Meagan's Book Club Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by debut author Linda Wilgus to talk about her beautiful new novel, The Sea Child. We chat about the inspiration behind the story, including her personal connection to the dramatic coastline of Cornwall and how that landscape helped shape the novel’s rich, atmospheric setting. Linda shares how adventure and romance weave through the story, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process—from carefully planning this first book to developing books two and three that are already in the works.If you enjoy immersive settings, heartfelt storytelling, and hearing how a debut novel comes to life, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Website: https://www.lindawilgus.com/IG: @lindajwilgus

Back with another fun "What I'm Loving" episode to share with you all the things I've been thinking about lately. The biggest thing on my mind is my reading retreat this weekend with @luxuryreadingretreats ! I am the luckiest girl to be included in this group of women to have time to relax, recharge, and connect. The line up of categories for the episode is below. Thanks for listening!1. What I'm Loving2. What I'm Watching3. What I'm Reading4. What I'm Cooking5. What I'm Doing More Of6. What I'm Buying7. What I'm Looking Forward To

I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation with debut author Tiffany Crum! We sat down to talk about her brand-new novel This Story Might Save Your Life and her road to getting published—every high, every setback, and all the perseverance in between. She shares the heart behind the story, what kept her going when things got tough, and what it finally felt like to see her book out in the world.This was one of those chats that felt like talking to an old friend—we laughed, we got real about the writing life, and I walked away feeling so inspired. I have a feeling you will too. And trust me, you’re going to want this book on your TBR!

February went by in a flash and thankfully, I finished some good notable books! In February, I finished 13 books: 11 were audiobooks and 2 were kindle. Out of those 13, 4 books were from Netgalley. Easily my favorite of the month was The Sound of Gravel. How was your month of reading? FavoritesThe Sound of Gravel by Ruth WarinerThe Sea Child by Linda WilgusDaughter of Egypt by Marie BenedictLiked ThemSo, I Met This Guy by Alexandra PotterDestination Funeral by Paige HarbisonA Novel Crime by Deborah LevisonBlade by Wendy WalkerJust OkaysClutch by Emily NemensRomantic Hero by Kirsty GreenwoodDefinitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah FoxYou and Me and You and Me and You and Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn ReesFlopsSpectacular Things by Beck Dorey-SteinWhen I Kill You by BA Paris

In this episode, I’m joined by Tracy Sierra, author of Nightwatching—one of my favorite books of 2024 and a Jimmy Fallon Book Club pick—to talk about what’s happened since her debut and the inspiration behind her gripping new novel, Warning Signs.We catch up on Tracy’s life post-Nightwatching and dive into the tension-filled world of Warning Signs, a heart-stopping story set during a father-son backcountry ski weekend that goes terrifyingly wrong. We talk about survival, fear, complicated family dynamics, and how nature—and people—can both become incredibly dangerous when warning signs are ignored.This was such a fascinating conversation about suspense, atmosphere, and writing stories that linger long after the last page. If you love dark, unsettling thrillers that get under your skin, this one’s for you.Find Tracy on Tour: IG @tsierrauthorWebsite: https://www.tracysierraauthor.comBook Recommended by Tracy: Dead Weight by Hildur Knutsdottir

This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with Elisha Zepeda, a talented book cover designer whose work you’ve probably admired without even realizing it. We dive into the creative process behind designing a cover—from those first sparks of inspiration to the many behind-the-scenes steps it takes to get a book from concept to print. It was such a fascinating conversation about the art, strategy, and storytelling that go into a single cover, and you’ll never look at your bookshelf the same way again.Go follow Elisha! @ez.bookdesignhttps://www.elishazepeda.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by author Sara Maurer to talk about her debut novel, A Good Animal, and her journey to becoming a published author. We chat about what inspired the book, what it was like writing and publishing her first novel, and the rural farming community that shapes the story.Set outside Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, A Good Animal explores first love, ambition, and the pull between staying and leaving—and how one choice can ripple through a community. Sara shares insight into the people, places, and experiences that influenced the novel, and it was such a joy getting to learn more about her background and creative process.This was a thoughtful, grounded conversation about writing, place, and the quiet power of rural life—and I think you’ll really love it.Website: https://www.saramaurerwrites.com/IG: @saramaurerwrites

Back with another fun "What I'm Loving" episode to share with you all the things I've been thinking about lately. Personal battles, fun finds, real life struggles, and of course what I'm currently reading. The line up of categories is below. Thanks for listening!1. What I'm Loving2. What I'm Watching3. What I'm Reading4. What I'm Cooking5. What I'm Doing More Of6. What I'm Buying7. What I'm Looking Forward To

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by instant New York Times bestselling author Catherine Newman! Her novel Sandwich was a standout sensation and we were all overjoyed to see the continuation of the story in her latest, Wreck. Catherine has been writing for many years, and it was such a joy to finally connect and talk all things craft—her signature authentic tone, the way she creates deeply human characters, and why relationships and their dynamics are always at the heart of her stories. This conversation felt like catching up with an old friend, and I loved hearing her reflections on writing, connection, and what keeps her inspired. I can’t wait to see what she does next—and I think you’re going to love this episode.Website: https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/

