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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Books ·

March 2026 Book Review

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Happy Monday, friends!  It’s Book Review Day!

I love starting off the week chattin’ about books 🙂 .

This month, I read FOUR BOOKS.

Two of them are biographical (of sorts) and two are chick lit.

Ready, set, here we go…

Book #1 this month was:

…The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner

As many of you know, this was our MARCH 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):

Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this book.  I gave it FIVE STARS!

This is narrative nonfiction about the author’s father during World War II.  It weaves his story with the stories of two other men.  Two are US soldiers and one is a Holocaust survivor.

I shared this in Book Club, but this story felt more real, more graphic, more raw, and more accurate than any other book I’ve read on the Holocaust.  It’s so sad and yet so inspiring at the same time.  I just think it’s so important to keep these stories alive decades later.  This is a book about real heroes and really surviving the absolute worst humanity has to offer.  When it is all said and done though, you won’t be left depressed…you’ll be left with so much hope and love.

I really encourage everyone to read this book.

Book #2:

Strangers by Belle Burden

Okay, so this one was interesting to me.

I actually purchased the physical copy of this memoir while on Nantucket, so I had a real book (not my Kindle) to pass on to someone.  I gave it to my mom who read it in two days.  I have a lot of feelings about this one.  First and foremost, I couldn’t put it down.  I still can’t quite decide if I liked the book or not, but I certainly couldn’t stop reading it.

The author is a New York City socialite who grew up in a wealthy family, married a man who ran a hedge fund and as her “perfect” life was unfolding, he left her out of the blue one day.

I really found it so interesting reading about her socialite childhood and lifestyle.  It’s just so different and unique from anything I’ve experienced.  She goes into great detail about her famous grandparents, being raised in big apartments in NYC, and raising her own wealthy family there as well.  She shares a lot about apartment living, boarding schools, NYC education, having nannies, and trust funds…I found all of that so fascinating.  Plus, my favorite parts of the book where when she discussed their second home and summer life on Martha’s Vineyard.  For obvious reasons, I found that fascinating too.

Burden is a wonderful writer who has a knack for weaving little details into a more complex story.  She is very transparent and honest about her marriage and divorce which, I’ll repeat myself, was also interesting.

I didn’t really “love” the book because it was a little sad and…a bit unrelatable.  I completely understand she had her problems and issues and they were VERY REAL, but hmmm….my guess is that some are going to find her a bit detached from the realities of “most people’s” problems.

I don’t know?  My mom was on the same page as me.  It was like reading a gossip column in a newspaper.  Interesting…but made me a little sad too.

I really need someone else to weigh in on this book.  I’m glad I read it.  I enjoyed the peek into the lives of the NYC elite…am I recommending it?  I’m not sure.

Book #3:

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Holy soap opera.

So many of you recommended this chick lit novel to me and goodness, it was DRAMA.  Ha!

Whew, okay, this is the fictional story of two teenage ice dancers who, as the story unfolds, weave their way in and out of the run for the Olympic games.

Goodness, it comes with a BIG DOSE of drama too.

You follow the characters as they age in the ice dancing world.  There is love.  There is competition.  There is scandal.  Betrayal.  Loyalty.  Disloyalty.  All the things.

I was entertained by the story, but I did feel it was a little too long.   I was ready for it to end about two thirds of the way through.  I started losing interest in all of them and just wanted it over and done with.  Annnnnnnd I didn’t love the ending.

After all of that ice dancing, I needed a better ending.

It was a fun book to read on the heels of the Winter Games, but geez Louise, the drama beat me down.

And finally…

Book #4:

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

You guys, I LOVED THIS ONE!!  This was quintessential chick lit.  It was really sweet, so happy, there was no cussing/no sex…just a wholesome, good book about nice people.

I could not put this one down and was sad when it was over.

I think this was my first novel to read by this author, and I will FOR SURE be reading more.

This novel is about a elementary school nurse who accidentally has to spend the summer with an NHL player.

The little coastal town is charming, their sailing trip was fun to read about, the characters aren’t too cheesy…just good people.

Two big thumbs up.

If you need a cute read this spring or summer, here you go 🙂 .

And that’s my 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.

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 April for our BOOK CLUB!

Next month, we are reading…

…This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman and discussing it on April 22nd. 

Okay, it’s time to chat in the comment section.  I would LOVE some new book recs for April!  Please comment and share!

I hope you have the BEST start to your week! xx

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Comments

  1. Kristen Thompson says

    Anything by Abby Jiminez! I’m reading her newest novel, The Night We Met, right now and loving it, I love all of her books!!

    Reply

  2. Karen says

    Good morning! I have a book recommendation for you! Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday-i loved the many little biographical details woven throughout, and also the encouraging parts that made the reader want to get up and get going!

    Reply

  4. Samantha Harris says

    I felt the exact way about strangers! I couldnt put it down- her writing is captivating. But did I love it? I don’t know, haha

    Reply

  5. Kelly Sites says

    I read Strangers and felt the same as you. I actually was kind of bored reading it. I couldn’t get into it at all. I started skimming mid-way through.

