Books & Looks Books & Looks

Today I sit down with K.D. Alden, the brilliant mind behind the biographical fiction novel "Lady Codebreaker." Throughout the interview, we delve into the remarkable true story of Elizabeth Friedman, America's first female cryptologist, whose groundbreaking work helped shape the course of history.
Discussed in this Episode:
The incredible journey of Elizabeth Friedman from Shakespeare scholar to pioneering codebreaker K.D. Alden's meticulous research process and the challenge of blending fact and fiction seamlessly The forgotten history of the Tango War and the critical role of cryptology in WWII's South American theater The personal struggles and triumphs of a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field Insights on the craft of writing, the publishing industry, and the power of untold stories Links:
K.D. Alden Website: https://www.kdalden.com/ "Lady Codebreaker" Book: https://amzn.to/4b64fSo Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rXH38hwOIp0 _
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today, we're diving into a fantastic selection of books that have captured my heart and imagination in 2024.
Join me as I explore the captivating world of Venetian mysteries with Donna Leon's "Uniform Justice," and unravel the secrets behind a lost Van Gogh painting in Jonathan Santlofer's gripping thriller, "The Lost Van Gogh." We'll also take a trip down memory lane with Hollywood legend Robert Wagner as he shares intimate stories about the iconic actresses of the golden age in his memoir, "I Loved Her in the Movies."
But that's not all! I'll be introducing you to a timeless classic that celebrates the transformative power of travel and self-discovery in Elizabeth von Arnim's "The Enchanted April." And for those who crave a thrilling espionage novel, Steve Berry's "The Atlas Maneuver" will take you on a heart-pounding journey through the complex world of Bitcoin and global financial conspiracies.
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's embark on an unforgettable literary adventure together. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single moment of this episode!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Links:
"Uniform Justice" by Donna Leon: https://amzn.to/3yIJ9Mm "The Lost Van Gogh" by Jonathan Santlofer: https://amzn.to/4e1tVSN "I Loved Her in the Movies" by Robert Wagner: https://amzn.to/3KyIrDK "The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth von Arnim: https://amzn.to/4bLAgzZ "The Atlas Maneuver" by Steve Berry: https://amzn.to/458r4Do Views on Books: https://viewsonbooks.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DH1A2dkpaw8 _
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Aimie K. Runyan is a bestselling author known for her enchanting historical fiction novels set in France. Her latest book, "The Memory of Lavender and Sage," marks her exciting foray into contemporary fiction. Set in the charming fictional village of Saint-Colomb in Provence, the story follows Tempesta, a disaffected New York food critic who inherits a ramshackle farmhouse and discovers she has a magical gift for growing herbs that can influence people's emotions.
Discussed in this Episode:
The allure of Provence as a setting for fiction and its influence on Aimie's writing Aimie's journey from historical to contemporary fiction and the challenges of the transition The power of food, herbs, and culinary traditions to bring people together and heal wounds Crafting authentic, atmospheric settings that transport readers to another time and place Insights on writing strong female characters, multi-generational storylines, and magical realism Links:
"The Memory of lavender and Sage" Book: https://amzn.to/3Kk6YfO Aimie K. Runyan Website: https://aimiekrunyan.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xFI7iweFdCU _
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Michael Jecks is a prolific author who has written over 50 books spanning multiple genres and time periods. Best known for his medieval murder mystery series featuring former Knight Templar Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock, Michael's works transport readers from the Middle Ages to Tudor England to 1920s Shanghai. In his latest contemporary crime series, The Art of Murder, Michael introduces readers to the quirky yet insightful protagonist Nick Morris, a reluctant investigator and professional portrait painter specializing in cats.
Discussed in this Episode:
The art of crafting compelling historical fiction across various eras Michael's journey from a brief stint in university to becoming a bestselling author The inspiration behind The Art of Murder series and its unconventional hero Balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling to captivate readers Insights on the publishing industry, promoting literacy, and the writing life Links:
"Landscape of Muder" Book: https://amzn.to/4dLmBun Michael Jecks Website: https://www.michaeljecks.co.uk/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9_5bCOsZTOc _
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Jane Boulware is a retired business executive and the author of "Worthy," a memoir chronicling her unconventional path from rural Iowa to the corner office at Microsoft. With a forestry degree from Iowa State University and an MBA, Jane's career journey spans roles at Kimberly-Clark, where she played a pivotal part in the Huggies vs. Pampers brand battle, and Microsoft, where she navigated the challenges of a male-dominated tech industry to become one of the few female Corporate Vice Presidents.
Discussed in this Episode:
The importance of resilience and self-worth in overcoming personal and professional obstacles Lessons learned from leading teams and driving business growth in competitive markets The power of mentorship and taking risks to achieve career success Balancing family life and career aspirations as a working mother Insights on leadership, diversity, and fostering a positive corporate culture Links:
"Worthy" Book: https://amzn.to/3UHEnWt Jane Boulware Website: https://www.janeboulware.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OGNBB2_t4ng _
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Amy Jo Burns is the acclaimed author of the novel Mercury, a captivating story that delves into the complex dynamics of a family of roofers in the small town of Mercury, Pennsylvania. With a background in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University, Amy Jo brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, crafting richly layered characters and exploring themes of secrets, redemption, and the power of choice.
Discussed in this Episode:
The inspiration behind Mercury and the significance of the roofing profession Strategies for creating a vivid sense of place and capturing small-town life The role of secrets and revelations in driving the narrative forward Lessons learned from writing a multi-generational family saga Insights on character development, theme, and structuring a novel across multiple timelines Links:
"Mercury: A Novel" Book: https://amzn.to/4a3ub0g Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zjFVeOxiAqg _
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.