Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
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.

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Episode 520 || What Would Susie Read?
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
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:
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.

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Episode 519 || New Release Rundown: March
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
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.

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Episode 518 || February Reading Recap
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
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.

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Episode 517 || Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley: Winter
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
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.

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Episode 516 || Annie Recommends: Rom-Coms
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
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.

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Episode 515 || New Release Rundown: February
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
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.

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Episode 514 || January Reading Recap
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
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.

Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Episode 513 || Into the Backlist: History of Wolves
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
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.

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Episode 512 || Literary Therapy, Vol. 23
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here.
To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 512”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:
Play for Me by Libby Hubscher
A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
The Life Council by Laura Tremaine
Begin Again by Helly Acton
Limelight by Amy Poeppel
Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel
The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman
If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe
Live from New York by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
I’ll BeThere for You by Kelsey Miller
The Office by Andy Greene
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (unavailable to order)
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
Leaving by Roxana Robinson
It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway by Elizabeth Passarella (unavailable to order)
Congratulations! The Best Is Over by R. Eric Thomas
I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb
From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
Taste by Stanley Tucci
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 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.
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.