Episodes

  • The Best Backlist Books for Summer

    The Best Backlist Books for Summer
    May 10 2024
    This special crossover episode with The Reader's Couch offers five backlist books for your summer and what it takes to nail a great summer reading guide.Today's episode features Victoria Wood from The Reader's Couch podcast. I asked Victoria to bring her best backlist book treasures from her past summer reading guides that deserve far more attention. From historical mysteries to a heartwarming culinary memoir to stories of found family- this stack should elevate your summer reading experience and, likely, be available on your library shelves now. As we plan to release our 2024 summer reading guides next week, we discuss insights into crafting the ultimate summer reading guide year after year, how a book qualifies to be featured, and the most significant challenges and rewards of executing seasonal guides for readers. Meet Victoria Wood (The Reader's Couch Podcast) Victoria Wood hosts The Reader's Couch Podcast. She is a reading enthusiast who has successfully guided self-proclaimed "non-readers" into cultivating and sustaining reading habits and assisted readers in fostering more intentional and fulfilling reading lives. She hosts conversations with authors to learn more about their writing and reading lives. Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more!Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club BookYour House Will Pay by Steph ChaSign-Up for Victoria's Summer Reading GuideBrowse the 2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading GuideBrowse the 2022 MomAdvice Summer Reading GuideGet Victoria's 2024 Summer Reading GuideGet Amy's 2024 Summer Reading Guide (be sure you are signed up for my email list to get this sent to your inbox!)James by Percival EverettOne of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon@getbookedwithlarryThe Great Mistake by Jonathan LeeThe Layers of Adult Friendships Podcast (Victoria & Amy in Conversation)All the Lonely People by Mike GayleThe Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt CainMatt Cain's Publishing JourneyThe Lost Boys of Montauk by Amanda M. FairbanksMorningside Heights by Joshua HenkinHome Made by Liz HauckBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores! Connect With Us:Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceConnect with Victoria Wood on The Reader's Couch Podcast, Instagram, or BibliolifestyleBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • What Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance World

    What Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance World
    Apr 26 2024
    Jeff Zentner discusses the inspiration for his emotional adult debut romance novel Colton Gentry's Third Act, which celebrates food, music, and second chances.Celebrated young adult novelist Jeff Zentner returns to our space to discuss his transition from writing young adult books to his surprising new release—a romance debut for adults called Colton Gentry's Third Act. We discuss the critical differences between writing for adults and young adults, the romantic book that inspired Jeff's plot, and the feedback Emily Henry provided to shape his romance scenes. Jeff also talks about the emotional impact of his writing on Gen-Z readers and the connection he has found through his school tours across the country. Be sure to stick around to the end to get Jeff's second chance love story recommendations! To accompany today’s show, I have a Second Chance Romance Novels book list to celebrate 19 beautiful new beginnings and second chances.Meet Jeff ZentnerJeff Zentner is the author of New York Times Notable Books The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, as well as Goodbye Days, Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee, and his forthcoming debut for the adult market, Colton Gentry's Third Act and a YA novel in verse, Sunrise Nights, coauthored with Brittany Cavallaro.Among other honors, he has won the ALA’s William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award twice, the Muriel Becker Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and been longlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal.He’s a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist; and was a finalist for the Indies Choice Award. He was selected as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an Indies Introduce pick. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Before becoming a writer, he was a musician who recorded with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and Debbie Harry. He lives in Nashville. Colton Gentry's Third Act is his adult debut romance.Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! Download Today's TranscriptJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book19 Second Chance Romance Books for Summer (NEW BOOK LIST)Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff ZentnerIn the Wild Light by Jeff ZentnerThe Serpent King by Jeff ZentnerThe Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with HeartKitchen Confidential by Anthony BourdainBlood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle HamiltonSweetbitter by Stephanie DanlerSerpent King tattooNormal People by Sally RooneyHappy Place by Emily HenryNormal PeopleOne Day by David NichollsThe Idea of You by Robinne LeeBefore Sunrise TrilogySunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany CavallaroHello Girls by Emily Henry and Brittany CavallaroThe Best Jeff Zentner BooksConnect With Us:Connect with Jeff Zentner on his Website or InstagramConnect 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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    52 mins
  • Surprising Truths About Grief With Amy Lin (Here After)

