Happy happy BOOK DAY!
Before we get to today’s post, I wanted to share an update, the friend we’ve been praying for received his new heart yesterday!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for praying for him, his family and the donor’s family as well. He went into the hospital on May 1st and received his new heart yesterday, July 1st. Prayers coveted moving forward as well as he heals, but you guys, THIS IS SUCH AN ANSWERED PRAYER! Thank you all so much for praying. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again, this community is THE VERY BEST. I’m so grateful for you!
Whew, okay, it’s my JUNE BOOK REVIEW 🙂 .
One month, six books, and a whole lot of summer reads.
Ready, set, here we go starting with…
Book #1:
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
As many of you know, this was our JUNE 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 The Paris Novel? Here is my little summary should you also want to dive in:
Well, I didn’t love this one. This novel has all the makings of a “Shay” read, but it really fell short for me. I personally found it pretty long and I grew bored pretty quickly. This is the story of a woman who heads to Paris only after her mom passes and leaves a note with her estate requiring her daughter visit. Stella is super Type-A and doesn’t like to leave her comfort zone, so this trip to Paris is out of the box for this planner. This novel toggles back and forth between her present day and her childhood where she suffered abuse causing a lot of her control tendencies/wanting to stay in her “smaller” life.
See? Sounds like a must read, right?
Based on the June Book Club chat, I wasn’t the only one who didn’t love this tale. It had so much potential, but it just didn’t excite me, and I was never motivated to pick it up and continue the story.
Book #2:
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Yes please!
I love novels by this author, so I was super, super excited to dive into her newest one (especially after the last book I read). This is the perfect example of a beach read: It was super predictable, a little cheesy and yet oh so perfect. I devoured this book and read it in two days!
This is the story of a newly single mom of three who falls for a new man who is back in town after years of living away. This story is set in a quaint seaside town just a bit from New York City. She has three kids, an obnoxious ex-husband, an adorable bestie, there is a fabulous inn where much of the story takes place and an elderly neighbor you’ll love. This book was very PG, sweet, and I could have immediately read it again. If you’re just looking for light, summer happiness, here you go!
Book #3:
The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley
I feel like Elin Hilderbrand and Nancy Thayer get all the love when it comes to writing stories set on Nantucket, but Pamela Kelley knocks them out of the ballpark too and sometimes, I even enjoy her books more than the others. Her latest novel was REALLY good. This one though takes place on the Cape in Chatham (another town I love), and from start to finish, I really loved it.
This is the fictional story of two sisters reuniting over the summer in their hometown of Chatham (the most adorable town on Cape Cod). One sister is a writer who moves home from Brooklyn for the summer to hopefully get over her writer’s block and get her new book down while her sister Sara has never left town. She lives there now with her husband and four young boys looking for a new job and a fresh chapter in her life. Their Aunt Maddie has been married for 30 years and she and her husband are having a rough go of it, and this story takes a look at all three women as their summer unfolds in this charming town. In full transparency, the writing might not be the strongest in this book, but it’s such a solid read. It’s happy, light, and very summery and you will not want to put it down. Another very solid summer beach read!
Book #4:
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
I first heard about this book on the radio and immediately purchased it. This book breaks down how technology is affecting children and teens in our world and, in his opinion, is the biggest cause of anxiety in this younger generation.
In full transparency, this book about anxiety in our young people gave me anxiety.
At one point, Andrew had to politely ask me to stop worrying about this book because you guys, this author makes SO MANY accurate observations with a plethora of resources/data/studies to support it and as a mom to four kids right smack in the middle of what he’s talking about, it made me want to cry a little.
I found the book VERY insightful and probably all parents should read it, but geez, it’s hard to read because the problem is so much bigger than just how are we going to raise our kids/treat technology…it’s about how everyonnnnne else is raising their kids too (which is something I, as a parent, have zero control over).
I feel like we were one of the last ones to give our older kids a phone (they were in 7th and 8th grades), but the stress and anxiety doesn’t just come from them having a phone, it comes from other kids having phones. Basically, if every single one of us would take the tech away from our kids and pretend like it’s 1988 and raise our kids that way, a lot of anxiety would be reduced across the board…but because we aren’t living in a world where that’s going to happen, we are going to have to face/deal with the effects technology is having on this younger generation.
