Happy happy BOOK DAY!
You guys, my MAY BOOK REVIEW is my favorite so far in 2025!
This month, I read SIX BOOKS plus, I read half of a “bonus” book, and I’m sharing all the details with you below 🙂 .
I pre-order books from authors I know and love and this month, my Kindle was ON FIRE with new books that I absolutely adored. If you are looking for light, happy, easy to read beach books, you’ve come to the right place. Throw in one health and wellness book plus a little poetry and bam, you have today’s review.
I smiled my way through all of the books this month.
It was a great month in reading, y’all!
Here we go…
Book #1:
This was our MAY BOOK CLUB read. If you have already read it/don’t care about “spoilers”/want to read our thoughts and opinions of it from the book club, click HERE.
Here is my “spoiler-free” review:
I gave this novel THREE STARS. I liked it, didn’t love it.
What’s it about?
Well, in a nutshell, it’s the fictitious story of an American who moves to London. As she’s studying for her graduate degree, she’s also tutoring affluent students on the SAT. Along the way, she meets one family in particular who take her in and show her a world she’s never been a part of…the very wealthy. Now, she’s stuck between living her actual life and living a pretend version she’s created thanks to these new contacts and their resources. I personally had a hard time rooting for the main character. I needed more from her in order to feel compassion…so for me, the book fell short. Loved the settings (London and Saint-Tropez), didn’t much care for the character development.
Book #2:
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Well goodness, I really enjoyed this novel!
Now, this book does cover Alzheimer’s quite a bit, so if that’s a sensitive subject for you, reader beware.
This is the story of an adorable veterinarian in Minnesota who walks into his clinic and meets a woman inside with her new cat…and they instantly have chemistry. BUT she’s moving back to California the very next day. And that’s how the story begins.
This book is adorable and a little predictable while also being really heartfelt and sincere. I loved the relationships between the family members in California. They were coping with tragedy while also growing together and not a part. This was one of those stories that has funny moments and sad moments woven together, but at the same time, it still manages to be light and uplifting. Two big thumbs up!
Speaking of which…
Book #3:
Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale
This novel was adorable too!!
If you like sweet stories with happy endings, here you go. Every book I read could be just like this one.
This novel is about a high school counselor in Nashville who lives with her aging grandmother and just so happens to fall for one of her student’s music producing dads.
It’s light, it’s happy, they head to the beach for a section which is very charming. All of the characters are likeable…it’s just the easiest little beach read. From Nashville to the coast and back, I was a big fan of each character from beginning to end. This novel screams “read me during the summer”. Loved it.
Book #4:
XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi
I have been meaning to read this book for about a year now, and finally, over the last month, I read it.
I feel like if you’re listening to podcasts and reading books about women’s’ health, you’ve probably heard of this book (and author!) too. This is a book about women and Alzheimer’s.
There is a ton to unpack in this one book, so let me just give you the basics: I don’t have a family history of the disease, but I still found the book incredibly insightful and I walked away knowing so much more specifically about how the disease targets and affects women. She outlines so many different ways women are affected, ways we can be preventative, how lifestyle affects our brain health, what to do if/when we suspect a cognitive decline, how to find providers, what questions to ask, what our optimal bloodwork should be for optimal brain health and more.
You know that I geek-out on these wellness books, and this one here is VERY informative. Dr. Mosconi even goes into the effect caring for Alzheimer’s patients has on women.
It’s detailed, it’s specific (I pulled out my own labs two different times when reading just to compare), it’s informative, and it provides a multitude of ways to be preventative.
Great read!
Book #5:
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Well, I adore this author and absolutely loved her newest novel too!
(So many great books this month!)
This book is about two authors on a little island off of Georgia both competing to write the biography of a famous socialite who went into hiding many years before. They, of course, hate each other until they need each other in their quest to uncover the actual story behind this famous family and the many scandals they leave behind. Is this woman telling them the truth? Are there other characters on the island who are keeping secrets? Is this authentic or a big scam? As the story unfolds, so does their relationship.
Summery and a wee bit suspenseful, this novel checks all of my “chick lit” boxes. This one does lean a little Rated R, so keep that in mind, but the overall story was really cute and honestly kept me guessing from beginning to end.
Another homerun for Emily Henry!
And finally…
Book #6:
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
This was MY FAVORITE of the month!
You guys, I COULD NOT put this novel down. I even woke up early on Sunday morning just to read a few more chapters before the gym and church. I was immediately sucked in. Carley Fortune writes some of my very favorite summer novels (I’m talking to you, Every Summer After!), and this one lives up to the rest! I could not put this book down.
