Welcome to a VERY SPECIAL Christmas Podcast. This episode originally aired as part of our Novel Nights Live Stream last month! You can watch the replay on YouTube here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/IYSHfgdt-rE?si=YswLN4kPaNEB5ghz

About this Episode:

Join Francesca, Victoria, and Laura in this festive holiday chat as they dive into Christmas traditions from around the world, nostalgic memories, and what the season looks like for them today. From debates about real vs. fake trees, nativity sets, and favorite holiday foods, to discussions on holiday pressure, decorating hacks, and cozy Christmas movies, this episode is your perfect companion for the season.

Whether you're into Hallmark movies, traditional family feasts, or just trying to survive the holidays with boundaries intact, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, laughs, and tips to make the season joyful.

What We Discussed:

When Does Christmas Begin? Advent traditions, post-Halloween decorating, and extended celebrations in Puerto Rico.

Childhood Traditions: Nativity sets, Grand Market shopping in Jamaica, and Three Kings Day celebrations.

Modern Holiday Practices: Real vs. fake Christmas trees, themed decorating, and finding what works for your family.

Holiday Pressure: Managing stress, gift-giving expectations, and finding balance during the season.

Favorite Christmas Movies: Home Alone, Hallmark films, and quirky picks like Love Actually.

Holiday Food and Drinks: Caribbean black cakes, Italian panettone, Puerto Rican coquito, and Greek holiday feasts.

Tips to Survive the Holidays: Setting boundaries, decorating hacks, and creating moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Best Places to See Christmas Lights: New York City, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, and local holiday markets.

Resources & Recommendations:

• Movie Mention: Deck the Walls by Danny Pellegrino (Hallmark and Peacock).
• Quick Tip: Look for small-town tree lightings or holiday markets for cozy, festive fun.
• Food Picks: Coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog), black cake (Jamaican fruitcake), and Greek pastitsio.

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this episode of What to Read Next, Sarah Hawley, author of the delightful Glimmer Falls fantasy rom-com series and the upcoming romantasy Servant of Earth, joins Laura to discuss her writing journey, archaeology background, and love of whimsical storytelling. Sarah shares hilarious anecdotes (like buying a haunted doll on Etsy), insights into creating cozy magical worlds, and book recommendations that will leave you with a growing TBR pile. If you love cozy fantasy, high-stakes romantasy, or a good dose of humor with your romance, this episode is a must-listen!

What You'll Learn:

• How Sarah's archaeology background influences her worldbuilding.
• The inspiration behind her Glimmer Falls series and its cozy, magic-filled small-town vibes.
• A sneak peek into her upcoming romantasy, Servant of Earth, and its dark, steamy twists.
• Fun anecdotes about buying ghosts and haunted dolls online.
• Sarah's top book recommendations in romance, fantasy, and sci-fi.

Books Mentioned in This Episode: Sarah Hawley's Books:

• A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon (Book 1, Glimmer Falls)  https://amzn.to/3BAnuHM
• A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch (Book 2, Glimmer Falls) https://amzn.to/4iDRSBP
• A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire (Book 3, Glimmer Falls) https://amzn.to/41CEbNq
• Servant of Earth https://amzn.to/4fiTVbG

Sarah's Book Recommendations:

1. Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe https://rstyle.me/+jANt1qCYgEgTrmXH_aaDcg
2. My Vampire Plus One by Jenna Levine https://rstyle.me/+csIvk9wSslB58fwxqRS8gA
3. No One Does It Like You by Katie Shepard https://rstyle.me/+jCvTq7YKEQxA4rv9x6V8bw
4. The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava https://rstyle.me/+OB9FzL7vZej2rR1V2st40whttps://rstyle.me/+OB9FzL7vZej2rR1V2st40w
5. The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song (A Mulan-inspired fantasy retelling) https://rstyle.me/+Q3e0KXEtuOJhGZPtx-w8Gg

Connect with Sarah Hawley:

• Website: sarahhawleyauthor.com
• Instagram: @ms.sarahhawley
• Newsletter: Sign up via her website for exclusive updates and extras.

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Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

This mini-episode dives into the latest changes in the audiobook industry, including updates to Everand's pricing structure and Amazon Music's new audiobook feature. If you’re an audiobook enthusiast, this is the tea you need to stay informed and save money while enjoying your favorite reads.

Topics Covered:

Everand's Pricing Changes:

• Transition from unlimited audiobook access to a credit-based model.
• Comparison to Audible and the implications for current users.
• Thoughts on whether this change enhances or detracts from its value.

