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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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January 2021 Book Review


It’s my favorite post of the month!

Today is my JANUARY 2021 BOOK REVIEW and just like every January, it’s EXTRA-BIG!!

I always share my December Book Review with you guys mid-December which means, by the time I get around to this post here, I’m reviewing not only the books I read in January, but the last few I read in December too.  This month, I have EIGHT BOOKS to review.

What?  What?

YES!

This time though, I thought I would kick off the year by reading a variety of genres.  You guys know how much I love reading those chick lit books, but I really, really tried to diversify for our first book review this year.  I read a memoir, a thriller, a heavy fictional story, a lifestyle book, a faith-based book, one regular ole chick lit book plus two different third books in two different series.  Eight books, all a little different, some I loved, some I didn’t and something different for everyone.

Grab your coffee, settle in, it’s book review time, friends!

The first book I’m reviewing is the third and final installment of Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter in Paradise series called Troubles in Paradise.  Let’s recap my thoughts on the first two books: Elin Hilderbrand is my very favorite author, but these are my least favorite books that she has written.  Sigh.  In this third installment, we finally wrap up the story.  If you read the other two books, you should read this one as it ties up every loose end.  I did love how the book ended (it gave me the happy feels), but I thought for a three book series, it all wrapped up in one paragraph very abruptly without a lot of pomp and circumstance.  I love, love, love Elin Hilderbrand’s storytelling, but I just did not enjoy this series.  I didn’t find most of the characters likable, didn’t really care about the people whose death we were trying to figure out (they didn’t feel likable at all), and was just completely underwhelmed by each book.  And for the one millionth time, I’m going to say that there’s nothing “wintery” about these stories so I’m still confused by the emphasis on that in the title of the series.  There.  I’m done.  I didn’t love this book but you should all go read her novel that was published this last year, 28 Summers, because it was perfection.

The second book I read this month was the number one suggestion from you guys at the end of last year.  I read A Good Neighborhood and let me tell you…up until the last like three pages, I was convinced it would be my favorite book of 2021.  I absolutely loved this story…but I didn’t like how it ended, so I’ll tell you right now, it will not be in my top three this year.  This fictional story is about two sets of neighbors and how life unfolds next door to each other when their teenage children get involved.  I could not put this book down.  One morning, I was up at 4:30 just to read this book.  I was totally engrossed in the story, in the characters, in the conflict…it’s so layered, so relevant, so poignant and thought provoking.  I was riveted and on the edge of my seat as these neighbors, who are very different in race, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, life experiences, beliefs, values…so different, handled conflict and life as next door neighbors.  This book is brilliant and I wrote in my notes “would make the perfect book club read this year”.  Even though I disliked the ending and found it disappointing to the story, I wanted to talk to people about it.  I wanted to bounce it off my friends…it would be a great discussion novel.  It was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end and even though I’m not going to name it in my top three (I did not love that ending), I highly recommend it and think all of you should read it.  I am going to say it’s PG-13ish…the F word is used a few times, but other than that, I didn’t the content was too mature.  Read it.  Tell me what you think.

The third book I read this month was Michael J. Fox’s latest memoir No Time Like the Future and friends, I loved it!!!  Out of all of the books I read this month, this one was the one I probably talked the most about with my friends and Andrew.  I didn’t read his first two books, but for some reason, when I saw that he had just released a third memoir about life with Parkinson’s, I felt compelled to pick it up.  I thought I was a MJF fan before, but after reading this book, I am a HUGE fan now of both him and his wife.  This book covers the last ten years of life (since his last book) and is so raw, so vulnerable, so honest, so hard to read at times but also so self-deprecating, inspiring, funny, encouraging and uplifting.  I told Andrew that I want Ashby to read this when she’s older because so many of the things he said, I thought she needed to hear.  Now that he’s almost 60 and has been living with Parkinson’s disease for half his life, he talks about how it’s hard to always be positive and optimistic.  It was really honest, and I just loved it.  I can’t imagine anyone reading this book and not being inspired.

Well, you all know how much I love books about Hygge (the Danish word to describe all things cozy), so I thought I’d read Cosy which was the cutest little British book about all things cozy.  It is the perfect winter read.  The author, English, of course, explains how to make your life cozy the British way.  She covers everything from tea to sweaters, to socks to food…I wanted to underline the whole book.  It was just happiness.  It made me want to light a candle, put on my comfy clothes, curl up under a blanket and read a book.  Loved it.

Forever Wild is the third book in the The Simple Wild series.  I really liked the other two books (about a young woman who moves to Alaska to build a relationship with her dad and finds love along the way), and I loved this one too!  You do need to read these books in order, and like I said with the first two, they are a little rated R, so buyer beware.  This third (and final, I think) book actually takes place during Christmastime (I didn’t know that since the other two didn’t) and was super adorable!  Everything about this series is cozy and cute (quaint Alaskan town, lots of snow, yummy food references, charming characters), but this third book had the added bonus of twinkle lights and holiday cheer.  If you’re looking for a light and happy series with likable characters and an adorable setting, read all three of these books.  This final novel wraps things up and is just as adorable as the first two.

Ohhhhhh!  You know I don’t typically read a lot of suspenseful books because they scare me (ha!), but when I read the premise of One by One by Ruth Ware, I dug in.  This one is perfect to read in the wintertime since it all happens inside a Swiss boutique hotel when an avalanche hits, and they’re all snowed in.  I could not put this book down.  Each chapter toggles back and forth between different characters, and as other characters start dying off, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next because I just had to know who was doing it.  It’s suspenseful, it’s intriguing, it had me on the edge of my seat…and it all takes place in an idyllic little hotel in the snow.  After I would read each night, I would have to watch TV or something to get my mind off the suspense.  It’s really good, friends.  You will be sucked right in!

