Your favorite book besties are back — refreshed, reflective, and a little bit feral about how much can change in a year. In this cozy catch-up episode, Megan and Christiana spill all the tea on their second annual Book Trip—from changing plans last minute (goodbye, Florida!) to discovering creative synchronicity in the heart of Virginia wine country. What started as a trip for reading Quicksilver turned into something so much bigger: rodeos, revelations, and the birth of a new joint project that feels like pure magic. Grab your mug of cider (or glass of cabernet), settle in, and get ready for a heart-filled episode on creativity, friendship, and trusting divine timing.

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Chapters

00:00 We're Back! Catching Up After a Break

01:13 Anticipation for Taylor's New Release

02:47 Reflecting on Taylor's Past Albums

04:06 Plans for the New Album Release Day

06:07 Life Updates and Moving Stories

07:52 Book Trip Adventures and Changes

09:41 Unexpected Magic in Virginia

13:30 Creative Synergy and Future Dreams

21:57 Unexpected Restaurant Vibes

23:23 Creative Flow and New Project

25:01 Reflecting on Friendship and Collaboration

25:28 Practical Magic and Wine

26:19 The Magic of Book Trip

28:51 Empowering Women Through Creativity

31:00 Personal Growth and Achievements

32:54 The Importance of Community

36:43 Book Trip Memories and Future Plans

41:27 Technical Difficulties and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Megan and Christiana dive into two standout summer romances that finally delivered the vibes they've been craving: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez and This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune. They unpack what made these stories so compelling—from depth of character development to heartfelt themes of family, healing, and love. The hosts share laughs, rant about stickers on book covers and annoying side characters, and gush over summer settings that make them want to pack a bag and travel immediately.

📚Just for the Summer (Abby Jimenez) delivers a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance with realistic challenges and strong character development.

🌊This Summer Will Be Different (Carley Fortune) brings swoony best-friend's-brother romance set in a vivid Prince Edward Island backdrop.

📚Both novels balance summer romance fun with deeper themes of family, healing, and choosing love.

🌊Abby Jimenez and Carley Fortune are now auto-buy authors for the hosts.

PODCAST LINKS:

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Summer Romances

00:31 The Search for the Perfect Summer Read

01:51 Discussion on Book Covers and Accuracy

02:45 Thoughts on the First Book: Just for the Summer

04:12 Character Development and Universe Connections

08:17 Heartbreaking Moments and Real-Life Issues

16:34 Final Thoughts on Just for the Summer

25:54 Introduction to This Summer Will Be Different

28:44 Initial Impressions and Character Dynamics

29:12 Plot Developments and Key Moments

32:21 Character Relationships and Conflicts

35:29 Bridget's Big Reveal and Its Impact

42:14 Book's Ending and Final Thoughts

48:38 Upcoming Reads and Podcast Wrap-Up

In this episode, Megan and Christiana are back with all the summer book recs, juicy updates, and deeply unhinged theories about ACOTAR 6. Spoiler: we may be feral over a "first draft" and theorizing multiple books… but we don't care. The SJM brainrot is real, and we're here for it.

They also dive into their personal creative journeys—from Christiana's emotional ocean revelations and book ideas pouring in like waves, to Megan's dreamy European girl summer (France! Tapas! Fantasy castles! The best cheeseburger of her life!). Plus, they share their honest takes on the summer reads they've been devouring—and dragging.

✨ Top 3 Takeaways:
📚 We're in our Summer of Romance era—here's what's worth reading (and what isn't).
🌊 Sometimes all you need is the ocean, a voice memo app, and a dream.
🧚‍♀️ Sarah J. Maas did give us crumbs—and yes, we're spiraling.

Whether you're currently crying in the waves or scrolling for your next beach read, this episode is full of heart, hilarity, and peak hot reader energy.

📖 Books Mentioned:
– Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
– It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
– The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
– The Love Haters by Katherine Center
– The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
– Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
– and more 👀

PODCAST LINKS:

Follow the ATWR Pod on IG

Megan IG

Chris IG

Subscribe to Chris's Substack

Subscribe to Megan's newsletter

Megan's website

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:22 Sarah J. Maas Book Announcement

01:52 Fan Theories and Speculations

05:56 Crescent City and Series Connections

12:15 Life Updates and Summer Reflections

14:32 Beach Day and Creative Inspirations

25:04 European Vacation Highlights

36:36 Reflecting on the Louvre Experience

37:07 Inspiration from Travel and Writing Retreats

41:56 ChatGPT and Creative Exploration

44:50 Astrocartography and Personal Growth

46:30 Summer Reads Part One

46:59 Book Reviews and Recommendations

01:02:53 Misleading Book Covers and Expectations

01:11:51 Conclusion and Future Reading Plans