When life feels overwhelming, where do you turn for help? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Rebekah Hannah, a biblical counselor and the founder of Anchored Virtual, to talk about what biblical counseling really is, why it matters, and how God’s Word offers anchored hope for the struggles we all face.

Rebekah shares her own story of following Jesus and how the Lord led her into biblical counseling. We talk through common misconceptions Christians may have about counseling, how to know when it’s time to seek help, and why Scripture is sufficient and essential for navigating life’s hardest seasons.

You’ll also hear the heart behind Anchored Virtual, a ministry providing accessible, Christ-centered counseling, and Rebekah’s practical encouragement for anyone feeling unsure if counseling is the next step.

What We Talk About in This Episode:

• Rebekah’s testimony and how she became a biblical counselor
• What makes biblical counseling distinct from other approaches
• Misconceptions Christians often have about counseling
• How to know when it’s time to seek biblical counseling
• The importance of God’s Word in facing real struggles
• Navigating the extremes of “just pray about it” vs. fully secular therapy
• The vision and work of Anchored Virtual
• Book recommendations for Christian readers and those exploring counseling
• Encouragement for listeners who feel weary or unsure if counseling is for them
  

Connect with Rebekah Hannah + Anchored Virtual:

• Instagram: @anchoredvirtual
• Website: anchoredvirtual.com
  

Connect with Lia:

• Bookstagram: @liarossreads
• Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
  

What do we do when hope feels out of reach? How do we cling to God in the long nights of suffering and waiting?

In this conversation, I’m joined by author and speaker Vaneetha Risner, who has walked through profound suffering—chronic illness, loss, and divorce—and yet continues to point us to Christ as the source of lasting hope. We talk about her newest book, Watching for the Morning: 90 Devotionals for When Hope Is Hard to Find, and the heart behind writing for those who feel weary, unseen, or stuck in the waiting.

Vaneetha shares honestly about lament, the importance of holding both grief and laughter, and how she has learned to be satisfied in God alone. She also offers encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God or unsure of how to bring their doubts and pain before Him.

Grab your coffee or tea and join us for this heartfelt and hope-filled episode.

Books by Vaneetha Risner

• Watching for the Morning: 90 Devotionals for When Hope Is Hard to Find
• Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption
• The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering

Connect with VaneethaWebsite: www.vaneetha.comInstagram: @vaneetharisner

Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by author Brittany Lee Allen to discuss her deeply personal and hopeful book, Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort. Brittany shares her story of losing three babies to miscarriage, the pain and confusion she faced, and how she found God’s comfort in the midst of her grief.

We explore what it means to grieve openly in a culture that often overlooks miscarriage, how the Church can better support families walking through loss, and practical ways you can care for someone who is grieving. Brittany also offers wisdom and encouragement for anyone impacted by miscarriage or wanting to learn how to journey alongside others in sorrow.

If you’ve experienced miscarriage or want to grow in compassion and understanding, this episode is for you.

A note:  At one point in the episode, I misspoke in a way that might have suggested women who experience miscarriage are not mothers. I want to affirm clearly that even though their children are not here on earth, they are very much mothers, and their grief is real and valid.

Books Mentioned:

• Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort by Brittany Lee Allen
• We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney Pipkin
• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop
• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Connect with Brittany:
Follow Brittany and learn more about her work at brittleeallen.com and subscribe to her Treasuring Christ newsletter on Substack.

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Glenna Marshall to talk about her newest book, Known & Loved: Experiencing the Affection of God in Psalm 139. You’ve probably heard the verse “fearfully and wonderfully made,” but Glenna invites us to go deeper.

In this rich and honest conversation, we talk about what it means to be fully known and deeply loved by God. Glenna shares how Psalm 139 has shaped her faith, especially through seasons of suffering, and how Scripture helps anchor us in the truth of God’s affection.

If you’ve ever struggled to believe that God’s love is personal and present in your life, this episode will encourage your heart.

In This Episode:

• Glenna’s journey of how she started writing
• The story behind Known & Loved and who she wrote it for
• Why Psalm 139 speaks to our deepest questions about being seen and known
• The impact of suffering on Glenna’s view of God’s love
• Favorite chapters and verses that stood out while writing
• How Scripture continues to shape Glenna’s life
• A few fun rapid-fire questions to wrap up

Books by Glenna Marshall:

• Known & Loved: Experiencing the Affection of God in Psalm 139
• The Promise is His Presence
• Everyday Faithfulness
• Memorizing Scripture
• Praying In Pain (Coming soon)
• 
  

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund 
• A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

Connect with Glenna Marshall:
Website: glennamarshall.com
Instagram: @glennadmarshall

Connect with Lia Ross:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

What if your weakness wasn’t something to hide, but the very place God wants to show His strength? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Bible teacher and author Christine Hoover to talk about her new Bible study, More Than Enough: God’s Strength in Our Weakness in 2 Corinthians.

Christine shares how 2 Corinthians speaks directly to our struggles with inadequacy, and how God's power meets us right where we are. We talk about ministry life, cultural messages of self-sufficiency, and how spiritual maturity often begins with surrender. This conversation is full of encouragement, truth, and hope for anyone who has ever felt not enough.

So grab your coffee or tea and let’s get started!

In This Episode:

• Christine’s story of coming to Christ and becoming a Bible teacher
• Why 2 Corinthians is especially powerful for today’s believers
• What Scripture really says about weakness and why it matters
• How God's strength shows up in our everyday struggles
• Encouragement for those who feel inadequate or overwhelmed
• A simple practice Christine uses to stay rooted in God's Word
• What spiritual maturity looks like and how to grow in it
  

Resources and Links:
📖 More Than Enough Bible Study
To connect with Christine, visit christinehoover.net or follow her on Instagram @christinehoover98

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

 Embracing God’s Strength in Our Weakness with Christine Hoover

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by S. D. Smith, author of The Green Ember Series—an adventure saga that’s captivated over a million readers. We talk about the heart behind his storytelling, the enduring impact of rabbits with swords, and his exciting new project: Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—a novel releasing alongside its very own video game!

Sam shares what makes this new story special, what it's like writing a beloved prequel, and how this project blends timeless themes with a fresh format. If you love meaningful stories that stir up courage, virtue, and imagination, this conversation is for you.

 Mentioned in this episode:

• The Green Ember Series by S. D. Smith
• Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb (NEW prequel novel + game)
• Kickstarter campaign for the book & video game

Support the Kickstarter campaign through this link

Explore S. D. Smith’s books:
https://sdsmith.com/books

Connect with Sam

• Website: https://sdsmith.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sdsmithereens
• Story Warren: https://storywarren.com

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Kyle Worley—pastor, author, and co-host of the Knowing Faith Podcast. Kyle and I talk about what it really means to be at home with God through union with Christ, and how we’re all being spiritually formed every day—often without realizing it. We dive into his books, Home with God and Formed for Fellowship, and explore how beholding God changes everything. If you’ve ever wondered how theology fits into your everyday life or what spiritual formation really looks like, this conversation will leave you encouraged and grounded in truth.

Purchase Kyle's Books:

Home with God

Formed For Fellowship

Connect with Kyle:

• Website: kyleworley.net

• Instagram: @kyleworley

• Podcast: Knowing Faith

• Church: Mosaic Church Richardson

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, we’re discussing how to disciple your children without the pressure. If the idea of discipling your kids feels overwhelming or if you’ve ever wondered if you’re qualified, you’re not alone. Chris Ammen, a children’s pastor and father of four, has been there.

Chris shares insights from his debut book, Raising Disciples at Home: Nurturing Your Kids into Faithful Followers of Jesus. He explains how parents can embrace their weaknesses and depend on God in the process of discipling their kids. We’ll discuss key truths about discipleship, including how God is the one ultimately guiding your child’s faith journey and how discipleship is about God shaping us as parents as well.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or unqualified in the area of discipling your kids, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

Episode Highlights:

• Chris’s personal journey and passion for children’s discipleship
• Why discipleship is more about faithfulness than perfection
• The difference between behavior modification and heart transformation
• Common challenges parents face in discipling their kids and how to overcome them
• Practical tips for starting discipleship rhythms in the home
• Encouragement for parents who feel like they’ve failed in this area
• Scriptures to cling to in the parenting journey
• What discipleship actually looks like in real life with kids

Resources Mentioned:

Tiny Theologians

Dwell Differently
Bible Infographics for Kids

Connect with Chris Ammen:

• Website: www.readkaleidoscope.com
• Instagram: @readkaleidoscope
• Buy Chris’s debut book, Raising Disciples at Home here 

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

In this episode, I'm sharing a more personal conversation in light of graduation season. Whether you're heading to college, graduating, a parent cheering someone on, or just curious about my story, this episode is for you. I’m taking you back to my early days as a new believer in college — the struggles, the joys, and the simple habits that kept me grounded in my faith through college and into post-grad life.

I hope it encourages you (or someone you love) to walk closely with Jesus through every new season.

Episode Highlights:

• A little of my story of coming to faith right before college
• The biggest lessons I learned trying to live for Christ on campus
• Practical tips for staying rooted in God's Word and Christian community

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

What’s better than visiting one bookstore? Visiting five—in a single day!

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Meagan Robertson, host of the Faith and Fables podcast, to chat all about her epic 12-hour road trip from North Carolina to Tennessee for McKay’s 50th anniversary celebration. Meagan, along with her friends (and her baby!), hit the road to explore multiple McKay’s locations, and she’s sharing all the details of this unforgettable adventure.

We talk about what it’s like to plan a book-lover’s dream trip, how to make it work with a little one in tow, and why McKay’s holds such a special place in our hearts. If you’ve ever dreamed of a bookstore crawl or love the thrill of secondhand book finds, this episode is for you.

Note: We had some audio issues during recording due to internet connection, so the sound quality may not be perfect. We apologize for any distractions, but we hope you still enjoy this fun conversation!

Episode Highlights

• How Meagan pulled off visiting five McKay’s bookstores in one day

• What makes McKay’s a beloved destination for readers

• Favorite finds and surprising treasures found at Mckay's

Connect with Meagan:

Bookstagram: @robertson.reads

Podcast: @faithandfables

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast