Episodes

  • How Aftertaste Lands the Genre-Bending Magic
    Sep 5 2025
    In her dazzling debut novel Aftertaste, Daria Lavelle takes us on a sensory journey where food, grief, & romance intertwine in this inventive ghost story. What if you could taste the ghosts of the people you've lost? In this intimate conversation, Daria shares how her Ukrainian heritage, her childhood food memories, and her love of genre-bending storytelling all shaped one of the most unique novels of the year.You'll love the reveals of how this story took on surprising symbolism, the genre challenges of marketing such a unique book, and the reader stories that have stayed with her long after her tour ended.📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: Today, we celebrate books about food with this new list of 33 books that aren't just about what's on the plate, but more about the bigger stories simmering behind every meal.In our warm conversation, Daria and I discussed:Identifying The Taste of Ghosts– How she discovered the idea of "clairgustance," the psychic ability to taste the favorite foods of the dead, and transformed it into a fully fleshed-out magic system for her story.Weaving In Her Cultural Identity– From the "stinky lunchbox" moments of childhood to the joy and shame often tied to food in immigrant families, Daria shares how her own memories informed the emotional heartbeat of Aftertaste.Cinematic Writing & What's Next– With Sony Pictures developing Aftertaste for film, Daria talks about writing with cinematic flair and the thrill of seeing her work move to the screen.Meet Daria LavelleDaria Lavelle is an American fiction writer. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in the New York metro area, her work explores themes of identity and belonging through magic and the uncanny. Her short stories have appeared in The Deadlands, Dread Machine, and elsewhere, and she holds degrees in writing from Princeton University and Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, children, and goldendoodle, all of whom love a great meal almost as much as she does.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptNEW BOOK LIST: 33 Incredible Books About FoodNEW BOOK LIST: 41 Immersive Speculative Fiction BooksJoin the September Book Club Chat (Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood)Aftertaste by Daria LavelleFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyFantasmagorianaThe Anatomy of Story by John TrubyGlee MashupsChocolate Nut from Le Jules VerneI Grew Up Ashamed of My Immigrant Parents' Food. Now I'm Teaching My Kids Lunch Room ToleranceWhat Dreams May ComeBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Daria Lavelle on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    58 mins
  • The Rise of the Airport Novels With Tellthebeees
    Aug 29 2025
    TikTok creator and pop-cultural sleuth Josh Lora (TellTheBeees) helps us build the ultimate Airport Novels book list to carry you through your next flight.What makes a perfect book to snag in the airport bookstore? In this fun episode, TikTok creator and pop-cultural sleuth Josh Lora (TellTheBeees) helps us create the perfect book list to get you through delayed flights, endless terminals, and jet-lagged landings with an unputdownable book.This conversation marks the final installment in the All-Star Book Influencer Series, which has brought together incredible voices in the literary community. I hope you have enjoyed these conversations with our guests, including podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers, who brought fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.As a TikTok creator turned sociological book commentator, Josh offers fresh takes on what we read, and why we pick certain books up in unexpected places—like airport bookstores!In our fun conversation, we discuss:Inside the TellTheBeees TikTok Account: Josh shares how TellTheBeees came to life, what it means to cover pop culture through a sociological lens, and how he spots trends quickly enough to keep TikTok buzzing.Defining the Airport Novel: Together, we unpack what makes a book "airport friendly," whether that's a punchy plot, instant engagement, or that oh-so-rare "I-can't-put-this-down" quality.The Changing Reputation of Airport Picks: Gone are the days of dull formula fiction. Josh argues that the airport rack is now a place for surprising, thoughtful, and truly compelling reads. Snag his list of best recommendations for your next flight from today's bestsellers! Meet Josh LoraJosh Lora, known online as TellTheBees, is a TikTok creator and cultural critic who explores the intersection of books, sociology, and media. His videos dissect everything from reality TV trends to bookish themes through a thoughtful, sociological lens. He’s built a vibrant audience by pairing sharp cultural observations with book recommendations that feel both fun and deeply insightful.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the August Book Club Chat TONIGHT (The Wedding People)RESERVE OUR FALL GUEST'S BOOKS NOWThe Celebrity Book Club Deep Dive Episode You NeedFleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-AknerFleishman Is in TroubleThe Age of AdelineCult Classic by Sloane CrosleyWoman of the Hour by Claire PoldersGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Midnight Feast by Lucy FoleyTriangle of SadnessThe Housemaid by Freida McFaddenThe Maid by Nita ProseThursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanDial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. SutantoPayback’s a Witch by Lana HarperThe Group by Mary McCarthySaints For All Occasions by J. Courtney SullivanLiars by Sarah MangusoThe Wedding People by Alison EspachSelf Care by Leigh SteinSeverance by Ling MaBlue Sisters by Coco MellorsHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoCleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco MellorsThe Husbands by Holly Gramazio Books About Alternative Realities or Parallel Lives You Will LoveMargo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreightReconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreightThe God of the Woods by Liz MooreThe Unseen World by Liz MooreHeft by Liz MooreLong Bright River by Liz MooreHappiness Falls by Angie KimReal Americans by Rachel Khong Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel KhongHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangI Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie SueThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Josh Lora on Substack, TikTok, or InstagramConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    57 mins
