The Bookshop Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Noël Stark about her debut romantic comedy novel, LOVE, CAMERA, ACTION.Noël Stark has worked in almost every position in the Film and Television industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Although she’s Canadian, she lives in L.A. with her young son, desperately missing winter. She likes chocolate milk in her coffee and gets most of her real-world intel from her three stepkids. Here's the synopsis of Love, Camera, Action:A scrappy TV director lands her big break only to go head-to-head with the surly yet sexy director of photography, in this page-turning romance perfect for fans of Ava Wilder and Tessa Bailey. Up-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels knows sex. Well, okay, she knows how to shoot sex scenes, and she’s been hired to direct a highly anticipated steamy episode of the popular series The Demon. This job is her chance at a big-time career in the film and television industry—all she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show using her hard-knock know-how and ample creativity.  If only the director of photography—effortlessly sexy Jory Blair—would stop shutting her ideas down at every turn. Jory has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list director of photography, but a recent health scare has him rethinking his life and craving the director spot. Now this creative newbie, who he can’t get out of his mind, wants to change the look of his show. Even worse, the friction between them is sparking into blistering chemistry.  As collaborating takes on a whole new meaning, and the show’s producer not-so-subtly suggests that Jory sabotage Cali in order to achieve his own goals, they’ll have to decide if chasing their dream jobs is worth losing the dream of a future together. Noël StarkLOVE, CAMERA, ACTION, Noël StarkProject Hail Mary, Andy Weir Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with my friend and fellow author interviewer, Sara DiVello. Sara is a thriller author, and creator and host of Mystery and Thriller Mavens, a popular author interview series and interactive Facebook group. We met at the San Diego Writers Festival and have since become friends. Sara's boundless energy and verve for life and literature are contagious. Sara is a gem!Have you ever stumbled upon the ruins of a castle in suburban America? For Sara DiVello, that chance discovery sparked a decade-long journey to uncover one of the Jazz Age's most fascinating unsolved murders.Sara shares the remarkable story behind her historical thriller, Broadway Butterfly. The book resurrects the forgotten 1923 murder of Dot King, a case that implicated one of America's wealthiest families and exposed the complex social dynamics of Prohibition-era New York.With candor and warmth, Sara reveals her own compelling journey from corporate burnout to published author. After a pivotal moment watching her mother face terminal illness, Sara confronted the question we all eventually face: if time were limited, would you spend it as you are now? This revelation led her to abandon her stable but unfulfilling career to pursue writing, with yoga teaching providing both financial support and the mental clarity essential for creativity.What makes this conversation truly exceptional is Sara's deep dive into her meticulous research process. Drawing from over 1,800 primary sources, she reconstructed not just the crime but the textured world of 1920s Manhattan—from the cigarette-littered floors of newspaper offices to the complex racial dynamics facing Black Americans who had migrated north. Her approach to writing characters outside her own experience, particularly Ella Bradford (a Black woman in 1923), demonstrates remarkable care and ethical consideration.Sara illuminates the eerie parallels between 1923 and today. "How much has changed and how little has changed," she observes, noting society's persistent fixation on controlling women's bodies and choices, and our collective reluctance to confront uncomfortable historical truths.Ready to discover why forgotten stories like Dot King's matter now more than ever? Listen now, and consider what voices from our past still deserve to be heard.Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textStep into Philadelphia's only Spanish-English bookstore, where literature becomes a powerful bridge connecting communities and celebrating cultural heritage. The Julia de Burgos Bookstore, named after Puerto Rico's most celebrated poet, offers more than just books—it provides a sanctuary where Puerto Rican and Latinx voices take center stage.Lisa Moser, the bookstore's passionate manager, shares her journey from language enthusiast to literary curator. With a background in Spanish and theology, Lisa discovered what she calls "the dream job I didn't know existed" at Taller Puertorriqueño, a 50-year-old cultural center where the bookstore resides. This non-profit organization serves as a