Have you ever binge-read a new favorite series, only to end up with a book-hangover? Or finished a heart-stopping scene only to look around and not be able to talk to anyone about it? Maybe you've even felt embarrassed about what you're reading because it isn't considered a 'classic' by people you know. Book Talk for BookTok with Jac and Amy is the go-to literary podcast to discuss your favorite novels with your newest book-besties. They use their literary backgrounds to analyze what makes these stories so special and why the writing resonates with readers. Join them in taking modern women-written books seriously. more

Welcome to pen to Paycheck Authors podcast. We're two indie authors; Matilda Swift, author of quintessentially British Cozy Mysteries, and Sam Cummings, author of Young Adult books about magic, myths, and monsters. With over a dozen books between us, and still a long way to go towards the 'quit the day job' dream, we're here to write our way to financial success. Listen along for our mastery through missteps journey more

Isabel Sterling, multi-published author and master certified coach, is on a mission to dismantle burnout culture, one author at a time. more

A podcast celebrating women's memoirs, one story at a time!

The Sisters in Crime Writers' podcast features conversations with our members about the writing journey: their process, what they've learned, what they wish they'd know sooner. SinC is an organization where writers belong. We support our member with community, advocacy, classes, workshops, and webinars. No matter where a writer is on their journey, SinC supports them. Learn more at www.sistersincrime.org more

Hosted by Jacqueline Fisch, a nonfiction author, writing coach, and former corporate professional. This show blends authenticity, practicality, and intuition. Jacqueline shares holistic writing strategies designed for female entrepreneurs with a story to tell. Here, integrity, personal growth, and wellness meet actionable tips and guidance. Whether you're working on books, blogs, website copy, or social media, you'll learn how to hit your writing goals while creating a nourishing, sustainable writing life. Expect honest, in-depth interviews with real women writers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, alongside candid solo episodes and behind-the-desk stories that offer simple, inspiring lessons for your writing journey. In a world of AI and shortcuts, your authentic voice is your superpower. Subscribe and discover how to stop struggling with writing—and start embracing your gifts. more

This is the podcast for female Christian writers who want to grow and nurture their audience without social media. Are you tired of chasing the algorithm? Has social media left you feeling drained, overwhelmed, unfruitful and…trapped?Co-hosts and writers Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller want you to be free to build a sustainable, profitable, and God-honoring writing career. Their vision is to empower you to confidently reject life-sucking and ineffective methods of platform growth and instead pursue purposeful strategies that play to your strengths and yield a better ROI. more

A book podcast hosted by writing partners Amy Helmes and Kim Askew. Guests include biographers, journalists, authors, and cultural historians discussing lost classics by women writers. You can support Lost Ladies of Lit by visiting https://www.patreon.com/c/LostLadiesofLit339 . more

Madame Speaker Says is the podcast for women of colour ready to own the mic, drop that book and get paid like a legend. Join Magogodi oaMphela Makhene - author, speaker and coach - for real talk, shortcuts and receipts to help you lead with confidence — on stage, on the page and way beyond the 9 5. No caucacity, no crusty old school leadership. Edges snatched. Script flipped. No apologies. Fresh episodes drop weekly. Pull up. more

Three best-selling authors talking about killing (of the fictional kind) with the best thriller and suspense authors in the business. Killer cocktails, killer conversations, and killer guests with hosts Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf, and Kaira Rouda. more

Join best-selling author and master life coach Sarah Centrella as she shares tips, tools, and inspiring interviews to help you create your dream life. more

We are the Lit Ladies: Three writers and moms exploring how to live out our faith in our literary lives. We span the country from the coasts to the midwest—and with different stages of life, careers, and favorite genres, we are sure to cover the literary landscape.In every episode, we'll discuss books we love, reading life, and writing craft, using the Bible as our guide for beauty, goodness, and truth.New episodes drop every other Friday!https://karissariffel.substack.com/ https://www.christiebkern.com/https://www.kellyborjas.com/ more

Author, founder, yogi and futurist Christine Marie Mason invites you into a weekly deep dive into how we can live with more freedom, impact and joy. On the show, she talks with a wide variety of experts and inspirers- from doctors to therapists, artists to founders- to help all of us know and love our bodies more, and to discover more freedom, joy and power in our lives. Uplifting, inspiring, educational, poetic and wide ranging! We investigate how our inner beliefs and personal habits relate our material reality; at the places where technology and invention meet the human body and human institutions; at how our cosmology can help or hinder a culture in its evolution toward more love and justice. About ChristineChristine works to bring more joy and less suffering alive in the world, starting on the inside of the self and extending into families and cultural systems. A six-time company founder, author of 7 books, yogi and tantrika, mom of four and grandmother, she offers a unique integration of practical activation and spiritual insight. She is the founder and CEO of Rosebud Woman™, an intimate wellness line that invites a new conversation about women, women's bodies, self-care and power, and the cofounder of Sundari Gardens, a retreat on Hawai'i. Her prior work as a tech CEO and technology futurist has given way to a more organic look at the future of our species, and how we live together better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

A (sometimes spicy) podcast for romance lovers and listeners. Women have been reading and writing about romance for centuries. But what was once considered a scandalous and secretive pastime, the romance novel has now burst proudly onto the open market. In fact, romance novels account for nearly a quarter of all adult print fiction sold in the United States. And with more and more women listening to romance books, it also matters how these books sound. Hosted by Allie Martina, a professional romance novel narrator, Zipless explores how the language of romance is shaped by writers and narrators, and asks what is it about forbidden love, age gaps, love triangles, friends to lovers, and steamy sex scenes that women find so timelessly appealing. Do romance novels offer windows into the lives women want, or mirror the lives they already have? Can narration, depth of a male voice, or cadence in artistic performance affect a romantic scene? When it comes to the language of love, can the romance novel finally take words long considered shameful and flip them into words of empowerment? In interviews with bestselling romance authors including Evie Dunmore, Sara Cate, Sierra Simone, Stephanie Archer, Xio Axelrod, and more, Zipless explores how romance novels change and reflect women's lives on and off the page. And in one-of-a-kind cameos appearances, professional actor and romance novel narrator Gideon Frost joins Allie in exploring how performance, delivery, and the language of romance can impact the hearts and minds of an audience. For more information about the show, guests, and forums to share your thoughts, go to ziplesspodcast.com Zipless is produced by Allie Martina and Jill Ruby. Listener discretion advised. more

The Hope Prose podcast is dedicated to hope-filled books the authors who write them and the readers they inspire. We upload new episodes once every two weeks and hope to leave our listeners with sparks to ignite their own stories whether in real life or fictional. We want our podcast to be a place that inspires you to live a life of creative purpose through reading, writing, or maybe even singing. Words are kinda our thing. In our latest season, we are going back to the heart of why we write and interviewing authors who love hope-filled, deeply human stories as much as we do. more

Your Words Unleashed Podcast, hosted by author and writing coach Dr. Leslie Wang, helps women scholars master their writing habits and publish a book that matters. more

