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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 ·

June 2023 Book Review


Hello, hello from Nantucket this morning!

It’s my very favorite blog post of the month…my JUNE BOOK REVIEW!

So, here’s the deal, this post is kind of lame.  Sigh.  I read three books this month and quit one at the halfway mark.  Sigh again.  And I didn’t like one of the three books I actually read.  Sigh again.

I don’t seem to have as much time to read right now.  Every minute I’m not “doing something fun with my family”, I’m working which kind of stinks (as I love reading!), but the payoff has been extra family time which has been oh so special.

So, before I get to my book review this month, I wanted to say that typically I have a strict rule about not discussing books I quit.  I *usually* quit about six or seven books a year that are never mentioned because I like to keep things positive and…I didn’t read it, so what’s the point?  That being said, I am going to mention this book as it surprised me and am curious if I should pick it back up.  That review will be at the very end.

Okay, settle in.  It’s my JUNE BOOK REVIEW…

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Hmmmmm…I didn’t love this one.

Way back in September 2016, I read her novel Eligible and LOVED IT!  Oh how I loved it, so I was super eager to pick up this one and read it too…but I found it pretty boring.  I mean, it wasn’t bad, I just have heard so much hype around it, and since I loved the other book, I assumed I would love this one too.  It was just okay.

This is the story of a writer on a Saturday Night Live-like show and a musician she meets who hosts the show one week.  I actually found the first part of the book the best when the author was describing the life of someone who works on a show like SNL.  That part I thought was super interesting!  The second part of the book was letter writing.  Um, I hate reading letters between characters.  I would much rather read the book and basically, about a third of this book was letter writing.  Pass.  The third part didn’t land for me either as it was the relationship with said writer and this musician.  I didn’t see the chemistry…which means the last third of the book just seemed a bit too forced for me. I don’t know?  I’m probably wrong here, but it was just okay.  It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t memorable.  If you haven’t read Eligible, I would start there.

If you haven’t read it and are curious, please note this one does lean rated R.

The Magic of Sea Glass by Jenny Hale

Jenny Hale writes sweet books, and this one was very summery and sweet.

If you’re into Hallmark movies and happy endings, here you go.  This novel is about a woman who, after she loses her fiancé, leaves her big time TV/wedding design job to work at a small inn on the coast of North Carolina.  I mean, hello?  Hallmark movie in the making, no?!  This novel is happy, charming, sweet and the perfect beach book.  It’s also, of course, a little cheesy too 🙂 .

Speaking of beach books though…

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

My very favorite author has been a miss for me over the last two years.  As you know, I didn’t love Golden Girl or The Hotel Nantucket (the books she released in 2021 and 2022), but Elin is back, baby, and her latest novel was FIVE STARS!

If you’ve been missing the uber charming, always fabulous, Nantucket-y novels that this author put out for 10+ years and didn’t love the last two either (which both included ghosts…GHOSTS on Nantucket…), then pick this one up!

This novel is about a newly widowed foodie blogger who returns home to Nantucket as a “summer person” (summer people are the worst! 😉 ) and has one big weekend where she hosts a group of friends (one from each “chapter” of her life).  This novel is delicious.  I don’t think I’ve ever called a book delicious before, but this one is just that.  It’s the perfect beach book/pool book/enjoying the a/c on a hot afternoon book.  This is quintessential Hildebrand, and I loved it!

So, those are the three books that I read this month, and this…

…is the book I quit this month.  I typically like Christina Lauren novels, but guys, I could not get into this one.  I’m only telling you because a: I read half of it, so if you’re telling me that it gets REALLY good in the second half, I will pick it back up and b: I really typically like books by this author duo, so I was curious if anyone else thought this one was slow too.

I will absolutely pick it back up if you guys think I quit too early!  I hated to stop, but at the same time, my time is so limited right now that I don’t want to waste any of it reading a bad book.

Alrighty friends, we’re off for a big day today!  I cannot wait though to come back and read your comments.  I’m up for ALL THE HAPPY BOOKS, SCARY BOOKS, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL BOOKS, basically ANY BOOK I WILL LOVE.

Thank you in advance 🙂 .

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 hope you have a wonderful Thursday!  I’ll see you all back here tomorrow! xx

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Comments

  1. Kristen Thompson says

    I agree, I loved Elin Hilderbrand’s newest book so much more than her last few! Have you read The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen? That was a good thriller type that isn’t too scary but keeps you guessing! Im also halfway through Kristan Higgin’s new book, Little Ray of Sunshine and I’m loving it! Have a great day!

    • Haley Weiner says

      Yes! The Golden Couple was so good and I definitely recommend! Thank you for another great book review! 💙

    • Kristen says

      I finished Little Ray of Sunshine last night and I absolutely loved it, fav book I’ve read in past couple months!!!

      • Anne B says

        I am a tech dummy. Tried to buy A Little Ray of Sunshine on my kindle, it said not available, go to Amazon. Then went to Amazon… can’t buy here… go to kindle. Advice if you know what I am doing wrong.

        • Kimberly McGuire says

          You have to be on the Amazon kindle store page to purchase, not on the app. It’s very tricky!

