Here For The Story

Today we welcome Jess from @thelostbooksofjess and Fantasy Fan Reads out now and available on the podcasting platforms. We chat with Jess about books, bringing one another up, and supporting our Authors who share with us amazing stories. With an equal love for books and all things books we had a wonderful time with Jess. Books In Order:Daggermouth By H. M. WolfeWay of Kings Brandon SandersonACOTAR By Sarah J. MassA Stage Set For Villains by Shannon J SpannUnselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower  Yesteryear Carol Clair burkeMetalslingerDire BoundMistborn Brandon SandersonFantasy Fan Girls PodcastDrinking: (Not sponsored) Velvet Hammer: Elixir of inner lightHere are some links to connect with your hosts: Connect with Sheri: Website Instagram @shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren: Website Instagram @story_books_and_toysPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-for-the-story/id1879385913We appreciate you spending time with us. Thank you!

Hello! This week we have some spoilers for Easter so don't listen with your Kiddos if you would like to keep things special. Click Show notes link below for full episode links.Drinking:Velvet Hammer- Pink LemonadeBigelow TeaBooks in order: The MASH UPCut Flower GardenBy Blood, Shadow & FireEmma M. LionACOTARSpring Books List & Show notesHere are some links to connect with us: Connect with Sheri: Website Instagram @shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren: Website Instagram @story_books_and_toysPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-for-the-story/id1879385913

Episode 6: Today we have the honor of chatting with New York Times Best selling author Shannon J Spann author of A Stage Set For Villans. This is a fun conversation with Shannon with a little dive beyond her masterpiece novel and the woman behind the words. Books Discussed (in Order)One Dark Window: Rachel Gillig (Shannon's current ReadThe Mash Up by Laura Marie MeyersA Stage Set For Villains by Shannon J SpannArtwork By: Elizabeth Turner StokesShout out to Shannon's Favorite Bookshops: VA Springfield's Barnes and NobleLove and Legends Ripped Bodice Brooklyn Books of WonderBook Club East 3rd Street, New YorkPark Books Maryland The Nerd Tea PodcastLinks: Instagram: shannonjspannTiktok: Save me from new yorkShannonjspann authorHere are some links to connect with us: Connect with Sheri: Website Instagram @shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren: Website Instagram @story_books_and_toysPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-for-the-story/id1879385913

This week join Shari and Lauren as they share their journey of starting a podcast, discuss their favorite books, art, and community events, and reflect on the joys and challenges of creative entrepreneurship. Yogi Tea -Sweet Tangerine Trader Joes: Organic Roasted Herbal Tea. Books in order:-Becoming Trader Joes-Yesteryear - Caro Clair Burke-The Knight Prince By Lauren Palphreyman-The Astral Library by Kate Quinn- In the Likely Event - Rebecca Yarros- Lessons In Chemistry - By Bonnie Garmus- By Blood, Shadow, and Fire - By Orin Steel releasing April 28, 2026- A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Mass- ORBE (Oakdale Riverbank Book Exchange) - Brittany Gramberg- The Artists Way - by Julia Cameron-Failing Forward concept- Brenee Brown Business Coach: Flammable entrepreneurChristine Parker MuralistConnect with Shari: Website @shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren: Website @story_books_and_toysEmail us: hereforthestorypodcast@gmail.com

On this episode we just give you a little background about who we are, some things we love and how we wound up here.Books Discussed (In Order) Yesteryear by Clair Caro Burke - April 7thCloud Nine by Amanda SinatraThe Knight Prince by Lauren Palphreyman (Book #2 in The Wolf King)Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday - 2024In the Likely Event By Rebecca YarrosShield Of Sparrows By Deveny PerryDreams Diving by Alexandra Beaumont My Husbands Wife By Alice FeeneySarah McLean - AuthorRefuge Coffee OakdaleGrump & Sunshine BookshopIn this episode we just give you a little background about who we are, some things we love and how we wound up here.Connect with Sheri:@shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren:@story_books_and_toys

