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Published by Meagan Briggs
This is the place with unfiltered thoughts on everything book related. We're talking about the highs and lows in the publishing world. Books to look out for and books to avoid. Opinions are coming in hot and you don't want to miss them!
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I had such a fantastic conversation with NYT bestselling author Kristan Higgins about her newest novel, The Me I Used to Be ! We talked all about the complicated, messy, and beautiful nature of female friendships, what it means to pivot and reinvent yourself later in life, and how our ideas of who we thought we’d become don’t always match the lives we actually create. Kristan also took me behind the scenes of her incredible author journey, how the publishing and writing landscape has changed throughout her career, and what it’s been like to evolve as a writer along the way. And, of course, we talked about what readers can expect next! This was such a thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation about friendship, change, creativity, and giving yourself permission to become someone new. I think so many readers—especially those navigating their own “what now?” season—are going to love this one. Website: https://www.kristanhiggins.com IG: @kristan.higgins New to Kristan Higgins? Start with her book "Now That You Mention It"
After taking most of 2026 off from our virtual monthly book clubs, I’m so excited to finally share that Meagan’s Book Club is coming back! In this episode, I’m giving you a little behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve been dreaming up, why I decided it was time to bring book club back, and what you can expect from this next chapter. If you’ve been missing our bookish conversations, I think you’re going to love what’s coming. Consider this your official little sneak peek… more details are coming very soon!
This week, I’m chatting with Australian author Anna Johnston about her newest book, When Lemons Give You Life ! Anna’s debut novel, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife , became an international bestseller—and Netflix has even opted for the movie rights! We talk about Anna’s journey to becoming an author, why she’s passionate about writing stories centered around older characters, and how her own grandfather loosely inspired Frederick Fife. We also dive into When Lemons Give You Life , what inspires Anna’s storytelling, and the magic of creating characters who feel so incredibly real. This was such a fun conversation, and if you’re looking for a book (or two!) that is heartwarming, funny, beautifully written, and guaranteed to make you feel all the feelings, you absolutely need Anna Johnston on your TBR. Website: https://www.annajohnstonauthor.com/ IG: @annajohnstonauthor Books Anna mentioned: Don't Buy What I'm Selling by Lu Chekowsky Imogen in Waiting by Lindsay Bartels
August was a very solid reading month! I read 15 books, and while the majority landed in that very respectable 3–4 star range, I did have two standout favorites that really rose above the rest. I’m sharing all of my thoughts, the books I’d recommend, the ones that were just okay, and which ones didn’t quite work for me. Plus, I’m talking about the September Book of the Month picks that were announced this week—and, spoiler alert… I have opinions. 😂 We’ll get into which picks caught my attention, which ones didn’t, and what I think about the lineup overall. As always, I’ve listed all 15 books below so you can see what I read and add anything that catches your eye to your TBR! Happy reading! 🎧 Promise Me Never ⭐️⭐️ 🎧 Best Offer Wins ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Holiday Honeymoon Switch ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 Love Felt Like This ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 Just a Highland Fling ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧 Falling for Peachtree Bluff ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 As Luck Would Have It ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧 The Pirate Queen ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧 Lost and Found ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Unknown ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Difference Between ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Three Graces of Pearl Street ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Amateur ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧 The Me I Used to Be ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
If you grew up in the ’90s, this episode is going to feel like a trip down memory lane! I had the BEST time chatting with the author Laura Marie Meyers of The MASH Up , a delightfully Millennial-coded rom-com that had us reminiscing about everything from ’90s pop culture to the things that shaped us growing up. We talk about the inspiration behind The MASH Up , creating characters who feel incredibly relatable, and all the little nostalgic details that make this book so much fun. Plus, we play a little “This or That” and get to know the author beyond the book! Website: https://www.lauramariemeyers.com/ IG: @lauramariemeyers
August’s What I’m Loving is here! This month I’m sharing what I’m watching, reading, cooking, doing more of, buying, and—of course—what I'm reading. I’m talking about my excitement for Practical Magic 2 and the new season of Ted Lasso , what I’m currently reading ( The Pirate Queen and The Witch of Cambridge ), making more homemade meals, embracing a little fall shopping, and the other little things making life feel extra good right now. You won't want to miss the announcement at the end of the episode! Eeeeek! Can't wait! Sheet Pan Recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/greek-sheet-pan-chicken/
