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On this episode, I chat with author Tova Mirvis about her novel, We Would Never, a psychological exploration inspired by a real murder case she discovered on Facebook.

Mirvis reveals how true crime reporting always left her hungry for the human story beneath the headlines, and how she carefully crafted characters who start as a typical family with typical problems before spiraling into darkness.

Having written a memoir about leaving Orthodox Judaism and her marriage, Mervis brings profound insight into the gap between our public and private selves. "What does it mean to not be the person you were expected to be?" she asks, a question that resonates throughout her fiction.

Mirvis says of writing We Would Never, "It taught me about the willingness to go dark," and the craft of creating suspense. Her insights into character development, the ethics of fictionalizing real events, and the thin line between ordinary people and extraordinary acts offer a valuable perspective for writers and readers alike.

Ready to explore the shadowy corners of family dynamics? Listen now, and discover why fiction reveals what true crime can never tell.

Tova Mirvis

We Would Never, Tova Mirvis

Orbital, Samantha Harvey

The Safekeep, Yael Van Der Wouden

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In this episode, I chat with James Anderson, co-owner of Saturn Press with his with Diedre. The humble greeting card might seem like a relic in our digital age, but as James reveals, these tactile treasures carry meaning far beyond their paper boundaries.

James shares how Saturn Press creates distinctive cards using vintage presses from the 1940s-60s, explaining that the very constraints of letterpress technology drive a creativity that digital perfection cannot replicate. "I'm not a Luddite who hates technology," he clarifies. "I just love that technology from 60 or 80 years ago remains relevant today." These limitations in color palette and printing technique result in cards that feel comforting, unique, and beautiful – qualities increasingly sought after in our screen-dominated world.

Behind each Saturn Press card lies a thoughtful process of selecting art from their extensive ephemera collection, commissioning licensed artists, or revitalizing work from overlooked historical artists. The company prints on carefully selected natural white paper with deckle edges, creating a wholesome tactile experience that enhances the visual design. Sustainability guides their decisions too, as they work to eliminate plastic from packaging while maintaining the product's integrity.

Perhaps most compelling is James's insight into why greeting cards still matter: "A sympathy text just doesn't cut it. If you're participating in a social relationship, you want to show it's worth enough to buy a nice card, write something meaningful, and put it in the mail." This intentionality explains why independent bookshops increasingly embrace stationery as both a profit center and a natural extension of their literary community.

Discover the magic of letterpress and why these cards aren't just purchased but treasured, displayed, and even framed as keepsakes. Visit saturnpresscards.com to experience these distinctive designs for yourself.

Saturn Press

The Gold, Neil Forsyth and Thomas Turner

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In this episode, I chat with author Kendra Elliot about her new novel, Her First Mistake.

Kendra Elliot has sold thirteen million books, hit the Wall Street Journal top ten bestseller list more than a dozen times, and is a three-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier award.

She is an International Thriller Writers' finalist and a Romantic Times finalist. She grew up in the lush and rainy Pacific Northwest.

Synopsis of Her First Mistake:

Thirteen years ago, Assemblyman Derrick Bell was murdered in his home by an intruder. His wife, Noelle Marshall, was left for dead. The crime was unsolved, but it wasn’t forgotten.

Today the FBI is tackling a fresh perspective on the case and looking to Noelle, now a detective for the Deschutes County sheriff’s office, for new clues. It is reopening everything Noelle thought was behind her. Memories of her escape from a traumatic childhood. A marriage that wasn’t the perfect love story she’d been promised. And a husband whose charm and privilege hid a dark side. But Noelle has been hiding something too: a secret about the night Derrick died that she has never told anyone.

As past and present and leads and misleads collide, one thing is frighteningly clear. Derrick’s murder wasn’t just unsolved. It’s unfinished. And only the truth—no matter the risk—can save the next victim.

Kendra Elliot

Her First Mistake, Kendra Elliot

Julia Quinn Books

Stephanie Laurens

Karen Marie Moning

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Hi, and welcome to this episode of The Bookshop Podcast!

Step into the vibrant literary heart of Mexico with the San Miguel Writers Conference, where cultural exchange and creative inspiration meet in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Susan Page, founder and president, alongside executive director Jodi Pincus, unveil the magic behind this extraordinary gathering that transforms writers and readers alike.

This unique tricultural and bilingual event bridges the literary communities of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, creating rich connections across borders. Set against the backdrop of San Miguel de Allende—consistently voted the world's #1 city by Conde Nast Traveler—participants immerse themselves in perfectly preserved 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture while engaging with world-class authors and honing their craft.

The 2026 conference boasts an exceptional lineup of global voices: Ethiopian-American physician-author Abraham Verghese, Canadian novelist Emily St. John Mandel, Nigerian literary star Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Indigenous Mexican intellectual Yesnaya Elena Aguilar-Hill, Argentinian author Andrés Neuman, and Chinese-American writer R.F. Kuang. Beyond the keynotes, the conference offers 80 workshops across multiple genres, opportunities to pitch literary agents, discussion circles on timely topics like AI and cultural appropriation, and a dedicated "Pleasures of Reading" track for literary enthusiasts.

What truly distinguishes this gathering is its holistic approach to the literary experience—combining rigorous craft development with cultural immersion and community building. Workshops unfold in beautiful gardens, open mics create space for emerging voices, and wellness activities provide balance. Meanwhile, the conference maintains deep connections to local communities through teen writing programs and literary outreach to underserved rural areas.

