SPOILERS! February's book club pick was The Heart of Winter and this is the recording of our zoom chat. Warning! We are discussing the book which means if you haven't read it yet, this discussion will spoil it for you!

Thanks for tuning in.

Can you believe I actually made an episode and followed through with the Meagan's Book Club Podcast?? Hooray! If you came over from my Instgram, welcome welcome, or if you are new, I am so happy you are here. We'll be diving deep into all the bookish stuff and I cannot wait.

You know I'm not short of having opinions and this was such a fun episode for me to record because I just laughed through it. I know as readers, we take things seriously and know what we like when it comes to books. I would love to hear from you what your hot takes are! Do you agree with mine or disagree? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for listening.

February was such a great month of reading! One of my favorite things to do is recapping my month and going book by book with some hot takes. I mentioned my Goodreads on this episode and have linked that below if you'd like to follow my real-time updates. Did you hear any books that you've also read or have been wanting to read?

Here are the 14 books I read in February:

• Everything’s Coming Up Rosie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧First-Time Caller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 Flirting with Disaster ⭐️⭐️💫
• When Wildflowers Bloom ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 PS I Hate You ⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 We Used to Live Here ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Forever and Back ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 Dead Money ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
• Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
• 🎧 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 The Crash ⭐️
• 🎧 What Happened to the McCrays ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 Annie Bot ⭐️⭐️💫
• 🎧 Wild Dark Shore ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Goodreads Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/84049874-meagan-meagansbookclub

SPOILERS! March's book club pick was Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson and we had a great time diving deeper into the Freeman family and the different aspects of the story. We discussed Ebby and her development and wished we saw more from her throughout the story! I think we were divided on the balance of history to present day story but we were unanimous on how much we loved the short chapters which helped the pacing. I think this would be a great book to discuss as a group!

Thanks for listening!

You know audiobooks play a huge role in my life and the reason why I get as much reading done as I do. If it wasn't for audiobooks, I'm convinced I'd only read 1-2 books a month. This was a fun episode to record because I give a little history, explain the importance of audiobooks, my opinions on the different platforms to subscribe to, library system apps, and the best steps to get started. I hope you found this helpful!

Thanks for listening!

Please welcome my first guest to the podcast! My bookstagram friend Hannah @booksandbitesroc and I always have a lot to talk about in the book world and it was so fun discussing quarter 2 books with her. We break it down per month to keep our discussion relatively organized so hopefully that helps. Even with mentioning the 55 books in this episode, we are leaving out plenty! This is a big season of books. Happy Listening.

April Books

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez, The Sirens by Emilia Hart, Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Swept Away by Beth O'Leary, The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose, Forever and Back by Ashley Manley, Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine, The Last Session by Julia Bartz, The Family Recipe  by Carolyn Huynh, The Float Test by Lynn Steger Strong, The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester, The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose, The Guilt Pill by Saumay Dave, One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman, Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage, The Butcher's Masquerade by Matt Dinniman, What if I Never Get Over You by Paige Toon, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner, How to Seal your own Fate by Kristen Perrin

May Books

My Friends by Fredrik Backman, Shopgirls by Jessica Anya Blau, One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay, The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers, Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin, What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon, I Will Blossom Anyway by DIsha Bose, Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan, Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri, Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb, The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North, The Love Haters by Katherine Center, It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan, Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey, The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson, Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore, Letters From Strangers by Susan Walter

June Books

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady, Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab, With a Vengeance by RIley Sager, What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown, Far and Away by Amy Poeppel, Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver, Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh, The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel, Don't Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine, Someone Knows by Vi Keeland, Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell, Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

It was a pleasure to welcome NYT bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry to the podcast (and as my first author guest!!). Her new book The Story She Left Behind comes out TODAY and I'd encourage you to listen to this episode to learn more about the reason why Patti wrote this story and the inspiration behind it. It was fascinating to listen and to see her passion for this beautiful book. I love Patti's ability to bring these stories to life!

We talk about her upcoming book tour and I'm going to direct you to her website www.patticallahanhenry.com and her instagram @pattchenry to get the dates because she is making 30+ stops over the next few months. I hope you're able to go to one of her events.

Thanks for listening and happy reading!

Repost from November 2024 Book Club when we chatted with NYT bestselling author Liane Moriarty and her book Here One Moment. When I look back on all the authors I've interviewed over the years, I don't think I've fangirled as hard as I did while chatting with Liane. The dang video was not working on her end so it truly was like listening to a podcast episode for our book club. Here One Moment was an emotional book for me and it was incredible to hear from Liane and the inspiration behind it. Her backlist of books are all wonderful and I highly recommend you to go back and read everything she's written.

