You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert

Two girls, best friends. Planned a future together, always vowing to be there for one another. Until one took a different path. Twelve years later, these former best friends meet again. Can they find a way to be friends again? Can they learn to understand what happened twelve years ago?

Katherine- beautiful, driven, and single. Katherine is an executive at Blend Cosmetics, an exclusive brand. Katherine’s days are filled with meetings, parties and more- she’s on the move always. New York City is Katherine’s home and she has a hard time imagining living elsewhere. However, once upon a time she was Kitty- shy, slightly insecure and set on a life with her best friend, Laney, by her side.

Laney, married, has a 12 year old daughter. She runs a spa, Oasis, in town- a job that she loves (besides her boos, that is). Laney’s days consist of family, work and living in Manchester- a town she never dreamed she be living in as an adult. Life has a funny way, though.

Luella Hancock, a kind and older lady who lived on the same street with Kitty and Laney. Luella welcomed both into her house and life- but it was Kitty that she took a bit more of a shine to over the years. Luella showed both the girls the finer things in life- sparkly dresses, beautiful jewelry and more.

Katherine and Laney both get notifications to meet at an attorney’s office regarding Luella Hancock. Both go, each without the knowledge the other would be there. Both are surprised because they haven’t seen each other in twelve years. Luella, loving both the girls in special ways, leaves her house to them- with the stipulation that both must work together to clean it out and they could sell and split the proceeds. Luella remembers a time when it was Kitty and Laney, best friends forever. She hopes that they might remember this time as well as they clean the house that Luella left them in her will.

Together the two ladies work on the house- but without discussing the past. The past is complicated with broken dreams, promises, and hurt feelings. While Katherine is in Manchester, she realizes that there is more than 1 set of unfinished business left for her to take care of. Can Katherine find a way to explain the past to another person she hurt? Can Laney forgive the past? Can Katherine forgive Laney?

Working on Luella’s house brings back memories of their friendship, of the sisterhood they shared before their lives took different paths. Katherine and Laney are both grown up- but is there still a spark of Kitty and Laney, best friends forever, in there? Or is the past too complicated, too broken to mend?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Emily Liebert’s debut novel, You Knew Me When, tells the story of 2 girls, Laney and Kitty, neighbors and best friends. The story is told in alternating perspective- present and past years. Emily Liebert weaves the past and present together to create a story that is about the heart of a women’s friendship.

Funny, charming, and sweet- You Knew Me When is an enjoyable story. A story that hints that friendship never dies, that a person can go home again and that love will happen in it’s perfect timing. Recommended for fans of women’s fiction- this book is a story to give to friends to read and discuss. Book clubs will love discussing this- as there is a little of Laney and Kitty in all of us.

*This book was sent to my by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder of a Stacked Librarian by Denise Swanson

Photo Credit: Amazon

It’s almost Skye’s wedding- which should be the happiest day of her life. Except the groom is spending more time at the police station, Skye’s worried about fitting in her wedding dress and a murder needs to be solved so Skye can relax on her honeymoon- that is, if she can find time to get married with the chaos of life of Scumble River!

Skye is busy finishing the planning for her December wedding and really second-guessing getting married at Christmas holidays- what with all the normal holiday events, a wedding to plan has made Skye busier than a bee! Wally, her groom, is also busy at work- and a murder of librarian- a beautiful lady with a moral code that always points due north, is complicating matters further in Scumble River!

Skye, even with the wedding planning, takes on her role as a consultant to the police with relish. Wally and Skye team up to narrow down a list of suspects who wished the beautiful and shapely Yvonne harm- and conclude quickly that Yvonne was targeted because she was a firm believer in following the rules. As suspect by suspect is crossed off the list, Skye worries the case will not be solved before they have to leave for the honeymoon- which might mean the case may never get solved.

Not only is Skye worried about the case, but her wedding cake turns into a disaster (could this be a bad omen?!), the ghost at her house is still preventing her and Wally from amorous activities, and May is being suspiciously quiet- which makes Skye worry what she has up her sleeve! Last but not least, Skye becomes aware that Simon, her ex, might be involved with another lady- and she feels amiss. Is there a slight green eyed monster in Skye?