In my quest to read things from different genres this month, I read Lysa TerKeurst’s newest book Forgiving What You Can’t Forget.  Agh.  Okay, I have all the feels.  I thought the book was okay.  It started off really strong but about a third of the way through, I felt (as a reader) that it became more about her explaining why she took her husband back after he cheated (she has talked extensively about it on social media and in her previous book which I also didn’t love…), and less about the general population (us female readers) forgiving one another and our friends/family.  She started talking about “dots” for about three chapters (which doesn’t make a lot of sense in this context, but it was very meaningful to her in her life), and that’s where, in my opinion, the wheels kind of started coming off.  I really thought the beginning was strong and very relatable, but by the end, I was very disinterested as it felt long and repetitive.  Great message, not my favorite delivery on forgiveness.  Anyone else feel this way after they read it???

And finally, I read Emily Giffin’s latest book The Lies that Bind…so many of you recommended this to me, and I love her other books (Something Borrowed and then the sequel Something Blue are still two of my faves!!) so much, but this one lost me at the end.  I thought the whole first 85% of this book was really strong, but the last 15% or so was too far-fetched and at the end, I was annoyed with the main character.  When I finished reading this book, Kensington was next to me and I made a sigh sound and told her I didn’t love it.  She asked me to explain the plot and by the end, we were both laughing hysterically because as I was explaining it, it sounded even more absurd.  Again, the majority of it was great, but it went off the rails at the end for me.  I really don’t want to give away the plot (because it’s unique and there are many twists and turns), but basically it’s about a young woman living in NYC who falls in love quickly with a man who she never sees again after 9/11.  She ends up engaged to another man later that year and then SO MANY THINGS HAPPEN (if I started telling you, it would spoil it), but basically the title of the book is “the lies that bind”, so just know there are lies/twists/turns/unforeseen things and lots to uncover.  I really loved the majority of this book, but I just didn’t love how farfetched the last part was (in so many ways).  I would love to know if you all think I’m crazy or if you agree.

Whew!  That was a lot of books to review!!

Okay, what are your thoughts?  What did you read this month?  Have you checked out my TOP THREE BOOKS OF 2020 yet?  What should I read in February?  Talk to me, people!!  Comment and let’s chat books!!

To see the complete list of books I read in 2015 (all 63 of them), click here.
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.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2020 (all 54 of them), click here.

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Comments

    • Hayley says

      Do you use a Kindle?? I don’t have one but have been thinking of ordering! Would you recommend?

      • Carol Wilson-Mack says

        Absolutely! I have a hard copy of the books I love and also a kindle copy so when I’m on the go I can go and still read. If I only did not have to sleep, I could read continously.

    • Haleigh says

      I’m not a fan of suspense but I read Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens and wholly moly was it incredible!

    • Maureen says

      In your quest to je more diverse in tour genres…check out Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. So funny and he has a lot of good advice!

  2. Katelyn says

    I don’t see the Henna Artist on your read list for last year right? If you haven’t read it you must! It was so good!
    I’m adding A Good Neighborhood to my list now!

  3. Taylor says

    Well I am awake an hour before my alarm because I knew this post was going live today haha..I guess that gives me an extra hour to read! I can’t wait to devour some of these books! My only 5 star book that I’ve read in January is “This Tender Land.” It was so good and very sad at times too.

    • Lindsay says

      I read A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice and Freedom. It was so good and so eye opening. Highly recommend.

  5. Kristen Thompson says

    I totally agree with you on The Lies that Bind…it was really, really good but the ending was very far fetched!! I think you’d like All the Flowers in Paris or The Bungalow by Sarah Jio…her books always keep me on the edge of my seat and are very chick-lit(ish) but have a fun mystery that ties the characters together in a surprising way!

    • Susanne says

      I absolutely love Sarah Jio and The Bungalow is probably my very favorite of hers! I also really liked Morning Glory too and Goodnight June. They’re all good! I just think she is a fabulous author. All the Flowers in Paris was wonderful as well.

      • Kelly says

        Another vote for Sarah Jio’s books. I haven’t read All the Flowers in Paris, but I loved Morning Glory, Goodnight June, The Bungalow, and Blackberry Winter. SO good!!

      • Debbie says

        Just finished The Bungalow due to many recommendations! SO good! My first Sarah Jio book–but not my last!

  6. Heather says

    There is another book coming in the Simple Wild series (it will be about the vet). I’m so excited! I’ve loved the little series.

    Have you read The Friend Zone and The Happily Ever Playlist (sequel)? Super cute books!!

      • Jacquelyn Jenkins says

        The sequel was even better than the original in my opinion! I was hesitant to read the sequel bc of what happened to her in the original … but oh my gosh, it was SO good!!

      • Kristin says

        Yes! Read Happily Ever After Playlist! And the author has another book coming out in April that is supposed to be really good- some of the characters are in that one also!

  8. Alexis deZayas says

    I flew through The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House this month!! Added a few of these to my Amazon cart- excited to check them out!!

  10. Becky says

    I already Troubles in Paradise and Liea that Bind. Elin,and Emily are 2 of my favorite authors, but I agree that these weren’t my favorites. With Troubles in Paradise, I kept thinking that the husband and Rosie would show up because they survived the helicopter crash somehow. That could have been a twist. With Lies that Bind, I loved the beginning and Buffali mentions (I’m from Buffalo, so that’s always fun to see), but I didn’t care for the end at all.

    • Sylvia says

      I was really into the first 2 Paradise books, but the third was a huge disappointment!! It was like she ran out of twists and interesting ideas and just quit.

      • Mix and Match Mama says

        The entire series was “solved” in like one paragraph. I kept re-reading it and thinking “really, that’s it?”.

  12. Jenn Berry says

    Just finished Baby Doll by Hollie Overton. It was a one day read for me. Could not put it down!!!

  14. Sheaffer Sims says

    Well. This is new. I want to read the MJF book. Well done.

    To be clear, I won’t. But I want to. Kinda-ish.

  15. Holly Sandkamp says

    I just started the first of the Paradise series. Hoping I enjoy it. I just finished “November 9” by Colleen Hoover. Loved it!! Have you read it?

