The Fresh Fiction Podcast: Recent Episodes
Fresh Fiction Media
Bestselling historical romance author Cathy Maxwell joins Fresh Fiction to talk about her first indie release, Curves for the Rakish Duke, and her first-ever author collaboration with the Busty Bodice Club series. Cathy opens up about the surprising generosity of indie readers, the creative freedom of publishing without gatekeepers, and why she is finally revisiting an old favorite novella with fresh eyes.
Before Christine Gunderson became an Amazon bestselling author, she was a TV reporter, a Capitol Hill press secretary, and a stay-at-home mom who wrote her first novel in stolen minutes at school pickup. In this Fresh Fiction Video Book Club conversation with host Samantha Tennant, Christine talks about the long, twisty road to publication, the real women who inspired the 1965 storyline in her new novel Behind White Picket Fences, and why she believes the pressure on mothers to do it all is as unrealistic now as it was sixty years ago. Plus, a rapid-fire round covering her go-to gas station snack, her Jane Austen obsession, and the cult she would absolutely start.
This episode centers on the Fresh Fiction team's weekend at Kiss and Tell, a local romance author book signing event in Grapevine, Texas. The team attended alongside book club members, meeting favorite authors, discovering new-to-them authors, and connecting with fellow readers.
Bestselling author Jayne Castle joins Fresh Fiction's Podcast to talk about ENTER THE NIGHTMARE, book nineteen in her Harmony series. She traces the real government psychic research that inspired her world building, introduces Sebastian, the reader-made dust bunny that inspired her mascot, and shares stories from a Cotswolds hiking trip with fellow authors Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Christina Dodd. Jayne also talks about writing under three names, why she never reuses the same hero and heroine, and what is coming next in her Psychic Dog series.
Romance author Amy Award joins Samantha Tennant to talk about THE COCKY KINGMANS, her football-playing family of brothers, and why every heroine, no matter her size, deserves a happy ending.
Four award-winning authors — Nina Crespo, Misty Urban, Carrie Schaffer, and Debra Parmley — join host Samantha Tennant to pick their best summer reads, talk travel tropes, and reveal what makes their characters impossible to put down.
USA Today bestselling author Sheila Roberts joins Fresh Fiction's Samantha Tennant to talk about her latest novel, Love on the Shelf — a bookshop-set enemies-to-lovers story that's anything but your typical rom-com. Sheila opens up about the real cultural moment that inspired Parker Black (yes, the man everyone loves to hate), why she believes love always wins, and how the romance genre is finally getting the respect it deserves. Plus, Fresh Fiction Facts — from bug collecting to designer purse opinions to the book that made her feel like a rock star. If you love women's fiction, booktok, and romance that makes you think, this one's for you.
Samantha Tennant sits down with Andrea Hairston — novelist, playwright, Afrofuturist, and self-described "scientist, artiste, and hoodoo conjurer" — to talk about her latest novel, THE REDEMPTION CENTER IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS, a genre-defying extra-dimensional murder mystery anchored by a Saint Bernardoodle dog detective named Una.
Andrea draws on her decades in theater — as director, playwright, and professor — to explain how she weaves mystery, romance, and science fiction into a single story without losing the thread of any of them. She talks about using the dog as a pivot point: Una doesn't recognize genre, she just knows the people she loves, which turns out to be the perfect lens for a story that spans dimensions.
The conversation moves into Andrea's background shift from mathematics and physics to theater (with a detour through lighting design and Ohm's Law), her long-standing research into animal cognition and dog behavior, and what Afrofuturism actually means in practice — not predicting the future, but understanding the present deeply enough to make real choices about what comes next. She uses Harriet Tubman and Einstein as parallel examples of people who imagined their way to something that didn't exist yet.
The Fresh Fiction Facts segment reveals she owns a "ridiculous" number of DVDs (including every Star Trek series), that she'd rather visit the future than the past, and that her most dog-eared books are Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, anything by Ursula Le Guin, and Momo by Michael Ende — which she re-reads in German.
Andrea closes with a peek at her work-in-progress: QUEEN FOR TODAY, a secondary world fantasy about a carnival queen of misrule whose single day of reign changes everything.
Samantha Tennant sits down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mary Ellen Taylor to talk about her newest women's fiction novel, The Sky Beneath Her. Set on North Carolina's Outer Banks — nicknamed the Graveyard of the Atlantic — the book weaves between 1942, when a ship full of desperate passengers crosses U-boat-patrolled waters knowing they may not survive, and the present day, where a scuba diver who lost her mother at sea is finally forced to return to the water.
Mary Ellen opens up about the history book that sparked the story, why she signed up for surf camp in her 50s, her seven-draft process, and the revelation that arrived mid-cookie-bake. She also teases her next book — a California-set story rooted in the early 1970s — and shares that The Sky Beneath Her is the June Amazon First Reads pick (free for Prime members, $1.99 for everyone else).
Bestselling Regency and Victorian romance author Kathleen Ayers joins Samantha Tennant to talk about leaving a 30-year career in media sales to follow a dare from her best friend — and ending up with a romance career she never saw coming. Kathleen shares how classic gateway novels like SWEET SAVAGE LOVE and THIS LOVING TORMENT shaped her love of historical fiction, why morally gray men are still the most irresistible heroes in any era, and what it was really like to write alongside authors like Cathy Maxwell and Jenna MacGregor for the Busty Bodice Club anthology. She also opens up about her process as a self-described pantser, the one fictional character who refused to stop talking to her, and why she will never apologize for being an unapologetic Ruby Dixon super-fan. Plus: Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets, Nine Inch Nails concert tees, and the mysterious ancestor named Barbara who just disappeared from the family records.
Ivy Cassidy — national bestselling author of more than 40 novels — joins Samantha Tennant to talk about her most ambitious book yet: House of Spells and Secrets, a sweeping historical fantasy rooted in the real legend of Biddy Early, the last woman tried for witchcraft in Ireland. Ivy shares how she balanced research with storytelling, why she set the book in 1971, and what it finally felt like to write completely outside genre rules. Plus: Fresh Fiction Facts, pen name Easter eggs, and a tribute to a beloved voice in the book community, Piper J. Drake.
The line that launched the entire Orphan X series — and Gregg Hurwitz joined us on the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club to talk about what it means, 12 books in. From mind control cult research to his debut novella The Delivery, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. Link in bio.
Janna MacGregor joins Samantha Tennant to discuss her story in the Busty Bodice Club anthology, The Curves for the Secret Duke — a Regency romance with fake marriage, friends to lovers, and a secret-duke twist she rewrote from the ground up. They also talk about the anthology's collaborative process, writing full-figured heroines in the Regency era, and how Janna's legal training shaped her approach to craft.
200: 14 Readers, 40+ Books, and One Missing CIA Novelist
Episode 200 of the Fresh Fiction Podcast is here. 200 episodes. Evolving from chat, to film and television, to books and authors. Hundreds of author conversations. Thousands of book recommendations. And one community that shows up, week after week, for the love of reading. Thank you for being part of this. Here’s to the next 200. → freshfiction.com/newsletters.php
Julianne MacLean has been writing heartbreak and hope for 25 years — and she's just getting started. Host Samantha Tennant sits down with the USA Today bestselling author of What Tomorrow Will Be to talk about first loves, falling down and getting back up, and a brand-new chapter she wasn't supposed to announce yet. Plus Jane Eyre, Skittles, and a rescue dog named Rosie.
What happens when three celebrities land in the same ultra-exclusive rehab — and someone ends up dead? That's the opening of Such Sheltered Lives, the electric adult debut from New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel.
Host Samantha Tennant sits down with Alyssa for a wide-ranging conversation about the leap from YA to adult fiction, the joys and challenges of writing multiple narrators, and how she crafts twists that feel both surprising and inevitable on the second read.
They also dig into Alyssa's fascinating work as a collaborative and ghost writer — including her official novels for Umbrella Academy, Outer Banks, and The Haunting of Sunshine Girl — and what it means to inhabit characters you didn't create. Plus: Fresh Fiction Facts, dream casting, and a very strong case for Birkenstock clogs.
Romance author Annabelle Anders joins Samantha Tennant to talk about her unlikely path to publishing, the Regency series that almost never was, and why she finally wrote the curvy heroine she had long avoided — and what that choice taught her about herself.
Candace Lynn Talmadge didn’t just imagine the Stone Slayer series — she believes she lived it. A former business journalist turned dark high fantasy author, Candace joins Samantha Tennant on the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club to talk about the obsession that’s driven her since childhood, the literal demon she had to add to her nine-book-and-counting series, and why the fictional society of Asgard feels uncomfortably familiar right now. With four generations of fierce women, 24 planned books, and a story rooted in past-life healing, this is a conversation about what it truly means to be called to write.
USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone joins Samantha Tennant to talk about her journey from writing New Edition fan fiction in seventh grade to crafting some of the most emotionally layered romance series in the genre today. From the beloved Rose Bend small-town series to her boldly dark Huntsman fairytale reimaginings, Naima shares what drives her to write complex, unforgettable characters — and why fear is never a good enough reason to say no to a new creative challenge.
Bestselling author Kirsten Pursell joins Samantha Tennant to talk about THE UNABRIDGED LIFE OF MISSY KINCAID — an emotionally raw, ultimately uplifting novel about a woman who rises from her lowest point. Kirsten opens up about the real heartbreak and grief that shaped Missy's story, why she writes imperfect women who refuse to quit, and what's coming next in the Scarlet's Harlots trilogy.
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club, host Samantha Tennant sits down with award-winning bestselling historical romance author Eliana Piers to talk all things steamy Regency romance—and the bold multi-author series she dreamed up from scratch.
Emmy Award–winning investigative journalist turned thriller novelist Hank Phillippi Ryan joins Fresh Fiction to talk about her USA Today bestselling novel All This Could Be Yours — a spine-tingling thriller set on a book tour from hell. Hank reveals her unique 'discovery writing' process, what it's like to write 20 novels without an outline, and why she considers every reader a partner in bringing a story to life. A must-listen for fans of suspense, storytelling craft, and strong women who fight back.
Carolyn Dasher joins Fresh Fiction to discuss AMERICAN SKY, her debut historical novel inspired by the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. In this episode, she shares the real history behind these groundbreaking female pilots, the emotional cost of their post-war dismissal, and how she crafted a multi-generational story spanning WWII and Vietnam. A must-listen for fans of historical fiction, women’s history, and powerful mother-daughter narratives.
Author Liz Alterman on psychological thrillers, writing across genres, surviving rejection, and why your neighbor might be scarier than any monster.
Audible Hall of Fame narrator Andi Arndt joins Fresh Fiction to discuss audiobook narration, dual vs duet recording, romance audiobook performance, pseudonyms, union contracts (SAG-AFTRA), and what really happens inside the recording booth. With over 700 audiobooks narrated, Andi shares how she physically embodies characters and why listeners trust her voice.
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, historical romance authors Cathy Maxwell and Eliana Piers discuss the creation of the Busty Bodice Club—a collaborative Regency romance series celebrating body-positive heroines, creative freedom, and sisterhood. From writing one shared story chapter-by-chapter to publishing independently, this conversation explores how romance authors are reimagining the genre while delivering the escapist love stories readers crave.
What makes a story unforgettable? Sometimes, it’s the place.
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, bestselling author Heather Graham joins us for a warm, wide-ranging conversation about haunted cities, real history, and the stories that stay with readers long after the book is finished.
From Salem and New Orleans to castles, legends, and mysteries, Heather shares how real locations inspire her novels—and why blending history, romance, and suspense keeps readers coming back for more.
Perfect for fans of romantic suspense, paranormal thrillers, and immersive storytelling.
Award-winning authors Julie Buxbaum and Adele Griffin—writing together as Taylor Hutton—talk dark romance, creative freedom, and how collaboration brought the fun back to writing.
Bestselling author Abigail Owen joins Fresh Fiction to talk Greek gods, epic trials, cliffhangers, and the series that changed her career.
Brisa Carleton joins Fresh Fiction to talk about LAST CALL AT THE SAVOY, forgotten women in history, and how a Broadway producer became a debut novelist.
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, bestselling author Julia London joins us to talk about WHILE IT WAS SNOWING, a holiday romance featuring characters in their fifties navigating love, family, and second chances during a North Texas snowstorm. Julia shares behind-the-scenes insights on writing older protagonists, the realities of publishing during the pandemic, and why Christmas trees belong in every holiday novel.
A heartwarming holiday conversation with bestselling romance author Andrew Grey about THE GIFT OF THE MALTIPOO, writing emotional dog POVs, the evolution of gay romance, cherished Christmas traditions, and the joy of storytelling.
Lucy Connelly—also known as bestselling author Candace Havens—joins Samantha Tennant for a festive conversation about writing Death at a Scottish Christmas, creating holiday mysteries full of Scottish traditions, juggling multiple cozy series, and seeing her Ainsley McGregor books adapted for TV. She also shares her writing rituals, how she comes up with clever murders, and a surprise appearance from her real-life dog, Mr. Poe.
Author Kandy Shepherd joins Samantha Tennant for a warm, funny, deeply charming conversation about Christmas romances, second-chance love, magazine days at Cosmo and Family Circle, writing older heroines, collaborative duets, and why setting matters so much in a great story.
A lively, heartfelt chat with USA Today bestselling author Xio Axelrod, covering her music-industry roots, how fanfiction launched her career, and the inspiration behind her girl-rock-band series The Lilies. Xio opens up about writing by instinct, crafting found-family stories, the music fueling her characters, and even the strangest movie she can’t stop watching. Warm, funny, and creative—this one’s a joy.
Author Terri Reed joins Sara Reyes to talk about TEXAS CHRISTMAS COVER-UP, a holiday romantic suspense filled with mystery, second chances, and a dash of Christmas magic.
Best-selling author Darynda Jones joins Fresh Fiction for a heartwarming and hilarious chat about resilience, creativity, and rediscovering her writing mojo after a life-changing year. From her fan-favorite Charley Davidson and Sunshine Vicram series to her latest Betwixt & Between release, Midnight in Magic, Darynda shares what keeps her inspired—and why laughter really is the best spell.
Bestselling author Kati Wilde joins Samantha Tennant to chat about her epic fantasy series The Dead Lands, her steamy Hellfire Riders motorcycle romances, and her Christmas love stories. She shares how fanfiction shaped her writing career, the story behind her ONLY ONE BED title, and why she made a comic recap of her series using stick figures.
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Toni Anderson, the mind behind more than 30 romantic thrillers, including her latest release, COLD TRUTH.
Toni shares how her background as a marine biologist inspired her to write FBI thrillers filled with authentic detail and emotional depth. Discover how she blends crime, chemistry, and character, why research is key to realism, and what it’s really like to balance love stories with life-or-death stakes.
COLD TRUTH follows FBI agent Kurt Montana and librarian Roe as they navigate danger, deception, and undeniable attraction.
Author Hannah Nicole Maehrer, creator of Assistant to the Villain, joins Fresh Fiction’s Samantha Tennant to talk about her whirlwind journey from nannying and filming BookTok skits to becoming a New York Times bestselling author. They dive into the found family theme that runs through her books, her ADHD writing process, the chaos that fuels her creativity, and the joy of seeing her world come to life in plushies and fan merch. Expect laughter, behind-the-scenes confessions, and a few fangirl moments.
Former CIA analyst and bestselling author David McCloskey joins Samantha Tennant from FreshFiction.com to discuss his newest spy thriller, THE PERSIAN. They dive deep into the book’s origins, the shadow war between Israel and Iran, the creative chaos of first drafts, and how real-world geopolitics keep catching up to his fiction. Plus, hear how a Swedish dentist and a Mossad officer inspired one of his most complex stories yet.
Bestselling author Samantha Downing joins us to talk about her latest thriller TOO OLD FOR THIS—a sharp, darkly funny story of a retired serial killer you can’t help but root for.
Bestselling author Charlaine Harris joins Fresh Fiction to talk about True Blood, Aurora Teagarden, Midnight, Texas, and her latest release, THE LAST WIZARDS’ BALL.
Join us for an exclusive interview with Heatherly Bell, bestselling author of THE EX NEXT DOOR and the beloved Charming Texas series. With more than 200,000 books sold, Heatherly takes us behind the scenes of her writing journey—from indie beginnings to Harlequin success.
Whether you love small-town romance, second chance love stories, or holiday happily-ever-afters, this conversation is for you.
Bestselling author K.A. Linde joins the Fresh Fiction Podcast to talk about her journey from contemporary romance to fantasy, the rise of romantasy, the research and myths behind The Wren in the Holly Library, and what’s next for her ever-expanding backlist.
What happens when a book you once tucked away in a drawer comes back to life years later—and becomes a deeply emotional duet filled with suspense, family drama, and love that refuses to quit? Today, bestselling author Jennifer Ryan takes us behind the scenes of her bold, emotional duet See Me, Love Me. From hidden manuscripts to stepbrother romance, stalkers, and fireworks in Texas—this is an author interview you don’t want to miss.
What do a K-drama star, a yearning firefighter, and a Jane Austen retelling have in common? Today’s guest, Jayci Lee, reimagines Persuasion in her newest romance Give Me a Reason—and trust me, the angst is delicious. We talk second chances, wine collections, nipple covers (yes, really), and why apple pie and Prosecco are her celebration staples. Plus, she dishes on her upcoming K-spirited fantasy series and navigating publishing with heart and hustle. You do not want to miss this one.
Protective Marines, smart heroines, high-stakes suspense... and dogs with one eye? Yeah, you heard that right. Today on the Fresh Fiction Podcast, bestselling author Julie Miller joins us to talk about Crime Scene K-9, writing on instinct, and the strange things authors Google for research. Oh—and what really happens when she asks her husband to stand still so she can test a fictional stabbing. Stick around—this one’s full of laughs, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
On this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Samantha Tennant sits down with genre-hopping author Ann Aguirre to talk about her latest sci-fi romantic comedy, I THINK I’M IN LOVE WITH AN ALIEN. From writing steampunk and thrillers to crafting cozy witchy rom-coms, Ann takes us behind the scenes of her creative evolution—and why her books are a safe haven for readers.
We dive into fandoms, favorite alien tropes, how she hides Easter eggs for sharp-eyed readers, and what it was like collaborating with the late Rachel Caine. Plus: con culture, neurodiverse representation, and her next big magical project.
On this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling author Kendra Elliot to chat about her latest suspense novel, HER FIRST MISTAKE—the launch of a brand-new series featuring a fan-favorite character from her Columbia River books. We go behind the scenes of her writing process, discuss world-building across interconnected series, and get the scoop on her longtime creative partnership with Melinda Leigh. Plus: readers vs. plotters, writing thrillers without a plan, and why sometimes you just have to blow something up.
In this lively and heartfelt episode, bestselling author Cathy Maxwell joins us to talk about her latest Regency romance, A TOUCH OF STEELE, and the bold heroines of her Gambler’s Daughters series. We dive deep into her inspiring career—from radio broadcaster to Navy officer to beloved author—and the life decisions that shaped her storytelling.
Expect laughs, truth bombs, and lots of romance talk. Cathy shares the story of how romance novels helped her through postpartum depression, why community is essential for writers, and the surprising reason Mr. Steele got his own book (hint: readers demanded it!). Plus, she reveals her go-to road trip snack, favorite bookish reads, and a secret project she’s very excited about. This is one bookish chat you don’t want to miss!
Author Marie Bostwick joins us to chat about The Book Club for Troublesome Women, the power of book clubs, and how one conversation with her mom led to a novel about courage, friendship, and second-wave feminism. Plus, quilting, Hallmark movies, and her pup Showgirl make an appearance!
Bestselling author Terri Reed joins us to talk about Standing Watch, her latest romantic suspense in the Dakota K-9 Unit continuity series. We dive into how her real-life agility training with her Australian Shepherd shapes the way she writes dog characters, how writing in a 12-author series works, and the behind-the-scenes research on Mount Rushmore. Plus, Terri shares what it’s like to have a Hallmark movie based on one of her books and gives us a peek at what’s coming next—including a Doberman and a German Shorthaired Pointer in her 2026 release!
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club, we’re joined by bestselling author Jessica Anya Blau to chat all about her charming and cheeky new novel SHOPGIRLS. Inspired by her real-life days working the sales floor at I. Magnin, Jessica shares the wild truth behind the dressing rooms, the legendary salesladies, and the unexpected heart at the center of retail life. We talk favorite cosmetics counter memories, writing with humor and depth, and even the Vaseline-on-shoes trick. Plus, we dive into her experience adapting books into screenplays and meeting her personal icon—Judy Blume! Grab your coffee (or your night cream), this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Join Samantha Tennant as she chats with the renowned romance author Mary Jo Putney in this engaging episode of Fresh Fiction Book Club. Discover Mary Jo's extensive writing journey, which began in 1987 and includes numerous bestsellers and award-winning novels. They discuss the challenge writers face in finding time to read, the inspiration behind Mary Jo's new series, and the blend of historical and fantastical elements in her stories. Dive into her creative process, the complexities of her characters, and her love for storytelling. Learn about her transition to writing novellas and her adventures in both contemporary and historical romance. Plus, get a sneak peek into Mary Jo’s personal interests, including her collection of stuffed animals and her love for travel. Don't miss out on this delightful conversation with one of the grand dames of the romance world.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:58 Challenges of Being a Writer and Reader
02:52 Fantasy Elements in Romance Novels
05:13 Historical and Fantasy Writing Journey
07:22 Writing Process and Character Development
09:05 Impact of Stories on Readers
10:30 Trends in Romance and Historical Fiction
15:24 Novellas and Short Stories
21:17 Fresh Fiction Facts: Fun Q&A
31:18 Current Projects and Closing Remarks
Join Samantha Tennant for an engaging episode of Fresh Fiction Video Book Club featuring special guest Asa Maria Bradley. Dive into the world of Viking romance, as Asa shares her journey from writing women's fiction to becoming a celebrated romance author, including nominations for the RWA's Rita Award and winning the Holt Medallion. Discover the creative process behind her immersive worlds filled with Vikings, shifters, and rich Norse mythology. Learn about her inspiration, character development, and upcoming projects set to enthrall readers. Plus, enjoy a fun segment with personal insights from Asa. Don't miss this insightful and entertaining conversation!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 Asa Maria Bradley's Writing Journey
01:49 Discovering Romance Writing
04:24 Viking Romance and Norse Mythology
08:36 World Building and Character Development
13:56 Characters and Their Stories
19:36 Fresh Fiction Facts
19:45 Swedish Influences and Childhood Favorites
21:37 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions
28:04 Favorite Books and Authors
30:59 Current and Upcoming Projects
34:10 Where to Follow and Final Thoughts
Asa Maria Bradley: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=38481
Norse Warriors Protection: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=8178
In this episode of Fresh Fiction's video book club, Samantha Tennant welcomes guest Eloisa James, a renowned author and Shakespeare professor. Eloisa shares insights about her recent summer in Italy, the inspiration behind her writing, and the process of blending her academic career with her passion for romance novels. She discusses the importance of setting and atmosphere in her work, the impact of family collaboration on her stories, particularly with her daughter’s input, and the challenges of evolving her writing style to meet contemporary sensibilities. Eloisa also answers rapid-fire questions about her personal preferences and sheds light on her upcoming works and favorite literary influences.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:19 Summer in Italy: A Rejuvenating Experience
01:18 Writing Process: Italy vs. New York
02:40 Balancing Teaching and Writing
05:16 Influence of Shakespeare on Romance Writing
07:36 Collaborating with Family on Writing
11:29 Adapting to Changing Reader Expectations
14:16 Maintaining the Essence of Romance
17:15 Escapism in Literature
18:33 Personal Stories of Comfort
19:18 Favorite Tropes in Romance
20:53 Fresh Fiction Facts: Rapid Fire Questions
21:06 Time Travel Preferences
21:53 Paranormal Genres and Favorites
22:40 Nostalgia and Disappointments
24:47 Field Trip Memories
25:43 TV Shows and Rewatching
28:15 Reading Habits and Recommendations
29:40 Connecting with Readers
31:06 Conclusion and Farewell
Eloisa James: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4755
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant sits down with bestselling thriller author Lisa Regan, creator of the beloved Josie Quinn series. Discover how Lisa’s diverse background and lifelong passion for storytelling shaped her writing career, and get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from plotting twists to developing unforgettable characters. Plus, enjoy a round of rapid-fire questions that reveal Lisa’s favorite distractions, must-have luxuries, and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her books, this conversation is packed with inspiration, laughter, and plenty of bookish fun!
Join us for a delightful conversation with the fabulous Leah Vale. Leah shares her journey from a romance novel critic to a successful author of 19 books, with a special focus on her love for cowboys and ranch life. Learn how her unique voice shaped her writing career, and get a sneak peek into her recent work, including a book being adapted into a film. Leah also discusses her future projects, her inspirations, and even her adventures with pets and camping. Don't miss this entertaining and insightful interview, complete with insider tips and engaging anecdotes.
Want even more bookish fun? Sign up at FreshFiction.com for daily fresh picks, exclusive contests, and can’t-miss author events — all delivered straight to your inbox. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s full of fabulous reads!
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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:32 Leah's Journey to Becoming a Writer
03:07 Love for Cowboys and Horses
05:32 Research and Inspiration for Cowboy Stories
07:33 Exciting News: Book Adaptation into Film
11:22 The Cowboy Undoing: A Unique Romance
14:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
19:44 Upcoming Projects and Staying Connected
21:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Leah Vale: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=7491
THE COWBOY’S UNDOING: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=136686
“Writing steamy scenes is easy—it’s getting my characters to talk afterward that’s the hard part.”
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, Samantha Tennant sits down with fan-favorite romance author Jade Lee—also known as Kathy Lyons—to talk all things love, laughter, and literary scandal! We’re diving into THE DUKE’S GUIDE TO FAKE COURTSHIP, a Regency romance that’s full of witty banter, unexpected twists, and a deliciously slow-burn love story you won’t want to miss.
Jade shares how she brings humor and heart to historical fiction, her favorite tropes to write, and the secret behind creating irresistible chemistry between characters. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her books, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and bookish joy.
Tune in, subscribe, and don’t forget to tell your fellow romance readers!
