Sasha Preston on Cozy Heist Mysteries, Female Friendship, and Diverse Leads in the Sweet Escape Series | Episode 149 In this episode of the Bookaholic Podcast, I’m joined by Sasha Preston  author of The Sweetest Escape. We talk about her cozy, female, caper, what inspired this story, and why readers who love cozy mysteries  will absolutely want to add this book to their list. 📚 BUY THE BOOK 👉 Grab The Sweetest Escape  here: https://amzn.to/3OK6GVx 🎁 BOOKAHOLIC FREEBIE Want more book recommendations and author interviews? 📩 Join the Bookaholic Newsletter: https://www.book-a-holic.com/newsletter/ ✨ WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE Why she writes cozy mysteries with a heist twist Her focus on female leads to highlight women’s friendships and themes Women’s economic empowerment and financial freedom The standalone prequel to The Sweetest Escape 👩🏽‍💻 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sasha Preston  writes cozy mysteries  and is known capers and heists featuring diverse women. 🔗 CONNECT WITH Sasha Website: https://www.sashapreston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashaprestonwriter/ 💛 SUPPORT THE PODCAST ⭐ Leave a review on my website and socials. 📌 Subscribe on YouTube 📌Follow me on my TikTok, Facebook, Instagram @truebookaholic 📌 BOOKS MENTIONED The Sweetest Escape (Book 2) - https://amzn.to/3OK6GVx A Sweet Scheme (Book 1) - https://amzn.to/4n0wv0a 🔍 Keywords #cozymysteries #mysteries #capers #heists #femaleleads #oceans8 Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 00:00 Welcome to Bookaholic 00:21 Why Cozy Heists 01:24 Friendship and Empowerment 03:02 Quick Tech Glitch 04:02 Oceans Eight Inspiration 04:59 Series Order Explained 05:15 A Sweet Scheme Plot 07:31 Why Diverse Characters 08:54 Meet The Sweetest Getaway Cast 11:59 Wrap Up and Farewell

Check out my website and store! ---------------------------------------- At birth, doctors gave Suzy Fischer a devastating prognosis: she would never walk, never talk, never live independently, and never form meaningful relationships. Born with severe brain abnormalities and the rare condition Joubert Syndrome, Suzy’s life was expected to be defined by limitations. But her mother, Jane Fischer, refused to accept a future built on “nevers.” In this deeply moving episode, we explore Suzy’s extraordinary journey—one marked by unimaginable challenges, relentless perseverance, and a mother’s unwavering belief in what could be instead of what doctors said would never be. Today, Suzy is the oldest living person with Joubert Syndrome, and her story continues to challenge medical assumptions and inspire families around the world. Her journey is captured in the powerful memoir: If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never. This episode is a testament to love, resilience, advocacy, and the extraordinary strength found in both caregivers and children.

Today's episode is brought to you by L'Oreal Magic Root Cover-up!  Cover gray in just three seconds. CONNECT WITH BOOKAHOLIC // INSTAGRAM: @truebookaholic // FACEBOOK: @truebookaholic // PINTEREST: @truebookaholic // TIKTOK: @truebookaholic // LINKEDIN: Deirdre Pippins/deirdre-pippins-38338a214 // EMAIL: [email protected] WARNING: This episode contains discussions of drug manufacturing, violence, and assault. Brenda Coffee shares her extraordinary memoir "Maya Blue: A Memoir of Survival"—a story described as a Netflix series come to life. From falling in love with the genius who invented the first personal computer to surviving a cocaine lab, threats from Big Tobacco, and a harrowing escape from the Guatemalan army, Brenda's journey is one of resilience and transformation. 0:00 - Introduction & Sponsor1:33 - Brenda's Childhood: Military Father & Role Reversal with Mother5:29 - Meeting Philip Ray: The Genius Behind the First Personal Computer8:58 - Living on the Edge: Racing Cars & Dangerous Adventures9:24 - Philip Decides to Make Cocaine from Scratch15:12 - The Cocaine Lab: Discovery & Addiction21:30 - Inventing the Vape: Coining "Vaping" in the Late 1970s24:31 - Threats from Big Tobacco & the Government28:00 - Philip's Death & Financial Devastation (1987)28:26 - Sponsor Break30:00 - Journey to Find Herself: Trip to Guatemala32:30 - Captured by Guatemalan Army35:18 - The Escape: Fighting Back & Survival38:16 - The Meaning of Maya Blue: Strength & Resilience41:31 - Transformation: Finding Brenda Coffee43:34 - Therapy & Reclaiming Personal Power45:25 - Closing & Book Information How I edit my podcast and videos - Descript How I record my podcast and videos - Streamyard Where I source music - Epidemic Sound DISCLAIMER: Links included in this descrip ...

