It’s BOOK DAY!
It’s also the last day of April 🙂 . I hope you all had a wonderful month. I don’t know about you, but I am EXCITED about tomorrow being May 1st!
You guys, I am also really excited about this month’s book review.
I read FOUR BOOKS this month and really loved three of them.
I have several great beach books/poolside reads/summery novels for your upcoming season.
Anyone else love a good book by the water on a warm day? Yes. Please.
Okay, first up…
Book #1 this month was:
…This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman.
As many of you know, this was our APRIL 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):
Except well, spoiler alert, I only gave this novel TWO STARS. Ugh, I just really struggled with it. Had this not been the Book Club read, I would have quit about twenty percent of the way in.
This novel is about three elderly sisters. The book opens with the passing of one of the sisters and then proceeds to tell a very sad, bitter and unhappy story of how the other two sisters cope after her death.
The story follows the remaining sisters and their families as they all move on/don’t move on after the sister’s passing. Honestly? None of the characters were very likable and the story moved really slow. I wanted to shake both of the surviving sisters and make them reconcile. The worst part? After a very long book that didn’t really go anywhere…the story ends abruptly without any real conclusion.
Needless to say, I’m not suggesting you read this by the beach this summer.
Sigh.
That being said…
Book #2:
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
I really liked this one!
This book is technically the second novel in a series. I read and reviewed the first one last May. That being said, the main characters from that first novel are only mentioned very briefly and not relevant to this story at all. You can absolutely read this one stand alone.
This cute little romcom is about a hard working woman named Larissa who is just trying her hardest to get out from debt and family issues and “make it” on her own. One night, she meets two guys (who happen to be best friends) and when they offer to take her home, she accidentally picks the wrong one.
Fast forward and this book is about the choices we make and what if we look back and wish we would have made a different one. Is it too late to change? Can we start over?
I am going to give a trigger warning for this novel. Though it’s light, cute and sweet, it does have some heavy moments with death and alcohol. If these are topics you wish to avoid, then this book might not be for you.
This is a book about friendship and struggles and being vulnerable with the ones who love you most.
This was the perfect palate cleanser after reading the previous book. I needed to read something HAPPY.
Speaking of HAPPY…
Book #3:
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
Goodness, this was probably my favorite of the batch this month. This book was just so sweet!
This little novel is about a young widow who receives a wonderful gift from her late husband…a book every month of the year from a quaint little London bookshop. The books are all different and meant to show her/teach her something in the year following his death.
This book was everything I love in a novel. Charming setting, sweet characters, a heartwarming story with a happy ending…who doesn’t want that in a summer read?
Though the story is sweet and a little predictable, I thought there were enough twists and heartier moments that it wasn’t “cheesy” or too “Hallmark-y”. This was just a really sweet novel. I am so happy I read it!
And finally…
Book #4:
Once and Again by Rebecca Serle
You guys know that I am a BIG fan of Rebecca Serle. I think I’ve read all of her books, and they always, always stand out to me because, while being “chick lit”, they are all really unique, very quirky and highly original. Each novel has a bizarre little twist that somehow just works. In fact, in 2020, I named her book In Five Years my third favorite book of the YEAR (and I read a lot of great books that year!).
Needless to say, this one was twisty and fun and very unexpected. It was very “Rebecca Serle”.
This is the fictional story of a woman in California who was born with a gift…a magic ticket that allows you to go back in time for one “do over”.
She’s not the only one with this magical ticket…her mother and grandmother were born with them too.
I mean, a magical ticket? What? This does not sound like a book I would love…except that is the genius of Rebecca Serle. She can take a “normal” novel, add an odd twist, and you immediately “buy into it”.
When it’s all said and done, this novel is about living life to the fullest. Living in the very present moment. Having regrets…but loving the life you’ve built in spite of them.
