Laura Hankin shares her debut’s painfully hilarious real-life inspiration and how personal experiences with negative feedback trickled into One-Star Romance.

The dark horse in my romance stack was Laura Hankin’s debut novel, which pulled ahead as my summer favorite. After reading the author for years across genres, I’m honored to have Laura Hankin on the Book Gang podcast to discuss her writing pivot in One-Star Romance.

In a world of instant feedback, I was fascinated by Laura’s hacks for processing reviewer feedback that still protects her creative process. These candid reflections offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors and a gentle reminder of the power of a one-liner scathing review that can haunt writers long after we’ve hit “post.”

Patrons can dive into the One-Star Romance ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Hankin’s surprising plot twists that take us to that swoon-worthy happily ever after.

Turning a Bad Review Into Romantic Gold (Laura Hankin Interview)

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below.

One-Star Romance Book Summary From the Publisher

Natalie and Rob couldn’t have less in common. Nat’s a messy artist, and Rob’s a rigid academic. The only thing they share is their devotion to their respective best friends—who just got engaged. Still, unexpected chemistry has Natalie cautiously optimistic about being maid of honor to Rob’s best man.

Until, minutes before the ceremony, Nat learns that Rob wrote a one-star review of her new novel, which has them both reeling: Nat from imposter syndrome, and Rob over the reason he needed to write it.

When the reception ends, these two opposites hope they’ll never meet again. But, as they slip from their twenties into their thirties, they’re forced together whenever their fast-track best friends celebrate another milestone. Through housewarmings and christenings, life-changing triumphs and failures, Natalie and Rob grapple with their own choices—and how your harshest critic can become your perfectly imperfect match.

After all, even the truest love stories sometimes need a bit of rewriting.

BONUS BOOK LIST: Browse this eclectic list of books about authors and publishing for the perfect literary escape. These 32 book titles include a mix of fiction and nonfiction for your summer.

Meet Laura Hankin

Laura Hankin is an accomplished author, screenwriter, and performer known for her captivating novels, perfect for beach reads and book club discussions. Her previous works include The Daydreams, Happy & You Know It, and A Special Place for Women.

One-Star Romance is her debut romance.

Mentioned in this episode:

TODAY’S BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:

Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like One-Star Romance. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

NEW: 26 Books About Books List

NEW: 32 Books About Authors and Publishing Book List

NEW: 23 Stunning Books About Bookstores Book List

NEW: 18 Books About Book Clubs Book List

NEW:  25 Books About Libraries Book List

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin

American Fever by Dur E Aziz Amna

Laura Hankin’s Tiktok Viral Moment

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

Akwaeke Emezi Shares Strategy for Processing Reviews

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

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Nicola Yoon discusses her provocative adult debut, One of Our Kind, and the surprising inspiration from The Stepford Wives that sparked her daring new story.

Writing inspiration can sometimes strike in the most unlikely places. Podcast listening in the shower electrified a story Nicola Yoon had never expected to write.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the bestselling young adult novelist as she discusses her provocative debut adult novel, One of Our Kind.

Today, she shares how The Stepford Wives inspired her thought-provoking thriller, and how she hopes to ignite book club conversation through her story’s pages.  

Yoon also shares the mission behind her imprint, Joy Revolution Books, which she co-founded with her husband, David Yoon, to celebrate love stories by and about people of color. It’s a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and a tribute to the couple’s dedication to these storytellers.

Patrons can dive into the One of Our Kind ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Yoon’s motivations behind her characters, the book’s ending, and the connections she hopes the reader will make as they finish that last page.

Nicola Yoon Discusses Her Provocative Debut (One of Our Kind)

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below.

One of Our Kind Book Summary From the Publisher

Jasmyn and King Williams move their family to the planned Black utopia of Liberty, California hoping to find a community of like-minded people, a place where their growing family can thrive.

King settles in at once, embracing the Liberty ethos, including the luxe wellness center at the top of the hill, which proves to be the heart of the community.

But Jasmyn struggles to find her place. She expected to find liberals and social justice activists striving for racial equality, but Liberty residents seem more focused on booking spa treatments and ignoring the world’s troubles.

Jasmyn’s only friends in the community are equally perplexed and frustrated by most residents’ outlook. Then Jasmyn discovers a terrible secret about Liberty and its founders. Frustration turns to dread as their loved ones start embracing the Liberty way of life.

Will the truth destroy her world in ways she never could have imagined?