    Surprising Truths About Grief With Amy Lin (Here After)
    Apr 19 2024
    Amy Lin discusses her emotional debut memoir Here After. We discuss her surprising revelations about the grief process and better steps to show up for grievers.In our fear of saying the wrong thing, we often don't get to engage in essential conversations like the one we share today. Amy Lin, author of Here After, joins the Book Gang podcast to discuss her powerful memoir on grief and loss and what she wants you to understand about young widowhood.Here After Book SummaryLin never expected to find a love like the one she shared with her husband, Kurtis, a gifted young architect who pulls her toward joy, adventure, and greater self-acceptance. But thirty-two-year-old Kurtis unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind Amy, who struggled to navigate the loss while simultaneously confronting a life-threatening medical crisis. This sparse memoir was handcrafted for grievers as Amy shares the painstaking process down to margin, white space, and book size to give readers both space and understanding of her grief experience. More importantly, she offers life-altering advice on our falsehoods about grief, from the misconceptions around grief timelines to what we shouldn't say to those experiencing loss. After hearing Amy's sage advice today,I promise you will be a better friend, sister, daughter, or mother after listening to this conversation. To accompany today's show, I have a Books On Grief and Loss book list with fiction and nonfiction selections for adult and young readers.I've also gathered a curated collection of grief quotes from these books that speak to this universal experience in comforting ways to give words to this experience. I hope you feel both seen and loved today's series.Meet Amy LinAmy Lin is a writer and educator who lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her work has been published in Ploughshares, and she has been awarded residencies from Yaddo and Casa Comala.Here After is her debut novel.Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! Download Today's TranscriptJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club BookBooks on Grief and Loss Book ListGrief Quotes From BooksA Heart That Works by Rob DelaneyHere After by Amy LinZibby BooksBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Connect with Amy Lin on Instagram, Substack, 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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    57 mins
  • New Historical Fiction To Read in 2024

    New Historical Fiction To Read in 2024
    Apr 12 2024
    This special crossover episode with Thoughts from a Page offers five new historical fiction books in 2024 to read now of compelling women throughout history.Cindy Burnett, the host of the Thoughts from a Page podcast, joins our show in this special crossover episode to discuss her favorite new historical fiction books for 2024 that readers will love. We discuss the most memorable books we read when we first began exploring this genre, the upcoming publishing trends for this year in historical fiction, and common misconceptions (and gripes) on what we feel is essential in a fantastic historical fiction book selection. Cindy brings five incredible novels featuring powerful narratives exploring accounts of remarkable women throughout history. We know you will love reading these this Spring! Meet Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page Podcast)Cindy Burnett hosts the Thoughts from a Page Podcast where she engages in compelling author interviews and discussions with industry professionals. Beyond her podcast, she actively promotes books through social media, writes columns for The Buzz Magazines, contributes monthly reviews to Bookreporter.com, and co-creates Conversations from a Page—an author event series in Houston.Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more!The Pillars of the Earth by Ken FollettMeet Our New Book GangBecoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie DrayThe Book Thief by Markus ZusakMiss Del Rio by Barbara MujicaThe Editor by Stephen RowleyIn Memoriam by Alice WinnThe Women by Kristin HannahThe Four Winds by Kristin HannahThe Queen of Sugar Hill by Reshonda TateThe Sunshine Girls by Molly FaderThe Magic of Old Hollywood Podcast Episode with Amy and Molly FaderThe Best Books About Old Hollywood to Get Swept AwayThe Best New Historical Fiction of 2023 (In Case You Missed It)Reel by Kennedy RyanCindy’s episode with Reshonda TateThis Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process PodcastThe Turtle House by Amanda ChurchillThe Great Alone by Kristin HannahFirefly Lane by Kristin HannahFirefly Lane TV SeriesThe Stationary Shop by Marjan KamaliThe Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan KamaliBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores! Connect With Us:Connect with Cindy Burnett on Thoughts from a Page Podcast, Instagram, or the Thoughts from a Page website.Connect 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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    31 mins
  • The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives With Heart

    The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives With Heart
    Mar 29 2024
    Kennedy Ryan discusses her rise to the NYT bestseller list as a Black romance writer with moving advocacy for autism representation in This Could Be Us.There is a reason everyone wants to be a part of Kennedy Ryan’s story—her joy is infectious.Today, we offer listeners a front-row seat to her romance Booktok fandom, sold-out book tours, and moving victory as a Black romance writer on the New York Times bestseller list. Ryan openly discusses her connection to the autism community and the beauty and challenge of capturing that on a page for the reader in her latest novel. Representing autism authentically meant the writer took surprising steps to ensure an accurate and respectful portrayal of family life in This Could Be Us. Readers will get a 2-for-1 conversation as we also discuss the rerelease of Reel and details on the upcoming books in the Hollywood Renaissance series.Learn what it means to be a hybrid author and her commitment to immersive research, ensuring her stories resonate authentically with readers no matter where you find her stories. Bonus Book List:Today’s BONUS book celebrates Autism Acceptance Month! I've featured 13 books with autistic characters filled with heartwarming love stories, mystery, and family drama.The list features many #ownvoices books, including the authors' diagnosis stories and the characters they developed to offer readers insights into their journeys. As a parent in the community, I hope I've crafted a list that will allow you to immerse yourself in these stories.Meet Kennedy RyanUSA Today's bestselling author and Audie Award-winner, Kennedy Ryan, writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. The co-founder of Lift 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, she has a passion for raising Autism awareness. Kennedy is a wife to her "lifetime lover" and mother to an extraordinary son. Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! Meet the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club BooksBrowse This Week's Book List Featuring #OwnVoices for Autism Acceptance MonthVicious by V.E. SchwabThe Unseen World by Liz MooreLOGAN Autism CenterThe Autism Books by Autistic Authors DatabaseThis Could Be Us by Kennedy RyanSeven Days in June by Tia WilliamsLife 4 Autism Before I Let Go by Kennedy RyanReel by Kennedy Ryan Connect With Us:Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceConnect with Kennedy Ryan on Instagram, Tiktok, or her WebsiteGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Kindle Daily Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Trapped in a Time Loop

    Trapped in a Time Loop
    Mar 15 2024
    In today's podcast, escape in a time loop novel. We discuss Groundhog Day books and the comforting ways repeating time travel can charm us in our book stack.When we say "time loop," readers immediately react to this statement. Whether it is a no or a yes, Jessica and I have you covered in today's podcast. We discuss why repeating cycles of events work for us or don't and how some of the storytellers featured today nailed moving the time loop plot forward in new ways. Plus, I'm revealing a treasure trove of new time travel resources, including new time travel books, TV, and movies you can stream this weekend to explore a new world that won't break the bank. Our incredible super-expansion pack of time travel adventures is linked to today's show notes. These include a massive refresh on new time travel books, alternate realities, parallel lives, and explorations of parallel worlds and the multiverse. I hope it brings unlimited joy to your weekend, as was the intention of this creator who lovingly created these spaces for you. Meet Jessica BearakJessica is a lifelong book lover who embarked on her literary journey at three, immersing herself in childhood classics like “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Phantom Tollbooth."Jessica actively participates in two in-person book clubs and many online discussions regularly. She has been an invaluable member of the MomAdvice Book Club and joins us as a regular contributing voice.Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! NEW Reading Resources: (AS PROMISED!):The Best Prime Reading Guide (10 FREE Books for March)Time Loop Books Giant Book List (14 Book Ideas)Books About Parallel Universes and Multiverse Book List (13 Book Ideas)Books About Alternate Realities or Parallel Lives You Will Love (12 Book Ideas)New Time Travel Books to Escape Real Life (20 Book Ideas)Better Than the Movies Movie List (FREE PRINTABLE)The Best Time Travel TV & Movies Streaming List (NEW)Best Lynn Painter Books (The Ultimate Guide) Other Show Mentions:Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club BooksThe Unseen World by Liz MooreThe Mindful Librarian SubstackThe Couch With Mary Carver PodcastTotally Killer on PrimeQuantum Leap (1989-1993)Quantum Leap rebootSarah Adler’s Podcast Episode11/22/63 by Stephen KingAll Our Wrong Todays by Elan MastaiBlake CrouchThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart TurtonA Quantum Love Story by Mike ChenHere and Now and Then by Mike ChenAlex AwardsIf I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie CouchSee You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn SolomonThe Do Over by Lynn PainterThe Sky Blues by Robbie CouchBlaine for the Win by Robbie CouchBetter Than The Movies by Lynn PainterThe Deja Glitch by Holly JamesThrough the Snow Globe by Annie RainsIn a Holidaze by Christina LaurenLove and Other Words by Christina LaurenThe Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna FreitasThe Possibilities by Yael Goldstein-LoveMaybe Next Time by Cesca MajorThe Best Lessons From Time Travel BooksBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores! Connect With Us:Get My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceConnect With Jessica on InstagramBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    51 mins
  • This Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process

