Book Review: Ava

By Jami Denison

There’s a saying that writers and other creators have heard for decades: If you want to send a message, call Western Union. (Does Western Union even exist anymore?) But some of our most celebrated works have been inspired by their authors’ need to say something: Uncle Tom’s Cabin. 1984. Animal Farm. The Handmaid’s Tale. As the United States seemingly continues its descent into fascism, brave voices will continue to speak out (and hopefully be published by major corporations) in both fiction and nonfiction. 

One brave voice belongs to Tennessee author Victoria Dillon, a pediatrician and former research scientist who studied avian genes. Spurred on by the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade, Dillon wrote Ava, a futuristic look at life under a government that routinely takes away women’s bodily autonomy, and how renegade geneticists fight back.

When 22-year-old research scientist Larkin unexpectedly becomes pregnant in Tennessee in the early 2030s, her initial shock turns to joy—and then horror when the baby is diagnosed with a fatal birth defect. Tennessee’s laws mean that not only will she be forced to carry the baby to birth, but she’ll be arrested if she tries to go to another state for an abortion. The pregnancy and heartbreak of being forced to hold her baby in her arms as she dies spurns Larkin to take part in an enormous underground project—find a way to genetically rewire women so they no longer gestate. Led by a doctor who lost his mother to pre-eclampsia, the scientists find their inspiration from chickens. 

Published by She Writes Press, Ava has a lot to offer as well as numerous issues. It’s a sweeping project that covers decades and generations, chronicling a nation that goes deeper and deeper into religious fundamentalism and the destruction of women’s rights in a scarily realistic way. And it goes thoroughly and descriptively into the science of genetics and biology, leading to unintentionally funny scenes such as a teenage girl laying an egg. 

Even with its issues, the book contains breathtaking scenes, such as when Larkin holds her dying baby, and, years later, when she goes into a pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test and is told she’ll need to take the test in the store and immediately become part of the state’s registry. Dillon really shines when she shows the personal ramifications of these laws on her characters. 

As an avid reader and strong advocate for women’s rights, I wish Dillon had concentrated on how Larkin and her best friend Audrey grew up and older while their rights were stripped away, and left the chicken storyline for another book. The Handmaid’s Tale portions of the book are insightful, scary, and compelling, while the genetics sections run the gamut from textbookish to easily parodied. 

Still, I would recommend Ava to anyone who worries about the future for women’s rights in this country. Dillon is a talented, knowledgeable writer with an impressive background and a lot to offer. She’ll learn a lot from this book and apply those lessons to her next one. 

Unfortunately, the current political environment gives her a lot to work with. Republicans in Tennessee just proposed a bill to give the death penalty to women who have abortions. 

Thanks to Books Forward for the book in exchange for an honest review.  

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Missing Sister

Today we are pleased to feature Joshilyn Jackson's latest suspense novel, Missing Sister, which released this week. It sounds intense and captivating and it is getting great reviews. Thanks to Tandem Literary, we have one copy to give away!

Revenge...It's all relative.

Born three minutes apart, Penny and Nix Albright grew up doing everything together, close as only twins can be. But when Nix dies in a tragic accident soon after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail that has Penny guilt-ridden and desperate for justice.

Five Years Later

Penny has found new purpose as a rookie cop. She’s working to fulfill Nix’s dream of making the world a safer place, but following that dream becomes a nightmare when she’s called to her first murder scene. When she sees the victim, she knows him instantly. It’s Danny Bowery—one of three men she’s long blamed for Nix’s death—splayed in a pool of blood outside a posh Atlanta shopping center, almost as if she’d wished it so.

Stunned, Penny steps away to catch her breath and discovers a blonde in blood-drenched clothes gripping a box cutter. Before Penny can arrest her, the woman reveals that Bowery’s murder is part of a larger story that is far from over. A story about sisters. And with that, the killer disappears.

Now, Penny will stop at nothing to pursue this dangerous woman and learn why she’s avenging Nix’s death. The deeper she dives into the mystery, the less clear it becomes who is hunting whom in this captivating page-turner of hidden motives and deadly consequences.

