Episodios
-
What better way to close out Season One of Underline That than with a celebration of TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE?
This week, we're marking the fresh release with a special behind-the-scenes conversation about the journey that brought this story from dream to bookshelf!
Joining Steph are three incredible women who played pivotal roles in her traditional publishing journey:
⨠Danielle Egan-Miller â Literary Agent at Browne & Miller Literary Associates
đ Stephanie Broene â Fiction Publisher at Tyndale House Publishers
đ Devon Daniels â Beloved rom-com author with Berkley Romance, dear friend, and guest co-host for this special episode
Together, we pull back the curtain on the realities of publishing todayâfrom querying literary agents and navigating acquisitions to republishing indie titles, writing authentic female friendships, and exploring the evolving landscape of faith-based contemporary fiction.
We also discuss the heart behind TWENTY SOMETHING ELSEâa story about marriage, motherhood, friendship, nostalgia, second chances, and asking the question so many women approaching midlife wonder:
What if?
Whether you're a reader, writer, aspiring author, or simply someone who loves stories about the roads that shape us, this episode is filled with encouragement, insight, and celebration.
About TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE
Turning forty wasn't supposed to involve a pickleball accident that sends Sutton Layne spiraling back through an alternate version of her twenties. As she revisits old dreams, paths not taken, and the choices that shaped her life, Sutton must decide what truly mattersâand whether the life she's built is the one she would choose all over again.
Think 13 Going on 30 meets It's a Wonderful Life, with all the millennial nostalgia, heart, friendship, marriage, and pickleball magic.
TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE is now available everywhere!
Thank you for listening to Season One of Underline That. Whether you've joined us for one episode or every conversation, I'm so grateful you've been part of this community.
Thank you for underlining this season with me!
Here's to the next chapter! đđâ¨
MORE UNDERLINES RETURNING THIS FALL!
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â â â , â â â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â â â
PURCHASE TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
â â Amazonâ â
â â Barnes & Noble
-
With just days until Twenty Something Else releases, Steph is pulling back the curtain on the real-life inspirations behind her debut novel with Tyndale House, available on June 9!
In this special solo episode, she shares ten fun facts about the novelâincluding the pieces drawn from her own life, the experiences that shaped Sutton's journey, and the elements that are indeed completely fictional (spoiler: most of them).
That said, from turning forty and raising three daughters in Orange County to taking a theater improv class at USC, spending time in Nicaragua to marrying a surfer, Steph reveals how her own experiences indeed found their way onto the pageâand why writing this book became such a meaningful milestone in her life.
She also discusses the origins of some of the novel's most memorable moments, answers a reader question about deleted scenes, and reflects on the themes of gratitude, identity, womanhood, marriage, and the unexpected detours that shape who we become.
Whether you've already read or pre-orderedTwenty Something Else or you're simply curious about the stories behind the story, this episode offers a fun, personal look inside the author's desk.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover!
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â â , â â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
â Amazonâ
â Barnes & Noble
-
¿Faltan episodios?
-
Join Steph in welcoming beloved New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh to Underline That! What a total joy to discuss her brand-new novel, Brighter Than Before, available June 9. This swoony summer read is a joyful, tender, laugh-out-loud story about starting over, finding friendship as an adult, and asking what you really want in the wake of it all crashing down.
Steph and Courtney talk about writing 40-something heroines, Chicago as the perfect rom-com backdrop, the vulnerability of making new friends as a grown woman, and why reinvention is never just for the young.
Courtney also shares her best author advice on Instagram, indie vs. traditional publishing, trusting your gut when a manuscript isnât working, and why creating with your own voice matters more than ever.
Trust meâyou donât want to miss this one!
Thank you so much for listening, and thank you for joining me, Courtney!
FIND COURTNEY WALSH:
Instagram: @courtneywalsh
Website: www.courtneywalshwrites.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â , â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Star-Crossed Summer by Devon Daniels
Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
-
Today on Underline That, Jessica Guerrieri rejoins Steph for a conversation about motherhood, sobriety, sisterhood, publishing, reviews, recovery, generational traumaâand the way women can hold two completely contradictory emotions at the same time.
