Hey, hey, hey, it’s my favorite blog post of the month…my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW!
You guys, it’s hard to wrap my brain around the fact that it’s almost time for me to pick my TOP THREE books of the year! This year in reading has just flown by 🙂 .
Now, per usual, November is a fun month here in blog world as I just spent the month reading holiday books in case you need a festive read heading into December. In full disclosure, I FLEW through my four holiday books this month. When I read the last page of the fourth one (on Thanksgiving day!), I was sad to see them end.
If you are really looking for something sweet, happy, uplifting, cheerful and oh so Christmas-y, you’re about to find it below. If you are looking for the exact opposite of that…you are also going to find that below because y’all, I read…
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Okay, I did it. I read it.
When I completed my marathons, I had this exact same feeling I did when I finished this book. Exhausted, my head hurt, I wasn’t exactly sure what I just put myself through, I was tired and felt a little dirty. I also had that same feeling of “oh, I will never do that again” but then as days and weeks went by, I forgot about how much I disliked it as I was reflecting on the experience and signed myself up for marathon #2. Again, that’s how I felt after reading this book.
SO MANY OF YOU sweet blog readers suggested this book (it’s the first in a newish series) and even my own personal friends were texting me over and over again to read it. So, I did.
I will tell you that red flag #1 appeared when I opened my Kindle after downloading said book and my Kindle told me it would take me about 13 hours to finish this one (typically, my books range from 6 to 8 hours). Red flag #2 appeared when I realized it was in the fantasy genre. Red flag #3 appeared when I saw the word “dragon”. I tried to quit three different times, but all three times, my friends encouraged me to continue reading with the same line of “you liked Game of Thrones, you will like this!”. I persevered.
Now that I’m about 4 weeks post-book, here are my thoughts: This fictional (very fictional!) story is quite the epic journey and very similar to Game of Thrones (good vs evil, life vs death, dragons vs me hating dragons in any story). It’s NOT a terrible book. In fact, once I hit the 50% mark, I was invested enough that I read it faster. It’s just that this isn’t my genre. I love the Hallmark channel and this leaned very much into HBO. It’s very Rated R, pretty violent but yet totally full of adventure, and yes, you’ll probably do some cheering from your bed as you read certain parts (I was invested enough to cheer), it just wasn’t really a “me” book. When it as all said and done, I wrote in my notes that I thought it was “good not great” but didn’t love it enough to read the sequel which just was released this month.
If you like darker, meatier, adventurous, fantasy novels (maybe like The Hunger Games-another series I did not read), you will probably really love this one. If you like to watch the Hallmark channel and stick your head in the sand about anything not light, happy and positive, let me introduce you to books 2 through 5 below…
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
My first Christmas book of the season checked all my boxes! I love me some Josie Silver (all of her books are adorable!), so I wasn’t surprised at all that I loved this one too.
This is the story of a British woman who lives in New York City. Her life gets intertwined with the lives of an Italian family who own a gelato shop in Little Italy. This was such a sweet and festive read (especially if you love novels with yummy food references!). I wrote in my notes that it was a like a great Hallmark Christmas movie…that was rated R. Cheesy, predictable, lovable and festive. What more could you ask for in a holiday chick lit?!
I highly recommend you read this one this season followed by…
A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
Awwww! This one was ADORABLE!!! If you’ve read Bayliss’ other books, then you already know she writes really sweet books. This is the story of three sisters in England who come together after the death of their dad during the holiday season to complete a last mission of sorts for him around his old antique store. This book just oozes holiday charm. The setting reminded me of the village in The Holiday, the characters are all likable and easy to love, there is romance, there is a little suspense…I just loved this one SO MUCH! I especially loved the message that’s woven throughout this novel. At one point, the dad character is quoted as saying “Make the time to take the time” which I really thought was lovely and oh so important (and something I need to work on myself).
Super cute, super holiday, about family, love…all the things. Two thumbs up!
The 3rd holiday book of the season was…
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
I mean, when does Mary Kay Andrews not deliver?! This chick lit was all holiday charm and could be a Hallmark movie itself. It’s about a North Carolina Christmas tree farmer and her brother who head to NYC to sell their trees in a cute neighborhood filled with eclectic characters and a single dad and his son?! I mean, COULD THAT BE ANY MORE HALLMARK?! No, no it could not.
Was it cheesy? You bet. Did I love every page? YES!
This one was, yes, a little unrealistic (I mean, does one fall in love that quickly with a smelly tree farmer who lives in a very old trailer?), but I couldn’t put it down. It was just HAPPY, and I’m here for all the happy books.
My fourth holiday book (and fifth book of the month) was…
Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey
You guys, I was sad when this one was over. I knew this would be my last festive read of the season, and I did not want it to end. This novel was perhaps the most PG and Hallmark-y of the four, but boy, I loved it. Twin sisters (with holiday names!) born on December 25th and are obsessed with Christmas are snowed in with a cranky nemesis? SIGN. ME. UP. I just had all the happy feels reading this one and flew through it in about three days. Light, uber festive and sweet. The perfect combination in a novel.
And that wraps up my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW!
Next month, I’ll share any books I read in December plus name my TOP THREE BOOKS OF 2023! I *think* I know what they are right now, but you never know? I might read something amazing this next month that changes my mind (like last year!), so if you have any last minute books you think I should consider before the year is out, please leave them in the comment section below.
Also don’t forget, if you need other adorable holiday reads…
…above you’ll find a few of my absolute faves!
One more thing, 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!
Thank you in advance for the comments and book recs below. Have the BEST Tuesday, friends! I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Sheila says
Give me all the Hallmark, cheesy, predictable, sweet, feel good Christmas books right now!!! 🎄🎁💚 Thanks, as always, for the recommendations Shay! 😊
Katrina Goodman says
I couldn’t get past the first two pages of Fourth Wing. Fantasy is very hard for me to read too. I didn’t know Josie Silver has a new book out. Will have to read immediately!
Elspeth says
I’ve been on the hunt for some Christmas books and can’t wait to read some of these! Thanks for the reviews!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Heather Stanton says
I loved The Senator’s Wife!
https://www.amazon.com/Senators-Wife-Novel-Liv-Constantine/dp/0593599896/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PV9JJ6UZ9WM7&keywords=Senators+wife&qid=1701171931&sprefix=senators+wife+%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-1
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too!!!!
Martha says
It was a great book
Amanda says
Thanks for your honest review on Fourth Wing. Many of my friends has recommended it to me and I just haven’t picked it up yet. It seems like a big commitment for something I might not like 😬. There’s just so many other books on my list right now.
A book that I loved this month was The Leftover Woman. It was heartbreaking and eye opening, but had a happy ending. I think you’d like it.
Andrea says
So if you had to pick one of the Christmas books to read, which one would you pick?
Mix and Match Mama says
I loved them all, but I would say the Jenny Bayliss novel!
leigh says
The 12 Dates of Christmas is SUCH a great audiobook!
Angela says
I just ordered A December to Remember!! Thank you for always having the best suggestions, Shay!!!🥰 I can’t wait to cuddle up with my cozy blanket and candle lit and read this book with our Christmas lights twinkling!
Erin Smith says
Love these posts! I’ve heard so much hype about 4th wing but I know it’s not for me. Dragons? I’m out. What was your fav of the Christmas books?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh, I would probably say the Jenny Bayliss one 🙂 .
Carrie says
I keep seeing Fourth Wing everywhere and am wondering if it would be appropriate for my 7th grader who loved the Hunger Games and Divergent series. Is the “R” rating just for violence or is there adult content, too?
Mix and Match Mama says
You should read it first and then decide, but I would say no if Kensington asked to read it and she’s in 9th grade.
Thebookisbetter says
There is definitely adult content too. It gets real spicy in some parts. I wouldn’t let a 7th grader read it. Just in case you wanted my two cents! 😂
Marti says
I tried to read The Fourth Wing. I like fantasy and dystopian novels (loved the Hunger Games series and Divergent), but the R-rated scenes and language in this book was a big no for me. I discarded it pretty quickly.
Keryn Dias says
The R is not just for violence. There are very spicy sex scenes
Kristen says
I read the Mary Kay Andrews book and the Josie Silver one this week, they were both soo cute!!!
Just read the John Stamos bio and loved it!
Jeanie says
Thanks for the recommendations! Haven’t read Fourth Wing but my daughter has it on her Christmas list.
Kristen Thompson says
Yay I love Christmas recommendations!! I also ready the Mary Kay Andrews book and loved it! I know you are done with Christmas books but maybe for next year I’m reading The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan and it’s absolutely adorable! Totally hallmark movie worthy and takes place in a little inn in Vermont at Christmas! Can’t wait to hear your top books of the year next month!
Jeanie says
And I should mention my daughter is a college professor….not a middle schooler or teen. I have heard it’s pretty graphic.
Stacy says
I think you need to read one more christmasy book- Snowed in sooo good fake dating and you’d like it!!! I have three of these on my list to read !
Ashley Ashby says
Who is the author?
Meg says
I understand that fantasy isn’t for everyone and I don’t typically like spice, BUT Fourth Wing having a disabled main character was huge for me, as my daughter has a disability as well. Granted, I probably wouldn’t let her read it until she was 18. It’s just refreshing to have a disabled main character in such a popular book. The author has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and I think six kids. One of them adopted I think.
Jennifer says
Would you recommend any of these for a 13 year old who loves to read? I see so many recommendations online for books yet they’re recommended by adults for adults, so it’s always hard to tell. My daughter will devour a book in days, but I don’t have time to read books myself before giving them to her. Or are there any books your teens love?
Mix and Match Mama says
The last one!! That one would be perfect for her.
Leslie S says
I would love more book rec’s for young teens. My younger daughter just finished the Mother Daughter Bookclub series and it was really cute! It’s so hard to find good books for girls and I don’t always have time to preview (also have a tween son and find it equally hard to find appropriate books that are interesting for him!)
Sarah says
Depending on their ages I would look into an author named Jordan Sonnenblick. He doesn’t have a huge number of books out there but he was (or maybe is) an 8th grade English teacher and he writes with a lot of warmth and humor. If you look him up I think you’ll see which are his more popular books. I think a few are aimed at a lower age range but the ones I’m a bit more familiar with are sort of targeted at that middle school age. The most popular one is Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. A couple others are “After Ever After,” “Falling Over Sideways.”
Not sure if these are too simple for the age you have in mind, but they are worth looking into.
Also I’m sure you’ve heard of this because it’s a classic, but in case you haven’t – “Where the Red Fern Grows.”
Tina says
NO! Where the Red Fern Grows is one of the saddest books EVER!! Honestly this book scarred me for life. It’s the number one reason I cannot watch any movies or read any books where animals die. Awful, just awful. I was so thankful that my kids weren’t forced to read it when they were in elementary/middle school.
Annie says
Have you checked out Common Sense Media? It’s a nice tool to help you with deciding if a movie book etc is appropriate for your child.
Lindsey says
I just love your reviews. I’ll say it again that your reading reviews got me back into reading and I even started a bookstagram! I quit reading Fourth Wing on page 60 but feel like I should push through (or try, again.) I loved the Hunger Games but not sure dragons are my cup of tea either. Will definitely be checking out your Christmas book recs as I haven’t read a Christmas book yet!! Which one should I start with?? Your number one?? 🤩
Meghan says
PLEASE read The Hunger Games! Totally different from The Fourth Wing. I hardly ever comment, but I feel so strongly about you trying them lol
SS says
Agree. Hunger Games is can’t put down good. I am not into fantasy at all and could not put them down. Those are one of my favorite reads ever!
Kelli says
Have you read Lovelight Farms? Its such a fun holiday book!
Bethany Huckins says
You HAVE to read “The Secret book of Flora Lee” by Patty Callahan. The same author that wrote Becoming Mrs. Lewis. This novel has been my absolute favorite of the year! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jennifer says
Agree! Secret Life of Flora Lee is so good!
Rayne Osborn says
Definitely one of mine too!
Christi McAnally says
Yes! I loved it so much. I’m planning to suggest it for my book club for next year.
Kay says
Happy Tuesday Shay! Non-book related question – I love the light tan / semi turtleneck sweater you were wearing in your Stories yesterday – can you please link it?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! It’s on sale too! https://shopstyle.it/l/b4U4g
Dawson Keisha says
I DO NOT do fantasy or dragons, but I loved Fourth Wing, and I read Iron Flame this month too. Who am I?!?!? Needless to say it’s been nothing but holiday rom coms surrounding that. Adding all of these to my list!
Amber Lotocki says
You should give Rebecca Yarros another chance and check out The Things We Leave Unfinished! I didn’t read the Fourth Wing, but I think this one is the exact opposite of that and one you would enjoy!
Renee Baugh says
I loved Fourth Wing and it’s not my usual genre! I try to get out of my comfort zone on occasion and this was delicious! Am currently reading the second in the series.
For those wondering, it’s fantasy mixed with romance from a female perspective. Glad I gave it a chance.
