Hip, hip, hooray, it’s BOOK DAY!
Today, we’re going to chat more about Prince Harry.
Kidding.
Today, we’re going to chat about religion.
Heaven help me, I need to read more chick lits.
One month, four books, one meaty fictional story, two memoirs and a thriller.
Let’s go girls!
(Since Nashville, I literally cannot get that dang Shania Twain song out of my head.)
Book #1 this month was…
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
Okay, this was my kind of thriller: suspense but no gore. It did keep me up at night though and one time, Erika called me during the day, and I told her I was reading because I could no longer read this book at night…BUT…I enjoyed it!
This is the tale of a bunch of women that live in one neighborhood (all very accomplished) and a lawyer who is helping them with a legal issue concerning the death of a neighbor while simultaneously considering moving in. Throw in some “Stepford” husbands and a fire and you have yourself a meaty little mystery.
A fun little read! I liked it!
Book #2 this month was…
(not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living by Mark Greenside
You know how much I love, love, love those French books about life in France (I’m obsessed!), so I read another one, BUT this one is written by an American man. Awwww! So fascinating! Every other Francophile book I’ve consumed over the last 20+ years has been from a female perspective, but this one was from a man who has been living part time in France for the last 20 years. He was funny, very detailed and an excellent story teller. He mentioned so many things that none of the other books ever addressed. Where they discuss parenting, beauty rituals and setting an effortless table, he discussed driving directions, how to get repairs done in your home when you’re not a native Frenchman, and finding a community as a man living in small town France. He’s witty, he’s funny, it made me chuckle to read about him trying to do life in France as an American man.
Book #3 this month was…
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
My friend Shanna and I are constantly discussing books, so when she tells me to read something, I read it. Shanna didn’t just encourage me to read this novel, she told me that she cannot imagine this book here not being in her top three by the end of the year. Whoa. I read it.
Here’s the deal…I need to read it again. Why? Because I was to nervous when I read it the first time.
Here is the convo between Shanna and me:
Me: I saw the cover and along with the title, this sounds scary.
Shanna: It’s not scary.
Me: It sounds scary. Is it scary?
Shanna: No, it’s not scary.
(Five minutes later…)
Shanna: Okay, online it says it’s a “suspenseful” book. It’s not. I don’t know why it says that?
Me: Are you lying so that I read a really good scary book?
Shanna: No. It’s as suspenseful as Where the Crawdads Sing. So, not very suspenseful at all.
Me (cautiously): Okay, I’ll read it.
Spoiler alert: Shanna was right. It feels suspenseful as you’re reading it. It feels like at any moment some bad guy is going to jump out, but they don’t. She was right. I need to read this through though a second time because the first time I read it, I was SO TENSE. Bahahaha!
Did I like the book? Yes! Did I love, love, love it? Pretty much 😉 . I thought it was really interesting…complicated (I didn’t agree with a whole lot of what the main character was up to), very original and to sum it up, the whole book really is about grace. I mean, towards the end, I was reading this completely fictitious story about a man living in the woods with his young daughter and yet felt like I was reading a really good Bible lesson on grace and how it’s not earned, you can only accept it. For those of you who love Redeeming Love (and I know SO MANY OF YOU DO), you’ll like this one too. Completely not Biblical but very grace-filled. It has a nice moral and is very thought-provoking. Would I do what he did? I don’t know. I suggest you all read this one. And no, it’s not scary 🙂 .
Book #4 this month was…
Bad Mormon by Heather Gay
Agh. So, yeah. I watch The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and have been hearing one of the main cast members talk about her new book, Bad Mormon and well, I was super intrigued.
It was FASCINATING.
I know, I know, I know…it’s one person’s perspective, and she certainly doesn’t represent an entire religious group, but I thought it was very interesting, and I could not put it down. I can guarantee that if you’re a member of the LDS church, you’ll hate it. If you’re not, you might really like it. This is her memoir going back to childhood all the way through present day as she’s now decided to leave the church.
