It’s Halloween Eve, friends!
Anyone else in shock that October is almost over? It just flew by! I swear, it was just August and now, it’s almost November. I’m going to blink, and it’s going to be January.
Today, we are celebrating this day before Halloween with my favorite blog post of the month…my OCTOBER BOOK REVIEW!
Grab that #psl, settle in and let’s dig in to the four books I read this month.
I’m going to give you guys (my beloved blog readers!) the credit for me reading…
…Tom Lake by Ann Pachett
What were you thinking?!
You guys, IT WAS SO BORING. Agh! Please don’t be mad, but like for real…I didn’t love it.
So many of you suggested this novel to me last month, so I decided to dive in. I was chatting with my friend Shanna (another book lover like ourselves), and we agreed to read it at the same time this month so that we could chat about it. Fast forward to me finishing this book, and I texted Shanna “Did you like Tom Lake” and her response was “I quit about 40% through because it was so boring” and my response was “Why didn’t you tell me to quit too?!”.
I hate to be Negative Nellie, but this one was painful to finish as I could hardly muster up the strength to open my Kindle each day. Seriously, if you loved it, I would love to know why in the comment section.
Now, as I was discussing this book with Andrew (one of his least favorite things by the way is me discussing my books with him), I told him how wild it was that in this fictional story one of the side characters is a State Farm Agent (hello?!) and another is named Ashby…plus, it takes place in Michigan (that’s three out of three on the Andrew/Shay meter). Even with three big similarities to my personal life, I could barely finish this one.
This story has the makings of a great novel, it was just slooooow. Three sisters visiting their parents at their cherry farm and listening to their mom tell stories about her past and how she “almost made it” but ended up there instead. You guys, I would pass on this one. It wasn’t bad, it was just slow and really, who has time for slow? I certainly do not (and neither does Shanna).
Now, Book #2 this month was the complete opposite of slow…
Magnolia Parks by Jesse Hastings
This novel was in fact a train wreck and pointless read that I really couldn’t understand why I kept turning the page (or in my case, tapping my thumb as I do read on a Kindle…). Ugggggg…I hate reading books I don’t love. I was excited to start this book as it’s about a very wealthy young woman from London and her on again/off again influencer boyfriend. I thought “great, a London novel, I will read it on vacation!”. It was in fact a novel set in London, but it really had no point. Neither of these characters were likable and honestly, very much deserved each other. I just couldn’t figure out why their friends stuck around because their friends had to have been even more annoyed than me (the reader) at this toxic, spoiled, terrible relationship.
Sigh.
You guys, I’m feisty today.
I just cannot stand a month when I don’t read books I like much less love.
I was 0 for 2 so far in October.
Moving on, I mentioned Book #3 to you…
Feeding the Mouth That Bites You by Kenneth Willis
…in a Saturday blog post. Well, I officially finished it, and this book, I loved!
I said this in that post and still feel this way today: Without a doubt, I would say that parenting teens has been the most challenging part of parenting thus far for us. I really can’t even tell you why (as I think we have pretty great kids). It’s just been different/we’ve felt less prepared…I don’t know, they’re like bigger humans now with all of these new emotions, and if there are books out there to give me advice/encourage me, I’ll take it.
This book (and his podcast!) have been really helpful and encouraging to me, a current mom of two teens. When my team was in Mexico last month, we were all talking about it as other ladies had read the book too and felt just as encouraged. Parenting teens is just different and this author really made me feel like it’s not only doable but can be successful and filled with love and grace too. I strongly recommend him if you are in the throes or heading that direction. Who doesn’t need more help parenting their teenagers?! I know that I sure do!
I wrapped up this month with…
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
Okay, I needed this book after reading the first two this month. Per usual, Sophie Kinsella’s latest novel is cheesy, cute, set in Britain, easy to read and highly entertaining. Is it a bit over the top, predictable and a tad unbelievable? Yes. Did my heart need to end my month this way? Yes, yes! This is the story of a busy working woman from London who gets burned out on work (in a spectacular way!) and heads to the English coast to get her life together. While on holiday she meets…a cute boy there for the same reasons.
Adorable setting, cozy hotel, cute characters and lots of British charm. This was light and oh so easy to read.
And those, my friends, are my OCTOBER reads!
Okay now per tradition, I will be reading CHRISTMAS BOOKS this next month so that when my November Book Review comes out, you will know what to read in December. If you have any holiday book selections for me, please share! If you have other books for me to read around my holiday books, I’ll take those recs too.
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 just LOVE Book Day (even if I don’t love all the books)!
Thank you in advance for the comments and book recs below. I’m SO GRATEFUL for you all!
