Happy happy MONDAY!
You guys, it’s an extra special day!
First, let’s all wish…
…my gorgeous sister-in-law a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Gosh, I love this girl so much!
Not only is it sweet Catherine’s birthday, but IT’S ALSO BOOK DAY!
This month, I read a suspenseful book, a gritty memoir and three chick lit novels. Before we begin though, don’t forget…
Once a month, we will have a dedicated blog post for our monthly Book Club chat.
If you read April’s book, make sure you go back and take part in our discussion. There are so many thoughts this month!
Okay, now, on to my APRIL 2024 reads!
It was a stellar month, y’all!
I am really excited about several of these, but I’m most excited about…
Book #1 this month:
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
I mentioned this at the end of last month, but while I was on Nantucket, I stopped at one of the local book shops and actually purchased the physical copy of this book…
…while I was in line to grab coffee, I started reading a few pages and was IMMEDIATELY hooked. I ended up sitting on a bench for about an hour reading and while I was there not one but TWO people stopped me to tell me that I wouldn’t be able to put this novel down, and they were right! I devoured this one in no time.
I was sucked in by the end of the first page and had it finished in 24 hours. I passed this one off to my own mama, and she said she read it just about as fast.
This is the story about a young couple living the idyllic suburban life…except he’s wealthy and she’s the mysterious new girlfriend. His friends are concerned about how quickly he’s fallen and why her past is so gray. Or is it his past?
You guys, this one was filled with twists and turns and it kept me on my toes until the very end. I loved it! I want to read another one just like it! Two big thumbs up from me…someone who says she doesn’t even really like suspenseful books!
Book #2:
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
As many of you know, this was our April 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 Many Lives of Mama Love? Here is my little summary should you also want to dive in…
This is the memoir of a normal, married, cul de sac living suburban mom of three young boys…that is arrested on over 30 charges and sent to jail. This is her gritty, raw, super vulnerable story about addiction, drug abuse, desperation, failing and trying to survive a very broken system. I didn’t know this going in, but if the topic of trauma and/or addiction is hard for you to read, please note that is the major theme of this book.
I’m not sure I would have read this memoir had it not been for the book club, but I’m glad I did. It’s eye-opening, tragic, depressing and yet hopeful too. If you’re looking for a true story you can’t put down, this is it.
Book #3:
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Well, I love me some Abby Jimenez! Last year, I read AND LOVED her novel Yours Truly, so I was extra, extra excited to pick up her newest novel and dive in. In my experience, Jimenez quintessential chick lits. They all have great female leads, lovely settings, a little conflict and a lot of happiness.
This story is about two bestie traveling nurses and when one of them meets a boy online, they roll the dice and decide to make his adorable Minnesota town their next nursing stop. (See, so cute?!). They find a tiny little cottage on a little island in a lake and off they go. This novel is super cute, very easy to read, and checks all of my “beach book” boxes. I will say though that this one is a bit rated R and does deal with trauma and abandonment issues too, so if those are triggering for you, please know this might not be the book for you. Overall, this is about a sweet little island and two best friends finding themselves one summer in Minnesota.
Book #4:
Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman
You guys, *new to me* author alert! Last month, several of you suggested I read a book by Viola Shipman…but wait for it, Viola Shipman is the pen name of Wade Rousse, a man. It took me a minute to wrap my brain around this one as this reads very very very much like every other book I read written by women. I’m not opposed to a man writing a chick lit, I’m just letting you know that I never would have guessed it was a man based on the story. Viola/Wade knows how to write for me 🙂 . This one was VERY Hallmark-y.