Do Skye and Wally solve the case in time? Does the wedding happen with out any problems? Will Skye have packed the right type of clothes for her honeymoon? And just what does May have up her sleeve and should Skye be worried? All these and more questions will be answered in Murder of a Stacked Librarian!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

If you are a fan of the Scumble River series by Denise Swanson- you’ll enjoy this book. Skye is on the road to a happy life with Wally (or is she?!) and the antics and happenings of Scumble River are enough to keep a cozy mystery fan happy and entertained.

Denise Swanson writes a humorous story with a cast of characters that are known and loved by many. Enjoyable, funny, and a good mystery!

*This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Author Spotlight: Emily Liebert

Emily Liebert was here on Monday talking about her debut, You Knew Me When, and she is back today to talk about her #literarycrush, favorite authors, and more! Don’t forget: Traveling With T is giving away a copy of You Knew Me When and the Zoya nail polish set inspired by the book! To enter- simply comment on the Interview With Emily Liebert post!

Author Spotlight: Emily Liebert

Emily, who are some of your favorite authors?

Judy Blume, Jennifer Weiner, Jill Kargman, Sarah Pekkanen, Emily Giffin, Elizabeth Noble, and Jane Green.

When you are not writing, what do you like to take part in?

I love to travel, cook, and spend as much time as possible with my little “babies” Jaxsyn (4) and Hugo (3).

Emily- do you have any #literaryconfessions?

If I don’t like a book after two chapters, I give up on it. I used to push myself to finish every book I started and then I realized it was a waste of my time. Oh, and I’ve never read Twilight, any of the Harry Potter books, or Fifty Shades of Grey.

What is your favorite movie of 2013?

I rarely ever watch movies. There’s a confession! The last movie I saw was Monsters University (with my kids) and before that it was The Social Network. So that gives you a sense! I don’t have the patience to sit in one spot for that long without chatting. Even when my husband and I try to watch a movie at home, I’m walking around doing other things. It drives him crazy!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables—one of my ALL TIME favorite books!

Emily- what is your vision of a perfect day?

Cuddling with my kids and my husband in the morning, bringing in bagels for breakfast, and then heading to the beach to go boating with friends, followed by a great, casual dinner. I’m a big foodie. Of course, a little shopping couldn’t hurt!

Do you, Emily, have a favorite opening line from a book?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” —Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

What are some books that you will always make room for on the shelves?

Anne of Green Gables, Summer Sisters, Little Earthquakes, The Help

*Special thanks to Emily Liebert for agreeing to this Author Spotlight!

Emily Liebert was born and raised in New York City, attended the Horace Mann School and Smith College, where she graduated with a B.A. in English Language & Literature.

After college, Emily landed her first job as an Executive Assistant at ABC News, where she honed her organizational skills and helped produce television specials for Peter Jennings Reporting. To this day, she is a whiz with “To Do” lists.

Since childhood, Emily’s had a passion for writing, so when the opportunity to become Editor-in-Chief of The WAG—a luxury lifestyle magazine covering Westchester and Fairfield Counties—presented itself, she jumped at the chance. During Emily’s five-year tenure, she wrote hundreds of articles, including celebrity profiles, travel, fashion, and beauty.

Ready for her next adventure, Emily became a full-time freelance writer, penning lifestyle pieces for media outlets such as, The Huffington Post, Oprah.com, Elite Traveler, Robb Report, Gotham, and Cottages & Gardens.

In 2009, Emily edited Kerry Kennedy’s New York Times bestseller Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk About Change in the Church and the Quest for Meaning.

The following year, Emily published her first book, Facebook Fairytales, which was featured at the 2010 Frankfurt Book Fair, and Emily was one of 20 guests of honor—among Elizabeth Kostova, Russell Banks, and Lisa See—at the renowned Literary Feast 2010, a privilege reserved for best-selling and buzz-worthy authors.

Shortly thereafter, Emily was hired by Microsoft as the spokesperson for Bing’s partnership with Facebook and appeared in 30+ television and radio spots for the brand, which garnered exceptional ratings.

In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, You Knew Me When, which will publish on September 3, 2013. Her second novel will publish in September 2014, both with Penguin Group USA.

Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: NBC’s Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson, FOX News, NBC’s LXTV, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and Celebrity Parents Magazine.

When Emily’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and cozying up with a good book. She’s been known to ride on a Harley Davidson. And she does a mean Running Man. Emily lives with her husband, Lewis, and their two delicious little boys, Jaxsyn and Hugo, in the suburbs of New York City, where she moved kicking and screaming for fear that there would be no Chinese food delivery at 3 a.m.

