In this episode, Emiko Jean discusses flipping the script on the traditional missing girl narrative in her new police procedural, The Return of Ellie Black.

This week, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean to discuss her latest police procedural novel, The Return of Ellie Black.

In today’s episode, Emiko offers a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process for The Return of Ellie Black, including the extensive research involved in portraying true crime elements and what missing girl narratives have been missing from their portrayals. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of writing certain scenes through the darker aspects of this thriller.

Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list, where we offer 23 atmospheric books perfect for your fall book stack. This list includes cozy fantasy, moody thrillers, and magical realism.

Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Emiko Jean, where we discuss the surprising plot twists in The Return of Ellie Black ending, and her plans for the upcoming Detective Chelsea Calhoun series.

The Return of Ellie Black Book Summary

It’s been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun’s sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since she’s been searching: for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endings are rare in Chelsey’s line of work.

Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington state.

But something is not right with Ellie. She won’t say where she’s been, or who she’s protecting, and it’s up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself, and for the memory of her sister, but mostly for the next girl who could be taken—and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.

Meet Emiko Jean

Emiko Jean is a New York Times bestselling author of adult and young adult fiction. Her books have been published in over 30 languages and have been featured by Good Morning America as a GMA Book Club pick and by Reese Witherspoon as a YA Book Club pick. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland, and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids.

Redefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko Jean

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NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 24 Atmospheric Books to Get Lost In

Join the November Book Club Chat (This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel)

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Under the Bridge Limited Series

Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey

What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan 

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean

Other books by Emiko Jean:

Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Empress of all Seasons by Emiko Jean

We’ll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean

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Meg Shaffer takes us behind the scenes to the literary seminar with legendary writer Richard Russo, who helped her craft her cozy fantasy book, The Lost Story.

Imposter syndrome is real and even our favorite authors experience it as they contemplate their next writing project. In this week’s episode, we welcome back bestselling author Meg Shaffer to join us to discuss her latest cozy fantasy novel, The Lost Story, and the literary seminar with Richard Russo that guided this story and gave Meg the writing encouragement she always needed.  

Today, we discuss Meg’s unique research methods, including how she used Fiverr to fact-check archery scenes and gain insights into the pressures of writing a second novel after the commercial success of The Wishing Game.

Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Meg Shaffer, where we discuss The Lost Story ending, her favorite moments in the book, and her top book recommendations from her spicy romance writing career for Harlequin!

Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list with 23 cozy fantasy books to read this autumn. This new book list includes upcoming titles, new releases, and, of course, those backlist book gems you have come to expect!

The Lost Story Book Summary

As boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a vast West Virginia state forest, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived.

Fifteen years after their miraculous homecoming, Rafe is a reclusive artist who still bears scars inside and out but has no memory of what happened during those months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has become a famed missing persons’ investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy.

Jeremy alone knows the fantastical truth about the disappearances, for while the rest of the world was searching for them, the two missing boys were in a magical realm filled with impossible beauty and terrible danger. He believes it is there that they will find Emilie’s sister. However, Jeremy has kept Rafe in the dark since their return for his own inscrutable reasons. But the time for burying secrets comes to an end as the quest for Emilie’s sister begins. The former lost boys must confront their shared past, no matter how traumatic the memories.

Alongside the headstrong Emilie, Rafe and Jeremy must return to the enchanted world they called home for six months—for only then can they get back everything and everyone they’ve lost.

Meet Meg Shaffer

Meg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year, a #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a Reader’s Digest Best Book of the Year. Her second novel, The Lost Story, is an instant national bestseller and is available now from Ballantine.

With an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College, Shaffer lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats—though the cats, unfortunately, aren’t writers.

Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like The Lost Story. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

How Braving a Literary Seminar Shaped The Lost Story (With Meg Shaffer)

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BONUS BOOK LIST: 23 Cozy Fantasy Books to Lower Your Stress Levels

Join the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

The Wishing Game Interview (Meg Shaffer’s First Show)

The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books with Molly Fader Episode

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Jack Gibbons, Chopin Pianist

It by Stephen King

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Rob Hart discusses his gripping new novel, Assassins Anonymous, and the heartfelt storytelling approach that defines his work.

When Steven Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment, snaps up the rights to a book within 24 hours of acquisition, you know the book must be incredible.

Today, Rob Hart joins us to discuss his new novel Assassins Anonymous and the unique background he brings to crafting a great fight sequence. This thriller offers readers humor, heart, and loads of cinematic action, making it an absolute favorite from my reading year. 

