In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Samantha Decker, author of Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the constant hustle or are craving more space to rest in God’s peace, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights:

• Samantha Decker’s Journey: From living a hurried life to embracing rest and trusting God’s timing.
• Why We Struggle with Busyness: The reasons behind our constant striving and how to break free.
• Biblical Rest & Surrender: How Jesus modeled rest and why surrendering control to God frees us from hurry.
• Practical Steps to an Unhurried Life: Small but meaningful habits to create space for peace.

Connect with Samantha Decker:

Instagram: @samanthadeckerwrites

Substack: samanthadecker.substack.com

Website: samanthadeckerwrites.com

Buy Unhurried: Book Link

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God by Samantha Decker
• None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
• In His Image by Jen Wilkin
• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret

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

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs encouragement in slowing down and finding rest in God.

Friendship breakups can be just as painful as any other form of rejection, leaving us feeling lost and hurt. In this episode, I sit down with Tabitha Panariso, Christian counselor and author of Loyal in His Love, to talk about navigating the grief of losing a close friendship. We discuss why friendship breakups can be so painful, how to process the emotions that come with them, and how Christ’s faithfulness offers healing and hope. Tabitha also answers listener questions on knowing when to let go, dealing with guilt, and whether every friendship needs closure.

Episode Highlights

• Tabitha’s journey as a writer and Christian counselor
• Why friendship breakups hurt so deeply
• Common emotions after losing a close friend and how to navigate them
• Biblical encouragement for seasons of rejection
• Listener Q&A on friendship breakups
• Rapid-fire questions, including Tabitha’s favorite chapter to write

Listen to Episode #3 of Bookihs Talks with Lia, Cultivating Godly Friendships with Bailey T. Hurley (Apple or Spotify)

Scriptures mentioned: Psalms 136, Romans 8:37-39

Disclaimer: Sozo is mentioned in this episode in reference to the Greek word σῴζω, meaning to save, deliver, heal, or make whole (e.g., Acts 16:31, Mark 5:34, Matthew 8:25). This reference is simply to the biblical meaning.

Connect with Tabitha

Loyal in His Love - Buy the book

Substack: tabithapanariso.substack.com

Instagram: @tabithapanariso

 Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreadsInstagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Hamilton—an author and passionate college ministry leader with a heart for discipleship. Alicia’s work focuses on helping young adults deepen their faith in a pivotal season of life.

We’ll dive into her journey of writing, ministry, and discipleship, exploring how she balances creativity with spiritual growth. You’ll also hear about her devotional, Eternity in Our Hearts, and the incredible lessons she’s learned along the way.

Episode Highlights:

• How Alicia’s passion for writing and ministry began
• The role of discipleship in college ministry and why it matters
• The process of writing Eternity in Our Hearts and lessons from Ecclesiastes
• Staying spiritually refreshed while pouring into others

Connect with Alicia:
Instagram

Threads

Substack

Book link: Eternity in Our Hearts with Hosanna Revival

 Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreadsInstagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Holly Mackle—author, classical school librarian, and host of the Unseriously podcast. Holly wears many hats, and today, we’re diving into how she balances writing, podcasting, and working in a school library while creating meaningful content.

Whether you’re a fan of her books, interested in classical education, or curious about her new podcast, this conversation is for you. Holly shares her journey into writing, her passion for helping kids engage with literature, and the joys and challenges of launching a podcast.

We got a good laugh along the way, so grab your coffee or tea and join us for an insightful and fun conversation!

Connect with Holly Mackle:

• Unseriously Podcast
• Instagram: @hollymacklebooks

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

In this heartfelt episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Hallie Dye, a wife, mom of three, podcaster, speaker, and author of the debut book You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have). Hallie opens up about the messy yet beautiful journey of motherhood and how surrendering to God’s grace can bring peace amidst the chaos.

