Magical Realism, Meet-Cutes & The Roman Holiday Rule

Both Can Be True | Fiction, Truth & Contradictions with Jessica Guerrieri

Today on Underline That, Jessica Guerrieri [https://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/] rejoins Steph for a conversation about motherhood, sobriety, sisterhood, publishing, reviews, recovery, generational trauma—and the way women can hold two completely contradictory emotions at the same time. We dive into Jessica’s brand-new novel, Both Can Be True [https://www.amazon.com/Both-Can-Be-True-Novel-ebook/dp/B0FFSLGH7W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2F3UXCAHB7J0U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PeOqbexLM1jY76LNER6UX5ZxsvN0mDToRwVs2btDU6T-W0N97hKmdpwGRUpjvjGysRxkoEmpiXqrtLXc-6t9CR3iAR4ixcaCfIqO5Yu0aGc.pABayNOKsDNq-ReOnv_7d-cy9COCrARVISrayDBv_m0&dib_tag=se&keywords=both+can+be+true&qid=1779292014&s=digital-text&sprefix=both+can+be+tru%2Cdigital-text%2C178&sr=1-1], the emotional reality of debut year, audiobook obsession, unlikable female characters, and the complicated beauty of womanhood in your 30s and 40s. The conversation is funny, vulnerable, honest, millennial, and packed with the kinds of truths that make you pause and think: Wow, me, too. We discuss: – Why “both can be true” resonates so deeply with women – Motherhood, resentment, gratitude, and identity shifts – Recovery, connection, and found sisterhood – The reality of publishing after the debut dream comes true – Goodreads, reviews, and protecting your mental health as a creative …and so much more! Jessica’s new novel, Both Can Be True, is available now wherever books are sold. Thank you so much for listening!  FIND JESSICA: IG: @jessicaguerrieriauthor [https://www.instagram.com/jessicaguerrieriauthor/] Website: www.jessicaguerrieri.net [http://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/] FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/stephanienmack/]⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/underlinethatpod/] Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.stephaniemack.com/] PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Something-Else-Stephanie-Mack/dp/B0FVTSDPHC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GVANV9LG0KFP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TLl0hokW_ipVl087UNAk1Mu4ubQheYU3RgqvM3hR4UPi4raV1wt8-BgqtCl68rnjtsfSvx08kR-sWgCvPN-shi3vwrSJ3lc3UHlXpZJVIvlEUFWpEGSGw5z8orSbYMnoHOLsYs2tiDSv375ZRfUQ1bYDfd9iJk_7knhfOsUqWuPbKnVdV003LbtVUxpcjA7Y3oreC9Ez54GsSBjfue-vZTS3cZ2i5x9M4HrNU9KNoN0.4UwbdrPBa1jDelCJ4Q23EeGp8L0Nf8fdD3E7GK_O2oU&dib_tag=se&keywords=twenty+something+else&qid=1770249888&sprefix=twenty+something+els%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.target.com/p/twenty-something-else-by-stephanie-mack-paperback/-/A-1007044478] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twenty-something-else-stephanie-mack/1148516266] PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+we+blinked&i=audible&crid=177LK3R531L2G&sprefix=when+we+blink%2Caudible%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_2] Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-we-blinked-stephanie-mack/1139095091?ean=9798400514593] TODAY’S UNDERLINES: Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri [https://www.amazon.com/Both-Can-Be-True-Novel/dp/1400345987/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YNTVI3k1ShfSzo-JQg80Ya-5X7bKb0PnyqqS_n8EUbHTOrFHUhipF81oMMHb9N3zlKBz8SAxPAfaR4UfPcRjNMNEm_LoABf9lS4-UbNAhDrRB-k9c0WmIUGaYpmXgig8p03GgB8_8L75zMG5dZzMh60LbPAcPMlWUjXRVxQxfogcrIb86Ww_w-4ZbVccFHLmc0LDaBHYbri6CbL7HUe8hWEGP3Jl8krO4CPwVHRA0m8.ZuNp2Y857MqmL0e-6moi0EAGD7w9Cj3W8NItNow2gSc&qid=1779291847&sr=8-2] Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8VNBC76/?bestFormat=true&k=between%20the%20devil%20and%20the%20deep%20blue%20sea&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-v2_k0_1_26_de&crid=138J52U52D41Y&sprefix=between%20the%20devil%20and%20the%20]

