A Well Read Life

Kristin Lavransdatter: The Cross

I'm back after an unintended short break. Today I'm talking about the last book in the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy, The Cross. Oh, it's a good book, and we finally get to see Kristin's story come full circle. There will be a lot of heartbreak as the trilogy comes to an end, but we will also see beautiful pictures of redemption.

Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife

It's time to discuss the second book in the Kristin Lavransdatter series by Sigrid Undset, The Wife. Kristin and Erland finally have what they want, but what of the trail of betrayal and blood guilt they've left in their wake? Can they finally be happy, and more importantly, can they be forgiven?

Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wreath

I'm continuing my series on Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. In today's episode, I'm talking about the first book in the Kristin Lavransdatter saga, The Wreath. It's a story rife with temptation and seduction and the tension between Norway's pagan past and its present Christian faith.

An Introduction to Kristin Lavransdatter

This week I'm beginning a series on Sigrid Undset's medieval epic, Kristin Lavransdatter. It is the story of one woman's life from childhood to death. Today I'm giving an introduction to this fascinating trilogy about love, desire, betrayal, and ultimately redemption. 
 
 

Laurus

It was a delight to have my friend Rachel Atkinson join me on the podcast today. I'm fortunate to not only be in a book club with Rachel, but I also get to have regular tea and book chats with her. Today we're talking about Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin. A modern-day classic set in 15th century Russia. 
 
Buy Laurus on Bookshop.org
Jessica Hooten Wilson article on Fathom Magazine

Sweep

Today I have my dear friend Julie Bene on the podcast. Julie is one of my go-to people for book recommendations. In our conversation today, we're discussing Sweep by Jonathan Auxier--a new favorite of us both (and a book recommended to me by Julie). 
 
The most delightful children's bookstore!

The Story of Holly and Ivy

It's Christmas Eve in the town of Appleton, and in the window of the toyshop, a beautiful Christmas doll waits for a home. Wandering the Christmas market, a young girl searches for a home. Will their wishes come true on Christmas morning? Today I'm featuring Rumer Godden's exquisite children's Christmas book, The Story of Holly and Ivy. 
 
 

The Bookshop on the Quay

A second-hand bookshop in Dublin. A family of kind, if eccentric, booksellers. A young boy from rural Ireland in search of his missing uncle. These are just some of the elements which make up Patricia Lynch's heartfelt and charming children's book, The Bookshop on the Quay. Today I'm sharing about this book which captivated and delighted me through the autumn season.

Gaudy Night

Today is the day to share my favorite mystery novel of all time, Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers. Featuring the witty and erudite detective Lord Peter Wimsey and his love interest Harriet Vane, Gaudy Night is a classic mystery from the golden age of detective fiction.
Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: Gaudy Night

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

It's time to talk about one of my favorite amateur detectives-- the precocious and endearing Flavia de Luce. Obsessed with chemistry and with a propensity for finding dead bodies about the village of Bishop's Lacey, her sleuthing skills are a force to be reckoned with. Join me as I talk about the first book in this delightful series, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
 
Affiliate link to Bookshop.org:
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie