Happy happy BOOK DAY!
You guys, if I had to name a month of the year where I *tend* to read the best books, I think it would have to be MAY! For starters, so many of my favorite authors release new books at the end of April and May. Another reason? Did you see the titles of the books in my collage above? Half of the books have the word “summer” in the title. I mean, yes, please!
This month, I had a looooooot of time on airplanes and in airports plus, I spent many relaxing days by the beach which means…I read SIX BOOKS!
Grab your favorite drink, tune out everyone around you and open your favorite book app. It’s my always amazing MAY BOOK REVIEW!
Book #1:
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
As many of you know, this was our MAY BOOK CLUB pick! If you have read this book, please head to THIS POST to discuss. If 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 Darling Girls? Here is my little summary should you also want to dive in:
This is the fictional story of three “sisters” (all raised by the same woman in foster care) coming together as adults when…a body has been discovered at the house where they were raised. Insert the creepy music, no? This story toggles back and forth between these women going back to the town where they were raised to answer questions about what might have gone on during their stay there/what they know about the body and chapters revealing what actually was happening during those younger years when they lived with Miss Fairchild. This is a suspenseful ride with twists and turns you will not expect. I will give this a strong PG-13 maybe even R rating as it does involve childhood trauma which I always want to emphasize should any of you be triggered by that subject matter. This book deals with some tough issues…but it’s also filled with the perfect balance of suspense and grit that make Hepworth books some of my very favorites.
If you’re looking for a meaty suspenseful novel about three very strong women (and the woman who raised them), check this one out.
Book #2:
This Summer Will Different by Carley Fortune
Okayyyyy…here’s the deal. When this author’s debut novel came out, I was OBSESSED. I devoured it and recommend it to everyone. Since then though, I’ve liked each of her subsequent novels a little less and less. This book was just okay for me. Listen, it certainly made me want to visit Prince Edward Island in Canada (I must have looked up that location in both summer and fall a dozen times while reading!), but the plot itself felt very weak. I personally thought it could have been much meatier (one of the reasons I really liked her first book), but instead it felt very surface level to me instead.
The main character is a florist who visits Prince Edward Island each summer with her bestie and of course, at one point, she falls for a man who lives there (I am not going to give away spoilers). I mean, that setup is totally ME, but when the book was all said and done, I didn’t really see this amazing connection between our two main characters.
Overall, I read this one quickly (there was a lot to like!), but I kept comparing it to the author’s other books (maybe I shouldn’t have done that?) which made this one fall short for me. This book is rated R (a theme this month, so beware!), and even though I liked it, I really, really wanted to LOVE it.
Book #3:
The Summer We Started Over by Nancy Thayer
Well, I love me some Nancy Thayer. I’m sure you all know this by now…but the majority of Thayer’s novels are set on Nantucket and honestly, sometimes I prefer them to Hildebrand books. Anytime I pick up one of her novels I know I’m getting a solid happy, summery, sweet chick lit…and often, that’s all I need.
This novel is about a New Yorker who heads back home to Nantucket where her dad and adult sister have moved and decided to live life and call home. She goes for a few weeks and ends up spending the summer there at her dad’s house. I mean the plethora of Nantucket references is always enough to fill my heart, but other than that, this book just checks all of my “boxes”.
Nantucket, check.
Summer, check.
Love, check.
Family, check.
Yummy food, check.
An adorable home, check.
All sweetness with a little nugget of surprise here and there, check.
This novel was maybe a little predictable, but geez, it was just cute. If you’re looking for something light and easy and oh so summery (with a big dash of Nantucket thrown in to boot!), here you go.
Book #4:
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
You guys, this was the most unexpected Mary Kay Andrews book I’ve read to date. I typically really like her books…but they all read about the same, are a little predictable and (as much as I love them) do seem a big long sometimes. This one though? Very different from her others. Yes, yes, yes it has the summer happy vibe you would expect, the charming little island off the coast of Georgia with the gorgeous resort, lots of great characters, and it’s very light and easy to read…but it also had some drama, mystery and a crime. At one point in Bali while reading this, I actually gasped out loud because I did not see “that” coming.
