Bookish Flights: Themed Book Recommendations & Author Interviews

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This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen to discuss her latest novel, The Castle in the Glen. We explore the inspiration behind the story, why the Isle of Skye was the perfect setting, and how Rhys layers mysteries "like peeling away the layers of an onion."
Rhys also shares why she always travels to every location she writes about, how switching between her beloved mystery series and standalone novels keeps her creatively energized, and why returning to longtime characters feels like attending a high school reunion with old friends. Rhys’ book flight includes dual-timeline novels.

Episode Highlights:

The inspiration behind The Castle in the Glen and writing a novel in another author's voice
Why the Isle of Skye became the perfect setting
How traveling to each setting shapes her storytelling
The differences between writing standalone novels and a long-running series
Why revisiting recurring characters feels like reconnecting with old friends
Why she believes she'll always have more stories than she can write

Connect with Rhys:

Website
Facebook
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
Tony Hillerman books
Agatha Christie books
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester
Book Flight
The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley
The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes
Homecoming by Kate Morton
✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.
Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap
Support the show
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
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Facebook
Website

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This week on Bookish Flights, internationally bestselling author Anna Johnston of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and she  returns to discuss her heartfelt new novel, When Lemons Give You Life. Inspired by her years working in aged care, Anna shares why she loves writing older characters who remind us that every stage of life still has purpose, dignity, and the capacity for joy. 

Episode Highlights:

The inspiration behind When Lemons Give You Life and why she calls it "an antidote to despair"
Writing Lisa's character from her own experience of receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis
The misconceptions surrounding ADHD in women and why she hopes readers feel seen
Researching the unique challenges older LGBTQ+ adults can face in aged care
Why cooking can become its own love language and a powerful way to care for others
How stories help us build empathy and compassion—especially for older generations
Anna's book flight features 3 memoirs

Connect with Anna:

Instagram
Facebook
Website

Books and authors mentioned in the episode:

Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North / The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Book Flight
Don’t Buy What I’m Selling by Lu Chekowsky
Imogen in Waiting by Lindsay Bartels
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
This episode is sponsored by Baker Book House, they brought a sweet, summer contemporary book flight. Enjoy 30% off and free shipping on any books ordered directly through their website.
Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon
In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello
Almost by Design by Jenny Erlingsson
✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.
Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap
Support the show
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
Instagram
Facebook
Website

Send us Fan Mail
This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids. Ginny shares what inspired her to write a practical guide for parents raising neurodivergent children through the lens of faith, while reminding us that many of these lessons apply to parenting children of all ages.
We discuss what neurodivergence really means, why emotional regulation begins with us as parents, and how learning to respond instead of react can transform our homes. Ginny also offers practical next steps for families who suspect their child may be experiencing developmental or learning differences, including resources available through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychological evaluations.
Above all, this conversation is an encouraging reminder to celebrate the unique children God has entrusted to us rather than comparing them to someone else's expectations.
Episode Highlights:
What inspired Ginny to write Quirky Catholic Kids
What neurodivergence is—and what it isn't
Why emotional regulation can't be taught in the middle of a meltdown
Practical ways parents can respond instead of react
Learning to embrace your child's unique gifts
Finding evaluations and support through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychologists
Parenting with faith, grace, and confidence instead of comparison
Connect with Ginny:
Website
Purchase Quirky Catholic Kids
Instagram
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
Episode 46: A Book Flight Representing Neurodivergent Teens with Ginny Kochis
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Scheedy Kurcinka
A Million Junes by Emily Henry
Annabel Monaghan’s books
Ashley Poston books
Katherine Center books
Book Flight
Physica by Hildegaard van Bingen
A Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus by Louis and Zelie Martin
God Loves the Autistic Mind by Father Matthew Snyder
✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.
Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap
Support the show
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
Instagram
Facebook
Website

Send us Fan Mail
As a physical therapist, I spent years helping people build habits that would improve their lives long after they left the clinic. Those experiences taught me that lasting change doesn't happen in one big moment—it happens through small, consistent choices.
Lately, I've found myself asking that same question about reading.
What makes someone a reader?
As a lifelong reader and mom of three, I wanted to know what the research actually says about why some people develop a lifelong love of books while others struggle to make reading a habit.
In this solo episode, we're diving into the science behind reading habits and the practical ways we can create environments where reading becomes a joyful, natural part of everyday life.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why enjoyment matters more than pressure when it comes to lifelong reading
The powerful role parents and caregivers play by modeling reading
How your environment influences your reading habits more than motivation alone
Why giving children—and adults—the freedom to choose their own books makes all the difference
Practical ways to encourage a lifelong love of reading at any age
Whether you're hoping to read more yourself or you're raising the next generation of readers, this episode is filled with encouraging, research-backed ideas that you can start putting into practice today.
Books Mentioned
Atomic Habits by James Clear
I'd Love to Hear From You - What made you a reader?
Come join the conversation on Instagram and Threads @bookishflights, and let me know the book, person, or moment that sparked your love of reading.
If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover.
Happy reading, my friends!
✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.
Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap
Support the show
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
Instagram
Facebook
Website

Send us Fan Mail
This week, I’m joined by Erin Kirschenmann—lifelong reader, wine educator, and founder of Novel Pairings, an online book and wine membership that brings together thoughtfully curated books, wine pairings, playlists, community, and in-person events.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or someone who has no idea what to order, Erin makes wine feel approachable and fun. We talk about why books and wine pair so naturally and how to take the intimidation out of choosing a bottle. Erin and I also issued a challenge for all of us: a few times each day, reach for your book instead of your phone. Slow down. Be intentional. And maybe even pour yourself a glass of wine while you're at it.

Special Offer

Erin is generously offering Bookish Flights listeners their first month of Novel Pairings completely free. Use the code BOOKISHFLIGHTS when you join.
Whether you're looking for your next great read, your next favorite bottle of wine, or simply an excuse to slow down and enjoy both, I think you're going to love this conversation.

Connect with Erin:

Instagram
Website
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
The Ex Hex by Erin Stirling
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry
Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
Plot Pending
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Book Flight
The Science of Wine by Jaime Goode
Big Macs and Burgundy by Vanessa Price
Wine and War by Don & Petie Kladstrup
✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.
Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap
Support the show
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
Instagram
Facebook
Website