Friends, it’s my ANNUAL BOOK REVIEW!!!
I AM SO EXCITED!!
I blogged about 500 posts this year, and without a doubt, today’s will be my absolute favorite.
I love books. I love sharing book recs with you. I love your suggestions. I love your analysis of these books, and I adore your feedback. This little community means so much to me, and on days like today, my heart gets even more full of gratitude for YOU.
This year, I read 54 books…which is crazy because LAST YEAR, I read 54 books too! Isn’t that weird? So, 54 books, a lot of them I loved, several, I didn’t and today, I’ll name my TOP THREE BOOKS OF 2020 which I think you all should read.
BUT before we get to that, I need to share the TWO books I read this month with you so we can round out our year. This month, I continued the holiday book reading and read two more Christmas novels to keep me in the spirit of the season. The first book I read was…
…actually the sequel to a book I read last month (The Tourist Attraction) called Mistletoe & Mr. Right .
It was alright.
I believe there is a third book in this series, and honestly, I didn’t love either of the first two enough so I doubt I read the third one.
If you did read the first one (and you really should read them in order!), this sequel is about the best friend of the main character from the first book. Same cute, small town Alaskan setting, but this time, it’s the holiday season. It’s okay. It’s cute, it’s kind of predictable, it’s a little rated R, it’s filled with yummy food references and holiday cheer…it’s all the things I love in a book…it just didn’t wow me like the second book I read this month. I know this isn’t a glowing review, but the novel was fine…not the best, but certainly cute enough and super easy to read.
Now, the second book I read this month was my FAVORITE holiday book of 2020! Thanks to YOUR suggestions, I read…
…The Twelve Dates of Christmas!
This book was ADORABLE!! If you have time to read this one before Christmas, you really should! This fictional story is about a small town girl living outside of London who signs up for a series of dates with a company called the 12 Dates of Christmas. Each evening, she goes out on a date with someone else who is a part of this sort of Match.com-like organization. I loved her little town, I loved her dad and her friends, I thought she was super cute and likeable…this novel gave me alllllll the happy feels! I wanted to go to the cafe where she frequents and enjoy tea with her and her friends. Charming. This book is super charming…and Christmas-y too!! Read it!
So, that wraps up my books from 2020! These two here at the end make 54 books for the entire year.
Here they all are…
2020 Reads…
(Just click on the month to read my review.)
JANUARY
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
Face It: A Memoir by Debbie Harry
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
Beartown by Fredrick Backman
FEBRUARY
Living Forever Chic by Tish Jet
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
Dancing with a Porcupine by Jennie Owens
One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk
MARCH
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle
APRIL
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer
MAY
Love You, Love You Not by Jo Watson
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Home Work by Julie Andrews
JUNE
Beach Read by Emily Henry
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
JULY
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
Open by Andre Agassi
AUGUST
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
Wild At Heart by K.A. Tucker
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
SEPTEMBER
Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan
The Water Keeper by Charles Martin
The C.H.A.O.S. Cure by Marla Cilley
OCTOBER
Majesty by Katharine McGee
You Be You by Jamie Ivey
Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea by Melissa Fleming
NOVEMBER
25 Days ’til Christmas by Poppy Alexander
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
Loving My Actual Christmas by Alexandra Kuykendall
DECEMBER
Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Mogenthaler
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
Whew!
I read a lot of great books in 2020!
Every year, I name my TOP THREE, and as silly as it sounds, I think about that every single time I pick up a book. I’m always wondering if it’s “the one”, and I get so excited when the bar raises and a new book comes up into my TOP THREE.
Below is a list of all of my TOP THREE books from years past. I still stand by each and every one of these, and whichever ones you haven’t already read, please do so in 2021. These are all AMAZING books…
Here is a list of all of my other FAVORITE BOOKS of the year:
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: Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge
#3: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
2019
#1: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
#2: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
#3: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Even though these books here didn’t make my TOP THREE, I wanted to comment again on them in my annual review…
Cilka’s Journey is the sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz (my second favorite book of 2019!), and I loved it so much!!! You need to read BOTH BOOKS! Andrew read both this year and loved them too, so they’re definitely not just for women.
If you have adopted or are considering it, I highly recommend you read Dancing with a Porcupine. It’s a very raw and real look at adoption…as hard as it may be to read, I think it’s so important that all of us in the adoption community see both sides of the story.
Chanel Miller, I know your name. Your story (told in her memoir, Know My Name) will forever stick with me. Chanel was the victim of rape, and her memoir here shares not only the horrific details of the attack, but the horrific details of how she was mistreated following it by people she knew, loved and should be able to trust. This story is very raw but incredibly powerful.
This year, the number one recommended book by you guys was White Fragility. You can read my entire review of it HERE, but trust me when I say, it opened my eyes and heart and hopefully, changed not only me, but my family too. I’ve thought about that book a million times since finishing it.
Speaking of opening my eyes, The Hate U Give was one that will forever stick with me too. I decided to also let my big kids read this book as well, and it prompted so many conversations within our household.
Nothing to Envy will also go down as a book that will forever stay with me. This book is a compilation of stories of people who have escaped North Korea. It’s disturbing, eye-opening, horrific and so very relevant.
I’ve read a million autobiographies, but Andre Agassi’s Open is the best one I’ve ever read…and I know nothing about tennis 😉 . There is so much from his story that we can apply in our own lives. I loved it.
I know, I know, I’m the last person on Earth to read Marla Cilley books, but I read The C.H.A.O.S. Cure and LOVED it! It’s about organizing your home and your life in small incremental time blocks. Yesssss!
So, this year, my number one book found its place on the list in my head as soon as I read it and never one time budged. My number two book did the exact same thing. As soon as I read it, I thought “that book is in the top two for sure!”.
Now, my number three spot…it’s been sitting there since the beginning, but there have been several honorable mentions that I want to make sure I point out to you because they deserve the attention. The following books alllllllmost all made it into my TOP THREE this year…
Oh Beatriz Williams, I love you. Two of your books have been in my TOP THREE over the years (A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant), and your latest one, Her Last Flight was very close. This fictional tale of a character very much like Amelia Earhart was just perfect. I loved every page.
The Girl with the Louding Voice was another novel that just barely missed my TOP THREE. If you loved Where the Crawdads Sing (and who didn’t?!), you will love this one too.
Elin Hilderbrand is my very favorite author, but yet, hasn’t ever had a book in my TOP THREE…but this year, she almost made it. Her novel 28 Summers was my favorite Hilderbrand book to date! (WHOA!) It’s very much a “same time, next year” kind of a story…and I loved it.
Okay, at one point, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird was in my TOP THREE (until I read my number two book of the year and bumped it out!). This fictional tale just grabbed me from the very beginning. It’s chick-lit…but at its very best. You will love this one!!
So, those are all of my honorable mentions from 2020.
Now, are you ready to see which three books made my TOP THREE OF THE ENTIRE YEAR?!
I may have loved those books listed above, but my THIRD FAVORITE BOOK OF 2020 is…
…In Five Years by Rebecca Serle.
Oh my word, I loved this one.
Last year, The Dinner List was an honorable mention and this year, In Five Years takes the number three spot in my heart. This is a story of a young woman living her best life in New York City only to have a very vivid dream one night about her life five years from now…and everything is different. The story takes you through her life and you see how sometimes, we think we know exactly what we want…but the thing we really need (maybe five years down the road) is so very different. This is a fictional story but really made me think. I love, love, loved this book! I hope you all love it too!!
