Jennifer Vido: How did your admiration for The Great Gatsby inspire your new release, BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS?    Jillian Cantor: I’ve long been a fan of The Great Gatsby as a reader, but I’ve also always felt there was more to the women’s stories beneath the surface. Daisy says in the original that the best thing a girl can be is “a beautiful little fool.” But I always felt certain she was so much more than that! My novel explores Daisy’s story, as well as Jordan’s, Myrtle’s, and Myrtle’s sister, Catherine’s. What happens during the investigation of Jay Gatsby’s death that sends the police in a tailspin? In the original novel, Jay Gatsby is murdered, and George Wilson is found shot dead nearby, and the police wrap up the case as a murder-suicide. In my novel, one detective finds a diamond hairpin in the bushes by Jay Gatsby’s pool, and that leads him to start looking closer at the women in Gatsby’s orbit. Let’s talk about the three suspects, starting with Daisy Buchanan. How is she connected to the murder victim? Well, as we know from the original novel, Daisy and Jay met and dated in 1917 in Louisville, where…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors as a reader you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Cait Nary! Writes: I write character-driven M/M hockey romance that’s not scared to tackle the darker side of hockey culture. As a hockey fan with her eyes open to the sport’s shortcomings, I wanted to write a book that grappled with the challenges of falling in love in an environment that is profoundly heteronormative and steeped in toxic masculinity. In SEASON’S CHANGE, Olly and Benji spend all their time together—on the ice, in the locker room, in their shared apartment—and learn that ignoring their unspoken feelings isn’t an option. About: A Southerner who somehow managed to stumble my way into hockey fandom, my interests include yelling “Shoot!” at the Philadelphia Flyers; cheering for whoever is playing against the Washington Capitals at my closest geographic hockey arena; and refusing to learn how to interpret advanced hockey analytics. I’m a big fan of arena-sized light beers and collecting more hockey-themed snapbacks than I will ever be able to wear. What I’m looking for…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE PRINCE AND THE PRODIGAL 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? I don’t usually create an elevator pitch, but my publisher came up with this, which I like: Two brothers among twelve. One pampered. One petulant. After a stunning betrayal, Judah struggles to forget what he’s done while Joseph attempts to move on from what’s been done to him. Is there hope for reconciliation for one of Egypt’s most powerful men and his wayward brother or will vengeance win the day? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? The Bible picked the locations and approximate time frame. 4–What are three words that describe your main character? Integrity, Honest, Trusting 5–Which side character stole your attention the most from the main storyline? Judah gets almost as much page time as Joseph does because this story is really a tale of two brothers, One a prince. One a prodigal. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? God often takes many years and uses the most unlikely circumstances to mold us into the person He wants us to be. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Alana Quintana Albertson! Writes: I write heart books filled with passion and culture. My latest book, Ramón and Julieta, celebrates Latine joy and is the tale of star-crossed lovers who meet on Day of the Dead and discover they are from star-crossed families. It’s the first book in the Love & Tacos series. About: I’m a California chica living in sunny San Diego. I live with my husband and two sweet sons and run a dog rescue, Pugs N’ Roses. I spend my free time walking along the beach, doing yoga, and gardening. You can find me sipping an iced Mexican oat milk mocha and eating tacos. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: Looking for readers who want to fall in love with strong, sexy characters that are deeply rooted in their beliefs. Must love to laugh, have a great appetite, and must love dogs! What to expect if we’re compatible: Vivid descriptions of food Always a shelter pet sidekick Swoon-worthy romance Sexy times Road trip through…

I love the chance to get to explore fun settings in my fiction.  That’s one of the reasons OUT OF TEMPER: Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 3 is set Aboard a cruise ship.  The ship in my fictional cruise line is sailing out of Galveston, from the terminal just down the street from where I placed Felicity’s shop.  In the book, she’s still active in her role as chocolate maker: this time she’s been asked to do demos of her work aboard the ship. I’ve been on a number of cruises, even done enrichment lectures aboard ships myself.  And there are so many things that make me want to go back.  Here’s my top 10. 10–Eggs Benedict.  Because I’m not going to get up early enough to make Hollandaise for myself at home. I’ve found Eggs Benedict on the breakfast menu of every ship I’ve been on. (Though I’ve by no means been on all cruise lines, so your mileage may vary.)  The fictional cruise line in my book offers a Texas-themed menu, so Felicity gets Chicken Fried Steak Benedict. 9–Shore excursions!  You never know where you will be able to go. (Bonus: It is always warm in the Caribbean.)…

