Books are Chic

Take a look into the dark side of the art world with Anna Barrington's debut, The Spectacle. Hailed by People as a "social thriller", it is the perfect thriller to enter into fall or celebrate the end of summer. I was so excited to chat with Anna (OG MA girl) , all the way across the pond, about her experience in the art world, the #METOO movement, why thrillers and much more.

Back with a new episode that has old Hollywood, glam, mystery and so much more. I had the best time welcoming first time author, Melissa O'Connor to Books are Chic. We were celebrating her debut, The One and Only Vivian Stone- hailed as "sparkling" by Abby Jimenez. A little romance, a little historical fiction and mystery make up this addictive read.Melissa and I chatted our love for old Hollywood, Lucille Ball, celebrities, some Bravo ;) and a lot more. Melissa is one to watch!

What an author to have join me on my 50th episode of the year! Iconic, thoughtful and legendary writer, Mary Alice Monroe joins me this week on the podcast. We celebrated her latest masterpiece, Where the Rivers Merge, an epic, sweeping, historical story about friendship, humanity, love and trying times. It is a story Mary Alice tells so beautifully.She and I chatted history, our legacies, friendship, the south and its natural habitat and so much more. This conversation was insightful, inspiring and joyful. Mary Alice is a lover of books, nature and so much more. I absolutely will cherish this conversation and the time we had to talk.

What a guest to welcome in August! Megan Miranda is a thriller queen and her latest, You Belong Here is no exception to her collection of masterpieces. College drop off can be heartbreaking enough for any parent but when there is a dark past associated with it, it can be a nightmare- this is the backdrop to this summery thriller.I had so much fun chatting with this OG Reese Witherspoon bookclub pick about the inspo for this book (her own mother/daughter college tours!), thriller life, being part of the Reese's "sorority", her current reads and so much more!

Oh how I love a summer romcom with a magical twist! Do you? If so, The Art of Vanishing by professional book queen, Morgan Pager. I have been a longtime follower of Morgan as she is a top bookfluencer and now we were able to come together and celebrate her debut. History, art, romance, shall I go on? If you love A-Ha's Take on Me music video, this book will hit the heeartstrings.Morgan and I chatted her colorful, bookish career, the shift to writing, books we love, broadway and so much more. I can't wait to see what more there is to come from Morgan!

Beyond ecstatic to welcome best-selling author, Karen White to Books are Chic! We were celebrating her latest, That Last Carolina Summer- a perfect blend of drama, mystery, family and romance.I had the best time chatting with Karen about her career, writing inspo (Outlander for the win!), ghosts, the south and so much more. She is the real deal having more than 20 novels in her back catalog. I could have chatted with her for hours! Grab any of her books and you will be a fan for life!

A little Indiana Jones and a little Romancing the Stone are what make up, Heart Marks the Spot. A treasure hunting romcom with a bada** leading lady and a dreamy author. I loved welcoming Libby to Books are Chic! We had the best time chatting romance, writing, the TV show Outer Banks, Key West, treasure hunting, no topic was off limits. This was such a fun chat and an even more fantastic read!

What a joy to welcome Sally Blakely to Books are Chic to celebrate her debut, Friends to Lovers. Dubbed, "the ultimate summer romance" it is a delightfully effervescent romcom that will have you falling in love with Joni and Ren. Plus, the sprayed edges and addictively adorable cover are the cherry on the sundae, making this a must for your beach bag.Sally and I chat her writing start, romcoms, the romance boom, our love for LONG playlists and so much more. This book screams summer romance!

It was so much fun to welcome Kate Myers to Books are Chic for her latest, Salty. A perfect beach read with a little bit mystery, little drama and a whole lot of sisterhood. Think a triple mix of Schitt's Creek, Below Deck and Downton Abby- I know, dreamy. Kate and I chatted her start in writing, how she wrote her first novel- Excavations and what the future holds. Hint, hint it includes Peacock and Amy Poehler.

Ok two things I love are Bravo TV and true crime and of course books, so when a romcom comes out that encompasses ALL of that- well that is a must read for me. I was so thrilled to welcome Neely Tubati Alexander to the podcast to celebrate her latest, Courtroom Drama. Alexander's nod to reality tv with a little crime and a little spice was the perfect beach read. She and I chatted her writing career (her 2nd novel was a GMA Buzz pick!), Bravo and the god that is Andy Cohen, high profile court cases (think Karen Read and Johnny Depp), thoughts on Dorit smoking this season on RHOBH and so much more. It truly was a delightufl chat and this book should be required reading if you are a Bravo or reality tv lover!

Another OG to my booksta career and I am so happy to pair these two together today, Kaira Rouda. She is also part of the Killer Author Club and a thriller queen. She has mastered the "bad people doing bad things" theme and it is no different in her latest, Jill is Not Happy. The perfect description for this book aside from the deadly cat and mouse, sscary marriage saving road trip is Jill is "Ripley in yoga pants". Perfection. We had so much fun catching up and talking about what Kaira loves about her characters and how Jill kept popping up on her shoulder this book tour. She is so bright and bubbly, I always question how she can go to the dark side! LOL.

One of Books are Chic OG's is back, Kimberly Belle! We are celebrating her latest, The Expat Affair, a psychological thriller set in Amsterdam within the dark diamond industry. A one night stand, a dead body and an unlikely pair are the main ingredients in this perfect beach read thriller. This book is Belle's homage to Amsterdam and only a tale she can tell. We chat her love for the city, thrillers and the evolution of her writing, the Killer Author Club and so much more.

