Here for the Story is a cozy podcast about books, reading, creativity, and the stories that connect us. Hosted by illustrator and book reviewer Shari Borba and Lauren Dutch, owner of independent bookstore Story Books and Toys, the show explores the book world from two perspectives: behind-the-scenes creation and front-of-store discovery.
Each episode features conversations about books, author life, creativity, publishing, and the reading community, along with book recommendations, thoughtful questions, and stories from authors, creatives, and local voices. Listeners will find inspiration for their reading lives, creative pursuits, and connection through storytelling.
Whether you love bookstores, book art, reading, or simply getting lost in a good story, you’re welcome in our little corner of the world. Our first episodes are live. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.
Today the girls are yapping. Shari had in store a myriad of random questions an dLauren had a few…not as crazy ones. We had fun just chatting, talking about our latest reads, TBR’s and upcoming adventures. Thank you for listening and thank you for yapping with us about books.
Shari’s Books:
Finished recently -
Blood Bound (https://bookshop.org/p/books/all-i-want-a-novel-darcey-bell/ddd9450793df5835?ean=9781668233139&bkshp-astro=t) by Ellis Hunter
Reread, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-unselected-journals-of-emma-m-lion-vol-1-beth-brower/391c9dd1d92b63b1?ean=9780998063614&bkshp-astro=t) Book 1
The Knave and the Moon (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-knave-and-the-moon-rachel-gillig/eab779f4453023d5?ean=9780316601849&bkshp-astro=t) by Rachel Gillig
This Story might Save Your Life (https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-story-might-save-your-life-a-novel-tiffany-crum/f83a8f20e914f0b1?ean=9781250395238&bkshp-astro=t) by Tiffany Crum
Currently Reading:
Assistant to the Villain (https://bookshop.org/p/books/assistant-to-the-villain-a-cozy-fantasy-romantic-comedy-from-a-tiktok-sensation-hannah-nicole-maehrer/53364832484ae742?ean=9781649375803&bkshp-astro=t) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Pride and Prejudice (https://bookshop.org/p/books/pride-and-prejudice-jane-austen/d037d070de87e54f?ean=9780141439518&bkshp-astro=t)by Jane Austen
Furybound (https://bookshop.org/p/books/fury-bound-sable-sorensen/4142998d75390f18?ean=9780316601597&bkshp-astro=t)(5/5) (and stopped to read other books lol)
Going to Start next:
The Shadows that Listen (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-shadows-that-listen-louisa-carmody/47e42626027a1837?ean=9780316604901&bkshp-astro=t) by Louisa Carmody
The Other Bennet Sister (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-other-bennet-sister-a-novel-janice-hadlow/b17ce49aa19f8371?ean=9781250787620&bkshp-astro=t) by Janice Hadlow
Lauren’s Books
Trust Fall (https://bookshop.org/p/books/trust-fall-lynn-painter/c796555ae7df791f?ean=9798347100217&bkshp-astro=t) by Lynn Painter
The Pirate Queen (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-pirate-queen-a-novel-ariel-lawhon/770a094de297183f?ean=9780385550345&bkshp-astro=t) by Arel Lawhorn
Blood and Ash (https://bookshop.org/p/books/from-blood-and-ash-jennifer-l-armentrout/4c40d57fc98139c6?ean=9781952457463&bkshp-astro=t) by Jennifer Armentrout
Here are some links to connect with us:
hereforthestorypodcast@gmail.com (mailto:hereforthestorypodcast@gmail.com)
Connect with Sheri: Website (https://www.shariborba.com/) Instagram @shariborba_designs (https://www.instagram.com/shariborba_designs/)
Connect with Lauren: Website (https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/www.storybooksandtoys.com) Instagram @story_books_and_toys (https://www.instagram.com/story_books_and__toys/?hl=en)
10 Sept 2026
S1E19: Fall Books and Cozy Reading
Today we were really feeling September vibes as Lauren and Shari discuss some wonderful diverse fall book picks. All books and show notes can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LxiWHm4tD22Nsw19qsNGBEe4qL3ox2EbFG4RzEo4zlY/edit?usp=sharing (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LxiWHm4tD22Nsw19qsNGBEe4qL3ox2EbFG4RzEo4zlY/edit?usp=sharing)
20 Aug 2026
S1 E18: Who Made This Cover?
Today we are taking a peek at the Artists and Illustrators behind some of our favorite covers. You may already know, but that publisher page in the front of your book gives great insight and accreditation to the artists and illustrators hard at work hoping you pick up and judge their cover as the selection for your next read.
Books In order:
Sense and Sensibility Jane Austin
Fever Dream Elise Silver
The Lost Bronte -
A Penance With Crows
Every Heart of Doorway by Shannon Maguire
The Everlasting by Alex E. Harrow.
Who's That Girl? The Untold Definitive History of New Girl by Thea Glassman.
The Spellshop Sarah Beth Durst
Ballard of Falling Dragons - Sarah H Parker
Fury Bound - Sable Sorensen
Book Covers discussed:
Sea of Charms and Enchanted Greenhouse: Lulu chen & Ester Kim
Abbey Jimenez: Elizabeth Turner Stokes & Illustrator Jenny Caro.
People We Meet on Vacation Sandy Chu
Fourth Wing: Bree Archer & Elizabeth Turner Stokes
Emma M. Lion: David Mann
Emily Henry Books: Sandra Chiu
Thank you for hanging with us!
Contact us at: hereforthestorypodcast@gmail.com (mailto:hereforthestorypodcast@gmail.com)
Connect with Sheri: Website (https://www.shariborba.com/) Instagram @shariborba_designs (https://www.instagram.com/shariborba_designs/)
Connect with Lauren: Website (https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/www.storybooksandtoys.com) Instagram @story_books_and_toys (https://www.instagram.com/story_books_and__toys/?hl=en)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Here For The Story
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Here For The Story?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
