Happy, happy Monday, friends!
Guess what? I have EXACTLY what your Monday morning needs…it’s my JUNE BOOK REVIEW!
Okay, you know how last month, I really thought I hit it out of the ballpark…
…well guess what? Take those eight books above and now add these six below because so far this summer, I have read THE BEST BEACH BOOKS!
Thanks to all of your suggestions, I have read so many cute, light, happy and summery books! This month, I read six books…five of them would fall into the “chick lit” category and one would fall into the “ways to make your life a bit more inspired” category.
If you have a vacation coming up, a pool to sit next to, a flight to catch or just a lazy afternoon on your patio, here are the books you need to read starting with…
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Well, this one was just adorable. Two years ago, I reviewed her book Beach Read and found it just okay…but this novel here, I thought was SO CUTE!
This is a fictional story about a literary agent who winds up in a small North Carolina town with her pregnant sister for a three week vacation and…low and behold, someone she does not like professionally (he’s in publishing) is in the same small town too for the summer. I mean…could that be set up more perfectly for my Hallmark-loving heart or what?! This book checks all of my boxes: adorable characters, charming town, cozy bookstore, a little mystery woven in, and a whole lot of love. Plus bonus, so many great references to book writing and publishing too. This novel is rated R, so if you’re sensitive to that, please be aware before you buy. When I’ve been asked recently by friends which book they should pick up for their next vacation, this one keeps being the one I recommend. It’s just light, happy and cute. Who doesn’t need more of that right now?!
Next up…
Meant to Be by Emily Giffin
I have a mixed review on this novel here. I really love Giffin’s older books (Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof…), but the ones I’ve read from her in recent years just haven’t stacked up to those from ten plus years ago. I thought this novel was okay. It’s a fictitious story about a man whose life mirrors that of real life JFK Jr and his girlfriend who is not “a Kennedy”. Giffin talks about the plot and why she wrote a book very loosely based on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette at the end of the book in the acknowledgement section, and it stems from just a curiosity/fascination with the couple, but for me, it made her novel a bit too predictable. This book was just okay for me. The female lead frustrated me, and I never really connected with her as I read. I don’t know…it wraps up well at the end without leaving you hanging in any way (which I loved!), but I just didn’t enjoy this one nearly as much as I did her older books. I would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read this one too! I thought the most interesting part of the book was her childhood, but some of the current day portions just fell a little flat for me. Am I crazy? Did you love it? I would love to know! Also, this novel is rated R as well.
Living the Simply Luxurious Life by Shannon Ables
I read Shannon Ables first book last month and loved it so much that I immediately dove into her second book. If you listen to her podcast or follow her blog, then you know that she is the queen of encouraging simple and yet luxurious living every day. I love to read a few pages of her books in the morning after I finish my Bible study because I find her ideas for living well practical, simple to implement, motivating and always seasonal. I don’t read many “self-help” books but her books help my self 😉 . If you just need some motivation in your every day life, some ways to make whatever season you’re in a bit more elevated, significant, and meaningful, read these books. I promise that you will finish each chapter encouraged and motivated to live your best life every single day.
Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
The first page of this novel had me sucked in. Oh my word, if you just want an easy, laugh out loud, super cute beach read, here it is. This is the story of a Cape Cod woman whose husband leaves her for a younger woman…and then, the chapters start to toggle back and forth between her perspective and that of the new wife. You guys, this is adorable. This woman is scorned. Her husband leaves her, her son is going off to college, her whole life has crumbled and she’s not taking it well. Then…flip over to the next page where…the new wife quickly realizes the grass isn’t necessarily greener with another woman’s husband. Super fun, easy to read, lots of laughter, delicious food references, a cute little Cape Cod setting…the perfect recipe for a fantastic beach book!
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Well after I finished the last page of this book, I immediately texted three people I know who also read a ton and told them all to read this one. I was shocked to learn that this is the debut novel of this author. It’s written like a seasoned pro of chick lit. This is the story of a 13 year old girl whose parents buy a lake house a few hours from her life in the city…and it just so happens to be next door to two brothers who live there year around. That’s chapter one. Chapter two is present day. Chapter three is the summer she’s fourteen. Chapter four is present day. And so on and so on until the chapters meet up. I flew through this book. I could not put it down. I was obsessed. In fact, I stayed up until 1:00 AM to finish it one night because it wasn’t predicable enough for me to know how it was going to end (and I HAD to know!). This one is also Rated R but geez, it has substance. This was the perfect blend for me of light and summery with a dash of heaviness and real. A must read this summer.