Next up, my SECOND FAVORITE BOOK OF 2020 is…
…Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano.
The minute I read this one, I loved it. This story is one of those that will keep you up at night thinking about it. It might be fiction (loosely based on real events), but you will read it like it’s an actual event. It’s the story of the soul-survivor of a plane crash, a young boy, and how his life unfolds after the crash. It’s sobering, it’s hopeful, it’s tragic, it’s candid, it’s powerful, it’s gripping…I was nervous when I read this, I was sad. I was optimistic. I was all the things…I loved every page. The minute I read this one, I knew it would be a book I would never forget and always recommend…the perfect combination for my TOP THREE.
So, those are #2 and #3.
Drumroll please!
My FAVORITE BOOK OF 2020 is…
…AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins.
Without question.
The minute I read this novel, it skyrocketed to my top spot, and I never one time considered bumping it down.
It was the number one book I recommended to people this year when they asked me what they should read. It was the book I’ll look back on 2020 and remember the most. It is one of the best books I’ve EVER READ. This story had me on the edge of my seat, it opened my eyes to many things in life, it made me question, it made me more passionate, it spoke to me as a mom, it spoke to me as a Texan, it spoke to me as an American, it just SPOKE TO ME. I get that it’s controversial, but honestly, no matter what “side” you’re on, you should read this story. It’s fiction, but the way it’s written will have you right in the middle of it. This is about a mom trying to get her and her young son over the border from Mexico into Texas as they run from the Mexican cartel. I loved this book and have thought about it numerous times over the last nine months since I finished it. I hope you all start with this book in 2021.
Okay, that’s it!
Those are my TOP THREE for 2020!
Now, I’m getting my list together of books to read the rest of this month and into January, so here’s what I want to know…WHAT IS THE BEST BOOK YOU READ IN 2020? That’s going to hopefully help me find my favorite book of 2021.
Thank you for reading with me this year! Thank you for always making these posts so much fun!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! I will see you back here tomorrow for my Thursday post, but please know, from the bottom of my heart, I love this community that reads together SO DANG MUCH! I am so thankful for you all!!!
To see the complete list of books I read in 2016 (all 62 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2017 (all 62 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2018 (all 61 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2019 (all 54 of them), click here.
Erika Slaughter says
This post inspired me to charge my Kindle!!
Kiki says
My top books this year were:
American Wife
The Girl With The Louding Voice
Ask Again, Yes
Other ones I really enjoyed:
Fleischmann Is In Trouble
The Vanishing Half
The Simple Wild
Memorial Drive
Up next I have:
American Dirt
Dear Edward
Tera K says
I loved The Tattooist & Cilka’s Journey as well. Definitely put into perspective that 2020 isn’t the worst time in history.
Becca says
What a great list! I have a few to add. The lies that bind by Emily giffin was my top this year. I couldn’t put it down or sleep.
Dessie Cunningham says
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
Kristen Thompson says
Yay this is my favorite post of the year that you do as well!! All amazing choices! My mom and I love to read books from your lists each month and she gets excited when I tell her you have a new book review and it’s helped us a lot during this hard year because she lives pretty far away and I’ve only been able to see her and my dad twice since March. Reading some of your book reccomendations and talking about them together gives us something we can do together even though we are apart so thank you for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! This makes me so happy, Kristen! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet mom!!
Kristen Thompson says
Merry Christmas!! ❤️
Andee says
American Dirt was my #1 this year too! Fantastic book! I’m currently in the middle of The Twelve Dates of Christmas and loving it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!! I’m so excite that you loved it too!!!! Merry Christmas!!
Kelly Strylowski says
Best post of the year!!! So excited too because I’m half way thru “12 Dates of Christmas” and kept thinking of how Shay totally needs to read this one…London, small, cozy town, cafe and adorable characters! Can’t wait to pick up some new books to begin the new year. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. May God continue to bless you. ❤️?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Kelly!! Merry Christmas to YOU!!!
Jennifer Dever Tomlin says
Yes!!! I agree with you. American Dirt was my favorite book I read this year. I tell all my people to read it. Couldn’t put it down. Appreciate your posts each month about books— always my favorite.
Eileen says
Love Book Review day!I read 50 books this year . . . the most I’ve ever read in one year. I also loved Dear Edward, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, and In Five Years was almost in my top 3, but in the end my favorites of 2020 were:
3) A Woman is No Man
2) 28 Summers
1) American Dirt
Mix and Match Mama says
YESSSSSSSSS!!! You and I are kindred spirits!!! I’m so excited you loved American Dirt too!!
Tina says
I have also read all 3 of your 2020 top picks and agree 100% with you!
This year my top read was Lady in Waiting. Perhaps it was the influence of The Crown that got me but I loved this book!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!!!!!! I’m adding your book to my list now!!
Dana says
I see several books with that title…can you tell us which author please? I love the crown so I think I’d love this book too! Thanks!!
Tina says
Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner. I really enjoyed the book and “she” is in this season of The Crown. She was a friend and later became Princess Margaret’s Lady in Waiting. I love a good biography and she had an interesting life (and still alive today)!
Maureen says
Following
Mary says
Yes please! Would love to know the author also! Thanks!
Holly says
I have looked forward to this post all week!! Thank you for sharing your love of reading with us – it has truly been a bright spot all year. While 2020 has certainly not been what anyone expected, I was always treasure it’s unexpected gift of family time, slowing down, and books!
My favorites this year (in no particular order) were; The Yellow House by Sarah Broom, Eat, Pray, Love, Next Year in Havana, Nothing to Envy (I saw this made your honorable mentions – yay!), Educated, Eleanor & Park, and The Nickel Boys and Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.
For beach/easy reading I liked The Wedding Guest by Lucy Foley, KA Tucker’s Alaska books, and I rediscovered Elin Hilderbrand!
Thank you for sharing your life with us – cheers to a happy new year and 2021 full of good books!
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas, Holly!! Thank YOU for reading along with me!! I am so thankful for readers like YOU!!
Jen says
When I saw you mentioning that your annual book review post was coming up today, I went back through my GoodReads to see what my own top 3 would be! I’m on my 58th book of the year (hoping to get to 60 by January, which is the number I read last year!).
My #1 is also absolutely, hands down, hasn’t budged all year- American Dirt!
My #2 is Jessica Simpson’s Open Book. I’ve always been a huge fan of hers!
My #3 was harder to choose! While this past year seemed to have a TON of really good books (more than normal!), it’s hard to pick one that really stands out above the others. I’m debating between 28 Summers or Hilarie Burton Morgan’s autobiography, surprisingly!
Your book posts are always my favorite of the month! Here’s to some cozy reading the rest of the month!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! I cannot believe you picked it too!!!!! And YES, I loved Jessica Simpson’s bio, but you need to read Agassi’s too!!! Annnnnd…I love Hillarie Burton Morgan, so I should add that to my list! Thank you so much for reading with me this year! Merry Christmas!!
Taylor says
The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan was so good!! Definitely one of my favorites this year!
Jennifer says
My fav from this year was the hating game!
Mary Kylie says
You have suggested so many great books! Know My Name and Her Last Flight are in my top 5 of the year-I also would add Jessica Simpson’s Open Book and Jojo Moyes’s The Giver of Stars. My top book of the year is an old one that I didn’t read until this year-The Art of Hearing Heartbeats.
Becky says
I absolutely loved American Dirt as well! 28 Summers is probably my favorite from tbis whole year.
Katie Peters says
I too loved American Dirt, but seeing that is was fiction and pretty controversial, our book club decided we need to educate ourselves further on the issue. You should definitely read The Book of Rosy, it’s recent non-fiction about a mother’s escape from Guatemala to the US. It’s just as heartbreaking, beautiful and thought provoking. Can’t wait to read your other top 2020 reads!
Emily Schmitz says
I love this post as well! it’s one of my favorites every year. In 2019 it inspired me to make time to read again…and I did! It carried into 2020 and I was able to read over 40 books. Thank you! I have added some to my list but a lot I read as well thanks to your awesome recommendations. Then She Was Gone, Boys Should Be Boys, When God Doesn’t Fix It, and a new favorite for me was The Couple Next Door. Merry Christmas!
Aimee says
I never read a book until I read your reviews! Thank you so much! I love playing tennis so I really enjoyed Open. I liked The Hunting Party and The Simple Wild. Merry Christmas ?
Monica says
I read all of your top three because of your reviews and LOVED them all! As a teacher if primarily Mexican immigrants, American Dirt was absolutely life-changing for me! Such great choices Shay! Merriest Christmas!
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas!!
Niki says
Thank you so much for these book posts! They are my very favorite and the only place I go to choose my next book – and you’re right, the comment section always has great suggestions too! Love this reading community. I just finished A Woman is No Man (recommended by you) and it’s hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. I actually don’t know where to go from here (lol), but I’m thinking I may choose a light holiday book you’ve recommended.
Stephanie Parisotto says
Love love love your monthly book review posts!!! Your number 2 & 3 are in my top 3 as well! I just loved in five years and Dear Edward! My top three for 2020 are as follows:
#1 – A Good neighbourhood
#2 – Dear Edward
#3 – In Five Years
Honourable mentions
28 summers – love me some Elin Hildebrand
The Lie that Bind – Emily Giffin
In her Eyes – Sarah Alderson
Mallory says
Your book reviews are my favorite posts! I’ve read/listened to 84 books so far this year – books are the best. American Dirt is on my to-read, but I loved your other top 2020 books. My top 3 books from 2020 are In Five Years, Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer (such a good read esp for any mom), and The Hate U Give. We have similar tastes in books! Love your blog – it’s a little bit of cheer we all need. Happy holidays!
Mary says
Thank you!! Another great year of reading and your top choice spot on!!
Allison says
I just want you to know that you are the reason I have read 20 books this year! I have never been able to read that many books throughout the year even though I enjoy reading so much. Having 2 little ones I always felt guilty taking time to myself but not this year ? I read through your posts to pick each book! My favorite this year was The Girl with the Louding Voice!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh!! I’m so excited by your comment, Allison!! Merry Christmas!!
Kathy Wood says
Yes! American Dirt! I couldn’t put this one down! We are so blessed to be born in the US. I never take that for granted.
Kala says
My fave review of the year! Thank you for the recommendations, just put some on hold at library!
Paige M Wright says
Okay, I just finished my favorite book of all time. I listened to it on audible because the author reads it. It was like watching an amazing movie. Will the Circle be Unbroken by Sean Dietrich. Go now and listen. BEST BOOK! I rarely listen to books as I prefer reading but listening was recommended by one of my besties.
Jennifer says
My top three in no particular order because I loved them all: Anxious People, This Tender Land, and The Girl with the Louding Voice. I’m putting American Dirt on my list for January!
Leah says
I love to read your reviews. Thank you for sharing! My top 3 books that I read this year were
1. The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek
2. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
3. The Girls with No Names
Merry Christmas! I can’t wait to start reading!
Katie says
My favorite post of the year, I love to read your suggestions! I’m on book 64 this year, a record for me (thanks quarantine!). My book club read American Dirt in the summer and we invited Jeannine Cummins to join us via zoom and she did! She was wonderful and talking with her more about her inspiration for writing it and her history was really meaningful. It was a top pick for me too.
A couple suggestions for you- One to Watch (espeically with your Bachelor connection), The Book of Two Ways and Oona Out of Order
Thanks again for all your wonderful post!
Merry Christmas!
Coreline says
Loved, loved, loved American Dirt too. Wasn’t until after I read it that I heard about all the controversy swirling around it. If you haven’t already, the Oprah interview with the author on Apple TV and then those who opposed her book is fascinating. Still didn’t change my opinion, I still loved her book, was well written and I believe she has the freedom to write this story. I always enjoy hearing from the authors themselves and was glad Oprah gave her that opportunity to speak.
Jess K. says
Thank you for your reviews! I also loved American Dirt, and since you loved it so much, I recommend you read The Beekeeper of Aleppo. Similar themes and amazing writing.
Susan says
Look, I’ll support anyone’s right to freely say what books they enjoy. However, I would encourage your readers who are interested in American Dirt to do a quick Google search to see exactly why it is problematic. It’s not a book that I will be reading, and I instead support BIPOC authors telling their own stories.
Jenn Rogers says
I love book reviews. Ahhh 12 dates of Christmas was such a delightful book!! I have This Time Next Year TBR this season as well. I just finished Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane, a big departure from Twelve Dates, but it was really good.
I was riding a Jenn Sherman class on Peleton the other day and I think it was you that she gave a shout out too!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Britt says
Yay for book review day!! I just finished “Last Christmas in Paris” and I could not put it down! If you read another book before Christmas this year (or even after), I would highly recommend it. It’s so unique and even though it takes place during WWI, it felt weirdly relevant to the crazy world we find ourselves in right now. I LOVED IT!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Jen says
I also just finished Last Christmas in Paris and it was fabulous. This is my favorite post of the year. Thank you for a year of wonderful book selections. All of my reading has definitely been a bright spot in a very difficult year.
Carlin says
I also loved American Dirt! So so good! My favorite this year was The Things We Cannot Say. I cannot even stop thinking about that book! I also read White Fragility and have thought about it a lot and made some changes. I have read almost exclusively from your suggestions!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Carlin!!! This makes me so happy!! Merry Christmas!!
Sheaffer Sims says
I read a couple of pages in the Sharper Image catalogue we got in the mail yesterday. It was pretty good.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am LAUGHING SO HARD!!!!!!!!!! Love you, friend!!
renae says
I scrolled through all the comments just to see yours, Sheaffer!
Michele says
I did the exact same thing! We can always count on her to make us laugh on book day!
Brooke says
I always skip down to find Sheaffer’s comment on the book reviews because I am the same way. 😉 I read everything else though! I’m off to check out Sheaffer’s Amazon haul!
Carlie says
Shaeffer’s comments are my VERY FAVORITE every single month!
Becky Carl says
LOL
Becky Carl says
To Shaeffer’s comment ?
Edey Maranto says
Out of the 40 books I read in 2020, This Tender Land by William Kent Kruger has to be #1. You will love it (and your family would too)! Behind that would have to be The Alice Network and Castle of Water.. both I think you’ve read. Your recs are always my favorite. Happy reading!!
KatieL says
I agree 100% on your top pick! American Dirt was by far my favorite read of 2020. Everyone needs to read it.
Shay, I haven’t read Dear Edward but would you recommend it as a young adult read similar to The Hate You Give? My 13 year old daughter chose The Hate You Give as her top pick for 2020. Thank you for this post, so many new recommendations that I cannot wait to check out.
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmm…it’s pretty heavy. I don’t know that I would recommend it to Kensington (especially because I don’t want her to fear flying), but maybe you read it first and see. Merry Christmas!!
