Happy happy Thursday, friends!
It’s my JULY BOOK REVIEW!
And guess what?
I got my reading groove finally figured out over here…
This month I read SIX BOOKS!
Now that the weather is much warmer and our beach days longer and more frequent, I’ve been a book reading fool. Throw in our little trip to NYC and some time by the pool and this girl was able to R-E-A-D!
A big THANK YOU in advance for your book suggestions last month because as you’ll see below, I read many of them.
Something else that I did differently this month is that a few times, I read ACTUAL books instead of my Kindle. We’ve been enjoying time in both books stores here on the island (Mitchell’s and Book Works), and I’ve wanted to support both, so I did purchase a few of these actual books to read. If I’m being totally transparent though, as much as I used to love holding and reading actual books, I MISSED MY KINDLE SO MUCH! In fact, at one point, I was reading both a real book on the beach and a second book at night on my Kindle because how on Earth does one read a real book in a dark room when their spouse is trying to sleep?
My very favorite WATERPROOF KINDLE and is apparently a must in my life because I could not wait to pick it up again. It’s so light, it holds so many books AND THE LIGHT IS PEFECT FOR BRIGHT DAYS OUTSIDE OR DARK NIGHTS INDOORS.
Anyway, just my thoughts this morning. Ready to get to the books?
Here we go with my JULY BOOK REVIEWS!
I hope you all find something you want to read next month 🙂 .
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Well, I clearly missed the memo that this book wasn’t a light chick lit read. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this was one of the books I actually bought and I totally judged it based on the cover. The name is cute and the cover is adorable, I just assumed it was a light little chick lit book. I was wrong. I thought this book was just okay…but to be fair, had I known it was a bit heavier, I probably would have liked it more.
This is the fictional story of wealthy adult siblings in NYC and their parents/spouses whose lives all sort of revolve around the family home on Pineapple Street (where one of the sons and his wife now live). Everyone is in their own stage of life (newlywed, mom to young kids, single, etc), and the chapters go back and forth between each of them and their personal perspectives on the family/the house/life. It’s a book about family and the different dynamics that make up unique relationships inside the same family. I didn’t not like it…I just thought it was okay. It had some surprising and unexpected moments and wrapped up really well, so overall, if I were passing out stars in a 5-star system, I would probably say this one was a 3.5. Good story, quality writing, nice ending…pretty solid.
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick
Well this one was everything I love in a summer book! This is the fictional story of a group of strangers from England (all struggling with something in their personal lives) who stay at a charming little Italian hotel for a few weeks one summer. It was refreshingly simple without being cheesy. No bad language, no violence, no sexual content…just a sweet book.
I loved the inn keeper, I loved his inn, I loved the food, the setting, and every single one of the characters. This novel very much reminded me of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. I loved it! I think you will too.
A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins
I love, love, love me some Kristan Higgins, but in total transparency, I wrestled a bit with this new novel. Higgins always writes the cutest and happiest little beach reads perfect for summertime, and this was just that…except the main plot point was adoption and well…I think perhaps the story was over-simplified. I know, I know, it’s just a fictitious story, but as a mom with two adopted daughters, I had a hard time with how easy she made certain things seem in the book for this fictional family. I don’t want to give too much away with the plot (as it’s based on these relationships), but just know…I liked the book, thought it was an easy summer read…I just had a personal connection that made it hard for me to gloss over some things that, in my opinion, aren’t as simple as maybe the story makes you think they are for this family.
If you haven’t read Kristan Higgins books, you totally should. Great settings, charming towns, cute characters and happy endings.
The French Art of Living Well by Cathy Yandell
I love me a little book on French life (as you know) and have read a million (as you also know), so of course, I picked this one up too. I would say that my “typical” French lifestyle books hit on topics like skincare, makeup, hair, confidence, home building, etc, but this one went in a different direction. This was instead about French art, music, debate, language (the little nuances) and very heavy on the French culture in general instead of specific to us “women of a certain age”. I liked this side of French life and thought the book was really interesting. It’s a heavier read than my normal “French life” books.
The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams
Oh Beatriz Williams, you are one of my VERY FAVORITE AUTHORS!
If you’ve read my book reviews before, then you know that not only do I love Beatriz Williams’ books (all historical fiction) that multiple times, they’ve ended up in the TOP THREE. In 2016, A Hundred Summers was my third favorite book of the year, in 2017, The Secret Life of Violet Grant was also my third favorite book of the year. In 2020, her novel Her Last Flight very nearly made the top three, and then in 2021 Our Woman in Moscow, was MY VERY FAVORITE BOOK OF 2021!