This is about a woman in her 40s who manages a beautiful resort set on an island…and all the drama/love/life/things that go along with running her late husband’s family’s business. I mean…could this resort really stand a chance today with the “drama” happening? No. It certainly made for a great story though and kept me highly entertained. If you’re looking for just a fun summer beach book, this one here is my #1 pick this month. If you’ve read Andrews’ books in the past, then this one is a MUST.
Book #5:
Funny Story by Emily Henry
I really like Emily Henry’s books. She falls right smack in the middle of my chick lit loving heart by always writing novels that are just cute, happy, fun and easy to read. I’ve read all of her novels since 2020 but well, this one was probably my least favorite.
It’s cute…it has a lot of potential…it is set in a really charming little Michigan town, and she’s a children’s librarian who gets dumped by her fiancé and has to move in with his new girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. I mean, so cute, right? It totally made me want to go visit Northern Michigan in the summer (especially this one scene when they’re at this outdoor bar/restaurant place), but once again, I just didn’t “feel” the two main characters together. I didn’t see a lot of chemistry other than proximity. If I’m being totally honest, it just seemed way too similar to her other novels too.
I read this one quickly and enjoyed it, but if you’ve read her other novels, I think you’ll like them better (and if you haven’t, I would personally recommend you starting with Book Lovers. It’s my favorite from her collection. FYI: these books do tend to be rated R.
Book #6:
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Ohhhhhh, I think I might be done with reading books by the writing duo Christina Lauren. Ironically, I thought this novel here had the cutest plot with the most potential, buuuuuut I just found the whole thing to lack content and instead be just one foul word and sexual reference on repeat. I mean, there was so much gold in this novel (super cute idea!), but instead of any sort of real character development, it was just sexual content and cursing.
Ironically, this book takes place on a gorgeous private island in Indonesia (great timing!) and is about two people who have to pretend to be married for the week (so cute!). There is a lot of conflict, some difficult characters and some real issues that could have been covered but instead, I personally felt it lacked any real substance. This is very rated R for those of you who care…and my least favorite book this month.
Soooooo…on that note, that wraps up my MAY BOOK REVIEW!
I mean, they can’t all be winners 😉 .
I would love to read your feedback in the comment section and get a few more new book recs please!!
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.
If you want to read along with us in June for BOOK CLUB, this is the book we’ll be reading…
…The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
Happy Book Day! I can’t wait to chat in the comment section! xx
Kristen Thompson says
I’m reading Funny Story right now and it’s so slowwww. I’ve been reading it for over a week and just can’t seem to read more than a chapter at a time then get distracted. I love her but this one eh. I loved The Summer We started over too!
Audrey says
My friend just read this and told me it was boring
Marcie says
Thank you so much for your reviews! I am reading sally hepworth’s book now. I finished Emily Henry’s new book and thought it was ok. Not near as good as her other ones. A little boring to be honest. I was curious about the Mary Kay Andrews as I always read her books. Also, the Carly Fortune book. I think I’ll skip it. Same with the Christina/Lauren book. I’ll skip it. You saved me some time and frustration. Thank you Shay! There are so many other good books I want to read. I don’t want to waste my time with mediocre books. I can’t wait to see what you read in June.
Becky says
So funny, all of these books I have either read, or are in my TBR pile! Currently reading This Summer Will Be Different. I am waiting for Swan Song by Elin to be released in June!
Elspeth says
I have so many of these books on my to be read list! Thank you for your honest reviews!
This is always one of my favorite posts!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Ashley D says
Two of my friends and I started a little book club. We read, The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine. Wow, we all LOVED this book and it is probably my favorite books that I have read this year.
I am currently reading, The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L Walther which is cute so far! I always look forward to your book reviews, and I will be adding Summers at the Saint as I love Mary Kay Andrews. Thanks, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you started a book club! The Senator’s Wife was an excellent choice for your club!!
