Escape with Me Bookclub

Episode 160 - The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun(The Cat Who… Series, Book 6)We’re six books into The Cat Who… series, and this one takes a turn.Sam and Tim discuss The Cat Who Played Post Office, and while the series has always dealt with murder and mystery, this installment pushes into much darker territory. You can absolutely tell this was written in the 1980s… and not in a cute, nostalgic way.We talk about:• How this book goes further than previous installments• Qwill's memory loss• The tonal shift within the series• And yes… that endingIf you’ve been reading along thinking this is a light, cozy-adjacent mystery series, this book might surprise you.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: The Guest List by Lucy Foley⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro00:55 Background01:57 Age Level & Content Warning03:11 Judge a Book by Its Cover06:20 Discussion39:52 General Thoughts41:08 One Question for the Author43:03 Rating44:44 Read Again?44:56 Favorite of the Series so Far45:57 Lack of Fan Art & TV Series47:39 Outro🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 158 - Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren(Disney’s Meant to Be Series, Book 4 | Month of Love Finale)We’re closing out our Month of Love with the fourth installment in Disney’s Meant to Be series and this one gave us the strangest tonal experience of the entire project.Sam and Keira discuss Tangled Up in You and its baffling vibe shift that can only be described as Hallmark Meets True Crime. Sweet small-town romance? Yes. Suspicious undertones and oddly intense plot elements? Also yes.We talk about:• The books characters vs movie characters• The tonal whiplash• How it compares to the other Meant to Be books• And whether the series is going to continue after book 5Is it romantic? Technically.Is it cohesive? That’s… debatable.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Truth of the Divine by Lindsay Ellis⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:02 About the Author06:01 Background10:48 Age Level & Content Warning11:11 Judge a Book by Its Cover15:47 Discussion55:13 General Thoughts59:14 One Question for the Author01:00:08 Rating01:01:08 Rating01:01:48 Favorite of the Series so Far01:03:35 Outro📖 Follow the AuthorsWebsite: https://christinalaurenbooks.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaLaurenBooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalauren/Twitter: https://x.com/christinalaurenSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX8en0YoEcRIA🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 157 - Love Hina (Volumes 1-3)Manga Discussion | Month of Love #3For our third installment of Month of Love, Sam is joined by James to revisit the first three volumes of Love Hina, a classic early-2000s romantic comedy manga that absolutely shaped the genre.We talk about the story, the tropes, and why this series became such a defining rom-com blueprint. We also address the elephant in the room, including the creator’s very unexpected political career, and how that context affects (or doesn’t affect) reading the series today.Is it nostalgic? Yes.Is it messy? Also yes.Is it still foundational to modern romance manga? Absolutely.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro01:06 Background12:06 About the Author18:14 Age Level & Content Warning21:58 The White Elephant in the Room30:13 Judge a Book by It's Cover31:26 Book Review01:09:02 Read Again?01:13:20 One Question for the Author01:14:58 Rating01:19:02 Read Again?01:20:34 Outro🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 156 - The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India HoltonFebruary is our Month of Love, and this pick was a complete accident, but a delightful one. Sam picked up The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels expecting a cozy historical mystery and instead got flying houses, chaotic romance, and an absurdly charming story that won us over immediately.Sam and Hannah talk about why this book works so well, how its humor and tone set it apart, and why sometimes the best reading experiences come from wildly incorrect expectations. If you’re in the mood for romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers, this one is a joy.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Love Hina vol. 1-3⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro00:52 About the Author02:16 Background03:26 Age Level & Content Warning03:52 Judge a Book by Its Cover06:16 Discussion42:02 General Thoughts44:11 One Question for the Author45:32 Rating46:19 Read Again?47:22 Outro📖 FOLLOW THE AUTHORIndia HoltonWebsite: https://www.indiaholton.