And finally…
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
My favorite author wrote a novel loosely based on my favorite hotel…and I did not like it.
Sigh.
I will say, the first third, I absluletly hated, but it did improve a bit after that.
Here’s the deal. I love Elin Hilderbrand. I love her so much. If her publisher is out there looking at her analytics and trying to find her demographic, IT’S ME! I do not think it’s humanly possible to find a more “Elin Hilderbrand” consumer than Shay Shull. I am 40. I am a voracious reader. I prefer chick lit. I’m obsessed with Nantucket to the point that I now go there multiple times a year. There is no one more “quintessential Elin Hilderbrand” than me. So the fact that her last TWO novels have contained a ghost as a primary character BLOWS MY FREAKING MIND.
Whhhhhhhhhhhhy do we now have ghosts in all of her books?
Why?
Last year, Golden Girl had a ghost (you can read my review HERE) that I also didn’t enjoy, but I will say that ghost was a relevant part of the book. This ghost? This ghost was not important AT ALL. I just can’t do a ghost in my chick lit. I just can’t. This is a novel about the cast of characters that work at The Hotel Nantucket (which is a fictitious version of the lovely The Nantucket Hotel & Resort) and honestly, I thought the portions of the book about them, their relationships with each other/their significant others was really on point for a great chick lit book…but this dang ghost was just not a necessary part of the plot, so it ruined the whole book for me. I’m going to quote a ghost now…boo. I waited all year for her newest book about my favorite place and well, it was not my fave.
And that my friends, wraps up my JUNE BOOK REVIEW post!
What did you think? What are your thoughts? You ladies have been NAILING the book recs this summer! I am just so grateful to you all because, thanks to you, I’ve read some amazing summer novels! What do I read next? Please 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! Sending you all so much love on this Monday! xx
Susan Jeffries says
I love your book reviews! I am currently reading Every Summer After and its fabulous! I can’t put it down! I will be adding a couple of your suggestions to my July list! I just downloaded our library app so I can listen to books while I drive too! Thank you!
Christy Trevett says
Your review of Hotel Nantucket is as if you peeked inside my brain and copied my exact thoughts. I finished it yesterday. Ugh. I still have no idea why a ghost as the main character was a thing. It baffled me. I was so glad when it was over. And I’m like you- in general a HUGE Hilderbrand fan.
Eileen says
I loved Every Summer After. I couldn’t put it down and read it in 2 days. Another favorite this summer has been Lessons In Chemistry. So good!
Sarah T says
Lessons in Chemistry^^ – YESSSSSS
Jennibell says
I just loaded that one today!!
Rayne says
I loved lessons in Chemistry too!
Elspeth says
I love book review days! They always give me such great suggestions!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kristen Thompson says
I LOVED Meant to Be and read it in like 2 days but everyone has their own opinions! I am currently reading The Hotel Nantucket and not loving it either. My favorite beach book is probably The Bungalow by Sarah Jio. It takes place in Tahiti and toggles between present day and WWII. A girl on vacation finds a little bungalow and slowly discovers the history that occured there! I couldn’t stop reading that one! Enjoy your summer reading!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t read that one! Looking it up now!!
Susanne says
The Bungalow is one of my favorites too!😍
Becky says
The Bungalow is one of my favorite books too! It’s so good!
Margaret says
Loved The Bungalow too!
Kelli says
I loved Sarah Jio’s With love, from London! I just requested The Bungalow from my library!!
Kristen Thompson says
Ahh with love from london was good too! Have you read All the Flowers in Paris by her as well? So good!
Kelli says
I haven’t , but it’s on my TBR list!
Danielle says
The Bungalow is one of my favorite books!! Such a great summer read.
Dana says
I loved The Bungalow!!
Taylor says
Every summer after was AMAZING!!! Seriously-my favorite book this summer by far. I can’t recommend it enough.
