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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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September 2020 Book Review


It’s BOOK REVIEW DAY!!!

Annnnnnnd everyone (but Sheaffer!) is so excited 😉 .

Okay, this month, I read four books…three fiction, one “how to”, two of them surprised me with flip flop opinions as I read and one will most likely be in my TOP THREE for the entire year.  Needless to say, it wasn’t dull this month, and I’m uber excited to share.  After all, there’s no better time to read than during fall and winter!  I’m kicking off this month’s review with…

Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams.

Whew.  Okay.

So, if you’ve been reading my reviews for awhile now you know that Beatriz and I have a fickle friendship (so to speak).  I typically either LOVE her books and they wind up in my TOP THREE for the ENTIRE YEAR (I’m talking about you A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant) or they bore me to tears and help me fall asleep at night.  Only once, have we had a middle ground (that’s you The Golden Hour)…so I was really nervous to crack open her latest book.

BUT…

…I LOVED IT!!!!

Oh my word, this novel right here is why I’m obsessed with Beatriz Williams!  You guys know me…I don’t even like historical fiction (right?!), but I love her books (well, some of them).  Her Last Flight was everything I wanted it to be and MORE!  If you’re like me and don’t enjoy books not set present day, you still really must read this one.  Nobody sucks me into a genre that’s not me more than her.  Okay, so this is a fictional story about a woman whose life very much mimics that of Amelia Earhart.  Same time frame, same limitations because she was a woman, same overarching theme…successful female pilot goes missing and is never heard from again EXCEPT a journalist figures out that this woman has been hiding out in Hawaii and finds her for her story…the real story about that epic last flight.  The story toggles back and forth between a present day-ish setting when the journalist is interviewing the pilot and then back to when she was younger and building her reputation (before that last flight).  There are twists, there are turns, there is a love story, there is suspense, there is heart and sacrifice…it is just lovely.  All of it is lovely.  I enjoyed every page of this novel and see it as a “top three” contender FOR SURE.

Next up…

The sequel to The Royal We is now out (after years of anticipation) and it’s called…The Heir Affair.

Okay, now this one was an interesting read for me.  You know how I take notes on my phone as I read books?  Well, the first half of my notes are very critical of this book.  I did not enjoy it.  At all.  I used words like “fake”, “too phony”, “boring”, “slow”, “unbelievable”…I mean to tell you, I was not a fan.  BUT all of a sudden, I hit the middle of this book and my notes turned into “delightful”, “full of what ifs”, “made me really think”, “I hope there is a third”.  Bahaha!  How funny is that?!  Okay, if you haven’t read The Royal We (the first novel), I can’t suggest that one enough!  Over the last few years, I’ve called that one out numerous times as a book you should read (I’ve put it on seasonal lists, recognized it in my annual book review post, etc).  I really enjoyed that one as it’s loosely based on Prince William and Princess Kate’s love affair.  It’s obviously fictitious, but there are very similar themes, characters and conflict, so you do feel like you’re getting a peek into the royal family.   This year, the highly anticipated sequel came out, but it is much less like the real royal family and more manufactured…which did take me a bit to appreciate.  This takes your main characters (your Will and Kate) and plants them in the position of trying to start a family…that was, for me, when things picked up and got really interesting. I thought the first half was sloooooow and honestly, I was bored, but that second half really grabbed my attention and made me think about their position and what I would do.  No spoilers, but I enjoyed the narrative so much that I truly do hope they write a third book in the series.  I’m going to be very curious if any of you had the same roller coaster of emotions when you read this one.  It ended up being light, cute and worth my time…but it was a rocky beginning.

Now, the exact opposite thing happened to me when I read…

…The Water Keeper.

This is my first Charles Martin novel and I hear he writes some exceptional ones…but this one was a miss for me in the end.  The funny thing is that I loved this book so much at the beginning that I even told my friend Shanna to read it…well, then I finished it and wasn’t a fan of the second half when Shanna texted me and this is what she said, “Just way too far fetched and way too many coincidences.  I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see how it would end, but it went way off the rails with ridiculousness”.  That one text from her exactly summed up my thoughts.  This story is a work of fiction that ultimately is about the sex trafficking of minors in Florida, and it began with such potential for me, but halfway through, it became too manufactured and wasn’t a believable plot any more.  I’m really sad about this one because I even had a note on my phone that said “top three contender” for the first half.  Boo.  I hate when that happens.  If you have other Charles Martin book recs, please leave them for me in the comment section!  This one was a dud.