“Deliciously sinister, this exploration of the uniquely intense bond only twins share is a winner. Joshilyn Jackson’s twisty storytelling is not to be missed.”
— Karin Slaughter, #1 NYT-bestselling author

“Penny is the perfect narrator: Whip smart, funny, flawed, big-hearted, and caught up in a wild ride of a story that kept me up way past my bedtime.”
— Sara Gruen, #1 NYT-bestselling author

“Multi-layered and constantly surprising, MISSING SISTER is a master class in voice and a terrific mystery — and proves, yet again, that Joshilyn Jackson is among the premier talents writing today. Do not miss this!”
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of All This Could Be Yours

Joshilyn Jackson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eleven other novels, including Gods in Alabama and Never Have I Ever. She writes both page-turning domestic suspense and Southern book club novels that revolve around timely women’s issues, raising questions about justice, motherhood, career, class, and the thorny mechanics of redemption. Her critically acclaimed work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. Jackson is also a former actor and an award-winning audiobook narrator. A recent expat from the American South, she lives in a gently haunted 150-year-old Victorian Rowhouse in upstate New York with her family.

Visit Joshilyn online:
Website * Blog * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here. If you are still having issues, please contact us.

Giveaway ends March 10th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives

By Sara Steven

Beverley, Elsie, and Margot are not your average housewives. They are all wives of convicted killers. During the sun-drenched summer of 1966, the three women form an unlikely friendship after the discoveries of their husbands’ brutal crimes. With their exes—some of California’s most infamous serial killers—dead or behind bars, they are attempting to forge a new future for themselves.

Headstrong Beverley compulsively tries to maintain control of everything around her, all while raising two children. Bookish Elsie fights day in and day out for the chance to make a name for herself in the newsroom, working among men who sneer at her career goals. Glamorous Margot refuses to take anything seriously and devotes all her energy to upholding the appearance that everything is fine—anything to quell the shame from her husband’s deceit.

They know people look at them and think only one thing.  How could they not have known, when their husbands were right under their noses, committing horrific crimes? How much guilt is theirs to carry? And yet when a string of killings hits the news, the three women—underestimated, overlooked, shrewd—decide to get to work.  After all, who better to catch a killer than those who have shared their lives and homes with one? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

This dynamic trio really packed a punch! In an era when women had to work doubly hard to make it, all three had to deal with the stigma of having former husbands who are convicted killers. I love how they bonded together to take down the latest serial killer, combining collective knowledge and wisdom that no one else can truly understand. They become the best detectives, discovering clues and tricks that seem to go over the authorities’ heads, all in an effort to right the wrongs they feel partially responsible for. 

Each character brings her own special insight into the mix. My favorite is Elsie. She is the quiet, underestimated one, who feels lost in the shuffle while dealing with a profession that is mostly male-dominated. Yet, as the chapters progress, she grows more of a voice and viewpoint, taking less and less crap from everyone. Margot is the wild card, loud and brazen, never taking no for an answer. As hard-shelled as she appears to be, she doesn’t have nearly as thick skin as anyone could imagine, feeling a lot more wounded when she isn’t taken seriously. Beverly is a combination of the two, flitting back and forth between not knowing when she should have restraint, and when she should let go. She is often the voice of reason, even when reason doesn’t make sense. 

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, it felt like the ladies are on one gigantic crazy caper, collecting data while dodging potential death threats along the way. Interspersed with their viewpoints are the viewpoints from one potential victim, which really highlighted the dire need to find that person at all cost, before they become another tally on the death count. The last quarter of the book was an adrenaline rush, while the dynamic trio clicks all of the clues into place, and of course, it’s never who you suspected it might be–it never is, but that’s what makes it so much fun.

I enjoyed the period this book takes place in, along with seeing just how tough all three ladies are in their own unique ways. It was an engaging experience!

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase it here.

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Wade Rouse goes for the gold...plus a book giveaway

We are so excited to celebrate the publication of Wade Rouse's novel, That's What Friends are For! Wade has been part of our world for a long time, first as our Go-to-Gay, and later as Viola Shipman, who has given us a lot of great female-centered stories (and some cozy holiday ones). We adore Wade and are so glad to have him back today to talk about all things Golden Girls. Melissa loved That's What Friends are For and calls it "a big-hearted comfort read." Check out her review. Thanks to HarperCollins, we have THREE copies to give away!