We discuss his plans for continuing this book series for readers and how he continually pivots genres and projects in his writing career. 

Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list. Whether you’re in the mood for twisty thrillers, laugh-out-loud moments, or heartwarming escapes, I’ve rounded up 17 of my favorite binge-worthy books to get out of a reading slump.

Assassins Anonymous Book Summary

In this clever, surprising, page-turner, the world’s most lethal assassin gives up the violent life only to find himself under siege by mysterious assailants. It’s a kill-or-be-killed situation, but the first option is off the table. What’s a reformed hit man to do?

Mark was the most dangerous killer-for-hire in the world. But after learning the hard way that his life’s work made him more monster than man, he left all of that behind, and joined a twelve-step group for reformed killers.

When Mark is viciously attacked by an unknown assailant, he is forced on the run. From New York to Singapore to London, he chases after clues while dodging attacks and trying to solve the puzzle of who’s after him. All without killing anyone. Or getting killed himself. For an assassin, Mark learns, nonviolence is a real hassle.

Meet Rob Hart

Rob Hart is the author of Assassins Anonymous, The Paradox Hotel, The Warehouse, the Ash McKenna crime series, and the co-author of Scott Free with James Patterson. He’s worked as a book publisher, a reporter, a political communications director, and a commissioner for the city of New York. Hart lives on Staten Island. 

Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like Assasins Anonymous. All purchases support this year’s programming.  

Crafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart

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Join the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)

Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart 

The Warehouse by Rob Hart 

The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart 

Blood in the Cut by Alejandro Nodarse 

Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett 

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Discover the best Disability Pride Books curated by Cindy Otis from The Stacks Bookstore, who offers readers a virtual tour of her disability-inclusive space.

Happy (Belated) Disability Pride Month! While we’re celebrating a little late this year, it’s never too late to embrace and honor the strength, resilience, and beauty of the disability community.

Like many, my journey comes with its unique challenges, which is why our celebration is arriving fashionably late. But that’s the beauty of disability pride: it’s about acknowledging our pace, our needs, and our triumphs in the face of obstacles.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I am excited to present a specially curated list of books highlighting the diverse and multifaceted lives of disabled individuals created by today’s Book Gang podcast guest, Cindy Otis.

What is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, which was a significant milestone in the fight for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

What Does the Disability Pride Flag Represent?

If you are seeing the updated Disability Pride Flag for the first time, you aren’t alone!

The flag features several colors, each representing different aspects of disability and the disability community. Here’s an explanation of the symbolic colors that represent our community.

There are five diagonal bands of different colors across the flag, each representing different types of disabilities and experiences:

• Red: Physical disabilities
• Gold: Neurodivergence
• White: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
• Blue: Mental illness
• Green: Sensory perception disabilities

Finally, the black background represents the mourning and rage of disabled people for the lives lost due to ableism, violence, negligence, and eugenics.

The design of the diagonal bands cutting across the black field symbolizes breaking through barriers and the creativity and persistence of the disability community in overcoming these obstacles.

Peek Inside This Disability-Inclusive Bookshop With Today’s Curator

Cindy Otis’s journey to opening The Stacks offers a vital and well-thought conversation about her own limitations in accessing bookshops and what was top of mind for her customers when designing an accessible and welcoming space for all, especially those with disabilities in Savannah, Georgia. 

From ramps to fonts to her bookshop’s tagline, Cindy’s thoughtful design choices ensure every reader can enjoy the magic of books. Her journey will mesmerize you. 

SCROLL DOWN for her top book recommendations to celebrate Disability Pride Month all year long! 

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below.

Cindy Otis is a writer and the author of the novel At the Speed of Lies, which is now out with Scholastic, and the critically acclaimed nonfiction book True or False, published by Macmillan.

Her other written work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, the New York Times, CNN, and Teen Vogue. She previously served as an intelligence analyst and manager at the CIA. She is not just a bookseller but a champion for inclusivity and accessibility in the literary world.

All purchases from today’s list will support her Disablity-Inclusive bookstore.

TELL ME: What were YOU surprised to learn in today’s episode?

Laura Hankin shares her debut’s painfully hilarious real-life inspiration and how personal experiences with negative feedback trickled into One-Star Romance.

The dark horse in my romance stack was Laura Hankin’s debut novel, which pulled ahead as my summer favorite. After reading the author for years across genres, I’m honored to have Laura Hankin on the Book Gang podcast to discuss her writing pivot in One-Star Romance.

In a world of instant feedback, I was fascinated by Laura’s hacks for processing reviewer feedback that still protects her creative process. These candid reflections offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors and a gentle reminder of the power of a one-liner scathing review that can haunt writers long after we’ve hit “post.”

