Best Tbr Pile Podcasts (2024)

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145. Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare with Traci Thomas 1:10:03

3d ago1:10:03

1:10:03

We're thrilled to welcome back Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks Podcast, for a thought-provoking discussion on one of Shakespeare's darkest comedies, Measure for Measure. In this conversation, we'll dive deep into the play's timeless themes including punishment, gender, power, and politics. We discuss how these themes continue to resonate with mode…

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S03.05: The Eras Tour (Romance Your TBR's Version) 1:34:15

20d ago1:34:15

1:34:15

(It’s been a long time coming…) [Cue Applause] It is an honor and a delight to say these words to you: Welcome to The Eras Tour (Romance Your TBR’s Version)! We’re about to go on a little adventure together and that adventure is going to span 17 years of music and 40 romance novels and it’s going to be one era at a time. We’ll be your hosts this Fr…

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144. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh 59:38

24d ago59:38

59:38

If aesthetics, British aristocracy and nostalgia sounds like an appealing combination, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is the book for you. In today's episode, we talk through the key themes, relationships, Waugh's stated purpose for writing Brideshead, and we ask: is Brideshead Revisited a satire or a novel with satirical elements? Plus, toda…

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S03.04: The Easiest Shot That Has Ever Been Shooted (Convincing Each Other to Read Romance Novels) 53:40

1M ago53:40

53:40

In which Hannah and Caroline shoot their romance novel shots with each other, listen to everything but audiobooks, and realize that it's always a duke. Show Notes: - "The Unknown" from the Glasgow Wonka Experience - Adriana Herrera's mood board on Instagram Reminders: - Fill out this Google Form to receive Romance Your TBR + romance themed friendsh…

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143. Seasonal book pairings for new releases in spring 2024 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

Today, Chelsey and Sara share their most anticipated spring book releases paired with backlist selections. After listening today, your TBR will be filled with delightful fiction, thrilling mysteries, historical romance and literary books from favorite writers, all releasing between late February and May. As always, our go-to pairings will keep your…

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142. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton 1:20:01

2M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up Wharton in Winter with a conversation about The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. We focus on Undine and question whether she’s a signature unlikable heroine or an anti-hero. Our conversation also digs into the other dynamic characters, themes of motherhood, greed, marriage, business, and Edith’s incredib…

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S03.03: The Hot Parents Trap 1:04:00

2M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

In which Caroline and Hannah confront their dad/daddy/papa kink, make jokes that have little-to-no context, and elope to Gretna Greenwich Village. Reminders: - Fill out this Google Form to receive Romance Your TBR + romance themed friendship bracelets from us! https://forms.gle/N9ZZFfzAm5nCfTnV9 - Subscribe to Romance Your TBR on Substack to get mo…

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141. Bookish pairings for our favorite period dramas 1:02:55

2M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Reading The Custom of the Country this winter has felt like stepping into the most lush, dramatic, and marathon-worthy period piece–so today we’re sharing some of our favorite period dramas and pairing them with excellent books for cozy winter reading. We discuss the appeal of watching historical fiction versus reading it, the throughline from read…

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S03.02: Diana Quincy Author Spotlight: The “You're So Disgusting Get Inside Me” Chapter 1:04:19

2M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

In which Hannah and Caroline do their first official author spotlight, Shrek reference, and F1 update of Season 3. Reminders: - Fill out this Google Form to receive Romance Your TBR + romance themed friendship bracelets and a Valentine's Day card from us! https://forms.gle/N9ZZFfzAm5nCfTnV9 - Subscribe to Romance Your TBR on Substack to get monthly…

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S03.01: Putting Descartes Before the Horse 1:58:05

3M ago1:58:05

1:58:05

In which Participant Caroline and Participant Hannah kick off Season 3 with podcast updates, life updates, and—against all odds—reading updates. Reminders: - Fill out this Google Form to receive Romance Your TBR + romance themed friendship bracelets and a Valentine's Day card from us! https://forms.gle/N9ZZFfzAm5nCfTnV9 - Subscribe to Romance Your …

