Novel Finds: A literary podcast

In conversation with debut author Sara Koffi, we discuss her domestic thriller While We Were Burning . Taking place in Memphis, Tennesee, this explosive dual POV narrative examines the intersection between race, class, and female friendship...and the devastating consequences of everyday actions. While We Were Burning is available on April 16, 2024. Pre-order the book and find the info about Sara's...

In conversation with Bookstagram's own Rachel of @TheMenuscript covering one of her favorite books, Remarkably Bright Creatures written by Shelby Van Pelt. This is a lovely debut novel about a Giant Pacific Octopus, a woman just trying to live her life, and a young man trying to find his. It's a triple POV set in a sleepy Washington town, that will make you want to visit! **Trigger Warning: Death...

We're kicking off season four with a Regency Era double feature! In this episode, we have two modern reimaginings of two classic Jane Austen novels. First up: Melodie Edwards with Once Persuaded, Twice Shy , Jane Austen's Persuasion reimagined. You can find Melodie on Instagram and through her website . Her book is available now! Grab it from her favorite indie bookstores: Old Niagara Bookshop, Th...

We did it! We made it through season three! Thank you to all the friends and family that have joined us on this crazy season. In this final episode we recap all our favourite moments, silliest episodes, and books we read in 2023 that we will never stop thinking about. Oh, and one of us has an incredibly bittersweet announcement.  As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend. Host: Julia Steudle (...

Happy Holidays from your two favorite Novel friends!! We sit down to spread some holiday cheer and giggle over two marvelous LGBTQ+ Christmas reads. Sit down with a cup of cocoa and join us for our penultimate episode. Our internet connection was WILD while recording. So the episode hops around a bit, and the sound isn't perfect, but it's still an enjoyable episode, I promise! As always,...

Today is the very last author interview of season three! Maggie sits down with Margarita Barresi to chat all about her debut novel, A Delicate Marriage. This book is a historical fiction piece following the marriage between Marco and Isa, and deals with class and oppression in Puerto Rico 40 years after it became a U.S. colony. We discuss research, how Margarita's family inspired the novel, and th...

BURN IT DOWN. God bless Rebecca Yarros and Basgiath War College and the absolute drama that is dragon riding. Our episode on the second book in the Empyrean series is here and Julia and Maggie loved getting to talk all about Iron Flame . We delve into a bit of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame comparison, talk about all our favorite moments and lines, and the all new Gryphon Fliers! The second half of th...

Adventure Romance is at an all-time high with Rosie Danan's newest novel! If you enjoy The Mummy, The Lost City, curses, and Brendan Fraser this is definitely the book (and episode!) for you. Do Your Worst is a smart, sexy, and hilarious book with enemies-to-lovers set in the Scottish Highlands. Join Maggie for our latest author interview with Rosie Danan as we chat all about favorite tropes, the...

Join us for a very fun fantasy filled author interview as Julia sits down to chat with the one and only Jennifer L. Armentrout all about her latest novel, A Fire in the Flesh , the third installment of the Flesh and Fire series. Julia and Jennifer chat about fantasy worlds, Bramble romance, book events, and favorite characters. Follow Jennifer on Instagram and her website We hope you enjoy, a...

Happy Halloween! (almost). We're here with our annual Halloween episode and we're delving into A Discovery of Witches and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Very different, but both perfect for the autumnal season in their own way. So, grab a warm cup of tea and join us for an hour of laughs and spookiness! Host: Julia Steudle (she/her) Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him) Music...

In the third installment following Sarah J Maas' bestselling series, we sit down with the wonderful Shelby Van Rossum to discuss A Court of Wings and Ruin! Like with ACOTAR and ACOMAF, Shelby shares all her insights and opinions on the series. There's talk of theories, plenty of spoilers, and deep dives into all your favorite (and least favorite) ACOTAR characters! So, what are you waiting for? Pr...

In today's episode we delve into Belladonna , the YA Gothic Mystery by Adalyn Grace. There is talk of love triangles, plot twists, and good antagonists. With autumnal weather finally in the air, sit down with a warm drink and join us as we talk about your next spooky read! As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend. Host: Julia Steudle (she/her) Editor & Artwork: Jonah Kensett (he/him) Musi...