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaHoltonAuthor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/india.holton/🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 159 - Truth of the Divine by Lindsay Ellis(Noumena Series, Book 2)After loving the first book in the Noumena series, we went into Truth of the Divine excited.We did not leave excited.Sam and James break down what went wrong in this sequel, from the complete lack of communication (not even miscommunication… just none) to one of the main characters going fully MIA for a significant portion of the book. Somehow, the story stalls so hard that a new narrator and even a new alien have to be introduced just to make the plot move.And worst of all? It feels like the first book… but weaker.We talk about sequel structure, character agency, escalation stakes, and why this one feels like a regression instead of an evolution. If you loved book one, this discussion might help you decide whether to continue the series.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro00:50 Background01:21 About the Author04:07 Age Level & Content Warning04:37 Judge a Book by Its Cover06:24 Discussion58:20 General Thoughts59:50 One Question for the Author01:00:36 Rating01:01:42 Read Again?01:02:28 Favorite of the Series so Far01:02:59 Outro📖 Follow the Author:Website: https://www.lindsayell.is/Twitter: https://x.com/thelindsayellisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/namebrandlindsay/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayEllisVids/videosIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3805989/🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 155 - The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty GreenwoodThis book broke our rating system. Fully. Completely.Sam and Danielle talk about The Love of My Afterlife, a book we loved so much that Danielle would gladly revoke every other 5-star rating she’s ever given just to give them all to this one. It’s funny, heartfelt, weird in the best way, and emotionally devastating in a way that sneaks up on you.That said… Sam has a hot take that cannot be ignored: Merritt might actually be the true villain.We get into character dynamics, emotional manipulation vs intention, and why loving a book doesn’t mean we won’t still interrogate it.If you like romances with big feelings, existential questions, and the kind of love story that lingers long after the last page.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro01:05 About the Author02:33 Background04:24 Age Level & Content Warning07:07 Discussion01:05:03 General Thoughts01:07:22 Movie?01:08:19 One Question for the Author01:09:42 Rating01:11:13 Read Again?01:12:34 Outro📖 FOLLOW THE AUTHORKirsty GreenwoodWebsite: https://www.kirstygreenwood.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirstyGreenwoodBooks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsty_greenwood/Twitter: https://x.com/kirstystories🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 154 - A Twisted Tale Anthology, edited by Elizabeth LimAnthologies are always a gamble and this one was no exception. Sam and Kaitlyn dig into A Twisted Tale Anthology, where some stories absolutely worked for us, others really didn’t, and far too many landed in the worst category of all: boring.We talk about which retellings shine, which ones miss the mark, and why anthologies are especially vulnerable to pacing issues, tonal whiplash, and stories that feel more like extended concepts than actual narratives. If you’ve ever loved a premise but struggled to stay engaged, this episode will feel very familiar.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro01:15 Age Level & Content Warning01:58 Judge a Book by It's Cover03:50 Cast Out - What if Snow White Learned Magic?13:35 A First Mission - What if Mulan became the Emperor’s Advisor19:17 Et Viola - What if Remy Met Colette First26:56 The Envelope - What if Anastasia Has a Change of Heart34:28 A New Dawn - What if Mufasa Gave Up His Throne?39:01 Rattle the Stars - What if Jim Hawkins joined the Pirates44:03 A Royal Game of Chess - What if History Wasn’t Quite Right About the Legend of Robin Hood47:51 The Secret Exchange - What if Eric Met Ariel After She Rescued Him51:31 Dust to Dust - What if Tinker Bell was Working for Captain Hook57:56 Gonna Take You There - What if Naveen Had to Get Home to Maldonia01:03:10 Fates Three - What if the Triplets Visited the Witch01:09:11 A Dragon in the Snow - What if Madame Mim and Merlin Went to School Together01:14:35 The Journey Home - What if Belle had to Take Her Father’s Place at the Fair01:18:02 Call it a Hunch - What if Hercules’s First Day as a God Didn’t Go as Planned?01:21:42 The Reluctant Prince - What if Bambi Didn’t Want to Be the Next Great Prince of the Forest?01:24:52 The Rose in the Thorn - What is Aura Knew the Truth about Her Curse?01:30:36 General Thoughts01:31:53 One Question for the Editor01:35:08 Rating01:37:30 Read Again?01:38:33 Favorite of the Book01:39:03 Outro📖 FOLLOW THE AUTHORSLivia BlacburneWebsite: https://liviablackburne.