  16. Kelly Strylowski says

    Love love love book review day!! I felt the same way about “The Lies that Bind”…it had so much potential and completely fell flat at the end making me regret ever picking it up. I’ve just begun the third book in Winter Streets series (can’t quit Christmas quite yet) and cannot wait to pick up the MJF memoir! Have you read the latest Kevin Kwan book, Sex and Vanity? I loved the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy! As always, thanks for sharing. ??

    • Arika says

      I love reader comments/suggestions almost as much as I love your book reviews, Shay! So many good suggestions. Thanks, Kelly – I didn’t know Kevin Kwan wrote another book. I just downloaded it. Happy reading everyone!

  18. Dana P says

    I’m glad you said that about the “winter” series. I never know what to get at the library, so I just grab things by authors you’ve liked. I was so underwhelmed by that one, too! But I love that you’ve really gotten me into reading again, even if it’s not 8 books in one month. For Christian nonfiction reads, I’ve really been enjoying Randy Alcorn-specifically one he wrote called The Grace and Truth Paradox-Responding with Christlike Balance. I’ve been really enjoying it! He also wrote a sweet one about Heaven for kids that we’ve been going through.

    • Pam Zercher says

      Dana, I read Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven after my son passed away. It helped me so much. I’m glad he did a kids book.

  19. Amy Wille says

    I just finished The Fortunate Ones by Ed Tarkington.
    SO good. It’s about a boy who is taken in at the beginning of high school by a very wealthy family. It follows his life with them. I can’t put my finger on why I loved it so much. But I was so sad when I finished it. And have recommended it to all my reader friends!!!

  20. Susan Crivella says

    I agree with you about the winter series, not my favorite at all but I read them and actually own them all! Same with the Good Neighborhood I hated how it ended and The Lies that Bind as well, too ridiculous!
    Reading a fun one now The Chicken Sisters and I have Kristin Hannah’s new one The Four Winds & Outlawed on hold at the library. Also waiting for You Have a Match (a YA book).
    Happy Reading!

  21. Melonie says

    I enjoyed One by One too! It provided suspense throughout where I had no idea what was exactly going to happen next. I just discovered the author Jane Harper who writes similar style books to that of One by One. I enjoyed all of them! (The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man and most recently The Survivors)

  22. Suzie says

    I’m currently working through two very different books. Experiencing God… and Ask Again Yes. Both very good so far.

  23. Ashley P says

    I felt the same about The Lies That Bind. I’m finishing Trouble in Paradise today (my library book expires in three hours so I need to hurry up lol)- did you see that Ellen Pompeo is developing a Paradise series based on the three books?!

    • Keesha says

      I use the libby app on my kindle and if you turn airplane mode on, it will not take the book off your kindle until you turn it off. The app will still return it to the library, though..Maybe yours works that way, too! I will download a bunch if books and then turn on airplane mode and I can read them at my own pace.

  25. Clare says

    I recommend A Woman Is No Man! Primarily focuses on female characters in a family and similarities and differences between their generations. Amazing story telling!

  26. Lindsay Bull says

    I loved the Wild books too! ? thanks for some new book ideas! I just finished Daisy Jones and the Six! Super good and they are making it into a series on Amazon Prime!

  27. Abbey says

    Shay, I’m just dying for you to read Greenlights!!! Open was also my fav…. until Matthew made me ROFL!!

  28. Teresa Daly Noel says

    I think you would love Live in Love by Lauren Akins. I couldn’t put it down! So refreshing to see how their love story started and how they leaned on their faith. It’s also about their adoption. ❤️

  29. Shannon Voss says

    Concrete Rose, the prequel to The Hate U Give (pretty sure you’ve read THUG) was amazing. It tells the story of Starr’s dad, Maverick, when he was 17 and a teenage father. So, so good…it made me re-read THUG.

  30. Anna Phillips says

    I was so excited to see that today is Book Review Day, I almost forgot to pack my kids’ lunches! ? Whoops! Trying to decide if I wasn’t to read “The Good Neighborhood” now. It’s been on my list for a while, but I hate when books leave you disappointed in the end. Hmmmmm…..
    “The Push” was a total page turner for sure! I think I read it in less than 2 days. While super disturbing to read at times, it pulls at your heart as it deals with the dark struggles of motherhood for some. The way it ends will leave you speechless. Another good one I read this month is “Anxious People”. It was different than any other book I’ve read. It started a tad slow for me, BUT was totally worth it in the end. It makes you think, breaks your heart, warms your heart, keeps you guessing, makes you gasp a few times, and just leaves you feeling good at the end.

    • Carly says

      Anxious People was my only 5 star book last year (and I read 140 books!). Backman is my absolute favorite! He slowssss me down and forces me to read every word, and yes, his endings are always worth it! I just love him!
      If you haven’t read others by him, A Man Called Ove, Britt-Marie Was Here and Beartown are some other great ones!

      And I read The Push in one night. Gosh, it was good (and disturbing— that ending ?!)

  31. Eileen says

    Just finished Eliza Starts a Rumor. So good! I can’t put it down. I saw it recommended by Elon Hilderbrand (my fave) so I tried it.

  32. Julianna says

    Thanks to your recommendations, I read American Dirt and Her Last Flight. So good! Also really enjoyed Emily Maynard’s memoir and Jenna Bush Hager’s “Everything Beautiful In It’s Time.”

  33. Jenna Miller says

    I think you’ve read at least one Katherine Center novel? But I’m working my way through hers and absolutely love each one!

  34. Heidi Gojkovich says

    Totally agree on the Lies That Bind! My thought as I kept going – “you’ve got to be kidding me!” Just – no. Come on. (Insert eye roll) Thanks for other suggestions!!!

    • Paula says

      There was a part of me that was disappointed in Emily G — I love all of her other books and felt this one was so disjointed and far-fetched. I actually skimmed the last third of the book because I was so annoyed…and I was in jury duty so I had all the time in the world!!!! LOL But I’ll always give her books a try. I’m excited for One by One!

  35. Lori Keller says

    I just finished What We Hope For by Katherine Center. Good book, interesting story. Light steady reading. I think you would like it.

