Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 12, Cozy Christmas Reads 2023; Featuring Ali Oppenlaender and Stephanie Cunningham.This week’s episode is extra special, because not only do you have Erin and Jillian, but you have the other two members of their Buddy Read Group, Ali and Stef. Together they’re going to be discussing their favorite cozy books that would be perfect to read this holiday season. This episode was recorded in separate locations, but it is just as full of love and fun!In This Episode:All four ladies check in and share how they’re reading is going.If you’d like to go back and listen to the previous episodes of Cozy Christmas Reads, you can listen to 2021’s episode here and 2022’s episode here.Each woman shares their definition of what a Cozy Christmas Read is to them.The women go round-robin through their recommendations. Prepare for 8 new cozy reads!Next up are hot takes, listen to the episode to hear what the ladies are sharing their thoughts on.Parnassus Books on IG: https://www.instagram.com/parnassusbooks/?hl=enSupposedly Fun on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/supposedlyfun, especially his episode reviewing the NYT Top 100 books of 2023: https://youtu.be/84IoxwSjAyo?si=4C7IwUI46L9QTuhC Best of Goodreads 2023 ListTo end the show the ladies share their holds list. Books Mentioned In This Episode:Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn TanA Season for Second Chances by Jenny BaylissThrone of Glass by Sarah J. MaasOne Dark Window by Rachel GilligThe Once and Future Witches by Alix E. HarrowThe Princess and The Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya MunizThe One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen RooneyMeet Me at the Lake by Carley FortuneLegends & Lattes by Travis BalderBeyond the Four Kingdoms Series by Melanie CellierThe Grace of Wild Things by Heather FawcettEmily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather FawcettA Family for St. Nick: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance by Barbara MeyersThe Maid by Nita ProseA December to Remember by Jenny BaylissThe Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca YarrosThe Woman in Me by Britney SpearsThree Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa StapleyAll I Want for Christmas by Maggie KnoxA Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra SimoneFoster by Claire KeeganIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady), or the podcast @mediumladyreads, so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on December 27th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 11, The Joy of the Buddy Read; Featuring Ali Oppenlaender and Stephanie Cunningham.This week’s episode is extra special, because not only do you have Erin and Jillian, but you have the other two members of their Buddy Read Group, Ali and Stef. Together they’re going to be discussing Buddy Reads, what they are and how they work for Jillian, Erin, Ali and Stef.Even more exciting, this was recorded all in person, so you get the opportunity to peek inside the group and what they’re all about. In This Episode:The four women check-in with one another to see how their reading lives are going.Erin introduces what a buddy read is and where she got the idea to start a buddy read group (aka: Bossy Big Sisters Book Club) of her own.Jillian briefly describes the process of how they work their buddy reads.As a group, they discuss what they feel are the strengths of the buddy reads group. They also discuss what small changes they’d make to the buddy read process – There aren’t many things they change, though.This group has meant so much to each of the woman, they each share how it has positively affected their lives.They each share the favorite book they’ve read together so far.Next up, they discuss the Hot Take for the week, you’ll need to listen to this episode to hear what their dishing on.Finally, they end the show discussing their holds list, what they have waiting and what’s coming up.Books in This Episode:Cutting for Stone by Abraham VergheseThe Snow Child by Eowyn IveyA Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith The Covenant of Water by Abraham VergheseAll Grown Up by Jami AttenbergI Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit SethiDrive Your Own Darn Bus! by Julia KristinaHollow Kingdom by Kira Jane BuxtonOne Dark Window by Rachel GilligThe House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ KluneIn the Company of Witches by Auralee WallaceWreck the Halls Tessa BaileyWhat Wild women Do by Karma BrownThree Holidays & a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin &  Marissa StapleyChampions of the Fox by Kevin Sands If you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady), or the podcast @mediumladyreads, so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on November 27th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 10, “Crush Your Reading Goals with a Killer Holds List”In this episode the ladies are so excited to bring you another Library-themed episode! This episode is all about one of Erin’s favorite library hacks, making the most of the library holds.In this Episode:Erin and Jillian share how their reading is going - Jillian shares a tidbit that might normalize falling asleep while reading for you & Erin does a diagnostic check-in with Jillian.Our previous library themed episode - Episode 4 - Why We Love LibrariesThey talk about the power of holds.Jillian goes into when holds were a critical part of her life.And, Erin dives into how convenient holds being delivered to your local library branch can be.Have you ever wondered how to strategically place holds on books? Jillian shares strategic tips.If you’ve been wanting to manage your holds using websites and library apps, Erin has the tips for you.Long waitlists can be super frustrating but there is a way to maneuver through them, Jillian has the tips you need.Erin’s a pro at the “Holds Juggling Act” and she’s sharing her tips with you.While using holds is definitely one of Jillian and Erin’s favorite things, there is always some serendipity in browsing the shelves. Jillian shares a story all about the pink covers of books!Up next is the hot takes segment - be sure to listen to hear what the ladies are talking about this time around.Jelly Pops Book Club with Jillian O’KeefeFinally, Erin and Jillian share what’s on their holds lists.Books Mentioned In This Episode:The Year of Witching by Alexis HendersonCassandra in Reverse by Holly SmaleThe House in the Pines by Ana ReyesEnlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven PinkerOutlive by Peter Attia MDHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoFunny Story by Emily HenryLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusEvery Summer After by Carley FortuneGoodbye Earl: A Revenge NovelThe Whispers by Ashley AudrainAssistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole MaehrerIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady), or the podcast @mediumladyreads, so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on November 13th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 9, “Welcome to Spooky Reading Season!”With Jillian as the resident Autumn and Halloween lover and one of the co-hosts of Medium Lady Reads, Erin and Jillian couldn’t let spooky season pass without doing an episode where they share their favorite reads for the Fall / Spooky season.In episode 9 of Medium Lady Reads, Erin and Jillian dive into the spooky season, and share some fantastic reading recommendations. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or just looking for something with a touch of supernatural, they’ve got you covered.In this Episode:Erin and Jillian check in with each other to see how their reading is going.Jillian shares what spooky reading season means to her & why we all love it.As someone who doesn’t typically love the Halloween season, Erin shares why.It’s time to kick off the recommendations! Jillian starts the show off by recommending a super creepy fantasy thriller.If you’re looking for a fun twisty horror novel, Erin’s first recommendation will be the perfect pick. Looking for an entire cozy mystery series to dive into this Fall? Jillian’s next recommendation is what you. need!Do movies like “The Craft” leave you feeling nostalgic? Erin’s second pick will be the perfect choice for you on a spooky, cloudy day.Isn’t Autumn the perfect season to start some new cozy habits? Jillian and Erin share their cozy reading habits for the Fall.Scary books are often turned into scary movies, and the ladies love to watch! Erin and Jillian share some book-to-film adaptations for this spooky season.Want spooky vibes no matter the season? Don’t worry, the ladies have you covered! Jillian and Erin each share 1 more recommendation to get you into that spooky mood.Next up the ladies share their hot takes on dog earring pages vs. using a bookmark. Where do YOU stand? Holds list time! Both Erin and Jillian share what’s on their holds list and what they’re most excited to receive.Books Mentioned In This Episode:Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-GarciaHow to Sell A Haunted House by Grady HendrixChief Inspector Armand Gamache Series by Louise PennyHer Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno DawsonBeneath the Stairs by Jennifer FawcettThe Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine HarrisSpells for Forgetting by Adrienne YoungOur Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGillThe Unsettled by Ayana MathisThe Secret History by Donna TarttIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady), or the podcast @mediumladyreads, so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on October 30th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 8, the books we wish we could go back to read for the first time.If you remember, back in episode 5 of this podcast, Erin mentioned that she and Jillian should cover the topic, which books they could read again for the first time… And, today is that episode! In this episode, Erin and Jillian talk about the books that left an indelible mark on them. The books they wish they could erase from their memories just so they could experience the joy of reading them for the first time all over again.In This Episode:Jillian and Erin get the show started by discussing how their reading has been going. Erin shares the first book that comes to mind for her, and it comes along with a very sweet story about her and her husband.Next, Jillian shares what the first book she wishes she could read for the first time is. Her choice comes along with a fun story from when she was going through college.There are books many of us would reread for the first time that come from our childhood, Erin’s next choice has a similar story. Jillian’s next choice comes from her favorite author and will be of no surprise to the regular listener.Then, Erin bring a really great nonfiction, personal development book to the show. She’s recommended her next book in a few different places but, Jillian’s next book is a good one that gives off the cozy vibes.Jillian mentioned that she’d be discussing her last book recommendation on Jelly Pops Book Club Podcast (@jellypopsbooks on IG)In one of their favorite segments, the ladies discuss what Instagram has made them buy most recently.Finally, is the standing segment - What’s on your holds list? Where Erin and Jillian discuss what they each have on hold at the library. Books Mentioned in this Episode:Blindness by Jose SaramagoThe Giver by Lois LowryThe Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. LewisUnder the Whispering Door by TJ KluneBurnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia NogoskiEvery Summer After by Carley FortuneOutlive by Peter AttiaGood Bye Earl by Leesa Cross-SmithThe Whispers by Ashley AudrainHappiness Falls by Angie KimIn the Company of Witches by Auralee WallaceThe Sun and The Void by Gabriela Romera Lacruz If you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady), or the podcast @mediumladyreads, so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on October 16th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello! Hi! Welcome to Episode 7 of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast! In today’s episode Erin and Jillian are going to be discussing their latest three reads and providing some reviews and recommendations for books you’ll be sure to want to add to YOUR to be read list!If your TBR (to be read) pile isn’t large enough yet, then this is the episode for you! Listen in and be sure to tag us on Instagram to let us know which books you’ll be reading next.In This Episode:Erin and Jillian check-in to see how each other’s reading has been going over the last month. The the ladies get into the meat of the episode by diving into the last three books each of them has read. Jillian starts by sharing her first last book, Talking At Night by Claire Daverley.Erin shares her first last read which was The Librarianist by Patrick DeWitt.They briefly discuss plot driven versus character driven books. Jillian, then shares her next last book, which was Finding Me by Viola Davis.Erin shares her next last book, which is The Dance of Anger by Harriet Learner.Personal Development… Do you read it?Jillian shares her final book, Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly. And, finally Erin shares her final book, which is In the Company of Witches” by Auralee Wallace.Erin and Jillian dive into their hot take, but you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out what their hot take is.Finally, they end the show with their holds list, what’s on it and what’s waiting for them at the library.Books Mentioned In This Episode:Talking at Night by Claire DaverleyThe Librarianist by Patrick DeWittFinding Me by Viola DavisThe Dance of Anger by Harriet LearnerSomething Wild & Wonderful by Anita KellyLove & Other Disaster by Anita KellyIn the Company of Witches by Auralee WallaceIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on October 2nd for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello! Hi! Welcome to episode 6 of the Medium Lady Reads podcast. This week Erin and Jillian are going to be discussing Fourth Wing, their thoughts on the book and whether it’s worth the huge amount of hype that it’s receiving. In This Episode:Jillian and Erin check-in with each other to see how things are going in reading land for them. Erin shares an intro to the episode and why they chose to discuss Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.Then the ladies dive into the synopsis of the book, and remind their readers that the episode is SPOILER FREE. So, anyone and everyone can listen freely.This book provides a punch when it comes to its emotional impact, both Erin and Jillian discuss this.One thing that’s important to note about Fourth Wing, is that it takes place in a whole different world. Building that world up is important – Jillian and Erin take time to discuss the world building in this book.There are some pretty important characters in this book, some you’ll love, some you’ll grow to hate. The ladies discuss character development and the role it played.They discuss some content warnings that readers should be aware of before picking up Fourth Wing.When it comes to the book, Jillian and Erin share some opinions, and differ with others. Plus, they share their favorite moments of the book.Erin shares her thoughts on why she believes everyone is crazy for this book.Jillian and Erin discuss this week’s hot take; Do you obey your library’s return dates? To learn where the ladies stand on this, you’ll have to tune in to episode 6 of Medium Lady Reads.They end with discussing their hold’s lists. Books Mentioned in This Episode:Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosLie to Me by J.T. EllisonThings You Save in a Fire by Katherine CenterThe Librianist by Patrick DeWittYou Were Always Mine by Christine Pride and Jo PiazzaIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on September 4, 2023, for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello! Hi! Welcome everyone to episode 5 of the Medium Lady Reads podcast! In this episode, Erin and Jillian are going to be discussing why they believe that Romance is for everyone!The idea for this episode, “Is Romance for Everyone?” came off the coattails of both Jillian and Erin finishing Happy Place and really loving it. So, they decided that they wanted to try exploring the genre of romance and its appeal to different readers. Now in case you’re thinking “hmm romance, definitely no," be sure to tune in to this episode to get your definitions straight!In This Episode:Erin provides a definition of what she and Jillian believe the romance genre to be about.There is an interesting synopsis of the history of romance.Jillian shares why she loves the romance genre.Both women share what opened them up to romance and they provide some recommendations of their favorite romance titles. Romance appeals to so many people, Erin and Jillian discuss why they believe this is the case.There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding the romance genre, and Jillian and Erin spend time debunking some of those stereotypes.In this episode, Erin and Jillian introduce a new occasional segment called “Instagram Made Me Buy It.”Finally, the ladies end by discussing their current library holds list.Books Mentioned In This Episode:Before I Let Go by Kennedy RyanGet a Life Chloe Brown, by Talia HibbertHoney and Spice by Bolu BabalolaThe Kiss Quotient by Helen HoangSeven Days in June by Tia