The fourth and final book I read this month was…

The C.H.A.O.S. Cure

Bahahaha!  How random is that?!  Here’s how it happened…I was getting my hair done this month and my stylist and I were talking about The Home Edit on Netflix.  She is all obsessed and re-organizing her life around their theories and ways, but honestly, how they organize doesn’t really resonate with me, so we were discussing.  As we were talking, she said that I needed to read this book right here because she thought it was more me.  And friends, IT’S TOTALLY ME!  Who are you Marla Cilley?  We need to be besties!!  I flew through this book on cleaning and organizing your home and life.  What I loved the most was how doable she made everything sound.  She sets timers and gives amounts for each chore/activity (from deep cleaning to daily cleaning to inbox cleaning…she really covers it all), and THIS was actually a way to inspire me to clean because it didn’t seem overwhelming.  I will put off a chore or task simply because I don’t think I have the time to accomplish it, but her strategies have me singing another song.  I loved this 🙂 .  If you’re looking to clean up your life and small chunks of time sounds like the way to do it, this book is for you.

So that’s it for September’s Book Review!

As always, you can see the other book reviews I’ve done so far in 2020 right HERE along with my TOP THREE books of 2019 and a list of every book I read in 2019 ? .

Now spill it…what are you reading right now and what should I be reading in October?!  Please share all of your recs in the comment section below!! I want to hear!!!!  Also don’t forget…

…I have a list of cozy fall reads for you here too!

I can’t wait to read your comments!!  Happy Book Day, friends!!!

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Comments

  1. Taylor says

    I just read TWO great thrillers that would be perfect reads for the month of October: The Last Flight & Little Secrets. The Last Flight was my favorite of the two and I’ve been recommending it to a lot of people.

  2. Kristen Thompson says

    Ah I love book review day!! Right now I’m reading Truths I’ve Never Told You and liking it! Have you read Mqjesty yet? The sequel to American Royals…I’m interested in what you’ll think of that one! The Switch by Beth O’Leary was really cute…about a grandmother/granddaughter duo-one lives in the country the other in London and they switch houses for a period of time! I also read Dear Edward this month based on your recommendation last month and boy that one is sticking with me!

  3. Lauren says

    Just added Her Last Flight and CHAOS Cure to my list!! I’m currently re-reading Lessons from Madame Chic, it never gets old to me!!

  4. Brooke says

    The Heir Affair!!!!

    Same girl, same. The first half is boring me to tears! I’m slowly making my way through it but it is tough! Glad to know it gets better because the first one is one of my favorite books ever!! You aren’t alone in this sentiment! It’s been on my bedside table for months now (and I read whole books in like a week if I like them enough.)
    Thank you for sharing all of your recs! 🙂

  5. Renee says

    Have you read The Aviator’s Wife? It is a historical fiction book based on Charles Linbergh and his wife. I was fascinated by it.

    • Katie P says

      I second this whole heartedly!!! I have loved many of Charles Martin’s books, although they do often have a lot of drama (some more manufactured than others), but ‘When Crickets Cry’ is one of the best books I have ever read. Seriously, give this author another chance and read ‘When Crickets Cry’

      • DSM says

        Totally agree about Charles Martin. Newer books are just too out there. I have started many of them to end up not finishing because they turn out to be so unbelievable. BUT … When Crickets Cry is sooooo very good. One of my all time favs. Highly…. HIGHLY recommend. One of the main characters is a young girl with a serious medical problem. It is a delight to read. Give this one a try. It won’t disappoint.

        • Mary Jane McNeill says

          Chiming in on Charles Martin…but for THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US!! Please don’t watch the movie EVER…just go ahead and read the book. I was RIVETED! I had to reread the last chapter 3 times to make sure I was understanding the ending because I didn’t want to miss a word! To me, that’s the best of his books.

  8. Ani M says

    The Warmth of Other Suns is my current read. Non fiction, which is out of my comfort zone, but such an eye opening and relevant book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
    I read the Heir Affair over the summer and was bummed out. I loved the first book but this one just felt sort of dragged by the hair. As Again, Yes has been my favorite fiction read as of late. Happy fall!

