Meagan's Book Club Podcast
This is the place with unfiltered thoughts on everything book related. We're talking about the highs and lows in the publishing world. Books to look out for and books to avoid. Opinions are coming in hot and you don't want to miss them!
180: Watch the Episode
Want to watch the full video episode? Catch the full recording here!
179: October Books
While reading 18 books felt like a huge accomplishment, I am only walking away being able to solidly recommend ONE book to you! Which is: I See You've Called In Dead by John Keeney. I'll be doing a full recap of holiday books in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for that episode!
As always, thanks for listening and being here!
178: Current Reads and Bookshelf Update
It's time for a little bookish life update! In this episode, I'm catching you up on what I'm currently reading, sharing an exciting update on our built in bookshelves (yes, it's finally happening!), and reflecting on the books I've read this year that have stayed with me long after turning the final page.
I'm also looking ahead to the end of the year and sharing two books I hope to squeeze in before January arrives.
Think of this as a little catch up between friends, with plenty of book talk and a peek at what's...
177: Watch the Episode
Want to watch the full video episode? Catch the full recording here!
176: What I'm Loving
October's What Iām Loving is here! This month Iām sharing what Iām watching, reading, cooking, doing more of, buying, andāof courseāwhat I'm reading.
I'm talking about what we've been up to in October and what we have left for the rest of the month, what has been on my tv lately - spoiler, it's a lot of sports, the book to screen adaptation I don't plan on watching anytime soon, playing Mahjong with new friends, and of course the books I'm currently reading. I end the episode with a super personal update about what...
175: Q4 Books
I canāt believe weāre already talking about Q4 books! Iām joined by my friend Hannah from @booksandbitesroc to chat through the books weāre most excited about for the rest of the year. Our list may be a little shorter than in past episodes, but there are still plenty of books to talk about!
Weāre also sharing our top five favorite reads of the year so far, so there are quite a few books to add to your TBR.
Youāll find all of the books we mention listed below!
And donāt...
174: Watch the Interview with Elle Cosimano and Hannah Morrissey
I've never interviewed two authors at once and this was one of the most fun I've ever had! We had an absolute blast chatting all about the inspiration behind Home for the Homicides and the start of a new holiday murder mystery series! Hannah and Elle were so down to earth and complimentary towards each other and the collaborative effort it was to bring this book to readers! The book is out October 13! To catch the full interview on video, click here!
173: Chat with Elle Cosimano and Hannah Morrissey
I had an absolute BLAST chatting with bestselling authors Hannah Morrissey and Elle Cosimano about their new Christmas murder mystery rom-com, Home for the Homicides, out October 13!
This book is for anyone who loves a good Hallmark Christmas movie but maybe wants to turn up the volume a little. Think small-town Christmas charm, a murder to solve, two detectives with a complicated history, and just enough romance and spice to keep things interesting.
And the audiobook?! SO well done. If youāre an audiobook listener, definitely add this one to your list! Fun fact, the na...
172: Watch the Interview with Dennis @scaredstraightreads
You love these episodes with my thriller expert book friend Dennis @scaredstraightreads! He is the expert in the genre and we share our favorites and books were excited about. To catch the full interview on video, click here!
171: Fall Thrillers with Dennis @scaredstraightreads
The thriller expert is back for another episode to chat about upcoming books that we're excited about! I have loved having Dennis @scaredstraightreads on the podcast and his expertise in this genre is always astounding to me. He reads a ton and knows his books! He's a great follow and is recommending books left and right so if the thriller/mystery/horror genre is your thing, go check out his instagram!
Dennis Recommends
Wildwood by Ashley WooHeart of Glass by Jennifer HillierThe Crying Killer by Jess LoureyMeagan Recommends<...
170: September Books
I don't know about but you September came and went in a blink of an eye!~ How is it October already? It was such a fun episode to record because I love reflecting on the books I was able to read and the ones I can recommend to you. My TBR for the rest of the year is kind of up in the air so if there is a book that I MUST READ by the end of 2026, please let me know!
My Sept Books (least favorite to most favorite!)
Only One Island āļøāļøš«Based on a...169: Watch the Interview with Elizabeth Wellington Rollins
This was such an insightful conversation! Bestselling author Elizabeth Wellington Rollins brings us into the inspiration behind her new novel The Three Graces of Pearl Street. To catch the full interview on video, click here!