I had the best time chatting with Danielle (@foreverbookedup) — we’ve been book friends for years, so this conversation felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend. We talked about how our reading lives have changed, the joy (and nerves!) of starting something new, and her journey launching a mobile bookstore last year.One of my favorite parts was hearing about the community she’s built in her area through hosting book events — the kind that bring readers together and make books feel like a shared experience, not just a solitary one. It was such a warm, thoughtful, genuinely fun conversation, and I’m so excited to share it with you.Danielle's IG: @foreverbookedupMobile Bookstore: @rollingchaptersThe book Danielle recommended: The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson to talk about her stunning new novel, Keeper of Lost Children. Sadeqa shares her journey from indie publishing to traditional publishing, what it’s been like releasing her sixth book, and the moment she felt called to shift from women’s fiction into historical fiction.We dive into the deep responsibility and beauty of telling stories that have long gone unheard, and why Keeper of Lost Children felt like a story she had to write. This conversation is honest, inspiring, and rooted in purpose—about trusting the call, honoring the past, and writing stories that matter. This is one you won’t want to miss.Find Sadeqa on her book tour: https://www.sadeqa.net/

Surprise episode! I’m joined by my fairly newly established bestie book club—Corine, Kelsi, and Julia—for a full-spoiler discussion of The One by John Marrs. And yes, we mean full spoilers, so if you haven’t read it yet… consider this your sign to stop everything, read the book, and come back immediately.We dive into every character, every questionable decision, and every “oh no they did NOT” moment. We unpack the impact of finding your perfect match, whether the science is a gift or a curse, and how love, loyalty, ambition, and fear collide once the results are revealed. From shocking outcomes to moral gray areas, we ask the big questions: Would you take the test? It’s thoughtful, dramatic, occasionally unhinged, and exactly what happens when four best friends overanalyze a book that refuses to let you look away. Thanks for listening!Next month, we will be reading Heart the Lover by Lily King.

January was a very three-star kind of reading month. I read a lot of books that were fine, enjoyable, and easy to turn the pages on—but not many that fully took my breath away. In this episode, I’m breaking down what worked, what didn’t quite hit, and why a three-star read isn’t a bad thing at all. *I forgot to mention A Good Animal which I really enjoyed! Plus, I’m sharing the few standouts that really rose to the top and are easy recommendations if you’re looking to start your year strong.Loved🎧 The One ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Liked🎧 Warning Signs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 A Good Animal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The One Day You Were My Husband ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Keeper of Lost Children ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Dolly All the Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Wreck ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫🎧 The List of Suspicious Things ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫🎧 The Midnight Taxi ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Worse Than Strangers ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫🎧 This is Not About Us ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Just Okay🎧 The Future Saints ⭐️⭐️⭐️The One and Only Vivian Stone ⭐️⭐️⭐️Summer State of Mind ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Everyone in This Bank is a Thief ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Fourth Princess ⭐️⭐️⭐️The Women in White ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Anatomy of an Alibi ⭐️⭐️⭐️Meh🎧 The Lost Ticket ⭐️⭐️💫

I am so excited about this episode because I’m joined by bestselling author Maurene Goo to celebrate her debut adult romcom, One and Only, out Today—and truly, this conversation was the best kind of fun. 💕 Maurene first made her mark writing YA, and we talk all about what she loved most about that space: staying true to teen voices, language, and experiences, and honoring how real those moments feel. From there, we dive into her pivot to adult fiction—what sparked the shift, what felt different creatively, and why romcoms felt like the right next step. Maurene is thoughtful, hilarious, and endlessly fascinating, and our chat felt like catching up with a friend. And yes… she also shared some very exciting news early with me—One and Only is the Read with Jenna February pick, and I could not be more thrilled for her. Happy reading and listening!*Maurene also dropped the nugget that her husband's movie might be nominated for the Oscars and very casually told us he co-directed KPop Demon Hunters. You couldn't see my jaw on the floor, but yes- it was dead ass on the floor. Substack: https://maurenegoo.substack.com/For Tour Dates: @maurenegoo

In this episode, I’m talking all about love books — the cute ones, the devastating ones, and the ones where love gets a little… dangerous. From laugh-out-loud romcoms to rip-your-heart-out romances to thrillers fueled by obsession and secrets, I’m breaking down three types of love stories and sharing the books I can’t stop recommending. Whether you want to swoon, sob, or side-eye every character, there’s a love book here for you. Thanks for listening! Thriller Romance:Verity by Colleen HooverThe One by John MarrsThe Last Mrs Parrish by Liv ConstantineCross My Heart by Megan CollinsRebecca by Daphne Du MaurierThe Unraveling by Vi KeelandRip Your Heart Out:Someday, Maybe by Oyni NwabineliThe Heart of Winter by Jonathan EvisonHamnet by Maggie O'FarrellThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan MeissnerThe Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley HellerWhat the Wind Knows by Amy HarmonRomcoms:The Bodyguard by Katherine CenterThe Flatshare by Beth O'LearyEvery Beautiful Mile by Ashley ManleyThe Burnout by Sophie KinsellaThe Love of my Afterlife by Kirsty GreenwoodThe Good Part by Sophie Cousens