Wade Rouse is a #1 internationally bestselling author of 21 books, including his latest novel and first under his own name, That’s What Friends Are For (2026)—a "Golden Girls"-inspired tale already hailed as a most anticipated book by the New York Post. Previously writing under the pen name Viola Shipman to honor his grandmother, Wade’s work has been translated into nearly 30 languages, optioned for film, and featured on NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, and in The Washington Post. A finalist for the Goodreads Choice Award in Humor and a former People reporter, Wade holds a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. When he isn't mentoring aspiring writers or hosting his popular "Wine & Words with Wade" series, he divides his time between Saugatuck, Michigan, and Palm Springs, California. (Bio adapted from Wade's website.)

Visit Wade online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

Synopsis:
Theodore Copeland has created a fabulous life in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, where he shares a fabulous pink mid-century home with three fabulous friends: Barry, a former actor still clinging to his youth, his hair, and the memory of the dream role that killed his career; Ron, an uprooted Christian from the Midwest with a big heart but no one to give it to; Sid, who, after coming out late in life, has never found love. Teddy is the caustic, unspoken leader of “The Golden Gays”—the foursome’s monthly drag tribute to The Golden Girls. Despite their foibles and bickering, they have turned their golden years into a golden era.

But the harmony of their desert enclave becomes a carousel of emotional baggage when Teddy’s estranged sister, Trudy, shows up on their doorstep, her dramatic teenage granddaughter in tow. While Teddy keeps Trudy at arm’s length, she manages to wheedle her way into the lives of the Golden Gays, until the real reason for her visit is revealed and the secrets they’ve all been keeping from each other unravel faster than a hastily stitched hemline.

A novel that gives thanks to “old” friends, That's What Friends Are For proves that while family may be the tie that binds, it’s the chosen family that truly keeps us together. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

"By turns hilarious, tender, and devastating, Rouse’s novel explores what it means to be the sandwich generation of gays today — caught between those who paved the way for equality, those who are too young to credit them, and a world that seems increasingly hostile." 
— Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Wade Rouse has written the most unabashedly joyful novel you'll read this year, a rip-roaringly funny ode to found family, Palm Springs, drag, and Bea Arthur. But beneath all the wigs and the California sunshine, That’s What Friends are For is also a poignant study of survival--of what it means to persevere in a world hell-bent on bringing you down, and a celebration of the friends who always have our backs." 
— Grant Ginder, author of The People We Hate at the Wedding

Which Golden Girl are you most similar to in personality?
I love this question as so many of us loved The Golden Girls and felt drawn to a certain character, just like we did when we watched Sex and the City or Friends. I am a total Dorothy (who surrounds herself with a lot of Roses, Blanches and Sophias). Like Bea Arthur in the show, I’ve used humor my whole life as a way to make friends and also keep people at a safe distance. And I can give someone a wicked side eye. Humor can unite, bring people in, allow you to make friends; and yet it can also protect you from getting hurt. Dorothy and I have that in common, and yet our wit, sarcasm and good-natured needling are also our deeply personal ways to show love. 

P.S.: My husband Gary is a total Rose (who used to be a total Blanche): Sweet, a caretaker, delightfully daffy yet incredibly wise, and he is always irritatingly, wonderfully positive, the perfect balance to my Dorothy. 

Tell us one of your favorite Golden Girl quotes.
This is a tough one as there are so many, and I use a lot of GG quotes in the novel. My favorite is one that I use at a key moment in the novel that sums up both Teddy (who is similar to Dorothy) and me: “The bottom line is, in life sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen. But, honey, if you don’t take a chance, nothing happens.” 

Backup favorites would be: “Oh, honey, crying is for plain women. Pretty women go shopping.” And: “Do you know how many problems we have solved over a cheesecake at this kitchen table?” Oh, and one more! “Blanche: Dirk's nearly five years younger than I am. Dorothy: In what, Blanche, dog years?”

