Author Patricia Bonis talks about her memoir Jeddah Bride — a harrowing and deeply personal story of love, sacrifice, and survival. From her whirlwind romance with a Saudi billionaire to the harsh realities of life under one of the world’s most repressive regimes, Patricia opens up about losing her personal freedoms, witnessing public executions, and ultimately having her children kidnapped and taken to Saudi Arabia — where she would not see them again for 14 years.Through resilience, hope, and the healing power of writing, Patricia’s story is one of strength and redemption. Jeda Bride is more than a memoir — it's a mother's love letter, a warning, and a triumph.

Ann Bocock sits down with performance storyteller and author Caren Schur Neile to explore her latest book, Featuring Florida: The Sunshine State in Fiction, Film, and TV. From classics like Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings to pop culture icons like Magic Mike and Miami Vice, Neil unpacks how Florida has been represented—and sometimes misrepresented—throughout decades of storytelling.She shares her research process, favorite discoveries (including Where the Boys Are and The Florida Project), and reveals what makes a story uniquely Floridian. Discover the surprising cultural depth behind the Sunshine State and why Florida remains a rich, complex setting for stories of all kinds.Learn how Florida’s beauty, danger, and diversity have made it one of the most vibrant backdrops in American pop culture.

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Award-winning author Raquel V. Reyes returns with "Dominoes, Danzón, and Death", the latest installment in her beloved Caribbean Kitchen Mystery Series. Explore the culinary-infused world of protagonist Miriam Quiñones-Smith—a food anthropologist, TV chef, and accidental detective navigating Miami’s vibrant culture and dark secrets.Raquel shares how she blends cozy mystery with Miami’s rich history, Caribbean folklore, and Spanglish dialogue to create authentic, page-turning storytelling. From multigenerational homes and mango trees to ancient bones and the legacy of the Tequesta people, this conversation is a flavorful dive into Hispanic representation and the art of writing for both niche and broad audiences.

Award-winning author Melody Masonette discusses her powerful YA novel, "What We Wish For" – a raw and emotional story about homelessness, addiction, family secrets, and the resilience of a 15-year-old girl navigating life’s hardest challenges.

Melody opens up about her personal journey through recovery, how her past inspired this story, and the importance of hope even in life’s darkest moments. This heartfelt conversation will resonate with readers of all ages, especially those who have experienced the ripple effects of addiction within their families.

📚 Topics in this interview:
-How "What We Wish For" sheds light on addiction and its impact on families-The inspiration behind Leila’s story of survival and forgiveness-The real-life experiences that shaped this book-How books can help young people cope with trauma-Why hope is the thread that carries us through hardship

If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, this conversation is a reminder that healing and hope are possible.

Award-winning mystery fiction critic Oline Cogdill pick's the best of 2024's most captivating mystery and fiction titles. From Carl Hiaasen's hilarious Fever Beach to debut novels like Florida Palms by Joe Pan and We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry, this episode is packed with recommendations for every reader.Explore crime thrillers, amateur sleuths, gritty Florida noir, and touching human stories. Plus, a thoughtful conversation on children's literacy and the rise in book bans makes this a must-watch for every book lover and advocate for the written word.🔎 Featured Books:Fever Beach by Carl HiaasenNight Share by Michael ConnellyMurder Takes a Vacation by Laura LippmanEl Dorado Drive by Megan AbbottSex and Death on the Beach by Elaine VietsFlorida Palms by Joe PanWe Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry

Anne Bocock sits down with best-selling author Joanna Campbell, creator of over 80 books, including the beloved Kiki Lowenstein and Cara Mia Delgatto mystery series. Joanna introduces us to her latest cozy mystery, Wednesday Wicked Ways, part of the Friday Night Mystery Club series—a heartwarming and sharp-witted story set in 1986 featuring journalist-turned-ad rep Craig Collins.

Listeners will love Joanna’s candid reflections on writing strong female protagonists, navigating sexism in the workplace, and how cozy mysteries offer a unique platform for exploring serious social issues in a reader-friendly format. You’ll also hear about the real-life inspiration behind Craig’s story and the decades-long journey it took to bring her to life.

Ann Bocock sits down with acclaimed crime fiction author Julia Dahl to dive deep into her haunting new novel, I Dreamed of Falling. Set in a seemingly quiet Hudson Valley town, the story begins with the mysterious death of a young mother—a tragedy that soon unravels into a web of secrets, regret, and hidden truths.

Julia shares the real-life inspirations behind the book, how small-town dynamics shaped her characters, and the powerful themes of motherhood, mental health, and identity that permeate the story. She also reflects on her own journey from journalist to bestselling novelist and explores how the legacy of COVID subtly influences her storytelling.

Whether you're a lover of psychological thrillers, emotional family dramas, or just crave a behind-the-scenes look at how compelling fiction is created, this conversation promises to captivate and inspire.

Featured Topics:

• The intersection of grief, mystery, and truth

• How journalism informs Julia’s fiction writing

• Generational divides and family dynamics

• Crafting characters that feel real, flawed, and unforgettable

Tune in and discover why I Dreamed of Falling is a mystery you won’t soon forget.

Pulitzer Prize finalist and esteemed historian Max Boot joins Between the Covers to delve into his acclaimed biography "Reagan: His Life and Legend", named one of The New York Times' Top 10 Books of 2024. In this compelling conversation, Boot offers a deeply balanced portrait of Ronald Reagan—a president celebrated for restoring American optimism but also criticized for controversial decisions on civil rights and the AIDS crisis.

Host Anne Bocock guides a thoughtful discussion on Reagan's biggest achievements, including ending the Cold War and revitalizing the American spirit, while also examining his political contradictions and complex personal legacy. Boot also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his decade-long research journey, including interviews with Reagan’s closest allies—many of whom are no longer with us.

From Reagan's charisma and communication mastery to his policy missteps and long-lasting influence on today’s polarized politics, this episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand one of America's most consequential presidents through a modern lens.

What was supposed to be the ultimate spring break getaway—four girls, no parents, a luxury yacht in the Caribbean—quickly turns into a deadly mystery. One heiress disappears. Another is accused. And nothing is as it seems.We sit down with former journalist and bestselling author Jan Gangsei to discuss her latest young adult thriller, Dead Below Deck. With themes of wealth, privilege, PTSD, social media influence, and the price of loyalty, Gangsei crafts a compelling reverse-chronology mystery that explores what happens when secrets surface.From boarding school dynamics to mega yachts and murder mysteries, Dead Below Deck is a must-read for YA and thriller fans alike. Discover how Gangsei’s background in journalism and military life shaped the layers of this unforgettable novel—and why no one saw the twist ending coming.

We sit down with acclaimed author and playwright Julie Gilbert to explore the legacy of her great-aunt, Edna Ferber—Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and trailblazing woman of letters. Gilbert's new book, Giant Love, takes us behind the scenes of Ferber’s most controversial and celebrated novel, Giant, and the iconic film it inspired, starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean.From Ferber’s unconventional childhood and her fight against anti-Semitism to her unapologetic presence in a male-dominated literary world, Gilbert paints a vivid portrait of a woman far ahead of her time. The conversation dives into Ferber's complicated Hollywood experience, her surprising friendship with James Dean, and the bold social commentary that made Giant both a bestseller and a lightning rod.🎬 Featuring:The controversy surrounding GiantFerber’s groundbreaking role in male-dominated HollywoodHer unlikely friendship with James DeanThe social consciousness in her fiction—and why it still matters