Find more great reads at FreshFiction.com
Join Samantha Tennnant in this episode of Fresh Fiction's Video Book Club as she sits down with paranormal romance author Charley Black. Discover Charley's journey from a young writer to a published author, her inspiration from classic vampires like Anne Rice's 'INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE', and the process behind creating her dystopian world in her latest series, Elite. Learn about Charley's writing habits, favorite books, and how she builds intricate worlds that captivate readers. Don't miss out on hearing about her newest release 'BOUND' and get insights into her creative mind. Perfect for fans of romance, dystopian settings, and vampire lore!
00:00 Welcome to Fresh Fiction's Video Book Club
00:44 Charley's Writing Journey Begins
01:32 The Allure of Paranormal Romance
03:13 Crafting Unique Vampire Worlds
05:19 Building a Dystopian Romance
06:47 Character Development and Challenges
12:11 Revisiting and Revising Stories
16:43 Fresh Fiction Fun Facts
17:52 Music and Writing
18:41 Luxury Items and Reading Habits
19:09 Favorite Children's Books
19:38 Ideal Paradise
20:21 Spending $50,000 in One Store
20:59 Refusing to Buy Audiobooks
21:56 Mount Rushmore of Authors
23:23 Forgetting the Cell Phone
23:51 Guilty Pleasure Movies
24:31 Pet Peeves and Story Distractions
25:56 Stepping into Book Worlds
27:07 Favorite One-Hit Wonders
27:50 Most Dog-Eared Books
30:03 Where to Find More from the Author
Charley Black: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=48967
BOUND: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=139535
Join Samantha Tennant on the Fresh Fiction Podcast as she welcomes USA Today bestselling author Donna Michaels. They dive into Donna's new book, 'BENNETT,' part of her swoon-worthy romantic series. Discover the inspiration behind Donna's strong heroines, military heroes, and the small-town vibes that captivate fans. Donna shares personal stories, writing challenges, and exciting updates about her upcoming works, including a new cozy mystery series. Perfect for fans of protective heroes and heartwarming romances!
00:13 Meet Donna Michaels: Bestselling Romance Author
01:03 Technical Glitches and Beginnings
01:53 Donna's Writing Journey
03:05 Military Influence and Personal Stories
04:59 Balancing Writing and Family Life
06:07 Character Development and Inspiration
07:57 Crafting Romance and Mystery
12:40 Harlan County Mysteries
15:30 Research and Realism in Writing
16:54 Exploring the Appeal of Ranch Settings in Fiction
17:39 The Evolution of Writing and the Role of Editors
19:23 Challenges and Tricks for Getting into the Writing Mindset
21:48 Fresh Fiction Facts: Quickfire Questions
29:58 Upcoming Releases and Final Thoughts
Donna Michaels: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=35465
BENNETT: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=138882
Join Samantha Tennant as she chats with bestselling author Julie Ann Walker in this exciting installment of the Fresh Fiction Book Club. Julie discusses her journey to becoming an acclaimed writer, including the fascinating story of how her first book, 'HELL ON WHEELS,' was published. They reminisce about pre-COVID book club gatherings, share insights into Julie's writing process, and discuss the development of her popular series such as Black Knights Inc and Deep Six. Discover Julie's inspirations, her love for horror literature, and her travel adventures. This episode is filled with engaging stories, humor, and a peek into Julie's everyday life. Don't miss it!
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:40 Julie's Early Book Club Memories
02:07 The Journey to Publishing 'HELL ON WHEELS'
07:40 Improving the Craft of Writing
10:08 Inspiration Behind the Black Knights Series
15:03 Returning to Series and Future Plans
18:34 Deep Six Series and Treasure Hunting
19:44 Fresh Fiction Facts
19:55 Travel and Nature Adventures
20:06 Ideal Paradise: New Zealand
21:14 Language Struggles
23:38 Karaoke Nights
24:58 Hiking Shoe Collection
26:19 Online Shopping Fails
28:02 TV Show Obsessions
29:08 Favorite Books and Authors
32:49 Current Writing Projects
36:42 Social Media and Updates
Julie Ann Walker: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=29621
BLACK MOON RISING: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=133943
Black Knights, Inc.: Reloaded series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=6890
Black Knights, Inc series https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=340
Deep Six series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=1835
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we’re whisked away to Gilded Age Newport with bestselling mystery author Alyssa Maxwell, as we uncover the secrets behind her newest release, Two Weddings and a Murder. 💍🔍
Join host Sara Reyes for a lively chat about historical intrigue, the art of balancing romance with murder, and why readers can’t get enough of Maxwell’s elegant sleuthing. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her series, this episode is full of delightful insights, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and all the bookish inspiration you could want.
👉 Visit FreshFiction.com to see upcoming author interviews
📬 Never miss an episode—subscribe to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cc9BoH
Welcome to another episode of our video book club! We are thrilled to have author Katie Mettner as our special guest tonight. Explore Katie's incredible journey from being a medical transcriptionist and a passionate reader to becoming an amputee and eventually diving into the world of writing and self-publishing. Katie also discusses the importance of accurate representation of disabilities in literature, her shift from writing romantic suspense to thrillers with psychic elements, and her experiences with Harlequin's intrigue series. Stick around till the end for insights into her upcoming releases, and watch how Katie balances her personal life with her writing career. Don't miss this compelling episode filled with inspiration and creativity!
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction
00:42 Katie's Unique Story and Decorated Prosthetics
03:08 Crafting, Pinterest, and Creative Outlets
04:44 Journey into Writing and Self-Publishing
06:41 Representation of Disabilities in Romance
10:55 Transition to Thrillers and Suspense Writing
14:59 Writing Process and Challenges
20:20 Fresh Fiction Facts: Fun Q&A
28:08 Upcoming Projects and Closing Remarks
DARK ENDINGS: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=139534
Katie Mettner: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=46190
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club, host Samantha Tennant chats with bestselling author Jennifer Probst about her transition from writing sexy contemporary romances to women's fiction. They delve into Jennifer’s latest book, TO SICILY WITH LOVE, the inspiration behind her Italian settings, and the differences between penning rom-coms and more serious women's fiction. Jennifer also shares anecdotes from her personal life, her writing process, and answers fun rapid-fire questions. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Jennifer's work, this candid conversation offers a delightful mix of literary insights and personal stories.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:50 Weather and Small Talk
02:03 Inspiration Behind the Italian Series
05:31 Research and Writing Process
07:54 Transition to Women's Fiction
14:13 Writing Techniques and Challenges
19:23 Quick Fire Questions
25:21 Upcoming Releases and Closing Remarks
Jennifer Probst: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=11651
TO SICILY WITH LOVE: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135120
Bestselling author Tracy Goodwin joins us for a delightful chat about Imperfectly Perfect, her latest rom-com featuring a runaway bride, a mischievous beagle, and a hilarious journey to love. Tracy shares the inspiration behind her stories, her whirlwind career writing across multiple romance genres, and the real-life beagle who stole her heart (and maybe a few scenes in her book).
We also dive into her New York roots, her love of Billy Joel, and her writing rituals—plus, she reveals what’s next on her publishing horizon!
If you love heartfelt romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and stories that make you swoon, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
LINKS:
Tracy Goodwin: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=43545
IMPERECTLY PERFECT: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132620
Bestselling author Sharon Sala joins us for a heartwarming conversation about her latest holiday romance, SNOWY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS. Sharon shares the inspiration behind this emotional and uplifting story, the unique challenges of writing a Christmas novel, and how she weaves suspense and deep character connections into her books.
We also dive into her incredible career—spanning over 145 books—and how she keeps storytelling fresh across genres. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, the importance of finding a creative community, and what’s next on her horizon!
If you love festive romances with heart, healing, and a touch of drama, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
LINKS:
Sharon Sala: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4913
SNOWY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132628
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Sarah Reyes is joined by the esteemed Sandra Brown, a celebrated author with over 80 novels and 77 New York Times bestsellers. They delve deep into Brown's latest thriller BLOOD MOON, exploring the eerie blood moon phenomenon which inspired it. The conversation covers various historical and cultural references to blood moons, Brown's career longevity, her writing process, and character development. Sandra shares personal anecdotes, details about her new novel in progress, and thoughts on her writing challenges and inspirations. Additionally, listeners get to enjoy engaging quick-fire questions that reveal Sandra's personal preferences and thoughts on various subjects.
00:00 Introduction to the Fresh Fiction Podcast
00:09 Meet Sandra Brown: Queen of Suspense
00:37 The Inspiration Behind Blood Moon
01:09 Historical Significance of Blood Moons
01:58 Sandra Brown's Career and Achievements
04:19 Personal Anecdotes and Reader Impact
07:38 Developing Blood Moon: Characters and Plot
21:21 Writing Challenges and Villain Creation
24:22 Rapid Fire Questions with Sandra Brown
33:15 Sandra's Favorite Books and Influences
39:27 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
44:14 Conclusion and Farewell
LINKS:
BLOOD MOON: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135625
Sandra Brown: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4928
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Samantha Tennant interviews Piper J. Drake, the author of the Mythwoven series. They discuss Drake's journey to becoming an author, which began with her interest in storytelling, science fiction, and fantasy. Piper shares how personal challenges and significant life changes, including a heart attack in 2021, influenced her writing and life decisions. They explore the themes of her works, including her latest book FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY, which integrates Pacific Rim mythologies and a unique blend of fantasy and romance. Piper also talks about balancing her career in regulatory compliance with her writing, traveling, and other interests. The conversation touches on her experiences traveling to countries like Egypt, her favorite travel destinations, and her approach to maintaining joy and balance in her life. Piper emphasizes making conscious decisions to pursue joy and happiness in her work and personal life. Finally, she gives a glimpse into her future projects, including a cozy mystery and another entry in the Mythwoven series.
Piper J. Drake: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=38889
Mythwoven series: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=7479
FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132677
In this engaging episode of the Video Book Club, our host welcomes the illustrious Jayne Ann Krentz, a versatile author with over 50 New York Times bestselling books under her belt. We dive into Jayne's vibrant and meticulously coordinated style, from her outfits to her colorful surroundings. Jayne shares her journey from a librarian to a renowned writer, discussing the challenges and transformations in the publishing industry. Learn about her various pen names, each representing different genres she explores, and her fascination with psychics, podcasts, and paranormal elements in her stories. Stick around till the end as Jayne reveals exciting details about her latest trilogy, 'The Lost Night Files,' and her upcoming releases. Don’t miss this captivating conversation that takes you behind the scenes of a prolific author's creative world.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:10 Author's Background and Writing Journey
04:06 The Evolution of Romance Genres
05:17 Writing Trilogies and Character Development
06:19 The Lost Night Files Trilogy
07:27 Psychic Elements in Writing
20:54 Upcoming Releases and Writing Process
22:29 Fun Facts and Personal Insights
28:43 Conclusion and Q&A
Jayne Ann Krentz: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=217
SHATTERING DAWN: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=132859
Lost Night Files: https://freshfiction.com/series.php?id=6566
Join Samantha T. in this Fresh Fiction Video Book Club episode as she interviews Georgia K. Boone about her debut romantic comedy novel, 'I'LL BE GONE FOR CHRISTMAS.' Discover Georgia's journey into writing, her inspiration behind the book's unique plot, and the challenges she faced creating interwoven storylines. Georgia also shares fun insights about her writing process, favorite aspects of her characters, and some rapid-fire Christmas-themed questions. Don't miss this delightful conversation filled with holiday spirit and writing wisdom!
00:00 Welcome to Fresh Fiction Video Book Club
00:29 Meet Georgia K. Boone
02:30 Balancing Multiple Storylines
04:07 Character Dynamics and Development
05:25 Fun Aspects and Challenges of Writing
14:16 Christmas Themed Rapid Fire Questions
19:20 What's Next for Georgia K. Boone?
I'll Be Gone for Christmas - https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=133001
Georgia K. Boone - https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=51837
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, we sit down with author Lynn Austin to discuss her new Christmas book, 'WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS.' Set in the Gilded Age, the novel explores the opulence and contrasts of the era through the story of a young couple's first Christmas together. Lynn shares her fascinating journey of becoming a writer, her detailed research on the Gilded Age, and her experiences visiting historic mansions. We also delve into the festive spirit with Lynn's favorite holiday traditions and dishes. Perfect for book lovers looking for their next great read and a peek behind the curtain of holiday fiction.
Lynn Austin: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=6510
WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS: https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135191
00:00 Welcome to the Fresh Fiction Podcast
00:29 Interview with Lynn Austin: Writing a Christmas Book
03:12 Exploring the Gilded Age Setting
05:14 Research Insights and Historical Surprises
13:14 Christmas Traditions and Personal Stories
18:28 Quick-Fire Holiday Questions
25:24 Staying Connected with Lynn Austin
Fresh Fiction Book Club | Exclusive Interview with Author Elizabeth BoyleJoin Samantha T in this special episode of the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club as she interviews the acclaimed author Elizabeth Boyle. Elizabeth, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her Regency novels, shares insights into her latest release, 'Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.' The conversation covers Elizabeth's writing journey, her deep-rooted friendships, experiences on vacation in Hawaii, and her transition from a paralegal to a successful writer. Samantha and Elizabeth explore her creative process, favorite books, and the importance of friendship, while also delving into fun rapid-fire questions and holiday traditions.
LINKS:
Elizabeth Boyle: https://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=4819
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM : https://freshfiction.com/book.php?id=135598
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:31 Elizabeth Boyle's Latest Release
00:57 Vacation Mode in Hawaii
02:53 Knitting and Audiobooks
03:40 Elizabeth's Writing Journey
05:23 From Paralegal to Author
06:50 The Contest That Changed Everything
12:39 Transition to Regency and Beyond
13:29 The Inspiration Behind the New Series
20:17 Unveiling the Layers of the Story
21:02 Creating an Authentic Town
21:32 The Book of My Heart
22:11 Leveling Up in Writing
22:25 Rapid Fire Questions
29:00 Favorite Holiday Traditions
32:22 Looking Forward to the Next Book
33:53 Final Thoughts and Farewells
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Book Club, host Samantha T welcomes renowned author Abigail Owen. Celebrating her rise as a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Abigail discusses her latest book, 'THE GAMES GOD'S PLAY,' a standout in the emerging 'romantasy' genre. The episode explores her writing journey, world-building techniques, and the intricacies of blending romance with mythology. Abigail also shares personal anecdotes, including her past as a competitive skydiver and insights into managing multiple pen names. Tune in for an engaging conversation about books, writing, and much more!
For a monthly subscription of books delivered to your door, try the Fresh Fiction Box -- https://www.freshfictionbox.com
00:00 Introduction to Fresh Fiction Book Club
00:27 Discover the Fresh Fiction Box
01:14 Meet Abigail Owen
01:51 Abigail Owen's Writing Journey
02:18 Exploring the Romanticy Genre
03:54 Mythology in Abigail Owen's Books
06:03 World Building Insights
14:37 Balancing Multiple Pen Names
18:51 Abigail's Personal Life and Interests
21:41 Rapid Fire Questions
28:08 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion
In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Book Club Podcast, host Samantha Tee delves into the writing career of New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep. They discuss Jennifer's journey from her initial inspiration to become a writer, her various book series, and her explorations of different genres—from superheroes and assassins to young adult fantasy and sci-fi.
This episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast features an engaging interview with author Emma Barry, promoting her new book BAD REPUTATION. Barry shares her journey into writing romance, influenced by favorites like LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. She discusses her 'Fly Me to the Moon' series, inspired by the 1960s Space Race, and the collaborative process to ensure scientific accuracy. The conversation explores writing characters with unique professions, particularly in STEM, and the creation of BAD REPUTATION, centered on an intimacy coordinator and a former typecast actor.
Balancing realism with storytelling, Barry touches upon toxic celebrity culture's impact and advocating for older protagonists. The interview highlights Barry's transition from teaching drama to Hollywood, emphasizing character development and research. It also covers personal anecdotes, from unwinding after writing marathons to time travel fantasies. The discussion wraps up with a look at Barry's forthcoming book BOLD MOVES, about a showrunner and his ex-girlfriend adapting her memoir for TV, and her aspirations to learn French.
Follow Emma Barry = https://authoremmabarry.com/
Buy a Readers & 'ritas ticket for November 9th at https://rnr24.eventbrite.com
Learn more about the Fresh Fiction Box at https://www.freshfictionbox.com
Join us for an interview with Zoje Stage, USA Today and internationally best selling author of BABY TEETH and DEAR HANNA. Samantha T finds out more about the backstory and Zoje's plans for future books.
Listen to our interview with Linda Hurtado Bond, author of romantic suspense and thrillers. Her latest is set in Cuba, an adventure for 48 hours you won't want to miss.
Join us for an exclusive interview with New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen as we dive into her latest novel, The Rose Arbor. Known for her beloved mystery series and captivating historical fiction, Rhys has enthralled readers worldwide, selling over 10 million copies in multiple languages. In this episode, we explore the inspiration behind her new standalone novel, her writing process, and how she keeps her many successful series straight. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with a literary legend. Tune in to discover what makes Rhys Bowen a master storyteller!
In this episode, we sit down with Zen Cho, the acclaimed author of The Friend Zone Experiment. Join us for an engaging discussion as Zen dives into the inspiration behind her latest contemporary romance, set in London’s vibrant East and Southeast Asian community. We’ll explore her writing journey, her unique blend of romance and fantasy, and the challenges of balancing life as a lawyer and an award-winning author. Don’t miss this lively conversation!
Tune in and discover why Zen Cho’s storytelling is captivating readers worldwide.
This week, we're chatting with Jessica Joyce, author of THE EX VOWS. Join us for a lively conversation about romance with Jessica!
Take advantage of all North Texas events! Sign up for our weekly newsletter. (http://eepurl.com/cc9BoH)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica Joyce lives happily-ever-ongoing with her husband and son in the Bay Area. When she’s not writing character-driven, realistic and relatable tales of millennials who are just Doing Their Best while falling in love, you can find her listening to one of her dozens of chaotically curated Spotify playlists, trying out a new skincare face mask, crying over cute animal TikToks, or watching the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice.
Join us every week on Zoom for the Fresh Fiction Video Book Club from the comfort of your home. This online version of our in-person book club is the perfect way to stay connected (no matter the distance) each week with your reader friends. It's easy to sign up. Just create a Zoom.us account, download the app to your computer or device, and sit back with a snack while you chat with friends and a special guest author. If you missed a bookclub, you can find our videos of the interview on YouTube.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
- THE 4:30 MOVIE review (0:00-14:18)
- Fantastic Fest 2024 preview (14:18-36:31)
- THE 4:30 MOVIE interview with stars Siena Agudong, Austin Zajur, Reed Northrup and Nicholas Cirillo (36:31-45:10)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
- Movie News (0:00-16:20)
- BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE review (16:20-27:47)
- REBEL RIDGE review (27:47-37:49)
- STRANGE DARLING review (37:49-46:13)
- Cole's catchup with GREEDY PEOPLE and ALIEN: ROMULUS (46:13-48:25)
- Quick Mentions: APOLLO 13: SURVIVAL and THE FRONT ROOM (48:25-51:00)
- WHAT YOU WISH FOR Blu-ray review (51:00-52:31)
- TV Mentions: SUNNY, SLOW HORSES, and THE PERFECT COUPLE (52:31-59:07)
- WHAT YOU WISH FOR interview with Nick Stahl (59:07-1:07:49)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
- 1992 review (0:00-09:24)
- Lee Daniels' THE DELIVERANCE review (09:24-19:35)
- ADAM SANDLER: LOVE YOU review (19:35-24:37)
- THAT 90S SHOW: PART 3 - Ep. 2-8 review (24:37-29:00)
- KILLER LIES: CHASING A TRUE CRIME CON MAN review (29:00-33:35)
- 1992 interview with director Ariel Vromen (33:35-43:06)
- KILLER LIES interview with journalist Lauren Collins and director Ben Selkow (43:06-56:20)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and High Def Digest's Bryan Kluger discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
- Alamo Drafthouse reopenings in Dallas-Fort Worth (0:00-05:13)
- THE CROW mention (05:13-15:44)
- BLINK TWICE mention (15:44-19:36)
- GREEDY PEOPLE review (19:36-25:03)
- THAT 90S SHOW: PART 3 - Ep. 1 review (25:03-28:50)
- CHIMP CRAZY review (28:50-31:18)
- PANCHINKO: SEASON 2 (31:18-31:50)
- TWISTERS on Digital (31:50-33:47)
- TWISTERS interview with Sasha Lane (33:47-42:04)
- GREEDY PEOPLE interview with Himesh Patel (42:04-51:28)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta, James Cole Clay and Connor Bynum discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
- ALIEN: ROMULUS review (0:00-28:48)
- Quick Mentions: SING SING and SKINCARE (28:48-29:52)
- OCEANXPLORERS review (29:52-32:49)
- BAD MONKEY review (32:49-33:48)
- FURIOSA (4K) disc review (33:48-1:01:27)
- BAD MONKEY interview with showrunner, executive producer and writer Bill Lawrence (1:01:27-1:07:35)
- OCEANXPLORERS interview with ex-Royal Marine Special Ops Commando Aldo Kane and robotics expert Eric Stackpole (1:07:35-1:18:36)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
- Olympics 2024 & Olympics movies (0:00-21:42)
- THE INSTIGATORS review (21:42-36:02)
- ONE FAST MOVE review (36:02-40:37)
- SING SING review (40:37-43:02)
- BORDERLANDS and CUCKOO mentions (43:02-49:07)
- IT ENDS WITH US review with guest critic Susan Kamyab Stephens (49:07-1:09:25)
- ONE FAST MOVE interview with Edward James Olmos (1:09:25-1:16:29)
- SING SING interview with director Greg Kwedar, screenwriter Clint Bentley and producer Monique Walton (1:16:29-1:30:44)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- M. Night Shyamalan's TRAP - Extended Review (0:00-47:42)
TV
- Paris 2024 Olympics continued (47:42-49:49)
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING
- DEMONS and DEMONS 2 (4K) (49:49-52:22)
INTERVIEWS
- 7 BEATS PER MINUTE interview with freediving athlete Jessea Lu and filmmaker Yuqi Kang (52:22-1:15:33)
We're chatting with Delia Pitts, author of the TROUBLE IN QUEENSTOWN. Join this lively conversation!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Delia Pitts worked as a journalist before earning a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago. After a career as a U.S. diplomat and university administrator, she left academia to begin writing fiction. TROUBLE IN QUEENSTOWN is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Black private investigator Vandy Myrick. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries (about a Harlem detective firm) and several short stories. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Crime Writers of Color.
We're chatting with Kelley Armstrong, author of the FINDING MR. WRITE. Join this lively conversation!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kelley Armstrong believes that experience is the best teacher, even though she has been told that this shouldn't apply to writing her murder scenes. In order to craft her books, she has studied aikido, archery, and fencing, even though she admits to not being very skilled at any of them. In addition, she has crawled through very shallow cave systems and climbed halfway up a mountain before deciding to turn back. However, she does consider herself an expert coffee drinker and a true connoisseur of chocolate chip cookies.
We're chatting with Jade Lee, author of the VIXEN (Forbidden Pleasures Book #1). Join this lively conversation about her debut novel!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jade Lee, a USA Today Bestselling author, has been crafting love stories since her early days of playing with paper dolls. She developed a fascination with historical romance and has authored over 30 regency romances. She also writes contemporary and paranormal romance under the pen name Kathy Lyons. With over 60 romance novels under her belt, Jade shows no signs of slowing down.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Movie News
- DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
TV
- PARIS 2024 Olympics
- FANTASMAS
- KITE MAN: HELL YEAH!
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING
- THE FALL GUY (4K)
- THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY (Blu-ray)
INTERVIEWS
- LADY IN THE LAKE interview with actors Josiah Cross, Y'lan Noel and Byron Bowers
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Intro (0:00-1:43)
- TWISTER and TWISTERS (1:43-19:31)
- WIDOW CLICQUOT (19:31-21:33)
- ODDITY (21:33-23:16)
- MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY (23:16-25:59)
TV
- SUNNY (25:59-34:55)
- LADY IN THE LAKE (34:55-40:58)
- Ep. 7 & 8, THE ACOLYTE (40:58-47:34)
- KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! mention (47:34-48:11)
- SIMONE BILES: RISING (48:11-51:43)
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING
- THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY Blu-ray mention (51:43-53:20)
- JEDI ACADEMY books (53:20-59:42)
- HATE TO LOVE: NICKELBACK (59:42-1:09:57)
- BEVERLY HILL COP: ALEX F (1:09:57-1:13:39)
- Outro (1:13:39-1:15:29)
INTERVIEWS
- LADY IN THE LAKE interview with creator Alma Har'el (1:15:29-1:20:41)
- MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY interview with Ken Jeong & Kristen Schaal (1:20:41-1:26:00)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and Irving Community Television's Susan Kamyab Stephens discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Intro (0:00-2:51)
- FLY ME TO THE MOON (2:51-9:09)
- DANDELION (9:09-16:00)
- LONGLEGS (16:00-27:31)
TV
- Season 2, THE SERPENT QUEEN (27:31-29:24)
- SUNNY (29:24-32:00)
- Season 21, THE BACHELORETTE (32:00-34:23)
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING
- KUNG FU PANDA 4 (34:23-35:02)
- TWISTER (35:02-36:09)
INTERVIEWS
- SUNNY interview with Rashida Jones and Hidetoshi Nishijima (translated to English) (36:06-44:56)
- DANDELION interview with writer-director Nicole Riegel (44:56-1:00:15)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Intro (0:00-7:13)
- DESPICABLE ME 4 (7:13-9:51)
- SPACE CADET (9:51-11:33)
- BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F. (11:33-17:29)
- MAXXXINE (17:29-30:50)
TV
- Episode 6 of THE ACOLYTE (30:50-44:41)
- Season 2, Ep. 3-8 of THAT 90'S SHOW (44:41-49:53)
- SHARK VS. ROSS EDGLEY (49:53-56:23)
- Season 3 of THE BEAR (56:23-1:03:53)
INTERVIEWS
- SHARK VS. ROSS EDGLEY interview with super athlete Ross Edgley (1:03:53-1:16:39)
We're chatting with Nishita Parekh, author of the THE NIGHT OF THE STORM. Join this lively conversation about her debut novel!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nishita Parekh was born and raised in Mumbai and now lives in Texas with her husband and toddler. She is a software programmer but a writer at heart, and loves writing about her experiences as a woman and an immigrant. She is an active member of International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime, and is a #RevPit contest winner. The Night of the Storm is her first novel.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Intro (0:00-2:50)
- A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (2:50-12:04)
- HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGE - CHAPTER 1 (12:04-14:46)
- KINDS OF KINDNESS (14:46-16:44)
- THE DEVIL'S BATH (16:44-21:00)
- JANET'S PLANET (21:00-22:16)
- I USED TO BE FUNNY (22:16-23:58)
- FANCY DANCE (23:58-26:10)
TV
- Episode 4 & 5 of THE ACOLYTE (26:10-29:12)
- Season 2 Finale of PERFECT MATCH (29:12-32:40)
- Season 2, Ep. 1 & 2 of THAT 90'S SHOW (32:40-35:12)
- WONDLA and Outro (35:12-36:17)
INTERVIEWS
- WONDLA voice star Teri Hatcher (36:17-46:33)
- THE DEVIL'S BATH directors Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala (46:33-1:04:16)
We're chatting with Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling, authors of THE MEMO. Join this lively conversation about their work!
