Promoting Positivity In the Bookish Space w/ @lostbooksofjess

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Fangirls – "Promoting Positivity In the Bookish Space w/ @lostbooksofjess"

Release Date: July 17, 2025

In this special bonus episode of Fantasy Fangirls, hosts Nicole and Lexi welcome Jess from Lost Books of Jess to discuss fostering positivity within the bookish community. The episode emphasizes the importance of kindness, community support, and the joy that reading brings to individuals and groups alike.

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1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest

Lexi and Nicole kick off the episode by introducing their guest, Jess, a prominent figure in the bookish community known for her engaging content and positive influence. They express excitement about Jess joining them to delve into themes of positivity and virtual connections within their shared passion for fantasy literature.

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2. Getting to Know Jess: Rapid Fire Segment

To set a comfortable tone, the hosts engage Jess in a rapid-fire round, uncovering her reading journey, favorite books, and personal interests.

• Journey into Reading: Jess shares, “I’ve been reading since I was a kid. My earliest memories are my mom and me reading American Girl doll books in bed at night” (07:09).

• Reigniting Her Love for Reading: She credits Twilight as her catalyst for re-engaging with reading during a challenging phase in her college years.

• Favorite Books & Series: Jess lists a diverse array of favorites, including Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and multiple fantasy series like Kindred's Curse Saga by Pen Cole and the Crowns of Nyaxia by Carissa Broadbent (09:24).

• Preferred Reading Formats: Transitioning from exclusively physical books to embracing ebooks and audiobooks in December, Jess humorously remarks, “Now I get like, incensed when I have to read a physical book. I’m like, how dare you make me” (10:21).

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3. Building a Welcoming Community: Positivity Pages Project

Nicole and Lexi announce the launch of their Positivity Pages project—a 10-day initiative aimed at spreading kindness and fostering a supportive environment within the community.

• Project Launch: Starting on July 17th, listeners are encouraged to participate by visiting their social media channels for daily prompts and engaging with fellow members (05:03).

• Community Engagement: Lexi highlights the importance of creating ripple effects of goodness: “We just want to have this ripple effect of goodness and kindness and we would love for you to join in” (05:31).

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4. Fostering Joy Through Reading

The conversation delves into how reading serves as a source of joy and personal growth.

• Learning and Self-Discovery: Jess explains, “Every book that I read sparks joy in me. I either learned something I didn’t know, discovered something about myself, or thought about something a different way” (23:37).

• Collective Reading Experience: She emphasizes the communal aspect of reading, fostering discussions and connections: “Being part of reading is deeply personal, but reading is also a collective experience if you let it be” (23:37).

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5. Supporting Each Other in the Bookish Space

The trio explores strategies for maintaining a supportive and positive online community.

• Acts of Kindness: Jess advocates for simple gestures like complimenting others’ content: “Say something nice to somebody else... It made me go, oh, like, thank you so much” (49:45).

• Virtual Hugs: Lexi and Jess discuss the concept of virtual hugs as a means of emotional support: “A virtual hug for me is like just pressing pause on all of that and being able to take a moment for both myself as well as for appreciation for whoever this person might be” (47:38) and “A virtual hug is when someone knows more than just the books that I am reading and those messages that go back and forth that are truly like, person to person” (41:00).

• Community Resilience: They highlight how the community fosters bravery and mutual support, enabling members to overcome feelings of isolation: “We aren’t alone as we find these common interests and that we’re not alone in feeling alone” (28:59).

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6. Coping with Burnout and Maintaining Connection

Jess shares her personal strategies for dealing with burnout and staying connected with the community.

• Recognizing Overcommitment: She advises, “If it’s feeling, like, too much, it probably is too much” (38:10), emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over external obligations.

• Selective Engagement: Jess mentions removing books from her to-be-read list that no longer bring her joy, allowing her to focus on what truly matters: “I need to look in the mirror and go, that’s not why we’re doing this. We’re doing this because we wanted to have fun” (38:24).

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7. Upcoming Events and Community Meet-Up

The hosts and Jess express excitement about the upcoming Everflame Ball on August 30th, where community members will have the opportunity to meet in person.

• Personal Significance: Jess shares her anticipation for reuniting with long-time followers and celebrating her trip with her husband: “I'm going to the ball with all of you, and it's going to be a full circle moment” (52:22).

• Shared Passion and Camaraderie: Lexi describes the event as a space where everyone can let their "geek fly," fostering deeper connections through shared interests: “It's like, imagine a wedding. But everybody there loves the same things” (52:39).

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8. Final Thoughts and Community Support

As the episode concludes, the hosts encourage listeners to continue spreading kindness and supporting one another both online and offline.

• Encouraging Authenticity: Jess emphasizes the value of authentic connections: “I try to present things in a non-judgmental way because judgmental content invites divisiveness out of the gate” (29:49).

• Community Impact: Lexi reflects on the profound impact their interactions have on individuals: “It's like a virtual tackle” (47:45), highlighting the depth of connections formed through shared literary passions.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jess on Transitioning to Digital Reading: “Now I get like, incensed when I have to read a physical book. I’m like, how dare you make me” (10:21).

• Jess on the Joy of Reading: “Every book that I read sparks joy in me. I either learned something I didn’t know, discovered something about myself, or thought about something a different way” (23:37).

• Lexi on the Power of Virtual Hugs: “A virtual hug for me is like just pressing pause on all of that and being able to take a moment for both myself as well as for appreciation for whoever this person might be” (47:38).

• Jess on Community Kindness: “Say something nice to somebody else... It made me go, oh, like, thank you so much” (49:45).

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Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Fangirls beautifully intertwines discussions on the personal joys of reading with the broader mission of fostering a positive, supportive community. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, Nicole, Lexi, and Jess underscore the transformative power of books and the importance of cultivating kindness both within and beyond the bookish sphere.

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Stay tuned for more engaging discussions every Monday as the sisters continue their deep dives into beloved fantasy series.

