Happy OFFICIAL LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, friends!
WE. DID. IT!
As of 1:00 PM today, the Shulls are officially on SUMMER BREAK!
Someone cue Alice Cooper.
I am sharing this one and only post with you today and then I’m taking off until Tuesday.
I hope wherever you are today, you have that “last day of school” pep in your step too.
It’s BOOK CLUB DAY, and this one is extra fab.
Let’s do it…
…welcome to Book Club #27!
If you would like to read the “rules” of Shay’s Book Club and see a complete list of every book we’ve read as a group along with my personal “star” ratings, they are all RIGHT HERE.
In this blog post and in the comment section, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING SPOILERS. If you are interested in reading this book, you might not want to read below this line. In MAY’S BOOK REVIEW later this month, I will give a quick recap and let you know if I recommend the book or not, so if you haven’t read it, you might want to wait until that official BOOK REVIEW because there will be no spoilers and based on that, you can decide whether or not to read the book.
Anything below this though will include spoilers as everyone commenting here has already read the book.
Ready, set, here we go!
This month’s book was…
…Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth.
Yeah, baby.
Sally did it again!
I will forever remind you that I personally know and love Sally Hepworth because…SHE’S FREAKING AMAZING.
I have read all of her books…and loved each and every one of them.
Mad Mabel, though?
It’s my favorite Hepworth book to date!
It was twisty. It was suspenseful. It was tender. It had heart. It had devastation. It was funny. It was all the things you want in a book. I could not put this one down.
Here are just a few of my thoughts, and then I can’t wait to read yours!
#1: I was hooked with the opening paragraph. I’m not one who is typically eager to read suspenseful/murder/who done it books. They’re “okay”, but they’re not my favorite. If you’ve read all of Sally’s books then you know that she doesn’t always write suspenseful novels, but when she does, she does it so well because they are layered with other great story lines so that the plot is driven by more than just “someone is dead”. I loved the unfolding of events and the personal narrative from Mabel herself as this book progressed.
#2: Well, I certainly hated Mabel’s dad and did not expect all of the heartache and drama and death and sadness that came with her parents. I was shocked when her mom threw herself off the hospital balcony. I was so sad that Mabel was lead to believe she was responsible for her sister’s death. With every page that I read, I became more fond of Mabel. She was such a likeable character amidst such tragic events.
#3: Cess and Ness were such great characters too. I was so sad that Hess died, but I was so grateful that Ness was there to care for baby Peter.
#4: My favorite parts of the book involved the neighbors. I loved the mix of characters who lived on their street and of course, I especially loved Persephone. I’m not an emotional person when I read a book, but goodness, I about cried several times when reading about Mabel’s relationship with that little girl.
#5: There were so many great story lines in the novel that it never got boring or stale. I loved how it would bounce from past to present. From Mabel as a school girl to Mabel confronting Persephone’s dad. Everything moved quickly and in tandem.
#6: Libby and Adeem were great additions to the story. I really loved how they became a part of Mabel’s “community” too.
#7: Of course, my favorite part was the sweet, sweet ending with Daisy…er Daphne.
I just loved this novel.
It was original and unpredictable and stacked with twisty plotlines that somehow all complemented each other and created one senior lady to cheer for.
Amazing, Sally!
Whew!
So that was our May book. What about June?
I thought it was only fitting to read a chick lit to kick off summertime…
…Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey is on deck next. I hope you all grab your copy and read along with me!
Sending you all SO MUCH LOVE on this last day of school!
Let’s talk Mad Mabel in the comment section and then I’m out of here until Tuesday 🙂 . xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I have this book on my to be read list and can’t wait to start! Have a great long weekend!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Danielle C. says
SO GOOD!! I listened to it on audible and the narrator was *chef’s kiss*. Absolute perfection. I was so surprised Daphne/Daisy ended up being an imaginary friend. I definitely had to go back to re-listen to a few parts which was totally fine by me. And the twist with Peter-ugh! Queue the happy tears. I’m so glad Mabel was able to stay close to to watch him from afar. I absolutely loved this one. It’s going go be hard to top!
