Hey, hey Monday!
You guys, tomorrow is MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR!!!
Eeeeeks, I am so excited!
What better way to celebrate September Eve than with my AUGUST BOOK REVIEW!
BOOKS + THE END OF AUGUST for the win today!
This month, I have FOUR books to discuss with you. Make sure you keep reading…there’s a big twist!
Let’s start with…
Book #1 this month was:
…When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams.
As many of you know, this was our AUGUST 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):
I love, love, love me some Beatriz Williams!
I did not love this book.
It was okay…just not my fave.
This story takes place present day (many of Williams’ novels are historical fiction) about a single mom and her young daughter who head from France back home to the island off of Long Island where her dad had lived. He has recently passed, and she’s heading to this small, charming little island during the off season to go through his home and get it ready to be sold.
This is not a spoiler, but…the twist in this novel is that her dad had always believed there was buried pirate treasure on his property.
This book checked a lot of boxes that I love: cozy little island setting with New England vibes and lots of coastal charm, a cast of characters who are endearing…but in my opinion, the whole story was just a little too farfetched and not flushed out enough.
It was entertaining and wrapped up nicely…but it was also a little clunky.
I really wish I would have selected Book #4 below to be our Book Club pick this month. I realized that about a chapter in to each of them.
Okay, next up…
Book #2:
Life is Good by Fiona Ferris
I shared this book earlier in the month when it first arrived at my house. You ladies know how much I adore Fiona Ferris. Her books are always so encouraging, motivating, practical, and just HAPPY. I have been reading her work for years and years and years. They’re all non-fiction motivational books for women.
This, her latest book, is about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and journey.
Ferris was diagnosed last October, and this book is a very real and honest look at her journey from diagnosis through treatments and everything in between. She writes in such a charming, easy way about the real ups and downs and hard moments and even some humorous moments of her cancer journey. I actually felt like I learned so much reading this book too because she goes in depth about things that I just don’t hear discussed. She details her hospital stays and pre/post op appointments, how she felt as she recovered, how she overexerted herself some days and what made her feel better others.
I’ve always walked away from Fiona Ferris’ books motivated and encouraged and somehow, she was able to be real, raw, and honest about something so scary and yet deliver it in a way that was so optimistic and hopeful that I walked away from this one just as encouraged.
Book #3:
You’ll Love it Here by Natalie Sue
This new novel is all over my feed right now, so I decided to dive in. It’s a cute little chick lit about a Canadian woman who is forced to take a break from work and while she’s off, she accidentally gets put in charge of managing her apartment building. One minute, she’s uninvested in where she lives, knows none of the tenants’ names, and can’t wait to leave…and the next, she’s the one deeply involved in all of their apartments and lives.
Of course, there’s a guy who works in the restaurant across the street who steps in to help.
This books is cute and funny and filled with a big cast of quirky characters. The story isn’t “mature”, but the language certainly is, so buyer beware.
Is it the best book I’ve read all summer? No. Was it easy to read, lighthearted, happy, and cute? Yes.
And finally PLOT TWIST thanks to blog read Alli…
What? What?
Yup.
After YEARS of not listening to an audio book, as you know, I listened to The Calamity Club, and it totally salvaged my experience with the book. Blog reader Alli suggested in the comment section that perhaps I start listening to one audio book a month. I loved this idea and in August, I listened to…
Book #4:
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser
And I LOVED IT!
This was by far one of my very favorite books of the entire summer!
I am giving this one two very big thumbs up!
This was only my second audio book to listen to and while The Calamity Club was such a fun experience due to all the different voices I heard telling the story, this novel sounded like it was being read by Julie Andrews. Ha! It wasn’t, but the narrator had this wonderful Maria Von Trapp voice that made the story even more magical.
This is the fictitious story of the “evil stepmother” in Cinderella.
You guys, I am so sad I didn’t make this our August Book Club selection. This book is layered with topics we could have discussed for days. The characters are all unique and complicated and the plot is not anything like you might expect. Just when I thought the story would unfold one way, it went another. This book covers some serious topics but always with a dash of levity. It’s fun and adventurous and honestly, I’ll probably forever have this new reframe about those evil stepsisters and stepmother.
I don’t typically like “fantasy” books, but this one was just oh so charming. If you are tired of predictable chick lit, here you go. This is quite the epic tale. I loved listening!
On that note, what new-ish book should I listen to next? I would love recs for audio books please! I need specific ones you think I should LISTEN to in September…and of course, I need lots of book recs for me to actually read too. Please comment and share!
