This week, I’m joined by the wonderful bestselling author Monica Wood to chat all about her heartfelt new novel, How to Read a Book. It’s a story that beautifully explores forgiveness, second chances, and the quiet ways books can change our lives.
We talk about what inspired Violet, Harriet, and Frank’s intersecting stories, the real-life inspiration behind the prison book club at the heart of the novel, and how reading can help us find connection and healing when we least expect it.
If you love stories that remind you of the goodness still left in the world, this is one you won’t want to miss. How to Read a Book is tender, hopeful, and so fitting for book clubs — and my conversation with Monica felt like sitting down with an old friend who just really gets why we love stories.
Website: https://www.monicawood.com/
The Book Monica Recommends: Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel
October turned out to be one of my best reading months yet! I read 16 books—13 of them on audio—including three from the charming Emma M. Lion series. I also found several standout favorites that weren’t even on my original TBR (sometimes the best reads are the unexpected ones!). Tune in for all the highlights and surprises from a truly great month of reading.
Loved
🎧 Yellow Wife ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Book of Magic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Grace and Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Buckeye ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧 The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion #5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion #6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liked
🎧 The Guncle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 My Favorite Holidate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Good Spirits ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One and Only ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Before I Forget ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion #7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just okay, maybe skip
This Book Made Me Think of You ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧Date Night in December ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Soul Searching ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Bride ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once and Again ⭐️⭐️
Bestselling author B.K. Borison joins the podcast to talk about why romance deserves a seat at the literary table. *(cue fan girl moment for me!)* We talk about the importance of taking romance novels seriously, the joy of writing love stories that matter, and her enchanting new holiday book Good Spirits — a magical, heart-tugging romance that might just make you believe in the Ghost of Christmas Past. Thanks for listening!
Website: https://bkborison.com/
IG: @authorbkborison
WARNING: There will be spoilers about the Book!
Our October book club discussion is here! This month we dove into Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell — a breathtaking, emotional novel that reimagines the life and loss of Shakespeare’s only son. We chat all about O’Farrell’s exquisite writing, the portrait of Agnes as a wife and mother, and the ways grief and love can shape art. It’s a rich, heartfelt conversation that explores both the history behind the book and the emotional layers within it. Thanks for tuning in and being part of book club.
In this episode, I sit down with Laurie Gilmore, New York Times bestselling author of The Gingerbread Bakery. We dive into her journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author, the craft of writing small-town romance, and the magic of creating characters readers root for. Plus, Laurie gives us a peek at what’s coming next in her cozy, romantic universe. Thanks for listening!
Website: https://www.thelauriegilmore.com/
IG: @lauriegilmore_author
Curl up with your favorite fall drink and join me as I share 10 things I’m absolutely loving this season — from the coziest candle to the perfect fall playlist. Think of this episode as a warm hug in audio form. Thanks for listening!
This episode is such a treat—I got to sit down with Kirsten Miller! You might know her from her YA books or her adult hits like The Change, and now she’s back with her third adult novel The Women of Wild Hill. This book is full of wit, magic, and yes, some seriously satisfying female rage. We talked about everything from writing across age categories to what makes a strong heroine to why stories of women fighting back resonate so much right now. Thanks for listening!
Books Kirsten Recommends:
A Land so Wide by Erin A Craig
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Website: www.kirstenmillerbooks.com
IG: @kirstenmillerbooks
This week I had the absolute joy of chatting with bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne about her brand-new Christmas novel, Snow Kissed. With more than 70 books to her name, RaeAnne is truly an OG in the romance world, and we dive into her incredible publishing journey, how the industry has shifted over the years, and what continues to inspire her beloved heartwarming stories.
I also got to fangirl a bit over her Haven Point series (a longtime favorite of mine!) before wrapping things up with a festive rapid-fire Q&A—think Christmas traditions, cozy favorites, and her author must-haves.
This was such a fun and festive conversation, and I can’t wait for you to listen!
Website: https://www.raeannethayne.com/
IG: @raeannethayne
It’s time for our Quarter 4 catch-up! I’m joined by my friend Hannah from @booksandbitesroc, and we spend an hour talking about what we’re currently reading and the new releases we’re excited for in the last stretch of 2025. Spoiler: November and December are a little light on publishing, but we still found plenty of books worth adding to your TBR.
Books We Discussed:
Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose, Mate by Ali Hazelwood, Yours For the Season by Emily Stone, Told You So by Mayci Neeley, Twice by Mitch Albom, The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter, The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller, Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane, Overdue by Stephanie Perkins, My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely, The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss, Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben, The Dogs of Venice by Steve Rowley, And Then There Was The One by Martha Waters, Grace & Henery's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman, The Gallery Assistant by Kate Belli, Date Night in December by Jaqueline Snowe, The Widow by John Grisham, Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake, The Midnight Knock by John Fram, Some Kind of Famous by Ava Wilder, The Bone Thief by Vanessa Lillie, Kooky Spooky Love by Josie Silver, That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers, The Black Wolf by Louise Penny, Never Over by Clare Gilmore, Wreck by Catherine Newman, The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow, Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long, Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding, With Friends Like These by Alissa Lee, We Fell Apart by E Lockhart, The Bridesmaid by Cate Quinn, Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood, An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister, And Then There was You by Sophie Cousens, 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon, Death and Dinuguan by Mia P. Manansala, Friends and Liars by Kit Frick, The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea, Something Wicked by Fallon Ballard, Seeing Other People by Emily Wibberley & Austin Sigemund-Broka, Everyone In the Group Chat Dies by L.M. ChiltonIn, Your Dreams by Sarah Adams
This week I’m joined by Andrea Catalano to chat all about her debut novel The First Witch of Boston—a gripping story inspired by the true history of Margaret Jones, the first woman found guilty of witchcraft in 17th-century Massachusetts. We dive into Andrea’s background with this fascinating time period, her research process, and what drew her to bring this overlooked piece of history to life. Andrea was such a joy to talk with, and I can’t wait for you to not only discover this book but also get excited for her next one coming out next year!
