This week, we read Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why Kristin Hannah will continue to be a favorite, but maybe one who we stick to the newer material If we were faced with the same situation as Julia, how would we respond? Is a hot doctor always necessary for an interesting plot? The answer is in this episode. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reaching into your desk for that bottle of whiskey you’ve been saving for a moment like this.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Desk Whiskey TV SHOW - True Detective: Night Country, Shrinking, The Wilds BOOK - Where the Crawdads Sing, Speak, Alice in Wonderland, Nightingale MOVIE - Tarzan, Good Will Hunting    Quick Summary: Dr. Julia Cates was one of the country's preeminent child psychiatrists until a shocking tragedy ruined her career. Retreating to her small western Washington hometown, Julia meets an extraordinary six-year-old girl who has inexplicably emerged from the deep woods nearby—a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation. To Julia, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. But Julia will need help from others, including the sister she barely knows and a handsome doctor with secrets of his own. What follows will test the limits of Julia's faith and strength, as she struggles to find a home for Alice . . . and for herself. ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Eileen by Otessa Moshfegh Rebekah joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why Otessa continues to fascinate me, even though I’ve disliked every book I’ve read of hersHow Otessa crossed so many lines in this bookWhy we refuse to go watch the film adaptation Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning if reading this book was worth it.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: GinTV SHOW - Killing Eve, Dead to MeBOOK - The Discomfort of Evening, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Other People’s Clothes, A Certain HungerMOVIE - Saltburn, The Menu   Quick Summary: The Christmas season offers little cheer for Eileen Dunlop, an unassuming yet disturbed young woman trapped between her role as her alcoholic father's caretaker in a home whose squalor is the talk of the neighborhood and a day job as a secretary at the boys' prison, filled with its own quotidian horrors. Consumed by resentment and self-loathing, Eileen tempers her dreary days with perverse fantasies and dreams of escaping to the big city. In the meantime, she fills her nights and weekends with shoplifting, stalking a buff prison guard named Randy, and cleaning up her increasingly deranged father's messes. When the bright, beautiful, and cheery Rebecca Saint John arrives on the scene as the new counselor at Moorehead, Eileen is enchanted and proves unable to resist what appears at first to be a miraculously budding friendship. In a Hitchcockian twist, her affection for Rebecca ultimately pulls her into complicity in a crime that surpasses her wildest imaginings. ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:  How I was able to steer clear of any spoilers up until this pointWhy Tamlin gives me the ick The pure excitement that Sierra feels to FINALLY talk about this book with me Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you traveling Under the Mountain and through the woods to save the people you love.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Out East Cotes de Provence Rosé, Red Sangria TV SHOW - Vampire Diaries, The Rings of PowerBOOK - Crescent City, Beastly, A Court of Mist and FuryMOVIE - Beauty and the Beast, Twilight, Ella Enchanted   Quick Summary: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever. ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why, as two people people who don’t normally read romance, ate this s**t up. The fact that our girl Diana can sure write a sex sceneHow all of the elements — romance, historical anecdotes, character development, setting — came together to create a lovely, entertaining story Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you singing a song of a lass that is gone.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Rhenish Wine, WhiskeyTV SHOW - Reign, Game of ThronesBOOK - Kindred MOVIE - Brave, Lady Chatterley's Lover   Quick Summary: Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives. ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

It's our birthday month, so we wanted to start off our new season with a bang (literally). This episode was originally recorded in 2022, but I have sat on it, waiting for the perfect time to post it. And now, it is the perfect time to post it!  Today, we're reading Birthday Girl, a steamy romance in which Jordan, a 19-year-old, falls in love with the almost-40 Pike. The only snag in their romance? Jordan is dating Pike’s son, Cole. Oh, and they’re living in his house.  Sierra joins me today to talk about how I overcame my fear of smut thanks to her book choice.  In this episode we cover:  Why I was legitimately scared of this bookHow sexy books shouldn’t be shamed, but rather celebrated Why this book is right up Sierra’s alley Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you finding a movie theater on your birthday this year.

This week, we read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:  The dark past of author, Delia Owens, that may or may not influence the plot/characters of the book. What order you should read the “Where the Crawdads Sing” trifecta including book, movie, and New Yorker article.How this book became a phenomenon among book clubs and Reese Witherspoon fans.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you running barefoot into the marsh and talking with all the birds.   Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Sweet Tea with WhiskeyTV SHOW - Big Little Lies, Outer Banks, The Last Thing He Told MeBOOK - The Great Alone, To Kill a Mockingbird MOVIE - Safe Haven, Gone Girl, Girl On The Train, The Woman In the Window   Important links mentioned in the podcast: “The Hunted” - The New Yorker  “Where the Crawdads Sing Author Wanted for Questioning in Murder” - The Atlantic “A Shooting in Zambia” - The New Yorker   Quick Summary: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.  ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This month, we’re starting Season 3 off with a BANG. Outlander, ACOTAR, Kristin Hannah and Ottessa Moshfegh? Oh yeah, this month is going to be good. We got a little romance for you (it is the month of love after all). We got a little mystery and weirdness for you. We have characters you love to root for and characters you love to hate.  Whatever your taste in books, we hope you find something you’re looking for.  Here are our picks for February:  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - a novel that combines the best of all worlds — historical fiction, fantasy and romance — into an unforgettable ride through the 18th Century Scottish Highlands. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - a TikTok-famous romance fantasy novel that is a (very) loose retelling of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.  Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah - a heart string-pulling novel about a woman who will do anything to save a little girl’s life, while also saving herself.   Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh- a dark and twisted tale about how one girl’s obsession turns into an unforeseen friendship with many strings attached. Which book are you most excited for?  ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