To me book lovers was good-but it felt soooo long. So I took off a star for that reason. I also can’t believe it’s already your June book review. This year is going by too quickly!!
Jenn says
We read from the exact same pool of books this month! Five of yours were also five of mine and I agree with you COMPLETELY. Grace the Ghost just totally pulled Elin’s book from being a fave to being a dud. Every Summer After was perfection.
Now it’s time for you to read The Nothing Man! So good!
Jennifer Goodwin says
Have you read any of Trish Doller’s books? I’m reading The Suite Spot now, but I loved her book Float Plan. Also, I have a show for you that I watched in one day- The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime TV. It’s based on Jenny Han’s book and it is the PERFECT beachy summer show. You have to watch it, but be warned: there are only like eight episodes, so then you’re going to want to scream.
Jenn Workman says
Jennifer,
I just discovered that show as well…and I love that it was filmed where I live/my hometown (Wilmington, NC)! Can’t wait to binge it.
Amy Heinl says
I loved the Summer I turned pretty…it was so good and they just renewed it for season 2
Jenn says
I should also add that I just got back from a girls trip to Nantucket. Ate at many of your recommendations and loved them all! So glad you post trip highlights because it made dinner decisions easssssy! Wish you’d never mentioned the Juice Bar though- we went there the first night and then returned every day! 🤣
Sonja says
I am reading Every Summer After right now. It started slowly, but I read 100 pages by the pool yesterday and put it down to go to bed! I am excited to read more of it, and maybe finish it, today by the pool! I love it!!!!!
Ashley says
Loved Every Summer After! And I went looking for more of her books and was also surprised to find that this was her first!
Kaitlyn Walsh says
So fun to see Every Summer After in your book review list! The author is from my hometown and where the story takes place- Barry’s Bay, ON Canada! So glad you enjoyed it! 😊💛
Dana P says
That cracks me up about the ghost! I saw her new book when I was out and about the other day and was like, nope!! After her last one, I’m a little afraid of her newer books now. I’m not a quintessential EH fan, but I do love to read them on trips. I haven’t read the ghost ones, but your reviews have convinced me to stay away!
Erika Slaughter says
What a round up!! Anything in that line up not so Hallmark-y? Asking for a friend. 😉
Jayne says
Erika, I read Stay Awake by Megan Goldin and it’s such a good psychological thriller. It comes out in August. A couple of other good ones are All Her Little Secrets by Wanda Morris and Cover Story by Susan Rigetti, Definitely nothing Hallmark-y about these!
Mary says
I don’t think “Meant to Be” is that hallmark-y…. If you were ever remotely interested in the Kennedys, I think you’ll like it💕
Carly says
I’m sure you’ve answered this before but what are your favorite Elin books? If you’re looking for a post, compiling all your reviews of her books would be of interest to me! Everytime I start a new one of hers I try and track down your review 🤭
Mix and Match Mama says
The Blue Bistro, The Identicals, and 28 Summers!
Deena says
I also loved 28 Summers and The Identicals! I need to read the Blue Bistro. I keep seeing it pop up as a good one!
Gianna says
Just got back from my honeymoon to Bora Bora (which your agency planned for us!! Xo) & the whole time reading Elin’s new book I kept thinking, Shay is not going to like this ghost 🤪. Totally agreed. Thanks for the recommendations!
Mix and Match Mama says
Woohoo!!! I hope you had the BEST time!!!
Susanne says
I always appreciate when you include a rating. Can you tell me please why you rated Every Summer After as you did? Language? Sex? Just curious. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Both! It doesn’t have violence or abuse in it, but it does contain sexual content and strong language.
Sheaffer says
A ghost? I’M OUT. That seems so dumb. Too bad though, because I totally would have read it otherwise.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m laughing out loud. OUT LOUD!
Tina says
The Hotel Nantucket was our book club June selection, I just finished it last night. I loved it. I thought it was a charming story. I am adding some of your other books to my list! It will be interesting to hear the opinions of my book club ladies.
Andee says
I love book review day!! I created a post with my all time favorite beach reads and #1 is THE best and one I have actually reread – it’s that good.
Lisa says
I always look forward to your book reviews. One recommendation I have not stopped thinking about since I read the last page is Verity by Colleen Hoover. Definitely a page turner!
