Episódios
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This story is as sweet as a warm batch of cookies fresh from the oven! In this episode, Eliza Evans joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, The Christmas Cookie Wars. We talk about her heartwarming story about a widowed mom, Melody, and her twin boys who try to keep their Christmas spirit alive through a school cookie contest. And how Melody's clash with the principal, Jonathan, adds a fun dynamic.
We also talk about Eliza's inspiration from a real town's cookie festival, the importance of traditions, and her favorite holiday treats and movies.
Tune in for a dose of holiday warmth and maybe a new book tradition!
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Get all the nostalgia of a classic holiday romance with a heartfelt touch! In this episode, Jenny Bayliss joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Kiss Me at Christmas. We talk about our protagonist, Harriet, an almost-empty-nester dealing with her daughter's extended holiday trip, a drunken one-night stand, and a rundown theater where she organizes a Christmas play with her students to appease a clever theater owner.
Bayliss shares insights into her characters, the inspiration behind her holiday-themed novels, and the relatable challenges of middle-age life. We also talk about Jenny's personal holiday traditions, favorite books, and indie bookshops.
If you love heartwarming tales filled with community spirit and holiday cheer, you won't want to miss this conversation!
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For anyone longing for a sense of home or wanting to be reminded, this story feels like coming in from the cold to a place that feels just right. In this episode, Taylor Hahn joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, A Home for the Holidays. Taylor shares more about the book's premise, which involves a wedding singer named Mel dealing with her mother's unexpected death before Christmas and uncovering past secrets. The conversation covers grief, complicated mother-daughter relationships, and finding new confidence and love.
Taylor also shares how personal experiences influenced her writing and gives insights into her other works, including her debut novel, The Lifestyle. They wrap up by discussing the importance of empathy in complicated relationships and Taylor's recommendations for other great reads.
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For those drawn to mysteries with a hint of nostalgia! In the novel, we meet Alfred Smettle and his old college friends, who gather in his Hitchcock-themed hotel to resolve past conflicts. Stephanie shares how each character was developed based on one of the Seven Deadly Sins and how psychological thriller elements merge with a classic murder mystery to keep readers engaged.
Stephanie also touches upon her previous novels, Darling Rose Gold and This Might Hurt, and hints at her next project. The episode wraps up with Stephanie's book recommendations and a nod to her favorite indie bookstores, making it a delightful listen for thriller enthusiasts and book lovers!
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Escape into a fantasy that weaves together mystery, self-discovery, and the thrill of finding a place where you truly belong. In this episode, Alexis Henderson joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, An Academy for Liars. We talk about how the setting of Savannah, Georgia, influences the story, the complex character of Lennon, and her interactions with Dante.
Alexis also shares insights on her previous books like 'House of Hunger' and 'The Year of Witching,' and discusses her love for the fall season and her favorite indie bookstores.
Tune in for an engaging conversation on dark fantasy and memorable character dynamics!
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This is for those days when you need a little magic to remind you of life’s joys! In this episode, Nadia El-Fassi joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Best Hex Ever. Set in London, the story features Dina, a kitchen witch cursed to harm anyone who loves her, and Scott, a museum curator fresh off a breakup. They are thrown together as a bridesmaid and best man in the same wedding, leading to magical, romantic escapades.
Nadia shares the inspiration behind the characters, her mixed heritage, and the cozy, familial settings that pepper her book. She also gives a sneak peek into her next book, and discusses the importance of fanfiction in her writing journey.
Tune in to a world where magic feels as cozy as a warm blanket, and the characters remind us that a little laughter and whimsy are exactly what we need sometimes!
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Get wrapped up in the comfort of small-town charm with a touch of the supernatural. In this episode, C.M. Waggoner joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, The Village Library Demon Hunting Society. Caitlin shares her inspiration behind the novel, citing influences like 'Murder, She Wrote' during the pandemic. We talk about our protagonist, Sherry, her possessed cat, Lord Thomas Cromwell, and how her boyfriend's death propels her deeper into mystery-solving.
Tune in for a fun, engaging conversation about books, writing, and everything in between!
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What if you discovered you were a witch on your birthday? In this episode, Heather Akumiah joins me on the couch to talk about her new book Bad Witches. We discuss the novel's plot involving three black girls in New York who find out they're witches and that the witch universe is in crisis. Heather shares her inspiration behind the story and her journey from wanting to create a web series to writing a novel. They also touch on her favorite characters and what readers can expect.
Tune in for an engaging discussion about magic, sisterhood, and the joy of writing!
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When a reality TV homemaker over show meets ghost hunting and hauntings! In this episode, Sarah Pinsker joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Haunt Sweet Home. Discover how she blends house makeovers and ghost hunting in this unique story, her thoughts on reality TV, and the inspiration behind her novel.
If you're looking for a quick, atmospheric read for fall, this episode is a must-listen!
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Nightmare of a Trip follows the Somerset family’s haunted road trip from Milwaukee to a theme park in Orlando. Maureen shares more about the book, and her own family road trips and all the enduring memories formed through such journeys. She also discusses her previous works, 'Suburban Hell' and 'Hex Education,' highlighting the mix of suburban life and supernatural elements.
