Novel Finds: A literary podcast

Join Julia for an interview with Daniel Paisner all about balloons and dogs...well...not exactly but they do talk about ghostwriting, art, and all about Daniel Paisner's new novel 'Balloon Dog.' It's a brilliant novel about legacies and living a life you aren't sure you wanted. For more information on Daniel, including the very book we chat about, follow this link: https:/...

This week we're turning to the pictures! Well, the pictures in graphic novels. Maggie and Julia delve into two of their favorite graphic novels: 'Sheets' and 'Lore Olympus.' We've both (semi) recently fallen in love with this bookish art form and had SUCH a fun time chatting about them...and Tom Hiddleston...and Brendan Fraser...we stayed on track for the most part! I...

Magic is certainly in the air...or is it love? Join Maggie as she chats with Sangu Mandanna all about her adult debut novel 'The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.' This book is all about the magic in the every day and follows a lonely witch as she navigates a new world and a big romance! There's laughter, fun, and nowhere near enough conversation about romantic comedy books...

Breakfast, Sweden, and Chris Evans, OH MY! Julia sits down with Mark Greaney, the legendary author behind 'The Gray Man' books to chat about his new release 'Armored.' They delve into his creative process including his intense training, traveling, and his time as a ghostwriter. His action packed, espionage thrillers are taking over bookshelves and the big screen, as 'Armor...

Maggie and Julia are BACK and this week they are joined by the wonderful Elise Tollefsen! Join us as we delve into the world of 'Red Rising' and chat all about our favorite moments, characters, and dystopian societies. We geek out over Harry Potter houses, competitions, and the author Pierce Brown himself. Elise also patiently listens to our (most likely) very correct theories as to what...

Herstory certainly has its eyes on Zoe Sivak (yes, I made a Hamilton pun, I can't help myself). Her new book 'Mademoiselle Revolution' is a beautiful and riveting debut novel about a young biracial woman and her experiences during the Haitian Revolution and, more specifically, the French Revolution. We had way too much fun chatting together about her book, the romanticism of revolut...

Join Maggie for the sweetest author interview with Ashley Poston! We chat all about her new book 'The Dead Romantics' which is about a ghostwriter that falls in love with the ghost of her editor...and is the GMA Book Club pick...and is overall a perfect cozy romantic comedy. We also chat about Jack Black, Brendan Fraser, Lee Pace, and Adam Driver. Join us for thirty minutes of fun, roman...

Mystery! Pandemic! Missing children! Small town living! 'The Potrero Complex' has it all. Join Julia as she sits down with author Amy Bernstein for the second time to chat all about her new novel. Set in a post-pandemic world, this novel is a dark mystery following an exhausted journalist trying to find a missing teenager in a town drenched in paranoia. It was such a treat to have Amy on...

Join Maggie for an author interview as she chats with the incredible NYT bestselling author KJ Dell'Antonia all about her new book 'In Her Boots.' This book is ALL about returning home and navigating relationships between your mom, friends, and yourself. I could NOT put down this book and loved getting to chat with KJ all about her writing process, how she builds her characters, and...

Maggie and Julia are REUNITED for an episode all about fun and sexy summer reads. Looking for your next book to take to the beach? Look no further! In today's episode we talk all about two fabulous rom-coms 'The Unhoneymooners' and 'The Love Hypothesis.' Two books with a protagonist named Olive. Coincidence? Maybe! Probably? If you love romantic tropes and spicy times, che...

Mystery! Water! Island! Murder! Whodunit?! Join our fabulous host Julia as she chats with Sarah Pearse all about 'The Retreat' which is the second novel following detective Elin Warner. We know what you're thinking and yes, this is the same Elin Warner from 'The Sanatorium' which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick! (Very exciting). 'The Retreat' starts with E...

Author Interview! Join us today for a short but absolutely brilliant and lovely conversation with Jamie Brenner. Jamie is known for her incredible books that focus on the complex relationships between women, romance, and family. We talked about her newest release, Gilt, which focuses on the women involved in the Pavlin jewelry dynasty and the rare pink diamond. I couldn't put this book down! ...

