Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Summer Reads (with a big Boo Mama giveaway!)

I have been looking forward to this Shade of Shay for months!  

Several months ago, my friend Sophie (a.k.a. Boo Mama) asked me if she could send me an advanced copy of her book to read and review.  Two major things happened in that last sentence: 1. Sophie and I are friends!  I have decided she is one of my favorite people...she is so sweet, so encouraging, so supportive, so funny and has really blessed me in the short time that I've gotten to know her.  So, yes!  I would happily read her book.  And the second thing, I got an advanced copy of this fabulous book and loved every sentimental/hysterical/well-written page.  I savored it.  So, without a doubt...this is my number one summer read this season.  

And at the bottom of this post, Pinterest Told Me To, Blue-Eyed Bride and I are giving away 9 copies of the book to some lucky readers...keep reading...

Me on an airplane...I read the entire book front to back on my flight. I couldn't put it down!

Other than Sophie's book, what else do I read over the summer?  This is me...

1. I love to read.  Love, love, love it!  But I don't feel like I have enough hours in my day to read as much as I would like.  So, I tend to read a lot of magazines during the school year since they're easier to pick and put down...but during the summer, I'm all about the books.

2. I like to read easy stuff.  No brainers.  I like to pick up a book that immediately draws me in, entertains me and gives me a little escape.  Reading to me should be relaxing, not work.  

3. I like books that are uplifting. Why read a book that's going to depress me?  That doesn't sound like a fun time!

4. I read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, autobiographical, parenting, how-to, etc.  I like to mix things up.

Here are my suggestions for books to read this summer...books you'll love to pick up and won't want to put down.  And you'll see...I have a wide variety of interests...

1. Pray Big For Your Child by Will Davis Jr.

If you're looking for a book about raising a faithful kid, this is a great one.  This book gives you a lot of specific ways to pray for your kids, encourage them and encourage you as a parent.

2. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle

I've blogged about this book before.  It's hysterical!  It's about Melanie's journey through motherhood but written in the most relatable, hysterical way.  You won't be able to put it down...and I promise you, you'll laugh your head off!   

3. Mom, Inc.: The Essential Guide to Running a Successful Business Close to Home 

I have read this book several times.  It's a great book about running a business from your home. I look back at this book often because of the really helpful tips, tricks and info for working from home moms.  If you do work from home or would like to, you should read this book.

4. Anything by Emily Giffin

She is one of my very favorite "easy read" authors.  Here are a few of her books that I could read over and over again...

I have read all of these and they're just so fun and simple...perfect for the pool.

5. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

I read this book last fall and then immediately read it again.  It really gave me some encouragement and perspective about mothering my young kids.  It was funny, easy to read and hopeful. 

6. A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy is another one of my favorite authors.  I love her plots, her storylines, her humor and especially the way she describes the setting.  This was her final book before she passed away last year...it's definitely on my "to-read" list.

Ok...so a few options for you.  But...now for the big FUN!  I'm joining forces with Blue-Eyed Bride and Pinterest Told Me To to give away 9 copies each of Boo Mama's new book A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet.  All you need to do is enter below...and there are several easy ways to enter (because honestly, why enter once when you can enter several times?).  You will love this heartwarming book...every single page of it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One last thing, don't forget to check out my foodie blog today for your easy dinner recipe!  You're going to love this recipe...

...baked burritos!  They are delish!

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And I've had questions about upcoming Fifty Two Shades of Shay topics...this summer, stay tuned for Vacation Budgeting, Beachy Hair, Laundry Tips, Wearing Short-Shorts (and lookin' better than ever!), My Favorite Magazines and so on...we have a lot of ground to cover this summer!