Hey there, bookworms! It’s time to cozy up with another edition of Jen’s Jewels, where we dish all the juicy details straight from the authors themselves. This week, we’re chatting with the delightful Suzanne Park about her latest gem, ONE LAST WORD. Get ready for a heart-to-heart as Suzanne spills the beans on her inspiration, character quirks, and the perfect blend of laughter and life lessons in her writing. So grab your favorite reading nook and dive in as we uncover the magic behind Suzanne’s storytelling prowess. Let’s get started!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired the concept of ONE LAST WORD, an app that allows users to send messages after they pass away, and how did you develop the idea into a full-fledged story? Suzanne Park: The idea came to me after binge watching SHARK TANK and TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE during the pandemic. Looking back, it seems weird that those two shows could converge in my mind and spark an idea for an adult book. I’d also always wanted to write about the Venture Capital industry (I’ve written about the gaming and investment banking industries in the past), so this was a good way to…venture into…

In this installment of Jen’s Jewels, we dive into the dark and mysterious world crafted by author Lindy Ryan. From the depths of Southeast Texas in 1999 to the chilling twists of strigoi lore, Lindy’s narrative invites readers to explore family secrets, buried pasts, and the intriguing tension between the Evans family and law enforcement. Join me as we peel back the layers of Lindy’s storytelling and anticipate the thrilling secrets yet to be revealed in her upcoming installments.   Jennifer Vido: The setting of Southeast Texas in 1999 adds such depth to the story. How did you research and capture the atmosphere of that time and place? Lindy Ryan: Easy: from memory. I grew up in Southeast Texas, in the fictionalized version of the town in which BLESS YOUR HEART takes place and was about the same age as Luna in 1999, so writing that atmosphere was mostly an exercise of recalling the people, places, and the events of the time. Good, bad, and otherwise, Bless Your Heart is truly a snapshot of my hometown at that time (though perhaps a little more rural). I wrote a lot about “writing what you know” in a recent essay at Crimereads,…

Hey, booklovers! Welcome back to another edition of Jen’s Jewels! This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mary Kubica, the mastermind behind some of the most gripping thrillers out there. From Local Woman Missing to Just the Nicest Couple, Mary’s stories always keep us on the edge of our seats. Today, she’s here to chat about her newest release, SHE’S NOT SORRY, a tale woven with secrets, remorse, and the intricate dance of human relationships. So, grab your favorite beverage and get cozy because you won’t want to miss this thrilling conversation.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write this gripping thriller, particularly the intertwining themes of secrets, remorse, and the complexities of human relationships? Mary Kubica: The twist in this book actually came to me first, and then I went back and very deliberately created the story of Meghan and others to work toward the twist. That said, characters are very important to me and having the complex relationships between mother and daughter, wife and ex-husband, a woman and an old friend, and a nurse and her patient helped make these characters all the more authentic and relatable. One of the most vital parts of…

In this week’s Jen’s Jewels, I delve into the delectable world of Liza Palmer’s latest novel FAMILY RESERVATIONS. Join me as we unravel the tantalizing tale of Maren Winter and her three ambitious daughters, exploring the intricate intersection of family dynamics and the cutthroat culinary scene. With themes of competition, love, and self-discovery, Palmer serves up a dish that is both darkly witty and deeply engaging, leaving readers hungry for more. And don’t forget to check back every Friday for a new Jen’s Jewels literary gem waiting to be discovered!   Jennifer Vido: Your novel, FAMILY RESERVATIONS, delves into the world of a powerful mother and her three daughters in the culinary scene. What inspired the creation of this intriguing and cutthroat culinary legacy? Liza Palmer:It’s a mysterious thing – the creative process – because I honestly don’t know where this idea came from, it just did. And I will never understand how that works and part of me thinks that’s okay. But what I can tell you – is that once the idea bubbled up from wherever it was – I was, at least, smart enough to listen and start scribbling.   Jen: Maren Winter, the matriarch, is described as…

Welcome to this week’s edition of Jen’s Jewels, where I uncover literary treasures waiting to be discovered. Today, we’re stepping into the mesmerizing world of Parul Kapur’s INSIDE THE MIRROR. Set in the bustling streets of 1950s Bombay, this novel beckons readers with the allure of a hidden gem, offering a glimpse into the lives of twin sisters, Jaya and Kamlesh. With each turn of the page, Kapur’s prose sparkles like a rare gemstone, illuminating the intricacies of family bonds, societal expectations, and the timeless pursuit of self-discovery. So, join me as we embark on a journey through the captivating depths of INSIDE THE MIRROR.   Jennifer Vido: Your novel, INSIDE THE MIRROR, takes us deep into the social and cultural fabric of 1950s Bombay. What inspired you to explore this particular period? Parul Kapur: Growing up, I heard stories about my mother’s fun at college and my father’s adventurous early career in India in the 1950s, so I romanticized this period. The country was also full of hope after winning independence in 1947. What I realized in the course of writing the book was that it was a much more complicated and sorrowful time, shadowed by the violence of…

