Novel Pairings

Latest Episodes:

165. Celebrate Novel Pairings with Chelsey and Sara with a Farewell Q&A Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

For our final episode of Novel Pairings, we opened up the mailbag to answer your thoughtful listener questions. From reflections on our favorite classics to behind-the-scenes stories, we're sharing a lot today! And celebrating the journey we've shared with all of you. We'll also be offering some closing thoughts on what this podcast has meant to us, what we've learned along the way, and what comes next for each of us.

This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. To learn more about our storefront and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com.

Novel Pairings Bundles: novelpairings.gumroad.com

Find us individually and continue to read with each of us here:

Chelsey – IG: @chelseyreads | Substack: chelsey.substack.com

Sara – IG: @fictionmatters | Substack: fictionmatters.substack.com

Books Mentioned

Summer by Edith Wharton

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Quicksand by Nella Larsen

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Passing by Nella Larsen

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

1984 by George Orwell

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

There is Confusion by Jesse Redmond Fossett

Also Mentioned

From the Front Porch/The Bookshelf Conquer a Classic with Annie and Hunter

Shelf by Shelf on Substack

The Novel Tea Podcast

250th Anniversary of Jane Austen

Smith and Taylor Classics

Persephone Books

McNally Editions

New York Review

Penguin Modern Classics

Center for Fiction

Wuthering Heights adaptation

Pride and Prejudice adaptations

164. Brand New Books with Backlist Pairings: Summer 2025 Edition May 20, 2025

Show notes

Get ready to load your summer totes with compelling reads, both new and old! We're sharing our anticipated summer releases on today's episode, carefully curated from a long list of captivating titles to shake up your TBR. As always, we've included some perfectly paired backlist favorites to enjoy while you wait for the buzzy new books.

Today, we explore an exciting mix of poignant literary fiction, immersive historical narratives, richly layered contemporary stories, and even a touch of magical realism to spark your imagination. You'll find everything from heartfelt memoirs threaded with nostalgia to sharp, insightful critiques of today's world, alongside enchanting tales perfect for reading all season long.

This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned. To learn when our shop opens up and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com.

Find us individually and continue to read with each of us here:

Chelsey – IG: @chelseyreads | Substack: chelsey.substack.com

Sara – IG: @fictionmatters | Substack: fictionmatters.substack.com

Books Mentioned

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan (5/20)

The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan

Dubliners by James Joyce

I'll Tell You When I'm Home by Hala Alyan (6/3)

Disoriental by Négar Djavadi

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Challenger by Adam Higginbotham

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (6/3)

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Skipshock by Caroline O'Donoghue (6/3)

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey (6/17)

Audition by Katie Kitamura

Liars by Sarah Mangusso

The Tiny Things are Heavier by Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo (6/24)

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott (6/24)

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang (8/26)

Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang

Babel by R.F. Kuang

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

The Inferno by Dante Alighieri

The Odyssey by Homer

The Austin Affair by Madeline Bell

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor

On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Heart the Lover by Lilly King

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue

The Unveiling by Quan Berry

Endurance by Alfred Lansing

Also Mentioned

Paperback Summer Reading Guide

Libro FM

The Irishification of Pop Culture (The Culture Study Podcast)

LuLaRich Documentary

163. Reflections on Emma and 250 years of Jane Austen May 06, 2025

Show notes

We're wrapping up our Emma readalong with final reflections on rereading, standout themes, and Austen's legacy. We also chat about how we're marking the momentous occasion of Jane Austen's 250th anniversary and the ways this milestone is resonating with us as readers.

This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned. To learn when our shop opens up and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com.

Find Chelsey and Sara on Substack, too!

Chelsey, The Eclectic Reader: chelsey.substack.com

Sara, Fiction Matters: fictionmatters.substack.com

Books Mentioned

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson Superworm by Julia Donaldson
Jane Austen's Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney
Wild for Austen by Devoney Looser
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Juvenilia by Jane Austen
Of Love and Friendship by Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Also Mentioned

162. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Six: A Perfect Union Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we reach the culmination of Jane Austen's Emma, where secrets are revealed, relationships evolve, and characters face pivotal choices that will shape their futures. We discuss shifting affections, unexpected engagements, and the web of emotions that bind the residents of Highbury together. We will conclude our Emma series with a finale reflection episode in a few weeks to give you a chance to catch up on recaps.

This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned.

To learn when our shop opens up and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com.

Find Chelsey and Sara on Substack, too!

