Bookish Flights

Send us Fan Mail New York Times bestselling author Penn Cole joins me to celebrate Burn of the Everflame, the fourth book in her Kindred’s Curse Saga. We talk about her journey from self-publishing to hybrid publishing, building her community one reader at a time, and the growing influence readers have on the publishing landscape. Penn also shares what it takes to write both sides of romantasy well, how fantasy creates space for political and social commentary, and why she stood behind her work when traditional publishing came calling. Episode Highlights: Penn’s lifelong love of reading and writing Building a community one reader at a time How readers are influencing the publishing landscape Penn’s journey from indie to hybrid publishing Writing both the romance and fantasy sides of romantasy well Finding fresh ways to approach the romance formula Using fantasy to explore political and social issues Why writers should take their time before publishing Her Book Flight includes books that gave her “lightbulb moments” in her own writing Connect with Penn: Website Instagram Facebook Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Lore of the Wilds / Heir of the Prophecy by Analeigh Sbrana Book Flight Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey Children of the Star by Sylvia Engdahl Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Andre Hardy, a former NFL player turned writer and author of the debut crime novel Tear the City Down. Set in San Diego against the high-stakes world of professional football, the novel draws on Andre’s own experiences in the NFL while exploring the darker sides of the sport and the city. We also talk about his path to writing, the role of jazz throughout the Coltrane series, and the experiences that shaped his storytelling. Episode Highlights Andre’s journey from professional football to writing and what led him to put his own NFL experiences on the page Looking beyond the glitz & glamour of professional football to the physical toll on players, particularly their bodies and brains Exploring the contrasts of San Diego and what lies beneath the beautiful version of the city most people see Why Andre believes writing about books challenges us to slow down, think more deeply, and examine what we believe The influence of John Coltrane & how pairing the novels with Coltrane’s music creates a bigger, broader experience for readers Andre’s book flight of atmospheric mysteries and thrillers, including stories featuring male protagonists navigating fatherhood and relationships with their daughters Connect with Andre: Instagram Facebook Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Edgar Allen Poe books The Blue Flame by George Pelecanos Record Lows by CJ Green James McBride books Percival Everett books Middle Passage by Charles Johnson The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Darktown by Thomas Mullen Ghalen by Walter Mosley Book Flight Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley Pegasus Descending by James Lee Burke She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I am chatting with Jessica Guerrieri, an award-winning novelist and essayist whose literary fiction explores the complexities of motherhood, identity, family, and the ways our past continues to shape us. She is the author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, winner of the 2023 Maurice Prize for Fiction, and her newest novel, Both Can Be True. Beyond her fiction, Jessica is a passionate voice in essays on sobriety and mental health communities. Her book flight includes books that explore alcoholism and addiction.  Episode Highlights: How writing became a form of escapism for Jessica as a new mom and in early sobriety Giving ourselves permission to have an identity outside of motherhood Sobriety, identity, and figuring out what comes next in recovery How alcohol can numb both the difficult and joyful parts of life Why reaching for our phones and doomscrolling doesn't actually give us the recharge we're looking for Writing complex women and allowing two conflicting truths to exist at once Why Jessica wants to write book club fiction that creates feelings, opinions, and conversations The intimacy of reading and how books allow us to experience someone else's life from the safety of our own A book flight exploring alcoholism, addiction, motherhood, and family dynamics Connect with Jessica: Instagram Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Dare to Lead by Brene Brown Nothing Hurt and Everything Was Beautiful by Ben Reeves Book Flight Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (also The Burning Side) The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I am chatting with Alli Dyer. Alli was born in Tennessee and raised in the mountains of Virginia. Alli is the author of Strange Folk and her latest novel, Night Songs. For the last decade, she worked in the entertainment and book publishing, bringing a unique perspective to the stories she tells.  