Hello everyone, and welcome back to Book Talk with Cara. Today, I'm excited to have award-winning author Melanie Dobson on the show to discuss her latest novel, The Lost Story of Via Bell. Known for her compelling World War II time slip stories, Melanie shares the inspiration and challenges behind her new book, which weaves together narratives from the 1940s and 2006. We delve into Melanie's writing process, the historical accuracy required for such tales, and the characters' emotional journeys. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about storytelling, history, and the intricacies of writing dual timelines.

You can learn more about Melanie and her books at her website: https://melaniedobson.com/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman interviews author Chelsea Bobulski about her historical romance novel, A Deal with a Debutante. Set in the Gilded Age era, Chelsea discusses her background in history, her writing process, and the unique romantic tropes explored in the book. The story focuses on an American heiress with no interest in marriage and a British hero who must marry to save his estate. Chelsea also addresses the research involved, the book's themes, and provides insights for book clubs. The discussion concludes with a fun lightning round highlighting key aspects and favorite lines from the book.

You can connect with Chelsea on her website: https://chelseabobulski.com/

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Cara welcomes author Joanna Politano back to Book Talk to discuss her upcoming novel The Life She Forgot (out April 21), the first in a new reverse-chronology series centered on an imaginary house built into Cornwall’s cliffs, where each book reveals new hidden rooms and tunnels. Joanna shares life updates, including homeschooling her three kids and teaching her oldest to write, and explains why she chose to publish indie for flexibility, creative control, and to learn marketing. They tease the story’s amnesia-driven conflict as a woman begins remembering a past life after three years and a marriage of convenience, alongside a split timeline featuring a PTSD-haunted veteran rebuilding after war. Joanna highlights Cornwall’s scent as a key memory trigger, a mosaic motif of broken pieces forming a whole, and reflects on how memory shapes identity.

You can learn more about Joanna and her books at her website: https://jdpstories.com/

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!