Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations

Kara Infante

Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives. You will love this show If you have ever asked: What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?Which books should I add to my reading list?How can I find more time to read?What are the best books for exploring new genres?What books are perfect for my kids?What is the publishing journey like for authors?What books do my favorite authors love to read?Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights. 

  1. Large Casts, Found Family, & Fantasy Worlds with Chawna Schroeder (E214)

    7H AGO

    Large Casts, Found Family, & Fantasy Worlds with Chawna Schroeder (E214)

    Send us Fan Mail Today I’m joined by author Chawna Schroeder, a fantasy writer who describes herself as a “boundary stretcher,” someone who explores what it means to live beyond the boxes we often place around ourselves, our faith, and even our imagination. After more than two decades studying the craft of writing, Chawna creates richly layered stories that blend faith, philosophy, and speculative worldbuilding. In this episode, we’re talking about Perplexity, the second book in her Sceptre & the Stylus series. This story weaves together political intrigue, hidden dangers, and characters navigating loss, responsibility, and purpose. We also dive into the books that shaped her as a reader, featuring a book flight centered on ensemble casts and found family. Episode Highlights: What it means to be a “boundary stretcher” in both life and writingWhy she’s drawn to large, interconnected character castsA simple breakdown of the difference between science fiction and fantasyHow faith, purpose, and identity show up in her storiesWhy stories allow us to step into someone else’s life in a meaningful wayConnect with Chawna: FacebookWebsiteSome 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 Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. TolkienA Little Princess by Frances Hodgson BurnettAngela Bell’s episodeFirebird by Kathy TyresSharon Hinck booksThe Bandit of Ashley Downs by Dave & Neta JacksonGeorge Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet & Geoff BengeBook Flight Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (adult sci-fi)The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud by Jenny Cote (middle grade historical fantasy)Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens (contemporary adult suspense)✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    49 min
  2. BFF Book Club - The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake with Rachel Linden (E213)

    5D AGO

    BFF Book Club - The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake with Rachel Linden (E213)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Linden for the latest installment of the BFF Book Club, all about her novel The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake. This was such a fun conversation. Rachel shares the inspiration behind the story, why she loves weaving food into her writing, and the “research loophole” she’s fully embracing—traveling, wandering, and eating her way through her settings. We also talk about the deeper themes of the book, including healing, second chances, and what it looks like to live a fulfilled life in different seasons. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming novel A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity (releasing 05/19) and hints at a new genre she’s stepping into next. Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake.Why Rachel keeps coming back to food as a storytelling thread.Her perspective on “research” and how it shapes her books.Exploring what a fulfilled life looks like in different seasons.The heart behind writing stories rooted in healing and growth.Connect with Rachel: InstagramFacebookWebsite📚 Next Meet the Author Book Club 🗓️ June 1st | 🕓 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST If you’d like to join us for an upcoming discussion, next month’s pick is The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano - a historical story woven with mystery and heart, following a woman uncovering fragments of a past she can’t fully remember. As she pieces together lost memories, she’s drawn into questions of identity, truth, and what it really means to start over. It’s a blend of intrigue, emotion, and discovery—perfect if you love stories about hidden histories and second chances. Register Here. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Emily Henry booksKatherine Center booksAbby Jimenez booksA Second Chance Scottish Summer by Rachel Mae LindenRecipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel LindenBook Flight The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie BostwickKate & Frida by Kim FayRemarkably B✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    42 min
  3. More Than Rescue Animals: Writing, Connection, and Purpose with Holly Gutwillinger (E212)