This reads very chick lit while also being very thought provoking. If you could turn back the clock would you? Yes, you could change things…but what if so many of the other things you currently love therefore got changed too? What if other people you love turned back the clock? How would that affect the outcome of your life? Do you turn back the clock for yourself or to save someone else?
See?
Thought provoking!
All while being set on the California coast with an adorable cast of characters.
One thing to note, this does have the theme of infertility and IVF running throughout. If that’s a topic you’d prefer to stay away from in books, I would pass on this one.
I really loved this novel. Two thumbs up!
And that’s my APRIL 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 May for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth and discussing it on May 22nd…which is also the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! Woohoo!
One of my very favorite authors + the last day of school!
So much to be excited about on that day 🙂 .
Okay, it’s time to chat books in the comment section. Please comment and share!
I hope you have the BEST Thursday, friends! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I loved this book made me think of you!! And i can’t wait to read once and again!
Happy reading!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Eve says
Adored the Libby Page book. Also really loved The Correspondent.
Mix and Match Mama says
I loved The Correspondent too!
Kelly Sites says
I’m listening to Mad Mabel on audio, and it’s so good. The voices are amazing (and hilarious). And I’m looking SO FORWARD to The Devil Wears Prada 2 movie. Loved the first one so much. Happy Thursday and end of April. April showers bring May flowers in Michigan. Floods and rain everywhere! But our grass looks like a golf course! 🙂
Susan Jeffries says
I alway love your reviews! I added three of these to my TBR. I have been on a historical fiction kick for a while so these will change it up for me a bit! I am currently reading The Mountains are Calling and love it!
Erin says
Always love your book reviews. Have you seen “How to read a book” it’s very sweet, about a book club in a woman’s prison and much more.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve seen it, but I haven’t looked it up yet. Looking it up now. THANK YOU!
Meg says
“How to Read a Book” was SO good!!! Such a beautiful story!
Kim C says
Very good!! I added the Libby book and Once and Again…i like her other book as well even though I’m not typically into make believe types but she does pull you in such that you forget it couldn’t really happen: ))
Kelley says
Yes, so so good! Definitely add this to your TBR pile!
Katie Compton says
I loved The Night We Met! Abby Jimenez has a gift for really making you feel like you know the characters. Plus, I loved how she showcased the strength of male “besties”. You don’t see that much and I appreciated it! Men need besties in life too!
Starting Mad Mable this weekend!! Happy Friday-Eve, Shay!
Robin says
Just yesterday, a friend randomly recommended the Libby Page book and then today, it’s one of your book reviews! I think it’s my sign to read it🙂
I agree with you on This is Not About Us. It was very unsatisfying in the end.
Kristen says
I read 4 books over spring break and they were all duds but Once and Again, I loved that book! I thought is was so different and thought provoking!
Emily says
I read The Night We Met on a quick little beach trip with my husband. I read the entire book in 2 days while sitting on the beach. It was a fantastic beach read!! Her books are usually so enjoyable.
Brooke Griffith says
My favorite post of the month! Thank you! So happy you read “This Book Made Me Think Of You”. It was one of my favorites so far this year. Such a well-written, sweet story about books for those of us who love books!! Looking forward to reading comments today for some new recommendations.
Lisa D says
I love Book day!
Some recent reads that I recommend:
– I Just Wish I Had A Bigger Kitchen and other lies I think will make me happy
by podcaster Kate Strickler. The takeaway is to love the life you already have.
– Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice For Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Very funny murder mystery, not graphic. I really enjoyed this book.
– What Matters Most by Courtney Walsh. Sweet, Christian themes, no curse words or sex; a lovely “clean” book, just like this author’s other books.
Tiffany says
I love Vera Wong! She is such a fu. Character. There is also a sequel (which was cute, but didn’t LOVE it like the first one)
Danielle says
Love Book Review day! Have you read Twice by Mitch Albom? I think you would appreciate it.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not! You’re the second person to suggest it though this morning. I’m looking it up now!
