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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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October 2020 Book Review


It’s my OCTOBER BOOK REVIEW!

You know the drill…I read a lot of books, we discuss, you tell me what to read next and we repeat next month.  Friends, every December, I name my TOP THREE books of the year and right now, I have about 8 in contention (including one from today!).  I don’t think I’ve ever had a year where I enjoyed so many of my books!!!  This month, we had a nice little mix of fiction, memoir, and a biographical re-telling…it was a great month in books.

First up to bat…

Majesty

So, this was the highly anticipated sequel to American Royals which came out last year and I LOVED.  In fact, I loved the first book so much that I flirted with making it one of my top books of the year.  I think the whole premise of this series is clever and original…what if the USA had been settled monarchy-style very similar to Great Britain.  This is present day fiction about the current royal family and every little detail in this series makes me smile.  I love how the author weaves in both current events along with clearly made up “what if” storylines had we been settled with a royal family.  I sincerely loved the first book, but unfortunately, this second book fell a bit flat for me.  It was okay.  I didn’t “not” like it, but I did find myself getting a bit bored and uninterested in the plotlines.  This sequel was a bit far-fetched for me.  It was cute (maybe not quite as YA as the first one), but kind of long and many of the storylines weren’t nearly as clever as the first book.  When it was all said and done, I thought it was okay.  I do think there will be a third one…which I’ll probably read, but honestly, I think they should have stopped after the first book.

Next up, I read…

You Be You by my sweet friend Jamie Ivey.

Christian women out there, this book here is exactly what you should be reading.  As soon as I put this book down, I texted Jamie and told her it was the antithesis of so many “Christian” books for women lately because instead of telling us to “make ourselves happy”, this book reminds us to BE HAPPY IN THE LORD AND SEEK HIM AND THEN YOU WILL TRULY FIND JOY AND CONTENTMENT.

Mic. Drop.

I’m not going to name names, but there are a few female Christian authors right now promoting the message of “make yourself happy and really don’t worry about anyone else while you do it”, but that’s just not Biblical.  I loved this one.  I found it encouraging, funny, heartwarming, honest, raw and very real.  If you’re looking for a book on faith that encourages you to dig deeper into God’s word and find your true calling based on how He uniquely and wonderfully made you, read this one. It is fantastic!

My third book this month was Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors!

Awwwwww…I love all of these cute little fictional stories that are a wink and a nod to Pride and Prejudice.  This one was recommended by so many of you readers, and from what I understand, it’s the first of two books in a little series about this one wealthy Indian-American family living in California.  The main character of this novel is one of their daughters who, on paper, appears to be the “model” child.  She’s brilliant physician and very independent.  In reality, she’s a bit of the outcast amongst her own family where politics and family dynamics take a front seat.  I really thought the first half of this book was super, super cute.  I was immediately sucked in because all of the characters were likeable, the food references were delicious, the setting was nothing short of fabulous…but the second half kind of lost me a bit.  I don’t mind one or two “not really likely occurrences” in a book, but I felt this one wrapped up with a series of “I don’t really think that would happen” moments, and it fell a bit flat.  Have any of you read this?  What about the sequel?  I really did love the main character and the “Darcy” character as well, but by the end, I wasn’t feeling it quite as much.  I thought this little chick lit started strong but faded towards the end.

Now, the fourth and final book this month was…

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea.

Dang.

I really don’t know how this one doesn’t end up in my TOP THREE (or at this rate, my TOP EIGHT!) for the entire year.

I just…wow.