Whew!
That’s what I read!
Okay, NOW I NEED CHICK LIT FOR MY SPRING BREAK VACATION PLEASE! Nothing heavy, nothing controversial, nothing scary, just some good old fashioned chick lit for my trip please! I would love your recs in the comment section.
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.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2022 (all 60 of them), click here.
That wraps up Book Day!
Sending you all so much love on this Tuesday!
I’ll see all of you back here tomorrow for the first day of MARCH! xx
JoAnn Campbell says
The First Mistake by Sandie Jones!
Elspeth Mizner says
I love a good book review day! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Amy says
When in Rome
https://www.amazon.com/When-Rome-Novel-Sarah-Adams/dp/0593500784/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10CECG6I6N517&keywords=when+in+rome+novel&qid=1677585113&s=book
The Meeting Point
https://www.amazon.com/Audible-The-Meeting-Point/dp/B0BJQ9SFLW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2REDAICG5CXOM&keywords=the+meeting+point&qid=1677585152&s=books&spre
The Man I Never Met
https://www.amazon.com/Man-Never-Met-Novel/dp/B09VMM6M9X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13O65TGCLIHY7&keywords=the+man+I+never+met&qid=1677585192&s=audible&sprefix=t
I enjoyed all of these this year! I hope the links work!
Maria says
I’m intrigued by that memoir. Thanks for the recommendation. I just finished The Social Climber by Amanda Pellagrino. I loved the wealthy NYC tones of the book it was a quick read. I really enjoyed Type Cast by Andrea Stein. Such a cute chick lit book about a teacher whose ex boyfriend writes a screenplay about their relationship.
Amy Heinl says
I would strongly encourage you to read anything by VIOLA SHIPMAN. These stories are beautifully written rom com with such rich characters that make you feel like you want to be best friends with. There are so many pearls of wisdom in the stories that I often end up highlighting them and often quote them. Two good ones to start with are The Edge of Summer and The Charm Bracelet. I guarantee if you read on of his books you will want to read them all.
Ginger says
I just finished The Edge of Summer and really liked it. It is partially set in the Ozarks, where I live, so I could really relate with some of the things in there.
Toni:0) says
Yes! I agree 100% about this author. I loved Clover Girls and all the Michigan references. Great story teller and just a great book about friendship.
Eileen says
I just finished The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel. I loved it! Great characters. Currently reading Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes . . . also good!
Erin Rivers says
I really enjoyed The Sweet Spot too
Sara McQueen says
Just finished Someone Else’s Shoes. Also recommend!
Jessica says
Just finished Someone’s Else’s Shoes yesterday and really enjoyed it.
Liz says
I’m listening to Someone Else’s Shoes. So good.
Janette says
The Paris Libray
I decided in February that it will probably be my book of the year.
Erin Rivers says
I’m sitting at the library right this second and just added this to the pile. Sounds like a GOOD one!
Erika Slaughter says
What a line up!! That was a good month of books!
Pamela says
You have to read Beth Moore’s memoir “All My Knotted Up Life”. SO beautifully written and so brave of her and her husband to share their story
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s on my Kindle now!!
Lee Ann says
I’m listening to it now! She’s the narrator so I so badly wanted to listen to it!
Jessica says
I also just started it. I love it when the author reads it. It makes it so much better.
Erin says
I just finished reading Ten Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan and ohhhhhh my heart, I am STILL not over it 2 days later!! PERFECT rom-com/chick lit. I honestly think it’s the best book I’ve read in a very long time. All the tears and all the laughs and allllll the feels. The rest of the books I’ve read lately have been based on your recommendations so I don’t have anything else at the moment…..thank you thank you, though, for The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post rec! That’s not anything I would normally read and I had no idea what I was really getting into but that was one FASCINATING book!! WOW!
Maddie Buckner says
Read Maame by Jessica George. It’s amazing! If it isn’t my #1 for the year, I’ll be shocked! It’s so sweet. It gave me all the happy feelings!