Amazon Music's New Audiobook Feature:

• Competing with Spotify, offering one Audible title per month.
• Access to Audible Originals and exclusive titles as part of the subscription.
• Tips on how to make the most of Amazon Music’s deals.

Catch Us Live:

• Don’t forget to join us for Novel Nights live every Thursday at 7 PM EST on YouTube and Facebook. Replays are always available!

Stay Connected:

• Sign up for our Substack for weekly book recommendations for Kindle Unlimited and Hoopla, plus tips for budget-friendly mood reading.

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this episode of What to Read Next, I sit down with bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne to discuss her prolific writing career, including her transition from romantic suspense to sweet, small-town romances and heartwarming women's fiction. With an impressive 75-book backlist, RaeAnne shares her journey, writing process, and recommendations for where new readers can dive into her works. We also chat about her love for crafting Christmas-themed novels, the joy of collaborative plotting retreats, and a sneak peek into her upcoming release for 2025, The Lost Book of First Loves.

What We Discussed:

• RaeAnne's career journey, from her first book in 1995 to her 75th book, The December Market.
• The differences between her women's fiction and small-town romance series.
• Recommendations for where to start with RaeAnne’s backlist:
• Women’s Fiction: The Cliff House, Summer at the Cape, The Cafe at Beach End, and her latest, 15 Summers Later.
• Small-Town Romance: Haven Point and Hopes Crossing series.
• Christmas Romances: Christmas at the Shelter Inn and its sequel, The December Market.
• Insight into RaeAnne’s writing process, including her love for plotting, her seasonal approach to writing Christmas books, and her decorating her office with holiday cheer.
• How RaeAnne incorporates community and emotional depth into her stories.
• A teaser for The Lost Book of First Loves (coming June 2025), featuring themes of family secrets, sisterhood, and romance.
• RaeAnne’s advice for aspiring writers and the value of having a writing community.

Books Mentioned in the Episode:

• Christmas at the Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/4i9VbAo
• The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/4i3TVij
• 15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/3Vczi9L
• The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne (coming June 2025) https://amzn.to/3CO3BgQ
• The Cliff House, Summer at the Cape, The Cafe at Beach End, and other Cape Sanctuary books by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/4g0UpDS

Where to Find RaeAnne Thayne:

• Website: RaeAnneThayne.com
• Facebook Group: RaeAnne Thayne's Book Group 
• Instagram: @RaeAnneThayne

Join our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38)

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Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

Welcome to the What to Read Next Podcast! In this video, I’m sharing the 17 books I read in November 2024. This month’s reading list features a festive mix of holiday romances, cozy mysteries, and a couple of fascinating nonfiction books about shopping culture. Most of these were audiobooks, perfect for the season's cozy vibes! 🧣📚

📚 Books Featured in This Video

• Selling Sexy by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez https://amzn.to/41ipSh3
• The Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock https://amzn.to/3Zw9xnl
• The Merry Little Midlife Matchmaker by Lillian Monroehttps://amzn.to/3Vhp6gu
• How My Neighbors Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn https://amzn.to/3D2NwDS
• My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely https://amzn.to/4eYbkX0
• Holiday Games by Lily Valente https://amzn.to/49eZBCa
• My December Darling by Lauren Asher https://amzn.to/4fOIKsr
• Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood https://amzn.to/41cdHlO
• Only Santas Us in a Building by Alexis Daria  https://amzn.to/4eURdci
• Barbacoa, Bomba and Betrayal by Raquel Reyes https://amzn.to/4g8cgJ6
• A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford https://amzn.to/3D34ylf
• Death at a Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander https://amzn.to/3Z78aKA
• The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter https://amzn.to/4gb5ZfZ
• The Gardener’s Plot by Deborah Benoit https://amzn.to/3CQqWyd
• King of Sloth by Ana Huang  https://amzn.to/4geGfiE
• Summer in the City by Alex Aster (Summer 2025 release preview!) https://amzn.to/3ZvnNN8

🌟 What’s Coming in December?

I’ll be diving into fantasy romance, more holiday books, and some thrilling popcorn reads. Stay tuned for festive and cozy recommendations!

Join our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38)

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this What to Read Next Podcast episode, Laura chats with romance author Zoe Allison. They discuss Zoe's journey to writing, her rom-coms set in Scotland, and delve into her latest release, The Wedding Engagement.

Key Discussion Points:

• Zoe Allison’s background as a general practitioner in Scotland and how she transitioned into writing romance novels.
• The inspiration behind her writing journey including her love for reading romance novels like Sarah Morgan's works.
• Overview of The Wedding Engagement, a romance between friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend.
• Zoe's favorite reading genres and her love for romance, rom-coms, and various sub-genres.
• Book recommendations from Zoe featuring recent reads she loved.