Elspeth says
I love this post and this list!!! My favorite book was In Five Years! I love love love loved it!! I can’t wait to see you what you read in 2021!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
It was just so brilliant. Merry Christmas!!
Charly says
I’m always so excited to see your top 3 reveal!! I’m a teacher and I always look forward to reading your top 3 books over winter break! ?
Amy Turko says
I’m currently reading American Dirt and can see why it’s your number 1 of the year! It may be mine as well!
Liliane Dunham says
Loved and read all top 3 books and I totally agree that American Dirt is one of my favorites also. Have read a lot of your books this year but will reserve the rest at my local library and can’t wait to start .
Cilka’s Journey was also up there for me??. Happy reading
Sarah M. says
I posted my 2020 reads today too, and my reading list for 2021. Glad I added American Dirt to that list!
http://www.torontosam.ca
Shelby Denison says
My BEST book of 2020 was The Flight Girls by Nicole Salazar! It reminds me a little bit of one of your favorites “her last flight,” so I think you’d really love this one too!! My #2 is The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin! I’m still trying to decide my #3!
Mary says
I highly recommend Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain! My favorite book this year! I actually listened to it on Audible and it was great there too!! https://smile.amazon.com/Big-Lies-Small-Town-Novel/dp/1250087333/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YU3F0LAJU29O&dchild=1&keywords=big+lies+in+a+small+town+diane+chamberlain&qid=1608124739&sprefix=Big+lies+in+%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1
Susanne says
Wasn’t it awesome? I listened to it as well and enjoyed it so much!
Amy Heinl says
I love live your book review days. I read 48 books this year and these were my favorites…many are first time reads for me by authors I have never read before….thanks to Facebook group Friends & Fiction. Live this group and every Wednesday the host an author for live video…many of whom are your favorite authors Shay…you should check it out. Anyway, these ones left impressions on my heart this year and have left me thinking long after I was done….The Book of Lost Names and The Winemakers Wife, both by Kristin Harmel (if you loved the Nightengale you will love these…she is a new to me author and quickly became a favorite), 28 Summers by Elin Hildebrand, The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis, What you Wish For by Katherine Center and The Bookshop at Waters End by Patti Callahan (I actually highlighted lines in this book…so many little pearls of wisdom). I start vacation Friday and I have 7 Christmas books to read. I can’t wait
Lauren Palomo says
American Dirt and A Woman is No Man were in my top 3 this year as well as Open and Open Book. I’m in the middle of Her First Flight and I’m absolutely loving it. I love your reviews. You’ve inspired me to read for the last 6 years now and every year I increase my reading goal thanks to your suggestions. Due to the pandemic, I’m proud to say I surpassed my goal of 30 books by November!! I should finish around 40 which is pretty amazing for me. So THANK YOU! Great year end review!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Good for you!!!! You read SO MANY GREAT ONES this year too!!!!! Merry Christmas!!
Tricia says
I can’t wait to read these!! One of my favorite books is, “The Ultimate Gift.” It’s quick and easy! You’ve read so many books, I can’t remember if you’ve mentioned this one or not??? Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
Stephanie Wysaski says
I usually looove Elin Hilderbrand, but I got about half way through 28 summers and wanted to quit. I finished it, but it was probably one of my least favorites of hers. I have in 5 years queued up next though 🙂
Ashton says
My New Year’s Resolution for 2020 was to read one book a month. I have never been a huge reader, have four children, and always thought I was too busy to read. I decided to do something for myself and made that my resolution. I ended up reading over 20 books!
My Top Three:
#1 American Dirt
#2 The Things We Cannot Say
#3 Beneath A Scarlett Sky
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, dang! You and I are kindred spirits!!
Melissa Terry says
This is always one of my favorite posts of yours! I get so many good suggestions throughout the year and love chatting about books in this little space. Your top 3 are some of my favorites as well! Loved In Five Years and American Dirt is one of those books that haunts me…I won’t forget it anytime soon (another book like that for me is All the Ugly and Wonderful Things). Dear Edward would have been my top book except for The Dearly Beloved, I LOVED that book! Totally agree on 12 Dates of Christmas being the top holiday book this year as well. Here’s to many more fun books in 2021!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas!!
Christina says
My favorite post of the year. I just finished When crickets cry and I have recommended it to everyone I know. I am now reading Radium girls and I am obsessed. I haven’t picked my top 3 yet because I need to sit down with my Goodreads account and think about it for awhile. There are so many good ones that it’s hard to pick them out. Enjoy your Christmas!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas!!
Hilde says
Christina – I loved “When Crickets Cry”. Then I read “Water From My Heart” by the same author, Charles Martin, and I LOVED that one even more. Highly recommend.
Lori says
Woo Hoo book day!! What would we ever do without books and these lovely stories. I’ve read so many wonderful books this year, it’s hard to choose 3 favorites. I loved 2 of your top 3, especially American Dirt. I’m glad I listened to you and picked it up. I just finished 2 excellent books and started one that I want to recommend to you. The Exiles, A Memory of Violets: A novel of London’s Flower Sellers, and The Book of Lost Names. All are historical fiction and the Exiles and Memory of Violets are based on true events. Thanks again for all you do and I pray your family has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas!!
Debbie says
I have always been an avid reader…..I LOVE your book reviews and appreciate them so much! I now drive about 50 minutes to and from work each day (when I’m not working from home….2020), so I ‘listen’ to most books these days, but I’m always looking for new ones, and look forward to your book reviews. I now have several new to add to my list…THANK you, and Merry Christmas!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that, Debbie! Be safe on the roads!! Merry Christmas!!
Leigh says
I loved Mistletoe and Mister Right! I thought it was very sweet and loved that it was based in Alaska. The author has a really interesting backstory, too. You should look into it if you haven’t read it!
Dana says
I love this review every time! I building my reading list from it! So many favorites on your lists!
The Kitchen House is also amazing!! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I loved that one too! Merry Christmas!!
Erin Smith says
Love love love this post each year! I haven’t read any of your top three yet so yay I have some work to do! Some of my favs this year:
The Nightingale
The Silent Patient
Searching for Sylvie Lee
Lydia Bird (such a fun read!)
Thanks for doing this every year! Merry Christmas!
Mix and Match Mama says
What a great lineup of books!! Merry Christmas!!
Jeanie H says
Have you ever read Washington Black? I think you would really like it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Looking it up right now!!
Kathy Fairbanks says
Thank you so much for your book reviews! I think you do a great job summarizing then sharing your opinion, even though I don’t always agree! By far my No. 1 book this year is Open by Andre Agassi. It’s one of those books that you don’t want to end. Merry Christmas and thank you for all your work during the year on making your blog interesting and fun!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!! How great was that book?! Merry Christmas!!
Erika Gantert says
Thanks so much for your book reviews. I love to read, so it helps to get recommendations. I can’t wait to read some of your suggestions. The one book that I am most excited about for 2021 is by Amanda Kloots. It is a book about her life and her husband Nick. Nick was a broadway star and lost his life to Covid. Merry Christmas!!!
Lea says
One of my favorite books is The Glass Castle! Would highly recommend!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!!!!!
Julianna says
Book day!!!! I usually pick books based on your recommendations and thank you for so many good ones! But this year, I made a goal to read more books by Black authors (especially women). For me, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi was one of those books that will “stick with me” forever. Read it if you haven’t!
Mix and Match Mama says
Adding it to my list right now!!! Merry Christmas!!