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Barrie Kreinik—an award-winning audiobook narrator whose voice you’ve likely heard in some of your favorite listens. Barrie has narrated titles for Penguin Random House, Hachette, Macmillan, Harper, Podium, Blackstone, Brilliance, Audible, Tantor, and more, and her mastery of accents and dialects (especially across the British Isles) is nothing short of remarkable.Our conversation was absolutely fascinating. Barrie walks me through her path into voice training, how she approaches character work, what goes into building authentic dialects, and the artistry behind making an audiobook truly come alive. She’s generous, insightful, and endlessly talented—and I learned so much from her.If you’re curious about the magic behind audiobooks or you simply love hearing from people who are exceptional at what they do, you won’t want to miss this episode.What Barrie Recommends:-Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen-Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon-Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto UrreaAudio Drama written and performed by Barrie!-The Queen of 14th StreetSeries Books Barrie has Narrated:-Because I Could Not Stop for Death- An Emily Dickinson Mystery series by Amanda Flowers-A Rose Gallagher Mystery book series by Erin Lindsey

I’m trying something new this year and making this a monthly segment — a little check-in where I share what I’ve been loving, enjoying, and doing lately. Think books, shows, and the small things that are making this month feel like this month. The line up this month is:What I'm LovingWhat I'm WatchingWhat I'm ReadingWhat I'm CookingWhat I'm Doing More OfWhat I'm BuyingWhat I'm Looking Forward toHappy Listening!

I’m so excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney to the podcast! With eight books under her belt and a brand-new release, My Husband’s Wife, Alice opens up about her writing process, how she stays grounded when writing dark scenes, and the magic behind the audiobook versions of her novels. We also talk about His and Hers being adapted into a TV series, what that journey has been like, and what she’s working on next. Alice is charming, funny, and incredibly down to earth, making this such a fun and insightful conversation.Her website and tour dates: https://www.alicefeeney.com/IG: @alicewriterland

Book lovers, this one’s for you! I’m back with my recurring book chat segment alongside my Bookstagram friend Hannah (@booksandbitesroc), and we’re breaking down the Q1 books you need on your radar. From titles we’ve already devoured to the releases we’re counting down to, this episode is packed with honest reactions, excitement, and plenty of reader-to-reader recommendations. It’s a long, cozy conversation—perfect for walks, commutes, or curling up with your favorite drink.January:The Storm by Rachel Hawkins, The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave, Skylark by Paula McLain, Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven, The Briars bySarah Crouch, Dandelion is Dead by Rosie Storey, Scavengers by Kathleen Boland, Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston, Woman Down by Colleen Hoover, A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James, My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney, The Room in the Attic by T.M. Logan, The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead, Dead in the Water by John Marrs, All the Little Houses by May Cobb, The Fair Weather Friend by Jessie Garcia, Sunk in Love by Heather McBreenFebruary:Blade by Wendy Walker, This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page, One and Only by Maurene Goo, It's Not Her by Mary Kubica, What Tomorrow Will Be by Julianne MacLean, This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman, Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson, Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra, The Jills by Karen Parkman, When I Kill You by BA Paris, Murder at 30,000 Feet by Susan Walter, Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams, The Astral Library by Kate Quinn, The Girls Before by Kate Alice Marshall, And Now, Back To You by BK BorisonMarchWait For Me by Amy Jo Burns, A Far-Flung Life by M.L. Stedman, No Matter What by Cara Bastone, Toe to Toe by Falon Ballard, This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum, Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano, How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh, Once and Again by Rebecca Serle, Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson, Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh, Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict, The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

This week I’m joined by longtime content creator Kate Bryan, the force behind Small Things. I’ve been following Kate since her early hair-tutorial days, and it was such a joy to finally sit down with someone who has been educating, inspiring, and entertaining her audience since 2011.We talk about how she’s kept content fun and fresh for over a decade, her journey into reading more since 2020, and the books that have shaped her reading life. Of course, we couldn’t resist swapping recommendations—both in the beauty world and in the book world. Kate also shares her biggest hits and misses of the year.It was such an easy, energizing conversation, and I can’t wait for you to listen. We had the best chat! You can find Kate on Instagram @k8_smallthings and her website: www.thesmallthingsblog.comKate's Recommendations:Conditioner- Pureology Hydrate Brushing hair before showers Wide tooth comb to brush hair after the shower Spend the money on the base layer for your skin ie concealer, foundationBooks RecsWe Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter One True Loves by TJRCarrie Soto is Back by TJRThis Tender Land by William Kent Krueger Book MissesThe Favorites by Layne FargoAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris WhitakerThe Silent Patient by Alex MichaelidesGreat Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry