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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

Books ·

May 2022 Book Review


Happy last day of May, friends!  I am SO EXCITED about today’s post because I am reviewing EIGHT BOOKS THIS MONTH!!

That’s right…EIGHT!

How did I read eight?!  Well, if you’ll recall, I posted my April Book Review a week early, so that bought me an extra week in May.  PLUS, I went to both Mexico and Boston, so two trips, four flights, lots of time to read this month, and I’m so glad I did!

As I was typing my review up and thinking back over the batch of books I read, I decided that this isn’t just a normal book review, this is an ULTIMATE BOOK REVIEW with your 2022 summer beach book recs!

If you are giddy about tomorrow being June 1st and ready to settle into the summer season with a new book, I’m your girl and this is your guide.  From memoir to thriller, self-motivation, historical fiction and of course, chick-lit, I have a book for you!  Some of these books I LOVED…but I didn’t love them all, so make sure you read each review for my honest thoughts and feedback before you buy.

There is NO BETTER TIME TO READ than the summer months!  As much as I love the cozy days of reading during the winter, summer books just fill my heart with extra happiness.

Here we go, the 8 books I read this month with my reviews…

Taste by Stanley Tucci

If I’m being honest, I don’t exactly know why I decided to read this book.  I mean, I like movies with Stanley Tucci in them (hello, The Devil Wears Prada!), but read his memoir?  Why?  I don’t know exactly why I bought it, but oh my word, I’M SO GLAD I DID!  You guys, I am now officially a HUGE Stanley Tucci fan!  This is part memoir and part cookbook.  The actor writes about everything in this book from his childhood to starting out as an actor in NYC, to working with Meryl (twice!), why he doesn’t love Hollywood life, losing his first wife to cancer and being a single dad to three very young kids, finding love again (he married actress Emily Blunt’s sister!), living in London with his family during the pandemic…all while weaving in recipes that pertain to his stories.  I’m telling you, I am now smitten with Stanley.  He is clever, charming, endearing, lovable, honest…this memoir was just really refreshing.  He’s very human in this book.  He’s very real.  This book was the perfect recipe of charm, wit and deliciousness. Two big thumbs up!

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

So many of you suggested that I read this historical fiction novel based on how much I love books like The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Things We Cannot Say, and wow!  I am so glad you did! You guys, I feel like I’ve already said this several times this year…but there is a VERY good chance that this novel will end up in my TOP THREE for the entire year.

This is such a powerful story of a Jewish woman in France who helps smuggle hundreds of children into Switzerland using her skills as an artist to create them fake documents.  This book is powerful.  I was immediately drawn into the story and rooting for the characters every single step of the way.  This book deals with heavy and hard things but also intertwines a little romance, a lot of optimism and a charming little town on the French/Swiss border.  I could not put it down.  It has some twists.  It is unexpected. It’s filled with a lot of grit and determination.  I cannot rave about this one enough.  I absolutely loved it and am so happy so many of you suggested I read it too!

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

Calling all thriller fans!  In March, I read The Family Upstairs by Jewell and so many of you suggested I read this one next.  Here’s the deal…this is my type of thriller as it’s mostly not scary it’s just the thought of scary that makes the book scary.  Does that make sense?  It’s not gory or graphic…it’s just very psychologically thrilling.  I don’t know that I loved it, but I was entertained by it.  Even though it wasn’t gory…it was a bit “much” for me (she who loves the Hallmark channel), but if you’re a thriller-book seeker, then this one is probably for you (it is a bit rated R, just FYI).

This is the story of a woman who moves to the suburbs of London with her boyfriend and well, she finds a sign in her garden that says “dig here” and as you can imagine, an entire mystery opens up about two people who had gone missing the year before in the exact same town.  This fictitious tale is about this woman’s mission to figure out what happened to these two people.  I’ll be honest…I didn’t see it coming and was surprised by the ending because I did find it a bit too far fetched when it was all said and done (but hey, I love the Hallmark channel so keep that in mind), but it kept me intrigued and turning the page.  For me, it wasn’t my favorite thriller, but I’m not super into thrillers, so take that with a grain of salt.  It was highly original and very suspenseful.  I hope you thriller fans love it!

 

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey

I love this author 🙂 .

Her books just make me happy.  They’re always light, easy to read, happy and end well.  They are basically the exact opposite of the previous book 😉 .