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiviaBlackburneAuthor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lkblackburneTwitter: https://x.com/lkblackburneTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livia.blackburneElizabeth LimWebsite: https://www.elizabethlim.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elimpix/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizlimTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elizabethlimwriter?Jen CalonitaWebsite: ⁠https://www.jencalonitaonline.com/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/jencalonitabooks⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jencalonita/⁠Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/JenCalonita⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jencalonitaofficial⁠Liz BraswellWebsite: https://www.lizbraswell.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizBraswell/?fref=ts&ref=br_tfhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FwixInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbraswell/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizbraswellTumblr: https://lizbraswell.tumblr.com/M.K. EnglandWebsite: https://mkengland.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkenglandbooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mk_englandTwitter: https://x.com/mk_englandTumblr: https://mkengland.tumblr.com/Micol OstowWebsite: https://www.micolostow.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063126435640#Twitter: https://x.com/micolzTumblr: https://micolz.tumblr.com/Kristina PerezWebsite: https://www.kristinaperez.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkperezbooks/Twitter: https://x.com/kkperezbooksFarrah RochonWebsite: ⁠https://www.farrahrochon.com/⁠🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 153 - The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie(The Book That Inspired the Netflix Adaptation)With a new Netflix adaptation on the horizon, Sam and Hannah finally dive into The Seven Dials Mystery and honestly? This one surprised us.We break down the mystery itself, talk through the solution, and speculate on what the upcoming adaptation is most likely to change for modern audiences. While this isn’t Christie at her absolute peak, we agree it’s a solid A-rank mystery: smart, fun, and very aware of what it’s doing, even if it doesn’t quite hit S-tier greatness.If you’re reading along before the Netflix release (or wondering if you should), this episode will get you ready.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: A Twisted Tales Anthology⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:Intro01:13 Netflix Adaptation03:25 Agatha Christie History04:20 Background05:38 Age Level & Content Warning06:13 Judge a Book by It's Cover10:20 Discussion51:13 General Thoughts53:28 One Question for the Author54:17 Rating56:33 Read Again?58:18 Outro🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 152 - Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova(Meant to Be Series, Book 3)After two books of almost getting there, the Meant to Be series finally delivers. Sam and Keira dive into Kiss the Girl, the first book in the series that genuinely seems to understand what this project is trying to do.We talk through the characters, the set-up, and the overall story, unpacking why this book works better than its predecessors while still acknowledging the flaws that keep it from being perfect. Is it revolutionary? No. Is it satisfying to finally get what was promised? Absolutely.If you’ve been skeptical of the Meant to Be concept so far, this might be the book that changes your mind.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie⏱️ TIME STAMPS00:00 Intro01:14 The 6th Book?03:22 About the Author - Zoraida Córdova10:13 Background14:24 Age Level & Content Warning16:24 Judge a Book by It's Cover18:29 What Band was Siren Seven Based On?21:58 Book Endorsements25:51 The Book29:18 The Other Characters36:33 The Music42:42 The Set-up51:56 The Story01:20:20 General Thoughts01:22:50 One Question for the Author01:24:05 Rating01:25:19 Read Again?01:26:08 Favorite of the Series so Far01:27:23 Outro📖 FOLLOW THE AUTHORZoraida CórdovaWebsite: https://zoraidacordova.