In this week’s Jen’s Jewels, we chat with bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne about her latest novel, 15 SUMMERS LATER. Set in the charming town of Emerald Creek, Idaho, Thayne’s story dives into themes of betrayal, secrets, and reconciliation. RaeAnne shares her inspiration, the significance of the Idaho wilderness in her writing, and how animal welfare plays a crucial role in Madison’s journey. Don’t miss this captivating feature that unveils the heart and soul behind 15 SUMMERS LATER.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to explore themes of betrayal, secrets, and reconciliation in 15 SUMMERS LATER? RaeAnne Thayne: I love reading memoirs where people dig deep into their personal histories to recount their struggles and fears and the lessons they learned. I am often struck, though, by how the same circumstances can be interpreted very differently by the various people involved. I wondered what would happen if one person wrote a memoir that alienated her from those she loved most. The whole story evolved from that single question.   Jen: The setting of Emerald Creek, Idaho, is integral to the story. What significance does the town hold for Ava and Madison, and how did you develop its atmosphere? RaeAnne: I loosely…

In the realm of literary intrigue and mystery, few names shimmer as brightly as the collaborative force of Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos, better known as the Ellery Lloyd. Their latest novel, THE FINAL ACT OF JULIETTE WILLOUGHBY, captivates readers with its enigmatic blend of art history, family secrets, and chilling mysteries spanning generations. Drawing inspiration from their rich academic backgrounds and a shared passion for exploring the darker shades of human emotion, Lyons and Merrick weave tales that mesmerize and thrill in equal measure. In this week’s Jen’s Jewels column, we embark on a journey into their creative universe, where love, madness, obsession, and revenge intertwine amidst the haunting strokes of a surrealist masterpiece, promising readers a literary experience like no other.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired THE FINAL ACT OF JULIETTE WILLOUGHBY, an intriguing story that spans multiple generations and locations? Collette Lyons: We love to explore a darkly glamorous world – or in this case three – in our novels. I studied Art History at Cambridge University, where part of the story is set, and really fell in love with the work of the female Surrealists – artists like Leonora Carrington, Leonor Fini and Dorothea Tanning. We…

Welcome to this edition of Jen’s Jewels, where I’m thrilled to introduce Brooke Lea Foster, the talented author behind ALL THE SUMMERS IN BETWEEN. Set against the evocative backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s, Brooke’s latest novel delves into the complexities of friendship, societal change, and the personal journeys of two women navigating an era of both promise and disillusionment. Join us as Brooke shares her inspirations, insights into capturing the essence of a transformative period, and the challenges of weaving dual timelines. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this interview promises to offer a captivating glimpse into the mind of an extraordinary storyteller.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write ALL THE SUMMERS IN BETWEEN and explore the dynamics of friendship against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s? Brooke Lea Foster: Hi Jen! Thanks so much for having me. I think I’ve always been fascinated with female friendships and how some relationships come so natural to us, and some are more complicated and feel traumatic. I mean, from our earliest years, girls are made to feel like they’re part of the group—or not. But then there are the friends that sink their teeth…

Embark on a journey into the sun-soaked world of coastal charm and culinary delights in this month’s Jen’s Jewels column! In this edition, we catch up with bestselling author Lindsay Gibson to delve into the inspiration behind her latest novel, FLY AWAY SUMMER. From the salty breeze of Cape Cod to the sizzle of seafood cuisine, Gibson invites us on a journey of nostalgia, grief, and resilience. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Lana Kelly’s culinary passion, the charm of Cape Cod, and the heartwarming bonds that shape her journey. Plus, don’t miss out on Gibson’s exclusive tips for aspiring writers and a sneak peek at her upcoming Christmas release. Dive into the pages of FLY AWAY SUMMER and let the warmth of summer and the promise of new beginnings envelop you.   Jennifer Vido: What sparked your inspiration for FLY AWAY SUMMER? Lindsay Gibson: Food! When I think of my childhood growing up in New England, summers on the Cape always come to mind…but so does the food! I grew up indulging in New England lobster rolls and so much delicious seafood every summer there. So I knew my first summer release had to have both the…

Kym: Hi Catherine, welcome to the Cozy Corner!   Kym Roberts: The opening line to a novel is so important, especially when it’s for a new series. Authors frequently struggle to welcome readers into their world with a scene that grabs them by the collar. You, however, went for the clerical collar with, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I want to commit a homicide.” It was the perfect intro to your debut in The Vacation Mysteries, EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES. Did the chapter come to you before that line, or did the line formulate the chapter? Catherine Mack: The line came to me first. The book always opened on some version of that line. That’s usually how it works for me—I think of the character, and they come alive to me with an opening line.   Kym: How did you come up with the title because I honestly think some of us have experienced that sense of doom when we pack our suitcases? Catherine: Haha. I was in Italy with my husband, and I was riffing on Agatha Christie books and Miss Marple and why anyone would invite her on vacation when every time…

In the latest Jen’s Jewels column, prepare to be captivated by an exclusive interview with bestselling author Nancy Naigle, as she unveils the heartwarming and unexpected inspiration behind her latest novel, THE LAW OF ATTRACTION. Join us as Nancy shares the delightful real-life brunch that sparked a story about love blooming from divorce, the challenges faced by her dynamic protagonists Whitney and Carina, and the hilarious chaos of viral social media fame. With insights into her writing process, personal anecdotes, and a sneak peek at what’s next, this is an interview brimming with charm and inspiration that you won’t want to miss!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write a story centered around divorcees finding love again, and the unexpected consequences that follow? Nancy Naigle: Well, funny you should ask.  Like most of my novels, they are inspired from some little something or other that has happened to me, or I’ve overheard, or that grabbed my attention. In the case of THE LAW OF ATTRACTION it was something I experienced. I was divorced, and having brunch with a gentleman I’d met at a book signing. We both lived in the same small town and he happened to be recently…

Welcome to Jen’s Jewels, where we dive into the glittering world of literature to uncover hidden gems and sparkling treasures. This week, we have the pleasure of delving into the enchanting realm of historical romance with acclaimed author Rachel Brimble, whose latest release, DRESSING THE COUNTESS, promises to whisk readers away to a captivating world of royal courts, forbidden love, and daring ambition. Join me as we embark on a journey through the opulent halls of Henlow House, where secrets abound, and hearts are destined to collide.   Jennifer Vido: Congratulations on your latest release! What inspired you to write DRESSING THE COUNTESS? Rachel Brimble: The main inspiration with all my books lies in my obsession with history, especially the Victorian and Edwardian periods, but Dressing the Countess was an extra indulgence as it’s set in a royal court… albeit a fictional one! I am mad about British royalty, both past and present, so I loved writing this book from beginning to end. The story itself was inspired by the amazing royal dresses I saw at an exhibition in Bath, England a few years ago – I was just waiting for the right heroine to come along…   Jen: The…

Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write a story about three estranged siblings reuniting and uncovering a dark family secret? Jeneva Rose: I got the inspiration for HOME IS WHERE THE BODIES ARE while I was watching my family’s home VHS tapes. It was right around Mother’s Day, and I was really missing my mom, so much so that I needed to see her and hear her voice. She passed when I was eighteen and the only way I’m able to visit her is in my mind or through photos and home family videos. On one tape, there was a random clip only two minutes in length. It was from an evening back 1999, and my mom for some reason decided to pull out the camcorder. She scanned the dark tree line in our backyard, while a symphony of buzzing cicadas and squeaking bats chorused in the background. I think she had heard an owl and was attempting to capture it on film. However, a camcorder from the 80s wasn’t going to achieve that. In the middle of watching this short clip, my husband entered the living room and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was…

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,…