Transcript

[Jess]

Hi, this is Penn and Kim Holderness from the Laugh Lines podcast. If you're like me, buying anything turns into a nightmare research spiral.

[Lexi]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

Listen up. You can get the new iPhone 16e with Apple Intelligence for just 49.99 when you switch to Boost Mobile. We pulled so many all nighters to give you this deal and hey, stop messing with the mic. I'm just helping us catch people's attention. This is a great deal. Exactly. So it doesn't need all that fin. Get the new iPhone 16e available at Apple Store locations and the Apple Store online. Visit your nearest Boost mobile store for full offer details. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later. Restrictions apply.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

So fun fact. I have been using my Move Me underwear for all of my walks lately. Like it's the underwear that I automatically grab like before I go on my summertime walks. My hot girl walks if you will. I love it. I love it so much we use.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

Summer this podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Listen. Bringing Fantasy Fangirls to life has been a dream come true and part of turning our passions into our livelihood means having a really strong website. Squarespace is the all in one website platform designed to help you stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, Squarespace gives you everything you need to claim your domain, showcase your offerings with a professional website and grow your brand.

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[Lexi]

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[Lexi]

Foreign.

[Nicole]

Welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved Fantasy lore, character themed series and more.

[Lexi]

I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.

[Nicole]

And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.

[Lexi]

And we are so thrilled for Jess of the Lost Books of Jess to join us for today's season special bonus episode as we discuss positivity and virtual hugs and just how much this community means to us and just how wonderful it is. I think we could all use a little bit of those smiles and you know, those warm and fuzzy feelings right now before we dive into this conversation with Jess and feel those warm and fuzzies. Today's episode does not have plot spoilers for any books, but we do bring up the Kendrick's Curse saga in an out of context, casual kind of way.

[Nicole]

So if you do not want an allude to a certain place in book three vaguely and want to go into the series totally blind, then please go finish those books and we will be here when you're done. But if you don't mind those super out of context nods, then you are free to listen.

[Lexi]

Next. We at Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books, which means this podcast is generally rated R, but today is more PG13.

[Nicole]

So if those little listening ears are under 13, I don't know. Parental supervision may be advised.

[Lexi]

We also want to let you know about a community project we're launching today, Thursday, July 17th. It's called positivity pages and it's 10 days of spreading kindness, supporting one another and expressing our gratitude and love for books and this community.

[Nicole]

Today is day one and we welcome you. To join in, go to our social medias, antasyfangirlspod for daily prompts and ways to engage with this community. Head over to our website to sign up for email alerts. The link is in the show notes.

[Lexi]

I'm just so excited. And yes, the more the merrier. We just want to have this ripple effect of goodness and kindness and we would love for you to join in. Last thing before we start chatting with Jess. If you love Fantasy Fangirls and want more events, more content, more community, and just so much more all around, please check out Fantasy Fan Club.

[Nicole]

We have three membership tiers that you can join. Get access to our Super Boppin Discord, tons of live virtual events, book club, author interviews, discount codes, ad free episodes, behind the scenes content, welcome gifts, name shouted out on the podcast, and so much more as part of this incredible community.

[Lexi]

Join the [e-mail] fanclub. The link is also in the show notes. And really and truly, I know we say this every single time, but it is just so important and we just thank you so much for supporting us from the bottom of our hearts as we've turned this podcast into our livelihood. It's all because of you.

[Nicole]

And now it is time to get a virtual hug from our friend, the Lost Books of Jess. Welcome, welcome, welcome, Jess to the podcast.

[Lexi]

Yay. Yay.

[Nicole]

That sounded like Blue's Clues.

[Lexi]

Like, I love it. I love it. Oh, Jess, we're so excited to have you here today. We've been friends on social and you know, talking in the DMs for the longest time and it just feels so fitting to have you on the show. We're so excited.

[Jess]

Yeah, I'm so glad to be here. I'm like, I've been excited all day.

[Nicole]

Oh my gosh. Like always, whenever we have a guest on the show, we always like to do a rapid fire. Get to know you and get to know Some of the preferences and likes and dislikes that you have in reading, first and foremost. What got you into reading?

[Jess]

I fall in the category. I'm a lifelong reader. I've been reading since I was a kid. Like, my earliest memories are my mom and I reading American Girl doll books in bed at night. And Felicity was always my favorite. And then I got the doll and collected all the books, and then I became an avid, like, goer of the school library, and it really kept going from there. I feel like I hit the lull everyone hit in college when, like, life was hard and reading was academic, and then I picked it right back up again. So it's been as long as I possibly could reading.

[Nicole]

Was there a specific book that you picked up again that was, like, the Tumble Effect?

[Jess]

This is so. Okay, I'm a cliche millennial. We're here in this together. It was Twilight.

[Lexi]

Okay?

[Jess]

It was Twilight from my college library my senior year or somewhere. I was like. I would read again. What's this book with an apple on the COVID Little did I know, you know?

[Lexi]

Well, okay, so here's another question then. What got you into, you know, Bookstagram? And I'll say more of, like, this fantasy space that we're also in.

[Jess]

So I did some social media in 2020 when we were all trapped in our houses, and I was on TikTok for a while doing not book content at all. I was doing, like, parenting toddler parenting content because that's how old my son was at the time. And then I quit that, and I wasn't having fun any. And then I've always still been reading in the background, right? And then about a year and a half ago, I was going through, like, my own tough personal time, and I was like, I need something creative to do. And I missed writing scripts and making videos and talking to people. And I was like, I'm gonna do that on Instagram, where, like, maybe my age group hangs out, you know? So I made one, and the intention was I was gonna read all the books on my shelf I had not read anymore, which is why my handle is the Lost booksofjess. And then I didn't do that because one day I was in. I forget what bookstore I was in. And I picked up a copy of Throne a Glass and I posted it in my Stories. And I said, I don't know, guys. Should I read this? And my DMs, which were much smaller at the time, went feral. And that's when the bulletin board showed up, and that's when I Launched into, like, this side of Bookstagram, and it was, like, by accident. It was an impulse purchase.

