Today I'm interviewing Romance Author Stephanie Queen!  Here's Stephanie's bio from her website, stephaniequeen.com. Stephanie Queen has always been a writer–ever since second grade when the Nuns of Sacred Heart School got her hooked by offering fame–though not fortune–when she won first prize in their story contest and made it to the school newsletter. That was her first publishing gig. She wrote lots of stories as she grew up, in school and especially for fun. They all had happy endings. Since then Stephanie put writing on the back burner while she built up a catalogue of life experiences. She went to UConn, got married had two sons who could star as heroes in any lucky girl’s romance story, got a Masters degree at Harvard University, worked a few jobs–Math teacher, Keebler Elf and desk jockey at various cubicle farms doing bureaucratic things. Then she finally put writing stories back on the front burner. Now a USA Today bestselling author of romance, Stephanie has published more than fifty novels and novellas. She teaches novel writing classes and speaks at libraries, conferences and workshops on writing and publishing–her passion. “One of my all-time favorite things in the world is to hear from readers who enjoy my books. I love to write back, too. If you email me, I will reply!” Write to stephanie@stephaniequeen.com. 

What do Jane Austen and Malcom Gladwell have in common? They are all among the authors of books that I pulled randomly from my bookshelf today. I was feeling a bit chaotic and just decided to embrace it by sitting on the floor, closing my eyes, and picking a book from my bookshelf. I then talk about the book and share my thoughts on it. Have I read the book? If so, did I like it? And if I haven't read it yet, why not? It seems appropriate that the very first book I pulled is called Magic Lessons, because I am all about embracing book magic today. 

Today, I interview Romance Author Melissa Grace! Melissa's second book, Home Again, comes out July 27. Listen to this episode to learn more about Melissa and her experience as an author and advocate for chronic illness and mental health.  Learn more about Melissa: https://www.melissagracewrites.com/. Follow Melissa on Instagram at @heymelissagrace. Follow Reading Saved Me on Instagram at @ReadingSavedMePodcast. 

Today on the Reading Saved Me Podcast, I'm so thrilled to interview Tess Whitehurst! Tess Whitehurst is an award winning author, co-host of Magic Monday Podcast, and the founder and facilitator of the Good Vibe Tribe Online School of Magical Arts. Her new book, The Self-Love Superpower: The Magical Art of Approving of Yourself No Matter What, comes out in September and is available to pre-order now.  You can follow Tess on Instagram at @Tess4444 and learn more about her at tesswhitehurst.com. Follow Reading Saved Me on Instagram at @ReadingSavedMePodcast for more on books and self-care. 

Today, I interview Kristina Parro, the author of Lucky: A Novel (inspired by Taylor Swift’s folklore and the incredible true story of Rebekah Harkness). If you're a Taylor Swift fan, I know you'll love today's episode.  More about Kristina: Kristina Parro is a debut novelist, who recently self-published Lucky: A Novel (inspired by Taylor Swift’s folklore and the incredible true story of Rebekah Harkness). Kristina has always been a voracious reader who, during the pandemic, found sharing stories to be just as fun as reading them. An alum of Butler University and Rush University, Kristina Parro is a speech-language pathologist by training, and worked in a COVID hotspot throughout 2020. She currently lives in Chicago, IL and is an author, entrepreneur, investor, yogi, and lover of wisdom. Kristina writes about real-world topics that grab ahold of her and don’t let go. Her book has been described as transformational, philosophical, and curious. Lucky is layered with deep meaning and symbolism, and was written as a way for Kristina to come to terms with the tragedies brought into the light during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Did Jesus have a wife, and who was she? That's the premise of The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd, which helped me re-examine my thoughts about Jesus and my own spirituality. Growing up, I was taught that there was only one way to be a Christian. Reading this book led me on a journey to realize that I can be both an extremely progressive left-wing liberal AND a Christian. Whatever you believe, I think you'll find this book to be an inspiring story.  Follow me on Instagram at @readingsavedmepodcast for more book-related content! 

Today, I interview the very talented and inspiring M.J. Roberts! I just finished the first book in her series, Rock Hard: Chord Brothers, and really enjoyed escaping into the world of rock n' roll. In this interview, M.J. talks about all things reading and writing, including the Rock Hard: Chord Brothers series, her favorite authors, and her tips for aspiring and long-time writers.  Check out her bio here: Fan favorite M. J. Roberts is known for lovable characters, witty dialogue, exciting plot twists, fast-paced action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and romance scenes that sizzle. With more than two million copies of stories in circulation worldwide, Roberts is well-loved for creating characters who feel as real as your most cherished friends. M.J. Roberts is the author of twenty novels, including the popular Rock Hard: Chord Brothers series, and over thirty short stories; she’s won six literary awards including the Literotica Summer Lovin’ Contest 2015 for Risk Your Heart and the April 2019 gold medal from Literary Titans for Rock Hard: Chord Brothers, Book 1. Roberts is also an editor, songwriter, audiobook narrator, and professor of creative writing. A modestly humble egomaniac with a penchant for superheroes, she’s married to an awesome professional musician (a.k.a. The Rock and Roll God).  Her ‘I’m with the band’ status and access to a bunch of real-life alpha bad boys means she’s always saying ‘Anything you say can and will appear in print. Names will be changed to protect the guilty.’ She is too busy tormenting imaginary characters, watching them fall in love, and counting her blessing to pursue her longtime goal of rock n’ roll glory herself. A self-proclaimed nap expert, in her dreams she’s a rock star. Website:  http://www.mjrobertswriter.com Email: mjrobertswriter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mjrobertswrites Twitter: www.twitter.com/MJRobertswriter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjrobertswrites/

Looking for some ideas for books to give the people in your life? Whether you're searching for a present for your parents, siblings, or friends, I share my recommendations for books and book-related things that make great presents. And then, let's not forget about another important person that could use some new books: you! I share my thoughts on books that are great to read during the summer, whether you're at the beach, at the park, or just at home. Enjoy and happy reading! Follow me on Instagram at @ReadingSavedMePodcast for more on books and self-care. 

Listen to my thoughts on the Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas and why Nesta is my queen. 

I talk about the two self-help/motivational books that helped me, a depressed and anxious person.  Follow me on Instagram at @readingsavedmepodcast for more on books and self-care!