Olivia's Book Club

This episode features an Arizona author and her debut novel! "All Our Wars" by Stephanie Vasquez is out now. It's a fictionalized organized crime thriller featuring the daughter of a high-ranking Mexican cartel leader. After Sofia De Luna's mother was murdered, Sofia has to make some tough choices about her family business. It's a love story with dual timelines for fans of shows like Netflix's "Narcos." Vasquez grew up in Tucson and studied Journalism and Latin American studies at the University of Arizona. She's written for a number of publications, including the Tombstone Epitaph. She talks about why she is drawn to stories about families, which TV shows and movies inspired her book, and how she became a published author through a contest.

Just in time for Halloween, we're diving into a new thriller called "Fatal Intrusion." It's the first book in a new series by authors Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado. After a series of murders in Southern California, a Homeland Security agent needs the help of professor in catching a serial killer. Deaver is an international bestselling author who has written more than 40 books, including  "The Bone Collector." Maldonado is also a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She graduated from the FBI National Academy and was the first Latina to become a captain within the Fairfax County Police Department near Washington, D.C. Deaver and Maldonado talk about what it's like to co-write a book, how they worked together, and much more. 

Calling all authors and book lovers! On this episode of Beyond the Next Chapter, we're joined by a Valley woman who's planning a convention for book lovers and authors in 2025. It's called Readers of the Valley and will be in Glendale, Arizona on January 18 and 19th. The convention is being organized by Rebecca Lopez. She's a local author who also owns Sunrise Bookworm Co., a business she runs with her husband featuring book-themed goodies. Rebecca talks about what it's like being a small-business owner, why she wanted to bring a convention like this to the Phoenix-area, and of course she gives us some book recommendations! 

This episode of Beyond the Next Chapter is truly living up to its name! We're joined by Dr. Dawn Wright, who's the first Black person to reach the bottom of the ocean. Wright is out with a new book called "Mapping the Deep: Innovation, Exploration, and the Dive of a Lifetime." Back in 2022, she visited the Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean. At more than 35,000 feet, it's the deepest and most unexplored place on planet Earth. Her book details her dive, her path in life and how she became a professor. She now works at a company called the Environmental Systems Research Institute, or ESRI. Wright talks about what she saw at the bottom of the ocean and why mapping the deepest parts of the ocean is so important for all of us. 

While many 8-year-old's love reading, not many start non-profits to comfort others! This week's episode of Beyond the Next Chapter features Anaik Sachdev, the Valley boy who started the organization "The Loving Library." He's also joined by his mom and younger brother who serves as an ambassador. The group donates books to kids who are in the hospital and they now have chapters across the country, even in the UK. Anaik got the idea after his grandma was hospitalized with COVID-19 and she was lonely. Since then, more than 15,000 books have been donated! They talk about how you can give back, their favorite books for kids, how the non-profit has been able to grow and the plans for the future!

After the death of their father, estranged siblings discover their dad may have been keeping a secret for more than 50 years. While his death was ruled accidental, the siblings are afraid something more sinister is at play. It's a slow-burn mystery and family drama and Laura Dave joins the podcast to talk about "The Night We Lost Him." Dave is a #1 New York Times best-selling author who most recently wrote "The Last Thing He Told Me." That book is also hit series on Apple TV starring Jennfier Garner. Dave talks to our host Whitney Clark about the real event that inspired "The Night We Lost Him," her own fears, what it's like working with Garner, and the plans for her next book (a sequel to "The Last Thing He Told Me."). 

Only 41% of third-grade students in Arizona are reading at grade level. That's according to the most recent statistics from the Education Progress meter. Findings were released earlier this year by the non-profit, Center for the Future of Arizona. In this episode, our host Whitney Clark focuses on how we can improve literacy rates among kids, how we got here, why it's a skill that's so important, and what you can do to help. She's joined by Terri Clark, the Arizona Literacy Director for Read On Arizona, and Jennifer Deibel, who's an author and teacher in the Deer Valley Unified School District. 

In this episode we're taking you around the world, but on a budget! Our host Whitney Clarks to Jen Ruiz, the author of "12 Trips in 12 Months." The year before her 30th birthday, Ruiz decided to take a a challenge: Go on 12 trips in 12 months. Her book unpacks her travel journey around the world, how she was able to go from an attorney to a full-time travel blogger, and Jen shares some of her secrets to getting cheap flights. She even flew from the U.S. to New Zealand for $38! Ruiz also shares the magic of solo travel and her advice for women who may be at a crossroads in life and are looking for a change.

