Send me a text message A Babalawo is asked to cleanse and rid his debt collector's home of spirits before Noche Buena, and in exchange, he will forgive his debt. In this episode, I chat with author Raul Palma about his debut novel "A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens," and we take a deep dive into the supernatural and the issue of personal debt. Palma offers an insightful analysis of Hugo's personality and the transformation of Miami and its influence on Palma's writing. Plus, we also get some great b...
Oct 30, 2023•26 min•Ep. 155
Send me a text message In this episode, I share six must-read classic mystery novels, discuss the iconic authors and characters that have shaped the genre, and give my thoughts on what makes a mystery novel great. From Agatha Christie to Seishi Yokomizo, and in between an iconic French detective roaming the streets of Paris to an inspector solving one of history's most infamous mysteries from his hospital bed, get ready for an enthralling journey through the pages of these timeless classic myste...
Oct 27, 2023•24 min•Ep. 154
Send me a text message Hear the gripping tale of Kissen, a state-sanctioned assassin of gods, and her pilgrimage in the riveting debut novel, 'Godkiller' as we chat with the book's author, Hannah Kaner. Join us and explore her literary world filled with gods, secrets, and a diverse cast of characters navigating their thrilling journey. Hannah unpacks her inspiration for the trilogy, the creation of the world in Godkiller, a sneak peek into book two in the trilogy entitled Sunbringer, and her pas...
Oct 24, 2023•33 min•Ep. 153
Send me a text message Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of autumn and celebrate its rich hues, comforting scents, and seasonal joys? In this episode, I'm giving you your ultimate guide to autumn seasonal living and how to embrace the autumn season and savor its magic. I share practical tips and insights on how to fully enjoy the season, from indulging in outdoor activities like hay rides and apple picking to creating a cozy autumnal atmosphere right in your home. This episode is a ...
Oct 18, 2023•20 min•Ep. 152
Send me a text message In this episode, I've dug into our archives and brought back cool chats with three authors. Our first author, Elisabeth Thomas, tells us about the secluded and prestigious university nestled in the woods of rural Pennsylvania in her debut novel. Then Alice Feeney tells us about her twisty, dark thriller about two intertwined lives with deadly consequences. Lastly, join us as Alix E. Harrow tells us about her novel set in the late 1800s, where three sisters use witchcraft t...
Oct 16, 2023•25 min•Ep. 151
Send me a text message Unearth the magic of autumn with three classic novels that capture the essence of this beautiful season. Navigate the moors of Yorkshire, immerse yourself in the community of seven African-American women, and get lost in an engaging and entertaining gothic satire. Each book, though different, offers a unique perspective on the human condition, making them ideal companions for those cozy, introspective autumn evenings. So get ready to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, brew a...
Oct 11, 2023•15 min•Ep. 150
Send me a text message Embark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of West Africa. In this episode, Chef Pierre Thiam joins us on the couch to discuss his new cookbook, "Simply West African: Easy, Joyful Recipes for Every Kitchen." Chef Pierre takes us on a gastronomical adventure, introducing us to the diverse and rich culinary traditions of West Africa, how he's blended familiar dishes with a unique West African twist, all seasoned with the ...
Oct 09, 2023•32 min•Ep. 149
Send me a text message Finish the year strong and achieve your reading goals! By doing a fourth-quarter reading check-in, you'll get back on track with your reading goals and get clarity on how to navigate the final stretch of the year. In this episode, I share some practical tips, share insights, and provide the roadmap for how you can do a fourth-quarter check-in, redefine your reading goals if necessary, and create an effective plan to achieve them. So tune in to get my five-step process and ...
Oct 04, 2023•19 min•Ep. 148
Send me a text message Ready to unravel a chilling tale? In this episode, horror writer Rachel Harrison joins us on the couch as she unravels the layers of her latest horror masterpiece, "Black Sheep." Black Sheep is a small-town horror novel where a cynical twenty-something, Vesper, receives an unexpected wedding invitation from her unconventional family, prompting her to confront dark secrets and reckon with her own crisis of faith. We delve into the crux of Rachel's inspiration, the role of d...
Oct 02, 2023•28 min•Ep. 147
Send me a text message Are you ready to curl up with a good book as the leaves start to fall? Listen in as I turn the pages of The BiblioLifestyle 2023 Fall Reading Guide and share eight new books that are must-adds to your autumn reading list. This episode provides an enviable autumn reading list, from literary fiction to romance, cozy mysteries, fantasy, and more. Beyond just books, the guide also offers seasonal recipes, lifestyle tips, a unique reading challenge, and things to add to your fa...