  • These Memorable Older Characters Wowed Us
    Aug 22 2025
    Join Cindy from Thoughts from a Page as we explore unforgettable books featuring older characters. These are her top five picks that deserve space on your TBR.The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduceyou to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.Cindy has a pulse on what's next in the publishing world and brings her seasoned perspective on how literature is embracing life beyond midlife. As one of those trusted guides, she offers not only spot-on recommendations but also the tools to discover books you might otherwise miss.In this cozy conversation, Cindy and I discuss:How to Discover What's Next in Books – Cindy shares her strategies for staying ahead of the curve, spotting trends, and helping readers discover gems beyond the bestseller lists.Why Older Characters Matter – We talk about the joys of reading characters in later stages of life, how these stories expand our empathy, and what publishing is (and isn't) getting right in portraying aging.Cindy's Top Five Picks with Older Characters – From cozy mysteries to poignant literary fiction, Cindy highlights unforgettable stories that prove life experience makes for some of the most compelling characters on the page.📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: Today, we celebrate senior characters with this new list of 52 books with older protagonists that prove that fresh adventures are, in fact, ageless endeavors. Binge these new releases and backlist gems, including today's recommendations from Cindy! Meet Cindy BurnettCindy Burnett is the host of the Thoughts from a Page podcast where she chats with guests about the books she loves and recommends. Episodes include author interviews and conversations with publishing insiders about the latest and greatest books. An avid reader and reviewer, Cindy also crafts Winter and Summer Reading Guides, writes two book columns for The Buzz Magazines in Houston, and promotes books across social media. When she isn't reading, Cindy loves attending the theatre, visiting National Parks, and traveling.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptMeet Our September Author Guests on Amy's IGJoin the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 52 Books With Older ProtagonistsBONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Books About Midlife to Add to Your Stack (in case you missed it!)The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE SchwabHusbands and Lovers by Beatriz WilliamsThe Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen LoigmanBefore the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu KawaguchiThe Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanVera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. SutantoVera Wong Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. SutantoSipsworth by Simon Van BooyThe Reading List by Sara Nisha AdamsA Man Called Ove by Fredrik BackmanOur Souls at Night by Kent HarufThe Best One Bed Trope Books For Romance Lovers The Flat Share by Beth O'LearyThe Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old by Hendrik GroenThe Big Finish by Brooke FosseyThe One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica WoodHow to Read a Book by Monica WoodSundays With Writers: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica WoodFountain BookstoreBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Cindy on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    40 mins
  • The Best Midlife Books to Inspire Your Next Chapter
    Aug 15 2025
    There is nothing more transformative than midlife stories, and Renee from It's Book Talk & More joins me to explore the books that reshape how we see this stage.The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduce you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.Renee has been a trusted voice in the bookish space for years, first co-hosting Book Talk Etc. and now curating her popular Substack newsletter, It's Book Talk & More.Today, she shares what inspired her move to this new platform, how her reading life has evolved, and why midlife books are resonating with her and her audience more than ever.In this rich and relatable conversation, Renee and I discuss:Inside It's Book Talk & More – Renee shares the origin story of her Substack and the creative freedom she's found since transitioning from podcasting. Learn how her approach to reading and reviewing has shifted in this new format.Why Midlife Stories Matter – We talk about the transformative nature of midlife for women, the stereotypes that need dismantling, and the novels that reflect the realities of reinvention and joy from this season.Renee's Favorite Midlife Reads – Discover the five midlife books that have offered her guidance, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on this stage of life.📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Best Books About Midlife, including shiny new releases, buzzy upcoming titles, and backlist favorites that prove this stage of life is just getting started from a midlife reader.Meet ReneeRenee is the creator and writer behind It's Book Talk & More, a Substack newsletter where she shares thoughtful book reviews, curated recommendations, and personal reflections on reading life. Formerly the co-host of the Book Talk Etc. Podcast, Renee brings a seasoned perspective to the literary conversation, with a special passion for stories that center women in midlife. Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptMeet Our September Author Guests on Amy's IGJoin the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)BONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Books About Midlife to Add to Your StackBetween Two Kingdoms by Suleika JaquadRole Playing by Cathy YardleyLeaving by Roxanna RobinsonA Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna QuindlenHere on Earth by Alice HoffmanThe Dovekeepers by Alice HoffmanThe Celebrity Book Club Deep Dive Episode You NeedDon’t Be a Stranger by Susan MinotOne’s Company by Ashley HutsonThe Elements by John BoyneA History of Loneliness by John BoyneA Ladder to the Sky by John BoynePrivate Rites by Julie ArmfieldBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Renee on Instagram or her SubstackConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    58 mins