Bren says
So happy to read this Danielle! I use Audible as I have quite a commute and a narrator voice can make or break a book for me. Also, please enjoy I only read the first line, then started my message as I have gotten really good at skipping recaps when I haven’t read a book yet. 😊
Happy long weekend, Shay! Excited to follow along to Nantucket this summer and wherever your family travels. Such bittersweet memories remembering the junior to senior summer for our own; however, I know that you live life fully and make the best memories, which I love so much! As always, thanks for sharing, Shay!
Hallye Terrell says
I listened to the audible as well. Loved the narration. Perfection!
Becky says
I received Mad Mabel a little early from Book of the Month Club. I started it in the beginning of April during spring break and enjoyed it. I already bought Kristy Woodson Harvey’s book. Excited to start it soon.
Sheaffer says
I’d say I was going to read it, but we’d all know it’s not true. 😉
Pam Zercher says
😂🤣😂 Listen to it on Audible, Sheaffer! That’s what I did. SO GOOD 😁
Katie Compton says
Oh my word this was my favorite Sally book to date, too!! I honestly don’t have much to add b/c I was nodding my head “YES!!” to your whole review. I loved the reveal of Peter and Daphne, and then of course Daisy. All the twists were so meaningful to the story, loved them all! Truly a wonderful book!
Happy last day to your crew! Mine is next Friday, but my girl has been home from college for a couple weeks now so I’m already into major summer mode!
Josie says
Happy summer! Not at all book related but are you spending the summer on Nantucket again?
Mix and Match Mama says
We are! 🙂
jeanie says
When are you headed to Nantucket? I love your content there because it is a bucket list destination for us! Love all the beach content.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Soon! I’m excited to head bACK 🙂 .
Leslie S says
Any chance you could share some teen beach reads?
Mix and Match Mama says
I will try to get an updated list together!
Kelly Sites says
I LOVED Mad Mabel, too. I listened on audio and it was outstanding. I walked and listened. I had been in a reading slump, and this book cured me.
Happy Friday.
Vincy George says
I really liked this book! Very interesting plotting and there was so much unexpected depth to the Mabel’s character.
Jessica says
Oh, I just loved this book. I was howling with laughter at the chapter where Mabel was trying to put Persephone to bed. It was hysterical!
This book had so much heart and such loveable characters. Definitely, one of my favorites for the year so far.
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too! The balance of humor with sadness was perfection!
Lindsey says
Did you see it coming when you found out Daphne was imaginary? I did not! I gasped out loud and then had to re-read that page to make sure I hadn’t mis-read it. I felt so much heartache for Mabel in that moment. So so well-written. Great pick for book club!
Mix and Match Mama says
I DID NOT! It was such a fun plot twist!!
Arika says
This was my first Sally Hepworth book. I did this one on audio and I was SO glad I did. The actor who voiced Mabel brought her to life in such an amazing way that helped me feel so connected as a reader. What a lonely childhood, but I had not figured out the Daphne twist. I kept thinking, “oh this poor child, I’m so glad she has Daphne.” Hess and Ness were amazing characters. The dad was awful, the neighbors were delightful. This was my first book club read… glad you loved it too!
Mix and Match Mama says
Please, please read more of her books! They are all exceptional!
Lisa Brown says
I loved this book, and I loved reading along with your community! I struggle with fiction reading (working on that) but have decided every year for my May birthday that part of my celebration will be participating in your book club (I love to read and I love your blog so it is very fitting!). I started this last year – so two books so far and both were so great and will be part of marking my birthdays in my memory! Thank you for doing this, I hope to be able to join in with you each May for a long time!❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I love this! Thank YOU for being here! xx
May says
Did I read the right book? I thought it was Cess (for Cecily) and Ness? LOL!😂
Cindi says
Me, too!! I was confused. I’m guessing a typo and she was too excited about the end of school to go back and proofread! lol
Have a great start to summer, everyone!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh geez, I went back to look and I’m guessing it autocorrected? Bahahaha! Yup, end of school excitement got the best of me for sure!
Robin says
In every novel Sally Hepworth writes, she is able to introduce difficult circumstances in her storylines and characters . The reader ends up with new outlooks and respect , if not love for the story . Mad Mabel is no different ! I loved it , and Mabel – through it all . And it ended up in triumph!
Sandy Hunter says
Thank you so much for sharing the books that you have read over the past weeks. I am 87 and I
Love to read. You have given me some great ideas. Have a great summer!
