We are pleased to announce our inaugral discord book discussion!

In case you missed it, our July Book of the Month is TILDA IS VISIBLE by Tara Jane.
Rah will be hosting the discussion August 18 | 7:00PM (5PT/8ET) on our discord.

Our July (and accidental August theme) embodied Feminist Book Club's shift. We're so happy that many of you have come along for the ride, and it isn't too late to join in for everyone else!
Join our Tier 3 community. There is still time to borrow a copy of the book from your local library/libby, grab it from your indie bookstore, this link or libro.fm and come join us as we talk about Transitions.

See you then!

✨ 10/10

Aaahh! I am still mesmerized by this one. I loved it!

Ramona has retired from her popstar career at 26. Now she is psych student at UCLA. Nick is 36, ready for his tenure. What happens when chemistry starts to brew between the Psych professor and student? 👀

Rachel Lynn Solomon has packed this one with sugar, spice and everything nice. My heart reaches out to Ramona. She is written so beautifully and detailed. Nick is greenest flag you'll ever read about. (Total Garrett Graham vibes but older and academic 🔥). The student professor tension is so high. I was giggling like a teen when I was reading their texts and emails.
Though I would have liked a little more of their interaction in college.

Such a HEALTHY, SPICY, SWEET love story of two adults navigating life.

I would like to read more of Rachel Lynn Solomon's books!

Thank you so much @booksparks !

#SRC2026 #booktok #mustread

Hey Readers!

This week's pick comes from our researcher, Joel, as the 'best non-fiction book'.

Do you agree?

Welcome to this exclusive, full-length interview for our premium members of The First Editions!

Today, we are diving deep into the multi-genre world of C.M. Stewart. Her upcoming contemporary romance, Rise Above, officially drops on August 12th! The story follows Aife, a fierce social worker navigating her own complex medical realities, and TJ, a hockey player who proves that a stoic exterior can hide a profoundly protective heart.

In this complete, uncut Q&A, Carmen opens up about how real-life brain surgery and her clinical social work background shaped her newest release. She also shares why she handwrites all of her books, the cathartic purpose behind her fantasy work, and the exact Taco Bell order that fueled her drafting process.

The Inspiration: Your upcoming release, Rise Above, features a social worker named Aife and a hockey player named TJ. What inspired you to bring these two very different worlds together for a romance?

In August of 2020, I had surgery to remove a pineal cyst from my brain. It actually wound up taking my entire pineal gland. During that process, I had just graduated with my MSW (Master's of Social Work) and gotten my license. My then boyfriend (now husband) stayed with me during that time.

I actually wrote a couple books to re-hone my writing skills before Rise Above just kinda... fell into my lap. I've always loved hockey, and as a social worker, I felt that the element of being a social worker would lend some gravity to Aife's medical issues. And then well... who doesn't love a hockey player?

First Impressions: Aife and TJ both carry a lot of personal armor. Without giving too much away, what is one trait of theirs you think readers will instantly fall in love with when they open the book?

• For Aife: I think they will love her determination. She is... tough.

• For TJ: I think they will love that he is stoic but still shows his love.

The Gateway Book: What was the first book you remember reading that made you absolutely fall in love with reading?

There are far TOO many books that started my love of reading, but The Chronicles of Narnia has to be chief among them. I think that was the first time I realized the power of storytelling.

The Comfort Read: What is the one book you can re-read over and over again and never get tired of?

I am such a mood reader, so comfort reads are a funny concept to me. I think a book I would go back to and enjoy a lot would be From Blood and Ash. I don't consider it a comfort read, but maybe a familiar one.

The To-Be-Read Pile: What books are currently sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read next?

Um... I have an entire bookshelf! 📚 Chief among these (and yes, I am so aware how far behind on these books I am) are The Book of Azrael and Paper Rings.

Bookstore Buddy: As a book lover yourself, if you could spend a day browsing a bookstore with any fictional character from any book ever written, who would you take with you?

Oh, I love this question! I think I would love to actually take an animal in with me, to be honest. I love being able to browse without commentary. Bookstores are peaceful to me, and I just love wandering by myself.

The Childhood Spark: Your bio mentions that your writing journey started in the third grade when you and your sister created The Grannies, two crazy grandmothers who got up to wild anecdotes. If The Grannies were to read Rise Above, what do you think their review would be?

Oh my god, the Grannies! 😂 I think it would be something like, "Sheesh... she got better at writing." And that would be it.

The Fuel: What is your ultimate writing snack or beverage? Are you powered by coffee, tea, or something completely different that got you through drafting Rise Above?

So, I don't drink caffeine (I know) except for a Dr. Pepper. The food that got me through Rise Above was whatever my husband was cooking for me... but a bean burrito from Taco Bell probably was the main fuel.

Shifting Gears: You successfully hop across genres from the sci-fi world of The Unknown and Reborn, to the shifter fantasy of Black Eclipse, to the contemporary romance of Rise Above. Do you find it easy to switch gears between these worlds, or do you have to match your playlist/mood to the genre?

I think my brain genre jumps so easily because I do therapy for a living (which requires a LOT of jumping). Whatever my brain wants to write? I follow it.

Writing the Unspoken: In Black Eclipse, your protagonist Adira is mute and navigating trust. What was the most rewarding or challenging part of writing a powerful main character who communicates without speaking?

Black Eclipse was rewarding because that silence was about SA survivors not being heard. I think it was incredibly cathartic to finally have them have a voice without her needing to actually speak for a LOT of that book. The challenging part was that I had to keep remembering she was mute. Quotes were so hard to figure out in that book.

Reflecting Back: Your essay collection, This Is For My Generation, dives into real-world Millennial experiences. If you could give a copy of that book to 20-year-old C.M. Stewart, what advice or comfort do you hope she would take away from it?

I think 20-year-old Carmen would be so angry still that she would just be like, "Yeah, write more of these." I was 20 in about 2014-2015 before I really understood just how much crazier this timeline would get. I do think she would love the essay "I'm Okay" as it finally highlighted the medical trauma we didn't have words for at that age.

Emotional Truth: Your bio highlights that you write trauma-informed fiction and non-fiction grounded in clinical experience. How do you balance your background in social work and emotional truth with the pure escapism and fun of fiction?

All of my books (to the best of my ability) focus on mental health of some kind. I have PTSD myself, and I find I write that a lot into my books because it helps me process. When I am writing romance though, I love to do the banter. I think that helps remind me that a lot of people read to escape. I think there's a level of making the writing intriguing and fun enough while still throwing in possibly therapeutic elements.

The Visual Lens: Given your degree in photojournalism, do you tend to see your book scenes like photographs or movie frames before you write them down?

Weirdly, I think almost exclusively in photos. So, my editors have often said I need to go back in and add descriptions because I see them so vividly that I assume others can. They definitely feel more like movies than photos!

The Writing Setup: Are you a desk-and-computer writer, a couch-and-laptop writer, or a hand-written notebook writer? What does your ideal writing space look like?

I handwrite all my books. My brain seems to work better this way. My hands do NOT appreciate that. My ideal writing space would be an arthritis-friendly desk and chair, low lights, and just no extra bed in my space. My current office doubles as a guest bedroom and I want that thing out of there.

The Routine: Are you a morning bird who writes before the world wakes up, or a night owl who gets creative after dark?

I am a midday (after sessions and notes) writer. All my good ideas come in when I'm driving or showering. So many of my friends have gotten voice notes with me talking about the idea. I tend to get my ideas best in the morning but do my best writing later in the evening.

The Hardest Part: What comes easiest to you when writing creating the world, drafting the dialogue, or coming up with the plot twists? And which part makes you want to pull your hair out?

I think the easiest part of the book is the basic plot, like I know how I want it to start and end, then the middle gets dicey. The most difficult part for me is showing vs. telling. I find that things that seem very visual in my head, I struggle to show.

The Cast: If you could spend one day hanging out with any character from your own books, who would it be and what would you do?

I would 100% pick Zeke from Rise Above. He is hilarious and a pest. I think I would want him to take me around Chicago, go to a game with the Warhammers, and then go to the Bean.

Lightning Round:

• Plotter or Pantser? I am a pantser. I do not do true plotting.