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What do you do when the ghosts you're running from become your only hope? Del Sandeen joins me on the couch to discuss her debut novel, 'This Cursed House.' This Cursed House is set in the 1960s, and it follows Gemma Barker, a schoolteacher who moves to New Orleans for a fresh start. While there, she finds herself forced to confront her ability to see ghosts while helping a cursed family. We talk more about the book, while sharing insights on the importance of tackling difficult conversations about societal issues, and we get some great book recommendations.
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What happens when romance meets mortality in the most unexpected way? Ivy Fairbanks joins me on the couch to talk about her debut novel, 'Morbidly Yours.' Morbidly Yours tells the story of an unlikely friendship and romance between a bubbly Texan and a shy Irish mortician in Galway, Ireland, as they navigate personal struggles and challenges. In our conversation we talk about the novel and what readers can expect, Ivy’s inspiration from her own experiences with grief and interest in mortuary science, along with insights into future books in the Love in Galway series. Ivy hopes her novel brings optimism and understanding to readers dealing with loss.
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A Talent for Murder follows Martha, a newly married librarian who suspects her husband Alan, a traveling salesman, might be involved in a series of murders. Martha enlists the help of her old friend Lily to investigate Alan's activities, which uncovers other mysterious individuals tracking him. In this episode, we also discuss some of Peter Swanson's other works and classic mystery authors, such as Patricia Highsmith and Agatha Christie. Peter also shares insights about the influence of these authors on his writing and provides some of his favorite book recommendations.
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The Blackhouse unfolds on a remote Scottish island, and it integrates two narratives: a man grappling with past actions and a bipolar woman investigating a historical murder. The novel combines supernatural elements, suspense, and deep character studies. Carol shares insights on the eerie setting of the Outer Hebrides, her inspirations, and the process of writing complex, multi-faceted characters. She also touches on her journey as an author, her past work, 'Mirrorland,' and hints at her upcoming book. The episode emphasizes the atmospheric settings and richly layered plots that Carol is known for.
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Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell centers on Hannah, a young woman obsessed with a true-crime case in Atlanta after a breakup, who starts writing to the suspect, leading to an unexpected romance. The discussion also touches on the phenomenon of women falling in love with real-life serial killers and explores themes of modern dating and millennial struggles. Additionally, Tasha shares her reading preferences and inspirations for the book, giving readers a mix of thrill, fun, and relatability.
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Begin Again follows Frankie McKenzie, who, after a freak accident, finds herself in an otherworldly Station where she can revisit key moments in her past to explore alternate life paths. Victoria and Heli discuss the book's themes, the inspiration behind the Station, and the idea of life's pivotal crossroads. They also play a fun time travel game and delve into Heli's previous works, 'The Shelf' and 'The Couple.' Heli shares her writing journey, advice for her younger self, and a glimpse into her current project focused on motherhood. They also touch on favorite reads and the charm of indie bookstores. The episode wraps up by encouraging readers to reflect on their own life choices and to be content with their journey.
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Tell Me Who You Are is a gripping psychological thriller where Brooklyn psychiatrist Dr. Caroline Strange's life unravels after a patient, Nelson Schack, confesses plans to kill someone and claims to know her true identity. When detectives investigate a missing woman, Dr. Caroline becomes the prime suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, she pursues Nelson, confronting a past she's long tried to escape. Louisa Luna joins me on the couch to talk more about her novel Tell Me Who You Are, also contrasts this book with her previous Alice Vega series and shares insights into her writing process and favorite books.
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Finding Margaret Fuller is a fictionalized account of 19th-century feminist Margaret Fuller's life, including her influential relationships, work in women's rights, and role as the first female foreign correspondent for the New York Tribune. Despite being a mentor to significant figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Louisa May Alcott, Fuller remains an unsung heroine. Alison shares the process of discovering and writing about Fuller, and they discuss her profound impact on modern society despite her tragic early death.
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Wedding objections are a thing! In this episode, I'm joined by author Lynn Painter to talk about her novel "Happily Never After." The story follows Sophie Steinbeck, a bride-to-be who hires a professional wedding objector named Max Parks to call off her wedding after discovering her fiancé's infidelity. We then see Sophie getting interested in Max's job, and they team up to disrupt nuptials. But Sophie and Max have a bond and share undeniable chemistry despite their belief that love doesn't exist. Their dynamic shifts when a groom-to-be hires Sophie to object, revealing that his fiancée is Max's ex, forcing both to confront their feelings for each other.
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This semester, let's go to a quaint English boarding school by the sea! Author Jenny Colgan joins me to talk about her series "The School by the Sea" which explores life at Downey House, an English boarding school. Book one, 'Welcome to the School by the Sea,' introduces new teacher Maggie and her journey from Glasgow to the posh Downey House, as well as her interactions with students Fliss, Alice, and Simone. Book two, 'Rules at the School by the Sea,' follows Maggie into her second year, grappling with her feelings for a colleague, David, and headmistress, Veronica, confronting a past secret. In book three, 'Lessons at the School by the Sea,' scandal hits the school, and we see Maggie's growing feelings for David jeopardize her engagement, plus the students face their own challenges after summer break. Book four, 'Studies at the School by the Sea,' sees Maggie questioning her future at Downey House, caught between her love of teaching and the pull of her Scottish hometown, while we see the students prepare for graduation. During the episode, Jenny also hints at an upcoming fifth book where readers can look forward to more of these evolving tales. So tune in to discover how Jenny's books aim to offer cozy comfort with every page.
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