Which episode(s) of The Golden Girls is/are your favorite(s)?
“Isn’t It Romantic?”, an episode I bring to life in That’s What Friends Are For. It’s about Jean, a gay friend of Dorothy’s who comes to visit following the death of her partner. Jean develops feelings for Rose (Dorothy hasn’t told the women her friend i gay). The episode was very progressive for its treatment of a gay character; neither Jean nor her sexuality were at any points the butt of any jokes in the episode; instead she’s treated with respect. It also features a deeply moving conversation between Dorothy and her mother, Sophia, that I bring to life in the novel and reference in my letter to readers: 
Dorothy: “How would you react if you were told one of your kids were gay?”
Sophia: “Your brother Phil is gay? I knew it! When he was a kid we couldn’t keep him away from those Gladiator movies.”
Dorothy: “Ma, Phil is not gay.”
Sophia: “You mean you’re gay? What, your friend Jean is having some sort of membership drive?”
Dorothy: “Ma, I am not gay. I just wanted to get your reaction.”
Sophia: “I’ll tell you the truth Dorothy, if one of my kids were gay, I wouldn’t love him one bit less. I would wish them all the happiness in the world.”
That episode, in some small way, paved understanding not only for me but also for the acceptance of gay people when we needed it the most. In fact, my mother referenced that episode of The Golden Girls after I came out. 

If you could go back in time and cast yourself as a character on The Golden Girls, who would you be? (I'm talking about a new character here.)
Coco. (And, yes, I know he’s not completely new.) One of the main reasons I wrote this novel was my fascination with the character of Coco in The Golden Girls. Never heard of him? You’re not alone. In the original episode of The Golden Girls, there was a lead character named Coco, who was the women’s openly gay housekeeper and cook. He was removed from the show to make room for Sophia, who got an incredible response from early viewers. Sophia got the fulltime role, and Coco got cut. Some involved with the show blamed the kitchen: It was too small to have five people constantly featured in it, but I ask in the novel: Were audiences ready for a character like Coco? 

So I fictionalize the life of this actor and bring him to life as Barry, who had the role of a lifetime ripped away from him and share the struggle of a man trying to get that fame back his entire career. What must it have been like to be an out, gay actor in a time when Hollywood was still so closeted? What was it like to break the gay ceiling in Hollywood in the 1980s and then be broken by having it all taken away? I’ve never been prouder of bringing a character to life on the page and also bringing recognition back to a forgotten character. 

Who is your favorite regular supporting character on the show?
As a Southern boy at heart (I grew up in the Ozarks), I quite liked “Big Daddy,” Blanche’s father. He was charming and could spin a yarn with the best of my kin. 

What is your favorite Golden Girls item that you own? 
Where do I start? I love my GG Christmas tree ornaments, my GG caftan (which we will be wearing at many stops on my book tour), GG dolls (which are great companions to our Barbie collection), but I’m really in love with my latest GG item: Planters that honor each of the GG characters with a picture and one of their famous quotes. My publicist got me these after visiting Palm Springs for the first time. It was the perfect gift to celebrate the launch of That’s What Friends Are For and for our home in Palm Springs, where the novel is set. PS: I have a line of book-themed merchandise and gifts, including clothing (you customize the size and color) mugs, totes, coasters and buttons that celebrate the novel as well as all things Golden Girls, mid-century modern and Palm Springs fabulousness. Check it out here.

Thanks to Wade for chatting with us and to HarperCollins for sharing his book with our readers.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here. If you are still having issues, please contact us.

Giveaway ends March 8th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: I Came Back for You

By Jami Denison

Losing a child is the worst horror a person can endure, so it’s no surprise that mystery writers, challenged to raise the stakes as high as possible, often center their stories around missing or murdered children. Usually those children are literal children, though, and the action is fresh. Bestselling mystery author Kate White plays against these tropes in her latest offering, I Came Back for You. Bree Winters’s daughter Melanie was a college student ten years ago when she was murdered by a serial killer. But the killer has just died, and his deathbed confession revealed that Melanie was not one of his victims. Is ten years later too late to learn the real killer?

