On this episode, Kristy Woodson Harvey & Mary Kay Andrews welcome New York Times bestselling author Craig Johnson to discuss TOOTH AND CLAW, the new short novel in his wildly popular Longmire series, in which a young Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear face off in the Alaskan tundra with powerful enemies who will do anything to get what they want. Craig Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of the Longmire mysteries, the basis for the hit Netflix original series Longmire. He is a two-time recipient of the Western Writers of America Spur Award for fiction, was the first One Book Wyoming selection, and has received the Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association’s Reading the West Book Award for fiction. Craig joins us from his home in Ucross, Wyoming (population 26), to discuss his new pulse-pounding, bone-chilling novel of extreme adventure, TOOTH AND CLAW, which adds another indelible chapter to the great story of Walt Longmire. Kirkus Reviews has called it "a chilling novel with all the ingredients needed to keep readers turning pages,” and we are excited to talk to Craig all about it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode the Fab Four (Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey & Patti Callahan Henry) gather to welcome this month’s F&F Featured Author, the #1 NYT-bestselling, Edgar, Grand Master and Diamond Dagger award-winning Michael Connelly, to discuss our November 2024 Pick of the Month, THE WAITING, in which LAPD Detective Renée Ballard tracks a terrifying serial rapist whose trail has gone cold, with the help of the newest volunteer to the Open-Unsolved Unit: Patrol Officer Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter. Michael Connelly is the bestselling author of 39 novels and one work of non-fiction. With more than 85-million copies sold worldwide and books translated into 45 languages, he is one of the most successful writers working today. His books, which include the Harry Bosch, the Lincoln Lawyer, and the Renée Ballard series, have been adapted for film and television including the movie Blood Work, starring and directed by Clint Eastwood, and The Lincoln Lawyer, starring Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller. Michael is the executive producer of three current television series based on his books: Bosch and Bosch: Legacy (both streaming on Amazon Prime), and The Lincoln Lawyer (streaming on Netflix). A former reporter, Connelly worked the crime beat at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale (where he earned a Pulitzer nomination) before finishing his journalism career as the Los Angeles Times crime reporter. He joins us from his home in Florida to discuss his new Ballard/Bosch crossover novel, THE WAITING,which Publishers Weekly calls “unputdownable…white-hot suspense guaranteed to please his fans.”

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, Patti Callahan Henry, Mary Kay Andrews & Kristin Harmel gather to welcome this month’s F&F Featured Author, Jodi Picoult, to discuss her captivating new instant #1 New York Times bestseller, our September 2024 Pick of the Month, BY ANY OTHER NAME, in which two women, centuries apart — one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare's plays — are forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard. Jodi Picoult is the #1 bestselling author of 29 novels, including Mad Honey, Wish You Were Here, The Book of Two Ways, and My Sister’s Keeper, and with her daughter Samantha van Leer, two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. Jodi’s books have been translated into 34 languages and published in 35 countries. Four of her novels, The Pact, Plain Truth, The Tenth Circle, and Salem Falls, have been made into television movies. My Sister’s Keeper was a New Line Cinema film starring Cameron Diaz. Mad Honey, Small Great Things, and Wish You Were Here have been optioned or are currently in development. Jodi has written five issues of DC Comics’ Wonder Woman, and she is also the co-librettist for several stage musical adaptations which have appeared Off Broadway and in London’s West End. We can’t wait to discuss Jodi’s new novel, BY ANY OTHER NAME, which skyrocketed instantly to #1 and was both a GMA Book Club Pick and a People Magazine Book of the Week.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight’s episode features the star power of THREE amazing author guests whose novels deliver a night of mid-20th century glitz and glamor.

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of six historical novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Magnolia Palace, The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads, and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and O Magazine. She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. She joins us from her home in New York City to discuss her latest novel, THE SPECTACULAR (Dutton, June 13), a June LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection which transports us back to 1950s Manhattan and glamorous Radio City Music Hall.

Heather Webb is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of nine historical novels, including The Next Ship Home, Rodin’s Lover, Last Christmas in Paris, and Meet Me in Monaco. She has won the Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award, been a finalist for the Goldsboro RNA award and the Digital Book World’s Fiction prize, and been named as GoodReads Top Picks. Her books have been translated to seventeen languages. She joins us from New England to discuss her latest historical novel STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT (William Morrow, March 21), based on the tumultuous romance between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner that scandalized the world.

Brenda Janowitz is the author of eight novels, including The Liz Taylor Ring and The Grace Kelly Dress, which has been optioned for film by Hallmark. A former lawyer who did a federal clerkship with the Eastern District of New York, Brenda is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar whose writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and USA Today among many other outlets. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, THE AUDREY HEPBURN ESTATE (Graydon House, April 18), which was chosen as the Reader’s Choice by the CBS New York Book Club with Mary Calvi.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Kristy Woodson Harvey and Ron Block have a fascinating conversation with Ashley Audrain, author of the mega-selling popular debut, The Push, about her followup book The Whispers, about 4 women who are neighbors and how one tragic event affects their relationships in different ways, making them question all their relationships, their lives and their roles as women and mothers. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight’s episode once again marks the triumphant return of “F&F Theater” as the Fab Four, podcast host Ron Block, and F&F’s Managing Director Meg Walker gather to celebrate the launch of Kristin Harmel’s THE PARIS DAUGHTER in grand style!

You won’t want to miss this show, complete with props and bad accents — but also with loads of moving insights about Kristin’s new novel and, as always, lots of laughs.

THE PARIS DAUGHTER (Gallery Books, June 6, 2023) is a gripping historical novel about two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation. We agree with Lisa Scottoline who says “Harmel exemplifies the best in historical fiction.” Martha Hall Kelly raves: "THE PARIS DAUGHTER tore up my heart and put it back together again," while Kate Quinn calls the book "a gorgeous, gut-wrenching read!" We know that Kristin’s latest is shaping up to be one of the hottest books of Summer 2023 and it’s one you most definitely do not want to miss out on! So be sure to tune in and hear all about it. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Kristin Harmel and Ron Block welcome literary power couple Ann Hood and MIchael Ruhlman to talk about their latest books, Fly Girl, Ann's memoir about her early days working for TWA as a stewardess, and The Book of Cocktail Ratios, Michael's newest must have Cocktail reference guide. We also talked about how the two met, how they have grown to be hugely supportive and complementary to each other and to readers. Listeners will get a full sense of the zest for life these two enjoy! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Kristin Harmel and Ron Block take a deep dive with author T.J. Newman about her new page-turning thriller- Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421. It's a fascinating conversation about lifelong dreams, changing careers from a Flight Attendant to being a huge bestselling author, and some surprising research methods. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is a delicious confection of sweet summertime treats as we welcome four authors to the LIVE web show!

Meg Mitchell Moore is a former journalist and the USA Today bestselling author of eight novels including The Islanders, Two Truths and a Lie, and Vacationland. She joins us from the beautiful coastal town of Newburyport, MA, to discuss her shimmering new page-turner, SUMMER STAGE (William Morrow, May 23), about a family of actors grappling with fame, scandal and ambition, which Publishers Weekly called “sparkling” and “equally charming and satisfying” in a starred review.

If the name sounds familiar it’s because Victora Benton Frank is the daughter of beloved, dearly departed author Dorothea Benton Frank. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Victoria worked in restaurants in New York before returning home to Charleston, SC. She joins us to discuss her debut novel, MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER (William Morrow, June 6), a gripping tale of self-discovery set on the shores of Sullivan’s Island. According to Ann Patchett, with this book, Victoria “shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud.”

Be sure to stick around for the After Show when we welcome the writing pair of Audrey Belleza & Emily Harding to discuss their witty and romantic debut novel, EMMA OF 83rd STREET (Gallery Books, May 23), in which Jane Austen’s Emma meets the misadventures of Manhattan’s modern dating scene.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Mary Kay Andrews and Ron Block are joined by NYT Bestselling Author and form Head of the FBI, James Comey, to discuss is taut and authentic first book of fiction, Central Park West. Pulling from his own life experiences to develop this story of conflict between the Mafia and Federal Prosecutors. James shares how he switched to writing fiction, where his ideas come from and what may be coming next. A truly fun and fascinating conversation!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight’s episode, we are graced with the presence of two rockstar authors — Kate Morton and Lee Smith. As if that weren’t enough, F&F pal Susan Meissner joins us for the after show.