We dive into Jessicaâs brand-new novel, Both Can Be True, the emotional reality of debut year, audiobook obsession, unlikable female characters, and the complicated beauty of womanhood in your 30s and 40s.
The conversation is funny, vulnerable, honest, millennial, and packed with the kinds of truths that make you pause and think: Wow, me, too.
We discuss:
â Why âboth can be trueâ resonates so deeply with women
â Motherhood, resentment, gratitude, and identity shifts
â Recovery, connection, and found sisterhood
â The reality of publishing after the debut dream comes true
â Goodreads, reviews, and protecting your mental health as a creativeâŚand so much more!
Jessicaâs new novel, Both Can Be True, is available now wherever books are sold.
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND JESSICA:
IG: @jessicaguerrieriauthor
Website: www.jessicaguerrieri.net
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â , â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri
-
This week on Underline That, Steph chats with bestselling Christian romance author Sarah Monzon about her adorable upcoming release, Bookmarked for Loveâa cozy, bookish romance featuring librarians, literary references, publishing drama, and forced-proximity goodness. Donât miss this lovable rom-com, available July 21, 2026!
Sarah opens up about her journey from indie to traditional publishing, writing novels while raising young kids, navigating comparison in the publishing world, and why representation and vulnerability matter so deeply in her stories.
We also discuss:
⢠Why bookish books never go out of style
⢠The magic of Christmas romances
⢠Balancing motherhood and creativity
⢠Covers, tropes, launch teams, and marketing realities
⢠Favorite authors, reading habits, and rapid-fire book talkPlus, we bond over libraries, Kindle obsessions, Katherine Center fandom, and the emotional vulnerability of writing fiction straight from the heart.
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND SARAH MONZON:
Instagram: @sarahmonzonwrites
Website: www.sarahmonzonwrites.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â , â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon
Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon
An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon by Sarah Monzon
Allâs Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon
-
This week on Underline That, Steph is joined by Eliza KnightâUSA Today bestselling author of the upcoming novel Lost in the Summer of â69, releasing June 9. Set against the backdrop of music, memory, and massive cultural change, the novel follows a grandmother, mother, and daughter on an unforgettable road trip after a shocking disappearance. Itâs heartfelt, nostalgic, layered, and simply perfect for summer reading!
Today we dive into Elizaâs inspiration behind the book, writing women across generations, and why stories about mothers and daughters hit differently when youâre living in that âsandwich generationâ season of life. We also chat about music playlists for writing, historical research rabbit holes, the emotional reality of watching daughters grow up, and the surprising truths about building a decades-long writing career.
And yesâwe absolutely get into her other writing life, too! From historical fiction to revenge thrillers and her buzzy upcoming Tradwife novelâwritten under pen name Michelle BrandonâEliza shares what itâs been like writing nearly 100 books across genres, publishing under an alias, and creatively reinventing herself again and again.
Thank you so much for listening! If you loved the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a fellow reader, writer, or fellow woman figuring it out as she goes!
FIND ELIZA KNIGHT:
Instagram: @elizaknightfiction
Website: www.elizaknight.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â â , â â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
â Amazonâ
â Barnes & Nobleâ
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
Lost in the Summer of â69 by Eliza Knight
Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontĂŤ
Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight
-
In todayâs episode, Steph is joined by rom-com author Andra Loy to talk about her delightful, magical rom-com debut, The Roman Holiday Rule from Haven Fictionâand the winding, unexpected journey that brought her here.
From living overseas for over two decades to writing stories that blend romance with magical realism, Andra shares how her real-life experiences shaped a novel full of heart, humor, and sparkle. We dive into her creative process, the dream of debut season, and the deeper themes that emerged as Andra wrote and revised this story.
We also talk about the rise of clean romance in publishing, finding your lane as a writer, and why some of the most meaningful stories come from simply paying attention to whatâs right in front of you.
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND ANDRA LOY:
IG: @andraloy
Website: www.andraloy.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â , â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
-
Today on Underline That, Steph sits down with historical fiction author Nicola Harrison to talk about her dazzling new novel, The Island Clubâa layered, addictive story set on 1950s Balboa Island, where paradise looks perfect on the surface⌠but secrets are simmering underneath.