    Reply

  6. Becky says

    I read The Favorites when it first came out. It would good to read during the Olympics. I keep seeing The Strangers all over. Maybe I’ll pick it up. Currently reading Lady Tremaine.

    Reply

  8. Susan Jeffries says

    I loved The Favorites ! Totally out of my typical reading wheel house but it was a great read! I added The Boys in the Light to my TBR and I am ordering a physical copy for my husband. Happy reading!

    Reply

  9. Ashley D says

    I’m so glad that you read, If All Else Sails! It is probably one of my favorite books that I’ve read this year. 🙂 I read three books this month.
    All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles – The ending had me saying, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” Mystery, Romance + Humor • • You can’t help but love the main character, Ridley, and her tenacity for finding the truth at all costs. It was a little darker than I usually read and warning, it has quite a bit of language.

    The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden – Freida, you’ve done it again! The whole story I was thinking one thing.. and then bam, she does a 180 on you and has your mind spinning! This book is a little graphic and dark at times, but if you are looking for a thriller that has you questioning things until the end, pick up this book!

    Beach House Summer by Sarah Morgan – A sweet story about two individuals who find themselves in an unlikely situation. This books exudes friendship, grace, and forgiveness. All around a good book- add it to your list!

    Reply

  11. Lorraine says

    I listened to Strangers. I was also conflicted. I was definitely invested in the story. I found myself so angry at her husband and the injustice of it. And just super sad for her kids!!! The writing was good. It was a 3.85 for me.

    I just read Hamnet and really liked it!! I would recommend it if you haven’t read it already.

    Reply

  12. Carrie says

    The Favorites is a retelling of Wuthering Heights set in the world of ice dancing. So, if you look at it that way, all the twists and turns and drama all start to make sense. I loved it, but I knew the WH connection going it, so I think that helped.

    Reply

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      WHOA. My mind has been blown. I’m going to spend the rest of the day thinking this over. Ha!

      Reply

    • Erika Slaughter says

      WHOA!!! Someone should have told me this too! I’d heard The Favorites was similar to Daisy Jones & the Six {which there were similarities} but I went into reading that one thinking it was gonna be more like Daisy so it really fell flat. However, I wish I’d have heard the Wuthering Heights connection before I read! I’m reading This Book Made Me Think of You right now and loving it!

      Reply

    • Kristin says

      My daughter pointed out the Wuthering Heights connection while I was reading the book, and I thought, “Well, I HATED that book…” I ended up preferring The Favorites, but there was too much tragedy and sadness and I definitely would never pick it up for a second read.

      Reply

  13. Nan says

    I listened to Strangers on Audible and enjoyed her narration. I also found the story interesting, and while the wealthy lifestyle is not relatable to most, betrayal and heartache are. I’ve known women who have gone through something similar, and it’s devastating. We can have compassion for someone’s grief no matter how much money is in their bank account.

    Reply

  14. Kara says

    Have you read any of Gabrielle Meyer books? I love her Timeless series! Listened on audio and loved them. Also Michelle Shocklees book – under the tulip tree was so good!

    Reply

  15. Leslie S says

    I’m just finishing Rich Routines by Steve Houghton. (Turtle Creek Lane’s hubby) It’s a short book with great reminders/routines about putting first things first in all aspects of life with a focus on living your life to the fullest. Pulls together the main areas to focus on for a happy life, and so positive!.

    Reply

  16. Emily says

    I felt the same way about strangers but maybe more frustrated as she was a lawyer and still made the choices she did with prenup, finances, etc. Made me so mad. She said something like I never saw the red flag – prenup should’ve been a big one!! It’s being made in either a series or movie with Gwyneth Paltrow I think.

    Reply

  18. Erin H says

    I’m currently listening to Stangers and so far I’m captivated. It’s harder to say I liked it since it’s such a sad topic.
    I recently finished Lady Tremaine and would highly recommend that one! A sort of retelling of Cinderella but from the stepmothers point of view.

    Reply

  19. sandi says

    I trudge through China Dolls by Lisa See this month. The story revolves around three girls from different backgrounds. One is Japanese trying to pass as Chinese to stay out of the internment camps created during WW II, the other two are Chinese American; one is wealthy and the other is not. They are dancers at a night club in Chinatown in San Francisco. Their friendship didn’t make sense to me. I liked the history of that time, but the story of the three girls did not mesh.

    My library came through with some Kindle books I have had on hold for a while… Abby Jimenez Say You’ll Remember Me, Good Karma by Christina Kelly and How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding. Hoping to have a good reading month in April.

    Reply

    • Tabitha says

      I agree! I found Courtney Walsh (The Summer of Yes) through a comment here last summer and have loved her books. Denise Hunter is a similar author, and she has a new book coming out this April too. Just sweet, clean, good books/authors. ☺️

      Reply

  21. Kay says

    Hi Shay!
    “Life: A Love Story”/Elizabeth Berg is a really sweet, quick!, read that will give you all the feels. It’s about a 92 year old woman who is giving her home and some of her precious belongings to a younger woman who has been like a daughter to her. Very hopeful, sweet book! Inspiring too.