In this episode of the Bookaholic Podcast, host Tracy Abramson discusses her latest book, Victim Number Eight. With over 45 bestselling novels to her name, Tracy shares insights into her writing process, how her background in the CIA influences her thrillers, and the intricate research behind her stories. She talks about her visits to Istanbul, the personal experiences that shape her characters, and her commitment to maintaining a clean, character-driven narrative. Tracy also reflects on the importance of emotional authenticity in thrillers and her unique experiences interacting with other well-known authors like Brad Thor. Tune in to hear more about Tracy's journey, her writing expertise, and what keeps her motivated to excel in her genre. 00:00 Welcome to the Bookaholic Podcast 00:39 Inspiration Behind Victim Number Eight 01:41 Real-Life Experiences in Fiction 04:42 Exploring Istanbul and Cultural Insights 06:40 Researching Serial Killers for Authenticity 08:42 Balancing Action and Emotional Depth 09:53 Meeting Brad Thor and Industry Insights 14:54 Writing Clean Thrillers for a Broad Audience 17:39 Advice for Aspiring Thriller Writers 19:14 Where to Find Victim Number Eight

In this episode of the Bookaholic podcast, Deidre interviews EK Wise about her journey of managing ADHD while authoring the book 'Keepers of the Rock' EK Wise discusses her late diagnosis of ADHD, her writing process, and the methods she employs to stay focused. The conversation delves into her background, inspirations from life experiences like her love for geology, and the creation of her novel's unique fantasy world where characters draw powers from earth's elements. The podcast also touches on the importance of recognizing and addressing learning differences, both in children and adults, and ends with a discussion on the future direction of her book series. 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 00:18 Discussing ADHD and Writing Process 01:07 ADHD Journey and Coping Strategies 04:35 Importance of Evaluation and Support 07:56 Introduction to 'Keepers of the Rock' 08:46 Geology Passion and Book Influence 10:22 Book Cover Design and Elements 12:01 Plot and Setting of 'Keepers of the Rock' 17:51 Author's Writing Journey and Inspirations 23:11 Series Continuation and Future Plans 25:33 Conclusion and Farewell Listeners, give this episode a review on your favorite podcast platform!  You can also leave a review at my website or leave me a voicemail.  Subscribe to my newsletter Behind The Book. CONNECT WITH BOOKAHOLIC // INSTAGRAM: @truebookaholic // FACEBOOK: @truebookaholic // PINTEREST: @truebookaholic // TIKTOK: @truebookaholic // LINKEDIN: Deirdre Pippins/deirdre-pippins-38338a214 / EMAIL: [email protected] “This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”

Purchase Beware The Tall Grass here. Exploring 'Beware the Tall Grass' with Ellen Birkett Morris: The Bookaholic Podcast In this episode of the Bookaholic Podcast, celebrated author Ellen Birkett Morris discusses her latest novel, 'Beware the Tall Grass.' Ellen delves into the book's intriguing dual narrative that intertwines a mother's love with a soldier's courage. Inspired by a real-life program that investigates children's past life memories, Ellen transformed a short story into a novel over an eight-year journey. She shares her process, from overcoming the challenge of expanding her writing from short stories to novels, to the crucial role a developmental editor played. Ellen also discusses the book's compelling themes, including the impact of the Vietnam War and intergenerational trauma, as well as her own evolving thoughts on reincarnation. The episode highlights the novel's accolades, including winning the Donald L. Jordan Prize and concludes with a glimpse into Ellen's future writing plans. 00:00 Welcome to the Bookaholic Podcast 00:27 Introducing 'Beware The Tall Grass' 02:04 The Inspiration Behind the Story 03:07 The Eight-Year Journey of Writing 05:57 Exploring Themes and Characters 08:03 Vietnam War and Personal Connections 11:29 Beliefs and Skepticism in the Story 17:45 Accolades and Recognition 20:22 Future Projects and Final Thoughts Listeners, give this episode a review on your favorite podcast platform!  You can also leave a review at my website or leave me a voicemail.  Subscribe to my newsletter Behind The Book. CONNECT WITH BOOKAHOLIC // INSTAGRAM: @truebookaholic // FACEBOOK: @truebookaholic // PINTEREST: @truebookaholic // TIKTOK: @truebookaholic // LINKEDIN: Bookaholic

