Oh friends, I am G-I-D-D-Y about today!!
So far this year, I’ve read a handful of “good” books, but I don’t know…I’ve been struggling a bit to find GREAT books.
Now, I’m not saying all of these are great, but I am saying that I have enjoyed reading these books this month more than any other this year.
If you are in a book rut and need a pick me up, this post is for you.
If you are just looking for something different to read right now, this post is for you.
Basically, I hope this post is for everyone 🙂 .
I know I already posted this but…
…it just speaks right to my fall book loving heart 🙂 .
Happy Book Day!
I’m kicking my review off with…
…Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella.
Well, I love books by Kinsella. They’re funny, they’re clever, they’re almost always based in London/with a British lead character, they’re always PG, they’re always happy, light and bright. This novel here was…okay. I liked the story (a girl goes to Italy, finds a boy, they come back to London and their lives start to unfold). I would say though that out of all of her books, this one will probably be the most forgettable. It was cute, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, but it wasn’t necessarily memorable. If you are just looking for an easy read about a girl who goes to Italy to find herself, finds a boy, goes back home to the real world and life unfolds (with some hard things…there was a subplot that was really hard/deep/moving), then this one is for you. I loved the friendship angle in this one. Anytime I see an author highlight a group of really solid/loving/supportive friends, I’m a big fan.
Next up…
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena which was our first #bestiebookclub read for The Bestie Breakdown podcast!! You guys, THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! If you listened to the episode, then you know that I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It’s a suspenseful little story about three adult siblings whose parents were just brutally murdered in their own home. The police have reason to believe all three kids had motive…but so do several other people. This one is suspenseful, surprising and a real page turner. I could not put this book down and loved every page! If you’re like me and don’t love reallly scary books, this one is for you. If you do enjoy a mystery/thriller, then you should totally read it too! For more details, listen to our podcast episode (on your favorite platform). If you’re looking for a spooky October read, I cannot recommend this one enough!!
Okay, deep breaths, Shay.
The third book I read this month was…
Thin Girls by Diana Clarke.
My very favorite author, Elin Hilderbrand, shared this novel on her Instagram feed and said she could not put it down. I downloaded it to my Kindle and friends, I cannot tell if it’s the best book I’ve read all year or the worst.
My mouth was agape during the whole thing.
I could not look away.
Did I love it? Possibly.
Was I disturbed? Yes.
Have I recommended it to every single woman I know? Yes.
Do I tell them all that I kind of loved and hated it? YES!
I’m still not sure what I think, but I’ll tell you this…I doubt I’ll read any other book this year that leaves more of an impression than this one here.
This is a story about adult twin sisters in New Zealand. One is in a rehab center for eating disorders and the other, is in an abusive relationship. This is a fictitious tale, but oh my word, it’s so graphic that it was really hard for me to imagine that the author did not live this life. In fact, when I was done, I googled the author because I kept thinking “surely, this was written out of personal experience”. Nope. This is just her story. This book is VERY rated R for subject matter and content (the author goes into great detail about eating disorders and its affects on the human body and mind). This story also deals with the struggles of sexuality and coming to terms with who you are and why you behave the way you do. I’m telling you, IT’S COMPLEX, but I cannot stop thinking about it or talking about it, so I must really love it. This story covers so many important topics from eating disorders, mental health issues, family conflict, acceptance, change, death…I could go on. It’s painful to read but meaningful too. I would LOVE to hear from some of you who have read it. Wow. That’s all I can say. Wow.
The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer was the fourth book I read this month. Now, if you’ll recall, back in 2019, I named her book The Things We Cannot Say my NUMBER ONE BOOK OF THE ENTIRE YEAR!! Every time I pick up a Rimmer book, I think of that one and know that the bar was set realllly high. It’s not only the best book of 2019, but I would say it’s one of my top five books EVER. So…I was excited to read her newer one The Warsaw Orphan this month. Once again, Rimmer takes historical fiction to another level. This is a story of a young woman living in Warsaw during WWII back when the Jewish Ghetto existed. It took me longer to get into this book than it did her other books (there are several moving parts and a variety of characters), but once I got going, I GOT GOING. Now, where in some Rimmer books, she toggles back and forth between historical events and present day, in this novel, she stayed firmly planted in WWII the entire time which made the story harder to read (there was no time to catch your breath…it was page after page of hard things happening to innocent people). I loved this story. It was so hard to read at times (I literally would look away from my Kindle), but the story (based on real events) is so gut-wrenching and terrible, that we MUST NOT FORGET IT. If you love historical fiction, read this. If you love a good book about strong female characters, read this. If you love a little romance weaved in or a little hope…read it. This book will be one of my favorite reads this year. It’s amazing and you all should read it if for no other reason than to read the hard things and never forget.