Needless to say, I am always so excited to read a new novel by Williams. This month, I read her newest, The Beach at Summerly and very much liked it. Now, was it my favorite? No, but it was good. The story grabbed me right away, I loved that I really didn’t know exactly where it was going, and the setting (a charming island off of Block Island) was perfect for a summer beach book.
This story toggles between the year right after the boys came home from World War II and then about 8 years later. I thought it could have been a bit meatier and some of the story wasn’t flushed out enough for me to really love, but overall, great read.
If you haven’t read her other novels, make sure you do, and if you have read them, read this one too.
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
Last year, this author wrote Nora Goes Off Script which I declared my “second most recommended book of the year” in my 2022 BOOK REVIEW. I loved that novel so much and still think about it often. I was really excited when this author’s latest novel dropped this summer and you guys, IT’S EQUALLY JUST AS CUTE! This is a 5-Star Beach Book! If you want a chick-lit novel that isn’t cheesy (not Hallmark-y at all) with great characters, an adorable setting, a happy ending and just delicious goodness, here you go.
This is the story of a woman from NYC who goes home to her family’s summer house on Long Island only to run into the boy next door who used to be her great love…except she brought her fiancé with her. I could not put this book down. As much as I loved several books this month, by far, this was my favorite. You will read this one quickly and smile the whole way through. Love, love, loved!
And that wraps up my JULY BOOK REVIEW!
Now, I just finished another book last night, but I am going to save that review for August. It was also one of your recommendations this summer, so I’ll be excited to share my thoughts next month.
In the meantime, I would love to hear your favorite book of the summer so far. Please comment and share!
Happy BOOK DAY, friends! I hope you get a minute to sit down and read today too. xx
Elspeth says
Have you read Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch?? It’s super cute! All about Italy, tasty food and great sites and some family drama and goes back and forth between the past and present.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah nienhuis says
FAV BOOK OF THE SUMMER: Same Time Next Summer! I looooved this book. So happy you did too!! I was going to recommend it if it wasn’t on your list lol
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I actually just finished Elin’s latest book and while it wasn’t my favorite of hers, I really liked it! I could see bits and pieces of her sprinkled throughout the book. I’m about to start Kristy Woodson Harvey’s latest–which I’ve heard great things about.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Elle Kay says
I have owned Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books and have saved them for my summer reading. In the past few weeks I’ve read: Feels Like Falling, Slightly South of Simple, and I’m 1/3 done reading Secret to Southern Charm. I’m enjoying her writing so much!
Christine says
Yay! I’m adding some of these to my to-read list. 🙂
I just read The Watchmaker’s Daughter by Larry Loftis and it was EXCELLENT! It’s the true WWII story of Corrie ten Boom. Factual, but SO interesting and reads like a novel. Best of all, I loved how it talked about Corrie’s Christian faith, and it deeply impacted me! If you read it, I’d love to know what you think.
Jeanie says
Thanks for the recommendation. I heard her in person once and it was incredible.
MK says
I also read Summers at Wimberly and Same Time Next Summer this month-and loved them both! The other book I enjoyed this month was Emma on 83rd Street, a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. It felt like I was watching Clueless as I read!
Jennibell says
Thanks for the recap! I have yet to read “my favorite book of the summer“. Sigh. I think I am just in a book funk right now. Thank you for all the recommendations…maybe that last one will be the book that turns me – I loved Nora Goes Off Script!
Would you ever consider letting us know one book that is on your TBR list? Sometimes I think it would be neat to hear other peoples’ opinions about a book after I also read it instead of before.
Kelly Marie Sites says
Currently reading Nora Goes Off Script AND loving it so so so much. It’s so fun and well written. My first book by this author and I will for sure read the other one she has out (already in my cart).
Kate says
Have you read The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady? Cute chic lit about two sisters who run a business together and take a 12 week challenge to “crush their comfort zones.”
Andrea Hooper says
The secret book of flora lea should be on your list!!
Wanda says
I read that as well and is very good. Of course you stay up late because this one you really want to know how it ends.
Andrea Hooper says
Yes! Much too late
Meg says
I agree! SO good!
Sheaffer says
I wish I loved to read. The end.
Mix and Match Mama says
You have other great qualities though…like knowing the best places around town to get a quality taco.
Kim says
Do you like to listen? Audible is great !