A bookstore owner (Claire of Wild Sisters Books in Sacramento, CA) and an author ( Sierra Godfrey ) talk about reading, writing, and publishing--with a focus on romance and thrillers. You know, the books that get your heart racing. Episodes feature guest authors and a deep dive on tropes and what's new in books. Visit us at https://heartracerspodcast.com/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heartracerspodcast/ more

NYT bestseller Amie Kaufman and editor turned debut author Kate J. Armstrong take you behind the scenes on the path to publication of their novels, The Isles of the Gods and Nightbirds (out now) and their sequels, The Heart of the World and Fyrebirds. Pub Dates is a podcast for readers and for writers that will follow two friends as their stories come to life. more

Hosted by suspense novelist, Bianca Sloane, The Dark Side of Love is a weekly true crime podcast dedicated to all the ways loved ones turn on each other, often with deadly results. Whether it's murderous husbands, women who kill, lethal boyfriends, dysfunctional families, or just a good old-fashioned WTF, look no further. From crimes that shook the world to cases you may not have ever heard of, the stories are suspenseful, emotional, and compelling. more

It's All Write is a podcast about the writing life and those who live it. Hosted by Meryl Branch-McTiernan and Ariana McLean, multidisciplinary writers and lovers of high and low culture, catch candid conversations with scribes of all stripes every two Tuesdays. more

Dr Karina Jakubowicz talks with writers, artists, and academics whose work has been influenced by the modernist writer, Virginia Woolf. This podcast is made in association with Literature Cambridge, an independent educational organisation that provides university-style lectures on a wide range of literary subjects. Head to https://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk for more info. more

In our new season, Veteran reporter Joe Nocera investigates a 94-year-old crime that deserves a second look: the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. ---- The Free Press Investigates brings you gripping, deeply reported stories you can't find anywhere else—and the investigations others won't dare to cover. You can also listen to our first series, The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling. more

D. Colin shares her poems, stories and the adventures of my poetpreneur & artivist journey as a Black femme. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d-colin/support justdcolin.substack.com more

Author and writing coach Nadine Kenney Johnstone shares interviews with today's top women writers, including Jen Hatmaker, Catherine Newman, Maggie Smith, Molly Wizenberg, Abigail Thomas, Dr. Hillary McBride, Emily P. Freeman, Laura Tremaine, Sari Botton, Francesca Royster, Susan Piver, Jane Friedman, Mae Yoshikawa, and more. Nadine also shares her own stories of healing, hope, and following her heart. more

Sometimes you just gotta talk about stories. You know…the ones that keep you up at night, the ones that make you cry at 2am once you finally type THE END, the ones that burrow deep into your heart and refuse to leave. That's what we do here at Storytelling Sirens.I chat with amazing authors and writers, the folks who unlock the magic of stories for us. We'll dive into their journeys, the moments that sparked their imaginations, and the experiences that fuel their writing. So, grab your favorite warm drink, settle into the sirens coven, and get ready to be swept away by the power of storytelling.For advertising opportunities or if you would like to be a guest on the show, please email: catdeanwrites@gmail.com more

A podcast exploring the people and events from the Gilded Age to the Golden Age through the life of writer and actress Elizabeth Robins. more

Welcome to The MOTHER Podcast, hosted by Katie Hintz-Zambrano, the founder and editor of MOTHER (a.k.a. mothermag.com). With over a decade of beautiful, deep, and honest storytelling under our belt, we are thrilled to bring you this podcast, which includes a series of candid interviews with folks who inspire us greatly. We're talking artists, authors, entrepreneurs, mothers, fathers, and thought leaders of all stripes.We'll be exploring big topics including one's upbringing, career journey, identity shifts, creative habits, life + loss, mothering children from babies all the way up to young adults, and the idea of legacy—where you come from, what you inherit, what you bring forward into your own life and your own parenting practices, and ultimately, what you wish to leave behind. We hope you savor these conversations and leave them feeling informed, inspired, and connected. Get to know us at www.mothermag.com and @mothermag on Instagram.The MOTHER Podcast is produced by Em Roberts and Ali Alquiza   more

Welcome to the Lesbian Book Club, the podcast where we dive into the world of sapphic literature, one book at a time. Join your hosts, Lauren and Haylie as we read through the the beautiful world of lesbian stories. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just discovering the magic of lesbian stories, this podcast is your literary safe haven. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, curl up with your furry friend or a hot beverage, and join our book club! more

The Killer Women Podcast: Bestselling suspense author Danielle Girard hosts conversations with the women who create crime fiction's darkest and most nuanced characters. How do these women balance real life, of providing primary care in their homes and communities— as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, while simultaneously living for months, or years, inside the heads of dark villains, entangling protagonists in harrowing circumstances, and giving readers not just a great story but an honest portrayal of what each of us is capable of when pushed to her limit..? more

Follow Romance authors Falon Ballard and Courtney Kae as they meet the writers behind their favorite words!

Welcome! It's The Lit Library, a cozy little book nook where black women discuss all genres of fiction from black authors, and everything in between! 💕💕 The Lit Library is where Black books and authors can come to find a home. more

Join Eva and Katryn as they laugh (and sometimes cry) about writing, publishing, and the courage it takes to live your story. Tune in for a safe space in which two writers frankly discuss the mental health issues that can come up when navigating everything from querying, to submission, to publishing for the first time. Katryn and Eva offer laughs and real-talk inspiration for writers at each stage of their journey. Join in the conversation with Write Where it Hurts and remember: it's not just you! more

The Reading Black Girls Podcast is an unfiltered show about everything we love and hate about the books we read. Join four beautiful, melanated HBCU-educated women: Alex, Aziza, Denisha, and Kayla as we unapologetically chat about books from a wide range of genres.From non-fiction and romance to YA and historical fiction, we break down new and classical reads to discuss our favorite moments and our criticisms. Join us as we laugh, reflect, chastise, and recommend some of our personal book interests. Our mission is to inspire and change the way people view reading as a task and bring back the fun and exploration of simply finding a good book! more

Black Worlding - Celebrating Our Diverse Voices in Fantasy & Sci-Fi Media 📚📺🎥🌈Join hosts Rae and Día as we embark on this journey through the worlds of storytelling, shining a spotlight on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors/characters/creators in literature, television, and film. In each episode, we dive deep into the vibrant literary worlds created by these storytellers, exploring those rich perspectives that often go unnoticed and unheard. Join us for a captivating exploration of inclusive stories, underrepresented voices, and the transformative power of representation on page and screen! more

In Pop Fiction Women we deep-dive into the complicated women of books, movies and TV shows, along with the women that bring them to life behind the scenes. Think Fleabag and Phoebe Waller Bridge, Normal People and Sally Rooney, and so much more. In each episode you can expect us to: * Break down the protagonist as we ask what makes her complicated? * Identify the best scenes, which can mean sweetest, funniest, or most badass. Anything we love. * Recount the cringiest scenes. The ones that make you squirm. Sometimes it's self-sabotage, sometimes it's growth, but it's always part of the process of becoming our complicated selves. * Play arm-chair therapist in What's Your Damage, Heather? An homage to the iconic line in Winona Ryder's Heathers, we discuss how these characters got to be the way they are. * 'What She Said' - the segment where we scour every essay and interview with the women behind the scenes and share some of our favorite first person quotes. Real life is as interesting as fiction here. * Look into our crystal ball and ponder where these characters are six months later and five years later. Typically, Kate gets very real and Carinn gets buck wild. * Provide a takeaway, aka that part in the podcast where we try to sound deep. We leave you with some parting wisdom, challenge each other with thought-provoking questions inspired by the work, and urge you to 'stay complicated.' more