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoraidasolo🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 151 - Prince Caspian by C.S. LewisBook vs MovieIt’s time for a classic book vs movie showdown. Sam and Tim revisit Prince Caspian and while the book still holds up, the movie… well, the Rotten Tomatoes score of 66% feels extremely earned.We break down what works so well on the page, what gets lost (or unnecessarily added) on screen, and why adapting The Chronicles of Narnia was always going to be tricky. From tone shifts to character changes to blockbuster-era decisions that just don’t age well, this episode is for anyone who’s ever said: “I swear the book was better.”New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:12 Background02:30 Age Level & Content Warning03:01 Judge a Book by It's Cover05:59 Discussion44:48 General Thoughts47:07 One Question for the Author48:05 Rating49:08 Read Again?49:39 Favorite of the Series so Far51:13 Outro🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 150 - Fate Be Changed by Farrah RochonDid We Read the Same Book?This week, Sam and Kaitlyn are genuinely confused — and not in a fun mystery way. Fate Be Changed left us with questions we still can’t answer, starting with why this author was chosen to write this book (no, really… why?), and spiraling into issues with characterization, time travel logic, and cliffhangers that feel less “exciting” and more “cheap.”We unpack what happens when a story feels pantsed instead of planned, from dropped subplots and disjointed storytelling to a complete inability to decide what the overarching plot is supposed to be. If you’ve ever finished a book and thought “Did I miss something… or did the book?” — this episode is for you.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis⏱️ Time Stamps00:56 Background06:58 Age Level & Content Warning09:06 Judge a Book by It's Cover10:28 Discussion - Why This Author?16:09 Characterization & Cheap Cliffhangers20:33 Time Travel Mechanics and Cliches26:50 Outline or Pantsing? Either Way Pick a Plot57:21 General Thoughts01:00:24 One Question for the Author01:05:47 Rating01:09:10 Read Again?01:09:46 Favorite of the Series so Far01:10:26 Outro📖 Follow the Author - Farrah RochonWebsite: ⁠https://www.farrahrochon.com/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/farrahrochonauthor⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/farrahrochon/⁠Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/FarrahRochon⁠BookBub: ⁠https://www.bookbub.com/authors/farrah-rochon⁠🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen Wherever You Get Podcasts

Episode 149 - Catching Fire by Suzanne CollinsFirst-Time Reader vs. Long-Time FanIt’s time to return to Panem and this time, Sam and Danielle are coming in with very different reading histories. One is experiencing Catching Fire for the first time, the other knows exactly what emotional devastation is coming.We break down the love triangle drama, why President Snow is so bad at his job, the impact of the other victors, how The Quarter Quell changes everything, and what makes the rest of this book such a turning point in the series.Expect strong opinions, moral outrage, and the beginning of things getting very serious.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST✨Next week: Fate Be Changed by Farrah Rochon⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro00:54 Background04:30 Age & Content Warning05:10 Judge a Book by It's Cover05:55 Discussion07:08 Love Triangle Drama21:26 President Snow is an Idiot31:58 The Other Victors49:50 The Hunger Games56:03 The Rest of the Book01:11:50 General Thoughts01:13:41 One Question for the Author01:19:13 Rating01:20:21 Read Again?01:21:24 Favorite of the Series so Far01:23:50 Outro 📖 Follow the Author - Suzanne CollinsWebsite: https://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/🔗 Connect with Us on SocialsFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen on YouTube or Wherever You Get Podcasts

Hannah finally gets a break from Hastings… because he’s not in this one. And honestly? Any book without Hastings starts at a 4-star baseline.Episode 148: Death in the Clouds by Agatha ChristieIt’s always a good day when we get a Poirot mystery and a Hastings-free flight. Sam and Hannah dive into one of Christie’s most delightfully absurd premises: murder above the clouds, suspicious passengers, and a wasp that definitely didn’t do it.We talk about Christie’s knack for misdirection, our running the Anti-Hastings Club lore, and why stories set in confined spaces (planes, trains, creepy mansions) just hit different. Sentiment this week: positive, with a healthy side of chaotic giggling.New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST ✨Next week: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Episode 149)⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:25 Historical Context03:36 Background04:55 Age Level & Content Warning08:32 Judge a Book by It's Cover10:06 Discussion56:43 General Thoughts58:54 One Question for the Author01:01:48 Rating01:02:20 Read Again?01:02:28 Outro🔗 Connect with Us on SocialFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎧 Episode Title: The Cat Who Played Brahms by Lilian Jackson Braun✨ Episode Summary:This week on Escape With Me Bookclub, we’re heading to Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere, for a cozy mystery with plenty of charm, chaos, and cats! 