In this episode of the Bookaholic Podcast, Deirdre welcomes Ira Chaleff, the author of 'To Stop A Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers to Make or Brake a Toxic Leader.' Ira discusses his inspiration for writing the book, which stems from personal family history and professional experiences. They delve into the critical role followers play in supporting or curbing leaders' power, emphasizing non-partisan approaches to maintaining an effective democracy. Highlights include discussions on the different circles of influence around political leaders, types of followers, and strategies for ordinary citizens to combat political tyranny. Ira also emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with opposing political views to foster a healthier political discourse. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:03 The Inspiration Behind the Book 02:34 Ira's Background and Early Influences 03:34 Insights from Washington, DC 05:35 The Role of Followers 07:24 The Five Circles of Influence 08:07 Circle One: The Confidants 13:50 Circle Two: The Elites 17:56 Circle Three: The Bureaucrats 22:24 Circle Four: The Activists 27:55 The Distortion of Power 29:03 Behaviors of Followers 29:51 Examples of Followers 33:07 The Courageous Follower 36:46 The Populace and Hopelessness 39:14 Historical Context and Political Dynamics 43:47 The Window of Political Action 54:38 Thanksgiving and Political Conversations 57:38 Conclusion and Book Promotion Listeners, give this episode a review on your favorite podcast platform!  You can also leave a review at my website or leave me a voicemail.  Subscribe to my newsletter Behind The Book. CONNECT WITH BOOKAHOLIC // INSTAGRAM: @truebookaholic // FACEBOOK: @truebookaholic // PINTEREST: @truebookaholic // TIKTOK: @truebookaholic // LINKEDIN: Deirdre Pippins/deirdre-pippins-38338a214 / EMAIL: [email protected]

Children naturally ask big, beautiful questions about life—but somewhere along the journey to adulthood, many of us stop. In today’s episode, bestselling author Laura Munson joins us to talk about why that happens and how reclaiming our sense of wonder can transform our lives. Laura’s new book, THE WILD WHY, blends memoir, insight, travel, and creative guidance to help readers reconnect with awe—and with themselves. Through travels from Montana to Morocco, Mexico to Tuscany, and Ireland to an ancient stone circle, Laura reveals the gifts of surrender, kindness, creativity, and curiosity. What We Discuss: Why children ask deep questions—and why adults often silence them Laura’s personal evolution as a writer, seeker, and “wonderer” How wonder builds empathy and strengthens our connection to others What travel can teach us about surrendering to life’s mystery Why creativity belongs to ALL of us How to begin finding your own “wild why” Listeners, give this episode a review on your favorite podcast platform!  You can also leave a review at my website or leave me a voicemail.  Subscribe to my newsletter Behind The Book. CONNECT WITH BOOKAHOLIC // INSTAGRAM: @truebookaholic // FACEBOOK: @truebookaholic // PINTEREST: @truebookaholic // TIKTOK: @truebookaholic // LINKEDIN: Deirdre Pippins/deirdre-pippins-38338a214 / EMAIL: [email protected] Laura Munson is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of Willa’s Grove and This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. She’s the founder of Haven Writing Retreats and has been featured in Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, Elle, O Magazine, and more. She has appeared on Good Morning America, NPR, and global media outlets. Learn more: https://lauramunson.com Connect on social media: https://www.facebook.com/lauramunsonauthor/ https://www.instagram.com/lauramunsonauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-munson-91768026/

PURCHASE Skylark here. In this episode of the Bookaholic podcast, host welcomes debut author Megan Michelle to discuss her first novel, 'Skylark.' Megan shares her deeply personal journey of how a life-changing open heart surgery inspired the story of Rachel Riker, the first female Navy SEAL on a mission to dismantle the patriarchy and liberate women. The conversation delves into Megan's creative process, her challenges in balancing writing with her day job as a pharmaceutical project manager, and her experience moving from Sweden to Virginia after her surgery and divorce. Megan also provides insights into the ongoing series development and where listeners can find and support her work. 00:00 Welcome to the Bookaholic Podcast 00:26 The Origin of Skylark 01:00 A Life-Changing Surgery 01:45 The Birth of a Story 03:10 World-Building and Character Development 05:14 About the Skylark Series 08:04 Balancing Writing with a Day Job 08:58 A New Beginning 10:06 Where to Find Skylark 10:47 Closing Remarks   Podcaster may receive a small commission on any affiliate links which are no additional cost to you.

In this hauntingly heartfelt episode, Deirdre sits down with author Liz Parker to discuss her spellbinding new novel, The Witches of Honeysuckle House — a cozy, witchy tale of sisterhood, trauma, and transformation. Parker opens up about how her personal journey with witchcraft, herbalism, and healing from complex PTSD inspired her writing. Together, they explore: The inspiration behind The Witches of Honeysuckle House How trauma and generational curses shape families and fiction What it means to be a practicing witch and herbalist today The power of found family, queer representation, and cozy magic Why books still open hearts and minds in divided times Whether you love witchy fiction, cozy fantasies, or stories that speak truth through magic, this conversation will leave you spellbound — and deeply moved. 📚 Get your copy of The Witches of Honeysuckle House here. 🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube @truebookaholic 💬 Continue the conversation on TikTok and Instagram @truebookaholic.  #BookaholicPodcast #LizParker #TheWitchesOfHoneysuckleHouse #CozyFantasy #WitchyFiction #AuthorInterview #BookPodcast #TraumaHealing #QueerBooks #FoundFamily #GenerationalTrauma #WitchLit #HalloweenReads #PTSD