Shail Rajan's Blog, page 3

Turning the Table (3 Minutes with Julia Brewer Daily)

This week I had the opportunity to turn the tables on author and podcast host Julia Brewer Daily, who recently interviewed me for her podcast Authors over 50. Julia writes easy reads perfect for book clubs or your next beach vacation while dealing with some Texas-sized issues including grand family sagas and mother daughter relationships. We chatted about her debut novel NO NAMES TO BE GIVEN, and her most recent release, THE FIFTH DAUGTER OF THORN RANCH.

Join Julia and I as we chat about flipping the ranch owner cowboy stereotype on its head, the thread of her own personal memoir that runs through No Names to Be Given, and her writing process. WATCH NOW.

About THE FIFTH DAUGTER OF THORN RANCH

Fate had not smiled on her yet.

Could she shoot this man?

She’d never killed anyone before.

Emma Rosales is the heiress to the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn. All of the responsibilities of managing a million acres now fall into her fifth-generation hands.

A task Emma could handle with her eyes closed . . . if The Thorn was any ordinary property.

The Thorn is home to many things. Clear, cloudless skies. Miles of desert scrub and craggy mountains. A quiet disrupted only by whispers of the wind. And an ancient web of secrets that won’t let Emma out alive without a fight.

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch is a family saga as large as the state of Texas.

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Up next, my interview with author Janis Wildy!

Feral Creatures of Suburbia (3 Minutes with Author D. Liebhart)

I wish I could take credit for the title of this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author, but I can't. There was no chance I could come up with anything better than the superb title of my guest D. Liebhart's sophomore novel FERAL CREATURES OF SUBURBIA. D., a nurse-cum-novelist draws on real events and situations as her starting point and never shies away from controversial topics. A great book that you can sink your teeth into sounds like the perfect summer read! Feral Creatures of Suburbia is available for pre-order and will release on July 27th.

If you don't want to wait that long for a great read, D. has a special offer for my newsletter subscribers: a FREE ebook or audiobook download of her debut novel HOUSE ON FIRE ! If you're already a subscriber, keep an eye out for the codes in my next newsletter. If you'd like to learn more, you can subscribe on my website at www.shailrajan.com .

Join D. and I as we chat about her debut, her recent release, and her writing process. WATCH NOW.

About FERAL CREATURES OF SUBURBIA

Mothers will do anything to protect their children...but the greatest threats always come from within.

Julie White’s once-sweet son has morphed into a teenage terror. She hoped it was normal growing pains but a glimpse into his private messages shatters that illusion. Now she wonders if her moody teen is actually a ticking time bomb…

Varvara Perlman’s researcher job is hard, but caring for her emotionally-complex daughter is harder. After dismissing the latest call from the school counselor as another ploy for attention, she can only hope it’s not too late when she finally understands. This latest crisis may not only be real, but deadly…

Crystal Carrasco is as warm and fuzzy as steel wool. Nothing gets to her, not even her own terminal illness diagnosis. When she realizes her newly-married son will cancel his upcoming honeymoon if he finds out, she decides to do the only thing that makes sense. Do whatever it takes to hide the truth…

Three ordinary women linked by one heart-stopping crisis. When faced with the unthinkable, how far will they have to go to protect their children?

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Up next, my interview with author and podcast host Julia Brewer Daily!

The Beauty in Everything (3 Minutes with Author Kathleen Basi)

Kathleen Basi, my guest on this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author, brings together two of her passions, writing and music, in her debut novel

A SONG FOR THE ROAD and reminds us of the importance of finding beauty in everything, even the difficult moments.

To celebrate her debut, Kathleen is also hosting a road trip-themed Giveaway! Sign up for her newsletter HERE to be entered for a chance to win a signed copy of A Song For The Road, 3 other great summer book club reads, Yahtzee car version, Mad Libs book, Adult coloring book, and a Starbucks gift card! Share and tag on socials for extra entries. Entry period June 13, 2024 - July 15, 2024.

Join Kathleen and I as we chat about her writing process and what she's working on next.

WATCH NOW.

About A SONG FOR THE ROAD

It's one year after the death of her husband and twin teenagers, and Miriam Tedesco has lost faith in humanity and herself. When a bouquet of flowers that her husband always sends on their anniversary shows up at her workplace, she completely unravels. With the help of her best friend, she realizes that it's time to pick up the pieces and begin to move on. Step one is not even cleaning out her family's possessions, but just taking inventory starting with her daughter's room. But when she opens her daughter's computer, she stumbles across a program her daughter has created detailing an automated cross-country road trip, for her and her husband to take as soon-to-be empty nesters.

Seeing and hearing the video clips of her kids embedded in the program, Miriam is determined to take this trip for her children. Armed with her husband's guitar, her daughter's cello, and her son's unfinished piano sonata, she embarks on a musical pilgrimage to grieve the family she fears she never loved enough. Along the way she meets a young, pregnant hitchhiker named Dicey, whose boisterous and spunky attitude reminds Miriam of her own daughter.

