    Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (I’ve read it at least a dozen times)
    The Prince of Tides
    Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas
    Something Borrowed
    The Notebook
    You can’t go wrong with any of them and there’s a little bit of everything there!

  136. Maggie says

    Favorite book ever?? I can’t decide! Based on your suggestions, I’m reading Little Fires Everywhere right now and loving it!

    Have you ever put together a list of your favorite “little kids books” that you love? Or, do Ashby & Madely have some favorites? I’m always looking to update my little one’s bookshelf!

  137. Erin says

    I have so many favorite books. The book that made me love reading was Matilda by Roald Dahl. My other all time favorites are The Help, The Goldfinch, East of Eden, 11/22/63, Behold the Dreamers, and Sarah’s Key. Then there are my favorite series – Harry Potter, The Discovery of Witches Series, The Dublin Murder Squad, and the Flavia DeLuce series.

    Also, I agree with everyone who said Ya-Yas is a must read. The sequel is pretty great too.

  138. Kim says

    The Glass Castle was a favorite – that I still just can not forget! I loved -Wild. Emily Giffin and Elin Hildebrand, too. Currently reading -The Last Mrs. Parrish – really easy to read – enjoying so far!!! Can’t wait to read – Educated!

    Magazines: I love People and US Weekly (Sad….I know) and Entertainment Weekly – in all of these, the books recommended – is my favorite part!

  139. Sarah says

    You have 4 kids, a career, 5 monthly magazine subscriptions, a blog with comments, daily Bible reading, and still read 5ish books a month. Help! I need more information on how this is possible! I want to read more!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well, I don’t read all the time, but I do try and read a little several times a day. I wake up and read my devotionals/Bible studies first thing and then catch pockets of time during the day to read. Then, I read a lot at night. Last night, I read for over an hour (too long, I should have gone to sleep!). Today, I’ll read for an hour at the girls’ dance lesson…just pockets of time.

  140. Sheila says

    Very hard to narrow down to one but if I had to I would say (I only saw one other mention of it on here) Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.

  141. Stacy G. says

    Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain is one that has stuck with me for years. I’ve mentioned it to you before and would love your thoughts on it. I think it’s been long enough I want to read it again. Glass Castle as mentioned above has also stayed with me.

  142. Becky Carl says

    The Noticer by Andy Andrews. In fact all of his books are the best…The Travelers Gift! You will love them!

  143. Nanette Ryan says

    Someone else mentioned the Mitford series by Jan Karon and those are my favorite books of all time. The characters are endearing and it makes you want to live in their quaint little mountain town in NC. Another favorite author of historical fiction is Eugenia Price. She has three series set in St. Simon’s Island, GA, Savannah, GA and the northern part of GA. All are great reads.

  144. Alicia Black says

    My favorite book is probably The Scarlet Pimpernel. I first read it in high school and fell in love with it.

  145. Colleen T says

    The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (then the follow-up World Without End ) or the Century Trilogy (Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, The Column of Fire) by Follett as well. Favorite book series ever. You MUST read these. If you like Game of Thrones as all (these are less violent/sex) or books that have amazing character development, you will LOVE that series. Favorite book in last few years…The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

  146. Michelle Gray says

    I read it years ago and it still sticks with me, The Posionwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Amazing!!

  147. Jen says

    Great lists and I liked that you included other forms of reading material. I always think I should subscribe to a magazine since 2 issues at the store is usually the same cost as a yearly subscription. However I am trying to avoid clutter so working to keep things like that to a minimum. Also why I like my Kindle so much.

    My favorite book ever is The Goldfinch.

  148. Shirley says

    I love true stories so Thunder Dog is my favorite book. It’s the story of a blind man & his guide dog, who on 9/11, had to escape the Twin Towers safely. It is phenomenal! I can’t recommend it highly enough!

  150. Mother of 3 says

    It Ends With Us and The Great Alone were two of my favorite novels too! Thanks so much for hosting this fun link up each month.