Mix and Match Mama says
I didn’t enjoy that one, but I know many people did!
Natalie says
Me neither! Just finished it last night. I especially did not like how it ended. And totally overkill on the sexual content!🙄
Mary says
I haven’t read Verity but I don’t know if I recall a book that has such extreme opposite reviews; people either love it or hate it… strongly!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s the only book I’ve ever reviewed (and I think I’ve reviewed over 400 now) that I’ve called stupid 😉 .
Laura says
I felt the same way about the Hotel Nantucket. I really hope she’s got the ghost business out of her system and she goes back to great books. I guess we wait and see.
Thanks for the great recommendations!
Shawna says
Yay! Love book review day! Just picked up Every Summer After-can’t wait. Did you ever read Martha’s Vineyard-Aisle of Dreams? Part life story with recipes and cute drawings. I think you would love it!
Marie says
The Summer I Turned Pretty series (it’s a set of 3)by Jenny Han would be a perfect summer trilogy for you and Kensington to read together! Just finished it!
Megan says
Definitely recommend the new Amazon series of The Summer I Turned Pretty. So cute!
Michelle says
Yes, I second these. They are so good!
K.K. says
Ooh, one of my favorite days of the month! 🙂 Thanks for helping me stock my book shelves.
Christi McAnally says
I always look forward to your book reviews and loved that you released it just in time to be download before holiday travel. Going to have to bump some of these June picks to the top of my TBR list and move The Hotel Nantucket further down the list. Currently reading Reminders of Him based on your suggestion and loving it. I’m listening to and enjoying Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen on Audible. I usually have one book I’m listening to while driving, doing laundry and picking up the house and another I’m actually reading.
Dannette says
I do the exact same thing! One book I’m listening to and one I am reading!
JoAnn Campbell says
Thank you for your reviews!! Can’t wait to purchase some! You need to read The First Mistake by Sandie Jones!
Jill says
I absolutely loved Meant to Be! Every summer after is next up on my list!
Kelly Bonner says
I am currently reading Pack Up The Moon by Kristan Higgins after someone I follow on Instagram recommended it. It immediately sucked me in.
Tara Hall says
I loved Pack Up The Moon – so good!
Joanne says
I think I was okay with the ghost in the Nantucket Hotel for the reason that it wasn’t important to the story and I could kind of ignore it! LOL I definitely thought this novel felt more like her old books than Golden Girl or the trilogy set in the Virgin Islands but still fell just a tad short. I loved all the other characters though and reading about the hotel itself. Have you ever read If For Any Reason by Courtney Walsh? I thought that was a super cute chick lit set on Nantucket that I really enjoyed reading this month.
Natalie Proeber says
Every Summer After is so good. BUT, if you’ve ever read Love and Other Words – which came first, it felt like such a copy of that book. Like in my head there’s no way the author didn’t read that first and basically change a few things.
Marissa says
I’m reading Love and Other words right now, and when I was reading the review of Every Summer After, I kept having to check that it wasn’t actually Love and Other Words!
Sharon Temple says
My favorite beach reads have been “Nora Goes Off Script” by Annabel Monaghan, The Beach Trap by Ali Brady, and Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. I loved the memoir “Good Apples” by Elizabeth Passarella.
Caroline says
I do not consider myself a “reader”….I didn’t finish a single book last year. BUT, I started reading the Maisie Dobbs mystery series in May and I have read SEVEN so far!! They are all set in Britain during the early to mid 1900s. I absolutely love the series and Maisie and find myself staying up through the wee hours of the morning reading!
Highly recommend. They would also be appropriate for a young teen if they are into historical fiction.
Morie Smith says
I totally agree on Emily Giffin! I LOVED all her older books but the last few have been so meh. Meant to Be felt like she just told the JFK story but gave it a happy ending 😕 I can’t wait to read Every Summer After; it’s next on my list!
Emily Cappello says
I completely 100% agree with your review on Meant to Be. I looooved Emily Giffin’s older books as well but the last few have been blah. I kept reading this one hoping it would grab my attention but I thought it was rather boring the whole way through. I’m about to start The Hotel Nantucket and feeling so apprehensive… why must there be a ghost?! Going to give it a shot and see what happens. I love your book reviews, thanks for always sharing with us!