• Physical books, E-readers, or Audiobooks? I love physical books the most, but my arthritis loves e-books the most.

• Silence, ambient noise, or music while writing? I usually love music or YouTube videos.

• One word to describe the ending of Rise Above: Spicy 🌶️

📚 Support the Author!

Thank you so much to C.M. Stewart for giving our premium community such an amazing, honest, and therapeutic look into her writing world. Be sure to show her some love by pre-ordering her next romance before August 12th!

• Pre-order via Amazon: Amazon Link

• Pre-order via Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble Link

Connect Online:

• Follow Across All Platforms:

If you’re looking for a romance that pairs deep, hard-won emotional gravity with a swoon-worthy athlete, mark your calendar for August 12th. That’s when Rise Above, the stunning new release from author C.M. Stewart, officially drops!

The book follows Aife, a fierce social worker navigating her own complex medical realities, and TJ, a hockey player who proves that a stoic exterior can hide a profoundly protective heart.

We sat down with C.M. Stewart to chat about the deeply personal inspiration behind the book, her third-grade writing roots, and the unexpected fast-food staple that fueled the entire drafting process.

Your upcoming release, Rise Above, features a social worker named Aife and a hockey player named TJ. What inspired you to bring these two very different worlds together for a romance?

In August of 2020, I had surgery to remove a pineal cyst from my brain. It actually wound up taking my entire pineal gland. During that process, I had just graduated with my MSW (Master's of Social Work) and gotten my license. My then boyfriend (now husband) stayed with me during that time.

I actually wrote a couple books to re-hone my writing skills before Rise Above just kinda... fell into my lap. I've always loved hockey, and as a social worker, I felt that the element of being a social worker would lend some gravity to Aife's medical issues. And then well... who doesn't love a hockey player?

Aife and TJ both carry a lot of personal armor. Without giving too much away, what is one trait of theirs you think readers will instantly fall in love with?

• For Aife: I think they will love her determination. She is... tough.

• For TJ: I think they will love that he is stoic but still shows his love.

What was the first book you remember reading that made you absolutely fall in love with reading?

There are far TOO many books that started my love of reading, but The Chronicles of Narnia has to be chief among them. I think that was the first time I realized the power of storytelling.

What is the one book you can re-read over and over again and never get tired of?

I am such a mood reader, so comfort reads are a funny concept to me. I think a book I would go back to and enjoy a lot would be From Blood and Ash. I don't consider it a comfort read, but maybe a familiar one.

What books are currently sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read next?

Um... I have an entire bookshelf! 📚 Chief among these (and yes, I am so aware how far behind on these books I am) are The Book of Azrael and Paper Rings.

If you could spend a day browsing a bookstore with any fictional character from any book ever written, who would you take with you?

Oh, I love this question! I think I would love to actually take an animal in with me, to be honest. I love being able to browse without commentary. Bookstores are peaceful to me, and I just love wandering by myself.

Your writing journey started in the third grade when you and your sister created "The Grannies" two crazy grandmothers who got up to wild anecdotes. If They were to read Rise Above, what do you think their review would be?

Oh my god, the Grannies! 😂 I think it would be something like, "Sheesh... she got better at writing." And that would be it.

What is your ultimate writing snack or beverage? What got you through drafting Rise Above?

So, I don't drink caffeine (I know) except for a Dr. Pepper. The food that got me through Rise Above was whatever my husband was cooking for me... but a bean burrito from Taco Bell probably was the main fuel.

🌟 Unlock the Full Interview!

Want to get even closer to the behind-the-scenes magic? In our exclusive extended interview, C.M. Stewart dives into the heavy emotional realities of writing medical trauma, how her background in social work guides her character creation, and exclusive teasers for what she's working on next!

[Join The First Editions Premium Membership Today] to unlock the complete, uncut conversation, alongside premium book club perks, early book spotlights, and exclusive author Q&As.

Connect & Pre-order Links

Show some love to the author and secure your copy of Rise Above before the August 12th release!

• Pre-order via Amazon: Amazon Link

• Pre-order via Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble Link

• Follow Online: Stay updated with the author by following @authorcmstewart across all social platforms!

