From the Front Porch

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.

Episode 516 || Annie Recommends: Rom-Coms

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. This month, Annie recommends a short list of her favorite rom-coms.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 516”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

Back After This by Linda Holmes (releases 2/25/25)

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Passion Project by London Sperry (releases 4/8/25)

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 How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris.

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 515 || New Release Rundown: February

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the November 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 515”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie's books:

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (2/4)

We Would Never by Tova Mirvis (2/11)

Back After This by Linda Holmes (2/25)

Olivia's books:

The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune (2/4)
You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego (2/11)
The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman (2/18)

Erin's books:

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict (2/11)
The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2/25)
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (2/25)

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 Isola by Allegra Goodman.  Olivia is reading The Enemy's Daughter by Anne Blankman.  Erin is reading Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson.

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 514 || January Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in January. You get 10% off your books when you order your January Reading Recap Duo. 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 514”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (releases 2/4)

We Would Never by Tova Mirvis (releases 2/11)

Lucky Night by Eliza Kennedy (releases 3/25)

Playworld by Adam Ross

Back After This by Linda Holmes (releases 2/25)

Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (releases 2/25)

Annie's January Reading Recap Duo - $52

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (releases 2/4)

Playworld by Adam Ross

**Please note your January Reading Recap Duo will ship after Tuesday, February 4, when The Snowbirds releases.

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 Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.

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 513 || Into the Backlist: History of Wolves

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a new episode of Into the Backlist! Today, Annie changes her focus from new releases to dive into the backlist: the books that came out years ago, the books that didn’t get enough attention, the books you may stumble upon while browsing in an indie bookstore like The Bookshelf.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 513”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Previous Into the Backlist Titles:

Frances & Bernard by Carlene Bauer

The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (unable to order)

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Defending Jacob by William Landay

History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (unavailable to order)
Lay Your Body Down by Amy Suiter Clarke
Stealing by Margaret Verble
The Net Beneath Us by Carol Dunbar
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Penitence by Kristin Koval (releases January 28th)

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 Snowbirds by Christina Clancy.

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...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.