Bree has moved on literally if not figuratively. Divorced from Melanie’s father Logan (he cheated on her after their daughter died), Bree has moved to Uruguay with her fiancé Sebastian. They live on a farm and she takes freelance book editing projects. But one night, while Sebastian is out of town, Logan shows up. He gives her the news that Melanie’s killer has died claiming he didn’t kill her, and invites her back to Melanie’s college in upstate New York, where he is funding a scholarship in Melanie’s name. Desperate to learn the truth about what happened to her daughter, Bree agrees.

With a ten-year gap from the murder to the story, author White is challenged to create tension and suspense in the novel. It’s a very talky book—it starts with Logan showing up in the middle of the night at Bree’s house and explaining everything that’s happened with Melanie’s killer’s anti-confession. Later Bree needs to explain things to Sebastian, then there’s meetings with college officials and police officers. White has a habit of breaking chapters in the middle of these conversations to create suspense, but the emotion feels artificial.

Bree’s emotional stakes are well-developed, though. She still has messy, complicated feelings for Logan, and when his fiancée shows up, things get sticky. And her feelings about Melanie are complicated by the fact that the two were not close many times during the young woman’s life, including at the time of her death. Unfortunately, Bree’s distance from Melanie means it’s impossible for readers to get a strong feeling for the character, and that lessens interest in who really killed her.

The mystery itself is well plotted, almost a locked room story, with a limited number of characters who could have killed Melanie. Could it be her ex-boyfriend Jack, whom Melanie had dumped just prior to her murder? Or her English professor, who seems too interested in other college co-eds? As Bree investigates, the danger seems close. Ultimately, White provides a master class in misdirection, setting up one character as a perfect red herring while still giving readers the clues they need to solve the mystery.

With most mystery protagonists being younger women with younger children, it was refreshing to read a book featuring an older heroine with an adult daughter with a private life of her own. While I Came Back For You has a few missteps, it’s still an enjoyable read. 

Thanks to Megan Beatie Communications for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Kate White:
Have You Seen Me?
Such a Perfect Wife
The Wrong Man

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Book Review: No Matter What

By Sara Steven

Roz and Vin can’t look each other in the eyes anymore, let alone share a bed. It’s been a year since they survived a traumatic car accident and their marriage hasn’t been the same. But Roz has held out hope they can fix things…until she discovers Vin signed a new lease. So she does what any soon-to-be-divorced-Brooklynite would do: sign up for figure drawing class.

Between her determined attempts to improve her skills in class every Friday and adventures with her best friend Raffi, she can almost ignore Vin’s impending move out date and his footsteps in their previously unoccupied guest room. But it would all be a lot easier if Vin wasn’t Raffi’s older brother, and she didn’t still find him incredibly, debilitatingly attractive and kind.

So kind, in fact, that he offers to let Roz draw him. What is she supposed to say? It’s probably better than her original plan of finding some random male model online, and she needs all the practice she can get. Plus, that’s sure to make a separation easier right? Focus on every detail of your estranged spouse’s body while drawing them in the nude. But after the year they have spent avoiding each other and their struggles in the aftermath of the accident, it feels good to see and be seen by one another again.

As Roz works to better herself as an artist and capture the wholeness of the person she fell in love with, will they both be able to draw upon the feelings they buried deep inside to finally heal together? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

No Matter What provided an honest look into the breakdown that can happen when a traumatic event occurs within a marriage. I’ve heard it said (and have witnessed it myself) that sometimes, relationships can’t survive the trauma. And when Vin puts the lease on the fridge for all to see, Roz is convinced that there is no coming back. 

The way the story unfolds happens in a way that feels as though you’re talking with a good friend. I like the author’s writing style–the way the reader really gets to see the root of each character, often by way of dialogue and thought process. Roz comes off as tough and no nonsense, with a soft inner to her that only Vin seems to really get and understand. She knows that Vin can’t seem to communicate well, but the little he says speaks volumes. They’ve been able to get by that way for the entirety of their relationship, until the tragic events of last year forces them to really look at everything in a whole new way. 