Kristen says
Ooh good to know! just picked this up from the library yesterday!
Erin Rivers says
I enjoyed this one too! It was different from what I expected but I really liked it!
Elizabeth says
Reading this one now, and I love it. I want a mani-pedi to match the book too!
Kris says
Reading this right now and can’t put it down! Sooo good
Sheaffer says
The weather today is supposed to be so nice! That’s all I got.
Mix and Match Mama says
Just gorgeous, right?! 😉
DeAnn says
That sounds like a promising book title, lol!
Patty says
I look forward to your book review comments every single month, Shaeffer! Thanks for starting my day with a smile!
sandi says
Sheaffer just makes us all laugh on book review day!
Kelli says
I’m so excited about your recs today!!! I have the perfect spring break chick lit book for you. I finished it yesterday and was so excited to share it! The Layover by Lacie Waldon…flight attendants, a tropical location, and a sweet story! A beachy, breezy read! 😎🌴🌊
Kelli says
Also Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is also a light, endearing book!
Jen says
The Lovelight Farms trilogy by BK Borison would be a good palate cleanser for you! LOL Or at least read the first one!
Shelley H says
I really liked the Husbands too! Here are some Chick Lit books I think you would love for spring break!
Jojo Meyes new book- Someone Else’s Shoes, the Reunion by Kayla Olson, Nora Goes off Script and the Rewind.
All cute and fun and you will fly through them!
Taylor Burton says
You should read someone else’s shoes by Jojo Moyes! I loved every minute of it. It would be perfect for spring break.
Liz says
Loved these silent woods!
Dena says
Yay! Love Book Review Day! I already have my Kindle loaded with some previous recommendations for my flight to London. Can’t wait to see what others recommend for Chick-Lit because I need some of that in my life too.
Julie says
Did you know that ‘The Husbands’ is going to be a movie??? Starring Kristin Wiig. I’m especially excited as Chandler Baker is writing the script!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did not know that! I think she’ll be FABULOUS as the lead!!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
You’ve got to read Set on You!! It’s a great rom-com book about a fitness influencer who meets a guy at her gym that she cannot stand–you get the point. SO CUTE!! I’ve made a few of my friends read it and they really enjoyed it!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kym says
I’ve always got way more books on my “I should read that” list than I’ll ever have time for, but I love adding new titles! These Silent Woods is going on my list and I’m headed to my library website right now to check for it. Thanks for the recommendation!
DeeAnn says
Love your reviews! For recent chick lit I’ve read and really enjoyed, When in Rome by Sarah Adams (loved the setting of a small town outside of Nashville, loved the two main characters, definitely more PG) and Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn. Spring break is definitely the time for some happy chick-lit.😉
Sara McQueen says
Yes! Georgie, All Along for sure!!!
Carolyne says
Loved When in Rome. Laughed out loud and stayed up to finish it!
Abby S Maretsky says
Not quite chick lit, but def a light read – Maame by Jessica George was really good,
AND I just saw there is a new JoJo Moyes out, but I haven’t read it yet.
Happy Reading!
K.K. says
Love these posts so much!!! Throwing a little book club mention in… 😉
Thanks so much, Shay!
Melissa B. says
Meet You In the Middle by Devon Daniels is cute chick lit.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is not chick lit, but excellent!
Stacey says
My new favorite author is Lucy Score. All of her books are fabulous. But you should start with Things We Never Got Over and then read the 2nd book in the series Things We Hide From the Light. Both are amazing. Definitely longer books and PG-13+, but I promise worth every minute! 😊
Allison says
I came here to say this too!! The books make you want to not move until you finish them!
Karah Stracener says
I LOVED Things We Never Got Over. It was so good!!
Taylor says
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan was so good!