Eliza says
Or the Libby app…you can get audio books (& regular ones) through your public library. I can hardly stay awake when I read these days so I mainly listen now. I love it.
Erin Rivers says
July was a good reading month for me too! I will say, though, that I started Pineapple Street and ending up putting it back down. I just couldn’t get into it. Now I’m wondering if it’s because I had the same thought as you going into it….maybe I should give it another try…
I have some really good recommendations this month:
The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis- -I’m not exactly sure why that’s the title it was given but ohhh my heart!! I’m not quite sure I’ll ever get over this one. I’m gonna go ahead and call it my top book of 2023 because, YES, it’s THAT good! Truly the best book I’ve read in a very long time. I cried and I laughed the entire way through. I loved every single thing about it.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata – – I am {very} late to the game on this one but I loved it! It’s not too hard to figure out where this story is gonna land but that’s okay because the journey there was simply the best. I don’t know how else to explain it other than it reads and feels like a big, much needed, warm hug. *there are some “spicy” pages towards the end…just fyi
Hello Stranger- -this book was a little bit different I feel like from what Katherine Center usually writes but it might actually be my favorite one of hers yet. It is a slow mover but it’s so worth it. *Hope* is what I keep seeing being written in reviews for this book and I can’t help but agree…..it’s a unique and heartwarming story full of hope and lessons and a really good message. This one’s gonna stick with me for sure.
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel – -I truly am incapable of forming words for this one except to say that it should, without a doubt, be on any and all and every must read list.
Honorable Mentions:
If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher
The mostly true story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
Moorewood Family Rules by Helenkay Dimon
Edith says
Thank you for the detailed book reviews! There were a few I hadn’t heard of before that I added to my list. Always enjoy Shay’s recommendations but also her followers!
Jessica says
The Sweetheart List is book #4. Do I need to read books 1-3 first?
Erin Rivers says
I didn’t know that….so I guess not! LOL I didn’t feel like I was missing anything so they must not be like a continuous series.
Leslie S says
My fav day is book review day! My reading has been nonexistent this summer bc my FILs was recently dx with stage 4 pancreatic cancer so we have been doing lots of family things. I really miss reading and plan to grab Same Time Next Summer today for some much needed light relaxation!
I would love some cozy, fall, light hearted book rec’s if you have time. I’ll be needing them these next few months for sure.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Leslie, I am so sorry. I am just so sorry. I’m going to stop and pray specifically for your father-in-law and family this morning. Sending you so much love (and hopefully, books that bring you joy!) this fall. xx
Bridget says
I’ve read: Happy Place by Emily Henry & Yours Truly by Jiminez! Both were super cute!
Jennifer says
I’m in the middle of Hello Stranger by Katherine Center and it’s another one of hers that is just all around adorable, well-written, and hilarious!
Ana Martinez says
Just finished Ann Napolitano’s Hello Beautiful and need something light while I process ALL THE FEELINGS. Thanks for the recommendations!
Haley says
I just finished Hello Beautiful too and LOVED it. I felt like I couldn’t read it slow or fast enough. My favorite book of the year by far!
Rayne says
I loved that one as well!
Kayla Bruce says
I loved Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting. Definitely my fave of the summer so far!
Dianna says
A Garden of Small Beginnings was cute and you will probably like it and I suggested it last month lol. I also just read a book called In Five Years and it was just bleh, it felt like two totally different books half way through. I didn’t see either of these when I searched your blog. I can read some bad books and not care, but oh boy this book was wild how drastic it switched mid book.
Mary says
I am a “thriller” girl so my book suggestion is Thief River Falls by Brian Freeman. Listened to 1/2 of the book on a 6 hour road trip and then read the rest on my Kindle- finished in ONE day!! Now reading The Only One Left by Riley Sager-so far, so good! 😀
Sheri says
Have you read Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison? It’s a good thriller that I just finished.
Colleen T says
have you read tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow yet? It won best book from Goodreads last year and I was hesitant to read it because it’s about gaming but it is unbelievably great. It is up there with lessons in chemistry. I think you will/would love it. Also The It Girl by Ruth Ware was exceptional. Suspenseful but not graphic scary. Love your book reviews!
Alexis says
Same Time Next Summer was my favorite “chick-lit” summer read until I read You, With a View. Oh my heart, I loved that book!!! It’s the author’s debut novel and I’m seeing it everywhere and for me, it more than lived up to the hype. Not to mention the precious relationships the characters had with their grandparents made me miss my own so much. A few rated R scenes so be warned but it’s easily my top rec (next to the thriller Drowning!) this summer!!