Bookmarked for Love & Vulnerability with Sarah Monzon

This week on Underline That, Steph chats with bestselling Christian romance author Sarah Monzon about her adorable upcoming release, Bookmarked for Love [https://www.amazon.com/Bookmarked-Love-Contemporary-Book-about-Books-Forced-Proximity/dp/0764243764]—a cozy, bookish romance featuring librarians, literary references, publishing drama, and forced-proximity goodness. Don’t miss this lovable rom-com, available July 21, 2026! Sarah opens up about her journey from indie to traditional publishing, writing novels while raising young kids, navigating comparison in the publishing world, and why representation and vulnerability matter so deeply in her stories. We also discuss: • Why bookish books never go out of style • The magic of Christmas romances • Balancing motherhood and creativity • Covers, tropes, launch teams, and marketing realities • Favorite authors, reading habits, and rapid-fire book talk Plus, we bond over libraries, Kindle obsessions, Katherine Center fandom, and the emotional vulnerability of writing fiction straight from the heart. Thank you so much for listening! FIND SARAH MONZON: Instagram: @sarahmonzonwrites [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonzonwrites/] Website: www.sarahmonzonwrites.com [http://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com/] FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/stephanienmack/]⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/underlinethatpod/] Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.stephaniemack.com/] PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Something-Else-Stephanie-Mack/dp/B0FVTSDPHC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GVANV9LG0KFP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TLl0hokW_ipVl087UNAk1Mu4ubQheYU3RgqvM3hR4UPi4raV1wt8-BgqtCl68rnjtsfSvx08kR-sWgCvPN-shi3vwrSJ3lc3UHlXpZJVIvlEUFWpEGSGw5z8orSbYMnoHOLsYs2tiDSv375ZRfUQ1bYDfd9iJk_7knhfOsUqWuPbKnVdV003LbtVUxpcjA7Y3oreC9Ez54GsSBjfue-vZTS3cZ2i5x9M4HrNU9KNoN0.4UwbdrPBa1jDelCJ4Q23EeGp8L0Nf8fdD3E7GK_O2oU&dib_tag=se&keywords=twenty+something+else&qid=1770249888&sprefix=twenty+something+els%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.target.com/p/twenty-something-else-by-stephanie-mack-paperback/-/A-1007044478] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twenty-something-else-stephanie-mack/1148516266] PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+we+blinked&i=audible&crid=177LK3R531L2G&sprefix=when+we+blink%2Caudible%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_2] Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-we-blinked-stephanie-mack/1139095091?ean=9798400514593] TODAY’S UNDERLINES: Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon [https://www.amazon.com/Bookmarked-Love-Contemporary-Book-about-Books-Forced-Proximity/dp/0764243764/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nOq_I7FGcghzHkG5Y9n5bnWYmXl0_CPUmkdQ845CMI-by5_6kHsaZYjbgSB97Kwgq5EBDitlZSE6CX_tffX4neQ22wQP99CDtPbPH7XdjkMo_y4sxX_x9mz68idTfswgqS8y9iTXu9pznUNNVoZ2XR6W2-O8cLU4hQwq7Tw-jNR52XtAyW0QbZNgUdIy-91VLTJzgMPj1zOp4T_b5khrOpFr0W0gFlA6XFCJDA8WsPI.jgBOpWiUvUMPRoMIYCoP42EelZzfkdCLIZ-2eoahilQ&qid=1778627259&sr=8-1] Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon [https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Circulation-Book-about-Books-Forced-Proximity-Grumpy-Sunshine-ebook/dp/B0F2PHXZP7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=N2ZRTC02B5D9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.u5kDcEZ6CJf0p4NrT9cWQSF-jTNoz_yYj2iFVgmQvOTFXT6sdTPX0JQeraOUvCBCPmEHo5ARIurgOFANHxMRXlS4eH0FMDHEv3jxiI8p3qZrB3Zgmb6HsW-y2681LorkyKD1EnrJ1d6iXb4ateIEuo-k-NxujX8mrRnHHrpx6wAhw7j4R7BJI2vn2gpa3a1elgURscKRxGU2hjR85hhkKB115sX0ncEgraPOdd9PwnY.7WAUq9C3nEZtZps0jiAEMz7fZwqg-JZlKBRdVT9C8po&dib_tag=se&keywords=sarah+monzon&qid=1778628286&s=digital-text&sprefix=sarah+monz%2Cdigital-text%2C209&sr=1-3] An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon by Sarah Monzon [https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Studios-on-Brilliance-Overdue/dp/B0DLYKYQ53/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38QUAAPHVOZ0L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.99aYBopwGWGNYMr66FRBgA.GTpxmliS6fe7K7eIR1kOJHAbxISEjsi4uuLd0hBb7to&dib_tag=se&keywords=an+overdue+sarah+monzon&qid=1778628255&s=audible&sprefix=an+overdue+sarah+monz%2Caudible%2C186&sr=1-1] All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon [https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Alls-Fair-Love-Christmas/dp/B0C9V5X1T5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AAGZPKVCG95D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dHqqRgpSi7gF_b3bSO0K6cMD6Hiny1W6QWmzvIuJz--f9n58ORhOxE6YwiqdWK74w54lq6DDui6-awqQqDyupeWzFzkK_ml0VwnmxIgWceqd4H3C3qFFAafVu-sf3lnGsDd8OReoHuyFa_7FKnr9Zd9LyGC4gKsBoC7qCaaOHbwa_59ie-JHdDWfGP-Sp5hGVa1uJQcQue3UtAzZYNWcC_Fj2tzjpD3Zo1p-_EpvA4Q.4HAUdBU23WQjlEKYCo0UCrqV4za2I5RIyBTwxRxfSkA&dib_tag=se&keywords=all%27s+fair+in+love+and+christmas&qid=1778628224&sprefix=all%27s+fair+in+love+and+christm%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1]

Road Trips, Real Lives & Trad Wives with USA Today Bestselling Author Eliza Knight

This week on Underline That, Steph is joined by Eliza Knight [https://elizaknight.com/]—USA Today bestselling author of the upcoming novel Lost in the Summer of ’69 [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Summer-69-Eliza-Knight/dp/1464255113], releasing June 9. Set against the backdrop of music, memory, and massive cultural change, the novel follows a grandmother, mother, and daughter on an unforgettable road trip after a shocking disappearance. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, layered, and simply perfect for summer reading! Today we dive into Eliza’s inspiration behind the book, writing women across generations, and why stories about mothers and daughters hit differently when you’re living in that “sandwich generation” season of life. We also chat about music playlists for writing, historical research rabbit holes, the emotional reality of watching daughters grow up, and the surprising truths about building a decades-long writing career. And yes—we absolutely get into her other writing life, too! From historical fiction to revenge thrillers and her buzzy upcoming Tradwife novel—written under pen name Michelle Brandon—Eliza shares what it’s been like writing nearly 100 books across genres, publishing under an alias, and creatively reinventing herself again and again. Thank you so much for listening! If you loved the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a fellow reader, writer, or fellow woman figuring it out as she goes! FIND ELIZA KNIGHT: Instagram: @elizaknightfiction [https://elizaknight.com/] Website: www.elizaknight.com [http://www.elizaknight.com/] FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/stephanienmack/]⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/underlinethatpod/] Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.stephaniemack.com/] PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Something-Else-Stephanie-Mack/dp/B0FVTSDPHC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GVANV9LG0KFP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TLl0hokW_ipVl087UNAk1Mu4ubQheYU3RgqvM3hR4UPi4raV1wt8-BgqtCl68rnjtsfSvx08kR-sWgCvPN-shi3vwrSJ3lc3UHlXpZJVIvlEUFWpEGSGw5z8orSbYMnoHOLsYs2tiDSv375ZRfUQ1bYDfd9iJk_7knhfOsUqWuPbKnVdV003LbtVUxpcjA7Y3oreC9Ez54GsSBjfue-vZTS3cZ2i5x9M4HrNU9KNoN0.4UwbdrPBa1jDelCJ4Q23EeGp8L0Nf8fdD3E7GK_O2oU&dib_tag=se&keywords=twenty+something+else&qid=1770249888&sprefix=twenty+something+els%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.target.com/p/twenty-something-else-by-stephanie-mack-paperback/-/A-1007044478] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twenty-something-else-stephanie-mack/1148516266] PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED: ⁠Amazon⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+we+blinked&i=audible&crid=177LK3R531L2G&sprefix=when+we+blink%2Caudible%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_2] ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-we-blinked-stephanie-mack/1139095091?ean=9798400514593] TODAY’S UNDERLINES: Lost in the Summer of ‘69 by Eliza Knight [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Summer-69-Eliza-Knight/dp/1464255113] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë [https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Eyre-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486424499/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=LUPAB3WUORAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bMTmhyuO2IBjzIXU8ZwqdvebP7aaXgCSNHNMufHg0Jf0ErUI5ZIAX1qfIP02Kv1fJT1zxCAdodcm4xXnX0Al57mydmC8ouR8TV062GdQVraTuhx3ODgHpReA6mogbR3nwhgM1bRCdgpct__IuFjctqR50xbRUCibnYOWkjLsgGM-TJXxvEdxK-Aw4ZD22NuNI5u7wV0U-OdGYvKQdoKXwEWJBcEM1TeaNJLWC7TjXsIJZjBSGXKSJsODlbjo3CFyeQAiINVZM9PriUrC_NVoN037K0KBnr6i2ANLzkGtymk.LvinbLLqiBruKFebqb2RjrKaE6xugrdaesO5U4_fJtw&dib_tag=se&keywords=jane+eyre&qid=1778083085&s=books&sprefix=jane+ey%2Cstripbooks%2C203&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1] Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight [https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Confessions-Grammar-Queen-Novel/dp/B0FB9NB4FH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38OMC093V3BNX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bqMOxLQm5sL7US2mkbWrCeMnZXW70IYOMV3T80dQAIS2OmiBwB5-kg7UcENtOkVfHdBH5Ltc1Zk-Pkl8LI7GbQ.Zi0TjyDWs59YPCIiGxWrmgORfXh9J9DtC7v-KoOPGiE&dib_tag=se&keywords=confessions+of+a+grammar+queen&qid=1778083113&s=books&sprefix=confessions+of+a+grammar+que%2Cstripbooks%2C196&sr=1-1]

