Jen: What inspired you to write Meg & Jo, a contemporary retelling of Little Women? Virginia: I think we need stories about strong women and families pulling together in tough times. There’s so much warmth and joy in Little Women! When I first read the book—my grandmother gave a copy to my sister and me when I was about ten—I wanted to go live with the March family and act in plays and write a newspaper and all the rest of it. But as I grew up, things I’d sort of skipped over in the story struck me for the first time or in a different way. And I wanted to tell Meg and Jo (and Beth and Amy) in a way that reflected that perspective. As the author of over thirty novels, how did writing your first women’s fiction book differ from your previous works? I’m still writing about families and relationships. I’m still drawing on classic stories of my childhood for inspiration (I always imagined Sea Witch as a sexy, feminist version of The Little Mermaid). But the emphasis in this story is very different. Meg and Jo isn’t so much about if or who the sisters will…

My new release is HIS REASON TO STAY, the first book in my Ellis Family Saga series. Award-winning wildlife photographer, Elijah Ellis, has come back home due to the tragic accident that killed members of both his and his best friend Tabitha Brodie’s family. Despite their grief, Eli hopes that he and Tabby can pick up their familiar friendship. He’s never forgotten the way Tabby makes him feel—full of hope and a sense of home—but she seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. Tabby has always loved Eli. He’s everything she wants in a man. But he left Gatlinburg to make a name for himself outside of his famous family.  Even though there’s no one better to help her through this time, she refuses to be an anchor to a life he never wanted. Not to mention Tabby’s hiding a secret that will change all of their lives. As Eli and Tabby spend more time together, he’s determined to show her they could be perfect together. Too bad she’s spent years building her walls against him… H is for History…Theirs is long and full of unrequited love, at least on her side. I is for Ideal…As in Eli is…

“Don’t look right now, but Miller just pulled up next to your car.” My eyes widen. “He did?” “Yes. And I need you to take me home, but I don’t want to make it awkward if he’s wanting to talk to you, so I’m going back inside the school. Text me when it’s safe to come out.” “Okay.” I’m nodding, my stomach full of nerves. “Also, you’re full of it. You are so into him. If you use the word inconsequential one more time in reference to him, I’ll slap you.” “Okay.” Lexie walks back toward the school, and I take a breath. I spin around and walk toward my car, pretending not to notice Miller’s truck until I’m at my driver’s-side door. His windows are up and his truck is running, but he’s just sitting in it, staring ahead with a sucker hanging from his mouth. He’s not even paying attention to me. He probably doesn’t even know he parked next to me, and here I am assuming it was deliberate. I feel stupid. I start to turn around and open my car door but stop short when he unlocks his passenger door. That’s when he lazily turns his…

Now through the end of the year, some of our reviewers will be sharing their top reads of 2019! First up, Debbie Wiley…  2019 is winding down and it’s time to reflect back on the year’s reading. I read a wide range of genres, to include a mixture of cozy mysteries, urban fantasies, children’s books, nonfiction, historical fiction, comics/humor, and graphic novels. 2019 included releases from a lot of my favorite authors, like J.D. Robb, Nalini Singh, Jennifer Estep, Rachel Caine, Anne Bishop, Laura Griffin, Ilona Andrews, and Seanan McGuire, all of whom made my “Best of 2019” list. However, most of my favorite books fall into only a couple categories so I’ve decided to make up my own “Best Of” categories to highlight a few different reads than just my usual favorite authors. Best Historical Fiction that also Taught Me a Piece of History I Didn’t Know: THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michele Richardson is hands down the winner in this category. Not only was I unfamiliar with the Blue People of Kentucky, I was also unaware of the Pack Horse Library Project. Kim Michele Richardson delves deep into both issues, as we follow Cussy “Bluet”…