Lauren says
I just finished “Funny You Should Ask” by Elisa Sussman this morning, and I loved it. I had no background on it going in and just saw it as Available on my library app. It’s inspired by a famous GQ article about Chris Evans and another about Tom Hiddleston where he is photographed hugging his interviewer… and the story is told via multiple ways. So good!
Ashley says
This is one of my all time favorites!!!
Paula says
I just finished Archer’s Voice. SO GOOD!!!
Therese says
The new JoJo Moyes book, “In Someone Else’s Shoes” was my most recent chick lit delight! Perfect for reading on a plane or poolside!
DeAnn says
Oooh love these posts! Here are some chick lit recs I enjoyed recently…
Paris is always a good idea by Jenn McKinlay
Good for You by Camille Pagan
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Anne says
The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook! Super cute fiction set in London.
Julie says
Sarah Addison Allen – any of her books are perfect for Spring Break reading. . . .or reading any time! I’ve read all of them and wish I’d made them last a little longer. You’ll love any of her books!
Connors Rita says
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Courtney says
Second this one!
Laura says
A suspenseful book that is not scary is The Villa by Rachel Hawkins – reminded me a little of Daisy Jones and the Six
Three Sisters by Heather Morris – this is the author wrote The Tatooist of Auschwitz – I liked that this one told the story of what life was like after surviving a concentration camp and how difficult it was to return the place you left and to start a new life.
Maame – I’m currently reading this one so I’m not sure what I’ll say at the end but so far I really like it!
Chick lit –
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Meyers was lighthearted but with a little meat.
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren – not their usual book but I really liked it! It was an easy read.
Good For You by Camille Pagan – I liked this one too and also very easy read
Shannan Arsenault says
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife – Ashley Winstead, not scary although the title sounds like it would be.
Hold my Girl – Charlene Carr (Canadian author not sure if you can get this in US)
Erin H. says
LOVE that you watch RHOSLC. I’m so conflicted on buying her book… I want to read it, but I’m still SO ANNOYED about the whole black eye thing from the season that I’m not sure I can. hahahaha. I still need some time to get past the season I guess. Ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Who do you think did it?? Jen? Do we think Jen? Agh! It’s driving me crazy! I want to know. Bahahaha!
Erin H says
It has to be Jen, right?! It’s the only plausible explanation for her BIZARRE behavior. I caught a Watch What Happens Live and even Andy thinks it was Jen. Ha.
Mix and Match Mama says
It has to be Jen!
Jill says
Had to be Jen…right?
Mix and Match Mama says
I mean…if it had been a producer or some off camera person, they would have been arrested for assault, right? It has to be Jen.
Lindsey Peddicord says
Currently reading The Housemaid’s Secret. So good!!
I also wanted to say, I have read your reviews for years & years and always wondered how you read so many books each month!!
I would be kind of jealous when I saw how other people could read so much. BUT
Last year I decided to start reading more and now I’m happy to say I read about 2-3 books a month! Never did I ever think I would be able to do that. My kids are almost 5 and 7 now so I think it took getting through the early years to finally making my self care and hobbies a priority. It feels so good!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES, YES, YES!!!!! I love this, Lindsey! Your comment made my afternoon! Good for YOU!
Kate says
Yes to The Housemaids Secret but read The Housemaid first. Now these are thrillers but not scary. I recently discovered this author, Frieda McFadden. So when you want some thrillers with plot twists check her out!
Kit says
This is WONDERFUL!!! I’m in the same boat with kiddos the same age. Shay also inspired me so much in this way and YES it feels so good!! Happy reading!! <3
Kat says
You should definitely read Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny. It’s the perfect chick lit.
Jacquelyn Jenkins says
Before We Were Strangers is a really good rom-com with a little more meat by Renee Carlino. Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr. Not quite finished, but so far, it’s been amazing and sucks you right in! Has a little bit of WW2 mixed with present day mixed with the arts scene. Can’t wait to see how it ends!
Your book reviews are my favorite posts each month!