vibrant hub for Puerto Rican culture through after-school programs, art exhibitions, community events, and its unique bookstore.The emotional impact of representation resonates throughout our conversation. Lisa recounts how visitors sometimes tear up upon entering a space where every book reflects Puerto Rican or Latinx authorship—"these are the books I wish I had when I was a kid," one visitor shared. This poignant reaction underscores why children's books are their bestsellers, as parents seek to affirm their children's cultural identity from an early age.Beyond the carefully curated book selection focusing on BIPOC, queer, and women writers, the store showcases handcrafted items from local artists and Puerto Rican artisans. These exclusive partnerships make them one of the only U.S. locations selling certain Puerto Rican-made goods. Every purchase supports Taller Puertorriqueño's community programs, creating a virtuous cycle of cultural preservation and education.Philadelphia has the second-largest Puerto Rican population in the United States, giving the bookstore deep community roots. The bookstore collaborates with nearby schools (including one named after Julia de Burgos), hosts bilingual storytimes, and offers cultural tours. Lisa finds particular joy in making personalized recommendations, connecting visitors with books that reflect their unique experiences and interests.Discover how this literary haven honors Julia de Burgos' legacy of anti-colonialism, feminism, and cultural pride while building bridges between languages, generations, and communities. Follow their journey on Instagram or visit shoptallerpr.org to explore their collection and support this vital cultural institution.Cantoras, Caro De RobertisJulia De Burgos Bookshttps://www.history.com/articles/puerto-rico-great-migration-postwarSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textOn this episode, I chat with author Tova Mirvis about her novel, We Would Never, a psychological exploration inspired by a real murder case she discovered on Facebook.Mirvis reveals how true crime reporting always left her hungry for the human story beneath the headlines, and how she carefully crafted characters who start as a typical family with typical problems before spiraling into darkness.Having written a memoir about leaving Orthodox Judaism and her marriage, Mervis brings profound insight into the gap between our public and private selves. "What does it mean to not be the person you were expected to be?" she asks, a question that resonates throughout her fiction. Mirvis says of writing We Would Never,  "It taught me about the willingness to go dark," and the craft of creating suspense. Her insights into character development, the ethics of fictionalizing real events, and the thin line between ordinary people and extraordinary acts offer a valuable perspective for writers and readers alike.Ready to explore the shadowy corners of family dynamics? Listen now, and discover why fiction reveals what true crime can never tell.Tova MirvisWe Would Never, Tova MirvisOrbital, Samantha HarveyThe Safekeep, Yael Van Der WoudenSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with James Anderson, co-owner of Saturn Press with his with Diedre. The humble greeting card might seem like a relic in our digital age, but as James reveals, these tactile treasures carry meaning far beyond their paper boundaries. James shares how Saturn Press creates distinctive cards using vintage presses from the 1940s-60s, explaining that the very constraints of letterpress technology drive a creativity that digital perfection cannot replicate. "I'm not a Luddite who hates technology," he clarifies. "I just love that technology from 60 or 80 years ago remains relevant today." These limitations in color palette and printing technique result in cards that feel comforting, unique, and beautiful – qualities increasingly sought after in our screen-dominated world.  Behind each Saturn Press card lies a thoughtful process of selecting art from their extensive ephemera collection, commissioning licensed artists, or revitalizing work from overlooked historical artists. The company prints on carefully selected natural white paper with deckle edges, creating a wholesome tactile experience that enhances the visual design. Sustainability guides their decisions too, as they work to eliminate plastic from packaging while maintaining the product's integrity.  Perhaps most compelling is James's insight into why greeting cards still matter: "A sympathy text just doesn't cut it. If you're participating in a social relationship, you want to show it's worth enough to buy a nice card, write something meaningful, and put it in the mail." This intentionality explains why independent bookshops increasingly embrace stationery as both a profit center and a natural extension of their literary community.  