Bestsellers & Brews

In this episode, TS analyzes Ashley Elston's thrilling novel First Lie Wins, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick that blends psychological thriller with romantic suspense. Follow professional con artist Lucca Marino (operating as "Evie Porter") as she navigates dangerous waters when her carefully constructed identity begins to unravel, her feelings for her mark become real, and a mysterious woman using her real name appears in town.

A layered mint julep variation that reflects our protagonist's dual nature and the Louisiana setting:

Alcoholic Version:

Non-Alcoholic Version:

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Join us next time as we discuss Funny Story by Emily Henry, a new release from the beloved contemporary romance author.

Hey book lovers! In this episode, I dive into Abby Jimenez's contemporary romance "Just for the Summer," which follows two cursed singles who meet on Reddit and hatch a plan to date and break up to trigger their "always the bridesmaid" curse.

This week's drink is "The Summer Fling" – a refreshing vodka cocktail with elderflower liqueur, lemon, and sparkling water that starts simple but develops unexpected depth, just like Emma and Justin's relationship. Don't drink? Try the "Minnesota Summer" mocktail variation that's equally delightful!

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Next episode I'll be tackling "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston – something with a bit more edge and tension to balance out this light summer read.

Make sure to subscribe to Bestsellers & Brews wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. And hey, if you're working on your own novel, remember that the strongest stories connect character growth directly to plot conflicts – when they run on separate tracks, neither reaches its full potential!

Happy reading! 📚🍻

TS

Hey book lovers! In this episode, I dive into Ariel Lawhon's historical mystery "The Frozen River," set in 1789 Maine and based on the real-life diary of Martha Ballard, a midwife who gets tangled up in a murder investigation.

This week's drink is "The Midwife's Tonic" – a warming bourbon concoction with maple syrup, lemon, and singed rosemary that captures both the wintery New England setting and Martha's herbal knowledge. Don't drink? No worries! I've got a non-alcoholic version that's just as delicious.

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Next episode will be a total vibe shift as I tackle "Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez – a cute, fun romantic comedy that'll be a nice palette cleanser after all that historical grimness!

Make sure to subscribe to Bestsellers & Brews wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. And hey, if you're working on your own novel, remember that even published authors sometimes struggle with plotting and character development – we're all learning together!

Happy reading! 📚🍻

TS

Hey book lovers! In this episode, I dive into Liz Moore's sprawling mystery The God of the Woods, which has been making waves on bestseller lists and earned a killer endorsement from Stephen King himself (and you know how I feel about King!).

The story kicks off in summer 1975 at Camp Self-Reliance in the Adirondack Mountains when 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar vanishes from her bunk. But here's the creepy part - her older brother Bear also disappeared from the exact same camp fourteen years earlier. The Van Laars own the camp and basically employ half the region, so these disappearances send shockwaves through the entire community.

A classic 70s upper-class cocktail with a wilderness twist! Rye whiskey, a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, a splash of maple syrup, and a pine or rosemary garnish to bring that forest vibe. For non-drinkers, try the Camp Counselor's Tonic with tonic water, maple syrup, non-alcoholic bitters, apple cider, and the same woodsy garnish.

Stay tuned for my thoughts on The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon in our next episode!

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Find Bestsellers & Brews on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Have you read The God of the Woods? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

What if a stranger told you EXACTLY when and how you would die? 💀 

In this episode of Bestsellers & Brews, I dive into Liane Moriarty's #1 New York Times bestseller "Here One Moment" - a book that explores what happens when a mysterious woman on a plane starts predicting passengers' deaths.

Would you believe her? Would you try to change your fate? Or would knowing your expiration date completely transform how you live?

🔖 TIMESTAMPS:

🍸 MAKE "THE GRIM REAPER" COCKTAIL:

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK:

💭 MY VERDICT:

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Episode Description

Join host TS as we dive into "The Wedding People," Alison Espach's standout novel that's been lighting up the "Best Books of 2024" lists! We're exploring how this seemingly simple story about a woman who accidentally gets mistaken for a wedding guest delivers so much more than the premise suggests.

"The Wedding People" follows Phoebe Stone, an adjunct professor who arrives alone at the luxurious Cornwall Inn for what she intends to be a final splurge on herself. What she doesn't expect is that the entire hotel has been booked for an elaborate six-day wedding celebration. When Phoebe is mistaken for one of the wedding guests, she finds herself reluctantly drawn into the orbit of bride-to-be Laila and her eclectic collection of friends and family. As Phoebe navigates this unexpected social situation, the wedding becomes a backdrop for her own journey of self-discovery, forcing her to confront the difference between the person she's been pretending to be and who she actually is.

What We Cover

Drink Pairing

This episode features "The Emerald Gimlet," inspired by Phoebe's stunning emerald dress. We include recipes for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, perfect for sipping while contemplating whether you're being true to yourself or just playing a role in someone else's wedding... or life!

For Writers & Readers

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Bestsellers & Brews explores popular novels from both a reader's perspective and a writer's craft angle. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe!

Hey book lovers and aspiring writers!

In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest breakout hits in romantasy - The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. With the recent release of Onyx Storm (Book 3), it's the perfect time to explore what makes this series so addictive.