This is the story of several generations of women who all wear the same veil on their wedding day.  The author toggles back and forth between the past and present to show where this veil came from and how it ended up in the hands of our present day bride…who just skipped out on her wedding.  This book just oozes beach read to me.  I was afraid I wouldn’t love a lot of the “bride from the past” portions of this book (as we all know I prefer books set present day), but I found those stories interesting too and was very invested in their lives as well.  Charming and cute…what more could you want for a June book?

Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life by Shannon Ables

I believe it was the end of March when I told you all how much I love this author and her podcast!  She has over 300 episodes recorded, and I absolutely love each and every one.  I think some would consider her a “self-help” influencer, but I just consider her inspiring.  She’s an Anglophile and a Francophile, she loves her dogs, gardening, getting dressed each day…she’s a blogger, an outdoor enthusiast…she’s basically me minus the husband and four kids 😉 .  I love her podcast so much that I purchased all three of her books and am currently halfway through book #2!  This book here is her first one, and I read it all month long as I sipped my coffee each morning after my quiet time.  It’s just feel good.  She talks about everything in the book from her capsule wardrobe to making her home cozy, her garden, her love of all things French and English, her dogs…she’s just my cup of tea.

If you want to be inspired this summer…whether that is to spruce up your yard or your lingerie drawer, this book is for you.  It’s just little nuggets of positive ways you can make every day simple and yet lovely.

The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews

Ohhhhhhh!  I love me some Mary Kay Andrews! I read her books every time they’re released and always love them.  My only criticism to her novels are that they are often a taddddd too long.  They’re quintessential beach books: strong female lead, charming town, cute boy, a little conflict, happy ever after…but they’re not short books.  You will settle into this one and love it…but just know it’s a little long.

This novel was particularly cute because it’s set outside of Savannah, Georgia about a woman who owns a construction company and how she ends up on a HGTV kind of show fixing up old houses.

See?

So cute 🙂 .

Of course, there is a bit of drama and even a mystery woven into this one (a murder!  a body! oh my!) which I found unusual for this author but a little refreshing.  It’s your beach book with a bonus mystery.  If you need some light-hearted happiness in your life right now, read this book.

Summer Love by Nancy Thayer

Okay, you all know that I love me some Nancy Thayer and some Elin Hildebrand.  Both authors almost exclusively write their novels set in Nantucket which is where my heart belongs, so I always get excited to read them.  BUT Hildebrand has been letting me down lately, so where I would once call her my “favorite Nantucket author”, I’m honestly going to have to pass that baton over to Thayer now.  AND Thayer has evidentially taken the baton because this novel here was her “meatiest” yet which isn’t how I typically would have described her work in the past.  This cute little Nantucket summer chick lit book took a slight turn from “light and frivolous” to a bit more substantial…and I loved it!

This is the story of four friends who worked on the island one summer when they were all in their early 20s.  Fast forward twenty years and they’re back on the island but this time, with their kids (who are now about the same age).  The story toggles back and forth between present day and what it was like that first summer they were on the island.  I loved the characters, I loved the chemistry, I thought the addition of the kids present-day was fun.  The book has so many great Nantucket references that makes my ACK-loving heart smile (from shops to restaurants, neighborhoods and more).  Out of all of the summer books I read this month, this one felt the most summery to me.  I am SO happy about this book because I’m already not excited to read Hildebrand’s newest one.  My heart needed this book.  You will love it too!

The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner

Annnnnd I ended the month with the newest novel from New York Times Bestseller Jennifer Weiner.

Sigh.

I didn’t love it.

Sigh.

I totally think maybe it’s a “it’s not you, it’s me” situation, but I used to LOVE her novels, but lately, I’m just not into them any more.  Has anyone else read this book?  The problem is that Weiner has written so many great novels in the past that, the bar has been set super high for what I expect to read when I crack one open.  This one here, well, in my opinion, it was pretty boring.  Please tell me I’m not alone here!  This is a novel about a family who connects one summer on Cape Cod at their family home for a wedding.  Each chapter is about a different character and even though it has all the bones of a “Shay book!”, I just thought it was flat.  First of all, there were so many characters.  I mean…so many.  Second of all, I didn’t really love any of the characters.  My third problem was that it was pretty boring.  I thought the story moved super slow, I thought it was a tad predictable…I just could not get excited to pick this one up.  When this book was finally over, I was relieved…which is probably not the reaction one needs to have after investing this much time in a book.  Needless to say, this one is a “skip” for me.