    • Debra says

      I feel like the “Warmth of Many Suns” should be required reading for all. It is such am i
      informative, powerful book.

  9. Teresa says

    Marla is very well known as the Flylady. She has a very popular website. I have kind of fallen away from it so I am glad for the reminder, but her 15 minutes is a great motivator.
    I still haven’t read The a Royal We. I’m going to go get that on my Libby app. Thanks!

  10. Jamie says

    If you loved the Chaos Cure check out The Secret Slob or Diane in Denmark’s YouTube channels! They encourage you through the “Fly Lady” (Marla Cilley) system and are so motivating!

    • Jen says

      Love fly lady and steph from the secret slob! It’s so weird right now like two worlds colliding with my favorite YouTube channel being discussed on my favorite blog!

  11. Leigh Tardella says

    Gosh-I felt the same exact way about The Water Keeper. Ugh!! I read The Mountain Between is by Charles Martin and it was so GREAT! Maybe try that one to make up for the last one. 🙂 LOVE book review day!!

    • Katie Hayes says

      I just finished reading “Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11” by Mitchell Zuckoff. It’s a book full of true story accounts from 9/11. The subject material is hard at times, but I absolutely couldn’t put this book down. It was sad and uplifting at the same time. I LOVED it.

  13. Julie Eggleston says

    Book Review Day is my favorite day of the month! Please check out The Sight of You by Holly Martin. I stumbled upon this new book in B & N, and can’t believe I haven’t heard more chatter about it. It’s a beautiful & heartbreaking love story. Go read the synopsis…it had me hooked from the moment I picked it up!

    • Amanda says

      I am reading this now and absolutely loving it. I saw Ashley Spivey talking about it and ordered it. It’s so good so far!

  14. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    Ah I’m so surprised you liked Her Last Flight! I was so all over the place when I read it and I LOVED the author’s other books. This one wasn’t as interesting to me. I finally read Where The Crawdads Sing, so glad I did! I’ve been reading organizing books so I’m definitely picking up that last one!

    • Liz says

      I couldn’t get into Her Last Flight so I returned it to the library. Now I’m bummed. I should’ve hung in a little longer. I’m reading The Winemaker’s Wife. It’s good so far.

  15. Charon says

    Please please give other Charles Martin books a chance – I’ve read several of his books and they are AMAZING! When Crickets Cry is sooooo good

  16. Paige says

    I just read my first Charles Martin book, The Mountain Between Us, and loved it. Try it for sure. Such a sweet, suspense filled read;) .

  17. Kate says

    I recently went on a Charles Martin kick and read Chasing Fireflies, Wrapped in Rain, and When Crickets Cry. I LOVED Chasing Fireflies and enjoyed the other two as well. I haven’t read the Water Keeper.

  18. Heather says

    American Royals II: Majesty by Katharine McGee. Loved it. Loved how they concluded all the relationships.
    Heartbones by Colleen Hoover. Flew through this in one day. Really liked it.

  19. Jenn R. says

    I just finished One by One by Ruth Ware! I loved it! A tech company called Snoop comes to stay at a ski chalet. Snoop is an app that lets you follow people and real time listen to the same song they are listening to, including famous celebrities. The retreat begins and everyone ends up snowed in. As conflict ensues, people begin to drop one by one. I love a good mystery thriller and this one didn’t disappoint!

  20. Kristen Dodgen says

    I completely agree with everything you said re: The Heir Affair. I loved the Royal We and was so excited for this book and the beginning fell flat. I feel like the first half could have been summarized into one or two chapters; however, it really picked up and then I found myself doing whatever I could, like running unnecessary errands, to finish listening to it.

  22. Kristi says

    If you enjoy suspenseful books, I recently read The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda and I really enjoyed it. I’m also currently reading The Hideaway by Nora Roberts and it’s good so far.

    • Aparna says

      The girl from window hills sounds good…just looked it up. I love Nora roberts too…have read everything by her. Hideaway is on my TBR.

    • Terri says

      I’ve been enjoying a bunch of Nora Roberts’ books lately. The suspenseful ones, not the older romances. I just finished Northern Lights.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hmmmm…I don’t know? When I watch the show or look at their IG, it doesn’t speak to me. Maybe it’s the color coding? It just doesn’t inspire me to clean up my house like other shows/books/posts do.