From a Changing Hands bookseller, to a flight attendant to a New York Times bestselling author, Valley native T.J. Newman is getting ready for the release of her third book "Worst Case Scenario." Our host Whitney Clark talks to her about the latest thriller. After an airline pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airliner crashes into a nuclear power plant and the race is on to prevent a total meltdown. Newman talks to Whitney about what it's like to return home as an author, her pet peeves as a former flight attendant, and what it's like to see her other books adapted for the big screen!  

In this episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter," Whitney Clark is joined by Marissa Daley, librarian and manager of the Fountain Hills library, and Paige Cordner, librarian at the Queen Creek library. Together, they dive into the world of book recommendations and read alikes, offering listeners a treasure trove of new books to explore based on popular titles they already love. Marissa and Paige share their insights on what makes a read-alike, discuss some of their favorite genres, and provide personalized recommendations for books like "The Fourth Wing," "I'm Glad My Mom Died," and "Funny Story." They also explore the impact of social media on reading habits and the resurgence of certain genres like fantasy romance. Whether you're a fan of Emily Henry's charming romances, Colleen Hoover's gripping stories, or Kristin Hannah's historical fiction, this episode is packed with suggestions to keep your reading list full and varied. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a librarian and the joys of fostering a love for reading in the community.  

Author Kate Quinn is out with her new book "The Briar Club." If you like historical fiction, you will love this book! "The Briar Club" is set in a boardinghouse in Washington D.C. during the McCarthy era. There's an element of murder mystery and it's told from the perspective of multiple women, all facing different challenges of the time. Our host, Whitney Clark, talks to Kate about the research that went into this book, what inspired her to write it, the power of female friendships, and she gives us a sneak peek of what she's working on next. 

On this week's episode, our host Whitney Clark chats with Ruth Ware. She's known for her psychological thrillers and is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author. Her new book "One Perfect Couple" is out now. Whitney talks to Ruth about what inspires her work, what kind of research went into this book and how it compares to reality shows.

In this episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter," our host Whitney Clark chats with author Ashley Poston about her new book. "A Novel Love Story" is out today! Ashley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of "The Dead Romantics" and "The Seven Year Slip." Ashley talks to Whitney about her favorite romance novels, how friendships grow and change as you get older, and the pros and cons of TikTok as an author. 

 If you're going on a trip this summer and you're looking for a good book, we've got you covered! In this episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter," our host Whitney Clark talks to the folks at the Phoenix Library about the most highly anticipated books of the summer. She's joined by Anna Chenoweth, the library collections manager, and Maria Lopez, the community relations manager. For a list of the recommendations: https://www.azfamily.com/2024/06/11/beyond-next-chapter-podcast-most-highly-anticipated-books-summer/

In this episode of Beyond the Next Chapter, our host Whitney Clark talks to an author and psychologist about overcoming trauma associated with work. Gretchen Schmelzer is a longtime psychologist and author. She's writing a book about the topic now. She also has a book called "Journey Through Trauma" which was released in 2018. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Gretchen noticed that employers were becoming concerned with the mental health with their employees. She travels the country working with doctors, firefighters and even journalists. Gretchen shares tips with Whitney on how to address trauma, how to notice it and how employers can work with their employees. 

In a bonus episode of “Beyond the Next Chapter,” our host Whitney Clark talks to author Steven Rowley about his newest book “The Guncle Abroad.” It's the sequel to his hit novel “The Guncle” which was released in 2021. The sequel follows Patrick and his niece and nephew as their father gets married in Italy. Whitney talks to Stephen about how he mixes humor and heart, his own love story and what it's like to be an uncle in his real-life! 

Summer is just around the corner, and on this episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter" host Whitney Clark talks to the author of "Just for the Summer." Abby Jimenez is known for her quick dialogue and romance novels that have depth and cover issues like trauma and toxic parents. Her latest book came out in April and was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. Whitney talks to Abby about her writing process, her bakery business "Nadia Cakes," and Abby gives us a sneak peek of her next book that will be out in 2025! 

For the first time on Beyond the Next Chapter, our host Whitney Clark is chatting with a children's book author—and she's local! Lindsay Gonzales lives in the Valley and is the author of a series of books about a young girl named E.D. Camps. The main character is based off of Lindsay's daughter, Elena. Lindsay loves camping and when she and her husband started taking their young daughters, she couldn't find any books about camping. So she wrote one! Lindsay talks to Whitney about how she became a published author, her favorite books, why she loves camping with her family, and her favorite camping spots in Arizona! 