And that my friends, wraps up my ultimate MAY BOOK REVIEW post!

What did you think?  What are your thoughts?  What should I read in June?  Boss me around, please!  Based on the month and what I have going on, I’m thinking I would love light-hearted, summery reads, but if you have other options for me, do share!

Also, don’t forget…

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.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2021 (all 59 of them), click here.

That wraps up Book Day!

Now, last week, I told you that today I would announce the fourth and final winner of Shay’s May Giveaways!

Today, one lucky winner will receive…

…an Apple Watch Series 7!

Drumroll please…

Congratulations LINDA GEHRING!  I emailed you this morning.  Please email me back to claim your prize!

I hope you all had a lovely May.  Sending you so much love as we make our way into June.  I’ll see you tomorrow! xx

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Comments

  2. Eileen says

    This month I loved Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. I love all of her books. I’m almost finished with Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and I highly recommend it. I loved Summer Love too! Nancy Thayer is definitely stepping up.

    • Kristen Hardison says

      I was gonna recommend the same one! I have loved all of Abby Jimenez’s books! Next up doe me is gonna be the new Emily Giffin that comes out today! 🤩🤩🤩

  3. Susan Jeffries says

    I always love your book reviews! Thanks! My favorite from May was The Book woman of Troublesome Creek!

  4. Gentry Blackwood says

    Book review days are my favorite! I just started “Things you save in a fire” and am so excited! Seems good so far!

  5. Becky says

    I just finished The Wedding Vail. I don’t know about you, but I was on my phone on Wikipedia looking up the real Biltmore, Cornelia Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt family tree, lol. I just started The Summer Place this weekend also after it.

  7. Meliss says

    I think I recall you liking Hallmark movies. There is a 3 movie series from Hallmark called the Wedding Veil which is loosely based off the book.

  8. Laura says

    Yay book review day! I saw the cover of the Wedding Veil and thought, that looks like Biltmore… and it is! It’s just a couple hours from me and I’ve been several times! I’ll have to add it to my list 🙂

    If you need book recs: Wild Things is a great nonfiction book I’m currently reading about raising boys of all ages. And I just read Anxious People (fictional story of an *accidental* bank robber!) by Fredrik Bachman and it was so cute and sad and mysterious and sweet all in one.

  9. Jennifer Goodwin says

    I just finished Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. It was her debut novel and though I’m usually hesitant with those, this one was great! I’ll be a lifelong fan. I wrote about my May reads on my blog today as well. 😉

  10. Erin Smith says

    I just finished Lessons in Chemistry. I feel like you would love it. So quirky and fun!

  11. Susan Crivella says

    I did not like Jennifer Weiners last one AT ALL it posed as a summer book but was NOT! I have this new one to read but expectations are low. Just finished The Paris Apartment was very good!! And reading The Homewreckers now!

  12. Alyssa P says

    So glad you reviewed Summer Love! Definitely adding that to my list!!

    HIGHLY recommend you read The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen. It’s not super well-known yet but it should be. It’s a book that has stuck with me for months and I know you will feel the same!

  13. Mal says

    Check out Book Lovers and Part of Your World. Light books that I bet you’ll love!

  14. Kait says

    Yay book day!! I recommend you check out “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune. A great summer read and set in my small hometown in Ontario, Canada- Barry’s Bay!

  15. Kristen says

    I loved both of Stanley’s books! If you love his books watch his show on CNN, Finding Italy! Season 2 just started 🙂

    • Sarah M. says

      This is what I was coming to say! I love this show so much, as well as the man himself. I smile the whole time and I just want to go to his house so he can cook for me.

  16. Sheaffer says

    WELL. All this post is doing is reminding how I’m a miserable failure. I ordered Sally’s book, and I haven’t read it yet. I’m a disappointment to myself. I NEED TO DO BETTER. Maybe next month I can comment here with my own personal book review?!? #onlytimewilltell I need to join the ranks of all of you book readers with your cute covers and gripping story lines. I want to be one of the cool kids.

