Today we welcome Jess from @thelostbooksofjess and Fantasy Fan Reads out now and available on the podcasting platforms. We chat with Jess about books, bringing one another up, and supporting our Authors who share with us amazing stories. With an equal love for books and all things books we had a wonderful time with Jess.

Books In Order:

Daggermouth By H. M. Wolfe

Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson

ACOTAR By Sarah J. Mass

A Stage Set For Villains by Shannon J Spann

Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower  

Yesteryear Carol Clair burke

Metalslinger

Dire Bound

Mistborn Brandon Sanderson

Fantasy Fan Girls Podcast

Drinking: (Not sponsored) 

Velvet Hammer: Elixir of inner light

Here are some links to connect with your hosts: 

Connect with Sheri: Website Instagram @shariborba_designs

Connect with Lauren: Website Instagram @story_books_and_toys

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-for-the-story/id1879385913

We appreciate you spending time with us. Thank you!

Hello! This week we have some spoilers for Easter so don't listen with your Kiddos if you would like to keep things special. Click Show notes link below for full episode links.

Drinking:

Velvet Hammer- Pink Lemonade

Bigelow Tea

Books in order: 

The MASH UP

Cut Flower Garden

By Blood, Shadow & Fire

Emma M. Lion

ACOTAR

Spring Books List & Show notes

Here are some links to connect with us: 

Connect with Sheri: Website Instagram @shariborba_designs

Connect with Lauren: Website Instagram @story_books_and_toys

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-for-the-story/id1879385913

Episode 6: 

Today we have the honor of chatting with New York Times Best selling author Shannon J Spann author of A Stage Set For Villans. This is a fun conversation with Shannon with a little dive beyond her masterpiece novel and the woman behind the words. 

Books Discussed (in Order)

One Dark Window: Rachel Gillig (Shannon's current Read

The Mash Up by Laura Marie Meyers

A Stage Set For Villains by Shannon J Spann

Artwork By: Elizabeth Turner Stokes

Shout out to Shannon's Favorite Bookshops: 

VA Springfield's Barnes and Noble

Love and Legends 

Ripped Bodice Brooklyn 

Books of Wonder

Book Club East 3rd Street, New York

Park Books Maryland 

The Nerd Tea Podcast

Links: 

Instagram: shannonjspann

Tiktok: 

Save me from new york

Shannonjspann author

Here are some links to connect with us: 

Connect with Sheri: Website Instagram @shariborba_designs

Connect with Lauren: Website Instagram @story_books_and_toys

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-for-the-story/id1879385913

This week join Shari and Lauren as they share their journey of starting a podcast, discuss their favorite books, art, and community events, and reflect on the joys and challenges of creative entrepreneurship.

Yogi Tea -Sweet Tangerine 

Trader Joes: Organic Roasted Herbal Tea. 

Books in order:

-Becoming Trader Joes

-Yesteryear - Caro Clair Burke

-The Knight Prince By Lauren Palphreyman

-The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

- In the Likely Event - Rebecca Yarros

- Lessons In Chemistry - By Bonnie Garmus

- By Blood, Shadow, and Fire - By Orin Steel releasing April 28, 2026

- A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Mass

- ORBE (Oakdale Riverbank Book Exchange) - Brittany Gramberg

- The Artists Way - by Julia Cameron

-Failing Forward concept- Brenee Brown 

Business Coach: 

Flammable entrepreneur

Christine Parker Muralist

Connect with Shari:

Website @shariborba_designs

Connect with Lauren:

Website @story_books_and_toys

Email us: [email protected]

On this episode we just give you a little background about who we are, some things we love and how we wound up here.

Books Discussed (In Order) 

• Yesteryear by Clair Caro Burke - April 7th
• Cloud Nine by Amanda Sinatra
• The Knight Prince by Lauren Palphreyman (Book #2 in The Wolf King)
• Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday - 2024
• In the Likely Event By Rebecca Yarros
• Shield Of Sparrows By Deveny Perry
• Dreams Diving by Alexandra Beaumont 
• My Husbands Wife By Alice Feeney
• Sarah McLean - Author
  

Refuge Coffee Oakdale

Grump & Sunshine Bookshop

In this episode we just give you a little background about who we are, some things we love and how we wound up here.

Connect with Sheri:

• @shariborba_designs
• Connect with Lauren:
• @story_books_and_toys

In this episode, Sheri and Lauren delve into the lighthearted yet insightful world of gentle hot takes around reading habits, and bookish debates.