Book mentioned: The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown
Website: https://andreacatalanoauthor.com/
IG: @acatnovelist
September! What a month. Lots of favorites which makes me so happy! Hope you had a great reading month and you had some winners. Happy listening!
Favorites
🎧 Hamnet ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The First Witch of Boston ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 How to Read a Book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Holiday Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Project Hail Mary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Tourist Season ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧 If It Makes You Happy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧 The Book Club for Troublesome Women ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Women of Wild Hill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liked
🎧 Snow Kissed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Man Who Died Twice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Gingerbread Bakery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stranger Things Have Happened ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Other People’s Houses ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Briars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Just Okay
The Weekend Crashers ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Second Story Bookshop ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mad Mabel ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meh
And Then There Was You ⭐️⭐️
🎧 Please Don’t Lie ⭐️⭐️
In this episode, I sit down with debut author Heather Aimee O’Neill to talk about her stunning new novel The Irish Goodbye. It’s a heartfelt family drama that explores the bonds that shape us, the rifts that challenge us, and the quiet moments that bring us back together. We dive into the complexities of real life family relationships, the threads that hold us close, and why empathy and connection matter more than ever.
Website: https://www.heatheraimeeoneill.com/
IG: @heatheraimeeoneill
It’s book club time! For September we read The Women on Platform Two, a story that takes us to 1970s Dublin where contraception was completely banned (yes, really 😳). We dive into Maura, Bernie, and Saoirse, the risks these women faced, and how their courage shaped the lives of generations to come.
We talk spoilers in this episode, so if you have not read the book yet you may want to finish it first. This one had us thinking, feeling, and asking big questions about choice, resilience, and the power of women supporting women. Grab your tea and join the convo!
In this episode, I chat with New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick about her new novel The Book Club for Troublesome Women. Already a USA Today and Southern Indie bestseller, the book takes us to the 1960s where four women form a book club that sparks friendship, self discovery, and quiet revolution.
Marie and I talk about the inspiration behind the story, why the themes of resilience and sisterhood still resonate today, and the lasting power of books to change lives. It is a warm and inspiring conversation you will not want to miss.
Website: https://mariebostwick.com/
IG: @mariebostwick
This week, I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you a peek behind the mic. From how episodes are planned to the surprises that pop up along the way, here’s the messy and fun reality of making this podcast. Thank you for listening and being a huge support for me!
I had the best time chatting with Kasie West, beloved YA contemporary romance author, about her exciting leap into adult romance—with a little spice! We talked about why she wanted to explore this new lane, how readers are responding, and what it means to follow your heart as a writer, even if it surprises people. If you love heartfelt romance and real talk about creativity, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Website: http://www.kasiewest.com/
IG: @kasiewest
Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only thing worth celebratingthis season! Fall is packed with bookish goodness! In this episode, I’m breaking down the buzziest new releases that will keep you turning pages long after the sun goes down.
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
Wild Reverance by Rebecca Ross (9/2)
A Land So Wide by Erin A Craig (9/9)
All This Could be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan (9/9)
The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards (9/16)
We Met Like This by Kasie West (9/16)
Alchemised by SenLinYu (9/23)
The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden (9/30)
Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (10/1)
Mate by Ali Hazelwood (10/7)
Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben (10/14)
Today I’m joined by Michelle and Laura, the delightful duo behind the bookstagram @dontbotheruswerereading. We chat all about their personal reading journeys, the joy (and challenge) of raising kids who love books, and what inspired them to launch their shared account. You’ll also hear about the titles they just can’t stop recommending, the communities they’ve found through books, and plenty of laughs in between.
Whether you’re a parent hoping to spark a love of reading at home, a fellow bookstagrammer, or simply on the hunt for your next great read, you’ll love this warm and inspiring conversation.
Laura's Recs: The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
Michelle's Recs: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig, The Outlaw Noble Salt by Amy Harmon
August! You came and went in a flash and somehow I kept reading even with back to school, sickness, and limited time to focus. My standout favorite is easily The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony. I can’t stop talking about it! Runner up favorites were Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe and The Matchmaker’s Gift. Did you have any favorites in August?
🎧 The Women on Platform Two ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Wishing Game ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 I’ll Come to You ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Bookstore Keepers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 The Matchmaker’s Gift ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 A History of Wild Places ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Deal with the Bossy Devil ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧 The Dirty Version ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧 The Sirens ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Full Bloom ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Play Nice ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 84, Charing Cross Road ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Not Quite Dead Yet ⭐️⭐️
Remain ⭐️⭐️
In this episode, I sit down with Laura Anthony, author of The Women on Platform Two, a moving and powerful novel inspired by a true story of women in 1970s Dublin who risked everything to fight for reproductive rights. We chat about Laura’s many pseudonyms (and why she writes under them!), her favorite things about living in Ireland, and what’s next for her writing.
The Women on Platform Two weaves together past and present: in 1969, Maura and Bernie face devastating choices in a country where contraception is forbidden; in 2023, Saoirse begins to uncover just how hard-won today’s freedoms truly are. It’s an unforgettable story of courage, resilience, and the women who dared to change history.
IG: @lauraanthonybooks
Books that Laura Recommends:
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall and PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern (not the movie haha)
Books to Try:
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris
Under Lying by Janelle Harris