  • Mind-Bending Thrillers You Must Read Now
    Aug 8 2025
    Dive into a stack of mind‑bending thrillers with Kate from Bookwild. Discover her top 5 speculative fiction picks in today's All-Star Book Influencer series.The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduce you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.Today, we are discussing mind-bending thrillers and who better to guide us than Kate from Bookwild, a podcast dedicated entirely to the art of the twist? In this week's conversation, we explore what makes a thriller truly mind-bending, the tropes that never get old, and the books that broke our brains in the best way.In this thrilling conversation, Kate and I discuss:Inside the Bookwild Podcast – Kate shares the origin story of her show and how it became a space to celebrate everything from domestic suspense to speculative thrillers. Learn how she curates episodes that keep listeners hooked week after week.Tropes, Trends & Upcoming Obsessions – From the thriller tropes that never fail her to the themes she's hoping will take over the suspense landscape, Kate gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps her reading.5 Mind-Bending Thrillers Kate Can't Stop Thinking About – Discover Kate's top picks that push the boundaries of the genre with jaw-dropping twists and speculative elements. She shares why these reads stand out in a sea of thrillers and why they deserve a spot on your TBR.📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: 41 Speculative Fiction Books (I WENT CRAZY ON THIS ASSIGNMENT) that include upcoming releases, shiny new releases, and backlist books that every reader will love. Meet Kate HergottKate Hergott is the host of Bookwild, a fiction podcast launched by the Bookwild Collective. On Tuesdays, she conducts compelling interviews with authors about their books and creative processes. Fridays bring vibrant chats with bookstagrammers and BookTubers, exploring bookish trends, mood reads, and mutual obsessions.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)BONUS BOOK LIST: 41 Immersive Speculative Fiction Books to Read NowAmy on the Bookwild PodcastRust and Stardust by T. GreenwoodIn My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley WinsteadGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Kind Worth Killing by Peter SwansonThe Frozen River by Ariel LawhornA Fatal Intrusion by Isabella Maldonado and Jeffrey Deaver.Trust Issues by Elizabeth McCullough Keenan & Greg WandsThe Close-Up by Pip DrysdaleCross My Heart by Megan CollinsReturn to MeThe Puzzle Box by Danielle TrussoniOddityMother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina SimonSwiped by L.M. ChiltonAssassin's Anonymous by Rob HartCrafting a Killer Redemption Story with HeartDigital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder MysteryThe Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine GreeneRecursion by Blake CrouchDark Matter by Blake CrouchBooks About Parallel Universes and the Multiverse to Read NowTime Loop Books for Readers Who Love LoopsBooks About Alternate Realities or Parallel Lives You Will LoveThe Best Time Travel Books to Escape Real LifeThe Best Time Travel TV Shows and MoviesThe Mechanics of Memory by Audrey LeeThe Man Who Saw Seconds by Alexander BoldizarVox by Christina DalcherThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodAlexander Boldizar on Bookwild podcastThe Prediction by Faith GardnerBlack MirrorIf You Can Hear This by Faith GardnerThe Paradox Hotel by Rob HartWandaVisionDark Space by Rob Hart & Alex SeguraThe Medusa Protocol by Rob HartManifestBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores! Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Kate Hergott on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    50 mins
  • When a Journalist Outgrows the Word Count
    Jul 25 2025
    Journalist Honor Jones discusses her debut novel, Sleep, which explores the #MeToo movement from childhood to the newsroom through a unique fictional lens.Honor Jones's debut novel, Sleep, opens in the heat of a seemingly idyllic summer childhood, where ten-year-old Margaret navigates unspoken secrets within her home. But as the years unfold, the story quietly traces how early moments of confusion ripple forward into Margaret's adult life, particularly as she covers the Weinstein trial as a journalist. With a clear-eyed and unsettling voice, Sleep becomes a meditation on what women bury, what they minimize, and what begins to surface when the cultural tide shifts.In this intriguing conversation, Honor and I discuss:How journalism shaped her approach to fiction: Honor reflects on the transition from shaping others' stories to crafting her own and how editing longform narratives influenced her writing style.Writing a woman who can believe others but not herself: Margaret is a woman who has built a career amplifying the voices of survivors, yet has never fully named her own story. Honor explores how Margaret reconciles the gap between public belief and private suppression, and how the novel plays with what we notice versus what we choose not to see.Portraying the unspoken conversations around #MeToo: From the charged stillness of newsroom dynamics to a dinner party scene, Honor unpacks how people speak around harm instead of through it. We explore her decision to include moments of discomfort and how those honest tensions reflect the real ways people deal with trauma.📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: 36 Me Too Books that showcase the struggles of women throughout history. From young adult to memoir to literary fiction- this week's book list illuminates. Meet Honor JonesHonor Jones is a writer and editor who has worked at The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The New Republic. Her writing has also appeared in The Cut and The New Yorker. Sleep is her debut novel.Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, please check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits. Thank you for supporting my small business! Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the July Book Club Chat TONIGHT (Husbands & Lovers)BONUS BOOK LIST: 36 Me Too BooksSleep by Honor JonesSarah Harman - All the Other Mothers Hate Me Podcast InterviewAll the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah HarmonClaire Hoffman - Sister, Sinner Podcast InterviewSister, Sinner by Clare HoffmanJenisha from KentuckyHow I Demolished My LifeSundays with Writers: Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill CleggDid You Ever Have a Family by Bill CleggWild Game by Adrienne Brodeur Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Honor Jones on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    43 mins