    • Miranda says

      You’d love Kristy Woodson Harvey’s new book that’s coming out. It has love, family ties and… summer camp. It’s the perfect summer read. It’s called Summer of the Songbirds.

    • Colleen says

      I did not like it. I thought the characters had the emotional maturity of teens, 50 something year old women don’t go crying in the bathroom of a bar because her husband went out with his childhood friend.
      There was very little substance in the book.
      The overtly descriptive food, drink, establishments and the like became predictable and boring.
      Elin has now moved into DS novels, boring and predictable

  3. Taylor says

    I am so glad you loved the five star weekend. Every time I put it down I kept saying “this is just what I need in a summer book.” I loved every single character and it might be my favorite book by her to date.

  4. Rayne Osborn says

    I felt the same about Romantic Comedy.
    Several good ones to add to your list The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel, Same Time Next Year, and The Senator’s Wife (not scary thriller).

    • Katie Compton says

      I second The Senator’s Wife! It’s a great thriller but not scary. It’s by the same author as The Last Mrs. Parrish and just as good!

    • Dana Jackson says

      Who is the author of Same Time Next Year? I can’t seem to find it…it comes up as Same Time Next Summer so not sure if that’s the one. Thanks…I’d love to add it to my list!

      • Stephanie says

        It is Same Time Next Summer! It is by Annabel Monaghan. I just read it and loved it!

    • SP says

      Perfect timing, tomorrow is stuff your Kindle day so hopefully some of these will be available for that 😊 Love free e-books! Happy reading!

  5. Sarina says

    Ugh the second half is better, but the first half was tough!! It has such high ratings on good reads it’s a bit baffling. Life’s too short just move on! Hahah

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m so happy to know I’m not alone on the first half. THANK YOU!!

  6. Tracie says

    Ha! I feel validated because I’m about 1/3 of the way through True Love Experiment and can’t decide if it’s worth it to keep reading.

    • LeeAnn says

      Same!!! I was so excited to start it a few weeks ago, but I just haven’t been able to get into it. I’m also about 1/3 though and I haven’t picked it up in 2 weeks. I may try it again?

      • Melissa Day says

        Maybe try again, it definitely picks up. It’s not my favorite Christina Lauren, but it was good. Give it another shot 😁

  7. Kristen Hardison says

    I just finished “The Senator’s Wife” by Liv Constantine (author of “The Last Mrs. Parrish”) and I really liked it! A thriller but not super scary or gory! I think you’ll like it! Also I bet reading Elin’s new one as a Nantucket resident was a special kind of awesome 🥰

  9. Amy Heinl says

    I just started 5 Star Weekend late yesterday and am loving it. I have The Body
    Guard by Katherine Center to read next…I always love her books too.

  10. Katrina says

    Have you read Same Time Next Summer? I know you liked Nora Goes Off Script. It was an easy, enjoyable read. I just read True Love Experiment, and while it was an easy read, wasn’t my favorite.

    • MollyP says

      I just finished Same Time Next Summer and loved it! Nora Goes Off Script was great too, hope she continues to publish yearly like Elin has done over the years!

  11. Katie Compton says

    The best book I’ve read this summer so far is Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan! It’s about a family starting over. It has a beautiful setting (Hawaii!), great characters, and even a fun twist! Highly recommend!

  12. Robyn says

    Try Without a Hitch by Mary Hollis Huddleston. It is a cute light read. Mary is also a great follow on Instagram @MrsSouthernSocial.

  13. Allie says

    I totally agree with “Romantic Comedy”, the book “Funny You Should Ask” by Elissa Sussmam I think was a better version of a similar story. And if you haven’t read it yet my favorite book of the year (not shocking it won the Pulitzer) is “Demon Copperhead”. If you haven’t yet you should check it out!

    • leigh says

      At your suggestion I went to find Funny You Should Ask and loved it. I also loved Romantic Comedy. But I thought about you when I started listening to Funny You Should Ask. It’s the same narrator as Romantic Comedy – so she narrates using the same voice for both main characters in both books!

  14. Kelly Marie Sites says

    I have loved HELLO BEAUTIFUL, Anxious People (so so good), And Then There’s Margaret (fun quirky mother in law book).

    • Patti Stanford says

      I read And Then There’s Margaret and thought it was good. The first half I thought the mother-in-law was just too mean to the daughter-in-law, but everything worked out and they found respect for each other.

  15. Katie Compton says

    The best book I’ve read so far this summer is Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan! It’s about a family starting over after a tragedy. It has a beautiful setting (Hawaii!), great characters, and even a twist! It’s funny, touching, and I just loved it!
    Pieces of Blue: A Novel https://a.co/d/2C3qaMn

  16. Erin Rivers says

    I think I’m in the minority here (and with the rest of the world) but I really did not like Elin’s new book. Ugh. It pains me to say that because I LOVE her but I was SOOOOOO bored by that book. I finished it because, you know, Elin Hilderbrand….but it was really painful. :/

    Christina Lauren’s new book, though, I LOVED! I actually think it’s my favorite one she’s ever written! I definitely think you should pick it back up…but only if you want to (I’ve made it a goal this year to not continue on with any book I just can not get into….well, except for Elin’s. LOL).