Thrilling with insightful social commentary, One of Our Kind explores the ways in which freedom is complicated by the presumptions we make about ourselves and each other.

BONUS BOOK LIST: Take advantage of these 23 must-read social horror books for a summer immersion. You’ll love these thought-provoking book selections, from eerie dystopias to unsettling societal critiques.

Meet Nicola Yoon

Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing, Everything, Everything, The Sun Is Also a Star, and a co-author of Blackout and Whiteout.

She is a National Book Award finalist, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book recipient, a Coretta Scott King New Talent Award winner and the first Black woman to hit #1 on the New York Times Young Adult bestseller list. Two of her novels have been made into major motion pictures.

She’s also the co-publisher of Joy Revolution, a Random House young adult imprint dedicated to love stories starring people of color. She grew up in Jamaica and Brooklyn, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, the novelist David Yoon, and their daughter.

One of our Kind is her adult debut.

Mentioned in this episode:

BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:

Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like One of Our Kind. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

BONUS LIST: These Social Horror Books Will Make You Think

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

The Warehouse by Rob Hart

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Blackout by Nicola Yoon, Angie Thomas & more

Whiteout by Nicola Yoon, Dhonielle Clayton & more

Joy Revolution Books

The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

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L.M. Chilton shares the surprising backstory on his dating history that inspired his debut thriller, Swiped. This millennial murder mystery is pure summer fun.

After nearly a decade and 212 failed dates, Chilton channeled his dating frustrations into Swiped, a fresh debut murder mystery exploring the darker side of online dating cleverly crafted for the millennial reader. Today, we discuss his personal story and journalism efforts to uncover the truth behind the algorithms.

But his book isn’t the only thing with plot twists. His decision to go on one last date revealed a real-life plot twist you’ll love discovering in this interview. 

Swiped Book Summary

Gwen Turner’s life is in disarray after ending a relationship. Amidst her struggles, she turns to a dating app to fill the void but is stunned to discover a chilling connection – the victims of a series of murders in her small coastal English city were all her former dates. 

Now, Gwen finds herself the prime suspect in a serial killer’s spree. In a race against time, she confronts former dates, some of whom have ghosted her, to unravel the truth and clear her name before it’s too late.

BONUS BOOK LIST: I’ve partnered with Larry on this week’s book list, which offers 30 Fictional Serial Killer Books to Read Now! Whether you crave compelling psychological thrillers or enjoy a touch of the campy and macabre, there’s a perfect book for you.

Meet L.M. Chilton

L.M. Chilton has been a journalist for 15 years, working for TV shows like This Morning, The One Show, and Loose Women, as well as magazines and newspapers such as The Times, The Mirror, Metro, New!, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour.

He started his journalism career writing for ‘real life’ magazines, interviewing people worldwide about the terrifying, hilarious, and heart-breaking things that had happened to them. And also funny things their pets had done.

He works from home in London, thinking of twists for murder mysteries and practicing the banjo instead of writing (much to the annoyance of his neighbors).

BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:

Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like Swiped. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

Digital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder Mystery

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Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below.

Mentioned in this episode:

BONUS SERIAL KILLER BOOK LIST

Swiped by L.M. Chilton

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

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This special crossover episode with The Reader’s Couch offers five backlist books for your summer and what it takes to nail a great summer reading guide.

Today’s episode features Victoria Wood from The Reader’s Couch podcast. I asked Victoria to bring her best backlist of book treasures from her past summer reading guides that deserve far more attention. From historical mysteries to a heartwarming culinary memoir to stories of found family- this stack should elevate your summer reading experience and, likely, be available on your library shelves now. 

As we plan to release our 2024 summer reading guides next week, we discuss insights into crafting the ultimate summer reading guide year after year, how a book qualifies to be featured, and the most significant challenges and rewards of executing seasonal guides for readers. 

Meet Victoria Wood (The Reader’s Couch Podcast) 

Victoria Wood hosts The Reader’s Couch Podcast. She is a reading enthusiast who has successfully guided self-proclaimed “non-readers” into cultivating and sustaining reading habits and assisted readers in fostering more intentional and fulfilling reading lives. She hosts conversations with authors to learn more about their writing and reading lives. 

The Best Backlist Books for Summer

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Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more!