Okay, this is a retelling of an actual even that took place just a few years ago as one brave 19 year old Syrian refugee made her way to Europe.  The author met this woman, Doaa, and was immediately captivated by her story of living in Syria and then fleeing to Egypt only to once again flee across the sea to Europe.  It’s harrowing.  I cannot think of another word for this story.  It’s truly gripping and terrifying.  It’s horrific.  It’s actually almost too insane and absurd to believe except it really did happen to this teenager.  Her re-telling of the story begins when Doaa is a young girl and then continues on to present day.  No matter what political side of the aisle you may fall on, I think it’s so important to understand what’s happening to millions of other people in the world as they escape persecution and death from their own country to find asylum elsewhere (and then what happens when they’re not accepted there?!).  I don’t think you could write fiction better than this non-fiction story.  I read this book faster than any others this month because I couldn’t wait to see how this story ended.  I really fell in love with Doaa and was rooting for her along the way.  Every chapter left me wanting more…and when I closed this book, I was changed.  Sometimes you put down a book and realize the story will stay with you forever…this was one of those stories.

Whew!  That’s it for October’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!!!!

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Comments

  2. Lisak says

    I agree with you in Majesty. Loved the first one and was eagerly waiting for the second one to come out and it was flat and a little all over the place.

    Thank you for the Christian book recommendation. Not a big fan of the other female Christian author…even her super popular first book bc I didn’t think it was biblical. Didn’t even bother to read the second. But this one I will try out!

  3. Kristen Thompson says

    I felt the same exact way about Majesty! I liked it I just didn’t love it like the first book! I read Troubles in Paradise by our girl Elian Hilderbrand this month and it was my favorite of the paradise series! I also read What You Wish For by Katherine Center, and really enjoyed it! Right now I am reading Sophia Kinsella’s new book, Love your Life! I love book review day! My mom and I always enjoy your recommendations!

      • leigh says

        What You Wish For was such a great audio book! I cannot stop thinking about 28 Summers by E H. Also , Holidaze by Christina Lauren was fun – and more PG13 than her recent books.

  5. Catherine says

    Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick has had me thinking a lot since I read it. It is about life in North Korea and it is true stories from the lives of people who have fled that country.

  6. Kate says

    Hi Shay! I am reading Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker. Per your rec, I read The Simple Wild and Wild at Heart this month and was obsessed! So I jumped into another book of hers and love it so far. Have a great day.

    • Katie says

      Kate – My first K.A. Tucker book was also The Simple Wild per Shay’s recommendation. I loved it SO much that I immediately read Wild at Heart. I’ve also read a few others by her and LOVED them! I’ve downloaded Ten Tiny Breaths and hope to get to it soon, but in the meantime add Until It Fades and The Player Next Door to your reading list. SO GOOD.

  8. Marla Engler says

    I just read the Alice Network. I searched your blog and couldn’t find it so I’m hoping you haven’t read it yet. It’s so good!

  9. Carly says

    Sorry you were bummed during Majesty. I loved it. What surprised me about it is that I changed my opinion on characters which I think is sooo hard for an author to do for me in a second book. There’s a podcast called Bad on Paper with the author and it was great to hear her perspective. Happy Thursday!

  10. Jennifer Cool says

    Have you read “the girl in the mirror” or “anxious people” yet? Both AMAZING!!

  11. Melonie Zielinski says

    I just finished The Book it Lost Names by Kristin Harmel and it was so good! I think you would enjoy it too!

  12. Sarina says

    My favorite post of the month!

    I just finished the Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes (book of the month from August and so good!) and my next book is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (October’s BOTM – heard great things!)

    We read Dear Edward for book club last month per your recommendations!

  13. Amy Heinl says

    I read 3 books this month and half way through a 4th. The first was What You Wish For by Katherine Center. I love her books…the heroine is always funny, bright, flawed and determined. All the characters are richly developed and once you start you can put them down. I started it one Sun after noon and stayed up till 130 am to finish it. Her books always make me laugh, cry, and cheer on the heroine always.
    The second book I read The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. First time reading her but won’t be the last. Story us told against the back drop of the public library in NY. It tells the story of 2 strong courageous women from the same family generations apart…one in 1913 and the other in 1993. There is a major mystery that ties these two women together. Love stories intertwined between what was going on in the country at both of those time periods and it just draws you in. A great who done it and definitely in my running as one of the best I have read this year.
    The last I read was Rage by Bob Woodward. I wont get into the politics because that isn’t why I read it. I always read his because he is one of the great investigative journalists of our time. He asks the tough questions, never leaves a stone unturned and always presents the truth and gives you the evidence he uncovers. It made my heart extremely sad at times, very angry at how we as a country were failed by those who should protect us, and sad by how the actions and inactions of those in charge have left our country in so much pain and so divided. I cant count the number of times my jaw literally dropped in shock, disgust and horror and I often times put it down for a bit to just absorb what I had read and to try and process it. It is an excellent book but it’s hard to read as it will stir so many feelings and emotions in you. It’s one that every American should read to insure that we never let something else like this happen again to our country
    Din

  14. Julie says

    Love your book reviews! I always find good things to add to my “to read” list. I read a few suspense books and also “the Last Flight” and “Her Last Flight” so I decided I needed something light next. I’m just at the beginning of “the Switch” by Beth O’Leary (author of the Flatshare) and it is PERFECT. Light-hearted, fun, and totally addictive. I feel like I’m going to love this one. I also added Mariah Carey’s memior to my list because, hello, I was born in 75 so that is a must! And I can’t wait for Sally Hepworth’s new novel to come out. I guess it’s out in the UK, but not the US yet? Bummer. Can’t wait to read all the comments. Have a good rest of the week!

  15. Abbey Drake Land says

    I always love your book reviews and it always add to my list of reading, but today especially, I wanted to thank you for your statement about “making your own self happy” because it resonates with me. I agree that our happiness comes from God, not ourselves, and especially right now in the midst of so many unknowns, it is important to seek God first. I look forward to reading Jamie Ivey’s book and the message it promotes.

  16. Maggie Eterno says

    I was wondering about You Be You! I’m ordering it now. You are so right about the messages that are being given to us by Christian women telling us that we can do what makes us happy no matter what. Definitely not biblical. I love women who are empowered and share truth!! Jamie Ivey is awesome! Definitely checking out A Hope More Powerful Than The Sea, too!

  17. Casey says

    Can’t wait to try a few of these in November! I’ve been waiting on your reviews for the month because I’ve had terrible luck with finding good books lately.

  18. Lisa D says

    I just finished a wonderful book by Jamie Ford (author of another terrific book called Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter and Sweet). This book is called Love And Other Consolation Prizes. It is a thoughtful story set in two time periods: 1909 Seattle and then 50 years later in 1962. I highly recommend both of these Jamie Ford books!

  20. Andrea says

    I totally felt the same about Majesty. Loved the first one but this one just fell flat. For me, I think I didn’t like where multiple storylines went. However, I do hope there is a third one to make up for it!

  21. Lauren Palomo says

    I just finished Nicholas Sparks’ newest novel “The Return”. I really think you’ll enjoy this story and the characters. Can’t wait to pick up “A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea”. Thanks for the suggestions!

  22. Sarah says

    Would you share a list of fun Christmas/holiday books you’ve enjoyed? I need some Christmas reads!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes!! I was going to do that next month, but I can totally do it earlier! Jotting that down now!

      • Leigh says

        Shay, I know you also love the Winter Street series by EH, but they are SO great as audio books. I’ve listened to them all leading up to Christmas the last few years and I’m just about to start again now. Also, even though it’s R rated, An Ex for Christmas is REALLY good!

    • Jennifer says

      I need this now, too. So much sadness in our country. I need to drown it out with a fluffy Christmas read!

  24. Holly Sandkamp says

    I just finished “The Guest List.” Soooooo good!!! Another great book I read this year was, “A Life Without Water.”

    • Alexa says

      I loved The Guest List too! I don’t usually read mysteries, but this one changed my mind that maybe I should start!

  25. Kristine says

    Thanks for the review! I just reserved A Hope More Powerful than the Sea from the library. I recently finished An American Marriage…couldn’t put it down! I’ve also heard great things about Betty. I’m on the wait list at the library. Jessica Biel recommends it!