And that’s my AUGUST 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 September for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer (one of my favorite authors!) and discussing it on September 22nd.
Happy LAST DAY OF AUGUST!
I hope you all join me tomorrow as we celebrate MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR!
I’ll see you back here then. xx
DK says
So happy you started audiobooks, it has inspired me to do the same! Several good friends are big readers, and I like being able to connect with them on the topic. But as I’ve gotten older, sitting for the long periods required for reading doesn’t appeal to me. Staying active makes me feel better, and I listening to books while walking my dog or doing light chores around the house might be the perfect solution!
Addy Robinson says
ugh The Story Keeper was such a slow, predictable dud for me! If Kelly Rimmer was not on the cover I’d never believe she wrote it.
Elspeth Mizner says
Ave you read Good People yet?? Very very good! I finished it in 2 days!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jessica Schlosberg says
Oh my gosh! I’m so excited you’re getting into audio books. I remember a few years ago you gave up on reading The Rose Code. Please, PLEASE, listen to it on audio version. It is incredible and I know you’ll fall in love with the characters. The narrator just brings the whole book to life, promise!
Kara says
Sept 1st is also my favorite day of the year-tomorrow is my 19 year anniversary with my hubby 🙂 I love listening to Charles Martin books on audio… The Murphy Shepard series is great but I just finished Unwritten by him and it was really good!
Mix and Match Mama says
Happy Anniversary! What a great date! 🙂
Dana P says
ohhh…love that you included an audiobook! I listen to them when I shower so I actually get through them. I’ll have to check that one out! I am currently listening to Jen Wilkin’s book, from Dust to Dust. It’s about all things aging from a Christian perspective. It’s really good so far!
Caroline says
I highly recommend Ann Patchett’s latest book “Whistler” on audio!
Also, the audio version of David Sedaris’ new book of essays, “The Land and It’s People” has been one of my favorites of the summer. He reads most of the essays to a live audience so it very much feels like a collective experience.
Ashley D says
I read two books this month that I loved and would recommend! (Plus both of these authors were new to me) 🙂
1. It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara
4.5 STARS ⭐️
Get ready for a story full of twists and turns where it seems like everyone has something to hide. The story just gets crazier & crazier!
You won’t want to put this book down – all I can say is wow! I loved it!
2. While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden
4 STARS ⭐️
I loved this book and storyline! It’s a historical read with mystery and romance! The story takes place in 1913, New York City where a female dentist accidentally overhears details of a deadly plot that is going to take place in the city. Give it a read to find out what happens! You won’t want to put the book down.
Beth says
Yay for audio books! I will warn you…once you start listen to books in an English/British accent, it’s hard to go back! 🙂 🙂 I just finished The Rose Code by Kate Quinn.
Sarah says
Oooh – I have some audio books for you! The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Kline. The kids in the book are a variety of magical creatures and the voices the reader uses are delightful. Don’t let the magical description steer you away. It isn’t my usual favorite, but this book is absolutely delightful and happy. Found family, adoption, being kind to children, and acceptance are all themes. Loved it. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, read by Meryl Streep! So sweet. Also, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves. This one was just really beautiful. It is strange that a book about death personified as a human would be beautiful, but it just is and the reader does a great job. Finally, The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick. Great book and reader does will with giving each character personality. Enjoy!
Robin Lewis says
I always have a book I am reading and a book I am listening to, also! I LOVED the Lady Tremaine audio book, as well. So unexpected, full of dry wit, and depth. It was delightful!
Sara Hertel says
This Story Might Save Your Life. So good! The character’s podcast is a main part, so listening makes it fun because you hear the podcast.
Danielle says
I second this book on Audio. It was really fun to listen to with the podcast excerpts. I think this book will hook you and keep your interested.
Keisha Dawson says
I absolutely loved this book on audio. It’s definitely the best way to consume this one!
Hallye Terrell says
I’m downloading this one now! When I saw it was narrated by Julia Whalen, I knew it would be good! Her narration is great. I also just downloaded the sequel to Big Little Lies, so have to decide where to start. Thank you, everyone – and Shay – for the recs!
ElaineDavis says
I recommend listening to the Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion series (I know you’ve previously listed them as books to read). The reader (Genevieve Gaunt) does such a great job! I have listened to them ALL multiple times, and they still make me laugh out loud at times.
Jennifer Miller says
Someone told me this is best listened to at 1.5x. Do you agree?
ElaineDavis says
yes! but I pretty much listen to everything at 1.5
Johnna Boyack says
I couldn’t agree more. This was a fabulous audio series. I also enjoy audio books by Marin Ireland and Julia Whelan.