This week, I’m joined by bestselling author Ilona Bannister , author of the psychological thriller Five , which became a sensation after its release in May. Ilona and I talk about the winding, often difficult journey to becoming a traditionally published author—including navigating the challenges of publishing during COVID and the unwavering support from her husband that helped her keep going. We also dive into Five and what makes its characters so compelling. At the heart of the story is the way we judge people without ever really knowing what’s happening beneath the surface, and Ilona shares how she built characters who are complicated, flawed, challenging, and not always easy to like. And honestly, those are often the characters that make for the best stories. It was such a joy getting to know Ilona and hear the story behind her success. She’s already working on her next book, and after this conversation, I absolutely cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! Website: www.ilonabannisterwrites.com IG: @ilona.bannister Books Recommended by Ilona: Honey by Imani Thompson What Boys Learn by Andromeda Romano-Lax
How is it already mid-August?! Honestly, this month has felt so long, but I’m checking in with a look at what I’ve been reading, what’s currently on my nightstand, and a couple of books I’m already excited about for 2027. My reading has been pretty solid this month, but two books have definitely stood out from the rest—and I’m sharing why I think they’re worth adding to your TBR. I’m also chatting about the two books I’m currently reading and giving you a little sneak peek at two 2027 releases that I already have my eye on. Basically, a little mid-month reading catch-up, some bookish favorites, and a peek at what’s ahead!
This week, I'm joined by author Paige Harbison to celebrate the release of her latest novel, Destination Funeral . Paige and I had an absolute blast chatting about her journey from writing YA novels to adult fiction, her creative process, and what it's been like narrating her own audiobooks—and now lending her voice to books by other authors as well. Beyond the books, we connected over podcasting, social media, creativity, and the many unexpected paths a writing career can take. Paige is every bit as funny, thoughtful, and personable as you'd hope, making this one of those conversations that feels like sitting down with a friend. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering her work for the first time, I think you're going to love this conversation. Website: https://www.paigeharbison.com/ IG: @pharbeaux
There are some weekends that feel a little bit magical, and this was absolutely one of them. ✨ Thirteen women, a beautiful weekend in Middleburg, Virginia, plenty of books, wine, good food, and so much laughter. From a wine tasting and book swap at Greenhill Winery to lounging by the pool at Salamander Resort, a book tasting at Middleburg Books, and ending the weekend with dinner and a Q&A with bestselling author Audrey Ingram, every moment felt special. But more than anything, I left this weekend thinking about female friendship . How quickly you can connect with people when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. How much joy there is in gathering around something you love. And how important it is to make space for new friendships, new experiences, and a little bit of magic. I’m recapping the whole weekend on the podcast today, and I hope it inspires you to say yes to something that might feel a little outside your comfort zone. You never know who you might meet. For more info on the retreat, check out: https://luxuryreadingretreats.com/ Book Swap Books: The Elements by John Boyne The Change by Kristin Miller Beyond the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser The irresistible urge to fall for your enemy by Brigette Knightly Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie (I took home) We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton (I brought) Country People by Daniel Mason My Books from the Book Tasting: The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
This week on Meagan’s Book Club Podcast, I’m joined by author Devon Daniels to chat about her delightful new romance, Star-Crossed Summer . Inspired by the legendary off-screen chemistry (and drama) of The Notebook stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, the novel follows two former co-stars whose decade-old heartbreak gets a second chance when they're unexpectedly reunited. Devon and I discuss the inspiration behind the story, her writing process, and the perfectionism that often shows up behind the scenes of creating a book. As always, Devon is warm, funny, and refreshingly down-to-earth, making this conversation feel like catching up with an old friend. Whether you're a fan of second-chance romances, Hollywood settings, or stories packed with chemistry and heart, you won't want to miss this episode. Devon's Books: Meet Me in the Middle The Rom Con Star-Crossed Summer
After taking a much-needed break in July, I'm back behind the microphone! In this catch-up episode, I'm sharing all the highlights from the past month, including my unforgettable girls' trip, the celebrations that made turning 40 feel so special, and a few reflections on this new decade of life. I'll also wrap up the episode with my July reading recap, sharing everything I read, my favorite books of the month, and which ones are worth adding to your TBR. Whether you're here for the life updates or the book recommendations, I'm so happy to be back and catching up with you.
