Books are Chic

What a thrill to welcome the ladies of Friends and Fiction to celebrate 5 years of connecting readers with stories! It was such a joy to chat with Mary Kay Andrews, Patti Callahan Henry and Kristin Harmel and hear their inspiration, their journey with F&F and what it means to hear from readers and the meaning of F&F to them. We missed Kristy Woodson Harvey but she was very much there in spirit as her bookish sisters were celebrating her latest, Beach House Rules. They are the book girl band we didn't know we needed giving just a little more glitter and light to the book world. I am a better reader having been in their presence.

If Books are Chic had a 5 timers club like SNL, this author would be part of it. I am so thrilled to welcome back Kristy Woodson Harvey! She is an all time fave guest, author and person of mine. We are celebrating her latest, Beach House Rules which is a little thrill set the beach with a mysterious Instagram account with a whole LOT of friendship and inspiring women. She and I caught up on life, her writing, the inspo for this book, Friends and Fiction and so much more. She is kicking off her tour this week and do not miss her if she is in your neighborhood! Fun fact, she and I got to meet in IRL last summer and it was a dream!

Utter joy and delight- those are the books that Katherine Center gives us. Center also radiates this energy too. The book world is a better place because of her writing. I was beyond excited to talk to her for the THIRD time and celebrate her latest romance novel, The Love Haters. Out today! Not only is this a perfect summer romance it is so much more. Katherine tackles body image and the idea of enemies to lovers, with yourself. I adored this trope and appreciate Katherine's voice on the matter- the author's note is award winning. We also discussed the need for romance novels now more than never. Katherine and her books are the antidote we need in this world right now. She is a gem and her books are a dream.

You all know I love to support 831 Stories- the mixologists of the most perfect literary cocktails. So of course I was thrilled to welcome Lana Schwartz for her latest romance, Set Piece. A slow simmer romance set in Hollywood against the backdrop of a Great Gatsby remake. Ok so, sold immediately. I loved chatting with Lana about her writing journey, working with Erica and Claire, the romance boom and lots more. Like all 831 Stories romances, add this to your #TBR ASAP.

Sometimes you just meet an author that instantly you understand why they wrote the book that they wrote. This was the case for me when I met Jessie Rosen for our podcast- bright, sparkly, effervescent so naturally her book would be about the stars and the universe aligning. Her energy was perfection. I loved chatting with her about her latest novel, All the Signs (FYI I also adored her debut, The Heirloom). This book has travel, romance, a little mystery and A LOT of astrology. We chatted signs, stars, writing, Ace of Base and so much more. BONUS- if you are in the Boston area you can come chat with Jessie and I at Lovestruck Books on May 28th!!! Details in bio!

So thrilled to welcome Anna Todd to Books are Chic this week to celebrate her latest, The Last Sunrise. She is a New York Times best-selling author, producer, inspiration and so much more. I loved chatting with her. She has such an incredible writing journey, starting her writing on WATTPAD and the rest is history. Her story is so inspiring, you just have to listen. The Last Sunrise is more than a romance- there is travel, silver linings, family and more. I loved chatting with her!

I love authors who I knew when they released their debut and I was there to help support them from the beginning. Julia Spiro is one of those authors. We chatted during COVID about her debut, Someone Else's Secret. I was beyond thrilled to welcome her back with her latest, Such A Good Mom. I loved this book. An intense murder mystery with a mom who is overwhelmed and searching for truth and answers. Julia and I had the best chat about motherhood, the expectations, postpartum depression, writing and so much more. She is such a gem and I am happy I knew her when because her books and craft just keep getting better and better.

Beyond ecstatic to welcome one of my bucket list authors, @nitaprose to Books are Chic!

Beyond excited to welcome back one of my favorite people, Viola Shipman aka Wade Rouse. We reunited to celebrate his latest novel, that I loved, The Page Turner. If you are a reader, book lover, author, any one orbiting in the book world then this book is for you! A love letter to us all. As always I was laughing so hard with Wade as he shared funny stories from the road, his upbringing, we celebrated grandparents, books and so much more. This episode is like a hug and I know you will leave this loving Wade as much as I do!

I was so excited to welcome Aisha Saeed for her new suspense novel, The Match Maker. This book was so FUN! I loved the inspo for this book from Aisha's Mom who was acutally a matchmaker! This book takes place in the elite world of matchmaking where you do not know who is keeping secrets and to never turn your back. The mystery element was the icing on the cake. Aisha was so fun to chat with to hear about her mom and what it was like to grow up with a matchmaker, talk about some reality TV (hello Patti Stanger!) and hear about her writing journey!