Discover the magic of letterpress and why these cards aren't just purchased but treasured, displayed, and even framed as keepsakes. Visit saturnpresscards.com to experience these distinctive designs for yourself. Saturn PressThe Gold, Neil Forsyth and Thomas TurnerSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with author Kendra Elliot about her new novel, Her First Mistake.Kendra Elliot has sold thirteen million books, hit the Wall Street Journal top ten bestseller list more than a dozen times, and is a three-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier award. She is an International Thriller Writers' finalist and a Romantic Times finalist. She grew up in the lush and rainy Pacific Northwest. Synopsis of Her First Mistake:Thirteen years ago, Assemblyman Derrick Bell was murdered in his home by an intruder. His wife, Noelle Marshall, was left for dead. The crime was unsolved, but it wasn’t forgotten.Today the FBI is tackling a fresh perspective on the case and looking to Noelle, now a detective for the Deschutes County sheriff’s office, for new clues. It is reopening everything Noelle thought was behind her. Memories of her escape from a traumatic childhood. A marriage that wasn’t the perfect love story she’d been promised. And a husband whose charm and privilege hid a dark side. But Noelle has been hiding something too: a secret about the night Derrick died that she has never told anyone.As past and present and leads and misleads collide, one thing is frighteningly clear. Derrick’s murder wasn’t just unsolved. It’s unfinished. And only the truth—no matter the risk—can save the next victim.Kendra ElliotHer First Mistake, Kendra ElliotJulia Quinn BooksStephanie LaurensKaren Marie MoningSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textHi, and welcome to this episode of The Bookshop Podcast!Step into the vibrant literary heart of Mexico with the San Miguel Writers Conference, where cultural exchange and creative inspiration meet in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Susan Page, founder and president, alongside executive director Jodi Pincus, unveil the magic behind this extraordinary gathering that transforms writers and readers alike.This unique tricultural and bilingual event bridges the literary communities of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, creating rich connections across borders. Set against the backdrop of San Miguel de Allende—consistently voted the world's #1 city by Conde Nast Traveler—participants immerse themselves in perfectly preserved 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture while engaging with world-class authors and honing their craft.The 2026 conference boasts an exceptional lineup of global voices: Ethiopian-American physician-author Abraham Verghese, Canadian novelist Emily St. John Mandel, Nigerian literary star Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Indigenous Mexican intellectual Yesnaya Elena Aguilar-Hill, Argentinian author Andrés Neuman, and Chinese-American writer R.F. Kuang. Beyond the keynotes, the conference offers 80 workshops across multiple genres, opportunities to pitch literary agents, discussion circles on timely topics like AI and cultural appropriation, and a dedicated "Pleasures of Reading" track for literary enthusiasts.What truly distinguishes this gathering is its holistic approach to the literary experience—combining rigorous craft development with cultural immersion and community building. Workshops unfold in beautiful gardens, open mics create space for emerging voices, and wellness activities provide balance. Meanwhile, the conference maintains deep connections to local communities through teen writing programs and literary outreach to underserved rural areas.Whether you're a serious writer seeking to refine your craft, a reader hungry for literary inspiration, or someone drawn to the magical energy of San Miguel, the conference offers flexible registration options to create your perfect experience. Mark your calendar for February 11-15, 2026, and join a global community of literary minds in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.San Miguel Writers’ ConferenceSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Barbara Boyle about her memoir, Pinch Me.After decades crafting commercials and campaigns for global giants like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, Barbara was drawn to a completely different path. Her story begins with a magical honeymoon visit to the Piedmont region of Italy, where, gazing over terracotta rooftops with morning coffee in hand, she felt an undeniable pull: "I need to live here." That feeling—equal parts recognition and revelation—set in motion a complete life transformation.With warmth and candor, Barbara shares the unexpected parallels between her advertising background and memoir writing, where economy of language proved invaluable. She brings us along as she and her husband purchase and renovate their dream home, describing with reverence how the centuries-old stones seem to whisper stories of previous