What we're drinking: 🐉 Dragon's Breath Brew

In this episode, we explore:

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of:

Perfect for readers who love:

Maybe skip if you're looking for:

SPOILER WARNING: First half is spoiler-free, with a clear warning before we dive into spoiler territory!

Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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Hey there, fellow book enthusiasts! Gather 'round with your favorite brew in hand, as we delve into the multi-layered narrative of Chris Whitaker’s 'All the Colors of the Dark.' I'm T.S., your host on 'Best Sellers and Brews,' here to guide you through the emotional and craft intricacies of this captivating read.

This episode explores a tale that's more than your average thriller. It's a genre-defying narrative that stitches together elements of mystery, coming-of-age discoveries, and an unconventional love story. Set in the haunting small-town landscape of Monte Clare, Missouri, the story kicks off in 1975 amidst an unsettling string of disappearances.

Meet Joseph Macaulay, or Patch—a one-eyed rebel whose unexpected heroics alter the course of his life and shape the community. Alongside the quirky, bee-loving Saint, whose formidable spirit and unyielding friendship anchor this tale, their journey unfolds in unexpected layers.

Join us as I spill the tea (or perhaps honey-tinted rum) on the power of friendship, the shadows of trauma, and the soaring poignance of nostalgic innocence. We dive into the thematic depths, illustrating how past stories and friendships can both inspire and bind us.

In the spirit of discovery, this episode also uncovers the craft elements that aspiring writers crave, from character depth to the narrative pacing that Whitaker so masterfully maneuvers.

So, grab a comfy seat, let the pages of Whitaker’s intricate story unfold in your mind’s eye, and prepare to question, feel, and ponder along with us. Trust me, this is not just a novel; it's a heartfelt exploration of what truly binds us.

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Hello, book lovers and aspiring writers! Welcome to another invigorating episode of Best Sellers and Brews, your go-to podcast for deep dives into popular novels, paired with your favorite drink of choice. I’m your host, TS, and today we’re whisking you away to a world where water is more precious than gold and romance burns hotter than desert sands. Get comfy with your cup of brew because we’re diving into Quicksilver by Callie Hart, a novel that has captivated the bestseller charts and set the romantic fantasy world ablaze.

In this episode, we delve into the high fantasy realm of ice and snow, where the 24-year-old Saeris Fane uses her cunning and closely guarded secrets to survive. Things take a magical turn when she encounters Death and is whisked away to a realm where Fae creatures are anything but mythical. The handsome and enigmatic Kingfisher soon binds her in a dangerously intimate dance of political intrigue and romance. Can Saeris navigate the complexities of Fae court politics, wield ancient magic, and manage her growing attraction to a being she ought to fear?

Join me as we venture through both a spoiler-free overview, providing you with all you need to know to decide if Quicksilver belongs on your reading list, and a spoiler-laden analysis where we get into the story’s craft and dissect what makes this steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance a compelling read. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode invites you into the deeper layers of Hart’s enthralling tale.

As always, we spice things up with a perfectly paired drink – a concoction as enchanting as the tale itself: a shimmering tequila-based cocktail that echoes the heat and mystery of Zilvaren and Yvelia. So, if you’re on the hunt for a molten romance where fantasy serves as the fiery backdrop, this book definitely deserves your attention, despite the looser threads in its storytelling tapestry.

So kick back, relax, and join me as we embark on this literary journey through the heart-pounding world of Quicksilver.

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Hey there, fellow book enthusiasts and budding writers! Welcome to another episode of Bestsellers and Brews, where we pair literary discussions with your favorite comforting brews. I’m your host, TS, and today, I’m excited to delve into Kristen Hanna’s latest masterpiece, The Woman. This novel quickly soared to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, and it’s easy to see why. The story follows Francis Frankie McGrath, a young and resilient nurse navigating her way through the turbulent times of the Vietnam War. Her journey is one of duty, discovery, and the forgotten narratives of the women who served in this contentious conflict.

We have a thrilling episode lined up for you, broken into two engaging segments. First, we'll tackle a spoiler-free review of the book to help you decide if this tale deserves a spot in your reading list. Then, after a cozy drink break — we're recommending a delicious Vietnamese coffee for today — we'll shift gears to a spoiler-filled, craft-focused discussion. This part is perfect for those who have read the novel or those keen on understanding the craftsmanship behind best-selling literature.

Kristen Hanna’s strength in portraying strong female characters during pivotal historical moments is nothing short of genius. In The Woman, she addresses the critical gap in Vietnam War literature by highlighting the role of military nurses, a perspective rarely given its due. This episode goes beyond dissecting the plot; we’ll explore the depth of thematic elements, from the societal pressures on veterans to the intricacies of love and loss that shape Frankie's journey. Plus, we’ll dive into the author’s impressive use of historical detail and sensory storytelling, transporting readers between the sun-drenched scenes of 1960s California and the chaotic heat of wartime Vietnam.

Grab your favorite beverage, settle down in your coziest spot, and join me as we unpack the emotional richness and vivid craft of The Woman. Whether you’re a longtime fan of historical fiction or just love a powerful tale of personal growth against the backdrop of significant historical events, this episode has something for you. Ready your TBR for this impactful novel and, as always, keep sipping and reading. I can't wait to explore this captivating book with you!

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