  152. Laurel M says

    I can never pick a favorite anything! Movie, candy, book, color. It’s too hard haha. I love my two magazine subscriptions, Seattle Met and Real Simple! I have a feeling I’m going to love the comments section today, I’ll be fishing for new suggestions!

  156. Rachel LaPointe says

    All seven Harry Potter books – I have re-read them many times and get something new out of them even as an adult. The Time Traveler’s Wife is another one I can read over and over again. Also, Outlander, book 1 was so good I’ve been afraid to read any more in the series because I loved the first book so much.

  158. Liz says

    I can always re-read the entire Harry Potter series. It’s my absolute favourite series of all time and it never fails to make me happy!

  160. ValeriekW says

    A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Such a great book. And I second (or millionth) the vote that you HAVE to read The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood!! You will love it – and the movie is pretty good too.

  161. Susan says

    Lonesome Dove. My labs are named Gus and Woodrow. I’ve read it at least 6 times. Gone With The Wind and To Kill A Mockingbird are tied for my second favorite

  162. Carly says

    To Kill A Mockingbird— always and forever and ever!!

    But my reading teacher heart needs to add Harry Potter because they are SO, SO excellent!

  163. Beth says

    So hard to choose just one book! How about authors instead 🙂 Rex Stout wrote the best crime series about Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. Agatha Christie had such insight into human frailties and was so subtle I think people just think of her as cozy mystery, but she was not. Tolkien wrote the BEST fantasy with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. C.S. Lewis wrote fantastic commentary on being a christian–The Great Divorce is incredible(it’s not about divorce as in marriage.)

  164. Debbie Dunbar says

    Goodness. I am an avid reader and have so many favorites. One that I have never forgotten was On Every Side by Karen Kingsbury. I have read all of her books but that one was such an eye opener. I also just finished listening to the Sisters First by the Bush sisters. Listening to their story from their own voices was so good. The book was unforgettable too! I love all of your book posts too!

  165. Marla says

    Hands down for me would be 1) my Bible 2) The One Year Bible 3) The MacArthur Study Bible and 4) Jesus Calling. There’s so many books that I have loved reading it’s impossible to choose but some favorites are Snowflower and the Secret Fan, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, The Time Travelers Wife and Tuesday Mornings with Morrie. I think Quiet: The Power of Introverts In a World That Can’t Quit Talking is an excellent book that should be required reading for all educators and one that anyone could benefit from.
    Favorite magazines:
    HGTV FOOD NETWORK
    TASTE OF HOME
    GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

  166. Dana Jackson says

    So so hard to pick one fave book!! I truly loved the Mitford series books by Jan Karon, sweet, funny and made my heart happy! I loved The Help, My Husband’s Secret and most recently Before We Were Yours…difficult topic but such a great read and so haunting!! Love reading to comments with all the faves!!

  167. Mary says

    I just went to Amazon to buy Devine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood and saw it’s a Kindle Read for Free with Prime!

  168. Janet says

    I love magazines as well. I now subscribe to the Texture app. For $9,99 a month, I can read all kinds of magazines on my Kindle & iPad.

  169. Brooke says

    The Promise of Stardust- where a husband who’s also a physician must navigate end of life decisions for his own comatose wife. The juxtaposition between head and heart decisions made this book a stand out. Also: The End Of Normal by Stephanie Madoff Mack, Bernie Madoff’s daughter in law.

  171. April says

    I had to read the red tent for a women’s study class in college and since then I’ve probably re-read it 2-3 times and have lent it out to my mom and aunt who also loved it. I don’t usually pick up the biblical books and this had me hooked. Also a huge Beatriz Williams fan

  172. Rachel says

    Ok, so I’ve never read Redeeming Love or Bridget Jones’ Diary! But, I’ve got Where the Crawdads Sing next to me on the couch, just waiting to start reading soon. My all-time favorite book is The Outsiders by SE Hinton. I’ve probably read it at least 15-20 times! And To Kill a Mockingbird is second.