Chelsey: The Eclectic Reader @ chelsey.substack.com

Sara: Fiction Matters @ fictionmatters.substack.com

Books Mentioned

Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters by William Austen-Leigh

Also Mentioned

Novel Pairings Odyssey Readalong

Novel Pairings Les Miserables Readalong

161. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Five: Badly Done, Emma Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're unpacking so many juicy moments—from Frank Churchill's restless return to Highbury and the long-awaited ball at the Crown Inn to Harriet's shocking misadventure and Mr. Knightley's heroic turn on the dance floor. We'll explore Emma's ever-active imagination, Mrs. Elton's relentless meddling, and some subtle but oh-so-important moments between Emma and Mr. Knightley.

Plus, we'll chat about strawberry-picking at Donwell Abbey, and all the little details that make this part of the novel so rich and entertaining.

As a reminder, we've historically shared these "big book readalong" recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we're sharing it on the public feed! We're so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you'll get reminders and announcements at novelpairings.substack.com.

This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned.

160. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Four: Jane Fairfax & Mrs. Elton Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're savoring the drama and intrigue of Emma, Volume Two, Chapters 9 through 18. The aftermath of the Cole's party has Emma rehashing every social triumph and misstep, from her jealousy over Jane Fairfax's piano skills to her playful gossip with Frank Churchill about the mysterious pianoforte.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Elton makes her grand entrance into Highbury society, leaving Emma unimpressed but the rest of the town charmed. Between witty banter, romantic musings, and subtle moments of humor (looking at you, Mr. Knightley), these chapters are packed with Austen's signature blend of sharp social commentary and entertaining drama.

159. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Three: A Mysterious Pianoforte Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this recap, we're discussing Volume Two, Chapters 1-8 of Emma by Jane Austen.

In this episode, we'll explore the arrival of some intriguing new characters to Highbury that shake up Emma's carefully curated social circle. We'll also explore Emma's complex relationships, including her aversion to a certain reserved newcomer and her budding friendship with a charming gentleman. Plus, we'll uncover how Emma's imagination runs wild with romantic theories that may or may not have any basis in reality.

158. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Two: Matchmaking or Meddling Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this recap, we're diving into Emma by Jane Austen — covering Volume One, Chapters 10–18.

Join us on Patreon for bonus content.

Emma Woodhouse is back at it — charming, meddling, and trying to navigate Highbury's tricky social scene. This time, she's determined to set Harriet up with Mr. Elton… but, surprise, things don't exactly go as planned. From awkward visits to the vicarage to a snowstorm-fueled carriage ride that takes an unexpected turn, Emma's confidence in her matchmaking skills starts to crumble.

We'll also unpack the iconic moment when Emma explains why she's still single — and why finding someone who meets her high standards might be harder than she thought. Emma's missteps are about to catch up with her in the most entertaining way.

157. Emma by Jane Austen Recap One: Handsome, Clever, and Rich Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this recap episode, we're discussing Volume One, Chapters 1-9 of Jane Austen's Emma. We take a deep dive into Emma Woodhouse's world, examining her relationships with key figures like Miss Taylor, Mr. Woodhouse, and the insightful Mr. Knightley. We explore how Emma's interactions with these characters set the stage for her matchmaking adventures.

As we continue through the chapters, we meet the wider community of Highbury, including the mysterious Frank Churchill and the charming Harriet Smith. Emma's matchmaking ambitions quickly take center stage, leading her to meddle in Harriet's love life and sparking a significant conflict with Mr. Knightley. We analyze Austen's use of narrative techniques, and discuss the importance of riddles and social expectations in the novel.

In a special bonus segment, we preview our upcoming Footnotes episode, where we compare and analyze the opening lines from all six of Austen's most famous novels. If you're interested in more literary analysis and Austen insights, be sure to check out the full episode and head to patreon.com/novelpairings for exclusive content!

156. Introducing Emma by Jane Austen Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to our Spring Season! We're reading Emma by Jane Austen as a community, and we hope you will join us. Listen to today's introduction to hear why we love this novel, how we approach readalongs and recaps, and what to pay attention to as you follow along.

To get maximum delight this season, join our Patreon community for classes and conversation, plus special Footnotes episodes.

Here's the reading schedule:

March 4: Introduction
March 11: Volume 1, 1-9 or Chapters 1-9
March 18: Volume 1, 10-18 or Chapters 10-18
March 25: Volume 2, 1-8 or Chapters 19-26
April 1: Volume 2, 9-18 or Chapters 27-36
April 8: Volume 3, 1-10 or Chapters 37-46
April 15: Volume 3, 11-19 or Chapters 47-End

And here are our recommended texts:

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected