Get all the nostalgia of a classic holiday romance with a heartfelt touch! In this episode, Jenny Bayliss joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Kiss Me at Christmas. We talk about our protagonist, Harriet, an almost-empty-nester dealing with her daughter's extended holiday trip, a drunken one-night stand, and a rundown theater where she organizes a Christmas play with her students to appease a clever theater owner.

Bayliss shares insights into her characters, the inspiration behind her holiday-themed novels, and the relatable challenges of middle-age life. We also talk about Jenny's personal holiday traditions, favorite books, and indie bookshops.

If you love heartwarming tales filled with community spirit and holiday cheer, you won't want to miss this conversation!

For anyone longing for a sense of home or wanting to be reminded, this story feels like coming in from the cold to a place that feels just right. In this episode, Taylor Hahn joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, A Home for the Holidays. Taylor shares more about the book's premise, which involves a wedding singer named Mel dealing with her mother's unexpected death before Christmas and uncovering past secrets. The conversation covers grief, complicated mother-daughter relationships, and finding new confidence and love.

Taylor also shares how personal experiences influenced her writing and gives insights into her other works, including her debut novel, The Lifestyle. They wrap up by discussing the importance of empathy in complicated relationships and Taylor's recommendations for other great reads.

For those drawn to mysteries with a hint of nostalgia! In the novel, we meet Alfred Smettle and his old college friends, who gather in his Hitchcock-themed hotel to resolve past conflicts. Stephanie shares how each character was developed based on one of the Seven Deadly Sins and how psychological thriller elements merge with a classic murder mystery to keep readers engaged.

Stephanie also touches upon her previous novels, Darling Rose Gold and This Might Hurt, and hints at her next project. The episode wraps up with Stephanie's book recommendations and a nod to her favorite indie bookstores, making it a delightful listen for thriller enthusiasts and book lovers!