Happy Thursday, friends!
It’s my APRIL BOOK REVIEW!
This month, I read four books. One historical fiction, one thriller, one based on true events and one chick lit…a nice variety, so hopefully, everyone will find something that speaks to them to read in May.
Spoiler alert: I LOVED THEM ALL!
Here we go, starting with BOOK #1:
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
So many of you have recommended this historical fiction to me over the last two-ish years, and I swear, it’s been sitting on my Kindle for almost as long. I’m not sure what took me so long to pick it up as it checks so many of my boxes: based in Paris, about people who love books, set during the middle of World War II, it’s about friendship and there is a little love involved.
I give this novel two BIG thumbs up!
This story toggles between 1980s America and 1940s Paris. You get a dose of both present day (-ish, I’m not sure we can count the 1980s as present day, but you get my point) and way back when. I thought the story moved quickly, I was super invested in both settings and not quite sure how they were going to all come together in the end. At first, I thought I was going to love the Paris chapters the most, but the portions set in the 1980s really grabbed my heart too. You guys, at one point, I cried! Yes! (And oddly enough, it wasn’t over the WWII parts, it was over a relationship between and daughter and her mother in the 1980s part).
I loved the main character, I loved the cheeky Parisienne references, I loved how this story weaves heavy and very serious events with a dash of hope and optimism. I loved how this really all boils down to friendship.
Loved it. Thank you for the rec!!
Next up, BOOK #2 by my lovely friend…
…Sally Hepworth 🙂 .
Oh my word, you guys, I love me some Sally!
Her newest novel…
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
…is another edge of your seat/don’t know what’s going to happen/why am I so nervous/ excellent read.
Now, in true Shay form, when I had dinner with Sally last April, I told her how I was so tired of Elin Hilderbrand including ghosts in her novels. The last two books she’s written have had ghosts. GHOSTS! Can you imagine? Sally is friends with Elin, so I was like “Sally, please tell Elin to knock it off with the ghosts”, and Sally says “Oh my gosh, Shay, my next book has a ghost in it.” Bahahahaha! Well, yes, yes is does. It’s this novel right here.
Buuuuuuut (and I’m not just saying this because I adore Sally Hepworth), SALLY’S NOVEL IS A SUSPENSEFUL READ ABOUT DEATH/MURDER/POTENTIAL CRIME/DECEPTION WHILE ELIN’S BOOKS ARE ABOUT LOVE, ROMANCE AND LOBSTER ROLLS. A dead person/ghost-type character narrating this particular book makes sense. It’s pivotal to the plot as we’re all trying to figure out “who done it and why”.
If you like a suspenseful read where you have no idea what’s going to happen, read this book. If you’re a big fat chicken when it comes to reading scary books (like me!), still read this book because it’s not frightening/gory/scary, it’s just filled with suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you stay up at night trying to figure out who’s good, who’s bad and whose side you are on.
In a nutshell (as I don’t want to give too much away), this is a fictional tale of a family of four who live in a lovely home on the edge of a cliff and well, someone falls off. Was it on purpose? Was it an accident? Is there a connection? I don’t know how she does it (she appears so normal, down to Earth, the girl next door), but Sally Hepworth is brilliant and with each and every novel, she can spin some unbelievable stuff into a book that leaves me thinking “holy cow, I did not see that coming!”. Read this one! You will LOVE IT!
So many of you, so many of my friends and even my brother strongly encouraged me to read BOOK #3…
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Awwww, you guys! I am so thankful you all did!!! By the end of the first chapter, I had purchased the paperback edition for Smith and by the end of the second chapter, Andrew had downloaded this book on audible. My family is newly smitten with the sport of rowing, so this book, based actual events, was the PERFECT read! This chronicles the men in the boat that won the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This book is so much more than just rowing though…it’s about trials and tribulations that get you places in life, about finding love and passion, about skill and determination, and it’s about Hitler and his early days of propaganda and deception as he hosted the Olympics while simultaneously hiding from the world the horrendous things he and his Nazi regime were already doing.