      • JoAnne Lokey Lokey says

        Honestly, I agree about the Home Edit system, too. The juxtaposition of the celebrity client and everyday person client, nice looking equipment (baskets, etc), hosts’ fun personalities are a draw to watch. But, I don’t feel like I actually “learn” anything that I haven’t already seen somewhere else (and explained better.)

        • Jeanie says

          I think it’s easy to “edit” a home when there is no emotional tie to the items and maybe that is what it takes, ?‍♀️ However that doesn’t seem very real life. Spending thousands of dollars at The Container Store and organizing my home into those containers just doesn’t appeal to me. I am fascinated to think there is a whole industry (media and retail) associated with color coding belongings.

          • Mix and Match Mama says

            I like Marie Kondo for that very reason…she says purge over buying organizational pieces. Her book is fantastic!

  25. Sherry Huneycutt says

    I love Charles Martin books but haven’t read “The Water Keeper” yet. One of my favorite books by him is “When Crickets Cry.”

  26. Meghan says

    I LOVE Charles Martin books, but I agree about this most recent one. Was still a very sad story, but a lot of it was like wow what are the chances they ran into eachother. “When crickets cry” is the first book I read of his, and I made my book club read it and they were mad at me because of all the feels. But it was soo good. Along with his other books, so keep trying! I love where the crawdads sing too.

  29. Rayne says

    Don’t give up on Charles Martin, I have read all of his and this was my least favorite. It did open my eyes up into the world of human trafficking, but overall, I agree-crazy second half. Try some of his older works first-When Crickets Cry, The Dead don’t Dance, Maggie etc. These are why O fell in love with his writing. They also all have Christian undertones that are very clever and heart piercing if you are paying attention. A great read for me this month was The Exiles. It is historical fiction, but kind of like Girl With the Louding Voice, really good female characters that you will fall in love with.

  30. Karah Stracener says

    I so enjoy your book reviews. My favorite day every month to read your blog!! My book club recently read Midnight Sun (its part of the Twilight series but from Edwards point of view). Its taken me a while to get through it. Next month we are reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and I am super excited to start it. Thanks for your cozy fall read suggestions, I am definitely adding them to my list.

  31. Kelley Sawyer says

    Haven’t read that Charles martin- but LOVE his other books. My favorites are Long Way Gone (prodigal son type story), When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies, and Unwritten
    Try again!!

    • Patty says

      Yes, Kelley! I’ve loved everything of his so far, but those are my favorites, too. I think my absolute favorite is still the first one I read…Long Way Gone. Don’t give up on him, Shay!

  32. Melissa Terry says

    I loved The Royal We but felt similarly about The Heir Affair…just didn’t love it as much. BUT if you loved those, you need to read American Royals and Majesty. I adored both of those and it’s a super interesting, fictional twist on American history. I also recently read Dear Edward which I can’t remember if you’ve suggested before, but I loved that one too.

  34. Jodie Kingsbury says

    I just ordered The Royal We and The Heir Affair for my Kindle. Cant wait to get home and start reading them.
    I might have to check out that organizing book too. I’ve got a few closets that need some help.

    Love your blog,
    Jodie

  35. Kate says

    I have recently discovered the Virgin River Series. I really am enjoying them. They are happily ever after but more of a plot than say Hallmark ?

  36. Marla says

    My friends and I have been following The Fly Lady. for organization for many many years and just love her. Her books are great but her APP will really motivate a person to get something done….to just start with a small step. What I like about her is that her approach is not only doable but easy to maintain.

  38. Skimama says

    Sink Reflections from Marla Cilley was enormously helpful when my kids were little and we couldn’t afford a housekeeper. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. Maybe other readers with littles can relate!

  39. Kathleen Lewis says

    Two good books by Charles Martin – The Mountain Between Us and Wrapped in Rain. I enjoyed both.

  40. Tracy says

    My first Charles Martin book was The Mountain Between Us and I immediately ordered two more of his books! Wrapped in Rain and Thunder and Rain were both very enjoyable! I would give him another shot.

  41. Cecily says

    I really enjoyed reading When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. It was a clean feel good book. Sorry to hear the other was a dud.

    What movie rating would you give Her Last Flight?? Some other Beatriz’s other novels had some pretty steamy love scenes.