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

Browse the 2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Browse the 2022 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

James by Percival Everett

One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon

@getbookedwithlarry

The Great Mistake by Jonathan Lee

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

Matt Cain’s Publishing Journey

The Lost Boys of Montauk by Amanda M. Fairbanks

Morningside Heights by Joshua Henkin

Home Made by Liz Hauck

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Connect with Victoria Wood on The Reader’s Couch Podcast, Instagram, or Bibliolifestyle

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Jeff Zentner discusses the inspiration for his emotional adult debut romance novel Colton Gentry’s Third Act, which celebrates food, music, and second chances.

Celebrated young adult novelist Jeff Zentner returns to our space to discuss his transition from writing young adult books to his surprising new release—a romance debut for adults called Colton Gentry’s Third Act. 

We discuss the critical differences between writing for adults and young adults, the romantic book that inspired Jeff’s plot, and the feedback Emily Henry provided to shape his romance scenes. 

Jeff also talks about the emotional impact of his writing on Gen-Z readers and the connection he has found through his school tours across the country. 

Be sure to stick around to the end to get Jeff’s second chance love story recommendations! 

Colton Gentry’s Third Act Book Summary

This earnest second-chance love story opens with an emotionally charged moment when a drunken Colton Gentry professes outrage against gun violence on the microphone at a sold-out show that he is performing.

The reason for this outburst is not politically driven but personally driven because his best friend was murdered onstage by a mass shooter at a country music festival. 

As Colton’s drunken rant begins, his team cuts his microphone midsentence, unleashing a cancellation by the country music industry for his public stance against gun rights.

With his personal life in shambles, a defeated Colton returns home to live with his mother, trying to find a new purpose and financial freedom away from his infamous past.

Luann, left behind by Colton when the two struggled to navigate a long-distance romance when they were kids, is now the proud owner of a local farm-to-table restaurant whose dishes wow Colton’s dishes when he visits as a patron.

Still smarting from the loss years ago, Luann sets aside her misgivings to allow Colton to work as a sous chef for the restaurant. 

But how will this impact Luann’s world when Colton becomes the punching bag for a media circus that trails him? And, after leaving her, is he deserving of this redemption story? 

The book offers readers a slow-burn romance as Luann and Colton rekindle their relationship. 

Readers should know that Colton Gentry’s Third Act is steamy, but mostly a closed-door romance!

To accompany today’s show, I have a Second Chance Romance Novels book list to celebrate 19 beautiful new beginnings and second chances.

Meet Jeff Zentner

Jeff Zentner is the author of New York Times Notable Books The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, as well as Goodbye Days, Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee, and his forthcoming debut for the adult market, Colton Gentry’s Third Act and a YA novel in verse, Sunrise Nights, coauthored with Brittany Cavallaro.

Among other honors, he has won the ALA’s William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award twice, the Muriel Becker Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and been longlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal.

He’s a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist; and was a finalist for the Indies Choice Award. He was selected as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an Indies Introduce pick. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Before becoming a writer, he was a musician who recorded with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and Debbie Harry. He lives in Nashville.  

Colton Gentry’s Third Act is his adult debut romance.

We encourage readers to visit our Jeff Zentner author page where we keep our readers updated on his new books. I’m lucky to have been a fangirl since the beginning of his career!

What Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance World

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Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below:

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book

Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with Heart

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

Serpent King tattoo 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Normal People

One Day by David Nicholls

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Before Sunrise Trilogy

Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro

Hello Girls by Emily Henry and Brittany Cavallaro

The Best Jeff Zentner Books

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Connect With Us:

Connect with Jeff Zentner on his Website or Instagram

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

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Amy Lin discusses her emotional debut memoir Here After. She offers surprising revelations about the grief process and better ways to show up for grievers.

In our fear of saying the wrong thing, we often don’t get to engage in essential conversations like the one we share today.

Amy Lin, author of Here After, joins the Book Gang podcast to discuss her powerful memoir on grief and loss and what she wants you to understand about young widowhood.

Here After Book Summary

Lin never expected to find a love like the one she shared with her husband, Kurtis, a gifted young architect who pulls her toward joy, adventure, and greater self-acceptance. But thirty-two-year-old Kurtis unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind Amy, who struggled to navigate the loss while simultaneously confronting a life-threatening medical crisis. 

This sparse memoir was handcrafted for grievers as Amy shares the painstaking process down to margin, white space, and book size to give readers both space and understanding of her grief experience. 

More importantly, she offers life-altering advice on our falsehoods about grief, from the misconceptions around grief timelines to what we shouldn’t say to those experiencing loss.

After hearing Amy’s sage advice today, I promise you will be a better friend, sister, daughter, or mother after listening to this conversation. 

