She might come from a family of bartenders, but believe it or not, Mary Beth Keane did *not* base her character off any kin in particular. On this week’s episode, we discuss her new book, The Half Moon, long-term relationships, love for small towns, and her aversion to rum drinks. The Half Moon follows Malcolm and Jess over the course of one week when a blizzard hits the town of Gillam, trapping everyone in place. Malcolm has always dreamed of owning a bar and transforming it into a bigger success—leading him to drown in debt. Jess grapples with her infertility and her evaporating dreams of motherhood. The Half Moon explores the intimacy of small-town living and what it means to be a family. Get The Half Moon at bookofthemonth.com. New members get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checkout.  Learn more about Virtual Book Tour at virtualbooktour.com  

Meet our latest Virtual Book Tour guest: Susie Luo! We sat down to discuss her debut novel Paper Names, her experience immigrating to the United States as a child, and the best things about NYC. And if you need some advice on what gift to bring to your next event, Susie Luo can help in our game “Bearing Gifts” (hint: it’s usually wine). Paper Names is set in New York and China over three decades from three different perspectives. Tony is a Chinese-born engineer turned Manhattan doorman; Tammy is Tony’s daughter who we follow through adulthood; and Oliver is a white lawyer who lives in the building where Tony works. An unexpected act of violence causes their lives to intertwine in this propulsive story of family, identity, and the American experience.  Get Paper Names at bookofthemonth.com. New members get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checkout.  Learn more about Virtual Book Tour at virtualbooktour.com  

Repeat novelist and all-star baker Abby Jimenez joined us on Virtual Book Tour to discuss her newest novel, Yours Truly, the sweetest romance filled with love letters and very real life challenges. We talk about revenge and fake dating, finding love when you least expect it, and her questionable search history. Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining; her divorce is about to be finalized and her brother is running out of time to find a kidney donor, but everything changes when Dr. Jacob Maddox sends Briana a letter. Suddenly they are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates, and Jacob gives Briana a fun distraction by inviting her to be his fake date for his brother’s wedding. Yours Truly is a novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match. Get Yours Truly at bookofthemonth.com. New members get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checkout.  Learn more about Virtual Book Tour at virtualbooktour.com  

Rivers, legends, and sisters: Patti Callahan Henry’s new novel is all of her favorite things in one! We’re sitting down to discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea, fairy tales, and the historic moments that inspired her new book. We also play a game called “The Cost is Correct: Rare Book Edition.” The Secret Book of Flora Lea follows two sisters in 1939 England, where Hazel and Flora are seeking shelter from the war. When the unthinkable happens and Flora Lea disappears, Hazel carries that guilt into adulthood as a burden she feels she deserves. Twenty years later, and Flora has still not been found, but Hazel discovers a rare book that has a connection to her past only her sister would have known. Get The Secret Book of Flora Lea at bookofthemonth.com. New members get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checkout.  Learn more about Virtual Book Tour at virtualbooktour.com  

Prepare to shed a couple tears for this moving, inspirational story about a death doula learning not to fear living. We sat down with debut author Mikki Bramer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover, to discuss her profound thoughts on death, grief, and last words.  What’s the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can’t give yourself a beautiful life? After Clover’s beloved grandfather dies, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process. But as she finds herself struggling to navigate the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she really wants and if she’ll have the courage to go after it. The Collected Regrets of Clover turns the normally taboo subject of death into a reason to celebrate life. Get The Collected Regrets of Clover at bookofthemonth.com. New members get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checkout.  Learn more about Virtual Book Tour at virtualbooktour.com.