Liz says
Hi Shay! Thank you for your book reviews, they’re very helpful! How did Ashby do on her sleepover camp? I hope she had loads of fun. Happy Monday!
Liz
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re so sweet to ask! She isn’t home yet! I leave in 15 minutes to drive to camp to collect her. I’m so anxious to see her!!
Tracy Abraham says
We are on the same reading path this month with beach reads! Loved Book Lovers, Meant to be was so so (thought it was JFKesk but didn’t know for sure until the end) and I got the Hotel Nantucket this week from my book of the month. I will be interested to see if I come out the same as you. 😂😃
Dawn says
Just finished Every Summer after-and loved! I love EH books but don’t think I can handle the ghost. All the rest are on my TBR pile. I’m reading lost summers of Newport—not quite done but I wholly recommend.
Emily says
“I’m going to quote a ghost now…boo.” I laughed out loud!!
I’m so happy you finally read Book Lovers! Going to put a few of these on my list for July 🙂
Stephanie says
I just finished “Meant To Be “ on audiobook. The narration was fantastic, but the characters too closely resembled JFK JR and Carolyn Bessette to the point it made me uncomfortable. The main female character even resembled her physically. And then the scene with the plane, I was like COME ON!!! It was a little weird. I gave it 3 stars for narration only. A few books I have really loved are “Four Treasures Of the Sky” by Jenny Tinghui Zhang- excellent audiobook! And I’m loving the Shellseeker Beach series by Hope Holloway on Kindle Unlimited. They are set on Sanibel Island and are fun, clean and quick reads.
Amy says
Maybe I’m the lone one but I loved the Hotel Nantucket and loved thinking about the connections to the actual hotel – is it haunted (friend, of course)? What suite or room could this room or suite in the book be based on. Having been going to the Island for 40 years, I loved it
Robyn Gregory says
I LOVE Elin Hilderbrand too and always preorder her new books!! I am half way through Hotel Nantucket and it is just “eh” for me. I am with you, not loving the ghost as a main character. I am glad to hear that the second half might be better. Thanks for the reviews and recommendations.
Jessica says
I knew it!! When I started reading The Hotel Nantucket and discovered one of the characters was a ghost I said out loud “Shay is NOT going to like this!” I knew it!
Overall though, I thought the book was really good. This ghost part could’ve been completely left out and I would’ve been none the wiser.
Jody Forsee says
My favorite day each month! Just finished two from a couple of months ago – Wish You Were Here (AMAZING) and One Night on an Island (also loved). You read so many books and I’m always curious if you ever have to stop for an beat and marinate in the characters before moving on to a new book? Are the books that stay with you the ones that go to the top of your list for the year? Do you ever get your characters mixed up? Thanks for doing these each month – the best place to get my books recs!!
Amanda says
I loved Meant to Be and couldn’t put it down. I was always an admirer of John Jr and the story was intriguing.
I thought after there was an angel in Golden Girl she wouldn’t go that route again. I read 27 pages of her new book and didn’t finish it.
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes is fantastic and Summer on the Island. If you watched The Summer I Turned Pretty- great summer show on prime; then you can finish the trilogy by Jenny Han.
Linds says
I’m soaking in my summer reading. Read 8 books this month and hoping to squeeze 1 more if possible! A few I’d recommend are Shipped by Angie Hockman and Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens.
Arika says
Please tell me you let yourself sleep in after you read until 1AM and didn’t stick to your usual 4:00 wake up call!
Leigh Anne says
Love your book reviews! Just finished The Younger Wife per your recommendation and loved it!
Lisa D says
If you like historical fiction then read The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis, its terrific! Also I’ve been recommending The Nature of Fragil Things by Susan Meissner.
Susanne says
The Nature of Fragile Things! So, so good! I love Susan Meissner!
Kristen says
I absolutely loved The Magnolia Palace!!
Kelley says
If you love Fiona Davis, you should listen to the podcast, Ask A Librarian, season 1 episode 4. Fiona Davis is her guest on the episode and they chat about the Magnolia Palace. She was fascinating to listen to!