Lyssy says
I’m excited I’ve got The Summer We Started Over up next and Summer at the Saint on hold at the library, glad to hear you were a fan! I’m reading How to End a Love Story and it’s the first book in a while I haven’t wanted to put down.
Chrys says
I just finished How To End A Love Story! So So good!
Natalie A. says
I just read “All the Broken Places” by John Boyne. He is the author of “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I could not put this book down. I think you would love it.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I had the same exact thoughts about This Summer Will Be Different and The Paradise Problem. I loved Carley Fortune’s first book but the her other two feel the exact same. I really don’t like books that have tons of language and The Paradise Problem felt like that. Now, I LOVED Emily Henry’s Funny Story!!! Book Lovers is actually my least favorite LOL! I’ve seen people who love Book Lovers not like Funny Story and vice versa!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Lynne says
Love your book reviews. I get a lot of my books from your reviews. Question-I find my mind wondering when I sit down to read and often asking myself “what did I just read?” How do you tune everything out so that you can concentrate on what you are reading?
Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I do that sometimes! I will say this is why I read though instead of listening to audiobooks. I would miss everything with an audiobook because I know myself well enough to know that I would start listening and then start folding laundry or making dinner or answering an email. Actually reading is just about the only time my brain does focus on one thing. I pick quiet times to read (early morning, in my car while I’m waiting on my kids, at night, etc) and just try to tune it out.
Brittany says
Oh how I love book review day! Finishing up She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica right now and OH MY WORD. Highly recommend if you are looking for something suspenseful!
Kristen says
All of these picks I have on hold at the library right now, can’t wait until they come in so I can read !!
Laci L Murray says
Just finished Before We Were Yours and started The Paradise Problem (language is terrible)
Chrys says
I am currently listening to Funny Story and I am obsessed! I’m actually finding myself cackling out loud multiple times. However, I will say that I cannot read Emily Henry books. I can only listen to them and that is because Julia Whelan is an absolute genius at what she does. I am quickly falling in love with Daphne and Miles. Carley Fortune and Christina Lauren are on my summer list as well. You had a good bunch this month!
Becca says
The audio was so great. I laughed a lot I loved it and wanted a movie.
Jessica says
Oh my gosh, I was going to recommend The Summer We Started Over and Summer at the Saint to you this month. Loved them both. I also really enjoyed An Island Summer by Jenny Hale and Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. I listened to The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger because my favorite narrator read it and it was good with some suspense to it too.
Suzanne says
Hi! I have a daughter, the same age as K and was wondering if you had any book recommendations for that age. My daughter loves to read and loves romcom, but all the books we found are so R rated that I won’t let her read them. She wants some thing that has good content, but also isn’t inappropriate and she hates fantasy. Any ideas would be amazing.
Mix and Match Mama says
The struggle is REAL! I’m trying to think what she’s read recreationally lately…she’s at cheer camp now, but I will ask her and maybe add it to a post? We’ve been struggling to find suitable books.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea would be great for their age group! This is her only YA book and I’ve let some of my more mature 7th graders read it
Kristen says
Love & Gelato is a great one too that my 14 yr old loved.
Kate says
To be honest it’s been a while so I don’t remember if too much inappropriate, nothing stands out but what about The Summer I Turned Pretty and To All the Boys I Ever Loved… both are trilogies
Sherry says
I am thinking my 12 year old might like to start some of these too – Katherine Center comes to mind – I don’t recall them being too steamy and they always have an uplifting tone to them.
Sarah says
Well I thought I had an idea but then I saw “hates fantasy” so there goes that recommendation! But if there are any teens out there who do like fantasy and are looking for romance that’s very sweet and appropriate I would try The Prison Healer (that’s the first book and there are 2 more in the series). I would say the romance isn’t the main driving force in the story but it’s there and it’s not at all inappropriate. I would classify this as very accessible fantasy – it’s not overly complicated to understand but there is a magical element to the story and it’s not in “our world.”
