We're 5 moms that talk about our favorite reads, book news, books lists and more! We'll provide you with all the great reads that you should add to your TBR, and tell you which ones you should skip. Join us for all of the fun bookish conversations!
Publisher
Alicia Baca, Amanda Mason, Amity Hulse, Carlina Roundy, and Laura Leon
Grab your broomsticks and settle in for a literary look at witches, witch trials, and the stories that have kept these fascinating figures alive in our imaginations. In this episode, we’re talking about books that explore everything from historical witch trials and the real women caught up in them to fictional witches, superstition, fear, and the complicated line between magic and reality. We’ll discuss the stories that captivated us, the history behind them, and why witches continue to cast such a spell over readers today.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Killing the Witches by Bill O'Reilly
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Weyward by Emilia Hart
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
The Witches of Ambridge by Alice Hoffman
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin
The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen Kent
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
23 Sept 2026
Book Club Episode: The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
This week, we’re stepping outside the familiar world of Anne Shirley and into one of L.M. Montgomery’s lesser-known novels, The Blue Castle. We’re talking about Valancy Stirling, a quiet woman who has spent her life following everyone else’s rules—until a startling diagnosis inspires her to finally take control of her own story.
We’ll discuss Valancy’s transformation, the unexpected romance at the heart of the novel, Montgomery’s exploration of family expectations and societal conventions, and whether The Blue Castle deserves a place alongside her better-known works. Is this hidden gem as charming as we hoped?
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
9 Sept 2026
Forgotten Women in History: The Books of Marie Benedict
What if the women history forgot were actually the women who changed everything?
In this episode we’re diving into the fascinating historical fiction of Marie Benedict. Known for bringing remarkable women from history out of the shadows, Benedict’s novels explore the lives, relationships, struggles, and accomplishments of women whose stories deserve a closer look.
We’ll talk about some of our favorite Marie Benedict books, the historical figures she brings to life, and what we love (and sometimes question!) about her approach to historical fiction. From famous names to lesser-known women, these stories give us plenty to discuss—and plenty of reasons to add another book to our reading lists!
So grab a cup of something cozy and join us as we explore the books of Marie Benedict.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
The Only One in the Room by Marie Benedict
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek By Kim Michele Richardson
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict
Queens Crime by Marie Benedict
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
Up Next:
Book Club Episode: `The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Read Alert
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Read Alert?
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