168: Chat with Elizabeth Wellington Rollins
I had the BEST conversation with debut author Elizabeth Wellington Rollins about her beautiful new book, The Three Graces of Pearl Street. Set in New York City, this multigenerational story follows three women, all named Grace, and explores family dynamics, the comfort of food, and the complicated ways we love the people who know us best.
Liz and I also talked about her journey to becoming a published author, the highs and lows of the publishing process, why family was such an important story for her to tell, and how being a lifelong reader helped shape her...
167: What I'm Loving
September's What Iām Loving is here! This month Iām sharing what Iām watching, reading, cooking, doing more of, buying, andāof courseāwhat I'm reading.
Iām talking about my excitement for the new season of Traitors and my thoughts on watching Practical Magic 2 earlier this month, what Iām currently reading (Longtime Listener and Hollow Bones), making soups going into the cozy season, shopping for my teenage daughter's October birthdays, and what we're doing for fall break in a few weeks!
If you want more information regarding the Book Club on P...
166: Watch the Interview with Caitlin Mullen
This was such an insightful conversation! Bestselling author Caitlin Mullen brings us into the inspiration behind her new novel Heather. To catch the full interview on video, click here!
165: Chat with Cailtin Mullen
I had such a fascinating conversation with author Caitlin Mullen, whose second novel, Heather, has just been released in June and is already a USA Today bestseller! Caitlinās debut, Please See Us, came out in March 2020āquite literally at the start of the global pandemicāand we talked about what it was like to try to launch a writing career during such an unprecedented time, the challenges of publishing during those early pandemic years, and how that experience shaped her as an author.
We also dive into Heather, a gripping cold-case mystery set in the New Jersey...
164: Firefly Friendships with Shannon
Sometimes you meet someone and the friendship justā¦clicks!
In this episode, Iām chatting with my new friend Shannon, who I met at my very first reading retreat earlier this year. We quickly discovered the term āfirefly friendship,ā and realized it perfectly described the feeling of meeting someone new and instantly knowing thereās a connection worth holding onto.
Shannon and I talk about her reading life, the books sheās loved over the years, starting her own Bookstagram account, how books have shaped her friendships and life, and all the little things that make being a...
163: Chat with Kristan Higgins
I had such a fantastic conversation with NYT bestselling author Kristan Higgins about her newest novel, The Me I Used to Be! We talked all about the complicated, messy, and beautiful nature of female friendships, what it means to pivot and reinvent yourself later in life, and how our ideas of who we thought weād become donāt always match the lives we actually create.
Kristan also took me behind the scenes of her incredible author journey, how the publishing and writing landscape has changed throughout her career, and what itās been like to evolve as a w...
162: The Book Club Is Coming Back
After taking most of 2026 off from our virtual monthly book clubs, Iām so excited to finally share that Meaganās Book Club is coming back! In this episode, Iām giving you a little behind-the-scenes look at what Iāve been dreaming up, why I decided it was time to bring book club back, and what you can expect from this next chapter. If youāve been missing our bookish conversations, I think youāre going to love whatās coming. Consider this your official little sneak peek⦠more details are coming very soon!
161: Chat with Anna Johnston
This week, Iām chatting with Australian author Anna Johnston about her newest book, When Lemons Give You Life!
Annaās debut novel, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, became an international bestsellerāand Netflix has even opted for the movie rights! We talk about Annaās journey to becoming an author, why sheās passionate about writing stories centered around older characters, and how her own grandfather loosely inspired Frederick Fife.
We also dive into When Lemons Give You Life, what inspires Annaās storytelling, and the magic of creating characters who feel so incredibly r...
160: August Books
August was a very solid reading month! I read 15 books, and while the majority landed in that very respectable 3ā4 star range, I did have two standout favorites that really rose above the rest. Iām sharing all of my thoughts, the books Iād recommend, the ones that were just okay, and which ones didnāt quite work for me.
Plus, Iām talking about the September Book of the Month picks that were announced this weekāand, spoiler alert⦠I have opinions. š Weāll get into which picks caught my attention, which ones didnāt, and what I think about th...
159: Chat with Laura Marie Meyers
If you grew up in the ā90s, this episode is going to feel like a trip down memory lane! I had the BEST time chatting with the author Laura Marie Meyers of The MASH Up, a delightfully Millennial-coded rom-com that had us reminiscing about everything from ā90s pop culture to the things that shaped us growing up.
We talk about the inspiration behind The MASH Up, creating characters who feel incredibly relatable, and all the little nostalgic details that make this book so much fun. Plus, we play a little āThis or Thatā and get to k...