To accompany today’s show, I have a Books On Grief and Loss book list with fiction and nonfiction selections for adult and young readers. 

I’ve also gathered a curated collection of grief quotes from these books that speak to this universal experience in comforting ways to give words to this experience. I hope you feel both seen and loved through all of this.

Meet Amy Lin

Amy Lin is a writer and educator who lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her work has been published in Ploughshares, and she has been awarded residencies from Yaddo and Casa Comala. Here After is her debut novel.

Surprising Truths About Grief With Amy Lin (Here After)

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Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below:

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book

Books on Grief and Loss Book List

Grief Quotes From Books

A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney

Here After by Amy Lin

Zibby Books

Connect With Us:

Connect with Amy Lin on Instagram, Substack, or her Website

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This special crossover episode with Thoughts from a Page offers five new historical fiction books in 2024 to read now of compelling women throughout history.

Cindy Burnett, the host of the Thoughts from a Page podcast, joins our show in this special crossover episode to discuss her favorite new historical fiction books for 2024 that readers will love. 

We discuss the most memorable books we read when we first began exploring this genre, the upcoming publishing trends for this year in historical fiction,  and common misconceptions (and gripes) on what we feel is essential in a fantastic book selection. 

Cindy also brings five incredible novels featuring powerful narratives exploring accounts of remarkable women throughout history. We know you will love reading these books this Spring! 

Meet Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page Podcast)

Cindy Burnett hosts the Thoughts from a Page Podcast where she engages in compelling author interviews and discussions with industry professionals. Beyond her podcast, she actively promotes books through social media, writes columns for The Buzz Magazines, contributes monthly reviews to Bookreporter.com, and co-creates Conversations from a Page—an author event series in Houston.

New Historical Fiction To Read in 2024

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Mentioned in this episode:

Readers can access a transcription for today’s show embedded below.

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more!

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Meet Our New Book Gang

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Miss Del Rio by Barbara Mujica

The Editor by Stephen Rowley

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Queen of Sugar Hill by Reshonda Tate

The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader

The Magic of Old Hollywood Podcast Episode with Amy and Molly Fader

The Best Books About Old Hollywood to Get Swept Away

The Best New Historical Fiction of 2023 (In Case You Missed It)

Reel by Kennedy Ryan

Cindy’s episode with Reshonda Tate

This Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process Podcast

The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane TV Series

The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

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Connect With Us:

Connect with Cindy Burnett on Thoughts from a Page Podcast, Instagram, or the Thoughts from a Page website.

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

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Kennedy Ryan discusses her rise to the NYT bestseller list as a Black romance writer with moving advocacy for autism representation in This Could Be Us.

There is a reason everyone wants to be a part of Kennedy Ryan’s story—her joy is infectious.

Today, we offer listeners a front-row seat to her romance Booktok fandom, sold-out book tours, and moving victory as a Black romance writer on the New York Times bestseller list. 

Ryan openly discusses her connection to the autism community and the beauty and challenge of capturing that on a page for the reader in her latest novel.

Representing autism authentically meant the writer took surprising steps to ensure an accurate and respectful portrayal of family life in This Could Be Us. 

Readers will get a 2-for-1 conversation as we also discuss the rerelease of Reel and details on the upcoming books in the Hollywood Renaissance series.

We discuss what it means to be a hybrid author and her commitment to immersive research, ensuring her stories resonate authentically with readers no matter where you find her stories. 

Today’s BONUS book celebrates Autism Acceptance Month! I’ve featured 13 books with autistic characters filled with heartwarming love stories, mystery, and family drama.

The list features many #ownvoices books, including the authors’ diagnosis stories and the characters they developed to offer readers insights into their journeys. As a parent in the community, I hope I’ve crafted a list that will allow you to immerse yourself in these stories.

Meet Kennedy Ryan

USA Today’s bestselling author and Audie Award-winner, Kennedy Ryan, writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. The co-founder of Lift 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, she has a passion for raising Autism awareness. Kennedy is a wife to her “lifetime lover” and mother to an extraordinary son. 

The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives With Heart

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Meet the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

Browse This Week’s Book List Featuring #OwnVoices for Autism Acceptance Month

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

LOGAN Autism Center

The Autism Books by Autistic Authors Database

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Life 4 Autism 

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Reel by Kennedy Ryan

Connect With Us:

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Connect with Kennedy Ryan on Instagram, Tiktok, or her Website

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 In today’s podcast, escape in a time loop novel. We discuss Groundhog Day books and the comforting ways repeating time travel can charm us in our book stack.

