The Women Books & More’s Podcast

Irene Rawlings
  • 3.7 (3)
  • Society & Culture

Mystery, intrigue, romance and recipes every Wednesday. Join Irene Rawlings to explore hidden Paris. Make pierogi in Poland and single malt in Denver. Meet the Dutch Oven Divas of the Desert. Travel to Denmark in search of the perfect seaside hotel. Expect guests like acclaimed chef Jacque Pepin. Best-selling authors like Lisa See, Isabelle Allende and Mark Greaney. Women, Books & More with Irene Rawlings.

  1. 12h ago

    Chanel Cleeton: An Infinite Love Story, the Space Race & the Women Behind the NASA Astronauts

    Bestselling author Chanel Cleeton joins Women, Books & More to discuss her new novel, An Infinite Love Story. Set during the early years of America's Space Race, the novel shines a light on the women whose courage, resilience, and sacrifices unfolded behind the headlines. Chanel shares the surprising inspiration behind the book, the extensive research that brought Cape Canaveral and the early NASA years to life, and how her own experience as the wife of an American fighter pilot shaped the story. We also talk about love, history, journalism, military families, and why history's biggest moments are often lived one family at a time. If you enjoy historical fiction, compelling conversations, and stories inspired by real events, you'll love this episode of Women, Books & More. More about Chanel Cleeton: She is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels, including Next Year in Havana, a Reese's Book Club selection, and The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes. She also authored the Wild Aces Romance Series. chanelcleeton.com Connect with Women, Books & More: If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow Women, Books & More, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow readers. New episodes are released every Wednesday. What are you reading? Send us your suggestions. womenbooksandmore@gmail.com

  2. Jul 29

    David Heska Wanbli Weiden on Wisdom Corner, Native Justice, and the Return of Virgil Wounded Horse

    Award-winning author David Heska Wanbli Weiden joins Women, Books & More to discuss Wisdom Corner, the eagerly awaited sequel to his acclaimed debut, Winter Counts. Host Irene Rawlings explores the return of Virgil Wounded Horse, whose search for justice on South Dakota's Rosebud Reservation becomes far more than a murder investigation. Their conversation examines contemporary Native life, the complexities of tribal, state and federal law, the lasting impact of Native boarding schools, and the larger questions of justice, identity and community that lie at the heart of the novel. Weiden also talks about creating Virgil Wounded Horse, weaving authentic cultural details into a fast-paced thriller, and why crime fiction can both entertain and deepen our understanding of the world. About the Author: David Heska Wanbli Weiden is an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and a professor of English and Native American & Indigenous Studies at Stony Brook University. His novels have earned widespread acclaim for combining compelling mysteries with powerful explorations of Native life, justice and resilience. https://davidweiden.com/ We'd love to hear from you. Email us at womenbooksandmore@gmail.com with your suggestions for future guests or simply to share your latest favorite read. Your recommendations help shape future episodes. Until next time, happy reading!

  3. Jul 22

    Author Catherine Kurtz discusses FEAST, Historical Fiction & French Cuisine

    In this episode of Women, Books & More, Irene Rawlings talks with author Catherine Kurtz about her richly imagined historical novel, Feast. Set in nineteenth-century France, the story follows Minha, a young woman with an extraordinary sense of taste who discovers she can detect poison—an ability that draws her into the kitchens and intrigues of a grand château. Catherine shares the inspiration behind the novel, the fascinating culinary traditions of nineteenth-century France, the research that brought the story to life, and the themes of identity, resilience, and belonging that lie at the heart of Feast. In this episode: The inspiration behind Minha and her extraordinary ability The culinary traditions of nineteenth-century France The little-known history of poison tasters Bringing the world of Château Bellefalaise to life Why Feast is about far more than food Learn more about Catherine Kurtz: www.dhhliteraryagency.com/catherine-kurtz If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Women, Books & More, leave a review, and share the podcast with a fellow reader. We'd love to hear from you at womenbooksandmore@gmail.com

  4. Jul 15

    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 If you enjoyed this podcast, please follow Women, Books & More, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow book lover. We'd love to hear from you. Send your comments, questions, and suggestions for future episodes to womenbooksandmore@gmail.com.

  5. Jul 8

    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!

  6. Jul 1

    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.

  7. Jun 24

    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/

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

  8. Jun 17

    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

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

Mystery, intrigue, romance and recipes every Wednesday. Join Irene Rawlings to explore hidden Paris. Make pierogi in Poland and single malt in Denver. Meet the Dutch Oven Divas of the Desert. Travel to Denmark in search of the perfect seaside hotel. Expect guests like acclaimed chef Jacque Pepin. Best-selling authors like Lisa See, Isabelle Allende and Mark Greaney. Women, Books & More with Irene Rawlings.

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