This week, we read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:  The characters who really made this book such a devious, sexy inside look into the richest people in Singapore The biggest plot holes in the movie that the book filled inWhy the audiobook absolutely SLAYS  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking a trip to Paris with your private shopper (just kidding…more like hopping onto Amazon and getting that $30 sweatshirt set you’ve been eying for the last week). Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Singapore SlingTV SHOW - Gossip Girl, The Fall of the House of UsherBOOK -  What We Were Promised, The Crazy Rich Asians TrilogyMOVIE -  Crazy Rich Asians, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Meet the Fockers Quick Summary: When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.   ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why there were way too many characters in the book that it muddled up the endingHow Bekah became the biggest Studio Ghibli stan out thereThe many discrepancies between the book and the movie, and why in this case, the movie is better.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wondering where you can get your own fire demon.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: London Fog, Gold FashionedTV SHOW - Slice of Life on CrunchyrollBOOK -  Ella Enchanted, Good Omens, MatildaMOVIE -  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, The Boy and the Heron, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke   Quick Summary: In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle? ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read — and watched! — Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why Jenna fell asleep during the movie. How well this book was adapted to screen — they did a great job, almost word-for-word the same!Why the movie’s creative interpretation of the ending irked us both.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you dozing off while you read on the plane… Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Bees Knees, Lavender French 75TV SHOW - Queen Charlotte, Emma BOOK - Portrait of a Scotsman, Unequal Affections MOVIE - John Tucker Must Die, Belle  Quick Book Synopsis: This novel follows the Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm as he searches for a wife, but not just any wife. He's determined to avoid the fortune hunters and find a near-perfect woman, one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he's beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Until Selina Dalton arrives in town. But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind...Mr. Malcolm's List. ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