Tornadoes, impromptu concerts, and an unlikely friendship...whether she's prepared for it or not, Miriam's world is coming back to life. But as she struggles to keep her focus on the reason she set out on this journey, she has to confront the possibility that the best way to honor her family may be to accept the truths she never wanted to face.

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Up next, my interview with nurse and author D. Liebhart!

The Joy of Quiet Time to Reflect (3 Minutes with Author Elizabeth Solazzo)

My guest on this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author is Elizabeth Solazzo, essayist, memoirist, and, most recently, novelist. We sat down for a lovely chat about her Clinch Mountain Series which started with Elizabeth's desire to create a tribute to a grandmother she never knew but whose choices were life changing for her future generations. While she started out with some facts, Elizabeth found that the longer she wrote, the more fictitious the stories became. MOUNTAIN MELODIES (book 1) and MOUNTAIN MERCIES (book 2) are now available. Book 3, MOUNTAIN MIRACLES is coming soon!

Join Elizabeth and I as we talk about her writing process, her favorite thing about being an author, and how sometimes, we put the cart (the title) before the horse (a miracle). WATCH NOW.

About MOUNTAIN MELODIES

Dr. Katie Cook is beginning her medical practice in a small town at the base of Clinch Mountain, TN, at the turn of the twenty-first century. She is healing from a past relationship while carving out an independent life for herself in these starkly beautiful but fragile mountains. She is befriended by Lovey Lephew, a strong woman about to celebrate 100 years of wisdom gained from a life of unimaginable stories and lessons learned from the dark hollows of this lonely Appalachian mountain. As the women band together to protect their homes from a gang of drug dealers using the forested land for cover, they learn long buried secrets from one another that will change both their lives.

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 Up next, my interview with composer and author Kathleen Basi!

Ordinary Women. Extraordinary Challenges. (3 Minutes with Author Maggie Smith)

I need to get something out in the open. A little over two and half years ago, I was a guest on Hear Us Roar, the outstanding podcast hosted by Maggie Smith, my guest on this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author. And ever since that day, I've been seriously fangirling Maggie. So you can imagine my excitement (nervousness?) when I got to turn the tables on her for my show to talk about her sophomore novel BLINDSPOT - a must read - and what she's working on next. As always, Maggie was generous and gracious. See what I mean? Fangirl.

Join Maggie and I as we talk about her writing process, her books, and her favorite thing about being an author. WATCH NOW.

About BLINDSPOT

Every move she makes, someone’s watching.

Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge. But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter.

Desperate to protect her child, Rachel agrees but soon finds herself fleeing a bloody crime scene, fearful for her life. Suddenly she’s in the crosshairs of a dangerous and clever enemy, someone who’s manipulated her since Day One, someone who knows her long-buried secrets, someone who’s framing her for murder. As she follows the clues, Rachel fears the answer is linked to an event eighteen years ago, a deception that could wreck her fragile bond with her daughter. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her and beat them at their own game before she loses her career, her family, and her freedom?

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 Up next, my interview with novelist Elizabeth Solazzo!

Cover & Title Reveal for Book 3 in The Summer Breeze Series!

I am thrilled to share that The Summer Breeze Flowers & Forgiveness (book 3 in The Summer Breeze series) is now available for pre-order! It has been an absolute joy to visit the small, lakeside town of Seneca Springs again and to spend time with Callie, Lynette, Tiny, the staff at The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast, and the wonderful residents of Seneca Springs! Get ready for more heartwarming humor, romance, delicious food, and unexpected twists and turns!

The Summer Breeze Flowers & Forgiveness

(Book 3 in The Summer Breeze Serie)

Callie Williams is determined to rebuild her life. When The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast, her beloved business, and the place she calls home, is almost destroyed by arson, she has no choice but to embark on another major renovation.

And when Nick Larrington, the only man she’ll ever truly love, reenters her life, she knows that her only choice is to open her heart to him once and for all.

There are new friends to be made and old foes to confront in the third book of this heartwarming series. Guests and the seasons keep changing, but your favorite characters will all be back. Join Callie as she continues her unsuccessful attempts to not meddle in her guest's lives, eats even more mouthwatering food, and tries to keep her head on straight when Nick is around.

What Sits in the Middle (3 Minutes with Author T.L. Brown)

Whether you're already a fan of dark fantasy or you're interested in picking up a new genre, you'll want to check out my fascinating chat with this week's guest on 3 Minutes with the Author, T. L. Brown. Her adult dark fantasy series The Bellerose Witchline - which includes A THIN WITCHLINE BETWEEN LOVE & HATE and CROSSING THE WITCHLINE - explores themes of what sits in the middle between good and evil. The third and final book in the series, Walking a Fine Witchline is due out later this year.

Join Tracy and I as we talk about her creative process and how we can look at characters and their intentions to see how that resonates with us and our perception of others. WATCH NOW.