[Lexi]

Okay, next up is. What is your favorite book or series?

[Jess]

Oh, my gosh, this is hard. All right, so some standalone books that are my favorites. I used to read a lot more contemporary romance than I read now, and one of my favorite ones of all time is Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren. I feel like it's not the one people think of when they think of Christina Lauren. People think of the Unhoneymooners or some of those other books, but I love it. I also have the Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. I buy all of her books every single time one comes out. Now in the realm we're more in fate would be like the Kindred's Curse saga, Daughter of Knowlds by Carissa Broadbent, and the Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig. Those are. I'm reading the Night and the Moth right now, so that is. I love her writing so much.

[Nicole]

Favorite way to read a book. So, like, physical book, ebook, audiobook, immersive booking. I don't know if that's the right term.

[Jess]

All right, this is. I get older and older with each question. So I had only ever read physical books until this past December. I had never read an ebook or. Or an audiobook in my whole life. And I was, like, violently opposed. And then I got a Kindle for Christmas, and I got a stand and a remote, and I have not looked back. And now I frankly get like, incensed when I have to read a physical book. I'm like, how dare you make me.

[Lexi]

I have to turn my own pace.

[Jess]

Rude. Unacceptable. The font bigger.

[Lexi]

What are you talking about?

[Jess]

Listen, I need that font sizer, all right? And I've never listened to an audiobook.

[Lexi]

Oh, yeah. Interesting.

[Nicole]

Why?

[Jess]

I don't know. So I actually just got an author reached out to me S. McPherson and sent me a copy of their audiobook. So I'm gonna give it a try for the first time. But I worry that I'm. My brain is like catching fireflies, and I'm worrying that if I'm listening and I start, like, folding laundry, I'm not listening anymore. Like, I. Yeah, I could see that.

[Lexi]

And also with the way your mind just works, like, when you are reading these books and how you. How you talk about them and stuff like that, I can definitely see kind of needing to. I say, like, have your hands in there more, but you know what I mean, right? Yeah.

[Nicole]

So then wait in your Kindle. Are you a notator? Like, do you highlight as you go through or you vibe like you just go through?

[Jess]

So it depends what I'm reading. So if I'm reading one of the books that I'm gonna make a lot of content about, I have a digital tablet, a remark that I take notes on while I'm reading, and I will highlight certain quotes and things, but I write a lot of things down so I can scroll back through them. If I'm reading a book that I'm just gonna talk about when I'm all done reading it, I'll just sit and read it and not write anything down.

[Lexi]

Which Bisgaya quadrant would you be in?

[Jess]

Okay, so my husband read Fourth Wing and Iron Flame more recently than I did. Neither of us have read. Has read Onyx Storm, by the way. Oh, okay. Good to know for us. I asked him because I was like, you know me. And he looked at me and he's like, there's only one answer here. And I was like, it's the scribe quadrant, isn't it? Like, yeah, it is. But I want to be like the receptionist. Like, I want to sit at the front and not do the actual dusty, musty work. And so I would be like, I'd know everything, but I wouldn't be in the like the depths.

[Nicole]

I mean, like Clotho at the House of Wind Library.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Jess]

Okay.

[Nicole]

Okay. That's amazing.

[Jess]

But there's no world in which I'm balancing on a dragon. Like, I don't care if you strap me in, I will find a way off. So that's an immediate no for me.

[Nicole]

What Acotar court would you be in?

[Jess]

It gets worse and worse as you ask me these questions. So I read Acotar so long ago that when I saw this question coming up, I was like, what are. So I did what every self respecting person would do and I took a Buzzfeed quiz. Are you ready? So after Buzzfeed analyzed the dessert I would eat and what I like to do on the weekend, Buzzfee up with the summer court for me. So then I had to. So then I had to Google it because I was like, wait a minute, what's going on there? And it sounds like a great time, you know?

[Lexi]

Yes, Harkwen is amazing.

[Nicole]

Lots of jewels, you get to eat.

[Jess]

Dinner on a boat.

[Nicole]

That sounds great to me.

[Lexi]

And lots of seafood. All right, I know that you've read this book more recently.

[Jess]

I'm ready for this one.

[Lexi]

Which Omarion Realm would you be in?

[Jess]

Okay. So I would like to think that I would be able to hang in Umbros. That's my favorite one to read about. But is that in my heart and soul? No, I would either be in Saphos or Arboros. I think I'd be growing things or learning things. That is where I would be for sure.

[Nicole]

Which book character are you most like?

[Jess]

Okay, I think I most like because this is a character I've recently really connected with. I don't know if you have two have read this series or not, but Misha from the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent.

[Lexi]

We've read the Duology but I have not read the other books yet.

[Nicole]

Same thing.

[Lexi]

So oh my gosh, I love her so much. But especially in like Serpent and the Winx and Night.

[Jess]

Right? So you've met Misha as a side character as Raine's friend and then she becomes the main character in the later books and just her journey and it's really again, I won't be but like self discovery and like unlearning things about yourself is just it hits me in my soul and she's such a ray of sunshine. So I really connected with her.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

I am all for a good sale and one that gets you discounts on new arrivals is even better. For instance, my husband loves Travis Matthews so we are definitely keeping an eye on that brand for the sale. I love Vuori. Obviously I live in activewear so those are my brands that I love.

[Nicole]

Vori is so soft. I love Nordstrom makes it easy. You can shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with free help from their stylists to help you make sure you're walking out with pieces you love. I'm also so excited for all the fun anniversary events they have going on like in store promotions and glam up days.

[Lexi]

Obviously we can't wait for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Make the most of your summer closet restock with Nordstrom. We hope to see you there. You know how life can be. It can sometimes feel like dealing with daily stressors is just one big game of whack a mole. It's like there's no off switch for daily stress, but you can take control of supporting your body's response to it with rituals. Stress Relief featuring Bio series technology to support the body's natural cortisol response for all day support.