🐈Join us as we discuss The Cat Who Played Brahms by Lilian Jackson Braun, the fifth book in her beloved The Cat Who... series. There’s a suspicious body in the lake, a reporter with a nose for trouble, and two Siamese cats who always seem one step ahead.We chat about:🎻 How the change of formula changes the series🐾 Yum Yum finally helping solve the mystery📰 Where in the world is Moose County?💬 And whether Braun’s blend of humor, mystery, and feline intuition still holds up todaySo grab your tea, cuddle your cat (or your favorite mystery), and escape with us into the purr-fect world of The Cat Who Played Brahms!🕰 Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:27 Background02:57 About the Author06:03 Age Level & Content Warning06:22 Judge a Book by It's Cover09:21 Discussion49:26 General Thoughts52:29 One Question for the Author53:33 Rating54:12 Read Again?55:28 Favorite of the Series so Far56:34 Outro📚 Listen every Monday at 8 AM EST for new bookish adventures! Want more? Follow us on social media for weekly reviews, behind-the-scenes updates, and way too many reading puns.Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#TheCatWhoPlayedBrahms #LilianJacksonBraun #CozyMystery #BookPodcast #EscapeWithMeBookclub #BookDiscussion #CatBooks #MysteryReaders #ReadersCommunity #BookLovers

📚 Once Upon a Letdown | The Retelling That Forgot the StoryWe’re diving into By the Book by Jasmine Guillory, a supposed Beauty and the Beast retelling that had all the potential for magic, but… left us wondering where the enchantment went. In this episode, we talk about what worked (barely), what didn’t (a lot), and why this modern retelling missed the mark on everything that makes Beauty and the Beast timeless. From awkward pacing to missing chemistry, it’s a tale as old as time… but not in a good way.📚 Follow the Author:Website: https://www.jasmineguillory.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmineguillorywriter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminepicsTwitter: https://x.com/thebestjasmine🕰 Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:02 Background04:20 About the Author07:50 Age Level & Content Warning08:43 Judge a Book by It's Cover14:23 Discussion01:14:10 General Thoughts01:19:14 One Question01:20:12 Rating01:21:40 Read Again?01:22:09 Favorite of the Series so Far01:22:54 Outro📚 Want more? Follow us on social media for weekly reviews, behind-the-scenes updates, and way too many reading puns.Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#ByTheBook #JasmineGuillory #BookPodcast #BeautyAndTheBeastRetelling #BookReview #RomanceBooks #RetellingGoneWrong #EscapeWithMeBookclub #BookishHumor #FairytaleRetelling

Sometimes all it takes to overthrow a god is a little teamwork, a lot of trauma, and the right metals to burn. 💥In this week’s episode, the Escape with Me Bookclub dives into Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson: the heist, the heart, and the hero who literally changes the world. We’re talking found family, revolution, and the surprisingly scientific side of fantasy magic.When fantasy gets scientific and friendship becomes divine retribution.📚 Follow the Author:Website: https://www.brandonsanderson.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandSanderson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandsanderson/Twitter: https://x.com/BrandSandersonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrandonsandersonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandSanderson🕰 Time Stamps00:00 Intro02:37 Background04:05 About the Author09:32 Age Level & Content Warning13:45 Judge a Book by Its Cover15:50 Discussion01:23:37 General Thoughts01:24:13 One Question for the Author01:28:38 Rating01:29:14 Read Again?01:30:23 Outro🎙️ Listen every Monday at 8AM EST for new episodes of Escape With Me Bookclub!📲 Follow us for more bookish fun:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#Mistborn #BrandonSanderson #BookPodcast #FantasyBooks #BookDiscussion #EscapeWithMeBookclub #BookClubPodcast #FoundFamily #Allomancy #Cosmere