  26. Danielle Cole says

    I am so excited to read the Jamie Ivey book! I always read every one of your recommendations and love them all! I have also been frustrated with the mainstream “self help” books that encourage young mothers to “self-care” and “do whatever you need to do in order to feel good because you deserve to be happy”. Jesus leaned into his difficult seasons, he didn’t give up and spend time and money selfishly seeking happiness through material things. Morning is so difficult right now, but we are called to be peculiar and react in a different way. We are called to draw upon a strength only God can provide and work hard in this season. Life isn’t supposed to be easy! I can’t wait to read her book…I’m a big fan of Jamie Ivey!

    • Melissa says

      Exactly! So many are repeatedly pushing that women need to do whatever makes them happy.
      I think there are way too many saying: “make yourself happy and really don’t worry about anyone else while you do it”,

      Love your mic drop!

    • Alexa says

      For our book club this month we read A Gentle Answer: Our Secret Weapon in the Age of Us Against Them by Scott Sauls. It was very convicting on how to live a life of counter cultural gentleness. He is a great storyteller, too. He worked with Tim Keller for a while and now has a church in Nashville.

  29. Sarah Dizard says

    I always agree with your book reviews when I have read the books, it cracks me up!! Also, amen to the Christian message-I will have to read that. I get so tired of “make yourself happy,” no matter what messages. Love your reviews!

  30. Mikalee Zapczynski says

    Oh my gosh I loved Majesty and I couldn’t put it down… I even found a way to prop my kindle up in the shower because I was that enthralled. Book review day is my favorite!

  31. Lindsey McCarthy says

    You should read American Dirt. Very much along the lines of A Hope More Powerful Than The Sea.

  32. Holly says

    Thanks for the recommendations – I love book review day!

    Have you read The Lilac Girls? It’s amazing and reminds me a little bit of All the Things we Cannot Say (which I think you read and reviewed??). Also, after reading through the comments last month, I read The Sight of You by Holly Miller. Oh my goodness…I was in bits by the end! Such a good read. Also, The Guest List by Lucy Foley is an easy kinda spooky read for this time of year.

  33. Erika Slaughter says

    GIRL!!! What’s it gonna take for me to pick up a book or my Kindle and start reading again?

  34. Kayla Bruce says

    I love book review day! I’d recommend the Brown sisters books by Talia Hibbert. They are sweet, very spicy, and the characters are sassy. Very fun reads! So far, two of the three books are out, but they are independent stories.

  35. Jenn says

    I love book review day!! I just finished Unfollow by Susan Phelps-Roper. It’s her memoir about being raised and leaving Westboro Baptist Church – the highly controversial church that pickets soldier’s funerals among other things. I really enjoy reading other people’s stories and journeys! I also enjoyed the sequel to Elin’s paradise series and also adored Jenna Bush Hager’s new book, Everything Beautiful in It’s Time. Can’t wait to see next month’s book review. Sigh … Can’t every day be book review? ?

  36. Sam says

    Just finished The Invisible Life of Addie Larue. I think too many people see it as fantasy and cast it aside, but it is so much more.

  37. Abby Hamilton says

    I’m about to finish “My dear Hamilton” and it’s so so good! If you like the play at all it’s just a lot of kind of factual fiction and details of Eliza and everything she went through. I’m listening to it though Because it’s long and my time is limited.

  38. Mindy says

    Have you read “Get Out of Your Head”, by Jennie Allen? I thought it was a great book. I will for sure be reading your Jamie Ivey book! Thank you for the recommendation!

  41. Anna Phillips says

    My Book Club all read “Heart Bones” and “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover this month. Both were so good! “Ugly Love” made me “ugly” cry (pun intended ?) myself to sleep! And I agree with the person above that mentioned wanting a list of Christmas books sooner rather than later! With 2020 being so…ugh, blah, disappointing…I think we are all ready for Christmas cheer a little early this year! ?