Elizabeth says
Just finished Exes and O’s by Amy Lea and it is chick lit gold. Quick read, fun premise, slow burn romance, not too smutty.
Sara says
I’ll recommend The Littlest Library again, I just know you will love it! It’s a hallmark movie in a book, set in England. Such great characters!
Aparna says
Hello Shay! These silent woods going in my TBR pile now! I read 2 good books this month which I think you had recommended earlier….Float Plan (so good! Really enjoyed reading about sailing though I’m not into sailing) and Book lovers ( which was good but a tad slow I thought)
Looking forward to reading some good books in march while on our family vacation to Thailand!
Laura C says
I need some book recommendations for my beach vaca next week!! And go………………………………
Love all of your fashion and makeup ideas, recipes and book recommendations!! Gosh, guess I just love it all!!
Thanks for always making my day a little brighter.
Laura says
My favorite books about living in France are by Peter Mayle (he’s British) and David Liebowitz (American). They are laugh-out-loud funny, especially David’s The Sweet Life in Paris and L’Appart – both about him moving to Paris, buying a house and then renovating said house. Highly recommend!
Courtney says
The only DL book I’ve read is The Perfect Scoop! 😆🍦 The Sweet Life in Paris sounds fun!
joanne says
These sound so good; I’m like that with books that “look” scary too. I am such a wuss that I’m often afraid to give it a go because I always imagine them to be way worse.
Laura Holmes says
My first thought when I saw the These Silent Woods cover was that looks scary! So funny. Those of us that do not like true suspense… I might be able to read it now that you have sworn nothing scary happens, but I’m leaning more towards the French book!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nothing scary happens. I promise you! I told Shanna yesterday that I’m going to need to read it again.
Paula Werner says
You should try the audio book version if you are wanting to reread This Silent Woods. The voice of the narrator is phenomenon. I think you would get a hold new experience out of the book.
sandi says
I’ve been sitting at work all day knowing it was book review day and could not break away to read it and the comments thoroughly. So many good recommendations today from your fellow readers.
Reading two books currently:
Code Name Helene (there were several holds on it at the library but I finally got it) and like you said in your review it is GOOD!
I Like My Coffee Black which is also endearingly good!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!! Two excellent reads!!
Brittany Thomas says
I have heard great things about The Lion’s Den by Katherine St. John. Half way through and enjoying the warm setting, chick-lit, with a twist!
Jennifer Whitten says
Try The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews. It came out in 2021, but somehow I just now found it and it’s a great, easy to read chick lit option for Spring Break.
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Thanks, Shay, I just started The Husbands! I love a thriller!
Beth Moore’s memoir is on its way to me, and I loved Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks. It has a little suspense, but I promise it isn’t scary, and no one will actually jump out! 😄 I think you’d like it! The rest of the books I’ve read recently have either been recommended by you or were scarier thrillers. I won’t recommend those! Ha!
I also finished Scarlet Hiltibidal’s Anxious study this month (a Lifeway study), and that was fabulous. ❤️
Wendy Walker says
I grew up with the author of These Silent Woods 🙂 I just finished that book and loved it too! Excited to read her other one.
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! That’s so cool! Spoiler alert, it’s not scary 🙂 .
Carolyn H says
Finlay Donovan series!
Thank You For Listening (Julia Whelan)
The Guncle
Cami Harris says
I find it really sad as a Christian woman you would read a book bashing another Christian religion. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I could never bring it to my self to read a negative book towards Catholics, Protestants, or any other religion. Don’t we all have one common goal? To become more like Christ? I don’t get how her book could be uplifting?
Mix and Match Mama says
Our faiths are not the same, and as someone who is curious about your faith, I read the book. I found it very interesting.
Kelly Turk says
Good for you, Shay!
I’m glad you didn’t offer a big explanation to this woman’s sad feelings! You did not even say anything that negative about her religion! You even noted
“it’s one person’s perspective, and she certainly doesn’t represent an entire religious group!”