Jill says
I second this recommendation, for sure! Not an easy read, but a powerful one! I’m anxious to read her 2020 release – Transcendent Kingdom.
Karen says
I love all your book posts! Your picks have inspired me to read more this year and I trust your reviews so much that I’ve already loaded The Twelve Dates of Christmas to my Kindle. My daughter is a kindergarten teacher that lives in Colorado (1700 miles away from me) and we had a little book club this summer reading your summer book picks and it’s continued on through the fall. We loved 28 Summers, Dear Edward, In Five Years, The Girl with the Louding Voice, Daisy Jones and the Six, The Secret Life of Violet Grant, and the Tattooist of Auschwitz. The library list for American Dirt is really long so she hasn’t read that yet but I have and loved it. Looking forward to all your picks for 2021 and continuing our long distance book club.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness!!! What a great batch of books!! I’m so happy you enjoy these posts! Merry Christmas!!
Shanna says
You already know this because we talk about books endlessly. American Dirt, hands down #1. #2 is Louding Voice. #3 is the new Kristin Hannah, (was lucky enough to get an arc) The Four winds, even though it doesnt come out until 2021. But, I would have never read the Agassi book if you hadn’t told me to and I absolutely LOVED it. It’s taking honorable mention for me. Sooooo many lessons for all of us, and especially Drew. ?. LOVE book review day!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Love YOU!!!!!!
Kelly says
American Dirt was my favorite book of the year as well! It stuck with me long after I finished and it’s the number one book I recommend to everyone!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!!!! This makes me so happy!! Merry Christmas!!
Cari Ferrell says
I was so excited to wake up this morning with my cup of coffee to read this post! I am finishing up Loving my Actual Christmas to complete my reading goal for 2020. You definitely helped put the love of reading in me a couple of years back and for that I am thankful. My top 3 were High Achiever, In an Instant and a Thousand Splendid Suns. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas!!
Deb says
Somehow I missed two of your best three! Shame on me! When I’m finished my holiday reading I’ll try the 2 I missed. Merry Christmas
Pamela says
I look forward to this post all year. One book that I loved is “Devil in Pew Number 7”…..true story but almost unbelievable this could actually happen. Thank you so very much for sharing your books, recipes, and life with us. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and may they finish all your construction ahead of schedule ?
Jamie Hill says
100% agree with your #1 choice! I’ve recommended that book to so many people. It’s such a powerful book that really sticks with you….and makes you think, “What would I do?” Thank you for doing these reviews. I love your suggestions, and the suggestions people leave in the comments! I’m looking forward to many more good books in 2021 thanks to all the suggestions!
Megan S says
Highly recommend A Good Neighborhood since it looks like you haven’t read that one yet!
Julie says
I love love love your book reviews and especially the end of year re-cap! American Dirt was fantastic. Definitely in my top two of this year. It needs to be a movie! My second favorite book of 2020 was ‘This is how it always is.” It is a coming of age story about a boy who identifies as a girl. But as a parent, it will get in your head and heart forever. It really speaks to how we love and raise our children amidst the many challenges life throws our way. The marriage in this book and the parenting were SO unbelievable. Just amazing examples of how you can be a wife and mom!
For memoirs, I LOVED Elizabeth Berg’s “I’ll Be Seeing You.” It is a heart-breakingly beautiful account of how the author cared for her aging parents, one of whom suffered from Alzheimer’s. It helps you appreciate what you have! Loved it.
For another fun and super quick holiday read-‘Forever Wild’ K.A. Tucker! I think it’s only available online. But SO CUTE. And short! You can squeeze it in before Christmas :).
I love suspense and read at least 5-6 a year. But this was my favorite EVER suspense book! Such a good read.
‘Little Secrets’ Jennifer Hillier.
Thanks for sharing and getting me to read more!
Jen D says
Love your book reviews…I’ve added many to my list! My goal next year is to read even more! Top 3 for 2020:
1. American Dirt
2. The Great Alone
3. Educated
Honorable Mention: The Things We Cannot Say
Carolyn Becker says
Loved American Dirt! Since you seem to like WWII history and the Holocaust-just finished When Time Stopped by Ariana Neuman, different than others but super interesting story.
Julie Eggleston says
I look forward to this post ALL YEAR!! I loved In Five Years! So glad you included it in your Top 3. I’m going to try one more time to suggest The Sight of You by Holly Miller. I really think you’d love it. Merry Christmas, Shay!
Stephanie says
I just read The Sight of You and it was fantastic. I could not put it down!
Jenn says
Thank you for your book reviews and your awesome recommendations! Always look forward to these posts too, My favorites this year were:
1. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
2. These Is My Words
3. Kitchen House or 28 Summers
Merry Christmas!!
Yvonne says
Shay, Thank you for your wonderful book reviews every month! You really have inspired me to read more, and I love it!!!
My favorite book this year was American Dirt as well, I have a son and I kept putting myself in that mom’s situation…woah!!! So impactfull!!! My second favorite was Dear Edward, I was hesitant to read it because I work for an airline, and wasn’t sure if I wanted to read about a crash, but finally gave in and loved it!!! When I saw they were your #1 and 2 picks, I literally raised my hands in the air and said YES!!! I appreciate you and all the work,and effort you put into your blog. Thank you for always including us and making us feel welcomed! I hope you and your family have a blessed Merry Christmas! Your friend from California, Yvonne
Shirley Short says
Your book reviews are a gift! Thank you.
Carole George says
I’m so happy you loved and highlighted Open! Everyone should read that book, it’s just fantastic the changes in his priorities and the legacy he’s left with his school. My top book was The Nightingale, but I think I’m the last person on earth to read it! My favorites of the year (that weren’t on your list lol) were Big Lies in a Small Town and I’ll Be Your Blue Sky. Would love to hear your thoughts if you read them!
Annise says
I’ve read two of your top 3: American Dirt and Dear Edward. Loved them both. I will have to put In Five Years on my list for 2021. This year, I decided to keep a list of all the books I read. I am on my 44th book!! When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin would be in my top 3 if I ranked them! I tend to read more mysteries: CJ Box, James Patterson, JA Jance. But I will say that my favorite book I read this year was the Bible. I read it from Genesis to Revelations in 6 months! Just one of the blessings from quarantine! Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season!!
Abby says
Added a few to my “want to read list”.
A few of my favorites this year were:
Live in Love By Lauren Akins
One Perfect Summer By Brenda Novak
The Last Flight By Julie Clark
California Girls By Susan Mallery
Honorable mentions:
The Suspect By Fiona Barton
Unfaithful By Natalie Barelli
Tarryn says
Yay book day! You’ve convinced me to read American dirt! Love all your favs. My favorite book of 2020 is Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. It has changed the way I see God And brought me to tears multiple times. It’s not a light read but it’s beautiful – I actually read it and then reread it taking notes. Gospel Coalition named it in their top 20 and called it a future classic!
Kellie says
I love your book recommendations. I have also liked many of the books you recommend. Finishing Her Last Flight now and am going to pick up Dear Edward from the library this afternoon for my Christmas week reading! Good choice on American Dirt – I’m excited to work my way through your other top picks. Thanks for the post!
MelanieL says
If there’s one person/thing I’ve been “influenced” by it’s hands down YOU and your love, enthusiasm and encouragement to READ! From the bottom of my heart, thank you, for all your book reviews and for bringing daily joy, you are appreciated!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I read 15 books this year and my top 3 are:
1: The Things We Cannot Say
2: The Great Alone
3: My Oxford Year
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww!!! Look at those top three books!!!! YES!!!!!!
Danielle B. says
Go read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah!!! SOOOO good! ? plus it’s coming to Netflix soon!
Courtney England says
This is my favorite post every year!! I read American Dirt and was obsessed!!! Below is my top 3 this year 🙂
I Know This Much is True – Wally Lamb The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo –
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Meghen says
Thanks Shay! I love your book reviews and look forward to them every month. The year in review with your top three of the year is always my favorite 🙂 great choices this year!! My favorite book of 202 hands down was The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. You should check that one out! And all her books are fantastic!
Meaghan Pijut says
Since you loved The Friend Zone, you need to read The Happy-Ever After Playlist. It’s about The Friend Zone’s main character’s best friend. I loved it even more than The Friend Zone!!
Susan says
Loved The Happy Ever After Playlist!
Ashley F. says
I was just looking for my next Christmas read! I’m going to start The Twelve Dates of Christmas today! Thanks Shay!
American Dirt was one of my favorites of 2020 too! Also, did you know Kristin Hannah has a new book coming out in February and I believe it’s set in Texas! Love all her books! Merry Christmas!
Angie says
American Dirt was good but it got to be too much for me to read knowing that my cousin’s husband was brought over in similar way. I stopped in the middle but do want to finish. Say my Name was a powerful book and definitely taught me how I won’t to raise my boys, they’re 4 and 8 now and made me feel so sad for friends that I’ve have that have been raped. To teaches you that just because the case is brought forth or their perpetrator is found guilty it’s a long process to adjust. The Hate U Give should definitely be required reading in middle school or high school. Very powerful book. That’s what’s so great about reading is that it can help expose you to other areas of the world that you may not be familiar with and teach you how others life and have compassion for others. I read a lot of amazing books in 2020 and finally got a kindle in quarantine and will never look back!
Jamie says
My very favorite post of the year!! Absolutely love your book reviews, and all of the time & thought that goes into each one. ❤️
Also, if anyone here is on IG, I’m TheBookLifeKC on there. I’d love to follow other bookstagram accounts!
Angie R says
Yay! Getting ready to update my library list now! I’m currently reading Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah, I’ve loved so many of her books and thought this one looked good for a holiday read, so I picked it up at CostCo. I think I have it pegged from about a 1/3 through, but it will likely surprise me and even if it’s a little predictable, it’s a good story and I’m loving it. Only downside, I bought the real book and I have to leave a light on to read it vs. my kindle, hahahaha!
Merry Christmas!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Thanks for the guide – your book reviews are always so good! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I may be one of the only ones who did not like Lydia Bird OR In Five Years! ? I gave them a 2 and 3 star rating. I could barely finish Lydia and the end of In Five Years made no sense to me. I kept thinking I’d missed a chapter or something. Are we still friends now?? ??
That Inspired Chick
Kris G says
I didn’t like In Five Years either. I felt very misled by the blurb and I couldn’t even rate it. I thought Lydia Bird was okay but I don’t think I’d list it as a favorite.
Alison says
Oooooh, I always love this post! I loved “In Five Years”, but haven’t read your other top two. I definitely added some new ones to my upcoming reading list. I wish I had more time to read. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🙂
Amanda says
I 100% agree with in five years. Couldn’t put it down!
Stacy says
Love this post! Added so many of these to my Goodreads list!
I loved The Boys Club by Erica Katz this year. I couldn’t put it down!
Darby says
Love your book recommendations! American Dirt was my #1 this year too!
Kristen says
I am a huge reader, always have been and with this pandemic read everything you recommend and more. Loved American Dirt, 28 Summers, In 5 yrs, a women is no man..I also loved Matthew McConaughey & Jessica Simpsons bio!! One book I could not put down was The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain!!!
Kate says
68 books read for me, and so many of them suggestions from you or these comments!
I LOVED 12 Dates of Christmas – I really did want to head right into that little town. I also thought all of the characters were so well written, even the dates that didn’t work!
I had to dig for another Christmas book after this one, it left such a warm and cozy feeling!
Lindsey says
My favorite post of the year! I also loved “American Dirt”. I also loved “The Hate U Give” and “The Girl with the Louding Voice” those two really stuck with me. I’m currently reading “Dear Edward”. Merry Christmas!
Dana says
I LOVE book review day and I love the end of year one! I have all 3 of your top 2020 books in my book closet and several of your honorable mentions so I am excited to start them in January!! My top 2 books this year were Summer of ‘69 ( I know I’m late reading this one since Elin is my fave) and I had no idea when I chose this next book that it would be a fave but I loved it and learned SO much from it…The Rock, The Road and The Rabbi. So so good!! I even did the Bible study after read the book to go through it again!! Super fast read too!! Hope you’ll check it out! Merry Christmas!! Thank you for shari g your love if books with us fellow book lovers!!
Karre says
You nailed it this year. I don’t always agree with your picks and I was ready to tell you why and everything hahaha! However, I equally enjoyed all three of these books! My other favorite this year was the Giver of the Stars. I can’t remember if it came out in 2020, but I just read it this year and it was so sweet.
Merry Christmas! Love the book posts!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, yay!! I’m so happy we were on the same page this year!!!
KaLyn McCullough says
I highly recommend When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanthi. He’s a neurological resident who starts to experience negative health symptoms, but ignores them because it’s his last year of residency. Eventually he gets a CT scan done and it’s bad news. The book is his before and during his illness. I truly can’t describe how the book made me feel. It was everything. Honest, sad, hopeful, etc. I highly recommend it! It’s probably my favorite book of all time.
Amy says
I love this post! I just added so many books to my library list!
My favorite book this year was The Dutch House.
I also really enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Transcendent Kingdom, Evie Drake Starts Over, Ask Again Yes, The Family Upstairs, and My Dear Hamilton.
Charlotte Place says
This is my very favorite post all year!! I’ve read 64 books so far this year (still have a couple weeks to go!), and loved so many of them for such different reasons!! Many of them were your recommendations, and those never disappoint! One of my favorites this year is A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win WWII. I’m finally getting around to reading E. Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series, have read 2 & have 2 to go—loving them!!! Thank you for sharing your reading life with all of us!❤
Jayne says
Thanks to travel early in the year and easy library pick up during Covid, I read 54 books this year (so far), which is A LOT for me. My favorites were:
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (a must read for sure!)
The Water Dancer by Ta’Nehisi Coates
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
I think you’d really like The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan.
Merry Christmas!
Kelly says
I loved American Dirt. I sat down and read it in a single day while we were at the beach this summer. I also really liked In Five Years and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird. I haven’t ready many autobiographies but picked up Open at your suggestion and I it was amazing–crazy to think what he accomplished as a tennis player never really even liking the sport. These book review posts are always my favorite posts. Merry Christmas to the Shull family.
Catherine says
Always love this post every year! My favorite book was The Light We Lost, absolutely could not put it down, it made me laugh and cry! Another favorite was It Ends With Us. Both romance novels, but each have their very unique twist! Merry Christmas to your sweet fam 🙂
Chrissy says
All the books I download or borrow from the library come from you! I love your reviews and I’m never disappointed. American Dirt was by far my favorite as well, and anyone who talked to me after I read it now knows about it. I can’t wait for the day to pick up a copy of the first Shay’s Book Club selection! If Oprah and Reese can do it…:)
Shelley says
The Orphan Collector-about the Spanish Flu Pandemic.