  36. Erin McG says

    I always love your honesty! So bummed to hear Elin’s series is a bust – she’s one of my favorites! I added 4 of these to my list, thanks!!!

  37. Michelle says

    Have you read American Dirt yet? It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. Instantly compelling and engrossing.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You need to go read my 2020 Book Review post! I named American Dirt my favorite book of the entire year!!

  38. Holly says

    I was so excited when I saw that today was Book Review day!! Yay!! We are back to remote learning here in our city, so I had some extra time to read. So far this month I have read:
    1. The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin. I saw it recommended in the comments here a few months ago and let me tell you it was AMAZING. I could.not.put.it.down. It read like a true story and the twist at the end took me by complete surprise!
    2. The One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. This one was fantastic too. Our local independent bookstore had it advertised as one of the most enjoyable reads of 2020 and I have to say it did not disappoint. It is about a girl who ends up on a reality show similar to the Bachelor – I won’t give too much away, but it was a fun book to pick up each day!
    3. A Hope More Powerful than the Sea by Melissa Fleming, I bought this book after reading the review here but wanted to save it until I had time / energy to give it my full attention. It was so informative and gave me a new understanding of the refugee crisis. Interestingly my 10 year old so had just finished Refugee so it led us to some sad, but very important, conversations. I love how books open us up to the world even when we are stuck quarantining at home.
    4. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward. One of the best books I have ever read. A work of fiction that opened my eyes to a world I knew existed but hadn’t experienced. A must read. Several times I wanted to put it down, not because it wasn’t amazing, but because it is graphic, tough, and real…but wow, what a book.
    5. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens, I had high hopes for this rom-com but I found it just ok. Maybe it was me. Curious to hear what other readers thougtht.
    6. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. I am in the middle of this one and so far its super engaging, fun, and a perfect escape from the day…but I can’t read it before bed. Last night I did and I ended up having the weirdest dreams…hahaha.

    Thanks for doing these book reviews. They have been a lifesaver during the last year! Cheers to 2021!!

    • L says

      I read my first Charles Martin book this month, A Life Intercepted and can’t wait to read more of his!

      • Brandi Carson says

        I’m reading Charles Martin’s “When Crickets Cry” now and I’ve caught myself slowly reading it because I already don’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read his other books!!!

    • sandi says

      Like you, every month I would see a recommendation for a Charles Martin book. I finally gave in and read Water From My Heart and could not put it down. My husband read it after me and felt the same. You might like that one also. He just finished reading The Mountain between Us and loved it. Your book list looks similar to mine!

    • Andrea Koehler says

      I’m almost finished with ‘The Hunting Party” too, So good! SO many twists and turns,

  39. Melissa Terry says

    My book club read A Good Neighborhood last year and we all agreed It was thought provoking and well written, but the ending didn’t settle well. I am on the wait list at our library for MJF’s book and can’t wait! Also, One by One sounds so much like And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie…did it feel that way for you?

    The best book I’ve read so far this year was A Most Beautiful Thing. Amazing and so well written. I’m finishing The Book of Essie right now and love that one too. Your book reviews are always a fav!

  40. Ashley Robinson says

    Book review day is my FAVORITE day!! I’ve read so many of your recommendations, and I keep notes on all of your reviews, so thank you for an endless TBR list! Happy Tuesday, Shay!

  42. Julie says

    Yay! I love book review day. A random coincidence, but I read two suspense books that are both modern re-tellings of classics I love. ‘The Turn of the Key’ (based on Turn of the Screw by Henry James) and ‘The Wife Upstairs’ (based on Jane Eyre). They were both REALLY good. If I had to pick one it would be ‘The Wife Upstairs’ because I liked the Stepford wives aspect of it and it had a lot of twists and turns.

    If you’re looking for another great memoir, I LOVE “The Size of Everything” by wedding dress designer Erin Cole. The struggles she overcame in childhood inspire you and it was one of those books I could not put down. Also, Elizabeth Berg’s new (and only!) memoir “I’ll Be Seeing You” is a very sweet tribute to the author’s parents and talks about how she faces Alzheimer’s with her sister while they take care of their father together. She writes mostly fiction but this was a beautiful book and would help anyone going through a similar situation.

    I’m still tempted to read Dear Edward as I usually love the books you love, BUT, I have a terrible fear of flying. Does it focus a lot on the plane? Or is it mostly back story?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hmmmm…if you have a fear of flying, I wouldn’t read it. It’s amazing, but I don’t want it to upset you in any way.

  43. Kelly says

    Lately, I’ve been disappointed in the endings of many of the books I’ve read. Not sure what’s happening? But, I will not let that deter me, I will continue to read:). Just fyi, the kindle version of Cosy is 1.99 today, just picked it up.

  44. Jennifer Maynard says

    We read a lot of the same books this month and I felt the same way about the Emily Giffin book. Was still a good book but ending was far fetched.

  45. Meredith says

    1000% Agree with “The Lies That Bind” and I always like her books a lot! I was SO annoyed with the main character at the end and the “coincidences” just were too far fetched for me.

  46. Erin Hill says

    I really need to get back into reading this year… I’ve gotten so lazy about it! Cosy is only $1.99 for the Kindle version on Amazon right now so I snatched that up quickly. Then I’m about to start the Pioneer Woman’s latest memoir.

  47. A. Frachiseur says

    I think you should check out Sawyer Bennett The Cold Fury Series staring with Alex. This series is some of the best romance books there is.

  48. Leslie says

    Completely agree on Lies that Bind. I read A Man Called Ove over the holidays and it was such a lovely story. It has really stuck with me and I find myself thinking about it often. Will resonate for many seasons of life and I will definitely read it again. Highly recommend.

  49. erin rich says

    This is my favorite post. I always look forward to this post. I look back when I am choosing my next book. Thank you for taking the time to review all these books. I am reading friend zone for a light read based on your review. I so recommend the nightingale by Kristen Hannah. Shay, thank you again! Your blog is my favorite.