I’ll see you all back here tomorrow! xx
Sheila says
Yes!! I just started reading Christmas books this weekend!! Jenny Hale has some cute ones…very cute & predictable, like Hallmark movies!! 🎄❤️
Dori says
A must read. The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel. Douglas Brunt is the author.
Maria says
Wow you had a rough month. Mary Kay Andrew’s “Bright Lights Big Christmas” was adorable! Set in NYC and based on a real life family who owns a Christmas tree farm. How they set up in a camper on a NYC street corner for month is so interesting.
I listened to Britney & John Stamos memoirs both I enjoyed.
Currently reading Did you hear about Kitty Karr? I heard it’s similar to Seven husbands of Evelyn book. So far I’m enjoying it.
Shelley Holden says
I was going to tell you to read Mary Kay Andrews’s new Christmas book. I have not read it yet…was saving it for December but I always love her books! And I am reading Did You Hear About Kitty Karr right now and I LOVE it!
Elspeth says
Thank you for the honest reviews! Happy book day!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kimberly M. says
Shay!!! I SO agree with you on Tom Lake! After so many glowing reviews (and the fact that I really like the author and that it’s set on a farm) I thought I’d love it!! Not so much. I was just like what is happening here?!’ the whole time! Thank you for making me feel a little less crazy in my group of friends!
Leslie S says
You and Shay just convinced me to delete this from my TBR on Kindle lol. Thanks to you both! Life’s too short for books I don’t love 🙂
Yaara says
I just came here to say that I completely agree, it was so slow, and nothing really happened the entire book! I’m not sure why everyone loved it so much 🤷♀️
Erika Slaughter says
I’m loving that podcast! I want to invite him to our house-kind of like that Super Nanny show! 😂
Sheaffer says
I can’t even imagine reading four books in a month. I sure can’t imagine reading two books I don’t like. BOO.
Susan Jeffries says
I always enjoy your book reviews! I am looking forward to Christmas books too! I finally read The Plum Tree this month. If you are a fan of historical fiction or WW2 books, you will LOVE this one!
Renee says
Ha! I loved Tom Lake. I agree there is not a lot of action, but I thought the writing was beautiful.
Kristen says
I agree, I thought it was beautiful and such a cozy book.
Valerie says
Yes–the writing was beautiful. Lots of wonderful underlying messages–enjoyed all of it until the end–I felt like the ending was rushed, sad, disappointing and I did not like it at all!
Joanne says
I also loved Tom Lake. I loved the way each character was so clearly defined, how it was a what happened during the pandemic story without too much pandemic. I love how she wove together her youth and the present day. Gorgeous writing – rocks in mossy jackets! I read it in two days!
Robin says
These aren’t Christmas recs, but I’m about to finish the “Sweater Weather” series. These are an adorable group of books by different authors (written by Emma St. Clair and the like) all set during fall in the same, cutest fictional town, Harvest Hollow. Some are better than others, but they were the perfect fall reads as I wait for the next installment of the Fourth Wing 😜 (and no they are nothing like the Fourth Wing). Bonus – they’re on Kindle Unlimited!! 🎃 ☕️🍂
Katie Compton says
Tom Lake- *Removes from Cart*. Ha! I was on the fence about getting this one, so I’m glad I read your review. I did just finish a fabulous book I’d highly recommend- The Celebrants by Steven Rowley. It’s a wonderful book of friendship, life, and how we should celebrate our loved ones in the present, not the past. It made me LOL quite a few times and I just loved it!
Happy Monday, Shay! I’m off to work… parent conferences, Halloween AND field trip this week with my 2nd graders!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol!
Deb says
I do agree with Tom Lake! Stopped the audiobook after a couple chapters and I was excited to listen bc Meryl Streep narrates and I heard the author on Elin Hildebrand’s podcast. Oh well there are too many good books out there!
Judy says
I listened to the audiobook read by Meryl Streep. Her narration was fantastic and the only reason I could continue with the book!
Mbingham says
Mary Kay Andrews new Christmas book was darling, worth the read!
Emily says
Since you loved Becoming Mrs. Lewis, I think you would really like A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vaunaken. It is a beautiful read!
Dawn says
I loved Tom Lake! The things that made me love it was the connection to the play Our Town (another fav of mine), the structure, and the character development. I understand your thoughts that it was slow. It is, but when you love other things about the book it can help. It’s just not the. Book for you.
Fred Ruvolo says
I want my $15 bucks back. I’m sick of paying the price for these books that are garbage to read. I went from Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow to Tom Lake another $15 bucks. I told my wife I was going to stop buying so called Best Sellers. I just bought an older best seller, it was less then $10 bucks, I hope I don’t have to give up reading.