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! If you're looking for a good beach read, Allison Winn Scotch's new book "Take Two, Birdie Maxwell" may be the one! Our host Whitney Clark got to talk to Allison about how Julia Roberts inspired the main character, Birdie. Allison is a fan of 90's romcoms and wanted to create the same types of love stories in her books. She's also a big fan of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce and weighs in on why she thinks so many are rooting for (and sometimes against) the couple. Allison regularly gives shout outs to other female authors and shares why that is so important in the publishing world. 

For the first time, the podcast is featuring an Arizona author! Christina Estes is out with her debut novel "Off the Air." It's a murder mystery set in Phoenix (and it features more than 15 local businesses and neighborhoods). It stars Jolene Garcia, a competitive local TV reporter who wants tell important stories in her community. The book was inspired by Estes' own career. She has spent more than 20 years reporting in Phoenix and currently works for NPR. Estes tells Whitney she hopes people are entertained, they have a better understanding of how local news works, and a better appreciation for Phoenix. "Off the Air" also won the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest. 

What if every time you met a man, you would know how long you would spend with him? That's the premise of Rebecca Serle's new book "Expiration Dates." Our host Whitney Clark got a chance to talk to Serle about her latest project and the story of Daphne Bell. In this podcast episode, Whitney and Rebecca dive into faith versus free will, the significance of female relationships and how they change throughout your 30's, and Rebecca's secrets to a successful book club! Serle is known for incorporating magical realism into her stories and "Expiration Dates" is no different. She's a New York Times best selling author who also wrote "One Italian Summer" and "In Five Years." 

Whitney Clark takes us on a trip down memory lane! Her guest this week is Laura Sharp, the owner of a Gilbert-based pop-up bookstore. Literally, A Bookshop is a children's bookstore that also hosts events for grown-ups! Think the Scholastic Book Fair, but instead of your school gymnasium, events for adults are hosted at wine bars and breweries across the Valley. You can buy a book while drinking a beer or a glass of wine, while also connecting with your fellow readers. Laura shares why she started the events for adults, what it's like owning an independent bookstore, and the magic of introducing kids to books. 

In this episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter," our host Whitney Clark introduces us to silent book clubs. What is a silent book club? Think of it as a flash mob, but for readers! You show up with a book and meet other readers. It's less pressure than a traditional book club and is growing in popularity. Whitney talks to the organizers of the Phoenix and East Valley Silent Book Club chapters who say they now have two meetings a month.

In the second episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter," our host Whitney Clark talks to the #1 New York Times Bestselling author Kristin Hannah. If you don't immediately recognize her name, you likely have seen her books! Hannah has written more than 20 novels including "The Nightingale," "The Four Winds," and "The Great Alone." Hollywood has also taken note. Her book "Firefly Lane" was the #1 series on Netflix around the world the week it came out and Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group has already preemptively acquired the rights to "The Women." Hannah's newest book, "The Women," is the fictionalized story of the brave nurses who served during the Vietnam War. Hannah grew up during that time period and it cast a big shadow over her life. Fans of Hannah's work will see familiar themes in "The Women," including the power of female friendships. "I really write about women finding their voices. Women finding their power," Hannah said on the podcast. "And in the best of circumstances finding their power, and then pausing to turn and help other women who are still struggling on that journey." "The Women" is out now wherever you buy your books.

In the first episode of "Beyond the Next Chapter," we'll introduce you to our host, Whitney Clark, and dive into her reading origin story. Some of her earliest memories include her dad reading to her and taking her to the library or the bookstore. Whitney is joined by her dad and Samantha Mears with the Maricopa County Library District, who is raising a young reader herself! Samantha shares how you can encourage your kids to read through the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program.

Think of this as a book recommendation podcast for all walks of readers, whether you're an avid reader or you want to fall in love with books! It's a place to come to find your next great read from romance, to thrillers, to historical fiction, non-fiction and so much more. As the title implies, in each episode host Whitney Clark will take you beyond the next chapter. We'll talk to our favorite authors, local authors and dive into important topics: how can we improve literacy rates in our community? What's a silent book club? Why are books banned? Audiobooks vs. books? How can I find more time to read? How can I encourage my kids to read? Starting in mid-January, episodes will be released every other Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.  

