This month, we’re leaning into the cozy chaos of autumn with gothic reads, witchy retellings, and darkly enchanting novels that pair perfectly with a warm mug and candlelight. From the small-town secrets of Buckeye by Patrick Ryan to the spell-tinged retellings in Salt and Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher, this episode of Reeding Between the Lines unpacks the books that carried us through September — and the ones casting a spell over our October TBR.We talk about The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano, a chilling reimagining of the first woman executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts, and A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney, a lush, atmospheric love letter to anyone who keeps a little bit of witch in their heart all year long. We also revisit The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson — an 18th-century mystery perfect for fans of Dickens — and Babel by R.F. Kuang, a dark academia masterpiece that asks how far you’ll go for knowledge and power.📚 Whether you’re craving haunted mansions, found family in the stars (Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei), or cozy witch-next-door vibes, this episode delivers a perfectly balanced cauldron of bookish recommendations.

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Step into the world of dark fairy tales, haunted coal mines, and unforgettable characters with award-winning author Ursula Vernon — who many readers also know as T. Kingfisher.In this episode, we dive into her two newest releases:Hemlock & Silver (Aug 19, 2025) — a chilling, witty retelling of Snow White that asks what happens when a poison healer is summoned to save a princess trapped between worlds.What Stalks the Deep (Sept 30, 2025) — the third installment of the Sworn Soldier novellas, where Alex Easton ventures into a haunted West Virginia coal mine in search of a missing cousin.We also talk about Ursula’s inspiration, her process of writing for both kids and adults, and how her art continues to shape the way she tells stories. If you love fairy tales with teeth, horror with heart, and characters you’ll never forget, this conversation is for you.🔗 Learn more about Ursula Vernon / T. Kingfisher:Website: https://www.redwombatstudio.comT. Kingfisher’s Books: https://tkingfisher.com🌑 Dark Fairy-Tale Retellings by T. KingfisherThe Seventh Bride (2014) – BluebeardBryony and Roses (2015) – Beauty and the BeastThe Raven & the Reindeer (2016) – The Snow QueenThornhedge (2023) – Sleeping BeautyA Sorceress Comes to Call (2024) – The Goose GirlHemlock & Silver (2025) – Snow White⚠️ Footnote for AccuracyCorrection: In this episode, I mistakenly referred to Alex Easton (the protagonist of the Sworn Soldier series) as “she.” Alex’s pronouns are they/them.

On this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, we’re diving into the book world from every angle—subscription platforms, backlist gems, thrillers, fantasy, and even some spicy mythology retellings.📚 Book Platforms We Tried:Kindle Unlimited – is it really worth the $11.99/month?Spotify vs Audible – which audiobook service gives you more value?Libby – the library app that might just be the best deal in books.Along the way, we chat about backlist finds, audiobook quirks, and yes… even a few grumpy ponies.If you’re looking for your next read (or listen), this episode is packed with recommendations, laughs, and honest takes on which platforms and books are worth your time.

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@reedingpod

#BookPodcast #Audiobooks #KindleUnlimited #LibbyApp #DarkOlympus #Thrillers #BookTok #BookRecommendations#Books #Podcast #Audiobooks #Thrillers #BookRecommendations

We’re officially halfway through 2024—so it’s time for a mid-year reading check-in! In this episode, Nicole (aka my mom and book BFF) and I are recapping the books that have taken over our lives in the best ways... and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark.

We cover:
📚 Our current favorite reads of the year
😬 A few DNF-worthy disappointments
😱 The books that surprised us in the best way
📖 What we’re reading right now
👀 What’s at the top of our summer TBR

From urban fantasy (Neverwhere forever) to twisty thrillers, cozy magic, and deeply emotional literary fiction—we’re talking about the full spectrum of stories that have kept us turning pages in 2024. If you’re a mood reader or just looking for that next guaranteed 5-star pick, you’ll love this episode.

Books we discuss include:

• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

• 13th Child by Erin A. Craig

• Bunny by Mona Awad

• A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

• The Compound by Aisling Rawle

• The Entire Sky by Joe Wilkins

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

• The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

• The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

• The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose

• Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess

• Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

🎧 Listen in for honest book reviews, a little side chatter (as usual), and a whole lot of passion for storytelling.

—

📲 Stay connected:
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✨ Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show—it helps other book lovers find us!

#BookPodcast #MidYearBookRecap #BestBooks2024 #SummerReads #ReadingWrapUp #BookRecommendations #TBRUpdate #CozyReads #BooksWeLoved #DNFBooks #BookishChat #ReedingBetweenTheLines #ReedingPod

This week on Reeding Between the Lines, I’m joined by my mom and fellow book-lover Nicole for a cozy, laughter-filled episode all about summer reading—what defines it, what we’re loving, and what’s on our TBR as the weather warms up.

We unpack the idea of the “beach read,” share our personal picks (spoiler: thrillers, fantasy, and romantic chaos all made the list), and talk about how our reading habits shift in summer mode. Whether you're packing for vacation, chasing kids around the yard, or just trying to carve out some porch-reading peace, this episode is for you.

✨ In this episode:
• What makes a book a good “summer read”?
• Light vs. escapist vs. emotionally rich—what works and when
• Mood reading while traveling
• Our favorite books from past and upcoming summers
• Series we're continuing this season (looking at you, Rebecca Ross and S.D. Smith)
• Quick-fire recommendations: thrillers, romance, fantasy, and contemporary gems

📚 Some books we mention:

• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

• Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

• A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

• The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

• Drowning by T.J. Newman

• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

• Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner

• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

• The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club by Gloria Chao

• Upcoming: Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson, It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

🎧 Listen now and build your ultimate summer TBR with us.

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @reedingpod
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Reeding Between the Lines
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#SummerReads #BeachReads #BookPodcast #ReedingPod #BookRecommendations #CozyReads #MotherDaughterPodcast #FantasyBooks #ThrillerReads #RomanceNovels #MoodReader #BookishChat #ReadingTBR

Step into the eerie world of The Wild Things with bestselling author London Clarke, known for her supernatural thrillers and gothic suspense. In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, we dive deep into the inspiration, research, and writing process behind her chilling novel that blends true crime, cults, and the paranormal in a haunting North Carolina setting.📚 What you'll discover in this episode:The real-life inspirations behind The Wild ThingsHow London Clarke creates atmosphere and psychological tensionThe symbolism behind Kendall Casey’s visionsWhat it takes to write ethically about true crime and traumaWhy Eau de Lune and the Robinettes will give you chills🔮 If you're a fan of gothic fiction, cult mysteries, and slow-burn supernatural suspense, this episode is for you!👉 Learn more about London Clarke and her books: https://www.londonclarke.com🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment if you love chilling mysteries and author deep-dives.📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:Instagram: @reedingpodYouTube: / @reedingbetweenthelines Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935📓 Free Book Tracker: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker#LondonClarke #TheWildThings #AuthorInterview #SupernaturalThriller #GothicSuspense #TrueCrimeFiction #BookPodcast #CultThriller #HauntedBooks #ParanormalMystery #ReedingBetweenTheLines

April flew by, and we’re wrapping it up with all the books we loved (and didn’t!) this month! 📚 Plus, we dive into a big question: Are book clubs really a good idea? Whether you’re already in a book club or thinking about joining one, we’re sharing the pros, cons, and tips for making the experience more fun and less stressful.Grab a cozy drink and settle in for this bookish conversation! ☕✨🔗 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy chats and book recommendations every week!💬 Tell us in the comments: Are you in a book club? Love it or hate it?📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:Instagram: @reedingpodYouTube:    / @reedingbetweenthelines  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...📓 Free Book Tracker: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit...#BookClubDiscussion

#AprilReadingWrapUp #BookRecommendations #CozyReads #ReadingCommunity #BookishChat #ReedingBetweenTheLinesPodcast #BookTalk #BookClubProblems #BookReview #MonthlyWrapUp

In this cozy, heartwarming episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I sit down with bestselling cozy fantasy author J. Penner to talk about her delightful new book, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic. Set in the enchanting world of Adenashire, J. Penner’s novel follows a human confectionist who stirs up more than just pastries as she competes in a magical elven bake-off.

We dive into:
✨ How J. Penner blends fantasy, baking, and feel-good vibes
🍰 The inspiration behind her charming main character, Arleta Starstone
📖 Why cozy fantasy is having a moment—and how she crafts her stories to feel like a warm hug
🐾 Writing rituals (hint: cats and tea are involved)

If you love cozy fantasy, baking competitions, or just need a serotonin boost, this episode is for you!

🧁 Grab J. Penner’s book: https://jpennerauthor.com/
📲 Follow her on Instagram: @jpennerauthor
🎧 Follow and review the podcast to help more book lovers find our cozy corner of the internet!

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReedingBetweenTheLines
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#CozyFantasy #AuthorInterview #BookPodcast #FantasyBooks #FeelGoodReads #BakingMagic #JPenner #BooksToRead

n this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, we're stepping out of the library and into the wild with the passionate and adventurous Lisa Roberti. A wildlife advocate, storyteller, and photographer, Lisa has spent over 30 years exploring wildlife-rich destinations around the world—especially Africa, where she now spends several months each year on safari.