  • Why Finding Grace Is the Plot-Twist Novel of the Summer
    Jul 18 2025
    Holy plot twist! Loretta Rothschild shares her writing process for her buzzy debut, Finding Grace, where the opening sequence stuns in this spoiler-free chat.In today's Book Gang episode, debut author Loretta Rothschild discusses Finding Grace, a domestic drama that cracks wide open into something far more unexpected. This powerful novel explores fertility, family bonds, and the long echo of grief, told through a voice you won't see coming.In this heart-to-heart conversation, Loretta and I discuss her five-year journey to publication, the art of crafting structure and tension, and how one tragic twist completely reshaped her story. If you're a writer, you'll find so much to take away from her thoughtful process—and if you're a reader, well, prepare to be surprised.In this warm conversation, Loretta and I discuss:How an analog writer plots a good story: Loretta walks us through her five-year process of developing Finding Grace, from longhand notebooks to deeply layered outlines. She explains how structure helped her navigate an emotionally complex storyline and how a strong framework gave her characters space to breathe.Why the first chapter matters more than ever: In a world driven by short attention spans and BookTok buzz, Loretta shares how she crafted a bold opening that immediately grabs the reader and how that choice reshaped the entire novel's trajectory.What happens behind the curtain: From working with her agent to the moment she saw her book cover for the first time, Loretta gives a candid look at the publishing process, the emotional rollercoaster of debut life, and how readers are helping Finding Grace find its place.FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: Love plot twists? You'll want our free guide to 34 books with good plot twists filled with shocking reveals and clever misdirections.Meet Loretta RothschildLoretta Rothschild is originally from London and currently splits her time between the UK and Italy. She lives with her husband, Nat, their young son, and their beloved dogs. Finding Grace is her debut novel.Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, please check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits. Thank you for supporting my small business! Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the July Book Club Chat (Husbands & Lovers)BONUS BOOK LIST: 34 Books With Good Plot TwistsFinding Grace by Loretta RothschildCecile DavidoviciLidija Hilje-Slanting Towards the Sea (Podcast Interview)Random HarvestBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Loretta on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter
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    37 mins
  • This Author Walked Away from Law—and Won Big
    Jul 11 2025
    Lidija Hilje shares how her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea, and her own journey is shaped by second chances and the courage it required to begin again.Lidija Hilje brings a rare and powerful perspective to her fiction. After a decade working in Croatian courts, she left the legal field to write in English as her second language and to coach other writers through their own stories. We discuss how that radical life change shaped both her novel and her coaching philosophy.In today's Book Gang episode, Lidija joins me for a profoundly moving and insightful conversation about her first novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. In this week's warm and expansive episode, we discuss:How writing in a second language and through a bicultural lens shaped the emotional and narrative depth of Slanting Towards the SeaThe novel's quiet but powerful thread on broken governmental systems, and how we see the differences and parallels between our American and Croatian experiencesHow Lidija's former legal career informs her current work as a book coach, and how she helps authors clarify and complete the stories they feel called to tellBONUS BOOK LIST: This week, you can set sail with these 34 sea books. From shipwreck survival stories to coastal mysteries, oceanic fantasies, and sweeping seaside romances- this book list has a little something for everyone!Meet Lidija HiljeLidija Hilje is a Croatian writer and certified book coach. After earning a law degree, she spent a decade practicing law in Croatian courts before transitioning to book coaching, and writing in English as her second language. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times and other outlets. She lives in Zadar, Croatia, with her husband and two daughters. SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA is her first novel.Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, please check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits. Thank you for supporting my small business! Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the July Book Club Chat (Husbands & Lovers)BONUS BOOK LIST: 34 Sea Books (upcoming titles, new releases, and backlist selections to browse)Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija HiljeThe Maid on NetflixBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches it with 10% to support independent bookstores.Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Lidija Hilje on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    1 hr and 4 mins