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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

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October 2021 Book Review


Happy November, friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a fun/safe/happy/filled with candy and coziness Halloween!

I thought there would be no better way to kick off the month than with a book review!

Today, I’m sharing the FOUR books I read in October.

There was suspense.

There was drama.

There was a dash of self-improvement.

And a whole lot of great reading for me last month!

Grab you a coffee, get under a blanket and settle in. You’re going to want to read all four of these books 🙂 .

Beatriz Williams, I love you.

Year after year, I read your books and even though I say REPEATEDLY that I do not like historical fiction, I LOVE YOUR NOVELS.

If you’ve read my book reviews before, then you know that not only do I love her books (all historical fiction) that multiple times, they’ve ended up in the TOP THREE books of the year for me.  In 2016, A Hundred Summers was my third favorite book of the year, and then in 2017, The Secret Life of Violet Grant was also my third favorite book of the year.  Last year, her novel Her Last Flight very nearly made the top three as well.  All of these books are amazing which means that every time I sit down to read one of her books, I have the bar set really, really high.  This month, when I cracked open Our Woman in Moscow, I was a little apprehensive that it wouldn’t meet my expectations, but friends, IT BLEW THEM OUT OF THE WATER!  This novel here is my favorite Williams’ book to date.

I loved this book.

I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK.

If you’re looking for a work of fiction that keeps you on your toes, this is it.  If you’re looking for a story about family dynamics and the complications of being a sister, this is it.  If you’re looking for romance, this is it.  If you’re looking for suspense, this is it.  If you love historical fiction, this is FOR SURE it.  If you don’t love historical fiction and just love a good chick lit book (like me!), THIS IS STILL IT!

This is a story of two sisters, separated by over a decade, who come together to get one of them (and her family) secretly out of Russia.  I could not put this one down.  I loved every layer, every detail, I re-read pages just to absorb even more…I thought it was brilliant.  This is a fantastic book!  Everyone should read it!

Okay now…Erika and I are going to be reviewing this book on Tuesday, November 9th during our episode of The Bestie Breakdown, so you really need to wait and hear my opinion on it next week…but for today, let me say this…you should all read The Girls in the Stilt House.

All of you.

I am stunned that this is the debut novel by this author because it’s so darn brilliant that I looked her up to see why I haven’t read any of her other books.  Um, because this was her first!  This is a fictional story about two women who are very different, with different backgrounds, different problems, different demons they’re running from but are pretty much forced together.  There is a lot of suspense in this book and honestly, as I was reading, I could not figure out how any of the tragedy would be redeemed.  (You know how much I love a good ending!)  This story touches on abuse, racial injustices, heartache, friendship, forgiveness, redemption…it has it all.  If you love books like Where the Crawdads Sing and The Paper Palace, then I promise you, you’ll love this one too.  You can listen to my full review on November 9th’s episode!

Awwww…I read the first book and loved it so much that…

…I read the sequel 🙂 .  If you missed my June Book Review, I pretty much gush like crazy over the first book in this series.  It’s sort of my odd version of self-help.  It’s just a book filled with inspirational ideas, tidbits and ways to weave more joy into your life.  Is it really about being chic?  No. It’s about taking mundane, every day activities (from getting dressed to vacuuming) and making them more valuable and enjoyable parts of your day.  In this second book, Thirty More Chic Days, the author goes even deeper on the root of why we should make every day tasks more pleasurable.  I loved the first one, but honestly, this book felt more raw and vulnerable, so I think I loved it even more.

If you want something to read each day that’s inspiring, happy and helpful, read these books.  I promise you, you will smile with each chapter.  They’re practical ideas to encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

My fourth and final book this month was from one of my favorite authors (she wrote The Devil Wears Prada!), and it was just as delicious!!  If you love When Life Gives You Lululemons (I adored it), you will love Where The Grass is Green and The Girls Are Pretty too!  Now, was it my favorite between the three?  Probably not.  Could I not put it down to save my life?  Yes!

This novel is lighter than heavy fiction but heavier than chick lit.

Does that make any sense?

You know…it’s funny, it’s witty, it’s a little PG13, but it has more substance than many of those Hallmark-y books I read.

This is a story about a news anchor (America’s sweetheart!) who finds herself right smack in the middle of a college admissions scandal.  She’s not super likeable…but she has qualities that are really honest and come from the heart.  She heads off for the summer to be with her sister’s family (the exact opposite of a high power career woman…who has her own problems too) and well, a novel is born.  If they made this one into a movie too, would I go see it?  ABSOLUTELY!  I flew through this book.  It was the perfect balance of easy to read and compelling. I put myself in both women’s shoes and thought about what I would do.  I thought it was an excellent easy read for my October!