    Some new recommendations for you: The Book Proposal by KJ Micciche, Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay and The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead (this one leans more towards R). Susan Mallery’s newest one, The Bookshop by the Bay, is also one to recommend if you’re looking for cheesy, easy and lighthearted.

    • Stefanie says

      I completely agree on the FIVE STAR WEEKEND. It just didn’t do it for me. I think I’m in the minority too! I usually love her books but this one…uggg not my favorite at all. Sorry to say that!

    • Lauren says

      Not sure if you’ll see this, Erin, but I think we have similar taste in books, and I had never heard of all three of your recommendations. I just added them to my library hold list! If you have any more recommendations, I’d love to hear them. 🙂

      • Erin Rivers says

        I’m not finished yet but I already know that The Sweetheart List by Jill Shavis is gonna be at the top of my recommendations list for a long time to come. It’s had me streaming in tears and also laughter the whole way through. Ohhh my heart. Maybe the best heartfelt book I’ve read all year (I’m really hoping I can still say that when I’m finished with it).

      • Katie says

        I also really liked Summer Reading! Not the best book ever but it was a fun change up to a normal rom com and I appreciated all of the info on dyslexia. I was not familiar with it and I appreciate its challenges so much more now.

      • Jen says

        Hi- same here! I scrolled the comments to see if I was alone here and I’m not. Yay!! Taking your recs – thank you!

    • Colleen says

      I concur, EH new book is terrible! Boring… predictable and just plain out bad writing!

  18. Kari Anne Maddox says

    I finished 5 Star Weekend and said the SAME THING: SHE IS BACK and this was the best book in YEARS! The last 2 were my least favorite but this one was almost in her top 5 books!! It made me smile to the end. What an interesting IDEA, the decorating, the food, the people and the way they weaved together!!! LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

  20. Amanda says

    The True Love Experiment does pick up and it is a sweet story. I did enjoy it.. but the first part DRAGS on. I’m glad I finished, but would not give it a super high rating. 😉

  21. Ani Martinez says

    I read Romantic Comedy and then FORGOT i had read it, it was that underwhelming. I saw it on my Kindle and for the life of me I could not remember what the book was about – I started skimming it again (sigh) and quickly realized why I had forgotten about it…
    Just finished Book Lovers – light, sweet and pretty entertaining.
    Happy summer.

  22. Kit says

    Think you’d love the new book “Thank you for Listening” by Julia Whelan who wrote “My Oxford Year” (which was your #1 a few years back!!!). Also, “The Favor” by Adele Griffin. LOVE book day so much!! Have a blessed day!

  23. Kelly Goldscheitter says

    Love your book reviews Shay! Always look forward to your honesty too! Have you read “Remarkably Bright Creatures”? Don’t miss it:)

  24. Patty says

    I just finished A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love and Faith in Stages by Kristin Chenowith and though it was great! She has such a fun, quirky sense of humor and it really shows in this book.

  25. Kaley says

    Would love for you to read The Measure and hear your thoughts! It was SO thought provoking and one of the best books I have read in a long time. I wish I was in a book club solely to discuss this book!

    • Pam Zercher says

      SHEAFFER! 🤣 Me too! I want to read. I have gobs of books (real books as well as on my kindle. I just can’t get to it!

  27. Meredith says

    I am a big fan of The True Love Experiment. Definitely keep reading as the 2nd half is for sure better than the 2nd half!

    • Erin Rivers says

      I agree! I love all their books but I really think this one tops this Christina Lauren list for me.

  28. Faith Kapp says

    Ohhh I’ve never heard of The Magic of Sea Glass but adding it now! I live in North Carolina and grew up living on the coast so I always love to read books with NC as the setting.

    I tried reading The Neighbor’s Secret recently and just couldn’t get into it. It’s rare I don’t finish a book but it was just that bad! Too many characters and storylines to keep up with!

  30. Hayley says

    I LOVE your book reviews! I’m currently reading A Hundred Summers because I go back and look at your book reviews for ideas. It’s so good! Thank you! I book I read this month and loved is The Dutch House. I don’t think I’ve seen you review it. It was really good. Just this summer I’ve gotten into audiobooks. I highly suggest this book in audio form because it’s read by Tom Hanks. I honestly think I liked this book more because he makes it come to life. 😊

  31. Amanda D says

    I enjoy reading what you’re reading so much! Typically I lean towards historical fiction over like chick lit but have you read the American Royals series? All of them are SO good! Although the first is the best one.
    A really great read this summer for me was Mad Honey. Elin Hilderbrand to you is Jodi Picoult to me. She is an author that can weave such a. interesting storyline web that I never pass on her books. She just speaks to me, draws me in and has for years.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I read book #1 for sure (and maybe #2?). I thought it was so super cute!

    • Christina says

      Same exact feelings about Jodi Picoilt! Small Great Things was the first one I read by her and since then I’ve been hooked.

  32. Mary Catherine Ray says

    Just finished reading ‘The Midnight Library’ for book club and it was fantastic!! I haven’t stopped thinking about it!