Raising Grateful Kids in an entitled World
Go see the Principal by Gerry Brooks
Anything Karen Kingsbury.
Sweet Magnolias Series by Sherryl Woods
DeAnn says
Yay!! I finished 68 books this year! My original goal was 50 I think. Thanks Covid ?
My top picks are: A Woman is no man; Beach Read; Know my Name; Last Train to Key West
My number one…
What you wish for by Katherine Center!
(I’m possibly biased being a librarian, but I love the main character)
Colleen T says
Did you know there is a 12 Dates of Christmas TV film starring Amy Smart and Mark-Paul Gosselaar (love them both!) It popped up when I searched the book. Looks like it came out in 2011 but you’ll have to see if there are any similarities LOL. and HBO Max has a 12 Dates of Christmas and it was filmed in same castle as the Sound of Music. You have to check it out and let me know if it’s anything like the book. Thanks for the post. I love your book suggestions and have been looking for another Christmas book. I’m almost done with Christmas Shopaholic . Merry Christmas!
Susan says
Oh my gosh! I am loving all of your recommendations! I try to to read 52 books a year and am currently at 40, so not going to happen – again! Lol! I loved, loved American Dirt and In Five years!!! Definitely both in my top five this year! I am also a huge Beatriz Williams fan!
I would also recommend (if you haven’t read already): Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi, The Lager Queen of Minnesota – J. Ryan Stradal and The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett
Thanks again for great suggested future reads! My piles are overflowing!!!
Colleen T says
Oh and I should say I LOVE your book lists. I had given up on chick lit long ago but you have made me love it again. I love a book to have substance but sometimes you need a break from the serious topics and my love of Elin Hilderbrand is all because of you. I got up to 29 books but hoping for more next year, not too shabby for elearning 4 kids since March.
My top 4 books of 2020 were ( I couldn’t narrow to 3):
The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
Tin-Tin says
Wow, you made that so exiting! I scrolled slowly slowly to see your picks, it was nerve wrecking! I love books! Thank you for all the recommendations!
Jessica says
I am not a huge reader – but what truly amazes me with these posts of yours are the organization ! I would love to see how you organize all your links and pictures and .. like the inter-workings of your computer.. do you use google docs or good ole’ word on your hard drive ? Do you use ‘Photos’ on a Mac? Do you use Mac?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, you would be so underwhelmed! Ha! I’m so not techy and am certain there’s a better way to do it! I use both a Mac and a PC and go back and forth between the two all day long…after 13 years, I have a rhythm to blogging, but I certainly bet you, I could do it much better!
Haley says
Two of my very favorites from this year are The Dearly Beloved (a beautiful look at faith from four very different people) and The Book of Longings. The Book of Longings is by Sue Monk Kidd, and it’s written as though Jesus was married (as was the custom for Jewish men his age).. Sounds strange but it is the most beautiful story that adds so much humanity to Jesus and a lovely feminine perspective to the Gospels. I can’t recommend it enough!
Katie Strand says
I am so thankful for your book reviews because it seriously has made me fall in love with reading. This is were I come to get book suggestions and your suggestions, and the suggestions of others, have yet to fail met. So thank you!
Stacy says
My favorite days are your book review days – they never disappoint! I also comb the comments for additional titles to add to my list! Thank you for taking the time to do these and share them with us! Two of my very favorites from this year are The Storytellers Secret by Sejal Badani and Have You Seen Luis Velez by Catherine Ryan Hyde – I think you would love the second one for sure! Merry Christmas!
Michelle says
I loved the 3 book series by K.A. Tucker starting with The Simple Wild.
Heather says
Ahhhhh! American Dirt! I actually listened to this book during quarantine! I would go out and walk and listen to this book! I loved it! In 5 Years was really good too! I love your book reviews! Because of you, I’m a HUGE Elin Hilderbrand fan now too!!!
Lauren says
My three favorite books this year were The Upset by Tyler Trent, Someone Like You by Karen Kingsbury and 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand. I’m definitely adding some of your recommendations to my TBR list!
Kristy Moore says
So excited because I’m pretty sure that American Dirt is in my stocking this year! 🙂
I came across this link on Pinterest and thought you may find it interesting as you think ahead to 2021 and what books to put on your list. 🙂
https://www.nazblogs.com/january-2021-new-book-releases/
Kate says
Based on your recs, some of the favorites I loved this year were also American Dirt, Open, Simple Wild, and Alice Network! Thanks for always reading a diverse mix!
Lindsay Bull says
Always love your book reviews and recommendations!! Two of my favorite of the year: The Guest List and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo!
Jenna says
I just started reading One Day in December and it’s really go so far, so that may be another one for you to check out!
Elaine says
I love, love your book reviews! Inspires me every month! I have a question. Does Andrew read too? I am always looking for good book choices for my young men. Good, solid, inspirational books, fun fiction and really any good biographies/autobiographies.
vicki@lifeinmyemptynest says
I agree – American Dirt was by far the best book I read this year as well and really made me think about immigration. Fictional yes, but really puts you right in the shoes of the desperation of those fleeing other countries.
Kelley Baumgartner says
A Woman is No Man! Is my my favorites of 2020 . Every female should read this book.
Mix and Match Mama says
I couldn’t agree more!! It was one of my faves from 2019!!!
Stephie says
I have to know. Do you ever stop reading a book mid book and give up? Because I want to move on from this book because I just can’t with it anymore…..
But I’m over halfway done.
And this is by far my FAVORITE post. I have read over 30 books this year thanks to YOU!! THANK YOU for opening my eyes again to reading.
Happy Holidays!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do! I would say four or five times a year, I quit. I don’t mention books if I don’t read the whole thing (because I don’t want to be super negative about a book/author), but yes, I do quit books occasionally.
Ali says
Shay, do you ever read old classics? I never read the popular, newly published books because my library rarely has them. My favorite book I read this year was “The House on the Strand” by Daphne duMaurier. I reread Rebecca after the Netflix movie came out, and The House on the Strand is way better!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t really read old classics. I pretty exclusively read what you ladies suggest and most of them are pretty current.
Robin Waibel says
My absolute favorite book this year The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain – blew my mind! A very close second was The City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. #3 was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I read it in two days!
Susan Davis Dike says
Book Review Days are my favorite! My 2020 top 3: Castle of Water, The Things We Cannot Say and The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain. Also really liked Big Lies in a Small Town by the same author.
Shanna Keiffer says
Love your book review day and especially the top three!! I think you would live As Bright as Heaven by Susan Messinger! It is about a family dealing with the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918! Very interesting characters and spans many years!
Susan Dike says
My 3 favorites were Castle of Water, The Things We Cannot Say and The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain. Big Lies in a Small Town by the same author was also really good!
Amy says
I loved your #2, #3 and most of your honorable mentions. Not surprising since I read them after reading your reviews ?
I also loved The Last Train to Key West and Firefly Lane. American Dirt is #1 on my to-read list now. Merry Christmas and thanks for another year of book reviews!
Darian says
Have you read The Girl with Seven Names”—-another escape from North Korea story and the author did a wonderful Ted Talk. She relied on strangers to help her…amazing story.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have!!! It’s incredible. She is incredible.
Ina Green says
Have you read Kisses from Katie? If you have please let me know what you think about it. I will never forget this book.
Susan says
You need to pick up This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens before New Year’s Eve. It’s her debut novel and I hope she writes many more books. It’s a sweet story about two individuals whose moms deliver new year’s babies in the same hospital.