Without meaning to, Raffi has become the center of their relationship, and what they’ve focused on for so long. Vin doesn’t know how to express his loneliness and need for his wife, and Roz doesn’t know he’s lonely. At the start of everything, Roz seeks a way to become more than the small circle of her husband and brother-in-law, coincidentally taking a figure drawing class in a space inhabiting the building where Vin plans to move to. It becomes a much-needed distraction for her in a time of pain and uncertainty. She expresses it in real-time, without a lot of flowery words and descriptions. Maybe some of it is to show Vin that she can move on, too. That as much as it kills her, that she will ultimately survive the change. 

Maybe things aren’t really as they seem, as Roz soon learns. And Vin never had a chance where his communication skills are concerned–but he’s trying, with chapters dedicated to the proof of that. It was nice to see the change in both characters, who aren’t perfect at all, but together they are perfect for each other. I rooted for them, but I loved that Roz ventured out and tried to make the best of a potentially terrible situation. It was a sweet, heartbreaking, humorous, and hopeful experience.

Thanks to Random House for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Cara Bastone:
Promise Me Sunshine
Ready or Not
Call Me Maybe

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A promising new path for Sofia Ramirez Castillo...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Sofia Ramirez Castillo to CLC to talk about her debut novel, Every Step of the Way. She has a lot to say and we are here for it! This sounds like a powerful, emotional story that you'll definitely want to pick up. Thanks to Sofia, we have one copy to give away!

Sofía Ramirez Castillo was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, and has been chasing big dreams ever since. At sixteen, she moved to the U.S. and successfully pursued a career in professional wrestling. Along the way, she fell in love with storytelling, languages, and a life built around movement. Now based in Orlando, Florida, she's a sign language interpreter with a master's degree, an aerial arts enthusiast, and an avid backpacker who's explored over 30 countries. She's also a firm believer in books, adventure, and a little bit of magic. Visit Sofia on Instagram.

Synopsis:
Noah thought she had her future mapped out—with Derek by her side, music in her veins, and a love she believed could survive anything. But when Derek begins to unravel under the weight of secrets and self-destruction, Noah finds herself fighting for someone who’s already slipping out of reach.

When her life, and everything she dreamed of, collapses, she turns to the one person who has always been her anchor: her grandmother. In the stillness of that familiar home—surrounded by old photographs, lingering melodies, and gentle wisdom—Noah begins the slow, tender work of piecing herself back together.

But grief has many faces, and healing is rarely simple. As time moves forward and the past refuses to stay buried, Noah must confront heartbreak, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to choose hope when the world feels unrecognizable.

A story of love, loss, and the courage to begin again, Every Step of the Way is a deeply emotional journey about the people who shape us, the memories that haunt us, and the healing we find when we return to where it all began. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

"If you’re someone who loves an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, resilience, and hope and especially if you love a powerful grandmother bond this one deserves a spot on your shelf. Please pick this up. You won’t be disappointed." - Ashley (Amazon)

"A debut novel that masterfully encapsulates the different stages of grief, self discovery, and serves as reminder that there is a light at the end of the tunnel." - Yoshi (Amazon)

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you?

It was both challenging and exhilarating; I stepped into entirely new territory and had to learn every aspect of writing and publishing from scratch without guidance, but knowing I gave it my absolute best made the journey infinitely more rewarding.

How is Noah similar to or different from you?
Writing Noah was a terrifying process because she was the only character brave enough to challenge who I am and what I believe about myself. She is vulnerable and deeply empathetic, which are qualities that do not come easily to me, so stepping into her headspace required me to respond in ways that felt true to her journey rather than how I might instinctively react.

While I have experienced loss and heartbreak, I have thankfully never faced some of the circumstances Noah endures. That gray area forced me to imagine her reality with care and compassion. In doing so, I began to understand her more fully, and writing from that place of empathy became easier.

We differ in meaningful ways. Noah often doubts herself and feels insecure when faced with difficult choices, whereas I have worked hard to develop a strong sense of identity and direction. I am a planner by nature, making decisions with intention and logic, especially in times of stress. That makes me dependable in emergencies, but not always the most comforting presence.