Thanks for listening!

Repost from September 2024 Book Club when we chatted with author Ethan Joella and his book The Same Bright Stars. After reading quite a few heavy books in a row, it was time to read something shorter and lighter. The Same Bright Stars was the perfect book for September and chatting with Ethan put a huge smile on all of our faces. His relatability and down to earth nature was so endearing. This was a fun chat!

Thanks for listening!

Repost from August 2024 Book Club when we chatted with NYT bestselling author Liz Moore and her new book The God of the Woods. We were able to sneak Liz away from her family vacation to have her on our book club zoom chat and we were thrilled! Listening to the inspiration behind this story and the way she wove every detail together truly was a masterpiece. We also chatted about the upcoming (out now!) tv series of Long Bright River. I cannot wait to see what Liz Moore comes out with next!

Fun Fact: The God of the Woods was a Fallon Book Club pick!

Thanks for listening!

Repost from June 2024 Book Club when we chatted with NYT bestselling author and menopause expert Dr Mary Claire Haver and her book The New Menopause. It was an absolute honor to be able to host Dr Mary Claire and listen to her answer all our questions about menopause! I loved chatting with Dr Mary Claire and her real applications to what we can do right now to help the transition into perimenopause. Her content is QUALITY and her wisdom is vast. Check out her Tiktok and Instagram for more information regarding her menopause practice and studies.

Thanks for listening!

Repost from April 2024 Book Club when we chatted with debut author Tracy Sierra and her book Nightwatching. We took a hard left on our typical book club book and read this heart pounding thriller that made us all lose a few nights sleep. Tracy is so well spoken and I could have listened to her talk about her book for another hour. Nightwatching is twisty and disturbing in all the right ways.

Fun to note: Nightwatching was a Fallon Book Club pick!

Thanks for listening!

Repost from March 2024 Book Club when we chatted with NYT bestselling author Nikki Erlick and her book The Measure. I couldn't stop listening to Nikki as she told us the inspiration behind her debut book and all the pieces of making this book happen. It is truly one of my favorite aspects about my job is to hear from these authors that write stories that make me think more on my own life and experiences.

Thanks for listening!

Repost from February 2024 Book Club when we chatted with bestselling author Emma Grey and her book The Last Love Note. THIS BOOK. Cue all the tears. This interview was so impactful for all of us because the vulnerability of Emma was so beautiful and the way she used her own personal experience in this book was inspiring.

Thanks for listening!

Repost from January 2024 Book Club when we chatted with NYT bestselling author Adrienne Young and her book The Unmaking of June Farrow. This was such a fun interview and while I'm still scratching my head about the science behind June's time traveling ways, this book was easily one of my favorites I've ever read.

Thanks for listening!

It isn't too often I find an author that not only pulls on all my heartstrings while also simultaneously making me think that we'd actually be friends in real life! Ashley Manley has changed the women's fiction/romance game for me with her...let's call them...more mature female main characters and her relatable stories. I think I've aged out of the 25-something love stories because let's be honest, I've lived a lot of life since then. I hope you love this interview and love all of Ashley's books. She is such a gifted author and I can't wait to see what is in store for her in the coming years!

Forever and Back is out now!

Also from Ashley, Every Beautiful Mile and When Wildflowers Bloom

IG: @ashleymanleywrites

www.ashleymanleywrites.com

Charlotte-area upcoming events:

4/1 Belmont Bookshop, breakfast launch, Belmont, NC

4/5 Fred & Junes Bookshop, signing 12-3, Mooresville, NC

4/27, Gastonia Ghostpeppers baseball game in partnership with Belmont Bookshop @2:30

March was a fantastic month of reading, mainly due to the 3-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book streak I found myself in! That has never happened before! But like all streaks, they come to end and Count My Lies was my bummer of a book to kill the high. I checked a lot of books off my TBR this month and I cannot wait to see what April has in store. Did you have a favorite book in March?

Thanks for Listening!