Lynelle says
LOVE Rebecca Serle – I love that all of her books have this element of “magic” but it never seems out of place. My April favorite was How To Read A Book by Monica Wood. It was just so beautifully written and I loved the story of grace and second chances.
BTW, I just listened to Strangers on audio, and I was absolutely captivated. I need one of my friends to read it so we can break it down during a long walk!
Heather says
Mad Mabel is soooooooo good! Literally the best book that I read last year, out of over 100!
K.K. says
My FAVORITE monthly post!! Thanks, Shay!!
Sarah Grant says
Once and Again sounds exactly like Twice by Mitch Albom.
Jessica Shobe says
Yay for book review day! I also read and loved the new Abby Jimenez book and This Book Made Me Think About You. Last month, several people in the comments suggested One & Only by Maurene Goo and Blonde Dust by Tatiana De’Rosna, so I listened to them and loved them both! I also listened to Under the Magnolias and really enjoyed it.
Dena says
Always look forward to Book Review as I’m coming into Prime Reading Season! Currently reading It Girl by Allison Pataki and it’s a good one I think you’ll like.
Jan says
Have you heard of the series, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower? Best series I’ve ever read – it looks like a light read, but the writing is so witty and the character work is fantastic. It’s very bingeable but still has real emotional weight – kind of a hidden gem. I’m also listening to the audio which is just as fantastic. Your two older girls might love them as well – nothing inappropriate at all.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not! Thank you for the rec!
Leslie S says
Looking for book recs for a 14 yr old boy that aren’t dystopian – anyone have any suggestions??
Susan Dike says
I’m really enjoying the Emma M Likn series. Wanted to recommend as well.
Lorrie says
I loved the Emma M Lion Series. I can’t wait for book 9. The writing by the author is witty and keeps you so interested.
Johnna says
I have loved this series as well and am trying to wait patiently for #9. I can’t recommend enough to try this series as an audiobook listen. The narrator, Genevieve Gaunt, is wonderful!
Melanie says
Love love book review day! Just added to my TBR list! Love reading comments for more suggestions too!
sandi says
What I read:
Forever Beach by Shelley Noble: in spite of the cute beachy cover, this is not an easy beach read. It is heavy, deals with the foster care system (which was a trigger as a former foster mom) and I chose it based on the cover alone. It was well written, but what I was expecting was not what the book was about.
Summer at the Little Beach Bakery by Jenny Colgan
Seasons of Her Life by Fern Michaels
Daughters of the Bride by Susan Mallery
What is loaded on my Kindle:
Everything Beautiful in its Time by Jenna Bush Hager
Forty Autumns by Nina Willner
Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg
Estrogen Matters 🙂
Coming back later for all the suggestions from others!
Mix and Match Mama says
So many great recs! Thank you, Sandi!
Mary Anne Duke says
Really, really enjoyed This Book Made Me Think about You. So sweet, thoughtful and caring how two men took care of Tilly in very different ways💫. The books were a perfect fit!
Erin H says
I had the best reading month in April… I listened to Strangers and then read Mad Mabel (loved!), This Book Made Me Think of You, Yesteryear (still thinking about this one weeks later), and Kin, which was heartbreaking, but really good. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Mad Mabel!
Elizabeth says
I just finished Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell. Sometimes she writes YA but this is adult themed. A bit spicy, sweet and sad in parts but really an enjoyable book.
I finished The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. I loved those books. I can’t wait for the next one.
I liked the This Book Made Me Think of You too. Listening Strangers now.
Sheila DeSpirito says
I read This Book Made Me Think Of You, I gave it five stars. I’m so happy you loved it. A little as you mentioned predicable but a page turner.
Liz Piasecki says
If you haven’t already please read “Theo of Golden”. I highly recommend!
Mix and Match Mama says
I read and reviewed it in January!
Jeanne says
Almost finished with Lady Tremaine. It’s the step-mother’s side of Cinderella’s story. It’s good!
Nova says
Thank you for your book reviews and recs, Shay!