Happy Episode Day! Today Maggie and Julia discuss the New York Times Bestseller and Bookstagram famous novel 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.' Join us as we discuss the incredible book about old Hollywood, relationships, and the bisexual icon that is Evelyn. Between discussing the complex characters and relationships we also obsess over the outfits and Laura Dern. Oh, and current reve...

It's Indie Bookshop Week here in Edinburgh and I had the lovely opportunity to chat with a few of my favorites in the city! Join me as I chat about the first bookstore I went to when I moved to the city, the bookstore across the street from my flat, and the shop that is rumored to be Tom Hanks' favorite bookstore in Scotland. Not only that but...board game nights? Independent publishing?...

It's an Author Interview! Julia chats with Amy Bernstein about her novel 'The Nighthawkers.' The book is an archeological romance meets swashbuckling adventure! The Mummy meets the Lost City! Julia and Amy had a blast chatting all about adventure, love, writing, and time (is it a construct?). How does Amy organize her books? As always, thank you for being a Novel Friend!  For more i...

Today's episode is all about those unlikeable protagonists. The antihero. The villain. The bad guy that also might be a good guy. The complicated, morally grey character. Maggie brings "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" and Julia brings "Vicious" to today's episode! What makes these characters bad? Are they redeemable? Tune in to hear Maggie spend 30 minutes saying &quo...

Author Episode! In today's episode Maggie sits down with author Marie Wishert to talk about her book - Ignite! Marie Wishert has written a raw and honest story about a very complex woman and it is absolutely stunning. I'm excited to pick up the sequel in the trilogy, Wildfire. I loved, loved, LOVED getting to chat with her. Marie is so funny and (truly!!) so cool. I hope you enjoy this l...

Guest episode! We are once again joined by the brilliant and lovely Dr. Shelby VanRossum to talk about all things faeries, Feyre, and fantasy. The sequel book to ACOTAR, we believe that ACOMAF is the best in the series. We delve into the relationships, character arcs, and emotional journeys that Feyre has along the way! We also attempt to cast the Inner Circle AND we take a quiz to find out which...

Today's episode is all about the novel She Who Became the Sun. A book that has lived on bestselling lists and has been shortlisted for multiple book awards, SWBTS is a re-imagining of of the rise to power of the Hongwu Emperor in 14th century China.  We loved reading this book and, as you'll find out, we have many, many opinions on it. We hope you enjoy!  As always, thank you for being a...

Hey hey hey! In today's episode Maggie and Julia talk all about the bestselling novel 'Mexican Gothic.' This book has made a home on the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling lists and we wanted to find out why. A creepy and haunting story that shadows the genre most well known in novels such as Wuthering Heights and Rebecca, Mexican Gothic is a ghost story you don't want...

Guest Episode! It's our first guest episode of Season 2 and we are delighted to be in conversation with Olivia Grady! She's an actor, director, producer, and overall brilliant artist! Join us in a chat all about her favorite book: Normal People! We delve deep into the novel and discuss Sally Rooney's writing style, her characters, Normal People's portrayal of mental health and....

WE’RE BAAAAACK!!! The long-awaited return of your favorite Novel Finds cohosts has finally arrived. Julia and Maggie are back for Season 2 and ready to talk all about books. But, to start, their second favorite book! Maggie chats all about a wonderful romantic comedy, and Julia dives into the world of magic! So…typical Novel Finds business. There’s also talk of Disney princes, steamy scenes in fan...

Bonus Episode! We had to pop back in with an author interview after we were contacted by Jasami publishing company to read Catherine Grace's novel 'The Intersection.' It takes place in both Scotland and California and is an absolutely thrilling mystery! We had such a lovely time chatting with Catherine all about her book, good food and wine, her writing process, and different ways t...

The season of cheer is upon us! And we are about to close out on our very first season. We have loved every single episode and cannot believe that we have recorded twenty one episodes (wow...I'm getting sappy...). Please enjoy this episode all about our favorite episodes, books we've read this year, and books we just couldn't get through. Oh, and we have some pretty fun plans for ne...

GUEST EPISODE! Julia sits down to talk with Jonathan Edward Durham all about his novel 'Winterset Hollow.' A genre blending novel filled with magical realism, a dash of horror, and gorgeous prose - this book is the perfect thing to cozy up to this winter. Jonathan talks about his journey as a writer, his biggest inspirations, and hints at a few future projects!  We hope you enjoy! And, a...