Kristen says
So far this summer I loved Minka Kelly’s bio and The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine!!!
Alicia says
Just read Elin Hilderbrand’s Five Star Weekend and , think you will like it. Currently reading The Maid’s Diary and it is good but not your typical beach read. Looking forward to Same Time Next!
Mix and Match Mama says
Read it last month and loved it!
Francine Sinatra-Anderson says
By far, my favorite book this summer (on book #9 -teacher/summer off!) is Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison. You will love it.
Patti Stanford says
i just bought that book and was wondering if it was good. I can’t wait to start it! I’ve never read that author before.
Lisa says
I felt the same way about Pineapple Street. Not as fun as I expected and the one daughter seemed a bit whiny. I just finished On Fire Island and thought it was good story with fun characters.
I just started the Italian Hotel so I was happy to see your positive review.
DeeAnn says
I LOVED Same Time Next Summer too! So cute!!!! Always enjoy your book reviews—thank you for sharing with all of us
Laura Holmes says
I think you summed up Pineapple Street perfectly! I heard so much about it and was left feeling the same way. It wasn’t light and fun, but didn’t have particularly complex developments either. Same Time Next Summer is next on my list!
Brooke Griffith says
My favorite book of not just the summer but of the year so far is “The Paris Daughter.” It is SO GOOD!
Kristy says
I love your book review days. Except I can’t keep up! But I love coming here for good recommendations!
How do you organize your kindle? Mine is out of control and kind of annoying. And then my kids have kindles too and yikes. Any tips?
Mix and Match Mama says
I feel like mine is pretty organized. I typically only pre-order books that drop during the summer months (as so many of my favorite authors release books between May and July), so other than those, I add my books as I plan on reading them. I keep a list on my phone of books I want to read and then when I’m ready to start a new one, I add it then (not early…unless it was one of those pre-orders). The pre-orders say “new” so it’s easy to find them and then books I’ve finished say “read” so it’s easy to see those too. I remove from my device only about twice a year as the newer books are always at the top of my library. It helps that I don’t add a ton of books at one time but one at a time.
Katie Compton says
Shay, I used to keep a running list note on my phone too of books I wanted to read. Now, I just look them up on Amazon and make it a favorite and add it to my shopping list (you can click the heart beside description or click “add to list”) and BOOM! A well organized book list with the links all provided. Amazon even sorts my shopping list into categories, Books being one of them. When I’m ready to download new book I just pull up my Amazon shopping list and pick a book!
You may already be doing this but just wanted to give my tips. 😊
Cris says
Thanks! I love this!
Sarah says
Have you read Banyan Moon by Thao Thai? It is INCREDIBLE- favorite book of the year so far!! I am telling everyone to read it asap
Kristen says
Glad to hear you liked it.. I am about to start it today!
Regan Reeder says
Read Beth Moore’s memoir/autobiography!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did earlier this year!
Julia says
Do you have French lifestyle book recommendations for a woman in her mid twenties? I’ve listened to some interesting podcasts and want to dive into the Francophile books!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, so many! Anything by Jamie Cat Callan, Mirelle Guiliano and Tish Jett to start!
Haley Bishop says
The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett! LISTEN to it (based in London and their accents are awesome:)
Sheila DeSpirito says
Good morning I am highly recommending my favorite book read for July. I love Kristin Harmel books. Her newest book The Paris Daughter is awesome. I could not put it down, I’m hoping you will read it Shay, you won’t be disappointed.
Also recommending The Mostly True Story Of Tanner & Louise. Read it couple of months ago. And mentioned it to you after reading it. It has several quirky people in it. It makes for good reading with the quirky people
Ashley says
Have you read “A Little Life”? I’m nervous as I’ve heard it’s incredibly emotional, but also so good!
Kristi says
I loved it so much! Pretty sure I felt every emotion possible. I’m sure it will end up as my top book of 2023
Maya says
You should read The Stationery Shop of Tehran. I’m sure you’ll love it 🙂
Suzy Bennett says
Love your book reviews! Have you read The Measure by Nicki Erlick? Very popular last year so I might have missed your review.
Robin Pruitt says
I recently read “The Measure” and think it’s one of my all time favorite books! I’ve recommended it to everyone!