This novel is about a woman from Toronto who takes a two month leave of absence from work to stay at the lake with her grandmother. She hadn’t been back to this cottage on the lake since she was seventeen. As she makes a bucket list of things to do over the summer, things she was too scared or shy to do at 17, she uncovers not just more about herself but more about the neighboring home and its three inhabitants.
Every character is charming, the plot twist is unexpected and brings another layer to the whole storyline, I was cheering for the main character, and absolutely in love with her grandmother. I read so many great beach books this month, but this last one takes the first place prize. From beginning to end, I couldn’t get enough of Fortune’s storytelling. Two thumbs up!
Again, this one leans a little R, so please note that as well.
And a bonus little book for your May…
Book #7:
I Am Maria by Maria Shriver
Now, you know that I typically don’t post about books that I quit, but I’m going to make an exception this time around. As you know, I am a HUGE Maria Shriver fan…
…and meeting her only solidified that 🙂 . I have randomly seen her in person (outside of this Today show experience) twice. Once, when I was 12 in Hawaii with my grandparents and then just this last January, as soon as Andrew and I walked into our hotel in New York to check in, she was sitting right there in the lobby drinking coffee and working on her laptop. I don’t know her, but I always find her extraordinarily endearing.
So, on the heels of reading her forward in XX Brain this month, I thought it was the perfect time to read her latest book, I Am Maria.
This book has a narrative section at the beginning but is primarily comprised of poetry written throughout her life. I adored the narrative section, but only made it about halfway through the poetry. I am just not a poetry person. I will not be counting this as one of the books I read this year, BUT I wanted to go ahead and share it with you in case you are a poetry person. The poetry was beautifully written, all various lengths and topics spanning about 50ish years, but I just couldn’t get excited about reading more of it, so I quit. If you’re not a poetry quitter, you might want to grab this new book 🙂 .
And that’s our MAY 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.
Also, we would love, love to have you join us in June for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein, and I hope you read along with us too! We will be meeting to discuss this book on June 22nd.
Time to head to the comment section so we can chat all things books!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I just love love me some Book Day! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love book review days! You always give great recommendations!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Susan Jeffries says
Great reviews! thanks !I just finished One Golden Summer and sadly didn’t love it. But I am moving on to one of your other picks tonight. So many great summer reads this year! Thanks!
Jami Romano says
I also read say you’ll remember me, great big, beautiful life, and one golden summer this month and loved them all ◡̈ one golden summer was by far my favorite! I saw online that I believe Amazon is making every summer after into a series!
Kathy says
I look forward to your book review post every month! I’m currently reading Great Big Beautiful Life and am enjoying it so far! After reading your reviews I’ve added some to TBR list! Thanks Shay
Emilee says
Love Abby Jimenez! I just finished “Just
for the Summer” by her, and I truly couldn’t put it down. I think all the chick-lit, summer romance authors heard Elin Hilderbrand wasn’t publishing a summer read and said: “challenge accepted!” 😂
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Great Big Beautiful Life was my book club’s May book and while I did enjoy it, it wasn’t my favorite Emily Henry book! I still love Funny Story and People We Meet on Vacation much better. Our June book is One Golden Summer, so I’m glad to know that it was your favorite! Every Summer After was Carley Fortune’s best book and I hope this book is as good as that one!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
L says
Lots of grandparent and aging books this month by coincidence!
I am looking forward to reading the new Annabel Monaghan book.
Wanted to also tell you that I think your Goodreads account was hacked? Very “unlike Shay” books are being recorded there.
And…. If you don’t mind, could you please say a prayer for me and my family today? I had an u/s yesterday with some uncertain but probably heartbreaking news. I really appreciate that you always offer prayer for your readers <3
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh of course! Stopping to pray right now!
Kristen says
I just read “One golden Summer” on a plane this weekend and loved it! Such a great book!
Kelly Bonner says
I’m reading The Destin Series from Hope Holloway & love it! I read her Christmas series back during Christmas & that really turned me on to her work.
Paula Hobbs says
Just downloaded One Golden Summer! Can’t wait to get started. Have a great day!
Blake says
I’ve read 2 on this list and am working on #3! I kind of forgot about Carley Fortune- I’ll add her new one to my list.
Have you ever talked about how you decide what books to read (aside from recommendations)? Do you just browse the kindle store? Best seller lists?
