Finding a quiet spot to read, can be harder to find than a good book. The kids are arguing, the hubby has the TV cranked loud enough to drown them out—for him, work is texting with questions about something ridiculous, the dog wants to go out, the cat is dying for your attention and no one else will do. We’ve all suffered through the interruptions. This month has been especially difficult for me as I help pack the youngest off to college and pack up my own house to for a move across the country. With all the interruptions, I needed a special book to help me escape the rat race because my cozy corner, was in a box. The author that delivered the joy, the twists, the intrigue and the witty characters, was the talented back to school hero, Cynthia Kuhn!   Kym: Welcome to the Cozy Corner, Cynthia! Cynthia: Thank you for having me! Happy to be here.   Kym: Let me start off by saying you’ve created the perfect Cozy Corner with your small town bookstore in Silverton, Colorado. What inspired this great reading nook in your Starlit Bookshop Mysteries? Cynthia: That is so kind of you…

In this week’s Jen’s Jewels column, I have the pleasure of chatting with the talented Ann Garvin about her latest novel, BUMMER CAMP. This heartwarming and humorous story is set in a quirky, family-run theater camp that serves as a haven for artistic souls—and a unique “rehab” for anxious adults seeking a place where they can belong without judgment. As Garvin delves into the complexities of sibling relationships and the search for personal growth, she introduces us to a cast of lovable misfits who are as endearing as they are relatable. Through laugh-out-loud moments and touching insights, BUMMER CAMP explores the idea of home as not just a place, but a feeling of acceptance and support. If you’re in the mood for a read that blends humor with heart, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write about a family-run theater camp? Ann Garvin: It seemed like the perfect backstory for a camp that was a great place for a certain type of person, artistic, focused – but maybe wasn’t the biggest money maker. So, that when a “grifter” got a hold of it, we could feel it was realistic and…

In this week’s Jen’s Jewels, we dive into the world of modern media with Holly Baxter, author of the captivating debut novel CLICKBAIT. Baxter explores the chaotic and ethically murky world of clickbait journalism through the eyes of a once-successful journalist, Natasha, whose life unravels after a career-ending mistake. Set against the desolate backdrop of Rockaway Beach, CLICKBAIT blends dark comedy with serious themes, offering a sharp critique of today’s media landscape. Join us as Holly Baxter shares the inspiration behind her book, the complexities of her flawed protagonist, and her thoughts on balancing humor with darker, more serious undertones. Whether you’re a fan of sharp satire or just curious about the inner workings of a newsroom, this conversation is not to be missed!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write about a disgraced journalist’s journey in the world of clickbait media? Holly Baxter: I’m the kind of sunny, optimistic person who always likes to think about the worst-case scenario – and as a journalist and a (fairly) recently married person, I decided to turn those anxieties into a book. I made Natasha make the worst mistake possible in her job that was still plausible and dumped her in…

Welcome, fellow book enthusiasts! This week’s Jen’s Jewels brings you a delightful chat with author Rea Frey about her captivating new novel, IN EVERY LIFE. Get ready to explore a world where parallel universes and “what-ifs” come to life on the page. Rea’s story weaves together love, loss, and second chances in a way that’ll tug at your heartstrings while sparking your imagination. We’ll dive into her writing process, discover what inspired this unique tale, and even learn about her fascinating role as a “book doula.” Whether you’re a die-hard fiction fan or just love peering behind the curtain of an author’s mind, this column has something special for you. So, curl up in your favorite reading spot and join us for a friendly literary adventure with Rea Frey!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to explore the concept of parallel universes and “what-ifs” in this novel? Rea Frey: I think a lot of us have what ifs. What if we’d chosen a different career? What if we’d moved to a different country? What if we’d picked a different partner? What if we’d chosen a grass is greener life? Would it all turn out differently? Playing with these “what ifs”…

This week’s Jen’s Jewels column shines a spotlight on Sara Goodman Confino’s captivating new novel, BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN. Set against the politically charged backdrop of 1962, this story blends humor, heart, and historical insight as it follows Beverly, a determined housewife who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the world of political campaigning. Confino’s novel not only entertains but also illuminates the challenges faced by women in politics and the workplace during this pivotal era. In our interview, Sara shares fascinating details about her research process, the real-life women who inspired her characters, and how she balances comedy with more serious themes. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of strong female protagonists, or simply in search of your next engaging read, you won’t want to miss this insider look at BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN and the creative mind behind it.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write a story set in the political landscape of 1962? Did any real-life historical events or figures influence the plot? Sara Goodman Confino: I think it was a combination of factors—the first was that coming off of the heels of Don’t Forget to Write, I really enjoyed the early 1960s time period…

As summer heats up, so does the suspense in Kieran Scott’s latest thriller, PEOPLE WILL TALK. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape May, this gripping novel unravels the dark undercurrents of a seemingly perfect wedding day. Scott masterfully weaves together themes of betrayal, ambition, and loyalty, exploring the complexities of human nature when pushed to its limits. With three women at the center of a murder investigation, the story delves into class dynamics, social media influence, and the lengths people will go to protect their reputations. Whether you’re a fan of psychological suspense or simply love a good page-turner, you won’t want to miss this revealing conversation with one of today’s most captivating authors.   Jennifer Vido: The story revolves around a wedding gone wrong. What drew you to explore the darker side of what’s typically seen as a joyous occasion? Kieran Scott: Honestly, whenever I’m doing something fun or joyous, I can’t seem to stop myself from imagining something going drastically wrong or wondering about potential dark backstories around what’s going on around me. Usually these are just fleeting thoughts that I immediately let go, but I attended a surprise wedding a few years ago and found myself…

Dive into the depths of family drama and environmental crisis with this week’s Jen’s Jewels! I’m thrilled to introduce you to debut novelist Joselyn Takacs, whose book PEARCE OYSTERS serves up a captivating blend of Louisiana’s rich coastal culture and the devastating impact of the 2010 oil spill. Takacs takes us on a journey that’s as complex and layered as the oysters her characters harvest, exploring themes of family, community, and ecological responsibility. From her unexpected inspiration to her meticulous research process, Takacs shares fascinating insights into the creation of this timely eco-fiction. Whether you’re a fan of Southern literature, environmental narratives, or simply love a good family saga, you won’t want to miss this illuminating conversation about a novel that’s making waves in the literary world.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write about oyster farmers in Louisiana during the 2010 oil spill? Joselyn Takacs: Long before I began writing this novel, I was living in Louisiana after college. I was waiting tables at a French Quarter restaurant in 2010 when I heard about an explosion on an oil rig off the coast of Louisiana. That explosion preceded the largest accidental oil spill in world history. We were…

Jennifer Vido: Wow, what a premise! How’d you come up with the idea of a makeup artist turned vengeful in 1950s Hollywood? Katherine Blake: Thank you for asking! It came about very organically, as I was propped up in bed one evening scrolling YouTube. I knew I wanted to write something a bit “crime-y” set in Golden Era Hollywood but didn’t really know what that might be. Then, I found myself watching make-up tutorials to fall asleep to (there is something very meditative about watching someone having their make-up done) and stumbled across a make-up artist to the stars, Lisa Eldridge. She has her own collection of vintage make-up. In one of her videos talking us through the collection, she mentioned how the Hollywood make-up artists had to start mixing potions from scratch, once the industry moved from black-and-white to Technicolor. My brain exploded! Anything could go into a make-up potion, including poison. Only a few extra moments of research showed me that make-up and poison have a rich heritage, stretching back to Egyptian times. I was off and running!   Jen: Loretta sounds like quite a character. What was your favorite part about writing her? Katherine: Her voice! I’m…

Hey there, book lovers! Welcome back to Jen’s Jewels, where we chat with the authors behind your soon-to-be favorite reads. This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jennifer Gooch Hummer, whose new novel dives into the captivating world of art forgery and high-stakes heists. Jennifer’s got some fascinating insights into the art scene, family dynamics, and the blurred lines of morality that’ll have you itching to pick up her book. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into our conversation with this talented author who’s about to take you on a colorful adventure through New York’s art world!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write a story about art forgery and heists? Jennifer Gooch Hummer: First, thank you so much for having me on Fresh Fiction! I have been obsessed with art crime for the past few years. During the pandemic, I took a class at Sotheby’s (on-line) about art crime and one of the greatest art forgers in the world (John Myatt) came in as a guest speaker. Not only is his story amazing, his paintings are absolutely stunning and some of his “fakes” are still hanging in museums all over the world, with…

Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of Kristy Woodson Harvey, a beloved Southern author whose latest novel, A HAPPIER LIFE, promises to captivate and inspire. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Beaufort, North Carolina, this story weaves together themes of family secrets, self-discovery, and the enduring pursuit of happiness. With her signature warmth and charm, Kristy brings to life the vivid characters of Keaton and Becks, drawing readers into their intertwined journeys across generations. In this exclusive interview, Kristy shares the inspirations behind her setting and characters, the significance of historic homes, and the powerful connections that shape her storytelling. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that will leave you eager to explore the pages of A HAPPIER LIFE and discover the magic of Beaufort through Kristy’s eyes.   Jennifer Vido: You chose to set A HAPPIER LIFE in the picturesque coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina, where you have made your home. What initially inspired you to craft a story rooted in the very place you reside, and how did your intimate familiarity with Beaufort shape the way you brought this charming setting to life on the page? Kristy Woodson Harvey: To be completely honest, I was originally…