  42. erin rich says

    I just finished Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale. I could not put it down. So good. I love your book reviews, I look back on your book reviews when I am looking for new books. Thank you for all your recommendations!

  43. Jess says

    Daughters of the Dragon by William Andrews kind of blew my mind. Tragic and inspiring – could not put it down. One of those… “How did I not know this happened???” stories.

  44. Aimee Harmon says

    “BE HAPPY IN THE LORD AND SEEK HIM AND THEN YOU WILL TRULY FIND JOY AND CONTENTMENT.”

    Preach that message, Jamie & Shay! Yes ma’am!! He is the only way contentment and joy can be found. Thank you for spreading that message. Both of you!

  46. Keisha Dawson says

    I couldn’t agree with you more on You Be You! Jamie did an amazing job on this book! It was such a refreshing read, and I loved it so much! Based on your recommendation, I am reading Wild at Heart by K.A. Tucker, and I am loving this sweet series. I feel like Calla and Jonah could be in our friend group. Next up is Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand or our book club book this month.

  47. Jayne says

    One positive thing coming from these crazy Covid times is virtual author events and I took full advantage of that this month. I had so much fun participating in one with Elin Hilderbrand- in preparation for that I read 28 Summers and then also finished up her Winter series. For the second author event, my book club was joined by the author of a memoir that we read and we had a great discussion with him. I hope those events continue even when we can do more in-person gatherings. I also read Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates this month and Oh. My. Goodness! Without a doubt, it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read – definitely recommend it!! As usual, I’ve just added lots of book to my Goodreads list from your post and all the comments. It’s my favorite post of the month!

  48. Katie says

    Our book club at church read You Be You this month too! It is SOO good because she stays rooted in the Word. This book is in my definite top 3!

  49. Dana says

    I love how you make me want to be a reader again! I mean, I’ve been reading your book reviews for however many years now and I think I’ve read about 4 books. Ha! I guess I’m confessing this more than anything but I keep thinking I’ll return to my reading roots! I just love articles and admittedly, social media. I’m not giving up though. 🙂

    Do you ever struggle with reading these super intense books? I’m a “highly sensitive person” (about 1 in 5 people are) and I just get too emotionally involved to read those kinds of books. I am intrigued to hear that story about Doaa though! Coming from France, I’m sure there are far too many stories like that. 🙁

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think I have to balance my heavy reads. You’ll notice that after almost every single “heavy” book, I read about two light ones. I have a hard time processing a lot of heaviness too.

  50. DeAnn says

    Oh wow! I’m just starting Majesty. I loved What you wish for by Katherine Center. There just aren’t enough books featuring cool librarian characters (I’m a librarian ?). Also loved Last train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton. I will have to read You be You. I agree with your comment about other “Christian” authors.

  52. April says

    Just discovered Sarah Pekkanen books! A little bit like Liane Moriarty. Loved The Perfect Neighbors and The Best of Us. Easy reads, nothing weighty but it was definitely keeping me on my toes.

  53. Debbie E says

    I read (well listened to the audiotape while on a 12 hour drive) The Last Flight by Julie Clark and I loved it. It made my drive just fly by and I even slowed down the last half hour so I could finish the book. I always hate making recommendations but I really did enjoy this book. Basically two women will do anything to escape their current lives, a plane crash and the twists and turns and suspense and questions really kept me interested. I usually read the fluffy, romantic, happy ending stories and this was a very welcome change of pace.

  54. Ashley says

    Have you read When Breath Becomes Air? Such a powerful book. My book club read it this month, and I think I’ll remember it forever.

    • Amanda Menneto says

      This book has stayed with me since I read it two years ago and it really hits home with all the craziness of this year. I want to reread it. It reminds me we all have very limited time here on earth.

    • Tara says

      I liked the unwinding of the miracle by Julie yip-Williams. Very similar/Same publisher. I read this one first. It’s raw and honest but very sad.