Kristy says
I also loved it. And now I need to make sure I’ve read all the Sally books. I had to re read the paragraph when her mom walked out to the balcony and threw herself over. It seemed so matter of fact.
Tammy says
It’s on my list!
Mary says
This was sooooo goood! I loved everything about the book! I also found myself tearing up so many times when Mabel was there for Persephone. The neighbors all coming together was amazing. I hope there are many neighborhoods out there like this showing up for each other.
Lorraine says
I agree! My favorite parts of the book (and I loved so much of it!) were about their relationships. Persephone was written so well. I just adored their friendship. The chapter where P had a friend over and called her granny made me giggle. I loved that this tough woman became so tender, even when she tried so hard not to be.
Sharon says
Mad Mabel was such a great book that made me laugh and cry. It was a library book, so I don’t have it with me, but my favorite lines were on the top of page 7. Paraphrasing here: This book is a love story. There may be blood, gore and murder, but still it’s a love story. This made me laugh so hard. What a wonderful writer Sally Hepworth is!
Kay says
Shay! Side note, today is my daughter’s last day of school…EVER! She’s graduating from high school in a week. Allll the feels!
I loved this month’s read! Sally is the BEST. Like Liane Moriarty (who btw has a sequel coming out this summer-yay!), I read and adore every book she writes. I actually guessed Daphne was imaginary early on as I couldn’t figure out WHERE she lived…and that made me question if she was real? But it was still a fun twist.
I am so excited for the next book! I was just about to make that my next book so was so excited to see it in our book club.
Enjoy the start of summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, Kay! I wish I could give you a hug. Sending you SO MUCH LOVE!!
Lorraine says
I also figured it out early on but it didn’t detract at all! Even the fake character was written so well!!
Kathy says
I liked the book. You know early on that she murders someone and as I got further into the book, I started really hoping it was her father! I found the book to be sad but very heart warming. For those of you who mentioned you were new to Sally Hepworth – highly suggest “The Younger Wife”.
Alison Martinich says
I cannot recommend Theo of Golden enough…. <3
Mix and Match Mama says
I loved it too!!
Amber says
Corsets this was great!!!
Lynn says
Loved this book! I have as a possible #1. Then I read The Calamity Club and it is also a five star!! So awesome to listen to.
Bridget Gregory says
I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Grabbed it anytime I could!!! I hope to have the gusto as Mabel when I am in my 80s. Her one liners had me cracking up! The strong female relationships really had my heart full. Of course the twist of Daphne not being real was a total shock. This was my first Book Club and I can’t wait to read June’s book! Thanks Shay! Xoxo
Tiffany says
This was a fun audiobook. It reminded me of A Man Called Ove + murder. I loved the relationship between Mabel and her neighbors, all the references to Anne of Green Gables, and the surprise twists. Now I need to read more Sally Hepworth books. Great choice!
Lorraine says
It also reminded me of Fredrick Bacchman style writing. The quirky, deep characters, the fantastic one liners, the surprising comments that made you laugh but also made you relate to the characters. And also the redemption story.
Tricia says
I read this book and loved it! Like another commenter, I have been in a book slump and this was the perfect book to pull me out of it! I loved the plot twist of the imaginary friend. But, based on other reviews, maybe I need to listen to it now????? I started and am half way through the book choice for June and I’m really enjoying it!
Alison says
This was my first time to read a book the same month as the book club! I just finished and then went straight to your post. I loved this novel so much! Lovable characters, unexpected twists, and so much heart. I put a hold on next month’s read, so I’m hoping it’s available at my library soon! I love me some Kristy Woodson Harvey!
Dawn says
Loved Mad Mabel! One of my favorite reads of the year so far!
Robyn says
I loved this book! I loved every part of it, but that dad! He needed to not be part of the storyline way earlier than it happened. I listened to it on Audible. I was surprised that Daphne was an imaginary friend. I had not figured that out before the end of the book. This was my first Sally Hepworth book, but it definitely will not be my last.
YOLANDA MCLEAN says
I found so many parts of this book to be endearing. LOL at Mabel being frustrated with Persephone then being so tender with her. So very dear. I was so surprised about Daphne. This book took a while for me to become interested in it but when it did, I couldn’t get enough. I listen on Spotify and really I may go back and relisten at some point.