Welcome to this week’s Jen’s Jewels! In the spotlight is debut author Dara Levan, offering a captivating glimpse into her novel, IT COULD BE WORSE. Levan, a former speech-language pathologist, injects a unique perspective into her storytelling by exploring communication challenges and their profound impact on relationships. Join me for an insightful conversation with Dara as she delves into her writing process, discusses her podcast “Every Soul Has a Story,” and teases upcoming projects. Don’t miss the chance to connect with this rising literary voice and discover the nuanced layers within IT COULD BE WORSE.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write IT COULD BE WORSE? Dara Levan: I’ve always been interested in developing a protagonist whose perpetual optimism can inadvertently turn into dysfunctional loyalty. And it’s ironic given my main character – Allegra’s – professional background as a mindfulness therapist. As a former speech-language pathologist, I’m passionate about creating characters that also have communication challenges. Allegra stutters but only with a family member.   Jen: What led to the choice of the title, and how does the notion of resilience intertwine with Allegra’s journey in the story? Dara: Throughout her life, Allegra heard the phrase “it could be…

Hey there, readers! This week’s Jen’s Jewels author interview features Elle Cosimano and her latest release, FINLAY DONOVAN ROLLS THE DICE, the fourth installment in the Finlay Donovan series. I had a fascinating conversation with Elle about the inspiration behind blending a girls’ weekend with a thrilling rescue mission. We dove into the dynamics between Finlay and Vero, exploring how their evolving partnership adds depth to the series. Elle shared insights into the neon-lit backdrop of Atlantic City and how it brings a new vibrancy to the story. We discussed the intricate plot involving loan sharks, stolen cars, and a charismatic hot cop, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of weaving multiple threads. Elle also provided a glimpse into family dynamics and the relatable chaos in Finlay’s life. As a bonus, she hinted at exciting adventures to come with Finlay and Vero in future books and a standalone novella. If you’re a fan eager to unravel the secrets behind this irresistible series, don’t miss this interview!   Jennifer Vido: What sparked the idea of blending a girls’ weekend with a thrilling rescue mission for Finlay and Vero in the fourth installment of the series? Elle Cosimano: That’s a great…

Hey, book enthusiasts! In this week’s column, I bring you an exclusive peek into the creative process behind Zibby Owens’ debut novel, BLANK. Ever wondered how a frustrated writer facing an impossible deadline mirrors our own quests for change? Or how the vibrant settings of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica shape the narrative? Join me as we delve into the complexities of Pippa Jones, the novel’s relatable protagonist, and uncover the inspiration behind her innovative idea to revolutionize the book world. So, grab your literary map and let’s explore the gems hidden within the pages of BLANK together. And don’t forget to use the hashtag #jensjewelsinterviews on social media. I can’t wait to hear what you think!   Jennifer Vido: Congratulations on your debut novel! What inspired you to explore the theme of a frustrated writer facing an impossible deadline for turning her life around? Zibby Owens: I was trying to think of a novel to write myself when my son suggested I hand it in blank. A lightbulb when off and I was like, “Yes! That’s a brilliant idea.” But having the deadline to turn her life around is a metaphor. We’re all under the gun to change things…

Welcome to “Jen’s Jewels,” your go-to destination for all things bookish. This week, I’m excited to spotlight Lindsay Hameroff‘s TILL THERE WAS YOU. Picture a delightful blend of kitchen escapades and the whirlwind journey of an up-and-coming musician – it’s a gem of a read. Come along as we dive into the rich layers of this heartwarming love story. So, find a cozy nook, grab a warm beverage, and let’s chat about why TILL THERE WAS YOU is the perfect blend of flavors and emotions. It’s a literary gem worth savoring!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to blend the culinary world with the glamorous yet tumultuous life of a rising musician in your novel, creating such a unique and captivating backdrop for the love story between Lexi and Jake? Lindsay Hameroff: I wanted Lexi to have a job that was very inflexible and would make it difficult for her to work around Jake’s schedule. I considered several jobs with long hours and few days off, including being a medical resident, but ultimately, being a chef worked the best for the plot and interested me the most. I have no culinary training and have never worked in a restaurant, but…

Welcome, avid readers, to another edition of Jen’s Jewels, where we delve into the literary treasures that add a sparkle to our reading lives. In this installment, we’re diving into the enchanting world of THE IRISH MATCHMAKER by Jennifer Deibel. Set against the backdrop of a centuries-old matchmaking festival in the picturesque town of Lisdoonvarna, this novel promises a delightful blend of love, culture, and a touch of Irish magic. Join me as we unravel the threads of this heartwarming story, exploring the complexities of matchmaking, family, and the pursuit of love. So, grab your favorite reading nook and get ready to be transported to the Emerald Isle with The Irish Matchmaker.   Jennifer Vido: THE IRISH MATCHMAKER is set against the backdrop of a matchmaking festival. What inspired you to choose this unique setting for the novel, and how did it influence the story’s development? Jennifer Deibel: When we lived in Galway, we would often drive through the town of Lisdoonvarna and see signs for the annual matchmaking festival. This festival began in the late 1800’s when a doctor discovered the several mineral wells surrounding the area. Wealthy people began to travel to Lisdoonvarna to take the waters and…