The Reader's Couch

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Ready to expand your reading list?  Listen in as I share my top 13 personal favorite books of 2023!  I think each book on this list is a winner, and I share a spoiler-free description of what you can expect, why each book made the list, and what makes them stand out.  You can expect stories brimming with intrigue and emotion, stories that provide vivid explorations of the human condition, plus capturing the essence of connection, the sting of betrayal, and the search for hope.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
BIBLIOLIFESTYLE TOP TEN:
The 10 Best Fiction Books of 2023
The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Ever wondered what it's like to keep alive the legacy of a legendary author like Agatha Christie?  Sophie Hannah spills the beans on her journey writing new Poirot novels authorized by the Christie estate, and we talk about her latest novel "Hercule Poirot's Silent Night." Not just that, Sophie shines in coming up with a gripping murder mystery on the spot in our game called "Youdunnit." We talked about her murder mystery musical movie "The Mystery of Mr E," which started as a school play and is now on Amazon Prime.  We also discussed Sophie's holiday traditions, audiobooks, and book recommendations, and Sophie shared her advice for those looking to start a reading habit, plus more.
BOOK:
Hercule Poirot's Silent Night on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Have you ever rushed into the New Year without pausing to reflect on the past 365 days?  Well, I've been there, and it's a whirlwind, and I don't recommend it.  So today, I invite you to join me on the couch as we halt the clock, breathe, and make a plan to take stock of the year gone by.  This practice I've been doing enables me to slow down, celebrate my progress, learn from my challenges, and set realistic, intentional goals for the coming year.  This way, I can start the new year with purpose, clarity, and a renewed zest for life's journey.  Hopefully, by sharing my practice with you, you'll be inspired to modify it to fit your life and include it in your end-of-year routine.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
For more on journaling and self reflection, check out this article.
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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We're spreading holiday cheer in today's episode!  Author Jean Meltzer joins me on the couch to talk about her fantastic romance novels (The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher) and to share all things holidays,  family traditions, and Hanukkah!  From the miracle of the oil and the delightful fried foods that mark the celebrations, this chat will leave you feeling the warmth of the holiday season and the love embedded in Jean's books.  So dive into this festive literary chat that will leave you with a heart full of holiday cheer, renewed appreciation for different holiday celebrations, and walk away with book recommendations!
JEAN MELTZER BOOKS:
- The Matzah Ball (Amazon or Bookshop)
- Mr. Perfect on Paper (Amazon or Bookshop)
- Kissing Kosher (Amazon or Bookshop)
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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From timeless classics to new fiction and even fun children's books, these six enchanting holiday-themed books promise to transport you to a world filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer and perhaps teach you a thing or two about the holiday customs of different cultures.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Get transported to the wintery town of Larch Haven, Vermont, where chocolatier Becca Ransom finds herself in the middle of a baking competition turned murder investigation, and she must unravel the truth before she becomes the next target.  In this episode, author Sarah Fox and I talk about her book  "Baking Spirits Bright," we talk about all things holidays and traditions, plus we play a fun game about what holiday treats we would bake!
BOOK:
Baking Spirits Bright by Sarah Fox on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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I'm sharing my personal experiences, practical tips, and self-care ideas that have worked for me and hopefully will help you navigate the busy holiday season.  I talk about why self-care is vital during the holidays even more than ever, share ten tips to help you prioritize self-care, some practical self-care ideas, ideas for solo self-care ideas, family-friendly self-care ideas, and how you can give back and show gratitude during the holidays.  So, tune in for insights and practical advice on how to forge your path to a joy-filled, stress-free holiday season.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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What is traditional English cuisine?  With all the influences from former colonies, cultural influences, and the rise of imported food, this is the question our protagonist, Stella, seeks to answer.   Listen to this fun conversation with author Caroline Scott, the author of "Good Taste,” a historical culinary travelogue about food, Englishness, and a woman's journey in a society with limited opportunities.  We also had so much fun creating a quintessential English menu that we think Stella would approve of, and we hope you will try it.
BOOK:
Good Taste by Caroline Scott on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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From heartwarming to dysfunctional family stories,  one of the best ways to capture the spirit of the holidays is by reading books that celebrate family, gratitude, and giving thanks.  So, if you're looking for some recommendations to read this season as you gather with family and friends or decide to go at it solo, I have some recommendations for you.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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There is no shortage of true crime or Alex Murdaugh content, but have you ever wondered about the realities and unseen challenges investigative journalists face as they expose the dark underbelly of power and corruption?   In this compelling episode, Mandy Matney joins us on the couch to talk about her book "Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty."
In this episode,  Mandy shares the challenges she faced as a young journalist, starting a podcast, and dealing with harassment, sexism, personal attacks, and threats to her safety, which really took a toll on her mental health.
We also discuss Alex Murdaugh's team's motion for a completely new trial, why the upcoming financial trial is incredibly important, and why we should pay attention.  We also touch on the Stephen Smith investigation, the sons of Gloria Satterfield, the upcoming jail release of Bowen Turner, and how the South Carolina justice system is failing victims.  Tune in for an episode that is not just a tale of crime and corruption but of personal experiences and hard-hitting investigative journalism, also a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice.
BOOK:
Blood on Their Hands by Mandy Matney and Carolyn Murnick on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.