Help, I’m Drowning by Sally Clarkson was my final book this month and actually, I read a little bit every day as I did my quiet time. If you haven’t read books by Sally Clarkson, you should!!! Her book The Mission of Motherhood is still probably THE BEST parenting book/mama book/encouraging me with small kids book that I’ve EVER read. Her Biblically based books are always part self-help, part encouragement, part girlfriend and always Biblically based. I loved this one because she wrote it during quarantine and it addresses non-mom issues (unlike many of her other books), but instead addresses loneliness, depression, anger, lostness…it was really encouraging to read that someone as amazing as Sally Clarkson has bad days and down days. If you need a boost of encouragement, let Sally help you. She’s one of those authors that consistently speaks right to my soul.
Five books down this month! Okay, tell me…what did you read in September?! I would love some recs going into October please!!!!
Don’t forget, I keep a running list of every book I’ve read in 2021 right HERE!
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.
Enjoy your last day of September. This month sure did fly by!! Love you all! xx
Erika Slaughter says
My goodness!! I’m ready for that rain to show up so something gets cancelled and I can curl up with a good book!
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too!!!!!
Alison says
I look forward to your book reviews all month!! I read 9 books in September and enjoyed most of them! Here are my ratings:
4.5 Stars- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
4 Stars- Once There Were Wolves, The Night She Disappeared, Final Girls
3.5 Stars- Every Fifteen Minutes, The People We Keep
3 Stars- For Your Own Good, The Wife Upstairs
2.5 Stars- The Last Thing He Told Me
I have a bunch of mystery and thriller novels set up for October and can’t wait!!
Holly says
Yay!! Book day!! Here are my September books –
The Invisible Husband of Frick Island – the story of a young widow on a remote destination island and the mainland reporter who got to know her. Heartwarming fiction.
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn – great historical fiction about the women decoders of WWII. It’s a long one!
Portrait of a Scotsman – last of the Evie Dunmore trilogy. Listed as historical romance, and it’s definitely rated R, but SO well written about the time period and issues women faced back then.
Marriage on Madison Avenue and Love on Lexington Avenue – love this Lauren Layne series. Easy breezy happy books!
Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel. Great recommendation. Unexpected favorite!
Mal says
Love book day! I just finished The Midnight Library. It’s such a special read about all the daily choices we make and their impact, and I highly recommend! Also, Disability Visibility isn’t a fun read but is so eye opening with short stories about more invisible disabilities that often aren’t thought about. Some stories will stick with me forever.
Hilary says
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel is fantastic!!
Elspeth says
Great recommendations!! I can’t wait to add some to my reading list!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Robin Firestone says
I read “Not a Happy Family” and I loved it! Per your recommendation – Thin Girls is next! Love your book reviews!
Melanie says
Loved Not a Happy Family! Just finished We Were Never Here and it was great too!!
Kelly Sites says
I highly suggest a GREAT BOOK called The Common Rule- Habits of Purpose in an age of distraction. SO SO SO SO GOOD.
I also LOVED The Last Bookshop in London so fantastic. I love a book about books.
Finally, I LOVED Daughter of the Reich 5 stars.
Callie Tanner says
Obviously being a strong, Christian woman, does it ever bother you to read books that are “rated” PG-13 or R (just going off your rating system, which I thoroughly appreciate by the way? I definitely feel that, in my own life, that I should not be reading books that have explicit details about s*x or books that contain too much language; therefore, I do appreciate when you give the books a rating (it helps me know what I would/would not like). So, I guess I’m just wondering what your thoughts are in regards to how we, as Christian women, should discern what is appropriate to read/not to read based on our beliefs that everything we bring into our life should be life giving and pleasing to the Lord (and I just feel the Lord would not be pleased if I read books with too much language or explicit s*xu*al scenes). What are your thoughts? No judgment….just curious.
Mix and Match Mama says
I really feel like the Lord knows my heart and while I do try to minimize my exposure to a lot of things that could damage my walk with God, I also want to not remove myself completely from this world or else I won’t be able to be used to bring others to Christ. I never want someone to purchase a book that they wouldn’t have purchased had they known it was R, so that’s why I give you a heads up. Listen, Thin Girls is graphic for a myriad or reasons, but I really believe it was authentic about something that affects people I know and love, so that probably helps me as a Christian woman. Great question!
