It’s Lit: Book Talks

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A hospitality pro reluctantly agrees to plan her mom’s beach wedding with help from her crush-worthy high school bully in this witty, spicy enemies-to-lovers romance.Sun, sea, sand…and her high school nemesis.This destination wedding is about to take a detour.

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! ∙ A radiant escape to the lake from #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and This Summer Will Be Different

Break out your pom poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to the instant #1 bestseller The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

A heartfelt summer read for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han about holding on and letting go.

Another profound share by Tori Hope Petersen.

The “On Rotation” author is back for another swoon-worthy read!

If you want to hear the true tale of an unlikely overcomer, this book is for you. If you want to learn more about the foster care system from a former foster youth’s perspective, this book is for you. If you want to better dwell in the reality of your own spiritual adoption by our Heavenly Father and better understand the orphan and the widow that He loves dearly, this book is for you. Ultimately, if you want to remember who God is, and what He can do through the most unlikely of people, Fostered is for you.

Waiting is hard, but it's not a punishment; it's a process. God is not delaying; He's developing. He is not leaving you; He's loving you. He's saying, Come closer. Let me lead you into wonder and show you how you can live wholeheartedly right here, right now.DawnCheré Wilkerson will speak strength to your soul and give you tools tolive confident that God is working more powerfully than you know;wrestle with the question, What if what I hope for doesn't happen?;find the purpose and life-giving moments he has for you now; andview all of life as a joyful, soul-deepening, intimacy-building wait.

We've all tried to think our way out of bad habits and unhealthy thought patterns, only to find ourselves stuck with an out-of-control mind and off-track daily life. Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel understands deeply this daily battle against self-doubt and negative thinking, and in this powerful new book he reveals the strategies he's discovered to change your mind and your life for the long-term.

"Huda F Are You?" follows Huda, a teenager navigating the complexities of identity as she moves to a new town and high school. This podcast dives deep into Huda's journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the challenges of being a teenager in a diverse world.

In this episode, I reflect on The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream—a powerful collection of stories that highlight the strength, faith, and resilience of women throughout Scripture. From Esther’s courage to Mary’s obedience, I’ll share key takeaways, personal insights, and how these timeless lessons still speak to us today. If you need a dose of biblical inspiration, this one’s for you.

A look into This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune, focusing on Lucy and Felix’s intense connection, emotional risks, and the summer that changes everything. This episode explores their chemistry, challenges, and the unforgettable impact of second chances.

In this episode, I dive into Ready or Not by Andi Porretta—a sharp, emotional story about facing change when life doesn’t go as planned. I’ll unpack the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that made me stop and reflect. Whether you’re all about character-driven plots or just love a good coming-of-age journey, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it!

Discussing Intermission by Phyllis R. Dixon—a drama-filled novel about fame, friendship, and the secrets that threaten to tear an R&B girl group apart. It’s a story of second chances, sisterhood, and finding your voice after the spotlight fades.

In this episode, I dive into One True Loves by Elise Bryant—a heartfelt and empowering YA romance that explores identity, love, and the journey of self-discovery. Join me as we follow Lenore Bennett on her whirlwind European cruise, where she grapples with family expectations, post-graduation pressure, and an unexpected romance that just might challenge everything she thought she knew about love and her future. Whether you’ve read it or are just curious, this is one love story you won’t want to miss!

I discuss The Love Simulation by Etta Easton, a contemporary romance told from Brianna’s point of view. The novel follows Brianna Rogers, a dedicated vice principal who joins a Mars simulation competition to secure funding for her school’s library. The catch? One of her fellow ‘astronauts’ is Roger Major, a reserved science teacher—and the son of the principal who denied her request. As they navigate the simulation, their initial tension begins to shift into something unexpected.

In this episode, I discuss Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. The book had an interesting premise with likable characters and some heartfelt moments, but it didn’t completely stand out. While the romance was enjoyable, certain aspects felt predictable. If you’re a fan of light contemporary romance, it might be worth a read, but it wasn’t a must-read for me.

New Names for Lost Things by Noor Unnahar—a poetry collection that explores family, emotions, and legacy. Unnahar’s words capture the weight of memory, the lingering presence of grief, and the stories we inherit from those before us.

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter is a charming, heartfelt romantic comedy that follows Izzy, a woman whose life is turned upside down when she accidentally takes someone else’s coffee order. This seemingly small mistake leads to a series of unexpected events that bring her closer to Blake, a man with his own set of challenges. As Izzy and Blake’s connection grows, so does their chemistry, making for a slow-burn romance that’s as funny as it is sweet.

