Happy AUGUST, friends!!!
August is a weird month for me because it feels like summer outside and yet, in Texas, our kids head back to school, sports/extracurriculars start back up and the mall starts selling sweaters and boots. August confuses me.
One week from today and our kiddos are in school, the carpools will have started, the meal planning will be in full force, and I’ll be back to waking up way too early.
That’s next week though…want to know what today is?!
Today is…
…OUR JULY BOOK REVIEW!!
Woohoo!
Okay, this month, I read SIX BOOKS! One memoir, a book on women’s health and wellness, a thriller and three chick lits. It’s a mixed bag and today, I’ll review them all.
Here we go starting with…
Book #1:
As many of you know, this was our JULY 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 Swan Song by Elin Hilderband? Here is my little summary should you also want to dive in:
In this, Hilderband’s “swan song” to writing books set on Nantucket, she tells the tale of a women living in the Caribbean who lies to a wealthy couple heading to Nantucket for the summer and becomes their personal assistant. Here’s the deal though…she’s not the “bad guy” in this book as she is the one who goes missing. This story toggles back and forth between her arrival on the island and the search for her. Of course, this book is filled with so many details of our family’s beloved island. I’m telling you, page after page after page, this book is filled with the most specific and accurate little nuances of Nantucket, MA which makes it such a lively and fun read especially for us who know it well.
This novel is light, it’s sweet, it’s about love and friendship and letting go of bitterness and learning to move on, and it was a really easy read. Was it my favorite novel by my favorite author? No. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t excellent, in my opinion, it was cute but forgettable. I’m sad to see her books set on Nantucket end, but honestly, I haven’t loved many of her most recent ones, so maybe it’s time?
If you haven’t read a Hilderband novel before, let me recommend The Blue Bistro, The Identicals or 28 Summers as a great place to start. This holiday season, read all four of her Winter Stroll series too.
Book #2:
The Summer Pact by Emily Griffin
Okay, I have a fickle relationship with this author. The books she wrote years and years ago (I’m talking to you Something Borrowed and then Something Blue) were fantastic and well, the bar was set high. Her more recent novels have been okay, but I haven’t adored them nearly as much as the older ones. In her latest novel, The Summer Pact, I thought it was pretty darn heavy for a summer read. This novel includes a great deal about suicide and grief, so if that is triggering for you, please beware before you pick it up.
This is the fictional story of four friends who meet in college and then, well, life about 10 years later. There is a death, there is a pact, there is a trip similar to an “Eat, Pray, Love” kind of vacation (where you’re going to ‘find’ yourself or in this case maybe someone else), there is heartache, there is love…see? It’s heavy. I didn’t dislike this book at all, I just wasn’t prepared for it. There are certainly moments of cuteness, but there are many moments of dealing with trauma and pain and dysfunctional family relationships too. On a random note, this book does make a stop in Dallas which was fun for me to read.
All in all, good book but not nearly as “light” as her other ones.
Book #3:
You Never Know: A Memoir by Tom Selleck
So random, but I was on the hunt for a memoir this month and saw this was a new release…and well, I always thought Monica picked wrong and should have ended up with Richard instead of Chandler (anyone else?!), so I bought it.
Here are my takeaways: Tom Selleck seems like the nicest guy in the world. He seems like a real family man who loves his daughter and wife and respected his parents and siblings. He was humble and gracious throughout the entire book and oh so likeable. I did though find it rather boring as he focuses soooooo much of the book on the making of the TV show Magnum PI and well, that was before my time (I was like 5 when it was really popular), so a big chunk of the book didn’t meant much to me. I really wanted to hear about Three Men and a Baby (that was one of my faves when I was little) or even his time on Friends, but nope, lottttts of Magnum PI.
If you are maybe one generation older than me and really loved him in the 1980s, you will adore him in his memoir. If you’re reading it to see if he thought Monica should have stayed with Richard too, this isn’t your book.
Book #4:
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Well she always writes just the happiest, cutest and sweetest chick lit novels, and this one did not disappoint at all!
This NYC woman finds herself in her grandparents’ seaside home after about 40 years of no one entering it and well, she’s tasked with selling it while in between jobs. Of course, this coastal town is adorable and there is a handsome man next door…all the things we need in a chick lit.
In this novel though, I will say there is a big mystery (I won’t reveal it) that…albeit a little cheesy and super unrealistic…makes the book more of a page turner than your average beach read. Was it my favorite novel by Kristy Woodson Harvey? No. Did I finish it quickly because it was entertaining and easy to read? Yes.