In this episode, Sheri and Lauren delve into the lighthearted yet insightful world of gentle hot takes around reading habits, and bookish debates.Key topics:To DNF (do not finish), or finish no matter what Audiobooks as real book considerationsAnnotating books and participating in shared reading Mood reading vs structured reading schedulesControversial opinions on reading spoilers and early book revealsRapid-fire questionsAvoiding too much influence based on reviews and accepting your choiceUpcoming book launches, current reads, and literary favoritesBooks Discussed  Links:Rebecca Yaros - Author of Onyx Storm seriesIn The Likely Event by Rebecca Yaros Story Pirates PodcastA Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. SpannThe Astral Library by Kate QuinnEarls Trip by Jenny HolidayOne Dark Window by Rachel GilligThe Night We Met by Abby JimenezThe way of Trust and Love by Jacques PhilippeYogi Tea Honey Chai Turmeric VitalityConnect with Sheri:@shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren:@story_books_and_toysJoin us next time for more stories, books, and creative conversations. Feel free to reach out with questions or topic suggestions. This podcast is just getting started, and your input is welcome! Happy reading and connecting!

Episode 2: In this podcast discussion we hear some book reviews, recent readings, and personal experiences, providing insights on various books. Going through a few rapid-fire (and not so rapid) questions, & sharing anecdotes. This conversation is filled with humor and some great upcoming and current new releases.Books Discussed (in Order)The Ruins Beneath Us by Sasha E Sloan - March 3rdYesteryear by Clair Caro Burke - April 7thAnd Then There Was You by Sophie Cusins - 11/18The Far Away Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - March  31stGlittering Skies by Jenna Avery - March 24thSpell Cast by Sophie Jordan - July 28th (Fire in the Sky Book 3)Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik - January 27thThe Gentleman's Confession by Anneke Walker - 2024Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday - 2024Catch Her If You Can by Tessa Bailey - January 20th In the Heat of The Moment by Camilla Isley - February 16thWicked By Jennifer Armentrout February 3rdApprentice to The Villain by Nicole Maehrer - 2023Connect with Shari: @shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren: @story_books_and_toys

Here for the Story is a cozy podcast about books, creativity, and the stories that connect us. The hosts, Shari and Lauren, come at the book world from two totally different perspectives, offering insights into the behind-the-scenes creative space and the bookstore floor. The podcast focuses on engaging with readers, discussing what they're reading, working on, the publishing world, and what readers are loving right now. It also features conversations with authors, creatives, and interesting people from the community and beyond.Join us, share with friends and cozy up to a fun conversation.Learn more about your hosts, their work and businesses:Shari Borba – https://www.shariborba.comStory Books + Toys – https://www.storybooksandtoys.com If you enjoy what you hear, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with your friends, family, fellow readers, educators, and anyone who loves meaningful conversations.

In this episode, Lauren and Shari share their personal journeys with reading, favorite genres, and how books influence their lives. They explore topics like fantasy world-building, the joy of annotating books, and small pleasures that bring unreasonable happiness. We are just getting started in our podcasting journey.Key Topics:The allure of fantasy books: mythical creatures, world-building, and emotional impactThe value and emotional significance of annotating books and personal markingsHow reading shapes childhood experiences and fosters a love of learningThe rise of ARCs (Advance Review Copies): discovering new authors and community engagementStrategies for balancing reading speed and enjoyment, including re-reading favoritesThe connection between books and life stories—writing dedications and personal notesThe importance of slowing down, mindfulness, and finding joy in small momentsThe influence of media adaptations and the differences between books and TV seriesFavorite genres, such as food industry exposés and historical romanceCreating a reading environment that encourages children to develop their love for books• Random joyful tidbits: the happiness found in observing birds, talking to strangers, and quirky habitsBooks Mentioned:The Glittering Skies By Jenna Avery - A contemporary romance set in a fantasy world.Shield Of Sparrows by Devney Perry - Mentioned as a book club read.Fourth Wing By Rebecca YarrowsA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas - Discussed in the context of fantasy reading.Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn- Mentioned in relation to re-reading before new episodes.Harry Potter by J. K Rowling- Mentioned as a series re-read multiple times.Connect with Shari:@shariborba_designsConnect with Lauren:@story_books_and_toysStay tuned for more insightful discussions on literature, life, and everyday joys. Thanks for listening!