Happy happy BOOK DAY, friends!
I feel like I read a ton this month, so if I’m being honest, I was surprised when I sat down to do this post, and it was only four books. I really thought I read six. Random side note, but I must have double checked my notes four times to make sure. I *think* the reason that it felt like I read so many was that I read a variety, and they were all really, really good. Spoiler alert: there isn’t a bad book in the bunch today 🙂 .
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 March’s book, make sure you go back and take part in our discussion plus see what book we’ll be reading in April.
Okay, now, on to my MARCH 2024 reads!
Book #1 this month was:
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
As many of you know, this was our MARCH BOOK CLUB pick! If you have read this book, please head to THIS POST to discuss. I you haven’t read this book, let me give you a few deets and also encourage you NOT to read the Book Club post as it does contain spoilers.
Curious about The Heiress? Here is my little summary should you also want to dive in…
This novel is about a man returning home with his wife to his family’s manor after being gone for many, many years. The thing is, his very wealthy family is quite complicated. His mother had been widowed four times over, his extended family does not want him to return, and his wife’s enthusiasm for the trip far exceeds his own. This novel has twists and turns and in my opinion, is more “suspense” and less “thriller”. It’s not scary, it’s just twisty and very entertaining. Other than some strong language, there is nothing really rated R about this one. Because it is a thriller, I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say, I was pleasantly surprised and grateful for the epilogue at the end. It’s a fun, easy to read book.
Book #2:
The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi
Well goodness, I LOVED THIS ONE!!
I have heard The Office Ladies podcast chat about this author and her “lazy genius” ways to make lives easier, so I decided to read her book. I know that she too has a podcast, but I wanted to read her book first and then start listening (which I’m doing now!). I love this woman! I feel like for the most part, I have my family’s life “together” enough, but after reading her book and learning about her “lazy genius” ways, I’ve made some really fabulous changes to simplify and streamline our family. Truly, I was jotting down notes left and right and have already started implanting so many of her very easy and practical strategies. I was so enthusiastic about this one that I immediately told Erika to read it and my mom too (it is not just for young families!).
There were just so many fabulous little nuggets of wisdom in this one.
Here are just a few of my notes on this book:
1: I love that the author’s goal is to encourage you to “learn what matters and skip what does not matter to you”. Yes and amen! This will look different for EVERY PERSON.
2: “Life is about being real when you have it together and when you don’t. They’re BOTH real.” I personally thought that was a mic drop moment.
3: “The small choices we make over and over every single day contribute more to a meaningful life than the big decisions do.” I feel very, very passionate about this statement. I have a lot of “big” moments in my life, but by reading this blog, I hope you see that it’s truly the little details that really bring me the most joy.
4: I decided, thanks to this book, to start using her “pick one gift idea and repeat it all year” mantra. Ashby and Mades have both gone to friends’ birthday parties this month, and I have now gifted everyone the same thing (Mades has another one tomorrow and guess what? Same gift!). This was such an easy little detail that was taking just a bit too much brain space for me. I love how now, I’ve simplified this.
5: Thanks to this book, we now have after school charcuterie boards at my house for the little girls. I have blogged specifically about this topic today as well, so make sure you CHECK OUT THAT POST for more details.
I could keep going and going and going, but instead, you should read the book. Stat. Loved it!
Book #3:
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
My sweet friend Lauren kept telling me to pick up this novel as it’s “for the fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls”. Um, SOLD!
You guys, it was SO CUTE!! This little chick lit read was the perfect easy/happy/delightful novel to read this month. From the very first page, I was sucked into the charm.
Just so you know, this is not about “witchcraft” (a topic that doesn’t interest me), it’s about a charming little town and all the people who live and work there in their adorable little shops (very downtown McKinney or Nantucket sounding) and the family who owns the little bake shop doesn’t just put “love” into their baking, but a little “happy magic”. Every detail made me want to step inside this fictitious world. I loved the description of their cozy home, their garden and yard, their bake shop…there is, of course, a little family drama, a little romance and just oodles of charm.
If you want something sweet and happy to read, here you go.
And finally…
Book #4:
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Well, as you know, I just adore this author 🙂 .
In 2020, I named her book In Five Years in my TOP THREE for the entire year!
In 2018, I named her novel The Dinner List one of my favorite books of the year, and in 2022, I was OBSESSED with her novel One Italian Summer as well. If you haven’t read any of these three novels, you should start with THOSE BOOKS before any of the ones today. All three of these Serle novels are BRILLIANT.
Needless to say, I had already pre-ordered Serle’s newest novel and timed my other book reading for the month so that the day it was released, I could immediately start Expiration Dates. Now, I really enjoyed this book, but it was by far my least favorite from this author to date. Do I think you should still read it? YES! Do I think it stands up to her other three? No.
