Happy Book Review Day!
I hope you’re excited because this month, I have FIVE books to review 🙂 .
Books not your thing?
No worries! Today, I’m also sharing the 8 THINGS I BROUGHT ON BOARD 52 FLIGHTS LAST YEAR!
Two posts for your Tuesday!
Grab your coffee and settle in. It’s time to chat BOOKS!
Book #1 this month was:
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
As many of you know, this was our FEBRUARY 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):
Trigger warning, trigger warning. This novel contains many themes that are sensitive. If you do not like to read books about alcoholism, miscarriage, and/or adoption, you might not want to pick up this one. All of that to say, I really, really enjoyed this book.
This novel spans several decades and two generations of women circa 1980s and 1990s right here in the Fort Worth area. I gave this one four stars (out of five). Even though the novel touches on serious topics (especially alcoholism), I thought there was enough hope sprinkled throughout the story that it moved along and didn’t “sit” in sadness too long.
If you like those generational family stories, you’ll enjoy reading this one. From tragedy and heartache to finding love and community, I really enjoyed this novel.
Book #2:
Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris
I did an entire blog post on this book in February!
I read this book slowly over the fall and then went back and took additional notes earlier this year.
Ladies, ESTROGEN MATTERS! It matters so so so much. Even if you think you don’t have any *symptoms* of estrogen decline, it’s inevitable as we age.
You know me, I love any book on women’s health, but this one in particular is EXCELLENT.
The authors write to the layman, so you don’t have to have a medical degree to understand the biology of how estrogen matters in all stages of females’ lives. This book will NOT be one of those medical books that overwhelms you and leaves you feeling like you’re drowning in information and don’t know where to start. I found this one inspiring and motivating.
The information is laid out in such a way that I didn’t feel overwhelm. I felt educated and empowered to have better conversations with my doctor and/or understand my lab results more clearly.
The most important takeaway though for me was that ESTROGEN MATTERS TO THE WHOLE BODY. From cancers to dementia, mental health, osteoporosis, and heart disease, estrogen affects EVERY area of our lives and the lack of it could be the catalyst for so many terrible things. We don’t know what we don’t know, and if you don’t know how much estrogen really matters to women at all ages, you absolutely should read this book.
Book #3:
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Everyone seems to be talking about this novel.
It was at the top of my “must read” list for 2026 because everyone is talking about it.
So, I read it.
And I didn’t love it.
This novel is about a young woman and her relationships with two college friends/roommates. She’s torn between these two men. Listen, it started out interesting, and I was intrigued enough to keep going, but then I got a little bored with her…BUT then there was a big twist about halfway through and my interest peaked again.
Post-“big twist” in the middle, I was back to be invested in her story (and her relationships with these men).
Then in the second half of the novel, things started going south for our main character. I was okay with that because I was invested…but then, the story got really really sad and BAM, it ended abruptly.
There are a handful of “spoilers”, so I don’t want to give anything specific away in case you decide to read this novel after my glowing review, but the main character wore on me. I needed her to move on. I needed her to find closure. For years and years, she’s emotionally torn between these guys and a decision she made, but she did nothing proactive about the problem. She just dwelt on it. It was emotionally messy when it could have been untangled a bit.
I don’t know? I was entertained enough that I couldn’t put it down but when it was over, I just felt blah about the whole thing.
I did not feel blah about…
Book #4:
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
Two years ago, I RAVED about the author’s book First Lie Wins. I absoluetley loved it, so needless to say, I was THRILLED when her newest novel came out. You guys, I loved it too! These are my kind of suspense books. They’re not gory, they’re not disturbing, and they’re not scary. They’re fast paced, quick, and always keep me on my toes. Once I started this one, I could not put it down.
This novel is about a picture perfect young Louisiana couple. He’s an attorney, she’s an influencer, and it’s all about the alibi after he turns up dead. The story toggles back and forth between before the alibi, during the alibi and after the alibi. It’s twisty and a bit unrealistic, but goodness, it’s filled with suspense that makes you stay up late just to read another chapter.
Two thumbs up from me on this one!
And finally…
Book #5:
Tiny Tweaks, Happy Life by Erin Port
Awwwww, I shared this in my Friday Faves, but I just LOVED this book! I read a little bit each day this month, and it absolutely motivated, encouraged and inspired me.