Kit says
Shay!! LOVE book day! You inspired me to start reading more 5 years ago and it has been truly life-changing for me! That might sound ridiculous, but I have completely changed how I spend my free time and it brings me so much happiness and mental escape! Thank you thank you!! Love these reviews! I was just wondering – how come you said your festive reading is over? Just not much time in December? I remember last December you were fed up with the holiday novels not being great lol, and read Remarkably Bright Creatures (YES!!) and such, but just wondering why you are done with festive novels before December begins?! Xo!!! Thank you for the daily JOY!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, this makes me so happy!!! Thank you, thank you for sharing this with me, Kit! I’ve learned over the years that it’s better for me to read holiday books in November and review them at the end of the month rather than read them in December and review them when everyone has already read them and/or it’s almost Christmas, so no one cares. So, that’s why. By the time I get to my December Book Review, you guys will be wanting non-holiday reads!
Kit says
Makes total sense!!! Cant wait for the best books of the YEAR!!!
Renee Baugh says
I loved Fourth Wing and it’s NOT my usual genre. So glad I gave it a shot. Otherwise… I read the same type of books over and over and it just gets boring.
For those wondering, it’s fantasy meets romance from a female perspective. I LOVED IT.
Hearing it will be a Prime series….😀
Marla says
You are too funny. Dragons are a hard no for me too. I love your descriptions of all these books! I’m reading Kristin Hannah The Four Winds right now – I think I will need a light pick me up after that….thnaks!
Joanne says
I just finished Bright Lights Big Christmas and thought it was really cute.
Laura says
Have you read the other books written by Rebecca Yarros? They are so good and not a dragon to be had. They are very Hallmarkish
I finished The Last Letter 3 weeks ago and I am still thinking about it
Holly says
A Cross-Country Christmas by Catherine Walsh is free on Kindle Unlimited right now. It’s a good one. Adding Snowed In from the comment above to my Kindle!
Jennifer says
Cross Country Christmas has been my favorite holiday read!
Lisa Klein says
Emergency Contact was my first holiday read this year & I absolutely loved it!! Almost finished with Three Holidays & A Wedding and it is fabulous so far! Can’t wait to read A December to Remember and A Winter in New York!
Erin G says
I am still dying for you to read The Measure! Fingers crossed you add it to your December list.
I e got Fourth Wing on hold with the library and am planning to use an audible credit on it once they release the new version with a full cast (i heard the oeiginal audio recording is absolutely terrible.)
Kaley says
Completely agree, would love to hear Shay’s take on The Measure! It definitely sticks with you.
K.K. says
Yay!! A favorite of the month!! Love it!! Thanks for reviewing the Christmas books early too. 🙂
Deb says
I just ordered two of your recs! No fantasy for me either. I like the M K Andrews book a lot. Thank you for the review
sandi says
I read Trading Christmas (which I realized was made into a Hallmark movie) and The Holiday Switch (it was something to read but not great). A few more Christmas books are loaded on my kindle, between that and the Hallmark channel my family is over cheesy Christmas movies.
“The Lost Vintage” by Ann Mah was quite interesting. Think The Nightingale/Code Name Helene/Things we cannot Say but not as well written as those long standing authors. It was really good with an intriguing dual story line. She has only written a few books, Jacqueline in Paris, about Jackie Kennedy and her year abroad before becoming Jackie Kennedy. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear what others are reading!
Jen says
“If you like to watch the Hallmark channel and stick your head in the sand about anything not light, happy and positive, let me introduce you to books 2 through 5 below…” Yes, please. This is totally me.
Kristin says
My daughter is a librarian, and she reviewed The Fourth Wing for a library journal and hated it. I think it was a challenge for her to figure out what to say in the review. She was intrigued by the character with EDS as she has an autoimmune condition as well, but didn’t think it was handled completely realistically. But I guess it IS a fantasy. So excited to hear that Jenny Bayliss has a new book out! Everything but The Fourth Wing has been placed on hold at my library. Thanks Shay!! Re. books you should read, I just finished Trespasses, which takes place in Belfast in the 1970s. It’s not a cheerful book, but having visited Belfast, I enjoyed getting a tiny glimpse into what life might have been like for some people living there at that time. I’m not sure it will be your cup of tea, but you could read about it and see what you think. Happy reading!
Kristen L says
Have you read life’s too short by Abby Jimenez? If not, i would encourage you to read that one. I think you would love it! Super quick read too.
Jen McNeely says
A great read for the holiday season or anytime truly (especially for a Disney travel agent) is my friend’s new book ~ “Suing Cinderella”
It’s not anti-disney as the title might suggest, but it’s a witty rom com about Scottie (Scotland) who is jilted at the alter and her quest to pursue damages from the company that convinced her that she deserved a happily ever after. Enter the Attorney for “Disney” and you have a clever plot! It’s whimsical and has so much heart and fun nostalgia.