Kate Morton is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of seven novels including THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON, THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN, THE DISTANT HOURS, THE SECRET KEEPER, THE LAKE HOUSE, and THE CLOCKMAKER'S DAUGHTER. Her books are published in 38 languages in 45 countries and have been #1 bestsellers around the world. She joins us from Australia to discuss her latest instant bestseller, the highly anticipated HOMECOMING (April 4, Mariner), which Publishers Weekly called “Morton's best yet” in a starred review.

Lee Smith began writing stories at the age of nine and selling them for a nickel apiece. Since then, she has written seventeen works of fiction, including FAIR AND TENDER LADIES, ORAL HISTORY, GUESTS ON EARTH, THE LAST GIRLS, and DIMESTORE. She has received many awards, including the North Carolina Award for Literature, the Southern Book Critics Circle Award, and an Academy Award in Fiction. She joins us to discuss her latest novel SILVER ALERT (April 18, Algonquin) which People magazine called “as delicious as a slice of key lime pie—and gone just as fast.”

Be sure to stick around for the after show when we will sit down with USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction Susan Meissner to hear all about her latest novel, ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL (April18, Berkley) which Library Journal called “a nuanced and heartbreaking tale” in a starred review.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron welcomes back Friends and Fiction co-founder Mary Alice Monroe to speak with debut author, Kristen Ness about her delightful book, At Loggerheads which combines murder, mystery and a deep look at the relationship between humans and the incredible creatures we share the world with.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we are excited to welcome the authors of two wildly different but equally entertaining novels — Abby Jimenez and R.F. Kuang.

Abby Jimenez is a winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, a TikTok sensation with a half-million followers, and a New York Times bestselling romance author of five novels including The Happy Ever After Playlist and The Friend Zone. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007 and the bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international cult following. Abby joins us to discuss her sparkling new rom-com, Yours Truly (out now from Forever Books), a novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match. 

Rebecca F. Kuang is a Marshall Scholar and Chinese-English translator with degrees from Cambridge and Oxford and another in the works from Yale. She is best known as the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Poppy War trilogy and Babel: An Arcane History. For her work as a fantasy writer, Rebecca has won the Astounding Award, the Crawford Award, and the Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel, and been a nominee for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards. She joins us to discuss her new contemporary literary thriller Yellowface (May 16, William Morrow), a send-up of the publishing industry which tackles issues of privilege, appropriation, tokenization, and exploitation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tis episode, Mary Kay Andrews and Patti Callahan Henry welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave to discuss her new thriller, The Night We Lost Him, in which estranged siblings discover their father has been keeping a secret for over fifty years — one that may have been fatal. Laura Dave’s novels have been published in thirty-eight languages and have been chosen by Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, Indie Next, Book of the Month Club, Best of Amazon, and Best of Apple Books. The Last Thing He Told Me was named 2021’s Goodreads Thriller of the Year. Six of Laura’s novels have been optioned for film and television, including The Last Thing He Told Me, which is a limited series on AppleTV+ starring Jennifer Garner. We are excited to talk to Laura about her eagerly anticipated follow-up, The Night We Lost Him (Marysue Rucci Books, Sept 17), which People says “serves up Dave's signature blend of pulse-pounding suspense and moving family drama,” and TIME calls “a twisty thriller that will keep you guessing.”

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Kristy Woodson Harvey and Ron Block speak with Laura Hankin about her new book, The Daydreams, which tells the story of a former 90s teen TV show, whose ensemble suffered a huge flameout that became legendary. In adulthood, fans want a followup. We explore her writing, her humor and lots of 90s pop culture!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode we welcome two masters of historical fiction, Jennifer Robson and Martha Hall Kelly.

Jennifer Robson is the Globe & Mail and Toronto Star number-one bestselling author of six novels, among them THE GOWN and SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE. She joins us to discuss her latest enthralling historical novel, CORONATION YEAR, in which the lives of three very different residents of London’s historic Blue Lion hotel converge in a potentially explosive climax on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.

Martha Hall Kelly is the New York Times bestselling author of LILAC GIRLS, LOST ROSES, and SUNFLOWER SISTERS with more than two-million copies of her books sold, translated in fifty countries. She joins us to discuss her latest pulse-pounding novel, THE GOLDEN DOVES, inspired by true events about two former female spies, bound together by their past, who risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II.