Loved

🎧 The Poppy Fields ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Broken Country ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s a Love Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Liked

🎧 The Story She Left Behind ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Ghostwriter ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Sky Daddy ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 The Good Samaritan ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 A Map to Paradise ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Meh

🎧 Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 ⭐️⭐️💫

The Love Haters ⭐️⭐️

🎧 Count My Lies ⭐️⭐️

Promise Me Sunshine ⭐️⭐️

🎧 Swept Away ⭐️⭐️

Have you read All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman yet?? It is such a fun bingable suspense story with a snarky main character who is trying to solve the mystery of a boy going missing at her sons school. It was such a fun ride! I knew I wanted to interview Sarah because I had to know the brain behind Florence, our main character. Sarah is so honest about her author journey which I hope is helpful for aspiring authors!

Thanks for listening!

You can find Sarah:

IG: @sarah_harman_writer

Website: https://www.sarah-harman.com/

Part One:

A couple weeks, I asked on my Instagram stories for specific book recommendations that you were wanting. And since you wrote in such specific questions, I decided we're going to make a second part! So these are the categories we covered today with several recommendations under each. Let me know if you read them and report back!

-Something like The Last Flight by Julie Clark

-Historical Fiction not set during WW2

-Something sweet but not a romance

-Female Friendships

I've heard Saskia narrate many books to me so to finally get her on the podcast and learn more about her background was absolutely fascinating! With over 150 audiobook narrations under her belt, Saskia is one of the best in her field. I love her passion with her narrations! She is so talented and this chat was one of my favorites. Thanks for listening!

Some of Saskia's work:

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

most of Kate Quinn's recent books

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers (May 6)

I know you’ve read Blake Cake by now, but have you read Good Dirt? It was a blast chatting with New York Times bestselling author Charmaine Wilkerson and learning more about her and her author journey.  Charmaine is such a gifted storyteller and you could tell by the way she described aspects of the inspiration behind her books. Thanks for listening!

Charmaine recommended these three books:

Isola by Allegra Goodman

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion

You can find Charmaine:

IG: charmspen1

https://charmspen.com

From Daisy Jones to The Idea of You, the book world is full of stories for the screen. In this episode, we dive deeper into some of the best book-to-screen adaptations. My list definitely includes the classics like Little Women (1994-ONLY) and Harry Potter. There are SO MANY books to screens happening in the coming year and it is so fun to talk about it!

Happy Pub Day to debut author Sarah Damoff! Her gorgeous book The Bright Years is available now and I hope you all grab a copy today. I loved this book so much and think there is so much to discuss and unpack. Congrats Sarah!!

https://www.sarahdamoff.com/

IG: sarahdamoff

April! You were so good to me. I spent so many wonderful minutes outside on my walks listening to new stories with incredible characters. My stand out favorite was by far The Correspondent. Please, you must do the audio. The full cast narration was spectacular. I’m so excited for you to read my other 5 star favorites! Thanks for listening!

Loved

🎧 The Corespondent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 The Bright Years ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Beach House Rules ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Liked

Too Old for This ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Any Trope But You ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 The Missing Half ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Fun for the Whole Family ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Home of the American Circus ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 The Perfect Divorce ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 Heartwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Friendship Fling ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Meh

Forget Me Not ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Great Big Beautiful Life ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Say You’ll Remember Me ⭐️⭐️

SPOILERS!! I think we can all agree as a group here that We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer is an extremely unsetting psychological horror story that left us with more questions than answers! Enjoy this hodge podge discussion where I try and navigate the questions, comments, and discussion about all the unreliable aspects of this story. Happy listening!

Also: announced our June and July book club picks!

Debut author Virginia Evans joins me today to talk about her stunning first novel, The Correspondent — a story of resilience, grief, and the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters. We dive into her inspiration, her writing process, and the emotional heart of the story. Plus, a rapid-fire "this or that" round you won't want to miss!

If you love deep conversations, unforgettable characters, and a behind-the-scenes peek into a debut author's journey, this episode is for you. Tune in now!

Website: https://www.virginiaevansauthor.com/

IG: @virginia.l.evans

In this episode, I’m joined by Clare Leslie Hall, author of Broken Country—a haunting and beautifully written debut. We dive deep into the book’s themes, characters, and the inspiration behind Clare’s evocative storytelling. Spoiler alert! We do get into key plot points and twists, so if you haven’t read the book yet, you might want to finish it first before listening. Clare also shares her writing process, thoughts on writing complex female protagonists, and what she’s working on next. Thanks for listening!

Books Clare recommended:

Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively

The Death of Us by Abigail Dean

IG: @clarelesliehall

In this episode, Meagan shares book recommendations perfectfor Mother’s Day—but with a twist. From heartwarming stories about motherhood, sisterhood, and healing to dark, twisty thrillers that explore the shadowy side of maternal love, there’s something here for every kind of reader. Whether you’re in the mood to cry happy tears or clutch your blanket in suspense, you’ll find your next great read right here.