A group of college friends lose one member of the group to suicide just before graduation in 1995. The loss resonates and shapes their relationships for decades in this funny and moving novel by Steven Rowley. Steven returns to the podcast to talk about his fantastic 2023 release, a story that is personal to the author in many ways, “there's so much story in these middle years,” he says of the characters who align with his own path.  He talks with Olivia about the book's success, the screen adaptations for his work that are awaiting the end of the writers' strike, and his own marriage. The book is available in hardcover from GP Putnam & Sons, and the author narrates the audiobook. For more visit his website This is the last episode of the Olivia's Book Club podcast. Keep up with the group on Facebook, and stay connected with Olivia on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube  

Riley Sager is back and this creepy, twisty thriller takes readers on a tense ride to reveal what really happened the night of the Hope family murders, and why then 17-year-old Lenora was THE ONLY ONE LEFT. Sager returns to the podcast for the third time to talk about his latest work, his book tour, and the plans for upcoming adaptation of THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE for Netflix. For more on the author visit his website. Riley Sager will be at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale on June 19th, information is here. 

Ashley Audrain, the author of the 2021 powerhouse women's fiction debut, THE PUSH, returns to the podcast to talk with Olivia about her new novel, THE WHISPERS. THE WHISPERS takes us to an affluent street where we experience life, frustration, marriage concerns, parenting failures, heartbreaks, tragedies, embarrassment, suspicions, all through the eyes (and whispers) of four women: Whitney, Blair, Rebecca and Mara. Ashley says her experience during the restrictions of the pandemic helped to shape the novel. “Your world became so small, your world was only as big as what you could see outside your front window, which was your neighbor and your neighboring houses. I think we all became a little more intimate and closer with the people we lived in proximity with, that was very much on my mind when I was writing the characters of this book and their settings on the street” she says. THE WHISPERS is out now from Pamela Dorman/Viking and is also available in audio. For more on the author visit her website. Click here to revisit Olivia and Ashley's conversation about THE PUSH.

Happiness Project Founder and New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin returns to the podcast to talk with Olivia about her new  book, LIFE IN FIVE SENSES, another useful tool for the toolkit of anyone  who shares her insatiable desire to understand human nature and find  ways to live a happier life. For this book Gretchen embarks on an experiment to see how a focus  on her senses might change her perspective and discovered she found  greater calm, joy, and connection to the people and places surrounding  her. Gretchen shares surprising discoveries from daily visits the New  York Metropolitan Museum of Art and which life experience she'd like a  do-over for, after practicing these methods to be more in her body and  in the moment. LIFE IN FIVE SENSES is available in hardcover from Crown Publishing and  is also available in audio format, read by the author. Want to better tap into your five senses? Check out the Happier With  Gretchen Rubin podcast.

“A plane crashes into the ocean, sinks with people trapped inside,” T.J. Newman says in describing the premise of this summer's new novel, DROWNING. The writer returns to the podcast to talk with Olivia about battling the pressures of following up her debut bestseller, and her gratitude for the opportunity to live her dream as a full-time writer. A former bookseller and flight attendant, Newman's commercial airline centered thrillers sparked bidding wars in publishing and in Hollywood. This time around, deadline pressures were as intense as the burden of expectation, but Newman said she loved writing this intensely emotional book: “At its core, this story would not work if it were not a story of grief and loss and hope and survival and a family coming together” she says.  DROWNING is published by Avid Reader Press, available for pre-order before its May 30, 2023 release. Newman will be signing books at Changing Hands Bookstore, where she used to work, on Monday May 29, 2023. She'll be at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore the following night. For more on TJ Newman, and to follow the latest developments as both her books head to the big screen, visit her website.

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, the besties and writing duo who make readers' smiles and hearts grow with every book published under the pen name Christina Lauren, return to the podcast to talk with Olivia about this summer's release. THE TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT is a stand alone novel focused on “Fizzy” aka Felicity Chen, who readers first met in their instant bestseller THE SOULMATE EQUATION. “No two people complete each other, it is who is perfect for our heroine or our hero,” says Christina, and in this book it's the divorced dad/documentary producer Conner who is clearly meant for Fizzy. The way the relationship unfolds slowly, Lauren explains, is what makes it good. “What more fun can you imagine than taking that person who thinks she knows everything about love and showing her that maybe that's not actually true… they really became friends,” she says. THE TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT is out May 16, 2023 from Gallery Books. For more on the writers and their book tour, visit https://christinalaurenbooks.com/