Book #5:
The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
She’s baaaaaaaack! I read and reviewed the first novel in this series way back in January 2018. I had to go back and re-read my own review just to make sure I remembered details correctly.
Here is my own quote from that review: “Holy cow! I loved this one!!” 😉
Since reading and reviewing that book, I have recommended it in subsequent posts many, many times. It is a quintessential thriller that I loved! Needless to say, the sequel had a very hard act to follow. I liked it, but I didn’t LOVE it as much as the first one. The first one had this really pivotal plot twist that I just did not see coming, and this one had some twists and turns, but it didn’t have quite the BAM that the first one did. YOU NEED TO READ THE FIRST ONE FIRST before reading this one. You will love The Last Mrs. Parrish, so make sure you read it first.
This novel has all of our old characters back in action along with a new character, Daisy Ann from Dallas 🙂 . Now, the only thing that did drive me a bit mad about Daisy Ann’s addition is the way the author had her and the other Dallas characters speaking to one another. As someone born and raised in Dallas County, I can assure you I have NEVER (not one time) been greeted with “Howdy”, I’ve never been called “little lady”, I do not see people ever wearing cowboy hats in day to day life, and the phrase “what in tarnation” is just not one we use. Small detail, but this character just didn’t live in Dallas, she lived in the most prestigious, upscale, wealthiest part of Dallas…I’m talking Jerry Jones, Mark Cuban and President Bush would be her neighbors type of Dallas and so yeah, I wasn’t buying the dialogue as authentic.
Pesky detail that means nothing, but it grated on me, so I had to share 😉 .
Great book, read them both, it’s a thrill ride from beginning to end!
And finally…
Book #6:
The Hormone Fix by Dr. Anna Cabeca
I gave this book its own blog post this week, so make sure you check it out with my review and full details HERE!
That wraps up this month’s book review!
Don’t forget…
…we would love to have you join us on August 22nd for this month’s BOOK CLUB! We are reading Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams.
That’s it for today! Please, please, please comment and share new book recs for me! I would love some meatier/heartier books heading into the fall. Thank you, thank you in advance!
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
Aparna says
Yay! Book review day! Shay I read 6 this month too! Top 3 reads for me were
Look on the bright side….loved it! Kristan Higgins never disappoints!
The women…another lovely one from kristin Hannah and
Mind Games….new one from my old favourite Nora roberts…finished it in 1 day!
Look forward to some recs from all the ladies here
Rachel says
I liked Look on the Bright Side, but my husband works in medicine, and there were a lot of inaccuracies of medical education in it! (You don’t just switch specialities mid-residency! Even if your boss thinks your cry too much 😂And oncology is a fellowship, not a residency! And oncologists-in-training don’t just carry around Botox and filler! None of these are spoilers) but it was a cute story and I recommend it.
Ashley-Rae Vaughan says
Good morning! I never post in comments but I had to today because I had the EXACT same reaction to the dialogue of the Dallas people in The Next Mrs. Parrish – hahahaha. I also 100% agree with your assessment – when I heard that this book was coming out I was eager to read it, but found that it didn’t live up to the first one.
Mix and Match Mama says
I feel very validated right now 😉 . Thank YOU for commenting! xx
Pamela Kennedy says
This reminded me so much of what people think about Arizona. We all live amongst many cacti, saloons, cowboys, horses, prospectors looking for gold, outlaws, and covered wagons. Yee haw!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol!
Dn10 says
Read Bad Tourists. Murder mystery set in the Maldives.
Elspeth says
I love book review day! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
M says
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
Book by Atul Gawande
This is a worth your time! Filled with real life examples from a doctor and his perspective when related to his own father. Very interesting to think about and discuss what matters to you and those you care about. Highly recommended!
Mary Anne Duke says
I just finished this book as well! As a young 70 year old I found it to be so insightful and helpful.
Not sure some of my friends want to face this reality but I was faced with these situations with my parents. I will be giving it to my children and our caring pastor at our church. Highly recommend.
Glad I found someone else who has read it.
Kristen Hardison says
We read 3 of the same books this month – the Hilderbrand, Giffin, and thriller – and I agree on all three of your reviews! Right now
I’m re-reading an old Giffin one, The One and Only – to get me in the mood for football season. Have you read that one?? Also I’m reading the 3rd in the Housemaid series and it’s just okay so far. One random note – in the Swan Song info today, you use the word “nuisances” about Nantucket – but I wonder if you meant to say “nuances”? I found exactly nothing a nuisance about
Nantucket when I went in 2021 🤍
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course, I really need an editor. Correcting 😉 .
Sara Hertel says
There is a prequel to this series that is really short but makes the second book better. It’s called The Last Shot. It brings it all together. Read it before the last book. 🙂
Ashley Carlucci says
Bad Therapy; Why the kids aren’t growing up by Abigail Shrier. Samantha Ponder (former espn reporter on college game day and current espn nfl show host and believer) recommended a podcast she was on and I listened and then got the book. It’s fascinating. You will keep thinking about it.
Valencia Canales says
Doesn’t that author advocate for non-gentle parenting?
Alison says
This post should have come with a trigger warning. Monica should have picked Richard? I’m sorry…what?!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just thought they had more chemistry! I always felt she settled on Chandler. I know, I know…I should have put a warning up front 😉 .
AmandaG says
The only reason she shouldn’t have ended up with Richard is she wanted a baby and he didn’t. But I agree that they had great chemistry!
Mix and Match Mama says
But he came back at a later episode and said he would have one!!!! He tried to get her back! (I’m clearly worked up over this, bahaha!)
Dana says
Haha!! Yes he did but he said IF I HAVE TO…and Monica told him she wanted him to WANT to not HAVE to!! They did have great chemistry though but sorry I’m team Chandler ◡̈
Lori Boyett says
No one should ever pass on Tom Selleck! Period. Full stop!!🤣
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and Amen.
Mary says
I. Loved. Her. With. Richard!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Ashley D says
I read two books this last month that I absolutely LOVED! The first was, The Housemaid (#1) by Freida McFadden. My goodness, I could not put this book down. Full of twists and turns, and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. I’m excited to read her books (#2) and her most recent (#3).
I also read, For the Love of Friends by Sara Goodman Confino.. and I have to say it might be in my top 5 for the year. It’s about a girl who is a bridesmaid in five weddings, (all close together and for two of her siblings) and she starts a blog to help make money for said weddings. It is full of friendship, spunk, a little romance and fun. I highly recommend it!
Taylor says
For a heavier book I would recommend Real Americans by Rachel Khong. It was so good and I couldn’t put it down. I will say the beginning was slow for me but once I got to the half way point I was hooked.
Rayne Osborn says
I really enjoyed that one too-definitely a heavier read, but such great writing! I loved the characters and the story.
Kristine G. says
I feel like you need a memoir redo (lol), so I’d recommend John Stamos’ book..you get the scoop on Full House (which I loved growing up) plus lots of other stuff including his alcohol addiction and grief with losing his parents and Bob Saget…I actually teared up listening to it. Highly recommend!
Mix and Match Mama says
I read that one too!! I thought it was much meatier than this one. I have a crush on Uncle Jesse too 🙂 .
Shannon says
I recommend The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. Set in London, a single gal discovers one night that her attic has an infinite supply of husbands.(They appear one at a time at her discretion.)
Now, it sounds fantastical, but that’s the only fantasy part of it. The rest of it is pure realistic fiction. It is her journey of discovering who she really needs in a husband as well as who she needs to be in marriage. It’s funny, has a little grit, has some surprising and endearing turns but it is such a fun and unique read. I loved it!
Rachel says
All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker and The Wedding People by Alison Espach are both on my to be read next list! Have heard a lot of great things about both.
Katie Smith says
In The Wild Light! It’s a YA book and is beautifully written. It’s meaty and thought provoking. Perfect for fall!
Lindsay says
completely agree, achingly beautiful
Lisa D says
Yes! So good.
Bridget Duhon says
I loved Heathen & Honeysuckle by Sarah A. Bailey. I think it’s your type of book and you would love it. It was one of my favorites this summer!
Kristen says
I love throwing in a celebrity memoir into my book rotation all the time. Please read Minka Kelly’s bio. I didn’t know much about her except Friday Night Lights but holy cow was her book fascinating ! What a crazy journey she’s been on!
Kacey says
Going to add a couple of these to my August reading list!! Thanks for your recs!
Cara says
I’ve noticed that you seem dislike any books with LGBTQ+ characters. Swan Song, The Summer Pact, Evelyn Hugo, etc. are just a few that come to mind. Probably due to your conservative Christian upbringing and unconscious biases but just something I’ve realized after years and years of reading your book reviews
Mix and Match Mama says
I would disagree with that statement…especially on the heels of me just yesterday saying Modern Family was my new favorite binge show.. The books you cited- Swan Song: I didn’t dislike it, I found it in the middle of the pack of her books (I said that multiple times, I did dislike The Hotel Nantucket and Golden Girl because I am firmly anti-ghosts in my chick lit). The Summer Pact: There is nothing light and breezy about college girls committing suicide. It was good but heavier than expected (pretty sure my review says that). I read Evelyn Hugo years ago and if memory serves, I didn’t like her as a character (but it was years ago).
Deb says
I don’t know you personally but I would never have thought this about your reviews!
I’ve already read 3 of your July picks so onto Husbands and Wives😇
Courtney says
Sheesh, relax. Certain themes might not be someone’s type of read. Some people don’t like suspense. Some people don’t like romance. I personally am triggered by mother/daughter relationship books. If someone isn’t into lgbtq books, who cares!
Taylor Cottomon says
Hillbilly Elegy is a wonderful memoir. Forget the whole VP thing, it reads like the Glass Castle and is so eye opening about Appalachia. Do yourself a favor and read it!!
Jennibell says
Demon Copperhead (fiction) reminded me a lot of this book! I thought it was a good read if you want to dive into some harder stuff….appreciate authors who can can bring these issues to light without “romanticizing” them.
Lindsay says
I’ve read all the books you’ve cited as examples of why Shay “doesn’t seem to like books with LGBTQ+ characters.” Maybe it’s as simple as she just didn’t care for the books and has nothing to do with the LGBTQ+ characters. I thought her review of The Summer Pact was actually kind. I thought it was one of the most poorly written and developed plots I’ve ever read. Especially when the premise had a lot of potential to be meaningful and impactful . It’s disappointing, in 2024, to just assume people have this inherent bias based on sexuality. It’s just not always the case.
Kay says
I love book review day! And I was super excited this month as I happened to read ‘A Happier Life’ AND ‘The Next Mrs. Parrish” too. It’s like a triple book club! For what it’s worth, I completely agree with both of your reviews. I loved ‘A Happier Life’ and thought the mystery was so so cool. Did you read in the author’s note in the back that the empty house thing actually happened to her? I thought that was very cool. Like you, I thought it seemed unbelievable so it was interesting to me that it was based on a true story.
I liked ‘Mrs Parrish?” but found it super boring at parts? And for some reason, the ending (for the husband), I won’t spoil it, but it TRULY BOTHERED ME-ugh! Like, upsetting.
If you want something a little more serious, ‘Black Cake’ is one of my favorite reads so far this year. Just after “The Frozen River!” It is fabulous. Gorgeous writing, amazing story, a mystery, and so many twists and turns. I highly recommend!
Emily says
Okay…Over Halfway through the year…top three so far!? Always love your end of the year recap, but how about half way??
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh well, if you haven’t read The Women and The Frozen River, you should!
Allena Gurley says
100% agree on The Next Mrs. Parrish. I loved the first one and liked this one. As a native Texan, I got SO irritated with the way the authors had the Texans talking. It took me out of the book several times unfortunately and yes, while silly, made me struggle to enjoy the book quite as much. What in the tarnation? UM NOPE.
Shirley says
I always enjoy your book review posts! Have you read “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post?” It’s a combined novel/memoir/biography. The author took Marjorie’s real-life story & basically wrote it as a novel. It’s fascinating! Marjorie was an exquisite woman in an earlier time period & I have a lot of respect for what she accomplished in her life. If you haven’t read it – I highly recommend it!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! It was in my Top FIVE of 2022!! I loved that one!!
MJ says
Thank you for sharing the warning about The Summer Pact by Emily Griffin. Not many people realize that suicide is a major trigger and adding it as a warning is much appreciated. Thank you for your thoughtful reviews! It is very helpful! Happy August!
Jessica Shobe says
Love book review day! I read and adored My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank. I also read The Secret to Southern Charm and The Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey. They were book 2 and 3 in her Peachtree Bluff Series. I loved all 3. I read Cold Light of Day. It’s a murder mystery set in a small town of Alaska. I chose it because we were in Alaska in June. I enjoyed it, I just stated Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle and am loving it!
Dn10 says
Read Bad Tourists. Murder mystery set in the Maldives.
mary mathews says
i love book review day!!!! have you read The Red Tent? I loved it and i think you will, too!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think I have?! Thank you!!
Shelley Commodari says
I loved the Red Tent. It is Dinah’s perspective of life being the only daughter of Jacob in the Old Testament. It is a great read.
Andrea says
I truly recommend The New Menopause NAVIGATING YOUR PATH THROUGH HORMONAL CHANGE WITH PURPOSE, POWER, AND FACTS By Mary Claire Haver, MD. She has the best and easy to read menopause information available. Information our mothers did not know or have access to. It’s a must read for any woman so that they are accurately informed. You will not regret learning from her.
