August’s What I’m Loving is here! This month I’m sharing what I’m watching, reading, cooking, doing more of, buying, and—of course—what I'm reading.

I’m talking about my excitement for Practical Magic 2 and the new season of Ted Lasso, what I’m currently reading (The Pirate Queen and The Witch of Cambridge), making more homemade meals, embracing a little fall shopping, and the other little things making life feel extra good right now.

You won't want to miss the announcement at the end of the episode! Eeeeek! Can't wait!

Sheet Pan Recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/greek-sheet-pan-chicken/

This week, I’m joined by bestselling author Ilona Bannister, author of the psychological thriller Five, which became a sensation after its release in May. Ilona and I talk about the winding, often difficult journey to becoming a traditionally published author—including navigating the challenges of publishing during COVID and the unwavering support from her husband that helped her keep going.

We also dive into Five and what makes its characters so compelling. At the heart of the story is the way we judge people without ever really knowing what’s happening beneath the surface, and Ilona shares how she built characters who are complicated, flawed, challenging, and not always easy to like. And honestly, those are often the characters that make for the best stories.

It was such a joy getting to know Ilona and hear the story behind her success. She’s already working on her next book, and after this conversation, I absolutely cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

Website: www.ilonabannisterwrites.com

IG: @ilona.bannister

Books Recommended by Ilona:

• Honey by Imani Thompson

• What Boys Learn by Andromeda Romano-Lax

How is it already mid-August?! Honestly, this month has felt so long, but I’m checking in with a look at what I’ve been reading, what’s currently on my nightstand, and a couple of books I’m already excited about for 2027.

My reading has been pretty solid this month, but two books have definitely stood out from the rest—and I’m sharing why I think they’re worth adding to your TBR. I’m also chatting about the two books I’m currently reading and giving you a little sneak peek at two 2027 releases that I already have my eye on.

Basically, a little mid-month reading catch-up, some bookish favorites, and a peek at what’s ahead!

This week, I'm joined by author Paige Harbison to celebrate the release of her latest novel, Destination Funeral. Paige and I had an absolute blast chatting about her journey from writing YA novels to adult fiction, her creative process, and what it's been like narrating her own audiobooks—and now lending her voice to books by other authors as well.

Beyond the books, we connected over podcasting, social media, creativity, and the many unexpected paths a writing career can take. Paige is every bit as funny, thoughtful, and personable as you'd hope, making this one of those conversations that feels like sitting down with a friend. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering her work for the first time, I think you're going to love this conversation.

Website: https://www.paigeharbison.com/

IG: @pharbeaux

There are some weekends that feel a little bit magical, and this was absolutely one of them. ✨

Thirteen women, a beautiful weekend in Middleburg, Virginia, plenty of books, wine, good food, and so much laughter. From a wine tasting and book swap at Greenhill Winery to lounging by the pool at Salamander Resort, a book tasting at Middleburg Books, and ending the weekend with dinner and a Q&A with bestselling author Audrey Ingram, every moment felt special.

But more than anything, I left this weekend thinking about female friendship. How quickly you can connect with people when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. How much joy there is in gathering around something you love. And how important it is to make space for new friendships, new experiences, and a little bit of magic.

I’m recapping the whole weekend on the podcast today, and I hope it inspires you to say yes to something that might feel a little outside your comfort zone. You never know who you might meet.

For more info on the retreat, check out: https://luxuryreadingretreats.com/

Book Swap Books:

• The Elements by John Boyne 
• The Change by Kristin Miller
• Beyond the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash 
• Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
• Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner 
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
• The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
• Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser 
• The irresistible urge to fall for your enemy by Brigette Knightly 
• Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie (I took home)
• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
• An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton (I brought)
• Country People by Daniel Mason 

My Books from the Book Tasting:

• The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann

• Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves

• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith

• Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie

• The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

This week on Meagan’s Book Club Podcast, I’m joined by author Devon Daniels to chat about her delightful new romance, Star-Crossed Summer. Inspired by the legendary off-screen chemistry (and drama) of The Notebook stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, the novel follows two former co-stars whose decade-old heartbreak gets a second chance when they're unexpectedly reunited.

Devon and I discuss the inspiration behind the story, her writing process, and the perfectionism that often shows up behind the scenes of creating a book. As always, Devon is warm, funny, and refreshingly down-to-earth, making this conversation feel like catching up with an old friend. Whether you're a fan of second-chance romances, Hollywood settings, or stories packed with chemistry and heart, you won't want to miss this episode.

Devon's Books:

Meet Me in the Middle

The Rom Con

Star-Crossed Summer

After taking a much-needed break in July, I'm back behind the microphone! In this catch-up episode, I'm sharing all the highlights from the past month, including my unforgettable girls' trip, the celebrations that made turning 40 feel so special, and a few reflections on this new decade of life.

I'll also wrap up the episode with my July reading recap, sharing everything I read, my favorite books of the month, and which ones are worth adding to your TBR. Whether you're here for the life updates or the book recommendations, I'm so happy to be back and catching up with you.

This week on Meagan's Book Club Podcast, I'm joined by author Molly Fader to discuss her wonderful new novel, Lady X. Though Molly was a new-to-me author, she is far from new to writing, with more than 50 books published and a devoted readership built through her years as a romance author.

We talk about her transition into women's fiction, the inspiration behind Lady X, and the themes of female rage and friendships. Molly's research for her novel made this novel such a compelling read. This was such a fun and thoughtful conversation, and after reading Lady X, I can't wait to dive into more of Molly's backlist.

Website: www.mollyfader.com

IG: @mollyfaderauthor

Molly's book recommendations: Quicksilver by Callie Hart and Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

In this week's episode, I'm sharing all 17 books I read in June—and it was definitely a mixed bag. While I found a few enjoyable reads, only two earned my full recommendation, so I'm breaking down what worked, what didn't, and which books are actually worth adding to your TBR.

I'm also sharing a quick podcast update before signing off for a July break. Thank you for listening, supporting the show, and spending your reading life with me. I'll be back soon with more bookish conversations and recommendations!

June Books

• 🎧 Whistler ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
• 🎧 Lady X ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Make Nice ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• The Book Witch ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 The Shampoo Effect ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 The Rainy Day Bookshop ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Happier Here With You ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
• 🎧 Heart of Glass ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Counting Down to You ⭐️⭐️💫
• A Deal with the Devil ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 The Calamity Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 Hot Girl Murder Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• The Devil You Know ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 Someone Else’s Husband ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• 🎧 The Seven Year Slip ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• The Devil Gets His Due ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bestselling author Ethan Joella joins me on the podcast to talk about his moving new novel, The Top of the World — a heartfelt story about grief, healing, sibling relationships, and the quiet ways people change each other’s lives.

Ethan is always such a joy to talk to, and this conversation felt especially honest and thoughtful as we discussed the writing process behind this book, his “pantser” approach to storytelling, the edits and revisions that shaped the final novel, and how he’s learned to develop a tough skin while still staying emotionally open enough to write characters with such depth and humanity.

We also dive into the nostalgic setting of the Poconos in the 1970s, the emotional core of Maggie’s search for answers after her brother’s death, and why stories centered on connection and hope continue to resonate so deeply with readers.

If you love emotionally rich fiction and behind-the-scenes author conversations, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Website: https://www.ethanjoellawriter.com/

IG: @joellawriting