ABOUT RACHEL DODES:
Rachel Dodes is a freelance culture writer. She’s a regular contributor to Vanity Fair, and her work has also appeared in Town & Country, ELLE, Esquire, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed among other publications.
Her first novel, The Memo—co-written with her friend Lauren Mechling —will be published by Harper Perennial in June 2024. It’s currently being developed for television by Wiip.
Dodes previously was a staff writer at The Wall Street Journal where she covered the fashion and film industries. Starting in 2017, she co-hosted a weekly independent news/comedy podcast called “Nope,” until the news became so unfunny she had to go on hiatus. She lives in New York with her husband, son and dog.
ABOUT LAUREN MECHLING:
Lauren Mechling has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, The New Yorker online, and Vogue, where she writes a book column. She’s worked as a crime reporter and metro columnist for The New York Sun, a young adult novelist, and a features editor at The Wall Street Journal. A graduate of Harvard College, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Intro (0:00-1:15)
- THE BIKERIDERS (1:15-9:15)
- THELMA (09:15-12:09)
- THE EXORCISM (12:09-18:07)
TV
- Episode 3 of THE ACOLYTE (18:07-20:00)
- Season 2, Ep. 6-9 of PERFECT MATCH (20:00-26:47)
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING
- JIM HENSON: IDEA MAN (26:47-35:00)
- CRY BABY - 4K (35:00-39:12)
- DIIV Concert (39:12-44:29)
- Tycho - "Phantom" Single (44:29-48:34)
- Outro (48:34-49:14)
INTERVIEWS
- THELMA writer-director Josh Margolin and star June Squibb (49:14-54:29)
- THE EXORCISM director/co-writer Joshua John Miller and co-writer M.A. Fortin (54:29-1:04:26)
We're chatting with Aimée Carter, author of the ROYAL BLOOD series. Join this lively conversation about her work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aimée Carter is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including The Goddess Test series, the Blackcoat Rebellion series, and the Simon Thorn series for middle grade readers, now a #1 international bestselling series under the title Animox and Die Erben der Animox. Her newest middle grade book, Curse of the Phoenix, will be released in June from Margaret K. McElderry Books.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay and special guest Susan Kamyab Stephens (of Irving Community Television & ThisChixFlix.com) discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Intro (0:00-2:20)
- INSIDE OUT 2 (2:20-23:50)
- FRESH KILLS (23:50-28:45)
- FIREBRAND (28:45-33:48)
- Quick Mention: TUESDAY (33:48-36:20)
TV
- Quick Mentions: PRESUMED INNOCENT and Season 2 - Part 2 of BRIDGERTON (36:20-38:25)
- Season 2 of PERFECT MATCH (38:25-45:50)
- Episode 2 of THE ACOLYTE (45:50-48:05)
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING
- MVD Rewind Collection's JOYSTICKS (48:05-54:01)
- GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (54:01-55:59)
- Outro (55:59-56:57)
INTERVIEWS
- INSIDE OUT 2 voice actor Tony Hale (56:57-1:02:31)
- FRESH KILLS writer/director/star Jennifer Esposito (1:02:31-1:09:44)
We're chatting with Shaina Steinberg, author of Under the Paper Moon. Join this lively conversation about his work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shaina Steinberg is the author of the Bishop & Gallagher Mysteries, as well as a film and television writer who’s worked on Malcolm in the Middle, Everwood, Cold Case, Bionic Woman and Spartacus. Named to the Young and Hungry List in 2013 and the WriteHer List in 2017, she has developed pitches, pilots and features with companies such as Temple Hill, Endgame Entertainment, Fremantle, eOne, Blondie Girl, Josephson Entertainment and Alcon. Most recently, she optioned a feature film to Balcony 9 with shooting scheduled to begin in 2023. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, CA.
We're chatting with Amy Andrews, author of the OUTBACK HEAT series. Join this lively conversation about his work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, triple RITA nominated Aussie author who has written eighty contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets and sold over 3 million books.
Her books bring all the feels from sass and quirk and laughter to emotional grit to panty-melting heat. She loves frequent travel, good books, and great booze, although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else. For many, many years, she was a registered nurse. Which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
In 2019, Romance Writers of Australia, an organization she has been heavily involved with for over twenty years, gave her life member status.
She lives in the pretty little coastal town of Yeppoon, where she gets to stare at the ocean all day.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay and special guest Bryan Kluger (of High Def Digest & Boomstick Comics) discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- Alamo Drafthouse Theaters Close in Dallas-Fort Worth (0:00-15:15)
- BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE (15:15-26:49)
- THE WATCHERS (26:49-35:02)
- ALIEN: ROMULUS Trailer (35:02-39:45)
TV
- THE ACOLYTE (39:45-49:06)
INTERVIEWS
- THE WATCHERS director/writer Ishana Shyamalan (49:55-56:11)
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss the latest happenings in entertainment.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- THE DEAD DON'T HURT
- IN A VIOLENT NATURE
- WHAT YOU WISH FOR
- SUMMER CAMP
TV
- LOOT Season Two Finale (Apple TV+)
- VANDERPUMP RULES
INTERVIEWS
- THE DEAD DON'T HURT director/writer/star Viggo Mortensen
- IN A VIOLENT NATURE & FRIDAY THE 13TH: PART 2 star Lauren-Marie Taylor
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay and Dan Moran (of the Fear & Loathing in Cinema Podcast) discuss the latest in entertainment, including what's happening at the cinema and on television.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA (Extended Review)
- THE GARFIELD MOVIE
- HIT MAN
TV
- TRYING Season 4 (Apple TV+)
INTERVIEWS
- TRYING stars Rafe Spall & Esther Smith
We're chatting with Jeff Zentner, author of COLTON GENTRY'S THIRD ACT. Join this lively conversation about his work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jeff Zentner is the author of New York Times Notable Book The Serpent King, Goodbye Days, and Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee. He has won the William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and the Westchester Fiction Award. He’s a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist, been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal and UKLA, and was a finalist for the Indies Choice Award. He was selected as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an Indies Introduce pick. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Before becoming a writer, he was a musician who recorded with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and Debbie Harry. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
He came to writing through music, starting his creative life as a guitarist and eventually becoming a songwriter. He’s released five albums and appeared on recordings with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Thurston Moore, Debbie Harry, Mark Lanegan, and Lydia Lunch, among others.
He became interested in writing for young adults after volunteering at the Tennessee Teen Rock Camp and Southern Girls Rock Camp. As a kid, his parents would take him to the library and drop him off, where he would read until closing time. He worked at various bookstores through high school and college.
He speaks fluent Portuguese, having lived in the Amazon region of Brazil for two years.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta, James Cole Clay and Courtney Howard discuss the latest in entertainment, including what's happening at the cinema and on television.
This week's episode features talks about:
FILM
- IF
- BABES
- THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1
- BACK IN BLACK
- FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA
- ORPHAN (Scream Factory Blu-ray release)
- Various film screenings on 35mm
TV
- THE BIG CIGAR (Limited Series on Apple TV+)
INTERVIEWS
- THE BIG CIGAR showrunners Janine Sherman Barrois & Jim Hecht and stars Alessandro Nivola, P.J. Byrne & Tiffany Boone
We're chatting with Susan C. Shea, author of MURDER AND THE MISSING DOG. Join us for a lively conversation about her work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan C. Shea loves fine art, interesting food, all things France, the beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area she lives in, and her two orange tabby cats. She writes three mystery series that arise out of her likes: a French village mystery series that debuted in May 2017; the Château in Burgundy series that launched in 2023; and the Dani O'Rourke mysteries set in San Francisco. All of her series have collected high praise from reviewers. She's a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. She blogs with 7Criminal Minds and speaks frequently at book events.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay are here to bring you the latest updates on what's happening in the world of cinema and television. So, sit back, relax, and tune in!
This week's happenings include:
A discussion on the state of the film/theater industry.
FILM
- THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY
- KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
- I SAW THE TV GLOW
- THE DRY
- FORCE OF NATURE
- EVIL DOES NOT EXIST
- POOLMAN
INTERVIEWS
- THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY director Francis Galluppi
We're chatting with Xio Axelrod, author of GIRLS WITH BAD REPUTATIONS.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Xio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of award-winning contemporary romance, romantic fiction, and what she likes to call strange, twisted tales.
Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, not-so-secret name).
She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and several part-time cats.
We're chatting with Joanna Davidson Politano, author of THE ELUSIVE TRUTH OF LILY TEMPLE. Join us for a lively conversation about her work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan.
We're chatting with Lisa Gardner, author of STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE. Join us for a lively conversation about her work!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Gardner, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries.
Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, THE NEIGHBOR, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, while also receiving the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for THE OTHER DAUGHTER. Finally, Lisa received the Silver Bullet Award from the International Thriller Writers in 2017 for her work on behalf of at-risk children and the Humane Society.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay are here to bring you the latest updates on what's happening in the world of cinema and television. So, sit back, relax, and tune in!
This week's happenings include:
FILM
- THE FALL GUY
- THE IDEA OF YOU
- STAR WARS EP. 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE
- WILDCAT
- JEANNE DU BARRY
- CIVIL WAR
- HARDWARE WARS (MVD Rewind Collection)
TV
- THE BIG DOOR PRIZE (Season 2) revisited
INTERVIEWS
- THE IDEA OF YOU director Michael Showalter
- THE BIG DOOR PRIZE showrunner David West Read and stars Chris O'Dowd & Josh Segarra
We're chatting with Jennifer Deibel, author of THE IRISH MATCHMAKER. Join us for a lively conversation about romance and mystery!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Deibel is the bestselling and award-winning author of A Dance in Donegal, The Lady of Galway Manor and The Maid of Ballymacool. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children.
Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay are here to bring you the latest updates on what's happening in the world of cinema and television. In addition, they engage in a healthy debate on Taylor Swift's new album, "The Tortured Poets Department," and conduct an interview with filmmaker Caitlin Cronenberg. So, sit back, relax, and tune in!
This week's happenings include:
FILM
- CHALLENGERS
- HUMANE
- BOY KILLS THE WORLD
- THE RING and THE RING TWO
- STEEL MAGNOLIAS
- SASQUATCH SUNSET (Revisited)
TV
- PALM ROYALE (Revisited)
- THE BIG DOOR PRIZE (Season 2)
- PALM ROYALE
INTERVIEWS
- HUMANE director Caitlin Cronenberg
On episode 3, Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss what's happening this week at the cinema and on television. We also have filmmaker and scientists interviews to share. So, pull up and chair and listen in!
This week's happenings include:
FILM
- SASQUATCH SUNSET
- THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE
- ABIGAIL
- REBEL MOON: PART TWO
TV
- EARTHSOUNDS
- SECRETS OF THE OCTOPUS
- PALM ROYALE
INTERVIEWS
This week's interviews include:
- SASQUATCH SUNSET directors David & Nathan Zellner
- EARTHSOUNDS producer Sam Hodgson, marine biologist Dr. Beth Goodwin & Bourhan Yassin (CEO of Rainforest Connection)
We're chatting with Vivienne Lorret, author of IT HAD TO BE A DUKE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author VIVIENNE LORRET transforms copious amounts of tea into words. She is an Avon author of fun and steamy Regency Romances, with works including the Wallflower Wedding series, the Rakes of Fallow Hall series, the Season’s Original series, the Misadventures in Matchmaking series, the Mating Habits of Scoundrels series, and the new Liar’s Club series.
On episode 2, Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss what's happening this week at the cinema and at home on the tube. We also have filmmaker and actor interviews to share. So, pull up and chair and listen in!
This week's happenings include:
FILM
- CIVIL WAR
- ARCADIAN
- STING
- GIRLS STATE
- LISA FRANKENSTEIN
TV
- FRANKLIN
- FALLOUT
INTERVIEWS
This week's interviews include:
- GIRLS STATE directors Amanda McBaine & Jesse Moss
- ARCADIAN stars Jaeden Martell & Maxwell Jenkins
We're chatting with Michel Prince, author of TEMPERED BEATS. Join us for a lively conversation about mystery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today Bestselling author, Michel Prince, graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.
With characters yelling "It's my turn damn it!!!" She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.
When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.
Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press in 2013, the service award for her local RWA chapter Midwest Fiction Writers 2013, 2014, won 2015 Sweetest Romance from IREA for Chrysalis, a 2022 finalist for the Minnesota Book Awards for The Amalgam and was a PAN member of RWA. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and new puppy.
Fresh Fiction Podcast is expanding to the world of film and television! For our debut episode, Fresh Fiction's Preston Barta and James Cole Clay discuss what's happening this week at the cinema and at home on the tube. We also have filmmaker and actor interviews to share. So, pull up and chair and listen in!
This week's happenings include:
FILM
- Wicked Little Letters
- Parachute
- Monkey Man
- The Greatest Hits
- The First Omen
- Dogman
- Anyone But You
- Drive Away Dolls
TV
- Palm Royale
- Manhunt
- The New Look
- Loot - Season 2
INTERVIEWS
This week's interviews include:
- Loot creators Alan Yang & Matthew Hubbard
- Parachute director/co-writer Brittany Snow
We talked with Jayne about the latest in her suspense series, Lost Night Files.
The Night IslandLost Night Files
Berkley
January 2024
On Sale: January 9, 2024
Featuring: Talia March; Luke Rand
336 pages
ISBN: 0593639855
EAN: 9780593639856
Kindle: B0C1YCHX1Q
Hardcover / e-Book / audiobook
Romance Suspense
The disappearance of a mysterious informant leads two people desperate for answers to an island of deadly deception in this new novel in the Lost Night Files trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.
Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers, bonded by a night none of them can remember, are dedicated to uncovering the mystery of what really happened to them months ago—an experience that amplified innate psychic abilities in each of them. The women suspect they were test subjects years earlier, and that there are more people like them—all they have to do is find the list of others who took that same test. When Talia follows up on a lead from Phoebe, a fan of the trio’s podcast, she discovers that the informant has vanished.
Talia isn’t the only one looking for Phoebe, however. Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man who is chasing the same list that Talia is after, also shows up at the meeting place. It’s clear he has his own agenda, and they are instantly suspicious of each other. But when a killer begins to stalk them, they realize they have to join forces to find Phoebe and the list.
The rocky investigation leads Talia and Luke to a rustic, remote retreat on Night Island in the Pacific Northwest, where the Unplugged Experience promises to rejuvenate guests. Upon their arrival, Talia and Luke discover they are quite literally cut off from the outside world when none of their high-tech devices work on the island. It soon becomes clear that Phoebe is not the first person to disappear into the strange gardens that surround the Unplugged Experience retreat. And then the first mysterious death occurs. . . .
We're buzzing with excitement to chat with Katie Ruggle about her splash hit, FISH OUT OF WATER. It's not just about romance.
Katie's not your everyday author. Imagine living off-grid in the Rockies, being a Police Academy grad, and diving in cold Colorado mountain reservoirs. Yeah, she's all that and more. We're talking horseback riding, shooting, and even Krav Maga. Katie brings this kickass energy right into her writing.
FISH OUT OF WATER
Why date a mountain man? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.
When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm…and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. There are:
- Long hikes through gorgeous wilderness? Check.
- Bears? Check.
- A single shared sleeping bag? Check.
- Enough sparks to set the Rockies ablaze? Check, check, check.
With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city-girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen…and an adventure she'll never forget.
This week, we're chatting with David McCloskey, author of MOSCOW X. We had a lively conversation about espionage and mystery!
Take advantage of all North Texas events! Sign up for our weekly newsletter. (http://eepurl.com/cc9BoH)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst and consultant at McKinsey & Company.
While at the CIA, he wrote regularly for the President’s Daily Brief, delivered classified testimony to Congressional oversight committees, and briefed senior White House officials, Ambassadors, military officials, and Arab royalty.
He worked in CIA field stations across the Middle East throughout the Arab Awakening and conducted a rotation in the Counterterrorism Center focused on the jihad in Syria and Iraq.
David holds an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.
This week, we're chatting with Dakota Cassidy, author of JINGLE ALL THE SLAY.
Evening Rundown (all times CT):
7:00 pm - informal chitchat and icebreaker with readers
7:30 pm - Interview with Dakota Cassidy (recorded live)
8:00 pm - Unrecorded Q&A with readers
8:30 pm - Reader after party
Take advantage of all North Texas events! Sign up for our weekly newsletter. ()
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today Bestselling author Dakota Cassidy lives for a good laugh in life and in her writing. In fact, she almost loves a good giggle as much as she loves hair products and that's saying something.
Her goals in life are simple, (like really simple): banish the color yellow forever, create world peace via hot rollers and Aqua Net; and finally, nab every tiara in the land by competing in the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss World pageants, then sweeping them in a stunning trifecta of much duct tape and Vaseline usage, all in just under one week. Oh, and write really fun books!
Dakota lives in Texas with her dogs and has a husband who puts the heroes in her books to shame.
Fresh Fiction is joined by #KatieReus, the bestselling author of the grumpy-sunshine romance 'HOW THE Hitman Stole Christmas.' In the interview, we discuss Katie's writing process, the narrative arenas she feels most comfortable in as well as what her holiday traditions are. Enjoy the conversation!
Video Book Club is a great opportunity to connect, shared insights and explore the nuances of writing life. Whether you're a seasoned book club enthusiast or a first-time participant, or even if you haven't had a chance to read the book yet, you'll be welcomed into a warm and engaging community of readers. Take advantage of all these events by signing up for our weekly newsletter here (http://eepurl.com/cc9BoH)
ABOUT THE BOOK: Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she’s been watching him for months with her drone. She’s never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn’t seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he’s committed. But this holiday is one she’ll never forget…
According to him, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she’s targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him “for her own protection”, Elliana is starting to reconsider her grinchy stance on the holidays. And when everything finally comes to a head, the results are bound to be…explosive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Ancients Rising series, the Endgame Trilogy and the Red Stone Security series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and romantic suspense.
For #VideoBookClub this month, Fresh Fiction was joined by #StefanieLondon, a multi-award-winning and USA Today bestselling author.
Video Book Club is a great opportunity to connect, shared insights and explore the nuances of writing life. Whether you're a seasoned book club enthusiast or a first-time participant, or even if you haven't had a chance to read the book yet, you'll be welcomed into a warm and engaging community of readers.
Take advantage of all these events by signing up for our weekly newsletter here (http://eepurl.com/cc9BoH)
ABOUT THE BOOK: August Merriweather has always been good with animals. In fact, she’s known as Manhattan’s Dog Whisperer. Men, on the other hand? Not so much. She’s been falling for the wrong guys ever since her regrettable crush on Keaton Sax, older brother of her best friend, Leah, and the biggest jerkface this side of the Hudson.
Now an emotionally closed-off widower, Keaton has become one of the most formidable men on Wall Street, but August knows his secret. He’s not driven by sales targets and bonus checks—Keaton just wants to give his family the security they never had. So when Leah asks Keaton to wrangle her over-the-top dramatic husky at a weekend talent competition, Keaton says yes…and begs August to help him win the event for Leah.
Between obstacle courses, Molly’s husky temper tantrums and a cabin with just one bed, August is having a blast. Away from the pressure to have a “perfect life” with the “right guy,” she finds herself relaxing and getting to see the softer side of the man she once loved. Is this just a temporary truce? Or could Keaton finally be the right guy at the right time?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award. Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.
authorinterview #author #interview #bestsellingauthor #romance
This week, we're chatting with Pippa Grant, author of THE GOSSIP AND THE GRUMP. Join us for a lively conversation about romance and laughter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pippa Grant is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author who writes romantic comedies that will make tears run down your leg. When she's not reading, writing or sleeping, she's being crowned employee of the month as a stay-at-home mom and housewife trying to prepare her adorable demon spawn to be productive members of society, all the while fantasizing about long walks on the beach with hot chocolate chip cookies.
Listen in to our interview with Tammy L. Grace as she talks about her series, Sisters of the Heart, set in Lavender Valley.
Vibe Check
Gwen has finally moved, and she is traveling for work for the next two weeks!!
Danielle is enjoying this blip of springtime in Chicagoland!
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Julia Quinn/Shondaland
The Netflix show, QUEEN CHARLOTTE, goes up on May 4th!
Gwen’s favorite Julia Quinn novel is ROMANCING MR. BRIDGERTON (Bridgerton #4).
Danielle’s favorite is WHEN HE WAS WICKED (Bridgerton #6)
Gwen loves two of Shonda Rhimes’s screenplays: CROSSROADS and THE PRINCESS DIARIES 2: ROYAL ENGAGEMENT.
Danielle of course loves GREY’S ANATOMY, but also STILL STAR-CROSSED.
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Interview with Julia Quinn
QUEEN CHARLOTTE by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes, available May 9, 2023!
Advice for aspriring romance authors: sit down and write the book! Also, figure out the process that works for you; it will be different for everyone.
MISS BUTTERWORTH AND THE MAD BARON is the graphic novel Julia worked on with her sister, Violet Charles.
Dog-sharing with her neighbors is brining Julia much joy!
https://juliaquinn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliaQuinn/
https://www.instagram.com/juliaquinnauthor/
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
We’re joined this week by entertainment critic and first repeat FF Pod guest, Susan Kamyab! Coming off of a busy awards season, Susan is enjoying just watching movies as a fan and not a critic. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of doing an hour-long segment about the Oscars on WFAA!
It’s almost Spring Break for Danielle and her family and they are READY. This week, Danielle crossed 80,000 words on her WIP!
Is Gwen moving? She doesn’t know. But she had a great time at SXSW and a ton of successful events for her day job!
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Spring 2023 Media Recs!
MARCH/APRIL
Susan, Movies: Super Mario Bros (4/5), Air (4/5), Paint (4/7), Showing Up (4/7), Beau is Afraid (4/27), Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (4/28)
Gwen, TV: Succession on HBO (3/26), Yellowjackets on Showtime (3/26), Great Expectations on FX (3/26), Martha Stewart Cooking Show on Roku Channel (4/3), Beef on Netflix (4/6), Below Deck: Sailing Yacht on Bravo(4/10)
Danielle, Books: Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller (3/28), Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker (4/4), The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur (4/18), Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan (4/28)
MAY
Susan, Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (5/5), What’s Love Got to Do With It (5/5), The Little Mermaid (5/26)
Gwen, TV: Fatal Attraction on Paramount (4/30), Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story on Netflix (5/5), City on Fire on Apple TV+ (5/12)
Danielle, Books: An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera (5/30), Lore Olympus Volume 4 by Rachel Smythe, Even if the Sky is Falling by Taj McCoy; Farah Heron; Lane Clarke; Charish Reid; Sarah Smith; Denise Williams (5/30)
JUNE
Susan, Movies: Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse (6/2), Elemental (6/16), No Hard Feelings (6/23), Joy Ride (6/23)
Gwen, TV: Tony Awards on CBS (6/11)
Danielle, Books: To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai (6/13), Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (6/13)
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You can find Susan Kamyab at http://thischixflix.com/, and on Instagram and Twitter
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle succeeded at writing 15,000 words a week! Now, she needs to start making plans for the launch of ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE on August 8. She is enjoying the new Toni Morrison Memorial Stamps.
Gwen has started to go through her desk ahead of her move but has more to do. This week she would like to take some clothes to be recycled and get her passport renewed! She’s finding joy in the new season of Top Chef: All Stars.
Susan would like to start taking 30-minute walks every day and eat better. Watching movies from her childhood has been bringing her comfort: Smart House, Man of the House, First Kid, Jungle 2 Jungle, George of the Jungle, etc.!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen has a lot of upcoming travel and is moving! She is glad to have gotten over her recent cold. Danielle had a lot of things to do over the last week and wonders why everything happens at the same time. She also finished reading all 20+ trade volumes of the Lumberjanes series with her daughter!
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Main Discussion
Let’s talk fantasy! The differences between Paranormal and Fantasy are vast, but also not quite as different as we thought. Hopefully you can make sense of what we mean.
Danielle and Gwen both like fantasy on the screen more than on the page. The world building must be seamlessly built into the story, and, above all, it has to make SENSE.
PS Danielle is a huge Tolkien nerd and this clip of Stephen Colbert out-nerding James Franco lives rent free in her mind.