Maybe an unpopular opinion here, I really did not enjoy The Night We Met. I was so disappointed because I usually LOVE Abby Jimenez and I was so looking forward to her new book. I thought it was b o r i n g and I even considered quitting it. The story was so predictable and I’m kind of tired of stories about women who don’t believe in themselves until a man does. And who stay with wrong/bad guys in spite of red flags. Sigh. Yes it was and easy, quick read. I don’t even know why I’m sharing this I’m not trying to be a negative Nancy. I’m glad you ladies enjoyed it!
Carissa says
Hi Shay!
Love these book posts! Are your kids ever interested in the books you read? Are there ones you’ve read that they’ve enjoyed or that you would recommend to them? Would you be willing in indicate going forward in your book review posts a note like “would recommend for teen” if you would? Are there any of these favorites below from years prior that you think teens would enjoy? Looking for some great books to read together with the teens in my life this summer. Thank you!!
2014
#1: What Remains by Carol Radziwill
2015
#1: Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist
#2: The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
2016
#1: Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn Dingman
#2: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
#3: A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
2017
#1: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
#2: Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup
#3: The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
2018
#1: My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
#2: Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge
#3: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
2019
#1: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
#2: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
#3: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
2020
#1: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
#2: Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
#3: In Five Years by Rebecca Searle
2021
#1: Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
#2: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
#3: Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel
2022
#1:Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
#2: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
#3: Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon
#4: Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
#5: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
2023
#1: The Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer
#2: Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
#3: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
2024
#1: The Women by Kristin Hannah
#2: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
#3: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
2025
#1: One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
#2: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
#3: The Secret Book of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, it’s hard to go back to that whole list and tell you definitely, but there are absolutely some that I would recommend for teens. Two of my kids read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, but outside of that, my kids were either too young and/or didn’t want to read any of these others. All three of my Top 3 in 2025 would be suitable for teens (probably many more!).
Tiffany says
I love book review day! I know have some to add to my TBR.
I started listening to Mad Mabel this week and was pulled right in at chapter one. IMO it’s a great audio book because I love the different voices/accents. I listen to one book while walking, doing laundry, etc…and read a different one on my Kindle during down time. Mabel/Elsie is a highly entertaining character and I look forward to your book review.
On my Kindle I am in the middle of Trusting Tuscany, by Kris Lundley. The author is a Texan, self-published first time author, and my very good friend! I think you would love the book. It’s a RomCom/beach read that takes place where Kris and I studied abroad (Siena, Italy). Perfect book for travel lovers who like easy, summer reads!
Valerie says
Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block
Jesse Q. Sutanto … same author as Vera Wong series
Valerie says
Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto … same author as Vera Wong series
Leslie S says
Looking for book recs for a 14 yr old boy that aren’t dystopian – anyone have any suggestions??
sandi says
Wrong Side of the Court by HN Khan
The Edelweiss Pirates by Dirk Reinhardt
This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph
the Last Mission by Harry Mazer
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for the recs!!
Aparna todi says
Hi Shay…I had a good reading month..read 6 books!
I read Abbi Jimenez’s latest too and it was my least fav book of hers…just didn’t like the heroine…thought she was too needy.
Loved the new book by by Ashley elston…anatomy of an alibi
Ghost eye by Amitav Ghosh was my fav read of the month
Slow dance by rainbow Rowell was a good romantic read
Dear darling by Ella king was average
And beautiful ugly by Alice feeney started out good as all AF books do and then her endings are very anti climatic… (similar to Frieda macfadden)
Lorie says
I always look forward to your book reviews! Have you listened to Elin Hildebrand’s podcast with Tim Ehrenberg, Books Beach & Beyond? It’s a fun one with some great book recommendations and lots of Nantucket mentions.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have! Tim and Elin are so fun together!
Caeli says
Two recommendations:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Go as a River
Elizabeth Spooner says
Thank you for the book recommendation of “If All Else Sails”. Fun happy book.