Holly says
Float Plan by Trish Dollar is so good and a great summer read! She has another book out now too that’s in my to be read stack. Sea Wife by Amity Gaige is really good too.
Thanks for the reviews – I look forward to the post and comments every month!
Mix and Match Mama says
I read Float Plan last year and loved it!! That one is super cute!!
Bailey Hill says
Have to agree with your review of The Hotel Nantucket. I was SO excited to read it…even won an early copy from Tim talks books, but really just didn’t enjoy the ghost character (again).
Anna Was says
I felt the same way about Meant to Be. I was intrigued about her childhood but really wanted her to just stand up and say what was going on! I so loved Giffin’s early books but feel the same way you do about her most recent books.
Erin Creasman says
Love your reviews and always use them to add to my list! My suggestion for you—If the Shoe Fits! It’s the first boon published by Disney for adults, modern retelling of Cinderella meets The Bachelor 😊 super cute and so many Disney connections! Highly recommend!!
Leslie S says
My favorite day of the month! I just finished Hello Summer by Mary Kay Andrews. The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak.
Shannon says
Love Elin and Nantucket…actually met her at Millie’s in Madakat. With that said every time Grace “appeared” in the book I literally had to ask myself “who is Grace again?” I honestly do not even understand ha! Loved the other characters however 🙂
Emily says
I’ve read 5/6 of these books and I did like Hotel Nantucket but agree I did not like the ghost theme. I didn’t read golden girl bc of the ghost but maybe need to go back and read it. Took me longer than normal to read one of Elin’s books. Would love more of the Lizbet/Mario storyline.
Every Summer After – such a cute book but WAY too similar to Love and Other Things by Christina Lauren. Did you read that one? Felt like I was reading the same book although not as sad.
Anna says
I also was OBSESSED with Every Summer After and just could not put it down!!! So glad you read it and loved it. Now I want to spend a summer vacation on a Canadian lake?!?!?! hahaha
Keisha Dawson says
Book Lovers was one of my favorite books for May. I loved it so much! I had a good reading month for June. The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle is a cute book roughly based on Megan and Harry and their next door neighbor when they move to Canada. The First Husband by Laura Dave was a 5 star read for me, and I have been very stingy with those lately. Such a sweet story. The Younger Wife by Sally Hempworth was wonderful, but I know you have already read that one. I finally read In Five Years which I feel like everyone read in 2020. I am finishing up the month with The Palace Papers by Tina Brown. I have been fascinated by the Royal Family since I was 12 years old, and this book has been so much fun!
Donna Cheatham says
Have you introduced Kensington to Beth Moore yet? I would suggest you start with 1 of her Personal Reflection series. 4 separate books,
Jesus, John, Paul or David. All excellent! Available on Amazon
Cassie says
Shay, When are you going to read Apples Never Fall?!? My favorite book of the year and we always have the same opinion on books. I am currently reading Hotel Nantucket (physical) and Every Summer After (audio), so it was fun to read your review of them.
Olga says
I read half of Apples Never Fall and couldn’t finish it. That hardly ever happend to me. I didn’t care for any of the characters
Liz says
Have you read Lost in Paris by Lian Dolan? I think it’s right up your alley. Give it a try. I really enjoyed it.
Jayne says
Liz, I enjoyed it too! I love a good heist and treasure hunt, and I thought the interesting life of her parents added a fascinating spin.
Marilyn Giuliano says
I have always been intrigued by JFK Jr and Carolyn. One of the best books I read about them was Fairy Tale Interrupted by Rosemarie Terenzio. A good behind-the-scenes book about them. NOT a beach read.
AngieN says
Have you read The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain? I searched your blog but did not find it listed. It is sooo good! I did not see the ending coming! Love book review day!
Janice says
Nora Goes Off Script and Lessons in Chemistry are my two most favorite books of the year so far!!
Janet Inman says
“Book Lovers” by Emily Henry was a great book. This was the first book I have read by her and will definitely be reading some more. I am disappointed to hear that Elin Hilderand’s “Hotel Nantucket” was not good. I have been so looking forward to it. I might have to put that at the bottom of my list. I always keep your book reviews and go back to it when I am ready for a book. Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Brandy T. says
Agree- Love Hilderbrand, read every book… ghosts have got to go!!