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Episode 42: January Wrap-up and February ARCS & Hopefuls 32:26

3M ago32:26

32:26

Welcome to the first episode of 2024! O'Dell shares his high-level thoughts on all of the books that he read in January including a few ARCS of February releases. He then shares a few books that release in February that he is looking forward to and gives a look at which books are on his February TBR. Books reviewed include: The Second Chance Year b…

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140. Five tips for reading television and movies with a critical lens 1:16:29

3M ago1:16:29

1:16:29

Today we’re sharing five tips for “reading” your favorite (or least favorite) TV shows and movies. These close reading tricks will help you get more critical while you watch television, which we hope prompts more engaging discussions with your friends and family. We’re using The Buccaneers (Apple TV) as our main example in this episode, but you don…

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139. The best, the backlist, and the buzziest books of 2023 1:15:45

3M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

It's time for our annual Superlative Soirée! (Okay, so we've never called it that before, but it fits, right?!) Today Chelsey and Sara share their favorite and least favorite books of 2023, plus everything in between. YOU helped us come up with some creative categories to cover in this official wrap-up episode, and we can't wait to hear what you th…

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Episode 41: 2023 Wrap-up 31:34

4M ago31:34

31:34

We survived 2023! And I read a ton of books (168 to be exact.) Today I'll take a look back at some of my reading accomplishments from this past year, share my top 10 4-star books and then share my top 10 (all 5-star reads) of the year and reveal my top book of the year. I close out with my thoughts on some of the January ARCs that I've read and som…

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Episode 40: The Reformatory, The Good Part, Before We Were Innocent, Kingdom of Sweets, Candy Cain Kills 28:45

4M ago28:45

28:45

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Tananarive Due's The Reformatory, Sophie Cousens' The Good Part, Ella Berman's Before We Were Innocent, Erika Johansen's The Kingdom of Sweets, and Brian McAuley's Candy Cain Kills. Chapters: 02:09 - New Releases…

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S02.33: A Romance Your TBR Christmas Carol 50:00

4M ago50:00

50:00

In which Hannah and Caroline come to the conclusion that Scrooge is hot, for some reason quote the entirety of Home Alone, and even manage to mention a few holiday romances (sleighhh). Reminders: - Subscribe to Romance Your TBR on Substack to get monthly updates from your local spinsters, access to show notes and bingo cards, and exclusive newslett…

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S02.32: Season Two Superlatives: The Two Wolves Inside You Edition 1:38:30

4M ago1:38:30

1:38:30

In which Caroline and Hannah wrap up season two with 21 historical romance superlatives, invent 1 new word, and have a lil holiday gift for their 32+ throbbing members. Reminders: - Subscribe to Romance Your TBR on Substack to get monthly updates from your local spinsters, access to show notes and bingo cards, and exclusive newsletter giveaways! - …

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138. The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges 1:01:09

4M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

We’re wrapping up the 2023 season with a final Short Story Club, this time exploring a prime example of Postmodern fiction with Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Garden of Forking Paths.” Borges is often considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century and credited as an early writer of magical realism, lo real maravilloso. In today’…

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Episode 39: Always, In December, Faking Christmas, Kiss Her Once For Me, Love, Holly 25:23

4M ago25:23

25:23

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Emily Stone's Always in December, Kerry Winfrey's Faking Christmas, Alison Cochran's Kiss Her Once for Me, and Emily Stone's Love, Holly. Chapters: 02:24 - Review: Always, in December 06:41 - Review: Faking Chris…

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S02.31: The Epic Highs and Lows of Old School School 1:44:36

4M ago1:44:36

1:44:36

In which Hannah and Caroline graduate Old School School 101, reveal their class rankings, and award end-of-season superlatives. Reminders: - Please write in to tell us which end-of-year superlatives you'd like to see for our final episode of Season 2! Send us an email at romanceyourtbr@gmail.com or DM @romanceyourTBR on Instagram! - Subscribe to Ro…