They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Balboa Island as a setting, the fascinating history of spring break culture in Newport Beach, and why tennis became such an important thread in the novel. Nicola also shares how womenâs friendship, play, and community shaped the story in unexpected ways.
Plus, they dive into Nicolaâs publishing journeyâfrom fashion journalism in New York City to becoming a bestselling novelistâher writing process, the magic of early-morning drafting, and whatâs next for her (including a brand-new novel set in the English countryside).
In this episode, youâll hear all about:
The premise behind The Island ClubWhy Balboa Island was the perfect settingThe surprising real history behind âBal WeekâTennis, friendship, and reclaiming joy as womenNicolaâs path from journalism to fictionHer daily writing goals and 5 a.m. routineHow the gorgeous cover came to lifeWhat sheâs writing nextIf you love smart escapist fiction, glamorous settings, female friendship, and books with secrets at their center, this episode is for you!
FIND NICOLA HARRISON:
Instagram: @nicolaharrisonauthor
Website: www.nicolaharrison.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â â , â â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â â
â â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â â ďťż
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan -
Welcome back, listeners! This weekâs episode is a quick little bookish life update and personal reflection. After years of publicly reviewing books online, Iâm sharing why my relationship with Goodreads has shifted as Iâve gone deeper into author lifeâand why Iâve recently fallen hard for StoryGraph as my new favorite place to track my reading!
Weâre talking about the complicated reality of being both a reader and a published author, why public reviewing feels different from this side of the industry, how Iâm protecting my peace in this pre-launch season, and all the reasons StoryGraph has become my latest bookish obsession.
If youâve been curious about StoryGraph, wondering whether Goodreads still works for you, or just want a candid peek behind the curtain of author life, this oneâs for you!
In this episode, we cover:
Why becoming an author has changed how I think about public book reviewsThe emotional reality of seeing negative reviews of your own workWhy Goodreads no longer feels like the healthiest place for me to hang outMy favorite StoryGraph features (and why Iâm obsessed)Other reading life thoughts in this seasonI'd love to know where you track your reads these daysâGoodreads, StoryGraph, a reading journal, nowhere, or absolute chaos!
Thank you so much for listening!
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
The StoryGraph
-
Join two authors as we dive headfirst into AI, book trends, and the piping-hot publishing tea! This week, Steph puts award-winning romance author Heidi McCahan in the hot seat for a fun, candid conversation about some of the biggest topics in the book world right now.
From the constant discourse around AI to the rise of âbooks on boatsâ (yes, really), we talk about whatâs trending, whatâs actually selling, and how authors can navigate an ever-changing industry without losing their voiceâor their sanity.
We also get real about indie vs. traditional publishing, the myths behind âmaking it,â and why writing more booksâno, not just oneâis often the key to success.
Donât miss this thoughtful, honest, and perfectly spicy conversation!
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND HEIDI MCCAHAN:
IG: @heidimccahan.author
Website: www.heidimccahan.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â , â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.com
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â ďťż
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers Conference
Sunrise Publishing
The Other Side of Good-Bye by Heidi McCahan
The Long Way Back to You by Heidi McCahan
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
-
Packing your spring break bags? Donât forget the most important item: BOOKS! In this sunshine-filled episode, Steph is joined by fellow voracious reader + bookstagrammer Hannah of @hannahk_reads to build the ultimate stackâfilled with swoony romances, bingeable thrillers, meaningful fiction, and a few irresistible backlist gems youâll want to toss straight into your beach bag.
From emotional page-turners to light, flirty reads (plus a peek at whatâs topping our current TBRs), this episode is your go-to guide for what to read by the pool, on the plane, or simply during golden hour in your own backyard.
Whether youâre craving a fresh escape, a tearjerker, or your next five-star favorite, weâve got you covered!
Today, we chat:
⢠Books we loved and canât stop recommending
⢠The perfect mix of romance, thrillers, and feel-something fiction
⢠Whatâs currently on our spring TBRsâand why
⢠Clean reads, closed-door recs, and a few surprisesGrab your sunnies, your tote, and your stackâthis one is made for reading season!
