Happy happy BOOK DAY!
Thanks to a couple of trips and flights, I was able to read FIVE books this month and let me tell you, I feel 99.9% confident that I’ve read the best books of 2024 over the last few weeks. My FEBRUARY BOOK REVIEW has a memoir, a chick lit, a Francophile find and two epic novels.
Before we dive in, don’t forget that this year we now have A BOOK CLUB!!
Once a month, we will have a dedicated blog post for our monthly Book Club chat.
If you read February’s book, make sure you go back and take part in our discussion plus see what book we’ll be reading in March.
Okay, now, on to my FEBRUARY 2024 reads!
See? Five very different books in one little ole month 🙂 .
Ready, set, here is my FEBRUARY BOOK REVIEW:
Book #1 this month was:
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Now this was our FEBRUARY BOOK CLUB read, so if you want to discuss this book, make sure you do it there and not here, but if you haven’t read it, DO SO NOW! You guys, I do not know how this novel won’t appear in my TOP THREE for 2024. It was easily a FIVE STAR BOOK that I think all of you will enjoy (and based on the BOOK CLUB CHAT, almost everyone else gave it five stars too!).
Here’s a quick little review for those of you who haven’t already read it (and if you haven’t read it, DO NOT VISIT THE BOOK CLUB CHAT BECAUSE THERE ARE SPOILERS!). This historical fiction novel takes place in the 1700s and is about a midwife and her family, her business and her town. Everything in that previous sentence sounds like something I would not like to read, but I did and I LOVED IT! This novel doesn’t read “olden days”. This book is fresh and modern despite being set several hundred years ago. At the root of this story is a strong female lead that you will and cheer for…but her journey and life is wrapped in uncovering a mystery too. This has all the things a good books needs: suspense, relationships, wit, humor, strong characters, an adorable setting, and a riveting plot.
Two BIG thumbs up from me! Read it, read it, read it!
It was very hard to go from that book to anything else, so I selected a lighter, chick lit novel to be…
Book #2:
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
Okay, now, I’m not going to jump up and down and shout that you should read this one, but it was a solid book that did make me think way more than your typical “chick lit”.
This novel reminded me of In Five Years by Rebecca Searle (which was my third favorite book in 2020), but not *quite* as good.
This story is about a woman in her 20s that lives in London and is just ready to skip ahead to “the good part” of her life. She’s single, living with a bunch of flat mates in a small apartment working at a job she doesn’t love where she makes hardly enough money to get by and so one day, she kind of makes a wish (very similar to the Tom Hanks movie Big) and voila, the next morning, she wakes up 16 years later at the age of 42 living where yes, her life is definitely at “the good part”.
You know how much I love the movie The Family Man with Nicholas Cage? Well, this is very similar to that too…except in that movie, it’s still the same year, but in this novel, she’s 16 years later so everything has changed. Technology is different, cars are different, and people she loved have passed away. She skipped to “the good part” but she also missed (and can’t remember) 16 years of her life.
Even though I’ve now referenced three other books/movies that this story is similar to, I did think this tale was original in the fact that she really did miss that time period, and it’s odd to everyone that she’s still stuck 16 years in the past. This book was chick lit but with some “meat”. In fact, I teared up TWICE while reading it, and really thought long and hard about several things along the way. As a 42 year old women currently living my “good part” right now (how can it not be?!), would I have skipped these last 16 years to be here today? There have been some hard days and real struggles over the last 16 years. There have been times of real hurt and sadness, real loneliness and uncertainty. Would I skip it to be here? I wouldn’t. All of those things made me who I am today, and I appreciate this “good part” even more because of it.
Needless to say, yes this is “chick lit”, but it also goes way deeper than that and hopefully, as you read it, you’ll be able to stop and reflect too. Very good book.
That being said, up next…
Book #3:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Best book I’ve read this year.
Period.
End of story.
As much as I LOVED The Frozen River, I loved this one even more. I’m actually super sad that I read it and didn’t make it a Book Club pick because EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT!
Kristin Hannah is a brilliant author, but this one here, in my opinion, is her best work.
This novel is a must read.