Emily’s links: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Goodreads and Instagram.

Interview with Dana Bate, author The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs

A few months ago, I won Dana Bate’s debut, The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs from Hyperion Publishing. I was very excited to read the book because the plot sounded funny and sweet- and, I LOVED that cover (I mean LOOK at it- who wouldn’t love a cover like that?!)

Lucky for me- Dana agreed to be interviewed on Traveling With T!

Interview with Dana Bate, author of The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs

Dana- Thank you so much for stopping by Traveling With T for an interview.

Thanks so much for having me!

Dana- what was the inspiration for The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs?

Before I even started writing, I knew I wanted to write a story that involved food. But I also wanted to write a story that was fresh and fun – a new food angle or setting that hadn’t really been used before. Then in the fall of 2009, when I was living in London for a brief stint with my husband, I came across an article about a woman in London who hosted an underground supper club out of her flat. She turned her tiny apartment into a secret restaurant, and people would come from all over and pay to eat in her home. The idea really captured my imagination, and shortly thereafter, I began what would eventually become THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO LOVE AND SUPPER CLUBS.

When creating characters, do you find that you base them on people you know or create them from your own imagination?

I tend to create characters from my own imagination. That said, although I never base one character on one specific person, I’ve definitely combined attributes of various people into one character – sort of like throwing a bunch of different ingredients into a bowl and baking them up into something new.

Who is your favorite character in The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs?

Oooh, tough call! I love them all, but I suppose that’s because I created them. I do love Hannah, though. As her character developed, I felt as if she were someone I could know in real life – sometimes funny, sometimes infuriating, confused, goodhearted. I had so much fun writing her.

Can you describe The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Club in 15 words or less?

A woman stuck in an unfulfilling job and doomed relationship opens an underground supper club.

Dana- tell us about your writing space. Do you have a space or a routine?

I tend to write in my office, though I have been known to head to a coffee shop or bookstore when I need a change of scenery. I recently had a baby, so at the moment my routine is a bit of a work in progress, but before that, I would start writing at 9:00 a.m. and write until I’d written at least 1,000 words, preferably more. My rule was that if I met my word goal by 10:00 a.m., great – the rest of the day was mine. But if I didn’t meet my word goal until 10:00 p.m., so be it – I’d be writing until 10:00 p.m. The reality was usually somewhere in between. With a baby now in the mix…I’ll get back to you on how that all works out 😉.

The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs is chick lit. Why do you think chick lit sells so well?

Does it? I feel like I’m always hearing that chick lit’s moment has passed. I don’t think the moment has passed at all, but I think some people balk at the term “chick lit” or use it (totally unfairly) as a derogatory term. Whatever you call it, I love a fun, breezy read, especially on vacation. I love heavy books, too, but chick lit provides a great breather from those more serious books. I think other people feel that way, too, especially when real life can be serious enough. It’s great to escape through a fun story. That isn’t to say chick lit has to be mindless or vapid. Some of my favorite chick lit mixes a deeper message along with the humor.

Hannah opens an underground supper club and it changes her life in many ways- some humorous, some not. Dana, how did you decide on an underground supper club as being part of the plot?

After reading that article I mentioned above, I knew I had to make an underground supper club part of the story. It sounded so fun – and so risky. I mean, this woman turned her apartment into a restaurant, without the approval of the health department or anyone else! What if someone got food poisoning? Weren’t there a zillion things that could go wrong? The setting seemed ripe for mishaps and secrecy – not to mention culinary adventures.

Dana- what are you working on next? Do you have an idea for a future book?

I’m working on my next book as I type! I recently landed a two-book deal with Kensington in the US and Constable & Robinson in the UK. I’m thrilled! I can’t tell you much about my next book yet, but like my first book, it involves family, relationships, humor, and, of course, food.

*Special thanks to Dana Bate for agreeing to be interviewed!

Dana Bate, when not working on her future books or taking care of her new baby- can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Dana also has a website! Dana is also a 2012-2013 Deb at The Debutante Ball! Here is an article she recently posted: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid.

To read Traveling With T’s review of The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs, visit here.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life

Cindi, like me, is a member of She Reads. When She Reads tweeted that A Utah Mom’s Life was joining She Reads- I tweeted her “hello and welcome to the group”- and the rest is history. Cindi is opinionated about books- she’s passionate about reading- and fun to talk with.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life

Cindi- when did you begin blogging?

I’ve been blogging for about six years. I had a private family blog and Utah Mom’s Life for things I wanted to share publicly. About four years ago, I decided to combine the two into a single blog. It drives my mom crazy because she wants more pictures of the kids and I tend to write more about books.

How did you come up with the name A Utah Mom’s Life?

It’s a simple name for a blog but I actually thought about it for a long time. I wanted something that conveyed everything that I wanted to write about. It’s personal since most of my time is spent being a mom to my five kids. It’s specific to my geographic location which was good since I often write about local activities. Plus it pops up quickly in search engines. It encompasses all the important parts of my life — books, photography, my family and religion.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I definitely find myself feeding my book-obsession more because of blogging. Reading book reviews on my favorite blogs regularly (too regularly, I confess) inspires me to buy the book. The book buzz from other bloggers is a huge influence on my reading choices.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family. My husband is my best friend and we enjoy hiking, watching foreign films and Justified together, discussing politics and current events. Someday we will travel together again. My kids are awesome and keep us running constantly with their activities. I come from a large family (I’m the oldest of seven kids) and we always have a hysterical time when we get together.

I’m also an amatuer photographer. I love taking pictures of families and children.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I hate poetry. My husband thinks I’m crazy, since I was an English major in college, but I really do hate poetry. I’m often tempted to skip a poem when it’s in a novel.

Also, I don’t love Jane Austen novels. I’ve read them but I find them pretty blah. And I would rather die than watch the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Sorry Colin.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

This is a really hard question. It takes quite the man to impress me. I like Edmond Dante from The Count of Monte Cristo. The male characters in The Firebird and Love Water Memory are quite nice. I kind of had thing for Henry from The Time Traveler’s Wife.

For a few years, I read primarily biographies and I fell in love with John Adams (I know!) and Teddy Roosevelt.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

In July, I bought And The Mountains Echoed. I loved Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns and I’m really looking forward to his latest. I’d also like to get my hands on the new novels coming out from Jamie Ford and Diane Setterfield this fall.

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I loved A Land More KindThan Home by Wiley Cash. It came out last year but I didn’t get to read it until this year. I could gush about it for hours and I forced my husband (who really has no time to read fiction) to read it so that we could discuss it.

Life after Life by Jill McCorkle didn’t get as much attention as Kate Atkinson’s novel of the same title, but it really made an impression on me. I also loved A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea, The Aviator’s Wife, and Benediction. I finally read Night Circus and was blown away.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Looking at my to-read shelf, if I was leaving today on vacation, I would grab Gone Girl, Overseas and A Light Between Oceans.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I have a Kindle Fire. I can’t find it right now. I think my daughter took it with her to visit her grandparents. But it doesn’t matter because I can’t stand reading books on it. I feel bad for the books I’ve tried to review by reading an e-book because I’m sure my opinion is tainted.

I love the feel of a real book–paperback or hardback. I sometimes find myself caressing the spine while I read. (I do hate creases in the spine and perhaps subconsciously I think a little gentle massage will help prevent wrinkles.) I love the smell. I love the look of the book on my shelves. I like to loan my books out to my neighbors or put a favorite into the hands of my child.

Cindi- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?” Has She Reads also broadened your reading taste?

I’ve been hosting a neighborhood book club at my house for over five years. I really try to encourage the women in my neighborhood to read great books and I’ve been able to read and enjoy books that I might not have picked for myself. Just like every book club, we read the book, discuss it and support each other in our lives. We sometimes end up visiting with each other into the wee hours of the morning. I think She Reads does the same thing in a larger online setting. We support women authors and the books that resonate and have meaning for women. I’ve only been a member for a few months but I’ve really enjoyed the association I’ve had with the other members and being exposed to a variety of books. I think She Reads is a great place for women.

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

This is a tricky question. I honestly can’t think of a favorite quote from a book other than the scriptures, which I love and try to read daily. Our family’s mantra comes from scripture. We repeat it together each evening.

“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house oforder, a house of God;” D&C 108:8

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

If I am browsing in a bookstore, I totally judge a book by it’s cover. I’m so visual. I can guarantee I won’t pick up a book if there is a half naked couple kissing on the cover. Make it a picture of a couple embracing, dressed in World War II era clothing and I am definitely going to pick it up.

Most of the time, I buy a book after reading a review or hearing buzz about it online. In those cases, I don’t care what the cover looks like.