Magical Realism, Meet-Cutes & The Roman Holiday Rule

In today’s episode, Steph is joined by rom-com author Andra Loy [https://andraloy.com/] to talk about her delightful, magical rom-com debut, The Roman Holiday Rule [https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Holiday-Rule-Rivals-Lovers/dp/0764245953/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s4STR2wF92QEBYLrPhIfcA.yVogxniLCGGYKVXRLQz_hW2tUvnxR2j54ErW2CjJ1qA&qid=1777485420&sr=8-1] from Haven Fiction [https://havenfiction.com/]—and the winding, unexpected journey that brought her here. From living overseas for over two decades to writing stories that blend romance with magical realism, Andra shares how her real-life experiences shaped a novel full of heart, humor, and sparkle. We dive into her creative process, the dream of debut season, and the deeper themes that emerged as Andra wrote and revised this story. We also talk about the rise of clean romance in publishing, finding your lane as a writer, and why some of the most meaningful stories come from simply paying attention to what’s right in front of you. Thank you so much for listening! FIND ANDRA LOY: IG: @andraloy [https://www.instagram.com/andraloy/] Website: www.andraloy.com [http://www.andraloy.com/] FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/stephanienmack/]⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/underlinethatpod/] Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.stephaniemack.com/] PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Something-Else-Stephanie-Mack/dp/B0FVTSDPHC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GVANV9LG0KFP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TLl0hokW_ipVl087UNAk1Mu4ubQheYU3RgqvM3hR4UPi4raV1wt8-BgqtCl68rnjtsfSvx08kR-sWgCvPN-shi3vwrSJ3lc3UHlXpZJVIvlEUFWpEGSGw5z8orSbYMnoHOLsYs2tiDSv375ZRfUQ1bYDfd9iJk_7knhfOsUqWuPbKnVdV003LbtVUxpcjA7Y3oreC9Ez54GsSBjfue-vZTS3cZ2i5x9M4HrNU9KNoN0.4UwbdrPBa1jDelCJ4Q23EeGp8L0Nf8fdD3E7GK_O2oU&dib_tag=se&keywords=twenty+something+else&qid=1770249888&sprefix=twenty+something+els%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.target.com/p/twenty-something-else-by-stephanie-mack-paperback/-/A-1007044478] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twenty-something-else-stephanie-mack/1148516266] PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=when+we+blinked&i=audible&crid=177LK3R531L2G&sprefix=when+we+blink%2Caudible%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_2] Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-we-blinked-stephanie-mack/1139095091?ean=9798400514593] TODAY’S UNDERLINES: The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy [https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Holiday-Rule-Rivals-Lovers/dp/0764245953/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s4STR2wF92QEBYLrPhIfcA.yVogxniLCGGYKVXRLQz_hW2tUvnxR2j54ErW2CjJ1qA&qid=1777485420&sr=8-1] My Friends by Fredrik Backman [https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Studios-on-Brilliance-Friends/dp/B0DJRQR52T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F9Y7F6ALUJO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SxiE5F5TEa2-tC1FAoklEGgEYrI5RDDNihPdx4YSZ7LVLHpyzxF7nAG67nInPN4Nlp0bl-X204xbipuGS3kXZoBaxPh8fKKiEBJC5nxXhMUN83kVlwFWfCoGnTtrZZVde8y6zDeY56AaY5Sia55GT03KheXsnrKlGJBfAADOV4Cy7Hsmrh8tDopV0am68WILPgcciXRk3EHnjvF5Hh4vLoVqMs1zpu8xULDBvTr9Z8I.c2pjb4MYrlm5FpKo73payIlQfdsRlneNiA6fo3sEwQY&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+friends+fredrik+backman&qid=1777485453&sbo=55gskJHyCA6291U4OeI0Ow%3D%3D&sprefix=my+friends+fre%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1]

