Today I welcome one of my favorite romance writers, Diana Biller. She is also one of my favorite people, and I wanted someone really positive and smart that can always make me laugh to join me for my first episode of the new year. I’d seen the sudden and unexpected resurrection of Historical Romance towards the end of 2025, after being told all year that this genre was dead, so I wanted to set the tone for 2026 with a vibe that defies the odds and embraces joy. I hope you like the episode, and I wish you the very best New Year! Thank you for being here.

All links and shownotes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Bookstagrammer, Nina - The Wandering Reader, to the show to discuss books set during Winter. Nina has a lovely aesthetic and flawless taste in books, and is a librarian that specializes in reader’s advisory. I have read and loved books I’d never heard of this year based on her recommendations, so I thought she’d be a perfect guest for this episode.

All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome the legendary Anne Bishop to the show to discuss her new book, TURNS OF FATE, the first book in her new series, The Isle of Wyrd.  We chat about the genre blending she’s done for years across fantasy, horror and romance, as well as her longevity in an ever-changing publishing marketplace. We also talk about shifting in paranormal fiction since she always finds a new way to include shifters in her work. What an honor to have her on the show!

All links and show notes are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have the great pleasure of bringing you my favorite show to make every year, which is the look back on our Favorite Books of 2025. Joining me in the fun is delightful horror author, Brian McAuley, author of BREATH IN, BLEED OUT, and Sarah Wendell, podcaster extraordinaire behind Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Both are fan favorites and some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and they have great taste in books.

All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Liz Parker back on the show to discuss Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN, as well as books that retell that story and nonfiction books that connect to this timeless classic. We also chat about THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS, a book that re-examines LITTLE WOMEN through the eyes of Jo March’s sisters. Liz wrote Meg’s chapters in the book, while Ally Malinenko and Linda Epstein wrote the Beth and Amy sections. All books, links and show notes are available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome CJ Cooke back on the show to discuss her new book, THE LAST WITCH. I’ve read through all her books this year because she tells compelling gothic stories and sheds light on little known aspects of witches in history and folklore. We chat about the women that inspired this novel, new things she learned in her research, and the lovely ways Scotland has commemorated the history of the unfortunate people accused of witchcraft. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Nat Cassidy to the show to chat about werewolves in fiction and folklore. We use his latest novel, WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME, as a launching pad for this discussion, and we have fun discussing how werewolves work in different genres. We also have some great book recommendations for you, which you will find listed in show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I get to share a dream come true with you! Silvia Moreno-Garcia joined me to chat about THE BEWITCHING, her new novel about witches told over three timelines. We also chat about the publishing industry, her own niche literary interests, and of course we talk about the Gothic genre.

All links and show notes, including info on her recommended indie bookstores, are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Jenny Kiefer on the show to discuss CRAFTING FOR SINNERS, her new survival horror novel in which a trapped woman must fight her way out of a craft store owned by a religious cult. We chat about Jenny’s personal experience as a crafter, and how this book reflects current religiously rooted bigotry. We also chat about fighting oppressors using whatever you have available, be it knitting needles or a special skill.

All links and show notes are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Heather Redmond on the show to discuss her Mary Shelley Mystery Series. We chat about why she chose to use the real author and her family as her main characters instead of writing in the world of Frankenstein. We also discuss her previous series, which did the same for Charles Dickens, and we chat about the state of historicals in the mystery genre. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/