Book Club: June 2022

We're a little late on this month's book club, but that is only because we are having too much fun this summer!  Vacations, trips, camps, and kids home makes for lots of fun, but very little downtime.  We've been on a roll with some great books this summer though and can't wait to share! 

WHAT WE READ...

CARRIE BETH

First up this month was Rivals by Katharine McGee.  It's the third book in the Young Adult American Royals series. This series is based on the idea that American has a Royal Family and is so clever and uniquely done. I loved the first book in this series so much that I named it my favorite of the entire year a few years ago.  The second book was good, but not great in my opinion, and this one was back to being one of my favorites that I'd read in a long time.  It continues to follow the same characters and reads almost like a soap opera with lots of different storylines between each of the characters and a lot of drama.  Knowing how this book ended I feel confident there will be a 4th book in the series.

My next read was Every Summer After by Carley Fortune and it gave me all the feels.  I loved this one and it reminded me so much of Love and Other Words which I named a top 3 favorite of the year last year.  It's a boy and girl next door friendship kind of story that turns into a love and then so much more.  They go through a lot together during their coming of age and grow up together experiencing life, love, heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and so much more. After many years of not seeing each other they are reunited and hash out all that went wrong so many years ago.  It was a page turner for sure and I couldn't stop until I knew what happened to these two characters.  

Last up this month was Meant to Be by Emily Giffin.  I love so many of her books so was excited to try this one.  The idea of this story is loosely based on the Kennedy family, a very high class, wealthy and very well-known family.  The golden boy and America's most eligible bachelor meets a girl with a rough past and the story follows their relationship trying to navigate their families, the media, and just their differences.  I enjoyed it, but it felt really long and kind of dragged on.  To me it was just a book about two people that kept going and going with little excitement or climax. 

JEN

June was beach vacation month. And beach vacation meant beach reading. Lots and lots of beach reading. It was glorious! Most of what I read, I loved! I read a wide variety of genres and quite a lot of suggestions off of our Best Books of Summer 2022 list. So, if you need something good to pack in your beach bag this month - I've got you! 

First up for the month, Emily Henry's latest, Book Lovers. Out of all three of the Henry books I've read so far, Book Lovers is by far my favorite. The characters, the back and forth banter, the fun sibling relationship between two of the main characters - all of it made for one super fun, couldn't put down, rom-com! If you are looking for an easier read with some laugh out loud commentary - this is the book for you this month! 

Second for the month, I snagged the latest from the queen of beach reads herself. (Thanks MKA for the copy!!!) The Homewreckers is exactly what I enjoy in an MKA novel - fun home decor references, quirky characters, and at least a mystery or two. This story is based out of Savannah and features a home renovation reality TV show turned murder mystery. There's a little romance or two that pops up as part of the story, but it's totally PG and a backdrop to the mystery itself. Loved this one and it was the perfect beach read! 

This next one deserves all the hype it has gotten this Summer. Every Summer After is literally the perfect Summer read. This is a best friends to romance style story, but with all the feelings. As you get into the book you learn that something happened to split the characters up 12 years earlier, but you don't find out until the very end of the book. The characters cross paths again in the present day and all the magic seems to still be there, but the "mystery" issue still hangs over them.

I was in love with the story and characters right from the start. I wasn't even finished with it yet, and told all my girlfriends to read it. Even when I turned the last page I still wanted more of the Summers with Percy, Sam and the lake shores of Barry's Bay. Read it - you won't be disappointed! 

Next I decided to switch it up. Falling has been on my TBR pile for awhile, but it covers a heavier topic so I kept putting it on the back burner. On a whim I brought it to the beach and I am so glad I did. I devoured the book in a day. The story follows an airplane pilot who is called into work last minute. He does his normal routine and gets into the air when all things go wrong. Only no one is allowed to know. On the ground his family is experiencing their own crisis. The pilot has to make a devastating choice, and neither one is one he wants to make. I don't want to give it away at all, but the whole time I read it I kept asking my husband, "What would you do if this happened to you? What choice would you make?!" I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and the ending blew my mind. If you need something to get your heart rate up in a different way...read this one!  

