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

Get wrapped up in the comfort of small-town charm with a touch of the supernatural. In this episode, C.M. Waggoner joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, The Village Library Demon Hunting Society. Caitlin shares her inspiration behind the novel, citing influences like 'Murder, She Wrote' during the pandemic. We talk about our protagonist, Sherry, her possessed cat, Lord Thomas Cromwell, and how her boyfriend's death propels her deeper into mystery-solving.

Tune in for a fun, engaging conversation about books, writing, and everything in between!

Ep. 231 The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner

What if you discovered you were a witch on your birthday? In this episode, Heather Akumiah joins me on the couch to talk about her new book Bad Witches. We discuss the novel's plot involving three black girls in New York who find out they're witches and that the witch universe is in crisis. Heather shares her inspiration behind the story and her journey from wanting to create a web series to writing a novel. They also touch on her favorite characters and what readers can expect.

Tune in for an engaging discussion about magic, sisterhood, and the joy of writing!

Ep. 230 Bad Witches by Heather Akumiah

When a reality TV homemaker over show meets ghost hunting and hauntings! In this episode, Sarah Pinsker joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Haunt Sweet Home. Discover how she blends house makeovers and ghost hunting in this unique story, her thoughts on reality TV, and the inspiration behind her novel.

If you're looking for a quick, atmospheric read for fall, this episode is a must-listen!

Ep. 229 Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker

Nightmare of a Trip follows the Somerset family’s haunted road trip from Milwaukee to a theme park in Orlando. Maureen shares more about the book, and her own family road trips and all the enduring memories formed through such journeys. She also discusses her previous works, 'Suburban Hell' and 'Hex Education,' highlighting the mix of suburban life and supernatural elements.

Ep. 228 Nightmare of a Trip Maureen Kilmer

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