Mix and Match Mama says
I almost always get my recs from you ladies (or you lead me to authors that I love and continue to read over and over again like Carley Fortune). My Kindle kind of bosses me around and suggests books too that I read. For Book Club, I’ve been trying to step a little out of my “norm” each month as well as picking brand new books.
Mikayla Amsden says
Such a great book month! I read most of these too! Did you notice that One Gold Summer is about the older brother from Every Summer After? It took me about half the book to figure it out, and then, of course, I jumped into a reread of Every Summer After! I love Carley Fortune 🙂
Kristen says
Omg my mind is blown! Yes , now i have to go back and re read!
Kristy says
No way!!
Maria says
I listened to the audiobook, and at the end, Carley recounts how successful her first book was and how she’s always wanted to tell the other brother’s story. It was quite interesting to listen to her recount the story. I had assumed that it would be included in the Kindle version.
Christi McAnally says
So many of these from authors I love and are on my Libby holds just waiting for them to become available but I may have to breakdown and purchase for my kindle. I also am looking forward to Katherine Center’s newest, The Love Haters and It’s a Love Story by Annabelle Monaghan.
Laura Holmes says
I have two of these on my nightstand as we speak! Can’t wait to dig in.
Hanna Humphreys says
I’ve got Emily Henry’s and Carley Fortune’s books on my TBR so this made me even more excited to read them!!
Kristy says
I love Book Review day. I just started A Better Second Half since I finally got it. I also just started Remarkably Bright Creatures. I’ve heard good things but it’s not my normal. I keep your book review page open so I can add to my Kindle quickly! Thanks for sharing your love of reading happy books.
Debbie E says
I just read Say You’ll Remember Me too. I enjoy all of Abby Jimenez books. Great Big Beautiful Life is up next. Thanks for the recs.
Susanne says
I just started Wild Dark Shore and The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. I hope they’re both as good as I keep hearing!
Melissa says
I love the Emma M. Lion series. It took me a bit to get into the first journal, but I just love them!
Alyssa says
I enjoyed Jenny Hale’s book, but Theo of Golden will likely be my book of the year. It’s so very heartwarming and has stuck with me since February.
Joy says
I read Great Big Beautiful Life & Say You’ll Remember Me this month and am currently reading One Golden Summer- so good! Highly recommend “The Bright Years” by Sarah Damoff. I read it this month and it was SO good, probably my favorite of the month.
Tish says
So excited about these books! I use my local library to check out physical books and kindle books however often they don’t have very many new releases. Shay, do you know of any libraries online or apps to check out kindle books or maybe one of your readers has a suggestion? We live in TX. 🙂
Deb says
Libbie or Hoopla
Melissa says
Hoopla lets you check out through a month, I believe.
sandi says
Hello… I get Kindle books from my library through Libby. One thing that is helpful is you can apply for library cards in larger cities without being a resident… some without a fee. Even if there is a small $25 or so yearly fee, that covers the cost of a book or two these days so it does save money. That gives you access to a larger cities data base of books (think NYC or LA or even Nashville). I often have to place books on hold for a few weeks, especially newer ones. Hope this helps.
Keryn Dias says
Just read and loved The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Shirley says
I always love your book reviews! If you want to step out of your norm & dive into a very meaty book, PLEASE read “The Other Wes Moore.” It’s a book that will stick with you forever & make you really think about life, especially regarding the home we are born into & every choice we make. It would be an excellent book club read to spark lively, deep discussions.
Susie Yates says
My sister has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. 😭 Is XX a book that will help me better understand what she is or will be going through to help support her?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I am so sorry. I am just so very sorry. I do think the book will be beneficial for you. xx
Susie Yates says
Thanks so much for your response! It’s available at my library and I’ll definitely be checking it out! Thanks for always sharing such a nice variety of books!
Jenn Workman says
Susie, I am sorry to hear this. I am an occupational therapist and have worked with individuals living with dementia for over 2 decades. That was foreshadowing because I also cared for both of my parents, who were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I did my doctoral project in graduate school on creating educational sessions for people who care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Even if you are not her full-time care partner, I’m happy to share my material with you. I cover the basics of the disease, how to most effectively communicate with individuals at each stage of the disease, and also how to manage problematic behaviors. Feel free to email me at jennwork@yahoo.com, and I can send them your way💜
Susie Yates says
Thanks for your response! I’ll definitely be reaching out to you via email!
Jenn Workman says
Two comments:
Have you read Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty? I am about halfway through and intrigued to see how it ends.