The crew also has a boisterous celebration of the good news that F&F co-host and co-founder Patti Callahan Henry hit the NYT bestseller list with her latest book, THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK In this special episode, Patti Callahan Henry talks about her new release, The Secret Book of Flora Lea, including some exclusive content; then Patti joins Ron to talk with Mary Beth Keane about her follow-up to Ask Again Yes. The Half Moon, an exploration of the multiple facets of marriage, family and longing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This very special episode marks the triumphant return of “F&F Theater” as the Fab Four, podcast host Ron Block, and F&F’s Managing Director Meg Walker gather to celebrate the launch of Patti Callahan Henry’s THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA in grand style!

You won’t want to miss this show, complete with props and bad accents — but also with loads of great insights about Patti’s new novel and, as always, lots of laughs.

With incredible blurbs from an amazing array of bestselling authors, fantastic pre-pub reviews including a starred Kirkus (“magical…an enchanting tribute to the power of storytelling”), Patti’s new novel is shaping up to be one of the hottest books of Spring 2023. It has already been named a Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick, an Indie Next Pick, a Library Reads Pick, an Amazon Editors' Pick, a Books-a-Million Summer Says Pick, and a Book of the Month Add-On Choice among many other accolades. In short, THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA is one book you do not want to miss out on! So be sure to tune in and hear all about it!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Meg Walker and Ron Block host a fascinating conversation with Julie Gerstenblatt, author of the recent release Daughters of Nantucket and Andrea Dunlop, author of Women are the Fiercest Creatures. Both works are set in different times, but are connected through how their 3 main protagonists are affected and relate to events and circumstances that test their relationships and lives.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight’s show, we are excited to welcome back our good friend Joshilyn Jackson!

Joshilyn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several novels, including NEVER HAVE I EVER and MOTHER MAY I. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s Novel of the Year award, twice been the #1 Indie Next Pick, and twice won Georgia Author of the Year among many other accolades. A former actor, Joshilyn is an award-winning audiobook narrator. As a volunteer with Reforming Arts and a member of their board of directors, Jackson has taught creative writing in Georgia’s maximum security facility for women. She joins us to discuss her new novel, WITH MY LITTLE EYE (April25, William Morrow), which F&F fave Karin Slaughter has called, “a dark, twisting confection.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Patti Callahan Henry and Ron Block are joined by Zoe Fishman, author of the deeply personal novel The Fun Widow's Book Tour. Her novel was inspired by the tragic loss of her own husband and it's impact on her life and the lives of her children. Zoe's book is injected with honesty, authenticity and humor, all of which is reflected in this warm and meaningful conversation about love, friendship, and ultimately hope.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this season premiere episode we welcome two incredible author guests — Brenda Novak and Alka Joshi.

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak has written 75 novels and is an eight-time Rita nominee, among many other awards. She runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity that has raised more than $2.5 million for diabetes research — as well as the warm and enthusiastic Brenda Novak’s Book Group on Facebook which boasts more than 26,000 members. Brenda joins us live on-location from Oklahoma City on her 2-month “Bookstream” book tour on which she’s covering 8,000 miles over 33 stops in an Airstream trailer converted into a combo bookstore and coffee shop. You wont want to miss this fun dispatch from the road and the chance to hear about her latest novel THE SEASIDE LIBRARY.

Born in India and raised in the US since she was nine, Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Joshi's debut novel, THE HENNA ARTIST, immediately became a New York Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, was Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, & is in development as a Netflix series. She joins us to discuss the third and final installment in her internationally bestselling Jaipur Trilogy, THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS, which Kate Quinn calls, “Alka Joshi's best book yet!" We loved hearing all about this novel which takes readers to 1970s Paris where Radha's budding career as a perfumer competes with the demands of her family and the secrets of her past.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK This week, Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey talk with J. Ryan Stradal about his new book, Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, which Roxanne Gay called "a Perfect Book" and has received a starred review from Kirkus. This intergeneration saga centering on the rivalry between two families is an ode to the midwest, supper clubs and finding your way in the world. Be sure to bring a relish tray and a Brandy Old-Fashioned for this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews are joined by Chef Kenny Gilbert to celebrate his new cookbook, Southren Cooking/Global Flavors which reflects his approach to joining flavors from his world wide experience with his southern focus in food. His story includes his popular run on Top Chef and his path to becoming a preferred personal chef for Oprah Winfrey. A fascinating story and cookbok!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry welcome mega-bestselling author TJ Klune to discuss his new novel, Somewhere Beyond The Sea, the hugely anticipated sequel to his smash hit, The House in the Cerulean Sea, which is one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade. TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, The Extraordinaries and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important — now more than ever — to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. We are so excited to talk to TJ about Somewhere Beyond The Sea, which (in a starred review) Library Journal has called, “a heart-wrenching tale of being perceived as different, finding acceptance, and having a place in the world.”