Brittany says
Just here to remind this commenter that sex isn’t a bad word and you don’t have to “star it out” like you would a curse word!
Aparna says
Yay book day! I read 3 good books this month
The Last thing he told me…found the book engrossing until the end, didn’t like the ending AT ALL!
Close enough to touch…enjoyed this quirky romance
And Shari Lapena’s Not a happy family.
And shay I heard your podcast about this one and couldn’t agree more with you…ending was very blah…I thought so too that killer didn’t have enough motive!
Carrie says
“Not a Happy Family” had me guessing the entire time. When I was almost finished, I thought I had figured it out…but then I was wrong! I can’t say I loved the book but I couldn’t put it down either.
I just purchased the next book for #bestiebookclub. This is fun!
Ramona says
Knowing your love for all things Chick-lit, I just discovered the author Jasmine Guillory. I read The Proposal (about a girl who gets proposed to at a Dodgers game & the aftermath that ensues) and can’t wait to read the rest of her novels. Cute perfect quick light reads. I think you might enjoy a book or two of hers.
Kristine G. says
Great book review! Just reserved a bunch of those at the library…very intrigued with Thin Girls. ?
I recently read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (unlike any book I’ve read) and just started Born a Crime by Trevor Noah…I know you love a good memoir! ?
Mary says
I finished listening to The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel and LOVED it!! Cried for 40 miles driving home one day…WW2 historical fiction. Am about 1/2 way through The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel which is also WW2 historical fiction- and I am loving that one too! And currently listening to The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James- a thriller!! Really loving that one too…now just to finish up this long term sub teaching job so I can get back to reading!! 2 more days!
Molly Kissel says
I just finished The One by John Marrs, and I cannot stop recommending it to people. It was fantastic!
Ashley R says
Ohhhh book review day is my absolute favorite!! Thank you for all of your thoughtful reviews! We tend to enjoy the same books, so many go directly on my TBR list!
June Ward says
Loved The Midnight Library also .A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins ! I couldn’t put it down !
Julie says
I just started “Apples Never Fall” (I know you love Liane M too) and so far SO GOOD. I’m INTO it. I read ‘The Guncle’ over the summer, but that my be one of my favorites for the year. SUCH a touching tale of what it’s like to care for children and so well written. That one really stayed with me!
Erin Smith says
You gotta read Finlay Donovan is Killing it. A bit of mystery but wouldn’t call it a thriller. And surprisingly..hilarious
Katie Ault says
My favorite books I read in September are “For your own Good” by Samantha Downing and “House of Sticks” by Ly Tran. (A thriller and a memoir).
Joan Frenzel says
Just finished reading Dr. Edith Eva Edger’s book The Choice- Embrace the Possible and it is fantastic. A true story about an Auschwitz survivor who becomes a therapist. She talks about choices and the choices we make will either make us better or worse. Excellent read for everyone!
Christina says
Kelly Rimmer-thank you for introducing me to her books! I agree The Things We Cannot Say is in my top three all time favorite books. This one also took me a bit to get into it, but so moving once it took off I couldn’t put it down. I love historical fiction, even when hard to read it is a reminder of how resilient humans can be.
I recently read Mark Sullivan The Last Green Valley and highly recommend it.
Jennifer Forsyth says
The Kitchen Front- historical fiction set in England WW2 about 4 women trying to win a cooking contest. Recipes include d using rations. So good.
Carolyn says
I just finished The Power Couple by Alex Berenson. It was really good. A couple goes on a European vacation with their two teenage children and their daughter is abducted. Lots of twists and turns right to the very end. I won’t tell any more but it was a good book.
Joanne says
I have the Warsaw Orphan siting in my basket right now waiting to be read… I’m just sure I’m ready to dive into another WWII novel. It sounds fantastic though. I just finished Apples Never Fall which was pretty delightful.
Nancy says
I really and unexpectedly loved The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Shannon says
Oh yes! Cerulean was delightful.
Jacquelyn Rios says
Book day is the best day! I just finished Stepsisters by Susan Mallery and LOVED it. Like you, I had been in a book rut of not LOVING anything I had been reading and this one was SO good. Put it on your list!! Thanks Shay!
Jayne says
Lately I’ve read The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd, which is historical fiction – so incredibly interesting and thought-provoking; and How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith – it’s narrative nonfiction – the writing is absolutely gorgeous and the subject matter is incredibly important. I highly recommend both.
