In which Bethanie and special guest Katherine discuss Chapters 19-22 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer.

Hatta urges Cath to perform next at the gathering and offers her a hat to boost her confidence. Cath chooses a white bonnet, symbolizing unconventional decisions, and instead of storytelling, she shares macarons, which earn high praise and Hatta’s respect. Suddenly, the Jabberwock attacks the hat shop. Hatta, Haigha, Jest, and Raven distract the beast so the guests can escape. The Turtle freezes in fear until Cath jabs him with a stick, prompting his escape into the forest. The Jabberwock then targets Cath, but the Lion heroically throws himself in front of her and is carried off by the beast.

Jest escorts Cath home, apologizing for the danger she was placed in. He praises her passion and beauty, then reveals that he and Raven are Rooks—guardians of the White Queen from the Chess realm, embroiled in a secret mission alongside Hatta and Haigha. This revelation shocks and disappoints Cath, as it means Jest must eventually return to Chess. Although Cath wants to be the reason he stays, she resolves to end their relationship. Still, they plan to meet at her family’s upcoming Turtle Days Festival, despite the King’s expected presence.

Cath confides in her friend Mary Ann, who recognizes Cath’s genuine feelings but warns her that she might not truly know Jest and that he could be after her wealth or status. Although reluctant to believe this, Cath becomes determined to learn more about Jest and his true intentions.

This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network.

Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In which Bethanie and special guest Leah from YA Book Chat discuss Chapters 16-18 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer.

Chapters 16–18 Summary:

Cath receives a white rose from Jest, who soon appears and invites her to a secret tea party. Despite her usual reservations, she agrees. Jest takes her through a magical portal system called the Crossroads to a hat shop in a forest, where the “mad” tea party is hosted by Hatta, the eccentric Hatter. At the party, Cath meets a group of bizarre characters and learns that each guest must perform. Jest performs a rhyme and vanishes into bats, leaving Cath alone with Hatta, who gives her a riddle about the heart. She answers correctly but debates the meaning, hinting at deeper emotional truths. Jest returns at the end, completing his poetic performance.

This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network.

Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In which Bethanie and special guest Aunt Artist discuss Chapters 12-15 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer.

Chapter 12 Summary

Cath anxiously walks with the King, wondering if he plans to propose and if she can really say no to a marriage proposal—particularly when she considers how pleased her parents will be if she says yes. Cath worries that the King will guess her affections for Jest, whom she is unable to stop thinking about. Under the guise of giving the King advice, and feigning ignorance of his intentions toward her, Cath convinces the King that it’s much better to wait before proposing.

Chapter 13 Summary

Jest confronts Cath about misleading him about her knowledge of the King’s intentions toward her; Jest tells Cath that he thinks the King really does care for her. This irritates Cath, who sabotages a croquet game in the King’s favor as payback against Jest. The stunned look on his face satisfies Cath.

Chapter 14 Summary

Cath’s mother reprimands her for not securing a marriage proposal from the King and upbraids Cath for her eating habits. Cath looks for support from her father, but none is forthcoming. Her mother bemoans Cath’s lack of marriage prospects, and Cath seizes this opportunity to tell her parents about her other prospect—that of opening the bakery with Mary Ann. However, before she can do so, the Pinkertons’ butler announces an unexpected visit from the King.

Chapter 15 Summary

Upon hearing this news, the Marchioness’s demeanor abruptly shifts; now, she praises Cath and tells her how proud she is. Cath and her family greet the King; Cath notices Jest among the King’s entourage and cannot pull her attention away from him. Cath prepares herself for the King’s proposal, working up the courage to decline it, but she realizes that she doesn’t have the willpower to reject it. However, the King announces that he merely wishes to court Cath; Cath is stunned but notices that this declaration of the King’s appears to affect Jest, although Cath is not quite sure why. Relieved to have escaped the proposal yet again, Cath accepts the King’s offer of courtship with the intention of ultimately dissuading him from marriage.

This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network.

Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.