So, what’s it about? Though these characters are fictitious, they are inspired by the female nurses who served abroad in the armed forces during the Vietnam war. I was blown away by these women, their journeys and their sacrifices. I was equally blown away by how they were received stateside upon returning from their tours of duty. This book is real, raw and gritty while also being inspiring, provocative and fascinating. I could not put this novel down. I did not want it to end. I was completely engrossed and utterly absorbed with every (often painful to read) page. I have read all of Hannah’s novels and almost always really, really love them. Before this month, I would have said that The Great Alone (my 3rd favorite book of 2018) was my favorite, but this one blew even that one out of the water.
I will say this though, if you have lost someone dear to you in combat, this might be too real for you to read. If you yourself have served, this does contain sensitive and graphic material about the casualties that take place. I want to make sure I’m sensitive to everyone out there, this is a wonderful novel, but it’s hard to read and might be too much for some of you. It’s hard. The events she’s describing are hard. I think it was good for me to read about “the hard”, but it might be too much for some of you.
Okay, after reading those three books, I knew that there was no way I was going to love the next book I read because…how can ANY book follow those three? Instead of diving into another novel that you guys have recommended (and not loving it simply because I read it on the heels of those novels), I decided to read a palette cleanser of sorts with…
Book #4:
If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos
The perfect palette cleanser 😉 .
Oh John Stamos, you are so cute.
As a child of the 80s/90s, I, of course, had a major crush on this guy. Who am I kidding? I still do. He just oozes charm, so I picked up his new memoir and dove in.
My honest opinion is that it’s exactly what I thought it would be. It read like he really wrote it (sometimes memoirs read like a ghost writer wrote it), and it hit the highlights without getting too deep/graphic into any one situation. I appreciated his candor and his stories but also appreciated that he changed the names of some people as to not “throw them under the bus” and kept some serious topics (like his divorce) honest but in a “self-reflecting” kind of way and not a “I’m the victim, she was the bad guy” kind of way. Even in his memoir, he’s charming. If you watched Full House, you’ll appreciate his stories and little tidbits about those years. I thought his relationships with The Beach Boys was interesting as well as with Don Rickles. This isn’t a long memoir. He gets in there, gives you the scoop and keeps it light and very family focused. I loved him going into the book and loved him coming out. It was exactly what I needed to read after so many stellar works of fiction.
Finally…
Book #5:
How To Be French by Janine Marsh
Another Francophile read for us!
Earlier this month, I shared my big long list of Francophile books, and now, I have one more to add to the stack.
This book is written by a British woman who has spent years and years living in France. She writes in great detail about everything from ordering from a menu to which French words to use (or not use) if you’re not fluent. She covers art, cafes, traveling, music, and even French holidays. This is a very comprehensive look at French (not just Parisian) life with the most gorgeous photos. I think this book might have the *best* photography out of all the French books I’ve read. It’s a beautiful, beautiful book filled to the brim with all of those little lifestyle details I just love. I read a little bit every day all month long, and it was the perfect accompaniment to my morning routine.
Okay, that wraps up BOOK REVIEW DAY!
I hope you found something today to read this next month.
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.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2023 (all 51 of them), click here.
If you want to stay current on all of the books I’m reading in 2024, THIS PAGE HERE is where I keep the books, authors and reviews each month.
Okay, what should I read next?! I would LOVE a few lighter reads for my spring break! I have read some heavy hitters this month, so any and all “light” chick lit recs would be very much appreciated.
Don’t forget, if you want to read along with us in March for BOOK CLUB, this is the book we’ll be reading…
…The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins!
I hope you all have the best Tuesday! xx
Katrina Goodman says
I’m reading The Women right now, and I love it. I think it’s an important story to read about!
Kelly Marie Sites says
The Women- wow wow wow. I pre-ordered it months and months ago, and when it popped on my Kindle to read, I felt chills. I knew I would love it. I’m an international disaster response nurse with Samaritan’s Purse (for 14 years and counting) and this book HIT HOME, and was so real and raw of what life is like for me. Yes, I’ve gone to war zones (Ukraine- Iraq) and I just felt she nailed the characters and what that is like, especially from a nursing standpoint. She really nailed re-entry. How isolating and soul crushing that can be. I KNOW it will be my favorite book of the year for me. It felt hard to pick up another book after that one, because you know books like that only come along once in a while. Her best work yet, for sure.
Christi says
I read We Band of Angels in nursing school and loved it. If you have not read I recommend to.
Susan Jeffries says
I always love your book reviews! I also enjoyed Frozen River. I am in the middle of The Women and I think it will be my book of the yea. And probably one of my favorite books ever. Thanks for adding some solid choices to my TBR list!
