In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, I get to interview my friend, author Kate Angelo, about her latest book, Girl Lost. Together, we delve into the book's innovative use of cutting-edge technology, such as 3D-printed organs, and its deep ethical issues. Kate shares her journey from a tech-loving nerd to an inspired writer, discussing her background, her engagement with scientific innovation, and her ethical considerations influenced by personal experiences and a strong Christian perspective.

We also explore the themes of second-chance romance and the concept of 'found family' within the novel. Throughout the discussion, Kate reflects on her rapid ascent in the literary world, attributing her success to divine guidance and hard work. She also gives insights into her writing process and approach to blending structured plotting with character-driven storytelling. Listeners learn about Kate's unique perspective on adolescent love, her deliberate decision-making in her writing career, and her upcoming events and book-related content available on her website.

Connect with Kate Angelo

X | Facebook | Instagram

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Robin Pearson is one busy woman, as you'll quickly learn in today's episode of Book Talk. An author who writes in North Carolina, she incorporates her southern roots into her stories. In our conversation, we got to talk about our shared love of bookstores and dream of owning one... for her that led to her latest novel, The Stories We Carry, which focuses on a woman working in a bookstore and confronting more than the stories on her shelves. There are layers inspired by the Count of Monte Cristo and the idea of can there be righteous Vengeance. Robin loves to think of her stories as syrup — they develop slowly and are filling.

There's so much life in this interview. I can't wait for you to meet Robin and learn more about her books and writing.

Connect with Robin W. Pearson

X | Facebook | Instagram

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk, I interview Ash Clifton, a debut author from Gainesville, Florida, about his intense thriller, Twice The Trouble. I like to compare this novel to works by Michael Cane, Tom Clancy, and Daniel Silva. Ash shares his journey of becoming a writer, inspired by his father's role as Chief of Police and Ash's exposure to former football players on his college team. He discusses the creation of his complex protagonist, a former cop and football player. Ash also talks about the challenges he faced, including cutting characters and scenes based on his agent's recommendations, and how he managed to keep the story engaging.

He emphasizes the importance of a hero being both good at heart and having a sense of humor. Additional topics include the writing process, dealing with self-doubt, and his aspirations for a movie adaptation of the book.

Connect with Ash Clifton

X | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In today's episode of Book Talk, I have the pleasure of bringing my friend Kelly Goshorn onto the show to talk about her latest novel The Undercover Heiress of Brockton. I loved writing in a novella collection with Kelly a couple years ago, so I loved getting the chance to read this full-length novel. It's set in the very real events that happened when a shoe factory in Brockton exploded and the ensuing fire devastated the plant in mere minutes. I was fascinated to talk with Kelly about how she created her story around these very real, historical happenings.

Lest you think this book is all heaviness, the heroine is an heiress who goes undercover as a man so she can report on the day's important events. That leads to all kinds of madcap events and happenings. Kelly's a pantser, so the way these true events and a couple characters wove together into this moving story is fascinating to me. I know you'll enjoy meeting Kelly and learning more about her books and her writing process.

Connect with Kelly Goshorn

Facebook | Instagram

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Y'all, there are rare moments when I read a book and think, "I wish I'd written this one." Connie Mann's book that comes out in the spring is one of those (spoiler alert: I endorsed it!). But her current book, The Liar's Treasure is soooo good. That's why when I was planning this season of Book Talk I had to invite her to be a guest. This current series makes me think of Ally Carter books all grown up, or Oceans 8, or something else equally fun yet filled with so much fun.

I really enjoy them (as you'll notice as I gush--I do book gush from time to time and this is such a time.). In this episode, Connie discusses having a group cast. Bringing together so many elements that she loves in one novel and other elements that are just plain fun. She also talks about all the jobs in and around publishing and writing that she took on her way to being a novelist. She'd tell aspiring writers to be more confident and chase that dream. I know you're going to enjoy this chat.

Connect with Connie Mann

Facebook | Instagram

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

I have known Kim Duffy (also writing as Kimberly Duffy) for several years, and it was past time to have her on as a guest. She is someone I love brainstorming with and spending time with because she's wicked smart and has this wry sense of humor I enjoy. She also loves to travel and homeschools her kids, so there are so many points of intersection even as we are so different.

While I love her historical women's fiction novels, I had her on Book Talk to share about her latest novel, The Meet-Cute Manuscript, a book she wrote when her family was in a point of crisis. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to write again, and her agent gave her beautiful advice: write something entirely different. The Meet Cute Manuscript is the result. I loved this contemporary rom-com, which has depth but is also light and a breath of fresh air. I think we've all had times where we wonder where God is and if a dream has died. There is such beauty in finding His hand in a pivot.

I really hope you enjoy meeting Kim and learning more about all of her books.

Connect with Kim Duffy

Facebook | Instagram

For today's episode of Book Talk, it's a treat to welcome Kristen Hogrefe Parnell back. Kristen writes page-turning romantic suspense, and her novella in Truth started with a what-if when she was on vacation at Rosemary Beach. She kept adding layers until she had the plot for the book.

Like many authors, Kristen has always wanted to write. If she could go back in time, she'd ask herself what if it could be wonderful? as a way to break out of the fear of what might happen. I love that idea! It's such a great way to reframe a business that is largely out of our control as writers.

Connect with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Facebook | Instagram

For today's episode of Book Talk, I'm so pleased to introduce you to Sarah Hamaker. On her website, Sarah hosts quick takes with authors, a great way to learn about what authors are working on and their newest books (you can listen to my part in one recent episode here). In addition to encouraging and supporting other authors, Sarah writes page-turning romantic suspense. She has a novella in the Truth collection, and it's one you won't want to miss.

Like many authors, Sarah grew up telling stories and wanting to write. She's turned that lifelong love of reading and writing into award-finaling and winning novels in the romantic suspense genre.

Connect with Sarah Hamaker

Facebook | Podcast

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

One of the things I enjoy most about hosting Book Talk is making new writing friends. I love connecting with writers I've known for years, but today I get to introduce you to a new friend. Paul Bradley Carr and I hadn't met before we recorded, but as you enjoy this conversation, I think you'll find that we had so many things to talk about. It was a fast and fun chat about his new book The Confessions.

Why? Because for 25 years, Paul covered Silicon Valley for the British newspaper The Guardian, and he brings all of that knowledge to this book. As I told Paul, I didn't plan to read an AI thriller, and I certainly didn't plan to inhale it, but I really enjoyed The Confessions. It's fresh, and it's the kind of book that will make you think while taking you on a wild ride. 

Connect with Paul Bradley Carr

BlueSky | Instagram 

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

t is so much fun to welcome Bethany Turner back to Book Talk. She was my first guest at the very beginning of Book Talk, and it is a delight to have her back as we discuss her latest romantic comedy, Wes and Addie Had Their Chance. I was surprised to learn that this was the first book idea that she had...ten years later, it's finally seeing the light of day. I love these characters and story. This one isn't as funny as some of her others, but it is still an ode to pop culture and so much more.

Bethany Turner is such fun. She brings joy to everything, including this interview.

Connect with Bethany Turner

Facebook | Instagram

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!