I mean…this could have been an entire post. I personally felt more anxious by reading this book as it’s just such a huge problem without a great solution, but he does offer a lot of valuable insights and info that I’ve been trying to apply and keep in mind as I’m raising two kids with phones and also raising two who haven’t received one yet.
This book is a lot to read…but I don’t think it’s something we should avoid just because it’s uncomfortable.
After this one, I needed something LIGHT…
Book #5:
Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins
Oh my word, this novel was just so good. So very very good.
I love Kristan Higgins books, but this one here, was by far my favorite. Also set on the Cape, this is about a young doctor who gets moved from oncology to emergency medicine because she just cannot stop crying. Why? Well, the story toggles back and forth between present day and the past and well, I won’t give away any spoilers, but there is reason for her to be sad. She lives in her hometown with her adult siblings and parents living nearby and wait for it…the “mean” doctor at her hospital just asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer.
You guys, this one was adorable!
I do want to mention this though, this story is oh so light, cute, happy and very summery, but there are moments when cancer and hospice are discussed in detail and well, if you’re sensitive to that, I just want you to know that there are parts of the story that touch on both topics.
I loved it, and I highly highly recommend it!
Speaking of which…
Book #6:
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Our book review is a few days late because I HAD to finish Katherine Center’s newest novel because I LOVED IT SO MUCH!
Ladies, I read some REALLY good summer beach reads this month!
Okay, this one is a gem. What happens when a very famous Hollywood writer is forced to live and work with an up and coming writer with zero on her resume? A whole lot of adorableness.
This novel is clever, funny, had a few twists I was not expecting and just perfect from beginning to end.
My favorite part though? The Author’s Note at the end. Yeah, I loved it so much that I even screenshot her words about reading and enjoying chick-lit to save.
Here is a quote I thought this community in particular would love (she’s talking about people who criticize these romcom type books/movies/etc):
“It’s all about the details you notice. And the joys you savor. And the hope you refuse to give up on. It’s all about writing the very best story of your life. Not just how you live it-but how you choose to tell it.”
Yes, Katherine Center, YES!
Okay, just because I think it’s awesome, every single book I read this month is in the PG category which is so refreshing too 🙂 .
Whew! June is done and now on to…
…make sure you read Elin’s latest, Swan Song, with us in July!
Also 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.
Happy happy BOOK DAY!
Please comment and share your thoughts, opinions and book recs below! xx
Amy Heinl says
I just read Rom Commers over the weekend. I love all of Katherine Centers books because the heroines are bright, sassy, flawed, funny and just so loveable and relatable. I flew through this book and finished it in one day and didn’t want it to end. I always love her reader notes at the end of her novels ĝ as she always has little pearls of wisdom for us.ǰ
Katy says
Adding the book about anxiety/technology to my reading list now! Just curious- if you had read this earlier would you have still given your kids phones in 7th & 8th grade or held off longer?? Will it change what you’ll do with the younger two? Just curious as a mom with young kids- not at this stage yet but it’s frightening to think about
Mix and Match Mama says
Even after reading the book (and having two teens currently with phones), I still think (unless their school situations change), they will still get phones around the same time. I don’t know? In the book, he’s so clear about how a lot of the anxiety also comes from your kid being the kid without a phone. Basically, it sounds like real change happens when no one has a phone. Sigh.
Elspeth says
So many light and fun books! I will be adding to my list!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Katie Compton says
I also LOVED Summer Romance! I’ve loved all of Monaghan’s books. I just finished The Next Mrs. Parrish, which is the sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish. It was a fun and quick read!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am excited to read that one too!
Dawn Timmons says
Shay,
Thank you for sharing the update on your friend. What a dichotomy of emotions! Prayers will continue for your friend’s recovery, his family and the peace for the donor’s family. ❤️🙏🏻
I enjoyed your book review today and added several to my list of books to read.
Have a great day!
Stacie Merchant says
I just read the Couple at the Lake House by James Caine. It was really good couldn’t put it down a good thriller with a couple of twists I didn’t see coming. Highly recommend.
Katie Compton says
This is why I love Book Review day… comment suggestions are great too! Just downloaded this one… it was an kindleunlimited freebie. Thanks!
Kelly M Sites says
I love reading light, fun reads in the summer. I read heavier books in fall and winter (WW2, etc). I love a good beach read. I really enjoyed Yours Truly (Abby Jimenez). This was my first book by her and I laughed out loud several times and really loved it. Sometimes it gets a little “open door” with a sex scene, but I just move through those quickly. It’s a great read.
Erin Rivers says
Oh I’m SO glad you liked Summer Romance! Yes it’s light and cheesy but it hit me in the feels in all the best ways. I loved it!
And The Rom-Commers!!!! Katherine Center is an “auto buy” for me ALWAYs but this one might just be my favorite one yet. I was hooked from the first page!! This book wrecked me in the best possible way and did things to/for my heart that I don’t even fully have the words for. And that epilogue!! It actually might be the best epilogue I’ve ever read in my life. I keep going back and rereading different pages and sections because I still can’t, even 2 weeks later, get over it. So good.
Sarah Adams is another “auto buy” for me. I can always count on her books to break me out of a “reading slump”. Her newest one, The Cheat Sheet, did just that. Cheesy, cozy and feel good.
Okay, I have one I think you should definitely add to your TBR pile – Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young. I do need to forewarn though…. it is quite rated R in several places. Under and around that, though, is the SWEETEST love about 2 people with limb differences and the ways they navigate their relationship and feelings. It falls in the “quick, summer read” category and is SO thoughtful and heartwarming.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! I’m so excited about these new recs!! xx
Kay says
I’m so excited-many of these are added to my list! I just saw Kristy Woodson Harvey has a new book out too-“A Happier Life!” I love her novels and I know you’ve enjoyed them too. I’m dying to know if you’re reading ‘Swan Song’ WHILE in Nantucket! That seems like it would be so fun. The ultimate Hilderbrand experience!
Lisa D says
I wholly recommend “The Wishing Game” by Meg Shaffer. Oh my, it’s so so good!
Another good one that is light and easy is “Just For The Summer” by Abby Jimenez.
And yet another good book is “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride, set in the 1930’s.
So many good books!
Ivana B says
I second “The Wishing Game”! It’s like Willy Wonka for adults 🙂
Robin says
Thanks for some new recommendations that I haven’t yet read ! But I so agree that the Rom Commers was so very good and enjoyable ! Katherine Center rarely disappoints . I thought of you when I read it and was certain you would also be a fan !
Emily says
I just finished and recommend Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley. It’s so sweet and adorably British. I think you would love it!
Erin Rivers says
I read this one awhile ago and loved it as well!!
Liz says
You will like the new one by Clare Pooley, How to Age Disgracefully. Such a fun read.
Rita Connors says
Did you read The Authenticity Project by Clare Poole? So good!
Connors Rita says
Sooo good!
Bethany says
I listened to a podcast with the author of The Anxious Generation and felt anxious listening to it so I decided not to read the book. Not because I’m sticking my head in the sand, but I know what it’s going to say and like you said, we cannot control everyone else’s kids. I will say, my kids’ school has plans for monthly discussions for parents- just to bring light on ways to handle technology and offer insight so I am encouraged by that. I know each family handles things differently but it’s nice to know some are picking up on the impacts tech has had on all of us, not just kids!
Diane Duncan says
Where is the book The Attitude Wordrobe?
Mix and Match Mama says
I just looked that book up, and it seems right up my alley!
Laura says
You should try Mom Com by Adriana Mather. It’s set in a small Massachusetts seaside town and is about a daughter who comes back home to run her late father’s bakery. I think it would be right up your alley!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just added it to my list! Thank YOU!
Jennifer C. says
I have been wanting to read The Anxious Generation, because it’s something I feel passionate about (and the algorithms on IG must know that). However, I am already anxious enough…do I really want to add more to that when, like you said, I can only control so much?! It’s a big, hard topic and unfortunately, parents are giving in earlier and earlier. We are trying to wait until after 8th grade and are close to that with our two middle schoolers. I would love for you to blog about how you’ve established expectations as you transitioned to phones for your kids. I feel like you are mindful, yet realistic and would value your insight. Thanks for being YOU, Shay. You’re a wonderful human and mama and it’s a pleasure to “know” you. ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Well Jennifer, this comment was just too nice for words. Thank YOU for spending time here with me each day. If you’re already anxious about it, I’m not sure I would suggest it. I don’t know, it’s just SO hard to navigate. Do I think I’m doing it right? I don’t know. I kind of feel like I’ll only learn that in hindsight which is frightening too. It *seems* to be going well, but I realize at any moment, that could change. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share. Sending you so much love. xx
SS says
Prayers for your friends recovery….but BIG prayers for the family where that heart came from as they move on without their loved one and for the gift they gave your friend.
polly pover says
Organ donation….Someone’s very best day was someone elses’ very worse day. Beauty and tragedy at the same time. Prayers to both families…..
