Hey, hey, hey, it’s BOOK REVIEW DAY!
Third book post this week? What is happening? If books aren’t your jam (I’m talking to you, Sheaffer!), make sure you head over to my SECOND POST for the day as well 🙂 .
If you’re in to books, it’s your day because I read FIVE this month!
Grab your matcha and settle in, ’tis a great time of year to be reading!
Let’s go…
Book #1:
The Crash by Freida McFadden
This was our MARCH BOOK CLUB read. If you read it/don’t care about “spoilers”/want to read our thoughts and opinions of it from the book club, click HERE. We have A LOT of opinions about this book. #tuna
Here is my review without spoilers:
This suspenseful novel takes place on a wintery night when a very pregnant woman crashes her car and ends up in the remote cabin of a couple in Maine. This is a very “Misery”-like story of someone stuck somewhere they desperately want to leave but can’t. She’s pregnant, she’s injured, and she’s stuck in their basement.
Sounds like a solid thriller, no?
I personally found it just okay (three out of five stars). It moves fast, definitely suspenseful with some very unexpected twists and turns, but it wasn’t amazing. If you enjoy this author, you will probably enjoy this book. If you’re looking for something “meaty” with a little more depth and character development, this one isn’t for you.
Next up…
Book #2:
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
Well, I am OBSESSED with this one. Yesterday, I gave this book its very own blog post. If you want to know why I think everyone should read this book and consider “dying with zero” then HEAD HERE for that post.
You guys, this is one of those books that could be game-changing for your life. I give this one FIVE really big stars!
Now on to some fiction…
Book #3:
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
This novel literally checked all of my boxes. It is set in one of my favorite Cape Cod towns, Sandwich, Massachusetts. It’s a summertime novel about love and life and loss and relishing your kids. It has so many delicious food references, charming coastal scenes…it just oozes “Shay”…and yet, I didn’t just “love” it.
This fictitious story contains a lot of trigger warnings, so buyer beware if you don’t enjoy reading books about infertility, miscarriage, and/or abortion. I would also rate this one R for content and language as well.
Where I enjoy my coastal chick lit light and carefree, this one was very heavy and in my opinion, really sad. I felt like the main character, Rocky, really never found her happiness at the end. She was melancholy most of the book as she’s experiencing a summer on the Cape “sandwiched” between not being as young as her daughter and son nor as old as her parents. She’s in her mid-50s not yet content on the life she has and yet grieving the life that’s slipping away. I don’t mind heavy and meaty topics, but I do prefer when there is a character or an event that adds some levity to the book.
When I finished the last page, I just felt a little heavy for her. I wanted to love this one.
What did I love?
Book #4:
We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes
Yes, yes, YES!!
Okay, I’m pretty sure I’ve read every single one of Moyes novels, and in my opinion, they just keep getting better and better and better. I really loved Someone Else’s Shoes, but I think I loved this one even more.
This novel is about a newly divorced mom of two in London who is figuring out life as a single parent. Lila, the main character, has to figure out all the things in this new chapter in her life like picking up her daughter from school every day while also seeing the woman her husband left her for picking up her son as well. She is dealing with the recent death of her mom and not one but two of her dads moving in. She’s trying to salvage her career, raise a teen…her plate is full.
I thought this book was funny and clever, it had so many endearing characters and lovable moments. Was it a little predictable, yes? Was I sad when it ended? YES!
This is feel good British romcom, and I ate it up.
And finally…
Book #5:
Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen
Another chick lit for the win! This book is so adorable! I read this one in two days on vacation. It’s light, it’s funny, it’s about a therapist living in New York and her complex relationship with both her new downstairs neighbor and her mystery editor…both Brits.
It’s very romcom, very You’ve Got Mail-ish. It’s light and funny and was the perfect easy read to wrap up my month.
Two big thumbs up!
Okay, that’s our MARCH BOOK REVIEW!
Don’t forget…
To see the complete list of books I read in 2015 (all 63 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2016 (all 62 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2017 (all 62 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2018 (all 61 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2019 (all 54 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2020 (all 54 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2021 (all 59 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2022 (all 60 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2023 (all 51 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2024 (all 58 of them), click here.
If you want to stay current on all of the books I’m reading in 2025, THIS PAGE HERE is where I keep the books, authors and reviews each month.
Don’t forget, we would love, love to have you join us in April for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter which will not be light and romcom-y. If you want to read a book with some substance, here you go.
Okay, as always, I LOVE BOOK RECS! Please comment and let me know what I should read next!
Happy Book Day! I have BIG SPRING SALE things on THIS BLOG POST today too!
I’ll see you guys tomorrow! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I felt the same way about sandwich! Good, but hard to relate to! I love your book review days!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kelly says
I just finished Broken Country- and it’s a 5 star must read. I loved it. It was so well developed and I miss the characters now that’s it’s done. Highly recommend.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am looking it up right now! Thank you!