  33. Paula says

    Loved True Love Experiment. Now my husband is reading it, lol. But, you do you – we don’t all like the same things. 🫶

  34. E. Rabke says

    Have you read Wrong Place, Wrong Time (by Gillian McAllister), or I Never Thought of it That Way (Monica Guzman…my daughter has to read this before starting college per her college…two chapters left and it’s so eye opening!), Mad Honey (eye opening perspective)…

  35. Amy Josse says

    A few I have read so far this summer that were good, Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau, Happy Place by Emily Henry and Meet me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. Half way through The Senators Wife by Liv Constantine if you are looking for suspense! So excited Elin is back, can’t wait to read her new one. Happy reading!

  36. Susan says

    I just started The One by Audrey Cole and it is a delight! I second The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

  37. Christina Spinella says

    I’m about halfway thru Romantic Comedy and feel the same! I hate it when books completely rip off a setting (like the set of SNL) and try to pass it off as something different. I’m not loving it, but I haven’t gotten to the letter writing yet so maybe I’ll like it even less when I finish – ha!

    I just finished You Were Always Mine by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza and Drowning by TJ Newman. Very different types of books but both were fantastic! If you read Falling by TJ Newman, I liked this 2nd book even better!

  38. Kristin says

    I was also super excited for Romantic Comedy after reading Eligible but I was so disappointed. I just couldn’t get in to Romantic Comedy and finally quit trying. I did finish The True Love Experiment but didn’t love it at all. I forced myself to finish it because I usually love Christina Lauren books. This one felt forced and phoned in all at the same time. I just started the new Elin book last night and am loving it so far!

  39. Lisa N says

    I read Matthew Perry’s book and have waited each month to see if it would be on one of your reviews. Would love to know your take on it.

    So glad for a new good Elin Hilderbrand book!

    • Kaley says

      Yes, just finished Matthew Perry’s book. Friends is one of my favorite shows of all time, so I was very interested in those parts and also learned so much about him and his substance abuse struggles. Some of it was very hard to read, but I also couldn’t put it down. When I finished I couldn’t decide, did I like this book? I felt so intrigued but also uncomfortable reading it. It’s hard to put into words!

      • Erin Rivers says

        Yes! I felt the same way but didn’t know the words to give the feeling…so thanks for helping me out! LOL Fascinating but so so sad at the same time.

  40. Jennifer Maynard says

    My 3 favorite that I have read recently are:
    Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club
    The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise
    Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

    Have you tried doing audio books while you work? That has been a game changer for me and I am able to “read” so much more!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’ve never listened to an audio book before. I need to try one the next time we have a road trip or something. I’m always afraid that once I start, I’ll stop reading, and I really, really love my reading time.

      • Laura says

        Definitely give it a try! I get through much more non-fiction than I otherwise would because it feels more digestible on audio for me. Memoirs are my favorite to consume on audio because they’re almost always read by the author, and that just feels so special to hear their story in their voice. For fiction, there are also some awesome audio experiences and narrators out there! I only listen to audio in the car and while doing chores. Otherwise, if I’m relaxing and sitting, then yes, physical books!

        Best audio books I have listened to that I don’t think would have measured up in print are:
        – The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garret Graff (full cast, just outstanding)
        – Born a Crime, Trevor Noah
        – Daisy Jones and the Six, TJR
        – Echo, Pam Munoz Ryan
        – any memoir (just had to call Trevor’s out as a fave!)

      • Christi McAnally says

        I love audio books and reading actual books. I don’t think I would make a dent in my To Be Read list otherwise. I listen when in the car, doing laundry, cooking, emptying the dishwasher and even when getting ready. You should definitely give them a try!

        Love book review day! I felt the same about Romantic Comedy. The most interesting parts were about the inter working of putting on a show like SNL. But I really felt no attachment to any of the characters. A group of friends went to Elin Hilderbrand’s book signing in Dallas which was so fun! I am so looking forward to staring The Five Weekend and excited to know that I’m going to love it! I keep telling my friends who are new her to books to go back and read her earlier novels. Beautiful Day and Summer Affair were two of my favs.

        I’m currently reading In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner and listening to Mad Honey on audible. I’m enjoying both.

      • Susie Harrold says

        I love audiobooks for the car because I drive to and from work alone. I also listen while I get ready in the morning.
        Failing is not your typical genre (suspense) but it is suspenseful without being scary. It was my top book of 2021 and I’ve read it again since. There is a new one by the same author, but please give Falling a try. Over 9 studios got into a bidding war for the movie. By the way, the audible version of this one is TOP NOTCH.
        I’ve read 47 books so far this year, and here are my top 4 right now: Good Grief by Lolly Winston (the characters are unforgettable). Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan, and Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson.
        I love your book reviews. So happy you and yours are spending the summer together on Nantucket! These are the memories that will last a lifetime.

      • Candy says

        I am always reading one and listening to a different one. They are different experiences. Make sure the first one is fantastic audio like Harry Potter #1 with family or American Dirt #2. You will love it and still read!