Key topics:

• To DNF (do not finish), or finish no matter what 
• Audiobooks as real book considerations
• Annotating books and participating in shared reading 
• Mood reading vs structured reading schedules
• Controversial opinions on reading spoilers and early book reveals
• Rapid-fire questions
• Avoiding too much influence based on reviews and accepting your choice
• Upcoming book launches, current reads, and literary favorites

Books Discussed  Links:

• Rebecca Yaros - Author of Onyx Storm series
• In The Likely Event by Rebecca Yaros 
• Story Pirates Podcast
• A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann
• The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
• Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
• One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
• The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
• The way of Trust and Love by Jacques Philippe
• Yogi Tea Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality

Connect with Sheri:

• @shariborba_designs
• Connect with Lauren:
• @story_books_and_toys

Join us next time for more stories, books, and creative conversations. Feel free to reach out with questions or topic suggestions. This podcast is just getting started, and your input is welcome! Happy reading and connecting!

Episode 2: 

In this podcast discussion we hear some book reviews, recent readings, and personal experiences, providing insights on various books. Going through a few rapid-fire (and not so rapid) questions, & sharing anecdotes. This conversation is filled with humor and some great upcoming and current new releases.

Books Discussed (in Order)

• The Ruins Beneath Us by Sasha E Sloan - March 3rd
• Yesteryear by Clair Caro Burke - April 7th
• And Then There Was You by Sophie Cusins - 11/18
• The Far Away Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - March  31st
• Glittering Skies by Jenna Avery - March 24th
• Spell Cast by Sophie Jordan - July 28th (Fire in the Sky Book 3)
• Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik - January 27th
• The Gentleman's Confession by Anneke Walker - 2024
• Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday - 2024
• Catch Her If You Can by Tessa Bailey - January 20th 
• In the Heat of The Moment by Camilla Isley - February 16th
• Wicked By Jennifer Armentrout February 3rd
• Apprentice to The Villain by Nicole Maehrer - 2023

Connect with Shari: @shariborba_designs

Connect with Lauren: @story_books_and_toys

Here for the Story is a cozy podcast about books, creativity, and the stories that connect us. The hosts, Shari and Lauren, come at the book world from two totally different perspectives, offering insights into the behind-the-scenes creative space and the bookstore floor. The podcast focuses on engaging with readers, discussing what they're reading, working on, the publishing world, and what readers are loving right now. It also features conversations with authors, creatives, and interesting people from the community and beyond.

Join us, share with friends and cozy up to a fun conversation.

Learn more about your hosts, their work and businesses:
Shari Borba – https://www.shariborba.com

Story Books + Toys – https://www.storybooksandtoys.com
 

If you enjoy what you hear, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with your friends, family, fellow readers, educators, and anyone who loves meaningful conversations.

In this episode, Lauren and Shari share their personal journeys with reading, favorite genres, and how books influence their lives. They explore topics like fantasy world-building, the joy of annotating books, and small pleasures that bring unreasonable happiness. We are just getting started in our podcasting journey.

Key Topics:

• The allure of fantasy books: mythical creatures, world-building, and emotional impact
• The value and emotional significance of annotating books and personal markings
• How reading shapes childhood experiences and fosters a love of learning
• The rise of ARCs (Advance Review Copies): discovering new authors and community engagement
• Strategies for balancing reading speed and enjoyment, including re-reading favorites
• The connection between books and life stories—writing dedications and personal notes
• The importance of slowing down, mindfulness, and finding joy in small moments
• The influence of media adaptations and the differences between books and TV series
• Favorite genres, such as food industry exposés and historical romance
• Creating a reading environment that encourages children to develop their love for books

• Random joyful tidbits: the happiness found in observing birds, talking to strangers, and quirky habits

Books Mentioned:

1. The Glittering Skies By Jenna Avery - A contemporary romance set in a fantasy world.
2. Shield Of Sparrows by Devney Perry - Mentioned as a book club read.
3. Fourth Wing By Rebecca Yarrows
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas - Discussed in the context of fantasy reading.
5. Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn- Mentioned in relation to re-reading before new episodes.
6. Harry Potter by J. K Rowling- Mentioned as a series re-read multiple times.

Connect with Shari:

• @shariborba_designs
• Connect with Lauren:
• @story_books_and_toys

  Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on literature, life, and everyday joys. Thanks for listening!