Liked my interview with Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life? Visit her blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter pages!

Tuesday Mashup

Hope everyone had a lovely Labor Day weekend! Mine was filled with family, sun and fun, bbq-ing, and laughs! Plus, some good book-ish time!

#giveaways

Traveling With T is giving away Emily Liebert’s YOU KNEW ME WHEN + a set of Zoya nail polish specifically created for the book. Book + nail polish set = #winning. Trust me- you WANT this. You really do 🙂

Happy Pub Day to Emily Liebert, by the way! Run, do not walk to nearest book store to get this book. Funny, sweet, and enjoyable- YOU KNEW ME WHEN is a great book to end the summer with and ease into the fall months!

Socrates’ Book Reviews is also giving away a copy of YOU KNEW ME WHEN!

Doing Dewey is giving away a copy of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist! **ENDS TODAY!

Book Club News

Book Lovers Unite is back at Jen S’s blog, Book-alicious Mama for September. Astor Place Vintage is the book- and here is the reading schedule! * Note: We’ll be back at Traveling With T for October- and I have 2 books that I’m trying to decide between- but rest assured, they will be good!

Want a different type of read for September? Maybe something non-fiction? You are in luck! The Book Wheel and Love at First Book have Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg as their book choice! I remember quite a buzz about this book when it was first released and I know Allison and Rebecca will have great comments to guide the discussion along- so if it’s been on your TBR list- check them out!

Did you miss out on The Perfume Collector online discussion last week at She Reads? Good news! I extended it a week due to Labor Day madness! So get over there while we discuss the nitty gritty of the book!

Twitter chats

I’m co-hosting a Literary New England chat with Cindy of Literary New England- Sept 25th! The book will be Hank Phillipi Ryan’s latest, The Wrong Girl! A little bird told me that there will be giveaways and other good things- so don’t miss out! Details: Sept 25th, 8pmEST, use #LNEchat as hashtag!

Other Book-ish news:

Happy pub day to BOTH Denise Swanson author of Murder of a Stacked Librarian AND Emily Liebert You Knew Me When!

She Reads will announce their September selection next Monday! It’s going to be good (but I can’t reveal what it’ll be!)

Astor Place Vintage Reading Schedule

September Book Lovers Unite Reading Schedule!

Author Spotlight: Denise Swanson

Today is the DAY! Murder of a Stacked Librarian is out! In stores! Go GET IT!

Author Spotlight: Denise Swanson

Denise- when not writing your own cozy mystery series- what cozy mysteries do you enjoy reading?

That’s always a tough question because I read so many, but to name a few Heather Webber/Blakes three series, Sara Rosett, Marcia Talley, and of course Carolyn Hart’s Dead on Demand series which inspired me to write.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

Although I’ve seen the movie, I’ve never read To Kill a Mocking Bird, and with the exception of Ten Little Indians, I really don’t like most of Agatha Christie’s books.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I’m pretty fickle. I usually crush on the hero of the book that I’m currently reading, but one constant crush is Rhett Butler. I like the intensity of his love for Scarlet even though she is seriously flawed.

If you could be best friends with a character in a book, who would you pick? And why?

That’s another tough one, but I’d have to say Darcy Merriweather from Heather Blake’s Wishcraft series. I like Darcy as a person, and her ability to grant wishes is hard to beat.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

The book I’ve been saving as a reward to myself when I finish Scumble River # 17 is Charlaine Harris’ Dead Ever After, the final book in the Sookie Stackhouse series.

How many books are on your to be read (TBR) list?

I have about a dozen physical books and too many to count on my e-reader. I also have a couple of manuscripts that I’m reading for possible cover quotes.

Interview with Emily Liebert, author of You Knew Me When

Emily Liebert, debut author of You Knew Me When, has stopped by to talk today about her book- and to make someone very happy: She’s graciously offered to give away a book and the Zoya nail polish that was created especially for this book! A great book AND pretty nail polish- oh be still my heart!

Interview with Emily Liebert, author of You Knew Me When

What was the inspiration for You Knew Me When?

I’ve always been interested in female friendships and how bonds can be severed and mended over time. When I was younger, I had a best friend who promptly dumped me as soon as I started dating my first serious boyfriend. We reconnected years later, but it was never the same.

Emily- the role of an author is changing. At one point, before social media, an author did not have Facebook or Twitter. Now, most authors have, at the minimum, those 2 services. In your opinion, why is social media so important for authors? Is it more or less important for debut authors?

Social media plays a major role in publicity for most authors and especially for debut authors. It’s the fastest and most efficient way of targeting a large group of people all at the same time. And, if you’re posting information via a fan page, even better—you know you already have a captive audience. For obvious reasons, Facebook was integral in promoting my first book—Facebook Fairytales. Now, with my debut novel, I regularly use Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. I’m also getting into Instragram. Social media is also an excellent tool in the way of networking. I’ve met so many professionals through these various outlets who’ve helped me along the way and vice-versa. I’ve long maintained that there seems to be a generosity of the human spirit via social media that doesn’t necessarily exist in the “real world.”

How long did it take to write You Knew Me When?

I’m fast! So it took me about five months. I just finished writing my second novel in about four months. Of course, that’s only for a first draft. After that, there’s an editing process which takes a couple of months.

How involved were you in the choosing of the cover for You Knew Me When?

I’ve been so fortunate that my fabulous publisher, Penguin, has allowed me to be a part of the process every step of the way. When it came time to design the cover, my editor and I brainstormed and came up with two directions we thought would work. Then she took our ideas to Penguin’s talented designers and they ran with one of our concepts. When I first saw the cover, I was blown away by how they transformed our nugget of an idea into something so vibrant and eye-catching. Right now, we’re in the process of discussing ideas for the cover of my second novel—so fun!

Do you have a writing space? Or a writing routine?

Oh yes! I have a routine for everything and writing is no exception. I work out of a home office which is far removed from the main area of the house—I have two little boys (ages 3 and 4), so it would be difficult to concentrate if my office was right near, say, their playroom. It’s really the best of both worlds. Working from home allows me the time to write in privacy and—at the same time—take lots of breaks to have meals with my kids, play with them, and pick them up at school and camp. I like to think of myself as a full time author and a full time mom, even though I have help in place! When I’m in working mode, I usually write for about four hours/day—in the morning and early afternoon. The rest of my working time is spent on publicity, partnerships, conference calls and all the other things (outside of writing) that go with publishing a book! If I get a lot of writing done Monday-Thursday, sometimes I’ll give myself Friday off from writing to give my brain time to “think.”

You Knew Me When is a debut novel. Do you have advice for other writers who have debut novels releasing soon? Did someone give you advice that really helped during this time?

My advice is to be your own best publicist and to hire one, if you have the means. I have an excellent in-house publicist at Penguin, but one person can’t do everything, especially when they have other books to concentrate on. So I hired an independent publicist for five months surrounding the launch. And I pound the pavement every day devising ways to get the book in front of as many eyes as possible. You can write a masterpiece, but if no one knows it exists, you’re in trouble! I also tell debut authors that you have to stay passionate and believe in yourself. This is not the time to be modest! I’ve had so much great advice from friends and colleagues—including my dear friend Kerry Kennedy whom I worked with on her book, Being Catholic Now. She gave me a wonderful quote for the cover of You Knew Me When. My literary agent, Alyssa Reuben, has offered invaluable advice along the way, as has my editor, Kerry Donovan. My author friend Jill Kargman has been a huge supporter as well.

When writing You Knew Me When– did you, Emily, ever think about the book potentially being made into a movie? Do you have a dream cast in mind?

I always think big! So, yes, I have thought about it in great detail. Not only that, but there are producers/production companies currently reading the book. As it happens, I do have a dream cast in mind! I’d love to see Emily Blunt in the role of Katherine, Kate Hudson in the role of Laney, Helen Mirren in the role of Luella, and Jake Gyllenhaal in the role of Grant. Don’t worry, if they’re not available, I have plenty of other names!

How did you create the characters in You Knew Me When? Do you have a favorite character?

I based them on people I know. (So watch out!) It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’d have to say Katherine. I see a lot of myself in her and also a lot of things I’d like to change about myself in her!

If you were asked to inscribe You Knew Me When at a book signing with your favorite line from the book- what would it be?

“Every woman needs a best friend or a sister.”

Will you be going on a book signing tour with You Knew Me When?

Yes! I already have 10 appearances lined up—from multiple stops in New York to Vermont to Connecticut to California for the launch at Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles! And there will be many more to come. They can all be found on the events page of my website: http://www.emilyliebert.com/events/

Emily- what are you working on next? Can you reveal any hints about your next book?