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[Jess]

Of a reading year for this question. It just really has. On Storm yet? Oh my God. Listen, I'm so excited for you. I feel like you're the wrong two people to admit that. I am not worried that I haven't read it yet. Like, it'll be there. I don't know.

[Lexi]

You know what? You have plenty of time. It's totally fine.

[Nicole]

Yes, yes.

[Jess]

I did buy the one with the sprayed dragons on the edge. It's there. My favorite reads so far have been Blood Over Brighthaven by ML Wong. It's a standalone. It's amazing. It's like dystopian fantasy. Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent, which is the one of the novellas in Crowns of Nyaxia and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, the new Hunger.

[Lexi]

Games book that is on my list. And I'm like, so nervous for the emotional damage. I don't know if I'm mentally in a place that I can read it yet, but I really want to. Okay, last but not least, how is Luther Dubois going?

[Jess]

Luther Dubois, much like his namesake, had a slow burn. Okay. For a while I thought he had perished, right? But we have hit the point where we have put the pedal to the metal. Okay, people who've read Heat out there. That's where we are.

[Nicole]

Okay, we're in heat, though, because that's where he's already come back from life or from death that I think we know where we are.

[Jess]

We're near a library, maybe. So he's just really. He's making loaf after loaf, baby. But he's in the fridge right now taking a cool down because I cannot eat that many carbs. So he had to take a break. But my son's sourdough starter, Luke Yeast Walker, is ready to make his first loaf tonight. So unhinged.

[Nicole]

For anyone who doesn't know and who is not following this extremely wonderful journey which. Which get on Lost Books of Jess right now if you have not, can you Explain how Luther dubois came to be.

[Jess]

Absolutely. So I'm a teacher, as I said earlier. So in the summer, my life frees up, and I'm also a hobby collector. And I was like, I want to learn how to make sourdough. And everybody was like, get a starter from a friend. And I was like, that's not hard enough. I'm making it myself. And then I wanted to name it, and I named it at Luther Dubois, and I filmed the whole adventure of trying to bring him to life. The puns persisted. Like, some of the comment sections of my videos are like, I will lay in the melted butter at your feet and be your slice of bread. I mean, it's unreal. So, yeah, Luther makes loaves of bread now. And I chronicled that whole adventure, and now there's a whole corner of Bookstagram making sourdough. Oh, my God.

[Nicole]

And I saw that someone who is on, who is at a event with Penn today, told Pen about Luther Dubois, and she is now a big fan.

[Lexi]

Oh, my gosh. I love that so much.

[Jess]

Yeah, Pen saw Luther the day I knitted him a sweater, also because he was getting cold again. This is. I should probably go back to work.

[Nicole]

I love a sweater.

[Lexi]

This is why we love you so much.

[Nicole]

What are your other collected hobbies other than knitting and.

[Jess]

Okay, well, knitting, crocheting, also. You might as well do both. It's hard enough. Obviously, my Covid hobby, since it wasn't sourdough like everyone else. I learned how to decorate, like, royal icing sugar cookies, like, those fancy ones. And then I was, like, not selling them really, but, like, friends would ask for them for, like, their kid's birthday party. And I did that for a long. There's a whole shelf in my basement of cookie cutters. I have a food coloring airbrush.

[Lexi]

I love this.

[Jess]

Baking seems to be the backbone of the hobbies, though. It's like, what can I teach myself how to bake? So now we're on sourdough. That's so good.

[Lexi]

I love it. Oh, my God, I love it so much. Well, thank you so much for those rapid fire, you know, get to know you questions. We always love doing those. And today's episode is really dedicated to, you know, positivity and just, you know, warm and fuzzies is really the goal here with, as you listen today. And Jess, of course, is such a positive. And just every video, like, I just smile so much, and I just love you so much. And so anyway, so that's gonna be kind of like what we're all talking about here today. And so one particular question is that I know we kind of talked about a little bit when it was like, what got you into reading? But how does reading spark joy in your life?

[Jess]

Oh, man, that is a long. I mean, that is a big question in so many ways. In so many ways. I think in most of the ways come back to learning about people and learning about yourself and being part of a reading is deeply personal, but reading is also a collective experience if you let it be. So I find that every book that I read sparks joy in. I either learned something I didn't know, discover something about myself, thought about something a different way. I find myself a little bit similar to like your Henry hat situation, Lexi, because I'm always hunting down a character that people are so quick to hate and realizing how in our world there's too much quick to hate. And like, is there, you know, what can I think about here? What can this book teach me? And I feel like that's the biggest joy for me in reading other than just like there's the joy of the plot twists and the fun characters and the book boyfriends. But I love learning and I love being part of learning with other people and having conversations about books.

[Nicole]

At the end of Pen's I think it's her acknowledgments in glow, because I just decided to read those today for shits and giggles. And. And she talks about how GLOW is really about looking at belief systems around a whole political system and challenging that no one is right, no one is wrong. And I love books like Empyrean and Acotar for where there is a kind of a clear right and wrong, even if there is a lot of that, like, gray area and stuff like that that we really do try to challenge. But in Omarion, I feel like there is so much pun intended, gray areas, because no one is right, no one is wrong. Like, we can dump on Henry all we want and wear Viking hats with drinking, drinking 40 ounce or whatever they are in there. But all of that to say is I so agree. It really challenges us to think to put ourselves in those people's shoes, I guess is where I need to.

[Lexi]

Yeah. Yeah. I think for me, because I used to be a huge reader as a kid, especially with fantasy worlds and all of that. And then like you were saying with like, you know, then we all kind of went off to college and reading for fun wasn't really a thing. And then I, you know, got into my career and like, reading just kind of always took a back Seat. And then I was a mom and you know, had a one year old and a two year old and I was really going through the trenches still. And then Nicole introduced me to like reading for fun again. And it was like, oh my gosh, like this feeling that I've been chasing for so long, I finally feel it like this sense of fulfillment and the sense of personal joy where it's like it's not something that I'm doing for other people. That as much as I love being a mother, that is very much what I was doing day in and day out. And it was like, oh, like this is something for me and something I can connect with other people who also feel the same way with me. And it's like, just so lovely.