Patrons can dive into the One-Star Romance ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Hankin’s surprising plot twists that take us to that swoon-worthy happily ever after.

Turning a Bad Review Into Romantic Gold (Laura Hankin Interview)

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One-Star Romance Book Summary From the Publisher

Natalie and Rob couldn’t have less in common. Nat’s a messy artist, and Rob’s a rigid academic. The only thing they share is their devotion to their respective best friends—who just got engaged. Still, unexpected chemistry has Natalie cautiously optimistic about being maid of honor to Rob’s best man.

Until, minutes before the ceremony, Nat learns that Rob wrote a one-star review of her new novel, which has them both reeling: Nat from imposter syndrome, and Rob over the reason he needed to write it.

When the reception ends, these two opposites hope they’ll never meet again. But, as they slip from their twenties into their thirties, they’re forced together whenever their fast-track best friends celebrate another milestone. Through housewarmings and christenings, life-changing triumphs and failures, Natalie and Rob grapple with their own choices—and how your harshest critic can become your perfectly imperfect match.

After all, even the truest love stories sometimes need a bit of rewriting.

BONUS BOOK LIST: Browse this eclectic list of books about authors and publishing for the perfect literary escape. These 32 book titles include a mix of fiction and nonfiction for your summer.

Meet Laura Hankin

Laura Hankin is an accomplished author, screenwriter, and performer known for her captivating novels, perfect for beach reads and book club discussions. Her previous works include The Daydreams, Happy & You Know It, and A Special Place for Women.

One-Star Romance is her debut romance.

Mentioned in this episode:

TODAY’S BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:

Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like One-Star Romance. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

NEW: 26 Books About Books List

NEW: 32 Books About Authors and Publishing Book List

NEW: 23 Stunning Books About Bookstores Book List

NEW: 18 Books About Book Clubs Book List

NEW:  25 Books About Libraries Book List

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin

American Fever by Dur E Aziz Amna

Laura Hankin’s Tiktok Viral Moment

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

Akwaeke Emezi Shares Strategy for Processing Reviews

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

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Nicola Yoon discusses her provocative adult debut, One of Our Kind, and the surprising inspiration from The Stepford Wives that sparked her daring new story.

Writing inspiration can sometimes strike in the most unlikely places. Podcast listening in the shower electrified a story Nicola Yoon had never expected to write.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the bestselling young adult novelist as she discusses her provocative debut adult novel, One of Our Kind.

Today, she shares how The Stepford Wives inspired her thought-provoking thriller, and how she hopes to ignite book club conversation through her story’s pages.  

Yoon also shares the mission behind her imprint, Joy Revolution Books, which she co-founded with her husband, David Yoon, to celebrate love stories by and about people of color. It’s a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and a tribute to the couple’s dedication to these storytellers.

Patrons can dive into the One of Our Kind ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Yoon’s motivations behind her characters, the book’s ending, and the connections she hopes the reader will make as they finish that last page.

Nicola Yoon Discusses Her Provocative Debut (One of Our Kind)

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One of Our Kind Book Summary From the Publisher

Jasmyn and King Williams move their family to the planned Black utopia of Liberty, California hoping to find a community of like-minded people, a place where their growing family can thrive.

King settles in at once, embracing the Liberty ethos, including the luxe wellness center at the top of the hill, which proves to be the heart of the community.

But Jasmyn struggles to find her place. She expected to find liberals and social justice activists striving for racial equality, but Liberty residents seem more focused on booking spa treatments and ignoring the world’s troubles.

Jasmyn’s only friends in the community are equally perplexed and frustrated by most residents’ outlook. Then Jasmyn discovers a terrible secret about Liberty and its founders. Frustration turns to dread as their loved ones start embracing the Liberty way of life.

Will the truth destroy her world in ways she never could have imagined?

Thrilling with insightful social commentary, One of Our Kind explores the ways in which freedom is complicated by the presumptions we make about ourselves and each other.

BONUS BOOK LIST: Take advantage of these 23 must-read social horror books for a summer immersion. You’ll love these thought-provoking book selections, from eerie dystopias to unsettling societal critiques.

Meet Nicola Yoon

Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing, Everything, Everything, The Sun Is Also a Star, and a co-author of Blackout and Whiteout.

She is a National Book Award finalist, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book recipient, a Coretta Scott King New Talent Award winner and the first Black woman to hit #1 on the New York Times Young Adult bestseller list. Two of her novels have been made into major motion pictures.