Whether you’re a mom feeling the pressures of the perfect motherhood narrative or someone looking for encouragement in the midst of imperfection, this conversation is for you. Hallie shares her faith journey, how she got into writing and podcasting, and practical advice on navigating the high expectations of motherhood with grace.

Grab your coffee or tea and join us for a conversation filled with authenticity, wisdom, and hope.

We discuss:

• Hallie’s personal journey of faith and how it has shaped her motherhood.
• The heart behind her book You’re Still a Good Mom and the inspiration for writing it.
• How to surrender expectations and embrace God’s grace in the mess of motherhood.
• Practical advice for moms feeling overwhelmed by the highlight reel of social media.
• Hallie’s favorite moments from her book and the truths she hopes readers take away.
  Books Mentioned:
• You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have) by Hallie Dye Grab your copy
• Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments
• The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
• You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well 
• The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy by Tim Keller
  Connect with Hallie Dye:
• Instagram: @halliedye
• Podcast: The Saltworks Podcast

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

Motherhood brings many changes, and our reading lives are no exception. In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Kara Ballinger (@thewell.read.collective), a homeschooling mom, avid reader, and the creator behind The Well Read Collective. Kara is passionate about helping women know and love God through the study of His Word, and today, she’s sharing how her reading habits have shifted through different seasons of motherhood.

We discuss:

• Kara’s bookstagram journey and how she built The Well Read Collective
• How motherhood and homeschooling have shaped her reading life
• Encouragement for moms who feel like they don’t have time to read
• The Christian books that have impacted her faith

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep a thriving reading life as a busy mom, this episode is for you.

Books Mentioned:

• Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn
• Mandie Series by Lois Gladys Leppard

Connect with Kara:
Website: wellversedcollective.com
Instagram: @thewell.read.collective

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

In this episode, Brandi Davis opens up about the struggles of reading slumps and Bookstagram burnout, offering insights and advice on how to get to the root of your reading slump and lean into finding balance. Whether you’re a book lover, a content creator, or just looking to rediscover your passion for reading, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get back on track.

Listen to Brandi's previous epsiode Reading Widely and Growing Deeply with Brandi Davis

Connect with Brandi:

• Instagram: @becomingbookbybook

Connect with Lia:

• Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering your questions. We're covering it all from my favorite books and how I find time to read to a surprise you might not expect. I’m also sharing a few past episodes you might love and must-read books that have shaped my faith and reading life. Grab your coffee or tea, and let’s dive in.

Past Episodes Mentioned:

• Crafting Christian Content with a Purpose with Oghosa Iyamu
• Breaking Free from Bad Theology: How Books Helped Shape My Faith
  

Books Mentioned:

• Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
• The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
• American Queen by Vanessa Miller
• Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight
• Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn
• The Promises of God Series by Kim Cash Tate
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
  

Connect with Lia:

• Bookstagram:@liarossreads
• Instagram:@bookishtalkspodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eliza Huie, a biblical counselor, speaker, and author of Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza shares her journey into biblical counseling and offers wisdom on how Christians can provide compassionate, gospel-centered support to those affected by trauma. We explore the importance of understanding trauma from a biblical perspective, how churches can become more trauma-aware, and practical ways to care for others while staying rooted in Scripture.

Episode Highlights:

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Order your copy of Trauma Aware:

Amazon

Harvest House Publishers

Christianbook.com

Connect with Eliza:

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Maggie Brown, the founder of Warmly Welcomed. Maggie has built a vibrant online community dedicated to helping women get OUT of their heads and INTO their Bibles. Her mission is simple yet profound: to teach women to love God’s Word and live out their faith in everyday life.

Maggie shares her personal journey from working on church staff to starting Warmly Welcomed, discussing her passion for deepening women’s Bible study experiences. We dive into some of the common hurdles people face when studying Scripture and explore practical tips and resources to help you stay motivated and consistent in your time with God.

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, Maggie’s insights are sure to encourage and equip you in your journey.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Connect with Maggie Brown:

Connect with Lia: