Happy happy TUESDAY!
It’s my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW!
This month, I read four books…and honestly, I liked them all.
‘Tis the perfect time of year to read 🙂 .
Alrighty, settle in because we are, of course, we’re staring with…
Book #1:
…The Widow by John Grisham.
This was our NOVEMBER BOOK CLUB read. If you have already read it/don’t care about “spoilers”/want to read our thoughts and opinions on it from the book club, click HERE.
Here is my “spoiler-free” review:
Well, I really loved this one! If you like a quintessential John Grisham book, here you go. This novel is about a small town attorney who writes the will for a very wealthy widow…and then nothing good happens after that. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there are so many twists and turns and unexpected moments. This novel will keep you on your toes the way his OG novels always did (The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Rainmaker, etc). I loved how twisty this book was without being too heavy or dark. I also loved that it was full of those loveable “characters” to support the plot. Grisham always has a variety of likeable people sprinkled in throughout his stories, and this book had some great ones.
I thought it was a fun read. It made me remember why John Grisham is the GOAT of legal novels.
Next up…
Book #2:
Becoming Mom Strong by Heidi St. John
In September, I started the Becoming Mom Strong Bible Study which is based on this book…so, I read the book each day along with the study. If you want a Biblically based book (and study) about motherhood, here you go.
The author, now a grandmother, shares stories and lessons from raising her seven children along with her personal journey of mothering well despite being raised in an abusive home. It’s raw, it’s very real, but I found it encouraging and reassuring too.
This was a great way to start my days this fall.
‘Per usual, I wanted to read CHRISTMAS BOOKS this month too so that I could share them with you for your holiday season.
Here you go…
Book #3:
I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
I have read Jenny Bayliss’ holiday books several years in a row, and they’re always super cute. This one was no exception. I LOVED it!
This cute little Christmas story is set in small town United Kingdom after a woman loses her job and her boyfriend and has to go home during the Christmas market season to her family’s house where they run a Christmas cracker business.
I mean, there are just OODLES of charming little references in this book.
The home is cozy and cute and set on a bluff overlooking the sea, there are coffee shops and quaint inns, a pub, and of course, all of the Christmas market stalls. I loved the quirky characters and charming leading man…the entire story was just GOODNESS.
If you’re looking for a holiday novel, here you go. It’s a little “meatier” than your average story because the novel toggles a bit between our leading lady and her mom who is also reinventing herself this Christmas season. It’s just really sweet. Two big thumbs up!
And finally…
Book #4:
Yours For The Season by Emily Stone
This was the second holiday novel I read in November, and it was also set in the UK. I thought this one was adorable too (but a little bit rated R).
This cute story takes place in a remote little village in Scotland where two exes are pretending to be back together just for the Christmas season. Of course, there is a lot of drama and comedy involved when you’re putting two exes together, but as you can imagine, it works out just fine.
I loved the lead characters, I thought the remote little village sounded idyllic, I thought the family members staying with them were all good additions to the story…it was an easy and happy little read.
That’s our NOVEMBER 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.
I also have a list of all of the HEALTH AND WELLNESS BOOKS we’ve discussed here on my blog as well.
We only have a few more weeks left to read together this year. I am already so excited about my final book post of the year!
Okay, please comment and share your thoughts, opinions and suggestions for new books we should all read.
Happy Book Day! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Happy book day! I have the widow on my to be read list for the new year!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kelly Sites says
Ugh- I’m in the reading slump of my life. I can’t seem to find a gem. I usually knock out a book a week, but have been struggling. These are some nice, charming, light options for a busy December. Happy Tuesday.
Liz says
Always enjoy your monthly book reviews! Happy holidays 🎄😀
Beth H says
Thank you!
I love these book review posts📚♥️
Kay says
I am LOVING “The Irish Goodbye.” It’s kind of? like ‘The Family Stone’ in the sense that it focuses on a large family and all their struggles and successes when they come together for a holiday. (In this case, Thanksgiving!). It’s VERY well written and I just love all the characters. Highly recommend! I can’t put it down.
Kristen says
I just read it and really enjoyed it too!
Erika Slaughter says
It’s on my night stand to read next!! So happy to hear this!
Becky says
Loved it as well!
Kristin says
Thanks for the reviews! More books added to my library holds. Sadly, I’ll probably have to read the holiday ones in April, but I’ll still enjoy them. I am a Jenny Bayliss fan.
SS says
Shay,
I was going to send an email, but I will put it here. I just finished Future Boy by Michael J. Fox and his co-writer. As a kid Michael J pic were hanging on my wall from Teen Beat magazine. I just love him. So when this book came out my hubby and kiddo bought it for me. It is such an interesting book about his time filming the movie and Family Ties. It’s a quick read (wish it was longer) with stories behind the scenes. You should definitely read it… especially if you like Michael J or Back to the Future movie. 40 years ago that movie hit the screen!!! Or if any of your readers like him/ movie..grab it!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for the rec!!
Kay says
I second that-this book was SOOOO good! Delightful esp if you grew up in the 80s.
SS says
Kay… glad to hear you liked it too!!! I wish he would do little books like this for all his movies. It is so fun to read about it from his view!!!
Leslie S says
Thanks so much for putting the R ratings as appropriate. My teen loves to read “Hallmarky” beach and holiday books so your reviews are helpful bc she likes to keep them light and easy.
Toni :0) says
The Heirloom Garden, The Recipe Box or The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman are all excellent choices.
Lisa D says
Viola Shipman books are so sweet!
Laura says
My favorite blog post! I’m really looking forward to The Widow. I think I’ve read almost all his books.