        • Jennibell says

          Harry Potter audible was the very, very best ever. We listened to them all as a family together a dozen years ago or so. Then, when my son was in college, he listened to them all again. Jim Dale is phenomenal with the characters. And the books are SO much better than the movies.

      • Suzy says

        You won’t quit reading. You’ll just read more! I keep an audio book going while getting dressed, cooking, cleaning, all the time. But I still read regular books.

        • Kristin B says

          Have you read The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton? I remember you mentioned liking Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and she is married to him. I didn’t have any expectations starting the book and ended up loving it!

      • Karen says

        The nice thing about audiobooks for me is I can sew, knit, crochet or do counted cross stitch while I listen to a book. Best of both worlds. I love book review day for all the suggestions.

        • Jennibell says

          I do puzzles and listen at the same time…I stayed up until the weee hours of the morning listening to Carrie Soto is Back and doing a puzzle this past winter 🙂

      • Stephanie J. says

        I don’t think audiobooks will make you stop reading! I much prefer reading the physical book to listening. But audiobooks are great for long car rides (that’s actually really the only time I like to listen to them).

  41. Marianne says

    The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron. True story of a Polish girl who hid 13 Jews in her attic during WWII! It is absolutely amazing!

  42. Amy says

    I was very disappointed in The True Love Experiment also. I did skim read it to the end and it was more R rated then their other books.

  43. Kristen says

    Best books I’ve read this summer are Minka Kelly’s bio and Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgans. Good to know about the Christian Lauren book, I was going to read it next. Might move on the the Senator’s Wife which I have as well, love how everyone just commented how good it was.

  44. Gina says

    I LOVE these book review posts and appreciate the comments!

    Shay, have you considered a book club?
    Thanks!

  45. Samantha Harris says

    I think you will love The Chateau by Jocelyn Goldis. It’s about 4 friends, set in France, suspenseful but not too scary.

  46. Regan Reeder says

    Read Beth Moore’s autobiography – “All My Knotted Up Life” – loved it!

  47. Susanne says

    I personally would love to hear the books you quit. No book is right for everyone all the time, so it’s not a negative thing to talk about books you didn’t finish. It might even help us decide on a certain book too! The best two books I’ve read lately are The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry and What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon. Just finished that last one yesterday and actually cried! Such a good book, beautiful writing and, oddly enough, time travel!🥰

    • Tanya says

      What the Wind Knows was amazing! I tell everyone I know to read that book. It really stuck with me.

  48. Alexis says

    I thought The True Love Experiment was eh in the first half but I loved the second half and ended up adoring the book. I would say it’s absolutely worth finishing but I get why the first half wasn’t your fav.
    Same Time Next Summer has probably been my favorite “summer book” this year. I adored everything about it.
    Drowning by TJ Newman is in my top two of the year already (along with your rec, Remarkably Bright Creatures!). I can’t say enough about how good Drowning is. I’ve already had two friends read it after I recommended it and they said it’ll be in their top three of the year for sure. It’s incredible and doesn’t stop moving – it’s also going to be a movie as Warner Bros. won the bidding war to the rights. So so good! Read it!
    The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise was one of the most heartwarming and unique books I’ve read in awhile. The author wrote The Invisible Husband of Frick Island and while I haven’t read that one yet, now I think I need to. This read was just plain fun and endearing and made my heart happy…I think you’d love it!

  49. WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

    I loved Five-Star Weekend!! I actually had to travel for work the day it came out, so I devoured the audio book during my travel. Perfect timing!!

    I honestly wish you would tell us the books you don’t finish more often! I feel like my faith and values are pretty in line with yours, so this information is always helpful for me. I also pretty much agree with you on books… except I love a good thriller, even if it’s a little scary. 😉 I know you strive to not be negative, but I always find it helpful when you share books you didn’t love or didn’t finish. I love your recs and read many of the same things! 😊

  50. Jen says

    I *hated* Hotel Nantucket. I was so mad at that book after finishing it… it made me wonder if Elin even wrote it or if it was a ghost writer! I’m so relieved that her newest one sounds better!!

  51. Laura says

    Curtis Sittenfeld is very hit or miss for me. I had to return Romantic Comedy to the library after only one chapter just due to timing, but it didn’t pull me in, and I didn’t feel very torn about parting with it. Sounds like your review after finishing lines up with that. I really look forward to your book reviews! That said, I like Hildebrand’s ghost in Hotel Nantucket. I’m in the middle of that one now, and it’s not amazing, but I enjoy the ghost 🙂

  52. Peg says

    I loved the “Five Star Weekend too. I just finished @Hang the Moon” by Jeannette Walls. That is a great one too.

  53. Callie says

    The Paris Daughter, Same Time Next Summer, The Housemaid (and the 2nd one), Beyond That, the Sea, The House of Eve.

  54. Angela says

    I agree with all of your reviews above (I didn’t make it past 10% of Romantic Comedy) although The True Love Experiment ended up being really good. I almost stopped reading it because I didn’t see any substance but the second half really delivered. Also, the extra epilogue in the B&N edition is really good

  55. Arika says

    Unrelated to book review, but did you guys have the game on last night? Seeing a perfect game thrown is pretty amazing. So emotional to watch!