This week on Meagan's Book Club Podcast, I'm joined by author Molly Fader to discuss her wonderful new novel, Lady X . Though Molly was a new-to-me author, she is far from new to writing, with more than 50 books published and a devoted readership built through her years as a romance author. We talk about her transition into women's fiction, the inspiration behind Lady X , and the themes of female rage and friendships. Molly's research for her novel made this novel such a compelling read. This was such a fun and thoughtful conversation, and after reading Lady X , I can't wait to dive into more of Molly's backlist. Website: www.mollyfader.com IG: @mollyfaderauthor Molly's book recommendations: Quicksilver by Callie Hart and Into the Blue by Emma Brodie
In this week's episode, I'm sharing all 17 books I read in June—and it was definitely a mixed bag. While I found a few enjoyable reads, only two earned my full recommendation, so I'm breaking down what worked, what didn't, and which books are actually worth adding to your TBR. I'm also sharing a quick podcast update before signing off for a July break. Thank you for listening, supporting the show, and spending your reading life with me. I'll be back soon with more bookish conversations and recommendations! June Books 🎧 Whistler ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧 Lady X ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Make Nice ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Book Witch ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Shampoo Effect ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Rainy Day Bookshop ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Happier Here With You ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧 Heart of Glass ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Counting Down to You ⭐️⭐️💫 A Deal with the Devil ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Calamity Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 Hot Girl Murder Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Devil You Know ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 Someone Else’s Husband ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 The Seven Year Slip ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Devil Gets His Due ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bestselling author Ethan Joella joins me on the podcast to talk about his moving new novel, The Top of the World — a heartfelt story about grief, healing, sibling relationships, and the quiet ways people change each other’s lives. Ethan is always such a joy to talk to, and this conversation felt especially honest and thoughtful as we discussed the writing process behind this book, his “pantser” approach to storytelling, the edits and revisions that shaped the final novel, and how he’s learned to develop a tough skin while still staying emotionally open enough to write characters with such depth and humanity. We also dive into the nostalgic setting of the Poconos in the 1970s, the emotional core of Maggie’s search for answers after her brother’s death, and why stories centered on connection and hope continue to resonate so deeply with readers. If you love emotionally rich fiction and behind-the-scenes author conversations, this is one you won’t want to miss. Website: https://www.ethanjoellawriter.com/ IG: @joellawriting
Q3 episode is here! Hannah from @booksandbitesroc joins me again to talk about the books we're most excited about coming out in July, August, and September. We covered everything from buzzy bestsellers to under-the-radar gems, and after more than an hour of book talk, your TBR is guaranteed to grow. All of the books we discuss are listed in the show notes! July Books Habits of the Sea by Shea Ernshaw 7/7, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves 7/7, Helpless by Jessica Knoll 7/7, Love You More by Emily Giffin 7/7, Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox 7/7, Man Overboard! by Kathleen Rooney 7/7, Ungodly Rich by Katharine McGee 7/7, An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton 7/7, The Season of Sinking by Daphne Woolsoncroft 7/7, Crash Into Me by Robinne Lee 7/7, Star-Crossed Summer by Devon Daniels 7/7, Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson 7/7, Last Night Was Killer by Mary Pauline Lowry 7/7, Lady X by Molly Fader 7/14, The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren 7/14, The Half Life by Rachel Beanland 7/14, Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead 7/14, Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead 7/14, The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza 7/14, Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon 7/14, Unreliable Narrator by Araminta Hall 7/14, If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle 7/21, Married with Benefits by Ellie Palmer 7/21, Destination Funeral by Paige Harbison 7/21, Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman 7/21, Not that Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine 7/21, Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan 7/21, Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard 7/28, The Whisper by Chelsea Iversen 7/28, Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel 7/28, Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena 7/28, Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler 7/28 August Books The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian 8/4, The Unknown