Summer says
My favorites of this year: Theo of Golden, Broken Country, and Imagine Heaven (non-fiction)! I loved them all for different reasons.
sandi says
It’s always enjoyable seeing what everyone is reading. For the non-Christmas genre, I read What Alice Forgot (Liane Moriarty) and All That Life Can Afford (Emily Everett). Since I check out books through Libby, many of the ones I wanted to read had long holds on them. Debbie Macomber to the rescue with some cute Christmas books… not meaty, not earth shattering, but cute easy story lines that can be read quickly. Last One Home, Cottage by the Sea and Starry Night were the titles that I read.
I’ve been checked out of the blog world for a bit as the college kids descended on the house last week, leaving upheaval with their return to school. The kitchen needs a major reset, only one strand of lights is working on the tree (it was perfect for about 36 hours) but we had a wonderful time together! Looking forward to Christmas break next!
Sue Jones says
Book review post are my favorite! ❤️
Brittany Swain says
I love your book reviews! I recently read “A Very Merry Bromance” and it was a very cute read. I am also currently reading “The Book Club Hotel” and enjoying it too!
Shelby says
I loved The Widow! Did you get any Starbucks x Roller Rabbit cups this morning for your girls?
Mix and Match Mama says
I saw it, but I didn’t get it. Do I need to go back? It was so cute!
kristen says
Hooray for book review day!! My husband is a huge OG Grisham fan and I’ve never read one of his books, so I just texted hubby to tell him we’re going to read this one simultaneously. He’s a big reader, but we never read the same things, so I’m excited about this! And so happy about two good Christmas recommendations! Thanks Shay!
Peg says
I loved “The Widow” by John Grisham – another one of his great stories!!!
Cindi says
Shay, have you read any Karen Kingsbury books? They’re “Hallmarky” and a bit cheesy, but the element of faith makes them special. I haven’t read her latest Christmas book, but I have seen the movie. (They came out at the same time.) The Christmas Ring has a little mystery, a lot of patriotism and of course, a sweet love story. I think you’d love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have, but it has been years! My mom, aunt, grandmother and I went through a big Karen Kingsbury phase many many years ago. They’re all so good!
Patrice Bennett says
I saw the movie too! There is a special story about how it got made. I wanted to recommend to Shay too!
Mindy says
I’m currently reading Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger for my book club and am really enjoying it. Covers several generations of a family. Highly recommend!
Caroline says
Have you read The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan? It’s magical and set in Edinburgh. The follow up book is just as good too.
Mix and Match Mama says
Have I? Is it new? It sounds like something I need to read!
Caroline says
I think it was released in 2023. I’m sure you’d like it. The follow up book was released last year 2024. Really nice reads!
Caroline says
I think it was released in 2023 and then midnight at the Christmas bookshop was released last year. I think you’d like them!
Rachel Muzljakovich says
I just finished The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros…so good!! Highly recommend!
Lori K says
Love Book Review Day too! Always get ideas from the post and/or the comments! I have recently read What Kind of Paradise – very good and Miss Benson’s Beetle – which I listened to. Enjoyed that one too. My best of the year so far are Theo of Golden (thanks to a comment here) The Correspondent (audiobook) and The borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife – also auto – very funny and heartwarming all the feels really!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
I also loved The Widow! Are you able to share your book club choice for January? I usually try to request it from the library, and knowing a little in advance gives me time to place a hold and then read it before the deadline. 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t selected one yet. As soon as I do, I will post it!
Katie Compton says
I just finished One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery and really enjoyed it! It’s a fun Christmas read. I’m almost finished with All I want for Christmas by Maggie Knox. It’s set in Nashville and about two young country singers who end up competing together on an “American Idol” type show. Another Christmas book by Maggie Knox that I absolutely loved is The Holiday Swap!
Christi M. says
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff. I absolutely loved this one. This is a debut novel from a Texas author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cris says
I just finished “Acting Merry” by Martha Keyes and I really enjoyed it! It was a quick little read! By the way, I really appreciate the content warnings that you give 🙂
Lisa D says
Yay for Book Review Day!
I recommend Christmas With A Crank by Courtney Walsh, it’s Christmasy and sweet and G-rated.
A book recommended by a reader last month that I really enjoyed, Life, & Death, & Giants by Ron Rindo. This is a lovely book — Amish, forgiveness, family.
Highly recommend The Names by Florence Knapp, but be forewarned: there is domestic abuse and hard to read at times.
Another book recommended by a blog reader, Under The Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee. It is set in 1935 depression era, concerns slavery and forgiveness. I loved it!
Dana J says
Love book review day!! I am reading Christmas books now so I will add these to my list!! I have The Widow on my TBR list too! I haven’t read a John Grisham book in years but I always loved his books so I’m excited about reading this new one!
Katie Hahn says
Hi Shay! Loved this post. The book study of “Becoming Mom Strong” really intrigues me. I know you have done so many bible studies and I would like to put one on my Christmas list this year. I am a wife and have two young daughters (5 and 3) so time is more limited. Of all of the ones you have done which one would you recommend for a beginner? Thank you for any input you may have!
Mix and Match Mama says
My favorite Christian “mom” author is Sally Clarkson. I adore her work. I think you will too!
Katie Hahn says
Thank you so much!
Aparn says
Hi shay
Always find some good books from you and the other ladies here..
Read 3 good romances this past month…Remain by Nicholas spark is a para normal romance, loved it…The seven rings by Nora roberts is the last of a tri series…my all time fav author and she didn’t disappoint and last one was Say you’ll remember me by abbi jimenez, I really love her, can’t go wrong with her books!
Ashley says
Love your book reviews! Do you have a favorite Christmas books blog post?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s an oldie but goodie but yes! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2019/11/christmas-books-hallmark-movies/