Literary Escapes with Becki

Ep 125: Exploring Oregon with Author Shanna Hatfield

From Sagebrush to Coastlines: Inside Oregon with a Local Author!

With an immensely varied geography – from rugged coastlines to lava fields, the high desert to the Columbia River and Crater Lake – Oregon is just begging to be explored!

 

Shanna Hatfield has lived in Oregon for nearly her entire life and she loves sharing her home state with readers. Her writing career started after her husband challenged her to “write a better one” and she has published 123 books since then.

 

This week we are diving into the charming, quirky world of Summer Creek in "Catching the Cowboy." A billionaire’s daughter serving community service on a ranch? It’s laugh-out-loud funny and full of heartwarming goodness. Plus, you won’t want to miss the town mascot, a goat named Ethel!

 

Oregon, here we come!

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-125-exploring-oregon-with-author-shanna-hatfield/

Ep 124: Exploring Nebraska with Author Kelly Brakenhoff

This week’s episode is taking us to the heartland of the US… Nebraska!

 

Author Kelly Brakenhoff shares hidden gems and surprising facts about the Cornhusker State. From the quirky Carhenge to Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy, Kelly paints a vivid picture of a state rich in history and natural beauty. Learn about the friendly Midwestern culture and must-visit spots like the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Willa Cather house!

 

Our book of the week, Death by Dissertation, stars Cassandra Soto who recently moved from Hawaii to Nebraska. Amidst the culture shock of this transition, she finds herself caught up in a mystery at the local college.

 

Kelly brings her experience as an ASL interpreter to her stories and she is passionate about representing the deaf community in her books. Her children's series, "Duke the Deaf Dog," introduces kids to deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL) in an engaging way. Plus, her mystery novels feature deaf characters and provide a unique perspective on various cultures.

 

Ready to explore Nebraska in a whole new way? Let’s go!

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-124-exploring-nebraska-with-author-kelly-brakenhoff/

 

 

Ep 123: Exploring Massachusetts with Author Meghann Whistler

Massachusetts isn't just about Boston! This week we are exploring the rich history, stunning natural beauty, and charming coastal towns of the state with author Meghann Whistler’s book, Their Unlikely Protector.

 

A gripping opening scene inspired by real-life heroism kicks things off.  With fire, bravery, and an old high school nemesis popping up at every turn, this is a book you won't want to miss!

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-123-exploring-massachusetts-with-author-meghann-whistler/

 

 

Ep 122: Exploring North Dakota with Author Ellen Jacobson

This week we are unraveling mysteries in North Dakota with author Ellen Jacobson. Inspired by her sister and her husband, her newest cozy mystery series is a love letter to both libraries and North Dakota.

Thea Olson is an amateur sleuth who teams up with her grandmother and the new library director to solve mysteries in the fictional town of Why, North Dakota. Murder at the Library is packed with nods to North Dakota’s vibrant Scandinavian community, adding a rich cultural layer that brings a great sense of place to the story. 

You’ll love hearing how Ellen started her writing journey with a sailing blog and how her background in anthropology plays into her stories.

North Dakota is often overlooked and rarely visited but it has so much to offer. Let’s go!

 

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-122-exploring-north-dakota-with-author-ellen-jacobson/

 

Ep 121: Exploring New Jersey with Author Kimberly Miller

This week on the podcast, our adventure leads us to the state of New Jersey.

 

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to live in a popular vacation destination full time? Our author this week, Kimberly Miller, loved Ocean City's vibe so much she crafted an entire community around it in her book, Flowers for Hattie, and explored the idea of life as a fulltime resident.

 

Ocean City, NJ, sounds like a dream! Safe, clean, family-friendly beach town that even has a lovely bookstore. Let’s go!

 

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-121-exploring-new-jersey-with-author-kimberly-miller/

 

Ep 120: Exploring Montana with Author Penny Zeller

This week on the podcast, our adventure leads us to the breathtaking state of Montana! Whether you're a fan of historical romance, intrigued by Montana's beauty, or just love a good story with a happy ending, this episode is for you. 

Penny Zeller has been passionate about writing since childhood. Starting as a non-fiction writer, she transitioned into creating heartwarming Christian historical romances.

Her stories, filled with faith-filled happily-ever-afters, provide a much-needed escape and a touch of hope in today's world.

Tune in to discover the magic behind her storytelling and why Montana makes the perfect backdrop.

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-120-exploring-montana-with-author-penny-zeller/

 

Ep 119: Exploring Utah with Author Brittney Mulliner

We’re heading to Utah this week with author Brittney Mulliner’s book, Puck Drop!

Utah is full of red rock beauty and perfect for outdoor adventures. Brittney shares her favorite Utah spots, including Moab and Arches National Park. She also shares how a vivid dream during her senior year of college inspired her writing career.

Our book of the week, Puck Drop, is Book 1 of her Utah Fury hockey series. Listen to find out the unexpected connection to Utah’s upcoming NHL team. This Utah Fury hockey series is a reader favorite with 14 compelling books and counting! 

Are you ready for love on the ice?

 

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-119-exploring-utah-with-author-brittney-mulliner/

Ep 118: Exploring West Virginia with Author Lindsey Jesionowski

Ready for a literary adventure through the heart of West Virginia? 

Lindsey Jesionowski captures the rural charm and mountain beauty of the state and her book "Alone Together," is set in her hometown of Wheeling. 

Dive into her creative process as she details how local places, people, and businesses inspired her story, with a mix of real and fictitious places filling the pages.

Whether you're a book lover, a budding writer, or someone looking to explore new places from the comfort of your home, this episode has something for you.

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-118-exploring-west-virginia-with-author-lindsey-jesionowski/

Ep 117: Exploring Indiana with Author Camilla Isley

This week we’re headed into the heart of Indiana with the wonderfully talented Camilla Isley! Camilla, originally from Italy, shares her unique experiences living in South Bend, Indiana, and how the charm of the Midwest influenced her work.

Camilla shares her unconventional transition from a career in science engineering to writing romantic comedies, highlighting how taking online writing courses helped her unlock her storytelling potential.

We also dive into the quirky scenarios she envisions for her characters, such as transforming a book boyfriend into reality in her upcoming book, "It Started with a Book," and the comedic twists in her latest projects. Camilla also gives us a peek into the books she loves to read and how they inspire her creative process.

Join us as we explore Camilla’s literary world filled with wit, romance, and the unexpected!

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-117-exploring-indiana-with-author-camilla-isley/

Ep 116: Exploring Arizona with Author Lynne Spreen

This week we’re heading to Arizona with author Lynne Spreen. Her book, “Starting Over in Sedona," involves family estrangement, disputed property, and a mystical story of preserving family land. 

From historical sites like Montezuma Well to the striking red rock landscapes, Lynne’s love for Arizona shines through her writing. Another great feature of Lynne’s writing is her mission to portray older women as formidable figures – far from the stereotypical depictions. Her characters are impressive, resilient, and deeply relatable.

 

 

CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!

 

CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!

 

Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast?

CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.

 

Every week at Literary Escapes, we travel through the pages to a new destination, discovering the landscapes and heartbeats of different states through the wonderful world of books. From the golden coasts of California to the lively streets of New York City, each book we explore offers a unique slice of life and culture, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

 

Find links to the books, author, and book club here:

https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-116-exploring-arizona-with-author-lynne-m-spreen/