  57. Dena says

    As soon as I got 1/2 way through I said “Shay is going to love this new Elin book!”

  58. Melinda Tate Marona says

    I’m currently reading, well actually listening to it on audio – something I never do, but had a solo car ride. I much prefer it on my IPad! I absolutely Love it! I’m not finished yet because it’s so much harder to have time to listen!! When I’m not listening to it, I’m thinking about it!!!
    I highly recommend & I have loved all her books, but I have not read the two you mentioned not loving!

  59. Sara says

    I just read Charm City Rocks and I really liked it! Now I want to read all his books which is when I know the book worked for me!

  61. Melanie Novak says

    Just finished Five Star Weekend and loved it! Such a different storyline. I always get great ideas for books in your comment section.

  62. Sarah says

    I just finished True Love Experiment last night and loved it. I even thought I’d recommend it on today’s post if you hadn’t already read it this month. Ha! But I’ve learned that everyone has such different reading tastes! Another one you might like is The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. It was a very different and fun read!

  63. Jacquelyn Jenkins says

    Oh, I LOVED the True Love Experiment!! One of my favorites I’ve read in a little bit. In the midst of Five Star Weekend right now and loving it so far!

  64. Kristin Lyngaas says

    Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen is unbelievably fantastic for young and old. The Bible study workbook is wonderful too! Patty Jane’s House of Curl by Lorna Landvik is a must read. All of her books are wonderful and each storyline is very different from the others. Shay you as a writer will be in awe of her character development. She’s one of my favorite authors of all time. Fun fact about her is that she writes old school with pen and paper, and hands that to her editor. She also does her writing in a coffee shop. She’s my mom’s neighbor in Minneapolis and I love her as a person as well. One of her books “The Great Mysterious” is one of her most unique books from all of the others. She is a “must read” author. ❤️

  65. Dana Jackson says

    My most recent books have been from you and other readers comments on here lol but one I’ve read recently and loved that I don’t think you’ve read is The Keeper of Happy Endings!! I’ve just started Local Woman Missing that came highly recommended so we will see.

  66. Elizabeth S says

    Oh man I liked the Christina Lauren one a lot! I do think it took a bit to get into but I loved it. The whole time I was wondering how the heck they were going to make it out of their situation to end up together. I’d say finish it! Christina Lauren has had a couple I haven’t loved lately but I thought they were back on track with this one!

  67. Kate says

    Definitely pick the live experiment back up- it was so cute! Like a rated r hallmark!
    I too have loved everything I’ve read of Christina and Lauren!
    I just took out from my library the soul made a Quetion and twice in a blue moon.

  68. Michelle Reynolds says

    I read the True Love Experiment and didn’t love it either. I don’t think it’s one you need to go back to. I liked Elin’s 5 Star Weekend but I didn’t love it. I was just a little disappointed. I’m excited for a good ol’ Hallmark-y summer read though. I’m going to pick up the Sea Glass novel. Thanks as always for your reviews!

  69. Kary D says

    I felt the same about True Love Experiment. It was good but not great. It felt forced. I did finish it as it did pick up a little in the end. I read in the acknowledgments that they rewrote it a few times. So maybe they weren’t real sure of it either.

  70. Jan says

    I also “dropped” Romantic Comedy. I thought maybe it was because it would appeal more to a younger demographic….I’m 83….or maybe because I don’t watch SNL on a regular basis? Whatever, there are too many good books waiting to be read and life is too short to spend it with books that I don’t get into!!

  72. Deb says

    I also liked the new Hildebrand much better than the last two. Romantic Comedy was ok but it got kind of silly!

  73. Helen says

    Thank you for all of the great suggestions! I am currently reading The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh. I love it and think you would enjoy it too!

  74. Susie says

    We’re taking a lot of road trips this summer so Audible is the way to go, and True Love Experiment was so entertaining to listen to! I thought the narrators were excellent and better than what I typically hear. Totally believable chemistry (his accent is swoon-worthy) and I loved it! Just finished it actually, and couldn’t wait to drive around for an extra 15 minutes just to listen =)

    Always looks forward to the recommendations here – thank you so much!

  76. Kristin says

    I’m with you on Romantic Comedy. I just didn’t love any of the characters – esp the narrator. Everyone is obsessed but I almost quit. Finally powered through but meh

    Currently reading The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel. It’s good!!

  77. Lia says

    Perhaps an unpopular opinion but I do not think The True Love Experiment picks up at the end…I think quitting was a wise choice. I just started Elin’s new book and am even more excited to dive in after seeing your review!!

  79. Brittany T. Cuenin says

    I also did not finish “The True Love Experiment” and am looking forward to the new Elin Hilderbrand! Just finished JoJo Moyes”Someone Else’s Shoes”, and it’s a perfect mystery/rom-com summer read.

  81. Rachel says

    I just finished The True Love Experiment last night and really enjoyed it! In my opinion, I think you should finish it!