This book is filled with practical little ways to slightly tweak the life you’re currently living to maximize the joy in your everydays. She’s not asking you to overhaul anything, just slightly change a few things in order to see really big results. She says often (and I wholeheartedly agree!) that happiness is found in everyday moments. I would read a little each morning and then leave the book feeling inspired for the day ahead.
If you want to read something motivational + encouraging + practical, this book’s for you 🙂 .
Five books for your February!
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.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2025 (all 58 of them), click here.
If you want to stay current on all of the books I’m reading in 2026, THIS PAGE HERE is where I keep the books, authors and reviews each month.
We would love, love to have you join us in March for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner and discussing it on March 23rd (one day late because of Spring Break!).
Okay, I would LOVE some new book recs! My list is growing a little stale. I’m looking for something light (because I think our book club book will be heavy). Any light recs? Or great autobiographies? Please comment and share your book recs for March!
Also, make sure you also check out the 8 THINGS I BROUGHT ON BOARD 52 FLIGHTS LAST YEAR today too!
Have the best Tuesday! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I read heart of the lover too and felt like it ended too quickly. A lot of unanswered questions!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
So many unanswered questions!
Emily says
Heart the Lover is a sequel to Writers and Lovers
Emily says
Sorry hit send too soon. It’s both a sequel and a prequel to Writers and Lovers. I did like Heart the Lover more though, so not sure I’d recommend you read Writers and Lovers based on your review.
Kaley says
Did you know that Heart the Love is a sequel/prequel to her novel Writers & Friends? I think this helps explain why so many people liked it, there were definitely less unanswered questions if you read the first one!
With that being said, I totally agree with your review of it. I read both and thought they were 3 stars. Good but not great.
Mix and Match Mama says
My mind is blown. No, I did not know that. I’m even a little more confused though on how this story went further. Was this book the “in the middle part” when she was an author? I have so many questions.
Reba says
One of my favorites I re-read frequently is “Evvie Drake Starts Over.” Sweet, light, and charming.
I also read and really liked “The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.” It’s a cute novel with recipes at the end of each chapter!
Ashley D says
I’ve been wanting to read Ashley Elston’s latest book & have it on my list!
I read two books this month that I loved:
*The Perfect Guests by Heather Gudenkauf
4.5 STARS • • I loved this book. It’s a quick and easy mystery that leaves you wanting more. I’m hoping for a sequel with how the author ends the story! It revolves around a gender reveal party gone bad that leaves one person dead. Was it by accident, or was someone out for blood? With many twists and turns, you’ll want to add this one to your list!
*If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
5 STARS! I loved this book! The characters, the storyline, the author’s writing style… Was it a bit predictable and like a Hallmark movie? Yes, but still add it to your list. Super easy read with humor, sass, and some romance. I will be reading more books by this author!
SD says
I looked it up and it is The Perfect Hosts 🙂
Ashley D says
Yes, thank you for posting that! I guess my coffee had not kicked in yet when I typed that this morning. THE PERFECT HOSTS
C Whit says
Sideways life of Denny Voss
The Road to Tender Hearts
The Spectacular
Ordinary Grace
Storied Life of AJ Fikry
The Live Elixer of Augusta Stern
Shark Heart
Vanderbeekers series (middle grade)
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you! My girls all LOVED the Vanderbeekers series!
Jess says
Ordinary Grace is in my top 5 of all time. I LOVED that book.
Danielle says
Have you read How to Read a Book by Monica Wood? Not exactly light but a really good one! I tried searching your blog for it to see if you reviewed it (as I do with most books I read!) but didn’t see it. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not! Thank you!
Sabrina Snisky says
I second How to Read A Book! It’s my favorite book I have read this year so far!!
Joy says
I just finished this & enjoyed it!
Jess says
Monica Wood is from my hometown (well, our sister town)! You may also like her book, When We Were the Kennedys. It is her memoir about her family’s life after her father passed away. He worked at the paper mill that my dad worked at – and many of the other people from our towns. I’ll be reading her new one, thanks!
Kelli says
This was in my top 5 last year! Loved it.
Kelly Sites says
Our book club just read Blonde Dust- and I highly recommend. Historical fiction but based on true people (Marilyn Monroe) and a maid. It was so so good. Clean, very interesting, and I learned a lot about that era and the people, and the story was really great.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for the rec!