    APR 29

    More Than Rescue Animals: Writing, Connection, and Purpose with Holly Gutwillinger (E212)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Holly Gutwillinger, a heartfelt writer born and raised in a small town in northern Ontario. Holly is a proud dog mom to two rescue dogs and one cat, and her love for animals shines through in both her life and her storytelling. We talk about her podcast and debut book, North of Broken and Furever Home, and the creative journey that led her there. Holly shares what it looked like to build a creative life over time, the seasons of trying different paths, and what it finally felt like to land on writing as her true passion. Episode Highlights: The journey of trying different paths before finding writing.The inspiration behind her stories and connection to her own animals.Writing anthropomorphic characters and asking readers to see the world through a dog’s perspective.The mindset shift from “rescuing” her dogs to truly accepting them.Why creativity doesn’t have to be rushed and can evolve over time.Connect with Holly: InstagramRamblings from the Little Shed PodcastWebsiteSome 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: Too Good to be Real by Melanie JohnsonAnnie Hartnett’s episode (Ep. 199)Animals in Fantasy Book Flight with Books Are Magical Podcast (Ep. 54)The Red Tent by Anita DiamantBook Flight Lily and the Octopus by Steven RowleyThe Road to Tender Hearts by Annie HartnettFaking Christmas by Cindy Steel✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    39 min
  4. From Headlines to Plot Twists: Jennifer van der Kleut on The Better Mother (E211)

    APR 22

    From Headlines to Plot Twists: Jennifer van der Kleut on The Better Mother (E211)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer van der Kleut (née McBride). Jennifer is an award-winning former journalist of both print and digital publications, including the D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News. A graduate of San Jose State University, she spent most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to the Norther Virginia suburbs of D.C., where she currently lives with her husband and two sons. When she is not writing, she loves going to the beach with her family, going to concerts with her girlfriends, and getting lost in the pages of a book. We are here today to discuss her debut psychological thriller, The Better Mother. Episode Highlights: How journalism trained her to write with clarity, focus, and purposeThe shift from reporting facts to creating fictional worldsWhy she’s drawn to writing from a villain’s perspectiveWhat she loved most about writing The Better MotherHow understanding “why” drives both journalism and fictionConnect with Jennifer: InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome 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: Lucy Foley booksCarol Goodman booksKaira Rouda booksRobyn Harding booksAshley Winstead booksDream Harbor book series by Laurie GilmoreElin Hilderbrand booksThe Storyteller by Jodi PicoultThe Locked Ward by Sarah PekkanenThis is Not a Game by Kelly MullenBook Flight The Last Celebrity by Madeleine HenryTell Me What You Did by Carter WilsonThe Only One Left by Riley Sager✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    38 min
  5. History, Mystery & Hidden Manuscripts: The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton w/ Jennifer N. Brown (E210)

    APR 17

    History, Mystery & Hidden Manuscripts: The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton w/ Jennifer N. Brown (E210)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer N. Brown. Jennifer is the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Bentley University, where she is also Professor of English and Media Studies, with a specialization in medieval literature written for and by women. She has published a lot on this topic but The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is her first novel. She lives in the Boston area with her husbnad, their two children, and two miniature dachshunds.  Episode Highlights: The real history behind Elizabeth Barton and the lost manuscriptWriting as both a historian and a novelistThe freedom fiction offers compared to academic writingBalancing historical accuracy with compelling storytellingWriting across dual timelines (historical + modern)How present-day perspectives shape historical fictionThe role of empathy in both history and readingLetting go of perfection and knowing when to finish a book Connect with Jennifer: InstagramWebsiteSome 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: Orlando by Virginia WoolfHeart the Lover by Lily KingFlashlight by Susan ChoiBook Flight The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John FowlesThe Weight of Ink by Rachel KadishWolf Hall by Hilary Mantel✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    35 min
  6. The Scorpion Thief: A Cold War Heist, Egyptian Myth, & Family Secrets with Janyre Tromp (E209)

    APR 15

    The Scorpion Thief: A Cold War Heist, Egyptian Myth, & Family Secrets with Janyre Tromp (E209)