She’s also the co-publisher of Joy Revolution, a Random House young adult imprint dedicated to love stories starring people of color. She grew up in Jamaica and Brooklyn, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, the novelist David Yoon, and their daughter.

One of our Kind is her adult debut.

Mentioned in this episode:

BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:

Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like One of Our Kind. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

BONUS LIST: These Social Horror Books Will Make You Think

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

The Warehouse by Rob Hart

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Blackout by Nicola Yoon, Angie Thomas & more

Whiteout by Nicola Yoon, Dhonielle Clayton & more

Joy Revolution Books

The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

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L.M. Chilton shares the surprising backstory on his dating history that inspired his debut thriller, Swiped. This millennial murder mystery is pure summer fun.

After nearly a decade and 212 failed dates, Chilton channeled his dating frustrations into Swiped, a fresh debut murder mystery exploring the darker side of online dating cleverly crafted for the millennial reader. Today, we discuss his personal story and journalism efforts to uncover the truth behind the algorithms.

But his book isn’t the only thing with plot twists. His decision to go on one last date revealed a real-life plot twist you’ll love discovering in this interview. 

Swiped Book Summary

Gwen Turner’s life is in disarray after ending a relationship. Amidst her struggles, she turns to a dating app to fill the void but is stunned to discover a chilling connection – the victims of a series of murders in her small coastal English city were all her former dates. 

Now, Gwen finds herself the prime suspect in a serial killer’s spree. In a race against time, she confronts former dates, some of whom have ghosted her, to unravel the truth and clear her name before it’s too late.

BONUS BOOK LIST: I’ve partnered with Larry on this week’s book list, which offers 30 Fictional Serial Killer Books to Read Now! Whether you crave compelling psychological thrillers or enjoy a touch of the campy and macabre, there’s a perfect book for you.

Meet L.M. Chilton

L.M. Chilton has been a journalist for 15 years, working for TV shows like This Morning, The One Show, and Loose Women, as well as magazines and newspapers such as The Times, The Mirror, Metro, New!, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour.

He started his journalism career writing for ‘real life’ magazines, interviewing people worldwide about the terrifying, hilarious, and heart-breaking things that had happened to them. And also funny things their pets had done.

He works from home in London, thinking of twists for murder mysteries and practicing the banjo instead of writing (much to the annoyance of his neighbors).

BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:

Summer reading season is in full swing. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like Swiped. All purchases support this year’s programming. 

Digital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder Mystery

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Mentioned in this episode:

BONUS SERIAL KILLER BOOK LIST

Swiped by L.M. Chilton

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

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This special crossover episode with The Reader’s Couch offers five backlist books for your summer and what it takes to nail a great summer reading guide.

Today’s episode features Victoria Wood from The Reader’s Couch podcast. I asked Victoria to bring her best backlist of book treasures from her past summer reading guides that deserve far more attention. From historical mysteries to a heartwarming culinary memoir to stories of found family- this stack should elevate your summer reading experience and, likely, be available on your library shelves now. 

As we plan to release our 2024 summer reading guides next week, we discuss insights into crafting the ultimate summer reading guide year after year, how a book qualifies to be featured, and the most significant challenges and rewards of executing seasonal guides for readers. 

Meet Victoria Wood (The Reader’s Couch Podcast) 

Victoria Wood hosts The Reader’s Couch Podcast. She is a reading enthusiast who has successfully guided self-proclaimed “non-readers” into cultivating and sustaining reading habits and assisted readers in fostering more intentional and fulfilling reading lives. She hosts conversations with authors to learn more about their writing and reading lives. 

The Best Backlist Books for Summer

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Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more!

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

Browse the 2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Browse the 2022 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

James by Percival Everett

One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon

@getbookedwithlarry

The Great Mistake by Jonathan Lee

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

Matt Cain’s Publishing Journey

The Lost Boys of Montauk by Amanda M. Fairbanks

Morningside Heights by Joshua Henkin

Home Made by Liz Hauck

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Connect with Victoria Wood on The Reader’s Couch Podcast, Instagram, or Bibliolifestyle

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Jeff Zentner discusses the inspiration for his emotional adult debut romance novel Colton Gentry’s Third Act, which celebrates food, music, and second chances.

Celebrated young adult novelist Jeff Zentner returns to our space to discuss his transition from writing young adult books to his surprising new release—a romance debut for adults called Colton Gentry’s Third Act. 

We discuss the critical differences between writing for adults and young adults, the romantic book that inspired Jeff’s plot, and the feedback Emily Henry provided to shape his romance scenes. 