Kicking off the autumnal season is an author interview with Logan Steiner! Julia and Logan sit down and chat all about After Anne , a book detailing the life of LM Montgomery. Delve into the world of Anne of Green Gables, favourite characters, and a reading from Logan's book! It's a sweet episode you don't want to miss.  As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend! Host: Julia Steudle (she/...

In today's interview, Maggie sits down to chat with Pim Wangtechawat about her debut novel, The Moon Represents My Heart , a family drama with time travel. We spoke on the research she did, what era she'd love to travel to, and the inspirations for her characters. Pim also shared what actors she'd love to see in the adaptation of her book! If you're interested in purchasing her book, you can...

Holy mother of dragons it's here...an episode on the iconic Fourth Wing! We DEVOURED this book and absolutely loved it. Tune in for our takes on the dragons, political intrigue, and the sexy romance. What kind of dragon would you want? Why does Dain have Gale energy? Did we perfectly cast Tairn, Sgaeyl, and Andarna? Give it a listen to find out! Host: Julia Steudle (she/her) Editor & Artw...

Happy Sunday! We're back with an author interview, this time with romance author and enthusiast Pernille Hughes. Maggie and Pernille sit down and talk about her book, Ten Years , an enemies-to-lovers romance spanning a decade. They chat favourite romance tropes, the best part of falling in love, gin busses, and play a round of Shag, Marry, Avoid.  This episode is some of the best fun I'v...

Lovers of myths, fantasy and dystopian novels rejoice! Today Julia sits down with Kika Hatzopoulou to discuss her YA Fantasy, Threads That Bind . A gripping tale of modern myth, fated romance, and dark storytelling, this book is a must-read. Julia and Kika talk favorite books, complicated characters, and inspiration! As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend.  If you're interested in foll...

We're back after a two week hiatus with an author interview with the brilliant Sophie Keetch! Julia and Sophie dive into Sophie's debut novel Morgan Is My Name , and discuss all things Camelot, favorite Arthurian adaptations, and future installments of the series. It's certainly an episode you won't want to miss. As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend.  Host: Julia Steud...

Today's guest is debut fantasy author, Gabriela Romero Lacruz! We sit down to talk about her book The Sun and the Void - a gripping, dark, and gorgeous epic fantasy. We chat all about the complicated characters, the inspiration behind the story, Game of Thrones, and the magic system in the book. Gabriela even shares her dream fantasy animal sidekick...and it's the greatest answer I have...

It's officially summer, and we are kicking off the season with an episode with the wonderful Ashley Poston! Julia and Ashley sit down and discuss all things romance - swoon-worthy leads, what makes a rom-com really sparkle, and most romantic settings. Ashley tells us a bit about her newest book, her cats, reminiscing about her life in the big city, and what Marvel characters would make the be...

This week Ali Hazelwood's new romance book Love, Theoretically hit the shelves and we had the honor of hosting her to chat all about it! Maggie and Ali sit down and talk about romance books, Women in STEM, and the art of subverting romance tropes. Ali shares which of her romantic interests she would fall for, and which ones would have her considering murder.  There's even a special guest...

Delilah Green doesn't care you guys! At all. Or...maybe she does? In today's episode we delve into the brilliant, funny, sapphic romance Delilah Green Doesn't Care . We share some of our favorite sections, the sexiest characters, and our dream casting - including some of the best casting we've ever done for the role of Delilah's stepmother Isabel. Join us for pride month a...

Lovers of the romcom rejoice, for today we sit down with the wildly intelligent and ridiculously funny, Emily Henry to chat about her newest novel Happy Place . It was a delight to dive into romantic comedies as a genre, rant about the importance of love and female characters, and even talk about the Mother of romance herself...Jane Austen.  Oh, and stay tuned to the very end for when we play Shag...

Join us for a romance filled episode in which Julia interviews Laura Kay on her  romance novel Wild Things ! This warm-hearted and hilarious queer rom-com follows a group of friends as they leave city life to start a commune in the country. Sexy lumberjacks! Favorite tropes! Love! Join us for thirty minute of joy with the wonderful Laura Kay.  As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend! For mor...

Maggie and Julia have reunited to talk about The Song of Achilles ! We chat about myths, Percy Jackson, and what spice we think best relates to the romance of the book. Oh, and we share some dream casting - BBC give us a call if you need any tips. She's a short little episode but loads of fun!  As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend. Host: Julia Steudle (she/her) Editor & Artwork:...