Bestselling author Matthew Norman joins me to chat all about his charming new novel, Grace and Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. We dive into how this festive story came to life, what it was like to write a holiday-focused book for the first time, and his thoughts on male authors writing female characters with authenticity and heart. Matthew also shares his perspective on evolving as a writer through the years and finding new creative challenges along the way.Tune in for a thoughtful, funny, and festive conversation with one of today’s most insightful voices in contemporary fiction. Thanks for listening!Website: https://www.thenormannation.com/IG: @thenormannation
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90: A Very Bookish Holiday
In this special holiday episode, I’m diving into a festive holiday this-or-that—and along the way sharing some of the traditions and memories that shaped my childhood, plus the new ones I’m building with my own little family. It’s warm, nostalgic, a little reflective, and full of the cozy-season energy we all need right now.I wrap things up with 15 holiday book recommendations to carry you through the season—everything from heartwarming reads to wintry escapes. You’ll find the full list waiting in the show notes!Grab a blanket, light a candle, and settle in for some bookish holiday cheer. Holiday TBR1. Grace and Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman 2. Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne 3. My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely 4. Good Spirits by BK Borison 5. The Key to my Heart by Lia Louis 6. A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts 7. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry 8. Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis 9. A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh 10. One Last Gift by Emily Stone 11. A Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore 12. One Day in December by Emily Stone 13. Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber 14. Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh 15. A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
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89: Chat with Ashley Manley
Author Ashley Manley is back — and she’s my very first second-time guest on the podcast! We had so much to catch up on since her debut, including the exciting news that her beloved book Every Beautiful Mile is being pitched to Netflix (and is now available as an audiobook!). Ashley also shares the inspiration behind her brand-new Christmas novella The Holiday Club, plus her honest thoughts on choosing to stay indie for now. She’s as down-to-earth and genuine as ever, and it’s always such a joy to chat with her.Grab her books here: https://www.ashleymanleywrites.com/
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88: 2026 Book Preview: The First Half of the Year
Get ready to build your 2026 TBR! In this episode, I’m sharing fifteen books coming out in the first half of the year that have already caught my eye. From anticipated debuts to big-name releases and a few hidden gems, we’re diving into all the upcoming titles I can’t wait to get my hands on.The Line Up:Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven (1/6)The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski (1/20)Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra (2/10)Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (2/10)More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (2/24)Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding (3/3)Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson (3/17)Start at the End by Emma Grey (4/7)My Dear You by Rachel Khong (4/7)The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (4/21) The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh (5/19)Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan (5/26)A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys (6/2)Land by Maggie O’Farrell (6/2) Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman (6/23)
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87: Chat with Julie Olivia
This week, I’m joined by Julie Olivia, author of If It Makes You Happy—a cozy, small-town romance set in 1997 Vermont that’s full of flannel, baked goods, and second chances. We talk about her path from self-publishing to traditional publishing and what makes a romance feel like home. Thanks for listening!Website: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/IG: @julieoliviaauthor
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