Hosted by sisters, Kate & Megan, we are a literary podcast dedicated to ravenously reading and joyously discussing books written by women! more

This fragment of a novel was written by Jane Austen in 1804 and remained untitled and unpublished until her nephew James Edward Austen-Leigh printed it in his A Memoir of Jane Austen in 1871. The title is from him. Mr Watson is a widowed clergyman with two sons and four daughters. The youngest daughter, Emma, has been brought up by a wealthy aunt and is consequently better educated and more refined than her sisters. But when her aunt contracts a foolish second marriage, Emma is obliged to return to her father's house. There she is chagrined by the crude and reckless husband-hunting of two of her twenty-something sisters. more

The Last Man is an early post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by Mary Shelley, which was first published in 1826. The book tells of a future world that has been ravaged by a plague. The plague gradually kills off all people. Lionel Verney, central character, son of a nobleman who gambled himself into poverty, finds himself immune after being attacked by an infected 'negro,' and copes with a civilization that is gradually dying out around him. more

This book opens with a young wife and mother, vacationing at a resort in the Gulf of Mexico with her husband and children. The resort is run by an elderly Frenchwoman, who manages the place along with her two sons. The young wife and one of the sons develop a deep and passionate attachment to each other, with devastating effects on both families and their circle of friends.When Kate Chopin's 1899 novel The Awakening, originally titled A Solitary Soul, was first released, it evoked a storm of controversy. Though it was not actually banned, it received public censure across the United States. It was considered immoral and subversive, dangerous to the moral well being of 'innocent' women and too frank in its depiction of female desires and physical needs. It challenged the existing gender roles and created a hitherto unrecognized space for a woman's requirement for self fulfillment, something which was seen as inflammatory and ruinous to society in general.Kate Chopin (formerly Katherine O'Flaherty) was an American short story writer and novelist who explored the landscape of New Orleans culture and the female mind. Brought up in a privileged background in St. Louis, she married Oscar Chopin, a wealthy French-Creole plantation owner and became a prominent member of St. Louis society. Her husband's financial troubles led them to leave the plantation and move to provincial Cloutierville, Louisiana, where Oscar owned a small estate. Following his sudden death, Kate and their six children moved back to St. Louis where she began writing in 1889.The Awakening was her second and last novel, and evoked a great sense of outrage in conservative Missouri, where the feminist movement which was sweeping America was completely absent at the time. Chopin was hurt and mystified by this reaction and almost abandoned her writing career after this.The Awakening is a deeply sensitive and insightful portrait of a woman and her conflicts. Many scholars have traced the origins of The Awakening to an affair that Kate Chopin herself had with a married neighbor following Oscar's death. Readers will immediately identify with the questions and dilemmas raised in the book and it seems strangely contemporary today. Kate Chopin's writing style, with its rich imagery, full of local atmosphere and color, her compassion and the frank and fearless way in which she discusses the hitherto unexplored landscape of a woman's mind are what make The Awakening a book that marked a shift in the moral universe of the time.Today The Awakening is hailed as an early and a vivid portrayal of female independence, besides being itself an absorbing read. more

It's one beautiful thing to get lost in words on a page, but it's an entirely different experience to pull up a chair with the author as she invites you into her world. Hi! I'm Mary, author of Twelve Stripes Deep: How Infertility & Other Suffering Delivered My Greatest Joys. I want to give my readers a more personal look into my story of infertility, endometriosis, pain, and loss - but also acceptance, answers, joy, and hope through my Catholic faith. This is basically a podcast version of an audio book. From my heart to your ears, this is a story just like yours, read by me. more

3 Lesbians and a Pen is a bi-weekly show about the ins and outs of the lesbian book-writing business. Self-published best-selling authors - KC Luck, Jamey Moody, and Kimberly A. Todd - discuss anything and everything with humor, wit, and sass about self-publishing. So, settle in and prepare to learn and laugh as these three friends discuss writing, publishing, and the importance of connecting with readers. Whether you are a new writer trying to break in or simply a fan of sapphic literature, this podcast is sure to entertain and inspire. more

A podcast for women who are ready speak their truth, write their stories, and inspire the world with memoir writing. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, NYT Bestselling author, inspirations speaker, kidnapping survivor, and founder of Soul Speak Press. We are here  educate and inspire all women who feel compelled to tell their stories and who also need community and support along that journey into the publishing world.  more

Do you love a good story? We do too! In the More to Life podcast, we'll talk with authors about the true stories that have inspired their writings. In each episode, you'll find out what happened in their life, where they are now and how they can help you, while ultimately pointing you to the Author of Life, Jesus. As guests share their life stories, we hope you'll discover purpose and meaning to the moments in your life as well. In other words, we hope you'll find more to life! more

Welcome to The Narrative North, where host Catherine Cioffi, founder of  Compass 51 Reading Series, invites you to empowering conversations with award-winning writers and trailblazing female leaders. In every episode, we delve into these remarkable women's paths, obstacles, and triumphs, and gain insight into the practical wisdom and empowering messages that motivate audiences everywhere. For more information email CatherineCioffiAuthor@gmail.com or visit https://www.ccomms.co/compass more

Writing Black Joy is a celebration of Black creatives whose joyful narratives are changing the world - one story at a time.The seasonal podcast showcases conversations between host Safiya Robinson and a myriad of Black creatives crafting joyful narratives - including writers of fiction and non-fiction, poetry and music, as well as other creatives. Be prepared to hear conversations that question current narratives, celebrate Black joy and discuss creativity in it's many forms. If you are a creative who is ready to be inspired, or lover of the arts - then you are going to love Writing Black Joy. more

A show that celebrates the power of books and storytelling to transform lives. Through author interviews, book chats, and cultural conversations, we explore the stories that shape us—and inspire you to write and share your own. more

Add more books to your TBR (to be read) pile of the murderous kind. Join authors Brooke Montoya and Marnie Vinge as they interview authors in the thriller, horror, supernatural, crime, and mystery genres. From questions about which of their characters they developed is their favorite to other questions you are dying to know. Are you an author in one of those genres and want to be a guest? Email the hosts at mustreadmurder@gmail.com. more

A Persuasion audiobook performed by 20 actors with gorgeous ambient sounds and an original musical score to bring the story to life. From the director of the Webby Award Honouree podcast of Pride and Prejudice. Presented over 13 beautiful episodes. This dramatised audiobook is produced by the Australian not-for-profit community theatre company, Ballarat National Theatre.  more

A place for anyone who has ever struggled to put words to the page. Our aim is to educate, entertain, and give hope by sharing our writing and publishing experiences and what we've learned along the way. more