Ashley says
I recently read the book, The Stepsisters (by Susan Mallery) and really liked it! It’s an easy read with a twist at the end that you don’t see coming. In regards to holiday books, last year I read, The Santa Suit (by Mary Kay Andrews), Santa Cruise (by Fern Michaels) and Season of Wonder (by RaeAnne Thayne). All were cute, a bit predictable, but perfect for the Christmas season.
Thanks again for your monthly book review! I look forward to it every month!
Kristin says
Whew, I’m glad I didn’t recommend Tom Lake to you! I read it this month, and I absolutely loved it. I wonder if age and time of life has anything to do with how people feel about it. I’m older than you, and my kids are about the age of the daughters in the book. I enjoyed the contrast between Lara’s life in her early twenties, and the lives of her daughters. The conversations between mom and daughters reminded me of talking with our kids, and how they so often teach me new ways to think about things and help me grow. There is no way those young women would have tolerated much of what happened that summer at Tom Lake. With our kids on their own, it was sweet thinking of them back home to wait out the summer of 2020 with us (not that I would wish another pandemic on us to get my kids home!!). Finally, I just love the way Ann Patchett writes, and found it to have a meditative quality. You probably need to read this again in 15 or so years!!
Joanne Paine says
I agree with you. The novel was a purposefully slow, gentle read; a reflective homage to Lara’s past life as well as her current situation, more defined, with her family, at home, during Covid. I loved it.
Lori says
Kristin- you just said everything I was thinking! I loved it too. I agree it might an age/life circumstances/life experience thing. I don’t know. But I just inhaled that story and finished with tears in my eyes. So beautiful. (I also LOVE Ann Patchett!)
Tiffany says
Faking Christmas: A Sweet Romance by Cindy Steel! This was such an adorable rom-com with all the holiday feels and even little pockets of surprising depth! It’s a quick read and is on kindle unlimited!
Kristen says
I actually loved Tom Lake, I thought it was wonderful.
Just read Kerry Washington’s bio and it was great, Minka Kelly’s bio is wonderful as well.
Jennifer Wiener new one , The Breakaway was enjoyable as well.
Abi Byrd says
I also read Tom Lake because everyone else is and didn’t love it. I thought it was just me! I made myself finish it too…have you read any of her other books? This was my first book from this author. I just finished The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton and it will be one of my favorite books of the year!
Connie says
I loved The Secret Keeper too – especially the twist at the very end.
Jessica S says
I am so glad to hear you thought Tom Lake was boring too. We read it for my Book Club this month and it was all I could do to finish the dang thing…. I even tried listening to it on Audible since Meryl Streep was the narrator. Sadly, even the amazing Meryl couldn’t save it…..
Shelly says
Love your book reviews! You should definitely read Life on Christmas Eve by Nathan Nipper! It’s a Christian book with a wonderful story! I’ve read it the past two Christmases because of how much I love it (and I NEVER do that!!)
Kari Maddox says
I read Tom Lake this month as well, after reading some GREAT books, I settled in to read this highly recommended book. At first, I would not describe this book as boring as much as I complained about the writers writing style. It was not in a style that you can put down and pick back up. It’s very different.
Was the book POINTLESS, no…..it’s the history of how a woman became married with 3 girls and the history of a cherry farm. I thought the ending was a surprise.
I spoke with a friend of mine at book club and she quite after 2 chapters 🙂 HAHHHHAA
So it’s not one I would recommend either.
Kit says
Oh I just LOVED Tom Lake!! I would guess the difference is that I listened to it on audible, and it was narrated by Meryl Streep. It was absolutely amazing!! Love book day!! Have a great week!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well I LOVE MERYL STREEP!!!! Geez, I should have done that instead!
Rayne Osborn says
I loved the audible too, Meryl Streep was incredible! I think her narrating it made the writing style even better. It was definitely a slow burn, but so beautiful once you felt invested in the characters. I did feel let down by the ending, short and sad.
Sara McQueen says
Sarah Morgan has cute and cozy Christmas novels!
Kay says
I’m so sorry it was a bad book month-I hate when that happens! I have just the cure. “A Cross-Country Christmas” by Courtney Walsh is the CUTEST coziest most enjoyable holiday book! It is SUCH a cute rom com type book and has a million scenes of cozy Christmas celebrations across the country, good food, and the most adorable romance and family scenes ever. It’s so heartwarming! I hope you read and enjoy it.
I know you also like Josie Silver, and she has a new one “A Winter in New York” that I can’t wait to read.
