In this week’s episode, we’re talking The Trade Off by Samantha Greene Woodruff—a sharp, fast-paced historical fiction set in 1920s New York. Join us as we dig into ambition, gender roles, market chaos, and what it means to be the smartest (and most ignored) person in the room.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.samanthawoodruff.com/)
• The Trade Off (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207644520-the-trade-off)
• Samantha Greene Woodruff on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21418696.Samantha_Greene_Woodruff)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip intro
• (01:24) - A special guest?!
• (04:11) - Book summary
• (05:17) - SPOILER ALERT!
• (05:47) - Kristy's review
• (07:02) - Jon's review
• (09:29) - Impressions of Bea
• (11:50) - Shifting social status
• (14:30) - Bea & Sophie
• (16:44) - Henny & Millie
• (18:52) - Jake
• (22:59) - The Great Crash
• (25:13) - What if Jon was Bea?
• (27:27) - Trust & perseverance
• (29:49) - Oh, Nate
• (35:31) - Pauline
• (38:27) - Introducing our special guest!
• (48:05) - Interview debrief
• (48:33) - Recommendations

In this episode, we dive into Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez—a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that’s equal parts swoony and soul-stirring. We’re talking long-distance love, grief, family struggles, and why Abby’s stories always hit deeper than your average love story. This one gave us all the feels. Tune in for our take on one unforgettable night, an unexpected connection, and the kind of love that refuses to fade.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/)
• Say You’ll Remember Me (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216437557-say-you-ll-remember-me?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16)
• Abby Jimenez on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18446724.Abby_Jimenez)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip Intro
• (03:16) - Book summary
• (04:28) - SPOILER ALERT!
• (05:01) - Jon's review
• (06:25) - Kristy's review
• (07:47) - Instant attraction
• (10:18) - Withholding critical information
• (12:25) - Black cat vs golden retriver
• (15:15) - Impact of dementia
• (19:10) - A husbandly conundrum
• (23:02) - Adult understanding
• (27:34) - The hits just keep on comin
• (30:20) - Xavier’s demons
• (33:22) - The family intervention
• (37:05) - Parallel timelines
• (39:54) - Thoughts on the ending
• (41:54) - To buy, or not to buy… mustard
• (44:30) - Final thoughts

In this episode, Kristy and Jon dive into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—a heartwarming tale of magical children, unlikely friendships, and finding your voice. They unpack themes of prejudice and humanity, gush over favorite characters like Chauncey and Talia, and reflect on the cozy magic of this feel-good read. Come for the laughs, stay for the tears... and maybe a surprise Rudolph reference.

Links

• Official author website (https://www.tjklunebooks.com/)
• The House in the Cerulean Sea (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45047384-the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea)
• TJ Klune on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5073330.T_J_Klune)

Chapters

• (00:46) - Skip intro
• (01:37) - Upcoming books
• (02:39) - Book summary
• (03:53) - SPOILER ALERT!
• (04:19) - Kristy's review
• (05:22) - Jon's review
• (05:58) - Live up to the hype?
• (07:26) - Linus
• (10:58) - Favorite children
• (14:24) - Chauncey!
• (16:39) - Lucy(fer)
• (19:15) - Body size metaphor
• (23:39) - Arthur
• (29:01) - Blindly following the rules
• (30:51) - Addressing prejudices
• (32:24) - A magical romance
• (34:12) - Finding 'home'
• (36:55) - A surprise question?!
• (39:08) - Recommendations
• (40:55) - Closing time