This is a story about a young woman, a small town wedding party planner, whose curiosity and gut instincts lead to some amateur sleuthing and some shenanigans. We're talking about the audio book Party Planning Can Be Murder, and our conversation, like the book, starts off talking about funerals. You're gonna hear why funerals have made their way into so many of this author's stories.

You'll also hear about her favorite part of the writing process. It's this aha moment she gets sometimes late in the story. And, you'll find out why a Viking is an integral part of her own life story. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kerry Ann King, also known as Kerry Schafer. As much as I did.

Here's how to find out more about Kerry:

https://allthingskerry.com/

Here's the link to get the audiobook:

https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781666692297

 This is a story full of secrets and surprises and suspense. In one of the first scenes, it's 2018, and you are stumbling through a snowstorm with an art appraiser who might just be freezing to death. You're not sure. Again and again, author Debra Spark caught me off guard and drew me in. She pulled together a storyline about a teenage boy sent to an abusive boarding school in the 1970s (based on a real school she researched). She ties that storyline back to the art appraiser's own messy relationship with her teenage son today, and to an art theft and mystery that the appraiser gets sucked into. The art mystery spirals around these three valuable portrait paintings of children from the 1930s.

It wasn't easy for me to talk to Debra about her work without spoilers for you, but we did it and I hope you'll be intrigued enough after listening to seek out the rest of the story. The novel is called Discipline, and this is my conversation with author Debra Spark on the Desideratum Podcast.

This is a story set in an inhospitable land, where the characters are struggling to find a home for the living and a place to bury their dead.

We're talking about the novel No Place to Bury the Dead with audiobook narrator Maria McCann.

Maria is a Los Angeles native, a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television, who’s appeared in dozens of films and television shows, such as Lucifer, Shameless and Grey’s Anatomy. She also works as an acting coach. I’ve personally had the delight of being coached by her. But, maybe my favorite thing about her - as you’ll hear - is that Maria is an open book and very fun to listen to!

I hope you find Maria’s commitment to joy as contagious as I did, and that you want to hear more of her voice in your ears. I want to thank you Harper Audio for sharing the audio samples from No Place to Bury the Dead by Karina Sainz Borgo, translated by Elizabeth Bryer. If you want to listen to the rest of the story,here's an affiliate link to the audiobook marketplace Libro.fm. I partner with Libro.fm because they support local bookstores. When you buy your audiobooks from them you can pick a local to you indie bookstore to support with every purchase.

Thanks for listening!

Step into the world of 1917 with author Donna Alward's debut historical fiction, "When the World Fell Silent." This gripping tale explores the lives of two distinct women, Nora and Charlotte, against the backdrop of the Halifax explosion—an event that reshaped a city and its people. Known for her success in romance, Donna takes on the challenge of weaving historical facts with compelling character arcs, creating a story that is as much about love and community as it is about tragedy.

Join us as Donna shares her journey from romance to historical fiction, the serendipity that led her there, and the detailed research behind this novel. Discover how she brings to life the experiences of these two women—one a nurse, the other a war widow—each navigating the societal expectations of their time. Listen to how the Halifax explosion, the largest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb, becomes a pivotal element in their stories.

Hear excerpts from the audiobook, narrated by Ivana Rakic and Laurence Bouvard, as they capture the essence of Halifax and its resilient women. Explore the themes of motherhood, trauma, and the power of community through Donna's insightful storytelling. With a backdrop of historical events, this episode delves into the philosophical questions of destiny and self-determination, leaving us with a sense of hope amidst adversity.

If you enjoyed the audiobook snippets and want to experience the full story, consider supporting local bookstores by purchasing the audiobook through Libro.fm. Follow our affiliate link to support both this podcast and a bookstore of your choice with every purchase.

Thanks for listening!

https://desideratumpodcast.com/

https://donnajonesalward.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@stepintothestorybooks

00:00 Author Donna Allward writes historical fiction set in 1917

03:09 You're telling the story through two main characters, Nora and Charlotte

06:38 The Halifax explosion is at the heart of this story

07:15 The Halifax explosion was the largest man made explosion in history before the atom bomb

10:42 You write about eye injuries caused by Halifax explosion in historical fiction

15:11 One of the other things that I wanted to talk about these two women is motherhood

17:44 Ivana Rakic narrates the audiobook from Charlotte's Awakening

20:08 When we were choosing narrators, I was concerned about the accent

22:06 The narrator is Laurence Bouvard, originally from Boston, Massachusetts

26:42 You talk about how you gravitate towards serendipities in your book

31:10 We dug into some stuff that I haven't talked about on any podcast before

31:54 Dealing with trauma in 1917 is very different than how we deal with it today

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

The Codger And The Sparrow is a story about an old man, a teenage boy and the trouble they get into. It's a friendship that at first you will not quite understand and yet totally be cheering for!