We dive into Night Songs and the inspiration behind its story of family legacy, music, and discovering where we come from. Alli shares how growing up in the mountains of Virginia shaped her writing and why sensory details are so important when bringing a setting to life. We also talk about the stories that expand our understanding of the world and the special place audiobooks hold in Alli’s reading and writing life. Episode Highlights: The childhood fantasy of discovering there is something special hidden in your family history How place, memory, and sensory details find their way into fiction Writing about family legacy and the stories we inherit Alli’s love of audiobooks and how listening influences her storytelling The books that have expanded her understanding of the world Her book flight includes audiobooks that have influenced her writing and storytelling Connect with Alli: Website Instagram Facebook Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Coal Miner’s Daughter by Loretta Lynn & George Vescey The Real Americans by Rachel Kuong Heart Food album - Judee Sill Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell The Witches by Roald Dahl The Children by Melissa Albert Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Book Flight Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode features Thao Thai, bestselling author of Banyan Moon. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, a captivating story of two estranged sisters whose search for a lost painting uncovers long-buried family secrets stretching across generations and continents. In our conversation, we explore the many ways art preserves history and memory, the fascinating world of art conservation, and what it truly means to be an artist. Thao shares how her travels inspired the settings in the novel, why creativity is essential even in the busiest seasons of life, and how motherhood has shaped her writing. We also discuss the joy of reading physical books, the importance of making space for creativity, and why everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered. Episode Highlights The inspiration behind The Seekers of Deer Creek Why art is one of history's greatest storytellers The unseen work of preserving paintings and cultural artifacts Vietnamese identity and artistic legacy Balancing motherhood and a creative career The value of reading physical books Why everyone should embrace their inner artist Thao's book flight includes books about art and artists Connect with Thao: Instagram Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley Sula by Toni Morrison Clutch by Emily Nemens Book Flight Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave Sirens & Muses by Antonia Angress Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids. Ginny shares what inspired her to write a practical guide for parents raising neurodivergent children through the lens of faith, while reminding us that many of these lessons apply to parenting children of all ages. We discuss what neurodivergence really means, why emotional regulation begins with us as parents, and how learning to respond instead of react can transform our homes. Ginny also offers practical next steps for families who suspect their child may be experiencing developmental or learning differences, including resources available through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychological evaluations. Above all, this conversation is an encouraging reminder to celebrate the unique children God has entrusted to us rather than comparing them to someone else's expectations. Episode Highlights: What inspired Ginny to write Quirky Catholic Kids What neurodivergence is—and what it isn't Why emotional regulation can't be taught in the middle of a meltdown Practical ways parents can respond instead of react Learning to embrace your child's unique gifts Finding evaluations and support through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychologists Parenting with faith, grace, and confidence instead of comparison Connect with Ginny: Website Purchase Quirky Catholic Kids Instagram Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Episode 46: A Book Flight Representing Neurodivergent Teens with Ginny Kochis Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Scheedy Kurcinka A Million Junes by Emily Henry Annabel Monaghan’s books Ashley Poston books Katherine Center books Book Flight Physica by Hildegaard van Bingen A Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus by Louis and Zelie Martin God Loves the Autistic Mind by Father Matthew Snyder ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail As a physical therapist, I spent years helping people build habits that would improve their lives long after they left the clinic. Those experiences taught me that lasting change doesn't happen in one big moment—it happens through small, consistent choices. Lately, I've found myself asking that same question about reading. What makes someone a reader? As a lifelong reader and mom of three, I wanted to know what the research actually says about why some people develop a lifelong love of books while others struggle to make reading a habit. In this solo episode, we're diving into the science behind reading habits and the practical ways we can create environments where reading becomes a joyful, natural part of everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: Why enjoyment matters more than pressure when it comes to lifelong reading The powerful role parents and caregivers play by modeling reading How your environment influences your reading habits more than motivation alone Why giving children—and adults—the freedom to choose their own books makes all the difference Practical ways to encourage a lifelong love of reading at any age Whether you're hoping to read more yourself or you're raising the next generation of readers, this episode is filled with encouraging, research-backed ideas that you can start putting into practice today. Books Mentioned Atomic Habits by James Clear I'd Love to Hear From You - What made you a reader? Come join the conversation on Instagram and Threads @bookishflights, and let me know the book, person, or moment that sparked your love of reading. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover. Happy reading, my friends! ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m joined by Erin Kirschenmann—lifelong reader, wine educator, and founder of Novel Pairings, an online book and wine membership that brings together thoughtfully curated books, wine pairings, playlists, community, and in-person events. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or someone who has no idea what to order, Erin makes wine feel approachable and fun. We talk about why books and wine pair so naturally and how to take the intimidation out of choosing a bottle. Erin and I also issued a challenge for all of us: a few times each day, reach for your book instead of your phone. Slow down. Be intentional. And maybe even pour yourself a glass of wine while you're at it. Special Offer Erin is generously offering Bookish Flights listeners their first month of Novel Pairings completely free. Use the code BOOKISHFLIGHTS when you join. Whether you're looking for your next great read, your next favorite bottle of wine, or simply an excuse to slow down and enjoy both, I think you're going to love this conversation. Connect with Erin: Instagram Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley The Ex Hex by Erin Stirling Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan Plot Pending Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein The Astral Library by Kate Quinn The Wedding People by Alison Espach Book Flight The Science of Wine by Jaime Goode Big Macs and Burgundy by Vanessa Price Wine and War by Don & Petie Kladstrup ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bookish Flights, I am joined by author and podcaster Landis Wade. A recovering trial lawyer, Landis is the author of the award-winning Indie Retirement Mystery series, including his newest release, Deadly Gold Rush. He is also the founder of the Charlotte Readers Podcast, where he has interviewed more than 500 authors. Our conversation goes beyond mystery writing as we discuss finding a meaningful "third act" after a successful career, the surprising similarities between law and storytelling, the value of writing communities, and why it's never too late to learn something new. Landis shares wisdom from both sides of the microphone and offers encouragement for writers at every stage of the journey. Episode Highlights: Transitioning from trial lawyer to author and podcaster Building a creative "third act" after a successful career Why lawyers often make strong writers Lessons learned from interviewing more than 500 authors The importance of finding a writing group and literary community Why rejection is a shared experience among all writers How persistence can help writers navigate setbacks Embracing lifelong learning and new challenges A look at Deadly Gold Rush and the history that inspired the novel Connect with Landis: Website Instagram Facebook Get Landis’ books:The Writing Life Indie Retirement series Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: David Baldacci books Steve Berry books A Time to Kill by John Grisham Old Schoolby Gordon Korman The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman The Eighteenth Green by Webb Hubbell Revelation by Robert Parker Book Flight Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry The Sackett Family saga by Louis L’Amour All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Joanna Davidson Politano to discuss her latest novel, The Life She Forgot. Known for her atmospheric historical fiction and layered mysteries, Joanna shares the inspiration behind the novel, the first in a new series set around a house built into the cliffs of Cornwall. We talk about her love of creating immersive settings and why she believes there's a difference between a romance and a true love story. We also talk about writing while raising young children, the twists and turns of crafting a mystery, and how books allow us to travel the world without ever leaving home. Episode Highlights: Why Joanna believes "it is fun to travel through fiction" The difference between a romance and a love story What it means to truly love someone well  How she builds twists and surprises into her novels Becoming a "naptime novelist" while raising young children Connect with Joanna: Instagram Facebook Website 📚 Next Meet the Author Book Club - Spies, Lies and Alibis with Natalie Walters 🗓️ Aug 24th | 🕓 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST This romantic suspense novel is packed with danger, secrets, second chances, and plenty of twists. We'll be reading it together and then welcoming Natalie Walters for a live author conversation. Register Here. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Kristy Cambron books The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Book Flight The Splendor Falls by Susanna Kearsley This Promise Remains by Darcy Schock The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In this latest installment of our Year of the Military Spouse series, Kara sits down with Kirst, co-founder of Wives of the Armed Forces (WAF), a community created to help military significant others feel less alone in the unpredictability of military life. What began as a small Air Force spouse community built by Kirst and her co-founder Jen has grown into a welcoming space for military spouses across all branches — one centered on encouragement, resilience, and meaningful connection. Together, Kara and Kirst discuss the realities of military spouse life, including the career sacrifices and overqualification many spouses experience while constantly rebuilding community and identity through moves and transitions. They also explore the role online spaces can play in helping military spouses feel seen and supported, while encouraging people to turn those digital connections into lasting, in-person friendships and local community. Kirst also shares how reading has become a meaningful way for her to step away from screen time and create household rhythms in everyday life. Episode Highlights: Why military spouses are often incredibly overqualified yet underrecognized professionally The fast and deeply rooted nature of military friendships How WAF was created to foster positive, solution-oriented community for military spouses Replacing screen time with reading time and building healthier daily habits Why meaningful in-person relationships still matter deeply in military life Connect with Wives of the Armed Forces: Instagram Facebook Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne My Friends by Fredrik Backman Book Flight A Mother’s Rule for Life by Holly Pierlot My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Dessert Pairing The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I’m joined by Virginia Pye, author of Marriage and Other Monuments, to discuss writing stories set in what she calls “the recent past” and why she’s drawn to exploring moments of cultural and personal change through fiction. We talked about the emotional balance of writing difficult subjects while still leaving space for hope, the surprising role the river played while shaping the novel, and her path to becoming a novelist after raising young children. Virginia also shares a book flight featuring three recent reads she’s loved lately. Episode Highlights: Why twists and surprises matter in her storytelling Her favorite character to write in Marriage and Other Monuments How setting can evolve into its own presence within a story The marathon-like reality of writing book-length fiction Balancing literary work with teaching, editing, and reading A reading life centered around curiosity and craft Connect with Virginia: Instagram Facebook Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann by Virginia Pye Historical Fiction: Remarkable Women and the Rich History of the South with Katherine Scott Crawford (Ep. 203) Lad: a Dog by Albert Payson Terhune Black Beauty by Anna Sewell Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson I Felt My Life with Both My Hands by Jessica Treadway Kin by Tayari Jones Book Flight Dream State by Eric Puchner This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman Small Town Girls by Jayne Anne Phillips ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I’m joined by Lindsay Barnett, workplace experience strategist, coach, speaker, and author of Working Hell to Working Well: Making Your Company Work For You. We talk about career reinvention, burnout, identity, and what it looks like to create a life where work supports you instead of consuming you. Lindsay shares her journey from moving to Australia without a clear plan to discovering the through-line that connected all the different chapters of her career. Together, we explore why so many people, especially military spouses and anyone navigating seasons of change, can feel stuck in constant reinvention and how small intentional actions can begin creating meaningful change. This conversation is practical, encouraging, and full of reminders that work is only one part of a full life. Episode Highlights: Why “work-life harmony” matters more than work-life balance The power of small actions and intentional pauses Career reinvention and starting over in different seasons of life How burnout often disconnects us from our own needs Recognizing the through-lines in your personal and professional journey Building a life that prioritizes flexibility, family, and fulfillment Connect with Lindsay: LinkedIn Our Kind of Club website Purchase Working Hell to Working Well: Making Your Company Work for You Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Isabel Allende books Dan Brown books Leadership Embodiment by Wendy Palmer Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Book Flight The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness by Dr. Kelly Harding The Midnight Library by Matt Haig ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail Emily Lynn Paulson joins us on Bookish Flights to talk about her latest novel, The Revenge Party, a dark and twisty psychological thriller about power, manipulation, revenge, and the masks people wear behind polished lives. Known for exploring the tension between image and reality in both her fiction and nonfiction, Emily shares what it was like stepping into thriller writing after writing so personally in memoir and investigative