    Reply

  22. Nicole N says

    Just finished listening to Christina Applegate’s memoir You with the Sad Eyes and it was great. I liked that she read it herself too and added her own personality to the reading

    Reply

  23. Maria says

    It was announced this morning that Netflix bought the rights to Belle Burden’s book and Gwyneth Paltrow is attached to play the lead. If you google, the author was recently on Moly Simms podcast discussing how her EX refused to have a bedroom in his new apt for his daughter. He does not want to parent day to day. It’s a wild story. I’m interested in reading it. It not a book I’d normally read, but the true story unfolding sounds intriguing.

    Reply

  24. Alissa says

    Our family read The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt (author of The Anxious Generation) and Cathrine Price. It’s a similar theme to The Anxious Generation but written for kids. But I personally got a lot out of it myself! In my opinion it was a lot more hopeful than the adult version – empowering kids to have agency over their own decisions when it comes to screens and tons of ideas of how to live an exciting life. I heard the co-author Catherine on a podcast and ordered it immediately. I set it on the coffee table and both my boys (ages 10 & 13) picked it up on their own accord and read it. It’s super colorful and vibrant and engaging for kids (and parents!). Highly recommend!

    Reply

  25. Kelly Wren says

    Emma St. Claire co wrote an adorable series about the (fictional) Appies hockey team. Wyatt (from If All Else Sails) is a minor character in those books. They were all fun reads and books I would share with my 16 year old. I am excited to read If All Else Sails, and also the books from the other author in the series, Jenny Proctor.

    Reply

  26. Debbie says

    This isn’t a book recommendation but if you haven’t watched Love Story yet, it’s a must. It’s so good and brings you back in time with the music and the story line.

    Reply

  27. Paula W says

    Currently reading Lady Tremaine (loosely based on the retelling of Cinderella from the Stepmothers point of view) I think it reads more like historical fiction. It reminds me of what my grandmother always told me, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. I am captivated by the story so far!

    Reply

  28. Mary Jane McNeill says

    I’m so glad you read Strangers. Belle is a friend and neighbor of my niece on the Vineyard. She walked through this entire ordeal with her. Unbelievable what her husband did to her.

    Reply

  29. Jeanne says

    I read Strangers and thought it was well written and sad. I live in the Midwest so very far from her upbringing and life in general. I thought it all came down to someone having their heart broken, rug pulled out from under them, being betrayed, like so many people are. Regardless of the house they live in or bank account it’s still shocking and sad. I thought it was a “don’t do what I did” message, as well.
    A few books I’ve read this year so far that I’ve really liked-More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen, Days You Were Mine by Clare Leslie Hall, Chasing Evil by John Edward & Robert Hilland. All so good!

    Reply

  30. Amy Grace Duncan says

    Thanks for the recommendations. I just added a few books to my list! Also, thanks for the emphasis on reading around here…I didn’t used to be a huge reader, but over the years I’ve gotten more and more into it, and now sitting down with a good book sounds like the most relaxing thing to do.

    Reply

  31. Becky C says

    Has anyone read Amanda Skedemore books? Read The Secret Like of Mirielle West and Medicine Woman of Galveston. Both were great and getting ready to read the 3rd one.

    Reply

  32. Cindy Solomon says

    I have read/listened to most all of Emma St.Clairs books…(I’m a chick lit fan! Ha!) I love that she makes them clean and sweet!! So glad you enjoyed her book!!

    Reply

  34. Dena says

    I’ve added some of these books to my TBR list. There are some good ones that have just come out or will be coming out by authors that I know you’ve previously read.
    It Girl – Allison Pataki
    Our Perfect Storm – Carley Fortune
    Once & Again – Rebecca Serle
    A Far-Flung Life – ML Stedman (author of Light Between Oceans!)
    The Most Fun We Ever Had – Claire Lombardo
    The Calamity Club – Kathryn Stockett (author of The Help!)
    It’s going to be a good summer of reading!

    Reply

  35. StephC says

    I loved If All Else Sails too! I have read all of her hockey Appie books and recommend them as well. If you liked this, you might like the Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh. It is similar in style to that book! Not all of Courtney’s books land for me, but this one was great!

    Reply

  36. Kelly says

    Have you read the Happiest Man on Earth? If not, it’s a must read. Quick memoir of a Holocaust survivor.

    Reply

  39. Leslie Maxey says

    Just finished Strangers. I was at a loss for how I was “supposed” to feel about it. It was a fast read. And easy read, but when it was it was over I just felt “lost”. While I feel for her and what she went through- it was shitty- it was hard to relate as most of us can’t relate to that world.?! I don’t know. Still confused, I guess.

    Reply

  40. Jennifer says

    Two thrillers I read recently that were excellent were Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Easton (she’s a new author and her debut novel First Lie Wins was my top 3 books last year!) and The Storm by Rachel Hawkins. That one was set in a gulf town in Alabama.

    Also have you ever read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson? It’s an older nonfiction book but I just picked it up and it was 5 stars for me.

    Reply

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I loved Anatomy of an Alibi!! And no, I don’t believe I have read Just Mercy. Thank YOU for the rec!

      Reply

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