This week, we read Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. This nonfiction novel follows the twisting, haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history — the Osage Murders.  Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why we both gave the book 5 starsWhat we missed in the movie adaptationThe pairing that kept applying to multiple aspects of our conversation  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you discussing both the book and movie at length with your friends and family.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Moonshine, WhiskeyTV SHOW - When They See Us, Top of the LakeBOOK - Under the Banner of Heaven, Braiding SweetgrassMOVIE - Killers of the Flower Moon, OppenheimerSPECIAL PAIRING: White Hats - A Texas Monthly Podcast ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Twisted Love by Ana Huang This first book in a four book series follows Ava and Alex — a duo whose love that was never supposed to happen unleashes secrets that could destroy them both...and everything they hold dear Twisted Love is a contemporary brother's best friend/grumpy sunshine romance.  Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:  How many tropes were actually in this bookWhy we now want to read the rest of the books in the series for an unknown reasonWhy it still only took us a day to read this book Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning if character development really counts as just making someone overcome their fear of water.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Black Velvet, Cheap Champagne TV SHOW - Virgin River, Outer Banks BOOK - Fifty Shades of Gray, Promises and PomegranatesMOVIE - 10 Things I Hate About You, Twilight, 365 Days ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Atonement by Ian McEwan  This 2001 novel follows thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis who witnesses a moment’s flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilia’s childhood friend. But Briony’s incomplete grasp of adult motives—together with her precocious literary gifts—brings about a crime that will change all their lives. Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why we had to reschedule this recording so Jenna could watch the movie Why the second third of the book lost usWhy the bomb scene in Oppenheimer and the sex scene in Atonement hold the same tension.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you hearing a typewriter sound everywhere you go.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Choc-tailTV SHOW - The Pursuit of Love, Severance BOOK - The Great Gatsby, The Nightingale MOVIE -  Lady Chatterley's Lover, 1917 ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read How to Fall in Love with Anyone by Mandy Len Catron This memoir from the author of the popular New York Times essay, “To Fall in Love with Anyone, Do This,” explores the romantic myths we create and explains how they limit our ability to achieve and sustain intimacy. When her parents divorced after a twenty-eight year marriage and her own ten-year relationship ended, those were the questions that Mandy Len Catron wanted to answer. Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why Bekah gave this book 2 stars and Jenna gave this book 5 stars…An inside look at Bekah and Jenna’s love livesWhy Pretty Woman is the ultimate love story Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you either stressed out or hopeful about love.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Milkshake with two straws, red wineTV SHOW - New Girl, Normal PeopleBOOK - Wild Geese, Of Love, Traveling Mercies MOVIE -  Pretty Woman, The Last Five Years ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read The Paris Apartment  by Lucy Foley. Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. She decides to visit her half-brother Ben in Paris — but he’s not there. The longer he stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Everyone's a neighbor. Everyone's a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling. Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why the characters are so messy and complicated — and why we’re loving it. WTF happened in that last scene in the attic.Why Abby and I have the EXACT same taste in books, TV shows, and movies. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking a flight to Paris and hoping your trip goes much more smoothly than Jess’s trip.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Expensive Red Wine TV SHOW - Only Murderers in the Building BOOK -  The Guest List, Murder on the Orient ExpressMOVIE -  Taken  ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week as book three of our Spooky Reviews Series, we read The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson This novel tells the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly house called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting”; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. But Hill House has its own plans for its guests.  Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:  Why we were left feeling disappointed and sad with this book. Do we believe in ghosts? Why, in this special case, the movie (or TV show) is truly so much better than the book.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you looking for spooky, scary skeletons around every corner.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Whiskey, Manhattan TV SHOW - The Haunting of Hill HouseBOOK - Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, The ShiningMOVIE -  It, Shirley, Monster House  ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week as book two of our Spooky Reviews Series, we read The Hike by Drew Magary This novel follows Ben, a man who finds himself on a path into the woods behind his hotel, but he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily. With no choice but to move forward, Ben finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a world of man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects. Rebekah and Marlee join me on this episode to discuss:  Why a crab created the craziness plot twist in this bookWhat kind of cricket Ben fought in the attic, but let’s be real, any giant insect would be terrifyingTHE ENDING Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning who has journeyed on the path or…who else has to keep the secret.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Peach Schnapps, Single Malt Whiskey  TV SHOW - Black Mirror: S3 E2 Playtest, Severance BOOK - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Midnight Library, Paper Girls MOVIE - Ready Player One, Alice in WonderlandSPECIAL PAIRING VIDEO GAME: Baldur's Gate 3 ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week as part of our Spooky Reviews Series, we read The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling This novel follows Vivi, a witch who cursed her long-lost lover Rhys after he broke her heart. Nine years later, Rhys returns to their home of Graves Glen and finds himself facing two dangerous things: his scorned ex and a cursed town.  Sierra and Claire join me on this episode to discuss:  Why this book fell so flat with so many plot holes Why we are not invested enough to read the sequelsWhy this book felt like it was trying to fit into too many different genres: romance, comedy, dark witches Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you getting in the Halloween spirit.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Frankenstein Punch, Blackberry Margarita, One Tree Hard Cider: Caramel Cinnamon TV SHOW - The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Charmed, Gilmore Girls, Sabrina the Teenage WitchBOOK - Beach Read, The Kiss Curse, Matilda MOVIE -  Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, The School of Good And Evil, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, Bewitched, Halloweentown ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Kindred by Octavia E. Butler This novel follows Dana, a black woman who travels back in time to Antebellum Maryland and has to save her family line. She must face the horrors of American slavery and explores the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now. Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:  The reason why EVERYBODY IS NOT READING THIS EFFIN’ NOVEL! Why Octavia E. Butler is an absolute trailblazer in the science fiction genre and she is not getting enough recognition. How Jenna and Ella were absolutely gobsmacked by the ending.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you closing the book, and feeling unsure whether you should scream, cry, or both.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: MoonshineTV SHOW - Outlander, The Good Lord BirdBOOK - Who Fears Death, The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du BoisMOVIE - BlacKkKlansman, Triangle of SadnessSPECIAL PAIRING: NPR’s Throughline: Octavia Butler: Visionary Fiction (2021) ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

This week, we read Priest by Sierra Simone This novel follows a Catholic priest in small town Kansas who meets Poppy — a high-end stripper trying to escape her horny past — and they spark a very strong connection.  Abby Williams, who can never take communion the same way ever again, and Sierra Marshall, the expert in all things romance and smut, join me today to talk about sex and faith.  In this episode we cover:  Why Jenna’s face gets progressively more red the longer this recording goes on. The “WTF” factor that set in just 20 pages into this book.Why if you’re new to romance and smut…just please skip this book and come back to it. It is an expert level book.  Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you either siding with Sierra or siding with Abby…nobody’s right or wrong, just VERY different tastes.  Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK: Whiskey, Communion WineTV SHOW - Derry Girls (Father Peter Conway), Gossip Girl (New HBO Series), Fleabag (Season 2)BOOK - Birthday Girl,  Fifty Shades of Gray, Misadventures with a Professor MOVIE - Fifty Shades of Gray, Spotlight, Magic Mike, Moulin Rouge ***  Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!    * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.