Jenni Dempsey says
The Correspondent
Strangers – A Marriage Memoir
Mix and Match Mama says
I loved The Correspondent!
valerie stults says
Can’t wait to read some of these!! We like similar books. Thank you for always sharing!!!
Erika Slaughter says
I’m glad to hear your loved Anatomy of an Alibi! I need to read that!
samantha carroll says
Well first I just finished The Comfort Crisis, which you recommended a while ago and it was fantastic! A favorite of mine from a few months ago that was lighter was The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani. I am also currently reading Next Level by Stacy Sims, Phd for a more women’s health recommendation.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love Stacy Sims! You have had a great lineup!!
Lisa D says
I just read The Good Left Undone by the author of The View From Lake Como, Adriana Trigiani. Highly recommend both books!
Mix and Match Mama says
I liked the Como one! Looking this one up now. Thank YOU!
Sarah says
I’m currently reading The Unselected Journals of Emma Lion. There are 8 of them but all fairly short. Nice light, often funny, read. You can’t help falling in love with all of the characters! Bonus: takes place in London!
SD says
I have been listening to these on audiobooks and absolutely love them! I may have found myself speaking in a British accent lately 🙂
Melissa B says
I love this series!!!
Emily says
I recently finished this series and COULD NOT get enough. The audio books are particular great. I recommend them to anyone looking for something light and meaningful.
Kelly says
I’m on book 7 right now and absolutely love this series! Don’t let the 8 books discourage you because they’re short and you can fly through them. I don’t want it to end.
Jennifer Maynard says
If you like magical realism, try The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison. Was the cutest book and based in a small Europe village.
samantha carroll says
You just reminded me of another recommendation, a magical realism book I loved: The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman. It’s great too!
Jennie says
I couldn’t agree more! Ashley Elston is the exact type of thriller/mystery I want to read!! Loved Anatomy of an Alibi (my book clubs pick for this month!!)
sandi says
Over the last few weeks, I read The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams, Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club. Cued up on my kindle are China Dolls by Lisa See, Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez and The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner.
I probably don’t have many recommendations that haven’t come from your suggestions or your readers but I will try:
The Littlest Library / Poppy Alexander
The Messy Lives of Book People / Phaedra Patrick
The Secret of Snow / Viola Shipman
My favorite books ever are a series from ages ago by Dee Henderson called The O’Malley Series. It starts with a prequel (Danger in the Shadows) that sets up a recurring character. It follows seven orphans who legally change their last name to form their own family after aging out of an orphanage. They were my mother-in-laws favorite books which might be why the story is so special.
Nicole N says
Loved Anatomy of an Alibi.
Just finished All the Tomorrows After by Joanne Yi It was so good!
Sabrina Snisky says
I read Sipsworth last year and it was fantastic! Also, The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. Anything by Courtney is light and so sweet. You can’t go wrong with any of her books.
Brooke Griffith says
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is the best book I have read this year!! Actually, I think it’s my top favorite for the past two years! SO SO GOOD with ALL the feels!
Julie says
Our book club read Heart of a Lover & the other book with it Writers and Lovers. I didn’t have time to read the heart one but everyone in the group that did both said the Heart book is better than the 2nd. I’m on the fence about trying to read Heart or just moving on.
Kristen says
Just read one and only by Maurene Goo and I loved it! My fav book so far this yr!!!
Elizabeth S says
Agree… I’m still reading it but it’s so good!
Jennie says
Estrogen Matters is on sale 50% off today!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you for letting us know!
Shelby says
Seven Days in June
Kay says
Yay-book club day! I was so excited to see you read another book I read this month-‘Anatomy of an Alibi.’ I love her writing too. I liked “First Lie Wins” better, but this one was still really good and very entertaining!
Another one I’m mid way through and really liking this month is “Pictures of You”/Emma Grey. (Author of The Last Love Note which we read for your book club!). It’s a really original story and I like the main character so much. It’s definitely not very heavy. There are serious things the characters are dealing with but it feels lighthearted and I keep wanting to pick it back up again.
Lauren Palomo says
Have you read “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Disney CEO Bob Iger? I think you’d really enjoy it. I happened to read it a few weeks before he announced he was retiring (AGAIN). Interesting read and I think you’ll love the Disney references.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not! Looking it up!
Nova says
My sister just turned me on to not scary suspense. I cannot do scary, and these were not scary and all I couldn’t put down/recommend: The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark, The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanaen, and Don’t Let Him In Lisa Jewell.
Thank you for your book reviews!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for the recs!!
Lorie says
I remember reading a book by Amy Poepell that you recommended a couple years ago and loved it. I read her book, Far and Away, in January and think you would like it. Also second the recs for How to Read a Book.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just added both to my list! THANK YOU!
Kerri says
Do you have a Good Reads account?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do, but I don’t keep up with it. I know I should, agh!
Abigail Carter says
Project Hail Mary! I was in the Today Show plaza this summer when they were handing out free copies (Ryan Gosling was there). I was turned off at first because it seemed so science based, but I absolutely adored it! Like wanted to hug it & put it under my pillow! The movie comes out next month. I read it, but everyone says listen!
Tish says
Shay, I’m trying a kindle! Two things – do you have a link to the kindle you use? 2nd, do you buy each book for your kindle or do you use kindle unlimited? Or is there another membership or library best to get kindle books? I’ve looked some at my library app but seems new releases are months long waiting lists!
Mix and Match Mama says
My exact Kindle is linked in the post! I buy almost every book, but a few times a year, the book I want to read is on Kindle unlimited…so I do a little of both.
sandi says
I always come back a few days after book review day to look over comments and suggestions so I’m going to chime in and hope you see this. Most states/cities offer a non-resident library card for a small fee ($15-$80 per year) so if you live in an area with a small library system you can apply for a library card in a larger city which may offer more options. Here is an article with details for each state. By the time you purchase a few books, the library card has paid for itself.
https://everyday-reading.com/where-you-can-get-a-non-resident-library-card/
Constance says
Have you read The Treehouse on Dog River Road by Catherine Drake? I loved it! It’s based in Vermont so it’ll remind you of the beautiful scenery!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not heard of this one? Looking it up now!
Nicole Klaver says
I found this little book: https://a.co/d/0dtTJlG9 and it’s the perfect addition to my morning quiet time. I think you’d really enjoy it! Every chapter is short, but offers such perspective. It reminds me of the other little books you love. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, Nicole!
Elizabeth S says
Have you read Ina Garten’s “Be Ready When the Luck Happens”? Autobiography that I’m loving… and I wasn’t a fan of hers or really knew much about her before.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have!! It’s one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. It’s SO good!
Katie Tullis says
Felt the same about Heart of Lovers – the whole thing was a blah experience for me. Looking forward to Anatomy of an Alibi now!
Kristina McWethy says
Every beautiful mile by Ashley Manley is great! It’s got substance and it a great chick lit book. Highly recommend!
Jeanne says
The best book I’ve read so far this year is Chasing Evil by Robert Hilland (FBI agent) with John Edward(psychic). It’s a true story that I can’t quit thinking about.
Becky Carl says
Glendy Vanderah
Where The Forest Meets The Trees
The Light Through The Leaves
Robert Dugoni
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
Amanda Skenandore
Medicine Woman of Galveston
The Second Life of Mirielle West
Some of the best I’ve have read.
Jennifer says
For light happy reads, I recommend Sarah Adam’s When in Rome series. The fourth and final book of the series just came out but I’d read them in order. They are all so good!
Also a great nonfiction audiobook is The We Do Not Care Club Handbook. I love Melani Sanders Instagram videos and I laughed straight through her book too.
Another really good but tough listen is Just Mercy. It’s an older book but I just listened to it and it was 5 stars.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!
Heather says
I read two books this year that I just can’t stop thinking about:
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Amanda Higdon says
Not sure if someone else commented this but the Estrogen Matters book is included with Kindle Unlimited!
I am almost 39 and in what I think is early perimenopause. My gyno is not listening and my cycle is getting crazy. I desperately needed to start educating myself on my hormones and needed this!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for sharing!!!
Erin Port says
EEEEEEK! I am honored my book was amongst your 5 for the month of Febraury and that’s exactly what I HOPED for when I wrote the book. Motivation and encouragement to love the life you have! Maybe with a tiny tweak here and there for ease and joy. THANK YOU For sharing this with your audience!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I absolutely cannot recommend it enough, Erin!
Stephanie Morgan says
A recommendation for an autobiography – Lovely One by Keyanji Brown Jackson.I loved hearing how she became a US Supreme Court Justice. She even reads the audio book. An amazing life!