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Kristy Woodson Harvey and Ron Block are joined by author and entrepreneur Cleere Cherry Reaves to talk about her new book, The Miracle of You, along with Cleere's approach to embracing her faith to get through difficult times and celebrate sharing her gifts through her creativity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristin Harmel delve into the December 2022 #1 Libary Reads pick, The Circus Train, written by the wonderful Amita Parikh. This stunning debut took the book world by storm, but as we learn during our discussion, it was not a quick and easy road to publication. The path is fascinating and Amita shares her journey that is inspiring and demonstrated how perserverance pays off. Truly a magical book and guest!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tune in for the Winter 2023 Season Finale epiosde with two blockbuster bestselling authors both joinung us during their publication week to showcase their brand-new novels—Lisa Scottoline & Robert Dugoni!

Lisa Scottoline is the #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 35 novels with 30-million copies of her books in print, published in more than 35 countries. Her weekly Philadelphia Inquirer “Chick Wit” column—written with her daughter Francesca Serritella—have been collected in a New York Times bestselling series of nine humorous memoirs. She has penned dozens of bestselling stand-alone thrillers including last yer's WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS, plus the wildly successful Rosato & DiNunzio series. She joins us to discuss her latest historical novel LOYALTY (just out from Putnam)—an emotional, action-packed epic of love and justice, set during the rise of the Mafia in Sicily.

Robert Dugoni is the award-winning, critically acclaimed, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series, which has sold more than 8 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and several stand-alone novels including THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL, Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. With books sold in more than 25 countries and translated into more than 30 languages, several of Robert’s novels have been optioned for movies and television. He joins us to discuss HER DEADLY GAME (just out from Thomas & Mercer), a twisty new suspense novel introducing the start of a new series featuring Seattle prosecutor Keera Duggan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK One of our favorites, Elizabeth Berg, join Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry to celebrate the release of her newest book, Earth's the Right Place for Love, which tells the early story of one of her most beloved characters, Arthur Truluv. The conversation expands to exploring the depths of writing character, of writing with heart and demonstrates why Elizabeth truly captures the best of humanity in her work.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight’s episode, we are so thrilled to have THREE authors joining us LIVE!

First we talk to the USA Today bestselling author of five novels, Colleen Oakley. Colleen’s books (including The Invisible Husband of Frick Island and Before I Go) have been translated into more than 21 languages, optioned for film, long-listed for the Southern Book Prize, and named best books by People, Us Weekly, Library Journal, and Real Simple. A former magazine editor, Colleen’s articles and essays have been featured in The New York Times and Ladies’ Home Journal among many other outlets. She joins us to discuss her brand-new book, THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER & LOUISE (coming from Berkley on March 28th), which Jodi Picoult called a “wildly surprising, entertaining ride,” and Taylor Jenkins Reid hails as “an absolute blast.”

Next up we meet novelist Julie Carrick Dalton. As a journalist, Julie has published more than a thousand articles in The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek and The Hollywood Reporter among other publications. A frequent speaker on the topic of writing fiction in the age of climate crisis, Julie is an avid skier, hiker, and kayaker, and a former beekeeper who farms a tract of land in rural New Hampshire. She joins us to discuss her new novel THE LAST BEEKEEPER, a post-apocalyptic meditation on the fragility of nature, that was released on March 7th by Forge Books.

On the After Show we are joined by Stephanie Marie Thornton to discuss her new work of historical fiction, HER LOST WORDS: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley, an homage to the legendary mother-daughter pair of writers, coming from Berkley on March 28th.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Mary Kay Andrews joins Ron Block and our guest, Jenny Jackson to discuss Pineapple Street, Jenny's highly anticipated novel set in Brooklyn Heights exploring the nuances being a member of a wealthy family while navigating life in modern society. Beautifully told from three viewpoints, Jenny shares how her book came to life and how she manages to balance her work as an editor with becoming a debut novelist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight’s episode, we have two amazing author guests — Sarah Penner and Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai.

Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is an award-winning Vietnamese writer and journalist and the author of eleven books of poetry, short fiction and non-fiction. Her debut novel and first book in English, THE MOUNTAINS SING, was an international bestseller, a finalist for the 2021 Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and the winner of many other literary awards. She will be joining us all the way from her current home in Kyrgyzstan in central Asia to discuss her new novel, DUST CHILD, a suspenseful and moving saga about family secrets, hidden trauma, and the overriding power of forgiveness, set during the Vietnam War and in present-day Vietnam.

Sarah Penner is the bestselling author of the enormously popular debut novel THE LOST APOTHECARY. Inspired by a moving lecture given by Elizabeth Gilbert in 2015, Sarah enrolled in an online creative writing class and hasn’t looked back since. Now, after more than a decade in corporate finance, she is thrilled to call herself a full-time writer. Sarah joins us to discuss her new novel, THE LONDON SEANCE SOCIETY. A spellbinding gothic whodunit introducing two enigmatic women out to solve a most unusual mystery, this book was just released on March 7th and the Book of the Month Club pick for March.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry host debut author Jessa Maxwell about her book, The Golden Spoon, which has been receiving universal praise for it's twist on Clue meets The Great British Baking Show with murder! Jessa talks about her original idea and her road to publication.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On International Women's Day and during Women's History Month, we welcome two masters of historical fiction— Jennifer Rosner & Julia Kelly! Jennifer Rosner is the author of the novels Once We Were Home and The Yellow Bird Sings, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award; the memoir If A Tree Falls: A Family's Quest to Hear and Be Heard, about raising her deaf daughters; and a children's book, The Mitten String, which is a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable. Jennifer's writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Massachusetts Review, The Forward, and Good Housekeeping. She joins us to discuss ONCE WE WERE HOME, a novel based on the true stories of children stolen in the wake of World War II, out March 14th from Flatiron Books. Julia Kelly is the award-winning and internationally bestselling author of books about ordinary women and their extraordinary stories. She pens historical fiction and historical mysteries under her real name as well as steamy, contemporary romance novels under the pen name Julia Blake. Her books have been translated into 13 languages. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London. She joins us from across the pond to discuss her latest work of historical fiction, THE LOST ENGLISH GIRL, an epic saga of love, motherhood, and betrayal during World War II, out March 7th from Gallery Books.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Rebecca Makkai, author of The Great Believers which was a finaist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award speaks with Ron Block and Meg Walker about her newest book, I Have Some Questions For You. Our conversation was a fascinating exploration of themes within the book- memory, feminism, our obsession with true crime and a murder mystersy, all set in a boarding school. Truly an honor to speak with Rebecca about this unforgettable triumph of a book.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, Kristin Harmel & Ron Block welcome bestselling author Madeline Martin to discuss The Booklover’s Library, her heartwarming new story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of books to bring them together. We’re also treated to a pop-in by Emmy-award winning journalist turned novelist Linda Hurtado Bond to chat about her gripping new thriller All the Missing Girls. Madeline Martin is the NYT, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books translated into more than 25 languages. She joins us from sunny Florida to discuss her latest, The Booklover’s Library, which has been dubbed “a must-read for booklovers” by Chanel Cleeton and “a quiet little jewel of a wartime novel” by Kate Quinn. By day, Linda Hurtado Bond is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist. By night, she’s an author of James Bond-like adventures and heart-stopping thrillers. The host of “Tampa Bay Reads,” Linda has hosted all of F&F’s hosts on her television segment. She joins us to discuss her new spine-tingling mystery, All the Missing Girls, featuring her recurring character, Tampa crime reporter Mari Alvarez.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we are so excited to welcome back our good friend, the USA Today bestselling author of 14 psychological thrillers, Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Hank has won the most prestigious awards in the genre: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She’s also an on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, with an astounding 37 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors to her credit. A truly good literary citizen, Hank is a founder of Mystery Writers of America University, host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze, and co-host of First Chapter Fun and The Back Room. She joins us to discuss her newest page-turning, standalone thriller, THE HOUSE GUEST, just out from Forge Books. Described as “Gaslight” meets “Thelma & Louise,” The House Guest is a binge-worthy story of psychological manipulation that explores the dark heart of marriage and friendship.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry are joined by Pamela Terry (When the Moon Turns Blue) and Anne Burt (The Dig) to talk about their new releases, the power of story, of character and explore how in fiction, things aren't quite as they seem. A truly fascinating conversation that exceeded expectations!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we are lucky to have TWO incredible author guests joining us—Sadeqa Johnson and Lynn Cullen!