Whether you're a serious writer seeking to refine your craft, a reader hungry for literary inspiration, or someone drawn to the magical energy of San Miguel, the conference offers flexible registration options to create your perfect experience. Mark your calendar for February 11-15, 2026, and join a global community of literary minds in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.

San Miguel Writers’ Conference

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In this episode, I chat with Barbara Boyle about her memoir, Pinch Me.

After decades crafting commercials and campaigns for global giants like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, Barbara was drawn to a completely different path. Her story begins with a magical honeymoon visit to the Piedmont region of Italy, where, gazing over terracotta rooftops with morning coffee in hand, she felt an undeniable pull: "I need to live here." That feeling—equal parts recognition and revelation—set in motion a complete life transformation.

With warmth and candor, Barbara shares the unexpected parallels between her advertising background and memoir writing, where economy of language proved invaluable. She brings us along as she and her husband purchase and renovate their dream home, describing with reverence how the centuries-old stones seem to whisper stories of previous generations. "This house has an anima, a soul," their builder told them—a sentiment that perfectly captures the profound connection Barbara feels to her adopted homeland.

But this isn't simply a rose-colored relocation story. Just as Barbara was settling into her idyllic Italian life, a breast cancer diagnosis forced the couple to temporarily return to California for treatment. Her clear-eyed perspective on facing mortality while pursuing dreams adds remarkable depth to her narrative: "It is odd when all of your worst fears become real. It is not so bad." This resilience—facing challenges with grace while never losing sight of what matters—makes her story universally resonant.

Ready to be transported to the rolling hills of Piedmont? Listen now and discover how home isn't necessarily where we begin but where our soul recognizes itself—sometimes in the most unexpected places. If you enjoy Barbara's story, please share it with others who might be dreaming of their own bold life changes.

Barbara Boyle

Pinch Me, Barbara Boyle

Dancing on my Own Two Feet, Jenn Todling

Spare, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

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In this episode, I chat with Lucy Yu, founder and owner of Yu & Me Books. Trained as a chemical engineer, her life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic when grief from losing a close friend led to deep reflection about her purpose. "I'm here on earth to do art and foster love," she realized, and from this epiphany, You and Me Books was born—the first female Asian American-owned bookstore in New York City's historic Manhattan Chinatown.

Yu's vision of creating a genuine community space resonated deeply in a time when people were starved for connection. The bookstore became more than just a place to buy books—it transformed into a sanctuary where diverse voices are celebrated and where customers feel so at home they comfortably take naps in the chairs.

The journey hasn't been without heartbreak. In July 2023, a devastating fire ravaged the bookstore, forcing Yu to watch helplessly as her dream literally went up in smoke. But what followed was nothing short of miraculous. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $360,000 from 6,000 individual donors, fellow bookstore owners offered their spaces, and community members rallied with practical and emotional support. This outpouring of love affirmed Yu's belief that "chasing love and art will never let you down."

You and Me Books stands today as a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the vital role that independent bookstores play as third spaces where people can gather, connect, and belong. Lucy's story reminds us that books aren't just products—they're vessels for connection that show us we're never alone in our experiences.

Yu & Me Books

Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder, Gabor Maté

Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex Ptsd with Internal Family Systems, Frank Anderson

Asymmetry, A Novel, Lisa Halliday

Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, Max Porter

Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution, Peniel E. Joseph

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In this episode, I chat with Danielle Teller about how her creative journey defies conventional wisdom about career paths. From Yale-trained pulmonologist studying lung disease to acclaimed novelist, her story demonstrates how life's unexpected turns might lead us exactly where we're meant to be.

"I was a huge bookworm when I was a kid, but I was too chicken to actually write," Teller says. She explains how her fears centered on financial insecurity and feeling she lacked stories to tell, until a cross-country move disrupted her academic medical career and her husband encouraged her to pursue this long-held dream.

Teller's latest novel, Forged, transports readers to America's Gilded Age through the story of Fanny, a desperate young woman navigating a Darwinian world of social stratification and ruthless capitalism. What makes this historical fiction particularly compelling is Teller's revelation that our current era mirrors that period of extreme wealth disparities and political corruption. "I think that my research reinforced my feeling that we are in a second Gilded Age," she explains, describing the disturbing parallels between past and present.

Our conversation ventures beyond the novel to explore the publishing industry's subjective nature, including how finding the right agent resembles "matchmaking." Teller's unique perspective shapes characters who defy traditional female protagonist tropes, creating women who actively forge their own destinies despite societal constraints.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help more readers discover thought-provoking historical fiction that illuminates both past and present.

Forged, Danielle Teller

Orbital, Samantha Harvey

The Elements of Eloquence, Mark Forsyth

Goddess Complex, Sanjena Sathian

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In this episode, I chat with Amanda Friss, the founder of Parentheses Books, which is nestled in the heart of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Parentheses Books is more than just a bookstore—it’s a space for community, curiosity, and connection. Since opening its doors, the shop has become a vibrant gathering place for readers of all kinds, offering a carefully curated selection of titles and a welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration.

Parentheses Books

The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore, Evan Friss

No Less Strange or Wonderful, A. Kendra Greene

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