I loved every page. This is a book I will think about for many years to come. I am so thankful I read it at this point in my life. It was really motivational, educational (as I’m learning the sport!) and such an inspirational story. Loved it.
And finally, BOOK #4 was…
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
…a quintessential chick lit which was the PERFECT way to round out my month!
If you’re into chick lit like I am (I love it!), pick up this novel. The newest book out by Jimenez chronicles the story of two ER doctors who, of course, get off on the wrong foot only to realize maybe they should be friends. Or maybe they should pretend to be in a relationship to simplify some other issues. Oh yes, and maybe there is a kidney that needs to be donated. I mean, is that not the making of a great beach book or what? So much lightness and happiness that my chick-lit loving heart about exploded. I read this book from cover to cover in less than 24 hours while at the hospital with Ashby. It’s just delightful and so easy to read. A bit cheesy maybe and probably not super realistic, but who cares. It was happy. Who doesn’t need happy in their life right now? It is a bit rated R, so please take note, but I certainly think it’s a great and easy book that you and all of your girlfriends will be reading this summer.
That wraps up my APRIL BOOK REVIEW!
I loved this last little light read so much that I want more! Please leave recs for all of your beach books for May and summer please!
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! I’ll see you all back here tomorrow! xx
Taylor says
Have you read Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter? It was such a cute chick lit book! I even gave it five stars which is rare for me.
Tammy Calhoun says
Yes!! Loved that book too!!
Erika Slaughter says
Yay!! So glad you loved Boys in the Boat! I read it years ago and it’s one I still remember!
Tammy Calhoun says
One of my favorites too!
Peyton Cline says
West with Giraffes. It sounded like a bore when it was selected for the book club I’m in, but it was adored by all of us in the club!!!
Ellen says
Agreed! It’s quirky, but very good!
Stephanie Harris says
Yes. Great book read. Made me go to zoo to see giraffes. 99.9% kid friendly too.
Elspeth Mizner says
I loved the Paris Library and will be adding the soulmate to my reading list!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Allison says
Have you read “Life’s Too Short” by Abby Jimenez? It’s excellent!
Becky says
I loved The Soulmate!
Maria says
Shay, I just finished Yours Truly. I agree it was perfect chick-lit. I really enjoyed it.
Have you read Part of my world by Jodi Benson? (Aka voice of the little mermaid) I listened to the audio book. She tells her story so beautifully and how her faith guided her way. I thought of you while listening. You would enjoy it.
I also read Pineapple Street this month. It was fine. I don’t get the hype surrounding it. I was waiting for something big to develop and nothing happened it’s just a book about a Brooklyn family.
I just cracked open Happy Place by Emily Henry, she never disappoints!
Bethany says
I agree about Pineapple Street. I put it down about 1/3 of the way through it.
Melissa Terry says
I’ve had Boys on the Boat on my list forever, but haven’t gotten around to it. Moving it up the list now!
Erin Rivers says
The Paris Library and The Soulmate are both in my TBR pile….I can’t wait to read them!! I also LOVED Yours Truly. Abby Jimenez is definitely one of my favorites. I’ve read several books lately that I would definitely recommend: The Love Wager (I finished it a week ago and I still can’t get over how CUTE it was!), The Golden Couple, The Summer of Broken Rules, Georgie All Along and Hello Beautiful. 2023 has had a GOOD start in the reading department….thank goodness because the last couple have been ROUGH! LOL Happy Book Review Day….I’m off to check out The Boys in the Boat!!!
Lois says
I read Summer of Broken Rules thanks to your recommendation and it was so cute!! I am usually a thriller reader and thought I would try something different – and loved it!! Definitely a perfect beach read. Thanks!
Erin Smith says
Loved the soulmate!
I just finished “everyone in my family has killed someone.” Crazy title right?! It was so well written, quirky, suspenseful, and surprisingly funny. Highly recommend!
Kristen says
Great picks! I am reading The Soulmate now! I just read Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson and loved it!
Stacy says
Shay your chick lit loving heart will love bridgerton series pick any of them you can read as stand alone- they are different than the show and just great reads! Take one to Nantucket this summer my favorite so far is book 2 with book 5 a close second!