Kelly says
Coming back to read and make notes (including suggestions from comments!) but I need a cover and thought you recommended one, but can’t find it in searches. Do you care to share what you use on your kindle?
thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just pulled my Kindle cover up on my Amazon but the link says “no longer available”. It’s just a really basic ($11.99) Kindle cover.
Kelly Davis says
Thanks for checking ! I thought you had one you really liked- but I think I’m
Actually remembering your kindle recommendation (which prompted me to get one – and you were right – love it!)
Katy says
Emma of 83rd Street; Love, Theoretically; the Seven Year Slip; the Boyfriend Candidate; Hello, Stranger; and Will They or Won’t They are all cute!
Katy says
Two more I remembered – Mrs. Nash’s Ashes and Jane and Edward were both good, too!
Stephanie S says
I’m reading Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige. It’s chick lit and the characters are based out of Dallas on a road trip to Denver. The female lead is engaged and goes on a road trip with the fiance’s brother. Sooo good!
I also recommend the series by Sophie Sullivan: Ten Rules for Faking It, A Guide to Being Just Friends: A Novel and How to Love Your Neighbor: A Novel. While each of these can be stand alone reads I would start with Ten Rules for Faking It.
MelanieL says
Awe, I read The Secret Life of Violet Grant last month and loved it so much! What is it with these historical fiction books I swear I wouldn’t like?!? They are my favorites, always. I’ve only been reading since 2019, age 39…thank you for your encouragement, reviews, humor; I am truly a better version of myself since reading my first book back in 2019.
Mix and Match Mama says
I say all the time that I don’t love historical fiction except in fact, I think I actually LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION. Why do we fight it?! I’m so happy you’re reading with me now!! Sending you so much love! xx
Katie Compton says
I loved Same Time Next Summer and was so excited to see it on your view! Now… please promise me you’ll check out Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan, pretty please!! It’s one of my favorite summer reads so far and I think you’d love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Just added it to my Amazon list!!
Katie Compton says
Yay!! I hope you love it as much as I did!
Laura says
Favorite post of the month! I LOVE the comments everyone leaves with book recommendations. Probably 99% of what I read comes from the comment section.
This month I read Happy Place by Emily Henry – very cute easy read; The Five Star Weekend – I really like the way she describes the location and the food but the characters all seemed so shallow and hard to root for. Got better at the end but I almost quit it half way through; The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams – this was the winner for me this month. I loved that it had a bit of mystery to it and that she always captures the time period she writes about so well; last book was The True Love Experiment – it had a cute premise and I liked all of the characters, definitely rated R though!
Diane Schmelzer says
I loved Same Time Next Summer! I read Ruth Ware Zero Days. It was soooo good. Nora Roberts Identity was very good. Summer Reading and Gerorgie, All Along were both very cute light reading.
Taylor says
Shay,
I’m reading “sticky faith” by Kara Powell right now and I think it’s a must read for Christian parents. They especially cover middle and high school students (research on what helped kids maintain their faith after leaving home). Super good! I think you’d really enjoy it.
Kelli says
I’m sorry that you didn’t like Pineapple Street! I believe it was my best read of the summer so far. In my opinion it was more about wealth/class gap in America. Pineapple Street really left me thinking!
Becky says
Kindle question – how does it not get too hot reading at the pool/beach? I’m a real book girl because I’ve always assumed kindle reading wouldn’t be possible in the summer heat. ???
Mix and Match Mama says
Not at all! It’s perfect for the pool and beach! It even works well in Texas heat 🙂 !
sandi says
I did not realize Beatriz Williams has a new book out. Her Schuyler sister’s books are among some of my favorites of all time. At whatever point in my life that I have grandchildren, the first granddaughter’s nickname is going to be Pepper. Cannot wait to read this one. How she toggles back and forth and spans many years in her books is quite interesting. I would love to hear her writing process… do you write each story separately and then figure out how to tie they together or does she write simultaneously? My favorite book was Pepper’s story with the car smuggled out of Germany.
My reads this month were solely focused on roaming the library aisles and picking things randomly. Lies Jane Austin told me was semi cute and the other book I barely made it through. Hoping to find some good ones in your readers suggestions too.