This novel was cute, sweet and okay. I didn’t absolutely just love it, but I really liked it. This is about a burned out assistant principal at St. Louis elementary school who dumps her boyfriend and heads to Northern Michigan with her BFF for the summer. (I mean, that checks so many of my boxes!) This story also toggles back and forth between an older woman born and raised in this Michigan town who is famous for spitting cherry pits the furthest distance. (Tires squeal here, this checks none of my boxes.) You guys, cherry pit spitting is a major theme of this book, and I’m not sure if you know this or not but I believe that spitting is legit one of nastiest things one can do. Needless to say, I had to block out about half the novel. The other half though, I loved! I loved all of the details about this charming lake town (I want to go!), I loved reading about her baked goods and yummy sandwiches (it made me hungry!), I loved the friendships, and I loved just how simple and sweet this book was to read. Spitting aside, I was happy I read this one. If you’re looking for something rated PG and super light, here you go.
Book #5:
Before I Do by Sophie Cousens
In February, I reviewed another book by Cousens, The Good Part, and even though I liked it, I didn’t love it. This month, I read another one of her books and honestly, it was my least favorite book of the month (and that says something considering I read a book about spitting right before this one). The premise was cute (the night before her wedding, she realizes her soon to be sister-in-law’s date at her rehearsal dinner is a man she used to think was her ‘soul mate’). Solid premise, set in London, lots of potential…but it just felt really long and kind of boring. I was super into it at first, but then, the story kind of kept going in circles for me, and then I started not getting excited to pick it up…and well, it felt long.
I don’t want to give up on Cousens as I seem to like her style of writing, but I just don’t think I’ve found “the one” yet from her. If you have any other suggestions, I welcome them!
Okay, that wraps up my APRIL BOOK REVIEW!
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 May for BOOK CLUB, this is the book we’ll be reading…
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
That wraps up this month’s book review! I’m ready for all the sunny chick lit reads and apparently, a suspenseful book or two. If you have recs, please leave them as well as any of your book thoughts below!
We’re headed home from Nantucket today. I hope you have the best start to your week! I will see you back here tomorrow! xx
Amy Heinl says
Safe travels home from the Cape. I am so happy you finally read a Viola Shipman novel. I strongly urge you to read the Charm Bracelet or the Receipe Box. These will move you beyond anything especially given your relationship with your sweet momma and grandmother. I have given the Charm Bracelet with an actual Charm Bracelet as gifts to so many of the important females
In my life and they have loved it that once reading the book have done the same gift giving withbthe important women in their lives.
I also read Abby Jimenez book and beloved it. The story and characters were so rich, there was times I laughed out loud and times that brought tears to my eyes. This book would make such a great movie.
I justed Darling Girls last night and can’t wait till May’s book club to discuss. I am 60 pages in and it’s so good
Toni :0) says
I agree 100% with you Amy about either of those Viola’s books!! They were both so heartwarming and are favorites of mine. I’ve met Wade Rouse in person and he’s a phenomenal human and his books resonate with so many. The Michigan references in many of the novels is the icing on the cake. ☺️
Elspeth says
I have just for this summer on my reading list too!
Thanks for sharing other recommendations!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Emily says
Try just haven’t met you yet or this time next year by Sophie Cousens. I enjoyed those but can’t seem to keep reading the good part. Haven’t tried before I do yet.
Julie says
You have to read Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica. I stayed up way past my bed time on a work night to finish it. It’s sooooo good!!
Bethany says
Just finished this and it was great!!
Lisa D says
I am so glad that you read a Viola Shipman book! Those books are just so sweet!
This month I’ve read:
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell — it is suspenseful and really terrific! I highly recommend it.
The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel — very good.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee — a classic, terrific. Everyone *should* read a “classic” once on a while.
I am just starting The Frozen River, I’m only a few chapters in and so far I’m hooked!
Rebekah Holland says
A recommendation based in the fact that it takes place on a cruise ship so I thought it may interest you: The Unsinkable Aly Brown RN, by Kate Smith
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
I just finished Darling Girls this morning! Couldn’t put it down!!
Kay says
I had such a power line up with “The Frozen River” and then “The Women.” I LOVED both. But, then I read ‘Black Cake’ and honestly, I liked it even a tiny tiny bit more than “The Frozen River!” ‘Black Cake’ is SO well written. A beautiful story with an island background about family ties, love, loss and secrets. It has a ton of twists and turns too, even though I wouldn’t categorize it as “suspense.” Highly recommend! Plus, I love when I can watch a book come to live, and I just learned this is a show on Hulu.
