Jane Austen's books are getting a new controversial modern makeover with the Penguin First Impression Editions, published under their Puffin imprint. These books are targeting a younger audience with modern, neon-colored covers of Jane Austen's major novels. The series features introductions by popular contemporary romance authors like Tessa Bailey, Krystal Marquis, and Ali Hazelwood.

I share the pros and cons of this approach, discussing its potential to attract new readers while possibly alienating traditional fans. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this fresh take on Austen's classics in the comments.

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TsVHTvhNJ7A

Penguin: https://www.penguin.co.uk/series/FRSTIMPRSNS/first-impressions

Ep. 241 Why These New Jane Austen Editions Are So Controversial

Today, my friends Francesca and Laura joined me in chatting about a wide range of topics. First, we announce our new weekly and bi-weekly showtimes for their live show and gossip sessions. Then we get into the controversy surrounding an author who left their ChatGPT prompt in their published book and all things AI in literature. We also discuss the TikTok ban and where book content creators and consumers might migrate next. We also shared what we're reading and watching, including The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and The Traitors, plus many more!

Click to subscribe, join me on YouTube, and participate in the Live Show. [https://www.youtube.com/@bibliolifestyle?sub_confirmation=1]

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show for more bookish recommendations and cozy vibes.

Ep. 240 Book Gossip & TV Talk

Looking for the perfect books to cozy up with this winter? In this episode, I’m sharing six standout new releases from my 2025 Winter Reading Guide, handpicked from the minimalist reading list. These selections span a range of genres, ensuring there’s something for every reader:

 * Literary Fiction
 * Historical Fiction
 * Dystopian Fiction
 * Family & Friendship
 * Mystery & Thriller
 * Romance


Each book brings its own unique flair, from heartfelt love stories to gripping thrillers and thought-provoking tales of resilience. Whether you’re into emotional journeys, historical epics, or feel-good romances, this list has something for you.

📚 Want the full guide and extras? Click to join BiblioLifestyle on Substack. [https://bibliolifestyle.substack.com/p/the-2025-winter-reading-guide]

Click to subscribe, join me on YouTube, and participate in the Live Show. [https://www.youtube.com/@bibliolifestyle?sub_confirmation=1]

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show for more bookish recommendations and cozy vibes.

Ep. 239: Six Winter 2025 New Releases You’ll Want to Pick Up

It’s not too late to make your winter reading season magical! The 2025 Winter Reading Guide is here, and it’s brimming with bookish inspiration to keep you cozy. This guide features 24 standout new releases across seven categories, a minimalist reading list for those seeking simplicity, and a robust shortlist of 78 books with personalized recommendations to help you find your next favorite read.

Whether you’re a minimalist reader, a voracious book lover, or somewhere in between, this guide has something for everyone.

📚 Want the full guide and extras? Click to join BiblioLifestyle on Substack. [https://bibliolifestyle.substack.com/p/the-2025-winter-reading-guide]

Click to subscribe, join me on YouTube, and participate in the Live Show. [https://www.youtube.com/@bibliolifestyle?sub_confirmation=1]

✨ Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show and keep up with all the bookish fun!

Ep. 238: Winter Reads You Can’t Miss — The 2025 Winter Reading Guide

This story is as sweet as a warm batch of cookies fresh from the oven! In this episode, Eliza Evans joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, The Christmas Cookie Wars. We talk about her heartwarming story about a widowed mom, Melody, and her twin boys who try to keep their Christmas spirit alive through a school cookie contest. And how Melody's clash with the principal, Jonathan, adds a fun dynamic.

We also talk about Eliza's inspiration from a real town's cookie festival, the importance of traditions, and her favorite holiday treats and movies.

Tune in for a dose of holiday warmth and maybe a new book tradition!

Ep. 237 The Christmas Cookie Wars by Eliza Evans

Get all the nostalgia of a classic holiday romance with a heartfelt touch! In this episode, Jenny Bayliss joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Kiss Me at Christmas. We talk about our protagonist, Harriet, an almost-empty-nester dealing with her daughter's extended holiday trip, a drunken one-night stand, and a rundown theater where she organizes a Christmas play with her students to appease a clever theater owner.

Bayliss shares insights into her characters, the inspiration behind her holiday-themed novels, and the relatable challenges of middle-age life. We also talk about Jenny's personal holiday traditions, favorite books, and indie bookshops.

If you love heartwarming tales filled with community spirit and holiday cheer, you won't want to miss this conversation!

Ep. 236 Kiss Me at Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

For anyone longing for a sense of home or wanting to be reminded, this story feels like coming in from the cold to a place that feels just right. In this episode, Taylor Hahn joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, A Home for the Holidays. Taylor shares more about the book's premise, which involves a wedding singer named Mel dealing with her mother's unexpected death before Christmas and uncovering past secrets. The conversation covers grief, complicated mother-daughter relationships, and finding new confidence and love.

Taylor also shares how personal experiences influenced her writing and gives insights into her other works, including her debut novel, The Lifestyle. They wrap up by discussing the importance of empathy in complicated relationships and Taylor's recommendations for other great reads.

Ep. 235 A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn

For those drawn to mysteries with a hint of nostalgia! In the novel, we meet Alfred Smettle and his old college friends, who gather in his Hitchcock-themed hotel to resolve past conflicts. Stephanie shares how each character was developed based on one of the Seven Deadly Sins and how psychological thriller elements merge with a classic murder mystery to keep readers engaged.

Stephanie also touches upon her previous novels, Darling Rose Gold and This Might Hurt, and hints at her next project. The episode wraps up with Stephanie's book recommendations and a nod to her favorite indie bookstores, making it a delightful listen for thriller enthusiasts and book lovers!

Ep. 234 The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

Escape into a fantasy that weaves together mystery, self-discovery, and the thrill of finding a place where you truly belong. In this episode, Alexis Henderson joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, An Academy for Liars. We talk about how the setting of Savannah, Georgia, influences the story, the complex character of Lennon, and her interactions with Dante.

Alexis also shares insights on her previous books like 'House of Hunger' and 'The Year of Witching,' and discusses her love for the fall season and her favorite indie bookstores.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on dark fantasy and memorable character dynamics!

Ep. 233 An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

This is for those days when you need a little magic to remind you of life’s joys! In this episode, Nadia El-Fassi joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Best Hex Ever. Set in London, the story features Dina, a kitchen witch cursed to harm anyone who loves her, and Scott, a museum curator fresh off a breakup. They are thrown together as a bridesmaid and best man in the same wedding, leading to magical, romantic escapades.

Nadia shares the inspiration behind the characters, her mixed heritage, and the cozy, familial settings that pepper her book. She also gives a sneak peek into her next book, and discusses the importance of fanfiction in her writing journey.

Tune in to a world where magic feels as cozy as a warm blanket, and the characters remind us that a little laughter and whimsy are exactly what we need sometimes!

Ep. 232 Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

A book podcast where you will discover new books and get reading tips, but we also talk about lifestyle, wellness, and self-care.  So let's learn something new, feel encouraged and inspired, and have fun!

The Reader's Couch