Happy THANKSGIVING WEEK, friends!
This is truly one of my FAVORITE weeks of the entire year and this year, it’s going to be extra extra special as we’ve decided to have an “untraditional” Thanksgiving.
I will be blogging Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week, so please come back each day to see me. You’ll find me on Instagram and FB enjoying my week on the days in between as well.
It’s one of my favorite weeks AND one of my favorite posts.
Today, I have my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW!
A few things to note:
1: There is still a week left in this month, so I’m a little surprised that I have five books to review as the month isn’t even over, but I think it’s because…
2: …this has been an eventful November, and it’s only the 25th! I began my month on the 1st with a long flight to London followed by a second flight to Helsinki and by the time I landed, back in Dallas a few days later, I had already finished two books. If I’m being honest, that trip feels like six months ago and not just a few weeks ago. This month in reading has been short but felt LONG.
3: This month, I am sharing an eclectic mix including one of the best books I’ve E-V-E-R read. Period. End of story. On top of that, I read another book that I will now be referencing and referring to everyone moving forward.
Needless to say, we better get going with…
Book #1:
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
As many of you know, this was our NOVEMBER 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 this one? Here is my review (without spoilers):
Well, I know this author is a Pulitzer Prize winner and #1 New York Times bestselling author, but I clearly read the wrong book because I only gave this one 2 out of 5 stars.
I thought this story had all the markings of a “Shay” read. It’s set in a cute little New England town with lots of quirky characters and a beautiful fall/wintery backdrop…but really, there were too many characters for me to keep up with, a main character I didn’t love (his relationships with people were odd to say the least), a “bad guy” I actually felt bad for and an ending that left me underwhelmed. This author’s writing style was a bit peculiar (kind of sing-songy), but I would read another one of her books if you have other suggestions. I was just bored by this one and had it not been a Book Club pick, I would have stopped reading it.
This one though…
Book #2:
The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley
…I LOVED!!
If you are looking for a super cute Christmas-y story, here you go. This happy little novel set on Cape Cod was the PERFECT little holiday novel. Is it a bit Hallmark-y? Yes. Why do you think I loved it so much? 😉
This is the fictional tale of a woman from New York City who returns home to Chatham to help her mom run her inn during the holiday season. See? Already adorable, right?
This story has a sweet little cast of characters and is just filled with all of the holiday references (yummy food, cozy restaurants, Christmas outings, friendship and love) that I need in a November/December novel. I could not put this book down and was sad when it was over. I could read ten more just like this one.
I also read…
Book #3:
Kiss Me At Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
…a second holiday novel this month! I *think* this is my fourth year in a row to read a holiday novel by Jenny Bayliss. They’re always very cute, sweet, set in charming towns and very easy to read. I liked this one, but if I’m being honest, I liked the other ones more. This one is cute, but the plot was a tad too unrealistic for me.
This is the story of a woman who works in a high school and well, she ends up in a predicament where she has to put on a Christmas play in a rundown theater with some high school students and a very cute lawyer. See? The plot is a litttttttle too far fetched for even me (especially the circumstances that lead to that point…which I won’t spoil here).
This one was light, cute, easy to read and checked a lot of my holiday novel boxes, so I do recommend it, but if you haven’t read her other Christmas-y novels like The Twelve Dates of Christmas or A Season for Second Chances, I would start there.
Now, this book…
Book #4:
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
…completely rocked my world. You guys, I LOVED IT!
Here I am right this minute holding my copy…
…I made notes, underlined, highlighted and dog-eared the heck out of this book. Moving forward, this book will be one I refer to and recommend often.
So what’s it about exactly? Well, it’s a very quirky little read where the author is really focusing on sharing his tools for living a life of quality but through a fictitious story about a group of people. It took me a minute to understand this book (so don’t be alarmed if it does for you too!), but then all of a sudden, I couldn’t put it down. Sprinkled in throughout the text are charts and graphs that represent the author’s strategies for maximizing that first hour of your day and how it causes a snowball effect for the rest of your day…and your entire life.
