In today's episode of Book Talk, I have the pleasure of bringing my friend Kelly Goshorn onto the show to talk about her latest novel The Undercover Heiress of Brockton. I loved writing in a novella collection with Kelly a couple years ago, so I loved getting the chance to read this full-length novel. It's set in the very real events that happened when a shoe factory in Brockton exploded and the ensuing fire devastated the plant in mere minutes. I was fascinated to talk with Kelly about how she created her story around these very real, historical happenings.

Lest you think this book is all heaviness, the heroine is an heiress who goes undercover as a man so she can report on the day's important events. That leads to all kinds of madcap events and happenings. Kelly's a pantser, so the way these true events and a couple characters wove together into this moving story is fascinating to me. I know you'll enjoy meeting Kelly and learning more about her books and her writing process.

Connect with Kelly Goshorn

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Y'all, there are rare moments when I read a book and think, "I wish I'd written this one." Connie Mann's book that comes out in the spring is one of those (spoiler alert: I endorsed it!). But her current book, The Liar's Treasure is soooo good. That's why when I was planning this season of Book Talk I had to invite her to be a guest. This current series makes me think of Ally Carter books all grown up, or Oceans 8, or something else equally fun yet filled with so much fun.

I really enjoy them (as you'll notice as I gush--I do book gush from time to time and this is such a time.). In this episode, Connie discusses having a group cast. Bringing together so many elements that she loves in one novel and other elements that are just plain fun. She also talks about all the jobs in and around publishing and writing that she took on her way to being a novelist. She'd tell aspiring writers to be more confident and chase that dream. I know you're going to enjoy this chat.

Connect with Connie Mann

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

I have known Kim Duffy (also writing as Kimberly Duffy) for several years, and it was past time to have her on as a guest. She is someone I love brainstorming with and spending time with because she's wicked smart and has this wry sense of humor I enjoy. She also loves to travel and homeschools her kids, so there are so many points of intersection even as we are so different.

While I love her historical women's fiction novels, I had her on Book Talk to share about her latest novel, The Meet-Cute Manuscript, a book she wrote when her family was in a point of crisis. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to write again, and her agent gave her beautiful advice: write something entirely different. The Meet Cute Manuscript is the result. I loved this contemporary rom-com, which has depth but is also light and a breath of fresh air. I think we've all had times where we wonder where God is and if a dream has died. There is such beauty in finding His hand in a pivot.

I really hope you enjoy meeting Kim and learning more about all of her books.

Connect with Kim Duffy

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For today's episode of Book Talk, it's a treat to welcome Kristen Hogrefe Parnell back. Kristen writes page-turning romantic suspense, and her novella in Truth started with a what-if when she was on vacation at Rosemary Beach. She kept adding layers until she had the plot for the book.

Like many authors, Kristen has always wanted to write. If she could go back in time, she'd ask herself what if it could be wonderful? as a way to break out of the fear of what might happen. I love that idea! It's such a great way to reframe a business that is largely out of our control as writers.

Connect with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

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For today's episode of Book Talk, I'm so pleased to introduce you to Sarah Hamaker. On her website, Sarah hosts quick takes with authors, a great way to learn about what authors are working on and their newest books (you can listen to my part in one recent episode here). In addition to encouraging and supporting other authors, Sarah writes page-turning romantic suspense. She has a novella in the Truth collection, and it's one you won't want to miss.

Like many authors, Sarah grew up telling stories and wanting to write. She's turned that lifelong love of reading and writing into award-finaling and winning novels in the romantic suspense genre.

Connect with Sarah Hamaker

Facebook | Podcast

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

One of the things I enjoy most about hosting Book Talk is making new writing friends. I love connecting with writers I've known for years, but today I get to introduce you to a new friend. Paul Bradley Carr and I hadn't met before we recorded, but as you enjoy this conversation, I think you'll find that we had so many things to talk about. It was a fast and fun chat about his new book The Confessions.

Why? Because for 25 years, Paul covered Silicon Valley for the British newspaper The Guardian, and he brings all of that knowledge to this book. As I told Paul, I didn't plan to read an AI thriller, and I certainly didn't plan to inhale it, but I really enjoyed The Confessions. It's fresh, and it's the kind of book that will make you think while taking you on a wild ride.

Connect with Paul Bradley Carr

BlueSky | Instagram

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

t is so much fun to welcome Bethany Turner back to Book Talk. She was my first guest at the very beginning of Book Talk, and it is a delight to have her back as we discuss her latest romantic comedy, Wes and Addie Had Their Chance. I was surprised to learn that this was the first book idea that she had...ten years later, it's finally seeing the light of day. I love these characters and story. This one isn't as funny as some of her others, but it is still an ode to pop culture and so much more.

Bethany Turner is such fun. She brings joy to everything, including this interview.

Connect with Bethany Turner

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Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Today, it's a thrill to get to introduce you to the delightful Lisa T. Bergren. The author of more than 70 books, Lisa is a wonderful person who writes fantastic novels. Today we're talking about her River of Time series. This series is one of my favorites, a passion I share with my oldest daughter. She inhaled this series multiple times as a teen, selecting different locations in Siena and Florence based on the books. Now I'm introducing my other daughter to this amazing time travel series that combines the romance of Twilight with the action of Hunger Games.

In addition to talking about this series, we discussed what we collect on vacation, what it takes to write. Then there's finding your space in the world of books and genres. I can't wait to hear what you think of Lisa and her books.

Connect with Lisa T. Bergren

Facebook | X | Instagram | Pinterest

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!