Sheaffer says
I’m just going to need you to tell me about John Stamos.
Mix and Match Mama says
He could not be more adorable…and charming…and handsome. 😉
Bianca says
Loved the frozen river, took me awhile to ride but loved her story. I read our next book club book in 2 days! And I’m currently reading The Women, so funny! I was actually thinking, “I wonder if she’ll pick this for next month”. Kristin Hannah is easily one of my favorite writers. Love your suggestions always! Skinny confidential podcast just had John stamos on and I’ve been thinking of listening.
Amy Heinl says
I am almost half way through The Women. I thought for sure you would have had it as this months book club pick. I agree with you 100%….another moving masterpiece by Kristin Hannah….its simply amazing. Definitely needs to be a must read for everyone
Toni :0) says
If you want light chick lit type reading, then I recommend anything by Viola Shipman. Beautiful and heartwarming stories. Since you enjoy cooking, the Recipe Box might be a good one to start with. Happy Reading!
Lisa D says
These 3 books are TERRIFIC and I highly recommend:
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (this one is heavy and long but really worth it)
And a book I’ve just started to read — Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See, so far its very good
Kaley says
I LOVED Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow! SO GOOD!
Talia says
My sister just recommended The Women! Looking forward to reading it. I recently finished, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Favorite book of 2024 thus far. Simply beautiful writing and I still think of the characters, which to me is the sign of a good book. Also read, The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters – heartbreaking and wonderful. Loved it as well.
Joslyn says
I second The Berry Pickers – excellent book!
Dena says
You’ve prob told us before but how do you find time to read? Is it scheduled? Or do you read a bit while waiting for appts, waiting in the car or before bed?
Looks like I’ll be adding ALLLL the books from this month to my TBR pile 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s everything you typed. It’s a little in the morning, quite a bit at night and then any moment I get in between. For instance, today, I have an appointment where I know I’ll get at least 20 minutes in extra. It all adds up!
Elizabeth says
I bet you would love Absolution by Alice McDermott – also centered on American women in Vietnam, but in the period just prior to the war. The characters are so nuanced and vivid – it was really powerful.
Sarah says
I was so excited to see you read The Women! I just finished it last night and loved it. Kristin Hannah is by far my favorite author and this was another masterpiece. She’s an amazing storyteller, and I loved learning so much about Vietnam, especially women’s roles. It’s a must read!
Amy says
I have the John Stamos memoir on my TBR list. I highly recommend you read First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. It’s a mystery and it’s so good.
Kit says
Yes!! First Lie Wins was AMAZING!!! Shay you would just love it! Currently reading Mercury and also loving it!
Kristen says
I have both the Women and Frozen River on my holds right now. Loved John’s Bio. Other bio’s I read this year and loved were Kerry Washington’s and Minka Kellys’. I didn’t know much about the actresses but their lives were fascinating! (oh , and Viola Davis is a must read as well!)
Tara Litt says
I loved The Women! It’s definitely one of my top books of all time. I learned so much about a time period I didn’t know as much about, too. I’m reading another Kristin Hannah book while I wait for Frozen River from Libby.
Kay says
I love book review day! And I am totally with you…I also read our book club book and “The Women” back to back and those two are going to be hard to get over. As much as I absolutely LOVED both, I actually think I’m putting “Frozen River” as #1! It was the writing that is so impressive to me. As you said, for something to take place that long ago and still feel “today” takes a tremendous amount of writing skill. Anyway, those are top 3 for sure for me!
For lighter reads, “First Lie Wins” is one of the most original twisty/turny suspense books I’ve read in a while! It’s not scary, but it’s a good plane read as it’ll keep you wanting more.
Patti says
You have to read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women!!! I am noticing your new found love of historical fiction and this book is fantastic!
Leslie S says
Loved loved loved The Women! One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Just finished Becoming Mrs Lewis (don’t know why it took me I long to read that one bc it was so so good). I needed lighthearted after The Women so I’ve been reading Mary Kay Andrews Callahan Garrity mystery series (light, easy to read). Currently reading House Love and it’s inspiring me to tackle some projects around the house!! Also reading First Lie Wins and your book club book The Heiress.