Jeff also talks about the emotional impact of his writing on Gen-Z readers and the connection he has found through his school tours across the country. 

Be sure to stick around to the end to get Jeff’s second chance love story recommendations! 

Colton Gentry’s Third Act Book Summary

This earnest second-chance love story opens with an emotionally charged moment when a drunken Colton Gentry professes outrage against gun violence on the microphone at a sold-out show that he is performing.

The reason for this outburst is not politically driven but personally driven because his best friend was murdered onstage by a mass shooter at a country music festival. 

As Colton’s drunken rant begins, his team cuts his microphone midsentence, unleashing a cancellation by the country music industry for his public stance against gun rights.

With his personal life in shambles, a defeated Colton returns home to live with his mother, trying to find a new purpose and financial freedom away from his infamous past.

Luann, left behind by Colton when the two struggled to navigate a long-distance romance when they were kids, is now the proud owner of a local farm-to-table restaurant whose dishes wow Colton’s dishes when he visits as a patron.

Still smarting from the loss years ago, Luann sets aside her misgivings to allow Colton to work as a sous chef for the restaurant. 

But how will this impact Luann’s world when Colton becomes the punching bag for a media circus that trails him? And, after leaving her, is he deserving of this redemption story? 

The book offers readers a slow-burn romance as Luann and Colton rekindle their relationship. 

Readers should know that Colton Gentry’s Third Act is steamy, but mostly a closed-door romance!

To accompany today’s show, I have a Second Chance Romance Novels book list to celebrate 19 beautiful new beginnings and second chances.

Meet Jeff Zentner

Jeff Zentner is the author of New York Times Notable Books The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, as well as Goodbye Days, Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee, and his forthcoming debut for the adult market, Colton Gentry’s Third Act and a YA novel in verse, Sunrise Nights, coauthored with Brittany Cavallaro.

Among other honors, he has won the ALA’s William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award twice, the Muriel Becker Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and been longlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal.

He’s a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist; and was a finalist for the Indies Choice Award. He was selected as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an Indies Introduce pick. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Before becoming a writer, he was a musician who recorded with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and Debbie Harry. He lives in Nashville.  

Colton Gentry’s Third Act is his adult debut romance.

We encourage readers to visit our Jeff Zentner author page where we keep our readers updated on his new books. I’m lucky to have been a fangirl since the beginning of his career!

What Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance World

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Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Join the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book

Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with Heart

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

Serpent King tattoo 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Normal People

One Day by David Nicholls

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Before Sunrise Trilogy

Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro

Hello Girls by Emily Henry and Brittany Cavallaro

The Best Jeff Zentner Books

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Connect with Jeff Zentner on his Website or Instagram

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

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Amy Lin discusses her emotional debut memoir Here After. She offers surprising revelations about the grief process and better ways to show up for grievers.

In our fear of saying the wrong thing, we often don’t get to engage in essential conversations like the one we share today.

Amy Lin, author of Here After, joins the Book Gang podcast to discuss her powerful memoir on grief and loss and what she wants you to understand about young widowhood.

Here After Book Summary

Lin never expected to find a love like the one she shared with her husband, Kurtis, a gifted young architect who pulls her toward joy, adventure, and greater self-acceptance. But thirty-two-year-old Kurtis unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind Amy, who struggled to navigate the loss while simultaneously confronting a life-threatening medical crisis. 

This sparse memoir was handcrafted for grievers as Amy shares the painstaking process down to margin, white space, and book size to give readers both space and understanding of her grief experience. 

More importantly, she offers life-altering advice on our falsehoods about grief, from the misconceptions around grief timelines to what we shouldn’t say to those experiencing loss.

After hearing Amy’s sage advice today, I promise you will be a better friend, sister, daughter, or mother after listening to this conversation. 

To accompany today’s show, I have a Books On Grief and Loss book list with fiction and nonfiction selections for adult and young readers. 

I’ve also gathered a curated collection of grief quotes from these books that speak to this universal experience in comforting ways to give words to this experience. I hope you feel both seen and loved through all of this.

Meet Amy Lin

Amy Lin is a writer and educator who lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her work has been published in Ploughshares, and she has been awarded residencies from Yaddo and Casa Comala. Here After is her debut novel.

Surprising Truths About Grief With Amy Lin (Here After)

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below:

Mentioned in this episode:

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Books on Grief and Loss Book List

Grief Quotes From Books

A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney

Here After by Amy Lin

Zibby Books

Connect With Us:

Connect with Amy Lin on Instagram, Substack, or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

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