  174. Betsy says

    Jodi Piccoult’s “My Sister’s Keeper” started my love of her books. Was just disappointed by her for the first time ever with her latest. :(. Loved “Firefly Lane” also. Devoured those pages in a day and a half. As a high school English teacher though, “A Farewell to Arms” will always remain one of my favorites. Have really appreciated your reviews for some excellent recommendations!

  175. Maria says

    Have you read “The Adults” by Caroline Hulse? The author is British. It’s about a couple who divorce then go on vacation together with their new spouses to be with their one shared child. It’s very very funny. You would like it!

  176. Samantha Bahr says

    If you loved redeeming love you should add “the masterpiece” by Francine rivers to your monthly books to read. I read it over Christmas and could not put it down!!!!

  177. Lisa D says

    Favorites: The Thorn Birds, 7 by Jen Hatmaker, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, and all of Kate Morton’s books.

  178. CampDallas says

    Tuesdays With Morrie! It’s the only book I’ve ever read multiple times. Absolutely love it!

  179. Molly says

    This goes with yesterday’s post as well, but I just discovered that there are MANY free magazines on Amazon Prime, such as Real Simple, Bon Appetit, Martha Stewart Living…and so many more! Check it out!

  181. Carmen says

    The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom is a must! It starts a little slow but is such an amazing book that will challenge you to a deeper walk. Also you can go visit the house in The Netherlands. It’s in Haarlem about 20 minutes from Amsterdam. It’s amazing to go and definitely worth it!

  182. Tammy Calhoun says

    My favorite as a kid was, Are you there God, it’s me Margaret. Then I loved, The Thornbirds and The Other Side of Midnight. More recently some of my favorites are, Between Shades Of Gray by Rita Sepetys, Me Before You, Orphan Train, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, My Oxford Year, The Great Alone. So many great books, so little time!! ☺️

  183. Leah Reinemund says

    To Kill a Mockingbird is still my all time fave!! My fave recent read is It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst!

  184. Leslie S says

    My all time favs are Jane Eyre as well as 2 by Catherine Marshall – Christy and Julie. Have read these every year since I was 13. Can’t wait til my girls are old enough to read them too!
    Also, Shay, you should read Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith with your kids. It’s a marvelous story about being chosen and loved.

  185. Patrice Bennett says

    All time favorites are Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
    You MUST MUST check out Dennis Prager’s The Rational Bible. He goes verse by verse through the book. Last year Exodus came out and Genesis comes out soon. It will truly be life changing. Best Bible commentary ever!!!
    Happy Valentines Day!! I love you and your blog. you amaze and inspire me every day. XOXO

  186. Lauren says

    All the way home by Ann Tatlock… I read that book at least 10 years ago and it’s still stuck with me!

  187. Emily says

    I have read “Love, Rosie” by Cecelia Aherb multiple times and always love it! It is written entirely in letters, texts, cards, IMs, etc. l live that difference format, and unrequited love is a favorite theme of mine.

  188. julie says

    Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
    Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin
    Lazy B by Sandra Day O’connor
    When Character was King by Peggy Noonan
    Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough
    I rarely like the books that are “in” so these may not be your style.

  191. Pamela Kennedy says

    Ok, this is kind of embarrassing, but I am going to come clean. I am incredibly guilty of buying books because I love the cover. Example: A lovely lavender color with a cottage in the background, some lit lanterns, it’s dusk, and there could be a lake, possibly an Adirondack chair, and more than likely…fireflies. Can you feel the cozy? I can. Oh dear, I just can’t help myself.

  192. Crystal Perry says

    I highly recommend the Texture App for any magazine you like. It’s $10 a month and you have digital access to almost any magazine you can imagine – even issues from past months! You can even save articles, recipes, pictures, workouts, etc. on the app. Perfect for traveling! You can download any magazine you want before your vacation and only have to travel with your iPad. You should definitely check it out!

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