Despite our differences, we share stubbornness, courage, and a sense of adventure. I admire Noah’s ability to give herself grace; to grieve openly and lean on her support system. That openness is something I am still learning to embrace. Through her, I’ve realized the value of slowing down and appreciating a quieter life filled with music, warm cups of tea, and moments of gratitude for all that I’ve built.

If Every Step of the Way was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
This might be a biased answer, but when I first began developing these characters five years ago, I had a very clear vision of the kind of chemistry they needed to have. Like many authors, I dream of seeing my story adapted for the screen, and as a lifelong film lover, my answer could easily change depending on the latest performance that moves me, there is so much extraordinary talent out there.

However, when Taylor Swift released the All Too Well (10 Minute Version) short film, I was struck by the chemistry between Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien. Their portrayal balanced fairytale romance with real-life tension in a way that felt deeply authentic. The film’s shifting timelines between past and present also mirror the emotional structure of my novel, which made their dynamic feel especially aligned with Noah and Derek’s story.

While it would be a dream to see Sadie and Dylan bring these characters to life, what matters most to me is that whoever is cast captures that same palpable chemistry that they had, because at its heart, this story is about the fragile, powerful connection between two people and how it can shift over time.

In all honesty though, if Every Step of the Way ever became a film, I think I would probably pass out. It would be the greatest honor and a completely unreal, dream-come-true moment. I will keep crossing my fingers for that one!

What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
Do I really have to pick just one?

Okay, fine! The most recent book I read and highly recommend is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I finished it last month, and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s portrayal of Hollywood glamour, and the sacrifices required of women in that era, was exquisite.

More broadly, there are three books I will always recommend and return to again and again.
First and foremost is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I first read it at twelve and have revisited it at least fifteen times since. Each reading impacts me differently. It’s the only literary work that has truly grown alongside me; a story for adults disguised as a children’s book, filled with lessons that leave me speechless every time. My favorite characters are the Drunkard and the Lamplighter. They break my heart every single time. 

Secondly, I recommend We Are Okay by Nina LaCour. Before reading it, I mostly gravitated toward murder mysteries, but Nina’s portrayal of grief and fractured family dynamics stayed with me for days. This novel was a major inspiration for my own book. The bond between the protagonist and her grandfather mirrored my love for my grandmothers and reinforced the importance of portraying elderly characters with dignity and depth. Too often, society overlooks them, and I wish more stories highlighted their wisdom, humor, and immeasurable value.

Lastly, for readers who love mystery, The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton is unforgettable. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, such a brilliant and inventive story!

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 
Oh my! I could listen to Jane Fonda narrate a phone book and still be mesmerized. I admire her not only for her incredible talent, but for everything she stands for. She is deeply inspirational.

Whether she’s promoting the importance of fitness and mobility (I did all of her workout videos during COVID and couldn't get out of bed for a week, she is unbelievably strong), showing up for climate action through peaceful protest, or advocating for female empowerment, she commits to everything with her whole heart. She embodies conviction and purpose in a way I find profoundly motivating.

I would be honored to have her narrate my hypothetical TV series. And have you seen her performance alongside Lily Tomlin in Grace and Frankie? Absolutely ICONIC. I am a Jane Fonda fan through and through.

If we were to visit you right now, what places would you take us to see?
Here in Orlando? Oh, I would have a full itinerary ready.

First, I’d take you to Disney's BoardWalk. It feels like a hidden gem, while most visitors gravitate toward the parks or Disney Springs, the BoardWalk has a whimsical charm that makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a fairytale every time.

Then we would go kayaking in one of Florida’s beautiful springs or lakes. There’s something incredibly peaceful about being on the water, surrounded by nature, it’s one of my favorite ways to slow down and reconnect.

I would also get us tickets to the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre for a nostalgic movie night under the stars, and, of course, we’d have to see a performance by Cirque du Soleil. I have been obsessed with the circus and performance arts for as long as I can remember. Whenever I travel, I always research local arts events. There is something magical about live performance that makes every place feel more alive.

And for the cherry on top, we’d end the day with a local bookstore tour, making cozy coffee shop stops along the way. How does that sound?

Thanks to Sofia for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

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