Mix and Match Mama says
Absolutely and amen.
Elizabeth says
I absolutely loved The Rom-Commers too!! It made me so happy. I loved the author’s note at the end and caught myself nodding along in agreement. Lol
Danielle says
I’m so so happy to hear your friend found a heart. Continuing to pray for both families.
K.K. says
Yay!! This is such a fun post! Got some books to buy!
And I’m so thankful to hear of that answered prayer for your friend. Thank You, Jesus!
leigh says
RomCommers quote – I also saved one from this book about marriage and I NEVER do that. “Choose a good, imperfect person who leaves the cap off the toothpaste, and puts the toilet paper roll on upside down, and loads the dishwasher like a ferret on steroids – and then appreciate the hell out of that person. Train yourself to see their best, most delightful, most charming qualities . Focus on everything they’re getting right. The whole trick to life. Be aggressively, loudly, unapologetically grateful.”
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I read that quote out loud to Andrew. I thought there were SO many nuggets in this one book.
Erin Rivers says
Yes!! Oh my gosh. That was one of my most favorite parts as well! I can’t tell you how many times I reread that last line. Goodness. ❤️
Meredith says
Hi Shay! Happy summer! Just wanted to say how much I love your book review posts. I’ve found so many great reads through you and avoided some I thought were interesting, but your review saved me from taking the plunge. Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! This comment makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing! Happy reading! xx
Heather says
Ok, I agree with you on The Anxious Generation making me anxious but I do really wish the parent of every kid my kid interacts with would read it! For those not ready to dive into the full book, the author was on the Good Inside podcast with Dr. Becky recently and I found their conversation to be a really good summary of some of the key points of the book: https://www.goodinside.com/podcast/7065/the-anxious-generation-with-jonathan-haidt/ Maybe start here if you’re not ready for the full read! 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Kristen says
Have you read the housemaid?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think so???
Margaret says
Oh my – read it! you will finish it in a day!
Kimberly E says
I was actually coming here to say to read The Housemaid!! I highly highly highly recommend
Kimberly E says
I was actually coming here to say to read The Housemaid!! I highly highly highly recommend. It’s a quick read and a great beach thriller
K.K. says
Shay, on the subject of books (and I’ll look through some old posts), but what are books about Christ-centered marriage that you love? I just got married in December, and it’s going great! I realize though that there’s still a lot to learn about how to keep Christ our focus now as a married couple and how to practically live out God’s idea of marriage day to day… Any thoughts on devotionals you love or authors you’ve read? I’ll ask some of our friends in our church as well. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Congratulations!! Okay, I’m trying to remember more, but off the top of my head, Vertical Marriage by Dave and Ann Wilson, anything by Dr. Kevin Leman, we both read Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman and that one was really impactful. I think if you’re both waking up and studying God’s word though, nothing is better than that for a marriage.
K.K. says
I love that last comment! Yes, you are so right about the Word of God being the first priority. This really aligns with some of what has been on my mind lately as I’ve not been as consistent and miss it/know I need it. I’m excited about the other books you mentioned too! Thanks, Shay!
Patty says
K.K…I highly recommend the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and His Needs, Her Needs by Willard Harley, too. I agree that the Bible is the best resource of all, but the others are also great ones (spoken from someone who’s getting ready to celebrate a 40th anniversary.) I applaud you for being proactive!
Morgan says
The meaning of marriage- Tim Keller
Crazy love- Francis Chan
Sacred marriage- Gary Thomas
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! Crazy Love is really good!!!
Susan says
I love your recommendations! Please read Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand. It is my favorite book of all time and even my husband’s, who never reads!
Amber Cottone says
I would love a whole post on The Anxious Generation from you. My husband and I both read it and really enjoyed it. We currently have a three and four-year-old so a long way to go. I always love hearing your perspective as you navigate parenting even if it isn’t dealing with your teens (I understand their privacy!), but what you have noticed in the teen culture and devices. I hope more parents wait to give their kids phones after this book as we are waiting and I hope schools implement more restrictions.