[Nicole]

Speaking of other people, question for the panel here. And that is, what is our favorite part about being part of this community?

[Jess]

I think my favorite part about being in this community, of course, is the discussion surrounding the books and having an unlimited amount of people who have read the same thing as you. And when else in life does that happen? We are alive in the year 2025 when we have access to that. But I think bigger than that, for me, my favorite part of this community is the ripple effects that occur within it. People teaching each other how to run a small business, people connecting and going to events with each other. People being brave because someone else was brave. And they were like, well, if they could do it, I can do it too. And I see it every day. I hear it in my DMs, I see it in people's videos that like, people are touching each other's lives all because we like to read. And that gives me chills every day when I see evidence of it.

[Lexi]

I think that part of why this community can be so welcoming and become so close knit is because I don't know about you too, but adulthood has been very, was very lonely for me. I think that when we're younger, we have so many more opportunities to meet people at school and with extracurricular activities and things like that. And when we become adults, it's like, yeah, we have work and we have a few friends and family and it's like cool. Like we don't go out and do as many things. Like we have to really put in the effort versus it kind of being required thing. And I love how with reading it is like an individualistic thing and yet exactly like we were saying, Jess, it's like it's a collective experience and it brings out so many things, thoughts and feelings that we want to share with other people and connect with. And it's like this community is just like has like its arms wide open and it's like welcome to the club kind of thing. Like we'd love to chat with you about it. And I think that this community really reminds us that we aren't alone as we do find these common interests and that we're not alone in feeling alone. And when we do feel like scared to reach out to other people or to see if somebody else in the bookish space wants to go to event together, whatever that might be, it's like there is like that sense of bravery a little bit more because it's like we're all in this together. Jess, you particularly do have such a welcoming little space here in this community. And I know for instance, you know, like I see your videos, I kind of see that effort that you put in. But what do you really consciously try to do to make yourself and your little self space welcoming?

[Jess]

That's so hard because I really thought about this question when you sent it to me because sometimes I don't know what I am doing. But I think at the core of it I'm trying to make a space that it feels like everyone can access in one way or another without. I try to present things in a non judgmental way because I think judgmental content invites divisiveness out of the gate and people. I get it. I know that people are trying to make a space for themselves on social media and there's certain things in reels and videos that hook people, right? We could go down the social media how to get reach rabbit hole and that was never my intent. My intent was for the people who truly want to listen to stay. And if I don't hook you, that's fine. I hope you find somebody who does. So I tried to always stay true to my heart. Like what would I say to a friend if we were talking about this book and if I wouldn't say it to a friend over a cup of coffee in my real life I'm not going to say it here on, on the Internet and I think a lot of people have connected with that like feeling like they're talking with a friend. And I have made so many friends and my DMs are always open and I have people who chat with me every day. Like they don't like commenting out in the open but they reach out to me in DMS because they're reading the same books that I am. And I just try to be friendly. I don't know. I try not to talk about things I don't like, because if you want to hear people talk about things they don't like, you can do that till you're dead on this app. I mean, I don't know, but I want people to know what makes me happy. I want to know what people to know what sparks joy for me. So that's what I've been doing.

[Lexi]

That. Yes, exactly. Well, and also, it's that realness where you're like, it's just. Like, it's just my heart and it's that it, like, you know, like, when your heart might be feeling a little bit heavy, then it's like little coffee chats and things like that, where it's a sense of, like, we're in the this together. Like, you're you. Like, I'm feeling this way. And if you're feeling this way, too, here's a little bit of a virtual hug, so to speak. And I think that's something we really try to do as well, where, like you said, like, I don't like talking about things that I don't like. And I know we're very mindful about that, too, Nicole. Like, for instance, like, books that we don't like, we don't share them. Like, if it's a book club book or something like that, it wasn't our cup of tea. Then we always still try to bring out, like, what the good was in the book. Because other people are gonna like it. Absolutely.

[Nicole]

I was gonna say, like, there's a person behind that book who. We are so fortunate. The three of us here, where we do have platforms that are. Are so beautifully curated of people who trust recommendations, and if I'm gonna say, hey, I don't like a book, I could do that. And then people would have a bad taste about an author. And why would I do that to a person when I could steer people towards something they would like and, like, we were talking about, lift someone up who really touched my heart?

[Jess]

That's why I've always called myself a book reactor, not a book reviewer, because I have full respect for people who genuinely are reviewing books. They're digging into the craft and the plot and the style of the writing. I am just telling you what it felt like as a reader to read this book for entertainment. And that's where that ends for me. And if you. And the people who follow me, they know if they vibe with things that I've read in the past or they don't, and they. They've learned how to judge my recommendations that way. And that's all it takes.

[Lexi]

So what is your favorite part about sharing your reading journey with others as well as for yourself? What do you love about being that book reactor for the community?

[Jess]

My favorite thing about doing this as a member of a community is bringing fun back to being an adult. Being an adult can be so lame. If I put one more appointment and bill that's due on my calendar, I. I'm burning my calendar down. And adults deserve to have fun, too. If I want to doodle pictures from books and rank characters and dress up like a male main character doctor because it makes me laugh after I just paid my taxes, then that's what I'm gonna do. That's my favorite thing about this, is showing people that you can be almost 40 and you can still be having a good time. Okay. Figuring out what realm you're gonna live in someday.

[Nicole]

Buzzfeed.

[Lexi]

Told you. Absolutely. Oh, my gosh. Yes, exactly. Like, it goes back to this. I don't want to call it escapism, but it really is where it's like, we deserve to have fun, too. We deserve to have that. Is that the dopamine? Dopamine. Right. Is that.