    This Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process
    Mar 1 2024
    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Faceout Studio book designer Elisha Zepeda as he takes us on a journey from working in a bookstore to navigating his first year in book cover design. Elisha navigates the challenges of cover rejection through a unique avenue- his TikTok account, where readers can discuss the rejected and accepted designs with him.Today he shares what he sees as emerging trend in cover design and the struggles he’s faced with everything from font selection to breaking out of the “girl turning away” cover that we can’t seem to escape from as readers. If you are entertaining a self-publishing journey, Elisha shares valuable tips on communication, budgeting, and bringing your visions to life in your book covers. We couldn’t have him on the show and not discuss his recommendations for some standout covers that have captured his imagination and hear more about his process of honoring an author’s work through unique details that created reverence for the person who spent months or even years on their books. Meet Elisha Zepeda Elisha is a book designer for Faceout Studio in Oregon. He documents his publishing journey on his Tiktok account, where readers can see how his book designs evolve from concept to final product.When not designing books, he is writing/recording music, toying with a film camera, or defending the merits of decaf over regular coffee. You can view his portfolio on his website, where he curates his work. Mentioned in this episode:Join the Book Gang Patreon-This provides valuable financial support to my show. You will also receive our FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, a 30-page monthly newsletter, and access to our monthly Zoom book club.Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club BooksThe Unseen World by Liz MooreThe Mindful Librarian SubstackFaceout StudioBrowse Elisha's Entire PortfolioDudley's BookshopThe Best Libby App Tips and TricksDrive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga TokarczukThe Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. HarrowYellowface by R. F. KuangCities of Women by Kathleen B. JonesThe Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane HanksBluff by Michael KardosShake It Up, Baby! by Ken McNabCriterion Collection PostersBliss Montage by Ling MaRodrigo CorralGhost Wall by Sarah MossDisorientation by Elaine Hsieh ChouBad Thoughts by Nada AlicBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Subscribe to my FREE Happy List NewsletterConnect With Elisha on His Website or TiktokConnect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdviceBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    44 mins
  • How Shark Heart Transformed Emily Habeck and Her Readers

    How Shark Heart Transformed Emily Habeck and Her Readers
    Feb 16 2024

    Emily Habeck discusses her widely imaginative debut novel, Shark Heart, and how this writing project transformed her life and the lives of her readers.

    It's no secret that Shark Heart was my favorite debut of the year, and today's meaningful author conversation only solidified this moving reading experience.

    We discuss the unusual overlap to our love stories and the other surprising emotional connections readers have made to this imagined world.

    Emily's success in literary fiction was a surprise, but the reason for her jump from screenplay writing to a novel may surprise you with how she ended up here.

    Drawing from her theatrical background, Habeck shares more about her unique story structure and how magical realism can still offer the reader a grounded experience.

    Discover today's BONUS BOOK LIST with 29 of the best magical realism books for your book stack this month.

    Emily joins our patron space to discuss the Shark Heart ending with surprising candidness on some of this story's more unusual paths she chose, but even more so, the ways she DIDN’T decide to go to get to this book’s ending.

    You will receive this episode AND today's book list as a thank you for supporting my show.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Join the Book Gang Patreon

    Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

    Banyan Moon by Thao Thai

    The Best Debut Novels of 2023

    Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

    Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

    A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

    The Candy House by Jennifer Egan

    The Vegetarian by Han Kang

    Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

    Connect With Us:

    Subscribe to my FREE Happy List Newsletter

    Connect With Emily on Instagram or her Website

    Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

    Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

    Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!
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    42 mins