TV RECS
Danielle: Pushing Daisies, Shadow & Bone, Once Upon a Time, Merlin, The Magicians
Gwen: The Mayfair Witches, Westworld, The Good Place, House of Dragon/Game of Thrones
MOVIE RECS
Danielle: Lord of the Rings, Encanto, Labyrinth, Willow, Dark Crystal, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Princess Bride
Gwen: Mad Max: Fury Road, The Last Unicorn, Everything Everywhere All at Once
BOOK RECS
Danielle: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Mila Vane, The Kingmaker Chronicles series by Amanda Bouchet; Authors I have not read but people LOVE: Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, G.A. Aiken
Gwen: Rachel Caine’s The Great Library series (start with Ink and Bone), Ruby Dixon’s never-ending Ice Planet Barbarians; Abigail Owen’s new Dominion series (start with The Liar’s Crown)
GAME RECS
Gwen: Ascension deck building, Dragonlance tie-in game and new guidebook
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Interview with Jennifer Estep
CONQUER THE KINGDOM, now available!
https://www.jenniferestep.com/
Upcoming releases: HEART STRINGS (May 9), GOOD ENEMIES (July 18), SPIDER & FROST (September 26)
Jennifer has been watching Ghosts on CBS!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Gwen wanted to drink more water, and thanks to her cold, she did! This week Gwen wants to clean out her desk drawers before moving. Danielle turned in her pass pages for ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE (8/8/32). She is determined to write 15,000 words a week through the end of March to finish this WIP.
Gwen is finding comfort in watching Vegas tourism videos ahead of her trip with her husband!
Danielle loves any and all grocery store bakery cookies.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Yr girls are busy this week with work, writing, and life. But we are getting prepped for Rihanna (and the Super Bowl). Gwen made Death by Chocolate Trifle from scratch, including this Chocolate Pudding and these Outrageous Brownies. Danielle has a plan in place for the next few months of her author newsletter.
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ESCAPISM WITH INTENT
Danielle’s Recs: Movies: Under the Tuscan Sun, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Brooklyn, The Holiday, Toy Story 4, Wild/Eat Pray Love/Julie & Julia; TV: Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, Virgin River; Books: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn, The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller, After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez
Gwen’s Recs: TV: The Peripheral, Poker Face, The White Lotus; Book: Flirty with Fifty by Jane Porter; Board Games: Pandemic, Takiedo
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Interview with Rochelle Bilow
https://www.rochellebilowwriting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rochellebilow
https://twitter.com/BilowRochelle
Rochelle recommends the Olive & June Mani System and the color Caramel Budino
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last time, Danielle wanted to get to 20,000 words in her WIP, and she is at 16,000! Now she needs to spend some time on her pass pages for ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE. Danielle has been eating all the Girl Scout Cookies, and encourages everyone to buy cookies from Troop 6000, which has scouts in NYC’s homeless shelter system: https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/en/whatgirlsdo/gs-troop-6000.html.
Gwen wanted to fill out her conscious spending plan and has... not. But it is open on her internet browser! This week, Gwen needs to drink more water to help with hydration because it is so dry and cold right now. Leftover Chocolate Pudding is bringing her very much joy right now!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen and Danielle have both had sort of rough weeks, but we’re getting through it! Gwen has been going to bed early and Danielle successfully revealed the cover of ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE.
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Truth in Fiction
Gwen likes when real figures pop up in fiction works, to see how people reimagine them. Danielle struggles with real historical figures in fiction, unless under very specific circumstances.
Gwen’s Recs: Inspired by real-life figures: The Menu, RRR, A Star is Born; Biopics: The Crown, Rocketman, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Recent/Upcoming: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Oppenheimer, Maestro
Danielle’s Recs: Egregiously Inaccurate/Different: The Great, Dickinson, Reign, My Lady Janies YA series; Side Characters who are real life figures: Ever After, Downton Abbey, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
People we’d like to see portrayed on screen: Danielle—Josephine Baker, Gwen—Mary Pickford
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Interview with Krystal Marquis
THE DAVENPORTS, now available!
https://krystalmarquis.com/
https://www.instagram.com/krystabelle_reads
https://twitter.com/krystalmarquis
https://www.tiktok.com/@krystalmarquis
Follow Krystal for updates about Book 2!
She’s enjoying the excitement and support in the days leading up to her book release, as well as making time for self-care and taking some time away from work.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did NOT get anywhere close to writing 20,000 words of her WIP, so she’s continuing this goal for this week. The graphic novel series Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva, and Irene Flores is bringing her immense joy.
Gwen has spent about 30 minutes everyday making plans for everything she needs to do. This week, she would like to fill out the Conscious Spending Plan, specifically with her subscription services. Gwen is enjoying the new reality show THE TRAITORS!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Happy 2023, Everyone! Danielle and Gwen are both getting over colds, and catching up after the holidays. But Danielle got to meet her best friend’s brand-new baby girl and Gwen went to the doctor!
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How did we ring in New Year’s?
Gwen and her husband got massages and had a quiet night at home. Then they spent time prepping meals and seeing friends for lunch on New Year’s Day.
Danielle still had a cold but did manage to go out to dinner with her husband and daughter. They played Unicorns vs. Llamas Monopoly while Danielle napped and barely made it to midnight.
Morale of the Story: we’re old now.
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New Year’s INTENTIONS (overarching things; lifestyle changes/habits)
Danielle: getting back into the freelance groove and working from home, using her desk cycler, going out into the world (sometimes), staying in contact with friends and people in general.
Gwen: better documentation of things she enjoys, journaling regularly, keeping track of the media she consumes, and capturing moments from her big, ongoing projects, raching out to friends regularly.
New Year’s GOALS (specific things we want to do)
Danielle: finish the draft of her magical realism/women’s fiction WIP, finish editing a fake dating contemporary romance, and outline a smalltown romance series that only exists in her mind right now, LOL
Gwen: plan trips to see friends, take time off and find more work-life balance, cooking project of making 3 meals at home per week from the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two Cook Book, stretch everyday, track and document things things she loves, and make a 2023 playlist.
We are holding ourselves accountable and will update all of you on our intentions and goals in May 2023! Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com to tell us your 2023 intentions and goals!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last time, Gwen wanted to start prepping for her plan to make every recipe in AMerica’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two. She did, and modified her big goal slightly (which is ALLOWED!). This week, Gwen wants to commit to two hours a week of journaling and planning the week ahead. Gwen has been making Brownie Baked Oatmeal for evening snacks and that is making her SO happy.
Danielle needed to finish her ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE copyedits and she did! Everything has been sent to her editor. This book will be in stores on August 8, 2023, and the cover reveal will happen on January 18! Follow Danielle on Instagram and Twitter for more details and learn how to see it early by signing up for her newsletter!! Danielle has found immense comfort in drinking hot water with lemon and honey. Water, who knew? LOL
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
We’re ready for the holidays! Also, it’s COLD. Danielle has finished her Christmas shopping and Gwen attended TWO Christmas markets.
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Faves of 2022
Both of your girls are dealing with feelings about media consumption—being okay with being behind and not being the target audience for everything anymore.
TV
Danielle: The Bear on FX/Hulu, Heartstopper on Netflix, Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Abbott Elementary on ABC, My Brilliant Friend on HBO Max, Miss Scarlett and the Duke on PBS
Gwen: The Bear, The White Lotus, The Handmaid’s Tale, Harry and Meghan doc, Rick and Morty, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Bad Sisters, Yellowjackets, Wednesday, The Dropout, WeCrashed
MOVIES
Danielle: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Turning Red, Catherine Called Birdy
Gwen: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once; Turning Red, The Princess, Barbarian
BOOKS
Danielle: Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron, After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M Lopez, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley, Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg, Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne, My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee, Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith
Gwen: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera, Meet Me in the Bathroom by Lizzy Goodman, The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson
MISC.
Danielle: Vitamin String Quartet (music), Renaissance by Beyonce (music), It’s Been a Minute with new host Brittany Luse (podcast)
Gwen: Wet Leg by Wet Leg (music); I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (podcast), Articles of Interest (podcast, specifically the Prep season); You Must Remember This (podcast, erotic 80s); Spectacle (podcast, true crime); The Missing Pages (podcast, literary scandals); The Pixies (music)
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Host Gift Exchange!
Danielle’s gift from Gwen: a LizzyKate tea sampler: St. Nick’s Tea, Cranberry Hibiscus, Masala Chai, and Moroccan Mint and a tea-tasting notebook!
Gwen’s gift from Danielle: You Already Have the Answers: A Gratitude Journal by Amanda Deibert and a Felt Flower Making Kit
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last ep, Danielle said she needed to clean her desk. She actually cleaned her desk and her entire house, but now her desk is a mess again. This week, she needs to do ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE copyedits! She has also been enjoying Doritos 3D Crunch snacks.
Gwen wanted to get into a better nighttime face washing routine so she could use her new, fancy La Mer product, and she has started! This time, Gwen wants to start prepping for her big 2023 project: making all of the recipes in America’s Test Kitchen Cooking for Two Cookbook! Gwen is also having all the egg nog lattes (and neither host likes egg nog on its own).
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
It’s cold in Chicagoland and Seattle, but Danielle and Gwen are staying cozy.
Danielle hosted a couple of great bookstore events this week, while Gwen co-hosted Readers & ‘ritas in Texas.
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Gift Guide 2022
For Your Fancy Friend
Danielle: Voluspa Mokara Candle
Gwen: A spa gift card. My local recommendation is Yaun Spa
For the Sports Fiend
Gwen: Gritty plush
Danielle: Lewis Hamilton Funko Pop
For a Book Lover
Danielle: Check your local independent bookstores for SIGNED copies! They make excellent gifts for book lovers. Anderson’s Bookshop has a vast collection!
Gwen: A fresh journal to document 2023’s TBRs and reads. Read Between the Lines has some adorable options, but also look for local spots to support your community
For the Crafter
Gwen: A cross body style apron from Hedley and Bennett
Danielle: Michael’s Felt Applique Kit
For a Woo-Woo Witch
Danielle: The Modern Witch Tarot Journal
Gwen: Cantrip Candles
For the Kiddos
Gwen: A big cozy blanket shaped like an animal
Danielle: Anything and everything Squishmallows
Also, a Costco-sized box of BandAids
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Long-term Goal Check-In:
Danielle has started working on her writing routine and has some outlines to get her started on new drafts in the coming month or so.
Gwen definitely did Fall activities but did not keep up with intermittent fasting during her busy travel season.
Last Episode Goal Updates:
Danielle didn’t really do anything extra for her anniversary, but had a lovely weekend with her husband celebrating 9 years! This week, Danielle needs to clean her desk. Danielle’s IMAK RSI Smart Glove 2-Pack (recommended by fellow author Hanna Earnest) is helping her wrists while drafting.
Gwen has prepped for THanksgiving and just needs the big day to get here for a Friendsgiving celebration. Her new goal is to wash her face at night and use her new splurge on La Mer! Gwen has been wearing Bombas merino wool long socks to stay warm.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen is prepping for more travel, but is excited to go back to Texas for Readers & ‘Ritas. She also scheduled a haircut while she’s there!
Danielle is fighting off a cold that will not decide what it’s going to be... She and her family had an awesome Halloween in their neighborhood!
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BORN IN FIRE by Nora Roberts
The first of the Irish Born Trilogy. We LOVED this book. This was also Gwen’s first Nora Roberts read!!
Danielle mentioned episodes of Fated Mates and Learning the Tropes, fellow romance podcasts, and Bonnets at Dawn, a podcast about women writers from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Danielle’s Nora Roberts Recs: Gallaghers of Ardmore series (another series set in Ireland), Bridal Quartet, Chesapeake Bay Series
Gwen’s Born in Fire read-alikes: Danielle Jackson (LOL), Stella Cameron, Susan Elizabeth Phillips
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle painted Halloween cards and sent them to her friends! This week, she would like to do something nice for her husband for their 9th wedding anniversary. Re-reading the Irish Born series has brought her comfort, as well as watercolor painting regularly.
Gwen made a schedule and stuck to it! This week, her goal is to start prepping for Thanksgiving. She has been drinking a lot of LizzyKate Tea and that makes her happy!
BONUS: the podcast needs to start planning 2023!!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
After all of her recent traveling, Gwen got sick last week! But she is recovered and was able to finalize the program for Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘ritas event on November 12th!
Danielle had two book events with Anderson’s Bookshop: Courageous Discomfort by Shanterra McBride and Rosalind Wiseman and The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban. She also got her COVID booster and flu shot!
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HOCUS POCUS 2!
Beware: SPOILERS! We talk about the ENTIRE movie, so if you haven’t watched it yet, you’ve been warned.
We loved how much fun everyone was having and that the subplot wasn’t a romance. We also LOVED the bit in Walgreens, but also wondered about the musical numbers. Nonetheless, we recommended for family-friendly spooky viewing!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle successfully hosted her BFF’s baby shower! She made these awesome Spice Cake Mix Cookies that everyone loved! This week, she would like to send Halloween cards to her friends.
Gwen did NOT move, and that has been put on hold for now. Her new goal is to plan out the next three weeks and stick to the schedule... including adding some breathing room/planned breaks.
Danielle has been reading graphic novels to catch up on her Goodreads goal. Some recent reads: The Bad Guys series (enthusiastically recommended by her 8-yr-old daughter), The Sandman comics, and the Lumberjanes.
Gwen recently enjoyed some Penzey’s Hot Chocolate Mix with Penzey’s Black and Red Spice and the show BAD SISTERS on AppleTV+.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
After all of her recent traveling, Gwen got sick last week! But she is recovered and was able to finalize the program for Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘ritas event on November 12th!
Danielle had two book events with Anderson’s Bookshop: Courageous Discomfort by Shanterra McBride and Rosalind Wiseman and The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban. She also got her COVID booster and flu shot!
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HOCUS POCUS 2!
Beware: SPOILERS! We talk about the ENTIRE movie, so if you haven’t watched it yet, you’ve been warned.
We loved how much fun everyone was having and that the subplot wasn’t a romance. We also LOVED the bit in Walgreens, but also wondered about the musical numbers. Nonetheless, we recommended for family-friendly spooky viewing!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle successfully hosted her BFF’s baby shower! She made these awesome Spice Cake Mix Cookies that everyone loved! This week, she would like to send Halloween cards to her friends.
Gwen did NOT move, and that has been put on hold for now. Her new goal is to plan out the next three weeks and stick to the schedule... including adding some breathing room/planned breaks.
Danielle has been reading graphic novels to catch up on her Goodreads goal. Some recent reads: The Bad Guys series (enthusiastically recommended by her 8-yr-old daughter), The Sandman comics, and the Lumberjanes.
Gwen recently enjoyed some Penzey’s Hot Chocolate Mix with Penzey’s Black and Red Spice and the show BAD SISTERS on AppleTV+.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen has been all over the country, and she survived almost a full month of constant travel.
Danielle is doing well, but is tired! Our family’s fall routine is finally getting into the groove, and she attended a book signing for her friend, Hanna Earnest and her new book, END OF THE DAY.
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Host Check-In
Gwen traveled for most of the month of September: NYC, Chicago, OKC, and back to NYC. Seeing friends and family and eating good food has refilled her creative well.
Danielle is having a very busy time at the bookstore, is waiting for final word on book 2, thinking about what is beyond book 3, and everything else!
How we cope when we’re overwhelmed: Danielle makes lists on lists on lists. Gwen makes charts and tries to journal every morning to organize her thoughts. Also, new candles, taking walks, or watching reality TV.
Get excited for Readers & ‘ritas 2022, which is in person in Texas!
Join Danielle and Denise Williams at an LSA Event on 10/22. Also, if you need a gentle writing challenge, check out #FinishUrBookFall, hosted by author Claribel Ortega!
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Interview with Celestine Martin
WITCHFUL THINKING is now available!
Celestine’s Witchy Faves: The Teen Witch starring Robin Lively, The Craft, Charmed (the OG), Practical Magic, The Good Witch, Bonnie Bennet on Vampire Diaries
Fan casting her main characters: Nicole Beharie as Lucy and Winston Duke as Alex
Celestine will be at New York Comic Con on October 7th!
Follow Celestine:
https://celestinemartin.com/
Twitter (where she’s most active)
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle was successful in some long-term social media planning (follow her on Instagram for regular giveaways and book recs) and would like to have a successful baby shower for one of her best friends in the next week.
Gwen successfully stayed hydrated through all of her travels and is probably moving in the next few weeks!
Danielle is leaning into all things witchy with the Amenti Oracle Feather Heart Deck by Jennifer Sodini and Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle.
Gwen found immense comfort in eating Tex-Mex from Chuy’s and Texas BBQ while she visited home!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen has been all over the country, and she survived almost a full month of constant travel.
Danielle is doing well, but is tired! Our family’s fall routine is finally getting into the groove, and she attended a book signing for her friend, Hanna Earnest and her new book, END OF THE DAY.
*
Host Check-In
Gwen traveled for most of the month of September: NYC, Chicago, OKC, and back to NYC. Seeing friends and family and eating good food has refilled her creative well.
Danielle is having a very busy time at the bookstore, is waiting for final word on book 2, thinking about what is beyond book 3, and everything else!
How we cope when we’re overwhelmed: Danielle makes lists on lists on lists. Gwen makes charts and tries to journal every morning to organize her thoughts. Also, new candles, taking walks, or watching reality TV.
Get excited for Readers & ‘ritas 2022, which is in person in Texas!
Join Danielle and Denise Williams at an LSA Event on 10/22. Also, if you need a gentle writing challenge, check out #FinishUrBookFall, hosted by author Claribel Ortega!
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Interview with Celestine Martin
WITCHFUL THINKING is now available!
Celestine’s Witchy Faves: The Teen Witch starring Robin Lively, The Craft, Charmed (the OG), Practical Magic, The Good Witch, Bonnie Bennet on Vampire Diaries
Fan casting her main characters: Nicole Beharie as Lucy and Winston Duke as Alex
Celestine will be at New York Comic Con on October 7th!
Follow Celestine:
https://celestinemartin.com/
Twitter (where she’s most active)
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle was successful in some long-term social media planning (follow her on Instagram for regular giveaways and book recs) and would like to have a successful baby shower for one of her best friends in the next week.
Gwen successfully stayed hydrated through all of her travels and is probably moving in the next few weeks!
Danielle is leaning into all things witchy with the Amenti Oracle Feather Heart Deck by Jennifer Sodini and Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle.
Gwen found immense comfort in eating Tex-Mex from Chuy’s and Texas BBQ while she visited home!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen is doing a lot of reflecting, and successfully booked a hotel for her upcoming trip to NYC. Danielle is getting used to back to school and turned in Book 2.
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MESSY CHARACTERS!
This discussion came about purely so we could talk about Carmy from THE BEAR again.
Danielle’s TV and Movie Picks: How to Get Away with Murder, Fleabag, Starstruck, Lovesick, New Girl, Insecure, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad, Ant-Man, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Bridget Jones’s Diary
Gwen’s TV and Movie Picks: This Fool, A League of Their Own, The Wedding Season, Euphoria, Girls, most reality TV, and a shout-out to the couples on the I Will Teach You To Be Rich podcast.
Danielle’s Book Picks: 99% Mine by Sally Thorne, Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert, Boyfriend Material/Husband Material by Alexis Hall, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Gwen’s Celebrity Picks: Courtney Love, Britney Spears, Adele, and J.Lo and Ben Affleck
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Interview with Denise Williams
DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN is in stores September 6!
You can find out more about Denise’s books and novellas on her website: https://www.denisewilliamswrites.com/
Watching Superstore on Hulu has given Denise great joy and comfort (and we agree)!
Denise has three books planned for 2023: a compilation of her 2022 novellas set at an airport called LOVE AND OTHER FLIGHT DELAYS, a story in the romance anthology EVEN IF THE SKY IS FALLING, and her 4th full-length novel, coming in September 2023—title and cover reveal coming soon!
Follow Denise on the socials:
TikTok
Newsletter
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle is working on drinking more water and wants to plan out some ongoing social media for her author platforms.
Gwen hasn’t been working on her squats, but she would like to join Danielle on increasing her water intake. A new water bottle perhaps?
Danielle is enjoying the Black Girl Magic Red Wine Blend, which was a gift from her author pal Melonie Johnson!
Gwen has been indulging in Crumbl cookies! Particularly the French Silk and Chocolate Chip.
REMINDER: We are taking the month of September off because of travel and new writing endeavors. We will be back in October because it’s the most wonderful time of the year: HALLOWEEN!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen is doing a lot of reflecting, and successfully booked a hotel for her upcoming trip to NYC. Danielle is getting used to back to school and turned in Book 2.
*
MESSY CHARACTERS!
This discussion came about purely so we could talk about Carmy from THE BEAR again.
Danielle’s TV and Movie Picks: How to Get Away with Murder, Fleabag, Starstruck, Lovesick, New Girl, Insecure, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad, Ant-Man, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Bridget Jones’s Diary
Gwen’s TV and Movie Picks: This Fool, A League of Their Own, The Wedding Season, Euphoria, Girls, most reality TV, and a shout-out to the couples on the I Will Teach You To Be Rich podcast.
Danielle’s Book Picks: 99% Mine by Sally Thorne, Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert, Boyfriend Material/Husband Material by Alexis Hall, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Gwen’s Celebrity Picks: Courtney Love, Britney Spears, Adele, and J.Lo and Ben Affleck
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Interview with Denise Williams
DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN is in stores September 6!
You can find out more about Denise’s books and novellas on her website: https://www.denisewilliamswrites.com/
Watching Superstore on Hulu has given Denise great joy and comfort (and we agree)!
Denise has three books planned for 2023: a compilation of her 2022 novellas set at an airport called LOVE AND OTHER FLIGHT DELAYS, a story in the romance anthology EVEN IF THE SKY IS FALLING, and her 4th full-length novel, coming in September 2023—title and cover reveal coming soon!
Follow Denise on the socials:
TikTok
Newsletter
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle is working on drinking more water and wants to plan out some ongoing social media for her author platforms.
Gwen hasn’t been working on her squats, but she would like to join Danielle on increasing her water intake. A new water bottle perhaps?
Danielle is enjoying the Black Girl Magic Red Wine Blend, which was a gift from her author pal Melonie Johnson!
Gwen has been indulging in Crumbl cookies! Particularly the French Silk and Chocolate Chip.
REMINDER: We are taking the month of September off because of travel and new writing endeavors. We will be back in October because it’s the most wonderful time of the year: HALLOWEEN!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Hi, It’s future Gwen. Danielle and I planned to take the month of September off, but leave you with a few episodes before the hiatus. Life got in the way of our plans, and due to hectic travel and writing schedules, and attempting to spend time with family before the end of the summer – we had to take a longer break than we originally expected. We’re back with three brand-new episodes this month, including interviews with Denise Williams and Celestine Martin. But first, Danielle and I share our most anticipated fall entertainment. Just for some context, we recorded this conversation before TIFF and the Venice Film Festival.
Vibe Check
Danielle and Gwen are out here surviving and thriving! It was Danielle’s daughter’s 8th birthday and Gwen did ALL OF HER LAUNDRY. Please clap.
*
Main Discussion
Danielle’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Get back on a regular writing schedule
Gwen’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Intermittent Fasting + Fall activities (apple picking!)
Danielle’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cobbler (I used 1 TBSP of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices and leave out the orange extract)
Gwen’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie
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Fall 2022 Recs!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Danielle: Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power (9/2 Amazon Prime), the return of Abbot Elementary (9/21; Quinta Burnson Awards Chatter podcast interview), Celebrity Jeopardy and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the return of Miss Scarlett and the Duke (10/16, PBS), The Woman King (9/16), Blonde (9/23, Netflix), Don’t Worry Darling (9/23), Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams (9/6), The Caretaker by Alyssa Cole (9/6); On the Hustle by Adriana Herrera (10/11), The Belle of Bellgrave Square by Mimi Matthews (10/11)
Gwen: Celebrity Jeopardy (9/25); Monarch (9/20 Fox); So Help Me Todd (9/29 CBS); Alaska Daily (10/6 ABC); Young Rock (11/4 NBC); Interview with the Vampire (10/2 AMC); A League of Their Own (August Amazon), The Silent Twins (9/16); Bros (9/30); Ticket to Paradise (10/21); New season of You Must Remember This; Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Cool It Down”
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Danielle: A Knives Out Mystery (November), Amsterdam (11/4), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (11/11), Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (11/15); Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca (12/6)
Gwen: The Menu (11/18); She Said (11/18); Empire of Light (12/9); I Wanna Dance with Somebody (12/21)
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle FINALLY cleaned her house and needs to drink more water after a very busy publication month. She has been finding immense joy in Nothing Bundt Cakes confetti buntinis.
Gwen is continuing to potty train her puppy and would like to work on her squats. The Bellevue Candle in Vanilla and Monk Fruit (from our beloved Costco) is the perfect scent to bring a sense of comfort.
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Hi, It’s future Gwen. Danielle and I planned to take the month of September off, but leave you with a few episodes before the hiatus. Life got in the way of our plans, and due to hectic travel and writing schedules, and attempting to spend time with family before the end of the summer – we had to take a longer break than we originally expected. We’re back with three brand-new episodes this month, including interviews with Denise Williams and Celestine Martin. But first, Danielle and I share our most anticipated fall entertainment. Just for some context, we recorded this conversation before TIFF and the Venice Film Festival.
Vibe Check
Danielle and Gwen are out here surviving and thriving! It was Danielle’s daughter’s 8th birthday and Gwen did ALL OF HER LAUNDRY. Please clap.
*
Main Discussion
Danielle’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Get back on a regular writing schedule
Gwen’s 4th Quarter Goal/Intention: Intermittent Fasting + Fall activities (apple picking!)
Danielle’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cobbler (I used 1 TBSP of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices and leave out the orange extract)
Gwen’s Favorite Fall Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie
*
Fall 2022 Recs!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Danielle: Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power (9/2 Amazon Prime), the return of Abbot Elementary (9/21; Quinta Burnson Awards Chatter podcast interview), Celebrity Jeopardy and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the return of Miss Scarlett and the Duke (10/16, PBS), The Woman King (9/16), Blonde (9/23, Netflix), Don’t Worry Darling (9/23), Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams (9/6), The Caretaker by Alyssa Cole (9/6); On the Hustle by Adriana Herrera (10/11), The Belle of Bellgrave Square by Mimi Matthews (10/11)
Gwen: Celebrity Jeopardy (9/25); Monarch (9/20 Fox); So Help Me Todd (9/29 CBS); Alaska Daily (10/6 ABC); Young Rock (11/4 NBC); Interview with the Vampire (10/2 AMC); A League of Their Own (August Amazon), The Silent Twins (9/16); Bros (9/30); Ticket to Paradise (10/21); New season of You Must Remember This; Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Cool It Down”
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Danielle: A Knives Out Mystery (November), Amsterdam (11/4), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (11/11), Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (11/15); Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca (12/6)
Gwen: The Menu (11/18); She Said (11/18); Empire of Light (12/9); I Wanna Dance with Somebody (12/21)
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle FINALLY cleaned her house and needs to drink more water after a very busy publication month. She has been finding immense joy in Nothing Bundt Cakes confetti buntinis.
