Episodes

545
Sept. 24, 2025

Janice Hallett - THE KILLER QUESTION

In this interview, I chat with Janice Hallett about The Killer Question, trivia quizzing, her writing process and how she approaches it, infusing humor into the story, the many discussions around the cover art, her love of travel, and much more. Janice's recommended reads are: The Vanishing Place by Zoe Rankin A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford Thanks so much to those of you who have donated to the show. Donate to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Venmo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...
545
Sept. 24, 2025

Janice Hallett - THE KILLER QUESTION

In this interview, I chat with Janice Hallett about The Killer Question, trivia quizzing, her writing process and how she approaches it, infusing humor into the story, the many discussions around the cover art, her love of travel, and much more. Janice's recommended reads are: The Vanishing Place by Zoe Rankin A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford Thanks so much to those of you who have donated to the show. Donate to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Venmo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...
544
Sept. 16, 2025

Catherine Chidgey - THE BOOK OF GUILT

In this interview, I chat with Catherine Chidgey about The Book of Guilt, how she came up with the ideas for this one, choosing who would tell the story, the hardest part of writing the book, her multiple covers, creating an alternative world, and much more. Catherine's recommended reads are: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood Haven by Emma Donoghue Thanks so much to those of you who have donated to the show. Donate to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Venmo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...
544
Sept. 16, 2025

Catherine Chidgey - THE BOOK OF GUILT

In this interview, I chat with Catherine Chidgey about The Book of Guilt, how she came up with the ideas for this one, choosing who would tell the story, the hardest part of writing the book, her multiple covers, creating an alternative world, and much more. Catherine's recommended reads are: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood Haven by Emma Donoghue Thanks so much to those of you who have donated to the show. Donate to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Ve...
543
Sept. 10, 2025

Judithe Little - GLORIOUS RUINS

In this interview, I chat with Judithe Little about ⁠Glorious Ruins, why she wanted to tell Misia Sert's story, why she enjoys telling the stories of those who surrounded Coco Chanel, her research, how frequently women are left out of the historical record, what she wants readers to take away from this book, and much more. Judithe's recommended reads are: The Wedding People by Alison Espach Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey Judithe's Page Turners ...
543
Sept. 10, 2025

Judithe Little - GLORIOUS RUINS

In this interview, I chat with Judithe Little about ⁠Glorious Ruins, why she wanted to tell Misia Sert's story, why she enjoys telling the stories of those who surrounded Coco Chanel, her research, how frequently women are left out of the historical record, what she wants readers to take away from this book, and much more. Judithe's recommended reads are: The Wedding People by Alison Espach Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey Judithe's Page Turners...
542
Sept. 2, 2025

Eliana Ramage - TO THE MOON AND BACK

In this interview, I chat with Eliana Ramage about To the Moon and Back, writing about the Cherokee Nation and its history, setting a portion of the story in Oklahoma, her research, writing a family saga, Star Trek, how the title and cover came to be, and much more. Eliana's recommended reads are: Nothing More of This Land by Joseph V. Lee Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan Before the Mango Ripens by Afabwaje Kurian Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page ...
542
Sept. 2, 2025

Eliana Ramage - TO THE MOON AND BACK

In this interview, I chat with Eliana Ramage about To the Moon and Back, writing about the Cherokee Nation and its history, setting a portion of the story in Oklahoma, her research, writing a family saga, Star Trek, how the title and cover came to be, and much more. Eliana's recommended reads are: Nothing More of This Land by Joseph V. Lee Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan Before the Mango Ripens by Afabwaje Kurian Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printa...
541
Aug. 28, 2025

Kelly Hooker - August's Real Time Reading

Kelly Hooker joins me for the August's Real Time Reading episode where we highlight our current, past and upcoming reads. Kelly’s Selections: Last: The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon Now: The Tragedy of True Crime by John J. Lennon The Odds of You by Kate Dramis Next: The Mad Wife by Meagan Church A Good Animal by Sara Mauer DNFs or Didn't Like: Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei Book Mail Highlights: The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini Where the Wildflowers Grow by T...
541
Aug. 28, 2025

Kelly Hooker - August's Real Time Reading

Kelly Hooker joins me for the August's Real Time Reading episode where we highlight our current, past and upcoming reads. Kelly’s Selections:Last: The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon Now: The Tragedy of True Crime by John J. Lennon The Odds of You by Kate Dramis Next: The Mad Wife by Meagan Church A Good Animal by Sara Mauer DNFs or Didn't Like: Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei Book Mail Highlights: The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini Where the Wildflowers Grow by T...
Guest: Kelly Hooker
540
Aug. 26, 2025

Julie Clark - THE GHOSTWRITER

In this interview, I chat with Julie Clark about The Ghostwriter, why she chose the 1970s setting, the sprayed edges on her book, why memory is at the heart of the story, how she handles the information reveals, trauma and secrets in fiction, and much more. Julie's recommended read is The Names by Florence Knapp. Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a tip of your choice or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for a set price here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ via credit...
540
Aug. 26, 2025

Julie Clark - THE GHOSTWRITER

In this interview, I chat with Julie Clark about The Ghostwriter, why she chose the 1970s setting, the sprayed edges on her book, why memory is at the heart of the story, how she handles the information reveals, trauma and secrets in fiction, and much more. Julie's recommended read is The Names by Florence Knapp. Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a tip of your choice or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for a set price here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ via credit...
Guest: Julie Clark
539
Aug. 12, 2025