  50. Emily Gardner says

    So many thoughts!
    1. I loved The Lies That Bind. Definitely one of my favorites from Emily Giffin.
    2. I’m just finishing up the Winter Street series by E.H. – loved them! And I also read 3 more Christmas-y books from your recommendations this year – The Twelve Dates of Christmas, Let It Snow, and Loving my Actual Christmas!
    3. If you are liking memoirs, I just finished Alex Trebeck’s book: The Answer Is…
    It was good! I enjoyed it – he seems like such a nice guy.
    Thanks for this post! This is my favorite! 🙂

    • Emily Gardner says

      I also didn’t love E.H.’s Winter Paradise books – the first one was good, but the second and third fell flat for me too. Sometimes I have to take breaks from her books because her style is so similar. I’ve read SO many of them though!

  51. Becky B says

    Reading Eliza Starts a Rumor right now and I think you would enjoy it! Totally going to read One by One!

  52. Niki says

    My favorite post of the month!!!! I always love your reviews because we have such similar tastes, so I’m looking forward to adding some of these to my list! Have you read Live in Love by Lauren Akins (Thomas Rhett’s wife)? I’m reading it now and it’s so good! I think you’d love it!

  53. Leah says

    Read Matthew McConaughey’s autobiography Greenlight. It’s really good. It’s written how I incision he talks in real life to people. I listened to the audiobook and he reads it. But my bestie picked up the physical copy and said and heard him reading it to her because of his distinct voice!

  54. Karre says

    I actually read some of these before your review! I typically use your reviews to see what to read next.
    Good neighborhood- hated it. Will not recommend to anyone. Agree with you. 100%
    One by One – loved it, very intriguing and suspenseful and already have 2 more of her books to read next.
    The Lies that Bind – I don’t agree with you 100%, maybe just 60% :). Ya. It took a turn, but she just felt very drawn to this guy, she stayed friends with his wife to be close to him, reached out to his brother for the same reason. Faking your death during 9/11 isn’t the craziest thing, I’ve heard a few true crime podcasts where this happened on more than one occasion. She couldn’t let go of him and neither could he. I liked it, even if the ending seemed to some a little far fetched. It’s fiction, go with it. Love conquers all. Ok. I’ll stop.

    • Patrice says

      Love! Love! Love Book Day! I always love the books you review that Andrew has read too. Ever consider adding his books to Book Day too? I know I would love it! ?

  55. Abby says

    The Lies that Bind was the absolute worst book I have read recently. I am so glad that you and many others agree that it was completely ridiculous.

    My favorite books I’ve read this month are The Trouble with Hating You By Sajni Patel (think Indian Matchmaking but in book form), The Vactioners by Emma Straub, and The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews. I also read Dear Edward this month, per your recommendation, and LOVED it.

  56. Susan says

    Thanks for your monthly book review. I always add some of your suggestions to my TBR list. Currently reading The Last Flight by Julie Clark. Loving it. You should add it to your TBR list.

  57. Johannah M says

    Haha, you are more tolerant than I am of The Lies that Bind. I am already super irritated and only 25% through the book.
    I will finish it just to see what happens but I’m not happy about it. ?I’m ready for the next Sally Hepworth!!

  58. Maria says

    Sex & Vanity I devoured in 24 hours! So good and better than Crazy Rich Asians! I cannot wait to see Capri come alive in the movie!

    I just finished The Push by Audrey Audrain. I stayed up until 1am to finish it. I was completely captivated. You would enjoy it. It’s a thriller but it’s not terrifying. It’s about mother/daughter relationships. It’s GMA’s current book club recommendation. They should have the author on the show sometime this week to discuss the book. I NEED to discuss it with someone! 🙂 I was that good!!

    I just started Eliza Starts a Rumor this morning. I saw Elin Hilderbrand recommend it on Instagram. She mentioned controversy that the author followed a real-life Facebook NYC mommy group for book research they found out then banned her from the group.

    I don’t love the paradise series either and to be honest Elin’s next book sounds ridiculous. Golden Girl is about a mom who dies and has a chance to alter her kids future. She based it on herself and her kids. I don’t know about this one. Sounds like a huge disappointment after 28 Summers (which I also loved).

  59. Celina says

    Love your reviews every month! I am reading When We Blinked by Stephanie Mack. It is her debut novel and so good!

  60. Becky says

    Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera is the best book I have read so far this year. I was really discouraged by my choices in January until I read this one. Highly recommend. I also really enjoyed Michael Fox. I have read his other ones but this was my favorite as it seemed really honest and heart felt.

  61. Jamie says

    I love book review days!!

    I’m currently reading The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and it’s so good! My favorite book I’ve read recently is the The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue ❤️

  62. Kerri says

    I just read GMA’s book club for this month “The Push”. It was well written and interesting read in regards to motherhood.

    Also, just saw yesterday this Elin Hilderbrand series is in talks to be a movie!

  63. Deanna says

    So many good suggestions! Just an FYI…Cosy is on sale today for $1.99 for the Kindle edition. Yea!
    My bood review is live today too!

  64. Lorie says

    When I’m waiting in the drive thru line at Starbuck’s, scrolling through email, and I see “Book Review Day” pop up, it just makes my day! I’ve been looking forward to this month’s review and expected it tomorrow or Thursday. So I was absolutely giddy when I saw it was today! I used to read a little, but finished 33 books last year and 40 is my goal this year. Thanks for doing these reviews, I know it must be a lot of work!

  65. Deborah says

    My favorite book I’ve read in the last several months is “Anxious People”. I usually get annoyed if there are too many characters to follow but in this book everything just tied together beautifully. So good.

    • Allena Gurley says

      Yes, Kate Morton is phenomenal. I’ve read all of her books and highly anticipate new ones! I also love Jennifer Robson, so excited about her newest book! 2 authors where I read every single book they write.

    • Susanne says

      I love Kate Morton and The Secret Keeper is my absolute favorite of hers! That ending.? I keep hoping Shay will read it!

  67. Lindsay says

    I love your book reviews! Usually I wait for your recommendations before I start a book, but my grandmother suggested I read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. I am about halfway through in less than 24 hours and it is a very well written and thought provoking story. I would love to hear your take on it in the future!

