Bookish Flights: Themed Book Recommendations & Author Interviews

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Eli Gardner is an award-winning author of 7 books. She is a military veteran with over a dozen deployments to the Middle East. The time spent overseas and the beauty she finds in misunderstood places and topics, inspires much of her writing. She writes in the genres of historical fiction, fairytale retellings, cozy magical realism, comedy and poetry. She has a budding horse rescue, with 7 saved in the last 2 years from kill pens and names all the horses after authors. Book profits fund rescue operations as well as 25% being donated to a rotating list of mostly veteran-related 501c3s. 

Episode Highlights:

• Story Share: A cross-over episode with Jacqui Just Chatters podcast, where Eli’s book Hookah Smoke and Hellfire: Poems from War is discussed.
• Military Life: Eli shares insights from her multiple deployments and how she’s built a community through her experiences.
• Horse Rescue: The inspiring story behind founding her horse rescue and how childhood dreams can evolve into meaningful ventures.
• Writing Journey: Eli reflects on her writing process, what she’s learned about herself through her work and the genres she loves to explore. She writes about tough topics, but makes them accessible to all. 
• Book Flight: Eli’s curated selection of historical fiction with a touch of magical realism, inspiring her literary style.

Connect with Eli Gardner:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Purchase Eli’s books

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
• You Can Farm by Joel Salatin

Book Flight

• Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
• Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
• 1000 Nights: Death’s Love Letter to Afghanistan by Eli Gardner

Dessert Pairing

• The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Gill Paul. Gill is the bestselling author of twelve historical novels, many of them about real women from the past whom she thinks have been marginalized or misjudged by historians. Gill was born in Scotland and grew up there, apart from an eventful year at school in the US when she was ten. She studied Medicine at Glasgow University, then English Literature and History (she was a student for a long time), before moving to London to work in publishing. Her first novel was written at weekends, but she has now given up the ‘day job’ to write fiction full-time. Gill swims daily, year-round in a wild pond and loves vintage clothes, old movies, and poking around in bookshops. Her latest novel, Scandalous Women, released yesterday, congrats Gill!

Episode Highlights:

• Swimming year-round
• The publishing world of the 1960s and how it changed how authors market their books today
• Her research process
• Writing about women misrepresented in the 20th century
• Her book flight includes books that have influenced her writing and Scandalous Women

Connect with Gill Paul:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Purchase Her Latest Book:

• Scandalous Women

Show Notes

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• The Women by Kristin Hannah
• Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
• Jane Austen books
• The Revolution Within by Gloria Steinem

Book Flight

• The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
• The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Dessert Pairing

• As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows by Zoulfa Katouh

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Hannah Levin. Hannah Levin is a neurodivergent dog mom who grew up in Northern New Jersey and currently resides in the D.C. metropolitan area. Her writing career began with poetry and fanfiction in her early teen years; luckily, she's come a long way in the decade since. During the day, she writes repetitive marketing copy to pay the bills, but by night, she writes fantasy romance to feed the dreamers. She has several projects in the works at any given time, usually with common themes of relatable characters, a healthy balance of plot and spice, and gradual relationship development. After a long struggle with ADHD, Hannah's debut novel, The Treasured One, came out July 9, 2024. 

Episode Highlights:

• Writing with ADHD and her publication journey
• Kindle Unlimited
• Indie authors and a cozy romantasy book flight

Connect with Hannah Levin:

• Instagram
• Website

Purchase Her Latest Book:

• The Treasured One

Show Notes

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Gail Carson Levine books
• Terry Pratchett books
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• No Excuses by Andrea Janelle

Book Flight

• Radiance by Grace Draven
• Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by Brigitte Knightley
• Bound to Fall by A.K. Caggiano

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

Today’s guest is Amanda Cox. Amanda is a therapist-turned-novelist who pens stories about characters finding hope, healing, and a sense of belonging. She resides in Tennessee with her husband and three children. Her latest novel, Between the Sound and Sea, comes out on August 6th, 2024.