Whew!  Four more books to add to my annual total!

Now, just like every year, I will read holiday books in November so that when I review them at the beginning of December, they’ll be just in time for you.  If you have holiday book recs for me, please send them my way!  I would also love some new autobiography recs too!  Speaking of which, Andrew and I went back and forth and back and forth over when we could decorate our house for Christmas this year and finally landed on…TODAY!  So, I AM OFF!  We have lights to string, trees to put up, and so much decorating to do!  Woohoo!!!!!

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 first day in November!

Love you all! xx

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Comments

  1. Sheaffer Sims says

    You know what? I’m going to count reading your book review as reading! I mean, I really got into today’s reviews!

  3. Aparna says

    Can’t wait to read the first two books you’ve recommended…both sound so good! I read some good books too in October…The stepsisters by Susan Mallery, The truth about Harry quebert affair (so good, thanks for the rec here) We we’re never here, a nice thriller and 2 sequel thrillers by Brenda novak Hello again and Face off…based in Alaska, quite enjoyed both.

  4. Holly says

    Shay, I read The Guncle this month and really enjoyed it and would recommend it highly! By reading the summary of the book I thought it would be a funny, summery read, but it wasn’t at all. It was funny, but it was also beautifully heartbreaking and hopeful! Great book!

  5. Susan Jeffries says

    Thank you so much for the review. My dad passed away after a traumatic illness about a year ago, and I have not been able to read since. I started The Girls in the Stilt House and I LOVE it! I forgot that reading is a healthy escape and I forgot how much I love it! I will be looking forward to your reviews now and I have set a goal of reading one book each month(:

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh Susan, I am so sorry. I wish I could hug you right now. I am so sorry you’ve been going through this over the last year. xx

  8. Amy Heinl says

    I read the Girls in Stilt House and can’t wait for the podcast to hear yours and Erika’s thoughts. It is everything you wrote and more. I couldn’t believe it was the debut novel of this author.

  9. Maria says

    Christmas books: The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews was adorable! Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey just came out I haven’t started it yet..

    Autobiographies: I’m currently listening to Katie Couric’s Going There. I was never a Today show fan (loyal GMA viewer) but it’s really interesting look at behind the scenes of the news. I haven’t gotten to the meaty parts yet.

    Rock the Boat was a fun beach read when you’re ready to return to them.

  10. Taylor says

    I have Always, in December on my holiday reading list. It was recommended by Ashley Spivey and she always has good book recommendations. Have fun decorating!

  11. Sandra Reynolds says

    Thanks for another great review Shay. I’m excited to read Our Woman in Moscow as I love all things Beatriz Williams. It’s been in my TBR pile, but is next up! Happy November ??

  12. Lisa D says

    Put this book on your to-read list: “Big Lies in a Small Town” by Diane Chamberlain. Oh my goodness, it is so good! I could not put it down. MUST READ!
    And anything by Kristin Harmel is super good. “The Book of Lost Names”, “The Winemaker’s Wife”, and “The Forest of Vanishing Stars” are all terrific and thought provoking. Not light fluffy reading though.

    • Mary says

      Lisa is TOTALLY right- Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain is a “must read”, “can’t put down” book!! My absolute favorite book of 2020! I listened to it on Audible and it was fabulous!! I also loved The Book of Lost Names and am working on finishing The Forest of Vanishing Stars- both are amazing!

    • Stacy Grant says

      Diane Camberlain in my favorite author. Every single book is amazing. “Necessary Lies” is my favorite.

  13. Julie says

    Hi Shay!
    Well, obviously, you have to read ‘Christmas in Peachtree Bluff!’ I know you love (and have caught up on) that series, so you’ll probably enjoy that. I can’t wait to read it myself.

    I loved, loved, loved, the memoir/autobiography ‘Crying in H Mart’ (Michelle Zauner). Going to be one of my favorite books of the year, I’m sure! The writing is amazing. It’s the story of a woman struggling to embrace her Korean identity as she grows up in America. And more so, about the deep and complicated, yet very loving!, relationship she had with her mom. There’s also a ton of food, which, I LOVE.

    Happy decorating and can’t wait to see the house tour!

  14. Sarah P says

    Great October review!! ??????

    I loved In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren & Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer.

  18. Arika says

    Have fun decorating. I know Andrew is the puppy whisperer – so you probably never had issues with this. But we got a puppy and I’m so worried about how to keep him out of the Christmast tree. If you or your readers have any tips, please let me know!

  20. Debbie says

    THANK you for the book review….have written down ALL of them! 🙂
    Can I interrupt this book review please and ask for specific prayers for my sweet daughter, Rachel. She will be having a mastectomy (left side) on Wednesday this week. She was diagnosed about 1 month ago, and surgery is now scheduled. Pray specifically that NO lymph nodes are involved (this will save her from radiation). Many prayers are going up, but I know that there are many folks here who will pray with us. She has a LONG road ahead, but we are praying for her surgeons, doctors, etc. She is a married to a wonderful Christian man, and they have 4 children ages 10, 9, 7 and 5. The children are also getting worried about mommy’s surgery, so prayers for their peace and comfort as well. THANK you.

  22. Abby says

    If you haven’t read it yet, for autobiographies- I think you would love Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon 🙂

  23. Jen says

    I haven’t commented on a book review post in awhile because the majority of books I’ve read this past year have been really good, and some even great- but not anything exceptional to rave about! That being said, you MUST read The Invisible Husband of Frick Island as a break between your holiday books this month! I have gushed about it so much, and it will for sure check off all your boxes of what you consider a stellar book!

    The holiday books on my radar so far this year are Christmas in Peachtree Bluff (first and foremost, of course!), The Christmas Wedding Guest, Santa Cruise, The Santa Suit, A Magical New York Christmas, and Dear Santa.

  24. Kara Messner says

    You will want to read the Memoir, ‘the things I learned from falling’. 245 ish pages….captivating….can’t put down….reads like fiction. You’ll love it!

  25. Kristin B says

    “A Season for Second Chances” by Jenny Bayliss is a newly released Christmas book that looks good!

  28. Jennifer Jaynes says

    I highly recommend Sutton Fosters, Hooked! I listened to the audiobook this weekend, and I LOVED it!! I also listened to The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox, and it is a really cute as well!

  29. Robin Pruitt says

    Not exactly an autobiography but song those lines and perfect for Veteran’s Day, I recently read “Walk in My Combat Boots” by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann and really enjoyed it. It is a collection of stories from different service men and women of their deployments and time in the military. So interesting and just makes you proud to live in the country we live in and thankful for all of those who do what they do for us!

  31. Morgan says

    If you like Beatriz Williams, I cannot recommend Along the Infinite Sea enough. It the best book I’ve read this year. I also really liked The Summer Wives, and have just started Our Woman in Moscow.

  33. Debbie Hibbert says

    I always look forward to your book review post, Shay! BUT, almost as much … I look forward to Sheaffer’s book review post comment!?

  34. Leigh says

    Last year I loved this so much I listened to it twice! Love the British narrator and the descriptions of all things cozy!
    The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

  35. Jennifer says

    Love reading your book reviews! Excited to see which holiday books you like best this year. Last year for holiday reading I liked Christmas on Mistletoe Lane and 100 Christmas Proposals.

  38. Kimberly says

    I really enjoyed Finlay Donovan is Killing It! I think everything else I have read lately were suggestions from your posts.

  40. Bethany says

    Speaking of autobiographies, I really loved Kathie Lee Gifford’s newest book. It’s been one of my favorite books of the year bc I keep thinking of how she mentions so much about being friends with non believers and how she prays for them daily and wants to shine Jesus’s light to others. Just really makes you think. You should read it!

  41. Sarah says

    I noticed in your stories that you said you would never read a Stephen King novel. I wouldn’t either since I’m not a fan of horror. But I did read one of his books that’s different from his usual – have you ever heard of 11.22.63? Although it has a few small horror like elements, overall its more historical fiction. It does involve time travel, however, so I don’t know if that makes it too in the realm of fantasy for your tastes. But anyway for someone who doesn’t ever read Stephen King, I really loved that book. It completely made me understand why people like him so much – he really is an excellent writer who immerses you in the story, the characters, and the time. But I still won’t read his other books ?

    • Colleen says

      I’m so glad to see you mention this book. 11/22/63 is one of my favorite audiobooks of all time. So good and I was sad when it ended… and that is really saying something given how long it is.

  42. Mandy says

    Definitely read The Santa Suit! I LOVED it. Christmas in Peachtree Bluff, and Holiday Ever After are on my to read closer to Christmas list.

  43. Bethany says

    You should try Chanel Cleeton’s “Last Train to Key West”! A bit of romance, a bit of suspense. I couldn’t put it down!

  44. Allyson Hodge says

    Have you read “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rimes? I tried to search on the blog, but could not find. It was excellent.

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