Here are the books talked about in today's episode:

1.  The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

2.  The Women by Kristin Hannah

3.  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

4.  The Most Fun We Ever Had by Clare Lombardo

5.  Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro

6.  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

7.  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

8.  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

9. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

10.  Go as a River by Shelley Read

11.  Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

12.  The Switch by Beth O’Leary

13.  Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

14.  Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

15.  Blake Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

16.  Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

17.  Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra

18.  The Push by Ashley Audrain

19.  All The Other Mother’s Hate Me by Sarah Harman

20.  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

21.  The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Tessa (@thelithomebody), and we’re diving into all things bookish! If you're not already following her, you will want to after you listen! We chat about our favorite genres, our undying love for our Kindles, and what makes the Bookstagram community so special. Tessa also shares the inspiration behind her beautifully curated Instagram aesthetic—think cozy, dreamy, and totally drool-worthy. If you love books, bookish spaces, and good vibes, this one’s for you!

In this episode, we delve into Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, the compelling debut novel by Jessica Guerrieri. Set in coastal California, the story follows Leah O’Connor, a once-free-spirited artist whose unexpected journey into motherhood and family life leads her to confront addiction and identity loss. Guerrieri's narrative offers a raw and empathetic exploration of the complexities of modern womanhood, making it a must-read for fans of Celeste Ng and Liane Moriarty.

Website: https://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/

IG: jessicaguerrieriauthor

In this episode, Meagan sits down with Brittney Hanks, the founder of the popular Instagram account Home and Kind. Brittney is a businesswoman, influencer, and cookbook author, and she shares her journey of building a brand focused on kindness, wellness, and home. We dive into her experiences balancing her influencer work with running a business, her passion for creating simple, yet impactful recipes, and her unique approach to living a fulfilling, balanced life. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own business or simply seeking a dose of positivity, this conversation is sure to leave you feeling uplifted.

Website: www.homeandkind.com

IG: @homeandkind

Books recommended in this episode:

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Essentialism  by Greg McKeown

Summer is here, and you know what that means — beach reads, sunny vibes, and diving into the perfect stories while soaking up the rays.

In this episode, I’m unpacking what really makes a great beach read (spoiler: it’s more than just sand and sunshine!). We’ll also explore why so many of us pick up more books during summer— from extra free time to that crave for escapism.

Plus, I’m sharing a handpicked list of books that readers are buzzing about this season — from thrilling mysteries to swoony romances and imaginative fantasies.

Ready to build your ultimate summer TBR? Grab your favorite cold drink and tune in!

In this special episode of Meagan's Book Club Podcast, I'm serving up 25 amazing beach reads to keep you turning pages all summer long! Whether you're in the mood for a swoony romance, a gripping thriller, a heartfelt historical, or something totally unexpected, I’ve got something for every kind of reader. From brand-new releases to beloved backlist gems, this episode is packed with recommendations across all genres.

So grab your sunscreen, pop in those earbuds, and get ready to load up your TBR with the ultimate beach read list of the season!

The List:

Heartwarming/Feel Good

Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford

The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella

Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Thriller/Mystery

Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr

The Unraveling by Vi Keeland

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers

Romance

Pictures of You by Emma Grey

Is She Really Going Out With Him Sophie Cousens

The Good Part by Sophie Cousens

The Love of my Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

First-Time Caller BK Borison

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

Fiction

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

The Inheritance by Joanna Goodman
Sylvia’s Second Act by Hillary Yablon

After Annie by Anna Quindlen

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

Historical Fiction

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

Nonfiction

While You Were Out by Meg Kissinger

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

In this episode of Meagan’s Book Club Podcast, I’m joined by bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey to chat about her delightful new novel, Beach House Rules. We dive into the inspiration behind the story, how Kristy crafts such vivid, heartwarming Southern settings, and the family dynamics that make her books so beloved.

And of course, we wrap it all up with a fun Rapid Fire: Summer Edition—flip flops, rosé, guilty pleasures and more! Whether you're packing your beach bag or just dreaming of coastal escapes, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Website: www.kristywoodsonharvey.com

IG: @kristywharvey

Get ready for all the swoons! On today’s episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Annabel Monaghan to chat about her brand-new novel It’s a Love Story, hitting shelves today! Annabel has a gift for writing heart-melting romances with sharp wit and unforgettable characters—and this latest story might just be her best yet. You don’t want to miss this fun, heartfelt conversation!