nonfiction. We also talk about creativity, motherhood, online identity, and the freedom, and the vulnerability that comes with different forms of storytelling. Plus, Emily brings a fascinating book flight centered around influencer families and curated lives. Episode Highlights: Transitioning from nonfiction into fiction Writing thrillers with emotional and thematic depth The freedom of fictional storytelling Why writing unlikeable characters can be difficult Balancing writing with motherhood and everyday life Connect with Emily: Instagram Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Strangers by Belle Burden American Fantasy by Emma Straub Book Flight Like, Follow, Subscribe by Fortesa Latifi A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Linden for the latest installment of the BFF Book Club, all about her novel The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake. This was such a fun conversation. Rachel shares the inspiration behind the story, why she loves weaving food into her writing, and the “research loophole” she’s fully embracing—traveling, wandering, and eating her way through her settings. We also talk about the deeper themes of the book, including healing, second chances, and what it looks like to live a fulfilled life in different seasons. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming novel A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity (releasing 05/19) and hints at a new genre she’s stepping into next. Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake. Why Rachel keeps coming back to food as a storytelling thread. Her perspective on “research” and how it shapes her books. Exploring what a fulfilled life looks like in different seasons. The heart behind writing stories rooted in healing and growth. Connect with Rachel: Instagram Facebook Website 📚 Next Meet the Author Book Club 🗓️ June 1st | 🕓 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST If you’d like to join us for an upcoming discussion, next month’s pick is The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano - a historical story woven with mystery and heart, following a woman uncovering fragments of a past she can’t fully remember. As she pieces together lost memories, she’s drawn into questions of identity, truth, and what it really means to start over. It’s a blend of intrigue, emotion, and discovery—perfect if you love stories about hidden histories and second chances. Register Here. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Emily Henry books Katherine Center books Abby Jimenez books A Second Chance Scottish Summer by Rachel Mae Linden Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden Book Flight The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick Kate & Frida by Kim Fay Remarkably B ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer N. Brown. Jennifer is the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Bentley University, where she is also Professor of English and Media Studies, with a specialization in medieval literature written for and by women. She has published a lot on this topic but The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is her first novel. She lives in the Boston area with her husbnad, their two children, and two miniature dachshunds.  Episode Highlights: The real history behind Elizabeth Barton and the lost manuscript Writing as both a historian and a novelist The freedom fiction offers compared to academic writing Balancing historical accuracy with compelling storytelling Writing across dual timelines (historical + modern) How present-day perspectives shape historical fiction The role of empathy in both history and reading Letting go of perfection and knowing when to finish a book Connect with Jennifer: Instagram Website Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Orlando by Virginia Woolf Heart the Lover by Lily King Flashlight by Susan Choi Book Flight The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail Today I’m thrilled to welcome back Janyre Tromp. If her name sounds familiar, that’s because she previously joined us on Episode 106, where we talked about her novel Darkness Calls the Tiger. Janyre is an award-winning, bestselling historical suspense novelist known for weaving together rich history, myth, and stories that search for beauty—even when it isn’t pretty. Her newest book, The Scorpion Thief, takes readers into a Cold War political game involving a cursed Egyptian artifact, two estranged sisters on opposite sides of a dangerous heist, and a mystery that stretches from the streets of Cairo to Washington D.C. and even New Orleans.  