The ideas expressed are super practical and easy to implement. I loved how simple he made it, but I also really loved how at the root, the author isn’t trying to get you to be “productive” as much as he’s trying to get you to fully live this one and only life we get to the fullest. It’s about connection and community more than productivity…but if our “life” is a big hot chaotic mess, we don’t have the time/attention span for that connection because we’re too busy trying to get our “balls back in the air”.
I know, I know…I probably sound odd just describing the book, but I promise you, I loved it. I think this book is a great fit for all sorts of types. If you feel like “your life is leading you” and not “you leading your life”, this is a good read. If you think you have your life going in the right direction and feel already fully present/connected, then I think you’ll find this book encouraging. If you fall somewhere in between, you’ll like it too.
I hope many of you read this one!
But this one here…
Book #5:
Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
…is hands down one of the BEST BOOKS I’VE EVER READ.
I get asked all the time about books on marriage, and honestly, my answers are all over the place because I haven’t read “an amazing book on marriage” until this one. This is without a doubt the very best book I’ve ever read on marriage, and I can say with 100% sincerity that it has positively affected my marriage more than anything else Andrew and I have ever done/read before.
In September, this author came and spoke one Sunday morning instead of our pastor. He was really engaging, funny, super direct and just had this “cocky in a good way” attitude that I love. (I love a confident person!) When the service was over, I looked at Andrew and said “I’m going to read that book” and Andrew said “I was just going to say the same thing”. So, I bought the physical book and Andrew listened on Audible. I worked through the book slowly each morning (hence why I’m just now sharing it with you), and friends, it changed our marriage. Prior to this book, we had a really good marriage, but honest to goodness, we have the best version of our marriage ever right now.
Now…let me be clear…this book is certainly written from a Biblical perspective. If that bothers you, this isn’t the book for you. This book is about real life but based on Biblical truth, so before you purchase it, make sure you’re okay with that. This book is amazing for couples to read/listen to together, BUT he certainly addresses throughout the entire book that even if your spouse is unwilling/refuses/not going to try any sort of Biblical intervention, one spouse will benefit from reading it. I can imagine that some of you might have hubbies who aren’t leaning into your marriages as much as you are, and there’s a place for you in this book too.
Whether you have a really solid marriage or a really rocky one, I can only imagine it will be improved with this book. I just cannot say enough wonderful things about it. It’s just so practical and so insightful, and I have thanked the Lord many times over that we accidentally heard about it and read it together. I really, really hope many of you pick this one up.
And that’s my November Book Review!
If you want to look back at all of the books and reviews from this year, you can check out THIS PAGE HERE and see a very detailed list of every book and links to their reviews from 2024.
If you have book recs for December or for 2025, please leave them in the comment section. Next month, I’ll be naming my TOP THREE BOOKS OF 2024 as well as wrapping up my final reads from this year. I can hardly believe that our year in reading has almost come to an end.
Happy Monday, friends! Have a great day! xx
Elspeth says
The 5 AM book sound sos think right up my alley! Thanks for the suggestion!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Dana P says
Aww..I love that you loved Love and Respect! His daughter lives in Paris (Joy). She posts a ton on IG if you want to see those 2 worlds collide. 🙂 We watched the video series at church years ago and I cried through a lot of it. I didn’t understand that I was hurting my husband (even though he tried to gently tell me) until I heard Dr. Eggerichs explain it. I really recommend the video series as well, if you can get your hands on it. We need to watch it again, too!
