Happy happy JULY!
HOW IS IT JULY?!
Because we live in Texas and school starts early in August, this is our official last month of summer, so I better make it count.
On that note, I am going to share today’s JUNE BOOK REVIEW with you along with OUR PICS FROM BOSTON THIS WEEKEND and then, I’m going to take the rest of the week off to hang with my family.
This morning, Andrew, Kensington and two of Smith’s friends are all arriving on island for what we’re hoping is an epic July 4th week. We have another couple coming to the island this week who we ADORE, and we are excited to see them too.
So, on this first day of July, I’m wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend (make sure you check out my FESTIVE FOURTH RECIPES!), and I’ll see you back here on Monday 🙂 .
It’s summertime, friends. I don’t want to miss a minute of it.
Okay, in June, I read SIX BOOKS that all felt very very “summer”…
How happy are all of those covers?! Even the covers scream READ ME IN JULY!
I hope you find something wonderful to read this month.
Here we go…
Book #1:
Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein
This was our JUNE 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 TWO STARS.
Sigh.
What’s it about?
This novel is a wink and a nod to the movie The Parent Trap but with two grown women who realize their dad had been lying to them and hiding them from each other their entire lives. Upon his passing, they meet up at his lake house in Maine and well, that’s where the story unfolds.
Does this novel have cute Maine references and a charming (yet fictional) lake town? Yes!
Does this novel also have two adult sisters acting like petulant children and no real plot? Yes!
I clearly didn’t love it (and based on the Book Club comments, no one else did either).
It’s a shame when the cover is the best part of the book.
I would skip this one.
Next up…
Book #2:
Swept Away by Beth O’Leary
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and after reading The No-Show a few years ago, I was excited to dive into another one. This fictional tale was a bit of a roller coaster for me (very similar to my review of her last novel!).
The premise is that a woman in her 30s and a man in his early 20s meet at a bar by the ocean in the UK, have a one night stand and then wake up the next morning only to realize the houseboat they were in has drifted out to sea.
The roller coaster for me was that in between the “meet cute” portions of the book were some really serious moments when they are running out of food and water and have medical issues and for daysssss, they are lost at sea. I honestly really like this author because her light/beachy/obviously chick lit novels have a depth to them that set them a part from some of the other books I read.
If you’re looking for a meatier chick lit, here you go. It’s predictable while also being unexpected. I really enjoyed it.
Book #3:
Elevate Your Health by Jennifer Melville
Yay! This was the only nonfiction I read this month. I already shared a bit about it in a SUMMER SATURDAY post, but if you’re looking for a motivating and encouraging book for women about getting out and about and taking care of yourself (both physically and mentally), here you go.
It’s light and encouraging, and yet really motivating. This book made me want to lace up my sneakers and head outdoors.
I love this author (thank YOU girls for introducing me to her!), and I thought she handled the topics of aging and women and wellness with a lot of grace. This isn’t an “all or nothing” book on women’s health. It’s a “here are some great things that I do that really help me, and I hope you find what works for you” kind of book on health.
Book #4:
Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Well you know that I ADORE me some Kristy Woodson Harvey! I look forward to her novels every year. Needless to say, I had pre-ordered and anticipated this one months in advance.
And?
It was my least favorite of hers to date.
Boo.
I love her books! This one hit so many of the marks that make me excited to read them every summer. This novel was set in a charming coastal town. It had several strong female leads. It had all of the summer aesthetics (clothes, wine, dinner parties) that I love, but geez I found the plot…um…can I say ridiculous?
Please tell me someone else read this one and had the same reaction?
In a nutshell, the main character’s husband has been accused of a white collar crime, and their big mansion by the ocean is under an investigation so she goes and lives in another big mansion by the ocean with a several other women and their kids in a commune of sorts. I mean…just typing that sentence gave me tired head.
Was it cute? Sure. What is believable at all? No way. Was it super unrealistic in many ways? Yes.
I’m so bummed because I wanted to love it so much!
Book #5:
The Love Haters by Katherine Center
I love Katherine Center, and I loved her newest novel too.
When the main character must go down to the Florida Keys to interview and follow a handsome US Coast Guard officer for work she’s doing…well you can only imagine the adorableness that ensues.