From Dipsea, Fictional Men Written By Women is the spiciest fiction podcast on the internet. Each season features a new storyline with swoon-worthy characters, your favorite romantic tropes, and plenty of spice to keep you hooked. This podcast is for adults only, so headphones are highly recommended. Ready for more? Head over to the Dipsea app for thousands more original audiobooks created just for you. Use the promo code FICTIONALMEN or visit dipseastories.com/fictionalmen to get 30 days free. more

Bestselling author and writing coach Mya Kay brings you a dynamic literary podcast designed to help women writers turn their passion into a thriving career. Each episode is packed with expert writing tips, powerful marketing strategies, and insider publishing advice to help you write, publish, and profit from your work. Whether you're an aspiring author or looking to level up your writing career, this podcast will give you the tools and confidence to succeed. Tune in and start your journey to becoming a successful, published author!This show will provide answers to questions like:How do I manage a career while writing a book?How do I finish a book before leaving my 9-5?How do I launch/manage my writing career as a mom?How do I build an author platform before publishing?How do I market my book and find my audience before publishing? more

A podcast about writing and parenting brought to you by Annie Hartnett, Tessa Fontaine, and Ellen O'Connell Whittet, all writers and mothers of young children. Formerly known as the Here to Save You podcast. We're so glad you're here. more

A podcast about one of the most remarkable writers of the early 20th century. Sayers was one of the first women to receive a degree from Oxford, a popular author of detective fiction, and an all-around writer who aimed to make 'elite' ideas accessible to everyday readers. The host, Dr. Lindsey Scholl, is an educator who has her PhD in Roman History and her Master's in Medieval History. Lindsey currently teaches Medieval Humanities (including Augustine, Dante, and Shakespeare) and Latin at Trinity Classical School in Houston. more

Join Han & Steph as they chat about all things books! With a fresh and fun perspective, you'll hear from your favorite authors, Bookstagrammers, and publishing professionals! Both Hannah & Stephanie are clean romance authors and Bookstagrammers with a heart for sharing good, clean reads that spread joy! more

Welcome to Hey Aspiring Author! Podcast, a dedicated space to empower the Aspiring Author to write her story + testimony from a place of abundance, while also emphasizing the vital aspects of mental wellness, self-care, and balance. This podcast is hosted by Brit Lashae, Book-Writing Coach for Aspiring Authors READY to write their story and testimonies into a book. Visit www.journeywritten.com to learn more! Enjoy the show. more

It's New Year's Eve,1942, WWII is raging, and Liberty Johannsen, a young chambermaid in Boston's tony Back Bay, is kicked out of the only job and home she's ever known after fighting off unwanted advances from the Governor's son.Nicknamed Songbird thanks to her beautiful voice, Libby takes a new position at the grand Fairmont Copley hotel in Boston,  where she makes the acquaintance of blue-blooded composer Francis Key, unexpectedly becoming his muse…and soon, something much more.Until Libby's fiancé, Boston Globe photographer Clancy Armstrong, returns from the front. Libby faces a devastating choice, one that will affect not only these three lives but the course of American history forever.A sweeping historical romance from New York Times and international bestseller Jenna Blum, author of Those Who Save Us and The Lost Family, THE KEY OF LOVE showcases one woman's fierce love and burning ambition as she makes an impossible decision while the fate of the world is up for grabs.THE KEY OF LOVE is an Emerald Audio production, in partnership with Real Jetpack productions . Join the Hidden Gems clubfor VIP perks and exclusive bonus content by going to www.emeraldaudio.net.Find us on social @emeraldaudionetworkCheck out other podcasts from Emerald Audio: Rainbow Girl by Jane GreenRead Jenna Blum's latest novel Woodrow on the Bench more

Ready to meet your new bookish besties? Join authors R. E. S. and Jennie Ryan as they discuss the trials and triumphs of writer life, books they're obsessing over, and just surviving every day life as a bookish girl in a non-bookish world. Sharing writing tips, book recommendations, and of course, plenty of boy talk…because who else is as good on paper as your favorite fictional man? more

We love short stories. Join authors Deesha Philyaw (The Secret Lives of Church Ladies) and Dawnie Walton (The Final Revival of Opal & Nev) for author interviews, book club discussions, and immersive short stories. We celebrate storytelling from some of today's most thrilling writers, with an emphasis on spotlighting underrepresented voices. (Photo credits: Vanessa German / Rayon Richards)Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://ursastory.com/join more

My Name is Akilah, I come from a fundamental and VERY traditional Christian world and I have ALOT to say. Meaning: I'll say and talk about things that isn't 'status quo' bravely. I LOVE to read and speak with authors. I also have an opinion about everything and I am good at giving (unsolicited) advice. LOL. Here I will discuss topics that include: femininity, taboo topics pertaining to sex, pop culture and everything in between. You can expect humor, sometimes tears and realness. more

'Mrs. Dalloway' recounts a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway in the middle of June 1923. Clarissa Dalloway is a high society London lady. On that day, she is hosting a party, meeting people, going to the park, and reflecting on her choices. Where would she have been if she married Peter Walsh and not Richard Dalloway? What if she would not invite this or that person to her party? Her feelings about Peter Walsh grow because on that particular day he returns from India to settle some affairs in London. Other people also reflect on their choices. Mr. Smith who cannot move on from the horrors he saw in battle, his Italian born wife, members of Clarissa's family and friends.This book is considered a classic. It appears on many lists of best novels including the 100 best novels list by the Guardian. Indeed, some of the them are timeless and touch all of us. - Summary by Stav Nisser. more

Frances Hodgson Burnett's book 'A Little Princess' begins as seven year old Sara Crewe is dropped off at a boarding school by her rich father. She has grown up in India and has lived a very pampered life. Even though she is rich, she is very friendly to everyone and the students all love her.Unfortunately, the woman in charge of the school does not like Sara and when her father dies on a business trip, the head mistress is angry that she will not get the money she is owed for Sara's care. She makes her live in the attic with the maid and to do chores to earn her keep at the school. Sara is mistreated, but still remains kind to others and helps anyone she can.One day, Sara finds some money and buys some food from a bakery. When the baker sees her give away most of the food to a beggar girl, he believes Sara is a princess and invites the little beggar girl to live with his family. Sara continues to teach the smaller children and withstands the abuse from the adults around her.When a strange man moves into the house next door, Sara becomes friends with his servant. He is impressed with how kind she is and is angered about her treatment at the school. He secretly sends her food to help her in some small way. Eventually, Sara discovers something very important about the man who is helping her.A Little Princess is an amazing book that proves again that dreams can come true. It also shows that even when life is not going the way you would like it, you should still treat others the way you want to be treated. The end of the story is very satisfying, but readers will want to know more about this special little girl. more