  82. Kyle says

    A few books I have read and loved by Nancy E Turner-My Name is Resolute, These is My Words & The Water and the Blood. I know last year you read your first Jodi Picoult book and really liked it. Nineteen Minutes, Small Great Things, Mad Honey, My Sisters Keeper & Handle With Care are all by her and great books!

  83. sandi says

    As usually loving all of the book recommendations in the comment section. The library website is open and I am adding books to my hold list. Five Star Weekend has 20 holds on it and zero copies in rotation 🙂 looks like some others are anxious to read the book too and it hasn’t even arrived.

    AND OH GOODNESS, I just clicked to read the review for Eligible and your littlest girls are just babies. Time is marching forward.

  84. Lisa says

    Loved 5 Star Weekend and appreciate your honesty on quitting books. One is in my TBR pile and it’s going back👍🏻
    Based on others, adding Senators Wife to my list!

  85. Carolyn H says

    Highly recommend Minka Kelly’s memoir! She’s had a fascinating life and loved her writing style. Also Paris Hilton’s memoir

    I have to thank you for recommending The Magnificent Life of Marjorie Post!! I never would have picked it without your glowing review and oh my gosh, maybe one of my favorite books ever? Loved it!!

    • Erin Rivers says

      Same! Shay’s recommendation for The Magnificent Life Of Marjorie Post came at a time when I didn’t really have anything else to read so I thought why not give it a try. It’s not anything at all what I would normally read so my expectations were way low but my goodness I loved it!!! It was SO fascinating!!

  86. Kay says

    Love book review today! I say don’t finish the “True Love Experiment.” I absolutely LOVED it from start to finish. So I think if you didn’t enjoy the first half, just let it go and move onto something else you’ll really love. Especially when your time is limited! Happy Fourth to the Shull family!

  87. Kelli says

    I love your book reviews! Thanks so much for continuing to do them. The best books I’ve read this month were Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson and The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson (historical fiction). I thought both were excellent reads.

  88. Lauren @ Bookmark Lit says

    OMG The True Love Experiment is my favorite book by them! haha although I found myself unable to put it down the entire time, so maybe it isn’t for you then? The second half was quite good though, so you could get back into it perhaps!

  89. Kristin says

    I loved True Love Experiment! It was probably one of my favorite books so far this summer!

  90. Carissa says

    Elin never left. Golden Girl was/is fantastic. I think the way she told the story through the ghost was brilliant.

  91. Ashlee Moots says

    You have got to read The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise! It was so good!!! Also You Were Always Mine was so good!

  92. Alexis Murrell says

    I would highly recommend All the Dangerous Things and A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham! Both great thrillers!!

  93. Ashley says

    One of my very favorite psychological thrillers was “My Lovely Wife” by Samantha Downing. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend!

  94. Margaret says

    Hi Shay and all of your readers…I loved all of these!

    If you want to read a quick book in a day or two …read (pyschological thriller) The Housemaid by Freida McFadden.

    Historical Fiction – The indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd The Winemakers Wife by Kristen Harmel

    Biography – An Invisble Friend By Laura Schroff ( The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny)

    Fiction – heartwarming The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

    In this utterly charming debut——one woman sets out to complete her old list of childhood goals, and finds that her
    lifelong dreams lead her down a path she never expects.

    1. Go to Paris
    2. Have a baby, maybe two
    3. Fall in love

  95. Jessica says

    My favorite blog post! Just started Five Star Weekend and enjoying it. I am currently listening to True Love Experiment, so maybe it’s better on audio than reading it yourself. I’m liking it. Have a great weekend!

  96. Chrys says

    True Love Experiment is on my summer list and I am so excited to read it because the reviews have been great! Plus, I loved The Soulmate Equation. But now I’m nervous my expectations won’t be met. 🙁 Have you read The Housemaid? My coworker raves about it!
    I’m waiting on Elin’s new book to be available at my library as an audiobook so I can listen to it. Audiobooks have been a game changer for me. It opened a whole new world that I LOVE!

  97. Stephanie J. says

    I just finshed The Lincoln Highway and Same Time Next Summer. Both were great!

  99. Lana says

    Can’t wait to read the newest Elin now! Romantic Comedy sounded flat just hearing about it on a podcast, so sounds like one to skip!

    If you like a good Hallmark-feel one with Nashville flair, try Piece of Cake by Mary Hollis Huddleston. It’s a follow up to Without a Hitch, but is a stand alone, cute read with so many true Nashville/TX references!

  100. Nora Segrest says

    Just finished A little ray of sunshine by Kristan Higgans. It was really good! Highly recommend!

  102. Amber says

    I have read (and own) every single one of my favorite duo Christina Lauren’s books. True Love Experiment is easily in the top 5 (of I think 30 or so) for me so trust me, keep going!!

  103. Denise says

    Shay, since you love Hallmark movies so much I must recommend Kristoffer Polaha’s book Moments Like This (From Kona with Love). It’s a a little romance and set in Hawaii . I found it to be a nice easy beach read. I have too many books on my list this summer. Next on my to read list is The Paris Deception.

  104. Mary says

    I too have an audiobook going and a book on my kindle at all times! I think you will like pineapple street by Jenny Jackson and The Sweet spot by Amy Poeppel . They were both great!!

  105. Emma says

    Anxious People by Fredrik Backman was one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommend.

  106. Kelli Crough says

    Love your book reviews!! Thank you! I just finished Identity by Nora Roberts and could not put it down! When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. Love books like that! Highly recommend!

  107. Sarah West says

    Out of all the books I’ve read so far this year, “Go As A River” and “A Girl Called Samson” are my 2 favorite books I’ve read! I can’t say enough good things about both of them and have told everyone I know that reads about them.

    • Katie Smith says

      Have you read Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women? It’s fantastic! It’ll be one of my top 3 for the year. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a good job! The book is absolutely beautiful.

  109. Mikalee says

    Yes, you quit too early! Keep reading because it’s a great book 😊 happy summer reading!

  110. Taylor says

    One of the best books I’ve read this year is The Storied Life of AJ Fikry. It follows the life of a curmudgeon who owns an indie bookstore on Alice Island. It was SOO good!

  111. Maria says

    Bad Summer People! It’s like a real housewives girls trip. It’s set on Fire Island. I had heard about it a year ago there was an article in the NYPost how the author used real residents names as her character-types by mistake while the book was being shopped around. So the residents of Fire Island were NOT happy! Aside from the real life drama, I enjoyed the book. It was a good story.

    I also enjoy listening to “Moms don’t have time to read books” podcast. Each episode is 20 mins book review with the author. The author explains the book how she came up with the story etc…. Sometimes you just want more from a book when you finish it.

    I also agree with having an audio book going at all times. Right now I have the Wife App which has been adorable so far. I listen while folding laundry, prepping dinner etc… The Wife App it’s about 3 girlfriends who create an App to do “wife chores” like fill out health forms, take a child to the doctor, etc.. all the errands moms do. It’s cute so far.

  113. Tanya says

    I agree with several other comments that The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise is a heartwarming summer read! It was my favorite book for June. 🙂

  114. Stephanie S says

    I’m posting late but I just finished reading 2 of the 3 books by Sophie Sullivan, Ten Rules for Faking It and A Guide to Being Just Friends. I just download the 3rd (which is actually the 2nd in the series, How to Love Your Neighbor). The series ends up being about 3 brothers. Both books I’ve read are slow-burn rom com reads. I really enjoyed them!

  115. Lindsey Thomas says

    Maybe You Should Talk To Someone

    The Plot (this will kinda stick with you)

  116. JoAnne L says

    Daughters of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt. Saw this book at B&N and thought of you. I have not read this book, nor know anything about this author. But, thought I will throw the suggestion out there for you.

    I spent a summer on Martha’s Vineyard, working in Oak Bluffs at a restaurant then called the Oyster Bar. All the famous ppl ate there, lol. One day, I went to Nantucket to see a friend… that night, we went to go listen to music, got separated, and I ended up spending the night at some house with a bunch of kids who I had never met before. So random (and if my daughter ever did that, I’d lost my mind!) And, that was my time on Nantucket island.

    Such fun to see your summer adventures.

  117. Jayne says

    I recently read The Celebrants by Steven Rowley. It has vibes of The Big Chill and is one of the best chosen family books I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed it.

  118. Christal says

    The Book of Lost Names and Remarkably Bright Creatures have been my favorite this year!

  119. Sheila DeSpirito says

    Hi Shay, I’m so excited! I found out through Kristy Woodson Harvey’s site that she will be in Nantucket tomorrow for her book launched for her new book, which Publishes tomorrow. You won’t want to miss this cause, along with Christy being in Nantucket, one of your favorite Authors will be there with Kristy. The other guest will be Elin Hilderbrand!! It’s tomorrowJuly 11th at The time they will be there 6:00-7:00

    Nantucket Atheneum
    1 India St
    Nantucket, Mass

    If you cannot make it tomorrow at the Atheneum, Kristy will be at Mitchels Book Corner 54 Main St Nantucket The next day July 12th 11:00AM Elin will not be there with Kristy on Wednesday only Kristy for her book launch. I so hope you can go tomorrow for both Authors!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh my gosh, I literally just left Atheneum (the library) an hour ago! I’m not sure about tomorrow, but thank you so much for bringing this to my attention!!

  120. Jennifer Rhodes says

    Big Gay Wedding. If you watched and enjoyed Schitt’s Creek you will love this book. Laugh out loud funny, but also brought a tear or two. It was a wonderful book!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You know that is one show I haven’t watched yet. Why haven’t I watched it? Is it on Netflix now? My mom quotes it all the time. Bahahaha!

  121. Dusti says

    Anytime I want to read a new book, I come to your website first. However, I think you should let us know the books that you quit reading. For people who like the books that you like, we need to know which ones not to pick up. I just wish I could read as many books as you do. My to-read list is so long.

  122. Dena says

    In case anyone is looking for a good book while waiting for the July Book Review to come out – I just finished The Favor by Adele Griffin and loved it!

  123. Rebecca Goodell says

    I’ve got an adorable book for you. Humor, friendship, romance, travel, heartache all in one. Big Sexy Love by Kristy Greenwood

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