A Novel Talk

We’re wrapping up This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley in this episode, covering the second half of the book—and closing out our year on A Novel Talk. We dive into how the story unfolds, our thoughts on the characters, and whether the ending delivered on everything we were hoping for. It felt like the perfect festive note to end on, and we’re so grateful to spend this year of reading wit...

We’re kicking off This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley—just in time for Christmas! In this episode, we start with some life updates and a very controversial Christmas question before diving into chapters 1 through 16. We talk about the festive vibes, the tension-filled setup, and the chaos already brewing between these characters. It’s cozy, it’s cute, it’s a little chaotic… and we’re al...

What an ending! In this episode, we dive into the second half of the book, where secrets unravel, connections click into place, and Marcellus the octopus proves once again that he just might be the wisest (and sassiest) character of them all. We share what we loved about the finale, why it left us perfectly satisfied, and of course—our pitch for both a sequel and a prequel (because we’re not done...

This month, we’re diving into Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt—and we’re only doing two episodes, so we’re covering a lot in this first one! In chapters 1 through 33, we’re introduced to Tova, a grieving widow working the night shift at an aquarium, and Marcellus, a highly intelligent (and opinionated) octopus. We talk about the themes of loneliness, unexpected friendship, and the sl...

We’re back to wrap up Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack! After leaving everyone on a huge cliffhanger in Episode 28—and taking a fun detour with life updates in Episode 29—we’re finally diving into the final stretch of this twisty mystery. The killer is revealed, secrets come to light, and we share our reactions to how it all wrapped up. Was it satisfying? Did it redeem t...

In this bonus episode, we’re hitting pause on the books and catching up on life! From fun updates to serious moments and all the wedding planning chaos in between, we’re just chatting like the bookclub besties we are. It’s honest, a little chaotic, and full of laughter—basically, all the things.

In this episode, we’re covering chapters 16–23 of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack—and it finally happened. Someone died! We talk about the long-awaited murder, our reactions, and whether the payoff was worth the wait. With tensions rising and secrets unraveling, we’re finally getting the mystery we signed up for… and we’ve got thoughts.

In this episode, we’re covering chapters 8–15 of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack—and believe it or not, no one has died yet! We’re officially halfway through, and while there’s still technically no mystery, it somehow feels incredibly mysterious. We talk about the tension building between characters, the moments that kept us guessing, and how this slow burn is keeping u...

In this episode, we kick off our July pick: Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack, covering chapters 1–7. We meet Eleanor Dash, a bestselling author on a chaotic book tour through Italy that’s anything but glamorous. Between awkward fan encounters, a very unexpected ex, and plenty of tension, this story is already delivering drama and laughs. We share our first impressions, f...

Get ready for a summer read with a deadly twist! This July on A Novel Talk, your bookclub besties are reading Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack. It’s a witty, fast-paced mystery set in paradise — perfect for poolside listening. Subscribe now so you’re ready for all the sunshine and suspense!

In this episode, we’re wrapping up What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan, covering chapters 15–18. Leanne gets real about aging, embracing the chaos of life, and learning to find the funny in just about everything. We talk about the moments that had us laughing out loud, the wisdom tucked into her stories, and why this book was such a fun and refreshing read to close out the month.

In this episode, we’re covering chapters 10–14 of What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan. Leanne reflects on parenting, the ups and downs of her comedy career—including losing a sitcom deal—and dedicates an entire chapter to her love for Elvis. We talk about the moments that made us laugh, the ones that surprised us, and Hannah shares just how much she loved that Elvis chapter.

In this episode, we’re covering chapters 5–9 of What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan. Leanne takes us through her dating years, newlywed life, and the early days of having babies—all with her signature humor and honesty. We share what made us laugh, the moments that felt all too real, and talk about how Malyn might just be Leanne’s long-lost twin.

In this episode, we kick off our June pick: What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan, covering the introduction through chapter 4. Leanne’s signature humor shines as she shares stories from her childhood, dating years, and the Southern quirks that shaped her. We talk about what made us laugh, what hit close to home, and why this book already feels like a chat with your funniest friend.

This June, we’re switching things up with What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan. Known for her Southern charm and laugh-out-loud storytelling, Leanne brings her signature humor to the page in this heartwarming, relatable read. From motherhood and marriage to getting older and learning to laugh through life’s chaos, this book feels like a front porch chat with your funniest friend. Join us all month...

Content Warning: This book contains strong language and mature themes. It’s not recommended for young readers. In this episode, we wrap up That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally, covering chapters 25 through the epilogue. The final stretch is full of twists and tension as everything finally unravels. We break down what really happened, revisit our earlier theories, and ask the big question: was the end...

Content Warning: This book contains strong language and mature themes. It’s not recommended for young readers. In this episode, we’re covering chapters 17–24 of That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally, and things are getting intense. The mystery around Mary’s identity takes some major turns, and we’re starting to piece together what might really be going on—or so we think. We talk about the twists, the...

Content Warning: This book contains strong language and mature themes. It’s not recommended for young readers. In this episode, we’re diving into chapters 9–16 of That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally. The tension keeps building as more details about Mary’s past start to surface—but can we trust any of it? We talk about the shifting dynamics, the red flags we’re starting to notice, and the moments tha...

Content Warning: This book contains strong language and mature themes. It’s not recommended for young readers. In this episode, we kick off That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally, covering chapters 1–8. The story opens with a girl wondering around with no memory, being told her name is Mary—but something doesn’t sit right. We talk about the eerie setup, the characters introduced, and the tension that’s...

Content Warning: This book contains strong language and mature themes. It’s not recommended for young readers. This May, we’re diving into That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally—a twisty, suspenseful YA thriller that had us hooked from page one. When a girl wakes up with no memory and is told her name is Mary, nothing feels quite right. As she tries to piece together the truth about who she is and what...

In this episode, we’re celebrating our first Fifth Tuesday special! Every time a month has a fifth Tuesday, we’ll drop a fun bonus episode that’s not tied to the book we’re currently reading. For this one, Hannah shares some of her all-time favorite books, and Malyn talks about what she’s been reading lately. Naturally, Malyn can’t resist making fun of a few of Hannah’s picks along the way. It’s a...

In this episode, we wrap up Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, covering chapters 22 through the epilogue. We start by settling our bets from last week—spoiler: someone was definitely right. Then we dive into the brutal final stretch of the Games, unpacking the emotional fallout and those devastating final moments. And we both agree: the ending is rough.

In this episode, we’re covering chapters 15–21 of Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. The 50th Hunger Games officially begin, and the arena doesn’t hold back. We talk through the fast-paced action, the choices being made, and the emotional toll as tributes start dying. Malyn and I don’t exactly agree on how some moments played out—so we make a few bets to settle it. Join us for theories, re...

In this episode, we’re continuing Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, covering chapters 8–14. We dive deeper into Haymitch’s journey, highlighting the similarities between him and Katniss. We also break down the key characters introduced in these chapters and react to a major twist that shifts the direction of the story.

In this episode, we’re diving into Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, covering chapters 1–7. Set during the 50th Hunger Games—the Second Quarter Quell—these chapters introduce us to a new protagonist and build anticipation for Haymitch Abernathy’s infamous Games. We break down the Reaping, our first impressions of the main characters, and key moments that set the stage for what’s to come.