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137. Entering Edith Wharton's Gilded Age 43:06

4M ago43:06

43:06

Ever wonder what it’s like to attend a class at Novel Pairings University? We have a special treat for our listeners as we prepare for #WhartonInWinter and our readalong of Edith Wharton’s Custom of the Country. Today on the main feed, we’re releasing the audio from our Patreon Class Gilded Age Literature: Entering Edith Wharton's World for everyon…

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Episode 38: Maybe Next Time, When I’m Dead, The Christmas Orphans Club , Lovelight Farms 24:48

4M ago24:48

24:48

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Cesca Major's Maybe Next Time, Hannah Morrisey's When I'm Dead, Becca Freeman's The Christmas Orphan's Club, and B.K. Borison's Lovelight Farms. Chapters: 01:17 - New Releases 03:15 - Review: Maybe Next Time 09:5…

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S02.30: Lesson #16: Plaids Are the Most Versatile Statement Piece 1:11:46

4M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

In which Caroline and Hannah attend Old School School, study The Bride by Julie Garwood, and dissect the enneagrams of romance characters. Reminders: - Please write in to tell us which end-of-year superlatives you'd like to see for our final episode of Season 2! Send us an email at romanceyourtbr@gmail.com or DM @romanceyourTBR on Instagram! - Subs…

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Episode 37: Suburban Hell, Every Time You Go Away, The Silent Patient, Family Meal 23:47

5M ago23:47

23:47

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Maureen Kilmer's Suburban Hell, Abigail Johnson's Every Time You Go Away, Alex Michaelides' The Silent Patient, and Bryan Washington's Family Meal. Chapters: 01:29 - New Releases 04:34: Review: Suburban Hell 08:4…

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136. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf 1:20:06

5M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

Today, Chelsey and Sara explore TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf, investigating Woolf’s intention to put “real life” on the page, analyzing her prose and structure, discussing themes and characters, and contextualizing historical references. For a deeper reading and listening experience, check out our episode on A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN and our bonus…

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Episode 36: What Waits in the Woods, Black Sheep, The Night Swim, Perfectly Nice Neighbors 25:19

5M ago25:19

25:19

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Terri Parlato's What Waits in the Woods, Rachel Harrison's Black Sheep, Megan Goldin's The Night Swim and Kia Abdullah's Perfectly Nice Neighbors. Chapters: 01:29 - New Releases 04:28 - Review: What Waits in the …

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S02.29: 1989 (Romance Your TBR’s Version) [Deluxe] 1:38:15

5M ago1:38:15

1:38:15

Welcome to Hannah and Caroline pairing songs on 1989 (Taylor’s Version) [Deluxe] with historical romance novels, being “sluts!” for a good grovel, and burning (burning) it (it) down (down). Is it over now? Intro: (00:00) 1989 (Romance Your TBR’s Version) [Deluxe] - (5:03) ✪ 1. Welcome To New York (Romance Your TBR’s Version) - (9:40) - A Scandalous…

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Episode 35: Wellness, Starling House, The Curse of Penryth Hall, Rouge 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Nathan Hill's Wellness, Alix E. Harrow's Starling House, Jess Armstrong's The Curse of Penryth Hall and Mona Awad's Rouge. Chapters: 01:48 - New Releases 03:39 - Review: Wellness 09:46 - Review: Starling House 15…

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S02.28: Lesson #15: Getting Arrested for Murder Is Only a Yellow Flag 1:18:42

5M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

In which Caroline and Hannah attend Old School School, study Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer, and yet again represent the two wolves living inside you: a frolicking frog and a twerking toad. Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on December 8th for Lesson #16: The Bride by Julie Garwood. - Subscribe …

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135. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf 1:03:01