Lisa shares unforgettable stories from the field, introduces us to some of the most memorable animals she’s encountered, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she’s turning her wild adventures into compelling books and an African Safari Planner. We also sneak in some book talk—because you know we had to ask her what fiction she’s reading!

Whether you're an animal lover, an armchair traveler, or someone who just loves a good story, this episode will inspire your sense of wonder and wanderlust.

🦁 Topics We Cover:

• How storytelling and photography help raise awareness for conservation

• Behind the lens: Lisa’s favorite safari moments

• The unexpected power of learning through curiosity

• Fiction recommendations with a wild twist

• Why every animal has a story worth telling

📸 Connect with Lisa Roberti:

• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lisamroberti/

• Website + Blog + Shop: https://lisamroberti.com/

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:

• Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod

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• 📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I’m joined by Emmy-winning TV producer turned media coach, Danette Kubanda. With two decades of experience booking guests for shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, HGTV, and more, Danette now helps authors and entrepreneurs become the kind of media guests producers want to book.

We talk all things publicity—how to craft a great pitch, tie your book into trending topics, land media even without a big following, and show up like a pro when the spotlight hits. If you're an author or aspiring expert ready to grow your visibility and make a real impact, this conversation is packed with gold.

Connect with Danette:

https://danettekubanda.net/ or https://www.instagram.com/kubandad/

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:

• Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod
  

• Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935
  

• 📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker
  

🎧 Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the show—it helps more bookish folks find us!

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, Sara sits down with bestselling author Gloria Chao, whose books—like American Panda, Rent a Boyfriend, and When You Wish Upon a Lantern—are beloved for their humor, heart, and honest exploration of cultural identity. Gloria shares her journey from dentistry to writing, how she brings complex characters to life, and what inspires the stories she tells.

We also dive into her brand-new genre shift with her upcoming thriller, The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club, releasing on June 24, 2025! Gloria gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her first foray into mystery and suspense, while keeping the voice and heart that fans know and love.

Plus: favorite reads, how she navigates family expectations, and advice for aspiring writers.

🧋 Topics We Cover:

• From rom-coms to thrillers: how Gloria’s writing has evolved

• Writing identity and humor in YA fiction

• What readers can expect from The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club

• Book recommendations from Gloria

• Her best advice for writers exploring cultural themes

📖 Connect with Gloria Chao:

• Instagram: @gloriacchao

• Website: https://gloriachao.wordpress.com

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:

• Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod

• Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935

• 📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

🎧 Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the show—it helps more bookish folks find us!

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Andrea Bartz to talk about her upcoming release, Last Ferry Out—a gripping psychological thriller set on a storm-battered island where nothing is as it seems. We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the story, how Andrea builds twisty, emotionally rich plots, and the haunting themes of grief, secrecy, and survival that drive this latest novel. If you're a fan of thrillers with atmosphere, heart, and jaw-dropping reveals, this conversation is for you.

Find us on Instagram at @reedingpod

or Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@ReedingBetweenTheLines

Discover Andrea at https://www.andreabartz.com/

LISTEN NOW Apple ⁠podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935⁠ Instagram⁠ instagram.com/reedingpod⁠

Free Book Tracker⁠ reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker⁠

Spotify⁠ open.spotify.com/show/5Tslw66002aTNMINx8cSf0

BOOKS:

Teller of small fortunes Julie Leong - Nov 2024, puboished by ACE

***Note: at the time of the recording I mention that the main character in this novel experieices cultural adversity. I am further in the book and want to mention that the character experpeicnes acts of rcism and bullying. By no means did I intend to downplay that.

Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao - Viking Press

Significant Others - by Zoe Eisenberg, MIRA 2/6/24

Bad Publicity Bianca Gillam - Penguin out in us on May 20, 2025

How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley, published by Pamela Dorman Books in June 2024

The Feast by Margaret Kennedy, published by Faber and Faber in 1950

" Broken Country " by Clare Leslie Hall, published by Simon and Schuster on March 4, 2025

The Jackal’s Mistress, written by Chris Bahjalian and published by Doubleday on March 11, 2025

Penitence, a debut novel by Kristen Kovacs, published by Celedon on January 28, 2025

When life took an unexpected turn, Tarik Williams didn’t just adapt—he transformed. In this inspiring episode, Tarik shares how losing his sight at sixteen led him to discover a deeper vision for his life. From aspiring NBA player to mindset coach and podcast host, he opens up about resilience, purpose, and the power of redefining what it means to truly see.

🎧 LISTEN NOW

Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935

Instagram instagram.com/reedingpod

Free Book Tracker reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

Spotify open.spotify.com/show/5Tslw66002aTNMINx8cSf0

FIND TARIK WILLIAMS

https://wearevisionofhope.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/wearevisionofhope/

Speak Your Vision Podcast Host

In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Eisenberg—writer, award-winning filmmaker, and circus producer based on Hawai’i Island—to talk about her emotionally rich debut novel, Significant Others. Zoe’s creative work has been supported by Tribeca Studios and Netflix, and her storytelling spans from PBS screens to aerial silks with Aerial Arts Hawai’i, a queer and allied circus collective she co-founded.

We dive into the heart of Significant Others, a poignant story about two best friends whose deep bond is tested over nine transformative months. Set against a lush Hawaiian backdrop, the novel unpacks the beauty and heartbreak of evolving friendships, shifting identities, and what happens when the life you planned with someone starts to unravel. If you've ever grieved a friendship or felt the growing pains of change, this one’s for you.

🎧 LISTEN NOW

Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935

Instagram instagram.com/reedingpod

Free Book Tracker reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

Spotify open.spotify.com/show/5Tslw66002aTNMINx8cSf0

FIND ZOE

https://zoeeisenberg.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zoeisenberg/

📚 From Battling Cancer to Building Worlds — Meet Shawn Speakman, the powerhouse behind Grim Oak Press and The Signed Page!

After facing down over $200,000 in medical debt, Shawn didn’t just survive—he THRIVED, launching the bestselling anthology Unfettered and transforming his passion for fantasy into a publishing empire.

👑 In 2023, he took things next level, partnering with Skybound Entertainment (you know, the legends behind The Walking Dead and Invincible) to publish The King-Killing Queen—a fantasy epic that kicks off the Old World Tales trilogy.

🗡️ We sat down for an epic chat about his journey, his love for fantasy, and all the behind-the-scenes magic from @emeraldcitycomiccon.

✨ If you love stories of resilience, world-building, and the power of words, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

🎧 LISTEN NOW

https://shawnspeakman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shawncspeakman

https://www.patreon.com/c/ShawnSpeakman/membership

https://grimoakpress.com/

#PodcastDrop #ShawnSpeakman #FantasyBooks #AuthorLife #GrimOakPress #TheSignedPage #KingKillingQueen #FantasyFiction #BookLovers #EmeraldCityComicCon #IndieAuthor #NewPodcastEpisode

🌸 Spring Book Releases + The Problem with Problematic Authors! 🌸

It’s time to refresh your TBR! In this episode, we're diving into the most exciting spring book releases of 2025 and tackling the complicated topic of problematic authors. Can you separate the art from the artist? We're breaking it all down! 👀✨

Books We're Excited About:
📚 The Wild Things – London Clarke (Carfax Abbey)
📚 Bad Publicity – Bianca Gillam (Penguin, May 20)
📚 The Maid’s Secret – Nita Prose (Ballantine, April 8)
📚 Neverwhere – Neil Gaiman
📚 Broken Country – Clare Leslie Hall (Simon & Schuster, March 4)
📚 Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry (Berkley, April 22)
📚 A Map to Paradise – Susan Meissner (Berkley, March 18)
📚 Tilt – Emma Pattee (MarySue Rucci, March 25)
📚 The Ministry of Time – Kaliane Bradley (Simon & Schuster, May 7)

✨ PLUS: We’re having an honest conversation about the controversy—how do YOU approach reading books by authors with a problematic past?

💬 Share your thoughts and let us know which spring releases you're most excited about!

🎧 Tune in now—new episode is LIVE!

#BookPodcast #SpringBooks #NewReleases #ReadingCommunity #TBRList #ProblematicAuthors #BookTalk #ReedingBetweenTheLines

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I sit down with acclaimed author Rufi Thorpe to discuss her latest novel, Margot’s Got Money Troubles. We dive into the inspiration behind the book, the complexities of Margot’s journey, and the themes of ambition, class, and survival woven throughout the story.

Join us as we explore Thorpe’s writing process, the realities of financial struggle, and how her bold, unforgettable characters come to life on the page. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

✨ Listen now and get ready to add another book to your TBR!

📚 Have you read Margot’s Got Money Troubles? Let’s chat! DM me or comment with your thoughts.

Connect with Rufi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rufithorpe

Learn more about her writing retreat and books here - https://www.rufithorpe.com/

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Reeding Between the Lines
📊 Download our FREE Book Tracker Google Sheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker
📲 Follow us: @reedingpod

#ReedingBetweenTheLines #RufiThorpe #MargotsGotMoneyTroubles #BookLover #AuthorInterview #PodcastEpisode #TBR #WomenInFiction #BookDiscussion #AmReading #LiteraryFiction #WritersLife