Is it a little cheesy and predictable? Yes. Was it an easy beach read that I couldn’t’ wait to pick up every day? YES!
The perfect summer novel. Light, happy, a little suspenseful and easy to read.
And finally…
Book #6:
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
Another summer book by another author I adore.
This novel was another home run beach book for the month!
In this book, the main character (Jane) and her nemesis (Dan) are working together to get a movie made in California which forces them to track down a famous musician on the East Coast. The two of them go together to locate the artist and stay with Dan’s family while they’re there.
This novel was light while also having some substance at the same time. As a former child actor, Jane struggles with abandonment issues and not measuring up. This story is charming and happy while also narrowing in on why we can’t assume everyone we love is going to hurt us and leave.
I thought every character in this novel was valuable and together, a really sweet story was formed. Two big thumbs up!
And that’s our JUNE 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 July for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Spoiler alert, I started it on Sunday night and haven’t been able to put it down.
Alrighty, time to head to the comment section to chat all things books!
Don’t forget, I’m also sharing PICS FROM OUR WEEKEND IN BOSTON today too.
I truly hope you all have the BEST week and a wonderful July 4th holiday. Sending you SO MUCH LOVE! I will see you on Monday! xx
Jami Romano says
Exact same review of Beach House Rules 🙁
Mix and Match Mama says
Whhhhhhhy?! I always love her books! I was so bummed.
Elspeth Mizner says
I adore book review days! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Susan Jeffries says
Thanks for the review. I just downloaded Maine Characters but I will skip it now. I have My Friends downloaded but I didn’t think they summary was fabulous. I will try it now that you are loving it! Our book club is reading Atmosphere for July and so far, it’s great! Happy reading!
Shannon Gillespie says
I loved Maine Character! I rated it 5 stars so just goes to show you how different people feel about books and why I’ll always decide for myself whether to read or not.
Dawn Timmons says
Thanks for your book reviews, Shay. I think you would enjoy Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh while you are by the de this summer.
I hope summer slows down too! Enjoy all the moments!
Laura says
So fun, I read two of the same books this month!!
I also read Sandwich. I don’t remember seeing that you’ve read it? It’s a HARD read emotionally… and not sure if you feel comfortable reading it (there is pregnancy loss in there) but portions of it resonated a lot with me and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Mix and Match Mama says
I did read that one in April (I think). It left me feeling kind of down.
Laura says
I’m gonna go back and read your review now. And same!
Nancy Granger says
Katherine Center is my favorite! I’m excited you loved her new book.
Amy Heinl says
I read The Love Haters too this month and loved it. I always enjoy her characters so much in her books and this one was no different. Wouldn’t it make the perfect summer rom com movie? Would love to see that happen.
I also read Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe and it was phenomenal. Monroe is releasing this story in two parts and this first part was a home run and leaves me excitedly waiting for part 2 release. This story follows Eliza through her dramatic multi generational family story of profound and b unimaginable sacrifices, lessons learned and never ending love. Eliza’s unbelievable spirit as she is determined to protect and preserve her family legacy and the land she loves will leave you wanting more. A definite just read….I couldn’t put it down.
Robin says
I totally agree about Where the Rivers Merge ! It was an amazing read . I’m from SC and loved reading abt the low country and the history through Eliza’s eyes . This was one of MAM’s best books in my opinion . I’m reading the Love Haters now .
And Shay , I feel the same abt Beach House Rules . I have loved every KWH book and I’m sad to say I wasn’t a fan of this one .
Brooke Griffith says
I was also super excited to read Beach House Rules and then so disapppinted… and honestly for me it was just kind of creepy too 🤣.
Mix and Match Mama says
I agree!!!
Becky says
Currently in the middle of Beach House Rules. I rarely quit on books, so I can’t wait for this to end. My TBR pile is too big! Can’t wait to finish it so I can start a new book, lol.
Kristen says
Love book day!! I have the Katherine Center and Annabel Monaghan books on my kindle and am anxious to get to them! Glad to know you enjoyed them both! Happy Independence Day to your crew!
Maria says
If you watch Friends & Fiction on YouTube, Kristy Woodson Harvey explains she heard of women living together, raising their families together in communes on the news. It was rather popular so she saw a story there. I do agree with you that I sounds odd at first, but knowing that it now I did enjoy her book.