Sarah says
Echo Mountain and Beyond the Bright Sea both by Lauren Wolk are fantastic!! Must reads.
Neceda says
My number one was also American dirt!!! Such an amazing book. The Great Alone and Educated are both competing for my number two spot at the moment. I just can’t decide!
Mix and Match Mama says
Both are AMAZING!!
MK says
I’ll have to check out The Twelve Dates of Christmas! I just finished “Faking Under The Mistletoe” and it was adorable! A few R-rated scenes. I couldn’t put it down!
Lexi V. says
I am new to the blog and I will say that me being an avid reader, this is by far my favorite post! I will be sitting on the couch and scroll through old posts for hours because being pregnant during a pandemic gives you lots of down time! Also with this being my first pregnancy I’m being very cautious and pretty much quarantined myself from the outside world, so all these book recommendations and reviews are fantastic.
I hope you & your adorable family have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year (that will hopefully exceed the tough year we have had)! ??
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! Welcome, Lexi!! I’m so happy you found me!! xo
Jodi says
You should read We Were the Lucky Ones.
Katie says
I love your book lists and have read so many of your recommendations…thank you! I loved “The Day The World Came To Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland”…very heartwarming and made me teary…a great read!
Aimee says
Please consider reading The Warmth Of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. It’s about the Great Migration of Black Americans from the south to the north. It is beautifully woven with 3 different stories of historical fiction with facts dispersed in between. Also, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made For Whiteness. I grew up in an evangelical home and bought this for my mom to read. The author brings in her experience of being Black and navigating churches. My mom found that entry point to be powerful as a devote church member and leader.
Beth Knecht says
I loved In Five Years, too! If you haven’t read Swear on This Life, you need to read that! Very similar! Also, check out Love and Other Words!
Jennifer says
I just love this post and reading all the comments! You inspired me two years ago to start reading again. Last year I read 69 books and this year will be 79! I read so many of your suggestions! Last year I went back and read a bunch of your number 1 picks from previous years too. This year quickly became the year of light and fluffy reading thanks to the heaviness of 2020. So my top 3 with honorable mentions are…
1. The Simple Wild
2. Cancel the Wedding
3. The Girl with the Louding Voice
Runners up
The Last Train to Key West
Oona out of order (a good one to read around New Years!)
Jean says
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton is a great book! I’m starting the sequel When We Left Cuba. If you haven’t read these books – they are so good ?
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Love this post!! My favorite reads this year we’re Winter in Paradise series and it spurred me to book a trip to Saint Thomas/Saint John!! Open Book by Jessica Simpson. Hands down favorite book and very helpful this year was Emotional Agility by Susan David. Everyone needs to read it and it’s a quick one!!
Happy Holidays!
Xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Allison Dogaer says
I am new to your blog. Sheaffer sent me over. I am a huge reader though. I have followed the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge 4 years and managed to get through 46 books this year which is a new record for me. I am looking forward to reading some of your suggestions, namely American Dirt.
The books that got a 5 star rating from me in 2020 are as follows:
The Dream Daughter – Diane Chamberlain
The Lying Game – Ruth Ware
Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing – Hank Green
American Royals – Katherine McGee
The Hate You Give – Angie Thomas
Secrets of a Charmed Life – Susan Miessner
In Five Years – Rebecca Serle
If you need a light chick-lit read, the Diary of a Wedding Planner series by Violet Howe is fantastic!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so happy you found me, Allison!! You and I have very similar tastes in books!! Merry Christmas!
Christi Hays says
Oh happy day, love this post so much right before the break when I can stay up later and read more!
Favorites of 2020
1. American Dirt
2. Defending Jacob
3. A Hope More Powerful than the Sea
Maggie Malone says
You always have the best book suggestions! My friend and I base our book club off a bunch of ones you’ve read.
The Nightingale is definitely in my top 3 that I’ve read for 2020.
Keisha Dawson says
I waited until today to read this, just because I didn’t want it to be over. I look forward to this post with so much anticipation! My #1 book of 2020 was The Tattooist of Auschwitz with The Vanishing Half, Open Book by Jessica Simpson, and Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey at the top too. I’m at 53 books so far this year, and I have a feeling I will get in 2-3 more before 2021. Thank you so much for sharing your reads with us! I adore your blog, but my very favorite posts are the book posts. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Crystal McDonald says
So excited to see the diversity in your book choices! American Dirt and White Fragility.. it shouldn’t be controversial. I’m so thankful you read these and shared them.
Nicole Karpinski says
I loved Dear Edward too and read it based on your review. Have you read The Alice Network? I just finished and it was so good! Goes back and forth between WWI and WWII. There are spies, strong female roles, and of course a love story. It all gets buttoned up at the end in a really nice way.
Kim says
American Dirt was by far my favorite book this year as well. I read the last 180 pages of it one evening — my boys were so thrilled that they got to have frozen pizza for dinner that night because I was to involved to cook anything ?♀️?
Alexis deZayas says
My favorite book of 2020 was The Guest List by Lucy Foley! It was actually my second favorite book of all time 🙂
Colleen T says
I also loved American Dirt and it was so great to read especially in these times. Did you see the controversy with it? About how the author had to stop her tour and that how it was very stereotypical and appropriated. I was wondering if you were going to try to read some of the books that are recommended involving Latinx writers? Honestly I appreciated the book and as a white women did not pick up on the appropriation as much as I should of and I need lighter books right now but I am going to try to expand my knowledge of Mexican culture. I think you do an amazing job with your book club. I just didn’t see the controversy addressed and wasn’t sure you were aware or if some of your readers weren’t aware. It is eye opening and a learning experience because if I had not heard of the issues at the beginning of this year, I wouldn’t be aware of it at all.
Here are just some of the articles with options.
https://www.texasobserver.org/17-great-books-on-the-border-to-read-instead-of-american-dirt/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2020/01/30/latin-american-books-read-instead-american-dirt/2858935001/
Amanda Preece says
American Dirt and Dear Edward are in my top 5 this year, too. I challenged myself to read 52 and I’m on 51 and 52 now (one’s audio, one’s a “regular” book). Books I also loved were:
The Giver of Stars
Untamed
Daisy Jones and the Six
This is How It Always Is
American Dirt. Wow. I agree. Once I read it, I couldn’t quit thinking about it.
Thanks for inspiring me to read and to keep up with what I’ve read!
Linda Tarshahani says
I look forward to your book review posts every month. I have read a lot when I was younger and then stopped once I started having kids. It was not until I came across your lists of books that I started to read again and now I can not stop reading.
Jennifer S. says
I absolutely can’t wait each month for your book reviews and this post is hands down my most favorite of the year. I’ve read so many fabulous books over the past few years from your recommendations. I don’t know if anyone else has felt this way, but this year, I’ve had trouble reading and that really surprised me. I thought the extra time would bring extra reading, but for some reason, I had a hard time focusing through part of the year. I’m thankful now that we have all of our kids back together (the oldest is a college freshman and home until mid January, thank you Lord!) and I hope you & your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Lisa Girouard says
100% agree about American Dirt! I could not put this book down.
I highly recommend The Nightingale!!!
Paula says
My love affair with reading reignited in 2019 thanks to your book recommendations! Always on point!
Books brought me great joy in the midst of a weird year!
Debbie says
The Magic Hour by Kristan Hannah. So, so unforgettable! Also The Nightingale by her. I read so many books this year and loved many, but those stood out!