Closing out the month for me was Birds of California. I picked this one because the beachy cover caught my eye, it had a great review from Taylor Jenkins Reid and was the Barnes and Noble pick for the month. I figured I didn't even need to read the back with all those things going for it. So I went in blind. It was a quick read about a girl who was a child star on a popular TV show until one day her life began to spiral out of control. The novel is mystery in a sense because you don't know why things suddenly took a turn for her, or why she is so bitter about her career. When the show wants to relaunch all things come to a head again. I enjoyed the book, but compared to the fast paced ones before it, I didn't rate this one as high for the month. It also leans towards YA. If you need a quick drama filled read - this would be the one I would grab. 

WHAT'S UP NEXT...

CARRIE BETH 

Next up for me is Book Lovers by Emily Henry. 

I've had a few people recommend this to me it sounds like such a cute story! 

JEN

I've heard awesome reviews for Kristan Higgins latest, Out of the Clear Blue Sky. I already have it ready to go! 

WHAT DID YOU READ LAST MONTH? ANYTHING YOU LOVED THAT WE SHOULD PUT ON OUR READING LISTS? SHARE WITH US!

BOOK CLUB 2022

| January | February | March | April  | May |

BEST BOOKS OF SUMMER 2022

BEST BOOKS OF 2021

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Best Books of Summer 2022

 

Spicy romances. Edge of your seat thrillers. Family Secrets. Mysterious pasts. No matter your personal reading preferences, we have a little something for everyone in this year's "Best Books of Summer" list! 

So pull up a beach chair, grab your favorite pool side seat, mix your favorite patio-worthy cocktail, and get ready for a summer of great reading!  

BEST BOOKS OF SUMMER 2022

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
Second chance romance finds a treasure hunt in the wilds of Utah. This author duo does it again with a fun, quick rom-com that will be sure to heat up your summer. 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Six summers to fall in love. One summer to tear it all apart. Haunting past choices, lake side childhoods, and blooming friendships all come together in one can't miss summer novel. Every Summer After has been gaining buzz everywhere and has quickly become a fan favorite one of book reviewers everywhere - not one to miss!

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
A psychological suspense set amongst the lakeside magic of Vermont. Casey chooses to escape to avoid the press, and quickly becomes entangled with the "perfect" couple from across the lake. As she looks further she realizes not everything is as perfect as it seems. 

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen 
Designer handbags meets comedic mystery. Two Asian women team up to create the ultimate fake handbag scheme. When their business goes global their beautiful handbags catch more than just their eye of their buyers. 

Gilt by Jamie Brenner
Meet the Pavlin family - the original jewelers of the engagement ring. Family secrets, hidden pasts, and sparkling glamour come together in one rich novel. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
One of the most buzzed about beach reads of the summer, Henry delivers another must-read rom-com. Two rivals in the book world find themselves trapped in the same small town in North Carolina. By chance they land the same project. Can they survive in one piece? Find out in this laugh out loud must read!

The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
Murder, lies, and mansions all come together in this historical fiction novel set in Newport, Rhode Island. Secrets spanning over 100 years all come together for a modern day must read!

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
One wronged woman decides to take matters into her own hands for redemption. She is determined to expose the con-artist who ruined her life a decade earlier, until she becomes entangled even deeper with him. Was she wrong all along? 

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
TJR brings back a past character for their own tale. Carrie Soto is a world famous tennis player on the backside of retirement age. As someone comes along to take her top titles and records, she's looking for one last win in this can't put down tale. 

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
Overworked and underpaid, Isabelle decides to leap at an opportunity to prove herself once and for all. Only once she digs further into the situation she realizes more than just her job is at stake. Her heart might be just as on the chopping block. 

Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristin Higgins 
Lillie is both dreading and looking forward to the next phase of her life. When her empty-nester dreams are thrown for a loop by her husband, she gets angry. From one laugh out loud scene to the next, you fall in love with Lillie and her new life. 

Meant to Be by Emily Griffin
A loose spin on the romance between JFK, Jr. and his romance with Carolyn Bessette. The story takes a look at their relationship, their travels together, their differing backgrounds, and a family curse.   

The Dead Romantics by Emily Poston
A ghost writer finds herself back home facing ghosts of her own past. And maybe a special new one or two. This hilarious debut novel has been announced as a Good Morning America Book Club read and as a Barnes and Noble Read. In short - not one to miss! 