B.Jones says
The Correspondent is great on audio!
Jean E says
Just finished this on audio and it was fantastic!
Steph says
Yes it’s a great book to listen to!
Candy says
I think you have read these but American Dirt and Open are fantastic on audio. Harry Potter is amazing. I could go on and on Still Alice, Demon Copperhead, I was Anastasia, One Good thing. I read and listen take favorite and listen you won’t be disappointed in any of these.
Scarlett says
Greenlights. Matthew McConaughey’s voice is easy on the ears. 😉
Songs of Surrender. Bono serenades you sometimes. Even if you aren’t a U2 fan it is a good story. His love and devotion for his wife is wonderful.
Eileen says
Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty was my favorite book this month. It was great on audio too.
Caeli says
I just got this on audio!
Kristin says
I love memoirs and autobiographies on Audible. Matthew Mcconaughey and Rob Lowe have great ones. I have heard the Jeremy Renner, Ina Garten and Julie Andrew’s books were great and I am just starting the Hayden Panettierre book. The Idaho Four was amazing but so sad…
There are so many great ones out there! I get weird about the narration so I find I like it better when it’s the author actually reading it, which is why I steer towards these. But I love to listen while doing work around the house, driving, while I get ready for the day…
Tiffany says
I love that you’ll do one audiobook a month! I listened to, and loved Lady Tremaine as well. Have you read The Forgotten Midwife? If not, it’s a great audiobook…it’s historical fiction about the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Loved it as audiobook bc it is two different narrators.
Jess says
For YEARS, I was anti-audiobook. I even had listened to a few in order to finish books for my book club and would listen on 2x speed just to get through them. Then I listed to Project Hail Mary and was SOLD. If you have not read this book, please listen to it!! It is so good – even if you have already seen the movie. And if you haven’t seen the movie watch that too!!!
Holly Garberich says
I think you already read the Correspondent if I remember correctly.. but it was a great ‘listen’ because of all the different voices! I also just recently finished listening to Project Hail Mary and that was great as well. I’m newer to the world of audiobooks, too, and while it’ll never replace an actual book or my Kindle.. I’m learning to enjoy it. 🙂
Kelli says
Hi Shay! LOVE that you are adding one audiobook a month!!!! I highly recommend The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s another one that can be slow to read but great when narrated by all the characters. Thank you for another great book review! I look forward to this day every month!
Happy September aka almost Fall!!!
Kelli
Denise Whited says
I am still not a fan of audio books – I find most narrators’ voices to be annoying, or the speed is all wrong, and the worst is when there is one narrator trying to do different voices for each character. No thank you!
My only audio books I have found enjoyable are autobiographies narrated by the author AND when I know I already enjoy interviews with the author.
Some favorites are Mindy Kaling’s autobiographies and Anna Kendricks’s Scrappy Little Nobody.
Dana J says
I 100% agree! I listened to an audiobook with friends on a long road trip and the one narrator doing all the voices was so bad and so annoying to me!! It turned me off audiobooks! I’m a big reader and love a hard copy of a book but I may give audios another try with some of the suggestions in the comments…especially The Calamity Club!! I may try what you are doing Shay and try one a month.
Jennifer says
The Mad Wife was excellent on audio. There’s nothing like actually hearing the character’s voice as she is talking in her head.
Nicole N says
Just finished Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt. So good! Interesting/different premise but I found it thought provoking and well done.
Bethany says
I’m SO glad you’ve finally dipped your toes into the audio world! I love it for long car rides 🙂 All the Forgivenesses by Elizabeth Hardinger was amazing on audio. The book drew me right in and the narrator was top notch. also: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon. Amazing!
Ann A says
I have a narrator tag for my Libby (library) books—a great narrator makes such a difference!. If you like Leann Moriarty, her narrator is amazing—Caroline Lee. Of course Julia Whalen and Bani Turpin—they are the first two who wowed me, way before I knew they were two of the best in their field. If you like All Creatures Great and Small (on tv) and haven’t read the books, they are awesome on audio, narrated by Nicholas Ralph. One last one I can think of as a standout (for me) is Cry, the Beloved Country, narrated by Michael York.
Haley says
I second Julia Whelan! I’ll listen to just about anything she narrates. I also tend to love the books she chooses! The narrator can make such a big difference. I don’t think I know Bani Turpin, but I will look her books up!