Jerusha Abbott, an eighteen year old orphan, faces an uncertain future in the charity home where she has lived all her life. On reaching adulthood, the orphanage can no longer offer shelter to its inmates. Her anxiety leads her into wild speculation when she is summoned to the matron's office. But a surprise awaits her. One of the visitors, a wealthy Trustee of the orphanage, has offered to fund Jerusha's college education and fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer. The only condition he makes is that he remain anonymous and that she write to him regularly about her progress.Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster was first published in 1912. It follows an epistolatory format and traces the story through a series of letters exchanged between the youthful heroine, Jerusha and her mysterious benefactor whom she has privately nicknamed Daddy-Long-Legs based on a brief glimpse she caught of him once. The book is a young girl's classic coming-of-age tale, a genre that includes the Little Women trilogy, the Katy series and the Anne of Green Gables books. Apart from being a heart-warming story, it also reflects the author's social concerns and her interest in women's issues and the suffragette movement. It is in a way a Beauty and the Beast fairy tale that reflects the transformation of the characters and their attitudes towards each other and life.Jean Webster was born in New York into a literary family. Her father, Charles Webster was Mark Twain's business manager and head of Twain's publishing company, Charles Webster & Co. Her mother was a strong, independent woman, Mark Twain's own niece, who came from a family of forceful matriarchs. However, after initial success, the publishing business and the relationship with the famous author deteriorated and the family moved back to their old home in Fredonia. She began writing columns for local newspapers while traveling on holiday in Europe and published her first book, When Patty Went to College in 1903. Daddy-Long-Legs is Webster's most famous and popular novel and first appeared as a serial in the Lady's Home Journal.So great was its popularity that Jean Webster was commissioned to adapt it for stage in 1913. She toured with the theater company and enjoyed even greater success. Daddy-Long-Legs dolls became all the rage in that era! She died tragically in childbirth in 1916.Daddy-Long-Legs has been adapted to film, stage and television several times all over the world in many different languages and the century-old story still has the power to keep readers, young and old, enthralled. more

Mrs. Gaskell as she was popularly known, had a hard and lonely childhood, spent with various aunts and relatives after her mother died and her father left her. The young Elizabeth met and married a clergyman and moved to Manchester with him. It was here that she developed her strong sense of social justice and the themes which form the basis of her writing. Her biography of her dear friend Charlotte Bronte is considered a classic and provides a wonderfully human picture of the Yorkshire genius and her equally talented, tragic family. North and South is set in a fictional town called Milton and located north of England. The heroine Margaret Hale arrives here, having suffered a series of unfortunate events. Her father, a wealthy churchman who lives in the idyllic English countryside suddenly finds himself losing the faith that has sustained him all these years. He leaves the church and moves his family to this preindustrial, ugly and uninspiring city, where poverty, crime and hopelessness dominate. Margaret soon encounters the handsome, but materialistic, cotton mill owner and tycoon, John Thornton. Their values and philosophies are poles apart, leading to an inevitable clash, which forms the basis of the title of the novel, North and South. The book traces the advent of the Industrial Revolution in England, the pathetic condition of workers and the callous, greedy attitude of the mill owners who formed the bedrock of the new rich in the country. She also wrote several very popular ghost stories which were regularly published by Dickens in his magazine, Household Words. However, Mrs. Gaskell's works, though immensely popular in her lifetime, soon faded into obscurity. Today, her works are known chiefly through television adaptations of her novels like Cranford and North and South. Her enduring themes of tradition verses modernity, feminism, the changing nature of relationships and the falsity of first impressions all resonate with the interests of readers today. more

Emily Dickinson has come to be regarded as one of the quintessential poets of 19th century America. A very private poet with a very quiet and reclusive life, her poetry was published posthumously and immediately found a wide audience.While she echoed the romantic natural themes of her times, her style was much more free and irregular, causing many to criticize her and editors to 'correct' her. In the early 20th century, when poetic style had become much looser, new audiences learned to appreciate her work. Here collected are many of her most contemplative, most rebellious, and 'dark' works, expressing her frustrations with the behavioral confines of her times, and the confines of being human and unknowing of eternity. more

Rilla of Ingleside is the eighth book in the Anne of Green Gables series and focuses on the inspiring journey of Rilla Blythe, the youngest daughter of Anne and Gilbert, as she transforms from a carefree young girl into an enduring young woman swept into the chaos of war. Written from a female perspective, Montgomery accurately depicts a time in history, as she provides a contemporaneous account of the war and serves up the most emotional book in the series. Set during the First World War, the novel explores themes of coming of age, love, separation, and most importantly women's roles during the war.The novel begins with the introduction of 15-year-old girl Rilla, who appears as a spoilt, self-centered and immature young girl, preoccupied with adolescent strife as she excitedly prepares for her first grown-up party. However, the bliss of the party is interrupted when word reaches of the outbreak of war and throws the town into frenzy as the men talk about joining. Subsequently, Rilla's brother Jem and his friend Jerry enlist and go to a training camp before leaving to join the front in France. Following a series of events, Rilla is left alone with her parents worrying about the fate of those fighting, which later include her brother Walter and her love interest Kenneth. As the war continues, the young girl slowly matures and turns her back on her past self-serving ways and instead embraces helping others and putting their needs above her own. Assisting the Junior Red Cross, helping a couple wed, and raising a war orphan are just some of the responsibilities Rilla takes up without protest. As the novel progresses, so does the young protagonist who courageously rises to each occasion with the hope of the safe return of loved ones.A heart wrenching and inspirational sequel, Rilla of Ingleside offers a rare insight in the roles and hardships experienced by women during war as they were left to the mercy of uncertainty as each day passed. A story caught up in the shadow of war, the novel is an emotional journey of growth, loss, and sacrifice, but nevertheless a timeless piece of literature. more

An epistolary novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall follows the courageous journey of the protagonist, Helen Graham, as she struggles to escape her socially imposed role as dutiful wife, while also acting on her moral responsibilities as a mother and self-respect as a woman. Published in 1848, under the pseudonym Acton Bell, the novel provoked much criticism at the time of its release due to its shocking content and atypical portrayal of an English wife, who not only defies the strict conventions of society, but also consciously violates the law that legally represses the rights of women. The novel begins with the narration of Gilbert Markham, as he recounts the arrival of a mysterious widow who takes up residence in Wildfell Hall together with her young son. Introduced as Helen Graham, the tenant ignites much curiosity among the town's residents, as her reclusive behavior irritates their inquisitive nature. Consequently, Gilbert Markham, a young farmer, is also allured by her reticent nature and soon develops feelings towards the beautiful young woman. However, following a jealous outburst by Gilbert's spurned love interest, a series of scandalous rumors about Helen are spread throughout the town. Subsequently, the accusations inspire Helen to reveal the truth about her past to Gilbert, as she gives him her diaries which provide the answers to all his grueling questions. Nevertheless, Anne successfully presents a pivotal figure in feminist literature and is also regarded as having laid the foundations for gender equality, as the novel had finally evoked a much needed reaction from an otherwise passive society.Moreover, a compelling novel focusing on themes including marriage, betrayal, abuse, social oppression, duty, and morals, The Tenant of Wildfell is an insightful piece that offers a vivid illustration of life during the first half of the 19th century and the unequal treatment of women in a male dominated society. Regarded as one of the first sustained feminist novels, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall successfully secures Anne's literary reputation, as she masterfully employs a multi-layered plot and an endearing heroine, while simultaneously challenging the prevailing social and legal structures of the established norms of the Victorian era. more

Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of the most controversial novels of the last century, with it's sentimental portrayal of the anti-slavery movement in the USA. Written in 1852, the novel instantly rose to fame and split Americans up and down the country. Stowe was a passionate abolitionist and was inspired to write Uncle Tom when she spent time in Cincinnati in the early part of the 18th century. She met many slaves who had escaped from Kentucky and was touched by the friendships she built. It was with this sentiment that the novel was born and the deep empathy Stowe had for slaves is evident throughout.As you would expect, the book was hugely provocative with pro-slavery supporters outraged by the negative portrayal of masters within the slave trade. It was said to be so incendiary that Abraham Lincoln claimed Stowe to be 'the little lady who started this great war'. It is not clear if that quote is genuine but the hype Stowe created both before and after the civil war is definitely real. The novel follows the story of long suffering slave Tom and mother and son duo Eliza and Harry. Whilst Tom is sold down the river by his master, Eliza and her son manage to escape the clutches of slavery.There is no doubt in the genuineness of Howe's wish to uncover the slave trade for all of its sins. Pleasingly the book ends with an optimistic outlook, one that shook the government at the time and one sure to shake you. more

Two sisters, one practical and full of commonsense, the other a passionate and emotional creature, an uncaring brother and his avaricious wife, a handsome rake and a faithful gentleman these are some of the unforgettable characters who make Jane Austen's first published novel, Sense and Sensibility such a delightful, witty and timeless classic.The novel was published under the pseudonym 'A Lady' by its shy and retiring nineteen-year-old author, Jane Austen, in 1811. She was the daughter of a country rector and lived all her life in the circle of her large and loving family in a little village in Hampshire, England. There is very little autobiographical material available about her, as her well-meaning relatives burned and destroyed most of her diaries and letters after her death.Sense and Sensibility is a charming story of two sisters who see life from two very different viewpoints. When their father suddenly dies, leaving his entire estate to their half-brother John, the sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, their mother and youngest sister Margaret are thrown at the financial mercy of John and his mean-minded wife, Fanny. Mrs Dashwood and her daughters soon realize that they are not welcome at their former home Norland Hall. Fanny's brother Edward Ferrars, who is quite different from his greedy and graceless sister, arrives and begins to form an attachment to Elinor, which is violently opposed by Fanny. Mrs Dashwood is hurt and bewildered, but finally realizes that they have no option but to leave. They move to Devonshire, where Mrs Dashwood's cousin, Sir John Middleton welcomes them and helps them to find suitable lodgings. While out walking one rainy evening, Marianne suffers a small accident and is rescued by the suave and dashing John Willoughby. She falls passionately in love with him.The story takes several interesting twists and turns, driven by the opposing natures of the two sisters. More than two hundred years after publication, this delightful tale still manages to capture the reader's imagination as it echoes universal truths of passion, love, social status and ethics. Sense and Sensibility is a coming of age novel, marked by Jane Austen's deliciously ironic and sharp wit and famously under-stated style that will certainly appeal to modern-day readers. more

Polly Milton, a 14-year-old country girl, visits her friend Fanny Shaw and her wealthy family in the city for the first time. Poor Polly is overwhelmed by the splendor at the Shaws' and their urbanized, fashionable lifestyles, fancy clothes and some other habits she considers weird and, mostly, unlikable. However, Polly's warmth, support and kindness eventually win her the hearts of all the family members. Six years later, Polly comes back to the city to become a music teacher. more

Louisa May Alcott's overwhelming success dated from the appearance of the first part of Little Women: or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, (1868) a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood years with her sisters in Concord, Massachusetts. Part two, or Part Second, also known as Good Wives, (1869) followed the March sisters into adulthood and their respective marriages. more

Inspired by a true life story, Lady Audley's Secret is the story of a woman's overwhelming ambition and passion for social success. When the first book came out in 1862, Victorian readers were shocked and outraged by its portrayal of aspects like bigamy, insanity, yearning for social status and the will to commit murder to achieve one's goals. The novel belongs to a genre that became very popular during that era. Known as 'sensation novels' they can probably be equated to today's pulp fiction. It was received with huge enthusiasm by readers and most critics of the day and the central theme of 'accidental bigamy' was a popular one. But the author Mary Elizabeth Braddon took it to new heights, introducing several intriguing twists and turns to the plot. In fact the novel was so successful that it allowed the author to become financially independent for the rest of her life and its publisher to purchase a villa, which he christened Audley Lodge, with the profits gained from sales of this Victorian bestseller!In the story, the young, enchanting, doll like Lucy Graham marries a wealthy old widower, Sir Michael Audley. Not much is known about Lucy by people in the village, except that she was till recently employed as a governess. The couple enjoys a pleasant life together, with every comfort and luxury. Things take a turn when Sir Michael's nephew and heir Robert Audley arrives with news of dear friend of his George Talboys. Talboys who had left England to seek his fortune gold prospecting in Australia is now suffering from a mental breakdown following the apparent death/disappearance of his wife whom he left behind. When Robert and George arrive at Audley Court, they're warmly welcomed by the host, but of the hostess there is no sign. She completely avoids coming into Talboys' presence. Her behavior begins to intrigue Robert and raise his suspicions and he sets out to uncover the mystery. But the truth is far more devastating and disturbing than anybody could imagine. Said to be based on events concerning the real life serial killer Constance Kent which had stunned the nation a few years ago, the book in fact explores many themes of Victorian morality, gender biases, stereotypes about the perfect mother and domestic goddesses who enriched the home and hearth with their innocence and purity. The author Mary Braddon's own controversial personal life and her nonchalant attitude to prevailing morals also piqued readers' imaginations. For modern day readers, Lady Audley's Secret remains a gripping tale of the lust for power and wealth and of a woman's descent into the misery of her own creation. more

'The Memoir of my Aunt, Jane Austen, has been received with more favour than I had ventured to expect. The notices taken of it in the periodical press, as well as letters addressed to me by many with whom I am not personally acquainted, show that an unabated interest is still taken in every particular that can be told about her. I am thus encouraged not only to offer a Second Edition of the Memoir, but also to enlarge it with some additional matter which I might have scrupled to intrude on the public if they had not thus seemed to call for it. In the present Edition, the narrative is somewhat enlarged, and a few more letters are added; with a short specimen of her childish stories. The cancelled chapter of 'Persuasion' is given, in compliance with wishes both publicly and privately expressed. A fragment of a story entitled 'The Watsons' is printed; and extracts are given from a novel which she had begun a few months before her death; but the chief addition is a short tale never before published, called 'Lady Susan.' I regret that the little which I have been able to add could not appear in my First Edition; as much of it was either unknown to me, or not at my command, when I first published; and I hope that I may claim some indulgent allowance for the difficulty of recovering little facts and feelings which had been merged half a century deep in oblivion.' James Edward Austen-Leigh in the Preface to Memoir of Jane Austen more