I am going to reply to her as well. Perhaps not as supportive😬 I’m glad to see that you don’t let people get you down, Shay!
You have so many wonderful followers and lovers of your book reviews! {Me included!}
I look forward to your reviews every month. And everyone knows that book/reading choices are so subjective and personal. To this woman, Shay is just giving us a bit of information about the book, she’s not giving us her personal journey of her faith and her relationship with the Lord!
Keep on doing what you do so well, Shay! So many of your fans appreciate it!
Kelly says
Dear Cami,
I don’t think your comment was a helpful one for anyone on here!
What you actually did is make non-mormon women desire to read that book even MORE! You actually elevated the interest and the curiosity level of book lovers reading this review!
Shay does a lovely job reviewing a wide variety of books to her audience. She did not disrespect your religion. She was simply providing a brief summary of the book. That review didn’t mean she thinks your religion is one way or another!
You are the one that sent a comment to Shay that was not Christ-like.
I didn’t see where Shay wrote that the book was not uplifting, was negative, or that it bashed other religions???
I believe that you are so used to finding fault with people that question The Latter Day Saints religion, you automatically assumed that Shay was doing so! She was not.
However, since you brought it up, Cami…..
I have a responsibility to let you know ( as one follower of God to another) Jesus was very clear when He wrote to us in the Bible,
Deuteronomy 12:32
“Whatever I command you, be careful to do;
you should not add or take away”(from the Bible)”
and Deuteronomy 13: 1
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and the prophet says
‘Let us follow other gods’ you must not listen or worship to the words of that prophet”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints HAS ADDED TO the Bible.
They do have false prophets. The Mormon faith added another book to the Bible! The Book of Mormon! Written by Joseph Smith! Not a prophet, not in the Bible, just a historical man that had a dream and a vision!
Shay has reviewed a book that tells the truth.
The truth about this false religion with a false book that was added to the Bible. Exactly what God told us in Deuteronomy not to do, not to believe. Please, if you are a member of The Church of Jesus, please research all the false teachings and seek the true God with all your heart and all your mind.
Theresa says
I just finished “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and your review was spot on. Somehow that Octopus just works😎
Chrissy says
Did you know “Dear Edward” was turned into a tv show that’s currently airing on Apple+?? Connie Britton is in it!
Mix and Match Mama says
I saw the preview!! I kept telling Andrew that the book was in my Top Three in 2021 and I believe his exact quote was “that looks depressing”. It was SO GOOD!!!!
Lisa D. says
I just finished The Whittiers by Danielle Steel. I’ve never read anything by her but LOVED it!
Shannon says
I hope you didn’t believe a word Heather Gay says! I am a Mormon. I go to church each week, I go to the temple, I serve on my calling each week. I have watched the show and am always shocked at the way she has interpreted EVERYTHING! She either had a very messed up family which is possible in any religion or she is just lying to be salacious. It’s one thing to not choose to live the way someone is brought up and another to misrepresent a whole religion and act like we are something we are not! As you can tell it has been driving me a bit crazy!😂
Valerie Stults says
Love your book recommendations!!! Just finished the Soulmate Equation and the Good Girl Complex!!! Quick fun reads!!!!
Deena says
I always love reading your book reviews! I don’t really read chick lit other than a couple you recommended over the years but you’d like The Gown by Jennifer Robson if you haven’t read it (it’s fictional but about the making of Princess Elizabeth’s gown) from 2019. Another one I often recommend is Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan (there’s also a movie on Netflix). Not a vacation read but am amazing true story.
Maria Thomas says
Magnolia Parks ❤️ Ignore the cover and just start reading. The series is perfection.
Erin McGuire says
You’ve probably already read it but if not, Daisy Jones and The Six. Not bc it’s a miniseries!!! TJR wrote it in such a unique way, like you’re reading the transcript of “Behind the Band”. It was so good, couldn’t put it down!
Jackie says
Must love books and Really good, actually!