Hope those bring some early holiday cheer. Happy Halloween!
Robin says
I am with you on Tom Lake , Shay ! I had looked forward to this book for weeks and now I’m just so defeated ! Lol I’m about half way through and while I usually don’t quit , I feel like I might ! I’m a fan of the author’s books normally , but this is a boring , cherry covered miss for me !
Laura Anderson says
I highly recommend A Midnight Carol : a novel of how Dickens saved Christmas by Patricia K Davis….it’s a compact little book that I read every year. It was published in 1999 and I’m hoping it is downloadable still!
Jen says
The Christmas Bookshop and Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
Megan says
So disappointing when you read to meh books in a row. Book recommendation Don’t Forget to Write.
Amy says
I tried Tom Lake on Audible during my walks and did not finish it. It sounded like it was well written, but I often thought how I was glad I am not reading the actual book because I wouldn’t have gotten through nearly as much as I did just listening to it. The storyline was incredibly dull. I don’t even wonder how it ended.
Lee Ann says
I also tried listening. Couldn’t finish it!
Laura says
Wow, an interesting mix of books this month. I think I’ll pass on the Ann Patchett book. She usually writes pretty good books. I need to find a couple set in Paris. I leave to go on the 7th. If you have any good ones please let me know.
Mix and Match Mama says
Have you read all of my little Francophile books yet? Start with Lessons from Madame Chic! Have fun!
Melissa S says
I really enjoyed “Paris, My Sweet” by Amy Thomas. https://www.amazon.com/Paris-My-Sweet-Light-Chocolate/dp/1402264119
Laura says
I’m listening to Tom Lake right now and really enjoying it. Maybe it’s better as an audiobook? Meryl Streep is the narrator, and she’s great!
Holly K says
I have felt that way about every single Ann Patchett book I’ve ever read…both of them…because why continue to torture myself after i determined it wasn’t just a particular book, it’s just how she writes and what she writes about. SNOOZE. I don’t understand the hype around her and her books but to each their own!
DONNA CHEATHAM says
Have you read these is my words by Nancy turner? Great book
Did you go to the women of joy conference in Frisco this weekend?
It was so good, great speakers, Lisa Harper, Max Lucado & more, great music. Next year, same place last weekend in October, mark your calendar
kyle carnine says
Nancy Turner books are great! Really enjoyed These is my Words.
Sarah says
The Matzah Ball is a cute holiday read!
Mix and Match Mama says
I read it last year and LOVED IT! (Or maybe I read it two years ago?) Either way, it’s adorable!!
Erin says
The teenage parenting book and podcast sounds great! Thank you! I have a 15, 13,12,11 year old! I could use some tips! And I agree, I have pretty great kids but this season is hard!! Harder than I expected too!!
Kim E. says
Remarkably Bright Creatures !!!!!!!
FOURTH WING (even if you’re not into Fantasy)
Mix and Match Mama says
Remarkably Bright Creatures was my very favorite book of 2022! I loved it SO MUCH!!
Melody says
I tried reading Tom Lake and quit about half way through. Glad I’m not the only one! 🤣
Gloria Hunsberger says
Okay, hear me out. I loved Tom Lake! But, I think the key was reading the play Our Town first. My book club did the combo this month and reading the play first helped me so much in understanding Tom Lake. Would have been lost without that. So sorry it was a miss for you .
Rebekah says
I live in Michigan and know all the areas/towns mentioned in Tom Lake and I still thought it was SO boring! 🤣 I kept seeing how everybody was reading it, so I made myself finish it and then wondered what was wrong with me because I didn’t like it 😆
Mary says
I have a sample of Tom Lake on my Kindle…guess I’ll be removing that! Thank you for your honest review!
Karen says
I’m 3/4 through listening to Meryl Streep narrate Tom Lake on CD, while in my car. Absolutely loving it! Might have found it slow reading it but Streep is wonderful. I thought for sure you’d love it too but I also know that for me, at certain times in my life I can’t get through books that I otherwise would love…
Tracy Graham says
Midnight at the Blackbird cafe (not Christmas) by Heather Webber. A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus takes place over some holiday time I believe. Both of these books were warm & cozy & endearing. Will fill your heart up. Highly recommend when you need a heart-warming lovely story.
Nova says
I second Midnight at the Blackbird cafe!! I LOVE all Heather Weber books!!
sandi says
In October, Bill Browder (author/Red Notice) spoke at a national conference for financial planners in Denver. Mid-September as we were planning our RV trip from Virginia to Denver my husband was looking for reading recommendations. As a financial planner I thought he might be interested in Red Notice from your review way back in the day. He was about half way through when he realized the author would be a speaker at the conference. Our oldest college student was on fall break during the conference; he flew in to visit us and was also able to hear him speak. So cool and fascinating!