Sadeqa Johnson is the award-winning author of four novels, including Yellow Wife. A Kimbilio Fellow, former board member of the James River Writers, and a Tall Poppy Writer, Sadeqa’s accolades include the National Book Club Award, the Phillis Wheatley Book Award, and the USA Best Book Award for Best Fiction. Sadeqa joins us to discuss her latest “triumph of historical fiction” (The Washington Post), THE HOUSE OF EVE, which has just burst onto the literary scene as an instant NYT bestseller, a Reese’s Book Club pick, an IndieNext pick, and a LibraryReads pick.

We are so glad to introduce you to bestselling author Lynn Cullen, who has penned the historical novels The Sisters of Summit Avenue, Twain’s End, Mrs. Poe, Reign of Madness, and I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter. A Townsend Prize finalist whose novels have been translated into seventeen languages, Lynn’s books have been named as best-of picks by People magazine, Target, IndieNext, Costco, Oprah, Atlanta magazine, and the Georgia Center for the Book. Lynn joins us to discuss her riveting new novel THE WOMAN WITH THE CURE, coming 2/21 from Berkley Publishing. Based on the true story of the woman who stopped a pandemic, the book has gotten fabulous early reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal along with raves from authors like Pam Jenoff and Bonnie Garmus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Mary Kay Andrews talk with Kristen Mei Chase about her charming and poignant debut novel A Thousand Miles to Graceland. We delve into the humor but also mother/daughter relationships, healing and representation of multi-racial characters in fiction. A don't miss episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we are so excited to welcome back our dear friend, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, J.T. Ellison.

With millions of copies in print and books published in twenty-eight countries, J.T.’s work has been optioned for film and television and won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. The EMMY award-winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS, J.T. also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker. She joins us to discuss her brand-new edge-of-your-seat thriller IT’S ONE OF US (coming 2/21/23 from MIRA/Harlequin), which has been called a “twisting thrill ride” by Lisa Unger, “riveting” by Lisa Scottoline, “heart-stoppingly tense” by Ruth Ware, and “smart, taut, and mind-blowing” by Mary Kubica. We can’t wait to talk to J.T. all about it.

Stick around for the After Show when we welcome New York Times bestselling author Jill Santopolo to showcase her new historical novel, STARS IN AN ITALIAN SKY, a sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, which Putnam will publish on 2/28/23!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron is joined by Meg Walker for this wonderful Valentines Day Episode! Lunar Love is a fabulous debut novel by Lauren Kung Jessen that explores the relationship between tradition and technology surrounding Chinese Zodiac matchmaking. Not only a heartwarming love story, but also a deep exploration of race and finding acceptance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we are so excited to introduce you to the award-winning, bestselling contemporary novelist Elinor Lipman.

Known for her keen wit, Elinor Lipman is a master of social satire and has written sixteen books, including The Inn at Lake Devine, Rachel to the Rescue, Good Riddance, and one of Mary Kay Andrews’s all-time favorite books, The Family Man. Her debut novel, Then She Found Me, was made into a movie starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth, and Matthew Broderick. A writing professor who has taught at Simmons, Smith, and Hampshire colleges, Elinor has been a fiction judge for the National Book Awards and been on the literature panel for the National Endowment for the Arts. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, MS. DEMEANOR, just released in late December by Harper Perennial. Chosen as the Barnes & Noble Fiction Pick for the month of January, Ms. Demeanor has been called “a complete and utter delight” by Richard Russo, and “sexy and fun,” “breezy and engrossing” by Tom Perrotta. We can’t wait to talk to Elinor all about it.

Stick around for the After Show when we will welcome Nina de Gramont to feature her novel THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR, which was an instant NYT bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick in hardcover and is just being released in paperback by St. Martin’s Press.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Kristy Woodson Harvey welcome Natasha Lester, author of the recently released historical fiction novel, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre, which is a fascinating look at fashion and espionage before, during, and after WWII in Paris. A terrific conversation about her process, her background and how it all came together.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We are thrilled to welcome back our dear friend, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff!

Pam Jenoff is a Rutgers University law professor and the author of several works of historical fiction, including the New York Times bestseller The Orphan's Tale. With degrees in international affairs from George Washington University, in history from Cambridge, and law from UPenn, her novels are inspired by her experiences working at the Pentagon and as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland. She joins us to discuss her latest WW2 novel CODE NAME SAPPHIRE. Join the convo as we discuss her research, inspiration, how she chooses her subject matter, and the process of writing about courageous women who embark on incredible journeys and are forced to make difficult choices.

Stick around for the AfterShow when the Fab Four, our Writers Block podcast host Ron Block, and Managign Deirector Meg Walker will highlight some deserving books they want you to know about, some upcoming podcast guests they are excited about, and a few movie/TV adaptations they are enjoying or looking forward to.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Patti Callahan Henry welcome thriller writer, Kaira Rouda about her newest page-turner, The Widow. This taut and twisty book sheds light on the inner workings of life in the U.S. Congress, while exploring the inner workings of families and ambition and the lengths some will go to to achieve and keep power and wealth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, the Fab Four gather to welcome this month’s F&F Featured Author, Jessa Maxwell, to discuss her new book, our August 2024 Pick of the Month, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS, a sly and addictive new mystery about an advice columnist searching for answers about her predecessor’s murder. Jessa Maxwell is the author and illustrator of five picture books for children whose comics and cartoons have been published in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and whose writing has been published in Slate, Marie Claire, and many other publications. She previously joined us on our podcast in March 2023 to discuss her debut adult novel, the darkly beguiling locked-room mystery The Golden Spoon. We are excited to welcome Jessa back to discuss her clever new cat-and-mouse murder mystery, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS (Atria Books, Aug 13), which Booklist called a “palm-sweat-inducing psychological thriller,” and which Publishers Weekly praised for its “scintillating tension.”

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We are so excited to welcome back New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict!

A former lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at some of the country’s premier law firms and Fortune500 companies, Marie views herself as an archaeologist of sorts, excavating the untold stories of real women from history. Marie is the author of ten novels including The Other Einstein, Carnegie’s Maid, The Only Woman in the Room, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, and The Personal Librarian which she co-wrote with Victoria Christopher Murray. Marie joins us to discuss her latest work of historical fiction, the much buzzed-about THE MITFORD AFFAIR, which Sourcebooks just published this month to rave reviews.

On the After Show we meet British mixed-race writer and granddaughter of Windrush generation immigrants, Eleanor Shearer, who joins us to discuss her remarkable debut novel, RIVER SING ME HOME (out Jan 31st from Berkley Publishing Group). Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2023 by Goodreads, AARP, Boston.com, and BookRiot, this is a page-turning and redemptive story of a mother’s gripping journey across the Caribbean to find her stolen children in the aftermath of slavery.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WRITERS' BLOCK Ron Block and Meg Walker are joined by author Susan Stokes-Chapman to take a deep dive into her debut Novel, Pandora, just out this week in the U.S. The book takes influence from the Pandora Myth and creates a captivating tale set in Georgian, London where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations, and romance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode we bring you TWO amazing novelists—Elle Cosimano and Laura Zigman.

Elle Cosimano is a USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Award winner, a Bram Stoker Award finalist, and an Edgar Award nominee. Also an acclaimed young adult author, Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, was a People Magazine Pick, named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021, and kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series. She joins us to discuss the hilarious and heart-pounding third installment in the series, FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN, out January 31st from Minotaur Books.

Laura Zigman is the author of five novels, including Separation Anxiety (optioned by Julianne Nicholson and the production team behind Mare of Easttown for a limited television series); Animal Husbandry (made into the movie “Someone Like You,” starring Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd), Dating Big Bird, Her, and Piece of Work. The recipient of a Yaddo residency, she has ghostwritten/collaborated on several works of non-fiction, been a contributor to the New York Times and Washington Post, and produced a popular online series of animated videos called Annoying Conversations. She joins us to discuss her sixth novel, SMALL WORLD, released on January 10th by Ecco Books.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.