Thanks for the great book review!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s so hard to navigate because, at least in our experience where we are, the schools encourage the kids to have phones which creates issues for those kids who do not have them. Everything just seems to be so tech-related that when our kids didn’t have phones, it complicated some things (also understanding that some of this was post-COVID so I’m not sure when Ashby gets to middle school here in a month if I’ll feel the same way now that some time has passed post-COVID). I understand fully that some kids must have phones (they walk home from school and parents are at work, so they need to be able to reach their parents or vice versa) or if a kiddo doesn’t live with both parents, I totally see why the parent who he/she currently isn’t living with would like access to their kids (there are some valid reasons why kids truly need phones). I think for me what would help would be if the schools had a “no phone policy” and ours do not at the middle/high levels. If every student had to keep their phones in the office all day long then I feel like they could all focus more and worry less (knowing they weren’t missing out on anything as all of their friends phones are put away too). I don’t know? Maybe it’s our schools’ policies that aren’t aligning with this or maybe it’s my kids or maybe it’s everything…I just know circa 1994 when I was in middle school, I never had to worry about half the things my kids did simply because of technology.
Jackie says
@amber, I got some fantastic advice from a family friend that taught at a high school for 25 years. My kids are 6 and a baby and she said if there is something I feel strongly about, I should start contacting the middle and high school now because schools take a long time to change!
I read and loved the Anxious generation because it has four key takeaways that parents can push for in their community. I’ve recommended it to parents of my daughters classmates and I hope several of us can work together on some communication with our district and by the time our kids are in middle school, they’ll have a phone-free school day like Shay mentions.
Sandi Arata says
My kids middle school has Yondr pouches for every kid. They lock their phones away, but have them with them all day. It’s a great solution to get more parents on board because they have their phones in case of an emergency, but they aren’t on them all day long. Highly recommend suggesting these to your schools!
SS says
As someone who has taught K to 8 in two public school districts over that past 28 years, I wholeheartedly disagree with your friend’s advice. IMO, schools have enough going on without a parent whose child won’t be there for at least another five years asking for a change. I, personally, would not want to introduce myself to a school district with a complaint, particularly when my kids aren’t even there yet.
AliJ. says
I agree about the technology and going back to 1988! I’m in the same boat as you in that my daughter didn’t get her 1st phone until towards the end of 7th grade, which was towards the end of the pandemic. Now that she’s going to be 16 in a few weeks, she sets her own limits about technology and actually calls my husband and I out on our uses (in a respectful way). I think it helps that at her school that no phones are allowed in the classroom and they have zones in which a cell phone can be used. They want the students to interact with students, faculty, and staff. Probably 99% of the parents agree with the approach! If we really need to get a hold of our daughter, we know how to do so.
Good book recs!
Jen says
I have Anxious Generation on hold at my library. We waited until our kids were in high school to get them a phone, and I am sure it helped in some ways, but honestly when everyone else has a phone it feels like it is a losing battle. Kids talk so even if your child isn’t on social media, they still know what is going on. I read somewhere recently about when to give your child and phone, and the answer is when you want their childhood to end. That seemed a little harsh to me, but I get the sentiment. It is so difficult because we are the first generation navigating these waters. I never think it is too late to pull back and limit technology if it is adversely impacting your child. I have noticed that lots of schools are making big changes to cell phone use during the day, and I do wonder if small things like this will make a difference.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and all of this. It’s so hard to navigate, Jen.
Jessica Shobe says
Yay for book review day. This month I read a few I think you’d like. In a Not So Perfect World-just a cute rom com book, easy read. A Fire Sparkling-it toggles back and forth between present day and WW2 as a family has just found out new information about their mom/grandma. It was good! Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey – I absolutely loved this one. 3 daughters head back home for different reasons. I loved their characters. It was an easy, enjoyable read. Last is Genius Foods by Max Lugavere. I first heard him on a podcast. The book is great. It goes over a food at the beginning of each chapter, but then each chapter is about a topic-gut, hormones, sleep…It’s very informational, kinda like Outlive.
Lindsey says
Katherine Center is so funny & amazing to meet in person!! She is just like her books! I’m reading The Rom-Commers currently and almost finished!!!