Once upon a time, a fairy “blessed” a baby with obedience… and it went about as well as you’d expect. This week, we’re diving into Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: the classic fairy tale retelling that turns obedience into a curse and shows us what real courage looks like. 💫We talk about Ella’s cleverness, the themes of autonomy and defiance, and (of course) that movie adaptation that took… some liberties. Let’s just say the overlap is about as small as a fairy godmother’s attention span. 😅Join us as we explore why this beloved middle-grade fantasy still enchants readers decades later, what makes Ella such a strong heroine, and why this book deserves its crown in the fairy tale hall of fame. 👑Follow the Author:Website: https://www.gailcarsonlevine.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GailCarsonLevine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gailcarsonlevine/?hl=en✨ Timestamps:0:00 Intro01:47 Background08:40 About the Author14:49 Age Level & Content Warning16:10 Judge a Book by It's Cover18:21 Discussion57:18 General Thoughts01:04:02 One Question for the Author01:06:11 Rating01:07:31 Read Again?01:07:42 Outro🎙️ Listen every Monday at 8AM EST for new episodes of Escape With Me Bookclub!📲 Follow us for more bookish fun:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#EllaEnchanted #GailCarsonLevine #BookReview #FairyTaleRetelling #EscapeWithMeBookclub #BookPodcast #FantasyBooks #YAReads #BookToMovie #ReadersOfYouTube

Step through the wardrobe with us as we revisit C.S. Lewis’s timeless classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and its magical (and occasionally icy) movie adaptation! ❄️In this episode, we’re talking childhood nostalgia, book-to-movie differences, character changes, and the enduring magic of Narnia. From Turkish delight to talking lions, we’re asking the big question:Which told it better: the book or the movie? 🦁✨Grab your hot chocolate, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and get ready for a trip back to where it’s always winter, but never Christmas.📚 Books Discussed:The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis🎬 Adaptation Discussed:The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)💬 Tell us below: Which version of Narnia holds a special place in your heart — the book or the movie?🎧 Listen every Monday at 8 AM EST for new book club episodes!⏰ Time Stamps00:00 Intro00:57 Background05:39 Age Level & Content Warning07:41 Judge a Book by It's Cover09:20 Discussion52:18 General Thought55:06 One Question for the Author56:40 Rating57:49 Read Again?59:29 Outro📲 Follow us for more bookish fun:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠

When teen witch Mila brings her best friend (and two of their school’s mean girls) back from the dead, chaos ensues. Between hexes, high school, and homicide, Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson gives us witchy weirdness, emotional heart, and zombie-level drama. 🧙‍♀️💀Join us as we break down this unhinged yet heartfelt story about grief, friendship, and teenage resurrection gone wrong. Was it worth the spell? Let’s find out!📚 Follow the AuthorWebsite: https://mslilyanderson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslilyanderson/?hl=en⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 Intro01:10 Background03:05 About the Author04:56 Age Level & Content Warning10:02 Judge a Book by It's Cover14:18 Discussion1:11:44 General Thoughts1:13:29 One Question for the Author1:15:49 Rating1:18:05 Read Again?1:18:31 Outro🔗 Our SocialsFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST!

✨ Found Family Magic ✨Why Everyone Loves The House in the Cerulean Sea 💙This week on Escape with Me Bookclub, we dive into TJ Klune’s whimsical, heartfelt tale of found family, acceptance, and a home where everyone belongs. From quirky magical children to a grumpy man learning how to love, The House in the Cerulean Sea has captured readers everywhere—and we’re unpacking why it works so beautifully.Come along as we laugh, cry, and explore the charm (and deeper meaning) behind one of the most beloved fantasy books of the decade.💡 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM EST!📚 Follow the Author:Website: https://www.tjklunebooks.com/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tjklunebooks/⁠Twitter: https://twitter.com/tjklune⏱️ Time Stamps0:00 Intro1:29 Background3:39 About the Author8:46 Age Level & Content Warning10:02 Judge a Book by It's Cover11:08 Discussion46:08 General Thoughts48:14 One Question for the Author51:40 Rating53:44 Read Again?54:04 Outro✨ Follow UsFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575460276754⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/lunar_skulk⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Platforms: Spotify/Apple/etc.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more bookish conversations.