Lisa says
I just finished The Push by Ashley Audrain. That was one that i can’t stop thinking about. It’s tough but had me hooked from the beginning.
MelanieL says
I read The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne, it’s set in the UP of Michigan, it will give you The Great Alone vibes, I really loved it! I’m currently reading The Flatshare, thanks to an old Suggested Fall Reading graphic I found here on your site. 🙂
Abby says
Killer of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Based on a true story…currently being made into a major motion picture by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Robert Dinero. It’s fascinating!!
liz says
YES!!!! Killer of the Flower Moon was SO GOOD!!!! It was super interesting and I can’t wait to watch the movie 🙂
Denise Perich says
Thank you for the recs! Just downloaded Not a Happy family on Audible and bought Mission of Motherhood for my daughter. She has a 1 year old and is pregnant with a second and feeling quite overwhelmed. I hope it helps her. I enjoyed The Midnight Library and The Sun Down Motel recently. Am reading Apples Never Fall currently and loving it!!!
Keisha Dawson says
I loved joining you and Erica for Book Club this month, and I just made it the book for my in real life book club which meets tonight. I can’t wait to talk about it with my girls! I also read the Mary Poppins books this month. I’ve always love the movies, but I had never ready these books, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Stacey says
I just finished The Last Flight by Julie Clark and I could NOT put it down. It was a wonderful, thriller novel about 2 women who decide at the last minute after briefly meeting to switch plane tickets at the airport – both running from their past lives for very different reasons. It jumps back and forth between each woman and their past and present lives. I could never guess what was going to happen next which I LOVE!
Wrote down Thin Girls; I love deep, thought-provoking reads, thanks!!
Gretchen says
I just checked out The Last Flight from my library based on this comment you wrote and had to come back here and say thank you!! I LOVED it!!! I couldn’t put it down! One of the best books I’ve read in a while. I’m recommending it to all my friends now.
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!!!!! I loved it too!!
Jean Bambury says
Read The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel.
Beautiful historical fiction!
Megan says
You should read Beneath the Scarlet Sky….great historical fiction book!
Sarah says
THIS!!^^
One of the best books I’ve ever read!!
Christina says
2 of my favorites from this year have been The Fortunate Ones (by Ed Tarkington) and God Spare the Girls (by Kelsey McKinney).
I also read Thin Girls this month, and had a really hard time with it. I needed something upbeat to serve as a palate cleanser so I followed it up with your recommendation of Float Plan!
Lacey says
I just finished A Distant Shore by Karen Kingsbury. I could not put it down. I love Karen Kingsbury books! A Distant Shore is about love, danger, and faith.
Nancy Granger- says
I am just starting The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews.
Debbie says
I recently read Erika Robuck’s “The Invisible Woman” and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Such an incredible book based on the life of Virginia Hall. Such a great read, highly recommended!!
Sheila DeSpirito says
I finished my September reads a few days ago and my last book for this month was Falling- TJ Newman I loved it! It held me on the edge of my seat, it’s her debut book, and a great book too. TJ is a former Flight attendant so she knows the ins and outs of being a F.A
I recommend this book highly.
Leslie S says
Yay! I love book review day!! I’m ready for some Hallmark-y (that’s an adjective right? ?) chic lit feel-good reads leading to the holidays. Going back to some of your old reviews in search of. Thanks and happy fall!
Hannah says
Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York, Elizabeth Passarella, was fantastic! I laughed out loud so many times. Such a great memoir. You must read it!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did read it! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Linda says
I always look forward to your monthly book posts!
Two of my recent favorite reads were “Saving Savannah” by Patti Callahan and “The Nature of Fragile Things” by Susan Meissner. Both of these will be among my top 5 for the year.
CW says
I recommend Apeirogon by Collum McCann.
Sara says
I have read all Shari Lapena’s books! Although this one is good, it’s probably my least favorite of hers. Try another book by her! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Which one???
Sara says
The Couple Next Door! Also – Someone We Know! I do love a thriller. Her writing is just so addictive and compelling! I can’t put it down!
Rachel says
Our House by Louise Candlish is a must read!! It would be a good one for your podcast book club. It is a page turner!!!
Carlye Marshall says
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty ??
dawn says
I am so excited to look up these books. IHAVE been in a reading slump and I’m hoping these pull me out. Thanks! I always look forward to this post.