Serle has this very specific kind of writing style where her books can have a slight “far fetched” element to them, but they just w-o-r-k even if it’s not 100% realistic. This novel is about a young woman who receives expiration dates for each of her relationships. Now, let me be clear, I am going to not explain much further because there was a big twist that I didn’t see coming that really sucked me in even deeper (and I was already sucked in!). This novel is very original, very thought-provoking and much deeper than what lies on the surface. Why didn’t I love it as much as the others? I don’t know? The story wasn’t as strong? It needed an epilogue to tie up some loose ends? The sub characters didn’t quite have enough depth? Or maybe I just really, really loved the other three?
If you’re a fan of hers already, read it…if you’re new to her books, here are four you should dive into.
Okay, that wraps up BOOK REVIEW DAY!
One more thing though before we go. You know that I don’t normally tell you what I’m reading going into the next month, buuuuut I’m going to share my first book with you that will be on our April Book Review next month…
I picked this book up yesterday here on Nantucket and while I waited for my coffee, I started reading a few pages…and then, I couldn’t put it down. I sat on a bench in front of the coffee shop for almost an hour reading and during that time not one but TWO different women walked past me and said “Oh my gosh, I could not put that book down!”. I haven’t finished it year (I’m hoping to do that on the flight home today!), but so far, I think it’s fantastic!
Whew! Okay, I hope you found something today to read in April.
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.
Don’t forget, if you want to read along with us in April for BOOK CLUB, this is the book we’ll be reading…
…The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin.
Whoa. All I’m going to say about this book for right now is WHOA.
I hope you all have the best Thursday! Don’t forget to check out our SNACK BOARDS inspired by The Lazy Genius today too!
I’ll see you all back here tomorrow for a very Good Friday 🙂 . xx
Elspeth says
I LOVE the Lazy Genius, her podcast is great and I can’t wait to read the book, glad you enjoyed the book!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Robin Firestone says
First Lie Wins is soooo good!!!
Valerie Stults says
First lie wins is so good!! You will love it!! I love your book reviews!! Adding them to my list!!
Aparna says
Yes! Read it last week while on vacay and every night could not wait to come to my room to continue reading it! 😂
Monica says
First Lie Wins has been so recommended and I started it this week! It’s SO GOOD!
Katrina Goodman says
I had preordered Expiration Dates as well. I agree it is my fourth favorite of hers, but I still cried! I enjoyed it and read it in one day!
Kerri says
I’m currently reading First Lie Wins. I get many book recommendations from you and I feel honored to actually be reading a book that you’re currently reading too.
Erin says
I just finished First Lie Wins the other night – so good!!
Liz says
First Lie Wins. Definite read. Just recommended it to my boss yesterday. I’m listening to Unlikely Animals right now and it’s a good one so far. I’ve also been listening to Maeve Binchey’s books. They are timeless and such good characters.
Becca says
I was hoping you would read First Lie Wins. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it.
Shirley says
I just finished First Lie Wins on my Kindle last night & thought, Shay would love this book! I have to recommend it to her!!! It’s sooooooo good! ! Love your book reviews!
Deb says
First Lie is good!!!!!!
Lindsey says
Read The Lazy Genius a while back and have been listening to her podcast for a long time now. LOVE HER TOO!!! Such practical advice. And YES, the Decide Once principle is the first one I put into practice and it changed the game for me. Because, after only a few episodes, I would be taking notes every time I listened, I started a LG folder on my Notes app. I type the Episode # and then any takeaways – which are often – go right there. I can pull it up anytime on my computer or phone. Kendra is such a breath of fresh air and, like you, I wish I knew her in actual life.
Kay says
So much happiness on today’s post! I love ‘The Lazy Genius’ too. I absolutely do the one gift thing. (If you have a baby, you’re getting a monogrammed Pottery Barn Blanket from me ;). And I love her “decide once” philosophy. It makes life so much easier.
I am so glad you read First Lie Wins! It was AWESOME. And simply must be a movie/limited series/whatever. I can’t remember if you’ve read “Black Cake” but I picked it up from my library’s “speed read” table and it is PHENOMENAL. It is about sibling relationships, the secrets a mother must keep to protect her children, rich history, the power of food and memories…WOW. It is also a TV series on Hulu I plan to watch after I read. Highly recommend. Hope you enjoy your stay in Nantucket!
Kit says
First Lie Wins!!! YES YES YES!!
Dawn says
Kendra Adachi and her Lazy Genius Way is amazing! She’s a voice that lives in my head now. She has another book called the Lazy Genius Kitchen and one coming out in the fall about time management. Welcome to Kendra’s fan club!
Kimberly M. says
Oh my goodness! Great choice with First Lie Wins. I was on my library wait-list FOREVER for it and then couldn’t put it down and read it in one night! I had to go into the bathroom to finish it because my husband wanted to go to sleep and as I said I COULD NOT put it down! Can’t wait for this discussion!!!!
Amanda D says
I have been a Lazy Genius fan for a few years now! I’m so glad that you read her book! I have read it twice and I love her podcast so much. I fangirled when Kendra paired up with the Office Ladies and joined their podcast network. And I’m thrilled that you have embraced some of her principles as well. Kendra’s ideas, the way she delivers them and the simplicity just hits me the right way. All.the.time.