Beverly says
All these books are on my “to read” list!
sandi says
The Boys in the Boat was phenomenal. After I read it, my husband and three of our kids read it. Her description of the rowing form and how people of different sizes have to adjust to the person in front of them and behind them was interesting. I told my husband this should be boring, she is telling us how to row, but it is so vividly written I can see it in my head like a movie.
Books that toggle back and forth fascinate me. Beatriz Williams does this so well with her Schuyler Sister Series – especially the last book, Along the Infinite Sea. Cannot wait to check back and see what fantastic reads everyone is suggesting!
Carol says
Yours Truly is my favorite Abby Jimenez to date!
Sarah says
The Boys in the Boat is one of my all time favorites. I read it years ago and still think about it often. I recommend it to everyone!
Carol says
P.S. I’ve never read anything by Sally Hepworth. What would you recommend I start with?
Mix and Match Mama says
Start with The Soulmate!
Jennifer Copeland says
Sally Hepworth is my favorite author!! I just bought The Soulmate and can’t wait to read it. My favorite so far is The Good Sister. You really can’t go wrong with any of her books.
Ry Ry C says
Definitely THIS ONE!!! I am a great big Abby fan! She hilarious! I have all her books, autographed, and although they are all awesome, this one is BY FAR MY FAVORITE! I’m so glad you read Yours Truly, I think the only other one you read was Friend Zone, but they are all great! And little Easter eggs in each book, people that are intertwined, so much fun to read.
Susan W. says
I love your book review days. I always find something to add to my TBR list! Since you loved the Paris Library may I suggest “The Little Wartime Library” by Kate Thompson. It’s about the only library in London to be open in an air raid shelter during World War II. It was amazing, I couldn’t put it down!
Stacey says
Love Book review day, my fav!! What book of Sally Hepworth’s would you recommend to start with? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m torn. I think you can start with her first book and read them all, but I truly loved this one, so maybe start here and work your way backwards? Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Catherine says
I love Elin’s ghosts.
Abby slaton says
I LOVE sally Hepworth but I felt like the ending fell short 🙁 I loved the whole book but when the end came I felt like it needed a few more chapters!
Mix and Match Mama says
I never want Sally’s books to end 🙂 .
Rebecca says
I love your book reviews! Have you read “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand? It is AMAZING – similar Olympic/sports theme to “The Boys in the Boat,” but a whole different story. It’s my favorite NF book of all time…heavy, but phenomenal. There is a “junior” version that’s a little bit less graphic that your older kids might like!
Leanne Rainbolt says
I agree!!! Unbroken was phenomenal!!!! I loved it and gave it 5 stars which is rare.
Sally Hepworth says
SHAY! I have been so nervous about you reading The Soulmate ever since that ghost conversation. I actually told that story this morning on a podcast! Haha. I am so glad you liked it. And don’t worry, my next book only has live people in it 🙂
Thank you for your continued support (especially in light of the ghost 😂😂😂😂)
Mix and Match Mama says
Agh, Sally! The ghost was relevant in your story! It made complete sense for the plot and was pivotal to the entire direction of the book. I loved it, friend. Loved it!
PS: I still would like you to mention to your friend Elin that I really don’t think she needs any ghosts in her rom-coms though. I mean, only if you can drop it into natural conversation. 😉
K.K. says
Book DAY!! Wahoooooooo!!!
Whitney says
There is a “young readers” edition of boys in the boat! My kids loved the audio version of it. It was a great history lesson and introduction to world war 2.
June Ward says
I just finished All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham ! Such a good book ! I couldn’t stop reading it !
Tiffany says
So glad you loved Boys on the Boat! I thought it was amazing! These are beach reads….but two recent books that I have LOVED are West with Giraffes (historical fiction and the main character is so sweet!) and Solito (memoir of a boy traveling w aid of a coyote to the states). Both books made me cry and I keep thinking about them weeks after finishing.
