Hi Reader,

Whether you're celebrating love with a partner, a friend, or just your favorite book, we've got a little something for everyone in this week’s newsletter!

UPDATE: I finally got my Bookish Flights Instagram fully restored!! 🎉 It has been an epic journey through six appeals and one amazing Congressman. Huge thanks to Congressman Bill Foster for finding a "responsive" contact at Meta who helped resolve the situation. If you want to hear more about this wild story and how to protect your own account, check out Episode 125.5.

Here’s what’s inside this week’s newsletter:
✨ Latest Episodes

💕 Literary Love Languages

📚 Love This, Try That - Genre Swaps

🌸 BFF Book Club – Spring Selections

Latest Episodes

The Influence of Childhood Reading and Writing with Author Tyler Snure (E127) Leading with Purpose: Military Medicine, Mental Health and Shaping Future Leaders with Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey I’m chatting with Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey—award-winning author, emergency physician and Air Force Reservist. ✈️ With over 22 years of military service, Josh has incredible stories to share, from being a flight surgeon to leading with purpose. Tune In

Fake Dating & Full-Cast Audiobooks: Creating Know Your Newlywed with Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum (E131) I’m chatting with Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum, the brilliant duo behind Know Your Newlywed, a full-cast audio production starring Mary Mouser (Cobra Kai) and Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf). This fascinating episode is all about writing a book solely for audio consumption. How do you build chemistry between characters and scenes when the story is heard, not seen? Tune In

💕 Love Languages Gift Guide – Bookish Edition!

Curious about your literary love language? Check them out here or for a more in depth look, head over to the blog where I break down all five love languages and how you can incorporate them into your literary life!

📖 Words of Affirmation – A handwritten note inside a gifted book, sharing why the story reminded them of you.

⏳ Quality Time – Spending an afternoon at a bookstore, reading together or buddy-reading the same book.

🙌 Acts of Service – Organize a loved one's bookshelf or allow them some quiet reading time.

🎁 Receiving Gifts – A personally book embosser, a book box subscription or signed copy from a favorite author.

💆Physical Touch – A snuggly reading blanket or a literary-themed candle for ambiance.

📚 Love This? Try That! (Genre Swap Edition)

We all have our go-to genres—the ones that feel like home. But sometimes, stepping into unfamiliar territory can lead to discovering an unexpected favorite. I’m all about broadening our reading horizons on the show, here are some genre swaps to consider:
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💘 Love Romance? Try a Thriller - the tension might surprise you.
🌍 Love Historical Fiction? Try Fantasy - world-building is world-building.
📚 Love Literary Fiction? Try a Memoir - real life character-driven stories will surprise you.
📚 Love Mysteries? Try Science Fiction – Both thrive on intricate plots and unexpected twists.
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Need book recommendations? We have over 400 book recs sorted by genre on our website.

Upcoming BFF Book Club Meetings