I have a second novel coming out in September 2014! I just finished writing the first draft and sent it to my editor. This book is also about friendship and about finding happiness. The characters and plot are very different, but the themes of love and relationships remain the same.

*Special thanks to Emily Liebert for agreeing to be interviewed!

Emily Liebert is an award-winning author, New York Times bestselling editor, and TV personality.

Liebert’s debut novel, You Knew Me When, will publish on September 3, 2013 and a second novel to follow will publish in September 2014, both with Penguin Group USA.

Her first book, Facebook Fairytales, is available across the globe.

Liebert has been featured by: NBC’s Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson, FOX News, NBC’s LXTV, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and Celebrity Parents Magazine, among many others.

She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.

If you liked my interview- be sure and come back on Wednesday for an Author Spotlight! If you’ve read You Knew Me When– drop by and tell Emily you LOVED it! Here’s the info: website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Instagram and Pinterest.

Giveaway information: Simply comment on this post- make sure to include your email address- you may use the AT and DOT. Giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry!) Giveaway begins September 2nd and ends September 9th at 11:59pmEST. Winner will be announced September 10th.

Look for my review of You Knew Me When to be posted this week!

Interview with Denise Swanson, author of The Scumble River series

I’m a cozy mystery fan. Have been for years. The books are light and fluffy- but with a good mystery at it’s core. Plus the characters are funny and enjoyable!

This week, Denise Swanson’s latest, Murder of a Stacked Librarian, will be in stores! Denise found some time to come by and talk to me- so read the interview- then go buy the book!

Interview with Denise Swanson

Denise, how did you create the character Skye?

When I decided to write a mystery, a school psychologist as the main character seemed like a good idea. No one else was writing about that profession and as a school psychologist myself, I knew I could give readers a true idea of what it was like. I also thought the profession lent itself to being an ideal one for a sleuth as we are trained investigators and everyone tells us their secrets.

Scumble River is a fictional town set in the Midwest (near Chicago, IL). How did the idea of Scumble River happen?

I originally was going to set the books in my hometown of Coal City, but when I was offered a publication contract, my husband asked me if I had ever heard of the word lawsuit and suggested that I fictionalize the setting. Scumble River is inspired by Coal City, and the two neighboring towns of Braidwood and Wilmington. My mother grew up in Braidwood and I was a school psychologist in Wilmington for several years.

Murder of a Stacked Librarian is the latest book in the Scumble River series. How has Skye changed from the first of the series to now?

Skye has changed a great deal from her first appearance in Murder of a Small-Town Honey. In that book, she had just moved back to Scumble River after being jilted and fired. She had maxed out her credit cards and had only come home because she had no other options. Throughout the series, she’s learned what she really wants out of life and grown up a great deal.

Denise, do you have an idea how you will end the Scumble River series? Or will you keep writing for as long as you can?

I currently have no intentions of ending the series. For a while, I thought when Skye got married that would be the final book, but then I realized there is life (and sleuthing) after marriage. 😉

I’m finishing up the honeymoon book now and have a great idea for the 2015 book. The big question is will my publisher offer me a contract past the 2014 book, which is the last one I’m contracted to write. Penguin makes that decision based on overall sales, but even more on the first week sales. So the sales of Murder of a Stacked Librarian between September 3 and 7 will probably determine if I get to write about the 2015 book or not.

Do you have a writing space or routine?

I’m fortunate to have an office, complete with a cat. My routine is to write from about 8 AM to 2 or 3 PM seven days a week. My goal is five pages, but if I can write seven that’s even better.

Can you reveal anything that is happening next for Skye?

Skye does get married in Murder of a Stacked Librarian, but I can say whether or not it’s to her current fiancé. Her honeymoon is fabulous, but there is a big surprise waiting for her there.

The Dozier family is a set of characters that Skye interacts with often in the Scumble River series. What was the inspiration for the Dozier family?

Skye’s interactions with the Dooziers are inspired by many of my own experiences as a school psychologist. As I like to say, there’s a little Earl Doozier in everyone.

The 3^rd book in the Dime Store Mystery series (your other cozy mystery series) will be released in spring of 2014. Will the next Scumble River be released in fall of 2014?

Dead Between the Lines, the third Devereaux’s Dime Store mystery comes out March 2014 and Scumble River # 17 will be out the first Tuesday of September 2014.

*Special thanks to Denise Swanson for agreeing to be interviewed!