Celina Shwam says
I second this!! I was lucky enough to be on the launch team for this book! It is pure magic!!
Angie says
Christmas at the Chateau by Annabelle French was my first Christmas read this year, and it was SO GOOD. All the cozy feels… incredible setting, great characters, loved the story. Highly recommended holiday read! Also I just finished Charles Martin’s Send Down the Rain. Wow… such a great story with the message of God’s redeeming love. It’s been a long time since I have recommended a book to everyone I know, and this was one of them! Thanks for all the book recs as always!!!
Ashley Ashby says
I can’t wait to read these Christmas books. Your book reviews are my favorite blog posts I look forward to all month.
I would also love younger teen book recommendations. My daughters are that age. Maybe books Kensington has loved or is reading if she’d be up to you sharing, or books you’d recommend for teen girls that you have read or as you read. Thanks for helping raise readers! ❤️
Cathy says
First time commenter here. I’d like to recommend The Many Lives of Mama Love. It is my book club’s December choice and I loved it.
Tera says
I’ve refused to read Fourth Wing for all the reasons you mentioned. 😄 As soon as I saw the next 3 authors though, I was like “yes!!” I already have them on hold through my Libby app.
Jenny says
Have you read, Every Summer After? I think it’s my favorite so far this year.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have! It is really, really good!
Dana J says
Love book review day!! I highly highly recommend West with Giraffes!! Every person I know who has read it has loved it!! I read it over the summer and still think about it! I think it may be my fave book of the year!! I’m reading The Senators Wife right now…so good!!
Catherine says
I agree about Fourth Wing. I struggling to get through it. I felt like it was a Hunger Games meets Harry Potter vibe. Just not my thang. Can’t wait to dive into some of these Christmas books!
Erika Slaughter says
Meanwhile I’m reading book #2 and cannot wait to finish!
Erin says
Hey Shay! Any recommendations on a new devotional you plan to read for the upcoming year?
Mix and Match Mama says
I am going to do the Bible Recap again (for my 3rd year!). Have you done it yet? My Bible Recap group would LOVE to have you join us. It has absolutely changed my life and taught me more about God’s word than my previous 30 years studying it.
Alexis says
Eeek!!!! I was hoping you’d do it again! I’m in your group this year and the Recap has been life changing. I’m doing it again next year with the study guide, too!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am SO HAPPY you have been doing it this year too! It is life changing, right?!
sandi says
There is an instagrammer and blogger “Every Day Reading” who has book recommendations for virtually every age group. Based on comments above some readers were looking for wholesome teen reads.
https://everyday-reading.com/
Ashley says
I would add Read Aloud Revival and Redeemed Reader to that if you’re looking for book lists from a Christian worldview.
Kelsey says
If you need just ONE more Christmas book, I highly recommend The Christmas Orphan’s Club by Becca Friedman. It’s a debut novel, written by a New Yorker, about Christmas in New York. It’s charming, and funny, and leaves you wanting to make each of the characters your friend. Highly recommend!
Julie says
Love the suggestions!
Renee says
I recommend The Personal Librarian. It is my favorite book this year.
Becky says
I LOVE book review day!!! I’ve been waiting for this one to come out before buying my holiday reads for this year, so thanks so much!!
Patti Stanford says
Great review. I read and thoroughly enjoyed the Josie Silver book too. It was a romcom that was just a little different which was nice!
My suggestions that I read in addition to above is:
Kinfolk by Sean Dietrich – he is a great southern writer with great down-home stories. His books are very “clean.” LOL.
Britney Spears, The Woman in Me, was actually very good. I was surprised and I fell in love with her. She admits her faults openly and seems so genuinely sweet and quite strong. My lesson from this sad and shocking but triumphant story is that NO minor child should be in show business full time and NEVER fully supporting their entire family from the proceeds of this very adult lifestyle. Again, very good book.
Jackie says
Confessions of a curious bookseller! It is hilarious and written with emails, notes, diary entries, etc
Such a fun and lighthearted book.
Ashley says
It’s not even that Fourth Wing is fantasy, it’s just terrible writing! There is no prose, it’s just terrible writing. I told my husband it should be called F’ing Fourth Wing, I’ve never read so many f bombs in my life, and then you get to the acknowledgments and she’s thanking her Heavenly Father! I felt completely dirty like you said!