Olivia Sose Reads

I broke one of the biggest promises I made to myself—and within 24 hours, I remembered exactly why I made it.

In this deeply personal episode, I share what happened when I allowed someone from my past back into my life after believing they had changed. It became a painful reminder that time doesn't automatically make people different and that protecting your peace sometimes means saying "no" even when your heart wants another chance.

In this episode, we talk about:
• Why emotional chaos should never feel normal
• The danger of compromising your standards
• How to tell whether someone has truly changed
• Loving yourself enough to walk away
• Why closure sometimes comes from repeating the lesson one last time

If you've ever considered giving an ex another chance, I hope my experience helps you make a decision that protects your peace.

If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need the reminder today.

I finished this book in one day—I literally couldn't put it down.

I came across Evil Genius by Claire Oshetsky by chance, and I was instantly hooked. It’s a short but incredibly addictive read that left me needing to talk about what Celia went through. In this review, I’m breaking down why this 1974-set novel is such a powerful look at the "invisible" side of abuse.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Domestic Violence is More Than a Punch: Why "he never hit me" is a dangerous myth. I look at Drew’s psychological warfare—from keeping malice for weeks to the "accidental" car crash.

• The Architecture of Shame: How an older man used isolation and sexual shaming to dominate a 19-year-old who had nowhere else to go.

• The Workplace Double Standard: Celia’s 1974 phone company job vs. my own experience in a customer-facing role. We talk about why customers suddenly "behave" when they hear a man's voice.

• Mrs. Brisket Delusion: The mental gymnastics of blaming an employee for a family's personal tragedy.

Rating: 4.5/5

I loved Celia’s bravery and that "wonderful surprise" ending. Now, I’m officially asking the author for a sequel!

Is Unspoken by Francine Rivers romanticizing an abuse of power? Olivia Sose reviews the story of Bathsheba and David, exposing the "Prince Charming" trap in modern books and movies.

In this Valentine’s Edition of Olivia Sose Reads, we dive deep into the literary and cinematic tropes that trick us into swooning at red flags. We are sifting through the stories we consume, from the Lineage of Grace series to modern Nollywood Odogwu and Achalugo narratives.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A critical look at Unspoken by Francine Rivers. Did the creative license used to humanize Bathsheba unintentionally mask King David’s abuse of power?

• Why grand gestures in movies often blind us to a lack of true intent and agency.

• Analyzing the power dynamics in high-profile marriages like Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko.

• Safety Net Principles: I share 3 non-negotiable guiding principles for women to maintain financial independence, bodily autonomy, and social connections in any relationship.

Whether you are a fan of Christian fiction, romance novels, or feminist critiques, this episode will change how you view "Prince Charming." Stop ignoring the red flags and start sifting the narrative.

In this candid episode, we're diving deep into the often-unspoken heartache of friendship breakups. Join me as I share my raw and honest perspective from both sides of the coin: the pain of being on the receiving end of a friendship ending, and the complex emotions of being the one to initiate a split. We'll explore how to navigate these difficult transitions with grace and offer crucial advice on what not to do once a friendship has run its course. If you've ever struggled with the end of a friendship, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of "Sugar Daddies" inspired by Breanne Mc Ivor's thought-provoking novel, "The God of Good Looks."

We'll explore the blurred lines between exploitative relationships and mutually beneficial arrangements, examining real-life examples and analyzing the characters portrayed in the book.

Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of these often taboo relationships and challenge conventional perspectives on love, money, and power dynamics.

Tune in for a deep dive into Marie-Claire Amuah's 'One for Sorrow, Two for Joy.' We explore the captivating characters and powerful themes that make this book a must-read.

Have you read 'One for Sorrow, Two for Joy? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.

This episode of the podcast reviews the romance book Rebound by Aminat Sanni-Kamal.

Join us as we dive into the plot, characters and twists that makes this book an excellent romance novel.

Unraveling the Secrets of The Lagos Wife by Vanessa Walters

Join us as we dive deep into Vanessa Walters' gripping novel, The Lagos Wife, formerly titled The Nigerwife.

In this episode, we'll explore the intricate plot, the enigmatic characters, and the thought-provoking themes that make this book a must-read.

Discover the secrets behind the glamorous facade of Lagos high society and the challenges faced by foreign women navigating a complex cultural landscape.

From the disappearance of a young wife to the unraveling of family secrets, this episode of Olivia Sose Reads offers a captivating exploration of colorism, betrayal, the power dynamics within a patriarchal society, amongst others.

Dive deep into the pages of A Father's Pride by Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor with this insightful episode.

We explore the compelling characters, emotional depth, and critical issue of child abuse depicted in the book.

Our discussions offer a thoughtful and sensitive analysis, providing fresh perspectives and thought-provoking commentary. Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for a great new read, join us and discover the heart of A Father's Pride.

Delve into the world of 'The Road Does Not End,' a shortlisted finalist for the esteemed Nigerian Prize for Literature 2024 (Children Literature).

Join us as we explore Olubunmi Familoni's captivating tale, discussing its themes of resilience, hope, the power of death, and the adverse effects of street hawking on children.

Don't miss this in-depth book review!