158: What I'm Loving
Augustās What Iām Loving is here! This month Iām sharing what Iām watching, reading, cooking, doing more of, buying, andāof courseāwhat I'm reading.
Iām talking about my excitement for Practical Magic 2 and the new season of Ted Lasso, what Iām currently reading (The Pirate Queen and The Witch of Cambridge), making more homemade meals, embracing a little fall shopping, and the other little things making life feel extra good right now.
You won't want to miss the announcement at the end of the episode! Eeeeek! Can't wait!
...
157: Chat with Ilona Bannister
This week, Iām joined by bestselling author Ilona Bannister, author of the psychological thriller Five, which became a sensation after its release in May. Ilona and I talk about the winding, often difficult journey to becoming a traditionally published authorāincluding navigating the challenges of publishing during COVID and the unwavering support from her husband that helped her keep going.
We also dive into Five and what makes its characters so compelling. At the heart of the story is the way we judge people without ever really knowing whatās happening beneath the surface, and Ilona shares...
156: Mid-Month Check In
How is it already mid-August?! Honestly, this month has felt so long, but Iām checking in with a look at what Iāve been reading, whatās currently on my nightstand, and a couple of books Iām already excited about for 2027.
My reading has been pretty solid this month, but two books have definitely stood out from the restāand Iām sharing why I think theyāre worth adding to your TBR. Iām also chatting about the two books Iām currently reading and giving you a little sneak peek at two 2027 releases that I already hav...
155: Chat with Paige Harbison
This week, I'm joined by author Paige Harbison to celebrate the release of her latest novel, Destination Funeral. Paige and I had an absolute blast chatting about her journey from writing YA novels to adult fiction, her creative process, and what it's been like narrating her own audiobooksāand now lending her voice to books by other authors as well.
Beyond the books, we connected over podcasting, social media, creativity, and the many unexpected paths a writing career can take. Paige is every bit as funny, thoughtful, and personable as you'd hope, making this one of those co...
154: Reading Retreat Recap
There are some weekends that feel a little bit magical, and this was absolutely one of them. āØ
Thirteen women, a beautiful weekend in Middleburg, Virginia, plenty of books, wine, good food, and so much laughter. From a wine tasting and book swap at Greenhill Winery to lounging by the pool at Salamander Resort, a book tasting at Middleburg Books, and ending the weekend with dinner and a Q&A with bestselling author Audrey Ingram, every moment felt special.
But more than anything, I left this weekend thinking about female friendship. How quickly you can connect wi...
153: Chat with Devon Daniels
This week on Meaganās Book Club Podcast, Iām joined by author Devon Daniels to chat about her delightful new romance, Star-Crossed Summer. Inspired by the legendary off-screen chemistry (and drama) of The Notebook stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, the novel follows two former co-stars whose decade-old heartbreak gets a second chance when they're unexpectedly reunited.
Devon and I discuss the inspiration behind the story, her writing process, and the perfectionism that often shows up behind the scenes of creating a book. As always, Devon is warm, funny, and refreshingly down-to-earth, making this conversation feel like...
152: I Turned 40! Here's Everything You Missed
After taking a much-needed break in July, I'm back behind the microphone! In this catch-up episode, I'm sharing all the highlights from the past month, including my unforgettable girls' trip, the celebrations that made turning 40 feel so special, and a few reflections on this new decade of life.
I'll also wrap up the episode with my July reading recap, sharing everything I read, my favorite books of the month, and which ones are worth adding to your TBR. Whether you're here for the life updates or the book recommendations, I'm so happy to be back and catching...
151: Chat with Molly Fader
This week on Meagan's Book Club Podcast, I'm joined by author Molly Fader to discuss her wonderful new novel, Lady X. Though Molly was a new-to-me author, she is far from new to writing, with more than 50 books published and a devoted readership built through her years as a romance author.
We talk about her transition into women's fiction, the inspiration behind Lady X, and the themes of female rage and friendships. Molly's research for her novel made this novel such a compelling read. This was such a fun and thoughtful conversation, and after reading Lady X...
150: June Books
In this week's episode, I'm sharing all 17 books I read in Juneāand it was definitely a mixed bag. While I found a few enjoyable reads, only two earned my full recommendation, so I'm breaking down what worked, what didn't, and which books are actually worth adding to your TBR.
I'm also sharing a quick podcast update before signing off for a July break. Thank you for listening, supporting the show, and spending your reading life with me. I'll be back soon with more bookish conversations and recommendations!
