Hey well read baddies, Happy Black History Month! On today's bonus episode, we sit down with the author of River Sing Me Home Eleanor Shearer to talk about her upcoming novel Fireflies in Winter—a powerful blend of historical fiction, survival story, and queer Black romance. Eleanor shares how her family history shaped her connection to migration, exile, and belonging. She also takes us behind the scenes of her research process and the real history that inspired the novel. Fireflies in Winter is available 2/10 wherever books are sold!

Learn more about Eleanor here and the next book on her tbr here

Check out the Oh, Charlee Please! Podcast here

Charlee's Book Rec In Covenant with Ezra by Love Belvin available here

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re kicking off 2026 and Year Seven of She Well Read with a bonus guest episode featuring Gatekeeper Press, one of our Season 6 partners. Joined by Director of Marketing and Business Development Luis Javier, we break down independent publishing, author ownership, and how writers can retain creative control without sacrificing professional support. This episode is a must-listen for writers at any stage—from idea to finished manuscript—and for anyone curious about indie publishing versus traditional routes. Plus, there’s a major 2026 announcement tied to our partnership with Gatekeeper Press that could be a game-changer for one writer in our community. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your book in the world, make sure you listen all the way through.

More info on Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re closing out the year with one of our favorites, our 2025 Wrapped bonus episode! A cozy, chaotic, heart-full recap of the year that was lol. We’re reflecting and also looking ahead to 2026 , upcoming guests, and all the exciting things coming for the Well Read Baddies next year. Plus, a reminder: we’re officially on break from December 15 through January 12. Tap in and wrap up the year with us!

Mentions in Episode:

Stories and Spoilers Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/0LjBdd5VlsUOsvSxF8NNQo?si=9722a48c283d495d

Oh Charlee, Please! Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oh-charlee-please/id1855227120

End of Season Blog Post- https://www.shewellread.com/blog/happy-land-dolen-perkins-valdez

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Season 6 finale, Baddies! We wrap up Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez with reflections on legacy, growth, and the power of knowing where you come from. From conversations about Black womanhood and community to navigating change, purpose, and the end-of-year reset—we’re closing this chapter with gratitude! Plus, we share what’s ahead for 2026, how to stay connected through our Substack, Bookum club, and socials, and why this season means so much to us.

Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/

Boom Town- https://bookshop.org/p/books/boom-town-nic-stone/1f424fb1fb494094?ean=9781668056271&next=t

Kayla Nicole Tik Tok- https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkaylanicolesweetie/video/7567447791098694943?lang=en

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 41–44 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. This week, we follow generations fighting for legacy, land, and love, as long-held secrets finally lead to moments of truth and restoration. We’re also chatting about friendship, indie book recs, and all the pop culture chaos that kept us laughing through it all.

Tap in for one of our last deep dives of the season — and don’t forget to leave us a voice note for the finale! oin our virtual book club on the Bookum app, browse our Bookshop.org list, and listen on Libro.fm. Leave us a voice note with your thoughts, and if you’d like to support the show directly, our $5 Substack tier keeps this indie pod running. Links below!

Next chapters: Epilogue and Authors Note

Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/

The Last Man on Earth- https://amzn.to/3JikJdU

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 37–40 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the tension is building. In this episode, family loyalties are tested, the past comes knocking, and tough choices put legacy and belief to the ultimate test. We explore how history, rest, and resilience shape the women at the heart of this story — and what it really means to fight for what’s yours.

Next chapters: 41-44

Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/

Check out the Be Well Sis⁠ podcast, they're repping the well read baddie lifestyle! Tune in and tell ‘em She Well Read sent you!

Get your copy if Boom Town here!

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 33–36 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the stakes are sky-high. In this episode, four generations land under one roof, “land vs. family” collisions take center stage, and Wade’s rushed trial delivers a gut-punch verdict that threatens the Kingdom itself. We break down the courtroom power plays, the consequences of that fateful deed, and how generational guilt ripples through Nikki’s present.

Plus, in our coffee break, we share our latest reads — Lana dives into Make a Scene by Mimi Grace, while Sam revisits Deja Brew by Celestine Martin. We also chat about our realistic fall TBR goals and what’s coming next in our Substack roundup.

Content warning: racial violence, wrongful conviction, family conflict.

Reading along or just here for the convo, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in — things are getting real in the Kingdom.

P.S. Join our virtual book club on the Bookum app, browse our Bookshop.org list, and listen on Libro.fm. Leave us a voice note with your thoughts, and if you’d like to support the show directly, our $5 Substack tier keeps this indie pod running. Links below!

Next chapters: 37-40

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 29–32 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the drama is drama-ing. In this episode, we talk family reunions, tough choices, and one wild cliffhanger you won’t see coming. We also share what we're watching, and drop some book and show recs you’ll want to add to your list.

Whether you’re reading along or just here for the conversation, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in — things are heating up in the kingdom.

Next chapters: 33-36

Check out the Boss Babe Reset Podcast, they're repping the well read baddie lifestyle! Tune in and tell ‘em She Well Read sent you!

Get your copy if Boom Town here!

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 25–28 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we dive into the return of William, Luella’s impossible choices, and the emotional fallout that leaves everyone questioning love, loyalty, and legacy.

From shocking reunions to heartbreaking losses, this section takes us on a wild ride—and we have thoughts! Whether you’re reading along or just here for the drama, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in as things go way left.

Next chapters: 29-32

Vitamin Drops- https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Servings-Absorption-Vegetarian/dp/B09NMMXTX7

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 21–24 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we unpack Nikki’s discoveries about heirs’ property law, the heartbreaking history of Black land loss, and her tense confrontation with one of the Thomas brothers.

Whether you’re reading along or just here for the conversation, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in as we cross the halfway point of the book!

Next chapters: 25-28

00:00 Intro

02:02 Church Announcements

02:47 Coffee Break

14:27 Get into the Chapter

We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬

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