    • Natalie says

      I had to laugh at this!! I’m right with you!! I haven’t read in forever!!!! I mean! Until I finally decided to order a book a couple weeks ago lol it was the book by half pint on little house and got through 40% and am just so let down because it was so political. Not even just a little. Ugh. I might try one of these Shay is recommending lol we will see.

    • Chris says

      You are never a failure and a cool kid in your own right. But don’t promise something as BIG as your own review! I feel like I know you without having met you! A kindle would be way more your style because grab and go sister . . . . to the ranch, lake, beach, by the pool!

  17. NancyS says

    I’m a long time Jennifer Weiner fan and have to agree. Most of her recent books, including The Summer Place, just haven’t been for me. I do recommend Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore (coming out soon). Loved her previous books and this new one is set over the course of a summer in Rockland, Maine….and would be perfect for Nancy Thayer and Elin Hildebrand fans who want to try a different vacation location!

  18. Emily Cecil says

    I recently finished Book Lovers by Emily Henry and I immediately thought, Shay would love this book! I’ve been telling everyone to read it, I think it’s your cup of tea ☺️

  19. Kelli says

    Two of my light-hearted favs lately have been People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (I could’ve sworn you had read it, but I couldn’t find a review on it when I searched your blog) and With Love from London by Sarah Jio! And thank you for the recs of One Night on the Island and One Italian Summer. I loved them both so much this month! Now I want to travel to both of those quaint places! ❤️

  20. Sally Hepworth says

    Love book review day! I’m reading The Palace Papers, which is all about the British Royal family … oh my goodness it’s gripping. From Diana and Camilla all the way through to Meagan Marlow – it’s facinating. Also … I’m afraid to ask – did Sheaffer read my book? 🤣

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I am adding that to my list right now! I will let Sheaffer answer this question. 😉

    • Sheaffer says

      Sally, I’ve let you down. I know I’ve let Shay down. But rest assured, I’ve let myself down the most. I’d promise right here and right now that I would start reading it today, but I no longer trust myself. Listen. We’ll see what happens. I’m hopeful that I can turn things around. Haha! 🙂

  21. Jayne says

    My favorite book this month was Cover Story by Susan Rigetti. Twisty con-artist fun with a WTH ending!

  22. sara m says

    I read all the books above with the exception of the choosing the simply book. I enjoyed all of them except for the Jennifer Weiner. I was very disappointed as well. I used to love her books. I thought she was trying to create drama for drama’s sake. I also thought it was a little far fetched – don’t want to give anything away. I just read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It was so so good. I highly recommend it. A little quirky but the story is excellent. And kate quinn’s newest book The Diamond Eye was excellent as well.

  23. Stacy says

    Book lovers by Emily Henry was a hallmark movie with a little deeper storyline!! Stopped reading Jennifer Weiner years ago you are not alone and I’m surprised you have kept reading her this long the last three years of her books have been a no go for me !

  24. Jennibell says

    Great review! Thanks for telling us which ones to read and which ones to put on the back burner 😉
    I read Ghosted last month and it was not at all what I thought it was going to be – I honestly think you would like it. Apples Never Fall was LONG – I liked it (because I’m a tennis player I loved all the references) but, like MKA, be prepared. I read a short little TJR, Evidence of an Affair that was different – the story was told through letters. That was a really short – one day at the pool – read. I’ve heard her newest one is great.
    Happy Summer to you!!!
    Any chance you could sneak-peek sometime what is on your list? Sometimes I like to have already read the book and then see your perspective. For instance, Book of Lost Names – glad you liked it but I was surprised by how much. Since you liked that one you may like Big Lies in a Small Town. Not the same genre AT ALL but “meatier”, like that one.

  26. Courtney W. says

    If you liked Stanley Tucci’s book, I can’t recommend enough his series on CNN called “Searching for Italy”. Every episode he goes to a different region of Italy to talk about the history of the food. It is charming and the scenery is just breathtaking.

  27. Katie says

    If you loved reading Stanley Tucci’s book, you ought to check out his show on CNN “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.” My husband and I LOVE food and travel and have totally loved learning more about different cuisine and parts of Italy we really didn’t know existed. It just came out with it’s 2nd season, but I think you might enjoy it.

  28. Alexis Meacham says

    I’m so glad you loved The Book of Lost Names! I kept thinking about it after I read it, which is a great indicator of how good a book is!