Kristin says
Seconding Solito – very tough, amazing read. I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
Darcy says
I am so happy that you read and enjoyed “The Boys in the Boat”. It is one of my favorite books and my 2 kids both really enjoyed the paperback version and watching a documentary on as well. We are excited for the movie to finally come out this year. I need a good book that keeps me turning the pages and so will pick up the Sally Hepworth recommendation next. Always enjoy your book review blog…thank-you!
Eliza says
My children & I all read or listened to Boys in the Boat several years ago. (They are all now in college or or upper HS) It is probably one of our all time favorites. Perseverance was a huge lesson but also realizing & appreciating the very basics of life most of us take for granted. I’m so glad you read it, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too!!!
Kit says
Someone Else’s Shoes by JoJo Moyes was just plain FUN and so delightful!! You would love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
I read it last month! It was such a departure for her, and I LOVED IT!!
Carly says
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett is adorable and endearing! All books by Phaedra Patrick are wonderful sweet reads too!!
Deb says
Definitely nothing controversial 😀
Mix and Match Mama says
Whew! It’s refreshing, no? 😉
Holly says
I read Yours Truly earlier this month and am in the middle of the new Sally Hepworth – they are both so good!!
My best book so far this year is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow…it’s FANTASTIC…not a beach read.
Will be checking back for beach reads…once Easter Break hits I’m ready!!
Megan Roccosalvo says
Hi Shay- just wanted to say I look forward to your book reviews every month! I just read two EXCELLENT fiction books…. The Things We Leave Unfinished and Ugly Love. Give them a read!
Kelli says
The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley…so cute, so light! Finley Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano…funny, light-hearted murder mystery. I laughed out loud several times!
Jess says
I loved Finlay Donovan is Killing it! There’s a second one, too!
Mandy Wren says
I loved the Finlay Donovan series (the 3rd just came out recently) and found them especially fun on audio!!
Gail says
I am so glad that you loved The Boys In The Boat! We attended church with the Rantz family for years and Joe in particular was a real inspiration. Very humble, and the whole family was in the choir, and boy could they sing. The entire outside of our church is done in large planks of cedar siding, hand cut from felled trees up in the mountains. Joe would take a crew of men from the church up and bring back the logs and then hand cut the cedar. He was incredibly strong even in his 80’s and just a quiet gem of a man. My husband was honored to be able to do his baptism and his memorial service. The remaining living men from the crew team came to his service all wearing their gold medals and these men were still tall and broad shouldered… it was a sight to see!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! Gail, what an honor to have attended church with him. The story was incredible.
Marissa says
I think I know the church you’re talking about! Is it in LFP?
Gail says
Yes!
MelanieL says
I also read The Paris Library this month (recommended from your comment section!!) and I also loved it. I love every book I read about Paris (duh!) and historical fiction set during WWII (huge surprise!). I can’t wait to put the others on my list.
P.S. and TMI buuut I had impacted ear wax last year that had to be broken up with a small ear power washer type thing, ugh, and I do believe you would know if your earring back was really in your ear…you would hear it moving around and/or not be able to hear! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Melanie!! Thank you, thank you for sharing this.
Sheila DeSpirito says
I finished reading last week The Mostly True Story Of Tanner &Louise By Colleen Oakley. Absolutely loved it. It has a little humor, to it. Not a laugh out loud type of book, but some humorous lines. It has Louise at 84 and a young lady (Tanner) in her early twenties taking care of Louise. They are not friends in the beginning, but eventually become friends. I could not put this book down. It’s full of their adventures
Patti Stanford says
I just read that book as well and smiled all the way through it. The story line was wonderfully different. By the time I read the ending, I was reminded that things are not always as they appear! Super sweet relationship between the caretaker and older lady. An absolute must read!
Joanne says
These all sound good! I just picked up a good 8 or so books from our library to try for May. I am waiting for The Soulmate to come in through our library.
Charlotte Place says
I loved The Paris Libray, I have Sally Hepworth’s new book on my short list to read soon, and I’ve been meaning to read The Boys in the Boat for years…I will read it, I will!! 🙂
I just finished Love and Saffron by Kim Fay, and I think you’d love it. It’s surprisingly short but beautifully written…a little French food/cooking, a unlikely friendship, some romance, just a perfect story!❤️
Mary says
Hey Shay- I know you weren’t a fan of Diane Chamberlain, but I think you would like Big Lies in a Small Town- very different from The Dream Daughter. 🙂 Not sure if you read this one, but it takes place in PARIS- The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley- it is a twisty little thriller and kept me guessing throughout the the whole story- every time I thought I knew what happened, she throws another little detail in to make me go…”huh?”… love your book reviews! (Carley Fortune, Every Summer After, has a new book coming out in May- “Meet Me at the Lake”…I can’t wait for it!!
Carole says
I LOVED Big Lies in a Small Town! Definitely recommend!!
BrendaB Thompson says
Sally Hepworth stopped in St. Louis on her US book tour to promote The Soulmate. She was literally so charming and endearing and adorable with great style and a lovely Australian accent. You just can’t help but wonder how this darling person creates such gripping psychological thrillers! LOVE her books!
I tried to listed to Boys in the Boat but it just didn’t draw me in…..maybe I should revisit and maybe read the book instead?
I recently read The Maid and loved it! And The Life We Bury was also great! They are more who done it books but I loved them both!
Olga says
Oh, I liked The Life we Bury! You should read The Guise of Another same author.
Kristin Gehrke says
The Boys in the Boat is my most recommended book. I love the audio of it. Have you watched the Boys of 36 documentary? It was part of American Experience by PBS. It shows actual footage of the races. So so good.
Mix and Match Mama says
No, I haven’t! Okay, I’m looking that up now. This is the first I’ve heard of it. Thank you!
Tasha says
Hi Shay! My husband and I want to both read the same book and have a mini book club. Is there a fiction book both you and Andrew loved?
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, Andrew doesn’t read fiction. Hmmm…have you read The Boys in the Boat? It’s not fiction, but it would be great for a book club and perfect for everyone.
Stacey Robinson says
Try Unbroken, it’s an amazing story you both will enjoy.
Stephanie Harris says
A totally different read is The Measure by. Nikki Erlick It is a fascinating idea that every one get a box with a string that tell you the length of your life. She really takes you on a journey as to how to deal with Your Measure or string. There are a lot of characters but they all bring something to the story.
Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Grimes is a good book. It has rowing in it too.
Amy Brooks says
You have to read “Unbroken”!!! One of my favorite books of all time! If you like The boys in the boat, you will love Unbroken!
Kim Cowan says
Loved Boys in the Boat!! I just read two books that I think you would like! The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, and Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Great, beautifully written books!
Mary Jane McNeill says
I came to recommend The Personal Librarian!!! Could you believe it? What a great and amazing life she led. Highly recommend it…everyone in our book club gave it a thumbs up.
Deena says
Boys in the Boat is one of my favorite books after reading it many years ago for my book club (Seabiscuit is another favorite)! I was interested to see that you read and liked The Paris Library because that one’s coming up. I believe that someone here recommended The Storied Life of A.J. Filkrie so I read it, liked it, and suggested it for our next list of books.
Kandi Barber says
I just finished the best book and couldn’t wait to tell you. It’s called Mika in Real Life by Emilio Jean. I don’t think you’ve reviewed it. It’s about a mother who gets contacted by the baby she gave up for adoption 16 years ago. The characters are human and flawed but you really root for them. I think you would like it for the topic and the fun read. Check it out.
Jennifer H says
I love getting new book ideas from your site!! Have you read The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman? It was such an enjoyable read sprinkled with gardening tips, love, loss and friendships. Our city and local library hosted a city wide book club with the book Honor by Thrity Umrigar. The author came to visit as well and she is just as awesome as her book was. It’s about two Indian women and the courage they inspire in each other.
Kathie Tower says
I hope you see this recommendation. I just finished The Forest of Vanishing Stars and it was beautifully written. When I am looking for a new book or author I’ve had great luck filtering books in my Libby app. Lately historical fiction. Have found a bunch of new to me authors.