generations. "This house has an anima, a soul," their builder told them—a sentiment that perfectly captures the profound connection Barbara feels to her adopted homeland.But this isn't simply a rose-colored relocation story. Just as Barbara was settling into her idyllic Italian life, a breast cancer diagnosis forced the couple to temporarily return to California for treatment. Her clear-eyed perspective on facing mortality while pursuing dreams adds remarkable depth to her narrative: "It is odd when all of your worst fears become real. It is not so bad." This resilience—facing challenges with grace while never losing sight of what matters—makes her story universally resonant.Ready to be transported to the rolling hills of Piedmont? Listen now and discover how home isn't necessarily where we begin but where our soul recognizes itself—sometimes in the most unexpected places. If you enjoy Barbara's story, please share it with others who might be dreaming of their own bold life changes.Barbara BoylePinch Me, Barbara BoyleDancing on my Own Two Feet, Jenn TodlingSpare, Prince Harry, The Duke of SussexSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Lucy Yu, founder and owner of Yu & Me Books. Trained as a chemical engineer, her life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic when grief from losing a close friend led to deep reflection about her purpose. "I'm here on earth to do art and foster love," she realized, and from this epiphany, You and Me Books was born—the first female Asian American-owned bookstore in New York City's historic Manhattan Chinatown.  Yu's vision of creating a genuine community space resonated deeply in a time when people were starved for connection. The bookstore became more than just a place to buy books—it transformed into a sanctuary where diverse voices are celebrated and where customers feel so at home they comfortably take naps in the chairs.  The journey hasn't been without heartbreak. In July 2023, a devastating fire ravaged the bookstore, forcing Yu to watch helplessly as her dream literally went up in smoke. But what followed was nothing short of miraculous. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $360,000 from 6,000 individual donors, fellow bookstore owners offered their spaces, and community members rallied with practical and emotional support. This outpouring of love affirmed Yu's belief that "chasing love and art will never let you down."  You and Me Books stands today as a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the vital role that independent bookstores play as third spaces where people can gather, connect, and belong. Lucy's story reminds us that books aren't just products—they're vessels for connection that show us we're never alone in our experiences.Yu & Me BooksScattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder, Gabor MatéTranscending Trauma: Healing Complex Ptsd with Internal Family Systems, Frank Anderson Asymmetry, A Novel, Lisa Halliday Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, Max Porter Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution, Peniel E. Joseph  Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Danielle Teller about how her creative journey defies conventional wisdom about career paths. From Yale-trained pulmonologist studying lung disease to acclaimed novelist, her story demonstrates how life's unexpected turns might lead us exactly where we're meant to be."I was a huge bookworm when I was a kid, but I was too chicken to actually write," Teller says. She explains how her fears centered on financial insecurity and feeling she lacked stories to tell, until a cross-country move disrupted her academic medical career and her husband encouraged her to pursue this long-held dream.Teller's latest novel, Forged, transports readers to America's Gilded Age through the story of Fanny, a desperate young woman navigating a Darwinian world of social stratification and ruthless capitalism. What makes this historical fiction particularly compelling is Teller's revelation that our current era mirrors that period of extreme wealth disparities and political corruption. "I think that my research reinforced my feeling that we are in a second Gilded Age," she explains, describing the disturbing parallels between past and present.Our conversation ventures beyond the novel to explore the publishing industry's subjective nature, including how finding the right agent resembles "matchmaking." Teller's unique perspective shapes characters who defy traditional female protagonist tropes, creating women who actively forge their own destinies despite societal constraints.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help more readers discover thought-provoking historical fiction that illuminates both past and present.Danielle TellerForged, Danielle TellerOrbital, Samantha HarveyThe Elements of Eloquence, Mark ForsythGoddess Complex, Sanjena SathianSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links