Heather Webb shares the real-life stories of people passing through Ellis Island, as well as the historical backdrop of the time, that inspired her latest novel THE NEXT SHIP HOME, which is about the unlikely friendship of a Sicilian immigrant and a matron that works at Ellis Island who does not like immigrants.

Veena Rao shares the inspiration behind her novel, Purple Lotus, the winner in the multi-cultural category of the 2021 American Fiction Awards.

A tale of an immigrant who comes to Atlanta through marriage, Purple Lotus has been described as a "dazzling tale of an Indian-American woman finding her way through the labyrinth of tradition to self-awareness in the modern world"

Denny S. Bryce shares what inspired the plot as well as the title of her latest novel, In the Face of the Sun, about “a road trip, changing the path of life, how racism, prejudice, and other factors impact African American lives in similar ways in 1928 as they did in 1968.”

Award-winning author, Laura Drake introduces us to her newest novel, The Road to Me, which has been described as “an unforgettable story of self-discovery and survival, reconciliation and redemption.” (bestselling author, Barbara Claypole White).

In the novel, Jacqueline Oliver gets a call about her hippie grandma, and drops everything to travel to Arizona. They end up on a unique and healing grandmother - granddaughter road trip.

In this episode Kimberly Brock tells us what caused her to cry during her research phase, when I asked her for her best advice for her fellow authors she gave the most accurate description of what it is like to be a writer that I’ve ever heard, and she gives a long list of her must-read, favorite books.

Elissa Grosell Dickey shares the inspiration behind The Speed of Light, a novel described as “a gripping page-turner, infused with a compassionate and insightful look at chronic illness.”

Elissa shares her real life experience that led to writing a character recently diagnosed with MS, and chats with Lainey about how they’d both like to see more chronic illness representation in women’s fiction protagonists.

Kristy Woodson Harvey chats about how she serendipitously found inspiration from her own wedding veil as well as a fateful visit to the Biltmore mansion. She also shares her best writing advice, what it was like researching during the pandemic, and a few of her current favorite reads.

A special episode featuring six exciting women’s fiction debuts from the first half of 2022!

Debut authors Maggie Giles, Melanie Mitzner, J. Marie Rundquist, Shauna Robinson, Lisa Roe, and Sandra L. Young tell us about their novels, their inspiration, and their best writing advice.

Elise talks about her research trip to the Philippines in February of 2020, how this book ended up being perfect for the times, and how her next novel is very much in response to the pandemic. She also shares some of her favorite books and writing advice for her fellow authors.

Maggie Smith shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, Truth and Other Lies, which has been described as “twisty, timely, and rivetingly thought-provoking.”

The story brings together three women whose lives converge as one fights a devastating accusation, another campaigns for a contested seat in Congress, and one, a young reporter with ties to both, navigates the tricky line between secrets and lies.

Adele Myers, debut author of The Tobacco Wives, which New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis described as, “a story of courage, of women willing to take a stand in the face of corporate greed, and most definitely a tale for our times.”

Award-winning author, Lisa Barr, shares the inspiration for her latest novel. Woman on Fire is the story of a young journalist who gets embroiled in a dangerous international art scandal centered around a Nazi looted masterpiece.

We chat about how Lisa found inspiration for a fabulous character like journalist Jules Roth. Plus why Lisa's focus on stolen art, and how some of the story draws from real life headlines. Also why she has been able to successfully cross genres, what she’s learned from that, and great writing advice.

Diana Giovinazzo and Ashley Hasty talk about Antoinette's Sister, which USA Bestselling author Heather Webb calls "A sweeping tale of power, love, and the bonds of family...”

Nikki May joins from the UK to chat about her debut novel, Wahala, which was named a most anticipated book of 2022 by Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, Essence, and more. Wahala, which means trouble, follows three Anglo-Nigerian best friends living in London, and the lethally glamorous fourth woman who infiltrates their group.

Fiona Davis chats about The Magnolia Palace, an instant New York Times bestseller set at the Frick Mansion in New York City. The novel is written as a dual timeline, alternating between 1919 and the late 1960s. Fiona shares how this book differs from her previous novels, as well as book recommendations and her best writing advice.

Mansi Shah talks about The Taste of Ginger, which Booklist calls “a poignant debut novel, that touches on the immigrant experience in America”. We chat about how Mansi weaved important themes into a novel which many readers have called “thought-provoking” and makes for great book club conversation.