Mix and Match Mama says
You read a LINE UP of books! Holy cow, those are some really, really good ones!
Jennifer says
The show was great!
Libby says
Which Gucci bag are you carrying in the couples pic? I’m in the market for a smallish designer bag. Do you have a favorite?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m trying to think about which picture you’re referring to…I went to this blog post to jog my memory, but it’s just books. Bahaha! Is it my small horse bit one? I love the size and it comes with two straps which I love too (one is more causal and one is more dressy).
Crystal D says
Every bit of your Viola Shipman assessment is correct!!! Excited by a new author. Heard lots of raving reviews. Shocked Viola was a pen name. I read two books by him, and loved 75% of each book and then hated 25%. Too many details on things I didn’t care about or helpful for the story flow. Glad I’m not the only one who liked, but didn’t love Viola.
K.K. says
I just love this post!! YAY! I just got the book for May’s book club and can’t wait to read my first Sally book. 🙂
Erin Rivers says
I can not get over how good First Lie Wins was!! I was hooked right from the start! I didn’t plan to read it all in one day but once I started I HAD to keep going. So SO good!!
The rest of my month consisted of authors who are “auto buys” for me….Sophie Kinsella, Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry. Allllllll the feels from their new books.
Jess says
I love Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry. I’ll have to try an Abby Jimenez!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
I just began reading The Women, and your post today made me also start Famous in a Small Town. It looks so good!
Praying you guys have safe travels today!! 💕
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you!!
sandi says
This month I read Thank You For Listening (Whelan) The Last Letter (Yarros) and The Engineer’s Wife (Wood) which were all good. The Little Bookshop on the Seine was okay, not my favorite. I started and then did not finish The Covenant of Water and Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a NYC Maitre D. I have never not finished two books in a row. I did read a Viola Shipman Christmas book recently that was cute. Wow, no idea the writer was male.
Currently reading The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Cued up next on my kindle is Yellowface. Those sound like some amazing books you read this month!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am very anxious to hear what you think about Yellowface. It’s one that I still think about often!
Ashley D says
I read the book, The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis! So, so good! There were a few twists that I did not see coming which made it hard to put the book down. I really liked the writing style of this author, and it was an easy read. I would definitely add this book to your must read list!
Robin says
Shay , I so agree about First Lie Wins! I also just finished it and was taken in right away . Really enjoyed it . Now I’m reading The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline . It is also a page turner ! Haven’t finished it but you might check it out .
Also read The River Runs South by Audrey Ingram – (Souther chic lit) and it was an easy pretty good read too . I loved the Frozen River – thanks for recommending!
Amy Owens says
I can’t remember, but I think you’ve read Emily Henry books in the past. Her new one, Funny Story, is the perfect beach/chick lit read!
Jess says
I just read The Housemaid and the next book, The Housemaid’s Secret by Frieda McFadden… both in a few days! There’s a third coming out this summer! I couldn’t put them down…. which is why I don’t usually read thrillers – I can’t stop one I start!
Liz says
I read First Lie Wins, The Marriage Sabbatical, The Women and Unlikely Animals. I think I like Marriage Sabbatical the best. It took me a little bit to get into but it really is a good story. It made me want to go to Santa Fe but take my husband with me😀.
Lauren says
This Time Next Year is Sophie Cousens’ best one, in my opinion. Also I was told the Abby book is the third in a semi-trilogy. You don’t have to read in order but it’s fun to because she does character cameos. Part of Your World is first (amazing!), then Yours Truly then the new one.
DeAnn says
I love your book posts! I love Abby Jimenez but would say there’s a lot more to this book than a summer girls trip. The whole premise of the book is that the “couple” in the book both are “cursed” in that everyone they they date and break up with goes on to meet “the one” right after. So they decide to date each other just for the summer to break the curse. And it’s good to read Part of Your World and Yours Truly first. Or after, if you haven’t read them. Lots of Easter eggs.