Erin Smith says
I read “Wish you were Here” recently. Amazing. My top book of the year so far.
Alison says
Oh no! I was about to start Hotel Nantucket! This makes me so sad!! Why does Elin do that?!? I have been eyeing Book Lovers, so I can’t wait to read that! I’m definitely going to add Every Summer After and Out of the Clear Blue Sky to my list to read! Love Book Review day!!
Candice says
How do you keep track of the books you read and what they are about? Do you use a book journal to record the information?
Mix and Match Mama says
I keep them listed with notes in the note section of my iPhone. I have my book notes saved all the way back to 2018 on my phone!
Kelly says
Hi Shay! I have read your blog for over a decade and your love of reading has always inspired me- so much that I wrote my first book, “Hope in the Heartache- A journey of Grace and Growth with a Special Needs Child.” I invite you and all your followers to check it out as we hope it is an encouragement to anyone who may be along an unexpected journey. Life isn’t easy, but there is always HOPE and even still JOY.
Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books) says
I’m always looking for great books to read (although I can’t read poolside because it’s a MILLION degrees outside and I sunburn like no one’s business), so I’m excited to find your blog (via Tess@Pennanen Pens). I’ve heard great things about Henry’s books. I think I need to just read them already!
Enjoy your summer reading!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Kristen says
I have recently enjoyed some great books. The Magnolia Palace was wonderful. I just finished The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan and also highly recommend it! I would say both of these are chick-lit with substance – not totally mindless!
Two that I have also loved that aren’t necessarily summery are The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice. I really hope these become a movie or TV series! I can’t get enough of the characters!
Suzanne says
I saw that The Thursday Murder Club is being made into a movie by Steven Spielberg.
Molly says
Loved The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice. Absolutely delightful characters. And great narration if you enjoy audio books.
Katie Stevens says
Why do I love reading the comments section ALMOST as much as the book review itself?! Kidding, mostly. BUT, for real. The suggestions I got just now are endless! I LOVE IT. Thanks for putting together the best review of books every month!
Jeanne says
I loved Viola Davis’s book Finding Me! Not an easy read but beautifully written!
Lisa says
Yay, book review day…. there’s always a few I need to add to my growing list! Was really hoping Hotel Nantucket was going to get a good review, boo🙃 Can’t wait to read Kristin Higgin‘s new book and loved Book Lovers as well!
Tara Hall says
I loved Pack Up The Moon – so good!
Ginny says
Some great reads this month! I know you liked My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan, so be on the lookout for her new book Thank You for Listening. I think it’s release date is early August but I read it early from NetGalley. It’s different from Oxford Year, but so fun. In real life she’s a fabulous audiobook narrator, and she ties this into the book about audiobook narrators and pokes some fun at romance audio narration. It has a lot going on with career, friendship, romance and family challenges, but was a great read!
Tracey Garvis Graves’ most recent book ‘Heard it in a Love Song’ was just ok for me, but I recently read her older release, ‘The Girl He Used to Know,’ and loved it!
(I don’t think you use Goodreads much anymore, but I’ve started putting all of my thoughts there – mostly just for myself so I remember what I read, but I read mostly your style of books.)
Happy Reading!
Angela Pino says
I just read The Last Flight by Julie Clark and could NOT put it down. I stayed up until midnight finishing it.
Melanie G says
I just finished The Last Bookshop In London. So So good!!
Lara says
Just finished Black Cake. It was one of the best books I read this year. A multigenerational story told through time and different places in the world. Highly recommend!
Jamie says
[every summer after]. i finished it a few days ago and i still can’t stop thinking about the characters. i miss them all. i wonder what they’re doing. i need [absolutely more] from this author!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wasn’t is SO GOOD?! I hope she writes many more just like it!
Najla says
Love love love your book reviews!
Debbie says
I just finished The Shoe Story recommendation by Elin Hildebrand and it seems like a book you would enjoy!
Lilly says
Just wanted to mention that Elin will be at The John Cooper School in The Woodlands,TX later this year and you can buy a ticket to meet her (if you haven’t already.)
Julie says
OMG I just finished Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin on Sunday night — I stayed up until 12:30am to find out the ending! Highly recommend.