Suzy Bennett says
It’s interesting that Emily P. freeman and Kendra have new books on somewhat similar themes. Emily’s is How To Walk Into A Room: the Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away. Both are on my TBR list. I also had a “go to” birthday party gift – made life easier!
Paula R. says
Hi Shay, I love that you have discovered Kendra Adachi, “ The Lazy Genius.”
Her podcast is GOLD. I’m sure you love her “Office Ladies” interviews and appearances as well!
I especially love Kendra’s archived posts about “opening and closing ceremonies” to mark occasions for back-to-school, holidays, seasons. Terrific ideas and food for thought.
As you are someone who loves the details and little things in life-I encourage you to go back to some of her archived posts-especially holiday posts. I also found her “Lazy Genius Kitchen” book-which is not a cookbook-but a kitchen hack book/new way to look at your kitchen and food prep–to be very helpful and informative. But I know you are all set in that department.😘
I also like her “decide once” principle of buying the same teacher gift every year. She would gift copy of Myquillen Smith’s
(The Nester) books to her kid’s teachers.
Your mom might also really enjoy Myquillen’s short podcast and books on creating a cozy minimalist home-as I’m sure your mom enjoys home-related/decor/creating a warm and welcoming space-home genre.
Cindi says
So excited you found the Lazy Genius! Love all her stuff! Thank you for typing out specifically what you loved!!
Highly recommend her kitchen book as well…more of the same energy with principles that apply to all things food and kitchen and also life. So excited for her next book, The Plan, which comes out this fall!
Kristy says
Book review day is one of my favorites of the month. I read Lazy Genius Way in December and the gift thing stick with me too. Teachers all got a book for Christmas. And have you been buying more paperback books? What makes you decide paperback or kindle? Just curious! I go back and forth.
Mix and Match Mama says
I almost always read exclusively on my Kindle except for any sort of health and wellness book (that I want to make notes in/add comments/refer back to over and over again/etc) or…if I go into one of the two book stores on Nantucket and see a book I want to read (like I did this week), I buy it there to support that book store instead of going home and downloading it on my Kindle. McKinney doesn’t have a little book store on our square (I wish it did!) or I would do the same thing if I shopped in there too.
Toni :0) says
Read anything by Viola Shipman. Trust me, I think y’all would like them if you like heartwarming and feel good stories. Highly recommend.
Lisa D says
Agree! Lovely books, written by a man under the pen name Viola Shipman.
Ashley P says
I loved first lie wins! Couldn’t put it down.
Debbie Lang says
Look forward to this post all month, great list. First Lie Wins is sooo good. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoy!!
K.K. says
Love these posts! Thanks for the heads up on the First Lie Wins. Might jump on this train before next month’s review as well!
April says
im so curious now to know what the gift is for all the birthday parties. Need some ideas myself
Amy Sheppard says
I don’t think I’ve ever had a book immediately suck me in like First Lie Wins. Cannot wait to read your review!!
sandi says
Everyone’s favorite monthly post (well, almost everyone)…
Recently read:
The Engineer’s Wife about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge
Happy Place by Emily Henry
The Kitchen Front about rations and creative cooking during WW2
Loaded on my Kindle:
Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York Maitre D’
Thank you for Listening
Same Time Next Summer
Two that you read this month are on hold already so I am even more so looking forward to them since you liked them too! Can’t wait to check back and see what others are reading. Happy travel day!
Anne says
What “rating” would you give First Lie Wins?
Mix and Match Mama says
PG-13 for some (but not a lot) of strong language.
Sharon says
PARIS LETTERS by Janice Macleod. You would absolutely love it.
Sandi says
Depending on your music likes, the best book Ive read recently is The Storyteller by Dave Grohl. Im not a fan of autobiographical books usually but he is an amazing storyteller! I want to have home over for dinner just to hear more. He talks about his childhood, Nirvana, The Foo Fighters, and his family.
Gwen Wang says
Thanks for including next month’s Book Club book already. I borrow the books from the library and there are 36 people ahead of me!
Patti Stanford says
Great reads, Shay, thank you.
I read several this past month, but one stood out to share:
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford – It was a sweet, great story and very British in an adorable way! Mrs. Quinn, in her 70’s, gets on the British Baking showing and becomes quite the phenomenon. She, however, has a skeleton in her closet which is heartbreaking and heartwarming separately. An absolute must read. And a huge plus for me – NO CURSING! Yea!
Heidi Storms says
Welp, I know I’m the odd man out, but First Lie Wins was just and meh for me. I found it boring and underwhelming. I also figured out the “twist” very easily. I know lots of people who loved it, so I hope you do!
Patti Stanford says
I’m with you. I liked the first half then it fell flat for me. I was unable to develop any feelings for the characters as the story went on. Nice to know I was not alone.