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Welcome back to the What to Read Next Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined once again by our resident literary fiction expert and middle grade author, Laura Bird. Laura is bringing us six stunning literary fiction reads that will break your heart—but leave you with hope. These are perfect picks for readers who want emotional depth, compelling characters, and a reminder of the beauty in human connection.

Whether you're in a book club or simply want a novel to get lost in, this episode has a recommendation for you.

00:00 – Welcome back Laura Bird!

01:00 – Why we love literary fiction with hopeful endings

02:45 – Books perfect for book clubs

04:05 – 📖 A Winter’s Rhyme by Carol Dunbar

07:20 – 📖 The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy

10:40 – 📖 A 40-Year Kiss by Nicholas Butler

14:00 – 📖 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

18:05 – 📖 Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

21:00 – 📖 Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

25:30 – Mention of The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

1. A Winter’s Rime by Carol Dunbar https://amzn.to/3Eb0eBt
2. The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy https://amzn.to/3RAxBAH
3. A Forty-Year Kiss by Nicholas Butler https://amzn.to/4jjdvqx
4. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker https://amzn.to/4i4yyw3
5. Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo https://amzn.to/3R2U0qj
6. Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe https://amzn.to/43JFrzy

• Crossing the Pressure Line by Laura Anne Bird (middle grade) https://amzn.to/4iYiQ71
• Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird (middle grade) https://amzn.to/3FYQhrq

📚 Website: laurabirdbooks.com

📸 Instagram: @laura_at_the_library

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