  68. Kim says

    I took a screenshot of that quote I absolutely love it!! Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on a Diane Chamberlain kick lately and one thing about her books I’ve noticed is the ending is usually amazing and happy and the best part!! Nothing worse than a good book being spoiled by a terrible end of story. Have you read any of hers?

      • Kim says

        No I haven’t read that one yet, thank you so much! I’m so excited she’s written so many I’ve read three so far and loved them all!

  70. sandi says

    It’s cold and rainy here, which means it’s the perfect day to read your reviews and the comment section for new books to read. With the library website open on one tab and yours open on another, I go back and forth searching for books that they have. Everyone that has read the KA Tucker books raves about them, but my library doesn’t have them yet. Growing up during MJF’s time on Family Ties and seeing Back to the Future in the theater with giggling high school girlfriends, made me an instant fan. This will be one of my reads this month!

  71. Colleen says

    Have you read Catherine Bybee? Her “Weekday Brides” series and “Not Quite” series were my favorite. Once you read weekday brides check out her “First Wives” series. They are all so good! They are chick-lit with some suspense and R-rated scenes.

    Bybee also has a paranormal series but I stay away from those, they sound scary.

    Start by reading “Wife by Wednesday” if you haven’t already!

  72. Melissa says

    Have you read “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett? It was my favorite book I read last year, by far. I love all her books, but this was especially good. Also, if you’re ever in Nashville, she owns the cutest little bookstore.

    • Amy says

      The Dutch House was my favorite book last year as well! I just loved her writing and character development.

  74. Angela says

    1. Bromance Book Club. It’s about relationships from guys perspective. It’s funny and can be rated R at times. It’s a series.

    2. Open Book by Jessica Simpson. I was never a fan or even watched her show. Loved her book. She gave an honest, raw, description of growing up as a celebrity.

    3. True to You. Christian fiction that reads like a Hallmark movie. It’s a series. I would say rated PG.

  75. Jessie says

    My favorite post! I always get new book ideas from you each month.
    I just finished The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett and it may be my top book of 2021, it’s amazing!!!!

  76. Michelle says

    Oh gosh I absolutely hated The Lies That Bind Us. Totally agree – way far fetched and annoying. I had to tell my husband the whole premise afterwards because I was so frustrated! Haha.

  77. Allena Gurley says

    I read Know My Name and The Girl With the Louding Voice this month and thought they were phenomenal (I know you already read both). I also read Purple Hibiscus which I really enjoyed. I thought Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria was such an excellent book and I would call it a must read for parents and teachers. Had to break up all that tough stuff though with some fluff and read Helena Hunting’s latest (Kiss My Cupcake), The Duke and I (the first book in the Bridgerton series), The Jane Austen Society, The Art of Racing in the Rain, and my son and I read I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree (a memoir about a woman’s time in concentration camp during WW2). It’s been a good month! Hoping to finish 2 more!

  78. Jodi Guntle says

    Just finished Orphan Sisters. Set in WWII, tells the story of two orphaned sisters. Worth the read. And I’ll say again, We Were the Lucky Ones is a must read.

  79. Marlee says

    Going to check out some of these for sure!! Random question- do you own every book you read? Like a hard back or paper back version? Totally just curious!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I read them all on my Kindle!! I switched to a Kindle about three years ago and never looked back.

  80. Ashley says

    I also read the lies that bind and I also found that the ending was super disappointing! I felt really conflicted about her decision to settle mid way through the book and felt like it made me dislike the character in a way that I wasn’t really willing to forgive when she got around to finding out the “truth” later. I didn’t love!

  81. Kayla Bruce says

    I love book review day! I was just talking to a friend about needing some fresh reads, and I saved so many of your new and old recommendations! I haven’t read Lysa TerKeurst’s new book, but I am not at ALL surprised at your review. I do not love her writing. It always fall so flat for me. My favorite romantic read of 2020 was Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. It’s definitely rated R, but I would highly recommend!

    • Allena Gurley says

      The second one came out in that series as well – I love that it’s about women’s rights in England in the 19th century – something we take for granted today! It’s like a mix of an important topic with a love story. 🙂

  82. Kelsee says

    I felt the name about the Winter in Paradise series. It was good, but didn’t really hold a candle to some of Elin’s other books. Also really loved the Simple Wild series! It as so cute and heartwarming. This month I read 7 books.

    1. The Survivors- 3/5 stars- This one was a mysterious thriller. Very interesting and I did love the setting.
    2. Malibu Rising- 5/5 stars- This is Taylor Jenkin Reid’s new novel that releases in the summer. I got my hands on an ARC and loved it! I would highly recommend you check this one out.
    3. The Nickel Boys- 4/5 stars- This book was horrifying and really an all around interesting read. I got it as recommended by Andrea at Momfessionals.
    4. Queen of Hearts- 4/5 stars- I loved this book. It reminded me a lot of Grey’s Anatomy. I would highly recommend it!
    5. Two Truths and a Lie- 4/5 stars- I really loved this book as well. I feel like based on some other books you’ve enjoyed, you would really like this one too!
    6. The Kind Worth Killing- 4/5 stars- This was a really good thriller. I found myself guessing till nearly the end.
    7. Every Last Fear- 4/5 stars- I think this was my favorite thriller I read this month. I really loved it and would highly recommend it!

    • Maria says

      I LOVED Two Truths and a Lie by Meg Mitchell Moore! Her book last year was very good too, The Islanders. I live how her books all take place in beach towns.

  83. Mal says

    Love love love your book reviews bc we have similar tastes. I agree with your reviews on Hilderbrand and Giffin. Didn’t love this trilogy, but I love Elin’s other books so it’s ok. I loved Emily Giffin’s early books, but her recent ones, eh. I’m currently reading The Arctic Fury, and it’s captivating. Not what I expected, but check it out. And for a thriller/suspenseful book, check out The Night Swim.

