Such a joy chatting with fellow New Englander Riss M. Neilson as we celebrated her latest romance, The Bridge Back to You. Set against the backdrop of a restaurant and a touch of forced proximity, it’s the perfect recipe for heart, heat, and so much more. I found myself telling Riss again and again her stories feel like the people we know and the lives we’ve lived.

After speaking with her, it’s so clear how deeply she values human connection and how it shapes healing, love, and family. We talked about everything from our shared love of the beach and books to writing, grief, and the ways our pasts can quietly influence our futures. Riss is incredibly thoughtful and insightful, with a warmth and positivity that truly shine both in conversation and on the page.