From the Front Porch

Episode 526 || Ordinary Time: Behind the Scenes

This week on From the Front Porch, we’re celebrating the release of Annie B. Jones’ debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put! Listen to today’s episode for a behind the scenes look at all things Ordinary Time.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 526), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (physical copy)

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (audiobook)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 525 || Ordinary Time Audiobook Preview

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a treat for you: an Ordinary Time audiobook preview! Annie B. Jones’ debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, releases on Tuesday, April 22.

When you preorder a physical copy of Ordinary Time from The Bookshelf, you get the audiobook FREE courtesy of Libro.fm. Preorder a physical copy of Ordinary Time and receive a FREE code for the audiobook here.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 525), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (physical copy, FREE audiobook with purchase)

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (audiobook only)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 524 || April New Release Rundown

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the April releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 524), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie's books:

Passion Project by London Sperry (4/8)

When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris (4/15)

Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones (4/22)

Olivia's books:

Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake (4/1)
Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan (4/15)
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner (4/29)

Erin's books:

A Change of Habit by Sister Monica Clare (4/29)
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (4/29)
The Eights by Joanna Miller (4/15)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading Annie is reading Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green.  Olivia is reading Candle Island by Lauren Wolk.  Erin is listening to Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 523 || March Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in March. You get 10% off your books when you order your March Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 523), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (releases June 3rd)

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky

Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

The Tell by Amy Griffin

When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris (releases April 15th)

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

Annie's March Reading Recap Bundle - $75

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks

Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving by Lydia Sohn.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 522 || March Madness with Jordan Jones

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s all about books and basketball! Annie is joined by her husband and friend, Jordan, to set different books head to head and debate their merits in this beloved yearly tradition.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 522), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

The Women by Kristin Hannah vs. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

A Fine Sight to See by Sophie Hudson vs. A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten vs. The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker vs. The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

The Kingdom of Quail by Harrison Strickland vs. The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain

James by Percival Everett vs. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Funny Story by Emily Henry vs. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst.  Jordan is reading The Lost History of Christianity by Philip Jenkins.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 521 || From the Front Porch Live from Reader Retreat

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a special treat: a recording of our live show from The Bookshelf’s March Reader Retreat! In this episode, Annie, Hunter, and Ashley are joined by extra-special author guest Jeff Zentner, our Reader Retreat featured author, to do a snake draft of all things Southern: from literature to manners to food. Enjoy!

To purchase Jeff Zentner’s debut adult fiction book, stop by the store or visit our website:

Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

 

Episode 520 || What Would Susie Read?

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats with her mom, Susie, about books for readers with PG-13 tastes. You get 10% off the Susie-approved reads mentioned in this episode when you use code SHOPMOMSELECTS at checkout online and in-store!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 520”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Susie’s Favorite Books

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri

Time of the Child by Niall Williams

Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Have More Fun by Mandy Arioto (unavailable to order)

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry (releases 3/18)

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Munroe (releases 5/13)

What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.  Susie is reading Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 519 || New Release Rundown: March

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the March releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 519”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie's books:

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (3/4)

The Antidote by Karen Russell (3/11)

Tilt by Emma Pattee (3/25)

Olivia's books:

The City of Lost Cats by Tanya Lloyd Kyi (3/4)

Once for Yes by Allie Millington (3/25)

The Other People by C.B. Everett (3/25)

Erin's books:

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (3/4)

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (3/11)

Early Thirties by Josh Duboff (3/18)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley.  Olivia is reading This is Not A Game by Kelly Mullen.  Erin is listening to I've Got Questions by Erin Hicks Moon.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 518 || February Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in February. You get 10% off your books when you order your February Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 518”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris

Tilt by Emma Pattee (releases 3/25/25)

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (releases 4/29/25)

Blessings and Disasters by Alexis Okeowo (releases 8/5/25)

Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (releases 6/24/25)

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (releases 3/4/25)

Annie's February Reading Recap Pairing - $52

How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Episode 517 || Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley: Winter

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 517”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie is reading:

Tilt by Emma Pattee (releases March 25th)

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Ashley is reading:

The Women by Kristin Hannah
Playworld by Adam Ross
Bark by Lorrie Moore

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. 

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. 

This week, Annie is reading I've Got Questions by Erin H. Moon.  Ashley is reading The Magic of Knowing What You Want by Tracey Gee.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.