Non-fiction

• "Still Life with Bones" by Alexa Hagerty

An anthropologist working with forensic teams and victims' families to investigate crimes against humanity in Latin America explores what science can tell us about the lives of the dead in this haunting account of grief, the power of ritual, and a quest for justice.

• "A Flower Traveled in My Blood" by Haley Cohen Gilliland
  

The epic, true story of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, grandmothers who fought to find their stolen grandchildren during Argentina’s brutal dictatorship.

• "Somebody is Walking on Your Grave" by Mariana Enríquez

In this rich book of essays—“excursions through death,” she calls them—Enriquez travels through North and South America, Europe and Australia, visiting Paris’s catacombs, Prague’s Old Jewish Cemetery, New Orleans’s aboveground mausoleums, Buenos Aires’s opulent Recoleta, and more. Enriquez investigates each cemetery’s history and architecture, its saints and ghosts, its caretakers and visitors, and, of course, its dead.

• "False Calm" by María Sonia Cristoff

Writing against romantic portrayals of Patagonia, Cristoff returns home to chronicle the ghost towns left behind by the oil boom.

Horror

• "Tender is the Flesh" by Agustina Bazterrica

Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans--though no one calls them that anymore.

• "Thirst" by Marina Yuszczuk

Across two different time periods, two women confront fear, loneliness, mortality, and a haunting yearning that will not let them rest. A breakout, genre-blurring novel from one of the most exciting new voices of Latin America’s feminist Gothic.

• "Fever Dream" by Samanta Schweblin

Fever Dream is a nightmare come to life, a ghost story for the real world, a love story and a cautionary tale.

• "Elena Knows" by Claudia Piñeiro

A unique tale that interweaves crime fiction with intimate tales of morality and search for individual freedom.

Fiction

• "Mona" by Pola Oloixarac

Success as a writer of color proves to be a fresh hell for a young Latin American woman abroad.

• "Bad Girls" by Camila Sosa Villada

Gritty and unflinching, yet also tender, fantastical, and funny, a trans woman’s tale about finding a community on the margins.

• "We Are Green and Trembling" by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara

A reimagining of history and the life of Antonio de Erauso, a Basque nun turned war lieutenant during the Spanish Conquista in 17th-century Argentina - a fascinating, largely forgotten figure from world history and one of South America’s most famous trans men.

Fantasy

• "Lobizona" by Romina Garber

Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.

Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.

Short stories

• "The Dangers of Smoking in Bed" by Mariana Enríquez

A collection of singularly unsettling stories, by an Argentine author who has earned comparisons to Shirley Jackson and Jorge Luis Borges.

🗺️If you want to see more book recommendations from all the countries in the world, check out my Reading the World Spreadsheet.

And if you want to support this project, consider becoming a paid member of my Bindery!

FBC team swinging by to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here! This incredible community is what makes FBC amazing, and it means everything to be stepping into this new chapter with your support, whether you are new here or an OG. We love the shared enthusiasm for our imprint goal and it has been so gratifying seeing you all show up on Bindery over the last 24 hours. We wouldn't be FBC if it weren't for all of you, and we are so grateful that championing the stories that matter is as important to you as it is to us.

Come tell us your dreams for this community on discord!

Okay, we all love a good book boyfriend...but these men?

They're the cream of the crop. 😌

Archer from Archer's Voice

Archer is adorable.

What I love about him is that he doesn't have the toxic masculinity you sometimes see in romance heroes. He grew up isolated and was basically ostracized from society, but that never stopped him from being kind, generous, and gentle.

He's sweet, patient, and such a good listener.

My heart broke learning what he had been through because he truly felt like my baby. 🥹

But what I also loved is that Archer was still able to bring the spice. Those scenes were HOT, even as he was learning and experiencing things for the first time.

Von from Church Girl

I said it once, and I'll say it again.

Von?

Baby...

That's a MANNNN.

Every time my girl tried to dismiss her own feelings or minimize herself, he validated her.

Even when they weren't together, he didn't tolerate people disrespecting her. He listened to her, uplifted her, and made her feel safe being vulnerable.