A Mardi Gras bachelorette party leads to a chance encounter for bridesmaid Serena Khan that leads her considering blowing up the life she's carefully built just weeks before her thirtieth birthday. As if that's not challenging enough, she'll need to get it back together (or at least look together) before she's featured in a Life at 30 profile she's been anticipating since graduation, Neely Tubati Alexander joins the podcast to talk about her debut novel, LOVE BUZZ. She chats with Olivia about her favorite parts of the writing process, her approach to inclusion and representation in her work, and what it all has to do with Nirvana. LOVE BUZZ is out in paperback and audio on May 2, 2023 from Harper Perennial. For more on the author, who has a contract for two more novels currently in the works, visit www.neelytubatialexander.com Neely will celebrate her book's launch locally at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix on Friday May 12.

“He's driving across America, running from the mob, the feds, the cops, a whole bunch of people just to try to find a place to be and exist,” says Don Winslow of where readers find the character of Danny Ryan in his new book, CITY OF DREAMS. Don returns to the podcast to talk with Olivia about the second novel in the crime trilogy that began with CITY ON FIRE.  Winslow shares his advice for aspiring writers, and recollections of his stranger than fiction life prior to becoming a bestselling writer of crime fiction. CITY OF DREAMS is available in hardcover from William Morrow and in audio from HarperAudio. For more on his work, visit https://www.donwinslow.com/

Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist Rebecca Makkai joins the podcast to discuss her novel, I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU. The book follows film professor and podcaster Bodie Kane's return to her alma mater to teach a two-week course. The environment and her students' interest in producing a true crime podcast about the murder of her former roommate resurrect strong feelings, questions and concerns for Bodie.  Rebecca tells Olivia about making changes to the character of Bodie, her interest in the obsession with true crime, the emotional moments that arise on the book tour when readers discuss her highly acclaimed book, THE GREAT BELIEVERS, and her SubMakk substack. She also shares her tribute to her late father, the 84 Books Project. I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU is available in hardcover from Viking and audio from Penguin Audio. For more on the author visit https://rebeccamakkai.com/

Larry Loftis writers non-fiction thrillers. Not a genre Olivia was familiar with before reading his 2023 book THE WATCHMAKER'S DAUGHTER, Larry joined the podcast to talk about his approach to telling true stories that read like fiction. “I like thrillers, that's what's fun for me to read, turning the page, getting your heart rate going, so I just merged the two genres.” Larry spends at least a year on research before beginning to write his books- and telling Corrie Ten Boom's story was no different. Once he completes his extensive research, he exercises his creativity in the formatting and pacing of the story. He takes no creative license with the details: “I can't make anything up. What I can do is decide when chapters end, that's up to me. When there's a dead body, a gun, a briefcase stolen… then, I can end the chapter there. The reader says, ‘wait, wait, what happened? That's what a thriller is.” Larry Loftis is the author of: THE PRINCESS SPY, CODE NAME: LISE, INTO THE LION'S MOUTH, and 2023's THE WATCHMAKER'S DAUGHTER, published by William Morrow and is also available as an audiobook from Harper Audio.

Vanessa Blair is most definitely not living her dream life. She's working as a telemarketer for a judgmental tyrant who wants her out because of her RBF. Her facial expression aside, she's done everything expected of the employees and then some (hello, office Olympics?) For fans of movies like Office Space and the classic 9-5, Anastasia Ryan's debut novel YOU SHOULD SMILE MORE is laugh out loud funny and disturbingly relatable to most anyone who has worked in a company claiming to embrace a meaningful corporate culture. When Vanessa and her peers turn her termination into a challenge, they learn from the tenets of THE ART OF WAR, realize that friendships were the true perk of the job, and find a way to a happier ending that can incorporate gainful employment, kittens, and maybe even love. Anastasia talks to Olivia about the jobs and interviews that inspired her story, her own history as a foster mom to kittens, and why being an introvert feels like an obstacle to selling books!  For more on the author visit  https://anastasiaryan.com/ Follow her on IG, TikTok and Twitter: @byanastasiaryan YOU SHOULD SMILE MORE is available in paperback and for e-readers from Sourcebooks.