I am the only child of both parents who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. I was the primary caregiver for my mom for a bit (between selling her home and moving her into a memory care unit, and alllllllll the things associated with this type of life situation). I was just accepted to a longitudinal clinical study sponsored by UNC & Duke. I go once a year for all kinds of testing (neuropsych, sensory, physical, and blood draws). I also get an MRI each year so my brain health can be monitored. I am a 6-year breast cancer survivor (yay, me!) and not much scares me anymore…but developing dementia (or any other neurodegenerative disease) is one thing that does. So being proactive with my own brain health while also contributing to research makes me happy!
Thanks for highlighting The XX Brain- I want to read it. My mom’s 1st heavenly anniversary is on June 8, so I will wait a little while before starting it. I’m still very fragile💜
Mix and Match Mama says
Well goodness, I wish I could give you a hug. Sending you so so much love, Jenn. Thank you for being here today. xx
Lisa says
I LOVED One golden summer! I devoured it like all of Carley’s other books!
Toni :0) says
Highly recommend The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman. It’s beyond heartwarming and has some historical features about it. Give it a shot. I think you’d like it.
Lisa D says
Viola Shipman books are heartwarming and so sweet! I highly recommend them.
Margie says
Hi Shay, I am also not into poetry so I will skip the book, but I do like Maria Shriver. There was a really interesting interview with Maria Shriver and Oprah recently where she explained the stories of her childhood that inspired these poems and it was fascinating. She had a chaotic and complicated childhood. Anyways, you may enjoy it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCnnVSYDJL8.
Susan Dike says
Book Review day is the best! Do I need to read any other book by Carley Fortune before reading One Golden Summer? Is this a stand alone book?
Mix and Match Mama says
They are all stand alone. I’ve read them all and love them all 🙂 .
Katie Tullis says
I also LOVED One Golden Summer! It made me so happy! I’m currently reading Great Big Beautiful Life and liking it so far. Dementia and Alzheimer’s does run in my family, so I’m very interested in The XX Brain. Thank you!
Angie says
I picked up Sylvia’s Second Act on discount at a bookstore on vacation and it was so good.
Kristi McKay says
2 of these are in my beach stack now, but I’m adding your Book club book and Carley Fortune’s book as well. Thanks for all your recs!
Dena says
I was just heading to bed and thought “let me check to see if Book Review is up yet” and it is! I’m excited to see Carly Fortune has a new book out – I’ll def be reading that. I’m back from Maui and it’s been rough. Weather in CT has been chilly and rainy. Having a good book to read will surely cheer me up! So happy I talked to your Dad but really wish I got to say Hi to your daughter. She looks so spunky! I also have 4 kids (25,23,21,18). Your youngest reminds me of my youngest lol.
Chelsea Story says
Book review day is my fav!! I was so excited to see that you loved One Golden Summer because I’m about 3/4 of the way through it and I’m loving it so far!!!
Lisa D says
Here are my recommendations, all are absolutely terrific!
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister — my top book so far this year!
The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas. This book is so sweet, set in Depression-Era Kansas. I loved it!
I’m now in the middle of The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros. The story is so good but it is definitely R-rated so heads up.
Erin says
Look forward to your book posts each month! I’ll bring adding some of these to my reading list for sure!
Melissa Day says
Thanks for the book recs. I have one for you too – Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. It is SO good! I flew through it in two days. A phenomenal book! If you read it, there is no way it wouldn’t end up in your top 3 for the year.
Pam Zercher says
I’m late commenting but I feel the need to let you know I really appreciate you rating the books you read. I’m not a BIG reader as I don’t really have much time. We’re retired and have gobs of family (8 kids) and many grands we spend time with. Also, we do as much traveling as we can. I pretty much read uplifting books. Rated R books I don’t have time for. So when you say that I go on to the next book. Thank you for sharing so I can use my time reading other books, blogs, articles with things that encourage my walk with the LORD
Blessings to you,
Pam~
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so happy that helps you! I really don’t want anyone spending money on a book when a little tidbit like that could have saved them the cost. Happy to do it, and thank you for reading with us!
Keisha Dawson says
My favorite day of every month! You had SO MANY GOOD ONES!!! I just filled up my library que! Thank you!
Krista says
Your recommendations are always my go-to for my summer days by the pool – 4th grade teacher starting summer break! Yay! 🙂 I would LOVE to recommend my mother-in-law’s book she’s published on Amazon and can be read on Kindle too, “More Than Grit” by Gretchen A. Carlson. She has sold thousands of copies, and over 650 reviews on Amazon! It would be a great read with your kids this summer – but MANY adults have also enjoyed the historical fiction novel – a recommendation for your mom too. Thank you!!