Mikayla A says
One of my favorite Audio Book Narrators is Julia Whelan, you can’t go wrong choosing one of the books she is on. She has narrated Taylor Jenkins Reid books, Kristin Hannah books, Emily Henry books, and sooooo much more!! She even has a few of her own books, I think you may have read and recommended My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan, if not it needs to be on your list 🙂
Susan S says
I would listen to Theo of Golden if though you have read it.
Jenny says
I personally LOVED the audio book for Theo of Golden. The narrator is precious and I loved the story!
Rebecca says
I had no interest in audio books until a few years ago. I really enjoy them now, but I still read more books myself. I love listening to historical fiction, such as all Kate Quinn’s books! Most, or all, of hers are narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, whose voice is amazing & she can do any accent perfectly! She makes listening to a book 1000% more enjoyable, bc she is truly acting out the narrative! I’ve also listened to other books she’s narrated, so you’ll have to look into her, but I recommend a historical fiction read by her! I loved listening to “the one and only Vivian stone” by Melissa O’Connor! Another historical fiction. There’s just so good to listen to! I listened to the last couple of collab books written by Lauren willing, Beatriz Williams, & Karen white, & enjoyed listening to them too.
I also love to listen to autobiographys read by the author (famous actors mostly). I loved “the third Gilmore girl” by Kelly bishop! Her story was so fun, I didn’t know any of it prior & I loved her on Gilmore girls, so if you’re a GG fan, it’s for you!
ERIN GOBIN says
Sasika is probably my favorite narrator. Right up there with Julia Whelan!
Marisa Motley says
I’m reading Lady Tremaine and am so invested in this take. I read The Other March Sisters last year and it was told from the perspective of Meg, Beth and Amy and I loved it!
sandi says
All my reads this month were 3 stars… not bad just middle of the road and unremarkable.
Always by Sarah Jio
The One That Got Away by Leigh Himes
All We Every Wanted Emily Giffin
The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King (started but DNF)
Hopefully one of these loaded on my kindle will redeem August:
The Manhattan Girls by Gill Paul
Dimestore: A Writer’s Life by Lee Smith
Tracy Graham says
Listening to Good People by Patmeena Sabit right now and it’s quite good. Full cast and suspenseful. Others you might like but not necessarily on audio… Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton (such a unique story that is calm and makes you feel comforted), Heart the Lover by Lily King (college love story and after).
Becky Wilson says
I’m always listening to an audiobook and reading a different book on my kindle! I looove suspense/thrillers on audio. Nothing makes housework or a long walk in the heat pass more quickly! We also loved the Harry Potter series (amazing narration) and Hunger Games with the kids on road trips.
Emma H says
I am always happy when I open your blog and it’s book review day! Thanks Shay!
Elise Schoeff says
Two that I liked on audio this year besides the ones you have already read or listened to are The Names and Isola. I mostly listen to audiobooks because I’m in the car a good bit.
Christa Liso says
You should listen to The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion by Beth Brower! I found out about this series in May and flew through all 8 books this summer. The narrator, Genevieve Gaunt is absolutely amazing!! It is my favorite book series to date.
Kelly Ryan says
Good People on Audio. So good! Full cast audio.
Alli says
Yay!! You took my advice♥️
I’m so excited you’re going to listen to 1 new audiobook a month. I, too, love reading a real book, but in this season of life with teenagers & college kids, I’m in the car a lot— so audiobooks make me enjoy my car time even more.
Now I wish you could go back and listen to Theo of Golden (this narrator captured Theo in the most beautiful way) & The Women— Julia Whelan, can’t wait for you to listen to her narrate. Also tom lake with Meryl Streep narrating. Advice—-always make sure to sample the narrator before you buy. Nothing worse than a bad narrator. I’ve quit on chapter 1 before bc I couldn’t stand the narration.
This will be fun!! I’m so excited to see what you listen to. It really is a fun layer to bring a book lover.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for the great suggestion, Alli!! I really appreciate this tip too!
Sarah says
I know fantasy isn’t your thing but if you’re okay with a bit of magic and if you ever loved Nancy Drew back in the day I recommend The Book Witch! I think it would be fun to consume by reading it also, but I actually listened to it on audio and really enjoyed the narrator – I thought she made one of the characters in particular really come alive. Love that you’re dipping your toe into audiobooks!
Caeli says
I loved The Vanderbeekers series on audio. It’s middle grade fiction. You and your youngest would love it!!
Robin Forrester says
I really enjoyed the audio version of Mad Mabel.