  55. Jodi says

    You should read We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter. True story of WWII. It’s a good one for sure.

  56. Miranda says

    I read Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors and the 2nd book. I actually liked the 2nd book more but what I will say is it is a “heavier” book – for sure not your typical rom-com. I am one that hates not reading all books in a series so my recommendation would be to read it.

  57. Danielle Smogard says

    Hi Shay! Thanks for the excellent recommendations. Have you considered linking to bookshop.org instead of Amazon? Bookshop purchases all support local bookstores.

  58. Kristy says

    Blessed by Adoption. Written by Hillary Froning! ? My eyes were teary throughout the whole book reflecting on our own adoption journey!

  59. Tinnie says

    We’re so happy to have Doaa here in Sweden! Such a horrific story – and true!
    Thank you Shay for your fantastic blog! I discovered it recently and really enjoy all your posts! Since I haven’t been able to do my annual Florida trip (wonder why…) I really crave all American things, and you deliver! I look forward to see all your Christmas decorations in your beautiful home!

  60. Emily says

    Speaking of refugee stories – If you’re looking for good books for Kensington and Smith, I highly recommend “Refugee” by Alan Gratz. It’s a book with three separate refugee stories – one boy in the 40s escaping Germany, a boy in ~2016 escaping Syria, and a girl in the ~90s (I think??) escaping Cuba. I’m a fourth grade teacher and read it aloud to my students a few years ago. It CHANGED them in the best ways. They learned so much about global issues, refugee crises around the world, and how to empathize with those characters (all the characters are kids/tweens) and what we can do to help. Highly, highly, recommend!

      • Jodie says

        The audiobook for Refugee is amazing! (I am an elementary school librarian.) There is a different narrator for each of the 3 main characters. The authentic voices really make the characters come alive.

  61. Erin says

    Have you read A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler? I thought it was so good, despite being so heartbreaking.

  62. Shelley says

    South of the Buttonwood Tree (about family with just a touch of magic) and Flight Girls (female pilots during WW2 with a little romance) were two of my most recent favorites.

  63. Peg says

    I just finished reading “Florence Adler Swims Forever”. I couldn’t put it down – from the setting in Atlantic City in the 1930’s to the depth of family love – this book captured my heart. It’s one I will pass on to my reading friends.

  64. Mary Anne Duke says

    I recently read… Fall and Rise the Story of 9/11 by Mike Zuchoff. One of your readers recommended it. He wrote it so the nonfiction account would be available well after the event.
    It has many events I remember but much that has never been out there. Behind the scenes accounts taken from survivors, phone calls, and transcripts of two way radio communication. It tells of unsung heroes, of peoples lives, pre9/11 stories of BinLaden, why this hijacking was different. Fascinating with a feeling of freezing cold water dumped on you.
    Then the Rise….how people and places stumbled and fought to rise from the ashes. I could not put it down and highly recommend.

  65. Ashley Brown says

    I just finished up My Oxford Year and LOVED it! I know it was on your list a year or so ago, but I’m just now finding time to read again. I can’t tell you how much better my life has been since I’ve spent more time in books and less time on social media.

  67. Courtney says

    I hate to be the party pooper for those who mentioned The Lions of Fifth, but it was honestly my least favorite book I’ve read in years (and I read lots of books!). While the opening plot had potential to be a stellar story, I personally felt like the affair between two women felt unnecessary and forced. I would have loved to see the main character, who longed to be a strong and independent woman with a voice in her marriage and as a journalist, become that person without the author forcing the storyline of an affair.

  68. Kelsee says

    This month I read so many good books!

    -The Simple Wild (5/5)- If you haven’t read this one, I would highly recommend it!!
    -Wild at Heart (5/5)- After reading Simple Wild, I needed to have more of the story. This is the sequel and just as good!!
    -Into the Planet (3/5)- This is a memoir about a women cave diver. It was interesting but kind of slow.
    -Dream Big (4/5)- This is Bob Goff’s newest book. This is the first time I’ve read anything by Bob Goff and I really enjoyed it! Great message along with some really funny stories.