5M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

We’re kicking off our month of Virigina Woolf with an episode exploring Woolf’s dense and sprawling extended essay, “A Room of Own’s Own.” At just over one hundred pages, Woolf gives herself ample space on the page to explore and consider the issues that keep women from the forefront of the literature and what might be done to give them the creativ…

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Episode 34: Midnight is the Darkest Hour, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, Maeve Fly, Pritty 24:51

5M ago24:51

24:51

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Ashley Winstead's Midnight is the Darkest Hour, Nina Simon's Mother-Daughter Murder Night, CJ Leede's Maeve Fly and Keith F. Miller Jr's Pritty. Chapters: 01:17 - New Releases 04:37 - Review: Midnight is the Dark…

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Episode 33: Finding My Elf, Happiness Falls, One Night in Hartswood, Amazing Grace Adams 27:25

6M ago27:25

27:25

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on David Valdes' Finding My Elf, Angie Kim's Happiness Falls, Emma Denny's One Night in Hartswood and Fran Littlewood's Amazing Grace Adams. Chapters: 01:34 - New Releases 05:08 - Review: Finding My Elf 10:32 - Revi…

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S02.27: Lesson #14: Never Trust Strange Men Claiming Betrothals After Trauma-Induced Amnesia 1:01:53

6M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

In which Hannah and Caroline attend Old School School, study Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain, and call a press meeting about how The Man sucks. Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on November 17th for Lesson #15: Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer. - Subscribe to Romance Your TBR on Substack to ge…

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S02 Halloween TBR: Best Believe We’re Still Beghouled 👻 2:28:02

6M ago2:28:02

2:28:02

In which Caroline and Hannah get into the Halloween spirit and the Halloween Spirit most definitely gets into them… Show Notes: Crochet candy corn with a rocking bod Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on November 3rd for Lesson #14: Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain. Intro: (00:00) ✪ Spooky Szn C…

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Episode 32: Lock Every Door, My Heart is a Chainsaw, Camp Damascus, Delicate Condition, The Exorcist 32:56

6M ago32:56

32:56

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Riley Sager's Lock Every Door, Stephen Graham Jones's My Heart is a Chainsaw, Chuck Tingle's Camp Damascus, Danielle Valentine's Delicate Condition and William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist. Chapters: 01:30 - New R…

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S02.26: Seeing a Man Suffer Is…Bewitching 1:23:14

6M ago1:23:14

1:23:14

In which Hannah and Caroline are bewitched by Bewitching by Jill Barnett, enchanted by the idea of a stuffy duke in emotional pain, and mystified by the lack of other magical historical romances (!). Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on November 3rd for Lesson #14: Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McB…

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134. Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat 1:14:01

6M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

If a dark and twisty stream of consciousness narrative in translation sounds like an intriguing read, Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is perfect for you. Penned by the forefather of the Modernist movement in Iranian literature, this surrealist story blends Western influences, Iranian folklore, and psychology. In today’s episode, we discuss key themes an…

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Episode 31: Things We Do in the Dark, Please Tell Me, Dead Eleven, How to Sell a Haunted House, Bright Young Women 32:56

6M ago32:56

32:56

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Jennifer Hillier's Things We Do in the Dark, Mike Omer's Please Tell Me, Jimmy Juliano's Dead Eleven, Grady Hendrix's How to Sell a Haunted House and Jessica Knoll's Bright Young Women. Chapters: 01:32 - New Rele…

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S02.25: Lesson #13: In Times of Gothic Distress, Everyone (Should) Grab a Cat 55:04

6M ago55:04

55:04

In which Caroline (young and savory) and Hannah (darling spicy cake) attend Old School School, study Gaywyck by Vincent Virga, and become sisters to the slime. Show Notes: - Gaywyck TikTok video by @chels_ebooks Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on November 3rd for Lesson #14: Moonstruck Madness b…

1
133. The modern reader's guide to historical fiction 54:00

6M ago54:00

54:00

What is the difference between literary historical fiction and “woman with her back turned on the cover” historical fiction? In today’s episode of Modern Readers, we’re discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, …

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Episode 30: There's No Way I'd Die First, September House, The Stranger Upstairs, My Murder, Schrader’s Chord 29:13

6M ago29:13

29:13

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Lisa Springer's There's No Way I'd Die First, Carissa Orlando's September House, Lisa M. Matlin's The Stranger Upstairs, Katie Williams' My Murder, and Scott Leeds' Schrader’s Chord. Chapters: 01:20 - New Release…

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S02.24: Frankenstein’s Monster…Appendage 57:35

6M ago57:35

57:35

In which Hannah and Caroline agree (yay!) that Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne is delightfully weird, get a crash course on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and pursue the goal of being adored (by Frankenstein’s monster). Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on October 20th for Less…

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132. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson 59:56

6M ago59:56

59:56

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”, first published in The New Yorker in 1948, feels relevant in every decade. Whether it’s discussed in the high school classroom or revisited in adulthood, this shocking story leaves a mark. We're back with another Short Story Club episode on Novel Pairings in which we take a closer look at Jackson’s haunting text, co…

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Episode 29: Hidden Pictures, How to Survive Your Murder, How Can I Help You, Dead of Winter, The Quiet Tenant 33:04

6M ago33:04

33:04

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Jason Rekulak's Hidden Pictures, Danielle Valentine's How to Survive Your Murder, Laura Sims' How Can I Help You, Darcy Coates' Dead of Winter and Clemence Michallon's The Quiet Tenant. Chapters: 01:26 - New Rele…

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S02.23: Lesson #12: If You’re Gonna Kill Someone, You’ve Gotta Quote Macbeth 1:01:03

7M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

In which Caroline and Hannah attend Old School School, study An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley, and once again represent the two bodice-ripper-reading wolves living (at war) inside you. Show Notes: - Badass Romance review Caroline references Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on October 20th for Le…

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Episode 28: The Last Girls Standing, Let Him In, Mister Magic, Vampires of El Norte, A Haunting on the Hill 36:50

7M ago36:50

36:50

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Jennifer Dugan's The Last Girls Standing, William Friend's Let Him In, Kiersten White's Mister Magic, Isabel Canas' Vampires of El Norte and Elizabeth Hand's A Haunting on the Hill. Chapters: 01:43 - New Releases…

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S02.22: Again the Sexual Charisma of a Lisa Kleypas Hero 1:19:30

7M ago1:19:30

1:19:30

In which Hannah and Caroline finally read (and re-read) Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas, daydream about a cup and a bucket, and realize that life is indeed a highway(man). Reminders: - Check out our Old School School Syllabus and read along with us! Tune in on October 6th for Lesson #12: An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley. - Subscribe to Romance You…

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131. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 1:23:38

7M ago1:23:38

1:23:38

Let’s discuss one of our most requested classics! Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is an eerie gothic novel with elements of mystery, fairy tale, and domestic suspense–and you’ve been asking for us to cover it on the show for years. In today’s episode, we speculate on why this classic remains so popular today, discuss the magic of reading a classic jus…

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Episode 27: Business or Pleasure, Dragged to the Wedding, Brother & Sister Enter the Forest, Just Another Missing Person 28:35

7M ago28:35

28:35

O'Dell kicks things off with an overview of this week's new releases before jumping into the reviews. This week he shares his thoughts on Rachel Lynn Solomon's Business or Pleasure, Andrew Grey's Dragged to the Wedding, Richard Mirabella's Brother & Sister Enter the Forest and Gillian McAllister's Just Another Missing Person. Chapters: 01:38 - New …

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Episode 4- Number The Stars 19:39

7M ago19:39

19:39

Listen as Katie shares "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry, in which Annemarie Johansen is faced with being brave to protect her best friend, Ellen, during the onset of World War II and the Holocaust in Denmark. See Show Notes, Sources, and Cool Stuff in the summary section for further reading.By Katie Smith

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