Amy Heinl says
I read the autobiography of Brethany Joy Lenz called Dinner with a Vampire which talks about her 10 years with a religious cult and how she fought to get herself and daughter out all while starring in One Tree Hill. This book hooked me right from the beginning. It’s almost like you are sitting in a Cafe with your bestie and she is sharing her story. I finished it in less than 4 hours and couldn’t put it down. Her story was also very unique on the fact that she grew up in church and you would assume she would have been able to realize it was a cult but she didn’t see it (and neither did I) which was the scariest thing. It was also interesting to read how her cast mates realized she was in a cult and how they tried to get her out. Excellent book…strongly recommend
Mix and Match Mama says
Whoa! I had no idea that she went through that. Thank you thank you for the rec!
Elisabeth Hogue says
Could you post the link to the church service that Dr Eggerich’s spoke at? We read his book years ago – it really is marriage-changing! It’s great to give as a wedding gift!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s in the comment section here right below. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jenna Garrett says
I read that one, too, and was totally fascinated by it! I loved OTH and I also love books about people who have escaped cults, so it was the perfect combination for me. This one was a little extra scary to me as a Christian because what her particular cult believed is close to my beliefs, but their leader took it to a level that was absolutely wrong and he wasn’t doing what the Bible says. He was a wolf in sheep’s clothing and it was a reminder to always use discernment, even if someone appears trustworthy.
Kristin says
Always love seeing the books you choose!
Because it has so many dangerous messages for women especially, I’m so bummed to see Love & Respect. 🙁 Please take a look at this: https://baremarriage.com/2023/01/summary-problems-love-and-respect-emerson-eggerichs/. Sheila’s doing such valuable work to undo harmful teachings we in the church have received for years.
Hoping for lots of reading time over Thanksgiving break. Enjoy yours!
Mix and Match Mama says
I could not disagree more. Feel free (of course!) to take someone else’s word on it, but you could also take mine too.
Morgan says
Shay, I do encourage you to check out that link she posted. I’m glad the book was helpful for you but it has been truly damaging for many other women (myself included).
Mix and Match Mama says
Happy to look at all sides of the coin as a critical thinker. All I can say though is one person’s opinion is one person’s and mine is that it drew me closer to my hubby and the Lord.
Hayley says
The thing is, it isn’t just one person’s opinion. If you look at the link Kristin posted, they talk about their research with 32,000 people. I support your own opinion and it’s your blog to share what you like, but I also appreciate your blog readers speaking up about the harmful side of this book.
Mix and Match Mama says
For sure, but I just can only share my personal experiences and they are nothing but positive. If this was positive for me and my relationship with the Lord and my husband, that is what matters dearly to me.
Claris Yoder says
My husband is not physically abusive but I have to speak out here. I no longer have this book (I got rid of it) so I could not check out the references made in the article mentioned, but my husband and I were in a Sunday school class that studied this book. I did my part and my husband loved it but he refused to read the book or make any effort and the whole experience left me feeling sad, hopeless, and not abused but definitely used. I can see that if you already have a really good marriage and really trust your partner, it could probably be a good thing, but I would never recommend this book to just anyone. If you read the comments in the article, women talk about the actual physical abuse they received. We have to believe these women and understand that, in the wrong hands, this book can be very harmful.
Virginia says
I couldn’t agree with you more. This is very disappointing.
GG says
Yes, I totally agree. My husband and I led a marriage ministry for years and looking back, I feel terrible that we used this book. It’s very damaging, and Sheila is doing important work to get the message out about misogyny in the church. I’ve been a believer for 40 years and would not recommend this book. Please look at the link posted before you decide to read this book.
Krista says
Just ordered Love & Respect! As a newly married couple, excited to read it – thanks for the recommendation!
Mix and Match Mama says
I really hope you love it too!
Susan Jeffries says
Thanks for the great reviews! I added a couple to my TBR for December. I always enjoy Christmas books during this season. I just finished How My Neighbor Stole Christmas (which I don’t recommend lol). Our book club selected Same Time Next Year so I will start that one tonight! Happy reading!
Cara says
Do you by chance have a link to that sermon? Off to check out that book!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just found it!
https://my.cottonwoodcreek.org/sermons/reality-check/reality-check-part-1-marriage-weekend-with-dr-emerson-eggerichs
Cara says
Awesome, thank you so much!