  84. Mel says

    Hi! As an adult Asian adoptee who has done lots of trauma & therapy “work” in the adoption community, my top 3 books for the past 6 months are (in no particular order): American Dirt, A Good Neighborhood and Men we Reaped. My professional job for an adoption law firm includes vetting hopeful adoptive parents and helping to unpack how white privilege is most rampant in adoptive parents who adopt children of color and (unintentionally) use them as props and lessons on racism. Taking black and brown children to white communities requires a serious examination of the adoptive parents hearts and these books really highlighted what their children endure based on race alone. Denying that experience, saying “yes, but…he/she seems fine” are all gaslighting and the REALITY for children of color and adoptees is systemic and painful. Thank you for your willingness to learn, grow and read about these subjects! Our most recent TRA speaker gave the sobering statistic 4/5 adult TRA’s do not engage with their adoptive families on a regular basis. This can be avoided by leaning into the issues in these books starting today!

  85. Megan says

    Loved A Good Neighborhood. Felt pretty gutted by the ending, but I can appreciate why the author chose to end it that way. Hopefully it opens some eyes to the massive flaws in our system.

  86. Christine says

    Hi! I love book review day!!! Thank you Shay for sharing a detailed review about each book. If your open to self help/wellness/functional medicine style books I have many recommendations! I’m currently reading The Urban Monk and I just finished The New Rules Of Aging Well! Both very interesting with fabulous advice on living well!!!

  87. Marie E says

    I’m currently reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I’m really liking it and in February a series about it is coming out on Netflix. I wanted to read it before I watched that!

    • Sarah Stradtmann says

      All of her books are good. I would recommend them. I am excited to watch the show on Netflix, I am the opposite I usually watch the show before I read the book.

  88. Susy says

    TOTALLY RANDOM: Please, please tell your large readership that there are over 20 essential oils being used in diffusers that are highly toxic to dogs- and even more oils that are toxic to cats. Please. A list can be obtained online or from your vet.

  89. Kate says

    Just today I finished a great book! One to Watch: A Novel (Kate Stayman-London) So good, I loved this book and tore through it! It’s about a Bachelorette type reality show with a plus size fashion blogger as the lead dating interest. The characters were fabulous, even the ones you should hate!

    I also read Eliza Starts a Rumor based on the Instagram suggestion of Elin Hildebrand and I was not disappointed, very good!

  90. Kate says

    me again – and did you see Elin is releasing a short story follow up to 28 Summers, out soon!?!

  91. Danielle says

    I completely agree with you about Elin’s “Paradise” series! I did not enjoy the series but felt like I needed to finish it (and held out hope they’d get better because I love her other books so much!). None of the characters were likeable. The ending of this third book felt like she was tired of the series too and just wanted to be done with it!

  92. Jen says

    I felt so frustrated when reading A Good Neighborhood. The “mom character” made rash decisions and wouldn’t listen to any input from trusted friends that maybe she was overacting and that her actions were going to have consequences. Then the ending was just so terrible. I think the book had real potential but was such a let-down to me.

    Thank you for the heads-up on The Lies That Bind. I just removed it from my library hold list.

  93. Bianca says

    Curious to know why you didn’t like the ending of The Good Neighborhood? It was definitely intense but I found it quite realistic – especially considering the times. I was heartbroken. I knew from the beginning the ending would not be pretty.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Several things, overall as a reader/TV watcher/consumer, I like “happy endings”, but the real reason was that I thought it didn’t do his character justice. I thought his character deserved more at the end. Even if the ending at the same outcome, I thought it needed more words/paragraphs/time devoted to his choice for that outcome. I thought it felt very rushed and wasn’t nearly as thought-out as the rest of the book. I think I would have loved it with the same ending had it felt a little more substantial.

  94. Natalie says

    Thanks to starting with the simple wild based on your review, I’m loving so many KA tucker books!!

  95. Kim says

    Thank you for putting my thoughts into words regarding the book Forgiving What you Can’t Forget. As a Christian I was hoping for something different and this just wasn’t what I needed right now. I too found myself just skipping quickly over the last half of the book.

  96. Lindsay says

    I received a Kindle for Christmas. I was SO anti Kindle and now that I have it and happen to be reading a hard copy book…. I just want to finish the book so I can get back to my kindle. All these books have me so excited!! I’ve read off on in all my life but I didn’t start reading consistently until this past year. Can’t wait to read these!

  97. leigh says

    Just finished listening to the audiobook of 12 Dates of Christmas at your suggestion. You MUST listen to it next December. The narrator is so terrific.

  99. Rebecca Farquhar says

    Educated by Tara Hoover really stuck with me for a long time. It is a memoir of a girl that grew up in a family that was in a survivalist branch of FLDS. She was never formally educated or homeschooled until she started university at the age of 17. She now has her doctorate from Cambridge.

  101. Mariam says

    I read “A Good Neighbourhood” recently too! I don’t remember much about the ending to be totally honest… other than it was SUPER disappointing ? a major letdown to an otherwise engrossing read.

  103. Michelle R. says

    Hello Shay! I know you love all books about Paris. Could you share a few Paris/French themed books? I am hoping to travel there for the first time later this year. I would love to read some books set in France in anticipation. Thanks!

  105. Bri says

    I know you’ve done book reviews for Kensington and Smith and I would love to see one for Andrew! My husband wants to read more but doesn’t love that my only suggestions are chick lit! Ha!

  106. Janet Inman says

    I agree with you about “Lies that Bind.” I was so looking forward to it, but, it was just too “farfetched” for me in the end. It ruined a good book, in my opinion. I just kind of felt like she didn’t know how to wrap it up, so, just thought of the most ridiculous ending and that was it!

    Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely be reading some of them. I am anxious to read Michael J. Fox’s book now after reading your thoughts.

  107. Megan Adams says

    One of my favorite days each month. Excited for your suggestions and quickly adding them to my
    Goodreads list. Have you read “The Awakening” (book 1) by Nora Roberts? I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It has an Outlander feel but set in Ireland and such a fun read. Can’t wait for book 2.