Set in nineteenth century New England, Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters-Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg. The novel is a classic rites of passage story, that has often split literature critics but has been adored by many over the years. Intended as a book for young girls, the book is too sentimental for some but plenty of adults and young men have Little Women firmly featured in their best books of all time. The pace of the novel can be slow at times and the language almost too perfect but the overall sympathetic tone of Alcott wins over the reader.The book is semi-autobiographical, with Jo Marsh mirroring the life of an ambitious Alcott. Just like Alcott, Jo is a strong, independent woman who is fighting through her domestic duties to do what she truly loves. Writing is Jo's passion and in a world where women are expected to put personal growth aside in order to withhold traditional family values, she is met with many challenges. 'I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.' The book speaks to every woman that has had to fight against convention. With their father away at war, the four sisters pull together to support each other but still have time to search for their own identity. These 'little women' are not children but young adults finding their way via love, religion and confidence. Whilst it may seem sad that the sisters do have to conform to some extent, if you read between the lines there is so much inspiration for young female readers. more

Jo's Boys is the third book in the Little Women trilogy by Louisa May Alcott, published in 1886. In it, Jo's 'children', now grown, are caught up in real world troubles. All three books although fiction are highly autobiographical and describe characters that were really in Alcott's life. This book contains romance as the childhood playmates become flirtatious young men and women. The characters are growing up, going out into the world and deciding their futures. more

Anne's House of Dreams is the fifth book in the Anne of Green Gables series, which features the culmination of an epic love story. The installment chronicles the lives of Anne and Gilbert as they experience life as a newlywed couple and build the foundation of their future together. A tale uniting the much-loved characters also brings a farewell to Anne Shirley and officially welcomes Anne Blythe. The novel begins with the preparations for the wedding between Anne and her one true love Gilbert Blythe, who is finally a qualified doctor. The highly anticipated wedding is held in the Green Gables orchard, and among the guests are Marilla and childhood friend Diana. After the wedding, the couple moves to Four Winds Harbor where Gilbert will take over his uncle's medical practice. There they settle into their new home by the shore which Anne refers to as their 'house of dreams'. The new surroundings bring a colorful new array of characters including Captain Jim, Miss Cornelia Bryant, and the piteous neighbor Leslie. Unfortunately, the honeymoon stage comes to an end, as their marriage must endure its first hardships. The limelight is partially taken off Anne and instead is focused on the tragic life of Leslie. The Blythe's find themselves in a clash of emotions and ethics, given their emotional attachment and different approaches to various issues. Montgomery's fifth installment changes its perception of Anne adding a new tone of sadness to the series which differs from that of the previous books. Portrayed as more mature, Anne still tries to maintain her passionate and dreamy nature. Sorrow, tragedy, trouble in marriage, and moral duty are just some of the themes explored throughout its pages. Anne's House of Dreams signifies the new chapter in the life of Anne as she takes on the role of wife, neighbor, friend and mother. more

It's a dreary February in post-World War I London when Mrs. Wilkins spots an advertisement in The Times for a small Italian castle for rent in April. She sees another member of her women's club, Mrs. Arbuthnot, reading the same advertisement and manages to convince her that the two of them should rent it. Both are miserable and lonely in their marriages. They can't afford the cost of the villa, San Salvatore, on their own and must advertise for two others, eventually recruiting an elderly widow named Mrs. Fisher, and Lady Caroline Dester, a beautiful young socialite desperate to escape from London and society. The four journey to Italy where San Salvatore works its magic separately on each of them, changing their lives in unexpected ways. (Summary by Diana Kiesners) more

A 'Bluebeard' story in which a young woman marries a man whom she discovers has killed his previous wives and is trying to kill her as well. more

Isabella Bird began travelling while in her early twenties to help alleviate illness that had plagued her since childhood. She was a single woman in her early forties when she made her treck through the Rocky Mountains. A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains details this fascinating account of her travels through a series of letters written to her sister, Henrietta. These letters are filled with beautiful, vivid descriptions of the scenery, the people she encountered, the way of life, and a mountain man named Jim Nugent, that was as rough as they come, but a complete gentleman with Ms. Bird. She has the distinction of being the first woman to become a member of the Royal Geographical Society in 1892. more

An autobiography of Helen Keller published when the author was still in her early 20's. The narrative reveals how her mind developed and matured until she began her studies at Radcliffe College more

Anne of the Island is the third book in the Anne of Green Gables series following the adventures of its heroine Anne Shirley as she leaves for Redmond College in the busy city of Kingsport to study for her bachelor's degree. The third installment in the series sees the beloved protagonist experience new adventures and challenges outside the familiar setting of Avonlea. The novel kicks off when Anne decides to pursue her dream of a higher education, and subsequently leaves her two year teaching position at the school in Avonlea and begins her studies at Redmond College. Fortunately, Anne is not alone in the new environment, as she is accompanied by her old friends Gilbert Blythe, who has also enrolled in Redmond College, as well as roommates Priscilla, Philippa and Stella. Though Anne has her mind set on good grades and flawless academic prosperity, she cannot avoid the tides of love and the many suitors offering their affection. When Anne rejects Gilbert's proposal, stating that she only views him as a friend, she must undergo a journey of self-searching and discover the true meaning of love. Striving for a true love resembling those from the many books she has read, Anne must draw the line between fiction and reality, or she might miss her only chance at happiness. Montgomery's third installment can be considered to be a turning point in Anne's life as the novel brings new problems and important decisions to be made, which in turn will either make or break her. Womanhood, maturing, and love are just some of the themes explored in this classic. A novel depicting the inevitable process of growing up, Anne of the Island is a perfect illustration of the challenging and sometimes awkward moments we all go through to achieve our full potential in life. more

Louisa May Alcott enthusiasts would be delighted to read this short novel published in 1867, just a year before the grand debut of her most famous Little Women trilogy. This is one of three books she wrote under the pseudonym AM Barnard. She used this name to pen tales that were meant more for adult readers, though younger people will find them quite interesting too.The Abbot's Ghost or Maurice Treherne's Temptation is a romance, mystery, ghost-story and novel of manners all rolled into one. She subtitled it A Christmas Story and it certainly evokes memories of old-fashioned holiday seasons, before the advent of the Internet and TV, where one sat round a cozy fire and told eerie tales to while away the time.In the story, Maurice Treherne is falsely implicated in a case of forgery and fraud. He also loses the use of his legs while trying to save the life of his debonair man-about-town cousin, Jasper. Jasper's wealthy bachelor uncle had initially made Maurice and Jasper equal inheritors in his will but for some reason suddenly cut Maurice out of it, leaving Jasper the sole beneficiary. Both cousins are in love with the beautiful Octavia Snowden, another cousin, who is also named in the will. A femme fatale makes her appearance in the form of Edith Snowden, a woman unhappily married and looking for diversion. Maurice who has recently returned from a course of treatment in London to the family mansion is thrown into the midst of a mystery. An eerie abbot is frequently sighted wandering through the corridors of the ancient country house....Fans of the television miniseries Downton Abbey will find this story fits right in! Intrigues, romance, dangerous vamps, desperate villains and sardonic heroes they're all there! Modern-day readers would find the book refreshingly nostalgic, harking back to a time when good triumphed over evil and all the loose ends get neatly tied up by the end of a novel.Lousia May Alcott's tender yet thrilling tale of love, deceit, honor, betrayal, scandal and mystery set in a more gentle age is reminiscent of the novels of other Victorian writers. In fact, it would be fair to say that The Abbot's Ghost is a happy mix of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens! Maurice Treherne is a memorable hero while the Ghost is as scary as they come!The Abbot's Ghost or Maurice Treherne's Temptation is a great addition to your bookshelf! more