Cris says
Thanks for thinking to ask this! And thank you, Shay, for finding it!
Kristen Thompson says
Thanks as always for the recommendations! I recently finished The Christmas Inn and also thought it was adorable! Right now I’m reading The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan and I think you would love it! It’s set in the Cotswolds and has the cutest town, a sweet family, a little romance with Christmas thrown in! I don’t want to finish it because I love the setting so much!
Jennifer S says
I’ve just recently discovered Sarah Morgan’s books and I’ve loved them!! Can’t wait to read this one.
Shannon says
The Husbands, by Holly Gramazio
Erika Slaughter says
Oh my goodness! Love & Respect…we read that book years ago, probably our first year of marriage {2005}. We had friends tell us about it and mid-argument we’d often say things like, “I’m not feeling very loved right now” or he’d mention, “he wasn’t feeling respected”….which then would deescalate the situation. That definitely wasn’t the point of the book but those are my good old memories about that one!
Kristine Guider says
Thanks for the recommendations! I just started reading “Stop Missing Your Life” and I’m highlighting and taking all the notes. lol I think you’d enjoy this read and would love to hear your thoughts!!
Kelly S says
I read Love and Respect years and years ago and I still think of it today and use the tools and ideas. It seriously changed the way I look at things and I have a better understanding about how important respect is to my husband. I think I’ll re read it actually. You inspired me. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for all of the effort and time you put into your blog. I’ve been a reader for YEARS and really love the variety of posts you do- favorites, makeup, BOOKS, shows, podcasts, health and wellness. THANK YOU.
Kristen Hardison says
I’m reading the new Emily Stone called A Winter Wish.” I think you’ve read some of her others and I think you’ll like this one too!
Ashley Craw says
We read Love and Respect several years ago when it came out, and loved it. He also wrote a Mother/Son Love Respect Book that’s helped me with my teenage boy- both books are very similar, but helped me not get so frustrated with me son. Can’t wait to read The Christmas Inn. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mix and Match Mama says
Really? I had no idea! I need to check that one out too!
Jodi says
I was just coming in to recommend Mother & Son to you!
Cris says
Me too! It explained so much that I wasn’t understanding about my relationship with my teenage son.
Bekah says
Before we got married, my Dad/Pastor encourage me and my now husband to read Love & Respect… And Wow… to this day we reference it because it has had such a huge impact on us! Highly recommend! We have a great marriage (3.5 years) and I know that this book was huge in helping us understand each other and guiding us towards the amazing marriage we have!
Jo Ellen Hickey says
My husband and I both loved the Love and Respect book. Our son is getting married soon and we have recommended the book to him and his bride also.
Kate says
New England based English teacher here (so consider my bias ;))…I’m reading Tell Me Everything right now and I’m loooving it! I’m curious if you read Olive Kitteridge? I do think having read Olive Kitteridge endears me more to Strout’s characters and all of their complexity and nuance. Love these books lists, Happy Thanksgiving!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not read any of her other books, so maybe that’s the problem? Maybe I started with the wrong one?
Kate says
It would be so interesting to see! I do think you can read Tell Me Everything as a “stand alone” but I really liked seeing Olive today after having read the prior text :).
Tara says
Shay- I am so disappointed to see you promoting Love & Respect. I read it and it is extremely problematic. It promotes patriarchical views that women owe men sexual pleasure and respect but are not owed the same in return. He completely manipulates the bible to justify abusive and dangerous perspectives. This is a perfect example evalangelical extremism working to control women. I cant imagine why you would promote that as a mother of three daughters. Its really shocking to me.
Mix and Match Mama says
All I can personally say is that it drew me closer to the Lord and to my husband, so that’s a win for this lady.
Amanda says
100% agree. This book is incredibly sexier and misogynistic and damaging.