Sep 28, 2023•23 min•Ep. 146
Send me a text message What if hell wasn't all fire and brimstone but a corporate hellscape instead? Well, we see this concept come to life in the darkly satirical world created by debut author Claudia Lux in her novel Sign Here. Learn more about Claudia's unique portrayal of hell and the affluent New Hampshire family's struggles with their personal demons. Claudia also gives us a peek into her upcoming Amazon Prime series adaptation of her book and offers some valuable advice for aspiring write...
Sep 25, 2023•37 min•Ep. 145
Send me a text message Do you feel like you're drowning in the chaos of your daily life? Today, we're welcoming Jenna Hermans to the show, the author of "Chaos to Calm", a guide filled with practical steps to break free from daily turmoil and attain serenity. Jenna introduces us to the five pillars of calm: efficiency, habits, community, communication, and self-care. She illuminates how simple lifestyle changes can transform our lives, using anecdotes from her own journey. BOOK: Chaos to Calm by...
Sep 19, 2023•29 min•Ep. 144
Send me a text message From registration (which is absolutely free) to an exciting lineup of authors, I’ll share everything you need to know. Can’t make it live? No worries – we’re also offering two fantastic replay options for your convenience. This episode continues as we delve into the festival program and schedule. Get a sneak peek into captivating sessions like 'Seasons Readings,' 'Mystery, Suspense , and Thrillers,' and the 'Hidden Gems Happy Hour.' By the end of the conversation, you'll h...
Sep 14, 2023•24 min•Ep. 143
Send me a text message From exploring her debut novel's republication to revisiting her National Book Award winning book “All That She Carried,” plus getting a sneak peek into her upcoming book, “Wild Girls,” author Tiya Miles takes us on a literary journey like no other. Her debut novel, “The Cherokee Rose: A Novel of Gardens and Ghosts” tells the story of three women who uncover the secrets of a Georgia plantation that embodies the intertwined histories of Indigenous and enslaved Black communi...
Sep 11, 2023•36 min•Ep. 142
Send me a text message Dive into a world of romance, nostalgia, and fantasy with this enchanting modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. In this episode, author Evelyn Skye shares more about her debut adult novel, 'The Hundred Loves of Juliet.' But that's not the only treat Evelyn brings us, as we also get a sneak peek into her crossover novel, 'Damsel,' which will soon be a Netflix film. To top it off, she shares some great book recommendations, her favorite childhood books and offers invaluable ...
Sep 06, 2023•30 min•Ep. 141
Send me a text message I'm thrilled (and a tad nervous) to share my new plans for the podcast moving forward. I'm also extending an open invitation to readers to participate in the show moving forward. So if you're interested in coming on and sharing some book recommendations with us or deep diving into a topic, genre, or theme you're interested in, please send me an email directly at hello@bibliolifestyle.com , reply to any of my emails or hop in my Instagram DMs and let's set something up. MOR...
Sep 04, 2023•6 min•Ep. 140
Send me a text message Have you ever felt stuck in a loop of past traumas or haunted by unresolved emotions? Our guest today, Melanie Smith, author of "Unfinished Business: 8 Steps to Heal Your Trauma, Transcend Your Past, and Transform Your Life," sheds light on how to break free from this cycle. In this episode, Melanie unravels the complexities and concept of 'unfinished business' — impactful events from the past that continue to resonate in the present— and is a fresh perspective to understa...
Sep 03, 2023•25 min•Ep. 139
Send me a text message Four young women from different backgrounds are connected when they become a part of a book club in a quaint bookstore. You'll also discover how author Julia Bryan Thomas's personal experiences and love for books and bookshops played a pivotal role in shaping this novel. Julia doesn't stop there! She also gives us an intriguing peek into her other books, For Those Who Are Lost, set during World War II, and her latest historical novel set in Paris during the Cold War. Plus,...
Aug 29, 2023•26 min•Ep. 138
Send me a text message How does an author use poetry to explore her identity, culture, and ancestry? In this episode, we delve deep into the poetic landscape with Melania Luisa Marte, author of the debut poetry collection, "Plantains and Our Becoming." Melania shares her enthusiasm for poetry, the thought process behind her book, and the significance of cultural symbols in her work. BOOK: Plantains and Our Becoming by Melania Luisa Marte on Amazon or Bookshop . SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST: Find th...
Aug 28, 2023•36 min•Ep. 137
Send me a text message Get insights into how the book translates to the Will Trent series on ABC, the development of the characters over the series, and confirmation that the latest book, "After That Night," and all the books in the series can be enjoyed as a standalone. We also get a peek into Karen's writing process, influences, and how she stays mindful of the harsh reality when exploring such sensitive topics. Plus, we get great book recommendations, reading tips, and so much more! BOOK: Aft...
Aug 21, 2023•34 min•Ep. 136
Send me a text message Ever wonder how you can restore your faith in humanity amidst disappointment? Listen to this intimate and thought-provoking conversation with author Kai Cheng Thom about her transformative book, "Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls." Through this conversation, Kai shares insights on finding empathy and hope amidst conflict and sheds light on the commonality of the human experience, even in times of disagreement. By the end of this episode, I hope y...
Aug 17, 2023•32 min•Ep. 135
Send me a text message Are you intrigued by both campus novels and academia novels? Join me as we talk about the distinctive traits of these novels, the similarities and differences, and the stories of identity, sexuality, class, and race that they often encapsulate. In this episode, I'll also share nine captivating novels that provide a glimpse into campus and academic life, from The Secret History to Vladimir. Get ready to embark on a literary journey through the hallowed halls of academia, en...
Aug 16, 2023•22 min•Ep. 134
Send me a text message If your spouse suggested you each sleep with other people one night a year for the next five years, would you agree? Well, we get to see how that plays out in Hannah Sloane's debut novel, "The Freedom Clause." In this episode, we explore the dynamics of Dominic and Daphne, the novel's main characters, who decide to embark on this unconventional arrangement and how this 'freedom clause' becomes a catalyst for Daphne's personal growth and self-assertion. BOOK: The Freedom Cl...
Aug 14, 2023•30 min•Ep. 133
Send me a text message Two best friends have been grifting their way through California's elite, but their next target is not who he seems to be; their scam goes awry and ends up putting their lives in danger. Listen in as I chat with author Wendy Heard about her latest novel, You Can Trust Me. BOOK: You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard 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 ...
Aug 10, 2023•34 min•Ep. 132
Send me a text message Let's travel through time with a Chinese-British family of time travelers! Listen in as I chat with author Pim Wangtechawat about her debut novel, The Moon Represents My Heart, which is soon to be a major Netflix series. In the book, two lovers are divided by time, and two siblings must piece together their family when their time-traveling parents go missing. BOOK: The Moon Represents My Heart by Pim Wangtechawat on Amazon or Bookshop . SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST: Find the ...
Jul 31, 2023•26 min•Ep. 131
Send me a text message Are you genuinely ambitious, or are you caught in a cycle of constantly trying to prove yourself? Join us as we delve into the complexities of ambition with our insightful guest, Rainesford Stauffer, author of All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive. Join us as we examine the connections between ambition, self-worth, and identity. We navigate the treacherous waters of overwork and burnout and the thrilling possibility of redefining ambition, not as ...
Jul 27, 2023•45 min•Ep. 130
Send me a text message Wellness retreat or a cult? Brace yourselves as we meander through the life of Jane Dorner, a PR worker navigating a whirlwind of personal chaos and professional desperation. We see as she plunges into a wellness retreat led by the enigmatic Cass in a desperate bid to save her job. Join us as we discuss Jane's tumultuous life, her transformation from cynic to believer, and the charismatic retreat leader, Cass, who uses her charm like a weapon and will have you questioning ...
Jul 24, 2023•33 min•Ep. 129
Send me a text message Are your negative emotions a party pooper, or could they be the life of the party? Let's flip the script with our guest, author, and psychotherapist Chelsea Harvey Garner! In her book, A Pity Party is Still a Party: A Feel-Good Guide to Feeling Bad, Chelsea presents a new perspective on how to embrace negative emotions and the unexpected benefits they can offer. In our conversation, Chelsea discusses the concept of hosting a 'pity party' and why self-respect, kindness, and...
Jul 22, 2023•34 min•Ep. 128
Send me a text message How does a self-published author transition to being picked up by a traditional publisher? Join us on this captivating journey with author B.K. Borison as she shares more about the books in The Lovelight Series, a four-book series that follows four friends in a small town as they each find love. BOOKS IN THE LOVELIGHT SERIES: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison Amazon or Bookshop . In the Weeds by B.K. Borison Amazon or Bookshop . Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison Amazon or Booksh...
Jul 17, 2023•33 min•Ep. 127
Send me a text message Ready to expand your reading list? Listen in as I share my top 13 personal favorite books of 2023 (so far!) Ranging from Victorian-era literary fiction to twisty thrillers, I share a spoiler-free description of what you can expect and share why each book made the list and what makes them standout reads. 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 resou...
Jul 05, 2023•46 min•Ep. 126