Books Mentioned:

1. The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison https://amzn.to/3V8OCnX
2. Sleigh Bells in the Snow (Snow Crystal Trilogy) by Sarah Morgan https://amzn.to/3Zt80xt
3. The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood https://amzn.to/3ZmUkF8
4. Over My Dead Body by Maz Evans https://amzn.to/4i8YiZC
5. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston https://amzn.to/3V8OTqZ
6. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore. https://amzn.to/3AZoll7
7. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (the sequel to "The Pumpkin Spice Café"). https://amzn.to/3Z9Afkf

Connect with Zoe Allison:

• Website: zoeallison.co.uk
• Find links to her books, social media, and newsletter sign-up.

Visit What to Read Next Blog for reader tips, popular books like recommendations, and many more posts. 

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Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this festive episode, Laura chats with Georgia Clark, author of Most Wonderful, a queer Christmas rom-com that’s both edgy and cozy. Georgia dives into her inspiration for writing ensemble romances, her love for Sweet Valley High, and how her Australian upbringing shaped her perspective on Christmas. They also explore how rom-coms and romance novels bring readers joy and connection. Tune in for a delightful conversation packed with insights into writing, the magic of Christmas, and some fantastic book recommendations!

Topics Discussed:

• Georgia’s new release, Most Wonderful, a queer Christmas rom-com.
• The art of writing ensemble romances: balancing multiple storylines and characters.
• Setting a Christmas novel in the Catskills and capturing the holiday spirit year-round.
• Sweet Valley High nostalgia and its influence on Georgia’s writing.
• How rom-coms and romance novels provide escapism and joy.
• A discussion on the evolving representation in romance, including queer and trans love stories.
• Georgia’s writing workshops, storytelling group, and newsletter.

Books Mentioned:

• Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark https://amzn.to/4ilEEK3
• All Fours by Miranda July https://amzn.to/3OsO20A
• The Prospects by KT Hoffman https://amzn.to/3V8GF1S
• Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London https://amzn.to/4g9rUEl
• Whoever You Are, Honey by Olivia Gatwood https://amzn.to/4eWPtzi
• Instructions for Travelling West by Joy Sullivan https://amzn.to/4g6tFCg
• The Pairing by Casey McQuiston https://amzn.to/4fN3JM4
• Happy Place by Emily Henry https://amzn.to/4fO0Cng

Connect with Georgia Clark:

• Website: georgiaclark.com
• Instagram: @georgialouclark
• Generation Women: generationwomen.us

Join our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38)

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Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this episode, Laura and Becky dive into the unique niche of orc romances, a subgenre within monster and paranormal romance. As the resident orc romance expert, Becky shares her journey of discovering new orc books, her all-time favorites, and what makes these stories so compelling. They discuss the evolution of orcs as romantic leads, their rich cultural backgrounds, and key themes like interspecies relationships, acceptance, and identity. From tender moments to intense mafia-esque adventures, these recommendations offer something for every romance reader.

Key Highlights:

• Becky’s Orc Discovery Journey: How Becky expanded her reading in September, discovering new authors and worlds in the orc romance genre.
• The Appeal of Orc Romances: Insights into why orcs make compelling protagonists, from their strong cultural roots to the unique blend of danger and tenderness.
• Notable Recommendations:
• Single Mom and the Orc by Honey Phillips (https://amzn.to/3CqdwsH) : A sweet orc romance with a heartwarming grumpy-sunshine dynamic and protective instincts.
• The Orc Boss by Lark Green (https://amzn.to/4hI2Vte): A mafia-adjacent story with a Scottish orc hero, blending the mafia and kidnapping tropes with humor and romance.
• Girls Weekend by CM Nacosta (https://amzn.to/40IN5IY): Follows three elf friends at an orc resort, exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery amid steamy romances.
• The Duchess and the Orc by Finley Fenn (https://amzn.to/40NHyk2): A heartfelt story that touches on mental health representation and finding acceptance.

Listener Takeaways:

• Orc romances feature strong cultural themes, deep character arcs, and a balance between danger and sweetness.
• Books like Orc Boss (https://amzn.to/4hI2Vte) combine familiar mafia elements with the unique twist of an orc protagonist.
• Series like Girls Weekend  (https://amzn.to/40IN5IY) offer relatable themes of friendship and growth, blending humor and romance.

Becky's Podcast and Social Links:

• Podcast: Too Stupid to Live - where Becky reviews romance novels priced $5 and under.
• Social Media:
• Podcast: @TSTLpodcast
• Personal: Instagram/TikTok: @Beckles212

Call to Action:

For the full list of orc romance recommendations, visit https://whattoreadnextblog.com/orc-romances/, Don’t forget to check out Becky’s podcast, Too Stupid to Live, for more quirky, budget-friendly romance reviews.