MK says
Love book day on your blog! I am curious, you mentioned how you felt the author sort of glossed over the difficulties and/or intricacies of adoption. I would love for you to expand on that. I have been a longtime follower of yours and can’t recall you discussing some of the harder issues with your girls. I understand privacy may be an issue. But as someone considering adoption, I would love a post or two on maybe some things that took you by surprise or you still struggle with. Language? Bonding? Stereotypes from the outside world? The girls struggling with their identity? etc. It could be really profound if you would please share with your readers like me who are looking into adoption!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m not necessarily speaking from personal experience (as the relationships in this book are based on an 18 year old), but I think, based on having adopted kiddos and having a few significant relationships with adults who were adopted, this story seemed “simple” and perhaps a bit too idyllic for all three relationships (the adoptee, the woman who gave up her child for adoption and the adopted parents). I don’t want to give away the book, but everything seemed easy (and knowing people who are adopted/have adopted kids/have given children up for adoption), I just don’t think it’s as simple/easy/uncomplicated as the author wrote.
Dena says
Recently finished The Favor by Adele Griffin. So good that I looked for extra time to read it. Love BRD (book review day) thanks for all the suggestions!
Sherry says
I, too, love real books (from our public library) as well as my Kindle. When reading a real book at night, I use a clip-on book light (from Amazon) so my husband can sleep. Then we’re both happy!
Christy Ryan says
Love your book reviews so much, but this is my first time actually commenting! I am having the BEST summer of reading! And I think it’s because I’m finally reading books that fit the season. I was mainly a historical fiction reader and said I wasn’t into the cartoon covers. (I think they officially are called chick-lit…lol.) But, I finally started giving them a chance. Most are probably your recs…and I’m reading faster than I ever have! Here are some of my faves from this summer! Nora Goes off Script, Someone Else’s Shoes, Good for You, Part of your world, Meant to be, The Soulmate, The Happily ever after playlist, People we meet on vacation, Five-Star Weekend. Cartoon covers in summer are evidently my jam! Thanks for the recs!
Helen says
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh is one of the best books I have ever read. It made me both laugh and cry. Wanted to be best friends with the characters. Book review day is one of my favorite days of the each month! Thank you for sharing your books and thoughts!
Kay says
I recommend the books by Kate Morton. They aren’t short reads, but are perfect for long plane trips, days by the pool, etc. Her books jump back and forth in time, and are set in the UK and Australia. While you will guess many of the twists, there is frequently one at the very end that you won’t see coming. My favorite of hers is The Secret Keeper.
Jenny says
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this read…The Southern Books Club Guide to Slaying Vampires
Diana Heinz says
I loved Same Time Next Summer!! If you want to branch out and haven’t read it already, check out Dave Grohl’s memoir “The storyteller.“ Anyone who came of age in the 90’s will recognize the exact scenes/scenarios that he describes, and it’s such a fun trip down memory lane. I would also check out The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (one of my all-time favorites which I heard they are turning into a movie starring Henry Cavill), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab, The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, and Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall (not scary, but rather written from the perspective of a nine year old girl in 1960s Mississippi; poignant and heartwarming). Happy reading, friend!
Abby says
I have no personal connection to adoption and I still thought the way Kristan Higgins wrote about it was…..off. It felt way over simplified in so many ways and just…..a hair tone deaf about everything. So you weren’t alone!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well thank you for sharing your perspective. I wasn’t sure if it was just me or not… I do love her as an author; this one just missed the mark for me.
Becky Carl says
I love all things Shay but have to admit I’m not into these “Hallmarky” books. I have to admit that I used to be in my 40-50’s, give me all the Mary Kaye Andrew’s and Dorothea Benton Franks! But now that I’m older, I love the thrillers! The more the better. Freida McFadden books are it right now but I love Ted Dekker, Rachel Caine, and getting ready to read Kiersten Modglin which sounds so thrilling! I guess this is why I stay up all night reading, not from being scared, but the adrenaline pumping!!
I have read some of your recommendations, Becoming Mrs. Lewis and Remarkably Bright Creatures and enjoyed them both. But my stomach can’t take the romance stories that all end the same anymore, lol!!!
Margaret says
Hi Shay – 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
Erin says
I’m going to check a couple of these authors out! Been reading so much more this summer since utilizing my library app. One of my faves that I don’t think you’ve reviewed was the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. It’s older, but if you haven’t read it you should check it out!
Kat says
Hiya!
Have you read The Paris Daughter or The Winemaker’s Wife? Currently reading both and I am loving them. I am not a mom and The Paris Daughter is definitely hard to read (teary eyed for sure) so just a little heads up. Highly recommend both!! Especially if you are looking for a HiFi
Abby slatob says
The last life boat. It left such a last impression 🥺. Historical fiction is not usually my jam but this was so well written!
Heather says
Any suspenseful book recommendations?