  42. Jenny Wilson says

    Agree with Charles Martin; I have LOVED some of his books and did not enjoy this one at all. Try When Crickets Cry…soooo good!

  44. Dana says

    The fact that you read the CHAOS book and didn’t know who she is is hilarious to me!! She’s FLYLADY!!! You never used her system?! It’s great! She came before the social media explosion and helped SO many women, myself included. She sent out about a billion emails a day, but they were good reminders. You would have been considered a BO if I remember right- a born organized gal. 🙂 I’ve been wondering what happened to her because she was super popular and now no one seems to talk about her. She’s great!!

  45. Erin Hill says

    I think maybe I had too high of expectations for The Heir Affair because I LOVED the first book so much. It’s my go-to read if I have nothing else and just need to read something. I love the characters and story just so so much. So the sequel… it let me down and I loved it all at the same time. That makes no sense and maybe I just don’t want to admit I didn’t like it that much. I think it was just comforting, especially at this crazy season of life, to have these characters that I love back in my life. The Queen and Bex storyline was probably the only one I really loved, but I would not hesitate to read a third if they would write one.

  46. Lindsey says

    Don’t give up on Charles Martin. If you go back to his earlier stuff, it’s much better. Particularly When Crickets Cry.

  47. Shelley says

    I just read The Secrets You Keep by Kate White and The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin. I read them both in 24 hours. I could not put them down! Love, suspense, etc. Loved them both! These are must reads for sure!

  48. Katie says

    I feel the EXACT same way about The Heir Affair! I was so excited for it to come out and I got about 35% of the way through before I gave up. I loved the first book, though, so your post will give me the push to pick it up again and try to finish. I’m so glad that it gets better! Nicholas Sparks new book comes out today and he hasn’t released one in awhile so I am planning to download it ASAP. Thanks for another great review!

  50. Keisha Dawson says

    I just finished The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, and I’m currently reading The Simple Wild based on your recommendation.

  51. kim fleming says

    I love love love your reading day recommendations, even if there is only one I choose to one! I want to recommend for you two historical fiction WWII novels, The German Midwife and Letters From Home. Have a blessed day.

  52. Jen F says

    I just finished Refugee. My 11 year old son told me to read it, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to talk about a book with him. We both loved it. It was totally age appropriate for him even though it was a heavy topic.

  53. Laura says

    The Fly Lady (Marla Cilley) is the best!! I have been following her cleaning routine for YEARS! I’ll try others from time to time, but always come back to her. I love checklists and she has a great iPhone app!!

  54. Tracy Baack says

    You should definitely read Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors and then A Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev- inspired by Jane Austen books with an “Indian family living in America” flair. I could not put them down!!!

  55. MelanieL says

    I used to be a Sheaffer but now I’m a Shay and I give you all the credit for my newfound love of reading! I can’t believe your enthusiasm for reading hasn’t rubbed off on her yet, LOL! I’m reading My Oxford Year right now!

  56. Rachel Shafer says

    I love book review day! I just finished The Last Flight and it was soooo good! A really great suspenseful mystery. I’m currently reading the Elin Hilderbrand paradise series. I’m on the 2nd one – What Happens in Paradise and loving it so far!

  57. Terry says

    Just finished Speaking for Myself by Sarah Huckabee Sanders. It was recommended by a friend…that’s the only reason I read it. But I thoroughly loved it. The thread of morality and Christian principles throughout was so refreshing!

  58. Lindsey says

    I read Live in Love by Lauren Aikens this month. I loved it! I know you don’t like country music but she is married to country music superstar Thomas Rhett. Her book is about faith and love and she talks about their struggle with the adoption of their baby girl Willa Gray from Uganda. I definitely think you would love it!

  59. Elizabeth says

    See I loved the Heir Affair maybe even a little more than the Royal We! (I read them both back-to-back). I loved both of them though! I honestly love Freddie so much. I want there to be a third book and maybe it could be more about him or from his perspective? I am interested to see where his relationship goes. The Queen and Queen Mother were also amazing in this book!

  60. Katherine says

    Charles Martin – Long Way Gone ? It will redeem how you feel about him as an author 100%. Shay, It. Is. So. Good. I’ve also heard that his book When Crickets Cry is phenomenal too but I haven’t read that one yet.