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND HANNAH:IG: @hannahk_reads
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â â , â â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â â
â â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â â ďťż
PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
TODAYâS UNDERLINES:
The Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
Once and Again by Rebecca Serle
The Briars by Sarah Crouch
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long
Itâs a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Say Youâll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Even After This by Deborah Clack
If All Else Fails by Emma St. Clair
Swept Away by Beth OâLeary
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
Just Donât Fall by Emma St. Clair
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Twice by Mitch Albom
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
-
How many people can say theyâve gone from Team USA to USA Today bestselling author? At least one unstoppable, inspiring forceâand weâre so lucky to hear from her!
Today on Underline That, Steph is joined by Sarah Crouch, bestselling author of the literary thrillers Middletide and The Briars, and a former professional runner and Team USA marathoner. Sarah brings truly elite-level insight on perseverance, writing, running, motherhood, rejection, success, and the kind of grit it takes to keep showing up for a dream.
Tune in to hear about her latest novel, The Briarsâa banger Steph couldnât put down! Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her atmospheric, immersive novels, sharing what it took to go from years of unpublished manuscripts to a breakout debut, and how the same endurance that carried her through elite racing has fueled her thriving writing career.
Itâs a canât-miss conversation about resilience, running your race, and what happens when talent meets perseverance over time.
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND SARAH CROUCH:
IG: @sarahcrouchauthor
Website: www.sarahcrouch.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â â , â â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â â
Website:â â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â â
â â â â â â Targetâ â â â â â
â â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â â ďťż
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
The Briars by Sarah Crouch
Untamed (starring Eric Bana) on Netflix
Run Fast. Eat Slow. by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky
-
In this episode of Underline That, itâs a massive treat to have an editor in the hot seat! Today Iâm joined by Kelsey Bowenâsenior acquisitions editor at Baker Publishing Group and one of the brilliant editorial minds behind Haven Fiction, a brand-new imprint officially launching in 2026.
Haven is carving out a lane that so many readers and writers are desperately craving: clean + wholesome, but fully mainstream reads filled with romance and unforgettable story. No spice. No profanity. No graphic content. And also no overt religious contentâjust emotionally rich, commercially compelling novels with clear content standards and a dependable reader promise. Kelsey shares what inspired Haven, who itâs for, and why âcleanâ doesnât have to mean âlight and fluffy.â
We also go behind the curtain on acquisitions: how submissions are routed, what makes an editor fight for a project, and why strong writing still wins every time. Plus: the platform conversation (especially fiction vs. nonfiction), the power of newsletters and owned media, and Kelseyâs best advice for aspiring authors who hope to land in this lane.
Iâm obsessed with this one and know youâll be, too!
Thank you so much for listening!
FIND HAVEN FICTION:
Website: www.havenfiction.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â â , â â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â â
Website:â â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â â Amazonâ â â â â
â â â â â Targetâ â â â â
â â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â â
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
Even After This by Deborah Clack
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
-
Hi, friends! In this cozy Behind the Book episode, Iâm sharing what my writing life looks like right now as I gear up for my traditional debut, Twenty Something Else (June 9), while preparing two indie re-releases (When We Blinked and Suing Cinderella) and developing Book Four for June 2027. Itâs layered. Itâs busy. Itâs one of the greatest gifts of my life!
I talk honestly about why Iâm loving traditional publishing, what itâs like to work with my team, and #allthethings I'm learning along the way. This season is definitely a quadruple-decker sandwich of deadlines, edits, marketing, outlining, and dreaming up Books Five and Sixâand Iâm learning to embrace every minute!
I also break down my writing process (hi, thorough outline and daily word count goals!), the tools that changed everything for me (Scrivener + Brick), and why some of the most powerful chapters are written on the days I least feel like showing up.
Thank you so much for being here and cheering me on in this once-in-a-lifetime debut season! Iâm savoring every secondâand Iâm so grateful youâre along for the ride!
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â â @stephanienmackâ â â â , â â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â â
Website:â â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â â Amazonâ â â â
â â â â Targetâ â â â
â â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â â
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody
Brick
-
In todayâs episode of Underline That, Steph sits down with author Allison Nance, whose stunning debut novel Deep Cries Out explores womanhood, faith, love after loss, and the courageous fight for healing from anxiety and depression.