Happy April 1st! I was so thrilled to welcome Julia Bartz to Books are Chic! Her latest, The Last Session fulfilled my need for a cultish thriller that had me turning the pages. I am beyond fascinated by cults and Julia did the work. She researched multiple documentaries, books and podcasts about different types of cults, their leaders and their purpose. We talked about cults, the increase in the interest, thriller writing and lots more. If you are still reeling from Mother God (IYKYK) then you will love this chat!

Ok, dream guest alert- Jill Santopolo graced us with her presence on the pod this week. I was SO thrilled to chat with her as I just lived in the Santopolo-verse for the last two weeks. I was lucky enough to listen to The Light We Lost and the sequel, The Love We Found (back to back!!)- out now- and I miss that world already. Jill was such a delight. She talked about being a Reese's Book Club Pick, the inspo for the sequel (thanks to her sister!), celeb inspo, life, silver linings and her secret recipe for her emotionally charged and heart-filled books. I absolutely loved chatting with her! She would one hundred percent be my "if you could have coffee or a cocktail with" author! IYKYK. :)

NYT bestseller, Book of the Month selection, GMA pick AND fellow Bravo TV lover Katy Hays joins me on the podcast today! We are celebrating her latest, Saltwater- an italian beachside escape that is a blend of Sucession and White Lotus. She chatted her trip to Italy, inspo, toxic relationships, celeb bookclubs and so much more. We had the best chat and of course LOVED finding out she loved Bravo. Authors with the Bravo fun fact are my favorite discovery.

Always thrilled to welcome back my friend, Rochelle Weinstein, back to Books are Chic. Rochelle is the queen of character and her latest novel, We Are Made of Stars, is no exception. Her classic multi-layered cast with a dark thread woven through that has secrets, revelations and so much more- all set to a stunning backdrop of a beautiful and enchanting inn.She and I caught up about her writing, latest news and so much more. She shared inspo for the story, the celebs she had in mind and what she is up to next! I love her so much and we are so lucky to live in a world with Rochelle's books!

2 episode drop this week! TGIF! I had the best time chatting all things romance with Cara Bastone this week and her latest novel, Promise Me Sunshine. This book was not only a romance but a course in silver linings and living life to the fullest. I loved chatting with Cara about her writing, inspiration for the book, her Audible originals and love for New York City. She is so much fun!

I was so thrilled to chat with debut author Sarah Harman, from across the pond, about her buzzy, chic debut mystery, All The Other Mothers Hate Me. Listen people, it was optioned by the team from The Bear for Disney+, it is THAT good. It gives mom drama, a missing child, pop girl group, unlikely friendships and twisty twist. Sarah was so much fun to chat with. We talked debut books, mysteries, motherhood, kids, crime coverage in the states vs Europe and so much more. Do yourself a favor and make this your spring break must read.

Fellow Chris Evans fan and reality tv lover, Amy Lea, joined me for her latest, Something Like Fate- a coming of age rom-com set on the beaches and cobblestones streets of Italy. I absolutely loved this book. Not only did it have so much joy and heart, it was filled with travels, family and fortune telling aunts. I loved chatting with Amy, so much so I want her to come back for a Bravo TV themed chat. We walked writing, romance, Chris Evans, inspiration and so much more.

I was so thrilled to welcome photographer Chandra Wicke to Books are Chic! Chandra is a romance reader and lover and took her vision of a beautiful, romance readers dream of a book and brought it to life. Say hello to The Happily Ever After Society. This book is a collection and celebration of romance authors, their books and the effect romance books have in our society. Featuring authors such as Julia Quinn, Christina Lauren, Ali Hazelwood, Adriana Herrera, Julie Soto and MORE, it truly is a book lovers portal into one of the best-selling genres. BUT Chandra needs our help. This book will only be published if Chandra can meet her goal. This is fully being crowd sourced. Chandra's vision was without limitations and wants to continue this dream. This is such a special project from an incredible fellow reader and dreamer, let's support her and make this happen!

Reunited with two of my favorites, Elizabeth McCullough Keenan and Greg Wands to celebrate their latest, Trust Issues. I was so thrilled to chat with them again, way back in COVID we met via Zoom and it was fun from the start! Their latest thriller is full of twists, scams, cons and an unforgettable road trip that will have you guessing until the very last page. We caught up in life- new babies, a real life author rom com, real life inspo for the book, podcasts and so much more. They are a dream duo and I can't wait to see what is to come from them.

You're Fatally Invited..to this weeks episode of the podcast! I welcomed Ande Pliego to celebrate her new thriller by the opening line- You're Fatally Invited! A writers retreat gone awry with a murder of one of the authors in attendance. Yes, please. I am loving all these thrillers centered in the book world which is one of our topics for disussion. We talk Ande's writing inspiration, her writing start and so much more.

Mom, teacher, author and farmhouse viral sensation, Melissa Ferguson chats with me about her latest romance, The Perfect Rom Com. Ghost writing, a hot book agent and an author who has the biggest heart make up this perfect valentines read. I loved chatting with Melissa, a total badass, who writes fab romances, home schools 4 kids (OMG!) and lives in a fun famrhouse that she is always showcasing and updating! The reasons she writes is such a fun story and you won't believe it. Think #teamedward or #teamjacob.

Who remembers Love Connection? The dream date show that was my security blanket while I was home sick from elementary school. Who doesn't love a dating show? Well in this new audio-only romcom, Know Your Newlywed is your new fave dating show! I was so thrilled to welcome Hillary and Heather to the pod to celebrate this FUN, heart-filled romance, told by Mary Mouser and Tyler Posey. I always love to welcome a writing duo to hear their process, how they came to be, etc. and Hillary and Heather have such a fun wiring journey PLUS they got to work with romance queen, icon, legend, Elena Armas. If you love an audio book or a romance, this is the perfect valentine aperitif this week!

An love letter to Nora Ephron with an homage Sleepless in Seattle, who more could you ask for in a romcom? Well the person to bring you this dream read, is B.K. Borison and after our chat is was clear she was the person to write this book. I had the best time chatting with B.K. about her writing, love of a romcom and Nora, being in our romcome era, new mom life and so much more. I loved this book. It was the joy-filled hug we all need these days. The best news of all, is it will be a series! More to come in the Heartstrings universe!

If a book has a stalker storyline, I am in. I think because it is one of my biggest fears. When I read about Megan Collins' Cross My Heart, I knew I needed to read it. Heart transplant, stalking, obsession- all the key elements to a twisty thriller reminiscent of the the 90's thrillers we all loved. I loved chatting with Megan about her inspiration ( a real life story inspired!), her writing process, Boston and so much more.

I was SO thrilled to welcome Jessica Soffer to Books are Chic to celebrate her magical, heart filled, sweeping love story, This is a Love Story- out TODAY! This February Read with Jenna pick is a heart breaking, chicken soup for the soul, life affirming, silver lined beauty and us readers are better for it. I will think about this book for a long time. I love a book that makes you think about life, love, family, friendships and everything in between. I loved having the chance to chat with Jessica about this book, her inspiration and her love for New York City. Life is short, this book is sweet, move it to the top of your pile, you will thank me later.

The fabulous writing duo of Taylor Hutton joined me on pub day to celebrate their debut dark romance, Strike and Burn. It has romance, mystery, murder, SPICE and drama. A perfect dark romance recipe that only Hutton could do. I loved talking to these two about their process, how they came to be, romance and so much more. I loved Julie and Adele! They were so much fun and their admiration and respect for each other is clearly the secret ingredient to their success.

Bucket list, dream guest Kate Kennedy joined me for a discussion of one of my favorite 2024 reads, One In A Millenial. If I could summarize my nostalgia and feelings in a book, this is it. Just trust me. It is a celebration pop culture moments in the 90's, 00's and today woven with the most perfect cultural commentary that only Kennedy can do. You will laugh, you will cry, you will find yourself reaching out to your oldest friends. Kate and I chatted, Taylor, Jessie Spano, sleepovers, motherhood, school supplies and everything else. I could have talked to her for hours. She has a way in her podcast, Be There In Five, of making you feel like she is sitting right beside you, a friend right there with you and that is how this book feels. A fun convo with your bestest friend and I am jealous for anyone who gets to read it for the first time.

Think bad a** mom who is also a killer but is also a wife and friend and throw her into the leading role of Asia Mackay's latest, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage. This was such a fun read and I loved the main character, Haze. She had a little bit of all moms who are trying their best to parent, be a partner, friend and all the things in between- some of which may be killing bad guys. I loved chatting with Asia as we talked about motherhood, friendships and so much more.

Three-peat guest, Fiona Davis is on Books are Chic today! Pub day celebration for The Stolen Queen and I am so happy to shout out this book. Every book I say Davis can't get any better and then she does. This book is Egypt, Vogue, the Met and intrigue- perfection. I always love seeing Fiona as she feels like an old friend. Her writing is exquisite, her research unmatched and curiosity as a writer and reader is admirable. She is the real deal and I always love seeing her.

New must-buy author alert! Nora Dahlia. She joined me on Books are Chic to chat her new rom com, Pick Up. Part rom com, part mom com this book was pure joy. I lol'd as this was the perfect depiction of mom life with a little swoon and spice. I loved getting to chat with Nora as she is just as a delightful. We chatted writing ,mom life, travel and so much more.

Queen, Icon, Legend, @dannypellegrino joined me on @booksarechic and all I can say is WHAT

Pip Drysdale writes a thriller that sucks you in and makes you not want to stop turning the pages. The Close Up, her latest, centers around a writer and her stalker who is acting out the pages of her first book. It is tense and twisty. But also she had me at stalker. I was so excited to welcome her to Books are Chic to chat about the inspiration for this book as well as celebrate it. She was open and honest about her past and I appreciated her sharing. We chatted thrillers, writing and so much more.

I love a YA thriller and I have said multiple times, I feel like YA thrillers are having a resurgence of popularity and amazingness. I was so thrilled to welcome Jan Gangsei for her AH-mazing YA thriller, Dead Below Deck. It is giving Pretty Little Liars meets Below Deck. Toxic friendships, murder and a dream yacht are all the players in this popcorn thriller. I loved chatting with Jan about her writing, why YA?, her fave reads and so much more.

I loved chatting with Clare Gilmore about her latest rom-com, Perfect Fit. I love a rom-com around the holidays and this had all the perfect ingredients- spice, heart and banter. We chatted writing, romance and lots more.

I had the privilege of chatting with Sarah Labrie to celebrate her debut memoir, No One Gets to Fall Apart. This book has garnered amazing reviews from the New York Times and Oprah Magazine and it is worthy of them all. It is open, honest and authentic to Labrie's voice. I loved having the opportunity to chat with her about her process and her story. We chat mental illness, adult friendship and persisting through life. While this book is tiny it packs a punch with thought and emotion.

One of my favorite episodes of the year, Katie Cicatelli-Kuc. This episode is special for a few reasons: 1. Chloe and I buddy read, Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice and it was the perfect fall read, 2. When I read the book, I noticed Katie, in the acknowledgements, said she wrote the book while undergoing cancer treatments (my daughter went through cancer treatment as well) 3. I immediately reached out to Katie, who responded instantly to join me on the podcast and she, having not been on a podcast, said YES! This conversation is filled with the healing powers of reading and writing, the power or persistence and the love of a pumpkin spice latte. I will let the episode and Katie's badassness do the talking!

I love YA and love being able to welcome fab YA authors to Books are Chic. I was so thrilled to welcome Olivia Worley to Books are Chic for her latest YA thriller, The Debutantes. Set in gothic New Orleans against the backdrop of the cutthroat debutante society. A missing girl, murder, glitz and mystery all make up this perfect fall read. Olivia and I chatted inspo, YA, writing and so much more.

I had the best time welcoming back JT Ellison to Books are Chic! We had the best talk when she first came on for her book, It's One of Us as I appreciated her openness on the subject matter and respected her way to speak her truth through story. I was more than thrilled to read and celebrate her latest, A Very Bad Thing. Murder, stalking, the book world and a high profile author- all things that are the perfect recipe for a thriller. We caught up, talked writing, author life and what that is like and so much more.

Part 2 Halloween double feature: The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel, the perfect homage to Alfred himself and the perfect fall read IMO. I was so thrilled to welcome Stephanie to Books are Chic to talk writing, books and the inspiration and research behind this book. We also chatted themes from her other books and so much more. Who doesn't love a weekend getaway with old friends at a remote hotel with a suspicious innkeeper. I had so much fun chatting with Stephanie and can't wait to have her back!

Part 1 of my Halloween double feature: Hidden Pictures was one of my favorite reads last year so I was thrilled to welcome Jason Rekulak to Books are Chic! His latest, The Last One at the Wedding, was wedding gone wrong - a fave suspense plot line. Boston, murder, fabulous wedding and too many suspects were all the ingredients to this perfect fall read. I had to much fun chatting with Jason about thrillers, writing, Stephen King and parenting. Definitely a conversation not to be missed!

You all know I love welcoming new authors to Books are Chic and I was so thrilled to welcome Alexandra "Zan" Romanoff for her new romcom, Big Fan. What I loved even more was that Big Fan was the first romance novel under the brand new, women run romance imprint, 831 Stories. Big Fan is a blend of politics, boy bands and a whole lot of heart. It is a bite sized read that will leave you wanting more. Zan and I chatted books, romcoms, pop culture and everything in between. Zan felt like an old friends as did her characters. This book is a perfect fall accessory and the fact we are supporting new bookish imprints is just the icing on the cake.

If you love Disney, if you love pop culture, TV and early 2000 celebs, you will LOVE Disney High. I was so thrilled to chat with Ashley Spencer about her debut book and chat all things Disney channel. This book is a love letter to the early aughts Disney channel celebs and shows that set off a global Disney phenomenon. Spencer thoughtfully pens this book with insider interviews, fun facts and stories of the start of Selena, Hilary, Miley and the Jo Bros. I was on the older end for these shows but I have had fun watching them through my kids, they still hold up! You know I love a pop culture celebration and this book was no exception!

I really don't know what is more chic than a book about Taylor Swift and her style? I'll wait.... Sarah Chapelle the brains and style behind the instagram handle, Taylor Swift Styled, has thoughtfully written and curated the most epic book of all things T Swift style. The must-have for any Swift fan, fashion lover or pop culture enthusiast. I had the best time talking all things Taylor, fashion and Eras tour with Sarah and celebrating this chic and stylish must-have.

Once More From the Top is a nostalgic journey that will have you thinking of all your most favorite singers as well as all your most favorite high school memories. I had the best time chatting with Emily Layden and celebrating this book. We chatted the importance of music, writing, pop culture and so much more. If you loved Daisy Jones and the Six, you will devour this novel!

Chic. That is what this book is. When I say books are chic, this book is the epitome of just that. I LOVE a good non-fiction fashion history book so much so that I have a whole bookcase dedicated to the genre. When I heard about Nancy's book, I knew it was a must-read and it did not disappoint. If you love fashion, this is for you. If you love history, this is for you. If you love New York, this is for you. The thought, research and detail Nancy put into this book is unmatched. She is an expert for a reason and this book is an investment piece if there ever was one.

I have been a huge fan of Laura Dave's since the first time I read Eight Hundred Grapes. Then came, The Last Thing He Told Me, classic, loved, continued my Laura Dave love fest and THEN we get the "soulful suspense" (more on that in the episode) gem, The Night We Lost Him. Laura is a master on storytelling and writing. It was so fun to chat with her about her inspirations, her love for the west coast, page to screen developments and so much more. She is an auto-buy author for me for a reason and after this chat, she will be for you too!

We all know her ~ mom, influencer, OOTD queen and reality TV maven, Stassi Schroeder is back with her third book, You Can't Have it All. I was fortunate enough to chat with Stassi this summer after reading the book. My first comment to her was she should be so proud; for speaking up about motherhood, marriage and all the things in between. She has come so far from her SUR days and it was so fun to chat her journey. I laughed outloud with this book and thought it would make such a great bookclub book. SO many little nuggets that will inspire you, will have you calling your mom friends and appreciating the little things in life.

The fabulous writing duo of Ali Brady joined me, two of my most favorites, to celebrate their latest novel Until Next Summer. I have loved watching Alison and Bradeigh's writing journey and always love our chats. They take us back to summer camp with some romance, friendship, nostalgia and lots of spice. We talk the love of romance novels, summer magic and so much more.

Read with Jenna pick! Barnes and Noble August Book club selection! Book of the Month selection! NYT bestseller! The list is endless and this book was a gem. I was so thrilled to chat with Alison Espach to celebrate the many achievements and accolades of The Wedding People. This book is smart, thoughtful, funny and heartbreaking all in one, perfect end of summer literary aperitif. We chat writing, luxury hotels, mental health, friendships and so much more!

One of the many reasons I love the internet is when you meet people who feel like friends you had growing up. This is how I feel about Audrey and Emily. Not only do I love their books but I just love their conversation, energy and sparkle. We were reunited over their latest rom-com, Elizabeth of East Hampton, which I devoured. We chatted writing, book tour, Hamptons, Austen and FELICITY! You will adore them once you listen to this chat.

Tim Ehrenberg of @timtalksbooks joins me this week!