[Nicole]

Sure.

[Jess]

Serotonin. It's one of them.

[Lexi]

Sorry.

[Nicole]

I know. I also feel like so much of, like, we as adults see ourselves in these FMCs and these characters, inside characters and main characters, and I know a big part of. At least my experience coming into these books is also reading the. I'm gonna, like, get to the, like, the romantic side of it and reading that, like, first. First romance again, like, falling in love. And it makes me feel so much more in love with my husband. I'm right now reading a series right now. It's a slow burn. I love it so much. Trial of the Sun Queen. If you have not read it, it's. Oh, my.

[Jess]

I know.

[Nicole]

I know.

[Lexi]

I started it yet. He's so good.

[Nicole]

I'm in book two right now, and I like the amount of, like, this just, like, the feelings and the stuff. I look over at my husband, and I'm like, I am so in love with you because I'm feeling these things from these books. And then it just, like, pours over into my life, especially with kids.

[Lexi]

It's like, life is going and going.

[Nicole]

To do lists and. And what should I eat for dinner? And my goddamn taxes need to get done today, I guess. And, like. But reading these books, it puts that romantic element, whether it's physical intimacy or just emotional intimacy, way back at the forefront. And When I talked about it on. Oh, God. Was that back in, like, fourth wing or something like that? I can't remember when I read my first smut love letter. I know so many people in the community reached out, and they were like, thank you for saying that. I did not realize that's exactly what I've been feeling. And you put it into words, and it's like, that has been one of my favorite parts.

[Jess]

Parts.

[Lexi]

That video is what led us to get an interview with USA Today. Because I loved it so much. I forgot about. Yes.

[Jess]

That'S awesome.

[Lexi]

And I love, too, like, how I think of, like, theories and like, all that kind of stuff as puzzle pieces. And I just, like, that's my. I call it creative problem solving. And it's like, as adults, we have to problem solve all sorts of things that we don't want to problem solve. Even at work. It's like. Like, all these things. I'm just like, I want to do a spreadsheet for fun. What's something I could do a spreadsheet for fun for? Or something like that. Or like, my whiteboard. Like, with you and your bulletin board. It's like using our brains in a way that is not required or, like, money attached to it or responsibilities. It's just so nice to see government. I guess for us. We kind of screwed that over Nicole with it. Yeah, we did, Josh. But that's okay.

[Nicole]

It still applies.

[Jess]

Yeah, but you're making your own pack.

[Lexi]

You know, like, there's a difference.

[Jess]

There's a difference there.

[Nicole]

You sound like my parents. And I appreciate that.

[Jess]

Guys. We don't need to remind me that I'm older. No.

[Lexi]

Surprising me with that right now.

[Jess]

Don't make me use your full name. I don't know it, but I'll find it.

[Lexi]

Well, I was gonna ask, too. Like, way we kind of shifting gears just a little bit here to talk more about, like, actual specific books. Which authors and books have had a lasting, positive impact on your life?

[Jess]

So many of them. I mean, at the top of the list forever and always will be Pen Cole and the Kindred's Curse saga. Pen was the first author to, like, engage back with me on social media in a really, like, meaningful way, not just liking some. You know what I mean? I'm not saying authors should have to do that either. I'm just saying it was this moment where I was like, holy crap. The person who made that world is speaketh to me. And I just, like, lost my mind. And the way she champions for other authors and other people in the publishing industry is amazing. And I would also put Nisha Tooley in that category. Like, the two of them and the insightful things they have to say about what's going on has made an impact on me, for sure. Carissa Broadbent is another one for her talent of writing books where it's totally gray, where it's really hard, like the daughter of. No. The War of Lost Hearts trilogy reminds me so much of Kindred's curse saga in that who is right and who is wrong, and there's not always an answer. You leave the book still not knowing sometimes who was the good guy or bad guy. Oh, and then I have to throw one out from, like, my teenage years, because this is where I got into romance. I was getting my wisdom teeth out, and I went to the library to get books. Books. And I checked out three Sarah Dessen books. I don't know if you two have read Sarah Dessen. She writes YA focused romance, kind of. And I now have her whole library still on my shelf. And that was, like, the first time I remembered, like, falling for a male character in a book. And, like, oh, just so the other ones are more recent. And Sarah Dessen is, like, from my millennial teenage years, for sure.

[Lexi]

I love that so much. What do you do when you know you're feeling down or burnt out or disconnected from reading in the community? And what are some of your favorite practices to do that for yourself, as well as to lift others up when you are feeling like that?

[Jess]

So when I'm feeling down or burnt out or disconnected, it's usually because I need to, like, opt out of something. I need to take something off my plate because I've, like, flown too close to the sun. And I think in this again, in this world where so many people are trying to make a name for themselves on social media and carve a space for themselves, you feel like you have to be part of everything. You have to read arcs and be on street teams and go to signings and get to conventions, and it just starts to feel like so much right because we're all still adulting on the side. And usually when I'm feeling that disconnect, it's because I tried to do too much and tried to be too much to too many people, and I did it to myself. And I need to look in the mirror and go, that's not why we're doing this. We're doing this because we wanted to have fun. We wanted to read the books we want to read and share them with the People who want to be there, and that's that. So, like, I've taken books off my plate, just crossed them off my TBR because they were only there because I felt like I needed to read it for somebody else. And, like, it's ridiculous. Unless, again, I know people have obligations again, when. When you are arc reading for an author or you've made someone a promise. But a lot of these things were just, like, someone recommended it, and I feel guilty, and then I just feels too much. And I would recommend that to everyone. Like, if it's feeling, like, too much, it probably is too much.

[Lexi]

I've actually kind of been feeling this way lately. Just there's been so much going on. Just so much going on in lives and backgrounds and all of that. And I have gotten so into cozy fantasy reads lately. Like, that is all I've been reading.

[Nicole]

Like, I see what's right above Jess's head. I've been staring at it this entire time. The Spell Shop. That's, like, one of Lexi's favorite.

[Jess]

Sarah Beth Durst is. I should have listed her earlier as one of my homegirls. I don't know if she wants me to call her that, but I love her so much. And the Enchanted Greenhouse comes out soon.

[Lexi]

It is. I'm reading it right now. She was so sweet after she saw that video that I did. She reached out and she's like, oh, my gosh. Like, thank you so much for loving this book. Like, would you like to have the Enchanted Greenhouse? And I was like, yes, yes, please. And so I'm about halfway through it right now. It is lovely.

[Jess]

It's sitting on my desk, too. I haven't started it yet, though. It's after the night in the moth. For sure. She is the nicest. Like, it just tracks that her books are a warm cup of hot cocoa, and so is she.

[Lexi]

Exactly. She like, her books are just such a nice hug. Mom. Our mom was saying. Cause she tried reading Fourth Wing, and she's like, it's a little too much death for me. Like, I need something nice. And I was like, oh, my gosh, mom, you have to read. Read the Spell Shop. And I told her about it. She's like, you had me at talking plant, Jess, what does a virtual hug look like to you?

[Jess]

It looks like so many things. I get virtual hugged all day, every day, and it makes me feel sometimes like if I deserve it or not. I don't know if you two ever get that feeling, connecting with so many people, where I start to wonder, like, why are people being so nice to me. But there are people who remember things that I've said and check in on like, oh, didn't you say your son was sick two days ago? How is he like to me, a virtual hug is when someone knows starts to know my heart more than just the books that I am reading and those messages that go back and forth that are truly like, person to person. And I've started to do that. Like, I always respond to people. It's one of. That's kind of one of my things I stand upon. Like, I will not make videos for a couple days so that I can answer people. That's just what I've prioritized. But every now and then when I'm feeling really sad or feeling like other people could use a virtual hug, I just drop into people's DMs with unhinged voice memos. Like, just like saying like, you're a beautiful, sparkly unicorn. And I hope that you, you know, because the feeling that someone thought about you, truly thought about you, and took precious time out of their day to engage with you is. Is. That's the hug right there.

[Lexi]

I feel that so much. Yes. Yes. This episode is sponsored by Better Help. In a world that never stops scrolling, it is easy to feel disconnected from others and from yourself. But what if loneliness isn't something to fix, but something to understand? I know for me, it can be so hard to get out of the daily routine and the habit of mindlessly scrolling so that I can make time for connecting with others. That's why we love partnering with Better Help and they have such a new, exciting project for us to share with you.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

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[Lexi]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

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[Jess]

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[Nicole]

I feel like whenever. Because we get, like, mail and stuff like that from people who listen to the show. And sometimes it's someone who's sent us. Like, we have one person who sends us quarterly packages. Jordan, I love you so much. And like, like, stuff like that, where it's just like, it doesn't matter what's going on in life right now, but they just do that. And we have another person, Sammy, who writes us, like, these letters, who, like, I know I need tissues next to me when I read those letters, because it's just to hear how something that started as just, I don't know, let's talk about fourth wing. We like to talk about books, and we exchange 100 texts a day. Let's maybe just do it into a microphone instead. Said has now impacted people in this deep, deep, deep way. It's like it's not even a virtual hug. It's like a virtual tackle.

[Lexi]

I think for me, too, is even when I am just scrolling, like, absolutely in the DMS and. And even outside of the DMs, like, you both are saying here, too. And it's like when I scroll and something makes me stop because it is somebody who's almost like, I know that they're just talking into a screen or it's just recording, but it's like, there, I can feel them checking in with me. Or it's like I can feel them reaching through and being like, hey, like, it's okay right now. Like, I felt this with Meg's tea room. She does these, like, just like, come sit and have tea. And she just tells you that everything's okay. And she looks into your soul.

[Nicole]

He looks in your soul. I feel so seen and vulnerable. I love it. And I just. Oh, my God.

[Lexi]

Exactly. And so I love those sorts of things, too. And also just like, it is that sort of thing where it's almost like checking in with ourselves as we are seeing all the. Just. There's always so much chaos and so much loud noises. And like, a virtual hug for me is like just pressing pause on all of that and being able to take A moment for both myself as well as for appreciation for whoever this person might be.

[Jess]

Yeah, I feel like part of that, too is, like, when things get bigger than yourself. Like, you two are talking about the podcast and it started with the two of you, right? But I imagine you have the feeling that I feel sometimes that it is. It has grown into its own thing. You're at the helm and you make the podcast. But, man, the community that has been created because of it is like its own thing, its own living, breathing thing. And I know when I watch in the. In my little corner of the Internet, like some of the inside jokes that have now, they're not. I'm not even in charge of them anymore. Like, Prep Watch is its own thing now that I. I have no power to stop.

[Lexi]

But every time, prenaturally, still, I see that. Like, I see it all the time. There's. There's a chapter that way. I think we just covered in glow, and it's like, oh, my gosh, I think of you every single time, Jess. I thought of you so much when I deep dive that book.

[Jess]

You're going to keep thinking about me. Pen's favorite word. And I love. I love. I love her for that. Because that's the series that started the whole thing in October. Cause I thought it was a fake word, and I'm admitting that here on the Internet. But it's just, people feel connected. I think another virtual hug is when other people feel connected because of something that was so small and silly and then it made people almost be friends with each other in a community effort to do it.

[Lexi]

So what are some small ways that we can. Can support each other online that really do make a big difference? Not like, not just for readers, but, like, including for creators, authors, and especially readers who are just part of this community.

