This week, we’re stepping outside the familiar world of Anne Shirley and into one of L.M. Montgomery’s lesser-known novels, The Blue Castle. We’re talking about Valancy Stirling, a quiet woman who has spent her life following everyone else’s rules—until a startling diagnosis inspires her to finally take control of her own story.

We’ll discuss Valancy’s transformation, the unexpected romance at the heart of the novel, Montgomery’s exploration of family expectations and societal conventions, and whether The Blue Castle deserves a place alongside her better-known works. Is this hidden gem as charming as we hoped?

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

What if the women history forgot were actually the women who changed everything?

In this episode we’re diving into the fascinating historical fiction of Marie Benedict. Known for bringing remarkable women from history out of the shadows, Benedict’s novels explore the lives, relationships, struggles, and accomplishments of women whose stories deserve a closer look.

We’ll talk about some of our favorite Marie Benedict books, the historical figures she brings to life, and what we love (and sometimes question!) about her approach to historical fiction. From famous names to lesser-known women, these stories give us plenty to discuss—and plenty of reasons to add another book to our reading lists!

So grab a cup of something cozy and join us as we explore the books of Marie Benedict.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict

The Only One in the Room by Marie Benedict

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek By Kim Michele Richardson

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

The First Ladies by Marie Benedict

Queens Crime by Marie Benedict

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Up Next:

Book Club Episode: `The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

What books made you fall in love with reading? In this episode, we’re taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of our favorite childhood reads! We’ll talk about the stories we loved, the characters we still remember, and what happens when we return to those beloved books years later. Do they still hold up? Do we see them differently as adults? And which childhood favorites have earned a permanent place on our bookshelves? Join us for a nostalgic conversation about the books that helped shape us as readers.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Superfudge byJudy Blume

Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer

Are You There Reader? It's Me, Judy by Nora Gallatin

Otherwise Known As Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray

Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

Matilda by Roald Dahl

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

The BFG by Roald Dahl

The Twits by Roald Dahl

The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White