  61. Elizabeth says

    Oh and also be sure to read American Royals and Majesty. They were FANTASTIC! (I went on a big ole royals kick this month…whoops)

  62. Kerrie says

    Flylady System has been a GAME. CHANGER. for me. I have ‘perfectionism procrastination syndrome’ – I don’t like to start a task unless I can complete it perfectly start to finish. Marla has totally shifted my mindset and made maintaining my home much more manageable. Done is better than perfect! I see a lot of similarities in your routines and habits in those that Marla teaches. Her website/emails can be overwhelming, but once you have the system figured out and you make it work for you, it makes home management so much more enjoyable and less of a chore.

  63. Kristine says

    Reserving The Chaos Cure now! I also am not a fan of the Home Edit. ?

    I recently read An American Marriage. Highly recommend! It was an Oprah pick. ?

  64. Sami Moss says

    I love Charles Martin, but I totally agree with the far fetched nature of the Water Keeper. You have to read Long Way Gone though. One of my fave books of all time and definitely his best. And I felt the same way about Heir Affair — so slow in the beginning so I quit about a quarter of the way through — but you’re convincing me to pick it back up again.

  68. Kathy H. says

    I loved Her Last Flight. I actually got a little nervous reading your review hoping you did as well. Have you read her Redhead series? Very film noir but I really liked them.
    Others I’ve rated between 4 and 5 stars are: Untamed, This is How It Always Is (anyone with children needs to read this), A Fall of Marigolds, A Good Neighborhood, What You Wish For, In Five Years. ??

  69. Tiffany Ray says

    Have you read The Liar’s Wife by Kirsten Modglin. I am in the last few pages and it has a really good surprise ending. It is more of a mystery story.

  70. Terri says

    I look forward to book review day every single month!!
    We are approaching October, which means the last book in Elin Hilderbrand’s series, Troubles in Paradise will be here soon.

  71. Aparna says

    I read 4 books this month…like so many of you flew through Heart bones…so good! Enjoyed Shari lapena’s The end of her…she’s fast becoming one of my reliable author for suspense. Also read The Dillema by BA Paris. Thought it was a bit slow. But readable. And lastly Mia Sheridan’s Where the Blame lies…again a romantic thriller…was again above average. Book of the month for me was Heart Bones. Thank you ladies for the rec. can’t wait to read Her last flight…sounds good. xx

  72. Ruth says

    Uhmm, I’ve tried several times with the Royal We and I’ve found it to be a slow book and finally abandoned it for something else.:(

  73. Mary Mathews says

    i read several books this month but, by far, the book The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. SOOO GOOOD!!!!! i finished it about a week ago and it’s still with me. thanks for all your wonderful suggestions!!!

  74. Chelsea says

    I just read The Last Flight and it was suspenseful without being too dark. Great read! Also my favorite book of the year so far is The Giver of stars. Loved it but it is historical fiction, set in the 1930’s.

  75. StephC says

    My first ever Charles Martin book was Long Way Gone. I had never read anything by him before, but Annie F Downs had recommended it on her podcast & it was a $1.99 on an Amazon sale so I took a chance. I started reading it on a long plane trip & was bawling in my seat as I read (and I’m not a crier) – really really good. I highly recommend it. I also liked the Mountain Between Us.

  76. Lisa says

    I have to totally agree with you on the Water Keeper. I have read almost ALL of Charles Martin’s books and this one was truly disappointing. When Crickets Cry and Water From the Heart were my favorites as well. Francine Rivers The Masterpiece was so good!!!

  77. Holley Cavaliere says

    I can’t wait to read some of these books from your fall list! You always inspire to read more!
    -Holley @SimplyHolleyMarie.com

  78. Sarah says

    I felt EXACTLY the same way about The Heir Affair! I was so excited, unsure at the beginning, but it ended up a win! Have you read the American Royals series by Katharine McGee? It’s YA and so so fun! I have The Hate U Give on my pile to read next. I love book review day! Thanks for sharing!

  79. Stacy Leming says

    Have you seen Luis Velez by Catherine Ryan Hyde. A great story that will suck you in really quickly. It’s also free on Kindle Unlimited. Love your book reviews!