Allison shares the deeply personal journey behind her bookâincluding her own struggles with anxiety, insomnia, and the emotional terrain that shaped her storytelling. She opens up about her non-linear writing process, the realities of small press publishing, and what it takes to keep going when the road feels impossible.
Together, Steph and Allison talk about hope as the heartbeat of fiction, networking at conferences, navigating rejection, and why a ânoâ from an agent can be far more meaningful than silence.
If you are a writer, a reader, or someone walking through a tough season, this conversation is a gentle reminder: hope is not lost, writing matters, and joy always comes in the morning.
Thank you so much for listening, friends!
Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know what stood out to you in this episode!
FOLLOW ALLISON NANCE:
IG: â â â â @allisonrnance
â â â Website: www.allisonrnance.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â â @stephanienmackâ â â , â â â @underlinethatpodâ â â
Website:â â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â â Amazonâ â â
â â â Targetâ â â
â â â Barnes & Nobleâ â â
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
Deep Cries Out by Allison Nance
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Isola by Allegra Goodman
This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman
Sam by Allegra Goodman
-
This week on Underline That, Steph sits down with award-winning author Toni Shiloh to talk about her newest novel, Hearts on the Flyâa heartfelt hockey romance filled with faith, second chances, and unexpected love.
Together, we unpack the rise of hockey romance, the emotional inspiration behind Toniâs characters, and how real-life experiencesâincluding her grandfatherâs vision lossâshaped the storyâs deeper themes of resilience and hope.
Toni also shares her unique hybrid publishing journey, balancing indie and traditional paths, plus practical insights into her writing process, research habits, and the role faith plays in every story she tells. Prepare to be inspired!
If you love meaningful romance, behind-the-scenes author chats, and stories that blend heart with purpose, this conversation is for you.
Grab your cocoa, lace up those fantasy skates, and join us!
FOLLOW TONI SHILOH:
IG: â @tonishiloh
â Website: â www.tonishiloh.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: â â @stephanienmackâ â , â â @underlinethatpodâ â
Website:â â www.stephaniemack.comâ â
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â â Amazonâ â
â â Targetâ â
â â Barnes & Nobleâ â
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh
My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
-
What if you could walk through life guided by someone wise, steady, and deeply faithfulâa giant whose footsteps show you the way? Great news: anyone can.
This week on Underline That with Stephanie Mack, Stephanie sits down with author and spiritual director Lori Melton to talk about her beautiful new book, The Journey with a Giant, and the life-changing practice of spiritual mentorship.
Together, they explore what it means to âwalk with giantsâ â intentionally choosing wise voices from history and faith to shape how we live, listen, love, and grow.
From Loriâs experience walking with Fred RogersâAmericaâs favorite neighborâto the quiet spiritual power of fiction writers like George MacDonald, this conversation is tender, thoughtful, and deeply grounding.
We discuss:
⢠The hope and heart behind The Journey of a Giant
⢠How choosing a âgiantâ from history can shape your everyday faith
⢠Lessons from Mister Rogers that still matter today
⢠Why fiction can be spiritually formative
⢠Loriâs journey to becoming a traditionally published nonfiction authorIf youâre looking for guidance and clarity at the start of the new year, this episode will feel like a deep breath for your soul.
Thank you so much for listening!
FOLLOW LORI MELTON:
IG: @sanctuaryatbearcreek
Website: www.lorigmelton.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
Instagram: â @stephanienmackâ , â @underlinethatpodâ
Website:â www.stephaniemack.comâ
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â Amazonâ
â Targetâ
â Barnes & Nobleâ
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
The Journey of a Giant by Lori Melton
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer -
What happens when a Wall Street veteran swaps spreadsheets for storytelling? In this energizing conversation, Steph sits down with Kristine Delano, former finance executive turned debut novelist, to talk ambition, identity, mentorship, and her buzzy new novel The Lies We Trade, hot off the press from Tyndale House!
Kristine spent nearly two decades on Wall Street before pivoting into the world of fiction. Her brand-new book blends finance and family drama into a sharp, propulsive narrative about the stories we tell to surviveâand the ones we tell to succeed.
