The Reader's Couch

Send me a text message Have you ever rushed into the New Year without pausing to reflect on the past 365 days?  Well, I've been there, and it's a whirlwind, and I don't recommend it.  So today, I invite you to join me on the couch as we halt the clock, breathe, and make a plan to take stock of the year gone by.  This practice I've been doing enables me to slow down, celebrate m...

Send me a text message We're spreading holiday cheer in today's episode!  Author Jean Meltzer joins me on the couch to talk about her fantastic romance novels (The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher) and to share all things holidays,  family traditions, and Hanukkah!  From the miracle of the oil and the delightful fried foods that mark the celebrations, this chat will leav...

Send me a text message From timeless classics to new fiction and even fun children's books, these six enchanting holiday-themed books promise to transport you to a world filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer and perhaps teach you a thing or two about the holiday customs of different cultures. SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST: Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned...

Send me a text message Get transported to the wintery town of Larch Haven, Vermont, where chocolatier Becca Ransom finds herself in the middle of a baking competition turned murder investigation, and she must unravel the truth before she becomes the next target.  In this episode, author Sarah Fox and I talk about her book  "Baking Spirits Bright," we talk about all things holidays and tr...

Send me a text message I'm sharing my personal experiences, practical tips, and self-care ideas that have worked for me and hopefully will help you navigate the busy holiday season.  I talk about why self-care is vital during the holidays even more than ever, share ten tips to help you prioritize self-care, some practical self-care ideas, ideas for solo self-care ideas, family-friendly self-c...

Send me a text message What is traditional English cuisine?  With all the influences from former colonies, cultural influences, and the rise of imported food, this is the question our protagonist, Stella, seeks to answer.   Listen to this fun conversation with author Caroline Scott, the author of "Good Taste,” a historical culinary travelogue about food, Englishness, and a woman's journe...

Send me a text message From heartwarming to dysfunctional family stories,  one of the best ways to capture the spirit of the holidays is by reading books that celebrate family, gratitude, and giving thanks.  So, if you're looking for some recommendations to read this season as you gather with family and friends or decide to go at it solo, I have some recommendations for you. SHOW NOTES &...

Send me a text message There is no shortage of true crime or Alex Murdaugh content, but have you ever wondered about the realities and unseen challenges investigative journalists face as they expose the dark underbelly of power and corruption?   In this compelling episode, Mandy Matney joins us on the couch to talk about her book "Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the...

Send me a text message Have you ever found yourself struggling to choose the perfect book as a gift?  In this episode, you'll get tips and tricks on how to select the perfect book for every bookworm in your life.  We touch on some gift-giving etiquette, and I walk you through The BiblioLifestyle 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, an excellent resource for your book lovers gift search.  I'll share...

Send me a text message Ever wondered about the mysterious world of puzzles and the mind of a master puzzle-maker?  In this episode, I chat with author Danielle Trussoni about her latest novel, "The Puzzle Master."  We explore the intricate life of the book's protagonist, Mike Brink, a world-renowned puzzle maker with a rare medical condition who stumbles upon a dangerous conspiracy....

Send me a text message Ever feel like you're in the midst of a whirlwind during the holiday season, barely finding time to breathe, let alone read?   This episode is about carving out quality time to enjoy your favorite books during the holiday hustle and bustle.  While it may seem impossible, with a little bit of planning and prioritization, it's achievable.  So, let me share some pract...

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 Hu...

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 fro...

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 trilog...

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 li...

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, jo...

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...

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 trad...

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 go...

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 dar...

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 gui...

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...

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 ill...

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,&apo...

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...