Balboa Island, Buried Secrets & A Book You’ll Devour

Today on Underline That, Steph sits down with historical fiction author Nicola Harrison to talk about her dazzling new novel, The Island Club—a layered, addictive story set on 1950s Balboa Island, where paradise looks perfect on the surface… but secrets are simmering underneath. They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Balboa Island as a setting, the fascinating history of spring break culture in Newport Beach, and why tennis became such an important thread in the novel. Nicola also shares how women’s friendship, play, and community shaped the story in unexpected ways. Plus, they dive into Nicola’s publishing journey—from fashion journalism in New York City to becoming a bestselling novelist—her writing process, the magic of early-morning drafting, and what’s next for her (including a brand-new novel set in the English countryside). In this episode, you’ll hear all about: * The premise behind The Island Club * Why Balboa Island was the perfect setting * The surprising real history behind “Bal Week” * Tennis, friendship, and reclaiming joy as women * Nicola’s path from journalism to fiction * Her daily writing goals and 5 a.m. routine * How the gorgeous cover came to life * What she’s writing next If you love smart escapist fiction, glamorous settings, female friendship, and books with secrets at their center, this episode is for you! FIND NICOLA HARRISON: Instagram: @nicolaharrisonauthor [https://www.instagram.com/nicolaharrisonauthor/] Website: www.nicolaharrison.com [https://www.nicolaharrison.com/] FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/stephanienmack/]⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/underlinethatpod/] Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠ [https://www.stephaniemack.com/] PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Something-Else-Stephanie-Mack/dp/B0FVTSDPHC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GVANV9LG0KFP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TLl0hokW_ipVl087UNAk1Mu4ubQheYU3RgqvM3hR4UPi4raV1wt8-BgqtCl68rnjtsfSvx08kR-sWgCvPN-shi3vwrSJ3lc3UHlXpZJVIvlEUFWpEGSGw5z8orSbYMnoHOLsYs2tiDSv375ZRfUQ1bYDfd9iJk_7knhfOsUqWuPbKnVdV003LbtVUxpcjA7Y3oreC9Ez54GsSBjfue-vZTS3cZ2i5x9M4HrNU9KNoN0.4UwbdrPBa1jDelCJ4Q23EeGp8L0Nf8fdD3E7GK_O2oU&dib_tag=se&keywords=twenty+something+else&qid=1770249888&sprefix=twenty+something+els%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.target.com/p/twenty-something-else-by-stephanie-mack-paperback/-/A-1007044478] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twenty-something-else-stephanie-mack/1148516266] TODAY’S UNDERLINES: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bird+by+Bird+Anne+Lamott] The Island Club by Nicola Harrison [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Island+Club+Nicola+Harrison] Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lions+of+Fifth+Avenue+Fiona+Davis] The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Calamity+Club+Kathryn+Stockett] Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dolly+All+the+Time+Annabel+Monaghan]