[Jess]

I think one of the easiest ways to show up for each other is kindness in how you speak to people, right? Taking the time while you are scrolling to stop and say something nice to somebody else, else you are adding. And we're all fast typers these days, while we're scrolling. You are not adding much time to your day to say, wow, this is a really cool edit you did of this photo. Or, ooh, this video is really neat. It made me want to read this book. I can't tell you how much little comments like that still to this day make me go, oh, like, thank you so much. You know, and so I try to do that for people as much as I can. I also think unprompted kindness is really important, like just checking in on someone again. Take 10 minutes from your doom scrolling and contact a couple people that you truly know and say, how are you? Are you good? Are we good? You know, and you're not adding to your day, you're saying, you know what? I don't need to see my 75th reel about sourdough today.

[Nicole]

I'm gonna talk is that your flavor.

[Lexi]

For you page right now?

[Nicole]

Very curated.

[Jess]

Oh boy, it's so curated. So how do I summarize what I just said? I think it's reallocating your time to make connections instead of being in a vacuum by yourself. Makes an impact on people showing up.

[Lexi]

As yourself, like vulnerably as yourself. We see so many perfectly curated videos and aesthetic book lays and flatlays and all of that kind of stuff. And it's just like, even if you are just yourself, you know, like, even if it's bad edit or whatever that might look like, it's like it can make other people smile and feel supported and feel seen as well there too.

[Jess]

It's hard to show up with vulnerability because that's courageous, right? To show your heart and open yourself up to criticism. Because criticism is going to exist, right? So I totally respect. I am so, so friends with so many people in this space who call themselves lurkers. Like, they don't post anything, but they're just watching and engaging in their own quiet ways. And I think it's so important to let people know that there's space for them no matter what. Like, you don't have to do it the way I'm doing it. You don't have to do it the way Lexi and Nicole are doing it. But at the end of the day, we all showed up because we love books.

[Lexi]

All right, Jess, we have one last question here for you. And I know we kind of talked about it a little bit in the rapid fire get to know you, but we are all going to the everflame ball on August 30th. We are so excited to finally meet you in person.

[Nicole]

I am going to scream and then run into your arms and I am so excited.

[Lexi]

What are you most excited about?

[Jess]

Oh, so many things. So many things. You know, on my notes I wrote hugs.

[Lexi]

That's what I wrote.

[Jess]

I have not had the opportunity to meet a ton of people that, that I've been engaging with on this space for some of them well over a year. And so many of those people are converging at this same place and I am like vibrating already with like joy and Social anxiety at the same time that I'm like, oh, my God, we're gonna really see each other. And I am so thrilled that I was able to make this opportunity work. It's actually my husband is coming with me not to the but to Colorado for like the four day weekend. And we're coming without our son and having a trip together for the first time in three years. Oh, my God. And then I'm going to the ball with all of you, and he's gonna find something else to do, but we're gonna hang out for the weekend. Actually. This area, Colorado and Denver and Estes park, and we went all over the place was our last trip we went on as a couple before we had our son. So it's kind of like a full circle moment. So there's a lot of things I'm feeling a lot of joy about for that weekend.

[Lexi]

I am so excited for it too, because of course, like the live Q and A and also just to see. It's so much fun to come together and especially, like you were saying, to see people who we haven't seen before, like you. I am so excited to see you there. Oh, my gosh. Like, I love just getting dressed up and everybody there because of the shared passion. I know that when we went to our first ball and, you know, like, family and friends were kind of asking us, like, what in the world is one of those balls like? And it's like, okay, imagine a wedding. But everybody there loves the same things. And it's like, oh. And it's like, everybody there is just like, let your geek fly. We all just love the same. It's so much fun. Well, Jess, thank you so, so much for taking the time to join us today. This has been such a wonderful conversation and just thank you again.

[Nicole]

And before we we part ways, will you please plug all of your things? Where can people find you? Where can people find Luther Durbois so.

[Jess]

People can find me? In the one and only location known as Instagram. Helostbooksofjess. If you see me somewhere else, it's not me. You can also find me on Fable. I run the Chaos Cadre Book Club over there. We're reading Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood for the month of July. So that's exciting. And I do have have merch stickers and things, and they're all available through the Once Upon a Plot Twist Etsy shop, which is linked in my bio on Instagram.

[Lexi]

Oh, my goodness. Well, thank you so much again, Jess. And everybody, please go follow her on Instagram. It is just such a bright light in our day. And again, thank you so much for.

[Nicole]

Coming the happiest corner of the Internet. We will be back with our Kindred's Curse saga Deep Dive with our final episode of of Glow of the Everflame. Oh my God. Chapters 44 through 45 and the epilogue. And also Diem and Luther's bonus chapter link to get the bonus chapters are in the show Notes. Thank you as always to our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager, Hayden. We freaking love you.

[Lexi]

And if you're not already following us on Instagram and Slash or TikTok, please give us a follow antasy fangirlspod but.

[Nicole]

Make sure you're following Jess. Also, it's a two for one combo, friends.

[Lexi]

And remember that we are doing the Positivity Paper Pages campaign. It's starting today with day one. In fact, we even talked about the prompt here today, at least for the personal one, about what sparks joy for you as a reader. Yes.

[Nicole]

And last but not least, don't forget to rate and review the podcast. And in honor of spreading kindness and love to all people, don't just rate this podcast. Rate any and all podcasts you listen to. It's like a big hug.

[Lexi]

Yes. Thank you so much. We will see you next week. All right, bye bye.

[Jess]

Acast powers the world's best podcasts.

[Lexi]

Here's a show that we recommend.

[Jess]

Hey, we're the Adam Wild and Jack Show. You can find us wherever you get your podcasts every Wednesday. And Jax, we talk about what?

[Lexi]

Well, we're just two best pals talking.

[Jess]

About pop culture dating and also exposing each other's deepest, darkest secrets. And if you've ever been ghosted, we have a little segment called Left on Red where we call the person who ghosted you and say, hey, why'd you do that? And usually it leads to some pretty embarrassing and explosive things. Yeah.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Jess]

So check out the Adam Wild and Jack show, available every Wednesday. Wherever you get your podcasts, Acast helps.

[Lexi]

Creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere.

[Jess]

Acast.com.