He didn't try to change her. He just loved her.

He gave me Nipsey Hustle vibes. 😂

Noah from The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

I know some people think this book series is basic...

But I loved Noah.

If you've ever watched Zoey 101, this relationship gave me Logan Reese and Quinn Pensky vibes. The quirky, introverted girl with the outgoing guy who brings a little more fun into her life.

But what I loved most was that he never tried to dim who she was.

He admired her exactly as she was.

And she was just shocked that someone she admired could love her back.

I love when two characters don't realize how deeply the other person loves them. When they both feel lucky to be chosen by someone they adore.

Xaden from Fourth Wing

I couldn't make this list without talking about Xaden.

"My house. My chair. My woman."

Need I say more?!?!

He's a shadow daddy in every way, but what makes him stand out is that he isn't threatened by her strength.

Her opinions, thoughts, and ideas matter.

He sees her as his equal, and honestly, most of the time, her better.

He's not competing with her. He's supporting her.

Like ughhhhh.

We all need a morally gray man who would tear the world apart for us but also loves to cuddle and listen. 😂

Malachi from Our Vicious Oaths

Babyyyyyyy...

A Fae who wears grills?!

Sign me up, honey!!!

This man is literally sex personified.

He knows what he wants, he likes control, but he also recognizes when he's met his match.

He's stubborn, strong-willed, and sometimes absolutely unbearable.

But he's also caring, thoughtful, and loyal to the people he loves.

He's just trying to do his best with the tools he has.

It was such a good example of she falls first, but he falls HARDER.

And I loved Kadeesha and Malachi's dynamic. The banter, the court politics, the culture.

UGH. They had everything.

Johnny from Binding 13

This feels a little illegal to say because of their age in this book...

But Johnny was so patient.

And patience is a quality that goes very far with me.

If you've read the book, you know Shannon has been through so much at home. Her father is...not it.

And Shannon doesn't see herself the way she should.

But Johnny does.

He's patient as he helps her come out of her shell, and he loves her before she fully knows how to love herself.

OMGGG. I love their story.

Looking back at this list, I realized every single one of these men has one thing in common:

They make their women feel safe.

They don't just want them. They see them. And I think that's what most women want.

To feel seen, validated, respected, and loved for exactly who they are.

Who are your book boyfriends, and do they also fit that pattern?

Friends,

I woke up this morning to the news that Publisher’s Weekly gave What Feeds Below, the red star!

Publisher’s Weekly writes:

“Intricate world building and astounding, inventive horror elements distinguish this immersive dystopian fantasy novel from Schlote Bonne.”

“Themes of trust and betrayal deepen this pulse-pounding adventure, resulting in a gruesome standout portrait of survival”

Read the full here! And if you haven’t preordered one of the hottest horror fantasy books of the year- this is your sign.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781967967247

Hello my friends,

August is upon us, and wouldn't you know, it's also Trans History Month?! I have zero content prepared, as I'm slowly navigating social media in the presence of my ongoing grief, but I promise you, I will deliver some of my favorite books on Trans History soon.

Trans Joy Thursday started in my mind to celebrate in the face of adversity; to celebrate in the face of every negative thing, and I've shied away from celebrating in the face of grief. I let it suck me down into the pits of sadness, and while I won't say that stops now, I will say, I won't let the griefy thoughts win. I will celebrate my Memaw, I will celebrate Trans Joy, and I will celebrate life in spite of. I hope you will forgive and excuse my absence as I collected myself both internally and externally.

So, my Trans Joy for the week, you may be asking? I have been signed up for SoftBoys Club Trans Monthly Mailing List for a few months (they have 3 different paid tiers, each including different things) and I have been enjoying it so much, I bumped up from the $5 a month to the $15 a month tier to get everrryyytthing! Check it out here. They also do commission pieces and sell other merch, too! Truly amazing people to support!

Another Trans Joy moment for me? As a precursor, I haven't touched a book in just a little over 2 months. BUT, The final installment of Heartstopper was released last month, to which I purchased immediately, and I finally began my yearly reread of Heartstopper earlier this week and have finished Volumes 1 & 2, and currently reading Volume 3! That is a major win for me, and I completely adore this series and everything it represents. I know it isn't trans necessarily, but it IS queer joy!

