FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2026 featuring Amanda Hahn-Peters

Following in the footsteps of eight previous series where thought leaders responded to questions on my blog over the last several years to discuss leadership, marketing, reading, and the Olympics, I'm thrilled to announce that it's time for my 9th series!

During the Fall season (each Monday from September 28th through December 20th), I'm welcoming a dozen thought leaders to share their insights about reading, books, personal branding, and leadership. Today, Amanda Hahn-Peters is my featured expert. Amanda is a copywriter, content writer, and marketing strategist that collaborates with creative business owners and impact-driven brands to uncover and share the stories that connect them to their audience. She's also a former professional triathlete-turned-endurance coach and now coaches runners and triathletes through her endurance coaching business, AHP Endurance. When she isn't writing or coaching, Amanda enjoys traveling, reading, attending theater productions, and spending time with her baby daughter, husband, and cat. She's also a lover of musicals who thinks in song lyrics. When I met her on Twitter/X in early 2025, her pinned post sang to me: "If you could swap your email sign-off with song lyrics, what would you choose? Defying gravity, Amanda." Is anyone else a fan of WICKED?!

Before we begin, I'd like to share my two favorite reading quotes to set the stage:

"If you give a person a book, you give him the world." ~New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel (from her work of historical fiction, "The Paris Daughter")

"For you unlock magic that is hidden within, and opening the cover is how you begin. Oh, all the worlds and the places you'll see; when you hold a book, you hold the key." ~Caroline Derlatka

And now, let's begin.

QUESTION: What was the last book (fiction or non-fiction) you read? What stood out as memorable, and would you recommend it?

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS: The last book I read was "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans. The story is told entirely through letters, and readers act as detectives, piecing together the life and relationships of a retired law clerk in her 70's. Beyond the format and the hinting at unsent letters (the power of words left unsaid), what stood out to me was the main character's ability to seek personal growth and forgiveness in her "winter season" of life.

QUESTION: Which book (fiction or non-fiction) is on the top of your to-be-read pile (or first in your digital reader), and why?

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS: The next book on my TBR is "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach. The main reason I want to read it? I've seen many of my friends on Goodreads give it 5 stars. And, from the plot summary, it seems to highlight the power of unexpected connections (which sounds lovely) and mix heartwarming moments with dark humor.

QUESTION: With all the streaming services available, many works of fiction are now adapted into films or TV series. During the last year, have you watched a film or TV show and been impressed and/or inspired by the adaptation? (If you haven't watched any adaptations, are you looking forward to any currently in the planning or production phases?)

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS: While I haven't read the entire Bridgerton series (only a few books), I'm a big fan of the TV series adaptation on Netflix. The acting is great and I love the unexpected addition of the pop instrumental music (a great way to mix the British Regency era with modern day). Also, even though it's only a voice part, it makes my heart so happy to see Julie Andrews still acting!

QUESTION: If you're a fan of the TED LASSO series on Apple TV, have you watched the new season (that returned on August 5th)? If yes, what stands out about Ted's leadership lessons or leadership style from the new season? Alternatively, if you're not a fan of the show or have not yet watched it, is there another CURRENT TV show that showcases inspiring leadership?

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS: I thought the Netflix show "The Crown" did a great job highlighting the significant responsibility and struggle of being a leader. Queen Elizabeth's life was one that was largely devoted to public service, and, as is showcased, she realizes the weight of her decisions (and how they affect a large number of people) and often turns to trusted advisors to help her make the most informed choices. This is a great reminder that successful leaders don't act alone — they surround themselves with smart people they can trust.

QUESTION: Which author (either from history or currently writing) would you choose to have dinner with, and what would you discuss?

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS: This is a tough question because I have multiple answers, but the first author that popped into my head while writing this was Jane Austen. I'd love to ask her how her personal life inspired her books, and, since we'd be having dinner in 2026, we'd discuss what social commentary would look like if she published a book today. Additionally, I'd like to know whether or not she's surprised by the progress women have made since the 1800's. And, of course, I need to know her favorite movie adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice!"

SHARE THIS: Successful leaders don't act alone — they surround themselves with smart people they can trust. ~Amanda Hahn-Peters #FallBacktoReadingSeries2026 #TheCrown #ReadingInspires #DebbieLaskeysBlog

My gratitude to Amanda for participating in this year's fall back to reading series and for sharing inspiring recommendations! Until next time, happy reading!

SHARE THIS: If you give a person a book, you give him the world. ~@KristinHarmel #ReadingOpensMinds #FallBacktoReadingSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: A bibliophile is a lover of books, while a lectiophile is a lover of reading. The distinction is due to the object versus the activity. #FunFact #ReadingIsMySuperPower #FallBacktoReadingSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Mariana Serdynska/Shutterstock via Portland Monthly.

Meet Amanda at this link:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hahn-peters

Read Amanda's previous appearance on my Blog:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/05/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_0723303817.html

Check out these related recaps here on my Blog:

Highlights of My #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 (December 21, 2025):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/12/highlights-of-fallbacktoreadingseries20.html

Highlights of My #FallBacktoReadingSeries2023 (January 31, 2024):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/01/highlights-of-my-fallbacktoreadingseries.html