  80. Helen Smith says

    You have to read a most beautiful thing..arshay Cooper
    True story..a story of when someone invests time and life in you it’s a game changer. 5 starS

  81. Bethany says

    Praying the Scriptures for your Children by Jodie Berndt. It’s one you will read then keep as a resource. I have been prompted to pray over my children in a whole new way now after reading her book! I can’t say enough good things about it.

  82. Lauren says

    Glennon Doyle’s new memoir Untamed was excellent. I listened to it and found her reading it even more poignant. On a lighter side I read Abby Jimenez’s latest, The Happy Ever After Playlist, so funny and touching and made my heart happy.

  83. JoAnne L says

    The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson (but, I already told you that on your last book review post… lol!) and have you every had an interest in “mystery” novels? A great author to check out is Donna Leon and her Brunetti series. The books start with a crime, and many times, a separate injustice. The series is set in Venice, Italy and reflect more of a social/political commentary about life in Italy, specifically Northern Italy without being heavy or preachy, at all. The books are fast reads…

  84. Tanya says

    You’ve inspired me to give the Heir Affair another try. I just couldn’t get into it, but will give it another shot. My favorite book this month was The Exiles.

  85. Jennimc says

    I think you’ve done this already, but could you link the earrings you’re wearing in your stories today??

  87. Jaren says

    Love book review days!! Okay I can’t remember if I commented this or not, but read The Wife Stalker. It’s the same authors as The Last Mrs Parrish! I finished it and really wanted to discuss it with people!!!!
    Also, have you watched Virgin River on Netflix? Such a cozy Hallmark type show. I loved it. It has 1 season and the other is supposed to be out soon.

  88. carol says

    @@@@oh Shay…you have not read the best book of the year if you have not read THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE@@@@
    —–(as I keep reminding you shamelessly————–_
    ???

  91. Anna H says

    I love Charles Martin books and When Crickets Cry is the #1 book I recommend when friends ask for a new read. I also love his books Chasing Fireflies, Unwritten, and Water From My Heart. Definitely give him another go!

  92. Janice says

    I just finished “500 Miles From You” by Jenny Colgan and loved it! It will make you want to visit Scotland 🙂 Jenny’s books are such a treat to read – in fact I found her thru your 2016 review of Little Beach Street Bakery.

    I also loved “What You Wish For” by Katherine Center and Lauren K. Denton’s latest “The Summer House”.

  93. Angela says

    I’m totally with you on The Heir Affair. I couldn’t wait to read the sequel to The Royal We. I loved the first book. Unfortunately, the sequel has been very slow going. I’ve picked it up and put it down so many times. I’ve struggled to make it halfway through the book. The story just meanders with no real sense of direction or purpose. I’ve had this book since the day it came out (I was that excited) and yet it still sits in my “Currently Reading” list on my Kindle not even at the halfway mark. I’m so glad you posted your review. I’ll definitely have to pick it up again and finish the second half.

  97. Kelli says

    Please please please give Charles Martin another chance! I have loved everything he has written except The Water Keeper. When Crickets Cry is one of my all time favorite books!!

  98. Julie says

    ‘Little Secrets’/Hillier was one of the best suspense books I’ve ever read and I also loved “The Guest List.” That would be a fun read for October as it’s a mystery. I did end up liking Heart Bones a lot! Not my favorite ever Hoover book? But really good and enjoyed reading it. If you need another life hack book, ‘The Lazy Genius Way’ was awesome, and her podcast is so great too.

    I have ‘The Switch’ (same author as the Flatshare) on my list and am now adding ‘Her Last Flight!’ Okay, right now I’m reading ‘Wild at Heart.’ I really do like it. Honestly, I do! BUT. One thing is driving me crazy! Jonah’s speech is all “gettin'” “ridin'” “thinkin’. OMG OMG! Did he speak like that in the first book? I don’t know why but it’s driving me insane. Just add a “g” once in a while for me, Jonah! Please? I beg of you!

    Love your book review day and can’t wait for the next one.

  100. Robyn says

    I just finished Fredrick Backman’s Anxious People. His writing never fails to disappoint me and he’s funny yet deeply understands the emotional human condition. So good!!!

  101. Jeanie says

    Have you ever read any Kate Morton books? I haven’t read a bad one yet…they are all good. They are set in the UK which I know you like. You should give her a try.

  102. sandi says

    A day late but still excited about Book Review Day! I have The Last Flight on hold at the library and I am next in line to receive it; I cannot wait to read it. My favorite Williams book is Along the Infinite Sea. My sister’s last name is Piper (close to Pepper) and I always thought that would make a cute name for a girl, but it is hard to use when it’s a family members last name. After reading the comments I will have to give Charles Martin another chance. Your readers really like him but I’ve only read one of his books. My neighbor and I have been reading your summer recommendations… The Girl with the Louding Voice, Such a Fun Age and Be The Bridge. We have had some great conversations around those books. Just finished 28 Summers (LOVED) and Winter Street/Winter Stroll (ugh, towards the end I was just skimming to see how they ended). Until next month…

    On a travel note, our oldest is a senior (which is totally not great but at least their school is in person) and we had always said we would take a nice trip either over break (March) or right after school ended (may). He was selected to go to a Barcelona summer soccer program which was canceled because of Covid (our daughter was scheduled for a school missions trip to South Africa that was also canceled but since she is a Junior they are hoping to still be able to go this year). Where are the best places to look? He really wants to go to Europe but I don’t think that is wise as a family. Somewhere warm maybe… Cayman? one of the Caribbean Islands? This is just not a great time to be figuring out fun travel plans. We are in Virginia and have traveled up and down the East Coast as well as a cross country trip a few years ago to see the Grand Canyon. My husband and I have been to NY several times (US Open Tennis and a yearly anniversary trip) and we thought that would be exciting for the kids but who wants to go to NY right now?!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      In my opinion, wait a bit. I don’t think now is the time to make decisions about most of the destinations you listed, so I would wait. The good news is that nothing is getting booked over, so you have extra time this school year to plan!

  103. Holly says

    Have you read The Guest List or The Silent Patient? They were both great cozy fall mystery / thrillers! I am reading The Yellow House right now (memoir / non fiction), and it is amazing. Great perspective of growing up in New Orleans. I just finished In Five Years by Rebecca Searle. I believe you have read and reviewed this one?? It was great and unexpected!

  104. Kristal Strong says

    I just finished reading Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda and it was so, so good! It’s a fiction book about motherhood, marriage, adoption, family. It follows a family from American and India and how their lives connect. I haven’t adopted, but have a good friend who has and it is too hard for her to read adoption stories. Maybe you feel the same way? I can’t recall if you’ve read a book along these lines before. But if you are open to them, this was a beautiful read. I’d love to read more from her or similar.

  105. Nancy Crain says

    The Moon is Round by Molly McCracken Huffman is excellent. It is “a true story of extraordinary love, grief and the fight for faith,” and is sold on Amazon. Molly and my daughter Megan went to high school together and both had their first child at the same time. They found each other on a mother’s Facebook group, and quickly reconnected. Molly is an amazing steadfast Christian woman and her faith is evident throughout this heart wrenching story. You will find yourself laughing and crying at the exact same time!

  106. Jamie says

    I had the same reaction to heir affair! And I coincidentally finished the Royal We right before the Heir affair came out so I went fresh into the story and really had push through the beginning. Then somehow I found myself at the end absolutely loving the whole thing! Hahahaha.

  108. Maria says

    Shay, do you download the free kindle book each month from Amazon Prime First Reads? This month they are offering TWO free books. I never know which ones to select. Would love to know if you participate and which ones you select.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t because I have such a long list of book recs from readers that I feel deserve top priority!

  110. Claris Yoder says

    I recently read and absolutely loved The Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro. The writer who is in her 50’s did DNA testing just for the fun of it, and through that discovered that her father was not her biological father. Her parents are both dead and the book is about her journey to find her biological father. I thought it was fascinating and unlike anything I had ever read before.

  111. Shannon C says

    I just read Anxious People by Fredrik Backman and it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Okay…I haven’t loved his other books. Have you? Is it similar or the same?

  112. Meaghan P says

    My thoughts exactly on The Heir Affair!! Some of my fav recent reads are: Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein, One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London, The Last Flight by Julie Clark, The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon, Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight and The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez.

  113. Sharon A says

    Yay! Just got “Her Last Flight” on my library KINDLE app today— so I’ll be starting it as soon as I finally finish “The Simple Wild” (just “meh” for me). I love Beatriz Williams! Glad to hear it’s in your top 3!

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