This week, I’m joined by acclaimed audiobook narrator Karissa Vacker, whose voice has brought to life some of today’s most gripping and emotional stories. We talk about the craft of narration, how she builds character through voice, and what really happens behind the mic. Whether you’re an audiobook lover or just curious about the art of storytelling, this is such a fun and fascinating conversation. Thanks for listening!A few books narrated by Karissa: Good Spirits by BK Borison, Shark Heart by Emily Habeck, When in Rome by Sarah Adams, PS I hate You by Lauren Connolly, Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly, The New Year's Party by Jenna Satterthwaite, Fun at Parties by Jamie Harrow
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93: November Books
November came and went in a flash! I had two trips back to back and didn’t get the amount of reading I was hoping for, but even with a busy schedule, I was still able to read some books that were on my list. Highs? Being caught up on Emma M Lion. Lows? Reading Reese Witherspoon’s book and hating it every second. How was your November? Any standouts?Loved▪️🎧 Every Beautiful Mile ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (reread to do the new audio!) ▪️🎧 The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion #8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫▪️More Than Enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Liked▪️🎧 Love and Saffron ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▪️ Handle With Care ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Just okay▪️🎧 An Academic Affair ⭐️⭐️⭐️▪️🎧 A Merry Little Lie ⭐️⭐️⭐️The Flops▪️The Reservation ⭐️⭐️💫▪️🎧 Gone Before Goodbye ⭐️⭐️▪️🎧 Her One Regret ⭐️DNF▪️Some Kind of Famous▪️Overdue▪️The Wilderness▪️The Mating Game▪️The Sunshine Man▪️Charlie Quinn Lets Go
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92: Chat with Tory Henwood Hoen
In this episode, I sit down with author Tory Henwood Hoen to talk about her beautifully written new novel, Before I Forget. It’s a heartfelt, funny, and tender coming-of-age story about a woman returning home to care for her father, who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Set against the backdrop of a beloved Adirondack lake house, it explores memory, loss, and rediscovery—with touches of whimsy and humor woven throughout. Tory and I chat about the inspiration behind the story, writing about family and identity, and how memory shapes who we are and who we become.Website: https://toryhenwoodhoen.com/IG: @toryhenwoodhoenBooks Tory Recommends:God of the Woods by Liz Moore, The Friend by Sigrid Nunez, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
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91: Chat with Matthew Norman
Bestselling author Matthew Norman joins me to chat all about his charming new novel, Grace and Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. We dive into how this festive story came to life, what it was like to write a holiday-focused book for the first time, and his thoughts on male authors writing female characters with authenticity and heart. Matthew also shares his perspective on evolving as a writer through the years and finding new creative challenges along the way.Tune in for a thoughtful, funny, and festive conversation with one of today’s most insightful voices in contemporary fiction. Thanks for listening!Website: https://www.thenormannation.com/IG: @thenormannation
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90: A Very Bookish Holiday
In this special holiday episode, I’m diving into a festive holiday this-or-that—and along the way sharing some of the traditions and memories that shaped my childhood, plus the new ones I’m building with my own little family. It’s warm, nostalgic, a little reflective, and full of the cozy-season energy we all need right now.I wrap things up with 15 holiday book recommendations to carry you through the season—everything from heartwarming reads to wintry escapes. You’ll find the full list waiting in the show notes!Grab a blanket, light a candle, and settle in for some bookish holiday cheer. Holiday TBR1. Grace and Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman 2. Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne 3. My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely 4. Good Spirits by BK Borison 5. The Key to my Heart by Lia Louis 6. A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts 7. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry 8. Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis 9. A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh 10. One Last Gift by Emily Stone 11. A Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore 12. One Day in December by Emily Stone 13. Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber 14. Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh 15. A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
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