The Women Books & More’s Podcast

Kerri Maher on Summer of Love: Family Secrets, Addiction, and the California Dream

Bestselling author Kerri Maher, acclaimed for The Paris Bookseller, The Kennedy Debutante, and The Girl in White Gloves, joins Women, Books & More to discuss Summer of Love, her first novel not inspired by real historical figures.

The phrase “California Dreamin’” (immortalized by The Mamas & the Papas' 1965 hit) has long symbolized the idealism of the era. In Summer of Love, Kerri Maher looks beyond that mythology to explore the complexities of family, addiction, forgiveness, and the stories we inherit. Set in California's wine country, it's a moving novel about sisters, memory, resilience, and the ties that bind us across generations.

In this conversation, Kerri shares why she stepped away from historical fiction rooted in real lives to write a wholly imagined family saga, how Napa Valley became an essential character in the novel, and why the things families never say can shape generations as profoundly as the truths they tell.

The books currently on Kerri's bedside table include Love & Saffron by Kim Fay and Flashlight by Susan Choi

Learn more about Kerri Maher and her books: www.kerrimaher.com

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We'd love to hear from you. Send your comments, questions, and suggestions for future episodes to womenbooksandmore@gmail.com.

Rob Hart on Three Hitmen and a Baby: A Thriller with Humor, Heart & Redemption

Bestselling author Rob Hart joins Irene Rawlings on Women, Books & More to discuss his new thriller, Three Hitmen and a Baby, the latest novel in his Assassins Anonymous series. We talk about humor, suspense, memorable characters and the experiences that have shaped his writing.

And…yes, the book is every bit as entertaining as the title suggests.

Here’s the story: three former assassins—now trying very hard to stay retired—suddenly find themselves caring for a toddler while dodging the Russian mob, the police, and a series of increasingly impossible situations. It's fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly touching.

During our conversation, Rob talks about the inspiration behind the novel, why redemption lies at the heart of the Assassins Anonymous series, and how he balances action, humor, and genuine emotion. We also explore the unlikely path that took Rob from newspaper reporter and publisher to New York City Commissioner, and how those experiences continue to shape the characters and stories he writes.

To learn more about Rob and his books, visit www.robwhart.com

I'd also love to hear from you. Please send your comments, book suggestions, and ideas for future guests to womenbooksandmore@gmail.com

Happy reading…and happy listening!

Summer Reading 2026: The Best New Novels for Your Beach Bag

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, settle into a favorite chair, and lose yourself in a great book. In this episode of Women, Books & More, Irene Rawlings shares her favorite new novels for Summer 2026—from sweeping historical fiction and compelling family sagas to irresistible romance, unforgettable women, and page-turning mysteries.

Featured authors include Liane Moriarty, Ann Patchett, Lisa See, Kathryn Stockett, Chanel Cleeton, Ellen Baker, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, Maurene Goo, Maggie O'Farrell, Carley Fortune, and Elin Hilderbrand.

Although each story is unique, they all explore a timeless question: How well do we really know the people we love?

Whether you're packing a beach bag, planning a vacation, or simply looking for your next great read, this episode is filled with thoughtful recommendations and plenty of inspiration for your summer reading list.

We'd love to hear from you. What are you reading this summer? Share your favorite books, authors, or hidden gems by emailing us at womenbooksandmore@gmail.com. Your recommendations may inspire a future episode of Women, Books & More.

New episodes are released every Wednesday.

Bridget Crocker on The River’s Daughter: Whitewater Rafting, Survival, and Healing Through Nature

In this episode of Women, Books and More, host Irene Rawlings speaks with whitewater river guide and author Bridget Crocker about her memoir The River’s Daughter. Bridget shares stories from her life spent guiding on rivers around the world and reflects on how a life in extreme whitewater rafting shaped her understanding of fear, survival, trauma, and healing.

We talk about what it’s like to grow up around rivers, to work in a male-dominated adventure sport, and how time in nature can become both a place of challenge and a source of transformation. Bridget also opens up about the process of writing a deeply personal memoir and how revisiting her past changed the way she understands her own story.

Contact Briget Crocker for author events and information about her wellness or writing river journeys.

https://bridgetcrocker.com/ 

Ellen Baker on Summerland Cove, Family Secrets, and the Perfect Summer Gone Wrong

On this episode of Women, Books & More, bestselling novelist Ellen Baker joins us to talk about her new novel, Summerland Cove, a moving work of contemporary women’s fiction set on the coast of Maine.

Known for writing emotionally layered stories about family relationships, identity, memory, and belonging, Ellen Baker creates vivid settings that feel deeply connected to the characters themselves. In addition to her work as a novelist, she is also a reinvention coach who helps people navigate major life transitions and new beginnings.