For attorney turned novelist William Landay, the justice system is a complex beast, and the stories worth telling don't often resolve simply. The intense emotion of uncertainty of what to believe is what propelled the narrative of William Landay's 2012 bestselling novel DEFENDING JACOB, recently adapted as a limited series for Apple TV+.  More than ten years later, Landay is back with a new family drama that also involves the courtroom. ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME begins with the disappearance of a suburban mother of three, Miranda Larkin, spouse of a prominent criminal defense attorney. The investigation, fears, suspicions, and absence of the matriarch and questions of the father's involvement fuel the moving story that spans decades, grappling with the uncertainty of never knowing what to truly believe. “It is human beings in a jury box, human beings who are judges and lawyers, and mistakes are made. So I wanted to capture some of that uncertainty – which is a difficult thing, when working toward a conclusion is the whole heart of the story,” Landay says as he joins Olivia on the podcast. He shares the journey over the years to write his fourth novel, and what advice he has for other writers who sometimes find the craft full of challenges. ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME published in hardcover by Bantam Books, and is available in audio. For more on the author, visit www.williamlanday.com

Sarah joins the podcast to discuss her second novel, THE LONDON SEANCE SOCIETY. Book number two comes just two years after her instant New York Times #1 bestseller, THE LOST APOTHECARY. That literary tsunami-style splash was made on the heels of leaving a long, successful career working in finance. Yes, finance! Sarah talks with Olivia about her past career and the perk of traveling regularly to London, where she says, “she felt like I'd lived a previous life there. I felt so enchanted by the old brick alleyways... really enamored of it all. I knew I wanted to set my first book there and ended up setting THE LONDON SEANCE SOCIETY there as well.” Sarah talks about researching her Victorian-era novel, writing strong female characters like Lenna and Vaudeline, and her own adventure gaining perspective of a séance, digging deeper into what grieving people are seeking when they desire connection with those who have passed, and how those emotions can make us vulnerable. THE LONDON SEANCE SOCIETY is released March 7, 2023 by Park Row Books. For more on the author visit sarahpenner.com Also mentioned in this podcast: HESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese. To hear Olivia's previous conversation with Laurie about this book, listen to this podcast episode from October 20, 2022.

“When I tell you I'm living the dream Olivia, I'm living the dream!” Wanda Morris returns to the podcast to talk about her second novel, ANYWHERE YOU RUN, published by William Morrow in October, a follow up to her acclaimed debut, ALL HER LITTLE SECRETS. Wanda's novel is what she calls a “coming of age story, with a few dead bodies thrown in,” is set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1964, focusing on sisters Marigold and Violet and how their lives change when they each leave the only home they've ever known, to save their own futures. ANYWHERE YOU RUN is available in hardcover from William Morrow, and in audio from HarperAudio. For more on the author visit https://wandamorriswrites.com/ Wanda will be part of the Brandeis Books & Author event in Phoenix on March 13. For ticket info: https://www.brandeisphoenix.org/2023ba.html

Screenwriter Rachel Koller Croft's debut novel STONE COLD FOX is a deliciously wicked thriller about a gorgeous woman who has no intention of letting anyone or anything (even her own truth) get in the way of the way of a ring on her finger and millions in the bank. Rachel joins the podcast to talk to Olivia about the story, the journey to get a publisher to say yes, and which character in the book is loosely inspired by someone in her life. STONE COLD FOX is out February 14, 2023 in hardcover from Berkley, and the audiobook is Penguin Random House audio, read by Carlotta Brentan. Rachel's book tour includes dates in Chicago, California, New York and Arizona. Visit https://www.rachelkollercroft.com/ for details, or catch her in person with Olivia for her book event at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore on Thursday March2, 2023 at 7pm. https://calendar.time.ly/9plshfqx/event/75299678/20230302190000

There aren't many people around who read more than Barbara VanDenburgh, the former Arizona Republic writer turned USA Today Books Editor. When she's not reading or writing about books, she's talking about them, as host of the First Draft Book Club at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix. Barbara joined the podcast to share some of the early 2023 books she's most excited about, including the current pick for her book club: NIGHT WHEREVER WE GO, Tracey Rose Peyton LIFE ON DELAY: MAKING PEACE WITH A STUTTER, John Hendrickson VICTORY CITY, Salman Rushdie THE CLIMATE BOOK: THE FACTS AND THE SOLUTIONS, Greta Thunberg HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE, Grady Hendrix NEVER NEVER, Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher OSCAR WARS: A HISTORY OF THE OSCARS IN GOLD, SWEAT AND TEARS, Michael Schulman IMMORTALITY A LOVE STORY, Dana Schwartz LOVE PAMELA, Pamela Anderson FINDING ME, Viola Davis Books also mentioned in this episode: FAIRY TALE, Stephen King THE GLASS CASTLE and HANG THE MOON, Jeannette Walls To follow Barbara's work, visit: https://www.usatoday.com/staff/2646127001/barbara-vandenburgh/ Join First Draft Book Club: https://firstdraftbookbar.com/book-club 