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this What to Read Next Podcast episode, Laura chats with mystery author Olivia Blacke. Olivia shares her journey from reading every Agatha Christie book in her local library as a child to writing her own cozy mysteries. They discuss the inspirations behind Olivia’s transition into edgier, paranormal mysteries with her new series featuring A New Lease on Death (https://amzn.to/3CbGTPb)  where mysteries are solved through the perspectives of both the living and the dead. Olivia also opens up about her love for settings in big cities like Boston, New York, and Brooklyn, which offer a fresh take on the cozy genre and mirror her own diverse living experiences.

Key Highlights:

• Origins in Mystery Writing: Olivia recalls her childhood love for mysteries and early exposure to Agatha Christie books.
• Big City Settings in Cozy Mysteries: Why Olivia chose urban settings for her mysteries and how big cities feel like interconnected small towns.
• A New Venture in Paranormal Mystery: Olivia’s latest series, beginning with A New Lace on Death, explores mysteries from a ghost’s point of view, offering readers an unconventional narrative with wit and charm.
• Challenges in Rebranding as an Author: Olivia shares a surprising story about changing her pen name at the last minute and provides practical advice for aspiring authors on managing their brand identity.
• Book Recommendations:
• The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava (https://amzn.to/40zI8Sp), a heartwarming romance by an Indigenous author featuring an Indigenous protagonist.
• Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts (https://amzn.to/40AT6XU), a gritty, modern noir mystery set in New Jersey with a powerful female lead.

Where to Find Olivia Blacke:

• Website: OliviaBlacke.com
• Instagram: @OliviaBlackeAuthor

Facebook: @AuthorOliviaBlacke

Get More Book Recommendations with Bonus Podcast Episodes!

Do you love discovering your next favorite read? You can get even more book recommendations with bonus podcast episodes exclusively on my Substack! I'm releasing 1-2 new weekly episodes with handpicked book suggestions to help you find your next great read. These bonus episodes dive deep into must-read books, new releases, and hidden gems across all genres.

Sign up now to never miss an episode and keep your reading list fresh!

https://wtrnblog.substack.com/

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this episode, I sit down with Nayantara Roy to discuss her debut novel, The Magnificent Ruins (https://amzn.to/4fmLcFS). We dive into her journey as a writer and how she balances her career as a TV executive with her passion for storytelling. We also explore the themes of family, generational trauma, and the immigrant experience that are woven into her book.

• Nayantara’s Background: Born in India and raised across multiple countries, Nayantara’s multicultural upbringing greatly influences her writing. She talks about her early interest in storytelling, her time studying classics and her transition into film and TV.
• The Journey to The Magnificent Ruins (https://amzn.to/4fmLcFS): Nayantara shares the seven-year journey of writing her debut novel while working as a TV executive. She explains how she managed to find time for writing amidst her demanding career and how her time in graduate school at Columbia shaped the book’s development.
• About The Magnificent Ruins (https://amzn.to/4fmLcFS): The novel follows Lila, a millennial books editor in Brooklyn, who inherits her grandfather's mansion in India. Lila must navigate the complex relationships within her estranged family while uncovering buried secrets and redefining her sense of home. Nayantara discusses how the story reflects the immigrant experience and explores the meaning of home from multiple perspectives.
• Balancing Cultures: Nayantara and I chat about the challenges of balancing multiple identities—how one’s cultural background and immigrant status impact personal growth and family relationships.
• Millennial Perspective: We discuss how the book reflects millennial struggles, particularly the generational contrasts in expectations around career, family, and identity.
• Nayantara’s Book Recommendations:

1. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (https://amzn.to/3Acr3Dx) 
2. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (https://amzn.to/3O2XmrX) 
3. An Equal Music by Vikram Seth (https://amzn.to/4fi8752)

Connect with Nayantara Roy:

• Website: nayantararoy.com
• Instagram: @tararoy
• Twitter & Threads: @tararoy

Don’t miss The Magnificent Ruins, available now in print, e-book, and audiobook formats wherever books are sold.

Get More Book Recommendations with Bonus Podcast Episodes!

Do you love discovering your next favorite read? You can get even more book recommendations with bonus podcast episodes exclusively on my Substack! I'm releasing 1-2 new weekly episodes with handpicked book suggestions to help you find your next great read. These bonus episodes dive deep into must-read books, new releases, and hidden gems across all genres.

Sign up now to never miss an episode and keep your reading list fresh!

https://wtrnblog.substack.com/

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