Julie Sizemore says
I purchased the 5 Am book last year as it was highly recommend by a coworker. I still haven’t read it. Just moved it up on my list of books to read.
Krystle says
Thank you for books reviews, and the reminder to read Love and Respect. It was in our pre-marriage counseling 18 years ago, will need to get it off the shelf. Also, you sais your bible was recovered- in my search of blog I can’t find the place, A great idea! Can you share again? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I literally just put that resource on my post for this coming Wednesday! I have loved having my Bible fixed up this year and wanted to share it again. They are Legacy Bible Rebinders. I can’t say enough nice things about them.
K.K. says
Shay, I’m so excited to get the marriage book!! And I saw that a reader posted something about a video series that goes with it, so I’m going to see if our church library has it.
Also, intrigued by the Christmasy books of course, as well as the 5am club!! Wahoo!!
Bri Sales says
We did the Love and Respect series through church years ago before we had kids and it drastically changed our marriage! Our marriage has always been good, but it helped us in tremendous ways! This is one I always recommend!
Emily says
Have you read A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss? I didn’t have time for it last year and just started reading and it’s not grasping my attention like her first two. Cant decide if I should keep reading or try something else.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! That one was SO good!!
Natalie H says
Ok, I read 5am club last year and had mixed feelings. I liked the content; however, I found the fictional story he used to reveal the content super cheesy. I would have preferred a non-fiction book with the same content. Perhaps some personal stories mixed in to show how the strategies work in real life.
Mix and Match Mama says
I could not agree more. I looked to see if he had a workbook or something with “just the facts” and there was one, so I bought it…but it was basically a blank journal, so that wasn’t helpful. I would have LOVED it so much more without the fictional story…but either way, I learned a lot and was motivated by the end.
Ashleigh says
I have not read Love and Respect (yet, now it’s on the top of my list!), but I loved the book Mother and Son, written by the same Author!
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to read that one too!
Maggie says
I am reading The Wealth of Shadows, as it came highly recommended to me. When I first read the synopsis, it sounded like it was going to be so boring. However, the second I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. It’s about a man who is working during WWII to help bring down the Nazi’s by helping to crash their economy. It’s based loosely on a true story, and while economics in theory sounds boring, it’s fascinating in this book! Well written, a little bit of espionage and suspense.
Aja says
I’m shocked you’d never ready Love & Respect before! Our Sunday School class did a study on it maybe 15 years ago…it was one for the ages! Lol.
Melanie says
Love book review days! I so love how positive you keep your page. I have zero opinion on Love and Respect but appreciate how you so classically replied to the strong opinions expressed! I get lots of reading ideas from all the comments and your reviews. Thank you!
Becky Przy says
Hi Shay! I always love your book review days!!! Would Love & Respect be a good read for someone divorced and dating?
Mix and Match Mama says
Mmmmm…maybe not? I bet there are readers here who will be happy to share book recs for you though geared more towards that!
Heather Ptashnik says
Loved love and respect and find myself re-reading bits of it often.. I’m currently reading the book by the same author but it is called love& respect in the family.. it is basically the same crazy cycle theory and how to keep your whole family out of the cycle.
I can’t wait to read the 5am club!
Lisa D says
I read some great books this month that I highly recommend:
– The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
– The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel
– The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
– The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocum
And then I read Jen Hatmaker’s cookbook and loved it.
It’s called Feed These People, She is so, so funny!
Julianne says
My husband loved the 5 am club and it’s been life changing for him. I’m at more the 6:30 club, but I’m working myself backwards! We also loved Love and Respect. I understand that it has not been helpful for certain relationships, but it is only a tool – not doctrine, and I appreciate you acknowledging the good in it. I’m also fascinated to hear there is a mom/son book? I could def see how that could be beneficial and encouraging!