Gwen is continuing to potty train her puppy and would like to work on her squats. The Bellevue Candle in Vanilla and Monk Fruit (from our beloved Costco) is the perfect scent to bring a sense of comfort.
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP by Danielle Jackson has finally arrived! It has been a whirlwind week; Danielle’s Instagram has all the details: https://www.instagram.com/djacksonbooks/
Gwen has taken the bus to work and got to spend time at a farewell dinner for her friend who is moving to France! Ooh la la!
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Main Discussion
Pop Culture Baking!
Gwen’s Recs
Movies: Ratatouille, any studio Gibli movie, Waitress, Sweeney Todd, Hook
TV: Crime Scene Kitchen, Is it Cake? (avoid Sweetbitter)
Books: Joanne Fluke’s cozy mysteries (Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) with Hannah Swenson
Danielle’s Recs
Movies: Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate
TV: Cupcake Wars, Great British Baking Show, Nailed It, Pushing Daisies
Books: Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall, Battle Royale by Lucy Parker, Mangoes and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera, For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa
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Interview with {author name}
THE ROMANCE RECIPE, now available!
Hot Copy is also available
https://www.rubybarrett.com/
https://twitter.com/RubyBarretWrite
https://www.instagram.com/rubybarrettwrite/
Foodie Reality TV Recs: Ruby loves Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen. Danielle enjoys the OG: Top Chef. Gwen is a big fan of Guy’s Grocery Games.
Ruby recommends a fancy latte with a design and some kind of breakfast snack, like a yogurt parfait, to eat while reading her book!
Ruby’s recent book recs: FIRE SEASON by KD Casey LOVE & OTHER DISASTERS by Anita Kelly, NEVER BEEN KISSED by Timothy Janovsky, and FOOL ME ONCE by Ashley Winstead
What’s bringing Ruby Joy: the release of Harry’s House by Harry Styles, Heartstopper on Netflix
Ruby has more books in the works, and hopes to self-publish a SFF/post-apocalyptic second chance romance sometime this year.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle successfully enjoyed going on vacation AND releasing her book! This week, she needs to clean her house. The latest episode of the Boozy Book Broads with special guests Pippa Grant and Ali Hazelwood is bringing her much joy (and great writing advice): The Boozy Book Broads Talk Publishing
Gwen is making progress on her goal of potty training her puppy Aria, and will continue to work on this!! Gwen has found a new recipe to love: Japanese Curry from NYT Cooking (you can find a similar recipe here that isn’t behind a paywall)
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
We took a break and feel great! But we’re so happy to be back!!
Danielle is attempting to go on vacation and release a book and work at the bookshop all at the same time. But she actually updated the News and Events sections of her website—go look at them!
Gwen got a NEW PUPPY (who is noisily chewing/playing with her bone throughout this episode)! That is both her vibe and her achievement this week, and we are here for it.
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What pop culture have we been consuming this summer?
We both HIGHLY recommend The Bear (FX on Hulu).
What Gwen is watching: Loot (Apple TV+), Barry (HBO Max)
What Danielle is watching: Heartstopper (Netflix), Ms. Marvel (Disney+) Queen Sugar (OWN/Hulu), Wimbledon
What Gwen is reading: Meet Me in The Bathroom by Lizzie Goodman
What Danielle is reading: Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley, Heartbreaker by Sara MacLean (August), Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng (October); re-reads: the entire Reluctant Royals Series by Alyssa Cole, all of Lore Olympus on Webtoons
What Gwen is listening to: Podcasts: You Must Remember This, Spectacle podcast, You’re Wrong About (Go Ask Alice); Music: Wet Leg, WILLOW, Beyonce, Bob Moses
What Danielle is listening to: Podcasts: Newcomers (MCU season), Wait is This a Date w/ Drew Gregory and Christina Tucker; Music: Harry’s House
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Interview with Danielle Jackson (we know her!)
THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP hits stores on July 19th!
For buy links and info to order personalized, signed copies from independent bookstores: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/books
Website: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/
https://twitter.com/DJacksonBooks
https://www.instagram.com/djacksonbooks/
https://www.goodreads.com/daniellejackson
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle didn’t really spend a ton of time outside like she wanted to (plans to make up for this in FL!)… This week, Danielle wants to focus on enjoying vacation and her book launch week!!!! She has found immense comfort in Ben & Jerry’s Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream Ice Cream and Pilot Acroball Fine Point ballpoint pens (Gwen recommends Pentel Energel RTX pens as well)
Gwen did cook for herself while her husband was on a business trip, but then her fridge died, so... This week, Gwen wants to potty train her new pup, Aria! Her comfort this week comes from La Colombe Coffee (found at our beloved Costco, natch)
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
We’re both doing our best to deal with the news, but Gwen has a very clean apartment after getting a new Dyson cordless vacuum, and Danielle has been reading a TON!
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Main Discussion
Welcome to the first FF Podcast Book Club! We read A CARIBBEAN HEIRESS IN PARIS by Adriana Herrera. We really loved it!
Gilded Age Recs: Mr. Selfridge, The Paradise, The Buccaneers, The Age of Innocence, Howards End, Ken Burns’s Gilded Age Documentary
PS—No one understood the Gilded Glamour assignment at this year’s Met Gala.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle was supposed to work in her garden, but did not. This week, she would like to spend time outside every day.
Gwen did not organize her office (but has a deadline to do so in a couple of days!). This week, she wants to cook for herself instead of ordering food while her husband is away.
Danielle has been enjoying the graphic novels by Reina Telgemeier! Gwen loves her teak shower foot roller!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Danielle has a cold but finished book 2!
Gwen is nervous and excited to go on a work retreat and outlining her schedule in her journal has helped with her mood!
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Host Check-In + Summer Rapid Fire
We are ready for summer! Some highlights from this rambling discussion:
Gwen enjoyed her vacations to Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania, but enjoyed being home most (to watch *Nsync videos and walk around with her BFF).
Danielle remembers going to San Francisco and really enjoying the touristy stuff!
Yogurt parfaits and Oreo ice cream cakes are IMPORTANT.
We like ice cream a lot, actually.
Danielle is going to publish a book this summer! Gwen is going to the beach!!
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Interview with {author name}
SOMETHING WILDER, now available!
https://christinalaurenbooks.com/
Facebook Page
Facebook Group
Adventurous Movie Recs: Romancing the Stone, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Goonies, Fool’s Gold, Tangled, Speed, The Princess Bride.
What’s Bringing CLo joy: BTS and K-Pop! Jungkook’s Bad Guy lip-sync convinced Lauren to become a part of the BTS Army!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle sort of kind of maybe started working on something new, and would like to give her garden some extra attention. Gwen organized her pantry, and needs to spend more time organizing everything else, especially her desk and what is behind her during video calls.
Danielle recommends Tony’s Chocoloney’s Chocolate Bars and Gwen is really into the oat milk mochas she gets from her new café!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen is feeling cozy! Danielle is tired!
Gwen washed and put away all of her clothes after her big move; Danielle made her family pound cake for Easter.
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Main Discussion
Let’s face it—we love a book adaptation, whether it’s on TV or a movie!
Gwen: You, Trainspotting, The Princess Diaries, Atonement, Virgin Suicides, Normal People
Danielle: Shakespeare remakes—Romeo & Juliet, Romeo + Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tragedy of Macbeth, 10 Things I Hate About You, O, Hamlet; Austen—Clueless, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta; TV Adaptations—Poldark, Station Eleven, My Brilliant Friend, Good Omens, “YA”: The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Heartstopper
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Interview with ABBY JIMENEZ
PART OF YOUR WORLD, now available!
Nadia Cakes, Abby’s cupcake shop (she won Cupcake Wars!)
Movie Deal Announcement for The Happy Ever After Playlist
Abby’s Page-to-Screen recs: Warm Bodies, The Hating Game
Gwen’s Page-to-Screen recs: Clueless, My Brilliant Friend
Danielle’s Page-to-Screen recs: Trainspotting, Little Women
Connect with Abby:
https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/
Facebook Page
Facebook Group
TikTok
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last time, Gwen wanted to finish packing and move... and she did! Now she’d like to organize her pantry. Gwen is also really enjoying Julia on HBO Max.
Danielle tried to read a nonfiction book but did not. This week, she’d like to write something new, not related to what she’s working on right now. Related to writing, Danielle has found comfort in long-form journal writing, and Gwen suggested she consider doing The Artist’s Way!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
It’s Spring Break and Danielle is in the thick of book 2 revisions! Also, everyone should check out ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir. Gwen is MOVING and by the time this episode airs, she will be in her new place!
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WEDDINGS!
Danielle got married at the height of Pinterest weddings and made all of her flowers out of paper and book pages. Gwen was 40 minutes late to her outdoor wedding in the hills of Virginia and it had a “movie” theme.
Memorable TV Weddings
Gwen: Kelly and Zack on Saved by the Bell, Luke and Laura on General Hospital, Jim and Pam on The Office, the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones
Danielle: Meredith and Derek on Grey’s Anatomy (the post-it note), All of Parks & Rec’s surprise weddings, David and Patrick on Schitt’s Creek, Ralph Angel and Darla on Queen Sugar
Wedding Movies
Gwen: All versions of Father of the Bride, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Bridesmaids, Sex and the City, The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Danielle: Also Father of the Bride, Crazy Rich Asians, The Wedding Planner, Monsoon Wedding, About Time
Pop Culture Moments: Meghan and Harry, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Bisset
Books: Nora Robert’s The Bride Quartet, Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series by Jenny Holiday, D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins, Mia Sosa’s The Worst Best Man and The Wedding Crasher
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Interview with Mia Sosa
THE WEDDING CRASHER
THE WORST BEST MAN
Connect with Mia: Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Romance tropes that Mia loves: Friends-to-Lovers, Fake Dating, Grumpy-Sunshine
What’s making Mia happy: Love is Blind on Netflix
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did not read a nonfiction book, but she wants to read You Got Anything Stronger by Gabrielle Union (she also finally cleaned her desk!). This week, Danielle wants to actually read a nonfiction book!
Gwen succeeded in packing up her kitchen stuff and needs to continue to pack because she is literally moving in 24 hours.
Danielle has been reading old school romances: Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer and Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. Gwen went to her local cookie kiosk!
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen has been traveling and booked movers! Danielle has been going outside and started working on more book 2 revisions!
*
Main Discussion
Self-care has changed so much and is incredibly personal. We’re discussing our own self-care practices and how we approach taking care of ourselves.
*
Our interview with KATE SPENCER
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE
Kate’s Website
Kate’s Instagram
Kate’s memoir: THE DEAD MOM’S CLUB
Forever35 Podcast
Book recs from Kate: the entire Ice Planet Barbarians series (and spinoffs!) by Ruby Dixon, PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry, ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED by Farah Herron, A THOUSAND MILES by Bridget Morrissey (6/21), FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK by Elissa Sussman (4/12)
Kate has a new puppy! The Encanto soundtrack is giving her entire household life. And she recommends the folk singer Henry Jamison, especially for writing!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did not clean her desk (and probably won’t now that revisions have started) but would like to read a nonfiction book. Gwen did not start going through her closets but thinks packing up her kitchen might be a better place to start.
Danielle loves her Old Skool platform Vans.
Gwen is reading and loving Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at danielle@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
It’s cold and dreary in both Washington and Illinois. Gwen has found a new apartment and Danielle hosted two events: a virtual event with Lauren Kate and a sold-out in-person event with Bob Odenkirk.
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Main Discussion
In just a few short weeks, this year’s Academy Awards will be handed out. Gwen and Danielle discuss if the Oscaras “matter” anymore, what goes into Oscar campaigns, and of course, our predictions for this year’s winners! We don’t over all the categories, but you can find a full list of nominees here: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2022.
Danielle mentioned the podcast Fat Mascara, and in particular episodes with Cruella makeup artist Nadia Stacey and Gwen Stefani.
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Interview with Kristy Woodson Harvey
THE WEDDING VEIL will be in stores on March 29th! It is set at the legendary Biltmore Estate.
Kristy’s Peachtree Bluff series has been optioned to be adapted into a TV series! She told us about helping write the pilot and more exclusive details.
Reading is Kristy’s self-care! She recommends GILT by Jamie Brenner, REMINDERS OF HIM by Colleen Hoover, ONCE UPON A WARDROBE by Patty Callahan, THE HOMEWRECKERS by Mary Kay Andrews, and books by William Kent Kreuger.
Head to Kristy’s website, sign up for her newsletter, and find her on Instagram and Facebook. She’s also a part of the Friends & Fiction Facebook group!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
We gave ourselves a break from goals last time! This week, Gwen wants to clean out her closet and Danielle needs to clean her desk! Danielle bought a huge tub of Stonefire Naan Dippers from Costco and has been enjoying them immensely. Gwen is loving the Salt & Straw Pot of Rainbows cereal-flavored ice cream.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
It has been... a week, LOL!
Gwen is going to her first concert in a while—Eddie Vedder!
Danielle did a virtual event with friend of the pod Jessica P. Pryde with Books are Magic last week. Follow her on social media for the link the replay!
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Main Discussion
Some of the cool girls we discussed:
Gone Girl, and the Salon article
Everyone on Euphoria
Julia Gardner/Anna from Inventing Anna
Anne Hathaway/Rivka in We Crashed
Sarah Michelle Gellar/Katherine in Cruel Intentions
Mila Kunis/ Rachel in Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Megan Fox/Reagan from New Girl
Celebs: Glen Close, Olivia Coleman, Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, Billie Eilish, Betty White, Dionne Warwick
Books: Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake, Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher
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Recs from Mia P. Manansala
Website: https://www.miapmanansala.com/ (sign up for her newsletter!)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MPMtheWriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MPMtheWriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpmthewriter/
All the food!
Celebration/common Filipino dishes: Adobo, Lumpia, Pancit
Unheard of dishes: Ginataang Bilo-bilo
Good starter dish for the home cook: Sinigang
Mia’s website has a ton of recipes from and inspired by her book!
Cozy mystery series Mia and her mom enjoy: Joanna Fluke’s Hannah Swensen series, Vivien Chien’s Noodle Shop Mysteries, Raquel V. Reyes’s Caribbean Mystery series
Mia LOVES candles. Bath & Body Works are among her favorites, but she also mentioned two small Filiapina-owned candle makers: Terra and Kilig
Mia is also a new romance reader and enjoys novels by Talia Hibbert, Alyssa Cole, and Sherry Thomas!
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle has succeeded in making her lunch for work! Gwen hasn’t gotten around to exploring her neighborhood, but she has been taking Ronin (her dog!) on new walking routes.
And... we are taking a break from goals this week!
*
EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson Dresser
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
Gwen is busy but making lists, and took the time to relax by going on a long drive to see the snow. Danielle is being lazy on purpose but did some major Valentine’s Day crafting with friends.
Black Romance in Media
MOVIES
Gwen: If Beale Street Could Talk, The Lovebirds, Poetic Justice, Malcolm and Marie, Southside with You, The Bodyguard, Beyond the Lights, Cinderella
Danielle: Love and Basketball, The Photograph, The Incredible Jessica James
TV
Gwen: Insecure, Harlem (also Run the World), Black-Ish, The Wonder Years (new version)
Danielle: Insecure, Queen Sugar, This is Us, Living Single, Girlfriends
CELEB COUPLES
Gwen: Berry Jenkins and Lulu Wang, Oprah and Stedman
Danielle: Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Barack and Michelle Obama, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
BLACK ROMANCE AUTHORS TO CHECK OUT!
Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, Alyssa Cole, Tracey Livesay, Farrah Rochon, Vanessa Riley, Christina C. Jones, Rilzy Adams, Katrina Jackson, Tasha L. Harrison, Rebecca Weatherspoon, Chencia C. Higgins
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Recs from JESSICA P. PRYDE
BLACK LOVE MATTERS was in part, inspired by WELL-READ BLACK GIRL by Glory Edim, but with more romance!
Jess co-hosts a podcast called When In Romance, with Trish Brown.
Book recs: LOVE AND OTHER DISASTERS by Anita Kelly, YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY by Akwaeke Emezi (May 2022), TO CATCH A RAVEN by Beverly Jenkins (Aug 2022)
What’s bringing Jessica comfort: Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+
Find Jess on Twitter and Instagram
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Last week, Danielle said she was going to deep clean, and whoo boy, she did NOT. This week, she wants to make her lunch at home to take to work. Gwen absolutely excelled at her daily yoga practice, and this week is going to explore a new part of her neighborhood!
Gwen is obsessed with water in all forms. Danielle highly recommends the Universal Standard Seine skinny jeans (and just about everything else on the site).
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at danielle@freshfiction.com.
*
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
EventBrite
Vibe Check
D and G are both feeling Mercury in retrograde. Danielle hosted a small family get-together for her husband’s birthday and Gwen made dinner at home every day!
Host Check-In: Danielle has a new job at a local independent bookstore. Not to worry, the podcast will continue! Gwen is committed to doing more creative endeavors this year!
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Early 2022 Anticipated Media
JANUARY
TV: The Gilded Age, Abbott Elementary
Books: Violeta by Isabel Allende, D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
Movies: Scream 5, The 355, The Tragedy of Macbeth
FEBRUARY
TV: Pam and Tommy, Inventing Anna
Books: Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Movies: Dog, The Tinder Swindler, Marry Me, Book of Love
MARCH
TV: The Dropout, Atlanta Season 3, Bridgerton Season 2, Barry Season 3
Books: The Bone Orchard by Sara A. Meuller, Savvy Sheldon is Feeling Good as Hell by Tag McCoy
Movies: The Batman, TUrning Red, Downton Abbey: A New Era, The Lost City
APRIL
TV: More to come soon!
Books: The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa, In the Face of the Sun by Denny S. Bryce
Movies: The Northman, X, Aline, The Bad Guys
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle sort of made a writing schedule for the first part of 2022, but now really needs to deep clean her house. Gwen did journal but didn’t exactly set up her entire week (it’s a work in progress). This week, Gwen would like to start a daily Yoga practice!
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Danielle and Gwen are both basking in the afterglow of taking time away over the holidays and disconnecting! Danielle has been taking care of her health and going to all the doctor’s appointments and Gwen has started eating more veggies at every meal.
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Main Discussion
Gwen’s Recs: Sex and the City (also And Just Like That), The Phantom Thread. Halston, FASHION CLIMBING by Bill Cunningham and The Times of Bill Cunningham (documentary film), GRACE by Grace Coddington
Danielle’s Recs: The Devil Wears Prada (with the most iconic fashion montage ever), The Mindy Project, Insecure, Project Runway, House of Gucci, IRIS APFEL: ACCIDENTAL ICON by Iris Apfel
We’re both obsessed with the anachronistic fashion found on Reign, The Great, Marie Antoinette, and Bridgerton
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Recs from Mimi Matthews
THE SIREN OF SUSSEX is now available!
Mimi wrote about Victorian Fashion in A VICTORIAN LADY’S GUIDE TO FASHION AND BEAUTY.
Mimi’s author and book recs: Lisa Kleypas, Evie Dunmore, Harper St. George, Suzanne Allain, JANE AND THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER by Stephanie Barron
Find Mimi on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and on her website, https://www.mimimatthews.com/.
Look for the second book in Mimi’s series, Belles of London, THE BELLE OF BELGRAVE SQUARE, in fall 2022!
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle has finished her book 2 revisions and will send it to her editor soon. Her new goal is to work on a writing schedule for the first half of 2022! She is also obsessed with Soap and Glory Hand Food hand cream.
Gwen definitely enjoyed traveling over the holidays. She would now like to take 30 minutes every Sunday and set up her journal/plan for the week. Gwen is also loving the Showtime show, Yellowjackets (and Danielle rec’d a recent episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour that does a deep dive on this show).
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email danielle@freshfiction.com.
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Danielle and Gwen both can’t sleep and are very tired. No one at Fresh Fiction told Danielle about her book’s cover reveal and it went really well; the cover of THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP is now out in the world! Gwen made two new recipes ahead of the holidays: beef pot roast stew and apple cranberry sauce.
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Our Faves of 2021!
Danielle’s Faves
TV: Only Murders in the Building, Ted Lasso, Virgin River Season 3, Insecure, Dickinson
Movies: Raya and the Last Dragon, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, In the Heights, Passing (Danielle mentioned a Reddit thread and Salon article about the book Passing by Nella Larson, how it relates to The Great Gatsby, and how perhaps Gatsby was passing, too)
Books: Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson, The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams, Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola
Gwen’s Faves
TV: Tuca & Bertie season 2, Rick & Morty, Succession, Hacks, White Lotus, Insecure, Ghosts
Movies: King Richard, Tick, Tick, Boom; Malignant, Candyman, Barb and Star Go to Del Mar
Board Games: Fort, Abandon All Artichokes, Accension Realms Unraveled
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2021 “SENIOR SUPERLATIVES”
The Media that Saved You
Gwen: Podcasts and reality TV
Danielle: Graphic novels
Something That Made You LOL
Danielle: Nailed It! On Netflix; this clip of Prince Harry and Prince William doing obstacle courses set to Do You Remember
Gwen: Noodle the Pug
Under the Radar
Gwen: Bo Burnham’s INSIDE
Danielle: We Are Lady Parts on Peacock (Premium)
Wild Card
Danielle: Romancelandia Stickers
Gwen: Alba Botanicals Natural Vegan Jelly
What We Want to See in 2022
What we hope to see in entertainment in 2022
Gwen: History, but not just what we’re already used to
Danielle: Diverse stories, more voices represented, and more HAPPY content.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
BIGGEST GOAL FLOP FROM 2021
Gwen: Drinking water
Danielle: Re-reading Austen
BIGGEST GOAL SUCCESS FROM 2021
Danielle: Anything writing related
Gwen: Uncrossing my legs at my desk
BIG GOAL or INTENTION for 2022
Gwen: Creating and finishing something
Danielle: ENJOY releasing a book!
GOALS FROM LAST WEEK:
Danielle: Finish The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante by the end of the year—ALMOST DONE!
Gwen: Finish Christmas shopping—YES!
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Gwen’s New Goal: Enjoy the next two weeks of traveling
Danielle’s New Goal: Book 2 Revisions, round 1.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at danielle@freshfiction.com.
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Gwen is on a mission to get her cart back! She has not gone to jail and this is a major achievement. Danielle feels accomplished, but is still busy. And she has addressed and stamped her Christmas cards!
Candle Recs from Gwen’s Bath and Body Works haul: Champagne Toast, Campfire S’mores, Apple Hot Toddy.
Candle + Tea rec from Danielle: Winter Wonderland (it’s LIMITED EDITION at Target) and Winter Wake Up Tea from Trader Joe’s
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Main Discussion
Old School Holiday Entertainment
Danielle
TV: Star Wars Holiday Special, Pee Wee’s Playhouse: Christmas Special, Disney Christmas Parade
Movies: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story, Home Alone 1 & 2
Books: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, Babysitters Club Christmas books
Gwen
TV Specials: The Spirit of Christmas
Movies: Muppets Christmas Carol, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.
Books: The Nutcracker
New School Holiday Entertainment
Danielle
TV: The OC/Chrismukkah, A Very Murray Christmas, The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show, Mariah Carey Magical Christmas Special & The Magic Continues
Movies: A Christmas Prince, The Princess Switch, 8-Bit Christmas
Books: Christmas Miracle in Jamaica by Ann McIntosh, What He Wants for Christmas by Brenda Jackson, Just for the Holidays by Adriana Herrera, OMG Christmas Tree by Stephanie J. Scott, A Princess for Christmas and Duke Actually by Jenny Holiday, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes. Also, there are a TON of sexy Santa romances.
Gwen
TV: The Office Christmas episodes!
Movies: A Castle from Christmas, a Clusterfunke Christmas
Books: The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
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Recs from ROAN PARRISH
The Garnet Run Series: BETTER THAN PEOPLE, BEST LAID PLANS, THE LIGHTS ON KNOCKBRIDGE LANE
THE LIGHTS ON KNOCKBRIDGE LANE is the first Harlequin category romance to feature a same-sex main couple.
Smitten Kitchen “Craggy” Pumpkin Bread
Dear Romance Writer Podcast
Birding has brought Roan immense joy!
Coming soon: THE HOLIDAY TRAP (rom-com, house-swap, double romance; 9/6/22) and THE UNHAUNTING OF CASPER ROAD (final in the Garnet Run Series, Halloween romance, late September ‘22)
https://www.roanparrish.com/
https://twitter.com/roanparrish
https://www.facebook.com/roanparrish/
https://www.instagram.com/roanparrish/
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle has completed her Christmas shopping, overachieving on last episode’s goal of finalizing her lists. This week, she wants to finish The Story of the Last Child, the final book in Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan series. Danielle’s comfort: the return of the podcast For Colored Nerds
Gwen wanted to get better sleep and she is working on it! This week, she’d like to finish her Christmas shopping. Gwen’s comfort: Salt & Straw Ice Cream
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EMAIL US!
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Gwen is BOOSTED! And she is glad she has planned for Thanksgiving in advance.
Danielle is working through THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP’s pass pages and book 2 revisions, and had an awesome chat with Denise Williams on the 11/19 episode of the Boozy Book Broads.
Gwen is thankful for her move across the country, meeting silly dogs and pets in her neighborhood, and feel-good TV like Ted Lasso and Rick & Morty.
Danielle is thankful for the health of her family, her dream coming true of becoming an author, her pandemic hobby (watercolor painting), Harlequin Desire romance novels (we chatted with Naima Simone and Reese Ryan on the pod), and Ted Lasso.
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Main Discussion
Thank you to EVERYONE who sent in questions!