Website: https://annabelmonaghan.com/

IG: annabelmonaghan

May! We were all crawling to the finish line getting to summer break, but now that you're here, I am ready to binge some books! I cannot believe I finished 17 books this month (maybe I can- dissociated much??), but I was able to cross so many off my TBR. Did you have a favorite book you read in May? Let me know!

Loved

🎧 The Road to Tender Hearts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now to Forever ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heart the Lover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Liked

The Irish Goodbye ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 My Friends ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Notes on an Execution ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 We Don’t Talk About Carol ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Sounds Like Love ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 The Retirement Plan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just Okay

Fifty Fifty ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Kill Your Darlings ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 The Death of Us ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 One Golden Summer ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Flops

🎧 What Kind of Paradise ⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 Betting On You ⭐️⭐️

🎧 My Lovely Wife ⭐️⭐️

In this episode, Meagan chats with debut author Kristen L. Berry about her novel We Don’t Talk About Carol—a gripping family mystery rooted in long-buried secrets. We talk about her journey to becoming an author, the complex relationships at the heart of the story, and the real-world issue of missing Black girls often being overlooked. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss. Grab your copy today!

Website: https://www.kristenlberry.com/

IG: @kristenlberry

It’s personal Q&A time! You sent in your questions—and I’m answering them! From behind-the-scenes podcast life to what my husband does for work, how to get your kids to read, hobbies outside of reading, and how I really find time to read with four kids… we’re talking all things real life in this episode. Come hang out with me for a casual, cozy chat—you might learn something new, and you’ll definitely leave feeling like we just had coffee together.

In this mini episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas—the book that launched a thousand fae-themed obsessions. Did it live up to the hype? Kinda. Think: Beauty and the Beast meets Twilight with a magical twist. Tune in for my spoiler-light review, what worked for me, what didn’t, and whether I’ll keep going with the series.

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Kristin Harmel to discuss her powerful new novel The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. We dive into the inspiration behind the story, her desire to spotlight women rebels in WWII, and the moral complexity of those who broke the law in the name of justice during wartime. Kristin also opens up about navigating her breast cancer journey while continuing to write, and shares highlights from her recent book tour. It’s a moving, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Website: https://kristinharmel.com/

IG: @kristinharmel

In this episode of Meagan’s Book Club Podcast, bestselling author Nikki Erlick joins us to discuss her deeply moving new novel, The Poppy Fields. Known for her breakout debut The Measure, Nikki returns with a powerful story that tenderly explores the complexities of grief, loss, and healing. We talk about the inspiration behind the book, how she approaches writing about emotional pain with empathy, and what she hopes readers take away from this poignant journey. Whether you're navigating your own grief or simply love a novel that makes you feel, this conversation is not to be missed.

Website: www.nikkierlick.com

IG: @nikkierlick

*apologies for the mic echo towards the end of the interview, smh facepalm*

This week’s episode is a thrill! I had the absolute best time chatting with my friend Dennis (@scaredstraightreads), a longtime Bookstagram buddy and thriller aficionado. We dove into all things suspenseful—our favorite thrillers, dream author interviews, upcoming book-to-screen adaptations we can’t wait for, and the books Dennis is most excited about later this year. 🎬📚

If you love a good twisty read (or just want solid book recs from someone with impeccable taste), this one’s for you!

Today on the podcast, Meagan chats with beloved author Courtney Walsh about her delightful upcoming release, Everything's Coming Up Rosie—a heartwarming, small-town romance filled with lovable characters and feel-good moments. Courtney shares the inspiration behind Rosie’s story, gives us a peek into her writing process, and even plays a fun round of “This or That.” If you're a fan of clean, character-driven love stories with plenty of charm and heart, this episode is for you!

Website: www.courtneywalshwrites.com

IG: @courtneywalsh

This week, I’m joined by the delightful Annie Hartnett, author of the charming and emotional new novel The Road to Tender Hearts. We dive into her unexpected journey from the art world to the writing life, and chat about how she mixes whimsy and wit with deeper themes like grief, found family, and community. Annie’s books are the kind that make you laugh and cry—and this conversation is no different!