About A THIN WITCHLINE BETWEEN LOVE & HATE

Lucie Bellerose holds secrets in her heart, fear in her belly, and her Tarot cards close to her chest. She’s a witch among too many men, with too many problems, and one thinning witchline.

A sadistic former teacher who likes to inflict pain? Check. A loyal friend she keeps dragging through hell? Check. A mysterious man who excites her and infuriates her — often in the same 60 seconds? Check. Then there are the expectations of the Congress of Empire Witches, danger lurking behind doors to other worlds, and one psychotic demon who needs to possess her.

And this is only the beginning of Lucie’s problems.

Recommended readers: Adults 18+ years.

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 Up next, my interview with award-winning author and podcast host Maggie Smith!

A Play on Words (3 Minutes with Author Peggy Joque Williams)

I had the distinct honor of interviewing historical fiction author Peggy Joque Williams for this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author. We had a chance to chat about her new release COURTING THE SUN: A NOVEL OF VERSAILLES and the research that went into writing an accurate depiction of life in the royal court of King Louis XIV. I admit that I was a little slow on the uptake during my interview, and it wasn't until the wee hours of this morning that I realized what a perfect play on words the title was! Have you picked up on it?

Join Peggy and I as we talk about her love for research, reader feedback, and what she's working on next. WATCH NOW.

About COURTING THE SUN: A NOVEL OF VERSAILLES

France, 1670. On her sixteenth birthday, Sylvienne d’Aubert thinks her dream has come true. She holds in her hands an invitation from King Louis XIV to attend his royal court. However, her mother harbors a longtime secret she's kept from both her daughter and the monarch, a secret that could upend Sylvienne’s life.

In Paris, Sylvienne is quickly swept up in the romance, opulence, and excitement of royal life. Assigned to serve King Louis's favorite mistress, she is absorbed into the monarch's most intimate circle. But the naïve country girl soon finds herself ill-prepared for the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that takes place behind the shiny façade of Versailles.

This debut historical novel from Peggy Joque Williams captures the vibrancy and quandaries of 17th century life for a village girl seeking love and excitement during the dangerous reign of the Sun King.

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 Up next, my interview with adult dark fantasy novelist T. L. Brown.

No Doubt About It (3 Minutes with Author Marion McNabb)

If you're looking for a great summer vacation read, there's no doubt that you need to pick up SOME DOUBT ABOUT IT

by award-winning screenwriter and debut novelist Marion McNabb, my guest on this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author. Join us as we talk about writing your environment, being your own boss, and the hidden gems on NetGalley. WATCH NOW.

About SOME DOUBT ABOUT IT

In this fun, feisty romp, a celebrity life coach collides with her former mentor as both women struggle with the choices they’ve made, the lives they have now, and the legacy they’ll leave behind.

Caroline Beckett is living the dream. A self-help guru with a glamorous clientele and a marriage to a handsome photographer, she’s proof women really can have it all. But one night leaves Caroline reeling, forcing her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about her life—and what (if any) business she has teaching anyone how to live theirs.

Retired professor Devorah van Buren is spending her time getting herself and her Chihuahua, Mary Magdalene, kicked out of local restaurants for causing scenes with tourists. When she learns about Caroline’s rise to success and the personal scandal that’s followed, Devorah has a new purpose: sue her former student for stealing the ideas that made Caroline famous.

Back in her hometown to handle this new problem, Caroline is surprised to find reconnections with not only Devorah but her high school sweetheart too. After the way her life fell apart, Caroline is beginning to wonder if, with Devorah’s help, maybe she can build something better.

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 Up next, my interview with historical fiction author Peggy Joque Williams.

A Modern Day Epistolary (3 Minutes with Author J. Marie Rundquist)

The first time I read an epistolary novel, I remember being in absolute awe of any author who could tell an entire story using only letters and no narrative prose. J. Marie Rundquist, my guest on this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author, has accomplished just that with her debut novel All I'm Asking. We had a chance to talk about the challenges of that style of writing as well as about her most recent release, AS THOUGH YOU WERE MINE.

WATCH NOW as J. Marie and I enjoy a quick chat about her writing process, her favorite part of being an author, and what she's working on next!

About AS THOUGH YOU WERE MINE

Julie Mercer donated her eggs to help her brother and sister-in-law conceive via in-vitro fertilization, never expecting a few years later, she would have to take full responsibility for those children after they lose their parents in a car accident.

Julie never wanted kids of her own, and now she suddenly needs to make room in her small apartment for four-year-old twins who thrust additional challenges at her as they work through their grief and trauma. With Lucy throwing intense tantrums and Mikey not talking at all, Julie doubts her ability to raise her niece and nephew as her own.

When Grant, the twins’ uncle–and also their biological father–shows up at her door, he says he wants to help, but is he sincere? Or does he have a hidden agenda to fight for custody? With her family also questioning her role as guardian and her job on the line in the face of an inflexible boss as she deals with the sudden life changes, Julie must determine whether her brother and sister-in-law really did make the best decision by entrusting their kids to her.

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 Up next, my interview with screenwriter and debut novelist Marion McNabb.