  108. Jenn says

    The ending of The Good Neighbor completely ruined the book for me. It also felt cut short or rushed at the end. I was left feeling disappointed. I enjoyed Montauk by Nicola Harrison and In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (which I think was from one of your reviews.)

  109. Lindsay D. says

    I just finished reading The Flight Attendant. I recommend it. It was suspenseful but not scary.

  110. Melysa Boqua says

    I read this month and REALLY enjoyed The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester. I had to make a makeshift family tree to make sure I was following the family names mentioned. I read a long while ago a book called Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Both books touch surround around the 1940’s/WW2 time. I highly recommend both.

  111. Julie says

    I just finished Lies That Bind and I totally agree! The end made me angry haha. I’ve never read any of Elian Hilderbrand’s books but I just added 28 Summers to my cart! Thanks Shay, always love your book reviews!!

  112. Scarlett S. says

    I looooved the Simple Wild series (because I am obsessed with anything set in Alaska- I still think about The Great Alone, 2 years later) but I was disappointed by how short the 3rd book was! It all wrapped up too quickly for me.

  113. Lauren Ecklof says

    Homegoing is an amazing book and one of the most unique I have ever read. It begins with two sisters one sold into slavery and one married off to a slave trader. Chapter by chapter the book goes through each generation of the family telling their family story. I could not stop reading this book!

    • Christina says

      I loved Homegoing!!! It’s intimidating with all the character names- I had to reference the family tree at the beginning of the book quite a bit. But I loved the “aerial view” of looking at the generations and how that impacts the present. It was one of the best books I’ve ever read. Such a meaty book- not a feel good fluffy read. My husband even took all the kids out of the house to let me finish it without distraction because he could tell I was that into it- it’s so gripping.

  114. Janey says

    I thought Cosy was cute but her political comments were so unnecessary that they ruined it for me, Ans I’m not very political! I thought they were in really bad taste. I’d be interested to know if you just glossed over that when you read the book. Maybe I’m being too sensitive but it felt very unpatriotic.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I honestly don’t remember any? I think I was too caught up in how to create a cozy little space for myself and let some things slide. I guess I gave her grace because she’s a British author writing about British ways of life, so I can’t get offended in any way when it doesn’t apply to my American way of life? I stepped into her space, so I don’t need her to change to make me feel more comfortable? Honestly though, I really just saw the cuteness in the book.

      • Janey says

        It was a really negative comment about our Trump launching a bomb at someone. It was just so awkward and unnecessary. Maybe I was just being sensitive at the time. You make a good point about her being a Brit and it was a super cute book. For some reason that one tiny comment of hers just offended me,
        On another note, I love the time and effort you put into your book reviews and the honesty of your comments regarding each book. We have very similar taste.
        ?

        • Janey says

          And that should not have said…”our Trump”….haha. I was going to say our President and changed it to reflect what she really said.

  115. Jane Augspurger says

    Check out anything from Heather Gudenkauf! The Weight of Silence. Not a Sound. This is How I Lied.
    All are excellent!

  116. Karah Stracener says

    I always LOVE LOVE LOVE book review day. You have the best suggestions. I just finished Verity by Colleen Hoover and I highly recommend it. It will shock you!!! I’m adding MJF book to my kindle, I love him. I also read Dear Edward and In 5 years per your suggestion and loved both of those. I’m excited to read American Dirt next. I received a kindle for Christmas and so my goal is to read more this year.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Bahahaha! Okay, Karah, I’ve read like 350 books and reviewed them on my site and only ONE TIME have I called a book stupid and that was Verity 😉 . I know many people love it, but I HATED IT.

  119. Susan Dike says

    Love, love, love book review day. ❤️ My book club just read The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton. Loved it! Another favorite is Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge.

  120. Terry says

    I would recommend “Green Lights” also, but I think that is one that definitely needs to be listened to rather than read. It loses a lot Just being read.

  122. Nicola says

    I have never been a huge Nicholas Sparks fan but during lockdown we did a book exchange and I LOVED ‘The Return’ and ‘Every Breath’. Every Breath is my most recommended book to friends. I LOVED the story and would die to hear what you think of it!!
    I live for your book reviews btw, probably where I find 90% of the books I read 🙂

  123. Jennifer says

    I just wanted to thank you for your recommendation of the Tattooist of Auschwitz. It’s heavier than what I normally read. But I’m SO glad I read it.

  124. Lauren says

    One by One was the first book I finished this year–REALLY good! And as someone who used to work for a tech company, a little too familiar lol

  125. Janique says

    I look forward to your book recommendations each month. They never disappoint. This month I read The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett (loved), The Chicken Sisters (ok), Dear Emmie Blue (loved) and the Last Story of Mina Lee (good). I am currently reading The Girl With the Louding Voice. I noticed that an above follower wondered if Andrew would recommend some books. I would love his thoughts as well as my father is recovering from a heart attack and looking for book suggestions. I did get him The Spy and the Traitor which you recommended awhile back and also The Fall and Rise of 911 which a follower suggested and he loved both.

    • alisha pearson says

      I read Emmie Blue this weekend upon your suggestion and loved this book! Thank u ❤️❤️❤️

  126. Tracy Baack says

    I know you get a million zillion book recs, but really and truly you HAVE to put “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Comer on your read ASAP list. His writing style is so casual and conversational and easy to read, and the message is just WOW!

    • Jessica Lowery says

      I agree!!!! Add The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry to your list Shay!! It changed my life!!

  127. Colleen T says

    Please please please read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and The Guest List by Lucy Foley. Homegoing is a MUST. Amazing character development and great historical fiction. The Guest List is a fast read. I do not love mysteries because I scare easily but each chapter is a different character and so many different things going on and you try to figure it out the whole time. You will love both of those books, please add to your “to read” list.

  128. Mandi says

    Felt the exact same about The Lies That Bind. I am about 75% thru troubles in paradise and again, I feel the same as you! I just finished 28 Summers-probably my second favorite of Elin Hildebrand’s books after Summer of 69. I am trying to find Summer of 79 online, I can’t believe I missed it!!

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