When a misunderstanding at a Panera results in an offer that's impossible to refuse, Elle Cosimano's title character springs to life for readers who can't help but root for her heroine to find love, money, and kick a lot of butt along the way. Elle returns to the podcast to talk to Olivia about the third book in her series, FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN. This time we see Finlay and her bestie/nanny/accountant, Vero, head off to a citizen's police academy that puts her right in the focus of the police, for better or worse. The author says the situation was inspired by a real-life writer's academy she took part in, which provides a safe space to ask questions that might otherwise make you look like an aspiring serial killer. “My google search probably has me on several very scary watchlists… but the writer's police academy was great for those questions that would be frowned upon for asking anywhere else!” FINLAY DONOVAN JUMPS THE GUN is available from Minotaur Books on January 31, 2023, and as an audiobook from Macmillan Audio. For more on the author, visit www.ellecosimano.com

Dani Shapiro is the author of eleven books, and the host and creator of the hit podcast Family Secrets. She joined the podcast to talk with Olivia about her most recent novel, SIGNAL FIRES, her first work of fiction in thirteen years. SIGNAL FIRES was named a best book of 2022 by numerous publications, including Time Magazine, and The Washington Post. Dani tells Olivia about how the idea for SIGNAL FIRES first struck her years ago, and that she felt only recently capable of crafting the moving story in part due to her life experience in recent years, specifically the revelations about her own family she shared in her bestselling memoir, INHERITANCE. SIGNAL FIRES is available in hardcover from Knopf Doubleday, and in audiobook (narrated by the author) from Penguin Random House. For more on Dani Shapiro, visit her website: https://danishapiro.com/ Dani Shapiro will be part of an author event in Phoenix in March. To request ticket information visit: https://www.brandeisphoenix.org/2023ba.html

2023 is going to be a good year according to astrologer Valerie Tejeda. Tejeda is a bestselling author, an astrologer with a degree in psychology and certificates in astrology and music therapy, and the creator of the digital brand Big Cosmic Energy. She is the writer and narrator of SELF CARE BY THE SIGNS, a #1 Audible bestseller, a #1 Amazon bestseller, an AP bestseller, as well as SELF CARE BY THE MOON, an Audible Top 10 Listen and Editor's Pick for a 2021 favorite in self-development. She joins the podcast to chat with Olivia (in spite of Mercury being in retrograde messing with reception,) and the powers of the planets and how we can use the stars to better understand ourselves and others. During the chat, Valerie explains why Mercury is messing with us all (and those with Olivia's signs in particular,) and shares the inspiration for her contemporary romance novel GOOD ON PAPER. If you are astrology curious, this conversation is for you! Do you want to know if dogs are guided by their signs? Of course, we do! But you'll have to listen as she shares some insight into her own canine cutie, Dulce. Valerie has contributed to Self Magazine, Vanity Fair, MTV, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, among other publications, and is working on her next book, COSMIC CARE. To learn more about Valerie, purchase her books, or schedule an astrological reading, visit valerietejeda.com

Queen of suspense Mary Kubica opens the year with her latest suspenseful mystery, JUST THE NICEST COUPLE, to be released January 10th. The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author joins the podcast to talk about her twisty tale of two seemingly perfect couples, and the secrets that are exposed between them when one of the husbands disappears.  Mary joins the podcast to talk with Olivia about her previous career as a teacher, how she constructs her storylines, and how motherhood helped to launch her successful career. Mary will celebrate her books birthday with an event at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale on January 10th. For event information or  to pre-order a copy of JUST THE NICEST COUPLE, visit https://poisonedpen.com/ To learn more about the author visit https://marykubica.com/

“You are cordially invited to visit the new Black Hills Manor Writing Retreat,” says the invitation received by five mystery/thriller writers, what could go wrong? That's the lure that leads protagonist Blakely to a remote southern manor with a dark history in Kiersten Modglin's novel, A QUIET RETREAT. Kiersten joins the podcast to talk to Olivia about writing strong women who save themselves, how she maintains her intense writing schedule with a goal of a book every other month (!), and why she can only enjoy her own fiction, such as IF YOU'RE READING THIS, once it becomes an audiobook. An Amazon bestselling author who is a favorite for so many readers, don't miss the conversation with the talented writer whose books always embody the theme: Love, Lies, Alibis. To download her full book list, visit: https://www.kierstenmodglinauthor.com/

