The Best of Women's Fiction

For our last episode of this season, award-winning author Kelly Irvin talks about her most recent release, "The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos," a deeply personal novel inspired by her own experience with ovarian cancer.Kelly has authored more than 35 Amish romances, romantic suspense novels, and novellas. Her latest book, "The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos," recounts the journey of two sisters striving to find a new balance in work, family, and love when one receives a diagnosis that sets the clock ticking. The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠ Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com⁠ Affiliate Links Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon and bookshop.org affiliate programs, which means Lainey or Ashley get a tiny commission if you buy something after clicking through from link on our podcast listing or website.

Bestselling author Emily Bleeker, with six novels under her belt, is a two-time Whitney Award finalist, Wall Street Journal bestseller, and Amazon charts topper. In her latest historical fiction novel, "When We Were Enemies," Emily unveils a compelling narrative featuring two women from different generations thrust into the spotlight. This powerful novel, inspired by her own family history, explores family secrets, devastating choices, and hope for the future. When We Were Enemies on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠ Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com⁠

Katherine Howe is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning historian and novelist. She delves into the riveting world of piracy and maritime history in her latest novel, A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself. Drawing inspiration from her own genealogy, the book explores how women looked for their own freedom and independence then and now, weaving a narrative around her third great aunt, Hannah Augusta Masury Howe, who famously quelled a mutiny. A True Account: on ⁠Amazon⁠ and ⁠Bookshop.org⁠ Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com⁠

A special Fall episode featuring hot new releases from our past guests! In this episode we share a range of newly released and upcoming books, from emotional and romantic women’s fiction, to historical fiction, domestic suspense, and even an apocalyptic holiday tale. Acid Christmas by Charlotte Dune Always Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende As Though You Were Mine by J Marie Rundquist The Baby Left Behind by Jen Craven The Last Caretaker by Jessica Strawser The Weight We Carry by Christina Consolino The Woman at the Wheel by Penny Haw Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com Affiliate Links Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon and bookshop.org affiliate programs, which means Lainey or Ashley get a tiny commission if you buy something after clicking through from link on our podcast listing or website.

Award-winning author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger talks about her first two books in The Diplomat's Wife series: "The American Wife" and "An American Wife in Paris". The third book, "The American Wife's Secret," has just been released. In this gripping World War 2 fiction, we follow the journey of Kitty Larsson, a U.S. senator's daughter whose life takes an unexpected turn when she marries an Austrian diplomat on the cusp of the Anschluss. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Kitty's unwavering moral compass becomes her guiding light through a landscape of espionage and political intrigue. The Diplomat's Wife series on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠ Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Step back in time with Jane Healey, the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of 'The Secret Stealers.' In her latest historical novel, 'Goodnight From Paris,' we're transported to Nazi-occupied France. Here, an American film star embraces her most dangerous role, weaving a tale of loyalty and resistance, inspired by the true story of real-life Hollywood actress Drue Leyton. Jane is also the host of Historical Happy Hour, a monthly webinar and podcast featuring premiere historical fiction authors and their latest books.  Goodnight from Paris on Amazon and Bookshop.org Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com

In this special episode, we showcase six exciting women's fiction debuts. Each of our chosen authors shares insights about their novel, the inspiration behind it, and their best writing advice. From historical fiction to multi-cultural romance and a dose of the supernatural, there's something here for everyone! Anju Gattani author of Dynasties, Book 1 in the Winds of Fire Series  Lynne Golodner author of Woman of Valor Delise Torres author of One Tough Cookie  Gabi Coatsworth author of A Beginner's Guide to Starting Over  Noreen Mughees author of The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed Logan Steiner author of After Anne  Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Mary Camarillo is the author of the award-winning novel, "The Lockhart Women." Her poems and short fiction have appeared in publications such as TAB Journal, 166 Palms, Sonora Review, and The Ear. Her latest novel, Those People Behind Us is set in the summer of 2017 in Wellington Beach, California. This captivating story delves into the lives of five neighbors navigating a town divided by politics, protests, and soaring housing prices. Those People Behind Us on Amazon and Bookshop.org Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com

Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author of historical fiction. Her novels illuminate the hidden histories of Black women and women of color, emphasizing strong sisterhoods and vibrant multicultural communities. Her novel, Island Queen was a Good Morning America Buzz Pick and she was also named the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year Awards Literary Fiction Winner for Sister Mother Warrior. Vanessa chats with Ashley about Queen of Exiles, which is based on the life of an extraordinary Black woman from history: Haiti’s Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid, who escaped a coup in Haiti to establish her own royal court in Italy during the Regency era. There, she became a popular figure in European royal society. Queen of Exiles on ⁠Amazon and Bookshop.org Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com

Our choice for the first episode of the new season, Ann Marie Jackson's debut novel, The Broken Hummingbird, was announced as a finalist in the 2023 American Fiction and International Book Awards. Set in the Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende, where Lainey Cameron also resides, this novel wrestles with marital dissolution and cultural dissonance, following a woman’s struggle to truly know her new country and her own heart. The Broken Hummingbird on Amazon and Bookshop.org Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