Shannon Gillespie says
2 stars?? Wow, I absolutely loved Maine Characters! One of my fav summer reads so far.
V says
My Friends is just fantastic. I’ve got 100 pages left and I’m torn between being sad that is almost over and dying to know how the story ends. Probably one of the top 3 books I’ve read this year.
Caeli says
Annabelle’s new book is the first I didn’t like of hers. I couldn’t even finish it. I’m excited to read a book by Katherine Center. I haven’t read her stuff before!
Love your book reviews.
Andrea says
I felt the same about Beach House Rules. I struggled to get through it….and didn’t care about any of the characters like I usually do.
K.K. says
Favorite day of the month! 🙂 So fun.
I love a good rom-com in book form, so taking all the notes!
Karen Fleming says
My favorite post of the month!
Alyssa Norman says
Man I love your book reviews! I don’t have a ton of time at this stage of life to read so it’s incredibly helpful to hear your quick, honest reviews! Every time I read them it inspires me to finally go pick up a book again, and I usually do! We also have very similar taste which helps 😉 one thing I’ve learned about book reviews is you can like the person a lot but have drastically different opinions on books. All of your recommendations I have loved, and when you have limited reading time, that’s a huge win!
Happy 4th week to you and your family!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I’m so happy you enjoy these reviews. Reading is my favorite hobby 🙂 .
Jen says
I am about 10% into Beach House Rules, and I just don’t think I can finish it. I usually love her books, but this one was a miss for me. I am going to put Katherine Center’s book on hold.
Mix and Match Mama says
Abort ship and go to Center’s instead.
Marianne Pielow says
I totally agree on Beach House Rules. I was so looking forward to a new book by this author but it was so disappointing!
Melanie says
Yea! Love book review day. Was going to try Beach House Rules but think I’ll skip it for now. I am in the middle of It’s a Love Story and am totally enjoying it! I have the Love Haters in my pile and think I’m going to add the Friends book to it. I’m usually on the same page as you for books. Thanks so much for sharing!
Kay says
I’m so happy you recommended ‘Elevate your health’ which I am enjoying chapter by chapter each morning! I also love this author and I hadn’t heard of this one. It’s perfect for summer.
I’m so sad to hear about ‘Beach House Rules’ but I’m very glad you told us! I always look forward to her books but I’m going to skip this one as I have a ton I’m excited to read this summer.
Okay, I was so conflicted over TJR’s ‘Atmosphere’ because, sorry, but I really hate “all things space.” Like, it freaks me out to think about it let alone read in detail about an astronaut’s experience on a shuttle. But! But! I am SO into this book. I’m about 1/3 way though and I LOVE IT. It is so interesting, it has a very strong female lead, and I can’t put it down. I highly recommend this one, even if you’re reluctant to read about outer space.
Thanks as always for your recommendations. Book day is the best!
Mix and Match Mama says
Okay Kay, I stopped about 20ish percent of the way through. I LOVE TJR books but the space stuff was making me claustrophobic. Is that weird? It freaks me out too!! Can you please finish it and let me know your thoughts?
Kay says
100%-will report back, lol! Everything in the world makes me claustrophobic, I don’t like space stuff, I do not understand why I’m loving this book right now. I don’t even know who I am! I will finish and let you know if it’s worth it, or if it gets less space-y?! Maybe in the last third she gives up space and buys a bookshop-bakery on the beach? 😉
kj says
Is someone else using your Goodreads account? I noticed a bunch of other books on there this month that you didn’t list!
Mix and Match Mama says
My kids 🙂
samantha says
I’m about 2/3 of way through Beach House now and although it’s super unrealistic I am still enjoying it. PS love the patriotic rice krispie treats, made last year and prob will again this year!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! I love them too!
Ashley P says
Okay so normally I love Katherine Center’s books, but this wasn’t a 5 star for me! I don’t know why, but I just didn’t love it. Hopefully the next one by her will put me back on track 🙂
Nix says
I agree it wasn’t my favorite of hers.
Karah Stracener says
I love book review day!! I always get the best suggestions from you because we like the same style of books. I have Its a Love Story on my TBR list. I just read Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood. Its a cute chick lit with some rated R scenes. I also loved One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune. Story of My Life by Lucy Score was a cute read and had me laughing out loud.