Laura says
I love these book reviews. I get so many recommendations from the comments and from you. The only problem is I don’t buy my books. I borrow from the Cloud Library app, so sometimes they have the books and sometimes they don’t. But I always get great ideas for what to read next. Thanks!
sandi says
Not sure if you will see this… try googling “non resident library cards” and see what pops up.
For example, I live in Virginia and my city does not have a very good library system. I have the Libby app and download to my kindle. Many times books will not be available or the hold time is very long. Cities around the country offer library cards for a low fee for non residents. Charlotte NC offers a non-resident card for $45, Arlington Tx has one for $25 a year and Nashville offers one for $10 a year. Those are just a few examples. I could have my library card which is free plus the Nashville one at $10 a year and that give me one more library system to check when I want to read a book. If you read a lot, it might even be worth paying $50 or so for a larger library system since they have more books and more copies available. Sometimes I will go back and read book reviews from several years ago because those books are now more readily available. But if you want to read more current books, try applying for a non resident card and see if you can’t have luck with that. Happy reading!
Laura says
Thanks Sandi, I’ll look into it.
sandi says
Goodness what a great book review! Does it excite you to think you have read your top book of the year and wonder if any other book will surpass it? Three of these are on hold through Libby and I’m impatiently waiting my turn.
This month I read The Forgotten Room (Beatriz Williams and others) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Jamie Ford) The Summer of Songbirds (Harvey) and those were good. American Wife and Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld were not my favorites.
Currently reading Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, Fervent (Priscilla Shirer) and in the to be read pile is Overseas by Beatriz Williams. I cannot wait to check in later and see what others are reading in the comment section.
And to those who wonder how anyone finds time to read, stop scrolling your phone and pick up a book, read in the waiting room of the doctor’s office and then again in the room while waiting for the doctor (you could finish 5-6 chapters during that time), in the car pool line, at soccer/volleyball/swim practice, while water is starting to boil, when waiting for your grocery order to be delivered to your car, on the front porch on the back porch, turn off the tv and read. Reportedly Warren Buffett reads six newspapers and up to 500 pages a day, Mark Cuban reads more than three hours a day and Bill Gates reads about 50 books a year. Jenna Bush Hager, Reese Witherspoon and Oprah are all big readers. Goodness, if they can do it so can we. That kinda turned into a lecture… sorry 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I love the lecture, Sandi. I was saying “amen” as I read 😉 .
Nicole Roberson says
Yes! I never leave home without my kindle! I always find pockets in my day to read – even as a stay at home homeschool mom of 4 kids!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use my Kindle app too! In fact, I already used it once this morning. It syncs right up with your Kindle so you can use it and then pick up your Kindle later and be on the same page as your app.
Tamra says
Love Book review day! Definitely adding some of these to my list. What I really need to know is how in the world do you recall books from multiple years back? Sometimes I forget what a book is about immediately after reading “The End” and definitely after reading more books following…
Mix and Match Mama says
Going back each December and recapping all of the books I read that year, calling out honorable mentions and naming my Top 3 always makes it easier for me to remember these books. I don’t just read a book…I read it, take notes, blog about it and then recap it at the end of the year…so that allows me a lot of “extra” time to focus on each book and recall them easier than probably a person who just reads it and moves right on to the next book.
Meg says
Have you ever used the Good Reads app? You set up “shelves” (basically lists)- books you’ve read, books you want to read, etc. Helps me keep track so much! And I love how they set up the annual read goals and track your progress. I read your monthly book reviews (and the comments section!) with my Good Reads app opened and mark all the titles I want to remember to go back to next time I’m looking for my next book. Highly recommend!
Sarah says
I just placed all of these on hold at the library 😉
Erika Slaughter says
I’m reading The Women now and can already tell it’s gonna be a FAVE!
Susanne says
I want to read John’s bio! If you want super light I just read My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh and it was the sweetest, swooniest story! I cannot stop thinking about the characters. Immediately started her latest one, My Lucky Charm and I keep hearing comments that people like it even better than the first one.
Katy says
Love Book Review day! My most recent favorite is the Unmaking of June Farrow. It’s a little bit of all the genres and it was so good!
Dana says
I have had The Women on hold at the library and just waiting my turn!! Not sure if I will hold out or just buy it!! It has been high up on my TBR list since it came out!! I just finished The Paris Agent on your rec and it was good!! Hard to read at times of course because of the genre/subject but very good book! Just started The Soulmate…love me some Sally Hepworth ◡̈
Jen says
I’ve had the John Stamos memoir in my TBR for a while – I need to jump in!