Author Scott Semegran shares the inspiration behind the novel, which stemmed from a vivid image he had during the stressful days of the pandemic. He envisioned an older man and a teenage boy, vastly different in age and background, yet sharing a comfortable camaraderie as they drove together in a car. This image sparked a story that explores the deep and often humorous bond between friends.

One of the highlights of our conversation was Scott's approach to character development. He is a keen observer of people, and this is reflected in the rich, detailed descriptions of his characters.

Narrator Brian Craig, who has primarily worked on non-fiction before this, found a deep connection with the characters. His narration was praised in AudioFile Magazine for its "perfect mix of wonder, empathy, and enthusiasm", bringing Scott's characters to life in a way that moved even the author to tears.

One of the most touching aspects of the story is the unique vehicle they use on their quest – a hot pink hot rod that has its own backstory, inspired by Scott's late father-in-law.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know author Scott Semegran and narrator Brian Craig as much as I did. If you enjoyed the audiobook samples published by Vibrance Press, I suggest you listen to the rest of the story on Libro.fm. Here's ⁠⁠an affiliate link⁠⁠ to purchase the audiobook that also supports this podcast. Libro.fm is running a 'Shop small, Shop local Promotion'. So, you can get three audiobooks for the price of one ⁠⁠when you start a new Libro.fm membership with the code SMALL⁠⁠. You can chose a local bookstore near you to benefit from every purchase you make. I think you should start with Scott Semegran's The Codger And The Sparrow.

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we delve into a poignant summer romance that transcends time and societal boundaries. Join us as we explore the intricate layers of "All the Flowers of the Mountain" with author Christina Holbrook. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque lake, this story follows the love between a local boy and a girl from an affluent family, unraveling the secrets and uncertainties that linger long after their summer together.

Christina Holbrook opens up about her personal connection to the story, sharing how her family history and her own experiences have influenced her writing. We discuss the themes of art, nature, and personal growth that permeate the novel, and you'll hear an exclusive snippet from the audiobook.

One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation is Christina's candid discussion about her serious illness and how it has reshaped her perspective on life and writing. Her insights into the importance of connection, both in storytelling and in life, are profoundly moving.

Don't miss this heartfelt episode that not only celebrates a beautiful love story but also delves into the deeper, essential things that make life meaningful.

Thanks to Walker Vreeland Productions for the audiobook sample and to Christina Holbrook for sharing her journey with us. You can find more about Christina and purchase the audiobook through the links in the show notes.

As always, thanks for listening.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theresa-bakken/support

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

https://www.walkervreelandproductions.com/

https://christinaholbrook.com/

https://theresabakkennarrator.com/

This is a story about a family on the Lower East Side of Manhattan a hundred years ago. Their lives in the densely populated tenements offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of immigrant life in early 20th-century America. We’re talking to author Gail Lehrman about her novel Across Seward Park.

I found so many essential things in this conversation. For me this is not just a chat about a historical fiction; it's a mirror reflecting our own times, our own challenges, and our own capacity for greatness. In her storytelling, Gail Lehrman explores the potency of words as tools for persuasion and instigation. She delves into the conflicts that arise when ideology meets practicality, and she explores the delicate balance between self-interest and altruism. I hope listening to this conversation and the audio excerpt will inspire you to seek out the rest of the story in Across Seward Park. Thanks for listening.

Ever wondered what makes a story both romantic and riotously funny? This episode invites you into the minds of a creative couple who turned a series of "what ifs" into a comedic and heartfelt narrative. Learn how they intertwined their personal experiences with a fictional couple's chaotic journey, reflecting on the deep connections and empathy that arise from shared struggles. As they dissect their characters' misadventures and moments of empathy, you'll be enticed to explore the audiobook that brings us closer to understanding the complexities of love.

We’re talking about the romantic comedy Emergency Contact with co-writers New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne and her real life husband Anthony LeDonne.

Thanks to Pozotron and BlackStone Publishing for sponsoring this episode. The audiobook scenes from Emergency Contact in this episode come from BlackStone Director and Producer Jesse Bickford and Kyle Willoughby. The narrators are Tim Paige and Brianna Cohen.

Thanks for listening.

https://www.pozotron.com/

⁠https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/⁠

https://www.briannacohen.com/about

https://timpaige.lpages.co/ttp-welcome-page/

https://www.laurenlayne.com/