I understand why you named Remarkably Bright Creatures your favorite read last year. After waiting 22 weeks for the library hold, I finally got it last week! So freaking good! I learned many facts about the octopus and loved the story.
Recent reads: Aria’s Traveling Book Shop (which was fitting since we were in an RV when I read it), Maame (so good), One plus One (Jojo Moyes).
Loaded on my kindle to read the next month:
Nothing is Missing – the true story of the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants and her path to success (going on wheel of fortune to pay for college and adopting three children of a panhandler)
Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
The Island House – Nancy Thayer
Happy late birthday, Shay! I thought my halloween birthday gift from Shay would be a book review but you surprised me with a fun Monday book post. Thanks for letting me know which books to pass on… was on the fence about Tom Lake, for some reason I have never been a Patchett fan but so many others loved it.
Happy Monday!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww! You are just so sweet, Sandi!! Thank you for the kind words and recs. I’m always SO blessed by YOU!! xx
Kelley says
Sandi- Definitely listen to greenlights instead of reading it. Matthew mcconaughey narrates it and listening to his voice really adds to the book!
Lisa says
Love your book review days. Recently read A Winter in New York by Josie Silver and really enjoyed it.
K.K. says
Okay… Just my very favorite day!! 🙂 Even if they are not-so-great books, I love your take.
Okay… I promise I’ll once ask once in a blue moon, but… Shay’s Book Club? I would really love reading and discussing “with you” (and other readers here)…
I know you have a blog, travel agency, teenagers, etc… A very full life, so I 100% respect if it’s not the right time – or just not right for you – but I’m just putting into your corner of the world, so you know there’s at least the interest.
Side note: I’m LOVING the new TX weather!! Along with ALL the pumpkin things. 🙂 It’s a perfect “Shay day”, I’m pretty certain. Have a great one, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are SO RIGHT!!! It is the perfect Shay Day!! And Karen, I’m ALWAYS open to suggestions (especially moving into a new year!). I am going to consider. Have the BEST Shay Day! 🙂
K.K. says
Thanks, Shay 🙂
Annise says
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry!! I listened to it on Audible and Matthew narrated it. I listened to it a month ago and I was not surprised by his death. I am so glad I listened to it. It was heart-breaking but it is worth the read/listen. He has a true experience with God while he is fighting his terrible addiction. It is a must read/listen if you were a fan of Chandler Bing and Friends!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well this gave me all the feels this morning. xx
Nicole Phillips says
I quit Tom Lake about 30% through. I could not get into it and dreaded picking it up. I also agree about parenting teens. My kids aren’t bad kids who are out there causing trouble and being brought home by the police, but it’s hard! I don’t say much, because I don’t know how to describe the hard and I know friends who have kids going off the deep end. Then my friends who have kids in college tell me that’s another level of hard when you help them navigate the real world!! But keep going … doing better than you think you are!!
Irene Kelly says
You must read “Finding Freedom in The Lost Kitchen” by Erin French her true story. She is the founder of the very famous restaurant in Freedom Maine “The Lost Kitchen” ! And for you to eat there you must submit a post card and if they draw it you will have the pleasure of probably eating the best meal of your life per everybody who eats there in remote Freedom Maine. I have not been there but have followed her for over ten years and she has quite a remarkable story to tell! Everybody I recommend the book just loves reading it because it is written so well and quite a page turner! Enjoy !
Margaret says
Yes our book club read this and loved it and it made for great conversation. What a true and amazing story of a women and her persverance. I bet if Shay reads it, she will end up trying to go to her restaurant. 🙂
Kelly M Sites says
I hated Tom Lake too. Ick. On another note, you MUST MUST MUST watch Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV. (I read the book and LOVED IT SO MUCH). The show is so fantastic, and I love the characters.
Jen says
The new Mary Kay Andrews as mentioned above was a good read. I think you “NEED” to add it to your list. 🙂 Thanks for your monthly book review. My favorite post of the month.
Susan Null says
I am glad I am not the only one that thought Tom Lake was boring. It was a book club pick and I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. Glad this was not my pick.
Eileen McAllister says
I 100% agree with you about Tom Lake. So far it’s been the only book I DNF this year. I hate not finishing a book but this one was just awful!
sandi says
Two good teen parenting books are Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering your kids to Challenge Cultural Lies and Boundaries with Teens: When to Say Yes, How to Say No.
Whether they act like they are listening or not, just keep talking and being their number one fan.
