Historical Fiction Episodes

Rhys discusses her latest novel The Last Mrs. Summers, creating an homage to Rebecca, writing two books a year, reading historical fiction during these stressful times, advice for aspiring authors, and much more.The Last Mrs. Summers can be purchased at...

Natalie discusses her debut novel The Jane Austen Society, the long-lasting impact and continued relevance of Jane Austen’s books, the importance of independent book stores, launching a debut novel during the pandemic, and more.The Jane Austen Society c...

Hazel discusses When We Were Young & Brave, her inspiration for the story, writing about World War 2 in the Pacific, her extensive research for the book, exploring the human condition, her reading recommendations, and much more. When We Were Young & Bra...

Tori discusses her debut novel Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish, her inspiration for the story, creating a love letter to Cincinnati, the generational theme in the book, her advice for aspiring authors, and much more.Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish can be purcha...

John talks about his latest novel Old Abe, writing a fictional account of Lincoln’s life, conducting research on one of the most famous men in history, how he decided to tackle this subject, and much more.Old Abe can be purchased at Murder by the Book. ...

Kristin talks about her latest novel the New York Times bestseller The Book of Lost Names, the research she did regarding the forgery of documents during World War 2, writing about ordinary people who rise up to do extraordinary things, the large number ...

Signe and I discuss her latest novel The Forgotten Kingdom, researching people and events from the sixth century, telling stories previously lost to time and history, working as an acquisitions editor, and much more. The Forgotten Kingdom can be purchas...

Asha discusses her debut novel Fifty Words for Rain, setting her novel in post-World War 2 Japan, her lifelong love of the country and its language, having her novel chosen as a Good Morning America book club selection, and much more. Fifty Words for Ra...

Gill discusses her latest novel Jackie and Maria, the reader who gave her the inspiration for this story, Jackie and her sister Lee’s complex relationship, the rivalry between Jackie and Maria, her year-round love of swimming, and more.

Alka speaks about her debut novel The Henna Artist, having Reese Witherspoon select her book for her May book club, honoring her mother, the importance of women telling their stories, and much more.The Henna Artist can be purchased at Murder by the Book...

Alex discusses his latest novel The Paris Hours, the challenge of writing a story that takes place over the course of one day, owning an independent bookstore, setting a book in Paris, and much more.The Paris Hours can be purchased at Murder by the Book...

Bryn discusses her debut novel The Woman Before Wallis, Thelma Furness and her twin sister Gloria Vanderbilt, the characters she enjoyed writing the most in this book, her gorgeous cover, the research she did, and much more.The Woman Before Wallis can b...

Fiona speaks about her latest novel The Lions of Fifth Avenue, writing about iconic New York City buildings and how she conducts her research, the manner in which the title and cover influenced her storyline for this book, what she is working on next, an...

Stephen and I discuss his latest novel Universe of Two and the story behind it, the building of the atomic bomb and life at Los Alamos, the moral qualms of those who worked on the bomb, finding redemption, and much more.Universe of Two can be purchased ...

Episode 7 – A native New Englander, Elise spent several years writing for television and online news outlets before getting a MA and teaching high-school literature and history. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and two daughters.FAST GIRLS can ...