Episode Highlights:

• Favorite Book to Write: She shares which of her books was her favorite to write and why.
• Latest Novel: A deep dive into Between the Sound and Sea.
• Connections with Characters: A heartfelt discussion on how stories connect us with characters and each other.
• Writing Process: Her unique perspective on how writing teaches her to trust in God and have faith.
• Book Flight: Books with themes of found family, which she endearingly calls her "catnip."

Happy listening! You can connect with Amanda at the links below:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Purchase Between the Sound and Sea (Release date - 08/06/24)

If you want more Bookish Flights, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon! Stay tuned for more member exclusive content to come!

Show Notes

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
• Cole and Laila are Just Friends by Bethany Turner

Book Flight

• Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
• West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
• The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

I’d love for you to join the Bookish Flights community on social media, you can connect and/or share the links below. Thank you for being here!

The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.

Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:

• One chapter book for growing readers
• One picture book for our littlest readers
• A few family conversation starters + a simple activity

Three books. One common theme.

→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode I am chatting with Monica Roe. Monica is a writer, physical therapist, beekeeper, and researcher/advocate for the social model of disability and inclusive rural health. A first-generation graduate, Monica studies public health and disability-inclusive disaster preparedness at the University of Alaska. She and her family divide their time between Alaska and their apiary in rural South Carolina.

Discussion Highlights:

• Monica’s Unconventional Physical Therapy Job: Hear about Monica’s unique role as a Pediatric School-Based Physical Therapist in Alaska, where she navigates the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in such a distinct landscape.
• Medical Care Landscape in Alaska: Learn about the healthcare environment in Alaska, and how it differs from other regions, especially concerning disability and inclusion.
• Disability and Social Inclusion: Delve into the themes of disability and social inclusion, including Monica's novel "Air," which features Wheelchair Motocross, highlighting the importance of representation and advocacy.
• Resiliency of Being a Writer: Monica shares her journey as a writer, discussing the resiliency required to get a book deal and an agent, along with the creative process behind her works.

Join us for an insightful conversation that spans multiple topics, offering a unique perspective on disability advocacy, healthcare and the writing process. Don’t miss out on Monica’s inspiring story and valuable insights!

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE. 

Connect with Monica at the links below:

• Website
• Instagram
• Purchase Air

Hey listeners! Exciting news! Bookish Flights has been nominated for The People’s Choice Podcast Awards in two categories: Best Female Hosted Podcast and Best Podcast of the Year! We are incredibly honored by this recognition and would be thrilled to have your support.

Please head over to www.podcastawards.com to cast your vote for Bookish Flights. Your support means the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough!

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Lauren Ford. Lauren is the debut Australian author of Liv is Not a Loser, a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com.Lauren shares all about writing and the publishing pipeline differences between the film scripts and novel writing. She also shares a delightful book flight of friends-to-lovers romantic comedies. Lauren lives in Australia with her husband, two children and one overly excitable Sheepadoodle. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading anything involving romance, patting random unsuspecting animals or continuing her quest for the perfect gluten-free bacon and egg roll. Lauren is the debut author of Liv is Not a Loser with a hilarious and heartwarming Rom-Com. 

Discussion Highlights:

• Lauren's journey from film distribution and script development to writing novels.
• Insights into the differences between the publishing pipelines for film scripts and novels.
• Lauren's experience with her debut novel, Liv is Not a Loser.
• Lauren shares a delightful book flight of friends-to-lovers romantic comedies.

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE. 

Connect with Lauren at the links below:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Purchase Liv is Not a Loser

Hey listeners! Exciting news! Bookish Flights has been nominated for The People’s Choice Podcast Awards in two categories: Best Female Hosted Podcast and Best Podcast of the Year! We are incredibly honored by this recognition and would be thrilled to have your support.

Please head over to www.podcastawards.com to cast your vote for Bookish Flights. Your support means the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough!

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Kate Quinn. Kate is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of southern California, she attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Voice. She has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, and The Diamond Eye. All have been translated into multiple languages. Kate and her husband now live in San Diego with three rescue dogs. Her latest novel, The Briar Club is a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, DC, boardinghouse during the McCarthy era released yesterday. Congratulations Kate!

What you find in this episode:

• Introduction to Kate and The Briar Club: Learn about Kate's background and what inspired her latest novel.
• Favorite Character: Kate shares insights on her favorite character to write and why.
• The Power of Historical Fiction: A discussion on the importance of historical fiction and the untold stories of women in history.
• Contemporary Relevance: How the issues faced by women in history are still relevant today.
• Book Flight: Kate's top historical fiction recommendations that inspired her writing journey.

You can connect with Kate at the links below:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Purchase The Briar Club

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE. 

Hey listeners! Exciting news! Bookish Flights has been nominated for The People’s Choice Podcast Awards in two categories: Best Female Hosted Podcast and Best Podcast of the Year! We are incredibly honored by this recognition and would be thrilled to have your support.

Please head over to www.podcastawards.com to cast your vote for Bookish Flights. Your support means the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough!

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Nicole Miller. Nicole lives in Southwest Washington state with her husband and two sons, along with her two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. When she is not writing or tending the animals, she works in human resources. Nicole’s debut novel, Until Our Time Comes, was released yesterday - congratulations Nicole! It is one of the best historical novels I have read so far this year, so make sure to grab your copy at the link below!

You can connect with the Nicole at the links below:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website
• Purchase Until Our Time Comes

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE. 

Hey listeners! You can now leave us a message on Speakpipe. I’d love to hear from you about:

🎙️ What books you’ve loved from the show?

🎙️ What episodes have been your favorite?

🎙️ A guest you’ve enjoyed hearing from?

And anything else you’d like to tell us. You can leave us a voicemail HERE, we listen to them all! 🩷

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Keri Wilt. Keri is a speaker, writer, and heart cultivator with a soul full of sunshine who’s on a mission to help you flourish. That’s because not long ago, she looked down and discovered that my life had become an over-planted mess that was choking out her relationships, creativity, and purpose. That’s when some soul-searching journal time and a late-night re-reading of my great-great-grandmother’s classic book The Secret Garden unearthed this Well-Tended Life Truth: That EVERY locked-up, weed-filled, withering life can bloom and grow again with the help of a little magic. I am so excited to have her on the show today! 

This was such a fantastic conversation and it is packed with helpful tips! From de-cluttering your mind and mental load, to ideas for a daily journal practice. Keri describes her journaling prompts in greater detail, with a basic outline of Read, Reflect, Weed, Seed and Water. Tune in to hear more about each of these, plus so many more helpful tips for living your best life. 

You can connect with Keri at the links below:

• Instagram
• Website
• Join Cultivate U

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE. 

Hey listeners! You can now leave us a message on Speakpipe. I’d love to hear from you about:

🎙️ What books you’ve loved from the show?

🎙️ What episodes have been your favorite?

🎙️ A guest you’ve enjoyed hearing from?

And anything else you’d like to tell us. You can leave us a voicemail HERE, we listen to them all! 🩷

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Send us Fan Mail

Today we have an episode from the kids for the kids. I am speaking today with Luella (age 9), Leva (age 7) and their Mom, Ana. Luella will be going into 4th grade and Leva into 2nd grade. This sister duo is always looking to be entertained and they brought a book flight of a few of their favorite books that do just that!

Make sure to join us for the Summer Reading Club and get entered into the 100th episode giveaway!

How to enter:

1. Read a book flight of books (your choice of any 3 books). 
2. Fill out the monthly reading tracker to read 15 minutes per day for 40 days of reading.

Must be entered by August 25th and winners will be announced August 28th! Grab a copy of your reading tracker at link in bio or www.bookishflights.com/read/2024src

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If you want more Bookish Flights, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon! Stay tuned for more member exclusive content to come!

Show Notes

Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.

Book Flight

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• Girl Saints for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries
• Clare’s Costly Cookie by Julia Kelly
• Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website