Shelley Commodari says
Mary Claire Haver also has a podcast and is the reason I advocated for myself to take HRT. I agree with Andrea, she is definitely another smart doctor to add to
your tool box.
Stephanie says
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker is getting some hype right now. It is not a light, beach-y read. It is heavy, but it is very good. It is written in part like a poem, which was tough to adjust to. I would be interested to hear what others think.
Erika Slaughter says
Stephanie, I just got this in the mail and can’t wait to read!! So glad you mentioned it!
Ellen says
YES GIRL 200% Richard was Monica’s true love!!!! I have always thought that – loved finding someone else who is also correct about this LOL!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I FEEL SO HEARD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! Thank you, thank you 🙂
Kelly says
I’m with you too, Shay! I liked Monica and Chandler at first but thought she should have chosen Richard when he came back and offered to have a baby.
I also thought Phoebe should have chosen David the scientist when he came back over Mike.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!! I agree with you on Phoebe too!!
Jessica Kristiansen says
I loved the Last Mrs. Parrish and really enjoyed the Next Mrs. Parrish. Did you know there’s a prequal? The First Shot. It was good! Gives a lot of background to who Amber is/was. I believe it’s free on audible.
Mix and Match Mama says
I had zero idea!
Nicole says
Finished Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez for my book club and was surprised how much I liked the book. Definitely recommended. So much more to it that just the synopsis.
Angela Wilbur says
I totally agree with you about Emily Giffen books! I loved her earlier years, but the last 4 or so, have just been meh. I so wanted to love this most recent one, but I didn’t. It was okay at best, and I never really loved any of the characters. Then it just kind of abruptly ended, wrapping everything up really fast. Oh well, I guess 🙁
Tanya says
REQUEST!!! 😊😊😊😊 Another Shay and Andrew interview on the patio after school gets started! You two are so fun and real and pretty darn normal! 😉 Ha! You truly are a bright spot and live such a great life! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Patti M says
So agree with many of your book reviews! Recommendations for future reads:
Daughters of Shandong and A Calamity of Souls, both were 5* for me!
sandi says
Your Instagram story intrigued me earlier but I have not had a moment to sit and read the blog post until now. Chandler would have been devastated to lose Monica and I don’t think I would have handled it well either. And I would have chosen Mike/Paul Rudd over David simply to share his night time skin routine secrets.
Wow! It’s a great book review month and I love all the suggestions in the comments. I’ve been reading some of Hilderbrand’s older books, Bright Lights, Big Christmas (Thayer), Clover Girls (Shipman) and Other People’s Houses (Waxman). Loaded and to be read are We’ll Always Have Paris (Jennifer Coburn) 28 Summers (Hilderbrand) and The British Booksellers (Cambron).
PS: I live in Virginia and my great grandmother said “what in the tarnation” and “well hey there little lady” all the time. I don’t recall anyone outside of my family calling me little lady but when she was frustrated my great grandmother’s go to phrase was “what in the tarnation is going on”.
Christine says
Totally agree about the Friends comment! 🙂 I love Tom Selleck. I was thinking of getting the Tom Selleck book for my Dad, but would you say it’s R-rated? Or pretty clean?
Lauren says
I’m half way through The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine and so far so good! If you liked The Last Mrs. Parrish, you may like this one!
Lisa D says
Also read The Senator’s Wife by the same author, very good!
Claire says
Have you read Lauren Akins’ book, “Live in Love”? Such an encouraging, beautiful memoir!
Jen says
I put The First Lie wins on hold at my library in April when you reviewed it. I finally got it this week. I loved it! It was so unique. Thanks for the recommendation.
Jayne says
Some of my latest favorites are James by Percival Everett, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (pretty far backlist but the sequel is coming out soon so it’s a great time to pick it up for anyone who hasn’t read it yet), and The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Earlier in the summer I read 2 of my favorite ever historical fiction books – The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin and The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye by Briony Cameron. Both were set in times/places that are not typical for my historical fiction reading. Highly recommend all of these!
Addy Robinson says
-Queenie of Norwich, by LK Wilde: this was my neighborhood book club pick, it’s based on a true story I believe?
-How to Solve Your Own Murder, by Kristen Perrin: almost done with this, SO SO good!
-Cassandra in Reverse, by Holly Smale: just started and I was laughing out loud, unique and likeable narrator.
-Sandwich, by Catherine Newman: recommended by a trusted source.
-The God of the Woods, by Liz Moore: another recommendation by a trusted source.
-Viola Davis, Finding Me: A Memoir: I’ve heard this is good, but hard.
Addy Robinson says
I hit post too soon… These are all in progress or on my list!!