    Send us Fan Mail Today I’m thrilled to welcome back Janyre Tromp. If her name sounds familiar, that’s because she previously joined us on Episode 106, where we talked about her novel Darkness Calls the Tiger. Janyre is an award-winning, bestselling historical suspense novelist known for weaving together rich history, myth, and stories that search for beauty—even when it isn’t pretty. Her newest book, The Scorpion Thief, takes readers into a Cold War political game involving a cursed Egyptian artifact, two estranged sisters on opposite sides of a dangerous heist, and a mystery that stretches from the streets of Cairo to Washington D.C. and even New Orleans.  Episode Highlights: The fascinating real-life history behind the Cold War setting—and why it almost feels too wild to be fiction.How Janyre balances being a self-proclaimed “history nerd” with writing fast-paced, gripping suspense.The inspiration behind The Scorpion Thief and weaving Egyptian myth into a political thriller.Her creative process, including sketching her book covers before they’re ever designed.What it looks like to make space for writing in a full and busy life.Why she describes herself as an eclectic reader and how that shapes her recommendations.Her three-word description of the book: noir, mystery, and Egyptian.Connect with Janyre: InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode: Brene Brown booksThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkDeath Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni Walsh (publication date 06/16/26)Burning the Raven Tree by Janyre Tromp (coming 09/08/26)The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisBeautiful Ugly by Alice FeeneyBook Flight The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie BostwickRebecca by Daphne du MaurierVera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    43 min
  7. A Deal with a Debutante, 90s Rom-Com Energy, and Why We Love Love Stories with Chelsea Bobulski (E208)

    APR 8

    A Deal with a Debutante, 90s Rom-Com Energy, and Why We Love Love Stories with Chelsea Bobulski (E208)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Chelsea Bobulski, author of A Deal with a Debutante, her latest release with Haven Fiction and the first book in her London’s Most Eligible series. Chelsea is also the author of the YA fantasy novels The Wood and Remember Me, and brings her background in history into the heart of every story she writes. In this conversation, we talk about what it looks like to step into the past through research, how storytelling connects us across time, and why romance novels might just make us better at loving the people in our real lives. Episode Highlights: Chelsea’s love of history and how research becomes a doorway into another world.Writing A Deal with a Debutante and bringing Edwardian England to life.What it looks like to “live inside” the stories you’re writing.The balance between historical accuracy and creating a story that feels alive.How good stories—especially romance—can shape the way we show up in our own lives.Why romance novels remind us to slow down and be intentional in our relationships.The idea that dreams can evolve over time—and that’s not failure, it’s growth.Finding joy in storytelling, creativity, and building a life you actually want to live.Connect with Chelsea: InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow Notes 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: Harry Potter series by J.K. RowlingThe Girl of Fire and Thorns by Ray CarsonThe Berenstain Bears books by Jan & Mike BerenstainTheo of Golden by Allen LeviBook Flight Consuelo & Alva Vanderbilt by Amanda Mackenzie StewartA.K.A. Lucy by Sarah RoyalEven After This by Deborah Clack✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    33 min
  8. Building Tiny Troops: Amy Schweizer on Raising Healthy Kids in Military Life (E207)

    APR 1

    Building Tiny Troops: Amy Schweizer on Raising Healthy Kids in Military Life (E207)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Amy Schweizer. Amy is a USMC military spouse of 15 years, mom to three boys, and an expert in youth sports development. She has played soccer for over 20 years, culminating with being a member of the Cincinnati Ladyhawks of the USL. She is the Founder and Owner of Tiny Troops Soccer, a developmental program for children ages 2-5 with 35 locations worldwide. She loves creating physical activity programs that benefit the overall well-being of military children, families, and the surrounding communities. She is also a passionate advocate for military spouse employment. Her first book - I Will Be Okay - Adventures of a Military Kid - was selected as the 2021 Inspirational Leader of the Year by The Rosie Network. If you are interested in grabbing a copy or a few of I Will Be Okay - Adventures of a Military Kid, please connect with Amy at info@tinytroops.com.  Episode Highlights: Navigating frequent moves while trying to build and maintain a career.The reality of parenting without nearby family support.How Tiny Troops Soccer started from a personal need.Why early childhood movement and play matter so much.Building a business that can move with military life.Supporting military kids through transition and change.Advocacy for military spouse employment and flexible career paths.Encouragement for military spouses trying to build something of their own.Connect with Amy: InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode: Winter Garden by Kristin HannahBook Flight Traction by Gino WickhamProfit First by Mike MichalowiczA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasNever Lie by Freida McFadden✨ 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! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    42 min
5
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives. You will love this show If you have ever asked: What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?Which books should I add to my reading list?How can I find more time to read?What are the best books for exploring new genres?What books are perfect for my kids?What is the publishing journey like for authors?What books do my favorite authors love to read?Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights. 

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