A dreamy romance and a perfect beach read, all in one- this is Christine Pride's solo debut, All the Men I've Loved Again. I had the best time welcoming Christine to the podcast and celebrating this delightful read. When you heard the inspo for this book, you will flip. Christine chatted about her writing journey (hello Jo Piazza!), being a GMA pick, past loves, romance and so much more. I could have chatted with her for hours!

Newly minted, Book of the Month July selection author, Emily Harding is with me today! She and her writing partner, Audrey Bellezza are no strangers to Books are Chic- we missed you Audrey!- but it was so fun to welcome Emily for her debut- How Freaking Romantic. This book introduces readers to one of my favorite rom-com heroines in a long time- Bea. Bea navigates the divorce of her two friends as one of their lawyers and well lets just say the other lawyer Nathan = hot and so I will let your imagination wander.....It was so fun to chat with Emily about solo writing verse partner, the roman empire that is Bravo tv, the romance boom and the stigma with it and so much more. Emily is a guest I could chat with for hours about any and everything. She is just a gem.

Fellow North Shore friend, Peter Swanson has done it again with Kill Your Darlings! A twisty thriller centered around a dark and spiraling marriage all told in the most clever way only Swanson could do. I was so thrilled to welcome him back to Books are Chic. I love chatting with him to hear about his writing process and inspiration. His books always have me flipping the pages wondering where he is taking the reader. He talked about his future projects and what he has been reading and watching! This book is not to be missed in your beach bag! P.S. Don't miss out on The Kind Worth Killing too, I mention that one A LOT in this episode. :)

I loved welcoming Hannah Brown back to Books are Chic! I loved her debut romance, MIstakes We Never Made (out in PB now!) and absolutely adored her follow-up- The Four Engagements of Sybil Rain. I read it in 24 hours, poolside- so this tells you gold standard beach read. Sybil was one of the most inspiring and endearing characters and I loved revisiting Hannah's world. I loved catching up on life, writing that sophomore novel, life as an author and so much more. You must follow Hannah as she is an open book and is giving us a peek into her wedding plans, love and all the things- kind of like Sybil!

My fellow MA gal, Kate Spencer, was back to chat her latest romcom- All's Fair in Love and Pickleball. Anytime chatting with Kate is a time well spent. She is such a delight. It was so fun to catch up post Forever 35 to talk about inspo, writing, pop culture, Boston and lots more. I loved this book, not only for the fun banter and HOT tennis player, but the more serious storyline that will remind all readers to look for the silver linings in life and YOLO. Something only Kate knows all too well and is the perfect person to remind us all!We are so lucky to be a reader in a world where Kate Spencer is an author!

Amy Poeppel has a way with humor, family and relationships like no other. Her latest novel, Far and Away, is no exception. I was so excited to welcome Amy back to the podcast to celebrate this novel! This book, just mentioned in People Magazine, is the perfect beach read as it whisks you away, traveling in Europe and the US. It gives major Holiday (the movie) vibes. I loved chatting with Amy about her time in Germany, her writing, the Thursday Author's Club and so much more. Amy is the true embodiment of her books- delightful, charming and so funny.

Welcome to Murder week is the perfect cozy mystery that well all need right now. Starring Cath, who travels across the pond to solve a mystery left behind by her mother. A cast of quirky characters round out this perfect beach read. I was so excited to welcome Karen Dukess to Books are Chic as we chatted inspo, writing, the Cape, London and all things in between. She was such a delight and I loved learning about her and her career!

Love a new author guest on the podcast, as always, so I was thrilled to welcome Laura Leffler! Her debut, Tell Them You Lied, is a psychological thriller set against 9/11 with two artists in a toxic friendship and one goes missing- can you say summer beach read? I had such a great convo with Laura about writing, September 11th, the art world and so much more. She is one to watch!

⛱️ Bonus summer Friday ep.

I was so delighted to welcome Audrey Ingram to Books are Chic for her latest, The Summer We Ran. This book was such a great summer read. A mix of major secrets, nostalgia and romance- this book will have you flipping the pages. I loved chatting with Audrey about writing and motherhood, inspiration and our love for Keri Russell. Add this to your beach bag ASAP. You will love it!

Bestie authors, Ali Brady, joined me (they may be approaching the 5 timers club soon!) for their latest, Battle of the Bookstores. This delightful beach read is out TODAY! An homage to You've Got Mail this is a rom com made for booklovers. Books, some steam, fabulous banter and BOSTON- yes please. Ali and I caught up on writing, research, rom coms, books we love and OUR EVENT! We will be celebrating the you know what out of this book at Lovestruck Books. Details in bio. I can't wait to squeeze them IRL.

I welcomed summer reading royalty to Books are Chic once again with one of my favorites, Annabel Monaghan. Auto-buy, will read anything she reads, sign me up for all things AM. We reunited to celebrate her latest rom com, It's a Love Story. Filled with quintessential Monaghan ingredients it is sure to be at the top of all beachy #tbr stacks this summer. I loved chatting with her about her writing journey and how it has changed over the years, rom coms, the meaning of a beach read and so much more. She is such a delight and her books are a reflection of that. I dare you NOT to fall in love with an Annabel Monaghan romance...I'll wait.

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.