Episode Highlights: The fascinating real-life history behind the Cold War setting—and why it almost feels too wild to be fiction. How Janyre balances being a self-proclaimed “history nerd” with writing fast-paced, gripping suspense. The inspiration behind The Scorpion Thief and weaving Egyptian myth into a political thriller. Her creative process, including sketching her book covers before they’re ever designed. What it looks like to make space for writing in a full and busy life. Why she describes herself as an eclectic reader and how that shapes her recommendations. Her three-word description of the book: noir, mystery, and Egyptian. Connect with Janyre: Instagram Facebook Website Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Brene Brown books The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni Walsh (publication date 06/16/26) Burning the Raven Tree by Janyre Tromp (coming 09/08/26) The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney Book Flight The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Chelsea Bobulski, author of A Deal with a Debutante, her latest release with Haven Fiction and the first book in her London’s Most Eligible series. Chelsea is also the author of the YA fantasy novels The Wood and Remember Me, and brings her background in history into the heart of every story she writes. In this conversation, we talk about what it looks like to step into the past through research, how storytelling connects us across time, and why romance novels might just make us better at loving the people in our real lives. Episode Highlights: Chelsea’s love of history and how research becomes a doorway into another world. Writing A Deal with a Debutante and bringing Edwardian England to life. What it looks like to “live inside” the stories you’re writing. The balance between historical accuracy and creating a story that feels alive. How good stories—especially romance—can shape the way we show up in our own lives. Why romance novels remind us to slow down and be intentional in our relationships. The idea that dreams can evolve over time—and that’s not failure, it’s growth. Finding joy in storytelling, creativity, and building a life you actually want to live. Connect with Chelsea: Instagram Facebook Website Show Notes Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Ray Carson The Berenstain Bears books by Jan & Mike Berenstain Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Book Flight Consuelo & Alva Vanderbilt by Amanda Mackenzie Stewart A.K.A. Lucy by Sarah Royal Even After This by Deborah Clack ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Carmela Dutra, a Bay Area–based writer who loves food trucks, family, and cozy mysteries. With a love for quirky characters and humor-filled storytelling, Carmela draws inspiration from everyday life, farmers’ markets, and the unexpected moments that make a story memorable. In our conversation, we talk about the inspiration behind her food-truck-centered mystery, A Murder Most Fowl, writing sibling dynamics, and how she balances humor with high-stakes crime. Carmela also shares what readers can expect next in the series—including book two, Hot Wings and Homicide. Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind a food truck–centered mystery, including brainstorming sessions with her husband. Writing twins and the dynamic between Beth and Seth. Why food and cozy mysteries are such a perfect pairing. Balancing humor with suspense in a murder mystery. A peek into book two: Hot Wings and Homicide. If you’ve pre-ordered a copy of the book, make sure to email, marketing@crookedlanebooks.com for your exclusive recipe cards.  Connect with Carmela: Instagram Facebook Website 📚 Next Meet the Author Event 🗓️ April 21st | 🕓 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST If you’d like to join us for an upcoming discussion, next month’s pick is The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden - a beautiful story set in Italy that weaves together a magical cookbook, family history, and a summer of second chances. Rachel will be joining us live, and you’re invited to read along and be part of the conversation. Register Here. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Carmela’s previous Bookish Flights episode Sarah Adams books And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Book Flight The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard A Tour to Die For by Michelle Chouinard Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Amy Schweizer. Amy is a USMC military spouse of 15 years, mom to three boys, and an expert in youth sports development. She has played soccer for over 20 years, culminating with being a member of the Cincinnati Ladyhawks of the USL. She is the Founder and Owner of Tiny Troops Soccer, a developmental program for children ages 2-5 with 35 locations worldwide. She loves creating physical activity programs that benefit the overall well-being of military children, families, and the surrounding communities. She is also a passionate advocate for military spouse employment. Her first book - I Will Be Okay - Adventures of a Military Kid - was selected as the 2021 Inspirational Leader of the Year by The Rosie Network. If you are interested in grabbing a copy or a few of I Will Be Okay - Adventures of a Military Kid, please connect with Amy at info@tinytroops.com.  Episode Highlights: Navigating frequent moves while trying to build and maintain a career. The reality of parenting without nearby family support. How Tiny Troops Soccer started from a personal need. Why early childhood movement and play matter so much. Building a business that can move with military life. Supporting military kids through transition and change. Advocacy for military spouse employment and flexible career paths. Encouragement for military spouses trying to build something of their own. Connect with Amy: Instagram Facebook Website Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah Book Flight Traction by Gino Wickham Profit First by Mike Michalowicz A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Never Lie by Freida McFadden ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website