An epistolary novel, Lady Susan is an early work by Austen that was posthumously published in 1871. The short novel focuses on the self-serving eponymous anti-heroine, as she cunningly maneuvers her way through society in search of a wealthy husband for both her daughter and herself. Disregarding anything but her own selfish goals, Susan employs her charms to lure men and draw them into her web of deceit, no matter their age or status. Exploring issues including morals, manners, self-indulgence, malevolence, and social machinations, the relatively short novel is sure to fascinate with its atypical form.Comprised of forty-one letters, the novel introduces Lady Susan Vernon, a beautiful recent widow in her thirties, who is allowed to stay with her brother-in -law Charles Vernon and his wife Catherine in their family home. Apparently, this move is initiated after Susan is sent packing from the previous residence where she had been residing, due to the exposure of her flagrant affair with a married man. The novel also focuses on Frederica, Susan's timid 16-year old daughter, who is terrorized by her mother, as Susan tries to marry her off to the wealthy, yet fatuous Sir James Martin against her wishes. Furthermore, Susan's skills in manipulation are confirmed when Catherine's younger brother arrives to meet the notoriously scandalous woman, whose name is attached to many raffish rumors. However, having a way with words, Susan effortlessly manipulates and twists the disreputable gossip to her favor and even has the man converted to the position of advocate. Her true nature is revealed through her correspondence with her friend Alicia Johnson, to whom she reveals all her schemes, contrivances, and the true depth of her unscrupulous nature.Austen effectively employs the epistolary format in her writing, allowing the audience to gain an insight into the characters, their emotions, schemes, and artifices. Unlike Austen's most notable female characters, who are typically guided by principled objectives, Lady Susan is in contrast guided simply by her egocentric ways. An exciting view of Austen's early attempts to write in the epistolary format, Lady Susan presents a melodramatic piece full of details, descriptions, provocative characters, and a well-deserved taste of one's own medicine. more

Montgomery's literary classic recounts the exciting adventures undertaken by the fiery eleven-year-old Anne Shirley, an orphan girl accidentally adopted by middle aged siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. A coming-of-age novel, Anne of Green Gables focuses on Anne's new life at Green Gables farm in Avonlea and her adjustment into the Prince Edward Island community. The story launches when the aging siblings Matthew and Marilla decide that they could use an extra hand around their farm, and believe that adopting an orphan boy would be an appropriate solution. However, due to a misunderstanding, the orphanage sends Anne Shirley instead. As Matthew heads to the train station to pick up the anticipated boy, he is shocked to be greeted by a red-headed, freckled and quite talkative little girl. Oblivious to the fact that a mistake has been made, Anne cheerfully enjoys the ride to her new home not hiding her enthusiasm whatsoever. Although initially spinster Marilla requires a bit of persuasion, both siblings are drawn in by the irresistible charms of the young chatty girl and accept the orphanage's mix-up. Undeniably Anne adds the much needed color in the lives of Matthew and Marilla who are quiet and timid, while Anne serves as a complete opposite to the two. As Anne adjusts to her new surroundings, she leaves readers absorbed as she makes social gaffes in her clumsy attempts to soak in the social norms, religion, and morals with which her peers are already long accustomed to. Obstructed by countless mischief and creative excursions, Anne must make a distinction between reality and imagination as she walks along the path of self-expression. A timeless favorite, Anne of Green Gables leaves a mark on all that have come across the bright and imaginative character portrayed by Anne. It is nevertheless a little girl's imagination, romanticism, free-spirit and playful antics that have presented Montgomery's novel with a special place in the world of literature. All books in this series:1 Anne of Green Gables2 Anne of Avonlea3 Anne of the Island5 Anne's House of Dreams7 Rainbow Valley8 Rilla of Ingleside more

Songwriter and author Charlotte Eriksson -- The Glass Child -- lets you in behind the glass. Raw and honest conversations, essays, spoken poetry and journals exploring the subjects of growing up, change, loneliness, living as a nomad, missing people, loving people. How to live with uncertainty. What is home? What is anxiety? What is happiness?'I wanted to turn my life into my art. My very existence into a poem. This is my story — it might not always be easy, but it will always be beautiful.'Website: http://www.CharlotteEriksson.comInstagram: @justaglasschildcontact@charlotteeriksson.com more

Prepare to embark on a heartfelt journey of love, growth, and self-discovery with Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novel, 'Anne of the Island.' In this enchanting installment of the Anne Shirley series, listeners accompany our spirited heroine as she ventures beyond the idyllic landscapes of Avonlea to pursue higher education. As Anne enters the vibrant world of college, she encounters new friendships, explores the complexities of romance, and faces the inevitable choices that shape her future. Montgomery's captivating storytelling paints a vivid picture of Anne's emotional and intellectual maturation, as she grapples with the yearning for independence while cherishing the deep bonds she has forged. 'Anne of the Island' is a timeless tale that resonates with the universal experiences of youth, reminding us of the transformative power of love, the value of lifelong friendships, and the indomitable spirit that lies within each of us. So, open your heart to the magic of Anne's journey and discover a captivating world that will leave you inspired and longing for more.https://www.solgood.org - Check out our Streaming Service for our full collection of audiobooks, podcasts, short stories, & 10 hour sounds for sleep and relaxation at our website Anne Shirley, marriage, love, loss, resilience, friendship, coastal village, home, beloved characters, heartwarming, growth, literature, poignant, enchanting, Prince Edward Island, transformative, idyllic, solace, Canadian author more

Join Lisa VanDamme as she guides you through Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.Recommended Book Url: https://readwithme.app.link/qUI6QGdLEjbTo learn more about Read With Me visit https://readwithmesalon.com more

For Writers and Speakers- The Called Creatives Podcast is hosted by Alli Worthington and Lisa Whittle. This interview-based show connects writers and speakers to the heartbeat of storytelling. Join us for conversations with seasoned creatives, uncovering the secrets behind impactful writing and speaking. Alli and Lisa offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, providing you with the encouragement and tools necessary to pursue your passion and respond to their creative call. more

StoryTime with Stephanie is a platform, curated by Stephanie Outten - Literary Doula®️, that allows new and existing authors to share about their books. From novels and self-help to memoirs and children's books, StoryTime with Stephanie sheds light on these authors' stories as a means to empower, transform, and heal others, while also creating awareness and bringing fun to the literary space. Join us on Facebook on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7pm ET, the show's season is (February through May and August through November). You can also catch all replays of the show on YouTube. more

Join award-winning and best-selling fiction authors Sarah M. Eden, Traci Hunter Abramson, Esther Hatch, and Sian Ann Bessey as they gather around the figurative kitchen table to talk and laugh about books, writing, and life. Between the Lines: a podcast for readers and writers more

Join Janelle Hardy, creator of transformational memoir-writing course, The Art of Personal Mythmaking as she talks to published memoirists, people in the middle of writing their memoirs, storytellers and embodied healers. She even tosses in the occasional body-based writing prompt, to give your stories some unexpected sparks.These are honest conversations of depth are good medicine they're the antidote to feeling alone with creative and healing challenges. more