Wish I had more!
Jodi Glanzer says
The Inheritance Games series has been a favorite for my high school girls. They’ve also enjoyed YA books by Lynn Painter, such as Better Than the Movies. Her adult books are not teen appropriate (IMO) but her YA books are cute rom-coms.
Sarah says
Jennifer Lynn Barnes (author of The Inheritance Games) also wrote a few other series that are worth looking into – but I wouldn’t classify any of them as romcom specifically, they are more in the suspense/ mystery genre.
Meredith says
My daughter absolutely LOVED Robin Jones Gunn’s Christy Miller series starting in 8th grade. The first book introduces Christy in 8th grade and then the series follows her into high school, college, mission trips, and even getting married and having kids. There are SO many books and each stage she goes through is so relatable. I feel like the books discipled my daughter the way a youth group leader would. Robin actually wrote these initially for the girls in the youth group she was working with–she wanted to provide them with books that would speak to what was going on in their lives.
nicole roberson says
I just read Ghosted by Nancy French…. Who ghost wrote your brother’s book! It was fabulous – took less than 48 hours because I couldn’t stop!
Melissa says
Thank you so much for letting us know if books are rated R! I try to avoid reading books with sexual
content and a lot of language. It is so hard to find this out before starting a book, so I definitely appreciate that you include this! I have read several good books based on your recommendations! I look forward to reading your reviews each month!
Robin says
You should try some of Becky Wade’s books. She is a Christian author and her books are so sweet!
Susanne says
You would probably love Courtney Walsh books…they are so swoony without bad language or sex! I am loving her writing. My favorite is My Phony Valentine.
Kate says
I read 4/6 of the same books this month! I usually LOVE Nancy Thayer books but this one just seemed to fall flat for me. It felt repetitive at parts but also rushed and underdeveloped. I really enjoyed Summers at The Saint by Mary Kay Andrews! My favorite of the month. Totally agree with your review on The Paradise Problem – cute premise but also very unbelievable (who would actually marry and live with someone without knowing their name?!). I enjoyed Funny Story by Emily Henry. Daphne and Miles were likable characters but I loved the friendship between Daphne and Ashleigh most.
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought Ashleigh was the cutest, sweetest, most genuine character. I did really like her relationship with Daphne too!
suzanne greeley says
I grew up spending all of my childhood summers in PEI (we’re from Nova Scotia, so super close). It’s totally a magical place, however, I would NOT visit in the Fall (pretty much everything shuts down shortly after labor day). My go to Summer repeat read each year is Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher (an oldie but so good).
Melody says
I was pretty disappointed in “this summer will be different” as I really enjoyed her other two books! I felt the characters were uninteresting and it was a little too “porny” for me lol!
Elizabeth says
Well poo- I had a few of these on my pick up list that I was excited about, but don’t sound good to me at all now!
Jenn says
I felt the same way about This Summer Will Be Different! I thought I was alone! You’re exactly right, her first book was SO good and the plot/characters were fleshed out better! I liked the 2nd book less than the 1st and this latest book even less than the first two. It felt very surface level and I felt like I knew nothing about the characters once I finished the book.
Keisha Dawson says
These are all either on my TBR list or on my library holds. Can’t wait to dig into them! Thank you for your honest reviews!
Kary says
I have found with some of these popular ‘social media’ authors, their follow up books aren’t as good. It seems to be happening to several. I wonder if they feel rushed/pressured to put them out and then the writing suffers? I’ve felt that way with a few favorites including ones you’ve mentioned.
Kay says
Hi Shay! I totally, totally agree with you on “Funny Story.” I feel like I enjoy every other book by Emily Henry? For me, this one just didn’t have an interesting plot. You kind of read the entire book by reading the back cover “two couples swap exes.” I kept waiting for something else, anything else!, to happen. But when the whole plot was just them getting together, which we knew!, it dragged on.