Annie recommended Sandwich by Catherine Newman

Get all of Annie's books: Rabbit Cake, Unlikely Animals, The Road to Tender Hearts

Website: https://www.anniehartnett.com/

IG: annie_hartnett

Please welcome back my good friend Hannah (@booksandbitesroc) and grab a cozy drink (and maybe a snack and an activity) as we catch up about all the Q3 books that are on the horizon! Spoiler, there are a LOT! I think we had 70 books on the list. This kind of bookish nerding out is some of my favorites to record because we always have things to say and comment on! Thanks for listening and make sure to check the show notes with the books we discuss.

July

The Satisfaction Cafe by Kathy Wang, Archive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr, The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate, How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding, Sun Burned by Katherine Wood, The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani, The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware, The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce, Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft, Our Last Resort by Clemence Michellon, The Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean, All the Men I've Loved Again by Christine Pride, Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman, My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero, The Lake Escape by Jamie Day, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline, Maid for Each Other by Lynn Painter, Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, Ink Ribbon Red by Alex Pavesi, Dead of Summer by Jessa Maxwell, That Last Carolina Summer by Karen White, Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams, Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum, You Belong Here by Megan Miranda

August

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen, Anywhere With You by Ellie Palmer, L.A. Women by Ella Berman, The Devil's Advocate by Steve Cavanagh, If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair, The Girl Who Came In From the Cold by Ally Carter, For the Record by Emma Lord, The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay, We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter, The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown, The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye, Too Old For This by Samantha Downing, All the Tomorrows After by Joanne Yi, One Dark Night by Hannah Richell, The Break-In by Katherine Faulkner, Good Grief by Sara Goodman Conofino, Forget Me Knot by Stacy Willingham

September

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross, A Killer Motive by Hannah Mary McKinnon, A Land So Wide by Erin A Craig, Wild Card by Elsie Silver, Play Nice by Rachel Harrison, Hot Wax by ML Rio, All This Could be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan, Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey, The Elements by John Boyne, The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards, Boy from the North Country by Sam Sussman, We Met Like This by Kasie West, Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh, The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand, Thief of Night by Holly Black, The Killer Question by Janice Hallett, We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad, The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman, A Tour to Die For by Michelle Chouinard, Christmas at the Ranch by Julia McKay, Famous by Blake Crouch, You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan, What We Can Know by Ian McEwan, Fake Skating by Lynn Painter, The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton, The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill

SPOILERS!! In the month of June, we discussed Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea—a raw, powerful novel that dives into the complexities of addiction, identity, and resilience. Even more special? Author Jessica Guerrieri joined us for the conversation. Since the book is rooted in her own lived experience with alcoholism, her insights brought incredible depth, vulnerability, and honesty to our discussion. It was an unforgettable chat full of emotion, reflection, and hope.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by author Karen Dukess for a delightful and inspiring conversation! We chat all about her fascinating path to becoming a writer, the winding journey (and setbacks) that came with working on her second book, and, of course, her brand new novel Welcome to Murder Week. We had so much fun talking about it!

Her first book: The Last Book Party

Website: www.karendukess.com

Instagram: @karendukess

What a month! We’ve settled into a great summer routine and I am cruising through the audiobooks + kindle reading while on my daily walks, quiet time on the porch, and pool! Favorites of the month were for sure Atmosphere, Night Watcher, and These Summer Storms. I think you’ll be seeing these books a ton this summer. Did you have any favorites from June?

12 audiobooks + 10 kindle

Favorites

🎧 These Summer Storms ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Atmosphere ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 Night Watcher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Liked

The Names ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Tilt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rebel Summer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Sandwich ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 How Freaking Romantic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What the Deep Water Knows ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We Met Like This ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Welcome to Murder Week ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 One Last Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Just Okay

🎧 A Court of Thorn and Roses ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yours For The Season ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 Someone Knows ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Business Casual ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 What If I Never Get Over You ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎧 The Summer We Ran ⭐️⭐️⭐️

If All Else Sails ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Skip

Don’t Let Him In ⭐️⭐️💫

A Beautiful Family ⭐️⭐️

Don’t Open Your Eyes ⭐️⭐️

This week, I had the absolute joy of chatting with bestselling author Sarah MacLean! Known for her wildly popular historical romances, Sarah is taking a bold step into new territory with her latest novel These Summer Storms. We dive into what inspired this emotional family drama, the importance of reading for fun and joy, and why romance still holds such a vital place in the literary world. These Summer Storms explores grief, sibling estrangement, and the unraveling of a wealthy family's legacy—and we unpack it all in this heartfelt conversation.

Website: https://www.sarahmaclean.net/

IG: @sarahmaclean