WilliamsOne to Watch by Kate Stayman-LondonIn the Lives of Puppets by TJ KluneA Lady for a Duke by Alexis HallSpoiler Alert Series by Olivia DadeThe Time Travellers Wife by Audrey NefeneggerNormal People by Sally RooneyCall my By Your Name by Andre AssimanThe Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay AdamsThe Love Hypothesis by Ali HazelwoodBook Lovers by Emily HenryBeach Read by Emily HenryPeople We Meet on Vacation by Emily HenryOne Last Stop by Casey McQuistonA Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz MeadowsBanyan Moon by Thao ThaiIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share it on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on August 21, 2023, for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the show notes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello! Hi! Welcome to Episode 4 of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast! In today’s episode Erin and Jillian are going to be talking all about why they love libraries, and why they think you should give libraries a second glance, if you haven’t in a while. If you’ve ever wondered what the allure of the library is, this episode is sure to have you grabbing your keys, or walking shoes, and heading out the door to take advantage of this free public service. In This Episode:Jillian and Erin introduce this episode’s topic and why they decided to make sure libraries were such an important part of their podcast.Erin and Jillian check-in to see how each other’s reading has been going over the last couple weeks – this week’s answer may surprise you!The ladies start off the library conversation by discussing how many times they’ve been to the library in the last month.Time for sharing all those childhood library memories! Jillian and Erin each share some of their favorite memories from going to the library as kids and teens.Have you ever thought about why libraries matter so much to us, and why they matter to the communities around you? Erin and Jillian discuss why libraries matter and some of the reasons may surprise you!Amanda Killian's Library quote.When it comes to the library, it might surprise you to learn that they have “hidden gems,” that make them even more appealing. Both of the ladies share their favorite hidden gems from the library. Hot Takes! A hot take is an opinion usually formed off the cuff and with little research - sometimes provocative. This week’s hot take is all about library people and bookstore people, Jillian and Erin share their thoughts on both. An episode about the library wouldn’t be complete without Erin and Jillian sharing their current library holds lists.Books Mentioned In This Episode:This is How you Lose the Time War by Amal El-MohtarBlack Boy Out of Time by Hari Ziyad Talking at Night by Claire DaverleySunshine Nails by Mai NguyenSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahOur Best Intentions by Vibhuti JainThe Unfortunates by J.K. ChukuwuThe Skin and Its Girl by Sarah CypherIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on August 7, 2023, for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.**Some of the links used in the shownotes are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you, we just get a small percentage of the cost, that helps us to offset the cost of putting out the podcast.**

Hello! Hi! Welcome to Episode 3 of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast! In today’s episode, Erin and Jillian are going to be discussing their latest three reads and providing some reviews and recommendations for books you’ll be sure to want to add to YOUR summer reading list!If your TBR (to be read) pile isn’t large enough yet, then this is the episode for you! Listen in and be sure to tag us on Instagram to let us know which books you’ll be reading next!In This Episode:Erin and Jillian check-in to see how each other’s summer reading has been going over the last couple weeks.The ladies discuss Goodreads and how they utilize it – be sure to follow them over there, if you use Goodreads. You can follow Jillian here, and Erin here.Jillian shares her first latest book: What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell. Jillian shares what she loved and didn’t love about the book and a brief synopsis about the book.Erin’s first latest book is: Hello Beautiful by Ann Neapolitan. Erin shares why she loved the book and a brief synopsis of the book. Jillian’s next book is one of the big books of the summer, the Happy Place by Emily Henry. Jillian adored this book and shares why in this episode.Erin’s next book was Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan, and was a 5-star read. This book was actually a recommendation from Currently Reading Podcast co-host Kaytee Cobb (@notesonbookmarks on IG).Jillian’s final latest book is The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane. After reading this book Jillian openly admits to really liking family dramas.Erin’s final latest book is VenCo by Cherie Dimalin. Erin shares her thoughts around the book, a brief synopsis and believes that if you like witches, you’ll enjoy this book.Hot Takes! A hot take is an opinion usually formed off the cuff and with little research - sometimes provocative TUNE IN to this episode to hear the hot take topic that Erin and Jillian are discussing this week.Finally, Jillian and Erin, as lovers of their public libraries, discuss their holds lists, what’s waiting for them and what has a long list of people before them.Books Mentioned in This Episode:What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy BlundellHello Beautiful by Ann NeapolitanHappy Place by Emily HenryBefore I Let Go by Kennedy RyanThe Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane VenCo by Cherie DimalinIf you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Tune in on July 24th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.