Books are Chic

Continuing the reign of YA royalty, I was so thrilled to chat with K. L. Walther about her latest, We're a Bad Idea, Right?. I had the best time reading this book and getting to know its unforgettable cast of characters.I loved talking with KL about the inspiration behind the story, especially her love of EmHen banter, as well as her continued affection for iconic 80s movies and the role they’ve played throughout her recent books.I’ve said it before, but we are fully in our YA era, and KL’s writing is the perfect gateway for getting tweens and teens excited about reading again. It’s such a gift to have authors creating stories that not only entertain, but also help shape the reading lives and imaginations of such a special generation of readers.

Sarah Dessen, bestselling YA novelist known for contemporary coming-of-age stories, talks about her fifteenth book Change of Plans and a seven-year return to publishing. She discusses the resurgence of contemporary YA, writing for teens and adults, portraying family at a crossroads, and the shared-universe approach connecting her standalone novels.

Loved welcoming local author Lori Gold to Books Are Chic to celebrate her latest novel, Kiss, Marry, Kill. With a little romance, a dead body, a clever twist on a classic game, and rich friendships at its core, this story truly has something for every reader. It even gives off those irresistible Sliding Doors–style “what if” vibes.Lori and I talked about her path to publication, how her storytelling has evolved over time, and so much more. I say it often, but Boston is home to some of the most talented authors and I love getting to spotlight them. Lori is absolutely one of them.

This episode feels extra special as I celebrate my 10-year bookstaversary with none other than bestselling author Sally Hepworth. We’ve shared so many moments over the years, and it’s been incredible to watch her career soar.Her latest novel, Mad Mabel, is a Book of the Month pick and absolutely destined to be a reader favorite. As always, Sally draws inspiration from the most unexpected (and often delightfully classic) places, and the story behind this one is so quintessentially her.We chatted about community, the elderly population, friendship, and so much more—everything that makes her books both entertaining and deeply resonant. If you’re new to Sally, I’m honestly jealous—her stories are the kind you wish you could experience for the first time. And if you’re a longtime fan, you’re in for such a treat. She just keeps getting better, truly mastering the art of giving readers exactly what they love while elevating her work with every book.Cheers to many more years of unforgettable stories, Sally!

Sarah Hoover’s debut memoir, The Motherload, should be required reading for new moms, dads, and families alike honestly, it deserves a spot in every new parent tote handed out at the hospital. Raw, unflinching, and at times heartbreaking, it’s also deeply relatable for anyone navigating the whirlwind of early motherhood.I especially recommend the audiobook; listening to Sarah felt like having a trusted friend right beside me. Her voice brings clarity and compassion to so many shared but often unspoken experiences from the complexities of caring for a newborn, to holding onto your identity, to redefining your relationship with your partner after delivery.I absolutely loved my conversation with Sarah and truly could have talked with her for hours.

Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau joined me on the podcast and was an absolute blast! We dove into her latest thriller, We Would Never Tell a glitzy, addictive story packed with murder, mystery, and the complexities of girl code.From celebrity culture to the art of crafting a gripping thriller, Anso brings such passion and dedication to her work and it truly shines on every page. This is the ultimate spring break read, perfect for devouring poolside or oceanside.

Beyond ecstatic to welcome the queen of all Swifties, Olivia Levin! You may know her from her iconic Taylor Swift fan account, swiftiesforeternity—and now, she’s stepping into a whole new era as an author.Her debut is a true love letter: to the fandom, to the Swiftie community, and of course, to the queen herself, Taylor Swift. Olivia is uniquely qualified to tell this story—an early fan who’s been there since the very beginning, witnessing firsthand the meteoric rise and cultural force Taylor has become.As someone who joined the fandom a little later, I can confidently say: I get it. And Olivia captures that magic perfectly.In our conversation, we dive into the early days of Instagram, how she first discovered Taylor, and the journey that ultimately changed her life. She shares stories of meeting fellow Swifties, reflects on that ultra-famous podcast moment, and even teases her thoughts on the upcoming nuptials.It’s a conversation I could have stayed in for hours because talking Taylor Swift with Olivia is just that fun.Whether you’re a lifelong fan, newly enchanted, or just Swiftie-curious and ready to dip into the glittery pond, this book is absolutely for you. ✨

I’ve had so many incredible episodes these past few months, and this one is truly something special. I was thrilled to welcome Kara McDowell to Books Are Chic to celebrate her adult romance debut, The Write Off. We are fully in our romance era and let’s be honest, our books-about-books era too. Bookish stories are having a moment, and we are here for it.Kara and I chatted about her transition from YA to adult fiction, our shared love of the literary world, balancing writing and motherhood, and so much more. And let’s talk about Mars and West - if you’re a Bravo fan, that name will definitely ring a bell. They’re the kind of couple you can’t help but root for from the very first page.

Loved welcoming Kate Clayborn to Books Are Chic to celebrate her latest romance, The Paris Match. Naturally, we had to talk about the City of Light and all the magic and romance it holds.This story delivers all the emotions—each character is layered and complex, making the relationships feel deeply real and relatable. I’m always drawn to romances that feel like they could be happening to people you actually know, and this one absolutely nails that.Kate and I chatted about her writing process, the research behind the story, and, of course, our shared love of romance as a genre.It’s the perfect spring break read and I’m already counting down to whatever she writes next.

Everyone knows I have a soft spot for a thriller that feels straight out of a ’90s movie and Yours Always absolutely delivers. Corinne Sullivan’s dark, twisty love triangle is a true page-turner, and I was beyond excited to welcome her to the podcast.Fun fact: Corinne is Cosmopolitan’s resident reality TV expert and news reporter so yes, reality TV by day and twisty thrillers by night…sign me up. We chatted about her genre shift, creative inspirations, must-watch true crime docs, and the thriller reads she can’t get enough of.I’m already eager for whatever Corinne writes next, but I also love that she’s a fellow reality TV fan. I’ll say it forever - books and escape TV are truly a match made in heaven.