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Today on Underline That, Steph sits down with historical fiction author Nicola Harrison to talk about her dazzling new novel, The Island Club—a layered, addictive story set on 1950s Balboa Island, where paradise looks perfect on the surface… but secrets are simmering underneath.
They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Balboa Island as a setting, the fascinating history of spring break culture in Newport Beach, and why tennis became such an important thread in the novel. Nicola also shares how women’s friendship, play, and community shaped the story in unexpected ways.
Plus, they dive into Nicola’s publishing journey—from fashion journalism in New York City to becoming a bestselling novelist—her writing process, the magic of early-morning drafting, and what’s next for her (including a brand-new novel set in the English countryside).
In this episode, you’ll hear all about:
If you love smart escapist fiction, glamorous settings, female friendship, and books with secrets at their center, this episode is for you!
FIND NICOLA HARRISON:
Instagram: @nicolaharrisonauthor
Website: www.nicolaharrison.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: @stephanienmack, @underlinethatpod
Website: www.stephaniemack.com
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
Amazon
Target
Barnes & Noble
TODAY’S UNDERLINES:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
By Stephanie Mack4.9
1010 ratings
Today on Underline That, Steph sits down with historical fiction author Nicola Harrison to talk about her dazzling new novel, The Island Club—a layered, addictive story set on 1950s Balboa Island, where paradise looks perfect on the surface… but secrets are simmering underneath.
They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Balboa Island as a setting, the fascinating history of spring break culture in Newport Beach, and why tennis became such an important thread in the novel. Nicola also shares how women’s friendship, play, and community shaped the story in unexpected ways.
Plus, they dive into Nicola’s publishing journey—from fashion journalism in New York City to becoming a bestselling novelist—her writing process, the magic of early-morning drafting, and what’s next for her (including a brand-new novel set in the English countryside).
In this episode, you’ll hear all about:
If you love smart escapist fiction, glamorous settings, female friendship, and books with secrets at their center, this episode is for you!
FIND NICOLA HARRISON:
Instagram: @nicolaharrisonauthor
Website: www.nicolaharrison.com
FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:
IG: @stephanienmack, @underlinethatpod
Website: www.stephaniemack.com
PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:
Amazon
Target
Barnes & Noble
TODAY’S UNDERLINES:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

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