In our last episode of this season, we feature four exciting new novels, all releases from our past guests. We showcase new historical fiction from Erin Litteken and KD Allbaugh, set in Ukraine and rural Wisconsin. Plus, two upcoming novels - new contemporary fiction in a poignant sister story from author Jamie Beck (coming in July) and a preview of an upcoming thriller from Maggie Giles, releasing in September (both available now to pre-order). * The Beauty of Rain by Jamie Beck * The Lost Daughters of Ukraine by Erin Litteken * Borgia Rose by KD Allbaugh * Twisted by Maggie Giles Find the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

NYT and USA TODAY bestselling author Chanel Cleeton is the author of many superb novels including Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, and more. Her latest release, The Cuban Heiress, follows two women in 1934 with secrets. They set sail aboard the Morro Castle—a luxury cruise liner that sailed between New York and Havana. Chanel shares her inspiration for a story described by prior guest, Madeline Martin as “a delicious slice of vengeance as two women risk everything for justice.” Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠www.bookshop.org⁠ and ⁠amazon.com⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

For Women’s Fiction Day 2023, a discussion that tackles the difficult questions surrounding the term “women’s fiction”. With host Lainey Cameron and guests Charlotte Dune, Maggie Smith, Paulette Stout, and author and book coach Kathryn Dodson. In a world recognizing a wide gender spectrum, and after Publishers Marketplace dropped the term, does a gender specific genre like women’s fiction still make sense? Plus, don’t miss our giveaway from the podcast for Women’s Fiction Day. Our panel discusses where they see the women’s fiction label going forward and why an author may (or may not) wish to position their writing within the women’s fiction genre Plus, these award-winning authors, each part of the weekly Writer Support Group hosted by Lainey and Charlotte Dune, have expert advice to share ­­––how to choose what to write, find your process, and understanding the importance of genre as a promise of value to readers. Find the books mentioned, the authors' social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Micki Berthelot Morency shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Island Sisters. A story about four women from Haiti, St. Thomas, and Guam whose fates are bound together by culture, history, and most importantly, by a deep and irrevocable friendship. The novel is told from alternating perspectives of each friend and delves into an important topic of domestic abuse.A novel that Lainey Cameron in her own review called emotional, thought-provoking, poignant, and a tribute to friendship, and women’s strength to overcome. Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠www.bookshop.org⁠ and ⁠amazon.com⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Diane Marie Brown talks about her historical novel, Black Candle Women, recently named as “A Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Seen on the Today Show.” Jenna Bush Hager says, “If you like Practical Magic… you will love Black Candle Women.” We dive into what inspired Diane Marie Brown to write this particular story and how her own family history inspired the book. In addition, Diane Marie Brown shares great advice for writers, the best books she’s read lately, and how she went about researching for the book. Find the books recommended, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com

Our second episode featuring Hot New Releases from our past guests. This time we’re highlighting new books that released in the month of May. We'll introduce you to new historical fiction from Linda Rosen, an exciting new book club novel by Laura Hankin, and a thriller from Regina Buttner. The Emerald Necklace, like Linda Rosen’s prior work, features a unique piece of jewelry, behind which lies a mystery. A generational story about envy and jealousy, friendship, and family, set between 1969-1971 when women were fighting for equality. The Daydreams by Laura Hankin is new book club fiction. A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s—and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout. With Down a Bad Road, Regina Buttner made a leap into the exciting world of domestic thrillers and suspense. She was raised in Upstate New York and spent many years exploring the small towns and back roads of the Adirondack mountain region in which her new book is set. Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Joani Eliott's novel, The Audacity of Sara Grayson was last year’s winner of Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR award in the debut category, in addition to winning the Whitney awards in debut novel of the year and general fiction categories. Joani shares the inspiration behind a novel writers and creatives have been raving about, and which reviewers call “witty, funny and delightful”. Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Debut novelist Shaunna J. Edwards & USA Today bestselling Alyson Richman talk about their historical novel, The Thread Collectors, loosely inspired by their own family histories. With Ashley, they discuss their enduring friendship, how they came to be co-writers, and what it was like to transition from friends to colleagues. In addition, they each share great advice for writers, the best books she’s read lately, and their research process. Find the books recommended, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com

Debra Thomas' first novel, Luz, won several awards including the Sarton Award for contemporary fiction. Her second novel, Josie and Vic just released. A brother and sister story of love, loss, and forgiveness, it's been described as "an unforgettable, heart-filled, heart-filling novel”. Debra shares her inspiration, more on that outstanding cover design, her best writing advice, and several book recommendations. Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠ Lainey's author website: ⁠⁠www.LaineyCameron.com

Brenda Janowitz talks about her latest historical novel, The Audrey Hepburn Estate, about a love triangle and the estate where it took place, inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s tendency to be a homebody. This is the third novel in what Ashley lovingly refers to as Brenda’s novels about starlets and the things they own. In addition, Brenda shares great advice for writers, the best books she’s read lately, and what inspired this particular story. Find the books recommended, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at www.BestofWomensFiction.com All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠www.bookshop.org⁠ and ⁠amazon.com⁠ Ashley’s author website: ⁠www.AshleyHasty.com