Where I Left Off

Where I Left Off

Welcome to Where I Left Off, a bookish podcast. I'm your host, Kristen Bahls. Join me to hear my recommendations of a mix of young adult, new adult, romance, mystery, and thriller novels. In each episode, I dive into the intricate worlds crafted by talented authors, exploring the characters, plots, and the emotions that make you want to throw your television out the window, because we both know the book is always better than the movie. Whether you carry a book everywhere you go and already have your own Bookstagram, or are just trying to make your Goodreads goal, Where I Left Off is the podcast for you. From heartwarming romances to spine-tingling mysteries, I cover it all. Sometimes, I'll delve deep into a single novel, and other times, I'm filling your TBR with multiple reads. Join me biweekly for new episodes.

Episodes

May 29, 2025 20 mins

Send us a text

Thanks to author Sue Hincenbergs for joining me to talk about her debut, The Retirement Plan. 

Follow Sue Hincenbergs:

Books discussed in the episode:

For links to the books discussed in this episode, cl...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to Author Neal Lipschutz for coming on the podcast to talk about his debut thriller, No Write Way to Die, available anywhere books are sold July 8, 2025. 

Links:



For links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here to take you to the Google Doc to view the list.

For episode feedback, future reading and author recommendation...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to author Sarah Blair for joining me to talk about open door sport's romance. Find her books here


For links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here to take you to the Google Doc to view the list.

For episode feedback, future reading and author recommendations, you can text the podcast by clicking the "Send us a message button" above.

For more, follow ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to author Cassandra Moll for talking to me about her debut novel, Beautifully Broken.

Follow Cassandra:

Books mentioned in this episode:

For links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here t...

Mark as Played
February 27, 2025 17 mins

Send us a text

Thank you to author Sasa Hawk for joining me to talk about her debut young adult romantasy novel Unlock the Dark. 

Links:

Books mentioned:

For links to the books discuss...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to Paige Woodrow who you may know as  @lostinthepaigeofabook and @maasbluey on Instagram. 


We break down the fantasy novel Quicksilver by Callie Hart. This is a spoiler filled episode! 


Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
  • Stephanie Plum Series - One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
  • Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  • Hannah Swensen series -...
Mark as Played
January 23, 2025 34 mins

Send us a text

Thanks to Author Natalia Williams for joining me to talk about her latest release, Two to Tango.

Natalia's Books:


Follow Natalia:

For links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here to take you to the Google Doc to view the list.

For episode feedback, future reading and author r...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to author Bethany Rosa for joining me to talk about her books and writing process. 

Bethany's Books:

Follow Bethany:

**Note - I read Pursuit of Innocence, but Dangerous Pursuit was too spicy for me and I didn't finish the novel. **

For links to th...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • A Flicker in the Dark by Staci Willingham
  • The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
  • Only if You're Lucky by Staci Willingham
  • All the Dangerous Things by Staci Willingham
  • The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams
  • The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
  • The Ex-Vows by Jessica Joyce
  • The It Girl by Ruth Ware
  • Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
  • Midnight is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead

For links to the b...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to author Rachel Lewis for talking about her debut Yours, Unexpectedly and her new holiday novella, out now - Merrily Yours.

Follow Rachel:

Books Mentioned in this episode:

  • Unsteady by Peyton Corinne
  • Unloved by Peyton Corinne
  • Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
  • The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
  • The Rom-...
Mark as Played

Send us a text

Holiday Picks:

  • Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger
  • The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
  • Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel
  • Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne and Anthony LeDonne
  • Cabin Mate by Leah Brunner
  • Season's Schemings by Katie Bailey
  • Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
  • All I Want is You by Falon Ballard
  • A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
  • Merrily Yours by Rachel Lewis
  • Christmas by Design by Allie Samberts
Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to young adult author Kort Combe for joining me to talk about Calm Before the Score. We cover all things Ryan and Violet, her plans for the series as a whole, what she's reading, and more!

Stay in touch with Kort:


A special thanks to our sponsor, Aliah Wright, the author of Now You Owe Me.

Mark as Played
November 14, 2024 23 mins

Send us a text

Author Manda Mazanec joins me to talk about her latest romantic suspense release, Far From Over. 

Purchase Manda's books and follow her on Instagram:

For links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here to take you to the Google Doc to view the list.

For episode feedback, fu...

Mark as Played
October 31, 2024 39 mins

Send us a text

Thanks to author Aliah Wright for joining me to talk about her fiction debut thriller, Now You Owe Me. We talk about the book, all things Corinthia, Ben, Amanda, and Fiona, and the writing process. We cover everything from publishing to tips on building suspense throughout the book.

Keep up with Aliah:

Trigger Warnin...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

For the second reading recap, I'm talking all about romance novels, with one fantasy in the mix. Hear my opinions and a short synopsis of each book over the course of the episode. Sorry in advance for the new titles you'll be adding to your TBR.

Reading Rec:

  • This week's rec is from Davina Reddic. Find the book here. 
  • Follow Davina on Instagram.


For links to the books discussed in thi...

Mark as Played
October 3, 2024 51 mins

Send us a text

 USA Today best-selling author Jessica Joyce joins me to talk about her latest release, The Ex-Vows, a contemporary romance. We cover the book, her publishing journey, writing process, and much more!

Find Jessica's books:

Follow Jessica:

For links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here to ta...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to Heather Garvin for joining to me talk about the release of her New Adult Romance novel I Just Want to Be Yours.

Read Heather's Books:

Follow Heather:

For links to the books...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Thanks to contemporary romance author Natalia Williams for talking to me about her debut novel, Taking the Cake. Hear about this adorable story and a sneak peek at her upcoming book Two to Tango. If you want to hear us laugh, talk all things Gray and Sabrina, and Glenn Powell, then this episode is for you.

More from Natalia:

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    True Crime Tonight

    If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.