Emily says
I rarely give up on a book but I couldn’t finish Magnolia Park. Huge disappointment.
As for Tom Lake, I have the book but have not started yet. I did not enjoy her other books so maybe I should just skip this one too. Ugh.
Tiffany says
I just finished the Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy and liked it – it was a good start to my Christmas books this year!
Hayley Chandler says
I am waiting on the audiobook of Tom Lake from my local library. Now, I’m questioning if I should read it. Hmmm…
I read The Dutch House this summer as an audio because it was narrated by Tom Hanks and loved it. You are my go to for book reviews. I don’t read nearly as many books as you, so if you don’t like a book I’ve been thinking of reading I usually skip it.
Laura says
If it helps, I liked The Dutch House a lot and thought Tom Lake was a snooze fest despite Meryl Streep’s lovely narration!
Tanya says
Same for me. I loved the Dutch House on audio, but didn’t finish Tom Lake.
Irene Kelly says
I highly recommend “Finding Freedom” by Erin French
It’s her.life story and how she almost did not make it in life. Her restaurant The Lost Kitchen in Freedom Maine is world famous and only takes reservations via a post card sent in May each year then it’s a lottery system. I am told it will be the best meal you will ever eat. I have followed her for over ten years and she has quite a story to tell ! MayAnd she has a show on The Magnolis network on how she sources and prepares the food she serves. Maybe some say I will make it there from NJ !
Lindsey Harkins says
A Christmas rec for you! Lovelight Farms by B. K. Borison. Looks like it would be right up your alley!!
Cara says
I highly recommend The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok. I especially think it would resonate with you as you have adopted your two girls from China.
Ashley says
I keep a note in my phone of all the books I read and as soon as I finished Tom Lake I wrote-worst book of 2023! Seriously what a snooze fest.
Mix and Match Mama says
Shut up?! I’m so glad I’m not alone here, Ashley!
melissa says
Hi Shay, normally I LOVE the books that you love….. but girl you for once did me dirty! I tried reading Yellow Face and HATED it!! I had to throw in the towel and say no more, I can’t remember what chapter I gave in but I hated the main character so much that I think they cauld have rescued a litter of puppies and I would have still not liked it, okay maybe a little dramatic haha. I have no clue if it got better but it just put me off in a certain way.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol reading your comment! Oh everyone is terrible in the book, but geez, the plot was unique, right?!
Kelley says
Melissa- I read Yellow Face this month and didn’t like it either. I trudged through and finished it but thought it was one of the worst I’ve read this year. I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Patti Mayo says
Tom Lake was probably a boring READ, but listening to the audiobook read by Meryl Streep…heavenly!
Lisa says
I work in a library and we are doing a staff survey on our favorite books this year and my initial thought was I’m not sure I had many. I feel like I have had a lot that have had annoying characters or were just plain boring. Recently, Cassandra in Reverse was a DNF for me. Maybe it’s just my mood lately but I’m tired of the overly frazzled, can’t get one thing together character where everything and I mean EVERYTHING falls apart b/c they are just so frazzled.
One book I have not read yet is Remarkably Bright Creatures-I’m curious as the premise sounds unique but is an octopus going to make me emotional? Am I going to get the “feels” and get teary-eyed?
Mix and Match Mama says
You will definitely get “all the feels”, but in a sweet way. It’s just the sweetest book. You will not regret picking it up. xx
Kristin says
“Have” had. Sigh.
Kristin says
Lisa, I had had so many DNFs recently. I’m sorry to hear that you have as well, but also I’m kind of glad! I was wondering if it was the situation in the world getting to me, or if I’m choosing bad books. I guess I still don’t know what it is, but at least I am not alone. Just picked up Jhumpa Lahiri’s Roman Stories at the library and have my fingers crossed, as I usually love her books.
Kim says
You should definitely read it! It is the sweetest, all the feels, book. One of my favorites for the year for sure! It’s hard to explain you just have to read it lol.
Melissa says
I just read Let It Snow by Beth Moran and thought it was a cute read for the holidays.
Allison says
Christmas Orphans Club By Becca Freeman! Cute story about friends celebrating Christmas together every year. The author also cohosts a podcast called Bad on Paper where they talk a lot about books.
Julie Lienemann says
Oh my gosh Tom Lake! I listened to this on Audible-I believe it was a recommendation on their home page. It sold because the audio version is narrated by Meryl Streep! She almost “acts” the book and it brought it to life in the best way. But I do remember thinking-if I was reading this, I bet I would have lost interest. It was a nice story to listen to and pass time doing chores/driving but I think I would have put in down if reading. Meryl made the difference!