Julie says
I’m so sad that you read Bad Mormon. I hate to think of what you must think of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (my faith) now. I don’t know you but for some reason, I don’t want you to think bad of me/us, because I feel like you’re my friend in this weird cyber world. I don’t know her motivation to trash her former church, but I wish people would leave the church if they think that’s what’s best for them, and then just leave it alone. I guess it makes them feel better to be bitter and lash out. She’s certainly making a name for herself and making money. I guess I shouldn’t let it bother me, there will always be haters. A book trashing your church and faith would make your stomach hurt, I’m sure, just as this one hurts me. I just hate to see it lauded and recommended. Thank you for reading this. You’re still my friend.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh you’re still my friend too! I have several friends who are members of the LDS church, and I asked them questions about it. If anything, it’s a great conversation starter about what she says and what is accurate. I’m happy to connect with you too as a friend! You can email me anytime if you want to chat about it 🙂 . mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com
Jennifer says
I added so many of these to my library requests! I recommend Meet You In the Middle – super cute, fun chick lit,
Emily Smith says
On Your Side Today: How to Know God is Truly Good by Jeffrey Michael Smith. This book is my husband’s. It has a lot of personal stories of knowing God’s goodness even through the most difficult of circumstances.
Emily says
Nora Goes Off Script has been my favorite chick-lit book of the year so far! Quick and easy read with a sweet ending.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that one!! It was one of my favorite reads last year!!
Ashley says
I just finished Swear On This Life by Renee Carlino and fell in love with it. There are some heavier moments to the book but it is SO good. I loved it so much. I laughed and cried!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I read that one in 2021 and LOVED IT!!!!! Oh my goodness, that one is fabulous!
Sheila Romero says
My favorite latest chick lits…. A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner, and just finished Georgie, All Along BY Kate Clayborn. Also an older Colleen Hoover – Regretting You.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you!
Lisa says
I just finished listening to the Bad Mormon audiobook (love listening to memoirs narrated by the author) and feel mixed on it. I thought the beginning about her childhood was really slow and boring, but once we got to her missionary and beyond I thought it was really interesting. Loved getting the inside scoop on what happens inside the temple and loved all the background about her marriage and how the show got started, so I while the beginning almost had me quitting, in the end I’m glad I stuck with it.
If you haven’t read (or listened to, which was what I did) “It’s Not All Diamonds and Rose” I highly recommend it. I love the learning about how all the Real Housewives franchises got started, my kind of investigative journalism haha.
Tracy says
I love your book reviews, I get my book selections from it. I love France as you do and have thought of moving there for a bit. I would love if you did a post with all of your books about France you have read. Thanks
Christal says
Lessons in Chemistry
Courtney says
You MUST read Surrender: 40 songs, one story by Bono. But don’t read it. LISTEN TO IT! Not only is the story of U2 and Bono (which heretofore I knew nothing about) absolutely fascinating but the audiobook is read by Bono, often times sung by Bono, overlayed with audio from speeches, concerts, sound effects. It’s a whole experience and totally incredible!
Niki says
Yay! Love book review day! Not a chick flick, but I just finished The Last Bookshop In London and thought of you. So good!
Jayne says
A few that I’ve enjoyed recently are Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan and Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman as well as anything by Portia MacIntosh.
Kelly Turk says
I sent in a lovely comment about your book reviews and it never was published on your blog! The message after hitting send it must be reviewed I think? What are you pre-reading your comments for before publishing? Is very offended that my comment was not published on your post! Can you tell me why not?
Mix and Match Mama says
All of my comments are reviewed, and yours was lovely…but I didn’t blog last week and didn’t read or reply or publish any comments at all for 9 days straight. It wasn’t personal, I was on vacation 😉 . You’ll see them published now as I’m back to work.
Sarah says
Recommend the herbalist by heather morrison-tapley. Chick lit set in England
Christy says
Ionia Iverson’s Rules for Commuting was a favorite