June Books
š§ Whistler āļøāļøāļøāļøš«š§ Lady X āļøāļøāļøāļøMake Nice āļø...149: Chat with Ethan Joella
Bestselling author Ethan Joella joins me on the podcast to talk about his moving new novel, The Top of the World ā a heartfelt story about grief, healing, sibling relationships, and the quiet ways people change each otherās lives.
Ethan is always such a joy to talk to, and this conversation felt especially honest and thoughtful as we discussed the writing process behind this book, his āpantserā approach to storytelling, the edits and revisions that shaped the final novel, and how heās learned to develop a tough skin while still staying emotionally open enough to write characters...
148: Q3 All About the Books
Q3 episode is here! Hannah from @booksandbitesroc joins me again to talk about the books we're most excited about coming out in July, August, and September. We covered everything from buzzy bestsellers to under-the-radar gems, and after more than an hour of book talk, your TBR is guaranteed to grow. All of the books we discuss are listed in the show notes!
July Books
Habits of the Sea by Shea Ernshaw 7/7, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves 7/7, Helpless by Jessica Knoll 7/7, Love You More by Emily Giffin 7/7, Pretty Dead...
147: Chat with Kyleigh Leddy
In todayās episode, Iām joined by debut author Kyleigh Leddy to talk all about her powerful first novel, Worse Than Strangers. Kyleigh brings a unique perspective to her writing, with a background that spans journalism, therapy, and fictionāhaving written for The New York Times, New York Magazine, and more, and earning recognition on Forbesā 30 Under 30 Media list.
We dive into the inspiration behind her debut, the emotional layers of the story, and how her work as a licensed therapist shapes the way she approaches character and connection. Kyleigh also shares insights into her writing journey...
146: Why My Kids Love Reading
This week is a special episode of the podcast because Iām joined by my favorite guestsāmy kids! Weāre chatting about their favorite books, the stories they recommend most, and what they love about reading. They also share how becoming strong readers has helped them in school, built their confidence, and opened the door to new interests. Whether you're raising readers, looking for book recommendations for kids, or simply curious to hear their perspective, this fun and candid conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of book talk.
8 yo old book recs<...
145: What I'm Loving
It's time for another What I'm Loving episode! This month, I'm sharing everything that's been bringing me joy latelyāfrom what I'm reading and watching to a few things making everyday life a little brighter. We chat about the World Cup excitement taking over our house, my thoughts on reading The Calamity Club, and some behind-the-scenes updates, including why the podcast will be taking a short break in July. As always, this episode feels like catching up with a friend, and I'm so glad you're here.
What I'm Loving Categories:
What I'm Wa...
144: Whistler, Jimmy, and Adult Bevs
It's that time again for our mid-month check in! This episode was fun to record because I was coming off the high of seeing Jimmy Eat World (for the first time!) at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The show was one I'll remember all my life! We then pivoted to my new "adult bevs" group on Instagram, book world news, my thoughts on Whistler, and a few other books I'm currently reading.
143: Chat with Courtney Walsh
This week on the podcast, Iām joined by one of my longtime favorite authors and humans, Courtney Walsh, to talk about her uplifting new novel, Brighter Than Before. We chat about second chances, found family, reinvention in your forties, and the courage it takes to become who you really are. Courtneyās books always leave me feeling hopeful, and itās always such a joy catching up with her about writing, life, and everything in between.
Website: https://courtneywalshwrites.com/
IG: @courtneywalsh
142: May Books
May was a busy reading month filled with a few highlights, some disappointments, and plenty to discuss. In this episode, I'm breaking down every book I finished, sharing what stood out, what fell flat, and which stories are still lingering in my mind. I kept things as spoiler-free as possible but did warn you that I talk more about the plot issues I had in Life, and Death, and Giants, but I warn you! Hope you had a wonderful month and I can't wait to see what we read in June!
Favorites:
š§ Fiv...
141: Chat with Meg Mitchell Moore
On todayās episode, Iām joined by bestselling author Meg Mitchell Moore to celebrate her newest novel, Down with the Shipmans, available now. We had such a fun conversation about the writing process behind this summery family drama, Megās journey to becoming a published author, and the scenes and storylines that ultimately had to be editedāor completely removedāfrom the book. We also chat about the exciting events surrounding the release and what readers can expect from this heartfelt story about three sisters returning to their childhood home, each carrying secrets of their own. If you love famil...