Ep. 144 - Pages to Popcorn: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Plus a Bonus Short Story)

Ep. 144 - Pages to Popcorn: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Plus a Bonus Short Story)

I’ve decided to read my first Fredrik Backman book. I’ve heard so many good things about his novels, so now I’m interested to see if I’ll like this contemporary fiction book and its movie adaptation. Come find out my thoughts about this story in real time. You can find the companion blog here [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/pages-to-popcorn-a-man-called-ove-by-fredrik-backman/]. **If you like contemporary fiction stories with elderly characters, you may enjoy listening to episode 143.  Shop at Book Outlet and use my link [https://bookoutlet.com/loyalty/referral/DQIMS58J?c=url] to save $5 off your first order when you spend $25 or more. Follow me on: * Twitter [https://twitter.com/bkmrksnblnkts] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Bookmarks-n-Blankets/61574057789258/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bookmarksnblankets/] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/bookmarksnblankets/] * GoodReads [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/163357370-kelly-bookmarks-n-blankets] * Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/kmatsudaira/films/]

Ep. 143 - Real-Time Reactions: 3 Super-Popular Contemporary Fiction Books

I’m ready to dive into a genre that I don’t normally read - contemporary fiction. There are three very popular novels that everyone is talking about right now, so I wanted to see if the hype is worth it. Come find out which books I’m excited to read and react to in real time. You can find the companion blog here [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/real-time-reactions-3-super-popular-contemporary-fiction-books/]. Books I React to in this Episode:  * Theo of Golden by Allen Levi * The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston * The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Shop at Book Outlet and use my link [https://bookoutlet.com/loyalty/referral/DQIMS58J?c=url] to save $5 off your first order when you spend $25 or more. Follow me on: Twitter [https://twitter.com/bkmrksnblnkts] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Bookmarks-n-Blankets/61574057789258/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bookmarksnblankets/] GoodReads [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/163357370-kelly-bookmarks-n-blankets] Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/kmatsudaira/films/]

Ep. 142 - Recent Reads: 12 Historical & Regency Romance Books | 6 Five-Star Novels Perfect for Spring or Summer

At the beginning of the year, I was craving some historical fiction stories, especially once spring rolled around. Come find out all of the historical and Regency romance books I read in the first quarter of 2026…and which six books have my whole heart, and I gave five stars.  You can find the companion blog here [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/recent-reads-12-historical-regency-romance-books-6-five-star-novels/]. Books I Review in This Episode: * A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin * Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers * To Con A Gentleman by Sarah Adams * The Rules of Courtship by Kasey Stockton * Hidden Places by Lynn Austin * The Irish Boarding House by Sandy Taylor * The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel * To Love a Lady by Gabrielle Meyer * The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vols. 1 & 2 by Beth Brower * Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery * Heidi by Johanna Spyri Shop at Book Outlet and use my link [https://bookoutlet.com/loyalty/referral/DQIMS58J?c=url] to save $5 off your first order when you spend $25 or more. Follow me on: Twitter [https://twitter.com/bkmrksnblnkts] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Bookmarks-n-Blankets/61574057789258/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bookmarksnblankets/] GoodReads [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/163357370-kelly-bookmarks-n-blankets] Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/kmatsudaira/films/]

Ep. 141 - 12 Cozy Magical Realism Books | May 2026 TBR Book List

Lately, I’ve been in a huge fantasy mood, but I prefer light fantasy. For this Magical May, I’m excited to check out more magical realism novels. Come find out which titles are highest on my TBR list to check out. Plus, I'll let you know about 14 new books coming out this month! *Please note that this is NOT a recommendation list. I have not read any of these books yet, but they all sound interesting to me, so I'm excited to read them at some point. You can find the companion blog here [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/12-cozy-magical-realism-books-may-2026-tbr-book-list/]. If you want to join my year-long Closed-Door Romance Reading Challenge, check out this post [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/announcement-a-shift-in-my-reading-journey-2026-closed-door-romance-reading-challenge/]or listen to episode 129 for more information. Shop at Book Outlet and use my link [https://bookoutlet.com/loyalty/referral/DQIMS58J?c=url] to save $5 off your first order when you spend $25 or more. Follow me on: * Twitter [https://twitter.com/bkmrksnblnkts] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Bookmarks-n-Blankets/61574057789258/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bookmarksnblankets/] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/bookmarksnblankets/] * GoodReads [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/163357370-kelly-bookmarks-n-blankets] * Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/kmatsudaira/films/]

Ep. 140 - 12 Books with Spring Vibes (Romance, Fantasy, Magical Realism) | April 2026 TBR Book List

With the flowers blooming, the sun shining, and the spring season upon us, it’s time to dive into novels that feel like a cozy, warm spring day. Come find out which spring books I want to read during this budding time of year. Plus, I'll let you know about 12 new books coming out this month! *Please note that this is NOT a recommendation list. I have not read any of these books yet, but they all sound interesting to me, so I'm excited to read them at some point. You can find the companion blog here [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/12-books-with-spring-vibes-april-2026-tbr-book-list/]. If you want to join my year-long Closed-Door Romance Reading Challenge, check out this post [https://bookmarksnblankets.com/announcement-a-shift-in-my-reading-journey-2026-closed-door-romance-reading-challenge/]or listen to episode 129 for more information. Shop at Book Outlet and use my link [https://bookoutlet.com/loyalty/referral/DQIMS58J?c=url] to save $5 off your first order when you spend $25 or more. Follow me on: * Twitter [https://twitter.com/bkmrksnblnkts] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Bookmarks-n-Blankets/61574057789258/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bookmarksnblankets/] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/bookmarksnblankets/] * GoodReads [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/163357370-kelly-bookmarks-n-blankets] * Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/kmatsudaira/films/]