In February 1987, I was thriving. I was performing in local Seattle clubs to promote my new album and researching a historical fiction novel based on the life of Joan of Arc. I was in love. But then I got a headache that wouldn’t go away. Throbbing pain made me nauseous. Over the course of a week, my vision morphed from tones of sepia brown to black nothingness, and I became blind in one eye. There were blood tests, spinal taps, and visits with doctors tapping my joints with rubber mallets. How many fingers do you see? And then the final, fateful test with an ophthalmologist who didn’t mince words. See those white spots? I squinted with my good eye at the black and white Seurat image of my brain. You definitely have Multiple Sclerosis. I took a sobbing breath, already knowing my world would never be the same. The headache morphed and moved throughout my body, a wolf chewing my arm, a knife stabbing my back. But, eventually, I discovered a hidden secret. Extreme pain left me with the most significant, most liberating gift the universe could ever give –the realization that I had nothing left to lose. I…

1–What is the title of your latest release? UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? When the Nazis march into Paris, an American woman uses her bookstore to aid the resistance, while a businessman chooses to sell his products to Germany—and send vital information home to the US. Can they work together for the higher good, or will it cost them everything they love? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? Paris is so romantic, World War II novels set in Paris are very popular, and I’d never set a World II novel in Paris, so it was time! I wanted a fresh spin, so when I learned of the thousands of Americans who remained in Paris after the Germans invaded—even though the US was neutral and they were free to go home—I wondered why they stayed. The hero and the heroine in UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS represent some of the reasons Americans remained in the blacked-out City of Lights. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Absolutely! Lucie Girard is delightful—creative, enthusiastic, and warm. She’s interested in everything artistic and literary, but in the…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? When a descendant of the creator of the famed Irish Claddagh ring is tasked with apprenticing the daughter of the new British landlord, worlds collide. He doesn’t believe in love, she’s weary of the hate. They both long to escape, but can they do so with their hearts—and lives—intact? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I knew I wanted a book to surround the legend of the Claddagh ring, which made the decision for me! The ring was created by a resident of the area of Galway City called The Claddagh, so I knew it had to take place in that area. I also lived in County Galway for 4 years,  so it has gotten under my skin, and I just had to tell the world about it. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Oh, I totally would! She loves dresses and tea and a good dessert, but also isn’t afraid of a good pair of trousers or to speak her mind. I’d say we’d pair well together because…

1–What is the title of your latest release? OUT OF THE BLUE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?  A curvaceous woman on a wellness journey falls for her personal trainer. But will her newfound courage allow her to face her biggest fear and seize the life she truly wants? 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?  OUT OF THE BLUE is the fourth book in my Perfect Fit series, and all of the titles in this series have taken place in the fictional town of Granite, Texas. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?  Absolutely! Preslee is a kind, genuine character who has real insecurities like the rest of us. She’s clumsy, playful, and has a funny—if not quirky—sense of humor. She would be so much fun to hang out with. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Kind, positive, and competitive. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?  While writing OUT OF THE BLUE, I learned that not everyone takes the same path on their wellness journey…and that there’s nothing wrong with sometimes paving your own road. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Caridad Pineiro! Writes: Meet THE FAMILY SHE NEVER MET, a romance with a strong women’s fiction element. About: Caridad likes to write all kinds of stories, from paranormal to romantic suspense to contemporary romance. She loves the challenge of creating characters who readers will fall in love with. What I’m looking for in my ideal reader match: If you’re looking for a story with a strong romance, an emotional story about women overcoming the past to build the future, with a Miami vibe, THE FAMILY SHE NEVER MET is the book for you! What to expect if we’re compatible: If Caridad is your author to try, you’ll get compelling characters, an emotional story, interesting settings, good food, and a rewarding happily-ever-after. THE FAMILY SHE NEVER MET by Caridad Pineiro Jessica Russo knows nothing about her mother’s family or her Cuban culture. Every time she’s asked about it, her mother has shut down. But when the Cuban grandmother she’s never met sends her right-hand man, Luis, to…