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.