Lisa says
You’re not alone…I’m in the middle of beach house rules and wondering why I’m not excited to continue picking it up. So slow and just plain boring definitely a disappointment because I have really enjoyed all of her other books.
Maureen says
Wow – I’m. definitely in the minority here! I really enjoyed Beach House Rules. I thought it was a fun summer read! I guess I never expect “beachy books” to be realistic so I just sat back and enjoyed it! I liked Katherine Center’s new book as well though it wasn’t among my favorite of hers but I loved It’s a Love Story – think I read it in a day!
Madeline says
Have you read the sequel to Every Summer After yet?? It’s called One Golden Summer and it was so good!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! I loved it too!
Valerie says
Highly recommend Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen
Elizabeth says
Love book review day! I keep adding more books to my “want to read” list. I am glad you do your reviews so if there are books that are so so, I will move past them to the next one.
Maggie Keirns says
Check out Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay! It is a great summer read and checks all the boxes. Cute town, yummy food references and a cute little love story!
Erica James says
I’m reading The Love Haters right now and love it. Next up: It’s a Love Story. Can’t wait.
sandi says
Recently I have been enjoying Tessa Afshar’s books. Daughter of Rome is a fictional story of Aquila and Priscilla who are tentmakers mentioned in the Bible. Last month I read her book Land of Silence which was also based on a biblical story. I also read two by Jackie Lau, Love, Lies and Cherry Pie and The Sitcom Star (both hallmark type stories but rated R). A few other honorable mentions: No One Ever Asked (Katie Ganshert 4 stars) The Paris Daughter (Kristin Harmel 4 Stars) Until Leaves Fall In Paris (Sarah Sundin 3 stars) and The Things We Leave Unfinished (Rebecca Yarros 4 stars).
We are heading out of town soon so I hope to load up my Kindle with some good recommendations.
leslie Maxey says
I loved “It’s a Love Story” and now a few more to add to my cart! My fave day of the month is always book review day!!
Dana J says
I love book review day!! I always get such great suggestions from you and from the comment section! I just finished One Golden Summer and loved it!! Happy July 4th week!!
Julie says
I just finished The Last One at the Wedding. Sooo good, I couldn’t put it down. Also, The Ghostwriter was a real page turner. Highly recommend both of them.
Carolyn Becker says
I found myself skimming through a lot of Maine Characters and couldn’t decide if I didn’t like or it was just longer than it needed to be. I also found most of the characters annoying.
Jennifer Melville says
Wow! You just made my day (: Thank you for including one of my books on your reading list again. I’m so flattered and glad you enjoyed “Elevate Your Health”. xoxoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Jennifer, I LOVED it! Thank YOU for writing such inspiring, encouraging and motivating books for women. xx
BeckyM says
I thought Beach House Rules was riding, too! I have 3 teenage daughters and the youngest is 14 (like Iris) and there’s no way any of them would have solved a white collar crime…and they’re really smart!
I’m picking up Love Haters and It’s a Love Story from the library today! Can’t wait!
BeckyM says
*riding should be ridiculous
Oh, autocorrect
Wendy says
Love the book reviews you do! I am a big fan of Beth O’Leary and my favorite book of hers is The Flatshare. I’m looking forward to reading some of these recommendations! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that one too!
Chantelle says
After seeing your recommendation for Beth O’Leary’s “The No Show,” I went on to read all but one of her novels and I love them! The Flatshare and The Roadtrip were both hits for me 🙂
Makila says
I couldn’t even finish Beach House Rules!!!
Debbie Keith says
Thank you so much for these reviews each month. I am retired and look forward to it every months and always add titles to my list.
Marianne says
Hey Shay! I’m thinking you would enjoy The Nantucket Restaurant by Pamela Kelley. It would make for a good read this month before you return to TX.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, it’s so funny you mentioned it because I started it yesterday and got 11% of the way through when I realized that I had read it before. I went back and researched it. I’m not sure why it’s out now as a “new release” with a slightly different title because I read it in 2022 under the title The Restaurant and loved it!
Kelly Westbrook says
Love your book review posts! I always get good recommendations from them!