Author Catherine Kurtz discusses FEAST, Historical Fiction & French Cuisine

Author Catherine Kurtz discusses FEAST, Historical Fiction & French Cuisine

In this episode of Women, Books & More, Irene Rawlings talks with author Catherine Kurtz about her richly imagined historical novel, Feast. Set in nineteenth-century France, the story follows Minha, a young woman with an extraordinary sense of taste who discovers she can detect poison—an ability that draws her into the kitchens and intrigues of a grand château. Catherine shares the inspiration behind the novel, the fascinating culinary traditions of nineteenth-century France, the research that brought the story to life, and the themes of identity, resilience, and belonging that lie at the heart of Feast. In this episode: * The inspiration behind Minha and her extraordinary ability * The culinary traditions of nineteenth-century France * The little-known history of poison tasters * Bringing the world of Château Bellefalaise to life * Why Feast is about far more than food Learn more about Catherine Kurtz: www.dhhliteraryagency.com/catherine-kurtz [http://www.dhhliteraryagency.com/catherine-kurtz] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Women, Books & More, leave a review, and share the podcast with a fellow reader. We'd love to hear from you at womenbooksandmore@gmail.com [womenbooksandmore@gmail.com]

Kerri Maher on Summer of Love: Family Secrets, Addiction, and the California Dream

Bestselling author Kerri Maher, acclaimed for The Paris Bookseller, The Kennedy Debutante, and The Girl in White Gloves, joins Women, Books & More to discuss Summer of Love, her first novel not inspired by real historical figures. The phrase “California Dreamin’” (immortalized by The Mamas & the Papas' 1965 hit) has long symbolized the idealism of the era. In Summer of Love, Kerri Maher looks beyond that mythology to explore the complexities of family, addiction, forgiveness, and the stories we inherit. Set in California's wine country, it's a moving novel about sisters, memory, resilience, and the ties that bind us across generations. In this conversation, Kerri shares why she stepped away from historical fiction rooted in real lives to write a wholly imagined family saga, how Napa Valley became an essential character in the novel, and why the things families never say can shape generations as profoundly as the truths they tell. The books currently on Kerri's bedside table include Love & Saffron by Kim Fay and Flashlight by Susan Choi Learn more about Kerri Maher and her books: www.kerrimaher.com [http://www.kerrimaher.com/] If you enjoyed this podcast, please follow Women, Books & More, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow book lover. We'd love to hear from you. Send your comments, questions, and suggestions for future episodes to womenbooksandmore@gmail.com [womenbooksandmore@gmail.com].

Rob Hart on Three Hitmen and a Baby: A Thriller with Humor, Heart & Redemption

Bestselling author Rob Hart joins Irene Rawlings on Women, Books & More to discuss his new thriller, Three Hitmen and a Baby, the latest novel in his Assassins Anonymous series. We talk about humor, suspense, memorable characters and the experiences that have shaped his writing. And…yes, the book is every bit as entertaining as the title suggests. Here’s the story: three former assassins—now trying very hard to stay retired—suddenly find themselves caring for a toddler while dodging the Russian mob, the police, and a series of increasingly impossible situations. It's fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly touching. During our conversation, Rob talks about the inspiration behind the novel, why redemption lies at the heart of the Assassins Anonymous series, and how he balances action, humor, and genuine emotion. We also explore the unlikely path that took Rob from newspaper reporter and publisher to New York City Commissioner, and how those experiences continue to shape the characters and stories he writes. To learn more about Rob and his books, visit www.robwhart.com [https://www.robwhart.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] I'd also love to hear from you. Please send your comments, book suggestions, and ideas for future guests to womenbooksandmore@gmail.com [womenbooksandmore@gmail.com] Happy reading…and happy listening!

Summer Reading 2026: The Best New Novels for Your Beach Bag

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, settle into a favorite chair, and lose yourself in a great book. In this episode of Women, Books & More, Irene Rawlings shares her favorite new novels for Summer 2026—from sweeping historical fiction and compelling family sagas to irresistible romance, unforgettable women, and page-turning mysteries. Featured authors include Liane Moriarty, Ann Patchett, Lisa See, Kathryn Stockett, Chanel Cleeton, Ellen Baker, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, Maurene Goo, Maggie O'Farrell, Carley Fortune, and Elin Hilderbrand. Although each story is unique, they all explore a timeless question: How well do we really know the people we love? Whether you're packing a beach bag, planning a vacation, or simply looking for your next great read, this episode is filled with thoughtful recommendations and plenty of inspiration for your summer reading list. We'd love to hear from you. What are you reading this summer? Share your favorite books, authors, or hidden gems by emailing us at womenbooksandmore@gmail.com [womenbooksandmore@gmail.com]. Your recommendations may inspire a future episode of Women, Books & More. New episodes are released every Wednesday.

Bridget Crocker on The River’s Daughter: Whitewater Rafting, Survival, and Healing Through Nature

In this episode of Women, Books and More, host Irene Rawlings speaks with whitewater river guide and author Bridget Crocker about her memoir The River’s Daughter. Bridget shares stories from her life spent guiding on rivers around the world and reflects on how a life in extreme whitewater rafting shaped her understanding of fear, survival, trauma, and healing. We talk about what it’s like to grow up around rivers, to work in a male-dominated adventure sport, and how time in nature can become both a place of challenge and a source of transformation. Bridget also opens up about the process of writing a deeply personal memoir and how revisiting her past changed the way she understands her own story. Contact Briget Crocker for author events and information about her wellness or writing river journeys. https://bridgetcrocker.com/ [https://bridgetcrocker.com/]