by Riley Sager 8/4, The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen 8/4, When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston 8/4, You'll Love it Here by Natalie Sue 8/11, The Magic We Made by Meg Cabot 8/11, That Night by Gillian McAllister 8/18, Something About September by Julia McKay 8/18, My Sister is Going to Kill Me by Nina Simon 8/18, How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop by Poppy Alexander 8/18, Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye 8/18, Promise Me Never by Liv Constantine 8/18, God's Country by William Kent Krueger 8/18, The Phone Swap by Lia Louis 8/25, Wicked Wanted Widows by Vanessa Lillie; Kimberly Belle; Cate Holahan 8/25, They Say a Girl Died Here by Sarah Pinborough 8/25, Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier 8/25, Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty 8/25 September Books A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin 9/1, Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan 9/1, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury 9/1, Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen 9/1, Understory by Chloe Benjamin 9/1, The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent 9/1, Before You Were Anne by Emiko Jean 9/1, Kiss Slay Replay by Rachel Harrison 9/1, The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman 9/8, Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia 9/8, The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon 9/8, Taipei Story by RF Kuang 9/8, Queenie Is Working on It by Candice Carty-Williams 9/8, The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand + Daughter 9/15, Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo 9/15, Grim Tidings by BK Borison 9/15, Thank You for Remembering by Emily Harding 9/15, Exit Party by Emily St John Mandel 9/15, Falling for Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey 9/15, Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult 9/15, A Study in Sparkling by Jodi McAlister 9/15, We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman 9/15, The Wonder of One by Suzanne Redfearn 9/15, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley/Agatha Christie 9/22, Free Falling by Lyla Sage 9/22, Hollywood, Ending by John Green 9/22, It's Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh 9/22, American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee 9/29, Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea by Kathleen Kaufman 9/29, The French Illusion by John Grisham 9/29, The Weight of Angels by John Boyne 9/29, *Untitled Empyrean (Not Book Four)Rebecca Yarros 9/29
In today’s episode, I’m joined by debut author Kyleigh Leddy to talk all about her powerful first novel, Worse Than Strangers . Kyleigh brings a unique perspective to her writing, with a background that spans journalism, therapy, and fiction—having written for The New York Times , New York Magazine , and more, and earning recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Media list. We dive into the inspiration behind her debut, the emotional layers of the story, and how her work as a licensed therapist shapes the way she approaches character and connection. Kyleigh also shares insights into her writing journey, from her academic path to publishing her first novel. This is a thoughtful and compelling conversation you won’t want to miss. Website: https://kyleighleddy.com/ IG: @kyleighleddy
This week is a special episode of the podcast because I’m joined by my favorite guests—my kids! We’re chatting about their favorite books, the stories they recommend most, and what they love about reading. They also share how becoming strong readers has helped them in school, built their confidence, and opened the door to new interests. Whether you're raising readers, looking for book recommendations for kids, or simply curious to hear their perspective, this fun and candid conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of book talk. 8 yo old book recs Big Nate Dragon Master series Guts, Smile, Sisters 11 yo old book recs Percy Jackson Harry Potter 13 yo book recs I Survived books The Hunger Games Lynn Painter's YA 16 yo book recs Love & Gelato series The Naturals The Inheritance Games
It's time for another What I'm Loving episode! This month, I'm sharing everything that's been bringing me joy lately—from what I'm reading and watching to a few things making everyday life a little brighter. We chat about the World Cup excitement taking over our house, my thoughts on reading The Calamity Club , and some behind-the-scenes updates, including why the podcast will be taking a short break in July. As always, this episode feels like catching up with a friend, and I'm so glad you're here. What I'm Loving Categories: What I'm Watching What I'm Reading What I'm Eating What I'm Doing More Of What I'm Buying What I'm Looking Forward To
It's that time again for our mid-month check in! This episode was fun to record because I was coming off the high of seeing Jimmy Eat World (for the first time!) at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The show was one I'll remember all my life! We then pivoted to my new "adult bevs" group on Instagram, book world news, my thoughts on Whistler, and a few other books I'm currently reading.
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Observed September 19, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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