I can’t remember if you read “Goodbye Vitamin,” but the author (Rachel Khong) has a new book out, “Real Americans,” and it is UH-mazing. Her writing is just such a treat. And this one is beautifully written, has a very very interesting plot, and addresses what it is like to have a child who doesn’t look like you-so interesting!
I love the Nantucket updates-keep them up. Hope you all are having the best time!
Alexis says
I always love reading your “summer reviews” because you and I tend to read most of the same books!
I absolutely loved Funny Story and This Summer Will Be Different. I absolutely fell in love with PEI and I thought it was the quintessential summer read. I loooved Every Summer After (not the cheating trope though) but Meet Me At the Lake was just okay. Beach Read and Book Lovers are my two fav EmHen books but I’d probably rank this one above Book Lovers.
I have The Paradise Problem up next and I’m curious what I’ll think now! All three of the books (This Summer Will Be Different, Funny Story, and The Paradise Problem) are some of the highest ranked for each of those authors on Goodreads and so far with the ones I’ve read, I’ve completely agreed with the rankings.
Read one or two Nancy Thayer books but they lack any substance/depth and are too predictable for me. Cute stories but I don’t find her writing to be that great either. I don’t need my summer books to be super deep (ha!) but hers are too shallow for even me.
I’m excited for Elin’s new one (here’s to hopefully no ghosts!!), the new Annabel Monaghan, and the new Kristan Higgins which came out this week. Can’t wait for Kristy Woodson Harvey’s newest, too! Yay for summer books – best time of the year to read!
Thanks for your honest reviews! Even when I don’t agree on some, I love reading your thoughts on books. And isn’t it beautiful there are so many types of books for different people to enjoy?!
Dianne Gillispie says
Are any of these books suitable for a Christian 15 year old girl?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say that I would absolutely encourage K to read the Nancy Thayer one or the Mary Kay Andrews’ one.
Denise Thompson says
My daughter and I are friends with Mary Kay Andrew’s and have signed copies of all her books.. I totally agree with you that The Saint is my favorite!!! I could not put it down…on another note.. love keeping up with you and your beautiful family and just love your Nantucket Home…
Mix and Match Mama says
You are?! How amazing is that?! I LOVE her books!! She’s a legend!
Lindy Rowland says
I look forward to your book reviews every month! Can’t wait to read Summers at the Saint. Just finished reading the best book – On a Quiet Street. It’s a Desperate Housewives type thriller.
Jenny Claridge says
Yes, I loved it too. The House Across the Lake, was good also. 🙂
Emily says
So many of these are on my list/in my possession now! Can’t wait to read them!
sandi says
I read some fun books this past month also. The previous month I stopped reading three (3!) books in a row which I don’t think I have ever done. Not sure if the books after were really that good, or just enjoyable because they kept me entertained after three duds. I love all of the book suggestions in the comments too. So happy to sit down to read your blog and it be book day!
What I Read:
The Sweet Spot / Amy Poeppel
Yellowface / which I referenced in a non book post because it was so so good
The Messy Lives of Book People / Phaedra Patrick
The Garden of Small Beginnings / Abbi Waxman
The Edge of Summer / Viola Shipman
To Be Read:
One Italian Summer / Rebecca Serle
The Secret of Snow / Viola Shipman
The Chilbury Ladies Choir / Jennifer Ryan
Surprise Me / Sophie Kinsella
K.K. says
Okay, love this post each month!! I am so in the mood for light-hearted, fun reads too. 🙂 I’m sad to hear the Christina Lauren review. I read the Unhoneymooners first by them, and I thought it was great, and then The Holidaze, which was pretty good. I’m sad to hear there’s less character development in this one. I want to love the characters like they are real friends!! Thanks for this, Shay!
GiGi says
I too loved Summers at The Saint! I think it might be my favorite Mary Kay Andrews book that I have read. I never felt it was too long and thought it was hard to put down at times. I’m looking forward to reading Nancy Thayer’s’ new book and a few other “beach reads” this summer. I appreciate your book reviews each month. I refer back to them often when choosing what to read next!