Best New-to-You Author
D: Edie Cay, Kaia Alderson, Bolu Babalola
G: Abby Collette, Olivia Dade, Preslaysa Williams
Holiday Book Recs
D: YA-Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant, Cookbook-Simply Julia by Julia Turshen, Historical-The Kat Holloway Mystery series by Jennifer Ashley or Bombshell by Sarah MacLean, Mystery/Suspense: The Final Hour series by Juno Rushdan
G: YA-a nice omnibus of a beloved YA classic series like The Hunger Games, Narnia, or Percy Jackson, Historical-anything by Lauren Willig, Mystery/Suspense: David Baldacci
Favorite thing about the podcast
G: having a creative outlet and building on our friendship
D: working with Gwen! And doing deep dives.
Holiday Shopping in 2021
D: we can actually go to stores, paring down on spending, and buying local as much as possible
G: more online shopping for me, and trying to be thoughtful about gifts
Movies We Are Looking Forward To
G: King Richard and Tick, Tick... Boom!
D: House of Gucci, Spider Man: No Way Home, The Hating Game, Downton Abbey: A New Era
Favorite holiday food and Tradition
D: Food-corn pudding. Tradition-Thanksgiving is the holiday we don’t go anywhwere!
G: Food-chunky mashed postates. Tradition-watching the dog show and the Macy’s parade
EBook Organization
G: Impossible. Although I do love folders, but I can’t ever find what I’m looking for again
D: I don’t! It’s chaos!!!
Guests on the Pod
D: dream guests-Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. We’ve been so lucky in our guests who have been so generous with their time, like Alyssa Cole, Talia Hibbert, Naima Simone, and Lauren Willig (and seriously, everyone else).
G: we’d love to interview industry professionals-editors, agents, cover designers, screenwriters, actors, more film & tv critics, etc.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle watched a TON of TV (Succession, Dickinson, Call the Midwife, Only Murders in the Building, Howards End, Ted Lasso, Queen Sugar – goal achieved! This week she would like to finalize her holiday shopping lists.
Gwen started journaling daily because Danielle sent her a one line a day journal! Her new goal is to sleep 7-8 hours a night, and trying to go to bed by 10pm.
Danielle’s Comfort: Harlequin Holiday Romance Novels! Moonlight, Menorahs, and Mistletoe by Wendy Warren, Christmas at the Chateau by Rochelle Alers, What He Wants for Christmas by Brenda Jackson, Christmas Miracle in Jamaica by Ann McIntosh and breakup albums (Adele’s 30, Taylor’s Red, and Kacey Musgrave’s Star-Crossed)
Gwen’s Comfort: Cowboy Bebop, both the original anime and the new live action show.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at danielle@freshfiction.com.
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Gwen is leaning into Daylight saving. Danielle did a whole bunch of stuff but still feels like she didn’t “do” anything. Gwen learned the importance of cleaning out your fridge. Danielle read a bunch of books (MISS MORIARTY, I PRESUME? by Sherry Thomas, JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Adriana Herrera, THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT by Reese Ryan, and YINKA WHERE IS YOUR HUZBAND? by Lizzia Damilola Blackburn) and her 8th wedding anniversary is this week!
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Pop Culture Pets
GWEN’S RECS: NOODLE THE PUG (tik tok), UP, SECRET LIFE OF PETS , All Disney movies with a journey, VIVO, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, THE CROWN, IT STARTED WITH A DOG by Julia London
DANIELLE’S RECS: Salem on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Heihei from MOANA, the guard horse from TANGLED, GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert, TOO GOOD TO BE REAL by Melonie Johnson, HEARTS OF ALASKA series by Alanna Martin
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Recs from LUCY GILMORE
The dog show in Lucy’s novel is based on Westminster, but on a much smaller scale. As for beauty pageant research? Toddlers & Tiaras!
Lucy is enjoying watching Only Murders in the Building (on Hulu) and recently read Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat.
For self-care, Lucy loves taking her dogs on long walks!
Be sure to follow her on social media for info about her books and all the pet pics:
https://tamaraberry.com/lucy-gilmore
https://twitter.com/Words_by_Lucy
https://www.instagram.com/tamaratamaralucy/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLucyGilmore/
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle, and hopefully everyone else, enjoyed Halloween! This week she wants to watch more TV. Gwen did not do morning meditation, but she is going to start journaling every day (Danielle recommended her One Line A Day journal).
Danielle is finding joy in eating leftover Halloween candy, and loose leaf tea from her local tea shop, The Tea Tree. Gwen is enjoying the return of Starbucks’s red holiday cups.
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EMAIL US!
Don’t forget to send us your questions/thoughts/ideas for the listener request show later this month. Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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CALL TO ACTION: For our “listener request” show in November, send us a note at podcast@freshfiction.com and let us know what you want us to talk about: advice, book recommendation requests, gift-giving help, or any topic you wish!
Gwen’s had a busy week while her husband has been injured, but she feels like Mary Tyler Moore because she’s doing it all.
Danielle has been making the most of the gorgeous fall happening in Illinois, bonfires, hanging out with friends, and more!
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Paranormal Pop Culture Recommendations
TV
Danielle: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, Lost Girl
Gwen: Ghosts on CBS (based on a British series of the same name), Childs Play TV series on SciFi, Bettlejuice animated series,
MOVIES
Danielle: The Addams Family, Casper, Ghostbusters; most of Tim Burton’s Oeuvre: Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow
Gwen: Interview with a Vampire (TV series coming soon!), Gaia on Hulu, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Into the Woods
BOOKS
Danielle: Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert, Shelley Laurenston, Ilona Andrews; Middle-Grade graphic novel: Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee, YA graphic novel: Sheets and Delicates by Brenna Thummler
Gwen: Joe Hill's books combine horror and paranormal (also, he's Stephen King’s son)
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Recs from SULEIKHA SNYDER
BIG BAD WOLF
PRETTY LITTLE LION
Don’t sleep on how diverse and speculative Passions was...
The heroine of PRETTY LITTLE LION is an apsara with some added ablities!
Suleikha has been an entertainment writer for years! Some recs: General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, Ted Lasso, Evil
Romance recs: KJ Charles, Holley Trent, Olivia Waite, Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, Courtney Milan, Melissa Blue, Charlotte Stien (basically just read every book by everyone)
Suleikha finds immense comfort in Ted Lasso, ice cream (specifically Hagen-Das Creamy Mango and anything by Jenni’s), soap operas, and her upcoming trip to NYC.
Recs from our Halloween Rapid Fire Round:
Suleikha wants to dress up like Taika Waititi in a pineapple romper, Gwen’s all about Jennifer Coolidge’s character on The White Lotus, and Danielle is feeling feline (because it’s easy).
Halloween Movie recs: the first that came to mind for Suleikha was Nightmare Before Christmas, Gwen loves Hocus Pocus, and Danielle enjoys how The Addams Family is weird and has no rules.
http://www.suleikhasnyder.com
https://twitter.com/suleikhasnyder
https://www.instagram.com/suleikhasnyder/
https://www.tiktok.com/@suleikhasnyder
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle did prep for NaNoWriMo, but because of book 2 revisions, she probably won’t be doing it this year. Her new goal is to enjoy Halloween!
Danielle’s Comfort: E.L.F. Nourishing Night Cream ($12) and Uoma Drama Bomb Mascara ($20)
Gwen has been getting up early! Her new goal is to mediate for ten minutes every morning.
Gwen’s Comfort: Meditation Aromatherapy Roll-On from Pompeii Organics
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? And send us your topics for the listener request show! Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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We want to hear from you! For our Thanksgiving episode, we want our listeners to tell us what to talk about! Email podcast@freshfiction.com with your ideas/requests/topics/questions and we’ll yammer on about it at the end of November.
Gwen has made a ton of soup. She is really proud that she had a game night with some of their new friends, and played Abandon All Artichokes, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, and Clank. Danielle has a wild plan to finish her current WIP and maybe (possibly) write another book before the end of the year...
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Main Discussion
We both love witches and the broad scope they cover in entertainment. We both hold the 1996 film THE CRAFT close to our hearts. And we loved the trajectory of a character like the Wicked Witch of the West, who we grew up with in The Wizard of Oz, then saw the flip side of in WICKED by Gregory Macguire, and again with the musical.
Gwen’s recs: Hocus Pocus, The VVitch, Tara and Willow on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Fear Street 1666, Lore Podcast, American Horror Story (Coven and Apocalypse), and Ursula the Sea Witch from The Little Mermaid
Danielle’s recs: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Scarlett Witch from WandaVision, The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, Witch Please by Anne Aguirre, Big Witch Energy by Kelly Jamieson, Alexis Daria’s Audible original: What the Hex, Witches of Brooklyn series by Sophie Escabasse (middle grade), Bad Witch Burning by Jessica Lewis (YA)
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Recs from LANA HARPER
Lana has written in different genres! Be sure to check out all of her books on her website: https://www.lanapopovicbooks.com/
Lana’s Favorite Pop Culture Witches: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Magicians, True Blood. Danielle mentioned the Wicked Witch of the West but also brought up Gregory McGuire’s WICKED and the Broadway Musical; Gwen brought up Hocus Pocus and American Horror Story: Coven. Then we all remembered Practical Magic and The Craft!!
Lana finds immense comfort in perfume! She’s also enjoying The L Word: Generation Q and For All Mankind.
Look for Lana’s next witchy romance, FROM BAD TO CURSED, in Spring 2022.
Follow Lana on Twitter, @LanaPopovicLit, and Instagram, @LanaLyte. For more info, go to her website: https://www.lanapopovicbooks.com/.
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Gwen made so much soup with the stock she made last week! This week she wants to wake up by 6:30am. And she finally got a cozy “shacket,” aka a Plush Shirt Jacket from Costco.
Danielle turned in her copyedits! This week she wants to start prepping for NaNoWriMo. And she made Double Chocolate Coffee Addict Cookies by Sweet & Simple Kitchen.
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D had a busy week dealing with her daughter’s cold, but she was able to see her new, grown-up friends! G’s mom is visiting her in WA and she got to show off some of her favorite places in her new home.
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SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE DISCUSSION
A great place to hear more about second chance romance is our interview with Reese Ryan, who wrote three second chance romances in 2020: Second Chance on Cypress Lane, Secret Heir Seduction, and A Reunion of Rivals
Gwen’s Recs:
Movies - Always Be My Maybe, The Philadelphia Story, heartbreaking version of Wuthering Heights from 2011
TV - Ross and Rachel, Lorelei and Christopher, Eleanor and Chidi from The Good Place
Books – Persuasion (The OG Second Chance Romance, in our opinion)
Pop Culture – Ben and Jen 3.0!
Danielle’s Recs:
Movies – Sweet Home Alabama, Love and Basketball, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, High Fidelity
TV – Mer-Der on Grey’s Anatomy (and most of the other major romance storylines on the show... is it nostalgia?), Jess and Nick on New Girl, but also, CeCe and Schmidt’s love story is possibly even more akin to a romance novel!
Books - Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan, Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole, Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev, A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria, One Week to Claim it All by Adriana Herrera (her new book, JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS will be out in October)
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Recs from DIANA BILLER
THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN PARIS hits stores on October 12. Pre-order now!
You can also read her debut, THE WIDOW OF ROSE HOUSE, and a holiday novella, A CHRISTMAS SPARK.
Hot take! Diana doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she loves writing about them. Also, we all think we will make excellent ghosts one day.
Neuroscience as we know it was really coming into its own during this time (though it wasn’t called neuroscience just yet). Diana showed us her copy of Origins of Neuroscience, which looks fascinating... and very dense.
Discovering BTS has brought Diana so much joy (Same, girl!).
Also, she has the best pets! Shout out to Valentino and Giselle!!
We got the scoop on Diana’s future release, The Hotel of Secrets, set in Vienna, with a beautiful hotel owner and a reluctant spy. Look for it in early 2023. Please be aware that dates can change (such is publishing!), so sign up for Diana’s newsletter to get the latest info.
https://www.dianabiller.com/
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle is still scrolling at night, but she is also reading more! Reading a print book with short chapters and very lyrical writing, like the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante, has been a huge help. This week, she is VERY determined to finsih the copyedits on THE ACCIDENTAL PINUP. Her new Rothy’s Driver Loafers are making her immensely happy.
Gwen has been reconnecting with friends by sending them lovely little gifts and she will continue to work on this because it has been really satisfying. She now wants to focus on making stock because it’s soup season! Gwen has started using a Breville milk frother and is making her own lattes at him, which is very comforting.
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It’s Gwen’s Birthday week!!!!!!!!! She also put together one of the new desks in her home and it’s making things feel complete.
Danielle participated in #20Kin5Days! It’s hosted by author Tasha L. Harrison and her Wordmakers community. It only opens to new members every few months, so sign up for her newsletter if you’re interested in future challenges or are looking for a place to connect with other writers. In addition to writing 20K on a new WIP, Danielle also published her author website: https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/
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WRITING AT LARGE IN POP CULTURE
Gwen’s Recs: Can You Ever Forgive Me? (screenwriting), Girls (Millennials writing), Ruby Sparks (writer’s creation coming to life, see also Stranger Than Fiction), Almost Famous (music writing), Young Adult (YA author), HappyThankYouMorePlease (for a shade of ridiculous publishing portrayal), Quills (Marquis de Sade), Anonymous (Shakespeare), Poetic Justice (poetry), How to Make an American Quilt (thesis writing), Sex and the City (can’t forget our girl Carrie)
Danielle’s Recs: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (magazine features), Never Been Kissed (newspaper scoop, also, super problematic in retrospect), The Devil Wears Prada (Vogue), 13 Going on 30 (magazine features), The Proposal (editors), You’ve Got Mail (bookstores), Trainwreck (magazine features). Don’t forget about Romancing the Stone (romance writer!!!); stay tuned for The Lost City of D with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. TV: The Bold Type (magazines), Younger (publishing), 30 Rock (TV writer’s room)
Danielle also asked on Twitter for books featuring writers, because she could only think of the recent release, SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE by Tia Williams. Shout out to Leigh Kramer, Theresa Romain, Jon Keogh, and @ThanksForDaVenom for their recs. See the full list here: https://twitter.com/DJacksonBooks/status/1431022653821886472
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Recs from NAIMA SIMONE
Naima finds that doing writing challenges with a partner and writing out plots/outlines by hand help keep her on track for her word count goals!
She’s a big crime show and reality TV fan!
She credits Nalini Singh with writing diverse characters before “diversity” was a big initiative in publishing and wants her diverse casts to be the norm across the board.
Things bringing her joy: her new dog, Dr. Death on Peacock, and Slasher Season 4
All of Naima’s book coming soon:
August 24: Secrets of a One Night Stand
September 1: A Kiss to Remember
October 26: Christmas in Rose Bend
December 28: The Perfect Fake Date
Naima’s Website: http://naimasimone.com/
Newsletter
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Gwen did complete her goal last week and put together one of the two new desks (the second is on it’s way)! This week, she wants to reconnect with friends by sending some fun local Seattle products and cards/letters. She also took a trip to Penzey’s and bought a million spices which is bring her much joy.
Danielle, in no way shape or form, even tried to clean out her guest room closet (she has decided she’s over it). This week, she wants to be better about reading before bed and not just scrolling on her phone. Danielle is obsessed with her Out of Print x S’Well composition notebook water bottle that she got on SUPER sale, and that makes her happy.
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Danielle has seen a book cover! And it’s great!
Gwen cleaned out her freezer!
Our guest, Susan, wrote two reviews of upcoming movies for her website, http://thischixflix.com/
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Our Fall 2021 Entertainment Recs
September
Susan/Film: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Candyman, Dear Evan Hansen, The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Gwen/TV: I Know What You Did Last Summer, Doogie, The Wonder Years, Le Brea, Big Sky, ACS: Impeachment, Scenes from a Marriage, The Morning Show
Danielle Books: A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria, You Got Anything Stronger? By Gabrielle Union
October
Susan/Film: No Time to Die, The Last Duel, Halloween Kills
Gwen/TV: Succession, Insecure, Queens, Dopesick, The Many Saints of New York
Danielle Books: The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller (future podcast guest!), All the Feels by Olivia Dade, Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
November
Susan/Film: Eternals, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Top Gun: Maverick, House of Gucci,
Gwen/TV: The Great season 2, Dexter: New Blood
Danielle Books: Terciel & Elinor by Garth Nix, Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau, Miss Moriarty I Presume by Sherry Thomas
December
Susan/Film: Spider-Man: No Way Home, The King’s Man, The Matrix 4
Gwen/TV: Netflix Christmas movies and finding time to watch all the shows we didn’t watch the rest of the year!
Danielle Books: The Love Con by Seressia Glass
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Susan would like to drink more water and have a consistent bedtime routine! She’s finding immense comfort in Taco Bell (as we all do) and watching Never Have I Ever on Netflix. You can find Susan’s reviews on http://thischixflix.com/. Follow her on Twitter!
Gwen needs to build two desks for her apartment. The weather is cooling off in the PNW, so she’s enjoying wearing funny sweaters, and is considering a western-style sweatshirt from Costco!
Danielle must go through her guest room closet. Her quiet house is bringing her so much joy!
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Gwen had a harrowing adventure this week, but has a new mattress to show for it! Danielle planned two birthday parties and is the mother of a 7 yr. old! They think these are huge accomplishments!
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Celebrities!
Celebs Danielle Follows in Social Media: (mostly on Instagram) Mindy Kaling, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Retta, Gabrielle Union, Nicole Byer. Also! Don’t sleep on celebrity stylists: Elizabeth Stuart, Law Roach, and Karla Welch
Celebs Gwen likes to follow: Many of the same that Danielle follows, but also fashion designers, makeup artists, Issa Rae (HER WEDDING!!!!), Beyonce, musicians and bands like Taking Back Sunday and Foo Fighters
Gwen’s Recs: The old standards: Celebitchy, Lainey Gossip, Page Six, RealityTea for reality show gossip, CrazyDaysandNights and Deux Moi for blind items, and books by Anne Helen Peterson and Karina Longworth for the business side of celebrity; Behind the Music (Paramount), Tabloid, NOBODY SPEAKS (Netflix), AMY, FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS. Very old show DIRT starring Courteney Cox
Danielle’s Recs: Bohemian Rhapsody, Judy, My Week with Marilyn, The United States vs. Billie Holiday (and Lady Sings the Blues), The Aviator; Beyond the Lights, any version of A Star is Born, Birdman, The Artist; American Crime Story (Gianna Versace and OJ Simpson), Entourage, The Crown, “thinly veiled” shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, One Mississippi; You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria (also Take the Lead), Reel by Kennedy Ryan, While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
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Recs from JENNET ALEXANDER
Jennet spent part of her release day with us, and we were very chuffed about it! You can follow her on Twitter, @JennetAlexander, and find out more info on her website, http://www.jennetalexander.com/.
Horror film/show recs: Dog Soldiers, Haunting of Hill House, Haunting of Bly Manor
Romance rec: Anne of Manhattan by Brina Starler
Gossip/Celeb culture sites: Celebitchy, The Mary Sue (mostly does reviews, but sometimes covers bigger, “tabloid” stories)
Pop Culture she’s been enjoying: the newer Godzilla movies (most recently, Godzilla vs. Kong) that have a lot of throwbacks to the original Gojira, MCU and looking forward to Phase 4 (specifically Hawkeye with Hailee Steinfeld)
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle has been writing something every day! Now, she wants to figure out a work routine for the upcoming school year.
Gwen’s inbox is much more organized and as the week goes on and she completes more tasks, it will be all clear again. An evergreen goal (for everyone – even you!), Gwen would like to drink more water.
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EMAIL US!
Thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@freshfiction.com.
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Gwen Reyes
Danielle Jackson
Fresh Fiction
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Gwen has been going to bed at 10:30 consistently this week, and we want to know the secret to this sorcery.
Danielle’s debut novel is about to head to copyediting and proofreading, she finished the first draft of her WIP, and she planned TWO parties for her daughter’s upcoming 7th birthday!
ESCAPISM
Is escapism more about a feeling? Maybe a sense of place? Or is it just watching rich people do a bunch of wild things? We’re not sure, but we do have opinions.
Danielle’s Escapist Recs:
TV: Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy (in particular, the infamous bomb episode)
MOVIES: Wes Anderson Movies - The Royal Tenenbaums,The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Moonrise Kingdom. Shout out to the The French Dispatch, which finally premiered at Cannes this year!
BOOKS: THE EX TALK by Rachel Lynn Solomon, PUMPKINHEADS by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES by Denny S. Bryce, Sarah MacLean’s Bareknuckle Bastards series
Gwen’s Escapist Recs:
Opulence: Anything that revolves around insanely rich people, because it is sooo different from my life. I also love watching the pettiness and insecurity money brings to people -- again, not in real life. THE WHITE LOTUS, REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC, DR. DEATH, and FBOY ISLAND
Travel/”City as a character”: NYC/LA/Paris as the backdrop for a person discovering themselves. BITTERSWEET, SWEET FILTHY BOY, and food travel shows like David Chang’s BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Podcasts – WHO?Weekly and EVEN THE RICH
Recs from Melonie Johnson
Does anyone know why there are so many paintball scenes in rom-coms? (PS There’s one in Melonie’s book, too!!)
Our favorrite rom-com movie and book recs! Melonie: When Harry Met Sally, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. Gwen: You’ve Got Mail (but also His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby), Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding. Danielle: Clueless, The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa.
Some things Melonie did early on in her publishing journey to learn about the business: NaNoWriMo, read the Smart Bitches Trashy Books website and listened to the podcast, attended the Chicago-North RWA Spring Fling Conference.
Melonie is thrilled about the warm weather and being outside, and listening to audiobooks: GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert and WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES by Denny S. Bryce.
Look for TOO WRONG TO BE RIGHT, Kat’s book, coming soon!
Go to Melonie’s website for more info, follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Reader Group, Instagram, and sign up for her newsletter.
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle chose a baking project (puff pastry), but will wait to start until it’s not so hot out. She would like to get back into a regular writing routine this week. And she’s been making sun tea on her deck!
Gwen has procured her air fryer, but has not found a fried chicken recipe... YET. She wants to keep her work email inbox clean and organized! And spying on her neighbors and seeing/hearing their exploits has brought her much joy this week.
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This week, Gwen got to see friends who came to visit and she started composting! Danielle survived her family vacation to Michigan and changed her social media handles to @DJacksonBooks to start changing into her author persona!
Food in Pop Culture
Do we ever stop talking about food? NOPE! Do we have a TON of recommendations? YES!
Gwen’s Chef Shows: Celeb chefs like Ina, Martha, Tabitha Brown, plus Giada and Bobby Flay’s forbidden love.
Gwen’s Food Competition Shows: Top Chef is the OG!
Gwen’s TV/Movies: Chocolat, Hook, Kitchen Confidential, A Matter of Taste; Controversy over Roadrunner
Gwen’s Books: Louisa Edwards’ “Recipe for Love” series featuring chefs and restaurant owners. And I back Danielle’s choice of Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev.
Danielle’s Chef Shows: Nadiya Bakes, Chef Show, and I’ve been known to just turn on the Food Network and watch whatever comes on
Danielle’s Food Competitions Shows: Top Chef, Chopped, Great British Baking Show, Nailed It!
Danielle’s TV/Movies: Chef, Ratatouille, Dinner Rush
Danielle’s Books: Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev, Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera, A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau, The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory, Accidentally Engaged by Farrah Heron
Recs from Sonali Dev
The first Austen novel that Sonali read was Pride and Prejudice.
There was a very 80s, very awesome P&P retelling called Trishna that she watched when she was younger.
The Raje Series: Pride Prejudice and Other Flavors, Recipe for Persuasion, and Incense and Sensibility Coming soon: the 4th book in the Raje series, based on Emma.
Head to https://sonalidev.com/ for more information. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, join her Facebook Reader group, Dev Nation, and sign up for her newsletter!
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Gwen did not find a GP or a vet, but she did go to the dentist! This week, Gwen would like to find a “fried” chicken recipe for her new air fryer! Gwen has found immense comfort in oat milk lattes.
Danielle survived family vacation, and wants to find a new baking recipe to perfect (she is leaning toward puff pastry). Danielle LOVES this Crushed Oreo and White Chocolate Chip cookie recipe!
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On today's episode...
Danielle traveled and hung out with a bunch of kids!
Gwen survived the Seattle heatwave and didn’t murder her husband in the process!
Host Check-in!
Gwen has had an eventful 2021 so far, including moving across the country, bringing back the FF podcast, finding her perfect Costco in her new city, and starting a new event planning job.
Danielle has a pub date for her debut novel (but she can’t share it just yet). Get ready for Summer 2022!
What we’ve been READING
Danielle: Bombshell by Sarah MacLean (August 24), The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon (August 17); Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson (August 3), The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (September 14), and slowly reading Emma by Jane Austen and will follow it up with Northanger Abbey. (PS: Danielle is moderating a virtual panel on Friday August 6 with Alexis Daria, Melonie Johnson, Sarah MacLean, Scarlett Peckham, and Farrah Rochon, all about BFFs in Romance)
Gwen: One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, The Checklist by Addie Woolridge, and I just started To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne (You’ve Got Mail reimagining!)
What we’ve been WATCHING
Gwen: Below Deck Med and Real Housewives of Potomac (Bravo) are back, baby! Kevin Can F Himself (AMC+), This is Pop (Netflix), Top Chef Portland season finale (Bravo), The Hustler (ABC), Starstruck (HBO Max), Hacks (HBO), Woolfgang (Disney+)
Danielle: The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu), Much Ado About Nothing (Amazon Prime), Shadow and Bone (per Gwen’s rec! On Netflix), In the Heights (HBO Max), We are Lady Parts (Peacock TV)
PS: Look at all the pretty people in Much Ado About Nothing!
What else we’ve been CONSUMING
Danielle: Podcast: Unladylike. All the Trader Joe’s snacks, specifically the Giant Peruvian Inca Corn Snacks and Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns.
