From the Front Porch: Episode 524 || April New Release Rundown
Host: Annie Jones
Guests: Olivia (Operations Manager), Erin Moon (Online Sales Manager)
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Podcast Produced by: The Bookshelf, Thomasville, Georgia
Introduction
In Episode 524 of From the Front Porch, host Annie Jones, along with her team members Olivia and Erin Moon, delves into an exciting lineup of new book releases for April. Amidst a bustling schedule filled with events like Word of South and Indie Bookstore Day, the trio shares their enthusiasm for the latest additions to their shelves, offering insightful reviews and personal anecdotes to help listeners find their next great read.
Featured New Releases
1. Passion Project by London Sperry
Reviewed by: Annie Jones
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Annie kicks off the episode with Passion Project, a romantic comedy that stands out for its realistic portrayal of mental health, particularly anxiety. The story follows Bennett, who, despite her struggles, embarks on a journey to discover her passions with the help of Henry.
Key Highlights:
- Character Depth: Bennett's anxiety is depicted authentically, avoiding clichéd portrayals. Annie remarks, “This is something that's part of Bennet's life. She deals with it, she works through it” [08:11].
- Romantic Chemistry: The evolving friendship and chemistry between Bennett and Henry make for a heartfelt narrative.
- Comparative Insight: Annie compares it to her favorite rom-com, Summer Fridays, noting, “I think readers of that will really like this book” [08:14].
2. Gifted and Talented by Olivia Blake
Reviewed by: Olivia
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Olivia introduces Gifted and Talented, a magical realism fantasy that masterfully balances character-driven storytelling with intricate plotting. Set over five intense days, the novel explores the fallout from the patriarch's death in a family of three siblings, each grappling with their own shortcomings and magical abilities.
Key Highlights:
- Inspirational Influences: Olivia draws parallels to shows like Succession and The Umbrella Academy, highlighting the show's influence. “It's sort of the COVID plot reminds me of like Succession meets Umbrella Academy” [10:48].
- Character Arcs: Each sibling's unique magical ability adds depth to their personal struggles and family dynamic.
- Author's Mastery: Olivia praises the balance Olivia Blake achieves, stating, “She took a lot of inspiration from Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums, which I also really love” [10:54].
3. A Change of Habit by Sister Monica Claire
Reviewed by: Erin Moon
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Erin Moon spotlights A Change of Habit, a poignant memoir by Sister Monica Claire. The narrative chronicles Claudette Powell's arduous journey from a tumultuous childhood in Rome, Georgia, to her pursuit of becoming a nun, juxtaposed with her career in comedy and eventual marital struggles.
Key Highlights:
- Authentic Journey: Erin emphasizes the memoir’s honest depiction of Claudette’s spiritual and personal struggles. “She feels like she has comedy and she's funny” [15:41].
- In-Depth Exploration: The memoir delves into the rigorous process of becoming a nun, challenging romanticized notions. “It's not as glamorous as the movies and books make it seem” [16:00].
- Emotional Resonance: Erin shares, “It's a beautiful memoir about someone's spirituality and growing up” [16:23].
4. Midnight and Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan
Reviewed by: Olivia
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Olivia introduces Midnight and Soap Lake, a gripping mystery set in the enigmatic town of Soap Lake. The story revolves around Abigail's investigation into local legends and unsolved mysteries, particularly the ominous creature known as Treetop.
Key Highlights:
- Atmospheric Setting: The small-town vibe coupled with supernatural elements creates a compelling backdrop.
- Intricate Plot: Olivia notes the book’s ability to unveil secrets gradually, keeping readers engaged. “It's one of those books where a woman starts to investigate a current crime and all of these small town, hidden secrets start to get solved alongside it” [25:01].
- Character Realism: The diverse and relatable characters add depth to the mystery, making the narrative resonate on a personal level.
5. The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Pinner
Reviewed by: Erin Moon
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Erin covers The Amalfi Curse, a historical fiction novel that intertwines two timelines—modern-day and historical—focused on the enigmatic waters off the Amalfi Coast. The story blends maritime archaeology with magical elements, exploring the legacy of a coven possessing water-manipulating powers.
