Books are Chic

The summer literary streak continues with past Read With Jenna authors Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores! Their latest mystery, Perfect Life, is the kind of fizzy summer thriller that will have you flying through the pages.

I absolutely loved chatting with this writing duo. I'm always fascinated by the collaborative writing process and Meredith and Kendall shared so much about creating their sophomore novel. We also chatted about celebrity book clubs, the importance of setting, their inspiration behind the story and so much more.

Some authors just feel like instant friends, and Meredith and Kendall are exactly that. They are an absolute joy to talk with. I already can't wait to have them back on the podcast!

Bucket list author. Total fangirl moment.

This week, I had the absolute thrill of welcoming the queen, the icon, the legend, Jessica Knoll, to Books Are Chic to celebrate her brilliant new novel, Helpless. And let me tell you, this book will have you closing the final page wondering, "What in the dark romance thriller did I just read?"

If you've never read Jessica Knoll, start with Luckiest Girl Alive. It's one of my all-time favorite novels and the perfect introduction to one of the sharpest voices writing today. From there, dive into her entire backlist. Every book is smart, suspenseful, and utterly unforgettable. Jessica has a way of delivering edge-of-your-seat twists while weaving in sharp social commentary and unforgettable characters.

Talking with her, it was immediately clear that she's a reader first. We discussed the books that shaped her, the inspiration behind Helpless, the writing process, true crime, Bravo, motherhood, and so much more. It was fun, insightful, and everything I hoped it would be!

This conversation will go down as one of the chicest yet. And honestly, we're the lucky ones to live in a world with Jessica Knoll novels.

WOW. What a book. What a conversation.

I was thrilled to welcome Hannah Selinger to celebrate her fiction debut, Valley of the Moms. If I had the time, I would have devoured this book in a single sitting.

Part love letter to Boston's North Shore and part sharp suburban satire, Valley of the Moms follows an elite PTO where perfection masks secrets that are just waiting to unravel. Inspired by Hannah's viral article (linked in my Stories), this is the ultimate novel for anyone who loves a little neighborhood drama with their summer reading.

Hannah and I talked all things North Shore, motherhood, school politics, the fascinating world of the PTO, writing fiction inspired by real life, and yes... Scandoval. Because, fun fact, Hannah coined the now-iconic hashtag. As I always say, all roads lead back to books and Bravo.

I absolutely loved this conversation, adored Hannah, and couldn't put this book down. If you're looking for a sizzling, smart, and wildly entertaining summer read, Valley of the Moms deserves a spot at the top of your beach bag.

Missing Downton Abbey? Still wishing for another season of The Crown? Then Jennifer Ryan's The Queen's Coronationis the perfect addition to your summer beach bag. Brimming with friendship, women finding their place in the workplace, a touch of romance, and plenty of royal fashion, this novel is an absolute delight.

I was so excited to welcome Jennifer to Books Are Chic to chat about all things royal. We talked about the inspiration behind the novel, the fascinating research that brought it to life, what drew her to this moment in history, and why stories centered around the royal family continue to captivate readers. We also explored the magic of historical fiction and how the genre shines a light on moments that shape history.

If you've been curious about historical fiction but aren't sure where to begin, consider this your perfect gateway read- the literary equivalent of a refreshing summer spritz: light, engaging, and impossible to put down.

Continuing on my summer reading journey, The Lake Club by Lina Patton is the perfect escape to a lakeside world where secrets, lies, and simmering tensions hide just beneath the sun-drenched surface. Lina's debut has been described as a "soapy summer thriller," and it couldn't be a more fitting label. Packed with all the ingredients of an addictive summer read, this novel will have you turning pages long after your last swim.

Lina joined me to chat about her time working at a real-life lake club and how those experiences helped shape the story, plus we discussed summer reading, her writing journey, and so much more. She was an absolute delight, and I have a feeling this is only the beginning of an exciting career. Be sure to add The Lake Club to your summer stack!

I was so excited to welcome Kyleigh Leddy to Books Are Chic to celebrate her debut novel, Worse Than Strangers. As a fellow New Englander, I loved connecting with Kyleigh and chatting about the places and experiences that helped shape this beautiful story.

Set on Nantucket, the island feels like a character all its own and that's no surprise, considering Kyleigh spent much of her life there. We talked about her transition from nonfiction to fiction, writing romance, reimagining Jane Austen's Persuasion for a contemporary audience, the magic of the beach, mother-daughter relationships, and so much more.

Kyleigh was an absolute delight to chat with, and I can't wait to watch her flourish as a fiction author. Add Worse Than Strangers to your beach bag this summer and be sure to follow Kyleigh, you'll want to be along for the ride!

I was beyond thrilled to welcome back Hannah Brown to Books are Chic for the third time! We caught up to celebrate her latest novel, Reasons to Be Loved by You, the third book in the “Hannahverse.”

It has been such a joy to read Hannah’s books and watch her writing career soar. There’s something incredibly special about following an author from their debut and cheering them on with every new release. And if you ask me, Hannah is only getting better with each book. I remember saying during our very first conversation that it felt like she had been writing romance novels for year and I stand by that today.

In this episode, we dive into book three, how her writing has evolved throughout the series, the personal connections she has to this story, and so much more. Hannah is an absolute delight, and her entire backlist is packed with the kind of charming, heartfelt romances that belong in every summer beach bag.

Scandal, sun, and secrets—hello, summer reading! These are all the ingredients that make up the irresistible literary cocktail that is The Island Club by Nicola Harrison.

Set on Balboa Island in the 1950s, this captivating novel transports readers into a world of housewives, tennis clubs, social expectations, and women searching for their identities beneath the polished surface. It's the perfect blend of glamour, intrigue, and heart.

Nicola and I chatted about her research process, her writing journey, and so much more. Honestly, it's shocking this is her first time on the podcast, we've been internet friends and mutual fans for years!

If you love Big Little Lies, a dash of Real Housewives drama, and stories centered on complicated women and juicy secrets, you'll want to add this one to your summer stack immediately.

Pinch me! I got to welcome back one of my absolute favorites, Tia Williams! We reunited to celebrate her latest novel, The Missed Connection, a steamy summer romance guaranteed to turn up the heat.

Filled with chance encounters, heart, chemistry, and just the right touch of mystery, this novel delivers all the signature elements readers have come to love from Tia. We caught up about her writing process, book-to-screen adaptations, beauty products, and so much more.

And if you haven't explored Tia's backlist yet, consider this your sign. Her catalog is a beach reader's dream and the perfect summer spritz - light, refreshing, and impossible to stop sipping before diving into The Missed Connection.

If you're looking for a sweeping, epic, and dramatic love story to kick off your summer reading, look no further than Into the Blue. This novel checks every box, and I absolutely loved it. I was thrilled to welcome Emma Brodie to the podcast to celebrate not only the book's release, but also its selection as Reese's Book Club and a Book of the Month pick for May.

As fellow New Englanders, Emma and I had plenty to discuss, especially since the region is woven so beautifully into the story. We talked about her path to publication, the challenges and joys of writing a sophomore novel, how Vanderpump Rules and the infamous Scandoval saga unexpectedly influenced the book's development, our mutual love for Julia Spiro, and what it's been like publishing under Jenna Bush Hager's imprint.

Trust me when I say this: Into the Blue belongs on your summer TBR. It's the kind of unforgettable love story that will stay with you long after the final page—and you'll thank me later.