Heather says
Been married 25 years and two other great books are “For Women Only” and “For Men Only” by Shaunti Feldham. Wow! My husband isn’t a reader and so I actually read through both books and then highlighted the parts of the book “For Men Only” that pertained to me so he could easily read through the highlighted sections and better understand me, lol. Men and women are vastly different and this is such an easy to read book that helps to explain why men think the way they do and why women think the way they do. It really opened up my eyes and gave me “a-ha” moments as to why my husband may get frustrated over certain things I do or say, when I don’t think those things are a big deal. I now gift these to any couple that is getting married as they are that eye-opening of books and so easy to read.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
The 5 AM Club book sounds so interesting! I’m definitely an early morning person and feel like I’m most productive in the morning, so I’m interested in how the author writes about that. Thanks for sharing!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Tara G. says
•Soul Healing by Dr. Tammy Smith
• The Soul of Shame by Dr. Curt Thompson
•The God-Shaped Brain by Dr. Ti.othy Jennings
Tara G. says
Oops typo ^^ Timothy
Read Love & Respect years ago and found it very helpful.
Katie Hayes says
I recommend “Reconnected” by Carlos Whitaker. Fantastic! He gives up screens for 7 weeks and lives with Amish and in a monastery. It’s so interesting! I read it super fast and I think you would love it. 🙂
Lisa D says
This sounds very interesting, I’m putting it on hold at our wonderful library. I always get great books based on the monthly recommendations in this review section! Thanks MM Mama 😊
Sarah Jarnagin says
We did a study on Love and Respect when we were newlyweds. It was very impactful and I am thankful for the mentors who invested into young couples.
Maria says
Hi Shay!
I always love your book selections… thank you for sharing them each month! I am curious to read Love & Respect but I am feeling conflicted from some above comments. Maybe it would be helpful if you could share some of the specific pieces that really spoke to you? Changing your marriage is a huge statement and I would love to know your perspective on what practical strategies helped that!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
Truly, the entire concept of my husband needing to be respected more than “loved” (ie the opposite of what fills my cup) had never crossed my mind. I would imagine you can find the author on YouTube and/or different podcasts speaking, so maybe try that first and see if it interests you or not before purchasing the book or check it out from your local library so there is no financial strings. I cannot say enough about how positively this has booked affected my Christian marriage.
Marla says
I have not read Love and Respect so I cannot voice a personal opinion on the book. However, I have been reading this blog for many many years and Shay has welcomed all of us into her world and her life with open arms, free of judgment or harsh words. All we have received from her is support– loving support. So, I would think that after all this time we can accept that at times we will have different opinions and of course we know that is okay. What I am personally struggling with is not how strongly opposed some of you are to the book because I respect your opinion just as much as I respect Shays, but for comments to be made such as “this is disappointing” and referencing her being the mother of three daughters, as if her approval of this book taints that in any way is honestly shocking. Shay read a book that enriched her life in many ways and as always, she truthfully shared her opinion about that book. Sharing your opinion about the book is fine, but crossing a boundary into anything that potentially criticizes Shay is wrong. She has been open and honest with us about a lot of events, aspects of her life, and always tries to post blogs or information about things that we ask about. It is unfair to expect her to cater to our whims and then have to sit and be , what feels like to me as judged. Honestly it makes me sad and actually uncomfortable. Judge the book, not the influencer!
Maybe I am misinterpreting things and honestly I hope I am. If so, my apologies.
Shay, thank you for a great book review and as always, for being honest about how you feel about each book. I am going to order one of the Christmas books today. Also, Thank you for all the time you put into this blog and your readers. Please keep being you!
Dawn Timmons says
Agreed. Amen!
Lori K says
I am so happy you read and loved the 5am Club! I highly recommend the audiobook. I listened to it 4 years ago and it inspired me to wake up at 5am daily. What a gift it has been! Sounds crazy at first but you adapt quickly and reap the rewards all day. I know you get up early already but some of your readers will find this to be a wonderful habit once they give it a try.