The Edge of Summer by Viola Shipman
Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, Sutton sets along a journey to find out clues to her secretive mother's past. As she digs deeper, she finds answers to more than just questions about her mom. 

Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
When a developer decides to renovate the infamous Hotel Nantucket, he only wants the best. He goes above and beyond when it comes to cost and hiring the right staff. But without ever stepping foot in the building or meeting in person anyone. In this behind the scenes look at resort lifestyle, luxury, and what it takes to "make it", you find yourself immersed in both the drama of the present and a spicy story of the past. 

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
When a script writer turns to her own life for inspiration, she gets more than she bargains for. Namely in the form of her own home being the star of the show. Comedy meets heartwarming in this fun beach bag worthy novel. 

Privacy by Nina Sandowsky
In this psychological thriller meets romantic suspense, a therapist learns that their clients are being being watched. As things escalate and cryptic messages are received, the media gets a hold of the story. In the frenzy the therapist partners with an unlikely alley only to learn the target on her back becomes larger.  

The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner
Weddings always bring out the best in everyone right? In this novel, a beloved Cape Cod house gets one last blast when Sarah's 22 year old step-daughter announces she is marrying her pandemic boyfriend. Secrets emerge, wedding hiccups are a plenty, and families will never be the same. 

From the Jump by Lacie Waldon
Liz is overworked and tired of missing out on life. She decides to take matters into her own hands when quits everything to meet up with friends of hers in South Africa. But one friend might change it all. And if they go back to their normal lives, will everything she worked for disappear? 

It Girl by Ruth Ware
A decade old murder at Oxford University suddenly doesn't add up. Revisiting old facts, sometimes you learn the guilty might not have been guilty at all. If you are looking for a page turning thriller to throw in your beach bag - this is it!

The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews
The queen of beach reads delivers all of our favorites in one fun novel. HGTV, romance, and murder mysteries take center stage in this can't put down whodunit. Demo day will never be the same. 

DO YOU HAVE A BOOK YOU CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS SUMMER? WHICH ONES TOP YOUR LIST? SHARE WITH US!

BOOK CLUB 2022

| January | February | March | April | May |

BEST BOOKS OF 2021

Follow along with us on Goodreads!

HAPPY READING! 

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Serena & Lily Outdoor Dupes

We love decorating our outdoor spaces. They are an extension of our homes. We also covet the cool, calm coastal vibes of Serena & Lily. But Southern summers can be harsh on outdoor furniture and accessories. So while Serena & Lily items last forever, we also get super excited when we spot something in the wild that is a great dupe for less money!

We were astonished to find one of our favorite outdoor sets of the season is from Walmart! It's a great dupe for a very similar (and more expensive) set from Serena and Lily. But at less than a fifth of the price! 

Digging a little deeper, Walmart was giving us some major S&L inspo. Here is just a quick peek at some of our outdoor porch decor favorites.

1: Outdoor Seating Set

2: Scalloped Rug

3: Bamboo Planter

4: Hanging Planters

5: Fringed Outdoor Pillows

6: Melamine Bowl

7: Outdoor Lantern

Have you spotted some great Serena & Lily Dupes? We'd love to hear about them!

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Stylish and Affordable Wall Art {Poster Store}

This summer while I'm home a little more than usual I've been trying to get some house projects checked off my to-do list. One of those projects was to find some wall art for a couple of spots in my house.  I happened to be introduced to Poster Store right around the time I started searching and it was perfect timing! When I hear posters I tend to think something my kids would bring home from the book fair, but that isn't the case here.  Poster Store specializes in wall art of the highest quality and is inspired by simplicity and elegance. 

I loved searching through all of their designs and ended up getting some floral illustrations for my dining room.  These aren't a set, but pair so nicely together!  It's the Vintage Magnolia, Vintage Banana Tree, Pink Plant Illustration and White Rose Illustration.  I did the oak frames with them and also the matting that Poster Store sells.  They turned out SO nice and I love the way the look.  

I also grabbed this Birds Illustration Poster for our guest bedroom.  The name of the street we live on is related to a bird, so I like to have little touches of birds all over the house.  When I saw this one I knew it would be perfect. 