Joanna says
Have you read Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese? I did a search on your blog and didn’t see her come up. It is a fictional story about a woman in the middle of the adoption process from China, as well as a love story. I enjoyed it a lot and thought of you as I read it.
Swati Samak says
the author goes into great detail about eating disorders and its effects* on the human body and mind
Mix and Match Mama says
I should put you on my payroll 😉 .
Becky B says
Lots of good options! I’m enjoying The Dutch House by Ann Patchett right now.
Bethany says
I’m curious about the Kelly Rimmer book! “Educated” is a really great book. Thought provoking and also inspiring yet a bit of a heartbreak. A girl raised in a horrible family with no education yet finds herself at Harvard. It’s a true story! I’m currently reading “Raising Worry-Free Girls” by Sissy Goff in hopes of filling my toolbox with great tips as my daughter grows up!
Mix and Match Mama says
I still think about Educated all the time. That book is fantastic!
Diane says
Love Book Review Days!!
My Sept Reads:
Midnight Library….so good 5 ⭐️
Dear Edward…loved
LA Weather….not my fav
Elanor Oliphant is completely fine…was ok.
Just picked up Not a Happy Family! Excited to start it and listen to pod cast
Shari Grady says
I just read “The Stationary Shop” I loved it! Currently I’m reading “The Maid” I’m enjoying this book also. I really enjoy reading the books you reccomend and look forward to your monthly book reviews
Maureen Baquero says
Hi Shay
What are your few (or lots) of top favorite books of all time??
Mix and Match Mama says
If you click on this post here and scroll down, you’ll see my top 3 books of the year for the last 5 or 6 years, read ANY of those!! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2020/12/2020-books-in-review/
Sandy Manning says
It’s always so fun to read these reviews! I have a book to recommend to you and your readers. I work at The Book Shoppe and Coffee in Frisco and an author from east Texas brought in a book for us to review (this happens a lot). It is fiction which we don’t carry, but she really wanted me to review it. So I picked it up and got sucked in so fast and could hardly put it down! It far exceeded my expectations! It is completely clean (I know sometimes you give warnings and some of your readers don’t want sleaze) so anyone can read it. It is called “The Travel Letters” by TJ Hassell. The story is told in a unique way and the twists and turns kept me intrigued and wanting more. I highly recommend it. It is available on Amazon.
Jessica Schlosberg says
Shay…. You have to read Summer in Mystic! The whole time I was reading I kept thinking to myself, Shay would love this. It takes place in Boston and Mystic, CT. In the summer. Cute plot line, rated PG, just the best stuff!
Janique says
My September reads were:
The Queen’s Secret – interesting historical fiction about the Queen Mother
The Last Thing He Told Me- enjoyed very much
The Day the World Came To Town- made me proud to be Canadian. The story of Gander, Newfoundland welcoming planes on 9-11. Similar stories to the musical Come From Away.
The Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – LOVED this so much. I laughed and cried. Beautiful story of friendship. One of your readers suggested this last month.
Kellie Story says
I’m reading The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot right now! I CANNOT put it down!!!! Love it sooo much!!! ❤️
Patricia says
I just finished The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot and I am not ok! This book is beautiful, heartbreaking and funny…it’s a book I will never forget. And it’s her debut novel!
Tiffany says
Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner has been an amazing read for me!
Dena says
Just finished “Not a Happy Family” by Shari Lapena. Loved it! Read it in less than a day. Did anyone else notice on pg 293 that there’s a sentence that says “What do you mean?” Dan says. It should be Ted says…..
Mix and Match Mama says
I wonder what page that is in my Kindle? Can you give me the chapter and some more info on that page? I want to look it up.
Dena says
oh shoot – I already returned it to the library. It’s a section where Ted and Lisa meet in the parking lot to discuss things. Does your kindle allow you to search for text? If so, type that sentence in quotes in my other post.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ll do that right now!
Dena says
Lmk if you see it. Or maybe they fixed it for Kindle. I took a screenshot. I subconsciously proofread when I read ?
Lori says
I highly recommend Joan Crombie’s debut book Keeping Kyla. It’s a love story but with some suspense that kept my reading long into the night! I personally know the author so let me know if you’d like a copy to review. Her 2nd book in the series just came out and I’m eager to read it. https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Kyla-Joan-Crombie/dp/1946466891/ref=sr_1_2?crid=RMLBF0QLT8X5&dchild=1&keywords=joan+crombie&qid=1635265280&sprefix=joan+crom%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-2