KD says
Two books I’ve really loved lately:
– The Watchmaker- a biography about Corrie Ten Boom. So inspiring!
– Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen- very engaging thriller, loved the mother/daughter relationship focus
Also, I’m not big on Ann Patchett but her book Bel Canto is great! Has more plot/action
Christine says
I loved the Watchmaker, too! It really inspired me as well! 🙂
Karen S. says
I am also loving Feeding the Mouth that Bites You book/podcast. It s really helping navigate life with my now moody 15 year old daughter. That literally changed overnight. sigh. They have the lowest levels of dopamine ever in their entire life during the teen years. Hence the moodiness/sadness they experience. Mourning the child is so hard. I am also LOVING a child psychologist on YouTube. Man is his content right on. I wish I had found him a few years ago because his info helps with littles all the way up in age. He also has videos for the teens to watch that are so helpful in understanding where we are coming from as parents. His name is Dr Paul Jenkins and YT channel is Live on Purpose TV.
Jennifer says
Yikes- a rough month for you! I’ve recently needed some lighter books (that used to be too predictable and boring for me, but now I’m loving them!) and so I’ve been on a Katherine Center/Christina Lauren backlog streak.
Along those lines, I’m reading a new one by a debut author- You, With a View. It has tons of rave reviews, I’m loving it, and I think you will too! It is full of heart, witty banter, and is well-written…even if it is very spicy.
For Christmas, I’m planning on In a Holidaze and it looks like Tessa Bailey has a new Christmas one called Wreck the Halls. I’ve never read one of hers, but I’ve heard great things. Britney’s memoir is up next for me though!
Patty says
Not a Christmas read, and definitely not chic lit, but still a wonderful book by Charles Martin called The Last Exchange. I thought I had it all figured out early on, but there were some unexpected surprises toward the end. He’s such a great author!
Laura says
Tom Lake was a total snooze fest! I even listened to the Meryl Streep narrated audio version, and despite her lovely voice, the plot was far too nonexistent. I finished, but phew, if I hadn’t, it would be no loss.
Kelly Brannan says
I have an excellent Christmas rec for you: Snowed In by Catherine Walsh. It comes out on Nov. 1st (I got to read an early copy) and it was SO GOOD. It’s set in Ireland during Christmas, and it is funny, cozy, romantic, and just so good. Left me with all the feels! That said, if you haven’t read her holiday book from last year (Holiday Romance), I also highly recommend it, too, and you should really read it first. Snowed In can be read as a stand alone, but it has some of the same characters and was also excellent. (Also, for the record, I gave up on Tom Lake after the first two chapters and skimmed through to the end. I could not get into it to save my life).
Dana J says
Reads Shay’s book review and immediately goes to Amazon to return Tom Lake that arrived over the weekend!! Cannot do boring when I have too many books on my TBR list!! I read The Restaurant and then Christmas at the Restaurant by Pamela Kelley last year and really liked both of them!! Easy light reading and bonus it’s set in Nantucket!!
Peg says
I read Tom Lake and felt it was slow and not my favorite but i did finish it. I rarely stop reading a book but I had to stop reading The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. It was one of Oprah’s Book Club reads and I waited for weeks to get it from the library. It is long and I just couldn’t get into it after the first few chapters. I’m curious if anyone else read it and what they think…..
Sharon says
Peg, I read The Covenant of Water and enjoyed it, however, I loved Cutting for Stone, another of his books, even more.
Tanya says
Ditto on Tom Lake. I didn’t finish and found it very boring and kind of annoying. I listened on audio, and you would think Meryl Streep narrating would make it better, but it didn’t. Have you read the light mysteries by SJ Bennett? I just finished the 3rd in the series (Murder Most Royal.) They are delightful cozy reads with the Queen solving a mystery…perfect for the Anglophile. I would definitely start with the first – The Windsor Knot.
Tanya – The Other Side of the Road
Ashley Ashby says
I love your book reviews!!! Do you have a post on favorite Christmas books you’ve read thus far? ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought I did, but I just went back to look and don’t see one. I will make a list! Stand by!!
Debbie Vaughan says
Love book review day! I have never commented until today. UGH!!!! Tom Lake! I only made it to about 25% on my Kindle. Our book club will review this next week and I will not be attending. Too many other great books to read.
Mix and Match Mama says
Please comment again! I am so happy to have you as a part of this community! xx
AliJ. says
I always look forward to your book reviews so thank you!
I have a 15 year old daughter so I understand parenting a teen and its challenges. Her school (she attends a boarding school) brought in Dr. Lisa Damour for talking to the parents about her book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. Fantastic book! Because our daughter’s school is boys side is military and girls side is an English prefect system, the school split the talk for boy and girl parents. I’ve heard her speak twice now and I learn something new every time.
https://drlisadamour.com/
Jennie says
Love your monthly book reviews!! Ann Patchett, author of Tom Lake, owns a book store in Nashville called Parnassus Books. I follow her on IG and love the book reviews she and her staff do. Gives me great ideas for future reads. I have heard her earlier books are better. I think I’ll have to do the audible for this one!
Ramona says
Ugh! I hate when you don’t like the books you read on book review day. I come here specifically to see what I should read next. Oh well. Still my favorite day of the month. Anyhoo, my two December book recs would be One Day in December by Josie Silver. Set in London and just fabulous!!! I loved it so much. I just picked up her newest book A Winter in New York. Can wait to dive in.
Ashley Long says
I have been following your recommendations for awhile and I think you would really enjoy The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer. It is a wonderful story with a little bit of mystery and a little bit of whimsy.
Maureen says
I loved Tom Lake. I am a mom of daughters who are grown. The connection to Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town” was so beautiful and I cried at different parts of this Anne Patchett novel. I must admit that I did listen to Meryl Streep’s narration…and it was beautiful!
Elizabeth Champion says
I agree! I loved Meryl Streep narration of Tom Lake. I also agree with others that maybe we need to be of a certain age to get it. My son is grown so maybe we look at things differently than when we are in the middle of the raising children.
Lauren says
Another vote for Have You Heard About Kitty Karr? Just finished and loved it. Before that I finished Only the Beautiful, by Susan Meissner and LOVED it. Just a beautiful story set during WW2 but from someone living in America, which is a different perspective than a lot set during that time period.
Susan Dike says
Just read The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. Lighter read with lots of laugh out loud moments. Really enjoyed this one.
Karen says
Tom Lake was a DNF for me, toooo slow! There are too many books out there!
Catherine says
Tom Lake was amazing on audible! It was so well written. We disagree on a lot of books, Shay, but I still hang around! The Winter Street Christmas series was so good! I need another one like it!
Carole says
I recently read and loved Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. So cute! There’s a little mystery but it’s mostly quirky characters in an odd situation but I enjoyed it so much!
Tamara says
I have just discovered British author Poppy Alexander, and am currently really enjoying reading her book “25 Days Til’ Christmas”. I would highly recommend it!
Kaysey says
I like Jenny Bayliss holiday books. She has a new one out, but I haven’t read it yet. I just read Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd and I remember really liking a Cross Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh.
Bethany says
ok – i will just say, i totally think Tom Lake was slow BUT listening to it on Audible was the difference for me. Meryl Streep’s voice was soothing and i just bought into it so much more. I actually loved it! Looking back, if i were to read it instead of listen, I’m sure it would have been hard for me to get through!
Luce says
Some cute light reads- Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting (based in England!) and Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
Keely says
I wanted to love Tom Lake. I loved the idea of a mother telling her story to her daughters, but I kept waiting for something to happen! All in all, I felt that the book was symbolic of 2020 as a whole—it was a long, horrible year. For some it actually was the worst and the rest of us were waiting for the bottom to drop out and it never did.
Aparna says
Oh shoot! It’s really frustrating when you can’t get into a book…I hate leaving them midway too but sometimes you just gotta do what u gotta do 😉
I read several good books in October…starting with wrong place, wrong time…was so good! Finished it in 2 sittings. Also read 2 romances…although not new, they were on my TBR pile since a long time. Kulti (marianna zapatta) I really enjoyed this, it’s a slow burn… & pen pal (J T geissinger) which was a bit too steamy for me but plot has a twist.
Looking forward to nov review. Have a good day.
Laura Schueller says
Shay, I enjoyed Tom Lake, but also listened to the audio version of it. It was read by Meryl Streep. Maybe that made the difference. Also, my daughter is a theater major so I related to alot of that story line and her work during the summer seasons. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett is my all time fav of hers. That one is read by Tom Hanks and had me hooked.
Shelby Denison says
It’s not a Christmas book, but I just finished The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros. It wrecked me in all the best ways, and was truly the best emotional roller coaster over ever been on! It has two little R rated parts – but wow it was SO GOOD!
Kristen Van Scharrel says
Best Christmas Read for me is the The White Christmas Inn” by Colleen Wright. Seriously adorable, great plots, sweet ending and the descriptions alone make you think Hallmark. Hope you read it!
Tiffany says
I just finished another Christmas book that I think you would love! A Winter in New York by Josie Silver