Also, totally off topic, but we randomly decided to go to DC over spring break this year (in just under a month!) and I was scrambling to start planning. Our school district goes there for the 8th grade trip every year, but my son missed out on it because that was his covid year of at-home learning. He’s a senior now, so we’re making it happen! Your three-part recap of your trip from a few years ago was so helpful! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
That was such a wonderful trip!! I am so happy you’re going!
Rachel says
I’ve read My Own Magic by Anna Kloots. Her book is a memoir; she is an American expat who now lives in Paris. She is one of my favorites to follow on Instagram. Thought you might like it since you enjoy the Francophile books. 🙂
Shirley says
Shay, have you seen the Hallmark movie, Take Me Back for Christmas? It’s been out a couple of years, I think, but I just saw it this past Christmas season for the first time. It’s a similar plot to The Good Part book. Watch this movie sometime if you haven’t! I loved it (but one part made me cry!) I need to read the Kristin Hannah book – I love all of hers, except I couldn’t finish The Great Alone. It needs to come with a warning about domestic abuse because my goodness, was it ever VERY REAL with its descriptions & could have major triggers for domestic abuse victims. I love your book reviews & get good suggestions from them! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you for sharing all of this Shirley. xx
Rebecca W. says
Yesterday, I finished Henry Winkler’s memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond. I was never a big fan of Fonzy, but I’m a fan now after reading his book.
Lisa says
Read The Women in 2 days, couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait to read The Frozen River.
Drb says
I just finished The Women and loved it. I cried a lot especially at the end but worth it for a great read.
Lori Boyett says
Yay book review day!! I look so forward to your review!! I’m so glad you read the Women!! I absolutely loved it and was sad when it ended. Kristin Hannah is my all time favorite author and she knocked it out the park with this one. Right up there with the Nightingale and the great alone. I just finished the book club book for this month and can’t wait to see what you thought.
K.K. says
Wahooooo! Book Day!!! 🙂 Thanks, Shay.
Lizzie says
I cannot wait to get my hands on The Women, I love Kristin Hannah! I would love to read your reviews on Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss and The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill. Thanks for taking the time each month to share your reviews, I always look forward to it!
Patty Anderson says
My favorite read these days is The Bible Recap! My husband and I are reading it and watching the videos together and then we have great discussions afterward. I’ve read the Bible for years but this book takes things to a whole new level for us and I can’t wait to get up and begin my day with it!
Other than that, I loved the lecture from Sandi in the comment thread and agree wholeheartedly! I carry my iPad with the kindle app or a book everywhere I go, and most years I read well over 100 books (while still getting everything else done in my day.) Beginning is half the battle if you’re intimidated by reading!
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!!!!!! I’m so happy you guys are doing The Bible Recap!! Reading the Bible is the BEST book to read!
Katie T says
I love that you read biographies and memoirs. I never know which to read, and so far I have loved all the ones you have recommended! 🙂 Reading The Frozen River right now and I’m loving it!
Joanne says
I just finished The Women last week and LOVED it too!
Susan says
I’m going to read The Women. My brother served in Viet Nam during the time Agent Orange was used. While he survived and returned home, he became disabled because of the effects of AO. He died at 72 years old. The veterans of that war are, for the most part, unnoticed and unappreciated.
Mix and Match Mama says
I cannot even imagine what your brother endured. I think you will especially appreciate this book.
Kathy says
The Frozen River was my first 5⭐️ of 2024 and The Women was my second. I ugly cried while reading on my porch reading The Women, which will stay with me a long time. Spotify has music based on the book. KH is an amazing author.
Laura says
I read Frozen River and the Women this month too! I’m an avid reader and 2023 books fell flat for me but this month completely turned that streak around. I LOVED both of those books and am still thinking of the characters. Just wow – both were so powerful. I’m a nurse and both of these books made me appreciate my profession and remember why I chose it. Thanks for the book reviews – my favorite post every month.
Casey says
I just finished The Women and it is tied for my favorite Kristin Hannah with The Nightengale. My uncle was a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and now I can understand why he didn’t talk about it much. He died a couple years ago in his 70s after suffering some effects of Agent Orange and ended up getting cancer related to that that eventually killed him. Right before he died he did tell my dad that while serving there he got shot down where the bullet went inches behind his head. He went on to live a good life and became a doctor but man, those men and women really suffered a lot that we didn’t even know about. I also read the John Stamos book and loved it….loved his humor and how much he loved his family. Favorite post every month!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for sharing about your uncle on here. I’m so thankful for the men and women who are currently and have served our country.
Kylie J says
I 100% agree about the Women! I absolutely loved it and hope it’s gets adapted for TV or film!
Rebecca says
I have The Women on hold and cannot wait!! The Nightingale is my favorite of hers, but you MUST read Home Front if you haven’t!!! It is so, so good, but somehow it seems to be under the radar. (I also loved Winter Garden and The Great Alone. I also enjoyed her “lighter” or more chick lit ones like Firefly Lane, but they weren’t as memorable for me.)
Shannon Garrison says
I absolutely adored The Women!! Ten stars for me haha The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah has been at the top of my all time fav book list for years and now The Women is up there right along with it. Oh my gosh. What an incredible story it was. I was intimated by the book size at first but dove in and finished in 2 days.
I’ve heard on my book groups online that it has the rights for a movie to be created about it!! I’m SO excited!! Apparently Nightingale was supposed to be a movie too but it happened in 2020 and well.. we know what happened to deter that. I’m really hoping they’ll also do that one too! As much as I like thriller books, it’s funny how my top 2 fav books are historical fiction.
Stephanie says
Love book review day ! I read Frozen River at the end of December and absolutely loved it !! Amazing!! ( I listened on audiobook). The Women—- WOW!!! At first I didn’t know if I could handle reading about a female military member since I currently have a daughter serving in the Marines. I’m so glad I stayed with it.Such an important book ! It was an amazing experience to listen to that audiobook. The narration is stellar !! Five stars !!!
Tiffany says
I just finished (and loved) The Frozen River.
Some suggestions-
As other mentioned, I loved Lady Tans Circle of Women. I gave a copy of it to my acupuncturist, curious to see how accurate it was…and she said it was amazingly accurate!
I know you loved American Dirt, so you need to read Solito (same subject, but a memoir of boy traveling to America without his family)
I read All the Broken Places months ago and keep thinking of it. It’s a sequel toThe Boy in the Striped Pajamas (but you can read even w/o reading first book…or seeing the movie).
Currently reading The Heart’s Invisible Furies. Plan on reading The Women next. Love your book reviews!
Melissa says
Okay I cannot recommend “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” enough! If you haven’t read it yet, it is one of my top 3 books of last year. It was heartwarming, funny, and redemptive all while solving a murder. It might be a good change of pace after some heavier historical fiction!
Carolyn H says
I second that Melissa – that was a favorite 2023 read for me too! Vera is such a unique and enjoyable character. Add this cozy mystery to your TBR Shay!
Cortney Carlson says
The WOMEN!!!
It was our book club book and I wasn’t excited… long historical fiction 😴! I was so wrong and loved this story from the first chapter. I am so thankful I moved a little out of the comfort zone and read it. It’s amazing.
Jessica says
Love book review day! I am listening to The Women right now and it’s so good. I also just listened to The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. It was a rec in the comments last month and I loved it!
Kim Gugert says
I just read The Marvelous Lives of Marjorie Post by. Allison Pataki. I loved this book so much and learned so much about the operations of Post cereal and the obstacle this female owned company endured and grew in the 1920’s and beyond!!!
Wanda says
Spoiler Alert!
My favorite genre, historical fiction.
I was in high school when the Vietnam war was raging and a brand new mother when it ended, the book was haunting, To relive some of the way our vets were treated when returning home was bad enough but I never realized the forgotten women. I have friends that went to Nam and they have tremendous struggles. Couldn’t put it down but left me sad.
I did figure out about Rye and I knew there would be one of the main characters show up in the end, I just didn’t know if it was Finley or Jamie. My one disappointment, I wish Hannah would have included in some way Frankie seeing her picture on the wall of heroes but was very glad her dad finally understood.
Frankie almost had too much heartache happen to her, at one point I was like” what in the Sam hill.” I stopped reading Nicholas Sparks because he always killed off the protagonist. lol
I was sad that I finished it in two days.
Great book!
Nicole Deklotz says
Dear William was recommended by the Raising Boys & Girls podcast… sound like a powerful read for those with teenagers.