Diving into First Time Caller by BK Borison—a swoon-worthy, dual-POV romance that unfolds through late-night radio calls and small-town charm. Join me as we explore the book’s unique storytelling, the slow-burn chemistry between the radio host and their mysterious caller, and the heartwarming anticipation of their first meeting.Adult fiction

I Know You Did It by Sue Wallman, a gripping YA thriller filled with secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists. Join me as I break down the story, discuss Ruby’s journey, and explore the book’s themes of guilt, perception, and redemption. Plus, I’ll share my thoughts on the shocking twists, pacing, and character development—without spoilers, of course!

Throwback by Maurene Goo is a heartwarming and hilarious story about Samantha, a modern-day teen who unexpectedly travels back in time to her mom’s high school years in the 1990s. Struggling to connect with her overbearing mother in the present, Sam finds herself living as a teen in a world without smartphones, social media, or Wi-Fi. As she gets to know her mom as a teenager, Sam uncovers surprising truths about her family’s past and begins to understand the pressures her mother faced. The time travel twist adds humor and nostalgia while exploring themes of family, generational differences, and empathy. Ultimately, it’s a story about bridging the gap through love, understanding, and second chances.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into “Nothing Like the Movies” by Lynn Painter—a book that feels like coming home for fans who adore the characters and their quirks that make us fall in love with their story all over again.This book’s alternative POVs give us a front-row seat to their emotions, and we’re here to talk about all the feels they bring.

I just finished “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter on Spotify Premium, and it was everything I hoped for! This fun and swoony story follows the ups and downs of a romance that’s far from picture-perfect, blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotion. Painter’s relatable characters and sharp dialogue make it impossible to stop listening. I’m already counting down the days until I can dive into the sequel—I can’t wait to see what happens next!

In “This Time It’s Real” by Ann Liang, Eliza Lin’s fake essay about a perfect romance goes viral, and to maintain her newfound popularity, she ropes in Caz Song, a charismatic actor, to pretend to be her boyfriend. Set in Beijing, this heartfelt YA romance explores themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and self-discovery as Eliza navigates the blurred lines between fake and real feelings. With witty banter, emotional depth, and a fresh take on the fake-dating trope, the novel delivers a charming story about authenticity, vulnerability, and finding your place in the world.

A work of fiction inspired by a true story, Matt Tavares’s debut graphic novel dramatizes the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports.

Lois Lane, our Asian-American high school graduate

Releasing August 28th. Get your copy now!

Touching short bilingual book.

Coming out next week!

Interview with author, Polly Holyoke.

With good intentions and plot, this manga/graphic novel didn’t meet my expectations. Read this for yourself when it’s released February 25, 2025.

Rosie writes romance novels and listens to Taylor Swift on loop. Aiden is a literary fiction writer who doesn’t believe in happy endings. They’re about to write a book together—what could go wrong? The Hating Game meets Beach Read in this sexy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance from a debut Peruvian-Tennessean voice.

Unravel the secrets of Olivia Worley's thrilling debut novel, "The Debutantes." Read this gripping tale of four young women navigating the glitz and glamour of high society while uncovering dark secrets that could change their lives forever. With twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-listen for fans of drama, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

Dive into "Swim Team" by Johnny Christmas. This compelling graphic novel follows Bree, a young girl navigating the challenges of moving to a new town and discovering her hidden talent for swimming.

I skipped book two. Can the third book live up to the hype and expectation?

Pre-order your copy today! Coming out Nov. 19th!

Pre-orders yours day! Release date: July 30th

Cute and wholesome read by author/illustrator Mei Yu

Okay graphic novel

Spanglish graphic novel about overcoming invisibility to get to know others.

Trinidadian author shares a Carnival story

Looking for your next great read? Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we dive into "Do Over" by Suzanne Park. Join us as we explore this captivating novel and discuss its themes, characters, and overall impact. Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction or just love a good book recommendation, you won't want to miss this review!

🎙️Join me for a deep dive into the literary realm as we dissect the pages of Elyssa Friedland's captivating novel, "Most Likely Club." Whether you've devoured every page or are just diving into this literary adventure, this podcast offers a space to ponder, analyze, and revel in the beauty of storytelling. Tune in and immerse yourself in the world of "Most Likely Club"!

After book one, I jumped to book three and don’t feel like I’m missing anything.

Collection of short stories

PSA: don’t push yourself to read a boring book.

Picture book about the joy of little things

Not the best romance read. 2.5/5