Laura says
I read Whistler this month and thought it was great. Was t sure what the book was about at first but after reading it I thought about the topic and characters for a few days after. I almost never listen to books but this summer I listened to The Road to Tender Hearts and it was a quirky read that I ended up really liking by the end.
Marti says
Lady Tremaine was one of my favorite reads for this year.
Most audio books are not “my thing.” I find that audio books just don’t keep my attention for the most part. My mind wanders a lot and then I have to backtrack to figure out what is going on . I have found that I do better listening to nonfiction books (usually biographies or autobiographies) than I do fiction.
Rayne Osborn says
Big little Truths is awesome on audible, just came out this week! Also anything narrated by Julia Whelan is 💯, so search her for some ideas!
Pam Zercher says
It makes me *want* to read (or listen) to a book when I won’t be disappointed in the language I see or hear. Please, PLEASE give us a fair warning. Audiobooks are costly and if I can’t listen to it with my kids or grandkids in the room, it’s just not worth it buying 😃
Thank you, Shay
Arika says
I know you’ve already read Mad Mabel, but if your readers need audio recommendations, it was amazing on audio!
Maura says
My absolute favorite audiobooks to listen to are any memoirs read by the author. It makes the whole book feels so authentic to hear the context in which they tell a story and the tone of voice they use! One of my most recents favorites is titled “We Might Just Make it After All” by Elyse Aarons. It’s about her relationship with Kate Spade and she does such a beautiful job captivating their friendship and the storyline of building their business as women entrepreneurs. I hope you listen! ❤️
Jamie says
The Road To Tender Hearts on audio!! Lovely!!
ERIN GOBIN says
I can’t remember if you’ve already read The Correspondent, but it not it’s FANTASTIC on audio.
Also, The Road to Tender Hearts. It’s equal parts tragic heart warming and hilarious. Loved it!
If you haven’t read Mad Mabel yet, I also have heard it’s great on audio (although I read that one with my eyeballs)
This story might save your life. Excellent audio!
Susan Jeffries says
I started listening to audio books about a year ago and I am hooked! I drive a lot for work and I listen to 2-3 books each month. I love it!! I still use my kindle for reading too. I have had a bit of an August slump with books so I am looking forward to September reads. We are reading What the Wind Knows for book club and I am excited to read a few new releases. Happy reading!
Sandra Roberts says
Just ordered Life is Good for a sweet friend who is currently on the breast cancer journey.
Heather P says
The lost apothecary was a great audiobook!
KD says
Natalie Sue’s other book is much better! It’s called I Hope This Finds You Well. Especially funny for anyone who works in/has worked it an office!
Celeste Widolff says
For an audiobook “As you wish the making of the princess bride” Cary Elwes narrates & you hear from most everyone who was in the movie
Book RECOMMENDATIONS ( did not listen on audio)
“The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern”
“The Bookclub for Troublesome Women”
Sarah says
I enjoyed “The Bodyguard” by Katherine Center!
Jennifer says
I’ve slowly been listening to more audiobooks! I always listen to memoirs now as the author usually reads them. For instance I just listened to Hayden Pantierre’s book. One of my favorites is Unbroken read by Edward Hermann (of Gilmore Girls). And then I love a cast of narrators too! Agree with others that Julia Wheldon is a fantastic narrator. That makes all the difference! I usually listen at 1.5 speed too.
Danielle says
I just finished The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez and I really enjoyed it! It’s technically historical fiction but it’s unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s about the building of the Panama Canal from the perspective of many different people and while it doesn’t sound super interesting, I was fascinated by the end and googled a ton of canal history haha!
Cole says
I was just trying to decide what book I want to read for September and Lady Tremaine has been on my TBR list for awhile and you just convinced me that’s my September book!!!
Lori K says
Audiobooks are great – and can be tricky! i agree with other commenters that the narrator can make or break the book. I really like when there is multiple cast members. I really don’t like when an obvious female narrator does male voices either. A few I would recommend beyond what has already been mentioned are A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith; Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy; Lonesome Dove (Takes a few chapters to get characters down but then you are in for a treat of unforgettable characters in an epic tale!); and The Borrowed LIfe of Frederick Fife. Some free ways to get them – from the library using the LIbby app; If you have spotify premium and are the account holder you get 15 hours of audiobooks a month; and I just found out that if you have an Amazon Prime account you get one free audiobook a month! To use Prime go to Amazon Music and look in audible. Then select a book and it is yours for “Free” – part of your membership but I had no clue! My dental hygienist filled me in during an appointment – she recommended First Degree by Andy Carpenter – its a whole series and very good!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you for this info, Lori!! xx