When we say “time loop,” readers immediately react to this statement. Whether it is a no or a yes, Jessica and I have you covered in today’s podcast. 

We discuss why repeating cycles of events work for us or don’t and how some of the storytellers featured today nailed moving the time loop plot forward in new ways. 

Plus, I’m revealing a treasure trove of new time travel resources, including new time travel books, TV, and movies you can stream this weekend to explore a new world that won’t break the bank.

I hope it brings unlimited joy to your weekend, as was the intention of this creator who lovingly created these spaces for you.     

Today’s BONUS book list celebrates the 14 time loop books to read now. This list includes new releases, thrillers, mysteries, YA, and holiday books.

But wait, there’s more!

Our incredible super-expansion pack of time travel adventures is linked to today’s show notes. These include a massive refresh on new time travel books, alternate realities, and parallel lives, and explorations of parallel worlds and the multiverse.

Meet Jessica Bearak

Jessica is a lifelong book lover who embarked on her literary journey at three, immersing herself in childhood classics like “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Phantom Tollbooth.”

Jessica actively participates in two in-person book clubs and many online discussions regularly. She has been an invaluable member of the MomAdvice Book Club and joins us as a regular contributing voice.

Trapped in a Time Loop Novel

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

NEW Resources for Readers (I did something I promised- gold star!!):

The Best Prime Reading Guide (10 FREE Books for March)

Time Loop Books Giant Book List (14 Book Ideas)

Books About Parallel Universes and Multiverse Book List (13 Book Ideas)

Books About Alternate Realities or Parallel Lives You Will Love (12 Book Ideas)

New Time Travel Books to Escape Real Life (20 Book Ideas)

Better Than the Movies Movie List (FREE PRINTABLE)

The Best Time Travel TV & Movies Streaming List (NEW)

Best Lynn Painter Books (The Ultimate Guide)

Other Show Mentions:

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

The Mindful Librarian Substack

The Couch With Mary Carver Podcast

Totally Killer on Prime

Quantum Leap (1989-1993)

Quantum Leap reboot

Sarah Adler’s Podcast Episode

11/22/63 by Stephen King

All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

Blake Crouch

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen

Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen

Alex Awards

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Do Over by Lynn Painter

The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch

Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter

The Deja Glitch by Holly James

Through the Snow Globe by Annie Rains

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Freitas

The Possibilities by Yael Goldstein-Love

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

The Best Lessons From Time Travel Books

Connect With Us:

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Connect With Jessica on Instagram

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Discover emerging book cover trends and what this book cover designer from Faceout Studio has learned about the publishing process from concept to execution.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Faceout Studio book designer Elisha Zepeda as he takes us on a journey from working in a bookstore to navigating his first year in book cover design. 

Elisha navigates the challenges of cover rejection through a unique avenue- his TikTok account, where readers can discuss the rejected and accepted designs with him.

Today he shares what he sees as emerging trend in cover design and the struggles he’s faced with everything from font selection to breaking out of the “girl turning away” cover that we can’t seem to escape from as readers.  

If you are entertaining a self-publishing journey, Elisha shares valuable tips on communication, budgeting, and bringing your visions to life in your book covers. 

Here are examples of beautiful book cover designs from emerging designer Elisha Zepeda:

We couldn’t have him on the show and not discuss his recommendations for some standout covers that have captured his imagination and hear more about his process of honoring an author’s work through unique details that created reverence for the person who spent months or even years on their books. 

Meet Elisha Zepeda 

Elisha is a book designer for Faceout Studio in Oregon. He documents his publishing journey on his Tiktok account, where readers can see how his book designs evolve from concept to final product.

When not designing books, he is writing/recording music, toying with a film camera, or defending the merits of decaf over regular coffee. You can view his portfolio on his website, where he curates his work. 

This Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process

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Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

The Mindful Librarian Substack

Faceout Studio

Browse Elisha’s Entire Portfolio

Dudley’s Bookshop

The Best Libby App Tips and Tricks

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

Cities of Women by Kathleen B. Jones

The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks

Bluff by Michael Kardos

Shake It Up, Baby! by Ken McNab

Criterion Collection Posters

Bliss Montage by Ling Ma

Rodrigo Corral

Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss

Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou

Bad Thoughts by Nada Alic

Connect With Us:

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