Kim says
Book four sounds somewhat like the new Bridget Jones movie. Have watched it yet? I finally did this weekend and enjoyed it more than I expected to. I’m so glad! The third was not very memorable for me.
Mix and Match Mama says
I haveeeeeeeeee!!!
Kristen Hardison says
Right now I’m reading The Favorites by Layne Fargo. It’s about a girl and her ice dancing partner and some kind of tragedy or major event is gonna happen. I’m not very far but I’m already sucked in. It goes back and forth from a narrative style to an interview style and reminds me of Daisy Jones and the Six in that way. I think you will really like it!
Erika Slaughter says
Kristen! I only read two books this month and this was one of them! TOTALLY agree on the Daisy Jones vibe!
Lisa D says
Yay for Book Review Day!😊
I recommend several books this month:
– The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. This is a life changing book!
– The Last Exchange by Charles Martin
– We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
– Surviving Savanah by Patti Callahan Henry She has written a lot of books and all are very good.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have The Let Them Theory on my list!! I’m excited to read it!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I just finished reading The Briar Club by Kate Quinn and I really enjoyed it! I wanted to skim through one of the girl’s stories, but it ended up being more interesting than I thought it would be!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Jessica says
I really enjoyed the Briar Club
Ashley D says
Great reviews this month! I loved Freida’s, The Housemaid Series, so bummed to hear The Crash wasn’t as good. I have read two books and am almost done with my third.
The Sister Effect (By Susan Mallery): I loved her book, The Stepsisters, so I was excited to read this one… and it did not disappoint! It’s about love, family, forgiveness with some quick wit added in at times. I love this author’s writing style as well. I would add it to your list if you have not read it!
The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti (By Jennifer Probst): Such a good read – Love, family secrets with the backdrop being beautiful Italy?! YES PLEASE! You follow three sisters as they travel to Italy to uncover a secret that their late mother withheld from them. This book shows the beauty and heartache of true love while intertwining the true powerfulness of forgiveness. This is a must read! (It says it is book 2 in a series, but I don’t believe characters overlap so you can read it as a stand alone.)
One Perfect Spring (By Irene Hannon) I am almost done with this book and would say it’s hard to put down. There are a couple of storylines going on, but they weave into each other nicely. It follows a character who wants to find her son that she gave up for adoption years ago, while the person sent to help her has a past himself that he must overcome. Throw in a little romance along with allowing God to heal your wounds, I think this might land in my top 5 books for the year!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for sharing so many reviews!!
Stacy says
I loved Jojo Motes book, too! I could not finish sandwich I when I picked it up I just could not get into it, so I sent it on to a new home 😂. I did just finish go as a river and the book is devastating and heart breaking but so good at the same time .
Sarah B. says
I just finished The Favorites about Olympic ice dancers and their journey to get there. It was so good! It was told with a podcast/dateline vibe to it. Definitely worth reading!
Valerie says
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen…absolutely loved this memoir!
Arika says
Two things – First, I noticed another reader recommended the Let Them Theory, so that reminded me that on her podcast a few weeks ago, Mel Robbins had Dr. Vonda Wright as her guest. I’d never heard of her before, but she’s an orthopedic surgeon who is really focused on wellness and prevention. All those hip replacements she does for women, and how so much of the work she does in orthopedics is preventable. She spoke powerfully on a lot of topics you are already passionate about (strength training with heavy weighs, moving our bodies regularly, balance and flexibility, etc). I was listening thinking, “this is right up Shay’s alley!” I went back and looked, and it aired on May 5 if you’re interested. I really liked Dr. Wright’s message and am thinking of picking up one of her books.
Also, I saw that Tyler Merritt has a new book out. I read I Take My Coffee Black on your recommendation. I’ve not purchased his newest book, but it’s on my list. I loved the first one.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve heard Dr. Wright before! Yes, yes, I love her!! I’m not sure if I’ve heard this episode, but I’m going to look it up now. Thank YOU!!
Arika says
Sorry I said May 3 but I meant to type March 3 for the date of that episode!
Karah Stracener says
Book review day is always my favorite. I am adding these to my list. I have read a ton of Freida McFadden books and The Crash is not one of my favorites. I love a good psych thriller. Never Lie or The Housemaid Series by Freida are my favorites. The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is such a good book. Its emotional and you will fall in love with the characters. It had me crying but in a good way.
Jen C says
I love JoJo Moyes and this one is on my hold list at the library! Can’t wait to read it!
Laura Holmes says
As someone that spends a few weeks in Chatham each summer, my love for all things Cape Cod is strong. Sandwich has been on the top of my to read list. What a bummer! I like very similar chic lit reads and movies as you. I think I’ll slate Unlikely Story for spring break instead. This summer we are going to ACK for the first time instead of Chatham. I can’t wait to experience it for myself!
kristen says
Love all your book reviews, Shay! I’m anxious to read your spring break recaps as I read Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter in Paradise series last month, so it will be fun to see St. John through your eyes!
I struggled a little this month with my reading. I started The Wedding People and just could not make myself like it. I didn’t love the main character, and honestly thought the book was a bit crass. I don’t know, but finally gave up on that one. Then tried for a second time to read Darling Girls. I have LOVED every Sally Hepworth book I’ve ever read, and finally had to admit that one just isn’t for me. The abuse is just too sad for me. I’ve got two adopted kiddos, too….just couldn’t keep on with it. That’s when I had to pivot to easy reading and went full steam on the Hilderbrand series!
I loved your review of Die With Zero yesterday! I read your review, ordered the book, and then listened to the podcast on my walk – loved it!! I think it gave voice to the way we prioritize some things and try to order our life. Like you, we’re Christians, so I like the concepts filtered through a lens of stewardship, giving an account of how we use out time/talent/treasure, etc, but I’m really looking forward to the full read on that one!!
Natalie says
I absolutely loved Sandwich. I laughed, cried, and nodded my head to many of her thoughts. While some topics aren’t ones I can relate to, I could identify with the feelings of a parent with adult children and all the ways life changes. Many of my friends (we are in our 50’s) loved this book, too
Tina says
I loved it too! I could relate to many of the main characters struggles.
Julie Harris says
I 100% agree Natalie. Sandwich was one of my favorite books I read last summer. I’m wondering if Shay (and the other commenters) didn’t like it as much because they are a bit younger and/or aren’t quite to the empty nest stage of motherhood? I shared the book with a couple of my friends who are in their mid to late 50’s with adult children, and they all loved it. My first kid is leaving the nest this year (I am 51), but the feelings and thoughts Rocky had, I could still relate to.
Natalie says
Julie,
So glad I’m not alone, and I think you’re probably right. It’s a whole different stage of parenting.
I had the hardest time when my first one left the nest. I’m guessing it won’t be easy for you, either. I hope the transition goes as smoothly as possible!
Maureen says
I loved it as well but I too, am a bit older (63). It certainly isn’t chic-lit but I found it to be an enjoyable read. I think sometimes certain books hit you best at different stages of life.
Suzy Bennett says
Loved Sandwich! Probably need to be mid fifties to fully appreciate the empty nest and aging parents, although I’m the aging parent. Also I loved her writing style. So glad I’m not the only one!
Mary Anne Duke says
Sure hope you will read Theo of Golden.
It a book like no other I have read. A bit of mystery, a lot of goodness and kindness.
You don’t want to read fast … like giving yourself a hug. Enjoy.
Stephanie says
Just published Wild Dark Shore
Charlotte M Cathy
People will recommend this book because it is just that good!
sandi says
This month I read a few good ones and a few not so memorable:
The Sixth Wedding (Hilderbrand) is a very short follow up to 28 Summers
Where the Light Gets In (Kimberly Williams Paisley) about her relationship with her mom during her end of life dementia
I finally got the holds from the library for the following books and cannot wait to dive in:
Be Ready When the Luck Happens (Ina’s book that you recommended)
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue (Julie Satow)
How to End a Love Story (Yulin Kuang)
I just love book review day!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
I read Sandwich last year and hated. Gah! It was definitely Rated R, super depressing, and glorified abortion. I think I rated it one star on Goodreads, because I couldn’t go any lower. 😅
Amy says
Would you say Unlikely Story is PG? No sex or language? Thanks for always helping us choose books.😊
Mix and Match Mama says
I would!! I would say the same about the JoJo Moyes book as well.
Ellen says
I also slightly disliked “Sandwich,” due mostly to one character. You could probably guess which one. 😛
Sascha says
I felt the same way about “Sandwhich”. Was more of a downer than I thought or would’ve liked. The main character was a glass half empty gal the entire book. Have you read “The French Ingredient” published last year? I haven’t, but am intrigued as it’s a memoir of an American woman, Jane Gertch, who opened a cooking school in Paris in 2009. Her story sounds fascinating!
Dawn Timmons says
Have you ever read Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado? It is a GREAT read leading up to Easter!
I am half way through listening to the Die with Zero book after your post yesterday. LOVE IT! Thank you for the awesome recommendation.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not! Thank you so much for the rec!!
Stephanie says
I’m going to have to check out the Die with Zero book.
A book recommendation for you: The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. I loved the character’s journey – just thought it was a perfect summer book.
Emily says
Thanks for the book reviews!! I’ve read quite a few recommended by you through the years!
I just read one you might appreciate. “Far beyond Gold” by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. It’s her inspiring story of Faith in God that helped her overcome fear. My teenage daughter was inspired by it too.
Jessica Webb says
Sandwich and tuna were a lot for me this month 🤣! Can’t wait to read Broken country
Mix and Match Mama says
I literally just lol!
Katrina Goodman says
I bought and read Die with Zero last summer after hearing him on Peter Attia’s podcast. I loved it. I am reading with The Lion Women of Tehran and I think you would like it!!