Key Highlights:
- Dual Timelines: The convergence of past and present narratives enriches the storytelling experience.
- Cultural Depth: Erin appreciates the historical context and the seamless integration of magical realism.
- Comparative Insight: She relates the novel to The Lost Apothecary, highlighting its appeal to fans of intricate historical narratives. “If you love a good memoir and historical fiction, I highly recommend this” [30:31].
Annie Jones' Own Release: Ordinary Time
Book: Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Author: Annie Jones
Annie takes a heartfelt moment to introduce her own memoir, Ordinary Time. The book delves into her personal experiences and lessons learned while managing The Bookshelf bookstore in rural South Georgia. Through essays and memoir-style narratives, she explores themes of community, perseverance, and the quiet beauty of an ordinary life.
Key Highlights:
- Personal Insights: Annie shares her vulnerability and the surreal experience of transitioning from bookseller to author. “It's very weird to go from bookselling to then writing and now trying to market and sell a book that you wrote” [35:04].
- Inspirational Message: The memoir aims to encourage readers to find fulfillment in their own paths, emphasizing that an ordinary life is valuable. “You can live your quiet, ordinary small town existence” [36:40].
- Comparisons and Inspirations: Annie likens her book to works like Mary Laura Philpott's I Miss You When I Blink and Heather Linds' Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs, highlighting its blend of humor and poignancy.
Additional Highlights
6. When the Harvest Comes by Denny Michelle Norris
Reviewed by: Annie Jones
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Annie discusses When the Harvest Comes, her debut novel that intertwines themes of love, loss, and family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a bustling wedding weekend, the story delves into the complexities of familial relationships and personal growth.
7. The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
Reviewed by: Olivia
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Olivia presents The Trouble with Heroes, a middle-grade novel that follows Finn Connelly, a seventh-grader grappling with his father's legacy as a heroic FDNY member during 9/11. Tasked with climbing all 46 Adirondack High Peaks, Finn embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.
Key Highlights:
- Emotional Depth: The story poignantly addresses grief and the pressures of living up to a parent's legacy.
- Engaging Format: The mix of prose and poems creates a dynamic reading experience.
- Inspirational Quest: Finn’s challenge serves as a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles and embracing one's path.
8. The Eights by Joanna Miller
Reviewed by: Erin Moon
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Erin introduces The Eights, a historical fiction novel set in Oxford in 1920, focusing on four pioneering women who matriculate at the university for the first time in over a century. The novel explores their struggles against societal norms and their quest for academic and personal fulfillment.
Key Highlights:
- Historical Significance: The book sheds light on the groundbreaking integration of women into Oxford, offering rich historical context.
- Character-Driven Narrative: Erin praises the depth and development of the fictional characters, who embody the real challenges faced by women of that era.
- Educational Value: The novel provides an engaging way to learn about women's history and the evolution of educational institutions.
Hosts' Current Reads
- Annie Jones: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
- Olivia: Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
- Erin Moon: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Supporting From the Front Porch
From the Front Porch is a production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast by:
- Leaving a Review: Share feedback on Apple Podcasts to help reach new listeners.
- Patreon Support: Access exclusive content, live events, discounts, and giveaways by becoming a patron at patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.
Closing Thoughts
Episode 524 of From the Front Porch offers a diverse array of new releases that cater to various tastes, from romantic comedies and magical realism to heartfelt memoirs and historical fiction. Annie, Olivia, and Erin provide thoughtful analyses and personal reflections, making this episode a valuable guide for book enthusiasts seeking their next read in April.
Notable Quotes:
- Annie Jones on Passion Project: “This is something that's part of Bennet's life. She deals with it, she works through it” [08:11].
- Olivia on Gifted and Talented: “She took a lot of inspiration from Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums, which I also really love” [10:54].
- Annie Jones on Ordinary Time: “It's very weird to go from bookselling to then writing and now trying to market and sell a book that you wrote” [35:04].
For more details on the books discussed, visit bookshelfthomasville.com and use the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for a 10% discount on today’s selections.