Summerland Cove unfolds during one pivotal summer at a family cottage in coastal Maine, where loved ones gather to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding, and a wedding anniversary. But when a family member disappears just before the summer begins, long-held tensions, secrets, and shifting relationships begin to surface.

In this episode, Ellen Baker discusses:

• The inspiration behind Summerland Cove
• Writing contemporary family drama set in coastal Maine
• How setting shapes identity, memory, and emotional connection
• Creating realistic family relationships in women’s fiction
• The contrast between celebration, loss, and uncertainty
• Why Maine fiction continues to resonate with readers
• Reinvention, new beginnings, and emotional healing

If you love books about family secrets, summer novels set in Maine, women’s fiction, multigenerational stories, and emotionally rich literary fiction, this episode is for you.

Contact Ellen to request a visit with your book club and to download the Summerland Cove book club reading guide. ellenbakernovels.com

As always, we love to hear from you. Send your comments, questions, and guest suggestions to womenbooksandmore@gmail.com

Lisa See on Daughters of the Sun and Moon and the Power of Women's Stories

New York Times bestselling author Lisa See joins Irene Rawlings to discuss her latest novel, Daughters of the Sun and Moon, set in 1870s Los Angeles and inspired by the lives of three Chinese immigrant women who must carve out a living for themselves in a rough frontier town where violence was commonplace and anti-Chinese sentiment ran high.

Drawing on her Chinese American heritage and a lifelong fascination with history, Lisa has spent more than three decades bringing overlooked stories to life. The conversation explores the inspiration behind her new novel, the history of early Los Angeles, and the themes that run through much of her work—friendship, family, secrets, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds between women.

In this episode, Lisa discusses:

• The inspiration behind Daughters of the Sun and Moon
• What Los Angeles was like in 1870 when her characters Dove, Petal, and Moon arrive in the city
• How her family's history continues to influence her writing
• Growing up with her mother, author and literary critic Carolyn See
• The role books and storytelling played in her childhood
• The journey from On Gold Mountain to an internationally celebrated fiction career
• Why friendship, secrets, guilt, forgiveness, and women's relationships remain at the heart of her work

Connect with Lisa See Visit Lisa's website for upcoming speaking engagements, book signings, library events, and to request a virtual appearance with your book club. https://lisasee.com/

Connect with Women, Books & More womenbooksandmore@gmail.com

Pauline Frommer on Smart Travel, Family Vacations, Packing Hacks & Hidden Destinations

On this episode of Women, Books & More, host Irene Rawlings welcomes renowned travel expert Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer's and daughter of legendary travel pioneer Arthur Frommer, creator of the iconic Europe on $5 a Day travel guides.

Pauline shares stories from her childhood travels with her father and offers practical advice for today’s travelers—from carry-on packing strategies and the best time to book airfare to navigating crowded destinations and discovering lesser-known gems across Europe.

In this lively conversation, Irene and Pauline discuss:

• The legacy of Arthur Frommer and the evolution of travel journalism
• Why packing light can completely change your travel experience
• Airline booking tips and travel hacks
• Whether travel advisors are more valuable than ever
• Europe’s best seasons for travel and how to avoid peak crowds
• Summer and fall travel trends and underrated destinations
• Family vacations and the rise of multi-generational travel
• Villa rentals, beach stays, and slow travel experiences
• Cruise safety concerns after COVID and recent health headlines
• Pauline’s upcoming European travels and favorite destinations

Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy, dreaming about Paris, organizing a family getaway, or simply love travel stories, this episode is packed with expert insight and inspiration.

Visit Frommer's Official Website for travel news, destination guides, and insider tips.

Robert Edsel on The Monuments Men, the heroic Rose Valland, and Recovering WWII Stolen Art

Women, Books & More sits down with author Robert Edsel, whose groundbreaking research brought the true story of the Monuments Men to a global audience—and ultimately to the screen in George Clooney’s acclaimed film The Monuments Men, featuring an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.

The film The Monuments Men introduced many viewers to a lesser-known but profoundly important chapter of World War II history—the Allied mission to protect and recover Europe’s stolen cultural heritage. Alongside films such as Good Night, and Good Luck, it reflects a powerful focus on moral urgency and humanity in times of war.

Watch The Monuments Men on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and other streaming platforms.

Robert Edsel is also the founder of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, an organization that continues the urgent work of locating, identifying, and returning art stolen by the Nazis during WWII to its rightful owners. monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org

In this conversation, we explore:

• Who the Monuments Men were and how the Allied effort to save Europe’s cultural heritage began
• How Robert Edsel uncovered and researched this largely forgotten history
• The ongoing mission to recover and repatriate stolen artwork through the Foundation
• The translation and significance of Rose Valland’s diary and her pivotal role in preserving European art during the war
• Edsel’s recent book Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II, which explores the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, where more than 8,000 American service members are buried and honored by generations of Dutch families who continue to care for their graves
• https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/about-netherlands-american-cemetery/