What to Read Next Podcast l Book Recommendation Show

Welcome to a VERY SPECIAL Christmas Podcast. This episode originally aired as part of our Novel Nights Live Stream last month! You can watch the replay on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/IYSHfgdt-rE?si=YswLN4kPaNEB5ghz [https://www.youtube.com/live/IYSHfgdt-rE?si=YswLN4kPaNEB5ghz] About this Episode: Join Francesca, Victoria, and Laura in this festive holiday chat as they dive into Christmas traditions from around the world, nostalgic memories, and what the season looks like for them today. From debates about real vs. fake trees, nativity sets, and favorite holiday foods, to discussions on holiday pressure, decorating hacks, and cozy Christmas movies, this episode is your perfect companion for the season. Whether you're into Hallmark movies, traditional family feasts, or just trying to survive the holidays with boundaries intact, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, laughs, and tips to make the season joyful. What We Discussed: When Does Christmas Begin? Advent traditions, post-Halloween decorating, and extended celebrations in Puerto Rico. Childhood Traditions: Nativity sets, Grand Market shopping in Jamaica, and Three Kings Day celebrations. Modern Holiday Practices: Real vs. fake Christmas trees, themed decorating, and finding what works for your family. Holiday Pressure: Managing stress, gift-giving expectations, and finding balance during the season. Favorite Christmas Movies: Home Alone, Hallmark films, and quirky picks like Love Actually. Holiday Food and Drinks: Caribbean black cakes, Italian panettone, Puerto Rican coquito, and Greek holiday feasts. Tips to Survive the Holidays: Setting boundaries, decorating hacks, and creating moments of calm amidst the chaos. Best Places to See Christmas Lights: New York City, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, and local holiday markets. Resources & Recommendations: * Movie Mention: Deck the Walls by Danny Pellegrino (Hallmark and Peacock). * Quick Tip: Look for small-town tree lightings or holiday markets for cozy, festive fun. * Food Picks: Coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog), black cake (Jamaican fruitcake), and Greek pastitsio.

Disclosure: [https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/affiliate] We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books. In this episode of What to Read Next, Sarah Hawley, author of the delightful Glimmer Falls fantasy rom-com series and the upcoming romantasy Servant of Earth, joins Laura to discuss her writing journey, archaeology background, and love of whimsical storytelling. Sarah shares hilarious anecdotes (like buying a haunted doll on Etsy), insights into creating cozy magical worlds, and book recommendations that will leave you with a growing TBR pile. If you love cozy fantasy, high-stakes romantasy, or a good dose of humor with your romance, this episode is a must-listen! What You'll Learn: * How Sarah's archaeology background influences her worldbuilding. * The inspiration behind her Glimmer Falls series and its cozy, magic-filled small-town vibes. * A sneak peek into her upcoming romantasy, Servant of Earth, and its dark, steamy twists. * Fun anecdotes about buying ghosts and haunted dolls online. * Sarah's top book recommendations in romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. Books Mentioned in This Episode: Sarah Hawley's Books: * A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon (Book 1, Glimmer Falls)  https://amzn.to/3BAnuHM [https://amzn.to/3BAnuHM] * A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch (Book 2, Glimmer Falls) https://amzn.to/4iDRSBP [https://amzn.to/4iDRSBP] * A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire (Book 3, Glimmer Falls) https://amzn.to/41CEbNq [https://amzn.to/41CEbNq] * Servant of Earth https://amzn.to/4fiTVbG [https://amzn.to/4fiTVbG] Sarah's Book Recommendations: 1. Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe https://rstyle.me/+jANt1qCYgEgTrmXH_aaDcg [https://rstyle.me/+jANt1qCYgEgTrmXH_aaDcg] 2. My Vampire Plus One by Jenna Levine https://rstyle.me/+csIvk9wSslB58fwxqRS8gA [https://rstyle.me/+csIvk9wSslB58fwxqRS8gA] 3. No One Does It Like You by Katie Shepard https://rstyle.me/+jCvTq7YKEQxA4rv9x6V8bw [https://rstyle.me/+jCvTq7YKEQxA4rv9x6V8bw] 4. The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava https://rstyle.me/+OB9FzL7vZej2rR1V2st40whttps://rstyle.me/+OB9FzL7vZej2rR1V2st40w [https://rstyle.me/+OB9FzL7vZej2rR1V2st40w] 5. The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song (A Mulan-inspired fantasy retelling) https://rstyle.me/+Q3e0KXEtuOJhGZPtx-w8Gg [https://rstyle.me/+Q3e0KXEtuOJhGZPtx-w8Gg] Connect with Sarah Hawley: * Website: sarahhawleyauthor.com [https://sarahhawleyauthor.com] * Instagram: @ms.sarahhawley [https://www.instagram.com/ms.sarahhawley] * Newsletter: Sign up via her website for exclusive updates and extras. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: IP29FC0QKB6DV2UE

Disclosure: [https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/affiliate] We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books. This mini-episode dives into the latest changes in the audiobook industry, including updates to Everand's pricing structure and Amazon Music's new audiobook feature. If you’re an audiobook enthusiast, this is the tea you need to stay informed and save money while enjoying your favorite reads. Topics Covered: Everand's Pricing Changes: * Transition from unlimited audiobook access to a credit-based model. * Comparison to Audible and the implications for current users. * Thoughts on whether this change enhances or detracts from its value. Amazon Music's New Audiobook Feature: * Competing with Spotify, offering one Audible title per month. * Access to Audible Originals and exclusive titles as part of the subscription. * Tips on how to make the most of Amazon Music’s deals. Catch Us Live: * Don’t forget to join us for Novel Nights live every Thursday at 7 PM EST on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeYYU8BctnNLAmayE5laMMQ/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lauraryamin]. Replays are always available! Stay Connected: * Sign up for our Substack [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/] for weekly book recommendations for Kindle Unlimited and Hoopla, plus tips for budget-friendly mood reading.