Ally Carter - THE BLONDE WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD

In this interview, I chat with Ally Carter about ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold, how this is a companion novel versus a sequel, why light mysteries are having a moment, watching spy movies as research, writing realistic dialogue, her title and cover, and much more. Ally's recommended reads are: Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here...
539
Aug. 12, 2025

Ally Carter - THE BLONDE WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD

In this interview, I chat with Ally Carter about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold, how this is a companion novel versus a sequel, why light mysteries are having a moment, watching spy movies as research, writing realistic dialogue, her title and cover, and much more. Ally's recommended reads are: Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide ...
538
Aug. 5, 2025

Martha Barnette - FRIENDS WITH WORDS

In this interview, I chat with Martha Barnette about Friends with Words, her interest in words and word origins, hosting A Way With Words, what a call-out show is and how it works, her favorite questions she is asked on her show, writing this memoir, her title, and much more. Martha's recommended reads are: Orbital by Samantha Harvey Clear by Carys Davies Enough is Enuf by Gabe Henry Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...
538
Aug. 5, 2025

Martha Barnette - FRIENDS WITH WORDS

In this interview, I chat with Martha Barnette about Friends with Words, her interest in words and word origins, hosting A Way With Words, what a call-out show is and how it works, her favorite questions she is asked on her show, writing this memoir, her title, and much more. Martha's recommended reads are: Orbital by Samantha Harvey Clear by Carys Davies Enough is Enuf by Gabe Henry Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...
537
July 29, 2025

Kelly Hooker - July's Real Time Reading

Kelly Hooker joins me for July's Real Time Reading episode where we highlight our current, past and upcoming reads. Kelly’s Selections: Last: The Killer Question by Janice Hallett Heart the Lover by Lily King Now: Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead Next: Cape Fever by Nadia Davids Westward Women by Alice Martin DNFs or Didn't Like: None Book Mail Highlights: Murder by the Book by Amie Schaumberg What We Can Know by Ian McKewan Cindy's Selections...
537
July 29, 2025

Kelly Hooker - July's Real Time Reading

Kelly Hooker joins me for July's Real Time Reading episode where we highlight our current, past and upcoming reads. Kelly’s Selections: Last: The Killer Question by Janice Hallett Heart the Lover by Lily King Now: Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead Next: Cape Fever by Nadia Davids Westward Women by Alice Martin DNFs or Didn't Like: None Book Mail Highlights: Murder by the Book by Amie Schaumberg What We Can Know by Ian McKewan Cindy's Selection...
Guest: Kelly Hooker
536
July 28, 2025

Kelly Hooker - Our Favorites Reads from April through June 2025

In this episode, Kelly and I chat about our favorite books that published in April through June 2025. Our shared top reads: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans This American Woman by Zarna Garg My Friends by Fredrik Backman It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Kelly’s remaining top reads: Abigail & Alexa save the Wedding by Lian Dolan The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin The Names by Florence Knapp The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram The River is Waiting...
536
July 28, 2025

Kelly Hooker - Our Favorites Reads from April through June 2025

In this episode, Kelly and I chat about our favorite books that published in April through June 2025. Our shared top reads: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans This American Woman by Zarna Garg My Friends by Fredrik Backman It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Kelly’s remaining top reads: Abigail & Alexa save the Wedding by Lian Dolan The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin The Names by Florence Knapp The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram T...
Guest: Kelly Hooker
535
July 22, 2025

Mary Webber O'Malley and Pamela Klinger-Horn - Third Quarter 2025 Recommended Reads

Mary Webber O'Malley and Pamela Klinger-Horn join me to recommend their favorites reads of the third quarter of 2025. Pamela's Selections: July A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay Ashes to Ashes by Thomas Maltman August Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne Just Another Dead Author by Katarina Bivald The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman Destroy This House by Amanda Uhle September Life and Death and Giants by Ron Rin...
535
July 22, 2025

Mary Webber O'Malley and Pamela Klinger-Horn - Third Quarter 2025 Recommended Reads

Mary Webber O'Malley and Pamela Klinger-Horn join me to recommend their favorites reads of the third quarter of 2025. Pamela's Selections: July A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay Ashes to Ashes by Thomas Maltman August Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne Just Another Dead Author by Katarina Bivald The Lies They Told by Ellen Marie Wiseman Destroy This House by Amanda Uhle September Life and Death and Giants by Ron Rin...
534
July 15, 2025

Nathalia Holt - THE BEAST IN THE CLOUDS

In this interview, I chat with Nathalia Holt about ⁠The Beast in the Clouds⁠⁠, how the panda bear was the last large mammal unknown to science, the Roosevelt brothers' unlikely but successful excursion, how they changed the way the world viewed conservation, how she learned about this story, finding a publisher for this tale, and much more. Nathalia's recommended reads are: Palace of Deception by Darrin Lunde On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of U.S. Women Astronauts by Valerie Neal Look...
534
July 15, 2025

Nathalia Holt - THE BEAST IN THE CLOUDS

In this interview, I chat with Nathalia Holt about ⁠The Beast in the Clouds⁠⁠, how the panda bear was the large mammal unknown to science, the Roosevelt brothers' unlikely but successful excursion, how they changed the way the world viewed conservation, how she learned about this story, finding a publisher for this tale, and much more. Nathalia's recommended reads are: Palace of Deception by Darrin Lunde On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of U.S. Women Astronauts by Valerie Neal ...
Guest: Nathalia Holt