The countdown to Christmas is ON! Whether you're looking for the festive audiobook to listen to while shopping or gift wrapping, or a gift idea for the bookworm on your nice list, this episode is here for you. Olivia shares recommendations and future holiday favorites straight from her own TBR. This is followed by a revisiting of a festive 2021 conversation with New York Times bestselling novelist Mary Kay Andrews, author of THE SANTA SUIT.   Also mentioned in this episode: HOLIDAYS ON ICE, David Sedaris SKIPPING CHRISTMAS, John Grisham LOVE ALWAYS, CHRISTMAS, Karen Schaler ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Karen Schaler CHRISTMAS SHOPAHOLIC, Sophie Kinsella Once Upon a Book Club monthly subscription service:  https://www.onceuponabookclub.com/

Ben Lytle is a potentialist and invites all readers of his book to become one as well. He joins the podcast this week to discuss with Olivia the philosophy of potentialism, including his annual ritual of self-assessment, asking himself “am I doing what's making me happy? Am I contributing to life in the way I want to? Doing that, for me has always kept me vibrant.” When Lytle began outlining what became his debut book, THE POTENTIALIST: YOUR FUTURE IN THE NEW REALITY OF THE NEXT THIRTY YEARS, his intended audience was exclusively the future generations of his own family. Luckily for the public, the CEO/entrepreneur decided to share his wisdom more broadly, publishing THE POTENTIALIST as the first of a three-book series. His business resume includes launching and leading five successful companies, including Anthem, currently twentieth on the Fortune 500. Lytle is considered an expert on healthcare policy, a revolutionary thinker and leader devoted to inspiring individual and collective human potential through innovation and creative thinking. THE POTENTIALIST was released in hardcover by Amplify Publishing Group. To find out more about the author, explore the ten principles of the New World reality over the next thirty years, and find out if your child is ready for the future, visit https://potentialistfuture.com/ During this podcast, these books were recommended: ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT by Stephen King BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert

“We are actually heading into the direction of Mexico, while Mexico is trying to be more like us, a country of free press that supports the free press,” says Katherine Corcoran about the emergence of independent journalism in Mexico that has simultaneously sparked a rise in violence against journalists. Corcoran joined the podcast to talk with Olivia about her non-fiction book, IN THE MOUTH OF THE WOLF: A Murder, A Cover-Up, And The True Cost of Silencing The Press. Corcoran's work as a bureau chief for the Associated Press gave her the interest and the access to begin investigating and writing about the murder of Proceso reporter Regina Martinez, who Corcoran had spoken to only months before her death. “What does it mean? Why should people read this story?” she reflects, “When things started to get worse for journalists in the United States, which was something I hadn't anticipated at all, all of a sudden it was very easy to understand why the book was important.” On her time in Mexico, Katherine shares her love of Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and Mexico City, and recommends an article written by a fellow journalist as a guideline for a visit to the capital city: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/17/travel/things-to-do-mexico-city.html IN THE MOUTH OF THE WOLF: A Murder, a Coverup, and the True Cost of Silencing the Press is published in hardback from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Whoa, the holidays are upon us (and the cost of dinner is up 20% on average!) So, let's talk about what we're thankful for: BOOKS! In particular the really special ones that stay with us well past the last page. News anchor Whitney Clark is an avid reader (44 books and counting this year) and shares her top five for 2022 on this week's podcast. Olivia couldn't stick to such a tight list, but shares a few others that are worth recommending.  So escape the family, close the bedroom door and enjoy this reading list! Whitney's Recommendations: -CARRIE SOTO IS BACK, Taylor Jenkins Reid -THE PARIS LIBRARIAN, Mark Pryor -CRYING IN H MART, Michelle Zauner -ATLAS OF THE HEART, Brene Brown -ONE ITALIAN SUMMER, Rebecca Serle Olivia's Recommendations:   -FAIRY TALE, Stephen King -WE ARE THE LIGHT , Matthew Quick -I'M GLAD MY MOM DIED, Jennette McCurdy -FINDING ME, Viola Davis -THE GOLDEN COUPLE, Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen -BAD VIBES ONLY, Nora McInerny -VERITY, Colleen Hoover -LA WEATHER, Maria Amparo Escandon -LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, Bonnie Garmus -LOOK CLOSER, David Ellis