Cassie Douglas says
I can’t wait to read The RomCommers and am currently reading Swan Song. I recently liked Just For the Summer and REALLY LOVED All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker! It would make a great book club pick!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Thank you so much for the update on your friend! I’m so happy for him! I’ve been praying for him, his family, and the donor’s family. ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU, THANK YOU! They were able to ease him off his vent yesterday, and he got to see his wife, kids and mom. He’s doing really well (all things considered).
Stacy says
The anxious generation is a must read!!! I was like immediately taken back by some of the data and I felt like whoa we are hurting our kids with social media more than I think most people even realize. Its a must read even if parents have given kids phones they need to read it – we need to do better as a whole!
MARTI DETRICK says
Some of my recent favorites: The Husbands (married life), My Lovely Wife (psychological thriller), The Frozen River (historical mystery of a midwife), Fantasticland (modern Lord of the Flies–not for the fainthearted, but VERY good).
Niki says
I’m so glad you talked about summer romance because I just bought it! Can’t wait to read! Yesterday I finished The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walter. Such a cute, summer romcom set in Nantucket area that I think you’d love. Young adult novel but I don’t know that I’d say it’s PG. it had a few good surprises and also made me tear up. I’ve also been wanting to read the anxious generation one! I’ve had several friends read it and say the same thing you said.
Addy Robinson says
not me crying during The Rom-Commers when the pilot held the plane for her…!
Mix and Match Mama says
RIIIIIIIIGHT?!
Beth Knecht says
Oh how wonderful to read that your friend got a heart transplant! I was driving the other day, thought of him and said a prayer! Such a tough situation for both families involved!!
I keep seeing the Anxious Generation book and have it on my list to read! Sometimes I wish it was 1990 and technology barely existed but try as I might, I can’t seem to get back to that kind of reality!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank YOU for praying. I am so grateful for prayer warriors like you out there. xx
Ivana Brata says
I’m so glad your friend found a heart! What a great news.
I always look forward to your book post! I absolutely adore “The RomCommers” too! It’s most probably going to be one of my top summer reads and definitely my favorite Katherine Center books to date. I’m already wanting to re-read it, especially the author’s note based on what you said. I had a few small issues with her other books in the past, but this book just made me a fan of hers.
“Life’s Too Short” by Abby Jimenez was another cute summer read I enjoyed.
I also second the recommendation for “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon and “The Wishing Game” by Meg Shaffer.
Lauren says
Have you read Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez? It’s a similar plot in terms of doctors pretending to be in a relationship for the summer. However, if you haven’t read it, read Part of Your World first as it’s a semi-trilogy. Abby Jimenez quickly became one of my favorite authors! Her new book, Just for the Summer, is the third in this series.
Mix and Match Mama says
I read it last month! I really like her as well.
Jamie says
Thank you for the book reviews and recommendations! At the risk of being ‘late to the party’ as I tend to be with popular book (and television!) recommendations, I highly recommend reading The Unsolicited Journals of Emma M. Lion. I think this community of readers will love the wit and charm found on every page.
There are 7 novella volumes. I ordered and have read numbers 1 and 2 based on a friend’s recommendation of the series and I should’ve ordered all seven from the start. Luckily I live in the age of Prime Delivery and will countdown the hours until books 3 through 7 arrive.
In the meantime, I’m reading a perfectly lovely bestseller that has over a million reviews and all I can think is ‘I can’t wait to read the next Emma book!’
I’m ruined for all other books until I do. 🙂
Happy Reading!
Jamie says
The *Unselected* Journals of Emma M. Lion
My first post had a typo.
Kelli says
Shay!! I came here to recommend Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford…a sweet British book about an elderly lady who applies for the tv show Britain Bakes. She and her husband are precious, the descriptions of her baked treats make your mouth water and there is a secondary storyline that is very dear to your heart! I just felt deep joy and contentment reading it. A very quick and easy read as well!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you! Adding it to my list now!
Rebecca says
Thank you for saving me on vacation!
I brought Endurance to read, which I do like but not for my relaxing vacation!
Also, so happy for your friend!!
Shelby says
Thanks. I am going to put all of those on my list. I wanted to recommend Carley Fortune books. I just read all 3 of hers back to back because I loved them so much. They are one of those books that when you are done you miss the characters so much and you are sad that your done with the book. Highly recommended.