Disclosure: [https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/affiliate] We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books. In this episode of What to Read Next, I sit down with bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne to discuss her prolific writing career, including her transition from romantic suspense to sweet, small-town romances and heartwarming women's fiction. With an impressive 75-book backlist, RaeAnne shares her journey, writing process, and recommendations for where new readers can dive into her works. We also chat about her love for crafting Christmas-themed novels, the joy of collaborative plotting retreats, and a sneak peek into her upcoming release for 2025, The Lost Book of First Loves. What We Discussed: * RaeAnne's career journey, from her first book in 1995 to her 75th book, The December Market. * The differences between her women's fiction and small-town romance series. * Recommendations for where to start with RaeAnne’s backlist: * Women’s Fiction: The Cliff House, Summer at the Cape, The Cafe at Beach End, and her latest, 15 Summers Later. * Small-Town Romance: Haven Point and Hopes Crossing series. * Christmas Romances: Christmas at the Shelter Inn and its sequel, The December Market. * Insight into RaeAnne’s writing process, including her love for plotting, her seasonal approach to writing Christmas books, and her decorating her office with holiday cheer. * How RaeAnne incorporates community and emotional depth into her stories. * A teaser for The Lost Book of First Loves (coming June 2025), featuring themes of family secrets, sisterhood, and romance. * RaeAnne’s advice for aspiring writers and the value of having a writing community. Books Mentioned in the Episode: * Christmas at the Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/4i9VbAo [https://amzn.to/4i9VbAo] * The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/4i3TVij [https://amzn.to/4i3TVij] * 15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/3Vczi9L [https://amzn.to/3Vczi9L] * The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne (coming June 2025) https://amzn.to/3CO3BgQ [https://amzn.to/3CO3BgQ] * The Cliff House, Summer at the Cape, The Cafe at Beach End, and other Cape Sanctuary books by RaeAnne Thayne https://amzn.to/4g0UpDS [https://amzn.to/4g0UpDS] Where to Find RaeAnne Thayne: * Website: RaeAnneThayne.com [https://www.raeannethayne.com] * Facebook Group: RaeAnne Thayne's Book Group  * Instagram: @RaeAnneThayne [https://www.instagram.com/raeannethayne] Join our What to Read Next Blog Community [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38] to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38]. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38 [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38]) Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: IP29FC0QKB6DV2UE

Disclosure: [https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/affiliate] We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books. Welcome to the What to Read Next Podcast! In this video, I’m sharing the 17 books I read in November 2024. This month’s reading list features a festive mix of holiday romances, cozy mysteries, and a couple of fascinating nonfiction books about shopping culture. Most of these were audiobooks, perfect for the season's cozy vibes! 🧣📚 📚 Books Featured in This Video * Selling Sexy by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez https://amzn.to/41ipSh3 [https://amzn.to/41ipSh3] * The Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock https://amzn.to/3Zw9xnl [https://amzn.to/3Zw9xnl] * The Merry Little Midlife Matchmaker by Lillian Monroehttps://amzn.to/3Vhp6gu [https://amzn.to/3Vhp6gu] * How My Neighbors Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn https://amzn.to/3D2NwDS [https://amzn.to/3D2NwDS] * My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely https://amzn.to/4eYbkX0 [https://amzn.to/4eYbkX0] * Holiday Games by Lily Valente https://amzn.to/49eZBCa [https://amzn.to/49eZBCa] * My December Darling by Lauren Asher https://amzn.to/4fOIKsr [https://amzn.to/4fOIKsr] * Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood https://amzn.to/41cdHlO [https://amzn.to/41cdHlO] * Only Santas Us in a Building by Alexis Daria  https://amzn.to/4eURdci [https://amzn.to/4eURdci] * Barbacoa, Bomba and Betrayal by Raquel Reyes https://amzn.to/4g8cgJ6 [https://amzn.to/4g8cgJ6] * A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford https://amzn.to/3D34ylf [https://amzn.to/3D34ylf] * Death at a Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander https://amzn.to/3Z78aKA [https://amzn.to/3Z78aKA] * The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter https://amzn.to/4gb5ZfZ [https://amzn.to/4gb5ZfZ] * The Gardener’s Plot by Deborah Benoit https://amzn.to/3CQqWyd [https://amzn.to/3CQqWyd] * King of Sloth by Ana Huang  https://amzn.to/4geGfiE [https://amzn.to/4geGfiE] * Summer in the City by Alex Aster (Summer 2025 release preview!) https://amzn.to/3ZvnNN8 [https://amzn.to/3ZvnNN8] 🌟 What’s Coming in December? I’ll be diving into fantasy romance, more holiday books, and some thrilling popcorn reads. Stay tuned for festive and cozy recommendations! Join our What to Read Next Blog Community [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38] to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38]. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38 [https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38])