  29. Shannon Voss says

    I agree with you about Weiner’s The Summer Place. Most I have loved (with the exception of a few) but this one I didn’t. The family secrets seemed too conveniently connected, I agree there were too many characters, and there weren’t enough Cape Cod/house on the ocean references!

  30. Erin Lloyd says

    This is a great book list! I just finished Black Cake and loved it! I’m also listening to Remarkably Bright Creatures and I’m also loving it!! Highly recommended both!! Happy Summer!!

  31. Leslie S says

    I love book review day!! And the comments with suggestions. Loading my kindle!!

  32. Maria says

    Have you ever watched Friends & Fiction on YouTube or listened to their podcast? I just discovered them. Mary Kay Andrews explained the story behind Homewreakers, a wallet was found during a renovation. She shows you photos it’s fascinating. Kristy also goes into detail about the history of the wedding veil. I’m now hooked! Nancy Thayer is scheduled in an upcoming show.

  33. Kim Fleming says

    My kindle now owns four more books for all our lake weekends this summer! Thank you for my quiet time now and a little wine sipping too. I too did not find The Summer Place very entertaining, that said I am stoked for The Book of Lost Names since I am a huge historical non-fiction fan. If you have not read The Last Thing He Told Me, or The Last Flight, you must! Thank you for all the fun tidbits you continue to share!

  34. Liz says

    MM’s autobiography Green Light is also fantastic! I find I prefer to listen to these books as the author narrates which adds a very rich element to the story. Highly recommend- thanks for the awesome reviews, love these posts and always find something new!

  35. Meredith says

    I also did not care for The Summer Place. Disappointing since I loved her last two novels! Looking forward to Elin’s Nantucket Hotel book coming out soon!

  36. Kayla Bruce says

    Book Lovers by Emily Henry! When I tell you I loved it, I mean I LOVED it. Quaint setting, interesting characters, warm summer nights… so so good!

  37. Kari Maddox says

    Agree with Jennifer Weiner’s latest book The Summer Place. It was slow, I didn’t under the whole “House POV” stuff….then the whole Sam/Gabe thing…..a weird twist that was silly. I also didn’t like the main character or her choices….but again…others will love it…..
    I felt the whole book could have been cleared up in 2 chapters if ONE person just told the truth

  38. Christina says

    Oh I am so disappointed with Jennifer Weiner, her books used to be my favorite but I haven’t loved the last few. I was saving this one for my beach vacation to South Carolina mid June. Maybe I will read Summer Love instead. Always on the hunt for the best beach reads. I am reading Summer Friends by Holly Chamberlain, it’s a cute one you might like

  39. Tricia says

    I’m just finishing up “The Silent Sister” by Diane Chamberlain. The book is not light, but it’s so good. If you like a non-gory thriller, it’s a good read!

  40. Joanne says

    We read quite a few of the same books this month! (I shared my book review on my blog today too). I thought Homewreckers was really cute and after reading The Wedding Veil I want to visit Biltmore more than ever.

  41. Shelley says

    You need to read Book Lovers! It will fit all your summer reading requirements.
    Also, finished Lessons in Chemistry yesterday. It is a little quirky but I ended up loving it.

  42. Mary says

    Book day is my favorite! I usually end up loading my Kindle on this day! I’m reading Black Cake right now. A really good read about a family who finds out they never really knew who their parents were. I think you would love it!

  43. Ann says

    Just curious…do you primarily read from your Kindle? I’m old school and love to hold a book in my hand!

  45. Dena says

    Well darn. I have the new Jennifer Weiner on my nightstand but maybe I will hold off and read something else. Also, have you seen “Big Night” with Stanley Tucci? Such a great movie!!

  46. Diane says

    When I had surgery to repair a macular hole in my left eye recovery included face down positioning for 8 days (22hrs of the day). I decided to listen to Homewreckers on Audible and was so distracted by the narrator and her attempt at a Southern accent (my speech pathologist ears on high alert). I think I might like the print version though. Hugs from Waco!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh goodness, I hope you’re doing okay! I cannot even imagine that recovery!!

  47. Jen says

    I just finished Something Wilder by Christina Lauren and really enjoyed it! I was a little nervous to read it, though, because I’ve LOVED all of their books until The Soulmate Equation and was worried I wouldn’t like this one. But I did! Yay! Also having the same problem with Hilderbrand…absolutely adored 28 Summers, but it has been downhill for me since then (including it’s sequel, which I hated). Have my fingers crossed for her new one, though…not quite ready to give up on her! 🙂 I have the new John Grisham, the new Susan Mallery, and the new Abby Jimenez books loaded and waiting for me!

  48. Melanie says

    Yay! Love your book reviews. I’ve read the Lisa Jewel book and enjoyed it. I’m like you… please no gore, just thriller. I also enjoyed The book of Names. It was a fascinating look at what was done during WW2 to protect Jews. It was a bit long though. Can’t wait to try your other suggestions 👍

  49. Jennifer says

    Love this post, as always! Your summer trips NEED The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley! Also, Apples Never Fall is one that you will LOVE, I promise! You’ll thank me later! 🙂 Happy Reading this June!

  50. Ellen says

    If you liked The Book of Lost Names (I loved it too!), you will also enjoy I Must Betray You.
    Fantastic and well-written!

  51. leigh says

    I have to say that I’ve checked here a couple of times to see if you’d posted this early. As a teacher, this May review has become one of my favorite “official starts to summer.” I agree with you about 90% of the time on book opinions, so it’s great for me. Thanks!

  52. Holly says

    Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is so good!! I think you would like it.

    Currently reading One Night on the Island thanks to the recommendation here and very much enjoying it.

    Also read Katherine Center’s book, What You Wish For, and thought is was cute, but with some real life lessons like finding things big or small that bring joy, and then making a point to do the things…but she put it much more eloquently!!

    I finished Lucy Foley’s newest book, The Paris Apartment, and thought it was entertaining but not my favorite of hers.

    I read Lessons in Chemistry earlier this month and it was amazing. Not a beach read, but really well written.

  53. Brooke says

    Thank you for some great summer recs!

    I’m currently reading “Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead” (a follow up to Finlay Donovan is Killing It). I have enjoyed both and would definitely recommend them!! I’ve yet to read a book by Jennifer Weiner. Do you have an older novel of hers that’s your favorite? Maybe I’ll start with one of those instead of her newer ones. Thanks! 😊

  54. Keisha Dawson says

    The Book of Lost Names is probably my favorite book of all time. It was so good! I read Running Wild by K. A. Tucker, and I loved this book. The entire series was great, and I can thank you for introducing me to her books. Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey was so cute, and I’m reading the second book in that series in June. Book Lovers by Emily Henry was lovely! One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle on audio was fabulous. It is read by Lauren Graham, and such a fun summer listen. I finished the month with Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It was a pure delight! I immediately added the rest of the books that you listed to my TBR. Thanks for all of the good recommendations!

  55. Amy says

    Hi Shay, great review! Would you say any of these are G/PG rated? Thanks so much!🥰

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I would say that unless noted, they’re all in the PG/PG-13ish category (outside of the one written by Shannon Ables, it’s G/PG).

  57. Rachel says

    I love your book reviews and now I need to pick up the Stanley Tucci memoir.
    He was on Katie Couric’s The Next Question podcast from Oct 7,2021 Stanley Tucci gets very personal. I think you would enjoy listening! 🙂

  58. Shannon Ables says

    Shay, Thank you very much for including TSLL’s 1st book in this month’s review and recommendations. 🙂 Wasn’t Stanley’s book wonderful! Loved that one as well and look forward to exploring the other titles. Thank you for your kind words and all the details sharing what you enjoyed about Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life. xo

  60. Eryn says

    Pamela Kelley’s Beach Plum Cove series is great. It’s set in Nantucket and checks all the boxes you like. I think I’m on book 6. Very quick, easy read.

  61. Amy says

    I just finished Elin Hilderbrand’s new book The Hotel Nantucket and I loved it! I did not read last summer’s book, and was a bit ambivalent about this one, but it was great!! Thank you for your reviews. I always enjoy reading them!

  63. Lynne says

    I need summer book club recommendations for my teacher reading group! Thanks Shay!! 🥰

  64. Rayne osborn says

    Emily Henry’s Book Lovers
    Was wonderful, my fav of hers so far!
    Every summer after by Carley Fortune was a great summer read by a new author. I also enjoyed Francine Rivers newest-The Lady’s Mine. A great historical fiction romance that is light but well written.

  65. Erin says

    I always look forward to these posts! I recommend you read The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. It is an “uplit” book written by a British author that is sure to put on smile on your face!

    • Andrea says

      I started reading it after seeing your comment because I was in the mood for a book that would “put a smile on my face.” Oh my goodness, it does just that! I’m almost done, and it has been absolutely delightful from page one!

  66. Michele says

    Do you watch Stanley Tuccis Searching for Italy? Season 2 just started. So interesting and fun especially if you like him and Italy

  67. Amber Miklos says

    You MUST read “Evidence Not Seen,” by Darlene Deibler Rose. You won’t be able to put it down, and although her circumstances were incomprehensibly difficult, your heart will be encouraged by her faith and the Lord’s faithfulness to her!

    The True Story of One Woman’s Triumph of Faith

    Newlywed American missionary Darlene Deibler Rose survived four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp set deep in the jungles of New Guinea. Thinking she was never to see her husband again, Darlene Rose was forced to sign a false confession and face the executioner’s sword, only to be miraculously spared…
    https://www.amazon.com/Evidence-Not-Seen-Miraculous-Jungles/dp/0060670207?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=4535fe24-9671-4895-9baa-dab6de6e3b50

  68. Melissa says

    Check out books by Beth O’Leary! The flatshare, the switch and the no show are all super cute! I think you might like the switch the best.

  69. Lindsey says

    I just want to say thank you. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! I am always giddy when I see your book reviews, but this week just reminded me what a happy spot this is on the internet and how much that is needed. Thank you for being a light and sharing it with us! Oh, and I just read The Rose Code by Kate Quinn and it was excellent! Thanks again Shay. What you do is important and so very appreciated. Happy Summer!

  70. Cortney Carlson says

    I just finished lessons in chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It was so very cute. Strong female lead, cute story and more of a meatier subplot. For sure worth a read.

  71. Shawna says

    Have you ready Martha’s Vineyard-Isle of Dreams by Susan Branch? I think you would LOVE it!!! Story of Susan moving to MV. It was so heartwarming and little recipes along the way!!

  73. Laura says

    Oh I’m so happy you loved the Book of Lost Names! I did too! I read The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmin this month – I highly recommend both. Now reading Book Lovers – super cute!

  74. Lori says

    Can’t wait to read Stanley Tucci’s book! I’m a big fan. Have you watched any of his food shows Finding Italy? If not you should!

  75. Janice says

    Please, please read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmin. It’s such a wonderful book – so well written and you will absolutely fall in love with the main character’s dog 🙂

  76. Angie Papayoanou says

    I just finished The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin and enjoyed it immensely. I think it’s right up your alley…historical fiction set in London during WWII.
    I also loved The Book of Lost Names!
    Enjoy your summer 😊

    • Kimberly E Waller says

      I also enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London as well as The Book of Lost Names. Both very good!

  77. Jaren says

    Okay Shay…you HAVE TO READ The Alice Network! If you liked the The Book of Lost Names and Things We Cannot Say, you will like this one too! I will never ever forget that book.
    I cannot wait to read the Nancy Thayer book! We have our very first trip to Nantucket in July, so I better get ready!
    My family visited the Biltmore Estate a few summers ago. I found it absolutely fascinating, so that Kristy Woodson Harvey book sounds great to me too!

  78. Jennifer Goodwin says

    Have you read Carley Fortune’s debut novel, Everything After? It’s SO. GOOD.

  79. Julie says

    I love book review day! Some of my most favorite books are ones I got out of your reader comments. Including ‘The Last House on the Street’/Diane Chamberlain. I hadn’t heard of it, but a number of your readers recommended and WOW. I just started and it is SO good. Historical fiction but interchanged with modern day stories, kind of like Kelly Rimmer’s books. Highly recommend.

    Do you know if the Bose ear buds pair well with Apple devices? My husband is looking for a new pair and I’m interested in trying these. But I’d like if they are easy to use with his iPhone and such.

    Have a great weekend!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Andrew is OBSESSED WITH THEM!!! He has two pairs and wears them every single day. He personally does not love Airpods (I do!), but loves these!

  80. Erin Rivers says

    I read Book Lovers by Emily Henry yesterday (yes, all in one day) and I already want to go back through it again. I laughed, I cried and I got fully wrapped up. It’s not one I will get over anytime soon.

  81. Laura says

    You should read The Dry! It’s your type of thriller- not too scary but keeps you turning pages.

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