Scarlett Spangler says
This month I also decided that I’m done with Christina Lauren books, uhg! I have been so disappointed in the last few I read, it feels like they’re going for quantity over quality now- it also feels like they’ve become raunchy/somewhat inappropriate for no real beneficial reason. I love some of their earlier books, but they’ve fallen short since then. Sigh.
Becca says
Have you read Abby Jimenez books yet? They are all great. They aren’t a series but read in order they all connect and the last one really connects all of them. Highly recommend
Mix and Match Mama says
I have! I just read her latest one last month!
Breanne says
So excited for Annabel Monaghan’s new book to come out next week… Summer Romance.
Thriller rec: Never Lie (Freida McFadden)
Sweet summer rec: Just for the Summer (Abby Jimenez)
Kaysey says
I just read The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner and it is right up your alley.
Jenny Claridge says
Here are a couple books you might enjoy this summer. A couple of my fav so far this year.
The House Across The Lake
On a Quiet Street
The Last Letter, by Rebecca Yarros
Jill says
Usually love Sally Hepworth books, did not enjoy this one at all. Ugh subject matter and relationship that added nothing in my opinion to book. Surprised you liked this one.
Brittany Cuenin says
This is almost my exact stack on my nightstand! My two cents:
AGREE with “This Summer Will be Different” – I didn’t finish because I couldn’t relate the main characters
Paradise Problem – totally agree with your review about the overdone sexual scenes and lack of chemistry
Summer with the Saint is up next (I love Mary Kay Andrews)
What I just finished?
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza – I read in a few days; it was great! Fast paced back and forth about a woman’s inheritance and her family secrets. GREAT descriptions of Sicily in time for summer.
Jo Klein says
Go to Prince Edward Island. It is amazing.
Get your girls to read Anne of Green Gables or watch the Megan Follows movie version. When you get to PEI you can go to Charlottetown or the many beaches or Avonlea. It’s a great place to visit. You won’t regret it!
Kristen says
You should read Mary Kay Andrews’ first books about Callahan Garrity! She originally wrote them under a different name but the Summers at the Saint reminded me so much of her original books- they all have a mystery/detective side to them!
Addy Robinson says
I bought Book Lovers based on this comment thread… thanks, Shay!
Addy J Robinson says
OK I cried at the end 🥹 very cute!!
Brianna MacLeod says
Hey Shay, I’m from Prince Edward Island and I totally think you would love a visit here in the summer. We’re not too far from Nantucket either 😉 I haven’t read the new book actually but I’ve heard the same and mostly people from here are enjoying it because we can picture all the places she’s talking about. Hope to see a blog post some day about your visit to our Island!
Mix and Match Mama says
The BEST part of the book was her writing about PEI! I love that you’re from there! It sounds magical. xx
amy says
Hi, Shay! Earlier in the comments you mentioned a couple of these books that you would definitely recommend to Kensington. I, too, have a 15 year old daughter and would love more suggestions on books Kensington has read and enjoyed! It’s a tricky age!
Pam Zercher says
I’m reading this blog later than usual (I like to read them day by day) but I thought you needed to hear this comment, Shay. I am one who *really* likes your comments on the “rating” of the books. I simply won’t read any with an R rating. I don’t have enough time to read to waste my time reading a R rated book! So Thank you! Thank you! for rating them. It helps me tremendously.
Heading to Nantucket in 6 days. Excited 😆
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for the feedback!!! I hope you have the best time on Nantucket!!
Kara says
Curious do you have Goodreads?! Would be so nice to see all your picks and reviews on there!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did, but I stopped posting because it just became one more thing to keep up with. Is that something you guys would like to see me bring back?
Nicole says
Yes! I find it hard to find a book by searching on your website (too many non-related results). Even just your star rating and whether it’s R or not would be helpful on Goodreads. Thank you!