Poster Store gave us a discount code to share with our readers.  Be sure to use the code MAGNOLIAMAMAS for 35% off prints.  This code excludes "selection prints" and is good until June 30th!  

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Amazon Swim Cover Ups

We have finally settled into the swing of summer break around here and are just loving all of our time spent in swimsuits by the pool or at the lake.  Next month we're going back to the Bahamas and we learned our lesson last year about what TO pack (we lived in swimsuits and coverups) and what NOT TO pack (any real clothes).  Since we're going to be spending 10 days living in swimsuits and coverups I decided to order a few new coverups for our trip and I found the CUTEST options from Amazon and most of them are on sale and under $30!

1. Chiffon Colorball Tassel Cover Up  ($23.00) 

2. V-neck Mini Dress Cover Up  ($24.00) 

3. V-neck Crochet Cover Up ($17.00)

4. Lace Trim V-neck Cover Up ($20.00)

5. Chiffon Sarong ($18.00)

6. Knit Dress Cover Up ($24.00)

7. Ruffle Trim Cover Up ($27.00)

8. White Crochet Sleeveless Tunic ($24.00)

9. Chiffon Tassel and Crochet Cover Up ($26.00)

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Everyday Organizing for Busy Moms {Meal Planning & Grocery Lists}

 Happy June!!! Hello sunshine, hello summer. I've never been happier for a summer. May just about did me in so I was really happy to welcome summer break at our house.  

June marks about halfway through the year, halfway through the fun themed calendar pics, and a new post in the Everyday Organizing for Busy Moms series.  

Happy Everything Calendar 

This month is all about meal planning and grocery lists.  I ran into a friend at the grocery store last week and and we were talking about how much food our kids consume now that they are home for summer! It felt like the perfect time to cover these topics.

Meal Planning 

 

When some people hear meal planning they might think might think that is something elaborate.  I'm sure it could be because I know there are apps and calendars and all sorts of ways to keep up with this. However, for me it is literally figuring out the "What's for dinner?" question one week at a time and writing it down so I can keep track and have a general idea throughout the week.  

It's often written on the back of my grocery lists and I usually think about this on Sunday so I can plan for the week. Sometimes it changes during the week and it is always generally based on how our evenings looks. If the Mr. is out of town and everyone has practice, you better believe Chick-fil-a is written down for that night. I might not actually be cooking, but that night's meal is planned for!  Sometimes it will change as our plans change, but at least when I head to the grocery store on Sunday or Monday I have what I need to get dinner going the nights that we are actually home. 

I usually plan for Monday - Friday.  On Friday I will regroup and reassess what our weekend will look like. Who has sleepovers, are we hanging at the pool and grilling or going out with friends?  I often don't know our weekend plans so I do a mini meal planning session if we'll be home for the weekend. 

Grocery Lists

Some people keep elaborate grocery lists, spreadsheets, have lists on their phones or tell their Alexa to add it to a list.  I'm old school though so I keep a notepad by the fridge and constantly add to it when I think of something we need or when we run out of pantry staples. Even though I'd like to think I would remember when I am actually at the store, I know won't.   

The best thing I have trained my kids to do is to add to the grocery list.  

Their favorite snack is gone and they want me to get more? Add it to the list. 

They need more toothpaste? Add it to the list. 

Want to bake with friends and need supplies?  Add it to the list.  

It's easy to pick out what they add, but I don't mind! They've stopped requesting things in person because they just know I'm going to tell them to go write it down for me. It's actually like a magical list.  They write it down and it appears in our fridge or pantry. This method ensures everyone gets what they want/need and it saves me from making multiple trips to the store. 

Although this summer I do feel like I'm making more trips than normal, but I'm totally fine with it! I'm just happy for them to be home, having friends over, and enjoying the short, but sweet summer break we have! 

EVERYDAY ORGANIZING FOR BUSY MOMS 

January {Keep a Family Calendar}

February {To-Do Lists} 

March {Time Pockets}

April {Declutter}

May {Laundry & Dishes}

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Book Club: May 2022

June is here!  Hello lazy days of summer.  If we are being honest it's been one week of summer and not one second of it has felt lazy yet, but we are hopeful that it is on the horizon.  Hoping for some pool days, beach vacations, and lots of fun in the sun with a book in one hand and a yummy cocktail in the other. 