Also, yet another trans joy win, a while back, May 23 to be exact (I took a screen shot) I put myself out there and pitched a panel idea for a local Book & Author Festival (called UntitledTown) right here in Green Bay. I was nervous as it was quite a lengthy process, however, last month, I got notification that not only was that panel accepted, I was offered to lead two more panels, in addition to speaking about my book on two MORE shorter panels. The event will be held in Green Bay the weekend of September 25-27. I will definitely share more, as the list of panels and times should be made available to the public this week. It's a completely FREE EVENT to attend. And I am more than excited (and hella nervous, to be honest) to be leading my first ever panel(s). In the meantime, check out their website here if you're interested in attending and/or learning more. I will keep you updated as I get news of when my panels will be as far as dates/times go.

In other news, Soul Purpose, the consignment store in Green Bay where I sold my books and merch, closed their doors one final time July 31. Which means I have a plethora of stickers (still some left over from Pride month), books, bookmarks, merch, etc. I will do my best to get everything on my website soon if you are interested in shopping what I have.

I will also have updates as to who I am potentially interviewing NEXT WEEK (Friday, August 14th). Stay tuned as I await confirmation with the author.

As always, I am grateful for each of you. I know I started my Bindery and then life kind of fell apart for me, so I appreciate all of you riding the turbulence with me. I look forward to jumping back in, reading amazing trans and LGBTQIA+ books with you all, and discussing them.

If you need anything, have any recommendations, please don't hesitate to reach out.

With all my trans joy,
Sawyer Cole

Hello Star and Galaxy members!

Below you'll find the form link to opt-in for the AUGUST Mail Club and provide your mailing address <3

This month's mail club includes a letter from Jananie, a set of journal prompts, either a sticker or a bookmark, and a tracker card for the Anti Brain Rot Reading Challenge. Galaxy Members will receive an additional surprise item. Mail will be sent via stamped lettermail around August 15th. It will take up to 3 weeks to arrive.

FORM LINK

*this perk is available to International (i.e. non US or Canada) members BUT keep in mind that lettermail can get severely delayed and replacements will not be sent due to the monthly nature of the content

PREVIOUS MAIL CLUB DIGITAL VERSIONS:

December 2025
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June/July 2026 [TO BE POSTED SOON since I suspect some of you haven't received yours yet!]

Renee spills the beans on where we’ve been and what we’re working towards. Then Jordy and Mhairie recommend a few of their favorite Summerween books.

Listen on Apple Podcasts // Spotify // Deezer // Pocket Casts

Support and follow our hosts!

Follow Jordy: Instagram // Bookworm Reads
Follow Mhairie: Instagram // Bookstagram

This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.

Original music by Amarissa

Hi friends!

Quick update for our JADE CITY book talk: I need to move it to next week, at the same time and also on a Thursday (so now the 13th at 9:45am CST!). August is full of doctor appointments and I need to go over some things ahead of next week's colonoscopy.

(I am very anxious about that. Despite planning to read so many spooky, scary, silly books, I have a hunch this will be my most nerve-racking experience of the month, lol.)

That said, a week before the Summer Scare Readathon kicks off, I've finalized my TBR! And one of these 👀👀 will be our next book club pick!:

I matched them up with each of the prompts:

(Although admittedly Pumpkinheads is YA, not MG! I set myself a goal to "shop" my shelves entirely for this challenge and I've already read my friend Lindsay Puckett's MG spooky novels for this very challenge in previous years lolol. If you haven't, I would HIGHLY recommend THE GLASS WITCH and THE ODDS. This is also clearly the sign I need to buy more spooky MG novels. All my old, lost Goosebumps are weeping!)

I can't wait to get reading all these! Because of the aforementioned colonoscopy, I'll probably get a head start since I'll be in desperate need of a distraction in the days and hours before the procedure. Maybe that will give me a better chance at actually reading all nine before the Readathon ends, lol.

Do you have a favorite readathon you participate in every year? Let me know! And hope to see y'all next Thursday. Until then, happy reading. 📖