Together, Kristine and Stephanie explore:
How curiosity drives performance in any industry
Why women need circles of trusted advisors
What success (and failure) really look like in high-pressure careers
How Kristineâs corporate experience shaped her storytelling
The importance of celebrating small wins!
Kristine opens up about the craft side, tooâfrom using Scrivener and critique partners to reading trends, understanding the market, and navigating the collaborative nature of publishing.
Whether youâre a writer, a reader, a dreamer, a strategist, or all of the above, this episode is packed with encouragement, insight, and heart.
Thank you so much for listening!
FOLLOW KRISTINE DELANO:
Instagram: @kristine.delano.writer
Website: www.kristinedelano.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
Instagram: â @stephanienmackâ , â @underlinethatpodâ
Website:â www.stephaniemack.comâ
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
â Amazonâ
â Targetâ
â Barnes & Nobleâ
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano
Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott
Ambush by Colleen Coble
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
-
Welcome back to Underline That with Stephanie Mack! Weâre kicking off the second half of Season 1 with a short and sweet reset episode straight from the soul. If youâre craving a fresh start, a little structure, and a friend in your ears, this oneâs for you!
In this solo reboot, Iâm breaking things down into three buckets:
đ Margin Notes: Setting Goals & Chasing Dreams
Iâm sharing two of my Five Fâs (Fitness + Firm): strength training, protein goals, creative vocation, and what celebrating actually means after seasons of hard work + waiting.đ Draft Notes: Whatâs Happening in My Writing World
Winter is a season of deadlines for me, and I'm dishing! We talk copyediting an indie book for repub, writing with honesty, and finding the lane of my dreams: womenâs fiction with heart, romance, humor, faith, friendship, and belonging.đ Field Notes: Podcast Plans + TBR
Peep the guest lineup preview (Kristine Delano, Toni Shiloh + more!) plus five of my most-anticipated 2026 reads.Plus: What happens when we swing and miss a big goal? What race am I running next? How do YOU approach goal setting?
If you loved this reboot, hit subscribe, leave a review, and DM me your January goals or current readâI want to hear!
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
Instagram: @stephanienmack, @underlinethatpod
Website: www.stephaniemack.com
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
Amazon
Target
Barnes & Noble
TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate
Star-Crossed Summer by Devon Daniels
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
-
Todayâs episode is the final drop before a cozy winter breakâand weâre wrapping up the year with one of my favorite conversations yet. Not to mention, more book recommendations than Santa himself could carry!
Iâm thrilled to be joined by Lexi of @LexintheStacks, a longtime friend and one of my absolute favorite book accounts to follow. Her taste is impeccable, her vibes are immaculate, and together weâre talking all things Best Books of 2025.
Weâre diving into the stories that stayed with us long after the final pageâthe ones weâre still thinking about, still recommending, and still underlining in real life. Narrowing it down was nearly impossible, so rather than an exhaustive love list, think of this episode as a thoughtfully curated collection of standout reads that truly left their mark on our year!
⨠Bonus: If youâre still hunting for last-minute Christmas gifts or planning your early-2026 TBR, this episode is full of inspiration for readers of all kinds.
In this episode, we chat about:
⢠Lexiâs journey into Bookstagram and her vibrant reading life
⢠What 2025 looked like as a reading year â the highs, the tears, and the gems
⢠Books that almost made the cut
⢠Our top reads of the year across genres, moods, and formats
⢠A rapid-fire wrap-up of surprising reads, easy recommendations, and buzzy books weâre saving for 2026Whether you discover a new favorite, add something fresh to your TBR, or simply enjoy the conversation, Iâm so grateful youâre here.
Thank you so much for spending your listening time with Underline That. From my heart to yours â happy reading, happy gifting, and weâll see you in the new year! đ¤â¨
Follow Lexi:
IG: @lexinthestacks
Follow Steph + The Pod:
IG: @stephanienmack
IG: @underlinethatpodTodayâs Underlines:
The House of My Mother by Sheri Franke
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Every Beautiful Mile by Ashley Manley
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly
Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina Garten
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
What Happened to the McCrays by Tracey Lange
The Names by Florence Knapp
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
The Names by Florence Knapp
Itâs a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton
Donât Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd
Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown
Grace & Henryâs Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn - Mostrar más