WHAT WE READ...

CARRIE BETH

First up for me was Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score. This was typical romance novel with some rated R love scenes, but also a lot of sweet moments, too.  Bad boy Knox who claims he will never fall for a good girl ends up doing just that.  Naomi, a runaway bride, gets sucked into small town life and is thrust into the guardianship of her niece overnight.  In a new place with nowhere to turn, Knox ends up showing them the ropes, introducing her, and always looking out for her well being.  The two end up falling for each other and his relationship with her is just was sweet as his relationship with her niece.  Add in the crazy twin sister, the fun gay friend, the supportive parents and a town full of good-hearted people and this was a story to make you feel good.  

I heard about Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus earlier this spring, but when I saw it pop up as a recommendation last month I decided to give it a try and I'm so happy I did!  It was probably one of my favorite books I've read all year. It follows Elizabeth Zott, a quirky and forward thinking chemist who is out to prove to herself, her daughter, and to all the women around her that women can do anything.  Set in the 1950s and 1960s, she was only one of a few females in an overly male profession.  She pushed limits, tested boundaries, and didn't take no for an answer all while exhibiting style, grace, and class. By chance she finds herself hosting a cooking show, but does it her own way. She includes teaching the science behind cooking and also shares her mission that women can and should be valued to housewives all over the country. This book made me laugh out loud and also touched on very important issues in our society.  I highly recommend it to anyone!  

JEN

First up for the month was The Golden Couple. Oh my goodness - if domestic suspense novels are your thing - grab this one. I tend to dip in and out of this genre, but this is probably one of the best ones I have ever read. 

The story follows two different characters. Marissa Bishop is a wealthy mom and business owner looking to repair her marriage. Avery is a therapist with a special style of counseling that is guaranteed to help anyone in just a few sessions. Both characters have secrets that emerge throughout the story and are that are a constant threat to their lives as well as their loved ones. 

Every time I thought I would figure out one mystery a new twist would emerge and I'd be thrown off all over again. The end is a total doozy and while I screamed, "I knew it!", I was also stunned. I loved how the authors tied the two characters together and how it all wrapped up. Totally recommend this page turner. 

Second for the month was a FUN one! One of Us is Dead was gifted to me, but I am oh so glad it was. This is a mystery but with a lot of southern sass mixed into it. Think Real Housewives but with domestic thriller twist. The story is centered around an elite and wealthy group of women in Buckhead and their go-to salon, Glow.

The local shoutout had me laughing. 

Secrets, drama, affairs - this book had all the juicy twist and turns. I could not put it down.

If you are looking for a quick and fun read - snag this one! It would be a perfect one to pack in your beach bags. 

Clearly I was in a mystery/suspense mood last month because last up on my reading pile was The Younger Wife.  This is categorized a thriller/suspense novel, but to me it read more like a family drama. The story is centered around a family that has been dealing with a mother who has early age dementia. The dad has met someone new and there will be a wedding. The story is told from several points of view: one mystery POV, both daughters, and the dad's new love interest. You learn of a murder, but don't know who dies, who does it, and what happens until the very end. 

The storyline kept me hooked, but it also moved a little slow to me. There are a ton of extra secrets and details that get released about each member of the family, and the end finished at warp speed compared to the rest of the novel. 

I enjoyed it, but of the three suspense books in my pile this month, The Younger Wife would be third on the list. 

WHAT'S UP NEXT...

CARRIE BETH 

Next up for me is Rivals by Katherine McGee.  It is the third book in the American Royals series. I named the first book in this series my favorites of the year a few years ago so I'm excited to get started on this one!

JEN

I've heard amazing things about the book Lessons in Chemistry, and after hearing Carrie Beth's review I am definitely going to move that one up in my reading pile. But first up...

Book Lovers by Emily Henry. I need something a little different to kick off Summer with than murder and have already made it a few chapters into this one! I loved Henry's first two books, so I can't wait to see how I feel about this one. 

WHAT DID YOU READ LAST MONTH? ANYTHING YOU LOVED THAT WE SHOULD PUT ON OUR READING LISTS? SHARE WITH US!

BOOK CLUB 2022

| January | February | March | April 

BEST BOOKS OF 2021

Follow along with us on Goodreads!

HAPPY READING! 

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