Gwen: Podcast: I Am All In with Scott Patterson. Carrie Underwood’s Calia brand athleisure. Millionaire Cheesecakes and Lemon curd Cheesecakes from Costco. Ellenos Yogurt (Whole Foods and other specialty shops nationwide)
More Summer Fun!
Gwen wants to see more friends and has some upcomiong visitors that will be very exciting! She and her husband are also trying to explore Western Washington more, and went to Mt. Rainier recently. She really wants to go to Forks, WA, and Danielle wholeheartedly supports this, even though neither of them got into Twilight AT ALL.
Danielle is taking a family trip to a smalltown in Michigan to live that lake life. Also, she had brunch with friends recently and now wants to do that more (safely and within reason).
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Recs from Marissa and Roseann
Check out LSA’s surprise boxes and their YouTube channel!
Roseann loved the virtual event they hosted with Beverly Jenkins and Marissa has enjoyed the Boozy Book Broads, including Rosie Danan, Diana Biller, and Jackie Lau
All the recs from our rapid fire section! Comfort Reads: Anything Beverly Jenkins, Anything Barbara Delinksey, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Born in Fire by Nora Roberts. Books we think should be adapted for TV/Film: The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa, Modern Love Series by Alisha Rai, Jemima J by Jane Green, You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria. Dream Author Guests for store events or the podcast: Beverly Jenkins (in person!), Alyssa Cole, Suzanne Brockmann, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts
Marissa is loving the warmer weather, Frappucinos, Skinny Pop Popcorn, and her dogs.
Roseann is finding joy in warmer weather and getting outside more.
Follow LSA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, shop their online store, sign up for their newsletter, and check out their Patreon! Also, head to their website for the latest info on events, store hours, and everything else: https://lovessweetarrow.com/
After this interview was recorded in the springtime, Love’s Sweet Arrow and the Boozy Book Broads have put together a NEW Summer Sultry Box with handpicked items by the BBBs, LSA, and a special Novelly Yours Candle called Boozy Books on the Beach!
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Gwen did not start un-crossing her legs while working, but it’s a work in progress. Gwen’s new goal is to find GP/doctors for her and her husband in WA and a vet/groomer for their dog. This week, she has found joy in having her brother and his partner visit soon!
Danielle successfully traveled across the country and didn’t spiral (too much). Danielle’s new goal is to survive family vacation! And this week, she wants to give a special shout out to Novelly Yours Candles. Some of her faves: Book Club, Tarot Reading, Rose All Day, Thriller, and The Muse.
Follow Up: The Worst Best Man [DD1]
Vibe Check
The Type-A Queen of our hearts: Gwen has created a spreadsheet for her new local dining options!
Actual human interaction!?! Danielle hosted an in-person event to celebrate Love’s Sweet Arrow’s 2nd anniversary! Our pal, @TheLindaShow, took some fun photos!!
Romance Tropes
If you are interested in more in-depth coverage of Romance Tropes and what they mean and why romance readers love them, check out these great podcasts: Fated Mates, Learning the Tropes, Whoa!mance, and Shelf Love.
Our Faves and Recs!
Danielle's favorite tropes and recs:
Second chance romance: Reese Ryans's A Reunion of Rivals and Second Chance on Cypress Lane, Naima Simone's The Road to Rose Bend
Enemies to lovers: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon, The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Grumpy/Sunshine: Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert, Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur, Managed by Kristin Callihan
Gwen's favorite tropes and recs:
Second chance romance: the Netflix movie, Always Be My Maybe (come for feelings, but stay for KEANU!)
One-night-stand who ends up being the boss/co-worker/neighbor: Mer-Der on Grey's Anatomy (this EXACT moment, LOL)
Love triangle: Vampire Diaries (Danielle snuck in a rec for One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London!)
Recs from REESE RYAN
Reese has all the books out: WAKING UP MARRIED, SECOND CHANCE ON CYPRESS LANE, SOMETHING ABOUT YOU.
She’s been using Sarra Cannon’s HB90 organization bootcamp plan to stay focused.
Authors she enjoys reading: Rochelle Alers, Maisey Yates, Kathy Douglass
Check out her YouTube chat show, The Story Behind the Story (and so you can see her cute nose ring).Some of her favorite chats have been with Beverley Jenkins and Brenda Jackson and she’s excited to talk to Talia Hibbert and Donna Hill
Look for a new continuity series by Reese, Karen Booth, and Joss Wood about foster brothers this fall: HOMECOMING HEARTBREAKER by Joss Wood (July), BEST LAID WEDDING PLANS by Karen Booth (August), and JUST A LITTLE MARRIED by Reese Ryan (September)
Visit https://www.reeseryan.com/ for more information and to sign up for Reese’s newsletter. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Reader Group, and Instagram.
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle’s (almost) no-coffee experiment continues, and now she wants to travel safely to see her family. She’s also obsessed with the Etsy shop, Fugly Barbie! Some of her faves: Cute Spooky Vibes sweatshirt, Romance Noves are My Therapy sticker, Support Your Local Coven tee, and Hot and Steamy mug.
Gwen did not unpack, but she does have to do it... eventually. She’d like to stop crossing her legs under her while she works at her desk, and has enjoyed watching In The Heights and Hacks, both of which are on HBO Max.
Find us on the Socials!
Gwen @ReelVixen
Danielle @dj_dresser
Fresh Fiction @FreshFiction
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Vibe Check
This week, Gwen is feeling good about moving around more throughout the day and getting settled in her new city!
Danielle has been reading a TON lately. She’s working her way through the Y: The Last Man graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, and she read a magical Ethiopian Jane Eyre retelling (yes, you read that right) called Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood (Sorry, it doesn’t come out until November, but you should totally preorder it!).
INDULGENCES
When D thinks of indulgences in pop culture she thinks of shows in the early Aughts, like Gossip Girl and Revenge. Also, the Harlequin Desire line of category romances, which are described as being about the “American elite.” Back in the Texan’s Bed by Naima Simione and Waking Up Married by Reese Ryan (future podcast guest!) are two recent releases she enjoyed. Of course, watching any of the Real Housewives franchises or even the Kardashians—but it’s interesting when the people on these shows are “messy” like everyone else, and watching them mess up is very entertaining.
Gwen really loved the English translation and Netflix adaptation of 365 Days by Blanka Lipinska! Also, she enjoys aspirational life-style reality TV like Million Dollar Listing, Selling Sunset, and The Big Day. Also, remember how sumptuous and vibrant old technicolor moves were? Like Sunset Boulevard and Imitation of Life.
What do our indulgences say about us? You tell us!
Gwen: Taking a long shower, putting on lotion, and getting in fresh sheets, Midnight Cookie runs, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Seattle donuts, and Omakase sushi menus
Danielle: Ipsy subscription, ordering lunch at least once a week, Starbucks at least once a week (under normal circumstances, it’s definitely more than that), ALL the streaming services, and buying books! Recent buys: Why She Wrote by the Bonnets at Dawn hosts, Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce, and a Kindle Oasis
Recs from Angelina!
Looking for great sex scenes in romance? Look to early Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Theresa Medeiros, Laura Kinsale, Sierra Simone
Angelina, Danielle, and Melonie Johnson host the Boozy Book Broads chat every 3rd Friday of the Month on Love’s Sweet Arrow’s YouTube channel. Some of her favorite chats have been with Rosie Danan, Diana Biller, and Naima Simone.
Coming soon: a new series by Angelina with Carina Press about 3 Mexican American sisters set in a small-town Kansas bar.
Check out http://www.angelinamlopez.com/ for her blog, short stories, and much more! You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for her newsletter.
You can read her books: LUSH MONEY, HATE CRUSH, and SERVING SIN (our pals at Love’s Sweet Arrow have SIGNED copies of all of Angelina’s books right now!!)
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Gwen has been unpacking like crazy and is so close to getting everything done in her new place that she is going to carry this one over for another couple of weeks!
Danielle has been working on her patience and that has been helped by some much-needed distance—plus she is planning on taking a trip to see family soon! This week, Danielle wants to stop drinking coffee and see what happens. Wish her luck!
Gwen’s new couch, the Lovesac Sactional, is bringing her immense joy!
Danielle has simplified her skincare routine and loves the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
When was the last time you read a magazine? Gwen recently read print issues of Food Network, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit!
Danielle finished her first draft of book 3 but knows there’s a lot to work on during the revision process.
Our Entertainment Comfort Zones
Gwen loves a family/found family-focused show, like Modern Family, Blackish, Friends, and How I Met Your Mother. She also loves dysfunctional family shows like Succession and The Righteous Gemstones
Danielle goes for creative-driven reality TV competition shows, like Top Chef, Project Runway, and The Great British Baking Show. She also hasn’t met a medical drama she won't give a try (and she will watch Grey’s Anatomy until the bitter end).
Media that Danielle has consumed that is outside of her usual comfort zone – SciFi/High Fantasy: The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix, Persephone Station by Stina Leicht, Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell, The Unleashing and The Undoing by Shelley Laurenston, The Thorne Chronicles by K. Eason; all the Marvel movies; the local news!
Media that Gwen has consumed that is outside of her usual comfort zone – Shadow and Bone on Netflix; Male-narrated podcasts like Dana Carvey’s Fantastic, Ron Funches’ Getting Better; Big Sky on ABC (a twist on the serialized police procedural); Foreign language shows like Call Your Agent and Sexify
Recs from ALYSSA COLE
We were obsessed with Alyssa’s Zoom background, which was the Nightwalker from Princess Mononoke.
Alyssa’s new book, HOW TO FIND A PRINCESS, will be in stores on May 25!
We discussed aspects of all of the books in the Reluctant Royal series, as well as the spinoff series, Runaway Royals.
Mr. Rogers, possibly a bisexual icon?
Alyssa has been reading SPY x FAMILY!
Coming soon: partnering with Oneill Jones on the REJECT SQUAD ULTRA graphic novel (which started out as a part of her novella, CAN’T ESCAPE LOVE, and is now real!!); Book 2 in the Hive series after THE AI WHO LOVED ME, which will be another Audible original.
Go to https://alyssacole.com/, sign up for the Girls With Glasses Newsletter, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle has decided to just read whatever Austen book she wants on her Summer of Austen re-read (she’s starting with EMMA). She has found comfort in listening to Regina Spektor’s Begin to Hope, which came out 15 years ago. Danielle is also going to work on her patience... with everything!
Gwen has moved for 30 minutes every day—between walking her dog and moving across the country, she has this one covered! She has found comfort in cozy blankets, and recommends the Sherpa blanket from Costco.
Vibe Check
Welcome to our very special MOM episode!
Gwen works with her mom and admires her ambition, as well as her eye-opening carpool tactics.
Danielle learned to make time for herself from her mom, who has two masters and her PhD, all of which she earned AFTER she had kids.
Our moms are the very best!
Pop Culture MOMS!
Gwen chose two Iconic TV moms: Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls and Lucille Bluth (RIP Jessica Walters) from Arrested Development – both of whom could be considered terrible mothers...
Danielle: Clair Huxtable really had it all. Molly Weasley from the HP series, especially when she takes out Bellatrix. Rainbow Johnson from Black-ish because she’s quirky and always there for her kids. Morticia Addams wasn’t afraid to show affection to Gomez. Marmee from Little Women is perhaps the quintessential mother. (Also, terrible moms: Lily Vander Woodsen from Gossip Girl, Ellis Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, also ALL the parents on Riverdale—loved this PopBuzz article dissecting why!)
Recs from ASHLEY AUDRAIN
Ashley’s debut novel, THE PUSH, is now available!
Ashley has two books to recommend (which coincidentally look at motherhood!): THE NINE LIVES OF ROSE NAPOLITANO by Donna Freitas and THE SPECTACULAR by Zoe Whittall (out in September)
Like so many of us, Ashley loved THE UNDOING on HBO.
Wearing comfy sweats has brought Ashley immense joy! She especially loves the sweats from Province of Canada.
Ashley’s next book, THE WHISPERS, will be out in 2022!
You can find out more info at https://ashleyaudrain.com/, follow her on Instagram (where she is the most active) and Twitter.
What we’re watching/reading/listening to
Reading (BOOKS!)
Danielle: WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES by Denny S. Bryce, THE ROAD TO ROSE BEND by Naima Simone, LOVE IN COLOR by Bolu Babalola, NEON GODS by Katee Robert
Gwen – BROKEN (IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY) by Jenny Lawson
Watching (TV!)
Gwen – REAL WORLD: HOMECOMING, GOOD GIRLS, and exploring Peacock Premium
Danielle: NAILED IT!, NADIYA BAKES, the new season of TOP CHEF, the final season of THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA, and RIVERDALE
Listening (PODCASTS!)
Danielle: Gee Thanks, Just Bought It, Dear Romance Writer, Boobies and Noobies
Gwen – Spectacle, Sweet Stories in the Dell (the podcast of Sweet Briar College, Gwen’s alma mater!)
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Checking In!
Is Gwen a scammer now? She learned how to use OfferUp!
Danielle is sleepy because of rainy weather.
Deep Dive: Pop Culture Historicals
Gwen and Danielle are OBSESSED with costume dramas and historical fiction and romance. We’re not sorry about it at all, nor are we sorry about how much fun you’re going to have when you watch these shows and movies or read these books.
Danielle mentioned a monthly romance blogger twitter chat, hosted by @readRchat. Historicals and Fairy Tales come up a lot!
Gwen’s Gateway Historicals: Anne of Green Gables, Road to Avonlea, Little Women, Pride & Prejudice
Gwen’s Sexy Historicals: North and South, The Serpent’s Kiss, Dangerous Liaisons, Washington Square, The Favorite, The Great
Gwen’s Modern/More Recent Historicals: Velvet Goldmine, Never Let Me Go (sorta), Lovecraft Country, Watchmen (THEM is a new show on Amazon), The Crown
Gwen’s Biopics: Chaplin, Rocketman, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (we also digressed a bit about the recent Chadwick Boseman episode of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour for their thought-provoking commentary on why biopic performances work so well but the movies don’t always pan out).
Danielle hasn’t met an Austen and Little Women adaptation she doesn’t love: Emma 2020, Mansfield Park 1999, P&P 2005; LW 1994 and 2019. Special shout out to Clueless (which is sort of a historical film now, LOL to mask our tears)—the best adaptation of Emma to date.
Danielle is trash for anything related to the War of the Roses and Tudor England: The White Queen, The White Princess, The Tudors, and Game of Thrones
Danielle is here for PRETTY historicals: Downton Abbey (and most Masterpiece historical dramas), Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, Harlots
Danielle recommends “literary” shows, too: Dickinson (VERY anachronistic), Lovecraft Country/HBO, Baz Luhrman’s Romeo + Julie and The Great Gatsby (even Moulin Rouge!, too), Joe Wright’s Anna Karenina
Danielle has a TON of historical romance recommendations!
Beverly Jenkin’s does such a phenomenal job with American history and Black history, portraying the hard things people went through but also showing how joyful their lives could be—she spoke about this on NPR with Karen Grigbsy Bates. TEMPEST is among D’s favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any of Ms. Bev’s books.
Alyssa Cole’s Loyal League series is about Black spies for the Union army.
For regency romances, Danielle turns to authors like Tessa Dare, Olivia Drake, Sarah MacLean, and Vanessa Riley!
In terms of historical fiction, Danielle still gravitates to stories with romantic elements. Chanel Cleeton’s Perez Family Saga set during the rise of Castro and the Cuban Revolution. Her book NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick. It’s also based on her family’s history!
Gwen loves a true classic of the historical romance genre: Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels. For historical fiction, she enjoys Phillipa Gregory!
Recs from Vanessa:
Here’s a photo from Vanessa’s Instagram that shows her amazing IKEA Bookshelves (something similar to Vanessa’s shelves can be found here)
You don’t have to read Book 1, A DUKE, THE LADY, AND A BABY, to follow along with AN EARL, THE GIRL, AND A TODDLER, but Vanessa recommends it for better insight with some of the references in Book2.
Vanessa’s website is a treasure trove of information about her historical research!
Learn more about Dorothy “Doll” Kirwan Thomas ahead of the release of ISLAND QUEEN this July.
Look for major announcements coming soon! Vanessa also shared that she has a new historical fiction novel, SISTER MOTHER WARRIOR, about the women who shaped the Haitian Revolution.
For more about Vanessa, go to https://vanessariley.com/, sign up for her newsletter, and follow her on the socials: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle’s wants to re-read all of Jane Austen this summer! This goal is inspired by the Jane Austen & Co. Race and the Regency webinars. Ibi Zoboi discussed remixing the regency and her YA P&P retelling PRIDE; Dr. Tricia Matthew (who wrote a very detailed review for Bridgerton in the LA Review of Books) talked about abolition and racism tied to Wedgewood china, and so many others. Recordings are available on the Jane Austen Co’s website: https://www.janeaustenandco.org/recorded-events
Gwen is going to move for to move for 30+ minutes a day, perhaps while listening to the Newcomers podcast with Lauren Lapkiss and Nicole Byer which is tackling Tyler Perry’s oeuvre this season; also lighting a candle every day helps her set a routine and signal to her brain to start working!
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Pop Culture Siblings
Gwen talked about actual celebrity siblings: The Hemsworths (we had to google Luke), Miley and Noa Cyrus, William and Harry (we digressed quite a bit about the public persona of the Royals and what that meant to us growing up), The Jonas Brothers, Hanson, and other family bands.
Danielle looked at sibling trilogies or series in books: Talia Hibbert's Brown Series, of course, but also Nora Roberts’ Chesapeake Bay series (which has some found family elements! More on that later), Alexis Daria’s new series has three cousins. In historicals, you have Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons and Grace Burrowes’s Windhams, which span generations. There’s also an interesting element with found families, like in The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon, the Sometimes in Love series by Melonie Johnson, and Annabeth Albert’s #gaymers series.
We also quickly talked about a few TV shows with great/interesting sibling relationships that are important to the storylines: Schitt’s Creek, Black-ish, and This Is Us (though Danielle needs a break from the emotional manipulation of TIU!)
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Recs from TALIA HIBBERT
ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN, the third book in the Brown Sisters series, is now available!
Authors Talia loves: Nalini Singh, Beverly Jenkins, Vanessa Riley, KJ Charles, Danielle Allen, Kennedy Ryan, Therese Beharrie
Talia loves Recipe TikTok and Gwen told us about Sleepwalker TikTok
Talia found this lovely blush by British indie beauty brand, Eloise Beauty
Coming soon from Talia: her first YA romance! Also, a spin-off series of the Brown Sisters, Skybriar, where all of the books are Austen inspired.
Check out https://www.taliahibbert.com/ to sign up for her newsletter, and find her on the socials: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook Reader Group
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Goals/Comfort & Joy
Danielle loves the Target Cozy Nights candle (it’s her home’s signature scent), and Gwen also recommends the Go Smudge Yourself candle by Malicious Women Candle Co.
Gwen says get outside more!!!
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VIBE CHECK – We're feeling weird about being 1 year into the pandemic. But Danielle and her family watched The Lion King (1994, of course) and Gwen watched Coming 2 America and made Molly Yeh’s Spiced Tomato ABCs (which is basically Spaghetti-Os)!
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READING SLUMPS – Like so many other readers, we’ve gone through a reading slump during the pandemic, and we may still be in one... but we have some ideas about why and what to do about it.
Gwen suggests scheduling time to read and sticking to it and be ready to work up to reading for longer and longer periods of time. She also suggests reading books of TV/Movies that have been adapted that you’ve already watched (GENIUS!). For example, she is thinking about rereading the Bridgerton book series... Danielle is already doing this! Also, they still make movie tie-in books!!
Danielle suggests reading Harlequin Desire Category Romances, including (but not limited to) the Blackout Billionaires series by Naima Simone, the Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan, as well as Karen Booth and Jules Bennett.
Don’t sleep in graphic novels: Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Also, give rereading a try: The Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole, The Brown Sisters by Talia Hibbert, Sometimes in Love series by Melonie Johnson, The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller, The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, Wicked by Gregory McGuire
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THE INTIMACY EXPERIMENT by Rosie Danan is in stores on April 6th, 2021!
Rosie recommended books! Dalliance and Devotion by Felicia Grossman, Recommended for You by Laura Silverman, and The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
What’s bringing Rosie joy? Watching competitive reality TV! Survivor, The Challenge, and Are You the One.
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GOALS/WHAT’S BRINGING US COMFORT – Gwen started using the Morning Pages App and this has helped her meet her writing goals.
The podcast Natch Beaut is a lot of fun! After listening to a recent episode, Gwen was inspired to start a daily gratitude practice.
Gwen is looking forward to Spring TV, including the new season of Top Chef and Marriage or Mortgage.
Danielle attempted to clean her desk, but it’s really just organized chaos at this point. She also binged WandaVision last weekend and received her first book rec from her daughter: a My Little Pony Graphic Novel!
You better work... from home! Gwen and Danielle talk about work-from-home fashion, rules for working at home, and have an amazing chat with bestselling historical fiction author, Lauren Willig. Then we check in on goals, set new ones, and talk about what’s bringing us joy!
Work from Home Fashion and Rules
Danielle
Sweatshirts – Daily Ritual V-Neck
Jeans – Old Navy Rockstars and Madewell Skinny Jeans
Tee-shirts - Target Universal Thread V-Neck and Universal Standard Tee Rex
Leggings: Cupocupa High Waisted Leggings (with pockets)
Gwen
Vionic Slippers
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Interview with Lauren Willig!
BAND OF SISTERS – now available! The accompanying book club guide is fascinating.
Nespresso makes the world go round.
A video about Lauren’s research into the Smith College Relief Unit
Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery takes place during this time in history as well!
Lauren’s Recommendations:
The Miss Silver Series by Patricia Wentworth
The mysteries of Mary Roberts Rinehart, aka the “American Agatha Christie”
British chick lit by Trisha Ashley
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Jane Austen... with DRAGONS: Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton
Follow Lauren! Website, Facebook Author Page, Instagram, Twitter *
Our Comforts...
Danielle
Tea! A true classic: Twining’s English Breakfast Tea and a delicious herbal option: Trader Joe’s Ginger Tumeric Tea (only available in stores)
Gwen
My mom getting her first vaccine!
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Gwen and Danielle have known each other for a while but wanted to interview each other for the first podcast for listeners to get some insight into their personalities, likes/dislikes, and a bunch of random tangents. Our normal-ish format will start next time (we just want to keep you on your toes for now)!
From our interviews...
Gwen
Fresh Fiction Book Club, currently meeting virtually – join us weekly!!
RIP Walden Books
Sad teens in love... by Lurlene McDaniel!
FreshFiction.TV - our tv/movie review site
Blown Away on Netflix
Shows with Snark: Succession (HBO), Your Honor (Showtime), The Flight Attendant (HBO)
Comfort TV: The Office, Little Women (1994, specifically), A League of Their Own, Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Law & Order SVU
- Danielle: Also Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Tangled; every medical drama and This is Us (but network TV stresses her out with COVID storylines)
Reading: The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
Danielle
Re-reads: Born in Fire by Nora Roberts, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
All the Little Women screen adaptations
Podcast Recs (these can all be found on your favorite podcast app)
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Bookish/Romance: Fated Mates, Learning the Tropes, Whoamance, Black Romance Podcast
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Pop Culture/Current Events: NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour, Wait, Wait... Don’t Tell Me!, Code Switch, Forever 35
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Gwen’s recs: Who Weekly, Keep It, Why Won’t You Date Me, Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata, Watch What Crappens, The Daily, Bad Batch
Woo-hoo! Danielle’s Book Deal!!!
Danielle’s Fave Fresh Fiction Author Interviews: Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Talia Hibbert, Sylvia Day
Our Goals...
Gwen: writing every day
Danielle: more reading and writing/less scrolling; also, a new creative outlet
Our comforts this week...
Danielle: The Bridgerton Soundtrack (instrumental pop songs) on Spotify, Keurig K-Café, Harlequin Desire novels (Scandal in the VIP Suite by Nadine Gonzalez, Back in the Texan’s Bed by Naima Simone)
Gwen: Call My Agent! on Netflix, Enchilada Bake from Costco
Find us on the Socials!
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Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. Today's very special episode is a throw back from my February trip to Pasadena, CA for the winter leg of the Television Critics Association press tour. My guest, Kayla Cobb, is a TV critic for decider.com and she chatted with me about the new Marcia Clarke-created ABC drama THE FIX, Theranos/Elizabeth Holmes drama, and what you should check out on Netflix this weekend.
Follow Kayla on Twitter.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of THIRST OF STEEL by RONIE KENDIG.
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. Today I'm joined by THIRST OF STEEL author Ronie Kendig. This book finishes out her TOX series, which takes works like Dan Brown's novels and adds a military suspense edge. She also recommended a few excellent books to add to your TBR.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
THIRST OF STEEL by Ronie Kendig TOX Files #3
Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies' blood. Cole "Tox" Russell only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes, but he must first complete a final mission: retrieve that sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order.
The AFO, however, is determined to claim the sword. Wielding their father's life over Tzivia and Ram Khalon, they threaten to expose Ram's long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things only worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the sword is tied to both Ram's secret and a string of unsolved serial murders.
Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to focus only on the enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must stop or take the enemy down with them.
Thriller Crime | Inspirational Mystery | Suspense [Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: July 31, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764217678 / eISBN: 9781493414758]
Everyone has a secret!
Buy THIRST OF STEEL: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of AN HOUR UNSPENT by ROSEANNA M. WHITE.
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. Today I’m thrilled to chat with Roseanna M. White about her new book. AN HOUR UNSPENT plunges readers into England in 1915 as former thief Barclay Pearce tries to redeem himself to society while falling for the woman who he saved from a mugging.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
AN HOUR UNSPENT by Roseanna M. White Shadows Over England #3
Once London's top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker's daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can't help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge--and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina's father soon finds his whole family in danger--and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.
Inspirational Historical | Mystery Historical [Bethany House, On Sale: September 4, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764219283 / eISBN: 9781493412440]
Wartime: when the clock ticks but no bell tolls...
Buy AN HOUR UNSPENT: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of A SECRET TO DIE FOR by LISA HARRIS.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
A SECRET TO DIE FOR by Lisa Harris Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret--one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn't simply suffering from paranoia.
Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan--and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.
With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.
Inspirational Mystery | Romance Suspense [Revell, On Sale: September 18, 2018, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800729158 / eISBN: 9781493415144]
Buy A SECRET TO DIE FOR: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. I’m your host, Gwen Reyes, and I’m feeling a little psychic energy today. My guest is the incomparable Kay Hooper, author of the BISHOP FILES series. The newest book, FINAL SHADOWS, finishes out the series as out with a bang. Set against the backdrop of a “desperate underground war,” FINAL SHADOWS asks how far would you go to keep your secrets hidden.
I’d like to welcome Kay Hooper to the podcast.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
FINAL SHADOWS by Kay Hooper Bishop Files
A desperate underground war with the survival of millions at stake looms in the electrifying conclusion of the New York Times bestselling Bishop Files Trilogy.
Tasha Solomon's world turned upside-down when the psychic abilities she had tried so hard to live with in secret suddenly made her a target stalked by unseen enemies.
John Brodie is by nature, by training, and by instinct a Guardian. He is a member of an intricate and secretive network of individuals who have devoted their lives to the deadly struggle of saving psychics in danger of being taken or being killed. It is a war very few other people even know exists, and yet its tentacles stretch deeply and dangerously into every aspect of society.
Tasha has abilities not even she is aware of, abilities that the other side would give virtually all they possess to destroy. And if being hunted like an animal were not bad enough she has to learn how to become a warrior in a battle she did not choose, to save people she does not know, and possibly even the very world around her.
If John Brodie can keep her alive long enough.
Thriller Paranormal - Supernatural | Romance Paranormal | Romance Suspense [Berkley, On Sale: December 31, 2018, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780515153354 / eISBN: 9781101589816]
Fascinating, out of this world, finale
A Captivating and Shocking Conclusion to the Bishop Files Trilogy
A stunning thriller -- can the war on psychics be won?
Buy FINAL SHADOWS: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. I’m your host, Gwen Reyes. How often do you fall in love with your coworkers? For many of us, the answer is likely, “ew, never,” but author Jennifer Ryan’s newest book, DIRTY LITTLE SECRET, brings together two people — a cowboy and a modern lady — who are forced to work together while trying to deny the growing attraction between them. Throw in a ranch and a brothel and you have the makings of a fun romance. Jennifer Ryan is here to talk about DIRTY LITTLE SECRET, her career, and what she’s watching, reading, and listening to.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Jennifer Ryan Wild Rose Ranch
Meet the women from Wild Rose Ranch—and the men who want them—in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Ryan’s breathtaking series of romance and scandal . . .
Noah Cordero is a modern-day cowboy who loves three things: ranching, his younger sister, and his step-father. John Cordero groomed Noah to take over the Montana spread where he learned to ride and work the land. But when John unexpectedly dies, he leaves half the ranch to a woman Noah doesn’t even know.
Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up.
As their strictly business relationship starts to turn to true love, Roxy begins to wonder, what will happen when Noah discovers her dirty little secret?
Romance Contemporary | Romance Western [Avon, On Sale: December 18, 2018, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780062645319 / eISBN: 9780062645326]
A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET is revealed
Buy DIRTY LITTLE SECRET: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. Today I’m joined by author Denise Swanson, whose newest mystery, DIE ME A RIVER, is the second book in her Welcome Back to Scumble River series. In DIE ME A RIVER Scumble River school psychologist, Skye Denison-Boyd, is captivated by the body discovered in a local bowling alley. Everyone in the small town has a reason to want Paige Myler dead — she’s the representative of the insurance company many residents are suing for following the tornado in the previous book — which then makes everyone a suspect. I’m thrilled to welcome Denise Swanson to the podcast.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
DIE ME A RIVER by Denise Swanson Welcome Back to Scumble River #2
In Scumble River, Skye investigates a suspicious death at the local bowling alley. And with a murderer on the loose, there’s no time to spare…
Skye Denison-Boyd and her husband, Wally, are meeting with their priest to finalize the arrangements for their twins' baptism when a loud blast rocks the rectory. Seconds later, they discover that there has been an explosion at the town bowling alley. Although the bowling alley was closed at the time, there's a dead body inside, soon identified as Paige Myler. Paige was a representative for a huge property/casualty insurance company that many Scumble Riverites are suing in the wake of a recent tornado.
Even with two newborns to care for, Skye can't help herself from looking more closely into the suspicious death—and what she finds is much more sinister than she ever imagined.
Mystery [Sourcebooks Landmark, On Sale: September 4, 2018, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781492648352 / eISBN: 9781492648369]
Another fun visit to Scumble River...
Buy DIE ME A RIVER: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of A SPARKLE OF SILVER by LIZ JOHNSON.
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .
I’m thrilled to welcome A SPARKLE OF SILVER author, Liz Johnson, to the podcast.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
A SPARKLE OF SILVER by Liz Johnson Georgia Coast Romance #1
Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future...
Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.
Romance Suspense | Inspirational Mystery [Revell, On Sale: October 16, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800729622 / eISBN: 9781493415168]
A mysterious treasure hunt that charms!
Buy A SPARKLE OF SILVER: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of RIVER TO REDEMPTION by ANN H. GABHART.
Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast. It’s been over 150 years since slavery ended in America, but the conversation about this awful and dark part of our country’s history remains relevant and necessary. Ann H. Gabhart’s newest emotional novel, RIVER TO REDEMPTION, features a young woman, raised by a slave who chose duty over freedom, determined to save the life of the man who saved her. I’m thrilled to welcome Ann to the podcast.
If you love what you hear there are a few ways you can help us during season two. First, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher – or any of your favorite podcast apps. Rating, reviewing, and sharing the podcast with your friends helps us out more than you know. Sharing is caring, as they say.
You can find me on Twitter and instagram as @reelvixen.
You can Fresh Fiction on Twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook.
RIVER TO REDEMPTION by Ann H. Gabhart Orphaned in the cholera epidemic in Kentucky’s early nineteenth century, Adria Starr was raised by a slave. Now at nineteen, she must stand up for his freedom--and in the process, find her own.
Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She’s determined to find a way to buy Louis’s freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she’ll face an uphill battle.
Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart’s latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.
Inspirational Inspirational [Revell, On Sale: July 3, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800723644 / eISBN: 9781441219770]
Buy RIVER TO REDEMPTION: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of ENCLAVE by THOMAS LOCKE.
In a distant future, 50 years after an event called the Great Crash, America no longer reflects the great country it once was. Now the country is sliced into communities called enclaves, some more prosperous than others. Two of the largest and most affluent southern enclaves, Charlotte and Atlanta, remains stable and business friendly, but that all changes when a new vein of gold is discovered, sending everyone into a tizzy of hope and fear. Of course, there are good forces and bad in the enclave, but one young man holds the key to keeping the peace — as long as he’s able to keep his secret while helping keep the attention on Catawba to a minimum. Thomas Locke’s newest sci-fi adventure, ENCLAVE, is available in book stores now, and he’s here to tell us all about this new novel. Welcome, Thomas, to the Fresh Fiction Podcast.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
ENCLAVE by Thomas Locke It's been 50 years since the Great Crash and what was once America is now a collection of enclaves, governed on the local level and only loosely tied together by the farce of a federal government. Catawba, one of the largest and most affluent enclaves in the southern states, is relatively stable and maintains a successful business of trade with nearby enclaves, including the one at Charlotte Township. But when a new vein of gold is found beneath the feet of those in Catawba, it's only a matter of time before trouble finds them.
Now the future of Catawba may be in the hands of an untried 21-year-old trader named Caleb. And Caleb knows that if his secret were ever to come out, he would never see another dawn.
Science Fiction | Young Adult [Revell, On Sale: November 20, 2018, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800727918 / eISBN: 9781493413980]
Buy ENCLAVE: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA by MELODY CARLSON.
When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
A CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA by Melody Carlson When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.
Join award-winning author Melody Carlson for a Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday.
Inspirational Romance | Holiday [Revell, On Sale: September 4, 2018, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800722715 / eISBN: 9781493415045]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of THE RECKONING AT GOSSAMER POND by JAMIE JO WRIGHT.
Two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their own town before it's too late and they lose their future--or their very souls. This is the riveting plot for Jamie Jo Wright’s newest mystery THE RECKONING AT GOSSAMER POND. Today, Jamie joins me to discuss the novel, what readers can expect in this twisty story, and shares what she’s reading, watching, and listening to right now.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE RECKONING AT GOSSAMER POND by Jaime Jo Wright For over a century, the town of Gossamer Grove has thrived on its charm and midwestern values, but Annalise Forsythe knows painful secrets, including her own, hover just beneath the pleasant façade. When a man is found dead in his run-down trailer home, Annalise inherits the trailer, along with the pictures, vintage obituaries, and old revival posters covering its walls. As she sorts through the collection, she's wholly unprepared for the ramifications of the dark and deadly secrets she'll uncover.
A century earlier, Gossamer Grove has been stirred into chaos by the arrival of controversial and charismatic twin revivalists. The chaos takes a murderous turn when Libby Sheffield, working at her father's newspaper, receives an obituary for a reputable church deacon hours before his death. As she works with the deacon's son to unravel the mystery behind the crime, it becomes undeniably clear that a reckoning has come to town--but it isn't until another obituary arrives that they realize the true depths of the danger they've waded into.
Two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their own town before it's too late and they lose their future--or their very souls.
Inspirational Mystery | Romance Time Slip | Mystery Historical [Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: July 3, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764230295 / eISBN: 9781493414734]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of EVERYTHING SHE DIDN’T SAY by Jane Kirkpatrick.
Inspired by true events, Jane Kirkpatrick’s new novel, EVERYTHING SHE DIDN’T SAY, reimagines the life of memoirist Carrie Strahorn as she traveled across early 20th century America. Upon the publication of her 1911 memoir, Strahorn shared with readers insights into her 25 years on the road with her husband. Jane’s version of the events pulls aside the curtain to show the feelings Carrie couldn’t share in her memoir as she navigates her life and relationships. As emotions bubble under the surface, Carrie must find her place in a life that is constantly on the move.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
EVERYTHING SHE DIDN'T SAY by Jane Kirkpatrick In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn't Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.
Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn't insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.
With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living--the laughter and pain, the love and loss--to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story.
Romance Historical | Inspirational Historical [Revell, On Sale: September 4, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800727017 / eISBN: 9781493415175]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of THE SOUND OF DISTANT THUNDER by Jan Drexler.
Jan Drexler helped Gwen kick off season two with stories about researching Amish culture, how a school project for her kiddos sparked her to write her first novel, and what she likes to read to unwind.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE SOUND OF DISTANT THUNDER by Jan Drexler The Amish of Weaver's Creek #1
Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver are both romantics. Seventeen-year-old Katie is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait to marry Jonas until she is eighteen, despite her parents' insistence. So much can happen in a year. Twenty-year-old Jonas is taken in by the romance of soldiering, especially in defense of anti-slavery, even though he knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church. When his married brother's name comes up in the draft list, he volunteers to take his brother's place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation?
From the talented pen of Jan Drexler comes this brand new Amish series set against the backdrop of the Civil War. She puts her characters to the test as they struggle to reconcile their convictions and desires while the national conflict threatens to undermine and engulf their community.
Amish | Inspirational Romance [Revell, On Sale: September 18, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800729318 / eISBN: 9781493415083]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the Dive Team Investigation series by Lynn H. Blackburn.
Lynn stopped by the podcast to talk about BENEATH THE SURFACE, the first in her Dive Team Investigation series. She also shared her journey as a writer, balancing her new career with her family, and how she just finished binge reading and watching.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
BENEATH THE SURFACE by Lynn H. Blackburn Dive Team Investigations #1
Leigh Weston thought she'd left a troubled past behind when she moved back home to Carrington, North Carolina. But when dive team investigator Ryan Parker finds a body in the lake near her home, she fears the past hasn't stayed where it belongs.
After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.
Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.
Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new voice in romantic suspense. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn grabs readers by the throat and doesn't let go until the final heart-pounding page.
Inspirational Romance | Romance Suspense [Revell, On Sale: March 6, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800729387 / eISBN: 9781493413829]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the Nantucket Legacy series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
With summer in full swing what’s a better time than now to pick up a new series. Suzanne Woods Fisher stopped by the podcast to talk about PHOEBE’S LIGHT, the first in her Nantucket Legacy trilogy. In the novel Suzanne introduces readers to the Quaker community, a cloistered group of people with good hearts. Set against the backdrop of historical Nantucket, Suzanne brings to life the story of Phoebe and the gifts her father gave her before she set out on a nautical adventure. Also, Suzanne shares her picks on what you should read, watch, and listen to after you finish PHOEBE’S LIGHT.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
PHOEBE'S LIGHT by Suzanne Woods Fisher Nantucket Legacy #1
Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she’s doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.
Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary’s journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe’s shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way—just in time.
In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial- era Nantucket Island.
Romance Historical | Inspirational Historical [Revell, On Sale: February 6, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800721626 / eISBN: 9781493412495]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book THE HOPE OF AZURE SPRINGS by Rachel Fordham.
Rachel and I chatted about writing and publishing her debut novel, losing then finding the energy to finish THE HOPE OF AZURE SPRINGS after her son's life-changing diagnosis, and bringing a sense of redemption to her characters.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE HOPE OF AZURE SPRINGS by Rachel Fordham Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.
Inspirational Historical | Romance Historical [Revell, On Sale: July 3, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800734732 / eISBN: 9781493414222]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book TOGETHER FOREVER by Jody Hedlund.
Today Jody shared with me the history of orphan trains, the research she did for TOGETHER FOREVER, and how her mom was the most encouraging figure in her writing career as she fostered her love of reading and creativity from an early age. Jody and I had a blast talking and I hope you enjoy our interview.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
TOGETHER FOREVER by Jody Hedlund Orphan Train #2
Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.
Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children--firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.
Historical | Inspirational [Bethany House, On Sale: May 1, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764218057 / eISBN: 9781493414819]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book THE SEA BEFORE US by Sarah Sundin.
Sarah and I had a fun chat about THE SEA BEFORE US, finding the time early on to write her first book — in between carting her kids to school and karate classes — and how important it is for established authors to mentor and help newer authors on their writing journeys.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE SEA BEFORE US by Sarah Sundin Sunrise at Normandy #1
As D-Day approaches, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton is teamed up with Dorothy Fairfax, a British officer. Once they piece together family and reconnaissance photos to map Normandy, will Wyatt's bombardment plans destroy what Dorothy loves most?
In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home-- in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.
As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.
The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series.
Inspirational Romance | Romance Suspense | Romance Historical [Revell, On Sale: February 6, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800727970 / eISBN: 9781493412587]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book A DEFENSE OF HONOR by Kristi Ann Hunter.
Kristi joined me to talk about A DEFENSE OF HONOR, the challenge of finishing that first book after having a “graveyard” of unfinished books, the “ease” of slipping into Regency England as a storyteller, and creating the perfect costumes for an upcoming historical romance writers conference this fall.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
A DEFENSE OF HONOR by Kristi Ann Hunter Haven Manor #1
When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.
After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.
Romance Historical | Inspirational Romance [Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: June 5, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764230752 / eISBN: 9781493413799]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book A MOST NOBLE HEIR by Susan Anne Mason.
Susan and I dove into A MOST NOBLE HEIR for today’s episode. We also talked about how researching her family’s roots encouraged her to write historical fiction and she told me about the tragic real-life love story that inspired A MOST NOBLE HEIR’s main characters, Hannah and Nolan.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
A MOST NOBLE HEIR by Susan Anne Mason When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.
Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing that once their marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between pleasing Hannah and living up to his father's demanding expectations.
At every turn, forces work to keep the couple apart, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from the woman he loves, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.
Romance Historical [Bethany House, On Sale: March 6, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764230875 / eISBN: 9781493413645]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book THE HEART'S APPEAL by Jennifer Delamere.
Jennifer wrote a strong-willed woman doctor at the end of the 19th Century in THE HEART’S APPEAL, so of course I had to chat with her about creating this impressive woman. We also discussed the research she did in Bristol, England for the London Beginnings trilogy and why rewatching THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER is inspiring ideas for a new series.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE HEART'S APPEAL by Jennifer Delamere London Beginnings #2
Julia Bernay has come to London to become a doctor--a glorious new opportunity for women during the reign of Victoria. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick actions save the life of barrister Michael Stephenson. He rose above his family's stigma, but can he rise to the challenge of the fiercely independent woman who has swept into his life?
Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life.
Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?
Romance Historical | Inspirational Historical [Bethany House, On Sale: March 6, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764219214 / eISBN: 9781493413638]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE by Karen Witemeyer. Karen joined me today to talk about researching MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE, being a historical romance nerd, and how a former California girl found her way to Texas.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE by Karen Witemeyer Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.
Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?
Romance Historical | Inspirational Romance [Bethany House, On Sale: June 5, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764212833 / eISBN: 9781441269447]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new books JUSTICE BETRAYED by Patricia Bradley.
Today I’m joined by PATRICIA to talk about JUSTICE BETRAYED, cold case mysteries, and why Elvis Week in Memphis was the perfect place to set a murder.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
JUSTICE BETRAYED by Patricia Bradley Memphis Cold Case #3
Two unsolved murders seventeen years apart become personal when Detective Rachel Sloan discovers a connection to her own mother’s death in a burglary-gone-wrong. Can she solve the cases before she becomes the next victim?
It’s Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn’t sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators—one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken—she’s forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic’s home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend’s killer?
When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?
Thriller | Inspirational Romance [Revell, On Sale: June 5, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800727161 / eISBN: 9781493413942]
Can a killer be caught or will personal relationships get in the way?
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new books THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVERY AFTER by Kristin Billerbeck. On today’s episode I’m joined by Kristin, who is back with a new book after a four year hiatus. We talked about finding her voice in the chick-lit genre, her love of Bridget Jones, and how neither of us can wait for the new season of POLDARK (premiering September 30th on PBS).
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER by Kristin Billerbeck According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious science, as serious as Maggie takes herself. But science can't always account for life's anomalies--for instance, why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.
Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie's friends book her as a speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she's qualified to teach others about happiness when she can't muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can't ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.
Filled with memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, Kristin Billerbeck's THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER shows that the search for happiness may be futile--because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you.
Inspirational Romance [Revell, On Sale: May 1, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800729448 / eISBN: 9781493414031]
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The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL BOOKS and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new books A REFUGE ASSURED by Jocelyn Green. I’m your host Gwen Reyes and I recently chatted with Jocelyn about A REFUGE ASSURED, writing historical romances set in the colonial times, and how watching PARKS AND RECREATION with her husband after a long day is the perfect way to unwind.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by subscribing and rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
A REFUGE ASSURED by Jocelyn Green Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?
Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.
Inspirational Historical | Romance Historical [Bethany House, On Sale: February 6, 2018, Paperback, ISBN: 9780764219078 / eISBN: 9781493413690]
Buy A REFUGE ASSURED: Amazon.com | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice |
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new books TROUBLED WATERS and STORM FRONT by Susan May Warren. Susan joined me for a chat about growing up in the midwest, balancing suspense and romance, and why her readers have fallen in love with her Montana Rescue series. Also, she gives some recommendations for books you should slip into your tote bag this summer.
Read our review of TROUBLED WATERS now!
We’re still growing, so please help us out by rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
TROUBLED WATERS by Susan May Warren Montana Rescue #4
A three day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave washes the passengers overboard, leaving Ian and Sierra scrambling for survival. Sparks ignite as they wait for a rescue, but will a secret keep them apart?
Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.
Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.
When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.
It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.
Romance Suspense | Inspirational Romance [Revell, On Sale: January 2, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800727468 / eISBN: 9781493412556]
As they scramble for survival, can they find love or will secrets push them apart?
Buy TROUBLED WATERS: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL and BETHANY HOUSE, publishers of the new book FIRST IMPRESSIONS by Debra White Smith. Debra joined me for a chat about recreating the Jane Austen world in a modern setting, how she stays motivated to write, and what she's reading, watching, and listening to.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS by Debra White Smith Jane Austen
A Contemporary Retelling of Pride and Prejudice
Lawyer Eddi Boswick tries out for a production of Pride and Prejudice in her small Texas town. When she's cast as the lead, Elizabeth Bennet, her romantic co-star is none other than the town's most eligible--and arrogant--bachelor.
Romance Contemporary | Inspirational Romance [Bethany House, On Sale: April 17, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764230677 / eISBN: 9781493413881]
Buy FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL and BETHANY HOUSE, who are celebrating the release of PELICAN POINT by Irene Hannon.
Hi guys! Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast, where we break down all the fun things we’ve watched, read, and listened to this week. I’m your new best friend, Gwen Reyes. Today is all about the royal wedding. Did you watch it on Saturday? I’m still obsessed and can’t wait to dig in.
Also on today’s episode, I chatted with Laura Frantz, author of THE LACEMAKER.We talked about the Revolutionary War, Colonal Williamsburg, and why historical fiction makes learning history fun.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
THE LACEMAKER by Laura Frantz On the eve of her wedding, Lady Elisabeth Lawson's world is shattered, as surely as the fine glass windows of her colonial Williamsburg home. In a town seething with Patriots ready for rebellion, her protection comes from an unlikely source--now if she could only protect her heart.
When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson is abandoned by her fiancé and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?
Historical romance favorite Laura Frantz is back with a suspenseful story of love, betrayal, and new beginnings. With her meticulous eye for detail and her knack for creating living, breathing characters, Frantz continues to enchant historical fiction readers who long to feel they are a part of the story.
Inspirational Romance | Inspirational Historical | Romance Historical [Revell, On Sale: January 2, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800726638 / eISBN: 9781493412501]
Buy THE LACEMAKER: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL and BETHANY HOUSE BOOKS, who are celebrating the release of THE ACCIDENTAL GUARDIAN by Mary Connealy.
Hi guys! Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast, where we break down all the fun things we’ve watched, read, and listened to this week. I’m your new best friend, Gwen Reyes. Today I’m digging into the latest Hamildrop from Lin-Manuel Miranda called FIRST BURN. I also fell in love with the new movie, BOOK CLUB (read my review).
Also on today’s episode, I chatted with Lynette Eason, author of OATH OF HONOR. We talked about how she creates high suspense with great romances, her love of WHEN CALLS THE HEART, and how reading in her genre makes her a better writer.
If you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play – or any of your favorite podcast apps. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
We’re still growing, so please help us out by rating the podcast, leaving a comment, or even just sharing it on social media. You can find us on twitter, Instagram, and on Facebook. I’ll be back next time with something new to watch, read, and listen to!
OATH OF HONOR by Lynette Eason Blue Justice #1
When police officer Isabelle St. John's partner is murdered, she must work with Detective Ryan Marshall to solve a case that may force her to choose between family and justice.
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And she knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.
Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?
With her signature fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action, Lynette Eason invites readers into a captivating new series where justice is a family affair.
Romance Suspense | Inspirational Romance [Revell, On Sale: January 2, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800727215 / eISBN: 9781493412532]
Can a murder be solved or will secrets be reveal that puts others in danger?
Buy OATH OF HONOR: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL and BETHANY HOUSE, who are celebrating the release of OATH OF HONOR by Lynette Eason. You can also read a review of OATH OF HONOR on FreshFiction.com.
Hi guys! Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast, where we break down all the fun things we’ve watched, read, and listened to this week. I’m your new best friend, Gwen Reyes, and today I’m joined by my best friend, Alicia Vinas, who stopped by to watch LOVE, SIMON with me.
Also on today’s episode, I chatted with author Irene Hannon about her newest book, PELICAN POINT. Make sure you stick around for that very fun interview.
If you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play – or any of your favorite podcast apps. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
About PELICAN POINT After inheriting a crumbling lighthouse, Dr. Ben Garrison is more than ready to get rid of it until he meets a determined Marci Weber who wants to save the landmark. Can she make him see her point of view?
A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.
Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.
Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites readers back to their favorite town for a story that will light a beacon of hope within their hearts.
The Fresh Fiction Podcast is brought to you by REVELL and BETHANY HOUSE, who is celebrating the release of THE HEART’S APPEAL by Jennifer Delamere this March. This historical romance brings Victorian England to life as aspiring doctor Julia Bernay (yes, you heard that right, a woman doctor in the 1800s) tries to navigate her studies while falling for a disgraced Barrister named Michael Stephenson, whose only goal is to repair his family’s reputation. Sparks fly as Julia and Michael try to fight the attraction they feel for each while searching for common ground. You can buy THE HEART’S APPEAL by Jennifer Delamere in bookstores and online today.
Hi guys! Welcome back to the Fresh Fiction Podcast, where we break down all the fun things we’ve watched, read, and listened to this week. I’m your new best friend, Gwen Reyes, and today I’m reviewing the newish Netflix series NAILED IT. As well as sharing my thoughts on a recently launched podcast series about the American First Ladies called LADIES, FIRST. And after the rundown I’ll interview suspense writer MARK GREANEY about the newest book in his GRAY MAN series, AGENT IN PLACE.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Fresh Fiction Podcast. We'd like to thank Revell Books for sponsoring our series. You will hear a lot about this wonderful publisher as the episodes release, but you should know they have some of the sweetest, most captivating un-put-downable books available for you to try out. Today our featured book is MISSING ISAAC, the debut novel from Southern Living Magazine Travel Editor Valerie Fraser Luesse. We talked about her research, writing about the American south in the 1960s, and why she thinks this book resonates so much with modern readers.
Also, Gwen recommends the new seasons of unREAL and ATLANTA and the BLACK PANTHER soundtrack in the rundown.
Make sure you subscribe to the Fresh Fiction Podcast, so you don't miss a future episode.
About MISSING ISAAC:
Set in rural Alabama in the 1960s, Missing Isaac tells the captivating story of a black field hand, Isaac Reynolds, who goes missing from the tiny, unassuming town of Glory, Alabama. The townspeople’s reactions range from concern to indifference. But one boy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to his friend.
White, wealthy, and fatherless, young Pete McLean has nothing to gain and everything to lose in his relentless search for Isaac. Before it's all over, Pete and the people he loves most will discover more than they bargained for—including unexpected love and difficult truths about race and class.