  69. Sarah says

    I’ve been waiting for your review of Majesty! I too thought it fell flat and so disappointed because the first one was soo good! I had been counting down the days until the release of the sequel. The Bad on Paper podcast had her as a guest and her discussion made me like it a little more though. Interesting to hear it from the author’s perspective at least. Always love book review day!!!

  70. Elizabeth says

    I’m reading The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan. I really like it so far. Just finished Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Henry. It was good, not great. Hello Summer by MK Andrews was really good. Not at all what I expected. My absolute favorite of the month was The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. I was in tears by the end which never happens to me. It was such a good book.

  71. Susan says

    I’m pretty sure these suggestions came from your readers… Just read Dear Edward and The Sight of You. I loved them both! I read a lot of WWII fiction, which I thoroughly enjoy, but it was good to read some fiction on different subjects. Although, to second the reader above, We Were the Lucky Ones was an amazing read. So many good book recommendations here! Thanks,

  72. Sarah Langley says

    I’m so bummed about Majesty. I’m gonna read it anyway….. I need another Kensington book review before the holidays get here!!’ My daughter has loved her recommendations!!

  73. Julie Hicks says

    Have you ever read anything by Marisa de los Santos? I absolutely adore her books – they’re really great chick lit and so well written. Love Walked In is the first in a series that I read totally out of order but it worked out. I just love the way she puts words together – it is such a treat that you want to savor but blaze right through her books.

  74. Jk says

    I hope you do
    Another must read Christmas /December books again ! A great way to get into the holiday mood ‘

  75. TKGT says

    I get almost all my books from your recs and have really picked up my reading thanks to your suggestions so thank you! I read Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortland about the heart of Christ. Read the Amazon reviews for it. It is so so good. I read it again after I finished so I could take notes. Truly life changing and rooted in scripture.

  76. Suzanne says

    Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shier – Definitely not your usual light, fun reads. It’s disturbing and frightening. Especially for those of us with young daughters. But very eye opening into the current culture when are living in and its agenda to destroy our girls. Many times I wanted to put the book down and just stop reading. I’m so glad I stuck it out because knowledge and awareness is the first step to protecting them.

  77. Amanda Menneto says

    I need all the light reads right now sprinkled in with non-fiction. I finished Food Fix this month by Dr. Mark Hyman. He really hit home how scary our food system is right now and how we can all do our little part to change it.

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  78. Sara Wilder Bryant says

    -This is How it Always Is!! Probably my top book this year
    -the Last Story of Mina Lee. Must Read!
    – a Woman is No Man
    -Something in the Water… a very suspenseful fun read and the ending is wild!
    -the gifted school

  79. Celina says

    Love Her Well is an amazing book about raising teen girls with Jesus in their heart! I loved it from the first page. I know Kensington isn’t quite a teen yet, but this book is golden!

  80. Andrea K says

    I am pretty sure I got this recommendation from you, but ‘Swear on this Life’ was so good!!! I loved it.

    If you have not read “On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life” by John O’Leary ….Run, don’t walk. John was involved in an accident at the age 9 that resulted in burns over 100% of his body and he was not expected to survive…his story is truly inspirational.

  81. Erin Lloyd says

    Hi Shea!! I just looked back to see if you have read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?! I think you would love it! I was sooo sad when it was over! Of course I have loved all of Taylor Jenkins Reids books and this one my be my fav!!!

  82. Melissa Day says

    I just finished Us Against Them. It’s the sequel to Beartown from Fredrick Backman. Both of them are so, so good!

  84. Janice says

    Have you read The Sight of You by Holly Miller? It reminds me of The Time Traveler’s Wife, one of my favs. It’s really good!

  85. Emily says

    Currently reading In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren and it is super cute. It’s like a good hallmark Christmas movie.

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